Right around Brayden’s birthday, I got the usual questions from family and close friends. . . what does Brayden need?  What should we get him for his birthday?  I always have a hard time coming up with something.  Most of you who live near us know that Brayden does not have a shortage of toys.  Cheap garage sale purchases definitely take care of that.  Same with clothes.  I have clothes coming out of my ears from Newborn to Size 5.  So I rack my brain to try to come up with something practical.  Something that at the end of the day when I’m cleaning up, I don’t toss the item to the side saying, why on earth do I need this? And I feel like this year I got a little better at finding something that was super practical and has made our lives much easier.  

Behold. . . the Puddle Jumper.   

My dad and stepmom got the exact thing that I had asked for, and we are so happy that Brayden received it as a birthday gift.  The thing has been heaven sent.  Brayden has gone swimming nearly every day this summer, and now it’s a rule that he has to be wearing his Puddle Jumper before going in.  The thing is amazing. . . and he can swim by himself.  It keeps him up.  I totally love it.  

And that’s the tale of my Puddle Jumper Love.  We are in love.  If you have a small child and you swim a lot-Buy one.  

The Puddle Jumper people should totally pay me for this post.  I’m a walking advertisement.  

And speaking of a walking advertisement. . . here’s another plug for something different. . . 

If you don’t already have one of these adorable creatures shown in the picture below.  Get yourself one.  They are the best thing since sliced bread.  Adorable little peanuts that can sit up, grow teeth and down baby food like it’s their job (well, I suppose it is).   

He’s the best.  My one and only blue-eyed, blonde-haired boy.