Blogger Birthday Gift Exchange

In May, I received an email from one of my favorite blogger friends, Elizabeth, asking if I wanted to participate in a gift exchange for toddlers with summer birthdays.  First of all, there are a ton of other mom-bloggers I follow who birthed kids between May and August of 2012.  I feel lucky to have a kid born smack dab in the middle of that time frame and it's fun "watching" our babies grow together!  Secondly, I was extremely honored to be asked to be a part of this exchange.  Some of the other participants are basically famous in the world of blogging (like, I would likely be starstruck if I met them), so it was fun to be a part of this group of bloggers who I have followed for some time!  Of course, I couldn't turn down the offer!

Secret Santa-style partners were matched through Elfster.  We drew {blogger} Traci and {her daughter} Charli of The HALLway.  Like many of these kiddos, Charli will turn 3 later this month!  I had so. much. fun. picking out all things GIRLIE for Charli!  It was basically my dream come true to shop for the little girl I never had! ;)  (Don't get me wrong...shopping for my boys is just as fun!)  If you want to see what we sent Charli, you've got to go check out Traci's blog!

Our name was drawn by Jess {blogger} and Sadie {daughter} at Sadie Sky Blog.  The Amazon package arrived while Brantley was napping, and though I wanted to tear into myself, I saved him the honor for when we woke. ;)  Let me just say this...I wish I had a gift for Brantley every day after naptime.  He's not the most pleasant after waking up, but knowing there was a present waiting for him downstairs perked him up quite nicely!

"A gift for me?  It's my birthday, Mama?"

Let's take a moment to play with the bubble wrap...

 

 

Okay back to the package.

Hmmmm..."What it is, Mommy?"

 

A tractor puzzle!

But wait, there's more!?

 "No Baby Holden, it's my birthday, not yours!"

Score!  Some tools!

Always has that tongue out!

Me: "Show me your excited face, Brantley!"

He immediately wanted to put the puzzle together.

Meanwhile, Little Brother played with the tools...

And then Brantley wanted to put the puzzle together...again.

And again...

There's that tongue!

And again!  You'd think he'd be a pro by that point, but nope!  Still needed my help.

 

I think it's safe to say Brantley loved his early birthday gifts and now I'm even more excited for his real birthday in four days!  Thank you so much to Jess and Sadie (Sadie Sky Blog) for the perfect gifts for my near three-year old!

Interested in seeing the other participants (aka some of my favorite bloggers) and their gifts?  Here's a list of all who exchanged!  Thanks to Liz and Lauren for organizing!  And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to all these littles!

Amanda & Lily | Tickled Pink

Ashley & Waverly | Words About Waverly

Elizabeth & Mason | Chasin' Mason

Jess & Sadie | Sadie Sky Boutique

Laura & Liam | Tiny Toes, Little Nose

Laura & Presley | Happily Ever Parker

Laureen & Tyson | Chateau Deveau

Natasha & Ethan | Schue Love

Sara & Mac | Running From the Law

Sarah & Brantley | Seeing All Sides

Stephanie & Gray | Olive and Tate

Traci & Charli | The HALLway