Mother’s Day is just around the river bend — and what better way to mark the moment you became a mom than by traveling back in time to revisit each milestone in your adventure? While the kids make presents, your partner preps Sunday morning brunch and you celebrate all the ways those little hands and feet have permanently changed your world, we’re throwing a big ole’ party for you, mama!

For all our moms, this one’s for you! Here’s to motherhood, every step of the way:

1. You take a pregnancy test — and it’s POSITIVE.

2. No, really — it’s POSITIVE! You’re going to be someone’s MOMMY!

3. YOU TELL YOUR PARTNER THE GOOD NEWS AND MAGICAL THINGS HAPPEN (like fireworks!)

4.  You tell Facebook (obvi!) and keep track of how many “likes” you get!

5. You start to feel a little different about things because you’re busy growing another HUMAN inside your belly.

6. You start asking for sweets at all hours of the day.

7. No, not sweets. BURGERS. BURGERS EVERY DAY.

8. You try your best to focus at work but — OH LOOK, OREOS!

9. At the end of your third trimester, no matter how many outfits you try on, you just can’t get comfortable.

10. Your water breaks! And you make all sorts of funny faces when doctors tell you to “push!”

11. The moment you meet baby you realize you’ve never met anything so lovely and perfect and beautiful.

12. You hope baby gets all your best qualities (and none of your mother-in-laws).

13. Those first few weeks together take a little getting used to.

14. But after awhile, you get the hang of things.

15. You learn each and every one of baby’s faces — and what they mean.

And…

And oh, yeah…

16. You’re so in love with your little bundle, nothing else matters.

17. You realize just how amazing it is to have created a life (and a mini-you!).

18. And how much being a mom is the most amazing experience in the world.

19. Even if there is a lot of this.

You love it anyway.

Happy Mother’s Day, moms, from all of us…

(and Ryan Gosling!)

Attention moms of critter-loving kids! Take a look at these too-cute-to-be-eaten DIY animal cupcakes.

Birthday Kid: August, age 3

Cupcake Details: August’s mom is a pretty amazing sculptor! She crafted these marzipan cupcake toppers — by hand! — into colorful flamingos, alligators, snails, ladybugs, whales, mice and more for his science-themed birthday party.

Where to Buy: Too intimidated to try this yourself? We don’t blame you. Get the look without the work with these supercute edible jungle cake toppers at Etsy.

Got a fabulous fete you’d like to submit to us? Check out our submission guidelines here!

Plus, more from The Bump:

Michael’s Colorful Bug Party

Coolest Cars Cake Ever

Ada’s Stylish (and DIY!) Owl Party

My daughter, who turns two next month, recently started the process of potty training. This is happening much earlier than I expected. Potty training was a long, drawn-out process with my older son and every time we thought we were making progress, we’d take three giant steps backwards. So when my daughter started showing interest a few months ago, we went with it. And while I’m incredibly proud of her, I’m not exactly jumping up for joy like I did with my son (cha-ching, no more diapers!). Instead, I’m surprised to find that I feel mostly… sad.

Why? It sounds ridiculous, I know, but diapers are one of the last remaining ties to her babyhood. This sudden and unexpected transition from the changing table to the potty is yet another sign (all of which I tried to ignore) that my baby — my last baby — isn’t really a baby anymore. She is becoming a “big girl” (which she will proudly tell you, dare you imply otherwise). Before I know it, we’ll be shopping for toddler beds and putting the crib in storag … this time for good.

Potty training is forcing me to face the reality of our decision to only have two children.

My husband I decided awhile back that two was our “magic number.” But ever since we began our potty training adventures, I’ve been finding myself longing for the days when my daughter would nuzzle in the crook of my arm and of all the times we spent in her rocking chair nursing, singing and napping together, of those adorable baby yawns and stretches and squeaks and lastly (but maybe the most bittersweet of all them all), of that sweet baby scent.

Yet at the same time, I know our decision is right for us. Because, truthfully, I don’t know if I could handle having three kids:  emotionally, logistically or financially. All I know is after six years, I’ve finally given away my son’s baby clothes. I started handing my daughter’s newborn outfits and snowsuits and jackets down to my sister. I’m passing baby gear out to neighbors and friends who can use them.

So I am trying to see potty training for what it is: an exciting new chapter in my little girl’s life, even if it does make me feel wistful and nostalgic. And I need to remind myself that it’s okay to feel that way and acknowledging those feelings doesn’t mean I’m questioning our decision to stop at two.

In the meantime, I can’t help but laugh, though, because who would have thought the idea of saying goodbye to diapers would trigger such an emotional response?!  Just one more thing to chalk up to that roller coaster of a ride called parenthood!

What milestones have made you a little teary?

Plus, more from The Bump:

10 Biggest New Mom Surprises

7 Surprising (and Sweet!) Things About Being a Mom

The Best Advice Your Mom Ever Gave You About Parenting

There are probably no good two things that go together like motherhood and antibacterial soap. Seriously! Moms (and dads and grandparents and babysitters) use the germ-killer to take care of just about everything in the home and in the kitchen.  In the past, we never had to think twice about using it on our hands after holding on to a staircase in a public place, or giving our kids’ hands a quick rinse after an afternoon at the park. Until now, that is…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has raised concerns about the functioning of tricolsan, which is the germ-killing ingredient that’s found in more than 70 percent of antibacterial body washes and liquid soaps used for bathing and cleaning kitchenware. Federal health regulators are trying to find out if the ingredients that make up the soap are actually doing more harm than good.

Back in the 70s, Congress passed a law that required the FDA to set guidelines on a number of antibacterial chemicals that are used to make up our most beloved soaps and scrubs. Though the FDA has published various guidelines, agencies have never approved the results. As a result, companies continued to use triclosan. It wasn’t until recently, after studies were performed of triclosan that raised concerns over the chemical’s negative effects. The research said, quite simply, that triclosan is not safe for use. From the research, they found that tricolsan can cause infertility and early puberty. The only catch? The FDA has said that their animal studies “don’t always predict effects in humans.”

Later this year, the FDA will come forward with a decision on whether or not the chemical germ-killer is safe for household use.

Do you use antibacterial soaps and scrubs at home? If not, what alternatives do you use?

Plus, more from The Bump:

10 Ways Your Home Is Making You Infertile

Best Baby Soaps, Shampoos and Washes

Bath Supplies for Kids?

One of the most important qualities I wanted to make sure my now teenager daughter and I had with each other while she was growing up were honesty and trust. I raised her with manners and morals — important values I think that all children should have. And now, raising a teen and a toddler, I’ve realized that these life lessons are important for my little one to learn, too. In fact, they’re a good life lessons for us all.

When times get tough and my tot and I are in the middle of a temper tantrum stare down, here are the most important things I always try to remind myself of:

1. Lead by example. If you want you toddler to be and act a certain way, make sure your actions are consistent with that, too. Get down to their level and look them in the eyes. When you do this you communicate better with them and let them see through action you respect them. If they turn their eyes away, direct them to look into your eyes so they understand what your expectations are. You will be surprised how much this works (I certainly was!).

2. Use an “inside voice” no matter what. It’s hard, but one thing I never let my toddler do is raise their tone with me. It is easy for the habit to start when the little ones are young and as parents we tend to let them get a pass because we think they don’t know any better. I disagree. They are perfectly aware around 2 years old that screaming at their parents is not okay. When your toddler gets crazy, try to turn the discipline into a fun game of “Follow the leader” or, “I do, you do.” This shadow game is amazing as your kids grow –  they won’t even realize their actions are being redirected!

3. Weekly check-ins: Use them! Start with mommy and me time when your kids are younger. As you child grows, turn it into a movie night, a mommy and me date night, or just making sure to ask how their day was at dinnertime. I love this time together! It allows us to better understand our children as they are grow into individuals.

4. Do more things together. Try to pick  one thing — no matter how big or small — that you two can do together. It helps children learn the boundaries of work and play (since we can’t devote every hour to our little ones!). Setting aside time together will help them realize, too, that they don’t have to act crazy to get your attention — they already know they’ll get it. All it takes is five minutes. I practice this with my toddler son by playing puzzles after we finish eating breakfast. We do puzzles and play together. It’s our time together and I know how much both of us value it. Also, try to give your little one a chance every now and then to call the shots — you’ll learn a lot about how their mind connects things and what they enjoy.

5. Be open and honest. Be sure to recall what you didn’t like about how your parents did things with you. Keep that in mind when you interact with your kids. It’s okay to make mistakes (hey, no mama is perfect!) but I always like to keep it in perspective. If I didn’t like one way my parents raised me, or if I saw a friend treat her child a certain way and I didn’t like it, I try not to emulate that.

6.Teach them that there’s a time (and place!) for a disagreement. In my house, we have a rule: discuss disagreements in private. The tug-o-war scenario will not be a pretty one if both of you are in a public place. The privacy of discussion will show that you respect your growing tot enough to not humiliate or embarrass them, even if they are wrong. Plus, it sets up a model for how your kids will handle arguments as they grow. With friends, significant others, you, your husband or even their siblings — they’ll want to keep their disagreements private and out of public eye!

7. Never let them see you sweat. Seriously, mama! Be clear. Be firm. And always take a breath before reacting. It is so difficult to be rational and clear headed about what you are trying to communicate when you don’t think about it first. I literally say to myself as I take a breath, “composure” because it helps remind me to keep my cool. Also — they’re kids! Of course they’re going to look for any opportunity to stump, rattle or break you down! It’s in their nature. If you say no, mean it.

Remember: It all starts with us.

How did you teach your kids morals and values? Was it hard? Share your tips!

Plus, more from The Bump:

Does “Time Out” Work for a Toddler?

How to Tame a Tantrum

How to Get Your Toddler to Do Stuff He Doesn’t Want to Do

The Latest on Khloe Kardashian’s Journey to Get Pregnant — Us Weekly

21 Adorable Etsy Finds Perfect for Your Little One — MSN

Celebrity Moms Share Their Mother’s Day Plans — CelebrityBabyScoop

Is It Safe to Bring Your Kids to Work With You? — MSN

Kate Hudson Dishes on Life With Two Funny, Rowdy Boys — People

8 Educational Apps Your Kids Will Love (and You Won’t Feel Guilty Letting Them Play With!) — POPSUGAR Moms

Do Economics Influence Your Fertility Rate? – MU Study

Dad’s Sweet Lunchbox Illustrations Are the Perfect Afternoon Treat! — MSN

Why Amber Rose Feels Like She “Missed Out” On a Natural Birth — CelebrityBabyScoop

20 Creative and Cool Summer Crafts for Your Kids — POPSUGAR Moms

NICU Treatments Linked to Intellectual Disabilities — Reuters

A new study published today in the journal JAMA Pediatrics concluded that children living in the United States are more likely to have allergies than children born elsewhere but now living in the United States.

Researchers involved in the study examined data from more than 91,600 children under the age of 18 who had taken part in the 2007-08 National Survey of Children’s Health. The analysis revealed that children born outside the country were significantly less likely to have allergies, including asthma, eczema, hay fever and food allergies.

Although, the risk of certain allergies among foreign-born children does increase after they have lived in the U.S. for a decade. Researchers also found that foreign-born children whose parents were also born outside of the U.S, were much less likely to have allergies, compared to their American born counterparts whose parents were born here in the U.S.

Dr. Jonathan Silverberg of St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York concluded, “Foreign-born Americans have significantly lower risk of allergic disease than U.S.-born Americans. However, foreign-born Americans develop increased risk for allergic disease with prolonged residence in the United States.

The most interesting finding during the study, however, was that researchers found that the risk of certain allergies among foreign-born children actually increases after they’ve lived here for a decade.

Do your children have allergies? How do you deal?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Allergies During Pregnancy

Allergies in Babies

Allergy Shots During Pregnancy?

This is the fourth and final installment of Danica’s series on her son’s Autism diagnosis. In her first post, The Moment Autism Changed Everything, she shares how the autism diagnosis changed her family’s world. Her second post, Avoiding the Autism Diagnosis: Ignorance Is Not Bliss, takes us through coping with the diagnosis and in her third post, Yes, My Son Is Autistic But No, He’s Not ‘Rain Main’,  Danica details her son’s “super” powers. She is a stay at home mom of 3 who spends most of her time homeschooling and cleaning up the path of destruction her autistic son leaves. You can follow his antics at http://laffytaffyandwine.blogspot.com/.

Laughter and perspective. These are two of my favorite words that go hand in hand and have been essential on this journey. I’ll admit that there are times I lose my perspective and I don’t find my situation all that humorous! But as I get older, those times are fewer and farther between. In the trenches of autism it can be easy to lose your perspective and sense of humor because sometimes it feels like the only thing you’re doing is handling crisis after crisis. When I’ve felt that way and people told me “it gets easier,” I could have choked them. Please don’t kill the messenger, but for those of you who are in the thick of this and can’t find humor in your situation, it does get easier.

Perspective.

When I think my world is ending and my circumstances unbearable for one more moment, I remind myself (and my kids) that there’s always someone out there that has it worse than we do. There are parents who are dealing with really tough stuff with their kids. I don’t want to minimize what we’re going through, but knowing that this world is so much bigger than only us makes me feel a little better. I’ve been through some pretty heartbreaking situations recently and despite those circumstances, there are people out there who have it much worse than I do. I park on this thought, pray for those families and am thankful for what I have.

Laughter.

When Aaron does something outrageous (which happens on a near daily basis), I have a choice. I can let it be the end of the world, or I can find the humor in it and possibly even celebrate a new skill he’s acquired. Most of the time I laugh and think, “seriously, you did NOT just do that!” If he’s being naughty then, of course, I don’t laugh (most of the time) because I do have to discourage the behavior. I generally don’t like to clean up the messes he makes, but after it’s all over, I have a story to tell. I have sympathy from strangers and I can be the perspective for others (“my life may suck, but at least it’s not as bad as Danica’s”). I’ve bought more shampoo, hand soap and shaving cream in one year than most people buy in their lifetime. I’ve had to take the toilet off after he’s flushed two $400 tracking bracelets (never found them). I’ve had to hide the plunger because he kept sucking on it. I’ve walked into church embarrassed with Aaron in dirty, smelly, food smeared clothes because he asked me to wear a particular shirt (a huge feat for a mostly nonverbal kiddo).

Keeping perspective and finding the humor in the crazy things Aaron does keeps my attitude in check and quite honestly it’s a lot more fun to camp out there than in a puddle of tears.

Plus more from The Bump:

Autism: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Is This the Earliest Sign of Autism?

Baby Milestones: What Baby Will Do When

From April 29th to May 5th, we’re celebrating Screen Free Week!

The annual celebration, marked by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC), encourages families to turn off the screen and turn on life! The CCFC created Screen Free Week as a creative response to growing public heath concerns toward children’s unprecedented time using television, computers, video games and smart phones. The opportunity to unplug for a week across the nation gives families a chance to redefine their children’s media habits and also prompts us all to establish a healthier and more sustainable tradition of media consumption — both inside and out of the classroom!

Here’s to unplugging, unwinding and enjoying our time together!

How will you and your family celebrate Screen Free Week?

Try out our Bumpie-approved tips:

Smart Ways to Play With (and Entertain!) Baby

Keep Baby Engaged — Without the TV!

25 Amazing Things to Do With Babies and Toddlers

Toddler Craft Ideas

Take a break from your hard working Thursday schedule and sit back, relax and get ready to literally laugh your rump off.

Today is the day for laughter, fun and a little bit of sweetness mixed in there, too. So basically, we’re bringing you the funniest, the coolest, the most hilarious baby commercials Mother Earth has to offer! Thank goodness for TV,  the Internet, for commercials, for Ryan Gosling (errmergerd did I just say that out loud?) and for technology in general because today, dear constituents, we’ve giving you an extra helping of fun — ’cause y’all could certainly use it! We’ve rounded up the best of the best in baby commercials!

From the notorious  eTrade baby and the high-flying, crusin’ and skating Evian babies to the hilarious AT&T kids, take a look at our top eight favorite baby commercials:

1. The Evian Rollerblading Babies:

2. The AT&T Kids

3.  The Breastfeeding Mom

4. The eTrade Baby

5. The Doritos Baby

6. The Huggies Be Happy Babies

7.  The AT&T Kids Gettin’ Dizzy

8. The Evian Baby Dancers

Which video was your favorite?

Plus, more from The Bump:

The Funniest Baby Videos Ever

Twins Who Can’t Tell Themselves Apart

Most Hilarious Baby Photos