Fun Friday: Super Sesame's (Sesamina) big name reveal is ... (drull roll please)

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

Sesame here.  I have some big news to share with you today!

My name is ... (wait for it) ...

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

My mouse ears from Disney World!  Thanks Mama and Dada!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

How does my name look on my ears?  My name is Sadie June.  Sadie because my Mama and Dada love it (Dada's idea), and June because of my Great Grandma L, her middle name was June.  We love and miss you G Grandma L!  

So basically I sound like a Southern Belle, no?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

My mouse ears with my Big Bro's mouse ears!  What do you think?

How did you reveal your little one's name?  Or how have you seen names revealed?

My (Sesame's) Current Stats:

Age: 22 Weeks.  Over the Hill?  I hope Mama and Dada are starting to prepare for my arrival!  How did you prepare for baby #2?

Weight: After vacation, whew, who knows... !!!  Almost 1 pound (approximate)

Height: 11 inches (approximate) 

Fruit / Veggie Size: Spaghetti squash (wow, I sound huge!)

Fun Facts: I'm beginning to look like a miniature newborn!  Wait, what did I look like before?  Geez.

What do I enjoy most right now?: I enjoy hot sauce.  When Train Wreck Mommy has hot sauce I wake up.  I also enjoy long walks on the beach and pink roses.

And some more Friday Fun, Auntie Tam sent us this great (FUNNY) link.  It's a must listen!  And one of the little girls has my name: NPR Reporter Interviews His Two Little Girls After One Gives The Other "The Worst Haircut Ever".

Be sure to also catch us on Mad About Town!

-Sesame

Thursday's Kids, Tweens, and Teens: Fantasyland

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

How is your week so far?  I started writing some of this yesterday ...

Mommy and I are having not so great of a week.  We've been trapped inside all week because I've had a fever.  Today we ventured out to Dr. Savrick, and turns out I have my first case of strep throat (and a slight case of ear infection).  Here I am below waiting on the doc's office.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

We are probably stuck inside (or as Mommy says... "cabin fever") until Friday.  We should be good to go by the weekend though (crossed fingers!)!  Any tips and tricks for keeping Mommy occupied inside?

Now back to our topic at hand ...

As you know, this week we are focusing on travel (and a lot on Disney), and today we are focusing on the older set (Kids+) ... so we have the perfect information for you today.  If you are planning a trip to Disney World, and you have kids in the age range of 3+ and up ... this may be the memorable activity for you!  Do your kids maybe want to be a princesses or a knight for a day?  Or maybe a pirate?  Then be sure to check out the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for your princesses and knights, and the Pirates League for your young pirates (or young mermaids)!  Be sure to read more about other Disney World Tours and Experiences too.

You can also add a Fairytale Dining experience to your day (and you get to meet Disney characters!).  Be sure to read about the other Disney Character Dining options.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

You can see my cousin C above to the left after her princess morning!

What do you think?  What special experiences did you plan for your big ones?

... also be sure to check in with us tomorrow!  Sesame has a very big blog to share with you, and she has a special surprise!

You can also always read us on Mad About Town our Houston Chronicle blog.

-Mad Max

What is Your Next Stop?: Travel + Tot

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

Mommy and I wanted to share a smaller set (versus 500+) of our Disney World photos today, but well, it's taking Train Wreck Mommy a long time to figure them out!

So in the meantime ... Mommy and I want to offer you some quick traveling with tot tips.  And what tips may you have for even smaller ones or the bigger kiddos?  We look forward to hearing from you!

Tip #1: If you are flying to reach your summer vacation destination, treat your young tot to their own seat on the plane (if it's a long flight)!  Okay, if your tot is under 2 (therefore, free, and can be a lap child) ... one would probably immediately say, take the free route.  Well, not for this Super Tot.  This decision probably depends on the age and activity level of your under 2 year old.  I like to walk around and be pretty active, but since I had my own seat (and in my car seat) ... I just slept the flight away!  No bad neck cramp for me.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Here I am above in my airplane seat.  Slept like a Super Newborn Baby!

Tip #2: Stick to your tot's schedule / routine as much as possible while still being flexible.  I had generally the same morning and night routine (although the times might have been off), and I still (most days) took my two naps.  We took a break from all of the excitement during the middle of the day, so that helped keep me sane (or should we say, Mommy sane?).

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

I'm enjoying a meal at our resort (in our resort apt)!

Tip #3: Always have your tot's fav beverages and snacks on hand!  In my case that would be cold water, Peanut Butter Balls (Whole Foods 365 Organic Brand), and I also liked Larabars.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

I'm enjoying my peanut butter balls after the Mad Tea Party in Magic Kingdom.

Tip #4: Have some extra toys / distractions to pull out when necessary.  Oh, and don't forget your Super Tot's fav lovies.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Here I am enjoying a nap at one of the Disney parks with Lambie and (Baby) Monkey of course.

Tip #5: Sometimes that special treat / prize (and the unexpected one at that) will make the whole trip!  In my case, it was the Mickey balloon Dada got me.  Thank you, Dada!  (It was fun for me and the whole family for the whole week!).

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Isn't this the BEST balloon? Dada got it for me at Magic Kingdom.  Love you, Dada!

I hope you enjoyed our tips.  What tips can you share with us? 

You can also always find us on Mad About Town.

-Mad Max and Family

Tuesday's Tots and Wee Ones: Baby Showers!

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

Happy Tuesday!  Mommy asked me to share this today ... she said that this is the season for showers and events (Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, etc, etc) ... are you doing any traveling for important events this summer?  If so, where are you going?  Who is the event for?  Are you bringing the kiddos with you?

Recently Mommy went to a Baby Shower for a friend that came in from out of town.  Happy Baby Shower, Auntie Stephanie!  The shower was for her baby boy, baby number 2, due in late summer.  We can't wait to meet him!  Mommy wanted me to share a few photos below.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Here is Stephanie and her Super Fetus Boy!  Congrats!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

The Baby Boy Shower had a blue and brown theme (which our some of my favorite colors).  The host, Swati, even served blue punch!  What a fun addition.  Mommy, can you make me some blue punch when Dada isn't looking?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Stephanie

What I like to call... a pampie cake.  Vegan?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Stephanie

Now these were a new find for Mommy.  We will have to go here.  These are tiny bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes in Houston.  Mommy said they were delicious!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Mommy loves the idea of decorating water bottles to match the shower theme.  What about sippy cups?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Stephanie

Shower guests.  See my little sister Sesame in there?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Stephanie 

Stephanie opening gifts with the help of Big Sister Jocelyn.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Stephanie

Big Sister J is practicing being a Big Sis!  Congrats again!

Have you been to a baby shower lately?  What did you enjoy most?  And if you would like us to feature your baby shower (or a baby shower you've been to), just email us!

Stay tuned for more on Disney soon this week.  You can also read us on Mad About Town.

-Mad Max

Mad for Monday (Max's Weekend Update): Mickey World

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

How was your weekend?  How was your week last week?  Did you miss us?

If we were more together, I would have had blog posts last week ...but our week prior was ... well, a train wreck.  Between the AC being out, preggo Train Wreck Mommy, and getting ready for a big trip, we weren't prepared enough.

I have many exciting things planned for you this week, and Mommy has exciting things planned for our Chron Blog: Mad About Town.  This week we are focusing on travel, updating you on our Disney World trip, and Sesame has an important announcement this week too (plus much more)!  Whew.

Are you going on a vacation this summer (or a staycation?)  Where is your trip this year?  We went to Disney World last week!  Mommy and I literally have over 500 photos to go through (and that's just from our camera), but we wanted to pull out a few to share with you today.  These aren't necessarily our best or favorites, but I hope you enjoy!  More to come soon.  Stay tuned.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Here I am with the Train Wrecks on our first day in Magic Kingdom - first look at the Cinderella's Castle (where my future little sister will want to stay, I'm sure.  Dada already said she could stay there.  Wow.)  Speaking of Train Wrecks, Grampi - zoom in!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

One of my favorite rides is of course, Prince Charming's Carousel.  This photo is of my first ride on the carousel.  Can we say, Prince Mino's Carousel?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

This is how I roll.  That's all I have to say.  Hey, Mommy ...maybe you wouldn't be so tired if you took a ride?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Actually, Mommy wasn't the only one that got tired.  Most days we went back for nap time (about Noonish - 3 pmish) and to miss the heat of the day, but when I got tired at the park...  Bam.  I grabbed monkey, lambie, and I was out.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

I thought this was a good action shot of me to share ... strollin' through Epcot (with Dada and Grampi smiling behind me).  I should be on the cover of a Walt Disney postcard, no?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Train Wreck Mommy and Daddy took me to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse twice ... the first time, didn't go so well.  The second time, I really bonded with my girl, Minnie.  Mickey left us alone to use the restroom, and these are some snapshots with Minnie.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Minnie did peek-a-boo!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Mickey, Mommy, Sesame, Me, Daddy, and Minnie!  We all have our Disney shirts on, but I was too scared to show mine (aka clinging on to Daddy).  Mommy got me (and my cousins) a personalized shirt from Giggles and Lollipops (via etsy).  We highly recommend!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Here is a better shot of my personalized Disney shirt.  Here I am with my serious face in the Mad Tea Party cups.  That spinning doesn't get to me!  I was also hot at this point and ready for a nap (and I took one shortly after this).

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Speaking of hot... we took off one day from Disney to enjoy some Downtown Disney shopping and swimming at our resort: Sheraton Vistana Resort.  Here I am enjoying some rays and surf with "Bear Cub" aka my cousin.

This is just a very small glimpse at our trip!  Be sure to come back for more.

How about you?  Have you been to Disney World yet or lately?  Where is your trip this year?  We look forward to hearing from you.

-Mad Max

What is Your Next Stop?: Heritage Family Day

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

We hope you enjoyed our video reveal yesterday: little brother?  Or little sister?  You can leave your thoughts below!  Did you think I was getting a little brother?  Or little sister?

We had a busy day Tuesday, and we did some celebrating for my little sister.  Unfortunately the bad news is our AC is STILL out.  Sweatin' in my pampies.  Be sure to read through until after the photos.  We will talk about a next stop suggestion for this weekend.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Photos above ... Have you been to Toddler Tuesdays at Discovery Green yet?  Yes, that's what all the madness is about in the first three pictures.  In the second photo I'm holding on to Mommy and Sesame for dear life when the Berenstain Bears came out.  See my photo with them in the third pic.

Then I enjoyed lunch with Gramby, Great Aunt Jackie, and Mommy at Barcenas.  The highlight of the day had to come when we went shopping for little sister Sesame at Carter's.  Gramby sure did spoil her.  You can see me above helping pick out some clothes for Sesame.  Thank you, Gramby!  Oh wait, finally the true highlight was the tiger balloon Gramby got me at Party City.  Well, actually Party City just gave it to us.  I'm a charmer, obviously.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

But let's move on to this coming weekend ... we personally have a wonderful trip planned, but for those of you staying in town, what a great find!

The Heritage Society is having their Family Day.  The event begins at noon on Saturday, and here is more info from Culture Map:

Travel through the Museum Gallery and follow the Baker Playhouse on its journey through Houston from 1893 to 2010. Learn about the important events occurring in Houston during this time period. Hands-on activities will include playing old-fashioned children's games and making your own book of Houston history. Illustrator Bill Megenhardt will be in the Museum Gallery creating illustrations of what your own playhouse might look like. Entertainment will be provided by singer/songwriter Leah White and refreshments will be served at the Baker Playhouse.

After the Museum Gallery history journey, travel across the street to the Houston Public Library's historic Julia Ideson Building to hear storytelling artists from Houston Grand Opera read The Very Long Life of Alice's Playhouse; A Survivor's Story, from 2 to 3 p.m. Both author Andrea White and illustrator Bill Megenhardt will be there to sign books.

Read more about The Heritage Society and the Family Day event on their website.  Will you be learning more about history this weekend at their Family Day event?  Or what are your plans?

-Mad Max

Tuesday's Tots and Wee Ones: Little Brother? Or Little Sister?

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

Happy Tuesday!

So today we are bringing you the news you've been waiting for ... anxiously ...

Watch the video to find out!

Am I having a little brother? Or a little sister?  What is your vote?

So what did you think of the video?  What did you think of the news?!  I know I'm excited!  More to be revealed about the little one aka Sesame soon!

And a special shout out goes out to "Auntie" Rita for helping us / making the video!

You can also read about our adventures on our Houston Chronicle Blog: Mad About Town.

-Mad Max

Fun Friday: Super Sesame's New Fun Friday Feature

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,


So obviously it is not Friday.  Long story short, we started this last Thursday, then the AC went out.  And well ... we've been a train wreck ever since (and it's still out, by the way!).  Either way, I hope you enjoy today's blog post!


Happy Friday!  My Big Brother, Mad Max, is letting me (the Super Fetus) take over on Fridays.  Wow, four day work week for you, Max.  Must be nice!


I have a few fun things to share with you today ... let's start with a more recent photo of me:

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Look closely!  Do you see my creepy hand?  Train Wreck Mommy took a photo of this photo, so sorry for the bad quality.  I'd ask her to scan it, but she can't hear me too well from my house aka her belly.

My (Sesame's) Current Stats:

Age: The Big 2-0 Weeks Tomorrow!  20 more to go!  How shall I spend my time?  Practice my swimming for the London 2012 Olympics?

Weight: 10 and 1/2 ounces (approximate)

Height: 10 inches (approximate)

Fruit / Veggie Size: Banana!  Currently my Big Brother's fav food!

Fun Facts: How is this for fun ....I'm swallowing more these days, which is good practice for my digestive system.  I'm also producing meconium (yum!), a black, sticky by-product of digestion.  This gooey substance will accumulate in my bowels, and you may see it in my first soiled diaper.  What a party!  

What do I enjoy most right now?: Much of the same from last week.  Plus enjoying a constant temperature in my house (unlike my family's house with no AC!).  And highlight of this week: revealing my gender to the public!  So stay tuned.

Also check us out on our Houston Chronicle Blog: Mad About Town.

-Super Sesame

Thursday's Kids, Tweens, and Teens: Downtown Adventures

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

Happy 17th Month Birthday to Me!  Now, as you know, technically after 12 months we don't celebrate EVERY month anymore ... but let's take out the "we" and replace it with "I"... yes, I can keep celebrating my 17th Month Birthday!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Look, I'm such a big boy now that I am starting to dress myself.  Impressed?  Yes, so am I.  You can obviously see how excited I am because of how blurry the photo is ... !

Speaking of "birthdays", stay tuned ... Friday will be bringing a new feature.  Fun Fridays with Super Sesame!  Also, Sesame is celebrating a big milestone this week too: 20 weeks on Saturday.  Sesame is half-way there ALREADY.  Can you believe it?  Be sure to stop by tomorrow to celebrate with Sesame.

Now back to our regularly scheduled blog post ...

We are continuing our Downtown ideas from Tuesday.

So what are some more ideas of things you can do with your older ones in Downtown?  Now being that I am the big 17 months now I am certainly the expert!  We have two picks for you today in the same location, but one is a day event and one is an evening event (evenings being not so good for Wee Ones and Tots since us Super Babies and Toddlers go to bed earlier).

Day Event: Have you had the chance to check out the Kayak Boat Rides and Model Boats yet at Discovery Green?  They are available on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 5 pm.

Evening Event: Ikea Houston Screen on the Green is happening this Saturday at Discovery Green at 7:30 pm.  And you can't pick a better movie: The Muppets!  More about The Muppets and the event:

The Muppets, (PG), 2011, 103 min.  With the help of three fans, The Muppets must reunite to save their old theater from a greedy oil tycoon.  Come an hour early for fun contests and activities.

Be sure to check out our Houston Chronicle Blog: Mad About Town for even more ideas.

So what do you think?  If you are in Houston, will you be checking out either of these events?  Or if you are outside of Houston, what do you like to do in your Downtown area?

-Mad Max

What is Your Next Stop?: Take me out to the ...

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

Houstonians: are you melting yet?  Or if you aren't in Houston ... are you melting yet?  Or are you enjoying some cooler temps?  The GOOD news is a year ago today in Houston it was 105 degrees.  So basically we are having a cold front.  Let's just say my pampies are not so comfortable in this weather.

Mommy and I escaped the heat yesterday at the The Children's Museum of Houston (see: AC).  Have you also checked out their outdoor area?  You can even escape the heat there with their FlowWorks exhibit.  I stood in a shower today!  Literally.  Froze.  Too bad Train Wreck Mommy didn't capture a photo of it.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Here I am above at The Children's Museum of Houston.

But what is your  next stop this weekend?  Are you looking to cool off?  Or perhaps with our theme this week of Downtown ... won't you enjoy something with your family Downtown?  I love to go Downtown with Train Wreck Mommy and My Hero Daddy.

My parents aren't the biggest baseball fans, but they promised they would take me to an Astros game one day.  America and baseball go hand in hand!  Like babies and pampies!  And summer and baseball go hand in hand too.

Now the Astros don't actually have a game this weekend, but how about this for a unique family outing: Minute Maid Park Tours.

Here is more about the Minute Maid Park Tours from Downtown Houston:

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Minute Maid Park, including the historic Union Station, broadcasting booth or press boxes, Astros' or visitors' dugout, luxury suites and much more!


Tours are at 10 am, 12 noon and 2 pm Monday through Saturday.  Times could change on game days, please check ahead.


Ticket Info: $9 adults, $7 seniors, and $5 for kids 3 - 14.


You can read more about the tours on the website for the Houston Astros.

If you are also looking to go to a game, be sure to check out Family Sundays at Minute Maid Park.  What fun!  Train Wreck Mommy said she'll find a game to take me and Sesame to.

How are you spending your weekend?  Will you go explore Downtown?

-Mad Max

Tuesday's Tots and Wee Ones: Downtown Days

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

How was your Monday?  Ours was great!  First day of summer.  Train Wreck Mommy managed to run us both into the ground aka a nap.

Also like the typical start of summer ... I did a street arrest with a local HPD Officer and his police horse, Astro (among other things today).  Oh, and Mommy and I hung out with Homeland Security this morning.  All in a days work, I tell yah!

Read more about our adventure at our Chron blog today: Mad About Town.  Also don't miss our Downtown Days tips for Tots and Wee Ones!

I'll leave you with a photo from today ...

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Wondering what I am thinking?  Yah, me too.  Hah!  Read more about this photo at our Chron Blog: Mad About Town.

-Mad Max

Mad for Monday (Max's Weekend Update): We love you Hermann / Max's Swim Lessons

Hi Family, Friends, and Fans,

How was your weekend?

We will start with the not so good news ... as many of you know, we lost a dear family member last week ... Hermann our Super Kitty.  Train Wreck Mommy did a good job of writing about this on our Houston Chronicle Blog: Mad About Town, so please be sure to remember Herm and check it out.  I will also share with you a few favorite photos of Super Herm.  Read more about the photos on our Chron blog!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family

We will ALWAYS love and miss you, Herm.  Train Wreck Mommy and I would say more about Herm, but I think it's too early yet (upsets us too much).  So we will keep this brief, but be sure to read our Chron blog for more on our favorite kitty.

To switch subjects to happier thoughts ...

I know that many of you are wondering about the sex of my little brother or little sister!  Be patient!  We will reveal when the time is ready.  Muhahaha.

In the meantime, we will keep sharing tidbits and fun facts on Sesame.  Stay tuned.

Mommy and I also officially started our summer break.  Have you started yours yet?  What was the highlight of your weekend?

The highlight of our weekend was definitely my first swim lessons at the Dad's Club.  Let's just say - fish out of water.  I think I take after My Hero Daddy (the Scuba Diver) versus Train Wreck Mommy (the Fun Noodle Holder).  What do you think?  Is swimming a part of your summer?

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson
 

Here I am with my favorite bouncy ball of the moment.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Jumping into the pool.  Obviously.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson 

Daddy teaching me how to be a blow fish.

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

My swim teacher is easily impressed, isn't she?  Just wait.  I have more up my non-existent sleeve!

Image Credit: Mad Max and Family / Tara Johnson

Hey guys!  Does it look like I need a big floaty?  I mean, I'm not asking the ladies to get off the floaty ...but I'm just saying it's not necessary.

Stay tuned for more on my swim lessons!  Sesame is already starting his / her own swim lessons in my ol' house aka Mommy's belly.  Good job, Sesame!

So tell us about your weekend ... and what are you looking forward to this summer?

-Mad Max