Many keep pregnancy tests – I did with both of my kids. According to a recent survey commissioned by the makers of e.p.t. brand, the top three pregnancy keepsakes are: ultrasound photos, items from the delivery day and at-home pregnancy tests. Also, 67% of expectant mothers saved their at-home pregnancy test. It’s the first proof that they were pregnant – for reasons ranging from showing it to a partner to saving it as a keepsake.

I had mine stored in a box with other keepsakes I’ve held on too. Now, I have a cute keepsake pouch for them. It zips and has “Remember the moment you knew” embossed on it and a card inside to journal the details. You can go to testaccurately.com to find out more information about e.p.t.’s keepsake case and products. Even if you didn’t keep your test you likely have hospital bracelets or something and you could keep those mementos in this case, as well. I received one like this: (thanks MC & ept)

If you’d like one, visit the website mentioned above and it’s available with a mail-in proof-of-purchase.

Where were you when you found out? Who did you tell first? Did you save your test?

For my first born – I had been married for four years and we decided it was time to try. Within a few weeks, it happened. I do not know how I knew, I just knew. I woke up early one morning – woke my husband – told him I thought I was pregnant to run to town and purchase a test. He did, I took it, we waited… and it was positive. No, I wasn’t late… and I still am amazed how it all happened when I think about it. I first told my Mom, then my Dad.

My second born – my husband and I decided to try after his last military deployment. Again, it didn’t take long. I actually used two tests with this one to double check as I didn’t have the instinct I had previously. This was around the time with 9/11 took place. We were living in California, 2500 miles away from family and the first person I told was my Mom via phone, then again, my Dad.

In addition to tests, I kept hospital bracelets; first blanket; homecoming outfits; cards & charts from the hospital and all sorts of things. I am not a pack rat but for some reason I just have to keep all those things!

SO, that’s that – if you’d like to share – you may, in comments. Toodles.

I wrote this while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of e.p.t and received an e.p.t. keepsake case and a $20 gift card to JustGive.org to facilitate my review.

As the weather heats up (and it’s certainly HOT in my area), families will seek refuge in the cool waters of their neighborhood or backyard pools. Although there is nothing like a quick dip on a hot summer’s day, pool season doesn’t come without risks. Approximately 4,200 people go to the ER every year due to pool or spa-related injuries.

To keep your family safe while having fun this summer, UL is offering the following tips:

You can find more tips on pool/playground safety on their website as well as other great information that may be useful.

For children: UL and Disney produced a video featuring Timon and Pumba from the Lion King teaching kids how to stay safe while swimming during the summer, and all year long.

Playground and pool safety are important topics in my house because of my two children. We recently moved from a very rural farm area to a small city neighborhood and I can’t stress pool safety enough! I even sold my above ground pool because it was a fear that some neighborhood child may get in without permission (and I have a fenced yard!). My children are always wanting to jump in a pool (or act crazy on their playground set) and that’s why I wanted to share these common yet overlooked tips. I’m thankful that my children know not to play around pools or in them without adult supervision. Keep cool this summer and play safe.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Underwriters Laboratories. In addition, I received a gift card to thank me for participating.