The first rule of parenting: DO NOT kill the child.

I love my baby.  I love my dogs.  My baby loves dogs (weird).   In fact, Bennett is always all over the dogs (and vice versa).  

As a good dog mother, I always had applied a once-a-month topical flea and tick treatments.  After having my human baby, I did a little research on these treatments.  Many options on the market include  organophosphates and carbamates that work to kill fleas and ticks by interfering with the transmission of nerve signals.  

I learned that I was using one of the 'safer' products on the market, but topical treatments can put children (and the dogs, too) at risk of poisoning and have the potential for long term effects on the brain and nervous system.  In no way did I want to put Benny at risk, especially considering he's spends so much time on the floor and smooching his face into the dogs' fur.  

Upon discovering NexGard, I have a sense of relief in my child's safety and dogs' health.  This amazing little chewy treat kills fleas and ticks.  We've only been using this treatment for a month, but let me tell you... it works!  We live in the Philadelphia suburbs in a wooded neighborhood loaded with ticks; I've yet to find a tick on any of the pooches since giving them the new treatment.  

When using the topical application on the dogs, I was always stressing about the baby touching them (or even my husband or me) and spreading the chemical on our hands.  Now I don't have to worry a bit; I just give them a 'treat' and relax for the next 30 days. Believe me, or just ask your vet for all the details. 

If you love it, buy it! 

***Amazon Affiliate links may be included in recommendations.  ​I may earn compensation from qualifying purchases. 

When my husband and I were building our home, I had one request.  I begged him not to let the house talk to me.  I married a tech geek and have been terrified that his adoration of technology would one day rule our life.  

Well, apparently that day has come.  We recently bought the iRobot Roomba, https://amzn.to/31vvwxl, and it is amazing!  And by amazing, I mean truly, absolutely amazing. 

This little guy boogies around our house like Rosie from 'The Jetsons' (but better).  The Roomba 620 has a great battery life, sensing features to ensure it stays on-track, a sweeper/sucker combo, and 'off roading' wheels that really just blew my mind (please, note: I highly doubt the manufacturer references any of these features as I do).   

What I love most it that it actually picks up dog hair (even stubborn fur from our dog)!  Hallelujah!  The little bin fills up fairly quickly so I wouldn't recommend the Roomba unless you plan to use it regularly.  Our new morning routine now just includes starting up the robot before heading out to work.  The little guy just goes back to the docking station if the battery's getting low or the bin is full (it is a bit like a drunk stumbling into walls and furniture trying to find its way but for me, this just adds to the entertainment value).  

There have been a couple of times it gets itself stuck somewhere (on the bath mat once and on one of Bennett's toys) but lesson learned (pick up a little first).  I figured the dogs and baby would be terrified of it, but they actually aren't.  The dogs now just ignore it roaming around the house, and Bennett thinks it is hilarious.  The Roomba is gentle enough that it nudges him while vacuuming and doesn't even knock him over.  

The price on the iRobot Roomba is a bit spendy.  Despite the steep price tag, it is a miracle machine!  I used to drive myself crazy trying to Swiffer or run the vacuum every couple nights to keep up on the annoying dust bunnies and dog hair; now, my robot buddy takes care of it every day while I'm at the office (talk about a great working relationship).