February 2026: The Perfect Calendar, the Brutal Cold, and the Tiny Clay Heart That Made It All Worth It

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A perfect February, frozen pipes, clay earrings, and a whole lot of gratitude Have you looked at a calendar this month? No, seriously. Go look. February 2026 is one of those rare months where the calendar looks like someone designed it on purpose. It starts on a Sunday, ends on a Saturday, and every single day of the week appears exactly four times. A perfect rectangle. No spillover. No awkward gaps. Just four clean weeks of organized bliss. The internet is calling it a "Perfect February," and the last time this happened was 2015. The next one won't come around until 2037. So yeah, soak it in. This is the most visually satisfying calendar page you'll see for over a decade. And honestly? As a parent navigating this chaotic, beautiful, exhausting life—I'll take any bit of perfection I can get, even if it's just a calendar. Happy Valentine's Day (From the Craft Table) Valentine's Day landed on a Saturday this year, which meant we actually had ...
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Surviving Your Kid’s First Day Back at School: Tips, Tricks, and a Whole Lotta Hugs

We Are Back

Hey there, Hello BUBS Fam!

Summer is over? For many of you, your kids have just returned to school or are heading back this week. Whether your little one is strapping on their backpack for the very first time or just gearing up for another year of academic adventures, this day is a BIG DEAL. And let’s be honest, it’s a rollercoaster of emotions for us parents too. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back! Here are some fun and sanity-saving tips to help you and your kiddo sail smoothly into the new school year.

Embrace the Feels (Yes, All of Them)

Let’s be real—dropping your kiddo off at school can be a tear-jerker. It’s okay to feel all the emotions. You might be excited, nervous, proud, and maybe a little bit of a hot mess. That’s totally normal! Let those feelings flow—whether you need to do a happy dance or grab a tissue (or both!), it’s all part of the ride.

Team Up on Prep

Turn the night before school into a fun project. Get your little one involved in picking out their outfit (hello, fashion show!), packing their lunch (extra points for fun shapes!), and organizing their backpack. Making them part of the process helps ease those jitters and gives you both some quality bonding time.

Master the Morning Mojo

The morning routine doesn’t have to be a mad dash out the door. Set the tone with a favorite breakfast (pancakes, anyone?), a little extra cuddle time, and maybe even a dance party in the kitchen. A smooth start to the day makes everyone feel more chill and ready to take on the world—or at least the school day!

Positive Vibes Only

Your attitude sets the stage. Show your little one how awesome school is—new friends, cool teachers, and endless adventures! Keep the energy light, bright, and positive. Your excitement will rub off on them and help squash those first-day butterflies.

Talk It Out (and Listen Up!)

Got a chatty kid? Awesome! Encourage them to spill the beans on how they’re feeling about the first day. Got a quiet kid? No worries—ask gentle questions and let them know you’re all ears. Reassuring them that it’s okay to be nervous (or excited or both) helps them feel understood and supported.

After-School Fun Zone

Give your kiddo something to look forward to after the school bell rings. Whether it’s an ice cream date, a trip to the park, or a family movie night, having a fun plan in place makes the first day feel like a win. Plus, it’s a great way to unwind and celebrate surviving the day!

Don’t Forget About You!

Hey, you did it too! Take a moment for some self-care after the drop-off. Whether it’s grabbing your favorite coffee, hitting the gym, or simply enjoying a quiet moment, taking care of yourself is just as important. You deserve a gold star too, parent!

Keep the Conversation Going

Once the school day’s over, keep the dialogue open. Ask about their day—who they met, what they learned, and how they felt. Keeping connected helps you stay in the loop and makes them feel like they’ve got a built-in cheerleader (that’s you!).

Give It Time—It’s All Good!

Remember, it’s totally normal for the first few days (or weeks) to be a little bumpy. Give yourself and your kiddo some grace as you both adjust to the new routine. Before you know it, you’ll be in the groove and rocking the school year like pros!

The first day back at school is a mix of excitement, nerves, and a whole lot of newness. But with a little prep, a lot of positivity, and maybe an extra cup of coffee, you and your little one will breeze through it together. Got any tips or tricks up your sleeve? We’d love to hear them! Drop a comment below and let’s help each other make this school year the best one yet.

Here’s to a new school year full of adventure, learning, and lots of happy moments!

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