Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CloudPetsForever #CollectiveBias

Dear Diary,

This is the first time in my daughter’s life that we’ve gone a week without speaking. I know I should welcome the me time—perhaps go the gym to jumpstart my workout routine, read the dozens of books collecting dust on my shelves or get that much overdue manicure. But even if I stay busy, I won’t miss my little love bug any less. She’s on vacation with her father. Usually, when she spends time out of town, we video chat daily. Being that she’s out of the country, our communication is on hold.

She’s the most well traveled toddler I know! And she’s well taken care of—the trip is full of good food, fun activities and plenty of presents. But I’m sure she misses her mommy. She didn’t understand why I couldn’t call her while she’s away. Next month, she’ll go to Disney World and on another cruise. And I’m sure other vacations are on the horizon. So, I want her to take a piece of her parent wherever she goes. Despite her dad’s suggestion of a blended family vacation, I don’t think I’ll be packing a bag to join them anytime soon! I can send CloudPets™ in my absence!

I picked up the Walmart Exclusive Unicorn—Caitlynn’s favorite imaginary animal, and three AA batteries, which were in the pallet display. CloudPets™ also come in Teddy Bear, Puppy, Kitty or Bunny.  CloudPets™ are available in select Walmart stores, but will be available nationwide soon.

I then downloaded a free app and registered our animal online. After you’re set up, you can invite friends and family to send a message to the pet. The pet’s heart will flash to alert you that you have a message. You can hear the message on your CloudPets™ and then record a message back. There are parental controls, and only invited friends and family can join the conversation. There is also a 2.0 version of the app that includes games and lullabies! This new, one-of-a-kind product will help me keep in touch with Caitlynn when she’s away. Plus, I don’t have to always contact her on her dad’s schedule or interrupt an activity.

While Caitlynn is away, I decided to snap some shots of her unicorn in a Flat Stanley fashion. In the popular children’s book, a bulletin board fell on Stanley Lambchop, and flattened him in his sleep. He survived and makes the best of his situation by mailing himself to friends and attractions. When I lived in the Cayman Islands, my sorority sister’s kindergarten class mailed Flat Stanley to me. I returned him with a completed journal and some souvenirs, including post cards from Stingray City, pictures at the butterfly farm and seashells from Seven Mile Beach. Caitlynn’s modern day Flat Stanley headed to her favorite places.

The Art Studio

The Duck Pond

The Park

The Library

Soon, I’ll send the unicorn and the pictures to Caitlynn. Then, her father and I can exchange the  CloudPets™ during our custodial exchanges.

Hey DTFM Fam—Who would you give CloudPets™ to as a gift? What message would you send?