Wee One Wiis

I can't believe that we didn't think of this before! Baby B sometimes prefers to be walked around instead of rocked. Nick was bored with the normal route, so he figured out a more creative solution to keep both of them moving, which turned into a win-win situation. It turns out that using the Wii Fit while holding a 15lb "weight" really helps to work up a sweat.

I threw a pacifier

I'm trying to do my best to keep this blog real as I document my experiences as a new mom. Lately, I've had a lot of rainbows and sunshine, so its only fair to give you a little bit of gray to even it all out. I have to confess. I threw a pacifier. And it felt good.

How did it come to this? Well. Baby B decided that when I went back to work, he would no longer sleep through the night. His decision happened to coincide with me coming down with the crud that's been going around, placing me at an immediate disadvantage for battling a round of sleep wars, 2013.

Sunday night was a bad night. We put Baby B to bed and he fell asleep almost immediately, with his pacifier in his mouth. Then he spit it out. Then he screamed. Then we put it back in. Then we held it there. Then this process repeated for about 45 minutes, interrupting our nightly episode of Downton Abbey.

I'm not sure how this process even started because we know better. He has never been able to keep a pacifier in his mouth. He spits it out, it falls out or he loses interest. We usually only use a pacifier to calm him down before a nap, when we're awake and can hold it there until he falls asleep. For some reason, knowing his track record, we decided that we should try to use the pacifier at bed time. Dumb move. Don't get me wrong, the pacifier would work to get him to fall asleep, but the problem was that when it fell out, we were turning into trained monkeys, running upstairs to stick it back in. I'm not gonna lie - methods to secure the pacifier to his face have crossed my mind, but because tape or elastic around his head and on his face would be considered child abuse, I quickly scrapped that idea.

Anyway, this routine continued on and off through the night - with everyone getting about an hour and a half to two hours of sleep at a time, which doesn't work for anyone - especially a baby who is growing so fast. So. 5:30am came around and Baby B woke up screaming. This time, it was legit screaming for food, but I was so tired and cranky that the thought didn't cross my mind. My dumb ass self tried to comfort a hungry baby and couldn't figure out why he wouldn't settle down (because he was hungry, duh). In the midst of him screaming, me bouncing and swaying and him growing more and more hysterical...I whipped the pacifier across the room. I heard it hit the crib and felt better...and worse at the same time. I think that snapped be back to reality and I used what God gave me to settle that baby down. Yay for boobs.

Moral of the story. As much as my days are filled with rainbows and sunshine, the also come with the occasional thunderstorm (or tornado), and that's ok. I admit that I threw a pacifier and momentarily lost my shit. I was so livid, that once I calmed down, Nick welcomed me back. When I became rational again, I realized that the trained monkey routine was not working for anyone. I asked a friend for advice and we have come up with a better and more productive sleep routine for everyone in the house. How did we do it? Post coming soon.

I have to admit, hearing other moms' stories of babies who refuse to sleep and who inexplicably go ape shit bananas makes me feel better. It seems that the normal is that nothing is normal. Have you ever lost it? What's your version of throwing a pacifier? I'd love to hear about it.

Roly Poly

He was already roly - now he's poly! Right after this photo he flipped himself onto his back! I was so happy that I was home to see it. He seemed so surprised...or maybe it was the impromptu round of applause that I gave him?

Boy's clothing

I've been the mother of a baby boy for just over a few months now and I have a beef with almost every single baby retailer, clothing designer, manufacturer and distributor of baby boy clothes. YOU ARE MISSING THE BOAT! The clothes are tacky, lame and depending on your particular situation - OFFENSIVE. Please stop adding words, phrases, animals, transportation, sporting goods and heavy equipment to the fronts, backs, butts and feet of boy clothing. Enough is enough.

I mean, I knew that little girl clothes are much cuter than little boy clothes, but I didn't realize how unbalanced the world of baby fashion was until a trip to Target in December. It all started out innocent enough. We were Christmas shopping, so I figured that I'd buy Baby B a cute little outfit for one of his many Christmas engagements. We headed to the baby department, looking for something fun. Nothing too crazy, just a cute, casual outfit. What we found was a teeny, tiny boys' department, next to a gigantic girls' department. This is when the ranting started. I saw racks and racks of frilly dresses, not-so-frilly dresses, cute little girl outfits and Christmas-specific ensembles. What I didn't find was the male equivalent because the boys' section was lacking in both size and selection. Instead of leaving with a cute little outfit for Christmas dinner, I settled for a Santa sleeper for Christmas Eve.

After I calmed down (pregnancy hormones were still in full force), I started thinking about how surprising this was from a retailer like Target. Target knows its consumer. Just think of the last time that you left there without spending $50 on a cartful of things that you didn't go there for in the first place. The store and the products are almost always spot-on when it comes to enticing their consumers (WOMEN!), so why are their baby clothes missing the mark? My thought is that they are creating these clothes as if the boys are buying them. Newsflash: They aren't. Their mommas are buying them and their mommas are getting frustrated.

I might be able to look past the imbalance in clothing offerings if what was offered was even remotely closer to what I was looking for, but it isn't. Walk into any boy's department and you'll see that the clothing is not clothing. Its a mini billboard for what a "typical male" should like or be. Instead of making mini versions of male-type clothes, designers feel compelled to plaster add-ons all over the place.

I know that someday, when my son has more of an opinion, that there is no way to escape the inevitable character t-shirts and movie-themed outfits, but right now, I have full control . I just don't understand why outfits have to say things like "Daddy's Hero" or "Daddy's Rookie" or anything about Daddy? If my situation was different, and my baby Daddy wasn't in the picture, I just eliminated approximately 1/2 of the Babies R Us clothing department. This also applies to "Mommy" messages. These aren't as tough or heroic as the Daddy messages, but usually say something about "Mommy's handsome man", "Mommy's All-Star", etc.

Don't get me wrong, I've made exceptions to this rant. B has some dinosaur outfits that we love, a couple of train outfits and more than a few outfits with animals on his feet or butt. Don't think that my heart is made of coal - even I can't resist that, even if it has some sort of label about being "Mommy's boy" attached to the front. I've also made an exception for his shirt that says "My mom is cooler than your mom" and that exception was made on the basis of it being his first "Your Mom" joke.

Overall, I don't understand why baby clothes can't be miniature versions of men's clothes. Everything mini is automatically cute and it is probably more environmentally friendly if they just use the leftover fabric to crank out some plain pants (without sporting goods on the ass), striped shirts (with no words or phrases) or fleece sleepers (that don't advertise who his hero or heroine is). Is that so hard? I understand that the retailers are going for the cute factor - but incase you haven't noticed, a baby is cute and I could put him in a brown paper bag and he'd still get 50 likes on Facebook.

My heart

Chino is posing under protest. As usual.

Date night

This weekend, we had two. Yes TWO ready and willing babysitters. This is two more babysitters than we normally have at any given moment. Instead of going out to dinner (not hungry) or a movie (too tired) or to the bar (are you kidding me??!?!). We had our own "date night" at home. Date nights are date nights and we ended up having a great time, even though it was quite different than our previous normal.

Date night before Baby B:

• Dinner Out
• Drinks
• More Drinks
• Drunk tweeting (Dreeting!)
• Live music
• More Drinks
• McDonald's Drive Thru

Date night after Baby B:

• 1 Bag of Orville Redenbacher Popcorn
• Two tired parents
• One bed
• Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves on DVR
• Two Grandparents downstairs, playing with Baby B

The change in our lifestyle since Baby B is drastic, but I'm doing my best to enjoy every silly, exhausting moment.The whole evening was a complete win-win situation. I got to hang out with Nick, my parents got to hang out with B and we didn't spend a dime. Maybe that's a win-win-win? Either way, it was more "stuff" to make us laugh as we continue to figure out this whole parenting thing.

It takes a village

The first 12 weeks of Bean's life were spent on maternity leave. We were happily involved in our daily schedule of horrible daytime TV, the occasional lunch out, cat naps and playtime. During this time, I was essentially a stay at home mom, 100% focused on feeding, changing and napping. I was also lucky that I had friends who checked in on me and who chatted with me about mommyhood and Baby B's latest antics.

As the time came for me to return to work, these friends, mostly moms, rallied around me for support. I received so many Facebook messages and texts as I prepared myself to head back to work. They had all been there. It had sucked. They survived. Their kids did too. Those little messages were like a chorus of virtual pep talks and cheers for me as I second guessed my decision and planned our latest version of normal.

As Monday morning loomed on the horizon, I approached it with dread and fear. What ended up happening was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I walked into the office and instead of hearing "is it tough to be back?" or "how did it feel to leave your baby?", I heard "I'm thinking about you today" or "It really sucks, but it gets easier" or "How are you holding up?". Suddenly, I saw the women in my office in a whole new light. I realized that they had been in my shoes, some more recently than others. 

These women all understood how I was feeling and knew that I was doing my best to hold it together. Instead of making jokes, they offered advice and hugs and sympathy, which truly made my day bearable. I even received a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my boss.

When you transition from a stay at home mom to a working mom, you enter into a community of women who understand and who have all been there. Their support not only helps me get through the work day, but it helps me get through the evenings as Baby B adjusts to his new normal.

They say that it takes a village to raise a child, apparently in my case, it takes a CUBE village to support a working mom. Now that I know what it takes, my plan is to pay it forward as it was paid to me.

Being a mom

Every day, I learn a little bit more about what it means to be a mom to my two legger and to my four legger. Some days, the lessons are more intense than others. Last night, Baby B put us through the wringer. I'm still not all the way sure what happened, but the more I learn, the more I realize that I probably won't know and that's all part of being his mom. 

Last night, being a mom...

...meant that I was a detective, trying to figure out why my son went from happy and giggling, to sleeping soundly, to screaming hysterically...ALL. NIGHT. LONG.

...meant that my sleep was in a chair and on the couch, since Baby B fell asleep first on me and then in his swing (there was no way I was risking a move to his crib). 

...meant that my heart melted when Chino got up with us to see what all of the fuss was about, even though the crappy weather and new routine were cutting into his walk and playtime.

...meant that the smiles we saw this morning made it all ok.

...meant that I went to work without any sleep and will do it all again if I need to.

Goody® QuikStyle™ Paddle Brush

When I heard about Influenster, which promised to "turn my social influence into rewards", I was intrigued. If you know me, you know that I love free stuff and I love trying new things. If I like what I try, I tend to talk about it and encourage you to sign up as well (let me know if you want an invite, its pretty fun). When I received my first VoxBox, I was thrilled. Among the  

items in the box was the Goody® QuikStyle™ Paddle Brush.

As a new mom, I need any and all products that will save me time while also helping me look presentable and professional. This brush promises to do just that, buy helping to cut down on the time it takes to blow dry my hair. According to Goody's website:

The GOODY® QUIKSTYLE™ Paddle brush works like a towel and brush in one. The super absorbent (and antimicrobial) microfiber removes 30% of water from wet hair to help speed your drying time! You can effortlessly detangle right out of the shower and continue using it while you blow dry!

I'll admit, when I heard "towel and brush in one", I was very skeptical. It could be because of the ridiculous amount of television that I had been watching during my maternity leave. I had seen so many products that promised to do everything from cushion your hiney to remove skin tags to suck out ear wax. I'd like it to be noted that I didn't purchase ANY of them, during my endless nights and days in the house. Since I received this brush for free, I figured that I had nothing to loose and gave it a shot.

Here is the quick and dirty:

• It works like a brush - duh. The brush is lightweight, but a little bulky. The bristles are soft and go through wet, damp and dry hair without any problem. I always comb my hair first before I use it, so I'm not sure how it will work if you're fresh out of the shower or bath. I noticed that the towel bristles get a little discombobulated, the longer that I use it, but so far they don't smell bad and don't get stuck in my hair. I haven't timed how long it takes to dry my hair with this brush versus my normal one - because I'm a new mom, remember? But I have to say that my hair looks smooth and healthy after using this. I think that the vented nature of the paddle helps - there's a vent in the back that helps heat the bristles and circulate air while I'm drying
• Do I like it? - Yes. Would I have ever purchased this on my own? Probably not. Can you borrow mine? Sorry, no.
• Would I suggest it to other people to buy? Probably - so long as that person had relatively straight hair already, and didn't require any extra styling steps. This flat brush, when used properly, can replace the extra step of flat-ironing my hair, which is a much appreciated time-saving perk.
• Price:  $10.39 on Amazon
• More information:
• Goody's website
• Goody on Facebook
• Goody on Twitter

Based on this first VoxBox, I can't wait to see what else Influenster has in store for me! Bring on the time-saving products! 

12 weeks

Dear Baby B,

I can hardly believe that it has been 12 weeks since you entered this world and about a year since you've entered our lives. This time last year, your daddy and I were talking about trying to have a baby and laughing as we pictured ourselves as parents (still not grown ups). The idea of it was especially surreal to me because I always knew that I would be a mother, but I could never picture myself as pregnant. Weird, I know.

While I was pregnant, I took good care of you, but I don't think I would have called myself a mom...yet. I was still working and socializing, while anxiously making plans for your arrival. Your daddy and I planned your nursery, signed up for classes, exercised, bought a sassy mommy car, found your babysitter and pediatrician. We made so many plans, based on what we assumed that parenthood would or should be.

One of our assumptions was that after 12 weeks at home with you, I would load you into my sassy mommy car, drive you to the sitter's house and then head to work, picking up right where I left off. I was 100% on board with this plan for quite awhile. I'll even admit to sitting on the kitchen floor, crying and begging your daddy to stay home with you while I headed into the office. It wasn't my proudest moment and I know now that it wasn't really me talking, it was those hormones. They're seriously no joke and it was only after I was on the other side of my postpartum depression that I realized how serious they were and what a patient and kind daddy that you have.

I've said this before, but I didn't expect to like you this much! I've loved you since before you we're born, but I didn't know how much fun I would have being your mom. You smile while I sing to you, you've mastered nursing and have the rolls to prove it, and I swear you want to start walking tomorrow. You are so patient as we learn how to take care of you, that its almost impossible for me to bear the thought of you spending your days with anyone else. I know your cries and I know how to comfort you. This week, you came down with your first cold and seemed to sleep best in my arms. Knowing that I've been able to help you rest while your body fights this nasty bug means the world to me...so much so that I'm willing to overlook the daily shower of baby barf that has accompanied this cold.

When you arrived, 12 weeks seemed like forever. It seemed like enough time for you to grow a little bigger and for me to heal. It seemed like enough time to for us to figure one another out. Now that my Return to Work day is looming, I realize that 12 weeks isn't any time at all. Actually, this fact dawned on me a few weeks ago, along with the onset of working mommy guilt when I began to question my decision to return to work full time. I began to realize that you'd be spending your days with someone else. I pictured her playing with you, singing you songs and comforting you while you were fussy, and frankly it makes my stomach hurt. However, the thought of walking away from a job and company that I believe in and worked hard to become a part of, also leaves me uneasy...and round and round I go.

This morning, we dropped you off at your new sitter's house. We really like her and you seemed to as well. I wasn't sure how I would feel, but it was as hard as I expected. I cried as I passed you over to her and again as your daddy and I walked out the door. I never want to feel that feeling again, but I know that I will tomorrow. I also know that to be the best mommy for you, I need to give this working mommy gig a shot. If it doesn't work out - we'll go back to our regularly scheduled program of horrible daytime TV and elastic pants.

Love,
Momma

Julep Maven - January Box

I've never done a formal product or service review here before, but now is as good a time as any to start. I figured I'd start with one of my favorite things, Julep.

Signing up to be a Julep Maven means that you get to receive a little piece of sunshine in the form of nail polish and products, delivered to your door, every month. When you enroll, you take a fun little quiz to determine your Maven Style Profile. Based on your answers, they assign your style profile, which determines the colors and products that you'll receive. According to Julep, my style is "Classic With a Twist."

This timeless, iconic look is marked by beautiful yet simple cuts and colors. You accent your neutral palette with carefully chosen textures, patterns and splashes of color. Whatever the trends, you're uninfluenced by short-lived fads and always remain confidently in style.

The best part about being a Julep Maven is that you aren't confined to one style. Each month, you get a preview of each of the boxes and you can make a switch, depending on your mood. This month, I switched to the American Beauty style profile to receive some colors that I had been eyeing.

When my box arrived, it didn't disappoint. Julep packages their products like little presents, which adds to the fun and anticipation of receiving my monthly shipment.

In this month's box, I received a fun orange nail polish, a subtle nude pink and a hand and cuticle stick. Julep adds a touch of fun (as if I needed more fun) to the boxes as well! In addition to my products, I found some ponytail holders, swatch stickers and a little quote that related to the January theme of "Escape and Unwind".

Some of the other products that I've received in addition to my polish: a make-up case, nail polish remover, quick dry serum, mascara, sunscreen, moisturizer, foot scrub, pumice, jewelry and sweet treats! I highly recommend Julep as a fun and inexpensive way to stay on trend with the latest in nail color while getting a bit of fun and color, delivered to your door!

Here are the details:
Monthly fee: $19.99 (for at least two bottles of nail polish and a product)
Sign up:  http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/20591/
Try it cheap! Use Promo code: COLOR2012 to receive your first box for a penny

Side note: My monthly Julep shipments have been the incentive that I needed to finally kick my nail biting habit for good. Just knowing that I'll have a fun new polish to try or to layer on one of my other colors is the incentive I need to keep my fingers looking pretty.

What are some other monthly product subscription "boxes"? I'd love to discover other products for myself or for Baby B.