Here is day four's topic in the battle to beat the stay-at-home momdrums. (Click Here for a list of topics). For more information on how you can join the blog battle click here.
Day Four: Thankful Thursday. Another twist on the Ten Toes Tuesday. When you're down you're supposed to count your blessings so I'm encouraging you to do it on your blog. Let's see how long we can make these lists!
"Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessing see what God has done. Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings see what God has done."
Thankful Thursday
1. I am alive. Ten years ago I struggled with suicidal impulses and on at least three separate occasions was saved from following through at the last second. I battled depression and didn't see much hope for the future...Oh that there had been a window for that little girl to see herself today.
2. I have fantastic friends. From age 10 til today I have had one friend who has stuck by me like a sister. She has been my "Bosom Buddy" through thick and thin. Also, around the time I met my husband I met his best friend and his best friends wife....today I have claimed his best friends wife as MY best friend. She is someone with whom I can always share my heart. And now we're both raising little girls together! There are others as well. In fact I could probably list at least five close friends without thinking twice.
3. I have found my Prince Charming. Two months before I first met my husband I came out of a difficult relationship. The night I ended it with that boyfriend I remember driving out to watch the sunset in a near by field and crying to God. I felt spent and scared. All I asked was for God to surprise me with joy. Not necessarily a boyfriend...just joy in my life. Two months later I met the man who can always make me laugh.
4. I have danced most of my dreams. I haven't seen the complete success of all of my dreams but I have experienced at least a short song of each. For example: I once dreamed of having my own radio talk show. I haven't had a talk show...but I have been a DJ. I once dreamed of being a dancer. I am not a dancer...but I have taken some dance. I dreamed of teaching. I am not a teacher but I have c0-taught High School theater for a semester. I dreamed of being a writer. I have not published a book, but I have published poetry. I once dreamed of being an actress. I haven't hit the big screen or even a big stage...but I have toured and taught theater.
So it may not be complete success...yet. But it is still sweet.
5. I have a lovely home. It is fairly big, at least for a family of three and brick (which I always wanted). We have a nice fenced in yard, a pretty nursery, a large master bedroom, and a good sized kitchen. There is a lot we want to do to it yet...but really what more could I want right now?
6. I have a beautiful baby girl. She is laughter and warmth and happiness personified. She is completely not what I expected, and completely perfect. She is a miracle in the making.
7. I have Christ. "In Christ I am a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 I know without a shadow of a doubt that I wouldn't be here today without Him. Thank you Jesus.
8. I have two working, paid for cars. Small thing really. They're not shiny or new or even very nice but they run and I am thankful for that.
9. I have a good relationship with my family. My parents and I used to fight FURIOUSLY. We still disagree but I could and do discuss everything with them now. I also am thankful for my brother who himself was a miracle.
10. We have our health. I've battled with my health for a lot of my life but over all when I look at the diseases and disasters out there...mine have been minuscule by comparison. Also, after all the worry while I was pregnant my daughter shows no signs of any serious health complications.
11. We live in a free Country. We are safe, free, and don't worry about food. This is a huge blessing.
As I write this I realize I could go on and on. But now it's your turn. Share your blessings. I would love to hear them. Plus, don't forget to check back tomorrow for Fabulous Friday and join in the fun!
Showing posts with label Look Ma it's a list. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Look Ma it's a list. Show all posts
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Ten Toes Tuesday
Here is day two's topic in the battle to beat the stay-at-home momdrums. (Click Here for a list of topics). For more information on how you can join the blog battle click here.
Day two: Ten Toes Tuesday. Blog ten things about your terrific tiny tot that make you fall in love all over again. Share her sweet smile or his silly songs. In the sound of music she sings about her favourite things to raise her spirits...I'm going to blog about them.
Ten Toes Tuesday
1. Her giggle. Like a brook bubbling over a bunch of shiny smooth stones. Sweet and unsuspecting. Appearing out of nowhere and spilling and splashing it's sunshine across the shadows.
2. Big blueberry eyes. My entire life the one thing I liked about myself...even in the midst of dark depression was always my eyes. Big and brown and by far my best feature they often caused people to comment. I suppose I always suspected my daughter would have the same. My husbands eyes are green with glints of brown...I never expected my baby's would be blue. Like ripe round blueberries they sparkle and shine and speak of her uniqueness. Her eyes also often get comments and compliments. They speak to me of the miracle of making a life. She is the same but different. Her own person with parts of her parents woven into a wonderful fabric...more rich and intriguing than I had ever imagined.
3. Rosy pink cheeks the colour of pretty flower petals. Soft and subtle during the day and bright and blooming when she wakes up. Her cheeks are like silk to kiss and look like life and laughter.
4. Kisses from candy lips. I snuggle her against my cheek and nuzzle nose to nose. Her breathe is warm and our bond is unbreakable. These are the moments of motherhood you hold in your heart.
5. Cuddles and snuggles and squishy tight hugs. I know mother's who's baby's barely let them hold them. Mine would rather be rocked and squeezed and hugged then almost anything else. She snuggles me, her daddy, her nanna, her poppa, and her baby doll. "aaa..aaa" she says to the baby. "lova lova" I say to my little munchkin.
6. Wonder as she watches the world around her. At her birthday party she looked at the balls and exclaimed "Oh!" She pointed at the balloons "Baaa!" She shouted. The first time she saw her cake her eyes got huge, her mouth formed a perfect little "o" and she pointed in awe. She motioned "come" at the cake. Each present and brightly coloured box wrapped in ribbon got an "Oh!" as well. If only I could see the world with the same amount of wonder.
7. Her love to sing and move and sway. I sing and she immediately stops to sing and sway to the music. In church she lifts her hands during the praise and worship and bobs along to the beat. At home when she hears a rock song she likes on the stereo she lifts one hand and dances like a rapper. If it's a slow song she lifts both hands and twists slowly side to side. When "Hey there Delilah" plays she sings the "Oooh"'s along with the band.
8. The way she believes the world believes in her. Every time someone claps she smiles like they are clapping for her. She claps too and grins from ear to ear. When we ask her how old she is she holds up one finger then immediately claps for herself. When she walks across a room she claps at her success. Yes, she is slightly high on herself...but hey at least she's got self-esteem!
9. That brilliant little brain. Who knew one year old's could understand so much? She knows to scoot her way to daddy when I tell her he'll make breakfast. She knows to stop when I say no (although sometimes she tests this). She understands when I say "I'll be right back" before I leave a room and doesn't complain or cry. She knows how old she is and how to feed herself with a fork. She knows when she needs to go to the washroom and how to put the lid back on a container. She knows where your eyes, nose and mouth are. She knows so many things and such a short time ago she was so helpless and small.
10. Her silly, playful, personality. She plays peek-a-boo and tries to scoot or run away when we chase her. She tries to "Blub, blub, blub" with her finger on your lips. She'll pretend to share her snack and then snatch it away at the last second. She has a sense of humour like my husband and I love to watch her make us him smile.
Day two: Ten Toes Tuesday. Blog ten things about your terrific tiny tot that make you fall in love all over again. Share her sweet smile or his silly songs. In the sound of music she sings about her favourite things to raise her spirits...I'm going to blog about them.
Ten Toes Tuesday
1. Her giggle. Like a brook bubbling over a bunch of shiny smooth stones. Sweet and unsuspecting. Appearing out of nowhere and spilling and splashing it's sunshine across the shadows.
2. Big blueberry eyes. My entire life the one thing I liked about myself...even in the midst of dark depression was always my eyes. Big and brown and by far my best feature they often caused people to comment. I suppose I always suspected my daughter would have the same. My husbands eyes are green with glints of brown...I never expected my baby's would be blue. Like ripe round blueberries they sparkle and shine and speak of her uniqueness. Her eyes also often get comments and compliments. They speak to me of the miracle of making a life. She is the same but different. Her own person with parts of her parents woven into a wonderful fabric...more rich and intriguing than I had ever imagined.
3. Rosy pink cheeks the colour of pretty flower petals. Soft and subtle during the day and bright and blooming when she wakes up. Her cheeks are like silk to kiss and look like life and laughter.
4. Kisses from candy lips. I snuggle her against my cheek and nuzzle nose to nose. Her breathe is warm and our bond is unbreakable. These are the moments of motherhood you hold in your heart.
5. Cuddles and snuggles and squishy tight hugs. I know mother's who's baby's barely let them hold them. Mine would rather be rocked and squeezed and hugged then almost anything else. She snuggles me, her daddy, her nanna, her poppa, and her baby doll. "aaa..aaa" she says to the baby. "lova lova" I say to my little munchkin.
6. Wonder as she watches the world around her. At her birthday party she looked at the balls and exclaimed "Oh!" She pointed at the balloons "Baaa!" She shouted. The first time she saw her cake her eyes got huge, her mouth formed a perfect little "o" and she pointed in awe. She motioned "come" at the cake. Each present and brightly coloured box wrapped in ribbon got an "Oh!" as well. If only I could see the world with the same amount of wonder.
7. Her love to sing and move and sway. I sing and she immediately stops to sing and sway to the music. In church she lifts her hands during the praise and worship and bobs along to the beat. At home when she hears a rock song she likes on the stereo she lifts one hand and dances like a rapper. If it's a slow song she lifts both hands and twists slowly side to side. When "Hey there Delilah" plays she sings the "Oooh"'s along with the band.
8. The way she believes the world believes in her. Every time someone claps she smiles like they are clapping for her. She claps too and grins from ear to ear. When we ask her how old she is she holds up one finger then immediately claps for herself. When she walks across a room she claps at her success. Yes, she is slightly high on herself...but hey at least she's got self-esteem!
9. That brilliant little brain. Who knew one year old's could understand so much? She knows to scoot her way to daddy when I tell her he'll make breakfast. She knows to stop when I say no (although sometimes she tests this). She understands when I say "I'll be right back" before I leave a room and doesn't complain or cry. She knows how old she is and how to feed herself with a fork. She knows when she needs to go to the washroom and how to put the lid back on a container. She knows where your eyes, nose and mouth are. She knows so many things and such a short time ago she was so helpless and small.
10. Her silly, playful, personality. She plays peek-a-boo and tries to scoot or run away when we chase her. She tries to "Blub, blub, blub" with her finger on your lips. She'll pretend to share her snack and then snatch it away at the last second. She has a sense of humour like my husband and I love to watch her make us him smile.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Best (and worst) baby buys
Many of my mommy friends seem to be making babies lately. Whether it's their first of final I seem to be getting a lot of wonderings on what they should be buying. So, I decided to devise my own best and worst baby buys to help you out. Remember however that this is purely my opinion and what's worked for me and Little Lady may not work as well for you. This is simply a small guide based on my best and worst days under my mommy umbrella.
Best breast stuff: My Hooter Hider hands down. Had my hooters not been so well hidden I may have had a much more horrible nursing experience and most definitely would not have been a milk machine this long. This chic, cute cover keeps the breasts and the baby under wraps while still allowing you to adore your baby, keep eye contact, and have easy access. No wrestling with a bouncing baby and a blanket which repeatedly wants to slide away. No wondering what that babies up to under there. I’ve had so many mothers ask me about this invention. It really warrants you the freedom to breastfeed in public and still keep yourself private. Plus, it comes in a plethora of cool patterns!!
Worst breast stuff: I’m not sure my breasts would have given up their milk for anything but my baby… but they definitely didn’t for the Gerber manual breast pump. Plus it had a hundred creases to clean and I never was satisfied with how it was sanitized. PLUS, it broke after only a handful of meetings with my breast. I tried a First Years electric pump for awhile and it worked a little better but my girls just wouldn’t give it up. My advice? I know it’s gross but if you want to bottle feed only on occasion maybe try to borrow a breast pump from a best bud first. If you like it and it works then go out and get it but don’t be like me and waist money when your breasts won’t obey anyway.
Best savy soothers and feeding finds: These two products are a must for teething time. The Sassy Teething feeder, Or Munchkin’s Fresh Food feeder. They are the same concept by different companies and both work wonders. Before I trusted Little Lady’s chewing skills I saved myself a world of worry with this great gadget. Just stick in a cookie, a cracker, or a piece of frozen cantaloupe and baby can crunch away without a chance of choking! And a quick feeding tip: Little Lady loves Munchkin Safety Spoons for being fed. We’ve tried a ton and these are nice for her tiny mouth and soft for her tender teeth. The colour indicator isn’t accurate though but I don’t find that a disadvantage.
Worst (sucky) soothers and feeding flops: I vowed I would NEVER suck my baby’s soother to rinse off rubbish so when I saw the Keep it Kleen pacifier by Razbaby I snatched that sucky up. The reasons for the this soother literally sucking are three fold. 1) It doesn’t actually ALWAYS land safe side down first. ( I tried it a ton of times) 2) It’s terribly uncomfortable, clunky, and leaves lines on Little Lady’s face. 3) Little Lady thinks the only thing worth sucking is a breast, she never even took a bottle. So if your kid sucks ANYTHING then it might save you a few sour tastes of floor scraps… but don’t bother to buy ‘til you know your sweethearts sucking habits. And a tiny feeding tip: Beware plastic spoons that are too round, hard, or have any kind of lip. You’ll just be making a mess.
Best baby toting: Technology takes like two point two seconds flat to advance. When I was pregnant we bought the peg perrego A3 pramette because it was the only stylish stroller that could also pose as a pram. I LOVED this option for Little Lady. She was much more comfortable shopping when she could lay in the pram rather than sit in her car seat. But now peg perrego’s come out with something even better for your baby. The Pliko pramette which would have been the stroller we bought if not for the lack of lying down option. (It did recline but we wanted the real pram). We also love our peg perego primo viaggio car seat carrier. I only wish they made seats for older than infants.
Worst way to wear your baby : Now I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t “wear” your baby, although this may sound like it. Afterall, Little Lady and I were practically Siamese twins ‘til she was six months old. I just never found a carrier I would call worth it. The two I detested most were Cuddlywrap baby carrier and the Snugli by evenflo. Little lady and I were just that…little, and the cuddlywrap has a LOT of fabric. I could never tie her tight enough and always felt I had to hold her anyway. We bought the snugli because Prince Charming thought it was more manly than a wrap and because it was cheaper than a Baby Bjiorn. We should have just bought the Bjiorn. The snugli was so clunky and chunky with so many blasted buckles I hated having it on. Plus Little Lady didn’t like it much. I recently tried on a ring sling at a store…this may be a better solution.
Best bottles and sweet sippers: Never have I seen a sippy so sweet as Nuby . Little Lady loves hers. She won’t even let us suggest switching. I wish I had known about their bottles before I had her because they may have been just the ticket to getting her to take something other than the breast on occasion.
Worst bottle buy: Buying bottles before you know if you’re nursing or not. Have one or two on hand just in case you can’t or won’t be able to become baby’s bottle but otherwise don’t bother. I bought billions of bottles thinking I would pump and maybe another type of nipple would help my breast addict baby bottle feed, it was not to be. Now I have a bundle of unused bottles. Here are a few we definitely didn’t like: Gerber reusable and Gerber comfort hold bottles .
Best baby beauty products: I always said that if I would have a girl our budget would be broken. I’m a shopaholic and I gravitate to anything girly. Thankfully my Little Lady loves all things feminine so far so we haven’t had to fight. One of my favourites is the Gymboree mini curlies (magnetic clips). Little Lady is a little lacking in the luscious locks area but with these amazing magnetic clips you only need a curl of hair for a super cute do. Plus, they don’t pull.
Worst baby wear: Any sleeper that snaps up only one side so you have to scrunch up one leg under that adorable arm pit then twist and tug into place. Major pain and outgrown easier.
Best way to watch your baby: I confess I’m a compulsive worrier. When she’s in bed I worry whether she’s warm, whether she’s cold or whether she’s breathing. I wonder how she’s sleeping and if her sheets are wrinkled. So rather than waking her by walking into her room at all hours, this mother invested in a video monitor. My opinion is that nothing gives your more piece of mind then being able to almost be there in the room with them. This way I also know whether she’s awake and waiting for me and for what reason she’s raising her voice. Another great way to watch is a back seat baby mirror for those rear facing car seats. Little Lady loves to play peek-a-boo with us in hers and it really helps calm her by making her feel like she’s got our company.
Best bum and body products: As new parents we tried the Pampers but our Little Lady’s bum was just too tiny. She needed a more secure, small, shaped fit to avoid the absolutely amazing experience of poop plastered inside her sleeper. Huggies natural fit with hug flex and gentle care with cuddle weave worked wonders. I’m also a firm believer in the Johnsons bedtime bath products. Little Lady has super sensitive skin and reacts easily to perfumes and heavy products. The light lavender of these products is pleasing to the senses, gentle on sensitive skin, and actually DOES work as a seditive. I actually notice a difference in Little Lady’s sleep patterns after we’ve pampered her with a lavender bubble bath and massage. I even consider it calming to use on myself. Another favorite is the Aveeno diaper rash cream. It’s the only one that worked for Little Lady’s sensitive skin. And a tip: Aveeno didn’t clear up the severe raised rashes caused by immunizations and allergies, but a combination of other creams recommended by our public health nurse did. Ask about it at your pharmacy or Make your own .
Worst bum and body products: Personally I hate penaten cream because it only irritated Little Lady’s bum beyond how bad it already was... but others do like it. I’m also opposed to baby oil which I found greasy, not that great smelling, and absolutely no use for and therefore a great big waste of money.
Best (bought) toys: Little Lady is actually less amazed by most toys then by my make-up or someone’s shoe... but here are a few of our best toy BUYS: Her Woozit water filled activity toy by Manhattan Toy has been hands down the best diaper bag toy we’ve bought. It was her first Christmas present at four months and at almost eleven it’s still a pretty sure fire entertainer. It’s bright colours, varied activities, and crazy shapes can keep her occupied for up to an hour and we can cart it anywhere. Another small and sure fire toy is the Baby Einstein Color Kalidescope Discovery Center. She’s also had this one since four months and doesn’t get sick of it….hey this toy even entertains me (and most people who visit want to play with it too)! And not that it matters much but she gets to learn in English, French and Spanish for a brain boosting bonus! She also really enjoys her laugh n’ learn walk and drive car because it has so many activities in one. Her laugh n’ learn learning home and her leap frog learning table for the same reason. She’s had hours of enjoyment out of all three already and these are all toys that will grow with her for at least awhile longer. The Leap Frog Learning table was also instrumental in helping Little Lady learn to stand and to walk around furniture. I’ve heard this from other mothers as well.
Worst toys: Want to teach your tyke road rage and listen to really annoying songs all day? Buy the v tech learn n discover driver. Little Lady got this as a gift and it’s the only toy I can NOT STAND. The voices, songs, and sounds are annoying, rude, and did I mention REALLY annoying!? Plus it short circuits so it sounds like a skipping cd!!!! Definitely do NOT let this driver through your door.
Hope this list is of a little help for all you lovely moms wondering about what you need. Feel free to leave your own favourites or counter statements in the comment section. I would love to hear about your worsts as well. Wondering if I've reviewed any other products? Just ask.
Best breast stuff: My Hooter Hider hands down. Had my hooters not been so well hidden I may have had a much more horrible nursing experience and most definitely would not have been a milk machine this long. This chic, cute cover keeps the breasts and the baby under wraps while still allowing you to adore your baby, keep eye contact, and have easy access. No wrestling with a bouncing baby and a blanket which repeatedly wants to slide away. No wondering what that babies up to under there. I’ve had so many mothers ask me about this invention. It really warrants you the freedom to breastfeed in public and still keep yourself private. Plus, it comes in a plethora of cool patterns!!
Worst breast stuff: I’m not sure my breasts would have given up their milk for anything but my baby… but they definitely didn’t for the Gerber manual breast pump. Plus it had a hundred creases to clean and I never was satisfied with how it was sanitized. PLUS, it broke after only a handful of meetings with my breast. I tried a First Years electric pump for awhile and it worked a little better but my girls just wouldn’t give it up. My advice? I know it’s gross but if you want to bottle feed only on occasion maybe try to borrow a breast pump from a best bud first. If you like it and it works then go out and get it but don’t be like me and waist money when your breasts won’t obey anyway.
Best savy soothers and feeding finds: These two products are a must for teething time. The Sassy Teething feeder, Or Munchkin’s Fresh Food feeder. They are the same concept by different companies and both work wonders. Before I trusted Little Lady’s chewing skills I saved myself a world of worry with this great gadget. Just stick in a cookie, a cracker, or a piece of frozen cantaloupe and baby can crunch away without a chance of choking! And a quick feeding tip: Little Lady loves Munchkin Safety Spoons for being fed. We’ve tried a ton and these are nice for her tiny mouth and soft for her tender teeth. The colour indicator isn’t accurate though but I don’t find that a disadvantage.
Worst (sucky) soothers and feeding flops: I vowed I would NEVER suck my baby’s soother to rinse off rubbish so when I saw the Keep it Kleen pacifier by Razbaby I snatched that sucky up. The reasons for the this soother literally sucking are three fold. 1) It doesn’t actually ALWAYS land safe side down first. ( I tried it a ton of times) 2) It’s terribly uncomfortable, clunky, and leaves lines on Little Lady’s face. 3) Little Lady thinks the only thing worth sucking is a breast, she never even took a bottle. So if your kid sucks ANYTHING then it might save you a few sour tastes of floor scraps… but don’t bother to buy ‘til you know your sweethearts sucking habits. And a tiny feeding tip: Beware plastic spoons that are too round, hard, or have any kind of lip. You’ll just be making a mess.
Best baby toting: Technology takes like two point two seconds flat to advance. When I was pregnant we bought the peg perrego A3 pramette because it was the only stylish stroller that could also pose as a pram. I LOVED this option for Little Lady. She was much more comfortable shopping when she could lay in the pram rather than sit in her car seat. But now peg perrego’s come out with something even better for your baby. The Pliko pramette which would have been the stroller we bought if not for the lack of lying down option. (It did recline but we wanted the real pram). We also love our peg perego primo viaggio car seat carrier. I only wish they made seats for older than infants.
Worst way to wear your baby : Now I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t “wear” your baby, although this may sound like it. Afterall, Little Lady and I were practically Siamese twins ‘til she was six months old. I just never found a carrier I would call worth it. The two I detested most were Cuddlywrap baby carrier and the Snugli by evenflo. Little lady and I were just that…little, and the cuddlywrap has a LOT of fabric. I could never tie her tight enough and always felt I had to hold her anyway. We bought the snugli because Prince Charming thought it was more manly than a wrap and because it was cheaper than a Baby Bjiorn. We should have just bought the Bjiorn. The snugli was so clunky and chunky with so many blasted buckles I hated having it on. Plus Little Lady didn’t like it much. I recently tried on a ring sling at a store…this may be a better solution.
Best bottles and sweet sippers: Never have I seen a sippy so sweet as Nuby . Little Lady loves hers. She won’t even let us suggest switching. I wish I had known about their bottles before I had her because they may have been just the ticket to getting her to take something other than the breast on occasion.
Worst bottle buy: Buying bottles before you know if you’re nursing or not. Have one or two on hand just in case you can’t or won’t be able to become baby’s bottle but otherwise don’t bother. I bought billions of bottles thinking I would pump and maybe another type of nipple would help my breast addict baby bottle feed, it was not to be. Now I have a bundle of unused bottles. Here are a few we definitely didn’t like: Gerber reusable and Gerber comfort hold bottles .
Best baby beauty products: I always said that if I would have a girl our budget would be broken. I’m a shopaholic and I gravitate to anything girly. Thankfully my Little Lady loves all things feminine so far so we haven’t had to fight. One of my favourites is the Gymboree mini curlies (magnetic clips). Little Lady is a little lacking in the luscious locks area but with these amazing magnetic clips you only need a curl of hair for a super cute do. Plus, they don’t pull.
Worst baby wear: Any sleeper that snaps up only one side so you have to scrunch up one leg under that adorable arm pit then twist and tug into place. Major pain and outgrown easier.
Best way to watch your baby: I confess I’m a compulsive worrier. When she’s in bed I worry whether she’s warm, whether she’s cold or whether she’s breathing. I wonder how she’s sleeping and if her sheets are wrinkled. So rather than waking her by walking into her room at all hours, this mother invested in a video monitor. My opinion is that nothing gives your more piece of mind then being able to almost be there in the room with them. This way I also know whether she’s awake and waiting for me and for what reason she’s raising her voice. Another great way to watch is a back seat baby mirror for those rear facing car seats. Little Lady loves to play peek-a-boo with us in hers and it really helps calm her by making her feel like she’s got our company.
Best bum and body products: As new parents we tried the Pampers but our Little Lady’s bum was just too tiny. She needed a more secure, small, shaped fit to avoid the absolutely amazing experience of poop plastered inside her sleeper. Huggies natural fit with hug flex and gentle care with cuddle weave worked wonders. I’m also a firm believer in the Johnsons bedtime bath products. Little Lady has super sensitive skin and reacts easily to perfumes and heavy products. The light lavender of these products is pleasing to the senses, gentle on sensitive skin, and actually DOES work as a seditive. I actually notice a difference in Little Lady’s sleep patterns after we’ve pampered her with a lavender bubble bath and massage. I even consider it calming to use on myself. Another favorite is the Aveeno diaper rash cream. It’s the only one that worked for Little Lady’s sensitive skin. And a tip: Aveeno didn’t clear up the severe raised rashes caused by immunizations and allergies, but a combination of other creams recommended by our public health nurse did. Ask about it at your pharmacy or Make your own .
Worst bum and body products: Personally I hate penaten cream because it only irritated Little Lady’s bum beyond how bad it already was... but others do like it. I’m also opposed to baby oil which I found greasy, not that great smelling, and absolutely no use for and therefore a great big waste of money.
Best (bought) toys: Little Lady is actually less amazed by most toys then by my make-up or someone’s shoe... but here are a few of our best toy BUYS: Her Woozit water filled activity toy by Manhattan Toy has been hands down the best diaper bag toy we’ve bought. It was her first Christmas present at four months and at almost eleven it’s still a pretty sure fire entertainer. It’s bright colours, varied activities, and crazy shapes can keep her occupied for up to an hour and we can cart it anywhere. Another small and sure fire toy is the Baby Einstein Color Kalidescope Discovery Center. She’s also had this one since four months and doesn’t get sick of it….hey this toy even entertains me (and most people who visit want to play with it too)! And not that it matters much but she gets to learn in English, French and Spanish for a brain boosting bonus! She also really enjoys her laugh n’ learn walk and drive car because it has so many activities in one. Her laugh n’ learn learning home and her leap frog learning table for the same reason. She’s had hours of enjoyment out of all three already and these are all toys that will grow with her for at least awhile longer. The Leap Frog Learning table was also instrumental in helping Little Lady learn to stand and to walk around furniture. I’ve heard this from other mothers as well.
Worst toys: Want to teach your tyke road rage and listen to really annoying songs all day? Buy the v tech learn n discover driver. Little Lady got this as a gift and it’s the only toy I can NOT STAND. The voices, songs, and sounds are annoying, rude, and did I mention REALLY annoying!? Plus it short circuits so it sounds like a skipping cd!!!! Definitely do NOT let this driver through your door.
Hope this list is of a little help for all you lovely moms wondering about what you need. Feel free to leave your own favourites or counter statements in the comment section. I would love to hear about your worsts as well. Wondering if I've reviewed any other products? Just ask.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
"These are a few of my favourite things"...(Radio Edit)
I was going to write a list of my favourite things for my Thursday thirteen....but I decided it wouldn't be G rated enough ;o) So here's a list of Little Lady's favourite things in her own words (well they would be if she could talk).
1) These boots are made for....chewing? Mm sweet, scrumptious shoes! What's a girl without a pretty pair of patent leather shoes? Or a strappy pair of sandals? There's nothing more beautiful to study, more fun to shake, more lovely to lick.
2) "Out of clutter, find Simplicity" -Albert Einstein. I love to un-pack. Purses, diaper bags, pamper packages, you name it I'll un-load it. I'll page through all those letters you have lying around and arrange them in nice neat piles all around the room. However, as hard as my mommy tries to teach me...I do not re-organize, re-pack, or put away.
3) "She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain. (1873)" ~ Louisa May Alcott ~. I could spend many hours with a good magazine, a cell phone manual, or an interesting book. Whether it's People magazine or pride and predjudice, I literally eat them up.
4) "Whistle While you work" My mommy can't whistle worth her weight in salt but my daddy whistles while working, playing, or partying and I love it. A whistle can make me stop in mid screech and sing. I recently learned to whistle as well! I don't know how I do it but it's adorable!
5) "I'm singing in the rain" I'm singing everywhere actually. When the music plays I start to move. I clap and bounce to the beat. If you tap your hands on the table or the tap drip drops I'll dance to that too. Start a beat and I'll soon be bopping. Sometimes i even try to sing along. My favourite songs are "Joy, Joy, joy" (of which I sing these three words), Hey there Delilah, and anything by Il Divo
6) "When the girl returned, some hours later, she carried a tray, with a cup of fragrant tea steaming on it; and a plate piled up with very hot buttered toast" -The Wind in the Willows. Oh if only mommy would let me drink her tea! I try and I try but she always tricks me with an empty cup. The few sips I've had have been simply scrumptious though! I could probably live on toast and tea if mommy would let me.
7) To be natural is such a very difficult pose to keep up.” -Oscar Wild. Every time that cameras out I'm turning on the charm. You want to see me show off, just catch me in front of the camcorder.
8) “We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing.”-Charles Schafer. My favourite toys include my Leap Frog Learning Table, My Water Activity Toy, empty plastic bottles, my Fisher Price Laugh and Learn House, and balls.
9) Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society. ~Mark Twain I adore clothes...but mostly when they're not on me. If I could be naked all the time and still stay warm...life would be grand. However, I adore looking at, touching, and playing with clothes. I like to select them from my closet but I'd rather not wear them.
10) Breasts. Why take a bottle when the real thing is better? Nothing calms a boo boo, soothes a bad day, or helps pass the time when you're bored like a breast.
11) "Hush, baby, my dolly, I pray you don't cry," I love my baby dolly. I have two favourites, Pinky my Playskool baby and Twinkie, my glow bug. I also love my TY bunny. I hold them in my crib when I wake up and I rock them when they are sad.
12) Make-Up. I LOVE to watch my mommy put on make-up. Sometimes I empty the make-up bag when mommy isn't watching and try to wear it. I also love the hair dryer...now if only I had more hair...
13) A spoonful of sugar" Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what I'm mad of...and a big bag of attitude according to my mommy. But I still would love to have some more sugar...boy mommy...that chocolate cupcake sure looks great.....
1) These boots are made for....chewing? Mm sweet, scrumptious shoes! What's a girl without a pretty pair of patent leather shoes? Or a strappy pair of sandals? There's nothing more beautiful to study, more fun to shake, more lovely to lick.
2) "Out of clutter, find Simplicity" -Albert Einstein. I love to un-pack. Purses, diaper bags, pamper packages, you name it I'll un-load it. I'll page through all those letters you have lying around and arrange them in nice neat piles all around the room. However, as hard as my mommy tries to teach me...I do not re-organize, re-pack, or put away.
3) "She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain. (1873)" ~ Louisa May Alcott ~. I could spend many hours with a good magazine, a cell phone manual, or an interesting book. Whether it's People magazine or pride and predjudice, I literally eat them up.
4) "Whistle While you work" My mommy can't whistle worth her weight in salt but my daddy whistles while working, playing, or partying and I love it. A whistle can make me stop in mid screech and sing. I recently learned to whistle as well! I don't know how I do it but it's adorable!
5) "I'm singing in the rain" I'm singing everywhere actually. When the music plays I start to move. I clap and bounce to the beat. If you tap your hands on the table or the tap drip drops I'll dance to that too. Start a beat and I'll soon be bopping. Sometimes i even try to sing along. My favourite songs are "Joy, Joy, joy" (of which I sing these three words), Hey there Delilah, and anything by Il Divo
6) "When the girl returned, some hours later, she carried a tray, with a cup of fragrant tea steaming on it; and a plate piled up with very hot buttered toast" -The Wind in the Willows. Oh if only mommy would let me drink her tea! I try and I try but she always tricks me with an empty cup. The few sips I've had have been simply scrumptious though! I could probably live on toast and tea if mommy would let me.
7) To be natural is such a very difficult pose to keep up.” -Oscar Wild. Every time that cameras out I'm turning on the charm. You want to see me show off, just catch me in front of the camcorder.
8) “We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing.”-Charles Schafer. My favourite toys include my Leap Frog Learning Table, My Water Activity Toy, empty plastic bottles, my Fisher Price Laugh and Learn House, and balls.
9) Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society. ~Mark Twain I adore clothes...but mostly when they're not on me. If I could be naked all the time and still stay warm...life would be grand. However, I adore looking at, touching, and playing with clothes. I like to select them from my closet but I'd rather not wear them.
10) Breasts. Why take a bottle when the real thing is better? Nothing calms a boo boo, soothes a bad day, or helps pass the time when you're bored like a breast.
11) "Hush, baby, my dolly, I pray you don't cry," I love my baby dolly. I have two favourites, Pinky my Playskool baby and Twinkie, my glow bug. I also love my TY bunny. I hold them in my crib when I wake up and I rock them when they are sad.
12) Make-Up. I LOVE to watch my mommy put on make-up. Sometimes I empty the make-up bag when mommy isn't watching and try to wear it. I also love the hair dryer...now if only I had more hair...
13) A spoonful of sugar" Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what I'm mad of...and a big bag of attitude according to my mommy. But I still would love to have some more sugar...boy mommy...that chocolate cupcake sure looks great.....
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Thirteen reasons why I know a girls night is WAY over due...
1) In the past two months my husband has been out golfing at least ten times with the guys....I have been out two hours with another girl (not including my daughter) in the last ten months.
2) The last chick flick I saw in the theater without a man around to mock certain scenes was probably Blue Crush...if that even qualifies as a chick flick...about 5 to 6 years ago.
3) As hard as he tries, my husband simply can not pull off an even close to perfect pedicure.
4) Gossiping with the girls consists of telling my daughter "Did you see samantha's sleeper? Totally last season!" And her starring back at me blankly.
5) My hands...although not looking altogether manly...are in such desperate need of a manicure that they could easily star in a horror movie.
6) My biggest outing alone in the past year has been to get my hair cut. Two hours of sheer bliss...except for the fact that it's a necessity and therefore nixt on the list of leisurly ways to spend an afternoon.
7) Although my husband will occasionaly take a cup of tea with me his comes in a mug not a tea cup and he refuses to wear a suit or eat scones. What kind of tea party is it when the guests either drink from a sippy cup or sit on the couch in their sweats?
8) The closest my husband has ever come to a wardrobe make over is when I bought him a new pair of boxers. Shopping with him (pretty much the only shopping I've done since the arrival of Little Lady) consists of speed walking through three stores and then him saying it's time to go home.
9) Although Little Lady ADORES my make-up and would love to wear it (she squeals the second she sees it and is particularily attracted to mascara for some strange reason) I just don't feel right about make-ing over an already model baby. Besides...I doubt I could leave the house if I let her lose on my own face.
10) The closest I've come to a facial in the past year is puke on my face
11) My last three new necklaces have been ripped right off by little baby fists and I only recently started wearing rings again because well....my hands don't spend their days in a jewlers show case. Dirty diapers just aren't great for diamonds.
12) Everything I wear has to be puke proof, bleachable and have easy boob acess.
13) Nobody understands the need for chocolate like another woman. And even though Little Lady goes into hyperdrive every time it's around I just don't think she's fair so well with Truth or Dare Fondue.
2) The last chick flick I saw in the theater without a man around to mock certain scenes was probably Blue Crush...if that even qualifies as a chick flick...about 5 to 6 years ago.
3) As hard as he tries, my husband simply can not pull off an even close to perfect pedicure.
4) Gossiping with the girls consists of telling my daughter "Did you see samantha's sleeper? Totally last season!" And her starring back at me blankly.
5) My hands...although not looking altogether manly...are in such desperate need of a manicure that they could easily star in a horror movie.
6) My biggest outing alone in the past year has been to get my hair cut. Two hours of sheer bliss...except for the fact that it's a necessity and therefore nixt on the list of leisurly ways to spend an afternoon.
7) Although my husband will occasionaly take a cup of tea with me his comes in a mug not a tea cup and he refuses to wear a suit or eat scones. What kind of tea party is it when the guests either drink from a sippy cup or sit on the couch in their sweats?
8) The closest my husband has ever come to a wardrobe make over is when I bought him a new pair of boxers. Shopping with him (pretty much the only shopping I've done since the arrival of Little Lady) consists of speed walking through three stores and then him saying it's time to go home.
9) Although Little Lady ADORES my make-up and would love to wear it (she squeals the second she sees it and is particularily attracted to mascara for some strange reason) I just don't feel right about make-ing over an already model baby. Besides...I doubt I could leave the house if I let her lose on my own face.
10) The closest I've come to a facial in the past year is puke on my face
11) My last three new necklaces have been ripped right off by little baby fists and I only recently started wearing rings again because well....my hands don't spend their days in a jewlers show case. Dirty diapers just aren't great for diamonds.
12) Everything I wear has to be puke proof, bleachable and have easy boob acess.
13) Nobody understands the need for chocolate like another woman. And even though Little Lady goes into hyperdrive every time it's around I just don't think she's fair so well with Truth or Dare Fondue.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
When the sky's look dreary
This has been a rough week for me. It's literally rained every day and my daughter has had a terrible stomach flu. There is only so many times you can be puked and pooped on before you reach a breaking point and I've reached that multiple times this week. It's those times that it helps to focus on the sweet moments. In the beginning when I would have a bad day or a nasty night after Little Lady was born I would close my eyes and focus on the first moment I held her in my arms. Remembering that feeling would get me through. After awhile I would picture her first smile and now I have a million special moments. So in an effort to brighten this week, and for all of you needing a reminder of the joys of motherhood....here are just a few:
Reasons why I love to be a mom
1) The milky sweet smell of my baby's breath. I finally realized why they named a flower after it and suddenly it is the most beautiful flower in the world....
2) When I open the dishwasher I smile. Sure there are aprroximately a million more dishes to do than before but when I open the dishwasher and see a rainbow of dishware I can't help but feel happy. I mean, who can look at pictures of Cinderella spoon beside a sesame street set and not smile?
3) Passionate baby kisses. Nobody kisses with more enthusiasm then a baby giving her mommy a great big kiss. (Okay...a really turned on husband can on occasion kiss with that kind of passion too....but it's a little less wet (Thankfully)) If it were anyone else you would probably scream at them for slobbering all that saliva...but somehow when it's your baby displaying such open hearted emotion for you...you can't help but melt.
4) The sight, smell, and feeling of my baby fresh out of the bath. Smelling all sweet like lavendar with warm rosy cheeks. Heart stopping. (On a side note, I used to think naked baby pics were wierd but I now totally get them (only the good kind, not the perverted)
5) When I walk into a room somebody actually jumps out of their seat with a huge smile to come to me.
6) Seeing things through a babies eyes. Suddenly a toilet paper tube is the most fascinating thing on earth!
7) Giggles. In Peter Pan they say that every time a child laughs a fairy is born...I believe it. It's like a shot of extacy right to your heart.
8) The way she snuggles against my chest every few minutes when I'm holding her or reaches back to touch my hand when she is playing. Just to make sure I'm still there.
9) I now have legitimate reason to roam around Toys R Us! It rocks! Along the same lines, I also have legitimate reasons for watching Mary Kate and Ashley movies as well as reading all the Dr. Seuss and Robert munch I want!
10) Sparkling eyes, toothless smiles, and watching her personality develop. When you watch a baby grow you know there has to be a God out there. There is no other way something that intricate, such a beautiful work of art, could come into existence without the work of an equisite artist.
Hope this brightens your day as much as it did mine!
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