Wiping food on the back of my pants. You can find everything from oatmeal to last night's dinner on the seat of my pants.
Cursing. It's one of my worst habits. I love to swear. It makes me feel powerful.
Buying clothes that don't fit. Why is everything made to be so clingy?
Checking my e-mail every 2 seconds. That goes for Myspace, too!
Eating when I'm bored.
Watching soap operas during my daughter's nap. It's a guilty pleasure!
1.30.2006
Definition: Mommy Moment
It occurred to me that I named this blog, "Another Mommy Moment," without explaining what that really means.
A mommy moment is what happens when you work 365 days a year without a vacation.
A mommy moment is being able to remember your daughter's lunch, her favorite doll, her Dora backpack, extra diapers, her blankie and a sippy cup to daycare, but forgetting where in God's name you put your keys.
A mommy moment is being on the verge on tears in the parking lot at the grocery store because your toddler refuses to get in her carseat.
A mommy moment is hiding your daughter's favorite bedtime story because you just can't muster the strength to read it for the 1,000th time.
A mommy moment is getting dressed only to realize that none of your clothes fit right and the ones that do are from your maternity stash.
What would you describe as a mommy moment?
A mommy moment is what happens when you work 365 days a year without a vacation.
A mommy moment is being able to remember your daughter's lunch, her favorite doll, her Dora backpack, extra diapers, her blankie and a sippy cup to daycare, but forgetting where in God's name you put your keys.
A mommy moment is being on the verge on tears in the parking lot at the grocery store because your toddler refuses to get in her carseat.
A mommy moment is hiding your daughter's favorite bedtime story because you just can't muster the strength to read it for the 1,000th time.
A mommy moment is getting dressed only to realize that none of your clothes fit right and the ones that do are from your maternity stash.
What would you describe as a mommy moment?
Eating Play-Doh
Why is it that my daughter will eat Play-Doh and not a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?
1.29.2006
Bizarre Elmo Story
From MSNBC
ELLENSBURG, Wash. - A character in some copies of an Elmo potty training book has an unusual message that you may not want your toddler to hear.
The Baby David character in "Potty Time With Elmo" says, "Uh oh, who wants to die?" when a read-along button is pushed, NBC News reported.
He's supposed to say, "Uh oh, who has to go?"
The publisher said the sound was recorded correctly, but some consumers hear a different phrase due to compression of the digital audio file.
The publisher, Publications International, doesn't know how many defective books are out there. Customers can return the books to the store where they were purchased, or they can call (800) 595-8484 for a free replacement.
The book is becoming a collector's item, and is being sold on eBay.
ELLENSBURG, Wash. - A character in some copies of an Elmo potty training book has an unusual message that you may not want your toddler to hear.
The Baby David character in "Potty Time With Elmo" says, "Uh oh, who wants to die?" when a read-along button is pushed, NBC News reported.
He's supposed to say, "Uh oh, who has to go?"
The publisher said the sound was recorded correctly, but some consumers hear a different phrase due to compression of the digital audio file.
The publisher, Publications International, doesn't know how many defective books are out there. Customers can return the books to the store where they were purchased, or they can call (800) 595-8484 for a free replacement.
The book is becoming a collector's item, and is being sold on eBay.
Don't Ask Questions
One of the best things my mother taught me about parenting – besides expect the unexpected – was to tell not ask. Conversations with my daughter usually begin with “Sweetie, do you want?” And her response is almost always a resounding no! I could ask her if she wants chocolate ice cream for breakfast and it would still be no. Instead, my mom suggested I try using simple statements like, “It’s time for lunch,” rather than, “What do you want for lunch today?” Or, “Bath time,” instead of “Do you want to take a bath now?”
I didn’t realize how much I actually ask of my daughter until I tried to stop. Maybe that’s why she has such an opinion about things these days...because I let her. Now I try to dictate the activities we are going to do and then let her have a choice as to how we do it. For instance, when it’s time for a nap, I simply say “Nap time,” and then let her choose what story she wants to read. This way she still feels like she has some of the power.
Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t work all the time. She’s 2 – it's her job to go against everything I say. At least that’s what I tell myself. Still, it’s a good rule of thumb. Does it work for you?
I didn’t realize how much I actually ask of my daughter until I tried to stop. Maybe that’s why she has such an opinion about things these days...because I let her. Now I try to dictate the activities we are going to do and then let her have a choice as to how we do it. For instance, when it’s time for a nap, I simply say “Nap time,” and then let her choose what story she wants to read. This way she still feels like she has some of the power.
Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t work all the time. She’s 2 – it's her job to go against everything I say. At least that’s what I tell myself. Still, it’s a good rule of thumb. Does it work for you?
1.28.2006
Mommy Rant
I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what to write. I want to write about what an ass my husband is, but this is supposed to be a blog about parenting. Still, he's a big part of that so I'm just going to vent.
Becoming a mom has been such an adjustment for me, more so than I could have ever imagined. I thought he would be there for me every step of the way and it hasn't been like that. Instead I feel like we're always at odds. Turns out we have completely different parenting styles. Basically, I do EVERYTHING and he doesn't want to be bothered. I'm sure that's the reality for a lot of women though. Why is it so hard for men to do the little things? Get off your butt and change a diaper, play with her, give her a bath, read her a story, anything other than turn on the TV and pop in a video. Don't wait for me to ask you to get her dressed, just do it. Get your hands dirty, play with finger paint or color for pete's sake. Don't act baffled when she wants mommy, mommy, mommy instead of daddy.
I have to admit that he doesn't have it easy. He works all day long and our daughter is difficult. She's not very easygoing so it can make family outings a pain in the butt more than a pleasure. Still, I don't think he tries hard enough. I'm doing everything I can to keep my head up and I feel like I have no support. I don't have very many girlfriends....oh heck, I don't have any. None that I could call on at a moment's notice and grab a margarita with. My husband, on the other hand, has a bunch of buddies he hangs out with. Is it wrong of me to complain about how much time he spends with them? He goes to the movies, he goes out to lunch, he has people over, he's out right now!
And what about the fact that we're raising a little girl...a little girl that I hope becomes a strong, confident young woman some day. I can't stand the way he talks to her. Or me for that matter. She's not a "bad girl" or a "brat" and I'm not a "bitch!"
Is this the way it's going to be? What about when we have another one? My life has been turned upside down and his hasn't changed one damn bit. I've sacrificed my mind, body and soul and he's still playing video games until 2 a.m.
Is there anyone else out there feeling this?
Becoming a mom has been such an adjustment for me, more so than I could have ever imagined. I thought he would be there for me every step of the way and it hasn't been like that. Instead I feel like we're always at odds. Turns out we have completely different parenting styles. Basically, I do EVERYTHING and he doesn't want to be bothered. I'm sure that's the reality for a lot of women though. Why is it so hard for men to do the little things? Get off your butt and change a diaper, play with her, give her a bath, read her a story, anything other than turn on the TV and pop in a video. Don't wait for me to ask you to get her dressed, just do it. Get your hands dirty, play with finger paint or color for pete's sake. Don't act baffled when she wants mommy, mommy, mommy instead of daddy.
I have to admit that he doesn't have it easy. He works all day long and our daughter is difficult. She's not very easygoing so it can make family outings a pain in the butt more than a pleasure. Still, I don't think he tries hard enough. I'm doing everything I can to keep my head up and I feel like I have no support. I don't have very many girlfriends....oh heck, I don't have any. None that I could call on at a moment's notice and grab a margarita with. My husband, on the other hand, has a bunch of buddies he hangs out with. Is it wrong of me to complain about how much time he spends with them? He goes to the movies, he goes out to lunch, he has people over, he's out right now!
And what about the fact that we're raising a little girl...a little girl that I hope becomes a strong, confident young woman some day. I can't stand the way he talks to her. Or me for that matter. She's not a "bad girl" or a "brat" and I'm not a "bitch!"
Is this the way it's going to be? What about when we have another one? My life has been turned upside down and his hasn't changed one damn bit. I've sacrificed my mind, body and soul and he's still playing video games until 2 a.m.
Is there anyone else out there feeling this?
1.27.2006
The Great TV Debate
I grew up with "Sesame Street." My mother used to plop us kids, 2 brothers and my twin sister, in front of the TV so that she could cook dinner. So when it came to my own daughter I didn't think twice about turning on the boob tube to do a load of laundry or empty the dishwasher. That it, until I started reading parenting magazines. It seemed like every month there was an article outlining the dangers of too much TV. Then I started to feel guilty about popping in a Baby Einstein video every now and then. Deep down, I don't think it's a big deal. Most of the time I sit and watch with her. But, when something needs to get done and I know a video will keep her occupied, I turn on the DVD player. Do the people who write these articles even have children? Do they know how difficult it is to try and shower with a 2 year old running around? I've even used TV as blackmail. "Sweetie, let's change your diaper and then we can watch Bear in the Big Blue House." I definitely agree that too much TV is bad news, but casual viewing?
What about you?
What about you?
Mini Me
I was listening to my daughter play with her toys today and was shocked by what I heard. She was repeating all the things I say to her on a day to day basis. It was hilarious! She would say things like, "Uh oh Eddie, that's not nice. Now you're going upstairs." Or, "Pooh, don't stand on the table please." Her imagination is amazing and I hope it continues to grow.
1.23.2006
Diaper Bag Dilemma
From an article on Americanbaby.com called "Surprising Mommy Milestones," by Julie Tilsner.
You know you're truly a mother when your diaper bag replaces your purse.
My first diaper bag was plastic and pastel green. It had little duckies on it. Pregnant with my first child, I thanked my mom graciously but vowed never to be seen in public with it. At the time, I carried everything I needed for life -- car keys, credit cards, bottle of water, and miscellaneous trash and receipts -- in a clever little purse. When my mom left, I threw the diaper bag in the closet.
Then I had my baby. Soon thereafter, I discovered that diapers, wipes, the changing mat, spit-up cloths, two changes of clothes, extra blanket, extra socks, extra hat, infant Tylenol, two bottles of milk, a hand pump, two clean pacifiers, the camera (just in case), my keys, my wallet, an emergency $20, various snacks, a liter of water, my cell phone, and a religious medallion (for luck) would not all fit into my cute little purse.
So I dug out the diaper bag and reevaluated its merits. It was waterproof! It was expandable! It had a separate compartment for poopy diapers! My little purse came up short in every category. In that instant I made the transition. I was a mom, darn it. I had to be ready for every possibility. I shouldered my diaper bag with pride from then on.
Until I potty trained my second kid, now 3, that is. I have a cute bag once again, but the contents -- much like my body and natural hair color -- will never be the same. Items found in my purse recently include a pair of vampire fangs, a toy car, a rubber spider, a Hello Kitty pen, three Little Mermaid Band-Aids, an unfinished candy ring wrapped in a napkin, and a bag of crushed graham crackers. I guess you can't go home again.
New Mommy Magazine
If you're a magazine junkie like me, this might interest you. Disney is introducing "Wondertime," a new magazine for moms of children from birth to age 6.
"The first issue will include articles on what babies know within hours of birth, like how to mimic a parent sticking out his or her tongue; how children understand concepts of time like duration, clocks and tomorrow; and what preschool teachers can teach mothers about instilling virtues such as kindness," according to an article on NYTimes.com.
The idea is to help moms understand how children are learning and growing.
Sounds worthwhile. Can't wait to check it out!
"The first issue will include articles on what babies know within hours of birth, like how to mimic a parent sticking out his or her tongue; how children understand concepts of time like duration, clocks and tomorrow; and what preschool teachers can teach mothers about instilling virtues such as kindness," according to an article on NYTimes.com.
The idea is to help moms understand how children are learning and growing.
Sounds worthwhile. Can't wait to check it out!
1.18.2006
A Day in My Life
Anybody else out there have mornings like this?
I awake to the sound of my daughter yelling, "Mommmmyyyyy!" It takes a few more calls before I'm out of bed and pushing open the door to her room. "Good morning Mommy," she says in a booming voice. So much for sleeping in. My eyes are barely open, it's pitch black outside and she's ready for breakfast. I plop her on the couch, take the dog out, then head to the kitchen for my 730th bowl of oatmeal. After that she bounds into the playroom and our game of cat and mouse begins.
I ask to change her diaper, she screams, "noooooo!" Then, I try to bride her. "Either we change your diaper or you can go back to bed." She relents. Who knew blackmail would be my best weapon as a mother. The rest of the morning goes pretty much like this:
J: “I want chocolate milk.”
M: “No, you can have juice.”
J: “Noooooooooooooooooo!” She falls to the floor. “I want chocolate milk!”
M: “You can have apple juice.”
J: “Nooooooooooooo!”
M: “Come on, you can help me pour.” She follows me to the kitchen, still crying. After she drinks her juice, it’s time to get dressed.
M: “OK sweetie, let’s get dressed.”
J: “Noooooooooooooooooo!” She runs away.
M: “Come here please”
J: “Nooooooooooooooo!”
M: “Honey, we have to get dressed so we can go to school.”
J: “No, no, no, no, noooooooo!”
M: “Either you get dressed or you’re going to your room.” After 5 more minutes of whining, she finally lets me dress her. I’m already exhausted and the day hasn’t even begun. I let her play for a little while before the next battle.
M: “OK honey, let’s get our shoes on. It’s time to go to school.”
J: “Nooooooooooooooooo!”
M: “We can listen to the Wiggles in the car. Don’t you want to go play with your friends?”
J: “I want to stay here!”
M: “I’m sorry honey, but Mommy has to go to work. If you can be a big girl and help me put your shoes on, I’ll give you a sticker.” That works. Now, it’s time to get in the car. I’m sure you can imagine how the rest of the story plays out.
I awake to the sound of my daughter yelling, "Mommmmyyyyy!" It takes a few more calls before I'm out of bed and pushing open the door to her room. "Good morning Mommy," she says in a booming voice. So much for sleeping in. My eyes are barely open, it's pitch black outside and she's ready for breakfast. I plop her on the couch, take the dog out, then head to the kitchen for my 730th bowl of oatmeal. After that she bounds into the playroom and our game of cat and mouse begins.
I ask to change her diaper, she screams, "noooooo!" Then, I try to bride her. "Either we change your diaper or you can go back to bed." She relents. Who knew blackmail would be my best weapon as a mother. The rest of the morning goes pretty much like this:
J: “I want chocolate milk.”
M: “No, you can have juice.”
J: “Noooooooooooooooooo!” She falls to the floor. “I want chocolate milk!”
M: “You can have apple juice.”
J: “Nooooooooooooo!”
M: “Come on, you can help me pour.” She follows me to the kitchen, still crying. After she drinks her juice, it’s time to get dressed.
M: “OK sweetie, let’s get dressed.”
J: “Noooooooooooooooooo!” She runs away.
M: “Come here please”
J: “Nooooooooooooooo!”
M: “Honey, we have to get dressed so we can go to school.”
J: “No, no, no, no, noooooooo!”
M: “Either you get dressed or you’re going to your room.” After 5 more minutes of whining, she finally lets me dress her. I’m already exhausted and the day hasn’t even begun. I let her play for a little while before the next battle.
M: “OK honey, let’s get our shoes on. It’s time to go to school.”
J: “Nooooooooooooooooo!”
M: “We can listen to the Wiggles in the car. Don’t you want to go play with your friends?”
J: “I want to stay here!”
M: “I’m sorry honey, but Mommy has to go to work. If you can be a big girl and help me put your shoes on, I’ll give you a sticker.” That works. Now, it’s time to get in the car. I’m sure you can imagine how the rest of the story plays out.
1.16.2006
To My Daughter
I Love You to Pieces
I love your hands and tiny feet.
I love your eyes, your smile so sweet.
I love your mouth and button nose.
I love your belly and how it goes,
Up and down when you're breathing at night.
Watching you sleep is a beautiful sight.
I love your hair and chubby cheeks.
I could sit and watch you for weeks.
I love you to pieces, each and every part.
From top to bottom, you are my heart.
I love your hands and tiny feet.
I love your eyes, your smile so sweet.
I love your mouth and button nose.
I love your belly and how it goes,
Up and down when you're breathing at night.
Watching you sleep is a beautiful sight.
I love your hair and chubby cheeks.
I could sit and watch you for weeks.
I love you to pieces, each and every part.
From top to bottom, you are my heart.
Post Pregnancy Pick-Me-Ups
Indulge in a trashy novel
Treat yourself to a full body massage
Blast the radio
Take an exercise class
Gab with a girlfriend
Start a baby journal
Kids Say the Darndest Things
(E-mail stacymae76@hotmail.com to add your funny story!)
My daughter caught a glimpse of her daddy after he stepped out of the shower today and shouted, "Daddy has a tail!"
When J gets a shock she says, "Ouch mommy, I got a sponge!"
This morning, after I got out of the shower, my daughter pointed to a freckle on my shoulder and said, "Mommy's buckle!"
My very talkative toddler and I were in the bathroom stall at an office building when she decided to annouce to everyone, "Mommy's doing poopies!" I really wasn't, but poopy was her term for BOTH actions
My daughter caught a glimpse of her daddy after he stepped out of the shower today and shouted, "Daddy has a tail!"
When J gets a shock she says, "Ouch mommy, I got a sponge!"
This morning, after I got out of the shower, my daughter pointed to a freckle on my shoulder and said, "Mommy's buckle!"
My very talkative toddler and I were in the bathroom stall at an office building when she decided to annouce to everyone, "Mommy's doing poopies!" I really wasn't, but poopy was her term for BOTH actions
Websites Worth Checking Out
www.mommasaid.net
"MommaSaid is my way to let all stay-at-home mothers (and fathers) know that they're not alone. This is a 24/7 job with no days off for good behavior. While it's fulfilling - and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, it's also exhausting, frustrating and lonely." Mommasaid creator Jen Singer
www.parents.com
If you love the magazine, which I do, you'll love their website.
www.diaperstodeadlines.com
Diapers to Deadlines is a place for writing parents who want to make a career of their writing, whether they're just getting started or working hard at maintaining a successful career.
www.photostamps.com
PhotoStamps are a fun way to add a personal touch to your mail, and they make great gifts too!
www.mommyshop.com
They offera unique selection of products for Mommies and children. From toys to invitations, you'll have fun just browsing!
"MommaSaid is my way to let all stay-at-home mothers (and fathers) know that they're not alone. This is a 24/7 job with no days off for good behavior. While it's fulfilling - and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else, it's also exhausting, frustrating and lonely." Mommasaid creator Jen Singer
www.parents.com
If you love the magazine, which I do, you'll love their website.
www.diaperstodeadlines.com
Diapers to Deadlines is a place for writing parents who want to make a career of their writing, whether they're just getting started or working hard at maintaining a successful career.
www.photostamps.com
PhotoStamps are a fun way to add a personal touch to your mail, and they make great gifts too!
www.mommyshop.com
They offera unique selection of products for Mommies and children. From toys to invitations, you'll have fun just browsing!
1.15.2006
Favorite Bedtime Books
"Good Night, Little One," by Salina Yoon
"I Love You Through & Through," by Bernadette Rossetti Shustak
"Moon in My Room," by Annette Norris
"ABC Animals: A Bedtime Story," by Darice Bailer
"I Love You Through & Through," by Bernadette Rossetti Shustak
"Moon in My Room," by Annette Norris
"ABC Animals: A Bedtime Story," by Darice Bailer
1.13.2006
The Little Things
I knew that having a baby would change my life. No late night romps with my husband. No more sleeping until 11 a.m. Still, I never anticipated losing out on the little things. Here are just a few of the unexpected ways my daughter has rocked my world.
I used to blast the radio in my car and sing at the top of my lungs. Now, I'm lucky if I get five minutes of my favorite station in before she screams, "Wiggles!"
Before baby, I could spend an hour in the bathroom just grooming. Ten minutes to pluck my eyebrows, twenty minutes to shave my legs, another twenty minutes to put on makeup, and so on. Now I have just enough time to brush my teeth, wash my hair, and get dressed. That’s how long one Baby Einstein video is.
I never could have imagined how much space a baby takes up. Her stuff spills out into every room in the house, including the kitchen. I had to clear out two cabinets just to fit her bottles, formula, medicine, and bath toys.
I always thought bedtime would be my favorite part of the day. Time for myself, a chance to do the things I love like write or read a book. Ha! Instead, those hours are spent catching up on chores. Only after the house is back in order can I sit down for a few minutes of bad TV.
The concept of time has totally changed. Before, if I was stuck in line at Motor Vehicles for 2 hours it was excruciating. It felt like forever. With a child, two hours is nothing. It's not even enough time to do the laundry, empty the dishwasher, put toys away, answer e-mail, return phone calls, etc. All the things that need to get done before baby wakes up and demands your attention.
I used to blast the radio in my car and sing at the top of my lungs. Now, I'm lucky if I get five minutes of my favorite station in before she screams, "Wiggles!"
Before baby, I could spend an hour in the bathroom just grooming. Ten minutes to pluck my eyebrows, twenty minutes to shave my legs, another twenty minutes to put on makeup, and so on. Now I have just enough time to brush my teeth, wash my hair, and get dressed. That’s how long one Baby Einstein video is.
I never could have imagined how much space a baby takes up. Her stuff spills out into every room in the house, including the kitchen. I had to clear out two cabinets just to fit her bottles, formula, medicine, and bath toys.
I always thought bedtime would be my favorite part of the day. Time for myself, a chance to do the things I love like write or read a book. Ha! Instead, those hours are spent catching up on chores. Only after the house is back in order can I sit down for a few minutes of bad TV.
The concept of time has totally changed. Before, if I was stuck in line at Motor Vehicles for 2 hours it was excruciating. It felt like forever. With a child, two hours is nothing. It's not even enough time to do the laundry, empty the dishwasher, put toys away, answer e-mail, return phone calls, etc. All the things that need to get done before baby wakes up and demands your attention.
New Mom Pointers
Sleep when the baby sleeps. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself. Take the phone off the hook, leave a note on the front door that says, “Mom and baby napping – no visitors please.” You'd be surprised how many people will stop by without calling first.
If you're offered help, take it. If you need help, ask for it. Don’t expect people to understand or know what you’re going through.
Stop feeling so guilty. Becoming a mom is the most wonderful thing in the world, but it's also the most difficult - at least it was for me. I learned way too late that it's okay to take time out for yourself. It's okay to love your baby, but not always like her. It's okay to admit that you hate being a parent somedays. I still feel like everyday is a struggle, but I wouldn't change it for the world.
Do one thing for yourself everyday. Whether it’s asking your husband to put the baby to bed early so you can catch your favorite show or stealing an hour to read a book. It’s important to hold on (tight) to the things that make you happy. It's so easy to give in to the routine of mommy doing everything. Let daddy take over for a while so you can regain your sanity.
Don't hibernate in the house. As long as she's dressed appropriately, there's nothing wrong with taking your little bundle of joy out for a stroll. It'll make you feel so much better to be out among the living.
Ignore the six week rule. Even though doctors say it’s OK to have sex 6 weeks after giving birth, make sure you're ready. My husband marked the date on the calendar and was ready and waiting that night. Let's just say it wasn't pretty. Bottom Line: Don't be afraid to tell your hubby that you need more time.
If you're offered help, take it. If you need help, ask for it. Don’t expect people to understand or know what you’re going through.
Stop feeling so guilty. Becoming a mom is the most wonderful thing in the world, but it's also the most difficult - at least it was for me. I learned way too late that it's okay to take time out for yourself. It's okay to love your baby, but not always like her. It's okay to admit that you hate being a parent somedays. I still feel like everyday is a struggle, but I wouldn't change it for the world.
Do one thing for yourself everyday. Whether it’s asking your husband to put the baby to bed early so you can catch your favorite show or stealing an hour to read a book. It’s important to hold on (tight) to the things that make you happy. It's so easy to give in to the routine of mommy doing everything. Let daddy take over for a while so you can regain your sanity.
Don't hibernate in the house. As long as she's dressed appropriately, there's nothing wrong with taking your little bundle of joy out for a stroll. It'll make you feel so much better to be out among the living.
Ignore the six week rule. Even though doctors say it’s OK to have sex 6 weeks after giving birth, make sure you're ready. My husband marked the date on the calendar and was ready and waiting that night. Let's just say it wasn't pretty. Bottom Line: Don't be afraid to tell your hubby that you need more time.
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