They Don't Listen
No matter how many times you ask them to go potty before you leave the house, they will have to pee as soon as you get to the supermarket.
They Are Always in the Way.
I’ve got a car seat, diaper bag, and groceries in my arms and my darling little diva is walking at a snails pace in front of me. It takes everything inside of me not to scream, "Move it sister!"
They Love to Argue
It’s not the lack of sleep that is exhausting, it’s the constant contradiction. I say black, she says white. I say milk, she says juice. I say sleep, she says play.
11.30.2007
11.28.2007
It's So Hard to Say Goodbye
The Dodge has left the building.
Yes people, no more minivan. I'm so bummed. It was really fun driving around in a top of the line vehicle ~ something I'll probably never do again.
The car was awesome, although I have to admit, all the bells and whistles were hard to figure out. I don't have a DVD player in my car, or a navigation system, or satellite TV, or seats that fold away with the push of a button. I'm technologically challenged (just ask my husband), so knowing how to work all of these things was a little confusing for me.
I LOVED that whenever you put the car in reverse, a camera catches everything behind the car. It automatically pops up on the screen and you can see whether you're about to run over your child's bike or a garbage can, which I've been known to do.
The interior was nice and roomy and there's lots of storage for little things like tissues and wipes and videos and cd's and all the things that seem to accumulate when you have kids.
I just wish it cost a little less. I guess you get what you pay for with big ticket items like cars and houses and all that. I do know that I definitely want a minivan for my next car. I used to cringe every time I thought about driving one. I feel to young to drive one, like that makes any sense. I'm so over that though because I NEED the room and the comfort of a minivan.
What do you drive?
P.S. Thanks to the folks at Matchstick and Dodge for letting me drive the 2008 Dodge Caravan. I loved it!
Yes people, no more minivan. I'm so bummed. It was really fun driving around in a top of the line vehicle ~ something I'll probably never do again.
The car was awesome, although I have to admit, all the bells and whistles were hard to figure out. I don't have a DVD player in my car, or a navigation system, or satellite TV, or seats that fold away with the push of a button. I'm technologically challenged (just ask my husband), so knowing how to work all of these things was a little confusing for me.
I LOVED that whenever you put the car in reverse, a camera catches everything behind the car. It automatically pops up on the screen and you can see whether you're about to run over your child's bike or a garbage can, which I've been known to do.
The interior was nice and roomy and there's lots of storage for little things like tissues and wipes and videos and cd's and all the things that seem to accumulate when you have kids.
I just wish it cost a little less. I guess you get what you pay for with big ticket items like cars and houses and all that. I do know that I definitely want a minivan for my next car. I used to cringe every time I thought about driving one. I feel to young to drive one, like that makes any sense. I'm so over that though because I NEED the room and the comfort of a minivan.
What do you drive?
P.S. Thanks to the folks at Matchstick and Dodge for letting me drive the 2008 Dodge Caravan. I loved it!
11.26.2007
Knee Deep in Snot
Well, the first cold of the season has hit here at casa de mommy. Big J, Little J, and myself are all under the weather.
The baby got it the worst so far. She's miserable. Big J has a nasty sounding cough and my throat is killing me. Lovely!
I wanted to post a quick note about the Caravan. My test drive period is over tomorrow and I'm so bummed. It was so nice to have, especially over the holiday weekend. We drove to my mom's house for Thanksgiving and it's about an hour away. It was awesome to have the DVD player. I could just pop in a video and before "The Little Mermaid," was over, we had reached our destination. No whining about when we were gonna get to Grandma's house. Big J could listen to the movie with earphones on and I could listen to my favorite music. We were all happy.
The ride was so smooth I had to remind myself to slow down a little. You don't feel like you're going as fast as you are.
Anyway, I'll post some more later this week, but if you have this car or are in the market to buy one, I'm so totally jealous of you.
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
The baby got it the worst so far. She's miserable. Big J has a nasty sounding cough and my throat is killing me. Lovely!
I wanted to post a quick note about the Caravan. My test drive period is over tomorrow and I'm so bummed. It was so nice to have, especially over the holiday weekend. We drove to my mom's house for Thanksgiving and it's about an hour away. It was awesome to have the DVD player. I could just pop in a video and before "The Little Mermaid," was over, we had reached our destination. No whining about when we were gonna get to Grandma's house. Big J could listen to the movie with earphones on and I could listen to my favorite music. We were all happy.
The ride was so smooth I had to remind myself to slow down a little. You don't feel like you're going as fast as you are.
Anyway, I'll post some more later this week, but if you have this car or are in the market to buy one, I'm so totally jealous of you.
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
11.21.2007
My New 2008 Dodge Caravan
I'm am so excited about this! A company called Matchstick Inc. is doing an awesome thing. They've partnered with Dodge to give moms a chance to test drive the 2008 Dodge Caravan. You've probably seen the commercials. The kids in the back seat sitting around a table playing cards. The car comes equipped with satellite TV too!!
This is my dream car, especially since Little J has such a hard time in the car. She HATES her car seat and cries almost all the time. Maybe being able to pop in a Baby Einstein video will help her relax more.
Plus, the test drive couldn't be happening at a better time. We've got a long drive to Grandma's house coming up tomorrow and it'll be so much nicer in this sweet ride. I'll post some pics and keep you updated during my travels. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
This is my dream car, especially since Little J has such a hard time in the car. She HATES her car seat and cries almost all the time. Maybe being able to pop in a Baby Einstein video will help her relax more.
Plus, the test drive couldn't be happening at a better time. We've got a long drive to Grandma's house coming up tomorrow and it'll be so much nicer in this sweet ride. I'll post some pics and keep you updated during my travels. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
11.20.2007
The Secret to Weight Loss
I've been trying for months to drop the last few pounds I packed on while pregnant. Apparently, all I really need to do is sleep more.
A new study found that mothers who slept five hours or less a day when their babies were six months old were three times more likely than more rested mothers to have kept on the extra weight at one year.
Aha! So it's not the lack of exercise or the poor nutrition. It's Little J's sleep habits that are to blame for my flabby stomach.
One of the researchers is quoted as saying, "this study shows that getting enough sleep -- even just two hours more -- may be as important as a healthy diet and exercise for new mothers to return to their pre-pregnancy weight."
I would love to get two more hours of sleep every night, but unless these researchers come up with a way to keep my daughter from waking up at the crack of dawn, it ain't gonna happen.
A new study found that mothers who slept five hours or less a day when their babies were six months old were three times more likely than more rested mothers to have kept on the extra weight at one year.
Aha! So it's not the lack of exercise or the poor nutrition. It's Little J's sleep habits that are to blame for my flabby stomach.
One of the researchers is quoted as saying, "this study shows that getting enough sleep -- even just two hours more -- may be as important as a healthy diet and exercise for new mothers to return to their pre-pregnancy weight."
I would love to get two more hours of sleep every night, but unless these researchers come up with a way to keep my daughter from waking up at the crack of dawn, it ain't gonna happen.
11.16.2007
Lessons Learned
I am the student and my children, the teachers. Every day I learn something new.
Today's lesson:
Never take two children to the supermarket in the rain unless they've gone to the potty first.
If you do, your 4 year-old will have to go to pee at the exact moment you're ready to pay. So you'll rush to the other side of the store, tell her to hurry up while you watch your 7 month-old in the shopping cart, and nearly lose it when she pee's all over the floor and her pants because she didn't sit back far enough to reach inside the bowl.
What have your children taught you today?
Today's lesson:
Never take two children to the supermarket in the rain unless they've gone to the potty first.
If you do, your 4 year-old will have to go to pee at the exact moment you're ready to pay. So you'll rush to the other side of the store, tell her to hurry up while you watch your 7 month-old in the shopping cart, and nearly lose it when she pee's all over the floor and her pants because she didn't sit back far enough to reach inside the bowl.
What have your children taught you today?
11.14.2007
When Parents Collide
I'm a little annoyed with my husband right now. We just finished putting the girls to bed and I'd really like to slap him.
I read my oldest daughter a bedtime story, gave her a drink, tucked her in and rubbed her back. After a few minutes, she asked for more water and I said no. She started to whine and I could feel myself getting frustrated. Bedtime is supposed to be calm and relaxing. No tears. I don't want my angry voice to be the last thing my daughter hears before she falls asleep. So I spent the next 10 minutes getting her to calm down. I told her to take a few deep breaths. I explained calmy that I didn't want her to drink anymore because she already had a full cup of milk and a small cup of water and that if she had any more she might pee in her bed. I even rubbed her back.
Meanwhile, my husband walked upstairs and put the baby to bed. He then comes in to Big J's room to say goodnight. When she sees him, she starts crying and says that I won't let her have anymore water. He then proceeds to tell her that he'll get her another cup. Are you kidding me? I was speechless. Mostly because I didn't want to yell at him in front of her.
This is the part of parenting that frustrates me most. Hubby and I have such different styles. He's hard, I'm soft. He pushes, I encourage. He's rough, I'm gentle. How is this going to work? How can we come together and support each other?And when we do disagree, how should I handle it?
I read my oldest daughter a bedtime story, gave her a drink, tucked her in and rubbed her back. After a few minutes, she asked for more water and I said no. She started to whine and I could feel myself getting frustrated. Bedtime is supposed to be calm and relaxing. No tears. I don't want my angry voice to be the last thing my daughter hears before she falls asleep. So I spent the next 10 minutes getting her to calm down. I told her to take a few deep breaths. I explained calmy that I didn't want her to drink anymore because she already had a full cup of milk and a small cup of water and that if she had any more she might pee in her bed. I even rubbed her back.
Meanwhile, my husband walked upstairs and put the baby to bed. He then comes in to Big J's room to say goodnight. When she sees him, she starts crying and says that I won't let her have anymore water. He then proceeds to tell her that he'll get her another cup. Are you kidding me? I was speechless. Mostly because I didn't want to yell at him in front of her.
This is the part of parenting that frustrates me most. Hubby and I have such different styles. He's hard, I'm soft. He pushes, I encourage. He's rough, I'm gentle. How is this going to work? How can we come together and support each other?And when we do disagree, how should I handle it?
11.13.2007
Living in the Moment
Every time I sit down to write a post on this blog I draw a blank. I had stopped for a while after giving birth to Little J and just recently started blogging again. It's been way more difficult than I imagined. I don't know what the problem is. I guess it could be sleep deprivation. Yeah, I'm tired, but I think it's more than that.
Ever since Little J was born, I've been in a state of confusion. It's not post-partum (at least I don't think it is). It's more like, I don't know what to do with myself. My days are sort of dictated by my older daughter. If she's in a good mood, then I feel like I can get a lot of stuff done. And I'm not just talking about housework. I mean stuff that I want to do, like check my e-mail, write, read a magazine, etc.
If she's not in a good mood, which seems like every day lately, I feel distracted. I'm constantly thinking about all the things I'm not getting done. Or all things I would rather be doing than playing house.
I am very conscious of it too which is why I end up feeling so guilty. I know that I'm not "living in the moment," I feel like I'm always off somewhere else, daydreaming, wishing I could get something done. I've got books I want to read, stories I want to pitch, ideas to research, websites to visit. I know it sounds so selfish, but I have a life too.
So how can I do both? How can I be more present, more "in the moment" on a daily basis with my children and still feel like I'm getting work done for myself? I've tried asking my husband for help and it works for about a day or two and then it's inconvenient. He gets annoyed that I'm on the computer and he has to entertain the children.
Night is the only time I really get for myself, but it's hard to cram everything I want to do in two hours. I want to keep my 10 o'clock bedtime because Little J is usually up at 5:00 a.m. So how can I get more done during the day? What works for you?
Ever since Little J was born, I've been in a state of confusion. It's not post-partum (at least I don't think it is). It's more like, I don't know what to do with myself. My days are sort of dictated by my older daughter. If she's in a good mood, then I feel like I can get a lot of stuff done. And I'm not just talking about housework. I mean stuff that I want to do, like check my e-mail, write, read a magazine, etc.
If she's not in a good mood, which seems like every day lately, I feel distracted. I'm constantly thinking about all the things I'm not getting done. Or all things I would rather be doing than playing house.
I am very conscious of it too which is why I end up feeling so guilty. I know that I'm not "living in the moment," I feel like I'm always off somewhere else, daydreaming, wishing I could get something done. I've got books I want to read, stories I want to pitch, ideas to research, websites to visit. I know it sounds so selfish, but I have a life too.
So how can I do both? How can I be more present, more "in the moment" on a daily basis with my children and still feel like I'm getting work done for myself? I've tried asking my husband for help and it works for about a day or two and then it's inconvenient. He gets annoyed that I'm on the computer and he has to entertain the children.
Night is the only time I really get for myself, but it's hard to cram everything I want to do in two hours. I want to keep my 10 o'clock bedtime because Little J is usually up at 5:00 a.m. So how can I get more done during the day? What works for you?
11.12.2007
11.11.2007
Over Before it Began
Yet another birthday has come and gone.
Yesterday was the day I turned 31. It started out wonderful. My hubby and my girls woke me up after sleeping in ... sort of. It was 7:30!
Big J gave me a birthday card she made herself. It was so beautiful. Little J pulled my hair, but I'm sure she meant to say "Happy Birthday Mama."
My sister, who I've shared my birthday with for 31 years, came out from Staten Island. I'm so glad she was here for the day. I miss her so much.
Then the fun began, and I mean that sarcastically. I got my family dressed and headed over to the portrait studio where I work. Yesterday was the only day everyone was free to take a picture for my mother and father-in-law. All 11 grandkids! They range in age from 19 to 7 months. It wasn't exactly how I wanted to spend my special day, but what are you gonna do?
After that, they all came back to my house for pizza and cake. While it's nice to have everyone here, my house is small and it's always kind of frustrating to host a party. Plus, the kids completely destroy the place. I should have taken pictures. Oy!
After everyone was gone, we cleaned up the place. It was then that my 4 year-old decided to turn into super-whiny-devil-child. All I wanted was some peace and quiet and all she wanted was to push my buttons. Our night ended with tears, hers and mine.
Once the kids were in bed, hubby and I sat down to watch a horrible movie and that was it. THAT WAS IT! I was so bummed. I was hoping for a little more excitement. Instead I felt so depressed. Not because of my age, but because of the way I felt.
Even surrounded by all those people, I still felt lonely. Can someone please explain that to me.
Yesterday was the day I turned 31. It started out wonderful. My hubby and my girls woke me up after sleeping in ... sort of. It was 7:30!
Big J gave me a birthday card she made herself. It was so beautiful. Little J pulled my hair, but I'm sure she meant to say "Happy Birthday Mama."
My sister, who I've shared my birthday with for 31 years, came out from Staten Island. I'm so glad she was here for the day. I miss her so much.
Then the fun began, and I mean that sarcastically. I got my family dressed and headed over to the portrait studio where I work. Yesterday was the only day everyone was free to take a picture for my mother and father-in-law. All 11 grandkids! They range in age from 19 to 7 months. It wasn't exactly how I wanted to spend my special day, but what are you gonna do?
After that, they all came back to my house for pizza and cake. While it's nice to have everyone here, my house is small and it's always kind of frustrating to host a party. Plus, the kids completely destroy the place. I should have taken pictures. Oy!
After everyone was gone, we cleaned up the place. It was then that my 4 year-old decided to turn into super-whiny-devil-child. All I wanted was some peace and quiet and all she wanted was to push my buttons. Our night ended with tears, hers and mine.
Once the kids were in bed, hubby and I sat down to watch a horrible movie and that was it. THAT WAS IT! I was so bummed. I was hoping for a little more excitement. Instead I felt so depressed. Not because of my age, but because of the way I felt.
Even surrounded by all those people, I still felt lonely. Can someone please explain that to me.
11.09.2007
Could You Be the Next Perez Hilton?
Just because I'm a mom doesn't mean I can't indulge in a little celeb trash talking. One of the websites I check daily is perezhilton.com. I love his snarky comments about celebrities like Britney Spears. I've often wondered whether I could dish it out like he does, no holds barred. So I put together this mini quiz. See if you've got what it takes to be the next gossip guru.
1. A publicist contacts you with juicy details about a late night rendevous between two hot celebrity "friends." What do you do?
a. Open up your laptop and share the news with everyone you know.
b. Wait to see if a picture surfaces.
c. Give the stars their privacy.
2. You overhear the conversation of a famous director on his cell phone complaining about the star of his latest flick.
a. Find out what project he's working on and out the diva actress.
b. Write a blind item on your blog and let the readers figure it out.
c. Smile, but keep the gossip to yourself.
3. You're at a club with friends when a well-known pop star stumbles by, obviously wasted, and she looks upset.
a. Pull the Blackberry out and start typing away.
b. Try to snap a pic on your cell phone.
c. Feel sorry for her and walk the other way.
4. A friend of a friend comes to you with some news about a young starlet who was seen shoplifting from a popular boutique in Hollywood. What do you do?
a. Post the item with quotes from an "anonymous source."
b. Hold on to the item and see if anything else surfaces.
c. Shrug it off as untrue.
Get your results below ...
(mostly a's)
Celeb Stalker
You've definitely got what it takes to dish the dirt on celebrities. There are no boundaries as far as you're concerned. If they're famous, they're fair game.
Gossip Wannabe
You'd be a good entertainment reporter, but the queen of all media you are not. You may like reading tabloid magazines like US Weekly, but that doesn't mean you could hang with the heavy hitters.
My Lips are Sealed
You totally understand people's obsession with celebrities, but that doesn't mean you'd be able to reveal their deepest, darkest secrets. You would feel bad posting information about who's gay, who's straight, who's doing drugs or sleeping around.
1. A publicist contacts you with juicy details about a late night rendevous between two hot celebrity "friends." What do you do?
a. Open up your laptop and share the news with everyone you know.
b. Wait to see if a picture surfaces.
c. Give the stars their privacy.
2. You overhear the conversation of a famous director on his cell phone complaining about the star of his latest flick.
a. Find out what project he's working on and out the diva actress.
b. Write a blind item on your blog and let the readers figure it out.
c. Smile, but keep the gossip to yourself.
3. You're at a club with friends when a well-known pop star stumbles by, obviously wasted, and she looks upset.
a. Pull the Blackberry out and start typing away.
b. Try to snap a pic on your cell phone.
c. Feel sorry for her and walk the other way.
4. A friend of a friend comes to you with some news about a young starlet who was seen shoplifting from a popular boutique in Hollywood. What do you do?
a. Post the item with quotes from an "anonymous source."
b. Hold on to the item and see if anything else surfaces.
c. Shrug it off as untrue.
Get your results below ...
(mostly a's)
Celeb Stalker
You've definitely got what it takes to dish the dirt on celebrities. There are no boundaries as far as you're concerned. If they're famous, they're fair game.
Gossip Wannabe
You'd be a good entertainment reporter, but the queen of all media you are not. You may like reading tabloid magazines like US Weekly, but that doesn't mean you could hang with the heavy hitters.
My Lips are Sealed
You totally understand people's obsession with celebrities, but that doesn't mean you'd be able to reveal their deepest, darkest secrets. You would feel bad posting information about who's gay, who's straight, who's doing drugs or sleeping around.
11.07.2007
My Baby's Crawling!
Gone are the days when I could sit on the floor, laptop nearby, and my baby girl sitting comfortably next to me. She's on the move people! Check her out.
11.06.2007
Baffling Baby Behavior
Babies amaze me!
I could sit and stare at my little one forever, searching her eyes for the key to her mind. What's going on in there? Why does she do the things she does?
Why does she insist on chewing on the wires to our DVD player and my husband's Playstation 3? She has toys to play with yet she'd rather crawl over to the outlet and stick her finger in or grab the cord to my laptop.
Why does she take 3 sips of her bottle and then shove it away? Why does she pick at my cuticles when she's sipping said bottle?
Why is she so fascinated with my glasses?
Why does she scream when she's happy?
Is there anything your little one does that baffles you?
11.05.2007
Damn You Daylight Savings Time
Can someone please explain to me the importance of daylight savings time? Who created it and why are they torturing me?
Little J has been up at 4:30 a.m. the past two nights (mornings). I feel like a walking zombie. I actually made my 4 year-old take a nap today because she was up at 5:30. She hasn't napped since she was 3 and she slept for an hour and a half. It was nice to have some time to myself this afternoon. The only drawback is that she was up until like 9 p.m. I usually have her in bed by 7:30. I would much rather have the time at night to decompress and watch TV or something.
Needless to say, both girls are tired and cranky and so is mommy. How much longer is this going to last? I need some sleep!!
Oh, and I finally got my period. Yay! It was almost a week late. I feel bad writing this but it would not have been a welcome surprise to find out that I was pregnant. Honestly, I don't think my marriage could survive another baby. Sad, but true.
Little J has been up at 4:30 a.m. the past two nights (mornings). I feel like a walking zombie. I actually made my 4 year-old take a nap today because she was up at 5:30. She hasn't napped since she was 3 and she slept for an hour and a half. It was nice to have some time to myself this afternoon. The only drawback is that she was up until like 9 p.m. I usually have her in bed by 7:30. I would much rather have the time at night to decompress and watch TV or something.
Needless to say, both girls are tired and cranky and so is mommy. How much longer is this going to last? I need some sleep!!
Oh, and I finally got my period. Yay! It was almost a week late. I feel bad writing this but it would not have been a welcome surprise to find out that I was pregnant. Honestly, I don't think my marriage could survive another baby. Sad, but true.
11.03.2007
Late As Usual
Here are some pics from our fun Halloween!
Oh, and speaking of late, I still haven't gotten my period!
Oh, and speaking of late, I still haven't gotten my period!
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