What is an appropriate amount of money to spend on a 3 year-olds birthday? We are going to a party today and I bought the guest of honor Hungry Hungry Hippos. It was probably about 12 bucks at Target (gotta love 'em). I was on the phone with a friend who will be attending and she was on her way out to pick up, "a couple of outfits for Michael." Now it's probably not that much money, maybe 20 or 30 bucks but does that make my gift a cheap one? Should I go out and buy something else now?
How much do you usually spend on kid's birthdays???
3.05.2006
3.03.2006
Do Opposites Really Attract?
My husband and I are about as different as two people can get. Don't believe me. Check this out ...
He loves video games, I think they're a waste of time.
He loves scary movies, I hate them.
He loves ethnic food, I am the pickiest eater you'll ever meet.
He likes big dogs, I like small dogs.
I love to dance, he has two left feet.
I love the beach, he'd rather go snowboarding.
I love to read, he thinks comic books are fascinating literature.
I love pop music, he loves punk music.
I could sit and watch MTV all day long, he actually gets angry when I mention those three letters.
I'm a laid back parent ~ I don't like to yell, he thinks screaming is the only way to get J to listen.
I rest my case. Now, some would argue that opposites are a good match because there's an opportunity to open the other person up to hobbies and experiences that would otherwise be lost. But, is it possible to be TOO different?
We share the same views on most of the big topics; religion, politics, finances. But when it comes to the little things, we just can't agree. We can't even sit down to watch a movie together because we both want something different. It almost always end in a fight. At some point I imagine we'll just stop trying and then what? Is my marriage doomed? Is there a way to bridge the gap?
In other news: Sorry this post is long enough already but today is Friday and we had feeding therapy. J actually ate a french fry!!! I mean sucked on it, bit a piece off and swallowed. She really swallowed!! I am ecstatic. She started out gagging and by the look on her face, I thought she was going to spit it out, but she surprised me and actually swallowed it. So there, I'm done! :)
He loves video games, I think they're a waste of time.
He loves scary movies, I hate them.
He loves ethnic food, I am the pickiest eater you'll ever meet.
He likes big dogs, I like small dogs.
I love to dance, he has two left feet.
I love the beach, he'd rather go snowboarding.
I love to read, he thinks comic books are fascinating literature.
I love pop music, he loves punk music.
I could sit and watch MTV all day long, he actually gets angry when I mention those three letters.
I'm a laid back parent ~ I don't like to yell, he thinks screaming is the only way to get J to listen.
I rest my case. Now, some would argue that opposites are a good match because there's an opportunity to open the other person up to hobbies and experiences that would otherwise be lost. But, is it possible to be TOO different?
We share the same views on most of the big topics; religion, politics, finances. But when it comes to the little things, we just can't agree. We can't even sit down to watch a movie together because we both want something different. It almost always end in a fight. At some point I imagine we'll just stop trying and then what? Is my marriage doomed? Is there a way to bridge the gap?
In other news: Sorry this post is long enough already but today is Friday and we had feeding therapy. J actually ate a french fry!!! I mean sucked on it, bit a piece off and swallowed. She really swallowed!! I am ecstatic. She started out gagging and by the look on her face, I thought she was going to spit it out, but she surprised me and actually swallowed it. So there, I'm done! :)
Crazy (Yes) Hip (No) Blog (Yup) Mama (Always)
This is my entry for the writing collaboration at CHBM.
I love being a Crazy Hip Blog Mama!
My blog is a place where I can come and be brutally honest with myself. It's a place where I can breathe a sigh of relief after a hard day with J. It's a place to meet other moms who are struggling with the same issues. I don't feel so lonely knowing somewhere out there is another mom who is dealing with tantrums and potty training and sleepless nights.
It's also a place for me to express myself through writing. To practice the art of finding the right words. To feel like I'm more than just J's Mommy! Before I had my daughter I used to write all the time. In fact, that was my job. After I gave birth, it was impossible for me to put together an intelligent sentence, let alone write a story. My brain turned to mush after countless hours of baby talk and lullabys. Now that I have this blog, it forces me to think. To really think.
Plus, it's something that's all mine. That's a rare thing with kids ~ to have something all to yourself. I share everything with J. Heck, I can't go to the bathroom these days without having the door WIDE open. There's nowhere to hide when you have children. No place to drift off and daydream unless your little one is napping or it's late at night. This has become that place for me. I don't have to apologize for things I write. You have no idea who I am so I can be whoever I want to be. The real me!
Ahhh, it's feel so good to take my shoes off and let my belly hang out ~ stretch marks and all!
I love being a Crazy Hip Blog Mama!
My blog is a place where I can come and be brutally honest with myself. It's a place where I can breathe a sigh of relief after a hard day with J. It's a place to meet other moms who are struggling with the same issues. I don't feel so lonely knowing somewhere out there is another mom who is dealing with tantrums and potty training and sleepless nights.
It's also a place for me to express myself through writing. To practice the art of finding the right words. To feel like I'm more than just J's Mommy! Before I had my daughter I used to write all the time. In fact, that was my job. After I gave birth, it was impossible for me to put together an intelligent sentence, let alone write a story. My brain turned to mush after countless hours of baby talk and lullabys. Now that I have this blog, it forces me to think. To really think.
Plus, it's something that's all mine. That's a rare thing with kids ~ to have something all to yourself. I share everything with J. Heck, I can't go to the bathroom these days without having the door WIDE open. There's nowhere to hide when you have children. No place to drift off and daydream unless your little one is napping or it's late at night. This has become that place for me. I don't have to apologize for things I write. You have no idea who I am so I can be whoever I want to be. The real me!
Ahhh, it's feel so good to take my shoes off and let my belly hang out ~ stretch marks and all!
3.02.2006
To Breastfeed or Not to Breastfeed
That is the question! For me, it was never an option. Of course I was going to breastfeed. My mother breastfed. All of my sister-in-laws breastfed. It seemed natural. Until I actually tried it, that is.
After I gave birth to J, I was having some difficulty getting her to latch on so a nurse came into my hospital room to try and help. "Oh, you have flat nipples. This isn't going to work." My first thought was "Flat nipples, what the hell does that mean?" Then, I felt like a complete failure. It never even entered my mind that there might be a problem. Now, there wasn't really a PROBLEM, but the nurse's reaction to my less-than-perky nipples made me feel as if it wasn't possible for me to breastfeed. Instead, all I needed were those god awful breast shields that are supposed to draw out your nipple (and consequently make your boobs a leaky mess).
So I started using the shields but it really wasn't helpful. I was in a lot of pain because she wasn't latching on the right way. I was also uncomfortable. I've seen women on television or in magazines who can breastfeed lying down or in a restaurant but I couldn't even get comfy on my couch with a boppy pillow holding her head up. My back hurt. I was sooooo over emotional and I wanted to stop trying. Guilt kept me going for at least 6 weeks but I bought a breast pump and gave her bottles of my milk for the last 2 or 3 weeks. My feeling was, at least she's getting the nutrients she needs.
Finally, I gave up and things got so much better. I was much more relaxed and the time I spent with J was just as special. I still held her close to me, I still got to gaze into those hazel eyes as she sucked down a bottle. I just couldn't believe how much guilt I felt. I felt like I was letting her down. My first task as a new mom and I couldn't even handle it.
Now my dilemma is this: what do I do with the next one? Do I try again, armed with the information that yes, my nipples are flat, but I'll just have to work harder. Or do I go straight to the bottle? Is my next child going to suffer because of my fears or inadequacies? It's a sensitive subject for a lot of moms. What would you do?
Oh and thanks to Mom-101 for the topic idea. Go check out her post about weaning!
After I gave birth to J, I was having some difficulty getting her to latch on so a nurse came into my hospital room to try and help. "Oh, you have flat nipples. This isn't going to work." My first thought was "Flat nipples, what the hell does that mean?" Then, I felt like a complete failure. It never even entered my mind that there might be a problem. Now, there wasn't really a PROBLEM, but the nurse's reaction to my less-than-perky nipples made me feel as if it wasn't possible for me to breastfeed. Instead, all I needed were those god awful breast shields that are supposed to draw out your nipple (and consequently make your boobs a leaky mess).
So I started using the shields but it really wasn't helpful. I was in a lot of pain because she wasn't latching on the right way. I was also uncomfortable. I've seen women on television or in magazines who can breastfeed lying down or in a restaurant but I couldn't even get comfy on my couch with a boppy pillow holding her head up. My back hurt. I was sooooo over emotional and I wanted to stop trying. Guilt kept me going for at least 6 weeks but I bought a breast pump and gave her bottles of my milk for the last 2 or 3 weeks. My feeling was, at least she's getting the nutrients she needs.
Finally, I gave up and things got so much better. I was much more relaxed and the time I spent with J was just as special. I still held her close to me, I still got to gaze into those hazel eyes as she sucked down a bottle. I just couldn't believe how much guilt I felt. I felt like I was letting her down. My first task as a new mom and I couldn't even handle it.
Now my dilemma is this: what do I do with the next one? Do I try again, armed with the information that yes, my nipples are flat, but I'll just have to work harder. Or do I go straight to the bottle? Is my next child going to suffer because of my fears or inadequacies? It's a sensitive subject for a lot of moms. What would you do?
Oh and thanks to Mom-101 for the topic idea. Go check out her post about weaning!
3.01.2006
What do you think?
I've changed my layout! What do you think? I wasn't too crazy about the pink and Blogger doesn't offer a lot of choices so here's what I picked. Any suggestions on how to spruce it up? I did what I could but I am so not a whiz with HTML. Oh and when I made the switcheroo all of my comments were wiped out so there's no evidence that anyone has ever been here. Boo hoo!! :(
So drop me a line and show me some love! My blog is so lonely!
So drop me a line and show me some love! My blog is so lonely!
100 Things
1. My name is Stacy.
2. I'll be married for 5 years in Sept. 2006.
3. I have a chihuahua named Coco.
4. I have a twin sister.
5. I have lived in NJ all my life.
6. My sister once dated my husband (a LONG time ago).
7. I love taking pictures.
8. I am a magazine junkie.
9. I love celebrity culture.
10. I used to write for a teen magazine called Twist. Yes, I've written quizzes like, "Are You a Flirt?"
11. I was Homecoming Queen my freshman year in high school.
12. I hate the care I drive. A Dodge Stratus
13. I miss my minivan.
14. I love to shop.
15. My mother and my sister are my best friends.
16. I wear contacts.
17. I love to eat out.
18. I hate to cook.
19. I want to publish a book someday. The problem is I have too many ideas and can't commit to one.
20. I love General Hospital.
21. I've moved 5 times already.
22. I met Ben Affleck.
23. I used to interview boy bands and teen stars.
24. I need to exercise more.
25. I want another child but I am terrified!
26. I used to play softball.
27. I love to sing (even though my voice is awful).
28. I've been compared to Alvin & the Chipmunks.
29. I love everything 80's.
30. I love MTV.
31. My current crush is Patrick Dempsey.
32. I love ice cream.
33. I live inside my head which can be a blessing and a curse (mostly it's a curse!)
34. My boobs are saggy.
35. I love to curse.
36. I work at The Little Gym.
37. I enjoy organizing things.
38. I wish I had a bigger laundry room.
39. I'm Catholic, although I'm not a good one.
40. I don't follow politics.
41. I've never been in the hospital (except for giving birth).
42. I grew up wanting to be famous (still secretly desire it).
43. I LOVE Oprah!!
44. I went to Aruba on my honeymoon.
45. I don't collect anything.
46. I never throw anything away.
47. I love reality TV!
48. This is so damn hard
49. I have blue eyes.
50. I hate my stomach.
51. I love Italian food.
52. I hate to throw up.
53. My favorite drink is a margarita.
54. I am scared to get pregnant again.
55. I actually feel sorry for Britney Spears.
56. I have never voted.
57. I can cry at the drop of a hat. Seriously!
58. A friend of mine committed suicide in high school.
59. I have been pregnant 3 times but only have 1 child (I was 16, then I had a miscarriage, then I had J).
60. My hubby's parents have a house in Italy that I have never been to but really want to see.
61. I graduated college with a degree in English.
62. I love the ocean.
63. I hate airplanes.
64. I hate cold weather.
65. I am addicted to awards shows.
66. I don't like to wear jewelry.
67. I wish I had a bigger house.
68. I LOVE chocolate.
69. I don't have sex with my husband as often as I should.
70. My husband has no idea about this blog.
71. I would love to go to Sundance one day.
72. Am I almost done yet?
73. My teeth are crooked.
74. I have nice feet.
75. My favorite color is purple.
76. I collect celebrity photo books.
77. Death scares the shit out of me.
78. I wish I was taller.
79. I wish I was skinnier.
80. I wish I had curly hair.
81. Am I annoying enough for you yet?
82. My daughter's favorite book right now is "Green Eggs and Ham."
83. Sometimes I don't like being a mom.
84. I ALWAYS feel quilty about something.
85. I've never been to the Statue of Liberty and I live only 30 minutes away.
86. It's taking me almost a week to complete this damn thing.
87. I used to have 2 dogs. Had to give one away when J was born because he kept peeing all over her toys.
88. I met my husband in a NYC nightclub that has since closed it's doors.
89. I had an amazing time at my wedding.
90. My sister is getting married in July and I can't wait.
91. I think I am a pretty good dancer.
92. I have 2 brothers.
93. There was a time growing up that I thought my parents were going to get divorced, but they stuck it out and I am soo happy for that.
94. I am the queen of unfinished projects.
95. I love the outdoors.
96. I am not very good with money.
97. I love to sing at the top of my lungs.
98. Sometimes I think I am dyslexic.
99. I would love to open a photography studio one take.
100. There is one thing I know for sure in this life: I am lucky to be alive and have a beautiful daughter and wonderful husband.
2. I'll be married for 5 years in Sept. 2006.
3. I have a chihuahua named Coco.
4. I have a twin sister.
5. I have lived in NJ all my life.
6. My sister once dated my husband (a LONG time ago).
7. I love taking pictures.
8. I am a magazine junkie.
9. I love celebrity culture.
10. I used to write for a teen magazine called Twist. Yes, I've written quizzes like, "Are You a Flirt?"
11. I was Homecoming Queen my freshman year in high school.
12. I hate the care I drive. A Dodge Stratus
13. I miss my minivan.
14. I love to shop.
15. My mother and my sister are my best friends.
16. I wear contacts.
17. I love to eat out.
18. I hate to cook.
19. I want to publish a book someday. The problem is I have too many ideas and can't commit to one.
20. I love General Hospital.
21. I've moved 5 times already.
22. I met Ben Affleck.
23. I used to interview boy bands and teen stars.
24. I need to exercise more.
25. I want another child but I am terrified!
26. I used to play softball.
27. I love to sing (even though my voice is awful).
28. I've been compared to Alvin & the Chipmunks.
29. I love everything 80's.
30. I love MTV.
31. My current crush is Patrick Dempsey.
32. I love ice cream.
33. I live inside my head which can be a blessing and a curse (mostly it's a curse!)
34. My boobs are saggy.
35. I love to curse.
36. I work at The Little Gym.
37. I enjoy organizing things.
38. I wish I had a bigger laundry room.
39. I'm Catholic, although I'm not a good one.
40. I don't follow politics.
41. I've never been in the hospital (except for giving birth).
42. I grew up wanting to be famous (still secretly desire it).
43. I LOVE Oprah!!
44. I went to Aruba on my honeymoon.
45. I don't collect anything.
46. I never throw anything away.
47. I love reality TV!
48. This is so damn hard
49. I have blue eyes.
50. I hate my stomach.
51. I love Italian food.
52. I hate to throw up.
53. My favorite drink is a margarita.
54. I am scared to get pregnant again.
55. I actually feel sorry for Britney Spears.
56. I have never voted.
57. I can cry at the drop of a hat. Seriously!
58. A friend of mine committed suicide in high school.
59. I have been pregnant 3 times but only have 1 child (I was 16, then I had a miscarriage, then I had J).
60. My hubby's parents have a house in Italy that I have never been to but really want to see.
61. I graduated college with a degree in English.
62. I love the ocean.
63. I hate airplanes.
64. I hate cold weather.
65. I am addicted to awards shows.
66. I don't like to wear jewelry.
67. I wish I had a bigger house.
68. I LOVE chocolate.
69. I don't have sex with my husband as often as I should.
70. My husband has no idea about this blog.
71. I would love to go to Sundance one day.
72. Am I almost done yet?
73. My teeth are crooked.
74. I have nice feet.
75. My favorite color is purple.
76. I collect celebrity photo books.
77. Death scares the shit out of me.
78. I wish I was taller.
79. I wish I was skinnier.
80. I wish I had curly hair.
81. Am I annoying enough for you yet?
82. My daughter's favorite book right now is "Green Eggs and Ham."
83. Sometimes I don't like being a mom.
84. I ALWAYS feel quilty about something.
85. I've never been to the Statue of Liberty and I live only 30 minutes away.
86. It's taking me almost a week to complete this damn thing.
87. I used to have 2 dogs. Had to give one away when J was born because he kept peeing all over her toys.
88. I met my husband in a NYC nightclub that has since closed it's doors.
89. I had an amazing time at my wedding.
90. My sister is getting married in July and I can't wait.
91. I think I am a pretty good dancer.
92. I have 2 brothers.
93. There was a time growing up that I thought my parents were going to get divorced, but they stuck it out and I am soo happy for that.
94. I am the queen of unfinished projects.
95. I love the outdoors.
96. I am not very good with money.
97. I love to sing at the top of my lungs.
98. Sometimes I think I am dyslexic.
99. I would love to open a photography studio one take.
100. There is one thing I know for sure in this life: I am lucky to be alive and have a beautiful daughter and wonderful husband.
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