. . . As I have mentioned before I am also a student at a wonderful University where I have many professors who amaze me with their intellect on a daily basis. One of these professors is very understanding of the fact that I have a son, and may have to up and leave if he gets sick, and will never turn my phone off in case there is an emergency.
"Get to your damn point woman"
Okay, okay.
Finals are coming and I have three huge (by an undergrads standards to) write in the next 2 1/2 weeks. I can't spend as much time getting this blog going as I'd like to.
Don't abandon me though, I have a long Summer full of blogs just for you.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
What I have learned
Okay.
Now that I have had my sentimental moment lets talk about what I have learned as a mother.
There are so many things, a hundred million things, but here is a quick laundry list of some of the things that stick out in my memory.
1. The birth is a beautiful thing, no matter how "gross" you think it may me, it is wonderful.
2. Breastfeeding HURTS! (Seriously, it is worse than labor, but it gets better and you will be so happy you stick with it when the lbs start melting off)
3. Babies can projectile poop. My son pooped mid diaper change when he was six weeks old and it shot across the room on my brothers wall (of his brand. new. house.)
4. Every baby is different so you might as well vow not to compare your child to others.
5. You will get advice from EVERYONE. Just listen and ignore it, unless it really feels right to you.
6. Mothers intuition is a very powerful thing. Listen to it above everything else.
7. Doctors don't know everything. Ask questions, follow up, and get second opinions. Never leave your health or your child's health in another persons hands.
8. Mandate monthly (at least) date nights. Even if you are single, go out with a friend. You need to let yourself have a break for the sake of your sanity and your childs.
9. Make a routine and stick to it. This way you wont leave the bottles at home, forget to bring enough diapers, or forget to buckle baby into the carseat.
10. Love every minute with your baby because the time flies by. Before you know it you are baking 50 cupcakes and learning all the words to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse CD.
Now that I have had my sentimental moment lets talk about what I have learned as a mother.
There are so many things, a hundred million things, but here is a quick laundry list of some of the things that stick out in my memory.
1. The birth is a beautiful thing, no matter how "gross" you think it may me, it is wonderful.
2. Breastfeeding HURTS! (Seriously, it is worse than labor, but it gets better and you will be so happy you stick with it when the lbs start melting off)
3. Babies can projectile poop. My son pooped mid diaper change when he was six weeks old and it shot across the room on my brothers wall (of his brand. new. house.)
4. Every baby is different so you might as well vow not to compare your child to others.
5. You will get advice from EVERYONE. Just listen and ignore it, unless it really feels right to you.
6. Mothers intuition is a very powerful thing. Listen to it above everything else.
7. Doctors don't know everything. Ask questions, follow up, and get second opinions. Never leave your health or your child's health in another persons hands.
8. Mandate monthly (at least) date nights. Even if you are single, go out with a friend. You need to let yourself have a break for the sake of your sanity and your childs.
9. Make a routine and stick to it. This way you wont leave the bottles at home, forget to bring enough diapers, or forget to buckle baby into the carseat.
10. Love every minute with your baby because the time flies by. Before you know it you are baking 50 cupcakes and learning all the words to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse CD.
"Happy One Year of Motherhood"
I honestly hadn't even thought about it like that at all.
Today is my sons first birthday, my first child. I have been so busy planning his party and trying not to break down into tears every time I see one of his newborn pictures that I didn't even think about the fact that I have been a mother for a whole year today. Being a mother is a pretty incredible thing. After spending nine months growing a human being inside (or waiting on your adoption/surrogate) you meet that little baby and your life is completely changed. Gone are the days of worrying about any drama you once cared about, you no longer think that the most important decision you'll make today is what you'll wear. Your life is all about that little person who you brought into the world. First you have to tackle nursing, then sleeping, rolling over, crawling, walking. The first year is full of so many challenges and wonderful moments. Looking back on my life I see how I used to be so concerned about things that just don't matter. If you told me a few years ago that my dream would be to stay at home with my children and write books for them I would have thought you were insane. Motherhood does that to you, it makes you see the world in a different light, it makes you see what is truly important to you and your family. I never understood the purpose of motherhood before I had my son because I never had a good relationship with my own mother. When I would hear about people loving their moms and being super close to them I just couldn't relate. Now I can. I now know the love and connection between a mother and child. I know how important it is for children to have a mother around who will care for them and teach them things. I know that my son is lucky because he has me to watch out for him and help him become a strong and kind man.
But I am the lucky one. My son gave me new life. My life wasn't off track or bad before he came into it, but there was something missing, I didn't know that at the time. My son has given me a new perspective on the world. I have so much love in my heart now, not just for him but for the whole world. He makes me work hard because I now have someone to work hard for. He makes me tick.
So here is a cheers to you, Daniel Thomas Bray Rice. My sunshine, my heart and my love. You are a sweet little boy with a huge personality. You have brought your father and I so much happiness in such a short amount of time. I can't wait to see you continue to grow and learn in your second year.
"Heaven blew every trumpet and played every horn on the wonderful, marvelous night you were born"
-Nancy Tillman
Today is my sons first birthday, my first child. I have been so busy planning his party and trying not to break down into tears every time I see one of his newborn pictures that I didn't even think about the fact that I have been a mother for a whole year today. Being a mother is a pretty incredible thing. After spending nine months growing a human being inside (or waiting on your adoption/surrogate) you meet that little baby and your life is completely changed. Gone are the days of worrying about any drama you once cared about, you no longer think that the most important decision you'll make today is what you'll wear. Your life is all about that little person who you brought into the world. First you have to tackle nursing, then sleeping, rolling over, crawling, walking. The first year is full of so many challenges and wonderful moments. Looking back on my life I see how I used to be so concerned about things that just don't matter. If you told me a few years ago that my dream would be to stay at home with my children and write books for them I would have thought you were insane. Motherhood does that to you, it makes you see the world in a different light, it makes you see what is truly important to you and your family. I never understood the purpose of motherhood before I had my son because I never had a good relationship with my own mother. When I would hear about people loving their moms and being super close to them I just couldn't relate. Now I can. I now know the love and connection between a mother and child. I know how important it is for children to have a mother around who will care for them and teach them things. I know that my son is lucky because he has me to watch out for him and help him become a strong and kind man.
But I am the lucky one. My son gave me new life. My life wasn't off track or bad before he came into it, but there was something missing, I didn't know that at the time. My son has given me a new perspective on the world. I have so much love in my heart now, not just for him but for the whole world. He makes me work hard because I now have someone to work hard for. He makes me tick.
So here is a cheers to you, Daniel Thomas Bray Rice. My sunshine, my heart and my love. You are a sweet little boy with a huge personality. You have brought your father and I so much happiness in such a short amount of time. I can't wait to see you continue to grow and learn in your second year.
"Heaven blew every trumpet and played every horn on the wonderful, marvelous night you were born"
-Nancy Tillman
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Update: My Chicco S3 All Terrain
Saturday I got my second Chicco jogging stroller in the mail. My dear husband put it together Sunday night, and on Monday morning my son and I went for a run. We started off walking, then when Mommy was ready I started running, it felt so good to finally hit the pavement again, and then I came to a screeching stop. I am so disappointed that I didn't have a lemon, the stroller just doesn't work properly. I am going to return this one and buy a different brand. I am pretty sure I want the Schwinn Free Wheeler but I need to do a little more research before I sign on the dotted line.
I still love my Chicco infant carseat and the regular use stroller, but they definitely missed the ball when it came to making a jogging stroller.
Chicco S3 All Terrain gets a big thumbs down from this Mommy!
I still love my Chicco infant carseat and the regular use stroller, but they definitely missed the ball when it came to making a jogging stroller.
Chicco S3 All Terrain gets a big thumbs down from this Mommy!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Penis and Vagina!
. . . Now that I have your attention lets talk about "bad" words. As a mommy of a little boy who is on the verge of becoming a little talker I am aware that my husband and I are going to have to establish in our family what words are "bad" and which words are appropriate for little mouths. I am firm believer in using the proper words for human anatomy. I see nothing wrong with using the words penis and vagina at an early age because, well that is what they are! Some of the words that many parents don't allow include "butt", "gosh", "sucks", "crap" and "stupid" to name a few. I am inclined to think that there are certain contexts in which the "controversial" words are okay to use, but it is a slippery slope if you allow words to be used sometimes because young children aren't going to understand why it is okay to use the words here but not there. I think the best thing I can do for my family is to decide which words are "bad" and not allow them to be used at all.
I think the hardest part about the "bad word list" is that we as parents need to drop the bad words from our vocabulary. One of the most important thing we do as parents is to lead by example, but man this is going to be hard. Children learn from everything we do and repeat everything they hear and see. I don't know how I am going to keep myself from screaming profanities into the TV next fall during the presidential debates but I am going to have to learn!
The next level of this problem is deciding which phrases are not allowed to be used in your family. This will be hard for my family because I know that if my son is anything like his smart arse father he will be saying "Shut. Up." as two separate sentences to try to get away with that mean phrase.
By the way, it doesn't count if you swear in a different language.
Scheisse
I think the hardest part about the "bad word list" is that we as parents need to drop the bad words from our vocabulary. One of the most important thing we do as parents is to lead by example, but man this is going to be hard. Children learn from everything we do and repeat everything they hear and see. I don't know how I am going to keep myself from screaming profanities into the TV next fall during the presidential debates but I am going to have to learn!
The next level of this problem is deciding which phrases are not allowed to be used in your family. This will be hard for my family because I know that if my son is anything like his smart arse father he will be saying "Shut. Up." as two separate sentences to try to get away with that mean phrase.
By the way, it doesn't count if you swear in a different language.
Scheisse
Monday, April 4, 2011
Couponing -- My first attempt.
Ok. My first trip to the grocery store as a "couponer" was a major success! I saved $98 dollars!!
I found that my savings were higher from the store sales and club card (Safeway) sales, but my coupon clipping did save me almost $30. I am very happy with my first attempt.
The most exciting deal (or steal) I got was a box of Huggies diapers (96 count) after the store sale and coupons was about $15. I got two boxes which should last until another sale comes around. I also got my dear husband two bottles of a "fancy" body wash for the price of one.
I am so excited about my savings, and even more excited that I fit all of my steals in my cupboards!
Stay tuned for more adventures in couponing!
I found that my savings were higher from the store sales and club card (Safeway) sales, but my coupon clipping did save me almost $30. I am very happy with my first attempt.
The most exciting deal (or steal) I got was a box of Huggies diapers (96 count) after the store sale and coupons was about $15. I got two boxes which should last until another sale comes around. I also got my dear husband two bottles of a "fancy" body wash for the price of one.
I am so excited about my savings, and even more excited that I fit all of my steals in my cupboards!
Stay tuned for more adventures in couponing!
Friday, April 1, 2011
My Adventures in Couponing
I may be certifiably insane. As if I don't have enough on my plate with mothering, wife-ing, student-ing, friend-ing etc I am not taking up couponing. I keep hearing from friends in my mom group how they are saving TONS from couponing so I have to try it. I have printed about a hundred coupons off of website like http://thekrazycouponlady.com and http://swagbucks.com and now I am waiting to get a couple Sunday papers before I do a big grocery run.
My friends tell me that it is all about buying things while they are on sale, while using your coupons, and stocking up enough to last you for six weeks (which is the typical sale cycle). I never do things half way, but living in a small condo might force me to only coupon to the extend in which I can store things. I will post after my first attempt this weekend. Wish me luck!
My friends tell me that it is all about buying things while they are on sale, while using your coupons, and stocking up enough to last you for six weeks (which is the typical sale cycle). I never do things half way, but living in a small condo might force me to only coupon to the extend in which I can store things. I will post after my first attempt this weekend. Wish me luck!
Customer Service: A Review
I recently purchased a jogging stroller. The weather here in Maryland is starting to get really nice and I am dying to run again (I have not had a real workout since the 1st trimester). I did a lot of research on jogging strollers, but the choice was obvious to me. The Chicco S3 All Terrain because it fits my infant carseat and I am a big Chicco lover. Their infant seats are the #1 safety rated carseats which was all I needed to know when I was shopping for a carseat before my son was born.
Once the stroller came we had a few nice walks in it, but when it came to really hitting the pavement there was one huge problem: every time I started to run the break would fall down, bringing us to a screeching halt. Danny didn't like this and I certainly did not like it. After my dear husband tried to figure out what the problem was with no luck I decided it was time to contact Chicco. I purchased the stroller on sale for $349.99 which, in my house is a huge price tag so I wanted this thing working perfectly.
The first person I contacted at Chicco was a very nice woman named Ginny. She was very apologetic for the faulty stroller and began the process of return and refund immediately. She said that Chicco wanted to have UPS pick up the stroller and issue me a refund check so I could buy another stroller. In the meantime Ginny said that they did not want me to go without a stroller so they were also sending me a Cortina stroller (the basic stroller that comes with the travel system) for free. This, in my opinion is AMAZING customer service. I got the Cortina stroller within three days of my first phone call with Ginny. A few days later UPS picked up the S3 stroller and I should have a refund check in the mail early next week.
I am still without a jogging stroller and as soon as that check comes in the mail I plan on purchasing another S3 All Terrain stroller. I am taking a risk by giving the Chicco brand another chance, but I really love the design and the quality of the S3 so I hope the original stroller I bought was just a lemon. Of course, as soon as I take the new S3 for a ride I will post all about it.
Once the stroller came we had a few nice walks in it, but when it came to really hitting the pavement there was one huge problem: every time I started to run the break would fall down, bringing us to a screeching halt. Danny didn't like this and I certainly did not like it. After my dear husband tried to figure out what the problem was with no luck I decided it was time to contact Chicco. I purchased the stroller on sale for $349.99 which, in my house is a huge price tag so I wanted this thing working perfectly.
The first person I contacted at Chicco was a very nice woman named Ginny. She was very apologetic for the faulty stroller and began the process of return and refund immediately. She said that Chicco wanted to have UPS pick up the stroller and issue me a refund check so I could buy another stroller. In the meantime Ginny said that they did not want me to go without a stroller so they were also sending me a Cortina stroller (the basic stroller that comes with the travel system) for free. This, in my opinion is AMAZING customer service. I got the Cortina stroller within three days of my first phone call with Ginny. A few days later UPS picked up the S3 stroller and I should have a refund check in the mail early next week.
I am still without a jogging stroller and as soon as that check comes in the mail I plan on purchasing another S3 All Terrain stroller. I am taking a risk by giving the Chicco brand another chance, but I really love the design and the quality of the S3 so I hope the original stroller I bought was just a lemon. Of course, as soon as I take the new S3 for a ride I will post all about it.
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