Oh BABY!!!!!!!

Loss and Life

2011-07-19T12:11:00.007-04:00

My Grandfather has been ill for a while. Knowing that I have tried to make sure that I get up there with the boys at LEAST twice a year to see him. I even gave Noah his middle name of Oliver.

This is a picture of my Grandpa and My Nana (grandmother)

Saturday I got the call that I knew was coming but I didn't want to receive. I have not yet dealt with the loss but I know that once I get to Minnesota tomorrow night it will become real to me and the grieving will begin. He lived life to the fullest with, what I assume, are very few regrets. He even got married this past January to the woman that he has been with for 40 years. I was able to make it up for the wedding reception (after the worst traveling experience of my life) and was SO happy that I did.

Me and my sisters with my Grandfather at the wedding reception (IDK what I am looking at! lol)

Going to Minnesota will be bittersweet. In addition to my Grandfather passing away Saturday my BFF Natalia gave birth to her second son yesterday!!!! One year and exactly 2 months after Noah was born!!! I am so happy for her...now I just wish that she would name him already!!! And of course he is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!

So in addition to getting to sending my Grandfather home...I will get to spend time with Baby Trent!!!!

Big Boy Bed!!!!

2011-07-19T12:05:00.004-04:00

I have wanted to get Aiden his first big boy bed for a few months now. I had found the one that I like the most and Aiden even liked it. Sunday after Paul and I went to get the boys we went to Ikea to look at the bed one last time. THEN Paul was like...okay lets go buy it!!! I was excited like it was my bed!!! lol.

When we got home Paul instantly went to putting it together and Aiden was SOOOOO excited. He was helping Daddy put together his 'big boy bed'. He even slept all night in there!!!

I have to say it is a pretty durn cool bed...and comfortable too!!! I slept in there with him for a few hours this morning...lol.

To check it out, head over to Aiden's Blog.

Enjoy!!!

POTTY CHAMP

2011-07-14T13:17:00.002-04:00

So...a year or so ago we started the potty journey with Aiden. There was some reluctance in the beginning...well hell who am I fooling...some resistance during the entire process. But I am happy to say that since we returned from Nassau Aiden is potty trained!!!! woo hoo!!! (insert happy dance WITH pelvic thrusts)

For months...no matter how much we bribed him with candy (lol), he resisted the potty. He just did not want to go when he had to go. We tried the "let him walk around naked and he will be potty trained at the end of a couple days" strategy. What did that teach us? That as long as he was naked he would go to the potty. But since he could not be naked ALL DAY, EVERY DA.Y...that didn't work.

We tried the "put the potty in the middle of the room" strategy, and that only worked a couple times.

We tried the "let him feel the wet and he wont do it anymore" strategy, and frankly...Aiden did not give a crap if he was went nor dirty. He never had, so I don't know why we thought that he would all of a sudden care.

We listened to the teachers say that he would get motivated to be potty trained because he would see the other kids in his class going. Well...that didn't work either. Everyday that we went to pick him up there was a check by the wet mark on his report card.

Interesting enough...I think it was my dad that got Aiden potty trained in less than 3 days!!! We went to the Bahamas and he did not ONCE wear a pull up outside the room. Every time he had to go potty he either went himself or he told me he had to go!!! I was shocked!! Ever since he has been ON IT!!! It is hilarious when he says, "I have to go boo boo" then as he is running to the bathroom he is saying "hold it...hold it" lol.

Needless to say I am happy that I have one kid in undies. There are days where Aiden will tell me that he does not want to wear undies but that he wants to wear a pull up. And those are the days that I know he is in a lazy kind of mood. He only gets the pull up luxury at night.

My BFF's...feeling sentimental

2011-07-14T12:29:00.005-04:00

Most people go their entire lives not being able to say that they have ONE great girlfriend. Well I am blessed to be able to say that I have TWO!!!!

Natalia and I have been friends our entire lives...and our mothers have been friends for a long time as well. We grew up going everywhere together...including to the Bahamas regularly. True we did loose touch when I went to college, but once we reconnected we have been inseparable. She is gorgeous, HILARIOUS, smart, a great mom, and the list goes on. The ironic thing is that we now both have 3 year olds (born 6 months apart) and she is about to have (ON MONDAY!!!) her second son that will be one year younger than Noah!!! How cool is that? They will grow up as best friends just as we did. I am SUPER excited to meet my new nephew and have booked my flight to go up next month already!!!

Jewel (my Jewel) and I have been best friends since our sophomore year in high school. She is a very special person to me. She is my sounding board. She is the person I know will tell me the truth and give me a unbiased opinion no matter what the subject. She is the most intelligent person I know and deserves all of the life rewards that she is receiving...and did I mention she is pretty easy on the eyes as well. She is Aiden's Godmother and the first person I thought of to take on that role when I became pregnant.

I am not sure what I would do without these ladies. I love them as if they were my sisters and in my mind they are. It is true that I have a couple other girlfriends...but they do not know me like Jewel and Natalia do. I know that I could ask them for anything and they would be there for me no questions asked and with no reservations or judgements.

I also have a couple male friends that are pretty high on my list of important people in my life...but that is a whole different post. For some reason people have this belief that women and men can not have a non sexual genuine friendship...and I do not agree.

Anywho...I guess the fact that I spoke with Jewel last night and think about Natalia and her upcoming birth daily made me want to share with everyone the love I have for my "sisters". I miss them dearly and wish that we could get together more often. BUT I do get to see both of them next month so I am excited about that.

I hope that some of you are as lucky as I am. And I am VERY lucky...love you girls!!!

The Boys!!!

2011-07-13T11:22:00.011-04:00

Here are some pictures of my AMAZING boys!!! Aiden will be 3 in August and Noah turned 1 in May. Aiden reminds us everyday that his birthday is August 29th, that he will be 3 and that we will have to sing happy birthday to him. He is VERY talkitive...and we LOVE it!!! Noah is the little athlete. He loves any kind of ball...lol...and he is on the move at all times.

I have to say that we are super lucky. Aiden is the BEST big brother. He looks out for Noah, hugs and kisses him, plays well with him, etc. It is a beautiful thing to witness and I can not wait to see their relationship and bond grow stronger as they get older.

Enjoy!!!

We took the boys to pick strawberries since Aiden loves them so much. Needlessto say it was hard not to eat them!! They even landed in the AJC!!!

We partied like ROCK STARS for Noah's first birthday!!! It was a great party (patting myself on the back)

This is Noah at the beach for the first time...and of course he ate some sand...lol. Hilton Head 2011!!!

The boys at the pool at the house in Hilton Head. Aiden LOVES the water...and LOVES Hilton Head. He calls the house the "Pool House" lol.

The week before Hilton Head Aiden and I went to the Bahamas to celebrate my little brothers 21st birthday. It was Aiden's first stamp in his passport and he LOVED the Bahamas. I plan to have the boys there every other year so it can be like home to them as it is to me!!

Aiden and his free spirited self...

LOOK AT THAT FACE!!!! (making kissy noises) lol

As you can see...I have some pretty awesome kids!!!!

Surgery for my baby-Tubes in the ears

2011-07-13T11:13:00.004-04:00

Ever since December Noah has had reoccuring ear infections. As a matter of fact...from February until May he had the SAME ear infection. No matter what antibiotic they gave him it woul just not go away.

So at the beginning of May we went to an ENT who told me what I had not really wanted to hear...that he was going to require surgery to put tubes in his ears. I was freaking out...but it was necessary. His speach was pretty much non existant and he was not sleeping well. I knew that no matter how scared I was he would feel so much better.

He had the surgery a week after his birthday...his birthday party was AWESOME by the way, we partiedlike ROCK STARS (that was the theme). Unfortunately I was not able to be at the hospital with him because of a work obligation (tear) but Paul sent me pictures and let me know that everything went well. They even came and visited me at work on the way from the hospital.

Noah in the pre op room before surgery

Another pre op pictuer that Paul sent me to make me feel better...it worked.

Since that day Noah's speach has progressed RAPIDLY!!! He is a new baby!!! He dances to music like never before and his balance is great!!! They said that if he had not had that fluid in his ears that he probably would have walked a couple months sooner. I am so happy that we went ahead with it.

You can go to this link to get information on the different types of ear infections. And here to learn about getting tubes in the ears. They say that if your child has 3 ear infection within a 6 month period that they should see an ENT.

School Update...

2011-07-13T11:06:00.002-04:00

So...I have been a blog slacker. And not just on this one but on the boys too. But I am gonna TRY and do better!!!

Well, the last post covered that I was back to work and that we had found a in home day care that we liked. Well that did not pan out. The caregiver had te NERVE to take my infant out of the house and NOT inform myself or Paul. Not to mention the fact that she was not back home by the time we went to pick Noah up. Needless to say I was LIVID and had called the police on her. The boys did not go back there...lol.

So after the holidays and the MASSIVE amount of snow that hit Atlanta in January Aiden started going to a school that I had my eyes on before...Kids R Kids. Besides the fact that it was an awesome facility that had a curriculum...I could watch him ONLINE!!! What mother of a child new to child care would not love that!!!

We decided to put Noah in another facility (what I later dubbed the "Ninja Daycare") down the street with the expectation of moving him to Kids R Kids once he was a year old. He has sinc emoved to Kids R Kids and he loves it just as much as Aiden.

It was an adjustment for Aiden at first but after a few weeks he was better when I dropped him off. NOW he is excited about going to school and just as excited when Paul picks them up. Now tha Noah goes there he loves to visit Noah during the day and likes to go with us when we drop/pick Noah up out of his class.

So other than the fact that we pay an arm, leg and a kidney for them to go there...it is worth every penny. Aiden even knows some spanish!!!

Daycare

2010-12-14T21:16:00.001-05:00

So Since October of last year I have been out of a job. Which worked out okay since I was pregnant with Noah. And up until then I had not had to put Aiden in any kind of daycare because of the flexibility I had with my previous job.

Well last week I was BLESSED with a new AMAZING job…which made me realize that BOTH boys would have to go into day care. I knew that Aiden would be going into school soon but had put it off because the school I was interested in required that he be potty trained…and we are not quite there yet. But the realization that Noah would not be in my care until he was 2 like Aiden just broke my little heart.

Paul and I both agreed that in home child care would be preferable. And after PULENTY of research and a failed visit…we found a woman that we liked!!!! And today was their first day!!!! I am so proud of myself…I didn’t cry and I only called once!!!

The fact that Aiden was SUPER excited to go today made it easier on me…lol. And when he got home he was STILL excited!!! Which makes me very happy. Noah of course cried for about half of the day but then warmed up to her and enjoyed the rest of the day…whew.

So this the beginning of a new journey of us. Keep us in our prayers!!!

UPDATE TIME!!!!

2010-11-29T12:02:00.002-05:00

I know I know...I have been MIA since Noah was born! Well no one told me that having 2 boys 20 months apart was gonna be such HARD WORK!!!! I have slacked off in updating ALL of the blogs. So I am here to say that tonight I will be posting some wonderful pics of my now 2 year old SUPER big brother Aiden and my most adorable 6 month old little brown bear Noah!!!! So check back tomorrow to get the low down on this journey I have been on!!!!

Signed

Exhausted Mommy

Door Knob Covers!!!!!

2010-08-06T23:31:00.000-04:00

Today (for the second time since he was born), Aiden has scared 10 years off my life. This time Paul got to be scared with me (last time he was running an errand). Recently Aiden learned how to open doors using a traditional door knob. He LOVES going to his PaPa’s (Paul’s Dad) house and his Lubby’s(Paul’s Mom) house because they have the door handles that open all the doors. He has been able to open those for about a year…lol. We also realized recently that he knows how to unlock doors as well…and he is so durn tall that he can unlock the top lock on the front door!!!

On a daily basis he goes outside to walk our dog with his Daddy-Dad(what he now calls Paul…lol)…no big deal right? So this afternoon he decided to take him out on his own. I was upstairs putting the baby to sleep for his nap and Paul was going to get the water out of the car. We both thought Aiden was with the other parent…that always is a bad recipe. So Paul comes upstairs, after I hear doors open and close about 5 times, and asks me if Aiden was with me. OH HELLLLLL NO!!!! Good thing the baby was sleep because I put him in the swing and ran out the house. My strategy was to find the dog because he was going to hear me calling and come running before Aiden would hear me. And I assumed that Aiden would be with him. THANK GOD I WAS RIGHT!!!! I only had to call out once and a man asked me if I was looking for a little boy and pointed down the street. And sure enough Aiden was following behind park. But he was ALL THE WAY DOWN THE STREET. He was crying and happy to see Mommy!!! And boy was I happy to see him!!!!

So what did I do as soon as I got in the house I told Paul…we HAVE to get door knob covers. We have a 3 story townhouse so we only need them for the 3 doors downstairs. So let the research begin. I went to Babies R Us first because I assumed they would have more than one brand, but I was wrong. They only carried the Safety 1st Twist & Grip Knob Covers that had HORRIBLE reviews everywhere I looked. The most common reviews were that the material was flimsy and that the child would figure out pretty quickly that if they put their fingers thru the holes they could grip the door knob. Then I went to Amazon.com because they have everything. So next up I looked at the Mommy’s Helper Door Knob Safety Knob Covers and those reviews were a little better but the most common review stated that they were made of flimsy material and easy to break with pressure.

So I tried one more brand…American Red Cross Door Knob Covers. I mean you want a product that will prevent the CHILD from getting out and not the ADULT….lol. All of the reviews stated that after trying 4-5 different brands this was the one that worked!!! So I ordered those puppies!!! I mean you get 3 for $3.59 (free shipping and no tax!!), and I am willing to loose that little bit of money to get a WHOLE lot of piece of mind. Aiden is a VERY smart child and I am sure that he will figure out how to get around the door knob locks but at the same time he could also get mad at this little obstacle and forget about trying to go outside. Or get distracted by one of his trucks or trains while trying to get around the cover…lol. We can all hope huh?

So be on the look out for my update to this entry on how they work. I got free second day shipping and they shipped out about an hour and a half after I placed the order!!!! How about them apples….I will have them in the mail box on Monday afternoon!!!!

Child Seat Belt for Airplanes!!!!!!!!!!

2010-07-21T19:51:00.000-04:00

So I was at the doctors office today to get my IUD (that will come in another post) and decided to read the Parenting magazine to see if they had any fun summer ideas for me to do with Aiden. There is a page in there where they have a bunch of different ads for products that Mommy’s would love and I came across something that DEFINITELY caught my eye!!!

Aiden will be 2 on the 29th of August and we will be taking his last flight before I have to buy him a plane ticket the weekend of his birthday. When I researched what will be the protocol after he turns 2 the airline website listed that I will have to bring a car seat on board. WHAT!!! I mean I did purchase the Sunshine Kids Radian 65 that IS FAA approved but I don’t want to lug that sucker thru the airport in addition to Aiden, probably Noah and all the goodies that keep our flight friendly for the res of the passengers. I have NEVER seen a child with a car seat on the plane so I assume that this is not a policy that has a strict enforcement. Then I thought, well the seat belt on the airplane can NOT be safe for children…I mean seriously.

So next month I will be purchasing…drum roll please…a CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) for Aiden!!! It is a belt buckle device specially designed for children 22-44lbs!!!! And it is the ONLY harness type child aviation safety restraint ever certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

I can’t tell you how excited I am to find something like this. It will make flying with both boys a MUCH easier process. I mean Aiden is normally ALL OVER the place so I know he is NOT going to sit in his own seat if he can unhook the regular seat belt…which has been able to do since he was 17 months old. But with this he won’t be able to get loose!!!! It is essentially a car seat without the big ole car seat!!!! Here is some exact wording from their web site:

Each year more and more young children fly. But until CARES came along, what was missing was a convenient, hassle-free way to keep young flyers safe. Here’s what makes CARES such an invaluable travel solution:

CARES is the first and only harness type Aviation Child Safety Device to be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an alternative to a car seat.
CARES is an elegantly designed belt-and-buckle device that works in conjunction with the regular airplane seat belt and provides young travelers the same level of safety as a car seat.
CARES weighs just one pound and fits into a 6" stuff sack! It is easily portable, simple to install, adjustable to every size airplane seat, and usable on any seat in the airplane, except in the emergency exit rows.
Need your car seat on the other end of the trip? Just check it through as luggage – and carry CARES on board in your pocket!

CARES is manufactured exclusively by AmSafe Aviation, the foremost manufacturer of aviation seatbelts and pilot restraints in the world. (Turn over your airplane seat belt buckle. Chances are it says AmSafe.) CARES is made of the same industrial-strength webbing as your own seat belt and is engineered to the highest aviation-safety standards.

I mean how cool is that!!!! It does cost a little bit more than I would like ($74.95) but it will be well worth it!!!! It even comes with a little bag to carry it in that will fit easily into your diaper bag so not toting a big car seat anymore!!!! (Insert Happy Mommy Dance!!!!!)

Happy Flying!!!

DEALS!!!! (Updated)

2010-07-14T13:37:00.003-04:00

I have been meaning to do a post about places online that I love for deals on baby and kids stuff!!! Of course I am a SERIOUS fan of Old Navy and BabyGap and get emails regularly about their sales...I suggest all Mommy's out there to sign up for e-mail alerts to their favorite places to shop for their little ones. You get heads up on deals before everyone else!!!! You can also go in the store and ask them when they put new items on sale so you can get that cute outfit you have had your eye on!!!

So there are two web sites that have daily deals. And they have some GREAT deals. Just a couple days ago one site had 6 pair (3 for boys and 3 for girls) of See Kai Run Shoes on sale for 55% off!!!! They have sales on everything from cloth diapers to diaper bags to stainless steel water bottles to clothing!!!

So visit Baby Half Off and Baby Steals. If you are on FB or Twitter be sure to follow them so you get the item of the day first!!!!

UPDATE!!!!

I have also added Kid Steals and Baby Cheap Skate to my list of Mommy faves!!!! Kid Steals are deals for toddler and kids. And Baby Cheap Skate is coupons, coupon codes and special deals for babies, toddlers and kids!!!!

Noah's Newborn Shoot

2010-07-13T11:50:00.002-04:00

As I posted a few weeks ago we did a newborn shoot with the wonderful Paul Wendl at his studio. Paul and I have been waiting to be able to see the wonderful pics and we FINALLY got the proofs last week. And needless to say we were MORE than satisfied!!!! You can visit Noah's blog to see the pictures. But I thought that I would share with you the first and only (so far) family picture of ours.

Hot Chicks, Hot Food Picks!!!

2010-07-13T11:34:00.002-04:00

LET THE MOVEMENT BEGIN!!!!! I am an AVID FB poster...and normally my posts have something to do about food. I have a Line Sister that lives in Chicago that shares my love of all things YUMMY!! People tell us all the time that we should have a show on my FAVORITE channel...The Food Network. And we have decided that we agree!!!! So we have created a page on Facebook. You can link to it on the left of my blog...feel free to click the like bottom at the top of the Hot Chicks page. You will get regular food reviews (on spots that we go to in our home cities as well as when we travel), recipes, restaurant deals, videos of spots we visit, etc. You can even post your own reviews or recommend places for us to visit!!!!

We are super excited. You can also follow us on twitter @ChiLantaFoodies!!! Tell your friends...and tell your friends to tell their friends. Maybe if we get enough followers on FB and twitter The Food Network will take our tape seriously once we send it in...lol.

You can visit Cherish's blog at http://therealcherish.blogspot.com/ where she talks about fashion, food, traveling, among other things!!!

Breastfeeding!!!!!!

2010-07-03T18:55:00.004-04:00

Let me begin by saying that being a Mommy of two is HARD WORK!!! lol...but I am loving every minute.

In August of 1999 I had a breast reduction...that was much needed. And at that time children and breast feeding were VERY far off of my radar. So when I got pregnant with Aiden I knew that being able to breast feed was something that was up in the air and I would not know if I was able to do so until after he was born. While I was pregnant I did TONS of research about breastfeeding after a breast reduction and basically everything told me what I already knew...it was going to be a crap shoot.

Most of the research said that if the reduction was done more than 5 years before the birth of the child then you had a greater risk of being able to. And that if you pump or attempt to breast feed with your first child then you will more than likely have more milk for the children that follow.

Well with Aiden I had milk...but not much of it, and Aiden was greedy so when he latched on and it was not shooting out he was not having that!!! So I pumped for about a month and then my little bit of milk went bye bye. Even with pumping I only got 4oz out of one breast ONCE...and I was too excited. Most commonly I was getting about 1.5oz out of each breast. So he was at least getting a little bit. It was really hard to be pumping every time I fed Aiden. I mean I would pump for 30 minutes right after I fed Aiden...then it felt like by the time I was done it was time to feed him again!!!!! I was exhausted!!! But I did what I had to do.

And I am glad that I did because with Noah I CAN BREASTFEED!!! YAY!!!! Noah is much more patient than Aiden. Noah latched on in the hospital and has worked with me from day one...lol. I felt my milk coming in the day I was being discharged so I pumped a little bit, but by the time I got home I was FULLY engorged and in agonizing pain. Poor Noah tried to help Mommy out but my breasts were so hard that he could not latch on. I felt so much better when my mommy brought the pump and I relieved that pressure.

I knew that I would not be able to exclusively breast feed but Noah has gotten quite a bit of breast milk. There was even an instance where I was naked and my milk was shooting out of one of my breasts...I was SOOOOOO excited...lol. He normally gets breast milk all through the night and formula during the day. Which works for me and him. But I think he is getting lazy and not wanting to latch...either way I am MORE than happy that I have been able to give him SOME breast milk for the past 9 weeks!!!

So for all you mommy's out there that have had some type of breast surgery dont be discouraged. Pump pump pump and it will give you a better chance of producing more the second time around. And if you are going to have some surgery done and have yet to have any children express your interest in being able to breast feed in the future. That way they can be cautious around your milk ducks.

If you want more information go to Breast Feeding After Breast and Nipple Surgeries and if you want information on increasing your milk supply go to Low Milk Supply.

Knowledge is Power with stuff like this!!!

My Boys!!!!

2010-06-21T22:13:00.009-04:00

Here are some pics of my boy...the Douglass'...just chillin in the bed with Mommy!!!! Love them to pieces.

Big Brother Aiden checking the temp of the milk...lol...

Northside vs. Crawford Long Hospital

2010-06-21T22:10:00.001-04:00

Okay so I know I was suppose to do this post like weeks ago but needless to say two little boys have me fully occupied!!! Aiden was born at Northside Hospital and Noah was born at Crawford Long (now Emory University Hospital Midtown). And I have to say that my experience was totally different at each one, but neither experience was what I would call a bad one. I will list my pros and cons for each one, but like I said....I did not have a BAD experience at either...they were just different.

Northside Hospital
1000 Johnson Ferry Road
Atlanta, GA 30342-1611
www.northside.com

Planned to have a vaginal birth but ended up having a cesarean after 24 hours of labor due to developed fever. Was sent to the hospital by mid wife at 41 weeks due to low amniotic fluid.

Pros: One of the top Maternity hospitals in the country...they have nicknamed this place the baby factory!! Hospital was easy to get to from the freeway, but if you go into labor in the afternoon (as I did) it will be difficult to navigate through traffic. You can pull up curb side right to the Maternity center and father/coach can move the car once you are checked in...which was GREAT. Parking was FREE for the father!!!!

Check in was quick and painless. The Birthing suite was BEAUTIFUL!!! Very spacious and they were very accommodating to the family. They had all of the delivery menu's in a folder for easy reference. Standard gowns but they didn't provide those socks with the traction on them...but I had some of my own. The nursing staff was FABULOUS and I found it hard to decide which nurses got my Godiva Chocolate treats that I got for them. Thank goodness I has some nurses more than one day/night. The anesthesiologist was great and I felt NO pain while prepping for or recovering from my c-section. Paul was able to take pictures throughout the procedure which was great!!! I was in recovery FOREVER while waiting for them to take me to my room...FOREVER. They had one nurse in the recovery room so I had to wait for her to deal with people that got in there before me before she could get me sent upstairs...UGH!! But they gave Aiden his first bath and allowed me to hold him before they took him to the nursery.

Security was great for the baby and the photo people came the day after he was born. They did a good job and were good with Aiden. Window seat where Paul had to sleep was a little small and the mother/baby suite was a tad small, but we were on one of the older floors and not in a new mother/baby suite. Bathroom was a decent size but I don't remember them providing toiletries (even though I had my own). But they DID have these cute buttons for all of the family members that were free. Buttons that said "I am the Grandmother" "I am the father" "I am the auntie/uncle" etc...very cute!!!

Food was okay, but it was hospital food. Lactation people were great and I was able to rent a pump from my room!!! They showed me how to use it and got me the attachments that I needed. Check out was not slow but not fast either. But they were very accommodating and checked on Aiden and I often to see if we were okay or if we needed anything.

Pro's: GREAT facility, easy check in, good infant security, pump rental on site, free parking, GREAT nursing staff.

Con's: not close to our home, no extras like socks and toiletries, small mother/baby unit, small sleeping area for partner/father/coach

Overall I loved this hospital...the only reason I ended up not going back was because the OB that I wanted only has privileges at Piedmont an Crawford Long.

Emory University Hospital Midtown (Crawford Long)
550 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
404-778-7777
www.emoryhealthcare.org

This was a 7am scheduled cesarean at 39 weeks 5 days after no dilation or cervical change.

Pre op testing that was done the day before took FOREVER and I had Aiden (20 month old) with me, but it made check in the next morning very quick. Facility is close to my home and very easy to get to from the freeway. But it is downtown Atlanta so the possibility of getting stuck in traffic is pretty high. Parking is not free nor is it cheap. You can get a week long parking pass for $25 otherwise you will average $7 per day in the parking deck. You can be dropped off in front but there is no area for idle parking so your partner/the father would have to leave you there and go park in the MASSIVE parking deck.

We were only waiting for maybe 5 minutes until we were taken back to pre op. In that area I was given a standard gown and SOCKS with the traction on them. They also gave me a garment bag for me to put my clothes in!!! That was a nice touch. Paul was able to stay with me until they took me into the operating room and he was allowed in there after I as prepped. Anesthesia was not as pleasant this time but that is because I felt them do the spinal this time. With Aiden I was in so much pain that I didn't feel when the epidural was administered.

When Noah was born they gave us this really cool certificate of birth (not official) that had his foot prints on it...an it was on really nice paper. They did not allow Paul to take pictures until he was out of my stomach. The recovery nurses were great and I didn't feel like I was in there that long but I only got to see Noah for a few seconds in the operating room before they took him up to the nursery where he got his bath and was weighed. But I did have my own personal nurse in the recovery room that put a lot of effort to get me up to my baby.

Security at Crawford Long was just as great and in some ways better. In the new hospital wing they took your picture and had to see ID before you could go back. Our OB requested that we be taken to the old Maternity wing and once I got there I realized why. The room was HUGE!!! I mean HUGE. She was thinking of us and the fact that we had a 21 month old that is very active and the extra room came in VERY handy!!! They didn't take your picture in the old wing unless you went thru the new facility to get to the old. But you could not go past the nursing station without signing in. One problem with being in the old wing is that it was hard to find!!! Everyone that came to visit was like...dang it was hard to find you guys!!!

The photo people came in the day after he was born and he was sleep so I asked for them to come back later that day or the following morning. Well they NEVER came back!!! I had to call them on the day I was suppose to leave in order for them to come and take his picture. But they did a great job and did different poses that Northside's photo lady did not offer.

Once again...food was okay...lol. But the lactation people had me on the fence. They DID come and see me like 4 times but for some reason they got the impression that I didn't want to breast feed (even though I asked about pump rental). so they showed me a lot but it was not until the last day I was there that I got a FAB nurse that brought me a hand pump then offered to bring me a real pump!!! WHAT!!! The lactation people told me they didn't have pumps!!! One thing I didn't like was that the hospital did not have rentals available. So as I went home, beginning to engorge, I had to have my mom go and get a rental pump!!! ugh...I was in so much pain!!!

Check out was SLOW and the nurse that was handling the check out was SO RUDE!!!

Pro's:Room size!!!! security was good...recovery nursing staff was great!!! Closer to home and family.

Con's: expensive parking, not a lot of food options (esp ones that deliver), no pump rental, nurses were just okay, don't get to spend any time with the baby after c-section other than the few seconds you see the baby in the operating room.

So when if I had to choose between the 2 hospitals I would choose Northside (if my OB had privileges there). But Crawford Long is the hospital you want to go to if your baby is a preemie and needs NICU support! But for a standard delivery/cesarean Northside is the place to go!!!!

A Star is Born!!!!

2010-05-24T17:18:00.023-04:00

He is here!!!! FINALLY!!!! On Tuesday May 18th I went into the hospital for a 10am scheduled c-section and Noah Oliver Douglass was born at 11:06am!!!! I was anxious and scared as hell to get that spinal block (which did NOT feel good!!). But once I got it and we got to going I just wanted to see the new man in my life!!! And he was SO worth the LONG wait!!! He came out SCREAMING and pissed off that we took him out of his comfort zone!!! I wanted to get off the operating room table and soothe him so bad, but of course I couldn't!

Everything went smoothly, I got to recovery and was ready to see Noah!!! Of course he was up in the nursery meeting Daddy and Granna. My Mom was ending me pictures via text...yes I had my phone in recovery...lol. By the time I got to the room it was almost 2pm!!!! But I was happy on I got there. Noah was beautiful he has this head full of black hair and the juiciest cheeks and lips!!! I was in love from first sight!!!

I can honestly say that I was concerned while I was pregnant. Concerned that I would not love Noah as much as I love Aiden. Aiden is my first born and I could not imagine loving two people as much as I love Aiden. Someone told me that as soon as I saw Noah that concern would go away and they were SO right.

We were in the hospital until Friday afternoon and Saturday we had lots of visitors. I over did it that day because I was HURTING for a coupe days after wards. I should NOT have been going up and down those stairs like I was, but people kept showing up...lol. Learned my lesion.

Recovery has actually been a little better this time around. Maybe it is because I knew what to expect and knew what I should and should not do. So I have been keeping my butt in bed...well as much as I can take. My responsibility is Noah. Paul takes care of me and Aiden...and he has been doing pretty durn well!!! Hopefully I will get to escape out of the house soon just to do something simple like get a pedicure!!!

So below are some pictures from when we were in the hospital. Aiden stayed with Auntie Lauren and Uncle Travis the first 2 days and stayed with Granna the second 2 nights. He was in hog heaven and was not worried about coming home on Friday night. But he LOVES his little brother!!!! He wakes up asking about "baby" and kisses him first before he goes to bed at night!!! It is a beautiful thing...especially since I know it will be short lived once Noah gets a little older.

I will be doing a post this weekend comparing my experience at Northside to my experience at Crawford Long...and they were TOTALLY different. Enjoy the pictures!!!!

At the hospital bright and early...7:45am to be exact!!!

Waiting patiently for Dr. Davis-Williams to be ready for me...

Paul is dressed and ready to go!!!

My last belly shot...39 weeks 5 days!!!!

A Star is Born!!!

Isn't this cool!!! Didn't get one of these at Northside!!!!

Noah looks like he is in a burrito for real...lol

Love at first sight!!!

Hi Granna!!!!

Hi Daddy!!!

Me in recovery waiting to be able to bend my knees before they will let me go to my baby!!!

GrandPaul...the first one to get to hold Noah. (He was the first to hold Aiden too)

Proud Parents

Aiden meeting his brother for the first time...he was in awe...

Happy family...Aiden saying "feet" and pointing to Noah's feet. How cute!!!

Daddy Diaper Duty!!!!!

Aiden taking his little brother for a stroll around the room...

Noah Oliver Douglass

Oreo mouth Big Brother...Aiden Joseph Douglass

Aiden helping Daddy feed Noah his bottle...

Proud GodParents

I see the light....

2010-05-10T20:43:00.002-04:00

This may possibly be my last post before Noah arrives!!!! I had a WONDERFUL Mother's Day weekend!!! Friday my Mom had Aiden so Paul and I could go on a date before Noah arrives. We went and say Iron Man 2 and it was GREAT!!!! But of course I was having PLENTY of contractions during the movie. And man when we got home they just kept coming and coming...like 5 minutes apart!!!! But I REFUSED to go to the hospital unless I was 100% sure I was in labor!!!!

Then I had a nice relaxing day on Saturday and Sunday started off with me going to the grocery store to stock up on items for the house before Noah arrives. That same morning before Paul and Aiden went to Mass I got hugs, kisses, and a Pocket Reader!!!! I have been wanting one forever!!!! I look forward to reading plenty of books on it!!! Then my Mommy, cousin Jareen, and her two kids came over to fix a Mother's Day Brunch!!! Aiden and Paul came home right on time to eat...lol. Then we all got out the house and went to the Auburn Festival downtown Atlanta. It was a beautiful 71 degrees in Atlanta which was perfect because if it was any hotter I would not have made it.

I had the bright idea of going to the festival so I could attempt to walk Noah out...well that didn't work. All that happened was me get frustrated with all the people there and end up in SERIOUS back pain for the rest of the night!!! We came home and threw some stuff on the grill and I made my first peach cobbler that came out WONDERFUL thanks to my line sister Tasha who gave me the recipe!!!

I am now 38 weeks and 5 days pregnant and we go to the doctor tomorrow afternoon. And just to be sure I will be bringing my overnight bag with me!!!! I hope that they admit me to the hospital for pitocin because my cervix has ripened more and I have dilated to 2-3cm!!!! Otherwise we will be going in for a c-section on Wednesday or Thursday...but I PRAY that does not happen. Stay tuned to Noah and Aiden's blog to see pictures of both because I have a feeling that once Noah comes I will be too wore out to update anything!!!!!

Nursery is underway!!!!**Updated*

2010-05-03T16:53:00.009-04:00

This weekend was VERY productive!!!!! I am SOOOO excited!!! Saturday Paul FINALLY started on the nursery!! He put the second rack up in the closet and painted both the stencil and the stars on the adjacent wall to Aiden's name and dots. The closet looks FABULOUS...as a matter of fact it inspired him to put another shelf in his closet for his shoes...lol. And the stars came out wonderful...unfortunately the stencil did not come out so good, but it has nothing to do with anything that Paul did or did not do correctly. It looks great from a distance, but up close you can see the bleeding that occurred on the WHOLE stencil. Which is super strange. It is the same stencil company and paint that we used for Aiden's name, but the result was totally different. We are trying to decide if we want to just get another stencil with the same font or change the arrangement of the name completely. Paul took pictures with his camera...and I took a few with mine. So below are the ones I took with my camera.

Today I cleaned the infant car seat, put Aiden's clothes on the bottom rack and some of Noah's on the top rack, re arranged the drawers in the dresser (I think we may have to buy a second one...ugh), cleaned all the covers for the bouncy seats and swings, um.....lol...the list goes on. needless to say I am in a serious nesting mode. I didn't nest while I was pregnant with Aiden and that may be because I was super swollen at the end and just ready for it to be over. With Noah I am in serious pain (back and nerve pain) and anxious to see if I will be able to have the vaginal birth that I desire so badly to have!!!!

I am having PLENTY of contractions but not all of them are painful. But I average about 4 an hour...which is good I guess. We have a doctors appointment tomorrow (37 weeks 5 days) and I HOPE she tells me that I have dilated to AT LEAST 1cm!!!! If I am not dilated I will be very disappointed and closer to accepting that next Thursday I will be having a c-section...and that will make me very sad.

There are still things on my to do list!!! I need to get the pack and play up from the closet in the guest room and clean that, bring the swing up from the guest room, we need to order the crib and get the mattress, re arrange the nursery, finish packing my bag, go to babies r us to get a couple items that I still need, find some bedding that I love (the one I fell in love with was sold out and discontinued so that is out!!), ....um...lol. I am sure that I am missing some things. So I hope that I can get them done this week just in case Noah decides to come!!!

Wall with just the stencil

Wall after the name stencil has been painted as well as the stars

Aiden's wall...directly across from Noah's

Beginning phase of Paul putting the shelve up...
He is making GREAT progress...
And the finished product. I put Aiden's clothes on the bottom so he can access them (and he LOVES that) and only have hung up newborn and 0-3 month clothes. I need more hangers!!!! lol

**UPDATE*** I got more hangers and will be hanging up a TON (60 hangers worth) of clothes today!!! YAY!!! Also, I contacted the company that we use for the stencils (Woodland Manufacturing) and they are going to send us out a replacement stencil at no charge!!! How about that customer service. What I love about them is that you can customize the stencil to whatever font you want to use!!! How FAB is that????

How do I look?????

2010-04-26T13:04:00.000-04:00

Well I think I look big and uncomfortable!!!! Mommy took this picture of me yesterday when Paul, Mommy, Aiden and I were at the Inman Park festival having a ball when I had to take a break because I had the nerve to wear some sandals. Well I didn't really know that we were going to actually get to go, but we did. And we had fun. Unfortunately my body was not having as much fun. Lmbo. I knew that I would be paying for all that walking later last night and sure enough I was. But it was worth it. I am posting pictures of all the fun that Aiden had on his blog, but I had to post this picture of me at 36 weeks and 3 days!!!!

BABY SHOWER PICS!!!!

2010-04-16T20:04:00.004-04:00

So last night Paul went through and edited the pictures that were taken for at the baby shower. I have been waiting what seems like FOREVER to be able to see them and once again he did NOT disappoint. They pictures definitely captured the spirit of the event and how much fun everyone had. The above picture includes my best friends (all who came in town from Minnesota, Washington DC, Alabama and Memphis) who pulled this event off. Words can not express how thankful I am to have such caring friends in my life. I am truely blessed when it comes to the friends that I have made over the years.

Anywhoo...you can go to Noah's blog (click here) to see all of the pictures because it would just take TOO long for me to upload them to this post...lol. Oh and below is one of my favorite pictures from that day....of me and my HILARIOUS Sorors that were present.

On another note...yesterday marked 35 weeks for us and we are rounding 3rd base on our way home!!!! I am tired of being in bed the majority of the time, but I know that next Thursday will be my LAST day having to do this...lol. My mom came and busted me out of jail yesterday and drove me around to take care of a few things that were on my to do list. I was SO happy she was able to do this. She also took me to my doctor appointment. When we first got there they took my BP and it was pretty high (150/90)...and my BP has NEVER been high. During the appointment the Nurse Practitioner was concerned about it so she took it again just to be sure....and it was still a little high but low enough for her to let me go home rather than checking me into the hospital. They drew some blood to make sure nothing was going on to be concerned about and when I called today to check they said everything looked fine. So maybe all of the activity from that day (since I had not been out the house other than to go to the doctor in over a week) made my BP elevate a little.

So next Thursday I will come off of this medication that they have me on and HOPE that I go into labor within a week or two!!! YAY!!!! I will be a walking and organizing fool in anticipation!!!!

MAJOR changes going on!!!!

2010-04-07T11:42:00.001-04:00

As I posted earlier I have been having contractions. I thought that they had slowed down and that things were back to normal. Well I guess I was wrong!!!!

Last week after our 33 week doctor visit I had to go see my very good friend THE Reco Chapple to get my dress for the baby shower. As I was trying it on it felt like I pulled a muscle in my lower abdomen. It was pretty sore but I kept on pushing. The baby shower went off without a hitch (I will post pics later) on Saturday and every time someone touched my stomach they would say how hard it was...I guess I had gotten use to the contractions...or maybe because I am always moving I was not feeling them as much.

Well the pain in my abdomen has gotten VERY uncomfortable so I emailed my doctor this morning and she had someone call me to arrange for me to come in today so they can check me out. When I got there I knew that I was not getting to see her but her PA but I talked to her in the hallway and she initially thought it was stretched ligaments and recommended one of those belly support thinggys. But little did I know that she told the PA to hook me up to the fetal monitor just to be sure.

Well after about 30 minutes on the monitor she came in...looked at the print out...and said...you are contracting pretty regularly!!!! I look at her like...okay what does that mean? She says well I am going to put you on some meds to slow the contractions, check you to see if you are dilating, and have you come back in a couple days for a possible 24 hour stay in the hospital. WHHHHAAAAATTTTT did you just say?????? So basically after checking me, I have not begun to dilate but if I DON'T take these meds my body will eventually go into active labor. Which at 34 weeks we DO NOT want. I can only be on the meds for 2 weeks...so at 36 weeks they will just let my body do what it is going to do naturally.

I am STILL in shock!!!! Besides the fact that these meds having me feeling like I am going thru withdrawal with all the jitters and stuff, I AM STUCK IN BED!!!! She put me on bed rest!!!!!! WTH!!!! I am a complete control freak...so bed rest will drive me bananas!!!!!

Upside to all of this is that I may actually get to deliver Noah vaginally!!!!! Thank GOD for my and Paul's family. My mom has agreed to do my grocery shopping this weekend and I just got off the phone with Paul's cousin (and Noah's Godmother) and she is making us dinner tonight!!!!

I am hoping that when I go to the doctor tomorrow they DO NOT have to admit me to the hospital for 24 hours to get IV fluids. I mean how much would that suck??

I hope to be able to post pictures from the MOST WONDERFUL BABY SHOWER EVER that my friends threw for Paul and I this past weekend. I can not describe the fun we had!!!!

So until then...expect plenty of blog entries as I lay here in bed...lol

Chances

2010-03-31T09:31:00.003-04:00

(yes this is me)

No one's perfect,that's what they say,
And you've probably had a not-so-perfect day.

Well I'm not perfection,that's for sure.
I've had my bad days, those days with no cure.

~~~~~~~

There won't always be a second chance.
Sometimes your first is your final dance.
But if you are lucky and if God does so choose,
you'll be sent a message, go grab it... or lose.

~~~~~~~~

My message came, in two bundles of joy.
That bundle just happened to be my baby boys.

~~~~~~~~~

I got my life together, and I got my "stuff" straight.
To have that little angel, Must have been fate.
Now I'm the person, I always knew I could be.
A Mommy to my angels, is all I ever wanted for me.

33 weeks!!!!!

2010-03-31T09:09:00.007-04:00

The countdown is about to begin!!!! We had a doctors appointment yesterday and after a 3 hour wait (unacceptable) there is nothing new to report other than I lost 1 pound in the past 2 weeks. Which seems pretty good since I had GAINED 10 pounds in 4 weeks!!!

I am overflowing with excitement right now. This weekend is Noah's baby shower bash and I can't wait to see all of my girls!!!! It is VERY rare that I have all 4 of my best friends together (last time was for Aiden's baby shower almost 2 years ago)!!!! Tonya, Jewel and Natalia get here tomorrow evening and Kimmy gets here Friday afternoon with Naomi!!! We will go to the movies...maybe out to eat...then back home to chillax!!!! I will post pictures of Kim's beautiful baby shower invite creation as soon as Paul takes pictures of it. I just know that the shower is going to be fabulous!!! And TONS of people are coming from out of town to celebrate with us!!!

Yesterday after the doctors appointment we went by my very good friend Reco Chappel's studio so he can whip me up a dress for my shower this weekend and that is exactly what he did in an HOUR!!!! I was told that I can not wear a mommy-like dress...because Kimmy KNOWS that I would...lol. I LOVE my dress he made for me...he is the one that made the black dress for the formal we went to in January.

This is him whipping it together...lol
And here are a few pictures that Paul took of my and the belly a few weeks ago right before my birthday. Normally Aiden loves putting lotion or kissing on my belly but he was just not cooperating that evening...lol.

I AM IN PAIN!!!!!

2010-03-21T11:54:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was a busy day for us. We went to The Children's Museum, Centennial Park and to the Georgia World Congress Center for a car show...and WE WALKED FROM ONE LOCATION TO THE NEXT!!!! Not to mention that allergy season has kicked off in Atlanta and my suffering has begun. Aiden had a BALL...it was so fun to watch him explore at the Children's Museum, laugh his way down the slides, and run around the car show in amazement as he wanted to get into every single car!!!! It was fun to watch as I winced in pain with each step...lol.

I knew that as long as I was moving that my body would be okay...but as soon as I was stationary for a few minutes my bones would settle and my muscles would begin to tighten. So after what had to be 3 miles of walking I got in the car and low and behold...I COULD NOT GET OUT!!!! AND I could barely walk up the stairs to get into bed where I have stayed!!!! So my feet, my back, my pelvis AND my head hurt.

I was advised by my mommy to take a log hot shower...but guess what...I could NOT stand up in the shower to take one...lol. Like I told Paul last night, I wish that men could experience what it feels like to be almost 8 months pregnant for 24 hours!!!! THEN maybe they will understand how we feel. But it will all be worth it in the end. Because when Noah is born all of these ailments will disappear and I will have a perfect little angel in may arms to love and cherish!!!!

3 x a DIME...

2010-03-17T09:14:00.004-04:00

Last weekend it was my turn to turn 30...and I didnt feel like it was anything special. I mean I guess I was underwhelmed or disappointed. My birthday is a very important day to me and I tend to like to really celebrate. I always knew that I would be somewhere exotic for my 30th birthday, but accepted that it would not be possible because of my current condition...lol.

I wasn't surrounded by friends...who will make my birthday a big deal because they know how I feel about birthdays, but I was with Aiden, Paul and my Mommy which was good. Maybe it is that 2 of my 4 BFF's that have turned 30 recently have had great surprises for their birthdays. I just didn't feel like this birthday was about me. But oh well...it is over now.

What was great is that I got the 3D ultrasound of Noah that I wanted for my birthday!!! He is a little cutie just like Aiden...he actually looks a lot like Aiden did in his 3D ultrasound. Noah was smiling, opening his eyes, opening his mouth, and putting his foot in his mouth. It was amazing!!!

Tomorrow I will be 31 weeks and yesterday we had our check up. I cant believe that Noah will be here in a matter of weeks. But I was in the state of shock when i was told that I had gained 10lbs since my last appointment!!!!! WHHHHAAAAATTTT!!!!! That brings me to a total of 26lbs. I am so depressed!!! lmbo...it is true that I have enjoyed food a lot more this time than with Aiden but DURN!!!!! So I will have to be a little more disciplined in the coming weeks with what I eat. No more sweets, and chips, and liquids that are not water or juice. I am so sad...lol.

28 weeks

2010-03-02T08:01:00.005-05:00

This past weekend my BFF Kim came in town to celebrate her "3 Times a Dime" 30th birthday with her sister. We had the whole weekend planned out for her and she had no idea what was going on...it was GREAT. Friday night we went to a place here in Atlanta called Sambucha's where there is live music and great food.

I decided to challenge myself and wear heels...something I do NOT normally do while pregnant...lol. So here are a few pictures that Paul took before I left.

Fun Day at the Park

2010-02-28T20:46:00.012-05:00

Last weekend Paul and I took advantage of the 59 degree weather and took Aiden to Piedmont Park. We had SOOOO much fun and it was beautiful. I needed the walking exercise (despite what my back was saying...lol).

Later that afternoon my Mom, Paul's brother and his girlfriend came over for some grilled steaks!! So it was a great Saturday...oh this was the same day that we test drove the WONDERFUL Kolcraft stroller!!! So it was a full day. And by the end of the day I could not walk!!! So I need to do better.

Here are some pictures that we took while at the park...notice the ever growing belly!!!!

Aiden waited a LONG time to be able to get on the see-saw!!!

Update!!!!

2010-02-25T20:17:00.018-05:00

Lots has happened since my last post at the end of last month. Aiden, Paul and I went to Minnesota for a few days to visit my family and partake in my Grandfather's 87th birthday party. Aiden also got his first hair cut!!!!!! I am also now 28 weeks pregnant and I feel like a blimp!!!! Noah is still not as active as Aiden (meaning all day) but when he moves (at night and in the morning) he MOVES!!!!!! Boy oh Boy...I think he will be just as strong and and big as his big brother.

Paul and I also went and "test drove" the stroller that I LOVE. And I LOVE it even more!!!!! It handles wonderfully and pushes so easily. I thought that it was going to be hard to push but it was just the opposite. It is pretty big and about 48lbs when folded. But heck it is a double stroller...it is NOT going to be light!!!!

A lot more pictures of the trip were posted to Aiden's blog (click here) and all the pictures from his haircut can be found here, but here are a few from the pictures that the photographer took that my sister had arranged...enjoy!!!!!

(singing)Happy Birthday to you!!!! Aiden getting fed one of his favorite snacks buy his big cousin!!!!Aiden was getting impatient because she was not going fast enough...or it was missing salsa. One of the two...lolDaddy and his girls!!!!Aiden chillin with daddy for a second...and I mean a second. He was having a ball!!!!Me and my Big Sis Tina!!!!Happy Parents...Only 2 siblings missing. Me and My baby cousin Camrynn...she is so precious!!!Alexis was KILLING that food...and I mean KILLINGMy Daddy being silly (per usual) with his lady TaraSmile!!!!! Aiden and his DaddyMe, My Grandpa, Sister Alexis (on the rt) and Sister Tina (on lft)Father and Son(My Daddy)Birthday boy and his lady love Anna Marie

24 weeks and counting

2010-02-02T20:16:00.005-05:00

Last Saturday Paul and I went to a black tie event that we go to annually. My very good friend reco Chapple from Bravo's "The Fashion Show" made me a beautiful dress!!! His first ever maternity dress...and of course he knocked it out the park. But he has been making me dresses since we were in college together!!! Here are a few pictures...enjoy!!!!

Crib Recalls

2010-01-20T21:19:00.002-05:00

So there have been some crib recalls recently (all of which seem to have to do with drop side cribs) and I thought it best that I put the info on the blog so it is easy for my mommy followers to find. I hope this helps.

Cribs made by Dorel Asia SRL (Click Here)-These cribs have had a recall of the hardware holding up the side of the crib where the drop rail is.

Cribs from Dorel Distribution Canada (Click Here) recalled their drop side cribs as well.

Cribs made by Storkcraft (Click Here) recalling cribs due to faulty hardware on drop side cribs. Cribs with metal rods rather than the plastic trigger are not included in the recall. Storkcraft is providing repair kits to convert the drop sides to fixed sides. To get the kit please click here.

Cool Baby Gear Item

2010-01-09T10:13:00.006-05:00

A little before Christmas my BFF Kimmy and her new little angel Naomi came to visit Aiden and I. It was a great weekend and I got a glimpse into how GREAT a big brother Aiden will be to Noah. Naomi is just too precious!!! She sleeps a lot!!! And through the night which I am not ashamed to admit that I am COMPLETELY jealous of!!! Here is a picture of Kimmy taking a picture of Aiden and Naomi together.

So while she was here we went to this cute little baby boutique that opened this year over off of N. Atlanta Road. We went there because Kimmy is trying to figure out bedding for Naomi's crib and they do custom bedding there. The first time I went in the MONTHS ago I said to them thank goodness you all were not open when I was pregnant because I would have lost my mind in there....well now I AM pregnant so I took a good look around. And what did I find but the Pop-A-Tot portable stationary activity center!!!!

Isn't it cute!!!!!???? I gotta get one to take to Granna's or out of town or out to the beach or to the park...heck you can take it anywhere!!!! And it is only $50 people!!! WHHHAAAATTT!!!!! Or $75 with a cute umbrella for outdoor use.

BEWARE!!!! Of Hand Sanitizer...(Updated!!)

2010-01-07T20:34:00.005-05:00

It may seem odd or even unbelievable, but when my mother sent me this article it was not the first time I had heard of something like this. I know that we all become germaphobes when our babies are born...and it is good to be cautious. But germs are actually good for your child. If you do want for people to have clean hands before touching your little one I would suggest soap and water over hand sanitizer...if that is an available option.

And this is why. Hand sanitizer is nothing but rubbing alcohol...which is toxic to children. If you do decide to use it please make sure that your hands are 100% dry from the sanitizer before touching your baby...esp anywhere near their mouth. If ingested it can be LETHAL and would be categorized and alcohol poisoning.

This is what my mother sent me:

http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/sanitizer.asp

Something I found on CNN.com

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/blogs/paging.dr.gupta/2007/06/hand-sanitizer-on-rocks-please.html

And from ParentDish.com

http://www.parentdish.com/2007/06/26/hand-sanitizer-can-poison-your-children/2

Now don't get me wrong...I have hand sanitizer in my house, but it is NOT in reach of my 35.5 inch tall 16 month old. And we wash his hands (he loves it and thinks that he is a big boy at the sink) and not use sanitizer. But that is just us. If you are comfortable with using it regularly with your children then go for it...this post was an FYI.

***Update***

A reader left me a comment and told me about CLEANpHIRST which is an ALCOHOL FREE hand sanitizer!!!!

Per their web site the Alcohol-Free Foam Sanitizer is an extremely safe, effective, non-irritating, non-flammable, non-staining alternative to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. In addition to killing a wide range of common and dangerous microbes with unprecedented Log 5 efficacy (99.999 percent reduction of Staphylococcus aureus), Alcohol-Free Foam Sanitizer is the ONLY hand sanitizer on the market today that will kill both strains of Norovirus, Feline and Murine. It also protects for 30 minutes past application alcohol is 10 seconds) and you get more applications per container!!!

Looks like I will be stocking up on this stuff!!!! Thanks for the link!!

Happy New Year!!!!

2010-01-04T20:29:00.004-05:00

We brought in the new year at the Guradsman's annual NYE party!!! And as usual it was GREAT!!! The last one we went to...I was pregnant with Aiden (not THIS pregnant though). How ironic. Either way we had a ball. I wore a BCBG dress that I fell in love with MONTHS ago and hunted it down in a size large enough to accommodate my belly!!!!

Aiden spent NYE with his Granna in church. She said that he had a ball!!! He took a nap and woke up in time to bring the new year in. Then they went home and he enjoyed a little sparkling cider toast!!! How cute.

They met up with Paul and I the next day and his cousins house for their annual new year brunch. We ended up staying there ALL day not getting home until close to 11pm that night. So all in all it was a nice way to bring in the new year and enjoy new years day.

Next year I plan on staying at home with Aiden and Noah to bring in 2011!!!!!! I can't wait!!!

Noah Oliver Douglass!!!!!

2009-12-31T22:00:00.001-05:00

It is almost 2010 and I told everyone to visit the blog or expect a text message about the sex of Baby D2. Yesterday morning we went in for our 20 week diagnostic ultrasound. Those that are mommy's know that during this ultrasound is when you would normally find out the sex of your baby. Well once again I saw it before they told us!!! IT'S A BOY!!!! And I am super excited!!! I am SOOOOO excited about having two little men!!! Boys are the best.

Of course a lot of the family will be disappointed...especially my Mom and Paul's Grandmother. My Mom will get over it much faster than his Grandmother though...lol. But I am not one of those women that has to have a little girl. And this will be the last product that comes out of this baby factory!!! lol.

We have gone back and forth with the first name. I personally lean towards Elijah...but Paul likes Noah better and I gave him the option. Oliver is my Paternal Grandfathers middle name...and of course Douglass...lol.

So be on the look out for the launch of Noah's personal blog and follow us on the journey that is Baby #2!!!!!!

Its Poppy Dip!!!!!!

2009-12-08T13:49:00.005-05:00

I was on Facebook today and the photographer who took our maternity, newborn and Aiden's Valentine's pictures, Andrea Young of Georgia Lane Photography, had posted a link to her blog, Babe of My Heart, where she had her cute little girl Laney in a "It's Poppy Dip" dress!!! It is sooo cute!!!!!

The brain behind these cute dresses is Sallee a wife and mother of 5 (3 biological and 2 adopted from Ethiopia) who is making these dresses to help fund the adoption of their third child!!! How awesome is that????!!!! It's Poppy Dip means "Everything is Good" and it is an expression that her 2 year old from Ethipoia loves to say when he is happy. I thought that was so cute!!!! She has a site for the dresses and on that site you can click on a link that will direct you to their blog.

So here is the rundown. They are short and long sleeve dresses for little girls from size 12 months to size 7!!!! They come in a variety of patterns and are too cute with a pair of leggings!!!!! She is taking orders up to December 15th and will then be oh hiatus until the 15th of January when she will introduce new fabrics. I am telling EVERYONE about this wonderful cause. What is better than spending money for a great cause!!!!!!

So pass the word...buy a few dresses...and support the family. Andrea Young and her Husband also have the Wiphan Care Minisrty where they help Widows and Orphans in Zambia, Africa!!!! I have not had the pleasure of meeting Andrea's husband but her spirit is a beautiful one...you can just see it!!! It is one of the main reasons Paul and I chose her to do the photographs of the last baby!!!! You can go to their Wiphan site to learn more about their mission and donate funds to help them continue to help others.

Tis the Season...

2009-12-07T17:17:00.002-05:00

I recently updated Aiden's blog with pictures of us decorating the tree. He was so funny during the whole process. I just KNEW that the ornaments were not going to be on the tree very long and sure enough during the first week all the ornaments at the bottom of the tree were GONE!!!! lol...hilarious. I have not yet done a post on the new baby on Aiden's site and I will wait until we know the sex of Baby D2 (Douglass #2...he he he).

So much going on this month. One of my BFF's Kimmy and her precious little Naomi Grace will visit us either this weekend or sometime next week. Then Paul's birthday is on the 20th so we will have dinner with his family. I still have yet to do any Christmas shopping so I need to do that either this weekend or sometime next week. Then of course there is Christmas on the 25th. We will start the day off with opening gifts here at home...then heading on over to my mothers house or breakfast, gifts and the preparation of dinner. Aiden and Paul will get to just veg out for the day while I slave in the kitchen...lol. Once dinner is over and we clean up Paul, Aiden and I will hit the road and go to Murfreesboro to visit with Lubby, Bob-Bob and everyone else up there!!! It is gonna be a blast!!!!

We will be there until Tuesday when we have to get on the road that morning to be at a doctors appointment that afternoon. Then we have plans to go out to a New Years Eve party...IF we have a babysitter (we have one offer for that...so excited!!!!)...where I will don a Reco Chapple original!!! He is going to step out of his comfort zone for me and make me a maternity dress!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!

Whew...and we are doing all this on my diminished pregnant energy supply. Oh and did I mention that I think I am going to try and make Paul a Chocolate cake for his birthday...from scratch!!! I am not a baker by any stretch of the imagination but it can not be rocket science!!!!

So be on the look out for pictures from the Birthday Dinner where I will unveil my cake!!! lol...

Stroller for two!!!!!!

2009-12-05T11:10:00.007-05:00

So now that I know I will be a mommy of two VERY soon I have been on the look out for a stroller for two that I can use with an infant car seat and have Aiden sit comfortably as well. I also need for it to be able to seat both children comfortably once the new baby is out of the car seat.
While I was pregnant with Aiden, Paul and I wen to the Atlanta Caribbean festival downtown and we saw two little girls in the COOLEST stroller EVER!!!! They little girls were facing each other and looked super comfy in it. Of course as I was doing my stroller research in the hunt for the best one for Aiden I had come across the stroller but since it was for two I didn't look at it for to long...lol. So when I saw it I was like, "ooooooh so that is what it looks like".

The stroller that I am talking about is the Kolcraft Contours Options Tandem Stroller. And I am SOOOO excited about it. Thank goodness that everything that we chose for Aiden is gender neutral so the only things we have to get are another crib and a stroller to accommodate two children. This stroller is not small by any stretch of the imagination but it will definitely do the job!!!! I played with it at Babies R Us and got a little too into it...I think I need to get a job there...lol.

Of course there are other strollers out there but only a couple Tandem strollers (that are NOT sit and stands). The Kolcraft and the Graco DuoGlider were the only two that were comparable to each other. I just love the look and quality of the Kolcraft...the average price online for it is $219 which is not too bad since my Peg Perego was over $300!!!!! And it comes in Ruby (as seen in the pics) or Not to say that we will always use this stroller but if I am out alone with the two children having two strollers or a side by side is not my idea of fun!!!!

This stroller is PERFECT for someone with twins...ad I mean PERFECT. Because you can actually put your infants into the stroller seats and there is support for smaller babies. So you don't have to wait until 6 months!!!!! How cool is that...see the pics below for a visual.
That looks so comfortable to me!!!! I sound a little too excited about this stroller don't I? Well I am...I get very pumped about gear for Mommy's (and Daddy's) that makes having a child or more than one child easier on us. Because God knows that having a child is not for the weak at heart...and I can only imagine how it is going to be having two children under 2!!!!!!

As I find things for a Mommy of two I will be updating the blog with what I think of the items. But there is not much more that I am expecting to have to buy. We will get a second high chair just like the one we have, no need for an infant car seat because we have that covered, get another crib like the one we have, and eventually get a second Radian car seat.

Aiden's blog has been update with pictures from the tree decorating and we will soon put this pics up from Thanksgiving. And lots of exciting stuff going on this month so visit his blog periodically to stay updated!!!

Oh Baby is right!!!!!!

2009-11-28T10:43:00.002-05:00

Baby number 2 is ON THE WAY!!!!! Yes you read that right...we are expecting baby number 2 and he/she is due to arrive on May 20, 2010. So if you can count that makes me about 4 months (16 weeks) preggers!!!!

Wonder why I have kept it under wraps for so long???? Well there are a few reasons...first one being that I was in denial!!!!! WHAT!!! Pregnant???? ME!!! How did that happen????I am not pregnant...I am just getting fat!!!!! lol. Yes, all of those thoughts went through my mind for the first 10-12 weeks or so. Second is because there was not an announcement to the family until Thanksgiving....soooooo no blog announcement until a verbal family announcement. (Well of course I told my parents and my BFF's in September, but I cant hold water when it comes to them!!!). I woke up one day and said out loud...I am pregnant. We got a pregnancy test that same day and it went positive within 30 seconds (just like it did when we were pregnant with Aiden).

NOW I AM EXCITED!!!! And I just cant hide it!!!!! lol. I am also scared out of my MIND at the same time...so it all balances out...kinda. I want to know what the gender of the baby is, but I am scared that it is a girl!!!! (funny I know) I mean I know what to do with a little boy...they are simple. But a GIRL!!! That is hair that I have to deal with...and emotions (like attitude)!!! Oh boy...just can't imagine another Aja in this world...you all are just not ready for that!!!! But in all honesty we will be happy with either sex...I am not one of those women that just HAS to have a little girl. I always said that all boys would be just fine with me!!!

This pregnancy so far is pretty different from my pregnancy with Aiden. I am WAY more tired!!!!!! I want sweet stuff...and with Aiden I wanted salty (and milk). My FACE IS BREAKING OUT!!!! WTFudge...not a good look. I started showing around 8 weeks. My stomach is a little higher than it was with Aiden...he was low for the majority of the pregnancy until I got so big that you just could not tell anymore!!! lol. And the nausea was different...I was nauseous when I needed to eat. With Aiden I COULD NOT eat due to the nausea. So we will see if this difference means that it is a different gender or if is just means that every pregnancy is suppose to be different.

So the next 6 months or so will be very interesting. Once we find out the sex we will create the blog for the baby!!! Now that is exciting!!! I will be posting mommy of two gear that I LOVE LOVE LOVE (yes I have already picked out a couple must haves!!!)!!! You will get to see all the changes of the pregnancy through the baby blog as well as the ups and downs of pregnancy the second time around!!! So this should be fun. We are excited to welcome the second (and LAST) edition to our family!!!! YAY!!!

Giving thanks this Thanksgiving....

2009-11-23T14:57:00.003-05:00

Well this has been a whirlwind year for me...not all in a good way either. But I am thankful for so many things. First of all Aiden Joseph Douglass!!!!!!!! Aiden makes all things better. Then there is my health, my home, and my piece of mind!!!! Then there are my fabulous friends who always help me put things into perspective or just to make me laugh!!!!!! And last but not least my family...near and far...and those that have made me part of their family.

This holiday just like every other Thanksgiving for the past 4 years I will be at the Douglass' for dinner. This year will be more interesting than in the past...if that is really possible...but I will share more about that after the holiday. Then normally there is a birthday dinner the day after Thanksgiving for Paul's Step-mother.

Tomorrow I will be picking up my not so little, little brother from the airport. We will be spending the morning together doing what he likes to do best...going to the movies!!!! lmbo...then I will be taking him to my mothers house and rushing back home to anxiously await the arrival of Paul's mother...aka Lubby. She is coming in for the rest of the week and has not yet seen Aiden walk!!! Then on Wednesday my BFF (and Aiden's Godmother) Jewel will be getting in town for a couple days. We will hang out all day on Wednesday then she will hang with her Aunt on Thanksgiving. Aiden's Great Grandparents and TT will be here Wednesday as well...come to think of it...none of them have seen Aiden walk. This should be very interesting!!!!

So as you see we have a very big week ahead of us!!! What are you thankful for and how will you spend this holiday kick off????

Do YOU sleep alone!?????

2009-11-22T15:00:00.003-05:00

Until the end of August my answer to that question would be NO!!!! From day one in the hospital Aiden has slept with me and I have pretty much enjoyed every minute. It began as a necessity, because I had a c-section and could not get in and out of my VERY high off the ground bed with ease, but turned into a preference. Of course there were people that said that he should not be sleeping with me, but of course that went in one ear and out the other. I wanted to have whatever experience with my baby that I wanted to have.

So it was decided that after Aiden's 1st birthday the main focus would be to get him to sleep in his nursery, a very nice nursery if I do say so myself!!!! And of course I was the weak one when it came to actually enforcing this!!! It took a few weeks but Aiden has been sleeping in his crib since the beginning of September. (imagine me doing a happy dance)

He has only slept fully through the night a few times (but always sleeps through the night at Granns's house)....but he goes to bed around 8pm (after dinner, bath, book and sippy cup), wakes up around 5am for something to drink then back up at 7:30am. Sometimes he will wake through the night but will put himself back to sleep. When he wakes up in the morning I can tell instantly if he has gotten enough sleep. If he wakes up crying then he hasn't, but if when I go in there to get him he is talking an playing in his crib then he is well rested!!!

What does it take you ask to get your baby OUT OF YOUR BED and into their own....one word Consistency!!!!!!

We would rock Aiden until he was 99% sleep then put him in the crib...of course he would wake up and start crying. So he would get about 30 seconds of us patting him on the back shhhhing and telling him it was okay. Then we would leave the room. Of course he would still be crying but that is okay. Go back in first at 5 min, then extend to 10, then to 20, and if they are still awake 30min. And when you are in there don't stay very long. Just lay them back down, tell them it is time for night night, and pat them on the back. Every time your baby wakes up at night follow the same steps. You will be a zombie the ENTIRE time that you are working this plan...because you will be getting less sleep due to you getting in and out of bed.

They WILL wake up in the middle of the night...especially if they are use to eating in the middle of the night. Instead of milk give them water...that way they will be less inclined to wake up for just water...lol. Soon they will begin to sleep longer at night and then one day you will realize that you are sleeping sans your child and getting more rest than before.

Aiden even comes in to tell me night night now before he walks into his bedroom like a big boy...oh how I love it. I do have to admit that when he wakes up between 7-7:30am I go in, get him and put him back in bed with me with the hopes that he will sleep for another hour (and because I love it when he lays next to me and wraps his arm around my neck as he falls back asleep)...and most times he does. But it has never effected him sleeping him his crib. Nor has him sleeping with me a couple nights recently as his molars came in effected him wanting to sleep in his crib.

All children (babies) are different. Some will take to it easier and some may take a little longer. I can tell you that if you don't like to hear your baby cry (like me) then this is going to be VERY hard for you. You might want to get your husband/boyfriend to be the bad guy in this situation...lol.

Tis the season...Already!!!!

2009-11-11T17:41:00.002-05:00

Most of the country is feeling a little pinch on their pocket book this Christmas season...shoot and last Christmas season too for that matter!!!! So I have compiled some shopping tips for this holiday season!!!!

MAKE YOUR LIST EARLY!!!!! That will help you in a couple ways. First you can buy things gradually so you are not shopping all at once. And second you can watch the prices and buy when there are specials or when you have a coupon
Which brings me to my second tip...USE COUPONS!!!! There are a billion websites out there with both printable and on-line coupons!!! Use them people!!!!
One GREAT thing that I discovered while pregnant is Wal-Mart's ship to store feature. It combines the convenience of shopping online and ALWAYS having free shipping!!!! You order online and choose the Wal-Mart closest to you for pick up. They let you know when it arrives and voila!!!! LOVE IT!!!! IT especially comes in handy with those large items that use to cost $50 plus to ship!!!
Use something that has come back in style....LAY-A-WAY!!!! Some of you may cringe at the idea of lay-a-way (and I have not yet tried it myself) but it really makes sense in these tough times. You can choose what you want and pay on it over time. Almost all the stores have started offering this option.
If your child is under 2 more than likely he/she will not know what the heck is going on and is going to more interested in the paper than the gifts...so no need to go all out. A couple toys and some clothes will work. Besides you know the Grandparents are going to want to know what to get them...push the toy gifts off on them. That way you only need to get 1 toy and the clothes you know they need!!!
Pay cash for everything!!!! Try your best not to use credit...unless you have an interest free card and are VERY disciplined with paying it off!!! Otherwise you are just making the situation worse for yourself!!!!

I am no shopping specialist...well I guess that depends on who you ask, but I don't believe on buying anything for Aiden full price. Especially when it comes to clothes!!!! This season companies are going to be SLASHING prices in order to try and boost the economy...so take advantage of it as much as you are able to. Don't over do it!!!!

MacLaren Stroller recall!!!

2009-11-09T17:15:00.002-05:00

So I did a post not too long ago about my new toy...MacLaren Triumph stroller!!!! Well today there was recall information released. Listed below is the information that I got from The Christan Science Monitor:

If you own a Maclaren umbrella stroller, stop using it immediately. That’s the advice of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after it announced a voluntary recall Monday of an estimated 1 million strollers made by Maclaren, a British company. The reason: When parents unfold the strollers, children have been reported putting their fingers in a side hinge, causing 12 fingertip amputations, according to the CPSC. Parents can contact Maclaren in the US to get a free hinge cover, which is easy to install and deals with the hinge issue effectively, says CPSC spokeswoman Patty Davis.

Monday’s action marks the second-largest recall of strollers since 2000, according to a review of CPSC data. Only the 2005 recall of almost 1.15 million strollers by Graco Children’s Products was larger.

Here are details on the current recall and how to get a replacement:

What: All nine models of Maclaren’s double and single umbrella strollers, including Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno, and Easy Traveller purchased between 1999 and November 2009.

Where: Sold at Babies”R”Us, Target, and other retailers nationwide for between $100 and $360.

Solution: A free hinge cover from the company.

Who to contact: If you have one of the above strollers, call Maclaren USA toll-free at (877) 688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. You can also visit the company’s website here.

So in short...you don't have to give up your stroller, but most definitely get your free hinge cover so your baby will be protected!!!!

From the life of Joscelyne M. Brazile....

2009-11-02T16:41:00.003-05:00

‘Tis the season! Amid potty training and party planning for my little girl’s second birthday party, I caught a glimpse of myself and gasped in amazement. Whether you’re a twenty-something mom or a seasoned professional, we all are guilty of putting the needs of our families ahead of our own in one way or another. Here are my tips from a toddler mom on getting through the Winter Holidays unscathed!

Skin Savvy. If you’re like me, you grew comfortable running a cloth over your face in the shower and calling it a skin regimen. Then one day, you looked up and realized in the same instant that the person you were gawking at with that What’s up with her?!? Look was you! Unless you’re a sixteen year old mom, you absolutely need a skincare regimen that includes cleansing, toning, moisturizing, masking, exfoliating and steaming. Follow the cleansing ritual daily (twice, preferably) and opt for a day each week to exfoliate or mask. Try and stay away from products that use lots of ingredients that you can’t pronounce. My personal favorites are Origins and Carol’s Daughter! Since I’m not a huge fan of patchouli ( a woodsy, earthy scent), I use Origins.

Simplify your Routine. A part of the reason I abandoned my makeup routine was because it wasn’t simple. After realizing I looked like somebody punched me in the face EVERYDAY!, a trip to the makeup counter uncovered the source of my problem. After trying on bronzers, mineralizers and sparkling shadows, I looked a shiny tired mess! Then the artist used concealer to clean up the shadow job and EUREKA! I bought a tube (and nothing else) and never looked back. For day to day, I opt for a simple routine of tinted moisturizer, concealer and gloss. I may add in a little bronzer and mascara, but your daily face shouldn’t take you more than five minutes.

Multi-Tasking Maven. Most mornings for me are filled with sitting silently waiting to hear a tinkle in the toilet from my little potty-training Princess! Most recently, I’ve taken to using this time to do other things related to getting ready in the mornings like brushing my teeth or brushing my hair. Whether you have a short commute alone to the babysitters or you wake up before anyone else in the house, use your time wisely! Goody Stash. Keep some cards and simple gifts tucked away for those surprise visitors, or those teachers that let you know their birthday is tomorrow. Trust me, it cuts down on the unexpected errands and makes life easier.

Child Chat. Connect with other Moms! One of my favorite parts about talking to Moms who seem to have everything under control is that if you talk long enough, they spill the beans! I had the hardest time getting my kid to eat veggies until one day, her friend’s mom told me to pick up some frozen “chik’n bites” that were really veggies stuffed in a little nugget! She loved them! If you aren’t comfortable making friends in the grocery store or the airport (like I am), log on to a few forums where you can ease in to the social scene gradually. Build your Brigade! My girlfriend at work has a similar job as mine that requires us to travel. She had the genius idea to alternate late work nights so that we can be each other’s babysitters. We’re not in this alone, and no one gets to the top without a little help. Lean on those you trust to help out with the baby, especially when you need a break!

Joscelyne is a twenty-something toddler mom who juggles marriage to a law student, work in non-profit philanthropy and an amateur yet fabulous cook!

A few new things...

2009-11-02T16:34:00.002-05:00

I am going to be trying something new for the next few weeks. I am going to have some guest bloggers on here!!!! How exciting. One will be from a working mother and wife whose daughter Kennedy just turned 2, from a new Mommy of a baby girl (and newly engaged as well) and from Aiden's father giving a males perspective to parenting...since we ALL know that men are from MARS!!! I am also thinking about having a grandfather and grandmother post...but we will see about that. My Daddy can be a little wordy...lmbo.

So the first guest post is from my Sorority sister and very good friend Joscelyne M. Brazile...wife to Kyle Brazile and Mommy to Kennedy Eva Brazile. She is funny and witty with her writing so OF COURSE I had to go to her for the first guest spot!!!! She wrote about being fab for the winter holidays...as a Mommy who ALWAYS puts others first!!!!! Enjoy everyone!!!

Aja Mann

Pregnancy Must Haves!!!!

2009-10-25T12:37:00.005-04:00

I know WAY too many people that are pregnant right now and I like to help as much as I can with things that I loved...and hated...while I was pregnant with Aiden.

I was nauseous for the COMPLETE first trimester of my pregnancy and the smell of cooking food made me sick to my stomach. So everything I ate was cold...well just about. I LOVED spinach salads with grilled chicken breast, mushrooms, green onions, tomato's, cucumbers and croutons!!!! OMGoodness I am getting hungry just typing that!!!! I also ate a lot of peanut butter toast. There are TONS of good proteins in peanut butter and I was told that one of the reasons that you may be nauseous in the first place is because you are hungry and your blood sugar is getting low. I always had almonds, pistachios, and peanut butter crackers in my car for snacks and drank LOTS OF CHAMOMILE TEA!!!!!

One thing that was a MUST HAVE for me was my Leachco All Nighter Pillow!!!!! Now let me just say that if you DO NOT have a king size bed your significant other will not be able to sleep with you and the pillow. Even with the king size bed it will be a struggle. But you will sleep like a baby!!!! This pillow wraps completely around you and between your legs. So it has tummy support and back support (I normally sleep on my back so I HAD to have something preventing me from doing that). Like I said earlier...this pillow is not something small and compact but it SAVED me from any extra back discomfort at night. And if I had to travel anywhere via car for an overnight trip this pillow went with me!!!! I could not sleep at night without it!!!! I also could not sleep without my heating pad!!!! I got mine from Walgreen's for $15.99 and it has an automatic shut off so you don't have to worry about any fire hazards.

One thing that I splurged (kinda) on, around month 4, was a GREAT pair of essential jeans. I am a jeans kind of girl and just could NOT wear my non maternity jeans anymore...and believe me I tried. So one day while I was in Mimi Maternity and tried on a pair of jeans that had the Secret Fit Belly!!!!!! Oh My Goodness...it was like heaven!!!! My tummy felt so GREAT and I don't think that I took the pants off. I do believe that I wore them out of the store. They were about $118 but I DEFINITELY got my wear out of them because I wore them ALL THE TIME!!! If you go to Destination Maternity you can see that they have the secret fit jeans from $35-$250...so there is something for every one's budget. Another piece of clothing that was a staple during my pregnancy were my VS Boyfriend Pink Pants!!!!! I think I had 6 pair and they were SOOOOO comfortable to just wear around the house, to the grocery store, nail salon (for that required pedicure), or ANYWHERE else!!!!

I believe that I may have talked about this in a previous post but my feet were swollen a lot while I was pregnant. Normally I would wear 4 inch heels to work and out for dinner or something. But I became the flats queen while I was pregnant. And since most of my pregnancy occurred in the warmer months of the year, flip flops were my best friends!!! But not just ANY flip flops...but Croc Flip flops!!!! It was like walking on air!!! I wore them EVERYWHERE...and with ANYTHING...I didn't care if it matched or not!!! Now they have a lot to choose from when it comes to the Croc flip flops, but when I was pregnant they really just had the Athens line. I will be getting a new pair this spring in one of the more fashionable lines...lol. I already did a post about the fabulous Croc Mammoth's that I wear in the winter (got these during the pregnancy as well)...thanks Natalia!!!!!!

Those are the MAIN items that got me through my pregnancy comfortably and I would not be able to do it again without those items...lol.

SHE IS HERE!!!!!

2009-10-25T11:46:00.003-04:00

I am happy to announce to the WORLD that Naomi Grace Jackson arrived yesterday at 3:09pm!!!! She weighed 7lbs 7oz and is 20.5 inches long!!! She is just as cute and juicy as she wants to be and I cant wait to get my lips on those cheeks!!!! Mommy and baby are doing great and will go home in a few days!!!!

Look at that face!!!!! Oh boy...Joe is gonna be in trouble when she grows up...lol.

Toddler Dental Care

2009-10-19T16:38:00.004-04:00

So I was on Facebook last week and one of my friends asked for some advice on how to get her toddler to allow her to brush is teeth. Hmmm....of course all the mommy's started chiming in with advice and it was pretty much all the same.

My very good friend Natalia's son is 6 months older than Aiden...and when we were in Minnesota back in April she would ask him is he wanted to brush his teeth...he would say "brush the teeth" and she would give him a toothbrush and he would begin to brush his teeth!!! HOW CUTE IS THAT!!!!...he has to be the cutest little chunk ever!!!!! So when I got home I vowed to get Aiden to like brushing his teeth...at that time he was about 7 months old so I was cleaning his teeth with a rag. But I went out and got him a tooth brush and started giving it to him when I brushed my teeth in the morning and would tell him to "brush his teeth". Of course he tried to mock what I was doing...it was super cute. So we did this every morning...now when we tell him to brush his teeth he gets VERY excited...takes his toothbrush and goes to town!!! (of course we go after him and brush a little better)

Dentists and Pediatricians say that you should start brushing as soon as the first tooth come in...which makes sense if you think about it...lol. We used one of those thinggys that you put on your finger when Aiden was that young (he was 5 months when his two bottom teeth came in). Also one thing that you can use, that Aiden loves, is the Orajel Tooth & Gum cleanser. It is fluoride free and that is important because even though fluoride prevents cavities, your toddler will be exposed to it in various forms (in your water, juices, formula, etc) and too much will cause fluorosis which is white spots on the teeth.

The goal is to make brushing fun!!!! Play a game...brush your teeth when your baby brushes his/her teeth, or make it a bath time activity. If your baby still fights with you about brushing the teeth...use a wash rag...they tend to like to suck on them anyway!!!!

Hope this was informative. If you have any topics that you want me to cover send me an email allthingbaby@gmail.com.!!!!

In his crib!!!!!

2009-10-12T15:01:00.002-04:00

Ever since the day Aiden was born he has slept with me...in bed with me. EVEN IN THE HOSPITAL!!! And I loved every day of it!!!! He has never slept through the night and there are a few things that I assumed contributed to that. First of all...he was sleeping with me so when I moved I am sure I was disturbing his sleep. And second, my family has a history of sleep disorders. I have insomnia and my sister has narcolepsy. So when we went to the Pediatrician last time I expressed my concern and asked what her recommendation was...of course she recommended a sleep study. Hmmmm...I had one done about 6 years ago and I was not too excited about putting Aiden through that AND even if they do find that he has sleep issues they can not treat him so what is the point?

Since that appointment Paul (Aiden's father) and I have been (well more him than me because i like sleeping with Aiden...lol) very focused on getting him transitioned to his crib. And guess what!!!! HE NOW SLEEPS IN HIS CRIB!!!! He has in the past 2 months only slept through the night twice. Normally he wakes around 1 and 5am, one of goes in there...soothes him...and he goes back to sleep. But he ALWAYS wakes up between 7:30 and 8am...regardless of what time he goes to sleep...lol.

I cant say that he is any better or worse now that he sleeps in his crib...and I also cant say that I sleep any better now that he is in his crib. But it is something that had to be done.

People will always give you advice that you don't necessarily ask for and the advice that I got often (even from those without children...and that is a no no in my book) is that I should NOT LET AIDEN SLEEP WITH ME...because it will be hard to get him out of my bed. Well, I can honestly say that I do not regret for one second having Aiden sleep with me. And if I had to do it over again I would...in a heart beat.

This is YOUR experience with YOUR baby...so handle that experience as YOU feel is right for YOU and YOUR baby!!!!

Until next time...

Back from Bama...

2009-10-07T18:13:00.003-04:00

This past weekend Aiden and I hit the road to go and get Mommy to be Kimmy fully prepared for the upcoming arrival of Baby Naomi Grace. It has been WELL over a year since I got ready for a baby and I did everything gradually...so I had no idea how tiring it would be!!!! I was seeing pink...literally....lol. It was loads of fun though. Little girl stuff is so cute and great!!!! I love it...makes me want a little girl!!!!!

I had to assemble the co sleeper (I have NO CLUE why I didn't get one of those but I WILL have one for the next baby), assemble swing, assemble bouncer, assemble and demonstrate snap and go, install car seat, and go to babies r us and Target (both twice...lol) to make sure she had everything she needed for the arrival and next 3 months. Kim washed all of her clothes up to 3 months and sterilized all bottles/nipples. I also had to stay on here about ordering her FAB diaper bag!!!! It was well worth the trip. I love spending time with Kimmy...Joe (her fiance) is HILARIOUS...and it makes me feel wonderful to be able to help a friend.

Baby Naomi is a lucky little girl!!!! She has two doting parents anxiously awaiting her arrival. Aiden was such a trooper. He was trying to help me put everything together!!!! And he didn't want to miss a thing...he barely took a nap on Saturday!!!!

Speaking of Aiden...he is a walking professional now!!!! And he is now saying get down when he wants to get down and Granna (which is my mother). He is a ball of energy with this most infectious laugh ever.. I am a lucky Mommy. I just posted pictures of bath time today to go to his blog (click here) to see the pictures!!!!

One of my FAV'S plus winter gear!!!!

2009-09-26T20:57:00.010-04:00

When I was pregnant I was ALL about comfort!!!!! Especially for my "Flintstone Feet" as I called them because they were HUGE. When I went to visit my very good friend Natalia in Minnesota when I was only about 13 weeks pregnant she had these fab "furry" (as I call them) Crocs!!!! OMG...they were the MOST COMFORTABLE thing I had put on my feet in a VERY long time. So Crocs became my new best friend when it came to my fat, swollen feet.
I love these things so much that I wear them year round!!! It is like house shoes for the outdoors. I HAVE to get another pair this year!!!! And a great find is that Finish Line has them online on sale for $10!!!!!!! Just click here to go to their site!!! I HAVE to get a pair just to wear in the house...and a new pair for this winter!!!!

So I knew this winter that I was going to be taking Aiden to Minnesota a few times and wanted to see if they had the "furry" Crocs in his size...and what did I find???? They HAVE THEM!!!! And they have them in a shoe style (Dawson)and slide ons...those people at Crocs are genius'!!!!!!!!! So i am going to get Aiden a pair of the Dawson's for this winter!!! I can't wait!!!!! Too bad they don't have these on sale anywhere!!!!
Oh the little things in life that we Mommy's get excited about...lol. I am also picking out Aiden's winter coat for this year. Being in Atlanta it does not get REALLY cold, but he needs to have a coat in addition to his jackets due to the fact of us visiting Minnesota in the fridged winter months!!!!! I think that I have made my selection...last year I got Aiden the cutest suede toggle coat with the furry lining from Gap on clearance for like $19...LOVED THAT COAT...unfortunately I left it in the airport on our way back from one of our Minnesota trips...lol. So this year I will be going back to one of my fav places to buy Aiden's clothing (Gap Kids) and purchase him the "Warmest Jacket"...the only thing I need to decide if I want to get him the classic version or the Furry one. Oh, decisions decisions!!!!

Another thing I am excited about when it comes to winter is all the CUTE hats that Aiden will wear. He is definitely a hat kind of kid and last year his hat game was on point...this summer not so much!!!! I get a lot of the hats from Gap Kids (no surprise there) because they are so stylish and you can always get them on sale!!!!! Maybe this year Aiden will be more cooperative when it comes to wearing mittens...because last year he was NOT having it!!!!!

I just love everything about fall/winter gear and clothes when it comes to little boys...OMG...I get excited about just thinking about it!!!! Until next time....

Catching my breath!!!!

2009-09-22T16:51:00.010-04:00

Boy oh Boy...a lot has happened the past week or so. First and most importantly...AIDEN IS WALKING!!!!!! Yes you read that right. My baby is officially a toddler!!!! it is so cute to see him waking around. On Sunday he started standing up from sitting!!!! Before he would pull up on something and then walk. NOW he is completely independent and gets so excited...because I am so excited...when he is walking. He walks around clapping...lol. Too cute for words.

And secondly...Kimmy's baby shower went off without a hitch. Despite the HORRIBLE weather, everything turned out beautifully. The Mommy to be was GORGEOUS and glowing, the food was wonderful, and the cake was FAB!!!! We played Baby Jeopardy which was a HIT. I am not a fan of baby games but I played this at a friend of mines shower a few years ago and had a ball...so it was the one and only game that I thought about when planning this shower. There were 5 categories and they were Celebrity Babies, Baby Brands/Gear, Joe and Kim Blog Trivia, Baby Word Scramble, and Nursery Rhymes. LOADS OF FUN!!! I recommend it for total party participation!!!! My Mommy was a HUGE help in getting ready for the party. She came over the night before and helped me get everything together...I can honestly say that that shower would not have happened without her!!!!!! Love my Mommy!!!

Well here are a few pictures from the shower but to see the complete slide show click here.

Packing your Diaper Bag!!!!

2009-09-14T10:47:00.003-04:00

My sister has a couple of God children and this weekend she was Super God Mommy to cute little Mackenzie aka Izzy who is 3 months (I think...lmbo). Well while she was her she let me know that Izzy's Mommy sent her pretty unprepared. My sister is a jokster and asked me if there was a book that Izzy's Mommy could read so she would know all this basic stuff...I am sure that there is one some where, but I will take a page out of my mommy manual ind list some ESSENTIAL diaper bag items.

This is the Skip Hop Studio Tote that I just think is super stylish and is fab for storage

First of all you need a diaper bag that you can fit everything into. I have a tote from Pottery Barn Kids that I absolutely LOVE. They don't carry mine anymore, but Land's End has one that is similar. What I was looking for was something deep and wide. Most diaper bags come with a changing pad that matches the bag...but if it doesn't you can buy one or buy disposable ones, I recommend just buying a reusable one. And most reusable ones come in a set with a diaper carrier (which is another essential) that you will definitely need to hold your diapers. Every brand of wipes also makes a travel size that you can refill. So don't just keep purchasing them...just refill them with wipes that you have at home!!!!

I would also recommend that your diaper bag be able to hold your bottle cooler. I personally LOVE the Similac Travel Cooler that came with my welcome pack at the hospital....so much so that I bought a second one!!! It is the PERFECT size for a diaper bag and it holds and keeps cold two bottles all day!!!! An item that I bought just because it sounded like a good idea was a "wet bag" that is used JUST for putting soiled clothes in. And BOY has it come in handy. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this item.

You of course want you diaper bag to be able to also hold a change of clothes for your baby. With Aiden I would have 1 full outfit change (including socks) and then just a onesie. That way if he has to be changed more than once I would put him in the full outfit the first time and hope that it is close to the end of the day when he needs the second and I can put him in just the onesie. Or if we end up being gone all day and don't get home until after bedtime I can put him in a onesie where ever we are (because that is what he sleeps in) and put him to bed per usual.

Some extras that you would want is room for toys, a pacifier carrier, snacks, diaper rash ointment (personally like Butt Paste), or some baggies that you can put stinky diapers in. I personally don't carry a purse anymore...lol...so I have my wallet in the diaper bag as well.

These are what I would think are the essential diaper bag items...ESPECIALLY when someone else is taking care of your baby. I have also left instructions or Aiden's schedule in his bag when someone is taking care of him for the first time...even the first time my mom kept Aiden over night...lol. No one will know your baby like you do so it is your job to make sure the person caring for him/her knows as much as possible so your baby stays a happy baby!!!!!

GOTTA HAVE IT!!!!!!

2009-09-03T18:16:00.005-04:00

Before I had Aiden I was an AVID reader. I mean I can finish a book in 12 hours...speed reading is something I developed as a child and it has come in pretty darn handy over the years. But now that Aiden is here I have fallen off my reading (and my knitting but that is another post). It is something that I LOVE to do and want to get back to reading a book a week.

There is a lot of buzz about these wireless reading devices...AND I WANT ONE!!!! This is at the TOP of my Christmas wish list...but if I got it before then I would be SUPER excited!!!! Various companies have released a version of it, but the one I am interested is the Kindle by Amazon!!!!! It is so cool . How cool would it be to know that there is a new release coming out that will be about $30 bucks, but you could just pre order it to download to your Kindle at midnight and it would be only $9.99?????!!!!! Are you getting as excited as I am yet?????

Slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazines

Lightweight: At 10.2 ounces, lighter than a typical paperback

Wireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle, anytime, anywhere; no monthly fees, service plans, or hunting for Wi-Fi hot spots

Books in Under 60 Seconds: Get books delivered in less than 60 seconds; no PC required Paper-like

Display: Reads like real paper; now boasts 16 shades of gray for clear text and even crisper images

Long Battery Life: 25% longer battery life; read for days without recharging

Carry Your Library: Holds over 1,500 books

Read-to-Me: With the new text-to-speech feature, Kindle can read every newspaper, magazine, blog, and book out loud to you, unless the book's rights holder made the feature unavailable

Free Book Samples: Download and read first chapters for free before you decide to buy.Large

Selection: Over 300,000 books plus U.S. and international newspapers, magazines, and blogs available

Low Book Prices: New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases $9.99, unless marked otherwise

What is there left to say????? It is $299 and has a 6in diagonal display. There is no glare if you are in the sun, no monthly nternet fee, AND you can adjust the text size!!!! (There is also one with a 9.7in display that runs close to $500...but why pay more???) How cool is this thing? I am telling everyone that I can think of...dropping hints early since it is a recession. lol...if you want to donate to my Kindle fund send me an email!!!!!!!

Birthday Bash and Doctor Appt.

2009-09-02T14:39:00.009-04:00

Man oh Man...I am still recovering from the hectic week I had last week leading up to the 1st birthday party that will go down in history!!!!! Aiden had so much fun and so did all of the attendees. The food was fabulous (thanks to my Daddy manning the grill), the cake was scrumptious (even though it went so fast that neither Paul nor myself got a piece) and the WEATHER WAS GREAT!!!! I was SOOO scared that it was going to rain, but God blessed us with beautiful weather!!!! You can see pictures of the party by clicking here.

My family...well some of my family...lol...

The yummy cake that was gone in 10 minutes!!!!

Aiden got lots of cool gifts and I even got one!!!!! I got my MacLaren Triumph stroller!!!!! YAY!!!!!! My mom and her friends are the GREATEST!!! I had to chuckle to myself because I was way to excited about getting a stroller...who would of thought that something like getting a stroller could make me giddy...lol. THAT is how I know that I am a Mommy to the core.

My Mom (holding Aiden), myself, Esther and Roberta with my cool new toy

I was SOOOO excited to have all 3 of my sisters at the party!!!! We have not all been together in about 4 or 5 years (which is pitiful I know), but when we do get together we have a ball!!! Actually all of my Dad's children (minus my older brother who was there in spirit) were at the party and we got PLENTY of pictures documenting this momentous occasion.

(l to r) Lea, Me, Alexis and Justina (holding Aiden)

Monday we took Aiden to the doctor for his 12 month check up. I thought that they were going to tell me that my baby weighed close to 30lbs...but he only weighs 24lbs 2oz (which puts him around the 80th percentile). His height was what did not surprise me...he is 31 inches long!!!! He is off the chart with his height, but he has been that way since he was 6 months old. I just know I am going to have to get some food sponsors for when he gets older...lol.

Aiden also received 2 shots...the last of his Prevnar Vaccination and the first of his HIB series. Paul and I decided while I was pregnant that we would be altering his immunization schedule. It was a personal decision and I think that every parent will do what they feel is best for their children. Aiden to date has only had the Prevnar shot because we didn't want him to get any vaccinations until he was 6 months and we also decided that he would get no live viruses and one vaccination at a time. I will be following up this post with a post on vaccinations. It is all about awareness and making an educated decision.

Well, enjoy the pictures. Leave comments, tell your friends to check out my blog, and email me at allthingbaby@gmail.com with any topics that you would like to see covered here.

Baby Shower Invites!!!!

2009-08-27T10:58:00.002-04:00

Teia James of Sincerely Teia finally did a post on her blog (that you can see here) about the invitations that she did for Kimmy's Baby Shower. She did SUCH a wonderful job!!!!! Everyone that has gotten the invite has called to say how much they loved them and Kimmy was happy with them as well...which was the ONLY opinion that mattered...well Kim's and my co-host Tonya!!!

As you will read in Teia's post the shower has a Onesie theme (that I came up with AFTER seeing the invite template...lol) and we have LOTS of fun things happening for the shower. Kim didnt know what the theme of the shower was but since Teia put it in her post I had to let the cat out the bag. But, she has NO IDEA the fabulousness that is to come!!!!So enjoy the post over at Sincerely Teia labled "Baby Fever".

1st Birthday Invitations!!!!!

2009-08-26T20:05:00.010-04:00

So my UBER talented BFF Kimmy (whose baby shower I am co hosting) designed and made Aiden's invitations for his first birthday bash!!!! She is the same person who made his gorgeous baby shower invites!!!!! Well, I am a slow bunny and forgot to include myself in the count so I didn't actually get an invitation. But I stole Lauren and Travis' so Paul could take pictures...I am not sure if I am willing to give it back...lol.

So here are the pictures...I will be soon posting a link for the pictures of Kimmy's BEAUTIFUL baby shower invites made by Sincerely Teia. Enjoy!!!!

Be on the look out for the pictures from the party!!!! It is gonna be great....I am exhausted just thinking about all that I have to do in these last couple days to get ready!!!!!

Are you afraid of Potty Training? (I am!!!!)

2009-08-21T12:07:00.003-04:00

So a couple days ago Aiden and I were sitting on the bed...I look up and he has taken his diaper off!!!!!! Lately he has been obsessed with his little pee pee. I was SHOCKED that he successfully took the diaper off and was SERIOUS about keeping it off. I tried a few times to put it back on but he was not having it.

I know that "taking the diaper off" is one of the first signs that your baby is ready for potty training. One problem...Aiden is not walking. I would hate to start him potty training before he can walk!!!! So I am not going to. I am actually going to wait until he is about 18 months to start potty training. But what I will continue to go is familiarize him with the potty and what you do on the potty. He is very interested to know what Mommy does when she goes into the bathroom and sits on the big white thing. And he is also obsessed with trying to play with toilet water...which freaks me out by the way!!!!

So I decided to list here for you some of the most common signs that your baby is ready to potty train (according to Parenting.com):

Your child knows the words of urine, poop, or toilet
your child stays dry through the night
your child has awareness of when they are about to poop or urinate
your child is bothered by feeling wet or soiled
your child shows interest in using the potty
your child shows interest in wearing big boy/girl underwear like Mommy or Daddy

Here is an article on Parenting.com called "Ditch the Diapers" that covers everything from training pants to rewards and popular potty training techniques. And here you can find all of the popular articles about potty training.

I tell you...this is not something that I am ready to tackle right now...lol. I know that boys take a little longer to potty train and are of course a little messier. So believe me I will be keeping everyone updated once I do begin to tackle the potty!!!!!

Until next time...

To Shoe or Not to Shoe

2009-08-17T20:29:00.003-04:00

So Aiden is not quite walking yet...but I know that he is capable. I see him standing by himself for long periods of time and when it looks like he is about to take a step he squats down!!! Ugh...I am anxious with anticipation for when he FINALLY takes those steps.

Anywho, when I noticed that Aiden wanted to stand up more and push things around I did some research on kids and shoes. We all love to see our babies in cute little shoes but the reality is that shoes restrict the foot growth and bone development. So try and keep those cute little shoes on your baby as short of periods of time as possible. When it IS time to get your baby into some walker shoes make sure you get some with flexible bottoms. I love See Kai Run shoes!!!! And my Mommy bought Aiden some really cute pre-walker shoes from Stride Rite. Aiden has REALLY big feet (size 6.5) for an 11 month old so they only had one pair in his size..lol. Boy oh Boy!!!

I also found that it is best that your baby learn to walk barefoot where he/she can feel the ground under their feet and use natural traction. Out with the old school hard, flat, ugly white shoes that all of our parents have bronzed on their mantle...lol. So what can you use for around the house? I found a couple things that work if you have hardwood floors. If you are really on a budget (which we ALL are right now) you can go down to your closest Old Navy and pick up some Triple-Roll Socks that have the traction stars on the bottom....they will run you a little less than $2 each. They don't come off and the stars on the bottom make sure your baby doesn't slip around while pushing those toys. Another item that I LOVE are the Soft Shoes from One Step Ahead. They are FAB!!!! Downside is that you have to order them and they are about $10 each...but they are kinda worth every penny!!! lol...

Aiden was born in the summer so I didn't really have to worry about shoes for a while, but I felt like when it got colder he should have shoes on his feet...lol. Well I was wrong (even though he was cute in his little Old Navy Shoes), so get some REALLY thick socks and keep those feet warm!!!!

If and when you decide to put your baby in shoes make sure you get their feet measured and that the shoes are a half size to big. AND MEASURE OFTEN!!!! You don't want your baby's feet to be scrunched up.

Until next time Mommy's....

The Prince is turning 1!!!!!!!

2009-08-09T12:56:00.002-04:00

So Aiden will be turning 1 on the 29th of this month and I have been mentally planning his birthday party since he was born...lol. We are not really doing a big party...well kinda not really. But it will be more along the line of the baby shower. It will be a cookout with lots of family and friends and about 7-10 kids...most under the age of 2!!!! lol. It will of course be at my Mommy's house because she has a HUGE yard, basket ball court, and a lot more inside room that I have in the townhouse.

Of course my very talented best friend Kimmy has done his invitations and let me just say that they are FABULOUS!!!! I will post pictures of them once I steal my mothers (I forgot to have her send one to me...lol). We will have a balloons, bubbles, crown shaped cookie decorating, and possibly edible play dough. What I need to do is find a place that I can get bubble thinggys in different sizes for the different age groups. Aiden will LOVE seeing the bubbles. I am also going to see if I can buy the non toxic bubbles in Atlanta...I would rather not order them!!!!

As far as food goes, WE LOVE TO EAT!!!!! My Daddy is coming down with his wonderful girlfriend Tara and he has been conned into helping me cook...since he IS one of the best cooks that I know!!! Maybe I can get my Grandpa to send a couple briskets down with him!!!! So we will be having burgers, hot dogs, chicken, doctored up baked beans, yummy Cole slaw, guacamole, home mad pico de gallo/salsa, home made chips, and of course CAKE!!!! And of course Aiden's cake will be coming from Ella's Bakery!!!!!! She did Aiden's baby shower and Christening cake and there is NEVER any cake left over...lol.

Of course Paul will be photographing Aiden's birthday party...eventhoughI would rather him not so he can really enjoy the party. We sent out 31 invitations but I have a feeling that a LOT more people will be there. Which is fine....anything to celebrate our little Prince. This will be the last big party until he can tell us what he wants...so I am thinking about 5...lol. My mom is already planning the party...lol.

Update

2009-08-09T12:46:00.003-04:00

So I have been without a computer for MONTHS!!!! I have to get a new battery, but figured out that I can take the battery out and just plug the charger in...and eureka the darn thing works!!!!! I have sent out Kimmys GORGEOUS baby shower invites...I will post a link to Sincerely Teia's website so you can see pictures as soon as Kim gets hers. So be on the look out for that post. I have sooooo much mommy stuff to cover since I have been out of commission. below are a few topics that I want to cover:

Baby proofing for dummies...and for CHEAP!!!!
Potty Training...when to start and reward ideas
To shoe or not to shoe
dental care for your baby/toddler
and a couple great recipes that will allow your baby to feed themselves since they think that they are grown once they know how to do hand to mouth!!

I don't know what order the post will be done in but be on the look out. If you have any topics that you would like to see covered on the blog please email me at allthingbaby@gmail.com. Aiden's blog has FINALLY been updated and I PROMISE to not go almost 2 months without posting again!!! I will be following this post up with a post on Aiden's Birthday Bash Plans!!!!!! So until next time....

Shower update!!!!

2009-06-28T11:49:00.005-04:00

Tonya and I are pretty much done planning Kimmy's baby shower and I am so excited about how fabulous it is going to be. I cant believe that I have to wait until September to actually enjoy it. I went to Teia's house yesterday to do something, I was just tryin to be nosey, and got a glimpse of the invites!!!!!! They are SOOOO beautiful...and that word does not even do them justice!!!! We had to tweek them a little because Teia has OCD and would never do anything taht does not look 100% perfect (which is one of the things I love about her), but the tweeks makes them even more fab!!!

Then I realized that I didnt order any thank you cards...ugh!!! So we had to design some and she will have to order MORE paper and supplies. Man we REALLY love Kimmy. Who knew that invitations were so darn expensive...it will be worth the smile on Kimmy's face. Now it is on to ordering centerpieces and decorations. And I guess I should put together the ONE game that we are going to play. Of course I cant say too much because Kimmy reads the blog. But I cant wait for people to get their invites and to enjoy the shower we have planned for our very special friend and her 'little blessing'.

Check out Teia's blog at Sincerely Teia and I will do a post later when her web site gets launched. Also, you can visit the pregnancy blog of our Kimmy (here).

The glowing Mommy to Be!!!

Aiden Madness!!!!

2009-06-27T20:27:00.033-04:00

Below are some pics of my little Angel from the time he was born all the way to recently. We have TONS (and I am not exaggerating) of pictures of him so it was hard to decide what to put up. I hope you enjoy. Be on the look out for a post about breastfeeding as well as a post with a couple great baby finger food recipes that Aiden has tried (and loved) recently!!!!

Aidens first non medical trip out of the house.

On Paul's Birthday at dinner with his family

Aiden's first non bottle meal...it was a mess...lol...and he didnt like it.

Aiden's first trip to Minnesota...and his first taste of COLD weather!!!!

Aiden's bath with Cousin Garyson...his Mommy and I have a picture just like this when we were little.

Aiden's first time in a pool...he LOVED it!!!!

And his first time at the beach...he was very interested in the sand.
He loved the swing when he got on for the first time...

Well that brings us up to last night!!!! I told you there were lots. And that does not even include all the pics that we have on the 1TB external hard drive that we got JUST for Aiden's pictures. I will try and post pictures of him on here more often. But you can always visit Everything Aiden to see regular photo updates!!!!

Bottles!!!!

2009-06-24T13:11:00.005-04:00

I know that I said that I would try and post this last week...and I did try...lol. But it was a busy week topped off by a busy weekend. Needless to say it is time for a baby item review. When I do these posts it will be based off my experience as well as feed back that I have gotten from other Mommy's...since everyone has a different experience and view point.

When I was pregnant with Aiden I did as much research on every product imaginable so I could make the best decision possible when it came to his baby gear. When it came to bottles Paul and I wanted something that was BPA free. If you are unfamiliar with what BPA is and what effect it may have on your baby just click here for more info. Now when you go to Babies R Us, Target, or any other place that sells bottles, all the items will have big labels that say BPA free. Babies R Us now ONLY sells BPA free bottles and sippy cups. The only TRUE way to be 100% BPA free is to use glass items. So when Aiden was a baby we used the Playtex Drop In system for all his 4oz bottles and for all of his 8oz bottles we used the Evenflo Glass bottles. Mind you Aiden was only using 4oz bottles for like 6 weeks because he was so greedy...lol.

Aiden is super strong...he holds his glass bottle up with ONE hand...lol

We have had great success with both bottles. The drop in bottles have the wide neck nipples that are great for newborns and the glass bottles can accommodate various flow nipples including Y-Cut nipples for cereal bottles. Aiden was not fully breast fed because I had a breast reduction 10 years ago, so I knew that I was going to have to supplement. He ate like a champ from the drop in bottles and never had a problem with gas...and had a seamless transition to the "old school" glass bottles. But one minor problem that I am experiencing now is that Aiden likes to throw his bottles down in public...I have had 2 break...not cute. So I will be going to get him some Born Free bottles for when we go out in public...lol.

Now there are TONS of BPA free bottles out there. Born Free is probably the most commonly known line of baby products. They have everything from bottles, to pacifiers to sippy cups. They come in both plastic and glass...and have a pretty hefty price tag (one of the main reasons I didn't use them). But from the review that I got from Mommy Teia they are GREAT!!! Her son is 100% breast fed and he has had no nipple confusion with these bottles. Which is great. These bottles do have an air vent system in place to prevent colic...which is also great.

Another bottle that is popular is the Dr. Brown's line of baby bottles....the reason that I didn't like this line (and why a lot of other Mommy's don't as well) is because of ALL the parts you have to clean in order to use the product. UGH...that would get on my nerves. I mean making the time to clean bottles is bad enough but having to clean 3-4 parts per bottle would be very time consuming.

Also, if your baby is breast fed do not get fixated on a certain type of bottle because your baby may not like the nipple that comes with the bottle. So buy a couple that YOU really would like for your baby to use...and if he/she does not take to the nipple...try a couple other brands. It can be trail and error...but you WILL find something that works.

When it comes to bottle accessories....I bought the Evenflo Bottle Cozys for the glass bottles and they are great for when you are on the go. I also SWEAR by my The First Years bottle warmer. What I love about this item (that is still at my bed side) is that it has a cooler on the back that can hold 2 bottles and keep the cold over night!!!!! So for all of you mommy's that don't want to get out of bed or go downstairs to get the midnight feeding bottle...it can be right there for you when you need it!!!! And when you no longer need the warmer you can take the cooler off and just use that. Aiden prefers his bottles cold so I have not been using the warmer since he was like 4 months. But the cooler is a fixated item on my night stand!!!! I recommend ALL of my mommy's to be to register for this item. Also, I know that a lot of you mommy's register for the nice portable bottle coolers for the diaper bag, but Similac will send you a starter bag that will include the best travel bottle cooler. It is not as large as the ones that you will buy...AND IT IS FREE!!!! I love mine...so much so that I just ordered another one for a back up. I already posted about my favorite bottle brushes, but in case you didn't see it before click here to check them out.

One more thing before I wrap this up...save your money when it comes tot he sterilizer products. All it takes to sterilize bottles and nipples is boiling them in water once a week for about 3 minutes!!! THAT IS IT!!! So why waste money on something that can be done so easily for free. Buy yourself or your baby something nice with that cashola!!!! I know that I don't post enough pictures of my little man so the next post will be all about AIDEN!!!!

Baby FEVER!!!!!

2009-06-15T13:41:00.006-04:00

I am SOOOOOOO excited. One of my best friends in the WHOLE world and my Sorority Sister Kimberly Griffin is having a BABY!!!!!!! Words can not express how happy I am for her and Joe. She is most deserving of the gift that she is carrying in her belly!!! She has done a pregnancy blog and it tells the story of how I TOLD her that she was pregnant when she was here for my Birthday weekend...as well as a bunch of good stuff (including pictures) about her pregnancy. She knew that she was pregnant but wanted to keep it to herself until later in the pregnancy. But she knew that I was going to be able to tell...lol. Call it Mommy Intuition!!!!

So Tonya (our other BFF) and I are planning the most fabulous baby shower EVER (Well next to Aiden's lol)!!!! Befitting of the PRINCESS that she is carrying. Kimmy designs and makes the MOST BEAUTIFUL initiations, and did Aiden's much talked about baby shower invites...you can go to his blog to see them. So when it came to getting invites for her shower we knew that we could not get her the run of the mill invite....and I didn't want HER to do her own invites because everything is going to be a surprise!!! So I contacted my Spec who is also SUPER talented when it comes to invites and cards...Teia James. Her business' name is Sincerely Teia (cute huh?) and you can check out her blog to get some info on who she is and what her vision is.

Teia is a new Mommy herself to a handsome little man, Mr. Carter James....so I was a little hesitant to ask her to do the invites. But I assumed that if I asked far enough in advance she would be more likely to do them. I WAS RIGHT!!!! I was over her house one day and she started showing me samples of invites that she has seen or done and she showed me something that I FELL IN LOVE WITH. And have since then based the theme of the shower from the invite. So I went to her house for my consultation on Friday thinking it would not take long. BOY WAS I WRONG!!! I was there for 3 hours!!! I, of course, had to pick something that was intricate so we had to pick different papers and embellishments!!!! Well all I will say is that these invites are probably going to be BETTER than Aiden's!!!! And that is pretty darn hard to believe. I am so excited about them!!!!!

Then on Saturday I went to Alabama to visit the Mommy to Be and to handle some of the baby planning...yes I am her baby planner!!! So we went and did one of her registries and I had already had a pretty good idea of what she was looking for when it came to furniture so when I showed it to her and she loved it I was SUPER happy. She looks beautiful and so very happy....and I really like Joe (he has been hiding from her friends!!! lol). And we even went and got some baby clothes...she had not bought anything for the baby yet. By my 20th week Aiden had a FULL wardrobe...lol. But don't worry Auntie Aja will be spoiling her ROTTEN!!!!! I love girl clothes!!!!

This week will be pretty uneventful but be on the look out for my posting about bottles and breastfeeding info. Hopefully I will get both done before the end of the week. My darn computer needs a new battery and I have just not gotten around to ordering one :(.

All around the world!!!

2009-06-03T11:01:00.004-04:00

Man it has been a hectic past 6 days...and it is not over yet!!!! Aiden and I flew out of Atlanta on Friday afternoon after his 9 month check up. He is 22 lbs 3oz (even though he feels like he weighs 30lbs!!!) and is 30in long!!!! The flight went wonderfully as usual because Aiden is a trooper. He fell asleep as soon as we got on the plane and woke up about 10 minutes after we landed. We went to Minnesota for my little brothers Graduation and Graduation Party.

Everything went GREAT!!! I got to go to my cousins Graduation party on Saturday and was sooooo happy to see my favorite Aunt/Godmother Debbie. It was her first time meeting Aiden and it was definitely love at first sight!!!! Then Sunday was Raaj's (my little brother) Graduation Party and it was a hit. Of course I didn't sit down very often because I was working...lol...but everyone had a good time and Aiden got lots of attention from all of my Aunts, cousins, etc.

Monday was the Graduation and I am super proud of my little brother...who happens to have Downs Syndrome. He was so excited about having a party in his honor and walking across the stage. I don't know whose bright idea it was to have a graduation on Monday evening at 8pm but Aiden acted a fool!!! And I could not even blame him...it was WAY past his bedtime. But he was so handsome in his outfit!!!! Before the graduation I went to dinner with my dear cousin Jalove and we had too much fun!!!! So we skipped the post graduation gathering because Aiden and I had a 5am...yes you read that right...flight to Hilton Head for a vacation/work requirement. Aiden once again was a trooper and did fabulously on BOTH flights (had to change planes in Atlanta and was tempted to just go home...lol). Once we got to Hilton Head he was able to take a real nap before he got to experience the pool for the first time!!!! How exciting. You can see some of our pictures from the trip below (I will add later today) and go to Aiden's Blog to see lots of pictures from his first pool experience. Until next time...

Lactose Free Yogurt(Update)

2009-05-22T20:15:00.003-04:00

A common occurrence in new babies is that they can be lactose intolerant. Sometimes they grow out if it by 12 months...and sometimes they don't. Well we found out very early that Aiden was lactose intolerant...and he does not get it from my side of the family...lol.

I personally LOVE cheese and Aiden is at the point where I would give him things like cheese and yogurt but since he is lactose intolerant that is not an option. So I went on a search for yogurt alternatives...and guess what...there are not many options...especially when you are trying to stay away from soy.

I did happen to find a lactose-free organic yogurt called True Yogurt that is out of Vermont. Unfortunately it is only available at Whole Food stores in the Upper East Coast. And guess what...they will not ship it to me either!!!!! What kind of mess is that???? So I went to my local Whole Foods to see what other options I had. And eureka...there is a goat milk option as well as a coconut milk option. I had never thought to try goats milk nor did I know that there was such a thing as coconut milk yogurt.

Also while I was at Whole Foods I picked up some locally grown peaches for Aiden to eat with the yogurt. So tomorrow morning will be the first try...and I think I will start with the goats milk yogurt, give it a few days...and see if he has the stomach discomfort that comes with lactose products. Pray for me people...and look out for my reviews of both!!!!!

UPDATE

So I tried the Goats Milk yogurt first and he LOVED IT!!!!! YAY!!! And since giving it to him over 24 hours ago there has been no stomach discomfort!!! Double YAY!!! I gave it to him with some pureed peaches...which he loved as well...and at first he made the cutest yuck face, but then wanted more. He ate 2oz of the combination. So I will be keeping a supply of that yogurt in the house at all times. The only down side is that it does not have a lot of calcium in it...which is a big downer for me. But I will find other ways for him to get the calcium that he needs.

Travel Buddy!!!

2009-05-19T18:13:00.005-04:00

All parents...especially Mommy's...out there know how hard it is to travel with a baby, toddler, or child. Aiden has had 2 plane rides this year so far and numerous road trips. He just got back from a trip to Tennessee to see his Lubby and surprise his Great Gran for her birthday. She was DEFINITELY surprised at how big Aiden has gotten.

Well next weekend Aiden and I will be back on a plane to Minnesota and the day we get back he is getting on the road to go to Hilton Head for the rest of the week!!! He is going to be wore out!!! His Uncle Raaj is graduating from High School in Minnesota and we would not miss that for the world. And the trip to Hilton Head is for the Douglass' annual family trip that happens during a medical conference that is held there every year.

Now back to the ups and downs of traveling. Recently I purchased Aiden is very own piece of luggage!!!!! I got it from PB Teen (Pottery Barn)...rather than Pottery Barn Kids...because I wanted something big boy!!!!
And boy is it...it is from their digital line. It was used for his trip to TN and it was PERFECT!!!! Now what I want is either a Maclaren Triumph or the Eco friendly UPPAbaby G-Lite. They are stylish umbrella strollers that would travel much easier than my Peg Perego P3 (that I LOVE LOVE LOVE). The MacLaren runs about $190 and the UPPAbaby is about $129, but I found a Maclaren on ebay for $110 that comes with two different covers!!! You can't that with a stick.

Something else that makes it easier that I don't carry a purse anymore. I mean why should I? Aiden's diaper bag (from Pottery Bark Kids of course) is big enough to fit the whole world in!!! I normally check my bag and use Aiden's as my carry on (especially with the price to check luggage these days!!!!), so just imagine me pushing my P3 that has a huge diaper bag attached to it, with a baby that does not like to stay in his stroller, pulling a piece of carry on luggage!!! OMG...by the time I get on the plane I am a mess!!! lol...My BFF and fellow Mommy Natalia told me to chuck the stroller for the airport and put Aiden in the sling (peanut shell) on my hip...now if I could just find his sling I would be golden.

So my goal for our flight next week....FIND THE PEANUT SHELL!!!! lol...until next time...

Snack Time

2009-05-11T22:41:00.006-04:00

So I discovered this weekend that Aiden's top teeth are cutting!!!! How exciting is that!!! His bottom two teeth came in around valentine's Day when he was only 5 months old. While I was at Wal-Mart one day with one of my fellow Mommy's Tasha and saw some puffs by Gerber that dissolve in the mouth. I decided that it was about time Aiden started feeding himself something and learn how to chew. And boy is he cute when he chews.

The puffs came in a variety of flavors but I decided on Apple Cinnamon and sweet Potato. Unfortunately they were not organic, but I figured that he would not be eating them ALL the time and I was sure that I would find some that were organic. He LOVED them...and what I think he loved the most was the fact that he could feed them to himself!!! He got super excited when I put him in his high chair and poured a few on the tray.

While we were in Minnesota last month I went to the market close to Talia's (my oldest friend whose son Garyson is about 6 months older than Aiden) house and they had ORGANIC puffs!!! Of course I got some to see if Aiden would take them and he did!!! I was so excited!!!! And they are made by Happy Baby...the company I spoke of before that has organic baby food that comes frozen.

The Happy Baby flavors are Apple, Banana, and Greens. So Aiden was all out of the apple so while at Babies R Us today I decided to get all three flavors. Aiden is NOT a fan of banana but for $2.99 I figured it was worth a shot. So look for an update on if he likes banana and greens. I hope that he does.

Oh, while I am on the subject of BRU (Babies R Us), I went there today to pick up a few of my favorite things. I had to get Aiden some more of the Safety Spoons that I like by Munchkin. They turn white if the food is too hot...and the spoon is soft so it feels good on his gums. I also had to get a Snack Trap to put his puffs in when we travel. I needed to get some more of my favorite bottle brushes that are BRU brand, but they were sold out....guess they are other Mommy's favorite as well!!!!

My Mother's Day

2009-05-11T22:29:00.002-04:00

Well my weekend was WONDERFUL!!! And my Mother's Day was the icing on the cake. On Sunday Paul and Aiden brought me my favorite meal from the flying Biscuit...AND my White Chocolate Mocha (3 shots of espresso) from Starbucks!!!!

AND I got gifts. I got another charm for my charm bracelet from Tiffany's. I got a little crown...from my Prince Aiden!!! How cute. I also got a bookmark with his picture in it (I love to read), a framed picture,some flowers and a gift certificate to my favorite spa so I can get a massage!!!!! Man I am a lucky lady!!!!

Auntie Lauren and GUT (Godfather Uncle Travis) came over to play with Aiden and they gave me a very nice insulated mug that was engraved. We relaxed for a LONG time and then finally went to dinner at one of my favorite Mexican spots...Blue Frog Cantina in East Atlanta. After that we went to visit my Mommy and then went to see Lubby (Paul's Mommy). All in all it was a great day!!! A very long one..but a great day. I will update this post with pictures as soon as I can get them!!!

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T10:42:00.001-04:00

This poem was sent to me a couple weeks ago from Lubby (Paul's Mother) and of course I cried when I read it. She is a WONDERFUL Mother and Grandmother and I hope that one day someone will say the same about me. Enjoy...

Before I was a Mom, I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom, I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom, I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom, I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him/her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom, I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom, I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom .

Sleep deprivation

2009-05-07T10:19:00.003-04:00

Aiden is a little older than 8 months old, and guess what....he does NOT yet sleep through the night. Sometimes I wonder if it is my fault. I had a c-section so it was MUCH easier for him to sleep with me so I could take care of him in the middle of the night than it was for me to put him in a bassinet. After recovering it was a comfort and convenience thing. AND he still eats twice a night...and I mean wakes fully up to eat. Don't get me wrong...I love him sleeping with me at night...but is it the best thing for him, or for me?

For the past 8 months I have not slept more than 4 consecutive hours but on a few occasions. Before having a baby I never took naps nor did I drink coffee...and now I do BOTH. I look forward to my Mommy time and am disappointed when I don't get it...does that make me a bad Mommy? AND my baby is a morning person...and Mommy has never been a morning person...hence the coffee (preferably chocolate coffee...thanks to Natalia)

The Doctor says for us to just let him cry it out...aka ferberize him. I don't mind him crying it out but there is no way that I will let him do it ALL night as she suggested. What is really bad is that I am the only one that he will not lay in the crib for...if he sees me he wont get in it. But Granna (my mother), Auntie Lauren and Paul can get him to lay in the crib!!!! Ugh!!!!

I need for him to sleep in his crib so he can possibly sleep through the night. I just don't know how to get him to do that. Maybe I should by Jo Frost's book and follow her instructions. I just don't know, but I do know that I can not go on walking around in a fog because I am not getting enough sleep!!!!

I am sending out a Mommy SOS!!!!

Fresh Organic Yumminess....

2009-05-05T09:50:00.005-04:00

Disclaimer: Let me begin by saying that I am not an expert. I am only speaking from my perspective and these are just my opinions. It is not my intention to make any Mommy feel like they are not doing enough or providing the best for their baby.

With that said lets get this food party started!!!!!!!

I grew up in a VERY large family of cooks. EVERYONE can cook in my family. And when it came to baby food it was always fresh...never jarred...and it was normally my Daddy making it...lol. We also drank freshly juiced juice...I know I know...pretty cool right. (Well I DID grow up in Minnesota...land of co-op's)

So when it was time to start giving Aiden food, of COURSE I was going to be making all of his baby food. While I was pregnant we converted to organic food so Aiden got the good stuff right from the beginning. Also while pregnant I fell in love with the Beaba Babycook at William-Sonoma. It is a WONDERFUL machine and I just had to have it when it was time for me to make my baby food. And I made it so well known that I wanted it that I got TWO of them for Christmas!!!! (Thanks Mommy and Paul) Needless to say I tried to justify having two, but ended taking one back and ordering Aiden's FAB Radian 65 Convertible car seat...but car seats will come in another post. The Beaba will run about $149 which can be a little expensive (it is worth every penny though) so an alternative is a mini food processors that you can get almost anywhere for under $20. Just use a steamer basket in a pot to steam the food in.

This thing steams, purees, AND reheats (defrosts) ALL IN ONE!!!! You can't beat that with a stick. It is so quick and easy....and super easy to clean. It makes my puree-a-thons go in a snap. I know what you are thinking...how time consuming it must be to make baby food. Well it is not!!!! What I did was ordered my 2oz Jumbo baby Cubes (that are BPA free) from my favorite online baby store One Step Head for me to freeze the food in. At first I just got two sets (each set has 8-2oz containers) but I later found it better to have 4 sets total so I ordered more...and at $5.95 each it was a STEAL. Went to the Dekalb County Farmer's Market here in Atlanta (I could do a post on this place alone because it is that fabulous!!!) where for like $26 I could get Aiden 2 kinds of apples, 2 kinds of squash, zucchini, avocado, pears, mango, carrots, berries, and sweet potatoes (enough to freeze for about 2-3weeks worth of food)...and ALL ORGANIC at that!!!! And spend a Sunday afternoon having a puree-a-thon.

Maybe I make it sound so easy because it is. I just put Aiden in his Excersaucer or let me crawl around on the floor. Pop the sweet potatoes, acorn squash, and McIntosh apples in the oven. Steam the Fugi apples in the babycook and then play with him for like 25 minutes while they steam...puree them, put them in the containers, pop them in the freezer and move on to the next item to puree. It really is that easy!!!!

So lets talk food. Organic is best...bottom line. Whether you are doing fresh or jar you MUST MUST MUST feed your baby organic. You want to always avoid added sugar...only foods and juices that are naturally sweetened. Find a local farmers market or co-op in your area...try to avoid Whole Foods because they are WAY overpriced. That way you know that you are getting fresh and it will clearly let you know what items are organic and what are not.

Jar Vs Fresh. There are a few things that make fresh better other than it being just that...fresh. Jarred baby food is VERY bland. The food that you make is so much yummyer because it is...well for lack of a better word...fresh. You can add a little butter (and I mean the real stuff people...not country crock that is 55% vegetable oil) or some herbs or spices to the food to give it that extra kick. You will not find that in jarred food. Don't get me wrong...when we have traveled to Minnesota I have bought Aiden some Earth's Best baby food. He does not like it very much but he will eat it. (The babycook is small enough to travel with, but by car...lol. I would not trust any airline not to break my $149 babycook...and I would be too mad about it if they did!!!) I tried out a couple kinds at home before going out of town so I knew which ones Aiden liked. Made it easier for me when I got to Minnesota. Another brand that is good is Happy Baby...and the cool thing about this kind is that it is not jarred!!!! You buy it frozen as if you made it!!!! How about them apples!!! Aiden eats their puffs and LOVES THEM...they come in apple, banana, and greens. They have a location on their site where you can find where to buy their product in your area or they can ship it to you...how fab is that!!!!

What I suggest is just to try making fresh baby food a couple times. Invest a little money in the future of your baby's taste buds. What you give your baby now is going to be what they eat in the future. I am so glad that my parents introduced ALL kinds of foods to me as a child because there is not ONE veggie that I do not eat today...I even like brussel sprouts!!!! And it is what is best for their bodies. There are tons of sites out there with recipes and how to instructions. I have the Cooking For Baby book and I refer to the Wholesome Babyfood site all the time.

Aiden eating Zucchini and Cauliflower mixed...yummy...

If you have any questions about when to give your baby certain foods or recipe questions...shoot me an email at allthingbaby@gmail.com. I will do my best to either answer your question or show you where you can find the answer. As all my friends that are Mommy's or will be Mommy's know...I am a researchaholic when it comes to ALL THINGS BABY!!!!

Welcome to My Mommy Diary

2009-05-04T13:13:00.000-04:00

Last night I had a dream that I needed to start my own blog documenting my challenges, struggles, rewards, and excitement about be a Mommy. Being a Mommy has been the most rewarding and challenging job I have ever had....and I love EVERY MINUTE of it!!!!

So hello bloggisphere...my name is Aja J'Nae Mann. I am a first time mommy to Aiden Joseph Douglass...a.k.a Prince Aiden. As of today he is 8 months old...weighs 23 pounds and is 30 inches long!!!! Yeah I know...he is a giant. He is healthy and happy and the best thing that has every happened to me. I tend to get a lot of emails and phone calls for advice about things, so I think that this will be a great avenue to spread some of my mommy knowledge.

My Mommy Diary will list some of my favorite things....well a lot of my favorite things because I am obsessive about Aiden having the best and safest of everything. I will talk about funny things that happen to me and not so funny things...lol. I will talk about conversations that I have with my other Mommy friends (and I will change their names for their protection...lol) because they are some of the funniest people I know.

I will share Aiden's milestones and pictures of him and his fabulous personality. So stay tuned...