Novica- Because Spreading Happiness Never Felt So Good!

Every once in a while, I am blessed with the opportunity to conduct a review of a service that I absolutely love. Today, that Service is NOVICA!  In association with National Geographic, NOVICA is a website that offers works of art from around the world in the form of jewelry, clothing, accessories, hand bags, kids toys, paintings, sculptures, tribal art, home decor and fun unique gifts.  I LOVE THIS SITE!  Most of all, I love this site because every time I purchase a unique work of art for myself or as a gift, I am not only bringing happiness to myself and the person receiving the gift, but also to an artist who without the help of NOVICA, would not have been able to sell their work otherwise.  

Just wait until you see what these artist can do...

Why do they always have to be right?!

I am so sick of those been-there-done-that (BTDT) parents saying, I told you so!  It's constant. And to add insult to injury, they are always right. ARG!

Even Ollie is annoyed...

Here are few examples of the BTDT "I told you sos", I have heard over the last two years...

ME: I cannot wait for my baby to start crawling!
BTDT: Yes, you can. Trust me, it's nice when they stay in one place.
ME:Whatever...
Sure enough...Two months later... Baby starts crawling... far and FAST! Making it so I can no longer leave a room for a second without losing my baby.
BTDT: I told you so.

ME: I cannot wait until my baby starts eating solids! I might try rice cereal early...
BTDT: Yes, you can. And don't you dare! Rice cereal won't make them sleep through the night, plus life gets very messy when they start solids. They throw more food on the floor then they actually eat.
ME: Whatever...
Sure enough... He didn't sleep any better, and WHAT A MESS!
BTDT: I told you so.

Me: I cannot wait for my baby to start walking!
BTDT: Yes, you can. They want to walk EVERYWHERE.  Including the grocery while you are trying to shop.
Me: Whatever...
Sure enough... My son learning to walk turned out to be so annoying, because 9SURPRISE!) he constantly wanted to walk everywhere.
BTDT: I told you so.

Me: I cannot wait until I can hand my phone over to my son to keep him busy while I shop.
BTDT: Yes, you can.  You will never see your phone again!
Me: Whatever...
Sure enough... all he says is, "See Ollie! See Ollie!" He wants to look at pictures and videos. (For more information on this epic fail, see "Warning DO NOT give this to a toddler."
BTDT: I told you so.

Me:  I cannot wait until my starts talking!
BTDT:  Yes you can. They repeat everything you say.
Sure enough...
Me: Shit!
Toddler: Shit!
BTDT: I told you so.

And the latest... and yet to be seen...

ME: I cannot wait until my toddler can hold conversations!
BTDT: Yes, you can.  They NEVER Shut up!
Me: Whatever!  I cannot imagine wanting that sweet little angelic voice to "shut up!" I bet my kid will  say the greatest stuff too!  No way would I want that kind of funny to stop!  Yeah, whatever.  No way will I ever want him to Shut up...
BTDT: Trust me on this.

I know history proves I should believe the Been-there-done-that parent on this one.  BUT! BUT! BUT! ... But nothing, I have eaten my words enough to know I will want him to stop talking too.  Even if it is unimaginable now.

What words has a BTDT made you eat?

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Whatever You Do, DO NOT Give This To A Toddler.

DO NOT under any circumstance, hand your phone over to a toddler. If you do, it will be gone. Forever. As in, bye bye phone. The toddler will become obsessed with it, NOTHING will compare.  They will search you, your pockets, handbag... EVERYWHERE, until they find their precious.  And when they find it, your...

• Calls-Missed... Except those from people you are trying to avoid.  They answer those calls. 
• Texts-Replied to with something similar to this, 'shjd;$@!32'- (Actual text sent by my toddler) 
• Apps-Gone. Poof! Take screenshots of your phone pages so you can easily figure out what Apps have been compromised.
• Social Media- New friends requests will be sent. In-laws unfriended. Wars started.
• Photos, Music & Videos-Subject to toddler purging as well.
• Passwords-Changed- Try something similar to--Dmns12zdn.';'f
• Settings- Changed-Think 'Airplane Mode.' ALL DAY!
• Buttons & Cracks- PACKED with peanut butter, jelly, bananas and Goldfish.

Should you fail to heed this warning, and hand your phone over to a toddler...

• DO NOT Panic-...once you completely and utterly hate yourself for the poor choice. Panicking will cause you to make more poor choices.
• DO NOT Chase After Them in an attempt to get it back. Most likely they will think it's a game and begin laughing wildly at you, whilst out running and mocking you.  
• DO NOT Scare Them-Once they see the anger in your eye, and realize the game is over, that is when they scramble for a hiding spot. This is where things get very dangerous for the phone.
• BACK OFF! If you are coming up to a body of water during the chase, STOP! The toilet is not where you want this to end, and they are more than happy to go for that. In fact, just back off the chase all together; it will not end well for your phone. Most likely, the toddler will panic when you get close, and try launch the phone with everything their little Peyton Manning arm has got. So should you be near an area that provides a large drop, hard surface, or deep opening when the phone is launched, its game over for your phone. So again I say, BACK OFF!
• Play Dead. Your best bet is to play dead, while your toddler calms down in a quiet corner with their precious phone... and then MOVE IN! Grab it back.  
• REDIRECT-If you want this acquisition of your property to go smoothly, you will need a redirect object, something like a cupcake, cookie, ice cream cone, chocolate or candy should suffice. Try to make the switch so fast they notice the cupcake before the loss of the phone.
• NOW RUN! Once you have your phone back, RUN... to the nearest toy store and by something resembling the phone or a tablet, and pray like you have never prayed before that the new phone will work. If it does not, sorry my friend, the damage is done.  Go get your toddler their own phone/tablet and thank your lucky stars you made it out with all of your fingers and limbs...

Note: According to the 'Property Laws of a Toddler' (see below) anything, once handed over to a toddler, will become THEIR property. The minute you try to take back THEIR property, all toddler hell will break loose. Think: Hell Hath No fury! Your toddler will loose it all over you, innocent bystanders, roaming animals, furniture, food... pretty much anything within ear and arms reach will be subject to that hell. To prevent further mishaps, read the following list carefully...

The Property Laws of a Toddler.  (I didn't make this up, another genius did.)

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Greeting Games: Taking eCards To A New Level Of #Awesomeness (Multiple Giveaway. Open Worldwide!)

I remember when I received my first eCard. It was two dancing cartoons singing happy birthday. Then, once the song was finished, the characters released balloons to reveal a flashing, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I LOVED it.  And the concept of emailing a card rather than snail-mailing it... YES! YES! YES! So when, Greeting Games offered an even better eCard, I said prove it!

FUN FACT: The first eCard was sent in 1994 by it's creator, Judith Donath, from the MIT Media Lab.  In the first few weeks of the eCard inception, 9-10 cards were sent. By Christmas of 1995, 19,000 eCards were sent. During Spring of 1996, 1.7 million eCards were showing up in inboxes all over the world, including mine.  Now that's impressive!

Fun Fact #2: eCards single handedly cut my 'belated' cards in half.

My friends, there is a new kind of eCard on the scene, and it's changed the game, BIG TIME!

I present the one and only eCard that sends a little gift inside the card, Greeting Games! Check this out!


                   
How cool is that? An eCard that's really a game, with a secret message at the end!  LOVE IT!  In fact, the PR team sent me a Greeting Game card, and I don't know what I enjoyed more, playing the game or getting the secret message!

I have a friend who has a job that can be very boring, and by 2pm she is begging me to chat with her so she can keep her eyes open.  Now, I can just send a Greeting Game with the message, WAKE UP!  The day is nearly over...  And then add some sort of profanity to make her laugh. Works like a charm!

Here are some quick facts to know about GreetingGames.com:

• 4 Card categories- Birthday, Get Well, Thank You & Just For Fun (Holiday cards made available during the holiday's season) 
• 9 Game categories to choose from, with over 60 games available to choose from!
• Games optimized to be played any device-Laptop, Tablet, Smart Phone...  Anything! 

It's easy to get started... Pick a card category, then a game, then create your personal message!

It's Sushi Mahjong!

The Greeting Game cost $1.99 per card, but for a limited time, your first two cards are free! And that's not all! TEN First Time Mom and Dad Fans will win a Three Month Unlimited Membership! (Giveaway Open World Wide!)

To start sending your Greeting Games now, CLICK HERE!

To try your chances at winning one of TEN membership codes, sign up below!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

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This Whole Parenting Thing... Wow. Amazing.

Being a parent is AMAZING.  Absolutely amazing.  But... honestly, for me, it was not always like that...

This morning when the wild child crawled into bed with me, and fell right to sleep in my arms, I couldn't help but marvel at the amazing rush of love I feel when I hold him close. I also couldn't help but look back at the journey to this moment. This moment of bliss holding my amazing son...

                                               

I really had no clue what to expect when I became a mother. Prior to having my son, I was the proud aunt of three super sweet boys. One of which was like a son to me. Only, I got to bring him home when I was tired and ready for some peace and quiet. So when I had my own son, I had no idea how hard it would be.  How when I was tired and needed peace and quiet, it did not come so readily.  Parenting is 24/7 365,  and no way was I prepared for that commitment, sacrifice, selflessness.  Thankfully, being a parent also came with this unimaginable overwhelming love that I can phisically feel in my heart.

No doubt, the first six weeks of motherhood were so crazy. I look back and the first word that comes to my mind is, Haze. There is this hazy crazy fog of sleeplessness I associate with it.  In fact, I really do not remember sleeping more than a couple of hours at a time, as in TWO. What I also remember is the overwhelming fear.  Fear that SIDS (cot death) would come and steal my baby in the night.  Or that I would not be a good mom.  Or that I was not providing enough nourishment for my son on my own, and he was starving.  I think I weighed him nearly every other day! Yep, the first six weeks were anything but blissful and easy.

Thankfully, the first six months rounded out nicely.  As my perfect ball of fat baby grew out of the slug phase and began smiling, giggling, crawling, and eating solids, things got so much better. I was even beginning to think I had this whole mother thing under control. My son was fun, thriving and while the little guy was not sleeping through the night, I was getting more than two hours of sleep at a time.

As the next year and a half progressed, Ollie, FTD and I found our way.  Time somehow felt like it began to speed up around that sixth month point as well.  Ollie was meeting his milestones, and becoming a little boy with the greatest personality... (READ: FTD was turning him into a super funny and animated little guy.)

                                   

Along the way, I have had really bad days, and of course amazing days.  I have learned to not be so hard on myself when I fail, or have a bad day.  Granted, it took me 18-months to finally stop beating myself up for mistakes or having a bad days. I guess I just got to the point where I realized, if I had a day where I was not 100% 'on' and playing with Ollie, he would survive and forgive me, most likely not even notice.  Or when I have to be a tough when he is naughty, it's for the best.

There is so much give and take to parenting.  It's a roller coaster ride.  Full Stop.  

Sometimes it's an uphill battle. Sometimes its downhill smooth sailing with lots of laughter. But, always, it's FAST!  The days fly by.  The choices come quickly.  The milestones come and go. The moods are up and down.  (For both of us!)  Most of all, the love is the most wonderful rush of adrenaline.  When I hold my son close, the love and emotion that surges through my body is the absolute most profound and wonderful feeling.  I have felt it since the first few weeks of parenting, and my God, it's just... AMAZING!

I am so grateful to have this blessing of parenthood.  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful and animated little guy to call my son.  Yes, this parenting business is still hard, and frustrating, and certainly sometimes leaves me dreaming of a secluded island I can run away to... But. I would not trade this amazing journey of love, life and blessings for anything.

                                                     

Happy Wednesday my friends! ❤️

P.s. If you are looking for a Childcare provider, check out my article published on Parenting.com today, "10 Important Questions To Ask Your Childcare Provider."

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10 Fun Facts About Daylight Saving Time... #1 It Begins This Weekend!

That's right, Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins this Sunday, March 9th at 2:00am. In honor of the sleep snatching event, I thought I would share 10 fun facts to shed some light on why we even bother.

Without further ado, 10 Fun Facts About Daylight Saving Time...

1.  Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins this Sunday, March 9th at 2:00am and ends at 2:00am on November 2, 2014

2. Officially, it's Daylight Saving Time, not daylight Savings time. That's right, NO s!

3. Daylight saving time, in the modern sense, was first proposed by an English entomologist, George Vernon Hudson, in 1895. However, another English born gentleman by the name of William Willett, independently thought it up during a morning ride on his horse; he was completely annoyed by the fact that Londoners slept through much of the morning.  But since Hudson submitted a paper to the Wellington Philosophical Society in New Zealand first, he gets the bragging rights for coming up with DST! Too bad no one listened to either of the men and acted on DST for many years...

4. Daylight Saving Time was first observed on April 30, 1916, by Germany and Austria-Hungry to conserve coal during wartime. Europe followed along the next year. The United States began observing DST in 1918. After the war, the US and many other countries stopped observing DST.  It was not until the 1970's, during the energy crisis, did DST become widely adopted again.  It has been observed every year since.  Well... not by everyone...

5. The entire state of Indiana did not observe Daylight Saving Time until 2006. Arizona and Hawaii still will have nothing to do with DST.

6. There are only 23 hours observed on the day that Daylight Saving Time begins in the spring. The clocks jump from 1:59am to 3:00am. However, 25 hours are observed on the day when Daylight Saving Time ends.

7. In Europe Daylight Saving Time is called, Summer Time.

8. Observing DST year round would annually prevent 195 motor vehicle deaths of occupants, and 171 pedestrian deaths, according to a study reported by USNEWS. It turns out we are much safer drivers during daylight hours. 

9. Children can be the most negatively effected by the time change.  Experts say to begin the nighttime routine a few minutes early each night during the week leading up to Daylight Saving Time. This will help to prepare their mind and body for the change.

10. In 2005, Kazakhstan did away with daylight saving time. The country's government reportedly calculated that 51.6 percent of Kazakhs responded badly to the time change. Really? 51.6 percent of Kazakhstan are toddlers?

May the force be with you this weekend, my fellow parents. May the force be with you...

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If Your Teenager Is About To Start Driving, Or You're Moving To A New State, READ THIS!

The year leading up to my sixteenth birthday was 100% about saving enough money to buy a car and studying for the driver's permit test, so ultimately, I could drive to school. <Insert angels singing and rays of sunshine>

I was convinced driving to school was going to be the most awesome thing on earth. Bye bye car pool, hello freedom. In order to make this dream a reality, I must have studied the state issued driver's handbook front-to-back then back-to-front ten times that year.  I was so ready for that test, I was sure I could take it in my sleep!

Then after what seemed like an eternity, my sixteenth birthday finally came! And as promised, my mom took me to the Department of Motor Vehicles to take the permit test first before going to school.  As I began the test, I froze. The questions were not like I had expected!  The photos were different, and the multiple choice answers to the questions were tricky.  I was sweating and panicking by my fifth question!  Thankfully, in the end I only missed three questions and was granted my drivers permit.  But, not nearly as easily as expected.

So, why am I telling you this? Because, I want to save your teenager from the same fear and anxiety I felt from taking the permit test by sharing a website that has every state's permit test online to! That's right, the test is right there FREE for you or your teenager to study and take (and retake) to prevent tanking the actual test at the DMV!  How awesome right?  It's called Driving-Tests.Org

Just for fun I took a few driving tests for states I do not live in... Of course I had to start with California. I had to see what they are all about on the West Coast...Note that you can also take the motorcycle practice test, and access the driver's handbook.  That's pretty freaking cool!

I chose Permit test #4.

Question number 1 was easy enough:

A. Change lanes frequently... DUH?

Then, just when I was sure I would be a great driver in Cali, this doozie came up...

I can honestly say, I have either never seen that sign before!  Yes, I am 35 and have been driving for over half my life.  ... Whaaa? We don't have this sign on the east coast!  What do you think the answer is?  WRONG! It's "You are permitted through this lane."

FTD and I had too much fun answering the crazy questions, and truth be told a couple got us too.  In the end we FAILED! 

WHOOPS!


You all, Driving-Tests.Org is GOLD for the teenager studying for the permit test, the crazy person who has decided to get a motorcycle, or anyone moving to a new state that requires a permit test to become a state issued licensed driver.  Or, if just want to see how you stack up in your state...  

To start your permit test now, CLICK HERE! 

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My Yoga Practice Is... Um... Well... Practice Makes Perfect!

Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing weekend full of family fun time! I know I sure did. Fortunately, the family fun time is not over for me yet! (Read: WHY ME?!) Winter Storm Titan, a.ka. the 6,987,765 winter storm of the year is passing through with the promise of 1/4 inch of ice and 8 inches of snow. Which means, thanks to Titan, today is snow day 60,987,765 of the season. That's right, no school for FTD or the Wild-child.

You all... I'm reaching family fun time overkill. For that reason, today I have decided to talk about my second love, Yoga. The only mention of family or a baby today will be my laughable attempt at the yoga pose, Happy Baby. 

OK. So Maybe it's a little better than that...

As some of you know, in an attempt to get my post-baby body back in shape, I bought a three month package for unlimited classes at a kick-ass yoga studio. As in, it's a kicks-my-ass-every-class, yoga studio. 

Before the bub, I practiced yoga regularly. So now, after a three year hiatus from yoga, I expected to be a little, rusty, but not a complete beginner. My friends, rusty, was not even close! More like, laughable, sweaty and messy, makes everyone else in the class feel better about themselves sweaty confused mess. Thankfully, yoga classes, no matter where you go, have people practicing at all levels--ranging from first-timers to freakishly strong and flexible--so even though I was falling all over the place and sweating like a whore in church, I was not the only one.

Speaking of falling all over the place... I remember my very first, downward facing dog, pose... I was sure my massive post baby nursing boobs were going to come up and hit me in the face, while my rather round ass flopped backward down my back and smacked me in the back of the head. Good news, it only half happened. Thankfully, now I can pop up into my downward facing dog without the fear of downward facing EVERYTHING!

One of my favorite classes is mixture of yoga and pilates--Yogalates! But it was not always my favorite... When I was originally going through the classes offered at the studio, I came across Yogalates--"A Full body, core blasting workout." Um...Yes, please! By the end of my first class, I was a soaking wet mess. I had no idea what the hell had just happened over the past hour, my hair went from neat ponytail to crazy bed head, and my yoga mat was sideways! My. Yoga Mat. Was. Sideways.  HOW IN THE HELL DOES THAT HAPPEN?

Thankfully, after a month, things are MUCH better... As you know, practice makes perfect, and I am on my way!  Yesterday, I took my favorite class of the week, 'Warm Vinyasa.' It's an hour and fifteen minutes of fast moving poses that defy the laws of gravity, in a room with an average temperature of 90f degrees.

This class kicks my booty in half, then stomps on it. It's SO AMAZING!! When I am sure my legs are going to catch on fire, the teacher says, give me three more deep breaths and lunge deeper into your left leg. WHAT? LUNGE DEEPER? Do you want to see if my thighs will actually catch on fire? But, I did it. Finally, 8 of these class later, I was able to hold it together until the last breath. Then crumble to the mat in a soaking wet mess clinging to those few precious seconds in child's pose. Seeing this progression and improvement is empowering.

The best part is that during each class, as I stand in front of the wall of unforgiving mirrors, I see the results of my hard work. My jiggly arms are not as jiggly, my rather round bottom is a little less round, and my over all mood and anxiety levels are noticeably better. I still sweat, stumble and fall, and cannot even begin to get into some of the poses, but one day I will. Oh yes, one day...

 It's a Yoga Selfie!
No way could I have done that a month ago...
Oh and see those dumbbells, they were a culprit in that crazy Yogalates class.
It's yoga jacked up to an AWESOME level.

So, why am I telling you all of this? If me telling you I was so out of my league in my first Pilates class that my mat ended up sideways, but now I own that class, makes you feel better about taking the first step to going yourself, then mission accomplished. If me telling you that at first I felt like the most confused person in the class, but no one else noticed but me, makes you feel better about signing up at a new gym, then mission accomplished. If telling you that in a months time I have drastically improved my body, strength and mood, makes you excited about taking the first step to a healthier you, then mission accomplished.

I hope you have a fabulous day!

If you are considering yoga, and afraid you will be the same hot ass mess that I was, GET OVER IT! If you have been thinking of starting up a new fitness routine, GO! I promise, you will not be the only one in the class there for the first time. Plus, everyone is so focused on themselves and what they are doing, you will be practically invisible to them.  Bottom line: If I can do it, you can do it!  I promise, you will be SO glad you did it! Need more inspiration? Check out this months 30/30 Challenge!  It's Mindful March: CLICK HERE! 

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I Confess, We Are Screwing Our Kid Up One Mispronounced Word At A Time...

It's finally happened, Ollie has mispronounced a word in such a way it's coming out a 'bad' word. And.. it's funny! So funny that I never miss a chance to get him to say it, and neither does FTD.  I know what you are thinking, it's Truck, or Duck, or Clock. NOPE!  It's something I never would have guessed. In fact, if Ollie didn't break out a visual while yelling the word, I would have been convinced he was actually calling me a, BITCH!

Hmmm... Or was he...
Cheeky little bugger.

Everyday when FTD comes home from work, he changes and then gets on the floor to play with Ollie by making a car or choo choo track. I take that time to relax and/or catch up on emails. All of the sudden, Ollie walks over from the floor to me sitting on the couch and says (with heaps of excitement), Hey Bitch! I was shocked into silence.  Surely, FTD would not teach him to say such a thing to me?  When the shock finally wore off, I mustered a, What? Again, Ollie shouts, BITCH!, then points back at FTD.  I look at FTD who is in hysterics!  I mean whole body shaking laughter.  I couldn't control myself, I started laughing hysterically too.  Now, I'm laughing, FTD is laughing and Ollie is pointing at FTD and yelling, BITCH! BITCH! BITCH!

OH. MAH. GAWD!  Beyond funny.

The mother inside finally overrides my child inside, and tells FTD in-between fits of laughter, that we are terrible!  We should not be laughing and encouraging this bad behavior.  Even if Ollie is calling FTD a Bitch, and it's the funniest thing he has ever said or done.  Toddlers do not use the word Bitch!

FTD, finally stops laughing long enough to call Ollie over.  Ollie runs over the FTD and pulls a Thomas The Tank Train bridge out from behind FTD's back.  He runs it back to me and yells, BITCH!

Dear God... he is trying to say, Bridge.

I look at him and say, OH, BRIDGE. He yells back with excitement, Yeah, BITCH!

This could go terribly wrong for us if presented with a bridge in a crowd with Ollie.

I told FTD we were still terrible and needed to not encourage the wrong enunciation of words either.  FTD, said, Oh Balls, and walked off.  He maintains that this is one of the best parts about having a toddler. Ollie can yell Bitch-Ass-Shit and get away with it.  because really he is saying, Bridge and Ship. I had no choice but to agree. It's funny, and we are going to love it while it lasts.

As some of you know, I turned to my Facebook community of AWESOME! to tell about the Bridge/Bitch episode.  And as usual, my AWESOME community fired back with their own stories and confessions of laughing at poorly pronounced Trucks, Ships and Clocks. I even had a good friend of mine send me video of her son saying, 'Cock', instead of clock.  I bet I watched it two or three times, before calling FTD over to watch it a few more times with me.  It's funny, I cannot help it!

This is the time when toddlers will say the damnedest things! And dammit, it's FUNNY! 

Of course we will not encourage bad words when he says them on purpose, but the clocks, trucks and bridges coming out a little skewed... since all we can do about it is laugh, we might as freaking well!

What's your toddler saying?

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It's 30/30 Challenge Time! Get Ready For... Mindful March.

Calling all you 30/30 Challengers... It's time for our first big challenge of 2014!

This challenge is just to get you thinking and moving baby steps style. Start thinking about your inner self: mind, body and soul. Don't worry, this one will be SUPER easy!  You can do it from your desk while reading the blog.  In fact, if you are reading this post on March 1st, count it as your first 30!

For those of you just joining us, here is a little background on the 30/30 challenge...

Last summer, I caught an episode of 'The Doctors' that changed my life. They were highlighting diet and exercise fads, including the 30/30 challenge. What the show did was get ordinary people to test each of the programs. The 30/30 challenge was tested by an average sized (10-12) mid-twenties girl.  She was to walk for 30-minutes for 30 days straight. She didn't have to change her diet, or walk fast; just walk. By the second week she lost weight, gained energy,  and got a better nights sleep, and overall felt 100% better. That was in just 14 days! By the end of the challenge she lost 11 pounds and her husband was now in on the walking too. Months later they were still exercising together and eating healthier.  All I could think was, hell yeah!  I can do that! 

So as you can see, as much as I would like to take credit for the challenge, I cannot, the Doctors made this up. HOWEVER! I make modifications to it, so that it is not only about walking for 30-minutes for 30 days.  Every month, I personally do mini 30/30 challenges. During the month of February, I did 30 of something daily-- sit-ups, squats, leg lifts, lunges... Guess what, by the second week I was feeling so good that I bought a three-month Groupon for unlimited classes at a Yoga studio!  I'm telling you, this thing works!

Ok, back to the challenge for March...

I dub this month, Mindful March, because that's all YOU.  

March is do anything for 30-minutes a day, for 30 days... Mix it up

walk, yoga, clean, shop, organize a closet, drink water all day instead of diet Coke, lift light dumbbells through the Big Bang Theory, visit your favorite fitness magazine website or Facebook Page for inspiration and tips...

Just be mindful of the challenge and your overall goal for wellness.

SET AN ALARM IF YOU HAVE TO!!!

Set an alarm each day for a time you know you will be free.  Maybe it's after the kids are asleep, or the time before dinner where you can escape for a walk around the block. Turn on some upbeat music and dance around. Get creative!  Just stay focused on yourself for 30-minutes everyday, and move as much as possible during that 30-minutes.  OR... Instead of moving, spend 30-minutes enjoying a healthy good for you lunch from prepping it to eating!  OR... if you are stuck at your desk, visit your favorite health magazine's website or Facebook page.  They are jam packed full of tips, motivation and recipes. Just do something. Take time for you and your overall health, and feel good about it!

I'll be checking in on you throughout the month, and offering a few goodies too!

Happy MARCHing...

NOTE:  To read more about the 30/30 challenge, to see the clip from the Doctors Show outlining the challenge, or to read about my first challenge, and the challenges lined up for the next couple of months, CLICK HERE!

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Who are you calling, "Advanced Maternal Age?"

So. I got a news flash recently. Apparently, because I am 35, I have been classified as being at an, "Advanced Maternal Age." My friends, I feel like that is the meanest, most nasty hateful name I have EVER been called.  It hurt.  It still hurts.  It's also scary as hell to think that now that I am 35-years-old, I am somehow damaged goods when it comes to trying to have children.  So. Not. Cool.

If you are just now hearing the term advanced maternal age (AMA) for the first time, here are the specifics according to the *mayoclinic.com: (I did quite a bit of research, and found the most concise list to share on the blog--without listing 10 different sites--is the following Mayo Clinic list.)

It might take longer to get pregnant. You're born with a limited number of eggs. As you reach your early 30s, your eggs might decline in quality — and you might ovulate less frequently, even if you're still having regular periods. An older woman's eggs also aren't fertilized as easily as a younger woman's eggs. Does this mean you can't get pregnant? Of course not. It might simply take longer. If you're older than 35 and haven't been able to conceive for six months, consider asking your health care provider for advice.

You're more likely to have a multiple pregnancy. The chance of having twins increases with age. The use of assisted reproductive technologies — such as in vitro fertilization — also can play a role. Since these procedures typically enhance ovulation, they're more likely to result in twins or other multiples.

You're more likely to develop gestational diabetes. This type of diabetes occurs only during pregnancy, and it's more common as women get older. Tight control of blood sugar through diet, physical activity and other lifestyle measures is essential. Sometimes medication is needed as well. Left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause a baby to grow too large — which increases the risk of injuries during delivery.

You're more likely to develop high blood pressure during pregnancy. Some studies suggest that high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy — before 20 weeks (chronic hypertension), after 20 weeks (gestational hypertension) or after 20 weeks and accompanied by protein in the urine (preeclampsia) — might be more common in older women. Your health care provider will carefully monitor your blood pressure and your baby's growth and development. You might need to take medication or deliver your baby before your due date to avoid complications.

You might need a C-section. Older mothers have a higher risk of pregnancy-related complications that might lead to a C-section delivery, such as placenta previa — a condition in which the placenta blocks the cervix. Labor problems tend to be more common in first-time mothers older than 35.

The risk of chromosome abnormalities is higher. Babies born to older mothers have a higher risk of certain chromosome problems, such as Down syndrome.

The risk of miscarriage is higher. The risk of miscarriage also increases as you get older, perhaps due to the higher likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities.

Dads, if you are reading this, bad news... women are not the only ones being called out for having babies later in life, also according to the Mayo Clinic...

"Men might experience a decline in fertility starting in their late 30s. Some research suggests that children born to men 40 and older have a higher risk of autism than do children of men younger than 30. A 2010 study also suggests an increased risk of autism in children born to a couple in which the father is older than 40 and the mother is younger than 30. Further research is needed, however. Men older than 50 are more likely to have babies with certain birth defects, such as the bone growth disorder achondroplasia, due to age-related genetic mutations. The risk of cognitive impairment also might be higher for children of older fathers. In a 2009 study, children born to older men scored slightly lower on tests measuring concentration, memory, reading and reasoning skills through age 7."

ARG!!!!  I just want to scream ASSHOLES, and have my memory erased, so I can forget this evil information.

I'm terrified this list is going to apply 100% to me (35yrs) and FTD (40yrs)  Which is so wrong!  Should we not have children because of this?  Should we be taking this as a warning?  Because we are.  You all, I really want to give Ollie a sibling.  And now that I have hit the ripe age of 35, I am scared that I have waited too long, and will put myself and my unborn child at risk.  Feeling like this sucks. In my heart if feels wrong and wasteful to let this AMA classification bother me.

But, I cannot help it...

I am scared. Very scared.  

I try to remind myself that I was scared when I got pregnant with Ollie; well before AMA was an issue.  Honestly, there are so many unknowns with pregnancy, it's scary no matter the age. This information has just managed to double the fear for me.  Which, sucks. Should I rush into pregnancy, before I get any older? 

Truth be told, FTD and I are FAR from ready to have a second child. We are in the process of moving, rebuilding our finical status and have our hands full with one child! I'm just not sure we should be pushed into having a second child. That almost seems more risky than the risks associated with AMA! 

My sister had her first at 36 and second at 38. Both of her boys are beautiful, articulate and brilliant. And really, is there an age for having children that does not have risks associated with it? All I am hearing is that, "Advanced Maternal Age" really means, shit or get off the pot... The longer you wait the harder it is to get knocked up, and the risks do increase, but NOTHING is definitive! My sister and her healthy happy boys are proof of that.

If I said that I was going to put this nasty AMA issue out of my thoughts, let God work out the timing, and live my life, it would be a lie.  Since hearing that the age cutoff for AMA was 35, I have not stopped thinking about it. I really thought I would have until I was 38 to make the final decision over having a second baby. Just like my sister. My only concern is that, the mounting risks, thanks to being at an advanced maternal age, will send me into a tailspin of fear and desperation? Ugh. I certainly hope not...

What are your thoughts?  Did you have a baby after the age of 35?  Are you in the same boat as me--35+ and want another child, just not now?  
   



* To read more on AMA from the MAYO clinic, CLICK HERE

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Top 10 Tuesday: 10 Awesomely Annoying Things About Toddlers.

Ah, Toddlers.  Amazing little creatures aren't they?  Here are 10 of the 101 ways we find them annoying as hell complex Awesome!

1. When they are screaming in public and you say, "Shhhh," they SCREAM even louder with balled fists.

2. When they bring you the same book for the four-hundreth time that day, desperate for a new book, you say no more! The book gets launched across the room, while death stares are simultaneously launched through you.

3. Three minutes after you pass the bathroom and are nearly to the car, they announce they actually do need to go potty.  But really, they don't.

4.The minute you finish building the block tower or choo choo track, it is demolished with King Kong force.

5. The minute you throw away their dinner, that they barely touched, they ask for it back, or worse, a snack. (ARE YOU KIDDING ME?)

6. The last thing they want to play with in the house is their own toys.

7. If you give them sugar of any kind, they turn into Gremlins in 8 seconds or less.

8. Taking them out to eat is like trying to have a nice meal in the middle of a tornado.

9.  Even though it takes twenty minutes to get them dressed, it only takes 3 seconds for them to get their clothes back off, especially in the back of the car.

10. Long car rides with them are being considered by the US military as a new torture tactic to get terrorist to talk.

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Baby-Led Weaning: Good or Bad?

As some of you know, when I was given the honor of being a, Top 10 Mommy Blog of 2013, from Parenting.com, I was also invited to join their incredibly talented pool of freelance writers. (Gasp!) My first two assignments were cut and dry reviews of a product and service. My third assignment was to talk about the recent popularity of Baby-led Weaning; what it is and what the experts are saying.  At first I thought that it would be easy, since I know all about it and did a form of it with Ollie.

I was so wrong. You all, this one got me...

I had such a hard time writing the article.  I needed to stay objective, and not bring my preconceived notions into it. Which was hard, because to me, this was a big deal article. Writing about something as big as introducing solids to an infant, no matter what, I didn't want to screw it up. I also didn't want to mislead people, just to write a good (favorable) article.

For those of you who do not know, Baby-led Weaning (BLW) is a method of introducing solid an infant by allowing them to self-feed, rather than be spoon-fed. Yes, it's giving a six-month-old solid food in finger sized pieces to feed themselves with.  No purees or parent intervention.  BLW is all about offering healthy finger sized soft foods to the baby to touch, smell, taste and then eventually chew and swallow. The control of how much food the baby eats is completely up to them. Where as with the parent-led spoon method, parents often feed the baby until the food is all gone.

For me, BLW was a very scary thing.  All I could imagine was my son choking. For that reason, I fed Ollie purees for the first few months of his introduction to solids, then slowly switched to offering him finger foods. No, he never choked, but I was also VERY careful about what I offered to him, and probably didn't offer enough variety because of that.

So here I am a year and a half later, writing an article on something that I was too scared to do properly.  Not to mention, when I asked Ollie's pediatrician about it 18-months ago, he thought the idea was too new, with not enough studies. Plus, he too was concerned about the choking aspect.

All of the being said, I put my own opinions aside and did the research.  I too wanted to know what the experts were saying.  Had things changed in the 18-months since I was researching baby-led weaning for my son?  My friends, it had. In fact, as I type there are a multitude of studies going on surrounding baby-led weaning.

The studies were showing the choking hazards were not an issue, the long-term effects led to a the baby having a healthier and happier approach to food, and most of all, a diminished risk for childhood obesity.  These are HUGE finds!  You can read all about the studies in my article on Parenting.com (Link below)

What I really want to know from you is, did you do Baby-led weaning with your baby?  What was your experience? Is your child now a healthy thriving toddler?  Studies said the baby would not be a picky eater later in life. Is this true? Would you do it again with your next child? Any tips for parents giving it a try?

Please, share your story.

To read my article on Parenting.com, CLICK HERE.

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10 Of The 101 Ways Toddlers Are Like Puppies.

Yesterday while taking a walk with the wild-child, I thought I was going to die of old age before making it around the block. We had to stop every two feet so he could pick-up a stick or poke something with the stick. Sometimes he would poke a hole, drop the stick, back track to a different stick, then run back to REPOKE! the existing hole. It was the most annoying cycle of ridiculousness. It reminded me of how annoying it was to walk my old German Shepherd, he too had to stop every two feet to pick-up a stick or mark his territory.  And then it hit me... toddlers and puppies are EXACTLY alike.

The more I think about the similarities between puppies and toddlers, the more I think the only difference is one has four legs. Which is debatable since toddlers walk on all fours too.

Without further ado, the the first ten of the 101 million ways toddlers and puppies are exactly alike. 

Toddlers and puppies...

1. Drool on everything. The two could fill a lake in a afternoon together.
2. Will happily poop and pee anywhere and everywhere and take months to housebreak.
3. Will bring the same toy back to you a thousand and one times to play with.
4. Chew on everything, including but not limited to, shoes, socks, toys, furniture, you, themselves...
5. Bark constantly! They never ever seem to stop talking.
6. Have no use for sleep.  Every once in a while they lay down, but it does not last very long.
7. Refuse to wear pants.  Or any clothes for that matter.
8. Eat off of the floor.
9. Think baths are complete nonsense, and to prove it whine and splash the entire time.
10. Even though you know they can hear and understand you, they still run away from you.

This is definitely an ongoing list.  Can you add to it?

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Safe To Grow Chair Locks. A Childproofing Game Changer. (#GIVEAWAY)

Every morning for the past two months this same scenario plays out between Ollie and I...

Ollie: Helping!
Me:  No Helping.  Mommy is making breakfast.
Ollie: Helping.
Me: No Helping.  *Pointing to toaster or stove* It's Hot. No Helping.
Ollie: HELPING!!!!  *Drags breakfast table chair into the kitchen.*
Me: NO HELPING! *Drags chair back out of kitchen*
Ollie:  *Crying. Melting down on to the floor. Furious*  HEEELLLLLLLLPING!!!!
Me: *Ignores him and finishes making breakfast as fast as possible.*

He eventually finishes the temper tantrum
then pushes his chair around until breakfast is ready.

Yes, it sucks. Yes, it's annoying. Yes, I want to scream at FTD's face for letting Ollie help him make breakfast one Saturday morning while I was sleeping in. Yes, there is always a catch when mommy sleeps in!

This whole Ollie "helping" bit is hands down the most annoying thing we have going on right now in terms of 'terrible two' behavior.  So, when the creators of the chair locks- a husband and wife team- reached out to me for a review of their one of a kind potentially lifesaving chair lock product, I didn't hesitate! My friends, thanks to these wonderful locks, there is no more, HELPING!  I present, Safe To Grow Chair Locks...

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!  NO MORE HELPING!!!!!  HAHAHAHAHA!


So what exactly are these wonderful things?  Childproofing miracles, that's what they are! Here have a look...

Each box of Safe to Grow Chair Locks comes with eight straps, for a set of four chairs. Each strap has a super strong 3M tape backing to hold the locks in place. Safe To Grow Chair Locks are the only chair locks like them on the market.  

Sadly, the creators behind this product learned this the hard way...

Their 2 year old nephew pushed a kitchen chair to a counter and spilled a scalding hot cup of coffee on himself. It only took seconds while a family member went to the refrigerator to get milk. The poor little guy was in the hospital for two weeks and required several skin graft surgeries. My heart breaks thinking about it. FTD's nephew had a similar thing happen to him in Australia, with a pot of hot water on the stove.  Unfortunatley, children having horrible accidents in the kitchen is a far too common thing. Even m ore reason I cannot believe these patented chair locks are the first of their kind!

After many prototypes and numerous tries with different adhesives, the chair locks were finally born. The inventor said one of the hardest things was finding an adhesive strong enough to hold, but could be easily removed once the chair locks were no longer needed. With a little help from 3M the adhesive problem was solved, and the chair locks were finally ready for the market!

Here is how they work. Pretty simple really...

1. Grab your kitchen chair, and loop the chair lock strap around the chair on each side, and tighten. (Solid back chairs are going to have to wait, they are still working on that.) 

2. Then take the adhesive side and press it firmly into the table! 

This works perfectly on both wooden and glass tables.
I used the breakfast table to show this example because the  glass makes it easy to see how everything works.

3. Repeat steps 1 & 2  on the other side of the chair.  Working your way around the table until all of the chairs are securely locked in place!

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!  NO MORE HELPING!!!
And the best part, Ollie is mad at the table and chair, not me!
I tried to get a picture, but he was MAD and... well... he was not having it! 

Ir's wonderful to not worry anymore about Ollie dragging a chair into the kitchen when I am not looking.  I only wish theses were around when he was learning to pull himself up; more than once he nearly pulled a chair down on himself.  For that reason, I wholly recommend the Safe To Grow Chair Locks for the piece of mind. They are worth every penny (Under $20!) for safety and piece of mind. 

Right now if you share a story of why you want them, or worse, a story of how they could have prevented an accident on the Safe To Grow Kids Facebook Page you receive $3.00 off your order! 

To visit the Facebook page to share your story and claim your $3.00 coupon, Click Here.

To visit the Safe To Grow Website for More information, Click Here.


Feeling Lucky? I have Four boxes of Chair locks up for grabs!  Sign up below for your chance to win one of them!




a Rafflecopter giveaway

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10 Things You Should Know Before Moving Your Child Into a Toddler Bed.

With so many of us wondering when to make the move from crib to toddler bed, I thought I would find a few facts and tips to help facilitate the decision. All of the following tips are from doctors or sleep experts.  

Unless this is your idea of a "toddler bed,"
then you better be sure your toddler is ready....

1. Pediatric sleep disorders expert, Deborah Lin-Dyken, says there's no set time to make the move. Studies show most children make the switch sometime between ages 1 1/2 and 3 1/2. 
2. Don't rush right out and buy a new bed the day your toddler climbs out of the crib. This IS NOT an indicator that he is ready. Lower the mattress all the way, and discourage climbing.
3. The switch may really freak your toddler out. Place the new bed in the EXACT same place the crib used to be. Use the same bedding, crib toys/stuffed animals... Change as little as possible. 
4. Don't just spring the new bed on your toddler.  Start talking it up at least a week in advance.  One expert says throw a big party to celebrate the bed's arrival. 
5. Independence is an indicator that your child is ready to make the switch.  If your child takes pride in individual accomplishments, including feeding and dressing themselves, then it may be time. Kyle Pruett, M.D., a clinical professor of psychiatry at the Yale Child Study Center, in New Haven, Connecticut, says a sign of readiness is when your child calls out in the night and can be reassured just be hearing your voice.  
6.  Don't introduce the new bed during potty training or moving to a new house.  Too many changes can freak a familiarity loving toddler out. -Dr. Laura Markham
7. If the transition is due to the arrival of a new baby, experts recommend the transition be made and well adjusted to at least TWO months before the baby arrives.
8. Let your toddler be involved every step of the way; including if possible, picking out the bed, and the new sheets, blanket and pillow if necessary. Make the new bed cozy and inviting.
9. If you do not already have one, create a bedtime routine and stick to it leading up to the big night. Familiarity is key before this transition. One expert says to add white noise or music to the bedtime routine, if it is not already part of it, to help your child doze off.
10. Be prepared for a long battle. This could (most likely will) be very scary for your little one, and may take quite a few nights of both, getting to sleep AND staying in the bed through the night, before things settle. Remember, this is ultimately your decision, you have to be comforting and understanding that this is very scary. Talk though your child's feelings and be reassuring that this is a wonderful thing.  'All big boys/girls sleep in a big bed.'

I would LOVE to hear what parents have to say. If you have dealt with this already, please share your experience or tips.

Side Note: As for now, FTD and I have decided not to move Ollie until he is fully potty trained.  He is happy in his crib, and we are happy to have him there.  He JUST turned two, we really do not see any reason to rush it along at this time. 

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KidOFit: Easily The Most Impressive Children's Shoe Design I have EVER seen! (#Giveaway)

Just wait until you see what happens when Dr. Ron Barr, a father with a PhD in biomedical engineering, uses his 20 years of experience developing innovative foot care products to create cutting edge children's shoes. I present, KidOFit Shoes...

KidOFit’s unique comfort features include:

·  Barefoot SoleTM technology

·  Transparent soles, enabling viewing the child’s toes for perfect fit

·  Customized Fit System

·  Elastic Collar

·  Heel Strap

·  Fitting inserts

·  Ergonomic Design

·  Anatomical shape

·  Smooth, protective interior

·  Light and flexible construction

·  Wide opening for easy on/of

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EPIC FAIL: I'm Raising A Picky Eater

My name is April, and I am raising a picky eater. A very picky eater.  FAIL!

While working on an article for Parenting.com about Baby-led Weaning, I began to evaluate my feeding style in regard to my son. It turns out, I kind of suck.  More to the point, I am raising a picky eater. I feed him only the food I know he likes because I want him to eat, which it turns out is so incredibly wrong. Alright, I knew what I was doing was not the best, but dammit, a hungry baby is a poor sleeping baby, and I don't want that. Come on, look at that happy 'Sghetti' covered face!

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YAY!! It's Here!!! Potty Training Time!!!

Ollie just pooped in the potty!!!

He really did it! Wanna see? Just kidding. Do you really think I would post a photo of Ollie's first dump in the dunny? No. Of course not. That would be gross! Well... Unless you want me too... Because I did take a picture for his baby book. You know, so I could show his first few girlfriends. Kidding... or not. 

 (Ok, I didn't but I plan to tell him I did to keep him from dating until he is in college.)

This is a photo of FTD's Dunny.
Seriously.
It used to be the outhouse at his holiday house in Australia...
until his brother ripped it down.
Actually, I think he burned it to the ground.
NO, I never had to use it, there was a very nice working one IN the house.
THANK GOD!
And double Thank God Ollie's first Dunny dump did not have to be in one of those!

My friends, at 4:44pm on February 13, 2014, Ollie crapped in the can. Oh what a joyous moment that was. Unfortunately, all the moments leading up to that crap were not so joyous.  

Oh. No. 

Not so joyous at all. 

Allow me to start from the beginning...

Right before Ollie's first birthday, FTD's mother told us that FTD was using the potty by his first birthday. Naturally, I wanted to rip her face off for saying that, because now the pressure was on. FTD was sure if he was crapping in the can by the ripe age of one, then his son should too. So, for Ollie's birthday, FTD ran right out and bought him a little potty.  A soccer ball potty to be exact...

When Ollie would have nothing to do with it, we eventually put it away. Thankfully too, because quite a few of you pointed out that Ollie may spend his life peeing and pooping on soccer balls, and I certainly didn't want that!

About three weeks ago, Ollie walked up to me and said, "poo poo."  While I was caught a little off guard by it, I thought he was just repeating words FTD taught him. Then, a few minutes later I look over, and there he is... filling his diaper.  Well, holy shit he WAS trying to tell me something!

Sure enough, the next day he does the same thing; he says, poo poo, and does it. Being the smart little cookie that I am, I was ready on day three. When he said poo poo, I took him to the toilet, sat him on it ready for the magic to happen... Nothing happened.  

When he got annoyed and wanted down (four seconds after being put on the pot), I let him down. From everything I have read and been told, I knew I was NOT to piss him off about pissing.  So, I just kept offering him the potty, and chasing him and his naked but around waiting for cues.  I finally gave in and put his diaper back on. Two minutes later he pooped.  

The next few days played out the same. Not wanting to lose the momentum of him talking about pooping, I decided I would get the soccer ball, put it in the living room and let him diaper off free-ball it to be ready when the cues came. Long story short, he peed all over everything! Then, one day he pooped on the floor.  I saw him doing it and screamed out, NO! Much to my horror, he took off running mid-poop, but not before... running through a pile he already dropped. Sweet Geezuz of shitty foot prints. I thought I would DIE! I kind of wanted to when faced with cleaning it up. 

Needless to say, the poop-prints taught me a lesson. NO MORE FREE-BALLING IN THE HOUSE! 

The next two weeks were all about offering up the potty, then taking him in there. Diaper off... Diaper on... Diaper off...Diaper on... repeat one hundred times.

He didn't always tell me when he had to poop, but he was still announcing it from time to time. And slowly but surely, I was learning to be prepared. We bought the super cool toilet seat and a stool to climb on.  I also learned that before going into the bathroom after a, "poo poo." declaration, I would bring my phone so I could put on YouTube to keep him sitting. 

I LOVE THIS THING! $44 at hardware store.

That's when it happened... the declaration came, I ripped off his diaper, grabbed my phone and off the potty we went! I sat him down, turned on Mickey and waited... Nothing.  Two minutes later he was down. Off he went free-balling down the hall.  I yelled for FTD to corral him back. This on-the-pot, off-the-pot, went on for about five minutes. Then he came back into the bathroom, got on the potty, and sat there for a few seconds then got off and stood in front of me. Next thing I know he started to let the beast free. That's right, he was starting to crap standing in front of me and the toilet! I picked him up, sat him on the pot and he kept going!  The poops came out, and so did my screams!!  FTD! FTD! FTD!!  HE IS POOPING IN THE POTTY!!!  

FTD comes running, Ollie is in shock, I am holding him still on the potty while singing yelling Ollie's pooping praises!  FTD joins in. Ollie is shocked and excited. I tell FTD to go get the chocolate while I help Ollie down.  FTD comes back with the chocolate M&Ms... we shower him with praise and M&Ms, do the potty dance and scream some more.  Such a joyous occasion!!

Will he do it again tomorrow?  Who the hell knows?  I am keeping my expectations low. Especially because he didn't exactly start the crap sitting on the pot. Still, it is a start. My boy pooped in the potty and I am super proud. While I know this whole potty training thing is a long road, one I expect to write many posts over, it beats the hell out of diapers 24/7 for another year or so.  Plus, I just witnessed the beauty of not having to change a loaded diaper. I am motivated to keep that up! 

Now we just have to motivate Ollie to keep it up too... 

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