Better Than Pajama Jeans

As part of my #NewYearNewYou challenge, I’ve committed to share my progress on a weekly basis. I encourage you to take the challenge. Thank you for supporting me in reaching my goals.

Our baby is just over 2 weeks old already. The last few weeks have gone by so quickly, having to adjust to less sleep and a new routine of not really having a routine just yet.

It made sense to continue to wear my maternity clothes after the baby was born since I still looked pregnant but it soon became evident that I would have to start wearing my pre-pregnancy fat pants (aka anything with elastic) since I kept having to pull them up. Pajama jeans were sounding pretty ideal but before I had a chance to pick up the phone and order a pair, I did it – I fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans!

Our son is already 8 pounds and he’s stretching beyond the newborn size clothes. We’re all very happy & healthy over here, getting caught up on sleep and taking advantage of the additional hands that are here to help  us out. My husband is about half way through his paternity leave. I can’t imagine doing this without him…

Breastfeeding has helped me lose the baby weight so quickly and taking walks every other day have also contributed to the rapid weight loss. Only a mile and a half at a time for the last few weeks, but we plan on increasing the length of our treks now that I’m ready to really start exercising and baby is sleeping for longer periods of time between feedings.

This week, I’m venturing out with baby in tow to three events, all of which revolve around food. I’ve been enjoying my husband’s cooking – as usual – but I’m excited to get out and enjoy some girl time with my fellow bloggers and friends.

I swear, the term GNO was originally coined by a mom of only boys. Now that I’m surrounded by three males, I realize how important my girl time really is. Don’t get me wrong, I love being the Queen of the house (with no princesses yet to compete with me), but I’m looking forward to sharing some laughs and sipping on drinks with my girlfriends.

Perhaps one of them has tried a pair of Pajama Jeans and can tell me if they’re better than my pre-pregnancy jeans because right now, I can’t think of anything better to slip into.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

It Takes a Village to Feed My Family

A little over a month ago, my husband finally moved here and it was around that time that I started to panic. After all, he’s the cook between the two of us and my secret (that I loathe cooking) was no longer going to be a secret.

He enjoys cooking, in fact, he loves it. His family told me, before he moved here, that they were really going to miss him, but mostly they’d miss his cooking. Now that he’s here, I know exactly what they mean. He spoils me when the weekends come, spending about as much time in the kitchen over those two days than I normally do during the remainder of the week.

I love this game

Thanksgiving was a great test for us since we spent the entire morning cooking and creating side dishes alongside one another without any arguing (0r crying, on my part). It was a great memory to have for our first Thanksgiving together and ever since then, my husband’s love of cooking and preparing meals has worn off on me.

Still, I craved more menu ideas so I turned to my friends (who also happen to be bloggers), who came to my rescue and suggested some pretty impressive meals (which I have yet to attempt to make, I have to admit). Now that I’m feeling more confident about my cooking skills, I’m ready to try them out and I hope you do too.

Earlier this year, Mama Mary and I hooked up (that’s not the right term but I also can’t think of another way to refer to it at the moment) to create “The Most Interesting Soup in the World” using a crock pot and so it’s been proven that I can handle meals in the slow cooker but here are some additional ideas for meals to cook on the stove, or bake in the oven.

• Stefanie, of Ooph, suggested Thyme Roasted Chicken, which she cooks on a regular basis. She also has an entire ensemble of great meals which can be found on her site which are perfect for the holidays or any occasion.

• Stephanie of A Pocket Full of Buttons shared her recipe for Taco Stuffed Shells. She is also the woman behind Sew Fierce and I have decided that I must (someday) have a daughter just so I can dress her in one of the cute little dresses that she makes by hand.

• Mom of 6 and blogger over at Adventures of a Military Family has a similar issue with regard to cooking. In fact, when she responded to my request she wrote, “me and the stove just don’t have a good relationship,” which made me like her even more! A food blogger friend of hers shares Foodie Friday Posts and has more recipes on her own site, of course.

• Chelsea, of Someday I’ll Learn, shared her crock pot recipe for Pulled Pork Sandwiches, which I know my husband will enjoy, once I finally get around to making it, that is.

It’s easy to look at major recipe sites to find ideas for special occasions or for the everyday meal, but if you have a favorite recipe that you discovered on line, or shared on your own site, please link to it below in the comments. We could all benefit from a Recipe Exchange among friends and if we’re not already friends, kindly introduce yourself.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

My Birth Plan

It’s all coming together. At 37 weeks pregnant, I am less stressed and more at ease about my upcoming VBAC since I have so many people supporting me and encouraging me to follow this path.

At the beginning of this pregnancy, I was not relaxed. My husband was living two thousand miles away and although the doctor I originally found came highly recommended, he specializes in high-risk pregnancy and treated me like a high-risk patient from day one. Even though there is nothing high risk about this pregnancy, I convinced myself that he’d be the best doctor to have by my side in case something should go wrong.

The doctor has his standard routine for the moms he works with and I followed along willingly, at first, until I got past the first trimester and my emotional imbalance was no longer a concern. After that, I started feeling better, more confident and sure of the fact that I wanted to have a VBAC. This was not something this doctor could provide so, somewhere early in my second trimester, I started to panic.

Having a C-section with my son 7 years ago was not something I look back on fondly. Just thinking about it brings back some PTSD-type symptoms with my thoughts leading me back to that feeling of having no control over what was happening to my body and not being able to hold my son after he was born.

I cried like a baby when I first found out I would “have to” have a C-section, but as my doctor explained, my son was in breech position AND the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck. Still, I mourned the loss of the natural birth I had always pictured myself having and longed for the experience of pushing him out into the world, welcoming him into my arms and having him with me the entire time following his arrival.

It was my first child, I had no idea what I was doing or what other options there were, but the doctor I was working with then also specialized in high-risk pregnancies. Since my miscarriage still haunted me, I felt safe with her. I resigned myself to think believe this was the only option and went along with it, ignoring the gut instinct that tried to convince me otherwise.

The C-section wasn’t horrific, but the entire experience was less than ideal. After my son was pulled from me, he was taken away for over an hour; the longest hour of my entire life. His dad went with him, which meant I had to lay there, alone, the entire time, wondering what was going on, already missing the child I had barely met.

This baby will be my husband’s first child. No doubt he’s nervous and anxious about how the labor and delivery will go, but he knows how important it is for me to have the birth that I want and has been 100% supportive of whatever decision I make in regards to this pregnancy.

Finding a doctor who will perform a VBAC was the major challenge in all of this. After sending a panicked email to The Feminist Breeder, reaching out to my local Mommy Blogger friends and even sharing my anxiety and asking questions to those on Facebook and Twitter who had been through this decision-making process before, my plan to go this route has been confirmed. I’m grateful for the many moms who have encouraged me to do whatever it takes to have this baby the way I want to!

I realize there are no guarantees, but with a smooth pregnancy, a supportive doctor, a hypnobirth specialist and my amazing husband behind me, I’m pretty sure this labor & delivery will be closer to the experience that I have always pictured when thinking about bringing a child into the world.

No one knows when the baby will actually make his appearance, but I do know that he will not be taken away from me after he’s born, my husband will be at my side, and I will be able to hold the baby in my arms as we welcome him into this crazy family world.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Where the surf meets the turf

I love going out with my girlfriends and fellow San Diego bloggers! We don’t do it often enough, but usually, while we’re out snapping photos, tweeting and laughing so loud people actually Shh! us (at a LIVE outdoor event, seriously), we get asked – once or twice – “Who’s birthday is it?” or “What’s the occasion?” because it appears, to the average person, that us ladies don’t really get out all that much.

Let’s just say that us moms don’t really get out all that much. Considering that our “job” is a 24/7 gig, getting out once a month with just the ladies can be, well, exhausting but worthwhile, and yet often a struggle to squeeze into our schedule. Some moms weren’t able to join us last night since issues with the sitter fell through at the last-minute, or didn’t take place at all. We missed you ladies!

Photo courtesy of @Jen_eration_X

Those of us who did make it to the Mom’s Night Out event yesterday at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club spoke, briefly, about our recent parenting challenges or issues that happened during the week that we were happy to step away from.

One of us is in the process of moving, a few are going through renovation hell, and while others are counting down the days until school starts again, there are those who hold bittersweet feelings about their kids leaving for college. One of us (raising hand) is halfway through her pregnancy and another is going to be a Grandma for the first time in just a few months.

While all of these stages that we’re going through are emotional and challenging in their own way, getting to have a Mom’s Night Out last night was the highlight of the week for each of us. Being treated to a VIP tour of the Paddock, petting the horses and mingling with the jockeys was a pretty cool experience. Sitting at the Stretch Run Grill, one of the track side restaurants, and being so close to the turf as the races flew by was exhilarating and of course, standing at the Winner’s Circle after a few races was beyond awesome, not to mention the VIP admission to the Super Diamond concert that took place after the races came to an end.

Photo courtesy of @Jen_eration_X

I’ve been to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club before, on several occasions, and each time I’ve gone the experience has been different. I took my son and my mom to a Family Day event on the infield, where we spent most of the time eating and watching my son play on the kiddie activities. I’ve sat in the shaded seats cheering for my horses among fans who were just as eager to win some cash and last night, for the first time, I got to experience a different atmosphere since we were able to eat, drink and be merry while still rooting for the winning horses.

The ladies I went with definitely made the night what it was, but having a new perspective on the races made me even more excited to head back to the track, with my husband and my son or with whomever can join me – where the turf meets the surf, one of Southern California’s must-experience venues.

Follow the Del Mar Racing staff for updates, event highlights and photos and join their fan page on Facebook.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Backpacking Dad and Reality TV

I’ve always considered myself a feminist, which, as I define it, means that men and women should be treated as equals in every arena. So, when Project Mom Casting announced its call for Mommy Bloggers, I thought, why not Daddy Bloggers? Wouldn’t they make for great reality TV as well?

The first person I thought of was fellow blogger, Backpacking Dad, who some of you know as Shawn Burns. He’s attractive and hilarious. Isn’t that all that’s required for a reality series?

Shawn took the time to submit his entry for the new reality series that is being put together by non other than Ms. Momfluential herself, Ciarian Blumenfeld and Leane Vandeman. Eat your heart out ladies:

Hello, my name is Backpacking Dad. Don’t let the “dad” part fool you; I clearly have a vagina. I mean, it would be ridiculous of me to try to become the star of a reality show about moms if I didn’t have one of those, right? Ergo, what we have here is a reductio ad absurdum against any claim that I don’t have a vagina.

Wow. I think I just defined my bait and tackle right out of existence.

Anyway….what makes me a good fit for a reality television show about moms? Well, I have a good imagination. So, even though I don’t actually have a vagina (previous logical proof notwithstanding, which just goes to show you how well logic serves you), I can imagine what the life of a modern mom must be like. Given the existence of the vacuum, the dishwasher, the microwave, and the washer and dryer it probably only takes about 3 minutes per week to accomplish every household task the modern mom (still obviously at home, probably barefoot and pregnant) is assigned. That leaves her oodles of time for child-rearing responsibilities. But she’s also married to a rich, handsome white guy so she can definitely afford a nanny to take care of the kids (and for her husband to have an affair with), so in the end, apart from the 3 minutes per week of housework she has to do, the modern mom has no responsibilities. She doesn’t even have to sleep with her husband, because that’s what the nanny is for. She has almost nothing but free time, and she fills that time, I believe, with pillow fights, video games, and fancy dinners out.

Well, let me tell you, you could hardly find a better person to engage in pillow fights, play video games, eat out, and definitely not sleep with even the richest white guy than yours truly right here. I believe I can really get inside the head of the modern mom. I’m just the mom you’re looking for. So please consider me for Project Mom Casting, and watch your ratings go through the roof. Especially for the first pillow fight of the season when I announce that this time it’s shirts versus skins.

You’re welcome, Project Mom Casting.

Backpacking Dad
http://backpackingdad.com

Are you an Opinionated Mama?

The O-mama ladies sure know how to treat a lady!

I was so excited to be invited to the Tribute to Mommy Bloggers sponsored by the O-mama mamas (Debbie and Michelle). As soon as I walked in to their headquarters (the private home of one of the founders), I was greeted by lovely, smiling ladies who welcomed me and ushered me into the peaceful setting in the backyard where I was promptly offered a manicure. Immediately, I sat down, overlooking the pool and the area designated for a pilates class and sipped on some lovely Mocktails while I was treated to a manicure and pedicure (provided by Spa-Go’s).

Pedicure Time

My son wasn’t able to skip school to attend, the kids that were there were sequestered to the opposite side of the backyard where they were equally pampered. Face painting, crafts and a bouncy house kept them occupied while the mamas sat back and relaxed, sipping on Mocktails and enjoying the lovely cooking demonstration by Wade Williams of Picnic of L.A.

Besides all the pampering, we got to discuss some pretty hot topics with some hot moms – hot because they aren’t afraid to say what’s on their mind and hot because they’re beautiful (smart women usually are)!

I joined O-mama and selected the topics that are of interest to me. You can head over there, join groups that you belong to (divorced mamas, stay-at-home mamas, Republican mamas, Democratic mamas, etc.) and share your opinion. Every discussion is respectful, thoughtful and inspiring, so head over to discuss, debate and share some insight with some other hot mamas!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

The Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Thanks so much to Amy Lupold Blair of Resourceful Mommy and Momfluence for putting this together. And a big thanks to all the amazing bloggers who participated!

Featured Products

Chic and Carry Wristlet – Make mom’s quick trips out with baby much easier with this great product.

Miessence Organics Mothers Day Set - Every mom deserves to be pampered once in awhile, and these organic body products allow her to do just that.

Sara Lee Simply Sweets Pies – Sara Lee’s Simply Sweets line gives you a delicious way to treat Mom this Mother’s Day with a fast, easy and delicious dessert.

Children Should Come With Warning Labels – Patti McKenna offers a humorous take on motherhood, giving mom a chance to laugh, cry, and identify with her tales.

Roundhouse Designs Desktop Mobile – Roundhouse Designs origami mobiles and wall art are handcrafted creations that make a unique Mothers Day gift.

Roundhouse Designs Jewelry – Roundhouse offers a wonderful selection of handmade jewelry, with styles that are perfect for every mother on your list this Mother’s Day.

Heart of A Mother – Heart of a Mother is a gift book filled with touching tributes to Mothers and Grandmothers, inspirational short stories, poems, proverbs and quotations.

Protect-A-Bed – Protect-a-Bed waterproof mattress covers provide protection from allergens, dust mites, and bedbugs, helping to extend the life of your mattress and mom to sleep a little sweeter.

Ultimate Woman Vitamins- Make sure that mom is getting everything she needs to stay healthy and active with the Vitamin Shoppe’s Ultimate Woman vitamins.

More Great Gift Ideas

April Cornell Shoulder Bag

BabyPlus System

Not Just Any Old Day Keyrings

Menu For The Week Subscription

For My Mother Reflection Journal

Vintage Body Spa

No Throw

Me Time Sportswear

Peek-A-Boobs

Kind Notes

Aventine Hill Bath Products

Treadlight Eco Snack Kit

Name Your Tune CDs

Things Remembered Charm Stories

Diaper Clutch

Pedometer

Lia Sophia Riverside Necklace

Lia Sophia Beaujolais Necklace

Lia Sophia Mandalay Bay Necklace

Lia Sophia Athena Necklace

Lia Sophia Love Dust Set

More Great Gift Guides

The Mom Maven

MomECentric

All reviews listed in the Momfluence gift guide were product provided. 

Featured positions were purchased by sponsors.  Member gift guides are not affiliated with Momfluence. 

There are no words…

…to describe how broken my heart is right now. I’m in tears, praying for a family whom I have never met in real life. I heard the news through Twitter and realized how quickly, and helpful, this service can be when there is news that needs to be spread.

A beautiful toddler lost her life today and her family (and loved ones near and far) are mourning the death of someone too young and too precious to say goodbye to so soon.

Madeline Alice Spohr
November 11, 2007 – April 7, 2009

Words just cannot explain how devastating it was to find out that L.A. based mom and dad Heather and Mike, lost their daughter Madeline today. Although Heather wrote about her daughter needing to go to the hospital just yesterday, there’s nothing that could’ve ever prepare her (or any parent) for the death of their child.

If you are able to be Los Angeles on Saturday, April 25th, please join the walk for the March of Dimes or donate in Madeline’s name if you cannot be there and please spread the word through your blog, website or on your Facebook, Twitter or other networking pages.

R.I.P. dear Madeline

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Welcome to the Party!

It’s Sunday night. Do you know where your parents are? Well, if you’re under the age of 12, chances are – your parents are online and visiting some pretty cool blogs that are participating in this year’s Ultimate Blog Party.

So far, I’ve been introduced to some pretty amazing bloggers and I’ve only just begun dipping into the long list of active bloggers in this year’s fabulous event, hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom.

If this is your first time visiting here, Welcome! Let me introduce myself quickly so you can determine whether or not you and I have anything in common (chances are, you’ll agree with at least one of the following statements):

• I’m a single mom
• I’m a Certified Parent Educator, Life Coach & Marketing Professional
• I was laid off less than three months ago
• I’m mother to a beautiful 5-year-old boy
• I get along well with my ex-husband and talk to him more often than anyone else in my address book
  
• I write for pennies but find the connections I’ve made online priceless
• I live in San Diego
• I grew up in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis / St. Paul)
• I am in a long-distance relationship that adds adventure to my life
  
• I have one sister
• I have two parents
• I live in a condo that is too small and that I own with my ex-husband
• I drive a mini-van that I drive too fast and don’t clean often enough
  
• I send my son to a private school where he calls his teachers by their first names
  
• I like my music loud, my men dark, my coffee black and my food spicy
• I enjoy running and other self-inflicting hobbies like collecting tattoos
• I love traveling, reading, writing, laughing, and spending time with friends
  
• I enjoy beer, wine and other fine spirits
• I wear glasses, have a rare disease (and one common one) but speak only one language
  
• I’m pleased to meet you
  

If you’re a regular, Welcome back! Grab a drink and be sure to comment on this, or any other post that catches your attention. Here are the most popular posts, to date:

1. For Those who Give a Tweet – my post about my experience with The Four Man Plan, and what happened when implementing this plan into my dating life.
2. Giveaway – Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult – the most current giveaway
3. The Wicked Witch of the West – blog post devoted to the Witch Fires in San Diego County (October 2007)
4. Must Love Kids on TLC – my 2 cents on the dating reality show for single moms
5. Meet N Greet – an experience with eHarmony that still embarrasses me
6. Tattooed Moms – answering the #1 question about the tattoo on my chest
7. Book Review: The Five Love Languages – a highly recommended book that will add new life to your relationship
8. ABC Kids Expo – follow up to the annual event featuring modern, trendy & unique gifts for babies and expecting parents
9. Words of Wisdom – for women of all ages
10. Daddy Bloggers – sharing the love with the other half

Now that you’re here, put your feet up, stay awhile, have a look around and come back often.

Cheers!

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home

Join us for the Ultimate Blog Party

5 Minutes for Mom is hosting the 2009 Ultimate Blog Party from March 20 – 27th. Be sure to head over to their site to discover all of the amazing blogs that will be participating.

Last year, the Ultimate Blog Party 2008 had over 1500 bloggers participating and 5 Minutes for Mom’s UBP related pages had over 72,000 page views, with the actual party post receiving over 20,000 page views.

So how do you join the party?

Both BLOGGERS and NON-BLOGGERS can join the party (and be eligible for the prizes) at the Ultimate Blog Party.

BLOGGERS:

• Invite your friends
• Host a party at your place
• Sign the Mr. Linky over at 5 Minutes for Mom
• Submit a prize (optional)
• Get out and PARTY!
• Have an After Party

NON-BLOGGERS

The UBP is for non-bloggers too! What would blogs be without readers?!?

So whether you have your own blog, or you just read blogs, you are invited to the party — and you are included in the prize draw!

All you need to do to be eligible for the prizes is comment on our party post and attend some parties.

(Visit and comment on at least 20 blogs participating blogs – simply click on the blogs name on the list of links called the Mr. Linky to party hop – and you will qualify as a party guest.)

For the full details, check out the original post over at the 5 Minutes for Mom website.

Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home