Picture this…The suns out, the sunroof is open and it is a rare occasion that I am alone in the car with out my son. So I take the opportunity to pump up the tunes to an obnoxious level. On the radio comes Regulate…You know the song….Warren G…if not take a moment to listen to it above. So I am driving, groovin to the beat and thinking I am rather cool. Boy does the song bring me back….then I stop at a red light and think….is me listening to this song from 1994 and loving it the same as my parents listening to their 70′s music when I was young? Am I that old mom who “thinks” I am cool when in fact my son will soon think songs such as regulate suck? Can I still rock to regulate?

In college we used to have an all 80′s happy hour. That happy hour got me to appreciate so many songs that I missed since I was only 10 when we entered the 90′s. Do you think they have 90′s happy hour now? Does regulate come on to the people in college and do they chug beers and take shots in appreciation?? Boy do I hope so!

My friends tell me that it will ALWAYS be ok to play regulate loud, but then again they are my age. Will my son sit in the car someday when I control the radio and roll his eyes at songs such as Regulate? I know I did to my parents songs. I think I will be very sad when they mock my songs.

That all being said there are some songs my parents can listen to and I can still appreciate. “Don’t Stop Believing” from 1981 will be cool for both me AND my parents. “Cats in the cradle” from 1974….cool in my book!

So what do you think? Is it inevitable that I will become or already am a mockery in the music sense? What are some songs that you think can stand the test of time? What songs from the 90′s will make it?

I feel that when it comes to Mother’s Day I build up this idea in my head of how it should be. Maybe all new moms do because we are still so super excited that we get this day all to ourselves. The novelty of it all is still there. In my eyes Mother’s day should be spent with sleeping in, breakfast in bed, giving a big appreciative kiss to my mom, never having to change a diaper, coffee on the couch, lots of cuddles with my son, and a perfect activity with my family to pull it all together. But when you make a day so special in your head you are bound to be left a little disappointed. There is no way you can get it all…especially when a toddler is involved, and in the end you are happy and thankful for all that you DO have….My mother’s day was fabulous. But did it meet all the criteria? No…

Let’s start with sleeping in. Yes, Captain Awesome agreed to get up with the baby. I do about 360 morning wake up’s with the little guy over the year so you can bet your behind that I am going to take advantage. I heard the little guy bright and early, and woke up Captain Awesome (of course he never hears him). Then I lay there….lay there wide awake! WHAT!? I couldn’t sleep! But there was no way that I was losing this time…so I drifted in and out of sleep till about 8. Not late by any means. But it’s better than normal.

I knew breakfast in bed wasn’t going to happen. It’s not The Captain’s style…so I made my way to see my family. Of course I got my cuddles from my little man and a fantastic mother’s day gift. It’s hard to let Captain Awesome take on all the “mom chores” for the day because the little guy of course wants me to do it. So there goes my idea of never changing a diaper. Lucky me even got the poopy one that day!

A kiss for my mom? Didn’t happen (sad face). The distance made it impossible and I was left saddened by the fact that the rest of my family got to be together with out me. Tis the nature of the beast when you live out of town right?

Coffee on the couch? Nope! We rushed around to get ourselves and the little guy ready to do breakfast with my mother in law. It was our way of showing her how much we appreciate her, and she was so happy to have her boys all together. Our little man was exhausted from waking so early that he napped for about 20 minutes in the car while we waited for a table. It was great for us at breakfast, but that meant that he would refuse a nap later (sad face). There went that relaxing coffee on the couch yet again. I watched him roam his crib on the monitor for about an hour. A no nap Christian is no good…but what can you do?

The best part of the day was our trip to the Arboretum. It’s so beautiful and I loved watching our little man gaze at the trees and nature. He really loves to be outside. I loved being with my family and spending the day outside. Although the little man didn’t nap he did his best and didn’t throw too many tired tantrums. It was really wonderful.

The day ended with take out from one of my favorite restaurants, and a nice quiet evening with a glass of wine with my husband. A perfect end to the day….

I think I now realize there is no “off day” for a mom…even on Mother’s Day. I still will have want to be the one to take care of my son, and I think my days of relaxing on the couch are far in the distant future. It’s so true that you have to become a mom to truly appreciate the other moms in your life, especially your own. So happy Mother’s Day to all you Mom’s out there. I hope you got everything you wanted out of the day, and even if you didn’t…I hope you took a moment to appreciate all that you have….I know I did!

Tonight, as I sit in my family room, watching my favorite shows, I look around and realize how much I actually do love my home. It’s comfortable, and it’s the place where my family began. Then I shake my head, and remember how much I need a new home with a yard for my son. Every day we go outside here, I am reminded how much it doesn’t work here. I am constantly scared he will trip on a curb, or run into the street. He needs a place to roam. But each night I forget all that. All I can think about is how great my home really is….Is being scared a reason to stay?

Our home search has hit a major stall because of the tremendous red tape involved in selling it. It was an amazing opportunity when we bought, and amazing place to live, but selling it is more of a process than we wanted. Either way, we are at a stand still. No sellers want to listen to our offers until we are in contract, and we can’t get into contract with our buyer until the not for profit that is in charge of selling our place approves our buyer. It is a long process indeed. Therefore we wait…

While I wait I go back and forth on how great this home really is. Maybe it’s because I am terrified of moving. Each home I look at I second guess myself. Even when I believe it’s perfect. Will it ever be perfect? They say you FEEL your home…but happens if you FEEL it…then lose it? What if the one you FEEL you can’t afford? Do you settle? When it comes to a home will you ever really settle? Or…will it become the home of your dreams because it is in fact your home? How do you know? Will I know what is right?

I am terrified of what’s ahead of me. Change sucks in my book. I have never been good with it. Now, a major change is looming and all I want to do is run towards what I know. What is comfortable. Only problem? Soon enough someone else will own this home. I know it’s best, and I know it’s what I really want. So I have to step away from the ledge and move forward. Being scared is not reason to slow down. Right????

One thing I love the most about Captain Awesome is when he gives me a genuine smile. He has many smiles, but this one goes straight to his eyes. It hits them even before it reaches his mouth. Our little man got his daddy’s smile because his too goes straight to his eyes. He doesn’t have as many different smiles as his daddy, because his are all pure and genuine, but this particular smile is the same. And no matter what is in his mouth, or if it’s covered, I always know he’s smiling at me because you can see it in his eyes.

One of my favorite feelings in the world is having my son see me, get excited and smile. It happens a lot during the day so I am lucky. I get the smile when I get him in the morning as well as when he wakes up from each nap. If someone else grabs him from the crib then I get the smile when he enters the room I am in. I just know he is looking for me, and when he finds me…there it is. His face lights up and his eyes twinkle. (yes you read that right…they TWINKLE!) I’m not claiming that I am the only person he does this for, but that also doesn’t lessen how it makes me feel.

The joy you get out of a child’s smile begins the instant they are born. You just wait for the moment when you do something that brings them joy. Once they start to smile you then find yourself doing and saying the most stupid things in the world to make that smile continue. I mean how many silly faces or games of peek a boo can one play in a day? In my world?? ALOT! But all the silly stuff is worth it, and it’s worth it to watch The Captain get all silly for our kid too.

Bottom line? A toddler will show you every emotion they feel. It’s all so pure and true, so when I see that twinkle in his eyes I know it means he’s happy. I feel so blessed that I get to see that twinkle all the time. He’s a happy boy, and that makes me a happy mom. His smile can always make my day.

Dear Christian,

You are turning into such a toddler these days. Even though you don’t say many actual words, you certainly are able to tell me what you want. And boy do you know EXACTLY what you want! You are bursting with personality, and your moods can change at the drop of a hat. You keep me on my toes every day.

I feel like I have used this word a lot in your letters, but boy are you busy. No matter where we are, you are on the run. You LOVE the outdoors and your favorite outdoor activity is to play with rocks. You pick them up and move them. I always wonder what exactly is going on in your head. If you could be outside all day you would. Good news is that it’s almost summer time so we will do our best to accommodate!

You are a very good sleeper. Your bedtime is 7:00 and you normally sleep till at least 7:00 am. We are starting to push your 1 nap back and I think soon your 1 early afternoon nap will turn to a later 1:00 nap. We’ll see. I can try to schedule you as much as I’d like, but I know now it doesn’t work.

I love to watch you learn. You have started to respond to TV shows which is funny. Your favorite is “Dora The Explorer” and “Diego”. As a matter of fact that is pretty much all you’ll watch! When Diego says dig you pretend to dig, you clap your hands and you dance. It’s amazing. You are a very good dancer. You bop, and now can spin and twist. You have some good moves!

You are a horrible eater. It is our biggest challenge. At this point you will only eat yogurt and fruit. I give you veggies in a pouch (pureed), and any other solid food is a hit or miss. It’s not even that you don’t like the foods…you won’t even put them in  your mouth! I am not sure what I am going to do with you.

We take 2 Gymboree classes and will be starting swim class this month. I love to keep you as entertained as possible away from the TV. I think if I allowed it you would watch it all day. But don’t worry, I don’t let you watch it all day. I do whatever I can to keep you occupied. It’s a full time job!

A friend always told me each stage gets better and better and she was so right. Having you run at me, arms wide open for a big hug and kiss is the most amazing feeling in the world. You make me smile every day. You are my buddy, and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

As you know I am always looking for a great Mommy and Me class. It gives me an activity and gives my son some great stimulation. When Christian was born, I found out that my local library provides a great class that is put on by PlayHooray. It was free to those with a library card, and that my friends was a huge bonus in my eyes! I tried the class when Christian was 4 months old, and since then I haven’t been back since I have been soooo busy. Then, last week I had the opportunity to go back to the library and try it, and boy am I glad I did.

PlayHooray, established in 2001, is a fun-filled music and movement program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and the grown-ups that love them. Their goal is to provide the opportunity for you and your child to sing, dance, march and PlayHooray together! With the adorable Molly Mouse, who introduces and ends the class, you have a recipe for a great Mommy and Me class.

Molly Mouse is an adorable puppet who the kids call out of her little box house. Instruments, stories and songs are all introduced through out the class. I took class at the library and my little guy ran around like a nut. He danced, played the maracas and helped with the story. It was so cute to watch him interact with the teacher! It is so fun to watch him grow in each class we take.

PlayHooray will also come to your child’s party! I went to a birthday party once where they entertained and it was great! They brought all the props with them, and the birthday boy even got his very own Molly Mouse! They are a great party entertainment option.

My favorite part about PlayHooray is that many local libraries bring the class to you. My library calls it baby and me. I am told that libraries can’t promote the name of a company that is “for profit”. I don’t know if that’s the case, but either way my library doesn’t call it Play Hooray. I think a FREE and FUN class is always a bonus with all the expensive Mommy and Me classes out there. Check out the PlayHooray Class schedule to see where they will be next.

That’s one major reason I wanted to share this with you. Be sure to check out all the local and free things your town has to offer. I think you might be surprised what you will find. But whatever you find be sure to check out PlayHooray if you can…you won’t be sorry!

We all are aware that there is a silent battle that goes on between working moms and SAHM’s. It is what it is and I have a feeling it will always be that way. Is it something mom’s should be proud of no…but it is what it is. A lot of working moms say things to me such as “I’d really like your life”, or “I’d switch with you in an instant” and although I feel extremely lucky to be in the situation I am, I sometimes look at them and wonder if that person would in fact LIKE being home every day with their kids. I personally think it’s the best job in the world, but I have to admit that I don’t believe it’s for everyone….so what do you think…Could YOU be a SAHM?

Some may think being home with your kids is a walk in the park. I mean I obviously sit around all day watching TV and napping. YA RIGHT! I will tell you the day can be VERY boring. My day is filled with watching the same Dora episode, playing peek a boo, cleaning up messes, taking mommy and me classes and sticking to a rigid schedule. The day can get very long when my son is in a bad mood. He cries wines and throws himself on the floor. I don’t always dress well because why should I? I get food in my hair and I sit playing on the floor all day. Sometimes, I can’t wait for Captain Awesome to get home just to have an adult conversation. Could you do it?

I get frustrated sometimes when people say “why can’t mom’s talk about anything other than their kids”? But what else do you want me to talk about? My job is my kid, and my life is my kid. I don’t have a fancy job with fun adventures, or even other funny anecdotes about co workers. That is unless you want to hear about the funny thing Tinkerbell did yesterday. A successful day is one where my son actually eats his meals and doesn’t end up bashing his head on something. These days it’s what I know. I love it, but would you?

Most SAHM forfeit an income from an outside job. They don’t get paid for doing what they do and therefore sacrifices must be made. I work from home, but sometimes that suffers because my focus is on my son. That means sometimes I have to think twice about buying that outfit, or going out to eat. It’s a choice The Captain and I made, and one I would never take back, but would you be happy to do with out? Not many have the option to work from home like I do, so if you could survive on one income….would you want to?

Pro’s of Being A SAHM

• You get to witness EVERY milestone with your child
• You get to be a part of every laugh, smile and moment
• You choose your child’s schedule
• You get to be with your child morning, noon and night
• You don’t have to be on a rigid errand schedule
• You can do your errands during the week and can save weekends for fun

Cons of Being A SAHM

• Your days are spent talking mainly to your child (not too much adult interaction)
• The days can be long and monotonous
• Gymboree is the activity you look forward to
• You can’t hide from a crabby co worker or boss. If your kid is in a mood…get ready for a VERY long day
• If you aren’t feeling well or in a bad mood there is no hiding, or putting your head down for a bit…Your child still needs you for the entire day. You must grin and bear it.
• It takes a lot more motivation to choose to dress in more than sweat pants each day.

Don’t get me wrong. I am sooo thankful to be able to do it all. I have always felt I was meant to be a mom, and other then the tantrums I like the monotony. The point I am making is that it may not be for everyone. Before you think…wow, I wish I didn’t HAVE to go to work…ask yourself…would you really like to be home every day?

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Why not go to The Bronx Zoo for their Animal Tales Extravaganza!?

This weekend at the Bronx Zoo

• The Bronx Zoo will be the only place in the US that will have the 4 costumed characters appearing from the new film Avengers Assemble prior to the film release of Avengers Assemble (Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and the HULK)!
• The Avengers will be performing an EXCLUSIVEBronx Zoo show “Marvel’s Avengers: Super Heroes Saving the Earth” at 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30 on Saturday April 28th and Sunday April 29th on the Animal Tales Extravaganza Main Stage
• Guests will have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the Four Avengers at 12:30 and 2:30 both days in Dancing Crane Pavilion
• Guest can visit the Main Stage for special Avengers prizing from Disney Pictures, Radio Disney and Wyndham Resorts including a limited-edition Avengers comic book and Avengers screening passes

For more information about this event and others, please visit the Bronx Zoo Website!

I am having a hard time describing how I feel about selling my home. As a matter of fact, I am going through so many emotions at this point that I don’t even truly know how I feel. There comes a point when it’s time to move on and build your life elsewhere, but even though I know the time is now, I am finding it hard to accept the fact that soon I will be leaving the home that started my family. It’s only been almost 5 years…but so much has happened in those 5  years, and now that the time is up, and we need to move to the next stage of our home life. I am left feeling sad for what I am leaving, yet excited for what is ahead…am I making the right choice?

I take that back…I know it’s time for us to leave. Although we could live here a little longer, I honestly feel that my son needs so much more out of his home. The biggest being a yard. He loves the outside and I need to know he has a yard to call his own. Beyond that I am terrified to go. Every day I look online at homes and wonder…which house is going to be “the one” that I build my life in? Five years of my life has been spent in this home. In this home I got married, was a newlywed, had my son, and cherished his first year of life. Nothing can ever replace that. This home will always be the place where my married life began.

Now, it seems we have a few buyers for our house, and soon enough the papers will be signed and we will be on to our next place. I am trying hard not to think of someone else living here, and the fact that soon we actually will have to move out. If I think too much about that I never will leave. For now it’s all in theory. But as of next week we can move forward with our buyers and that means it won’t be long for the papers to be signed to someone else. Soon it will be time for another person to make a home out of this wonderful place.

My neighbors are absolutely amazing. I am not sure I will ever encounter another group of people who make a neighborhood so inviting. If you can picture what a neighborhood should be about, that is exactly what I have here, and that is exactly what I am leaving. That will be one of the hardest things about selling…leaving these people behind.

I have written before about being scared of what comes next. I am always scared of “what comes next” but buying a home is the epitome of this fear. How will I know the right place?? And if I find it, will the dollars and cents work out? Can I accept that if it doesn’t work out that it “wasn’t meant to be”? Or will I cry at night over the lost houses? I guess only time will tell.

I am not sure I am cut out for the unknown. I have always known this, but I am facing it yet again. The feelings I am having right now are reminiscent of the days when I worried that I would never be a mom. It’s a feeling that although scary feels somewhat familiar. I have a  lot of doubt and fear. I guess it’s natural when it comes to something so significant in your life. And not much more can be as significant as buying a home….

The end is near my friends. Soon…contracts will be signed and the home I know will be no more. It will be just walls and memories. Wonderful memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Now, I can only hope that it all runs smoothly and I end up where I am supposed to…fingers crossed right?

Before having a kid I refused to watch the news. There was no reason for me to hear about rape and murder. It scares me. Now, I have a son and I want to watch the news even less. Its a scary world out there and I think if I watched it all unfold on tv that I would refuse to let go of my sons hand…EVER! And that can’t be healthy. I have to wonder how or any parent can watch or read the news and still leave their house each day?? What’s the point?

Any time I turn on the news by mistake there is some child getting shot, stolen, or dying somehow. Even things I didn’t know I had to be worried about, I find myself being scared of. My son is now walking and wants to test his boundaries. In the malls he wants to let go of my hand and walk on his own. A normal person would give their son the space he needs, but me….I find myself holding on to his hand tighter. Why? Because I envision some scary person swooping in and stealing him away from me. Crazy? Probably….but with all the crazies out there my fears may be warranted!

Even when I am able to dodge the news others like to tell me about all the scary things. I speak to my dad the other day and he tells me about this mother in Texas who was going to her 3 day postpartum appointment only to have her baby snatched by a crazy women. He then goes on to tell me that as she fights for her child she gets shot 7 times and dies. Who needs to know this? So not only do I have to be worried about my son walking ahead of me, I now have to worry about him in my arms!

Grey’s anatomy the other day was about a little girl of 6 who got abducted when her mom was talking to a friend at the store. No one expects that to happen. Can I be on top of my son every moment? No…is it even healthy to always have me hover over him the rest of his life? Absolutely not (although I certainly want to!) So what does one do?

Ignorance is bliss in my book. I’ve said it before. I can only be scared of the things I know about, and if I don’t know it…well then so be it! I can only do my best to protect my son from the crazy horrible things in this world. I can only hope that it will be enough. In the mean time I will try to spare myself some psychiatric damage by staying away from the news. My mind is crazy enough and doesn’t need the help!