Eating. A Tag Team Sport.

Sunday morning we continued our delish breakfast tradition by hitting up Cracker Barrel. Aubrey's been doing very well eating out with us, so we figured it wouldn't be a problem.

I should have known the unusually long wait for the waitress was a harbinger of things to come. I am usually very patient at restaurants, and I am pretty understanding if the waitress doesn't show up right away to take a drink order. However, when you've been waiting for over ten minutes at your table with a squirmy baby, and still haven't seen your waitress yet, you start to get a bit antsy.

By the time our food order was taken, I knew we were in trouble. Aubrey was losing interest in the guests around us, and she was banging her toy violently on the table. I think she was doing it on purpose. Our food eventually made an appearance, and with the food came the screaming. Aubrey decided she had enough, and if she wasn't going to get to eat our food, then neither would we. So, Justin and I had to turn eating into a tag team sport. As he ate, I walked with Aubrey through the gift shop in the front of the restaurant, and vice versa.

I saw some other young couples eyeing us, with the husbands probably thinking, "THAT is why I'm not ready to have a baby, honey! I like to actually EAT my meals!"

Justin and I love going out to eat, and we don’t plan on stopping any time soon. Sometimes our meals with Aubrey work like clock work, and other times (like yesterday), we end up eating alone while the other is off with the baby in a gift shop. Although I have to admit, as I sat there all alone eating it wasn't so bad. For five minutes I got to enjoy peace, quiet, and the 'Ol Timer's Breakfast.

Baby Name Drama

I never understood why people didn't reveal the name of their baby before it was born. Why was it so Top Secret? It's not like we're never going to find out what the name is. So when my husband and I were contemplating names for our daughter while I was pregnant, we made the decision to share our list with people. WOW!! What a mistake. I quickly learned why people didn't share the name of their baby-to-be with others.

No matter what name you choose for your child, half the people you tell give you a reason why that name is no good. As if you're going to change your mind about the name because they didn't like a kid in 4th grade with that name. I used to get a kick out of people telling me that Aubrey would be called Audrey her whole life. Funny, it's only happened once so far. I also find it funny because these days Aubrey is actually a more popular name than Audrey (according to the SSA 2009 Top 100 Baby Names).

I don't know why people think they are entitled to give their opinion about your baby's name. When you tell them the name you are giving your child, you are NOT asking for their input or opinion. Therefore, I think it's rude and inappropriate for people to tell you what they think. Some people just have no tact anymore. If someone approached me with their two year old and said "Hi, this is my son so and so" I would NEVER say "Ew! Why'd you name him that??!!" So why do people think it's okay to say that to a pregnant woman?

Even though it was annoying to hear people's unsolicited opinions of Aubrey's name, I will most likely reveal my next baby's name during my pregnancy as well. Thanks to people's rudeness criticisms, I have developed a thick skin when it comes to baby name drama :)

Okay, let me hop off my soap box and start my weekend...TGIF! YES!


Funny Friday

Aren't we all suckers when it comes to a good sale?

Thankful Thursday

1. Our new "outdoor living" space. Nothing better than sitting on the front patio with a nice drink, my husband, and my baby.
2. The best Friday ever when I took off and stayed home with my angel all day.
3. Aubrey did not wake up crying last night (teething??). Yay for a night of good sleep!
4. Getting an extra prep period at work this week...that extra 50 minutes a day makes a huge difference!
5. A yummy breakfast at the diner with my two fave people--Justin and Aubrey. I sense a new Sunday morning tradition starting!

One Month Down

It's been one month since my first day back at work, and it's been quite a month. The first two weeks back felt like a vacation. The last two weeks have felt exactly like life after a vacation--they sucked. I am glad I'm having this two month stint of working, because if I ever doubted my capability of working full time and being a great mom and wife at the same time, I no longer have to wonder. I KNOW I can't do it! I am now determined to find a way to make money without having to work full-time, because I am not one of those women who can happily manage it all and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

However, I don't want to scare other moms who haven't gone back to work yet. Working hasn't been all bad. There are advantages to working. Here are my lists (you know I love a list) of the good and the bad when it comes to working full time.

5 Great Things About Working Full Time

1. A PAYCHECK! Hands down, the best thing.
2. Getting dressed up every day.
3. Getting out of the house before noon.
4. Interaction with other adults on a daily basis.
5. Feeling like I'm competent at something outside of making bottles and changing diapers.

5 Crappiest Things About Working Full Time

1. Losing all of this time with Aubrey. Hands down, the worst thing.
2. Waking up with the baby in the middle of the night, and looking at the clock knowing I have to get up again before 6am.
3. Losing 45 hours a week of time and having twice as much to do.
4. Having to fill my tank more than once a week again.
5. The chaos that ensues every morning before work and each afternoon after work.

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Wednesday Wisdom

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh

If you enjoy reading my blog, please vote for me by clicking on the Top Mommy Blogs link on the left. Thanks!

Vote for Aubrey!

Aubrey is in the running for cutest baby pic for Parents magazine. Please take a minute and vote for my little one by clicking here. Thanks!

Calling All Pregnant Mamas! (Or Anyone Who Knows a Pregnant Mama!)

Moody Mamas Tank Top Giveaway: Beginning 5/18/10, Closing midnight 6/1/10.

I have an awesome giveaway that I am so excited to share with you. As most of my readers know, I am not a giveaway blogger. I only host giveaways that I truly love and am excited about. Check this out:

The Moody Mamas spring line of maternity clothes hits the virtual racks at Target and you don’t want to miss it—these fashionable new styles are sure to sell out! With a devout following of hot Hollywood mamas that includes Heidi Klum, Jessica Alba, Tori Spelling and Bethenny Frankel, Moody Mamas’ colorful spring capsule collection will make every expectant mom look as sexy and chic as their celebrity clients. Each piece is inspired by the runway, from easy maxi dresses to adorable chiffon trim knit dresses. All of our styles are made from luxurious fabrics that give every Moody Mamas piece the feel of relaxing loungewear. Start expanding your spring wardrobe today! The collection is limited in quantity, affordably priced from $39.99 - $49.99, and extends into plus sizes. To shop the collection, click here to visit Target.

In honor of their capsule collection at Target Moody Mamas is offering one lucky winner a darling rhinestone studded "It's a Boy" or "It's a Girl" tank valued at $39 from Moody Mamas. They are also giving all of our readers discount code (MMDiscount) to receive 30% off on their site. In order to win the stylish tank, please enter the contest below:

Giveaway Guidelines:
Visit the Moody Mamas Target Collection and leave a comment on my blog about two or three of your favorite pieces. This is a mandatory first entry. After completing this mandatory first entry method, you can gain additional entries by doing any or all of the following (but be sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do):

Follow Moody Mamas on Twitter
Fan Moody Mamas on Facebook
Blog about this contest

Here are the tanks:




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Too Cute Tuesday

Like many babies her age, Aubrey does not like to lay still anymore! If I take my eye off that girl for three seconds, she's already rolled halfway across the floor by the time I turn around.

Notice how far from the blanket she is...



I'm still goin mom...



And a few seconds later...



Okay, I'm done, pick me up now!



*If you enjoy reading my blog, please vote by clicking on the Top Mommy Blogs link on the left, thanks!

From Cosmo to Parents Magazine

I have always loved getting magazines in the mail. They're less committal than books. I can read a bit here and there, I can read them from back to front, or I can randomly flip to a page in the middle and still not be lost. I looked forward to reading my magazines after a long day of work, while my husband watched some action movie that I had zero interest in acting interested in.

At one point, my subscription list had reached a dangerously high level. It started out innocent, I only subscribed to four or five of my faves. But then, they sucked me in with all of these real cheap offers. "Sure, I'll subscribe to Country Living Rooms and Kitchens, it's only $5". Before I knew it, I was getting a new mag EVERY DAY in the mail and even my oversized recycling bin couldn't keep up with the turnover rate.

Like many of my favorite pastimes, my love affair with magazines came to a screeching halt about 5 1/2 months ago (Aubrey was born 12/8, you do the math). I really don't have much time anymore to peruse through magazines on Friday nights while I sip on a cocktail. However, those magazines are still a coming. I have a whole stack of Glamours, Cosmos, Fitness, and Food Network mags that have wonderful tips for holiday outfits and Christmas cookie recipes, I have just yet to read them (this explains the botched Christmas cookies and homely holiday threads I wore this year). Seriously, this was my Christmas outfit...a green zippy and black sweatpants.



Conversely, every single one of my Parents magazines since December has been read front to back (at least once, some of them twice) and most of them have numerous articles or tips cut out. This time last year I was cutting out articles from Cosmo that promised me a brighter complexion or perfect waves. Now, my once coveted fashion mags are collecting dust, and my magazine clippings have titles such as "Help Your Child Sleep Better So You Can Too" and "14 Reasons to Head to the Emergency Room". I love how Parents magazine throws in a random fashion spread here and there to make you feel like a hip woman again for a few seconds...right next to the page on cures for spit up. Ah yes, nothing screams "I'm ready for fashion again!" like a pleasant reminder that every single shirt you own will end up stained with spit up! Not even your shoes are safe from spit up.

Nonetheless, I can read Parents magazine from front to back in twenty minutes, and shockingly I really have lost interest in even skimming through my old mags. I'm sure the time will come when I go back to my old faithfuls, but in the meantime, it looks like I'll be getting my fashion fix sandwiched somewhere between "Tips for Tummy Time" and "How to Puree Your Own Baby Food".

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Monday Must Have

Of course it has to be Parents Magazine! They have a deal right now that if you subscribe for one year (12 bucks) you get two years free. Awesome deal. Click the link above to go to the site.

If you enjoy reading my blog, please vote for me by clicking on the Top Mommy Blogs link on the left, thanks!

Husbands. Who needs them?!

Okay, I'm sort of kidding. But seriously. On Wednesday night, my husband didn't get home from work til after 8 because he was at a conference three hours away. I kept thinking about how difficult it was going to be managing without him. Evenings are always rushed and chaotic these days. Wouldn't you know, I had everything on my normal evening list accomplished by 7:30 pm. Normally when he's home, I am still running around after 9! I even threw in an after work Target trip with the baby. Surprisingly, that went quite smoothly. Although, trying to bring a baby, a diaper bag, a work bag, a lunch bag, a case of water, 6 Target bags, and a 12 pack of paper towels into the house was not very easy. This is something I would still need a husband for.

So of course I wondered why I was able to actually get MORE done without him around. I think it's because when he's home, I know that I have help and therefore procrastinate when I have "free" time. On Wednesday, as soon as Aubrey went down for a nap, I knew that time was of the essence. I didn't waste a second dilly dallying. Instead, I raced through all my chores and steered clear of the normal distractions (i.e. the internet and tv...).

At 7:45, I was sitting on the couch with NOTHING to do. Incredible. The baby was asleep for the night and I was RELAXED...I almost didn't know what to do with myself. I had to stop myself from thinking, "Hmmm...what else can I do?" Instead I just sat on the couch, watched tv, and ate cookie dough ice cream with my husband (we'll start being healthy next week). I'm learning that these nights are rare and when they do come along, I should enjoy every minute!

Funny Friday

"Working mothers are guinea pigs in a scientific experiment to show that sleep is not necessary to human life."

— Anonymous

Have a wonderful weekend and if you enjoy reading my blog, please vote for me by clicking on the Top Mommy Blogs link on the left. Thanks!

Aaand, We're Finally on Cereal.

5 months and 4 days. That's the age when Aubrey decided that she would give this rice cereal thing a fair shot.

We played by the rules. We waited til she was about 4 1/2 months to try it, and when she rejected it, we waited a week to try again. And then another week. And then another week. And then finally tonight (writing this on Wednesday evening) she decided that she loved it and just couldn't get enough! Halfway through the feeding she started grabbing the bowl and spoon out of my hand. Just like her daddy.

I couldn't take any pics because it was an impromptu couch feeding. Of course Aubrey had to be unconventional and only eat her cereal under abnormal circumstances. She wanted no part of it when she was nicely strapped in her pretty highchair and the camera was rolling. My husband wasn't home to film the momentous occasion this time and there was no highchair involved. I held her on the couch to feed her as we watched the Phillies game. I'm sure all of the books advise against feeding table food to a baby in front of the tv, but I'm pretty sure she will be okay. I'm just glad she finally took to the cereal. I was afraid she was still going to be exclusively bottle fed at her 4th birthday.

Thankful Thursday

1. My new Hyundai Santa Fe...LOVING the SUV! I can finally fit all my crap in the trunk!
2. A wonderful first mother's day with my husband, Aubrey, and family.
3. My husband woke up with the baby FOUR times Sunday night when she decided to pretend she was a newborn again.
4. A new dress from Vicky's Secret.
5. Frappucinos are HALF-PRICE at Starbucks from 3-5pm. I was thrilled when it only cost $2.27 for my mocha frappucino at Target yesterday!

One of My Many Wishes for Aubrey

There are many things I wish for Aubrey. Since the day I found out I was pregnant, I prayed every night for her and still do. I go through a whole laundry list of things that I wish for her. One of the things I pray for is that she grows up to be a kind person. A truly kind person.

Being a teacher, I see all kinds of personalities. Personalities range from caring to funny to sneaky to pains in the asses hyper. I teach in a small school, and we have a student who is a bit eccentric, to put it kindly. I will call her Abby. She is loud and unintentionally inappropriate at times. Unfortunately, she has been suffering from depression because of how she is treated by her classmates. The kids don't try to be mean to her, they just don't know how to respond to or handle her when she is being inappropriate. Even as an adult, I need to sometimes remind myself that she has issues and to handle her differently than I would one of my other students.

My point is, very few students demonstrate patience and kindness towards this girl. However, one girl who I have been teaching for the past two years is one of those people who is just innately kind. Her kindness is something to be envied by students and adults alike. She doesn't participate when students mock "Abby". She volunteers to help Abby pick up her books if they fall. She doesn't make a face when I assign her to be partners with the "dork" of the class. She doesn't participate in the middle school drama. I don't hear her whispering about someone's outfit when she is doing group work. She's kind amongst other things as well. She's one of, if not the brightest girl in the grade. She has a great sense of humor and plenty of friends. She is secure and confident.

I used to tell her (before I was even pregnant) that if I ever had a daughter, she better be just like her. And it's the truth. I want many things for Aubrey, but one of the most important things I wish for her is that she treats others kindly. I teach many students who come from painful backgrounds and circumstances. The last thing they need is for someone to be mean to them. People don't ask for the hand they've been dealt in life. Emotional scars are just like physical scars...they change people forever. I hope Aubrey understands this as she grows up and she remembers to treat other kids kindly because you never know what they go home to.

I went to a Jodee Messina concert back in 2000 and she said something that I will never forget. She said to always do three things: 1)Respect yourself. 2) Treat others kindly. 3) Pray.

I think the world would be a better place if we all would do those three things. I hope that I can do my part by raising a daughter who lives these values.