Noah Oliver Douglass!!!!!

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

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

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

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

Its Poppy Dip!!!!!!

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

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

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

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

Tis the Season...

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

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

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

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

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

Stroller for two!!!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oh Baby is right!!!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

Giving thanks this Thanksgiving....

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

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

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

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

Do YOU sleep alone!?????

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tis the season...Already!!!!

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

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

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

MacLaren Stroller recall!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Solution: A free hinge cover from the company.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A few new things...

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

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


Aja Mann

Pregnancy Must Haves!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

SHE IS HERE!!!!!

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


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

Toddler Dental Care

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

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

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

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

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

In his crib!!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time...

Back from Bama...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

Catching my breath!!!!

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


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

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

Packing your Diaper Bag!!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GOTTA HAVE IT!!!!!!

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

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

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

Lightweight: At 10.2 ounces, lighter than a typical paperback

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

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

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

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

Carry Your Library: Holds over 1,500 books

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

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

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

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

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

Birthday Bash and Doctor Appt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Baby Shower Invites!!!!

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

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

1st Birthday Invitations!!!!!

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

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







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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time...

To Shoe or Not to Shoe

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

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

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

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

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

Until next time Mommy's....

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

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

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

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

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