6 teeth down and 5 teething remedies

I’m happy to report we are long past the days of up every two hours, which I thought we’d never escape. I decided to give her some time to see if she’d put herself back to sleep instead of rushing in her room right away and viola! After a few nights she stopped calling me in to nurse her back to sleep. remedies 

But there are some exceptions.

When a baby is acting a fool, not sleeping through the night, or just plain driving us nuts, we parents usually like to blame it on one of two things: Growth spurt, and teething. I automatically assume it’s one or the other when Lil’ J is working my nerves or not sleeping. But truthfully, she doesn’t feel as good when she’s cutting a tooth, so I’ve been working through ways to help her to feel better. Here’s what has worked for me in no particular order:

1. Ice cubes in a wet towel: My yoga instructor told me this trick and it was my “AH HA!” moment. She’s not a big fan of the cold chew toys but she loves ice. I would give her ice cubes in the past but they’d slip and slide all over and she couldn’t keep a grip on them. I put an ice cube in a baby washcloth wrapped with a rubber band, and get it wet with cold water and tada! A homemade teething toy, which she tends to hang on to.

2. Baby Orajel® Naturals: I used Orajel when my wisdom teeth came in and it was a lifesaver. I looked for a baby kind to use as a last resort when Lil’ J was cutting her first tooth, but stopped using it after awhile when I read about some of the active ingredients. But they recently came out with a new natural kind I like that’s dye-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free and benzocaine-free. It seems to work as good as the other stuff and I feel better about using it.
3. Amber necklace: A friend of mine gave us their amber necklace because her little boy has most all of his teeth. The chemical makeup of amber is supposed to have a natural pain release that works through the skin. I’m not positive of it’s effects but it seemed to help when she’d wear it. Problem is I’d take it off at night and I’d have misplaced it by morning. I can’t find it at the moment.
4. Tylenol: Another last resort for me was good old pain relief medication. If she just seemed to be hurting, running a fever and inconsolable I’d bust out the drugs and give her a dose. Shoot me.
5. Cuddles: Last but definitely not least, snuggling and nursing my little girl always seems to help her feel better. She loves mommy time and usually in my arms, everything is better. This usually means my arms are looking extra toned by the time the tooth comes through, so I guess it’s a win-win.

So there you have it, Lil' J's 5th and 6th teeth (he ones next to her two font teeth) just made an appearance and we actually hardly noticed. So maybe it gets better? Or maybe it's just wishful thinking. Let me know if you have other suggestions I've left off to try next time.

This post is sponsored by BabyCenter in conjunction with the BabyCenter Blog Network. As usual, these are all my own opinions.

#2 A boy or girl? Don’t matter

Party updates coming! I just got my photos from Forever Bliss Photography back today, and I'll get it all down on "paper" so to speak hopefully by this weekend. It was a blast and I can't wait to share!

But today's topic at hand... I can’t decide if I want a boy or a girl next time. Last time I wanted a girl SO bad. So did my husband, but for different reasons. I wanted someone I could doll up and train to be my mini me, and he knew I wanted to keep having kids until we got a girl. So getting that out of the way was a relief I guess.

I was convinced I was having a boy the first time. I though it would be God’s ploy to get me to have 10 kids, 9 boys and finally a girl. But he hooked me up and gave me what I wanted right off the bat.

Ok, let me stop here and just add my disclaimer--Of course I would have been happy either way, it’s a blessing to have a baby, and boy or girl, kids are awesome. I’m glad I have a child to begin with. But I’m just being honest here—I really wanted a girl.

Mommy and me hair accessories from Laura's Diaper Cakes

So now I have my daughter and I’m thinking about #2. My feelings are totally different than last time. Last time I was reading Chinese lunar calendars and ways to get X chromosomes to the egg before the Y ones. This time I could care less.

Wait, let me rephrase… This time I would be totally happy either way (and by this time I mean next time, I’m not pregnant).

If I have another girl Lil’ J would have a little sister, a playmate, and hopefully a live-in BFF. We already have girlie clothes (which of course we’ve saved), all the bows we’ll ever need, and a few too many pink things around the house. I would LOVE to have two girls. It would be a blast and absolutely perfect. But… It would be just as fun to have a boy.

Despite all of the benefits of having another girl, I still want to know what it’s like to have a son. My husband really only wants two kids and if he convinces me, I’d hate to not know what it’s like to have a little boy to dress up and raise. It seems like a totally different dynamic that I would just love to experience. My husband would get a son to play sports with—Not that Lil’ J won’t play sports, I’d bet money she’s going to be very athletic, but it’s so fun to see cute little boys all decked out in football gear.

It would be neat to see the kind of girl my son wants to bring home someday, and quite frankly, I just want to see what a little boy version of my husband and I would look and act like.

One girl one boy would be perfect right? –WRONG. One of each is great and all but it’s not as cool as having two that can share the same clothes and secrets. So if I have one of each, it would be great, but I’d love to have one more so at least two of them can have that brotherly or sisterly comradely. But if I have another girl I’d like to have one more to see if I can get a son.

Romper and bow from Oh Sweet Baby Boutique

I guess the answer is just to convince my husband two isn’t enough. In the mean time, I’m happy to say I’m where I should have been the first time—Completely unbiased and happy with whatever we get. A healthy baby, boy or girl will be awesome. In fact, I don’t even want to find out the gender next time. I already have the girl I’ve always dreamed of and I’m torn 50/50 with what I want for a second, so it doesn’t matter to me. I figure if I have another girl and we do go for a third I’ll be dying to know if we’re having a boy or not, so this is my one chance to be surprised at the birth.

I already am planning the nursery theme: Royal Blue Birds. I have a majestic-looking frilly blue and white bedding that will work for a boy or a girl; and I have plans to make a bird mobile similar to Lil’ J’s butterfly one.

So bring it on, boy or girl, I’m excited and ready!

365 Love Letters Weeks 21-23

It's party time! Lil' J's birthday isn't for another week but we are having her party today (Saturday). My family came into town and we shopped all afternoon getting the items to bring my party back to it's bug theme, and away from the ghetto fabulous theme it was turning into.

I may be away from my computer for the next few days as we celebrate and recuperate, but I'll post photos of the party as soon as possible. I've never planned a birthday party before, so it won't be as elaborate and pretty as many of the first birthday parties I've seen other moms pull off, but I'm sure Lil' J will love it, and that's what matters most.

While I'm gone I leave you with the past couple weeks of 365 love letter photos that I've been hiding from you. Kidding... I just haven't had time to upload them all. Thanks again for letting me share these with you. It's back to party organizing for me! Wish me luck!!

Headband from: The Simple Little Things

Romper from: MoRiginal Designs; Headband: Homemade

Rufflebum Onesie from: Sumos Sweet Stuff; Leg Warmers from Happy Crawlers (use code "BABYMAKINGFRIENDS" for 10% off) 

Reversable Dress: Monkey and Friends; Zipper Headband: Bebe Rose

Onesie dress and matching headband: Sumos Sweet Stuff

Pettiromper (they are actually shrots): BNB Boutique

Dress from Adelaide's Boutique

Pettiskirt from Halo Heaven; Bow from Elliana's Princess Bowtique

Tutu and Tube Top From: Pink Kisses Couture; Boots via Ebay

Pink Pettiromper from BNB Boutique; Flower Hat: Homemade

Dress from Jean to Fashion; Bow from Shelby's Sweet Bows

Headband from Filigree and Flowers

Dress from Un Petite Chou; Headband: Homemade

Conflicted

Ever since my post on Loving Day something's been on my mind. Every single day.

It's hard to believe that not long ago I wouldn't have been able to marry my husband. Meaning, it would have been illegal. Because of the way we look (mostly me). I couldn't marry who I fell in love with, because other people thought it was wrong.

But can you help who you fall in love with?

I feel a bit conflicted because religious wise, "marriage" means between a man and a woman (Well, now... But don't get me started on this). But my heart tells me that's not fair. And my mind wonders what's next.

I wonder what the history books will say 50 years from now about today--If my daughter will grow up and gawk at our "primitive" way of thinking.

I wonder what I'll say to my grandchildren when I tell them about whose side I was on.

I don't know what else to say.

I think I just needed to get that off my chest.


I've been starting at the publish button for the last hour. Ok, here it goes...

PS: I wasn't trying to spark a debate or anything, and I'm not a spokesperson for my church (DUH) . Some commenters have suggested good ideas for "solutions," I'm just venting as I always do. Please don't get offended by my undecided opinion.

Operation MILF

So here's the story about how I went from this, to this.

Once upon a time, I had a baby.

The End.
In my prime I had a six pack, nice arms, manicured nails, pressed hair that was actually styled, and waxed eyebrows. 

I wasn't always this way. I was an ugly duckling when I was young. SUPER skinny. So much so that I got called to the counselors office in 8th grade because someone had turned me in for having an eating disorder. Not true.

I was just thin. And no matter what I ate, I couldn't gain weight.

Adults told me to enjoy it but I didn't understand what that meant (until now). But one day I became comfortable in my own skin. I think this was late high school, early collage and the first five years of marriage. I wore some accessories, cute clothes, got my hair done every-other week and was looking pretty fly. I also had this strange light-colored contact thing going on which, looking back was a little weird, but it was a phase, and I thought I looked good.

Now I'm a mom. Things have changed a bit. I buy something for my daughter 100 times before buying something for myself. The last time I got all done up was the day before my daughter was born. I put on makeup, fake eyelashes, got my nails done. Wow. Little did I know that was the last of that!

The best I've looked since baby

Recently I've gotten this overwhelming feeling of ugliness. It sounds lame, and probably vain, but it's true. Here I am walking around with quite possibly the world's cutest baby but I look somewhat similar to a bum on the street. People probably think I'm the nanny. And not just because she's a few shades lighter than me.

It doesn't help my confidence any that every once in awhile I take a peek at style bloggers who post pictures of their infinite outfits on a daily basis, as if to remind me how fugly I am.

I know that's not their intent, heck, I don't have to look. But I can't resist. I look hoping to be inspired but I'm left feeling down about the way I look. Granted, many of them are single, or married without children. Part of me wants to tell them "call me when you've got a baby spitting up and pooping on you and tell me if you still feel sexy." But that won't get me anywhere.

My grandma told me the secret to looking young and keeping the wrinkles off is to not fret about things. If you are upset about something and can do something about it, fix it. But if not, let it go.

Now as I see it I have two options. I can swallow my pride and decide this just isn't the season for me to be wearing heels and designer jeans, and wait until my children are older to get back into the swing of things. Or, I can do something about the way I feel. Take a little more time to get ready in the morning and try to look nice. I've decided to try the latter, for now at least.

So this week, on a day I didn't have to be on air I did my hair and put some makeup on. I wore a skirt and even a necklace. Don't tell anyone but I didn't shave my legs, that was just too much. Baby steps people. The stubble wasn't too obvious so I figured with that, and the fact that I'd be at my desk most of the day no one would be staring at my hairy legs.

When I was getting dressed I debated wearing boots with my skirt, to style it up a little, but I decided I shouldn't over-think this. I don't need to be someone I'm not, I can wear my clothes and be comfortably me.

My friends noticed a difference and so did I. I thought dressing up wasn't comfortable. And it isn't, for rolling around on the ground with Lil' J, but it is when I go out. I'm just wearing a simple pencil skirt, button down shirt and flats, but I felt like a million bucks.

When I got home I got my daughter ready for pictures, but decided to pose in some with her so I could see how the style bloggers feel. I tried this before, and proved to be a fashionista failure, but my husband was taking the pictures and my daughter wasn't with me. It was much more comfortable snapping some photos myself and taking next to her.

This is where I am. Some days I'm dressed up for work, but most days I'm wearing yoga pants, or if I'm lucky, jeans and a t-shirt. I may not be as hot as I used to be but my husband thinks I'm hot, and I'm a MILF to him.

This is a part of a guest post series about ugly moms--Eer, moms feeling ugly. You can read more of my thoughs and what other moms like me are feeling by visiting Chill Mama Chill.

First Father's Day

I wanted to post about this last night but I decided to stay off my computer and give my baby's daddy 100% of my attention.

Yes, I waited until the last moment to pull a gift together. No, I wasn't able to make it to the store and buy the finger paints and frames to make a card with Lil' J for her daddy. It was going to be a hand print on one side, and a picture of her making the hand print on the other side of a double frame. An idea given to my by Mary.

I had to work from 4:30 (yes A.M.) until 2:30pm, but when I got home his gift was finally ready. I woke up an hour earlier (yes, around 3am) to get to work on it. I stole borrowed his phone for a few hours the day before and emailed myself a dozen photos and videos I had never seen that he had taken of Lil' J during his time as an at-home dad. I complied those, along with about a hundred hand selected photos from my thousands, to add to a video montage.

I don't only anchor the news, I also have been trained to shoot, write, and edit video. I planned to use my editing skills to mix all of the photos together and time it to music, but a friend at work saved me week of work by telling me about animoto (I totally recommend it by the way!), which essentially does the hard part for you. Since I had so much footage I edited two songs together: "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder and "Dance With My Father" by Luther Vandross, uploaded the pictures and video, and put them in order of when they were taken.

I got teary eyed looking at pictures of her being so small. If this doesn't make him want another, I don't know what will. I thought to myself as I put it together.

Most of the photos I chose weren't ones I took with my DSLR all gussied up in photoshop. A good majority were iPhone photos either he or I took. Photos from the hospital, first bath, first meal, silly pictures he took with her standing in front of a mirror, or videos of her laughing and saying "dada." I knew he'd love it.

Just before I went home from work I noticed the thieves had managed to spend $300 on my credit card minutes before I canceled it. I was livid all over again, and I took my anger out on him. But as I ranted on my way home I promised I'd put those emotions aside and celebrate his day. I thought seeing him watch the movie I made would cheer both of us up. That was an understatement.

I had watched it all the way through a few times, and imagined how he'd react when I showed it to him. We've been married six and a half years and I pretty much have his emotions down. I knew what parts would make him laugh, and when he'd give a really big grin. I worried a little that some of the pictured he'd sigh at and ask "why did you put that in there?" because he's not a big photo guy, and probably didn't know I snuck some of these pictures of him and our girl.

I thought at the end he'd give me a big smile and say "Thanks, that was really good" very sincerely, and lean over for big hug and kiss.

Lil' J was down for a nap when I got home. I asked if he was ready to have his first gift and he said he was, so I played it for him.

Instead of watching him, I watched it with him for my 50th time. He laughed when I thought he'd laugh and told me he hadn't seen a lot of these pictures. "She was so small" he said and "So that's why you took my phone!" He was loving it, and I was so happy! But about half way through, out of the corner of my eye I saw him rubbing his eyes. I stopped the movie for a moment so we could both get it together, and eventually we made it though.

"I took a lot of those pictures," he told me all choked up. I told him how much a fantastic dad he was, and seeing him now, and his reaction, made me realize this even more.

The gift was a hit! I knew he'd laugh but I didn't think in a million years it would bring that emotion out of him. He didn't cry on our wedding day, the day our daughter was born, or any other day that I've seen in our seven years of being together. But on his first father's day, memories of his first year with our little girl brought him to tears.

I would share the movie with you, but part of the gift was the fact that it was just for him, so no sharing on my blog. Sorry. I think you'd be bored with it anyway, it's kind of one of those "you had to be there" kind of things.

No idea how I'll ever top this year's gift but at least the first one was a success. And now he's not running away from the camera when I ask to snap a picture of them two. He posed for this one without as much as a grumble and asked me to email it to him asap. 

Not many dads get the experience my husband has had with our daughter. Not many babies get the one-on-one time with their dads every day that my daughter does every single day.

When I went back to work after maternity leave I was terrified to leave my daughter alone with him. Now, sometimes I trust him with her more than I trust myself. He is amazing. He teaches her new tricks, but is careful not to share them with me in a way that would make me sad for having missed it the first time, and she brightens up when he enters the room we're in. I'm sad the rest of our children won't get to experience what Lil' J did her first year of life, but so glad that she was. They've made memories that he'll never forget, and a unique bond that'll keep them close forever. I love my hubby. And Lil' J loves her Daddy.

My dress by Shabby Apple, via Ebay; Lil' J's dress via Monkey and Friends; Bow via BebeRose

Messy House Part 2: He Says She Says

He Says: "Aren't you embarrassed by our mess?"

She Says: "No one has to come over."

We have a baby. I think this is my excuse for having a messy house for at least another two years.

What say you?

Violated

I can't get this anger of my chest so I'm hoping writing about it will help.

My daughter and I went out this afternoon, like we do most afternoons, to take photos. We went out to try a new spot downtown, which has lots of antique shops and eclectic backgrounds. I have seen lots of photographers go here for photos and thought it would be a great place for inspiration.

I bought a few changes of clothes for her to wear, including a cute Atlanta Falcon's jersey I just bought to go with some Happy Crawler football leggings and a matching bow from Chloe and Made. We were planning to go out to a football field to take some fun shots I've been envisioning.

I packed her bag with snacks, diapers juice, and toys to make her laugh. I normally don't bring my wallet with me, but I did today.

We parked on a busy street and walked down the road to some shade and took some pictures on a sidewalk bench. Passerby smiles and waived at her, and we thanked them for their sweet compliments.

After taking several dozen photos we walked back to the car to cool off, and so Lil' J could have a wardrobe change.

I changed her into a dress, and put another bow on her, fed her some of her snacks and drank some Gatorade myself. We cooled off and got ready to head back out for round two.

We walked down the same street the car was on and took some pictures in font of a fence. Then we walked around the other side of the block and took a few more. I was ready or some new inspiration so we headed back to the car to get her changed into her third outfit and to drive to a football field to talk photos in her jersey onesie.

I talked to her like I always do, as we walked back to the car. I told her what a good girl she was being and how we just had one more stop before going home. But as we walked up to our car I saw glass all around it. Our front passenger window had been busted and pieces of it were all over.

I looked to see what was taken and I first I thought nothing. I had my camera bag, my daughter of course, and I saw her romper sitting on the seat. But then I remembered I hadn't grabbed the bag with the rest of her things in it.

My phone rang. It was my husband, calling before I had a chance to dial his number with my shaking hands. I told him was happened and that I was going to call the police. I didn't remember until talking to him that my wallet was in my bag, but there was no cash, just credit and debit cards, which I told him to cancel.

Meanwhile, a woman came by and helped me watch my daughter while I made some phone calls. I still don't understand how no one could have seen what happened. It was a busy road and it was 7pm, broad daylight. We weren't ever more than a block away either.

Long story short, my husband came to get our daughter, forensics came to get finger prints off the car, and I came to realize that people suck.

I've always been a trusting person. Overly trusting. And I like to believe in the good in everyone. But after today I just don't understand people. I don't understand how someone consciously chose to walk up to my car, look inside--undoubtedly notice the infant car seat in the back, along with a baby mirror and other baby crap and break my window.

Sadly, this isn't the first time I've had something taken from me. But it's felt the worst because of the situation I was in. I feel like someone must have been watching us, waiting for us to leave. Who knows, maybe they're one of the people who walked by and smiled at us as we were taking photographs on the street.

I don't understand how someone could take a bag and dig through it, looking past baby clothes, a little cup full of snacks for a baby, my daughter's diapers, and other things a mom needs for her child and just disregard that for their own gain. How can they not feel guilty? How can they not feel bad? What kind of person does that? And for what? A wallet with no cash, and no cards that will get them anywhere. No checks, no money orders, nothing valuable to them.

... But to me?...

They stole more than just my belongings. More than just things I wanted for my child. Things I had bought or worked for. They stole my afternoon with my daughter. They stole my good mood. My faith in people. My trust in the good of men. My right to feeling safe when I go out with my daughter.

I'm so pissed off. But I'm trying to remember how it could have been worse.

At least I had my camera, my camera bag with my lenses, and memory cards with thousands of photos documenting my daughter's life. At least they didn't take my phone.. Though if they did I could have used my "locate my iPhone" app and probably found the %#!$*^@s but still...

At least my daughter and I weren't hurt, and I didn't have any money in the car. At least we have insurance we've been paying into for more than 6 years, never having to file a claim but still need to pay some outrageous deductible because insurance companies are greedy jerks as well.--Oh wait, that's not a positive.

At least I know better now. Double check my things, trust no one.

Compared to as bad as things could have been, we're pretty lucky. But it doesn't keep me from feeling violated.

DIY Anne Geddes-Style Flower Hat Photo Prop: What I'm Makin' Monday

I've been pondering how I could unleash my inner Anne Geddes and spruce up my 365 Photos (I didn't give up, I just haven't uploaded last week's yet. Maybe tomorrow.) a little from time to time. I've been admiring her photos of little babies dressed up as animals, fruits, veggies, and flowers since I got her recent book.

Lace Ruffle Pettiromper from BNB Boutique; Flower Hat, Homemade!

One of her signatures is little babies with little flower heads in flower pots. See what I mean? But where do you find those flower hats? I found some on etsy and from photo prop stores, but the cheapest one I could find was still $35 plus shipping.

Hmm, I bet I could make one of these on my own. I thought.

I wasn't sure when I'd tackle this project, it's just another one of those craft things I put in the back of my mind and complete who knows when.

But lo and behold, when I went shopping for an American Flag at the dollar store I saw pretty flowers and decided I'd make one with supplies from the Dollar Tree.

Here's how I did it with NO instructions. Just winged it and hoped for the best.

Supplies:
Flowers (I bought 6 Dollar Tree Bouquets) $6
Baby beanie $1
Hot glue gun (already own)

Step 1:
Pull the flowers off the stems. This isn't hard as they aren't glued, just tug a little and POP! They're off!

Step 2: 
Cut the beanie down to the size you want. Note: If you cut the elastic/scrunchy part off it may not stay as well. This hat was too big, so I cut a bit off the bottom.

Step 3: 
Starting at the center top, glue a flower to the hat. Glue more flowers around that one.

Step 4:
Repeat until the hat is covered.

Step 5: 
Make sure all of the hat is covered, and the glue has dried. Find a cute baby to model it in a flower pot and TADA!!

An Anne Geddes style hat for $7!

You're welcome! Have you made anything over the past few weeks? Link up! It can be a recipe, a picture, a craft, anything! I'll be sure to stop by and feature one in next week's (or whenever the next Makin' Monday post is) Makin' Monday!

<a href="http://babymakingmachine.blogspot.com/search/label/makin%20monday" target="_blank"><img alt="What I'm Making Monday" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4571783992_a80397e7d1_o.png" /></a>
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Happy Loving Day!

I make fun of my husband sometimes. His silly antics and freak outs. His funny remarks and things he does that drive me nuts. But I love him. More than anyone. I'm so glad I met him and honestly, I don't feel like there is anyone else in the world who could be a better match for me.

Although we're a perfect match on the inside. If my husband and I had met just 44 years ago, in some states, because of how we look on the outside, it would have been illegal to get married. ILLEGAL. In 1967. That's nuts people.

This hatred was taken out on people like Mildred Jester and Richard Loving.

Source

Let me tell you a story you might not know. It's one I sadly didn't know until a beautiful reader brought it to my attention. I'm so glad she did.

Once upon a time, Mildred and Richard a couple from Virgina fell madly in love. In 1958 they decided to get married. But because she's black and he's white, they had to travel to Washington DC to be legally wed. When they returned to Virgina to start their lives together, they couldn't.--Because it was illegal for whites and non-whites to not only marry, but live together. They were hauled off to jail, sentenced to a year in prison, and exiled from Virginia. They couldn't even go back to visit their families.

Mildred wrote a letter in protest to then Attorney General, Robert F. Kennedy, who referred her to American Civil Liberties Union who helped them file a suit that eventually got brought up to the U.S. Supreme Court in the case Loving v. Virginia. Get this--The state's argument was that it wasn't discriminatory because they punished "both parties" (meaning Mildred and Richard) equally in their "crimes." The court dismissed that argument.

June 12th, 1967 they won their case. The anniversary is today, and now known to many as Loving Day. The organization was started by a fierce group of people who want the memory of the Lovings to live on. Their goals?:

• Create a common connection between multicultural communities, groups and individuals
• Build multicultural awareness, understanding, acceptance, and identity
• Educate the public about the history of interracial relationships in order to fight prejudice
• Establish a tradition of Loving Day celebrations as a means to achieve these

You can read more about it here, add them on facebook, and see if there are any Loving Day events near you.

Sadly there's nothing near me, or in Texas at all for that matter this year, but maybe I'll get something together for next year. Anyone near me want to join in?

I'm so grateful for this couple and that they made it possible for my husband and I, and others to marry who we fall in love with. No matter what race.

Happy Loving Day!

More reader posts on Loving Day:

Desu Mama
This Nest 
Kimberly Johnson
Weather Anchor Mama

Why babies and blackberries don't mix

You know how they say "it only takes a second"? And by they, I mean anyone who ever preaches about how quickly things can go wrong. Well, they weren't lying. Especially when it pertains to children who have the slightest ability to move.

Case in point:

Lil J was just beginning to roll over, but usually didn't move as much when she was calm and sleepy after a nice warm bath. She was all wrapped up naked and snug in her little hooded towel when I set her on the bed and turned around to grab her diaper that was hanging on the shower rod. Bet you can guess what happened next.

Yep, my giggly naked little infant was giddy as she turned herself over on her stomach. I saw her smile for a split second before her little body rolled off my California king-sized bed, feet first. It was the saddest thing I had ever seen. Luckily she wasn't hurt, just surprised into tears, and I scooped her up and soothed her.

Of course my husband came running upstairs to ask what happened and chastised me for turning away from her.

"It was only a second!" I defended.

But that was all it took.

You'd think I'd learn my lesson to never take my eyes of my little one, especially now that she is extremely mobile, opening drawers pulling things out, throwing things etc. I'm not sure if her favorite thing to get into is the spatula drawer or the toilet but neither are a real good thing.

She loves water so we have to be sure to shut the bathroom or else she'll crawl in and play in the toilet. Not climb in, but she'll splash around.--I know, it's gross. But we don't let her do it, we grab her and shut the door as soon as we see her going for it.

She also likes to play in the bathroom while I'm using the bathroom. I'll usually hand her something like a (closed) tube of mascara or a bag of baby wipes to keep her entertained, and from reaching behind my butt when I'm going to the bathroom. Last night, I handed her my blackberry.

After I was done, washed my hands, and ready to get a move on, I realized I had forgotten my iPhone on the porch, where we were just a moment before taking pictures. The guest bathroom is a few feet from our front door, so I left Lil' J content with my phone in the bathroom while I ran and opened the front door to grab my other phone.

Just a moment after shutting the toilet, turning away, and opening the front door to grab my phone I heard it... CLUNK!

It wasn't a large enough clunk to be Lil' J but it sounded a little louder than her hand. I turned back around and looked in the bathroom to see what I'm sure thousands of mom around the world have seen. A blackberry sinking to the bottom of the toilet, and a very proud baby looking down amazed--hand still outstretched, and palm still wide open with excitement over her achievement.

I couldn't be mad at her. I actually laughed. If I were watching a movie about this experience I would have seen this coming from a mile away. Turns out, Hollywood can be more realistic than I thought.

For a moment I even thought of taking a photo but that just didn't seem right. I'd better save the phone first. But inspired by Amber Dusick's series of "real life parenting" series, I decided to draw a depiction of how it went down. Dude, Paint is way better than Photoshop, I'm all over this!

I quickly grabbed it from the toilet, said a quick prayer of gratitude thanking the Lord for not letting us be one of those "if it's yellow let it mellow" families. --Maybe pre-kids but once you have a baby you've gotta flush that stuff. Or get a child safety lock on your throne, and hope you've never have a restroom emergency while forgetting how to get it unlatched.

I disassembled the phone and set it on the counter to let it air out. I had another phone once that had gotten a little wet, but after setting it in the sun to dry off for a bit it worked like a charm.

My husband got back from his jog and noticed my phone in pieces.

"What happened to your phone?" He asked me. I didn't feel like admitting my stupid mistake.
"Don't worry about it," I told him.
"Why it is in pieces?"
"Because she threw it... in the toilet" I added softly.
"She threw it?"
"Yes!!!" I was getting annoyed.

I don't know why he didn't just leave it alone but he put my phone back together and asked why it wouldn't turn on.

"BECAUSE SHE THREW IT IN THE TOILET. WILL YOU LEAVE IT ALONE?"

My patience was running out with these people as I was still looking for my other phone (which wasn't on the porch like I had thought).

After using "Locate my iPhone" to find it stuck between the couch on silent, (this is actually a really cool tool. You can get it to make a noise for two  minutes even when it's on silent so you can find it) I was ready to handle to the original problem.

I grabbed the pieces of my blackberry, a Ziploc bag and some rice from my cabinet. I remember reading someone's facebook status just a day earlier about her son dropping her phone in the toilet (seriously, does this happen to everyone?) and several people had told her to put it in a jar/bag/container of rice and that it would suck the moisture out.

I'm not sure if it matters if the rice is white, brown, regular or minute, but I used the brown minute rice I had on hand.

I put all of the ingredients together in a Ziploc back and swished it around. Then I realized I wasn't making shake and bake chicken and that my additional technique probably wasn't necessary.

"What are you doing?" My husband again had the nerve to interfere.

I told him I had read somewhere that uncooked rice can help suck the water out of dunked phones.

"Really?" He wasn't buying it. "What if it's some kind of a sick joke to mess up your phone?"

"Well it's already broken anyway so it can't hurt," I pushed back. "Besides, this is like all over Twitter and Facebook, how could that many people be in on it?" I couldn't believe I had just cited social networking sites as my source but I guess that's the day and age we live in.

So my phone is sitting on my counter, immersed in a bag of uncooked rice. I would have been more devastated if this were my iPhone but my blackberry isn't as much of an addiction. I'll take it out of the bag in about 12 hours and hope for the best. I'll let you know if it works.

I'm also probably going to buy a few of these just in case.

Sam + Mercedes = Samades and I LOVE IT!

I'm a GLEEk. Did you know that?

I don't generally blog about TV shows but the very last scene (or was it second to last) in GLEE this season had be so giddy. Did you watch? I can't be the only one of us who watches this show. If you don't you should.

I got the first season on DVD for Mother's Day and I've been catching up on the ones I've missed. 

Anyway, this whole season I was watching and thinking "I wish Mercedes had someone" I mean Kurt has Blaine, Brittany has Artie and Santana, Rachel has a couple of dudes, and Quinn seems to get whoever she wants, except for Fin there at the end, but anyway... I felt for Mercedes, because that's how I felt in school. Like the unwanted girl. More specifically, the unwanted black girl surrounded by white people.

Most of my friends were white, and I sorta felt like I had to "choose sides" at times. I wasn't "black enough" for the black guys and obviously wasn't white enough for the white guys. Very frustrating. This could take up a whole 'nother post but I won't go into that right now. I'm not feeling eloquent enough at the moment to put it all in words. So anyway... I was suspicious when they walked into the coffee shop together.

"Do you think they hooked up?" I asked my husband. He sat rolling his eyes as he always does when I make him watch this show with me. I know he likes it, he's just pretending he doesn't. "Well, do ya??" I pushed him.

He didn't respond. Probably because he didn't want to guess wrong.

But when Sam grabbed Mercedes' hand I screamed "I KNEW IT!!" And got really giddy!

I'm probably a dork for being so excited about an interracial relationship building on TV but really. How often do you see black girls having white boyfriends or husbands on TV? I can only think of the movie "Guess Who" at the moment and that was a movie totally about that subject. And there are lots of movies with black guys and white girls. Oh wait, and then there was Zack Morris and Lisa Turtle who hooked up for a hot second on Saved by the Bell.

Oh, and my husband just reminded me that there was also Shawn and Angela on Boy Meets World. I used to love that show. How could I forget? Ok, so maybe there have been couples like this in the past, but not that I've seen recently.

Glee has hit on gay couples, lesbian couples, a big girl with a little guy, and finally, an interracial couple. I REALLY hope they build on this next season and don't just turn it into some summer thing. I'm excited to see where it goes. I mean really. It's about time.

And for the sake of TV talk since I never really blog about this, here's a list of shows I watch currently on DVR after Miss J is asleep:
The Bachelorette
Sister Wives

On summer break or over :(
Big Love
Southland
Shark Tank 
Chicago Code
Big Bang Theory
Say Yes to the Dress
16 and Pregnant (my vice, please make it stop)

Know of any other good shows? Do I have any GLEEk readers????!

First Steps: Wordless Wednesday

Dress from Un Petite ChouUse code "BMMFREE2011" for free shipping.

 

 

 Time to go shoe shopping!

365 Love Letters Week 20

These are probably my favorite photos to date. I know I've said that quite a few times, but I hope that means these are getting better all around. There are a couple iPhone photos mixed in but overall I tried to be more creative with these and pull out my inner-Anne Geddes.

I didn't post these on facebook last week day by day and thought I'd make them all a surprise. I'm not sure I'll keep doing that though because editing 7 or 8 at once takes longer. I may start sharing these on Monday instead of Sunday though. We shall see!

Just one more week and we'll be half way through the year. I can't believe I've made it this far!! I can't wait to show her these, and hopefully get them organized in a book for her.

It's really hard to choose a favorite this week, but it's probably 155 or 153. Have a favorite?

I didn't want to leave Snoop out this week. We were rolling and playing on the floor and these two just love playing together.

Polkadot onesie by Carters; Owl hat from Mary Sue $11

I found this nest at Goodwill for $3.50 and bought the owl hat just for it. I've seen these on kids and really wanted Lil' J to have one. Too bad it's going to be over 100 degrees for the next few months. I took this one morning before it got too hot.

Mudpie Giraffe Dress from Lollipop Moon; Bow from London Blue Designs

I'm trying to find things around my house that I can use as photo props instead of having to go out and buy more. Especially since I don't have space for these things. I had this bucket in my kitchen and thought "Lil' J can fit here!" The advice couldn't be more true at this point in my life.

Mommy and Me Bows from Bella Rose; Sweater dress from Old Navy

Some more self-portraits with child using my good old tripod and remote. She was trying to get away from me here. Usually that's not the case but I fear these moments will get more prevalent. Notice our matching bows?

Polo dress via Ebay

She loves trying on hats and sunglasses. We picked this up for a quick shot at the store. She is so fun to tote around.

She came to visit me at work during my break and I fed her in the make up room. I ws rubbing her feet and snapped this photo on my phone. They are so tiny and mine are huge and ugly.

Tutu and hair bow from London Blue Designs; Tutu top from Halo Heaven

Lil'J modeled this tutu that reminded me of a Disney princess, and it's very sweetly named after her stage name "Journey" called "Cinderella's Journey." I thought this advice seemed fitting.

Ruffle Leg Warmers from Happy Crawlers (discount code"BABYMAKINGFRIENDS"); Hair clip from Chloe and Maude

Am I a bad mom for letting her eat a couple girl scout cookies for the sake of a photo prop? Good news is she wasn't a huge fan and didn't beg for more. I'm not trying to create a picky eater, but this advice is perfect for any woman.

And there you have it! My new favorite week of photos.

*Winner of the zipper headband from Bebe Rose is #20 Tiffany! Congrats, I'll email you to get your prize to you!