Cloth Diaper Update #2

I learned (the hard way) that I can't leave Hunter in just the cloth diaper and nothing else. 

After he ate lunch, I washed him up and changed his clothes and diaper and decided for his nap I wouldn't put anything on him...

I heard him wake up and stir, then I heard two "cccchhhh" sounds (that velcro makes), and I walked in to him rolling around in his crib completely naked, waving the cloth diaper above his head. 

Nice.

Thankfully, it wasn't a dirty diaper. Lesson learned.

Pottery Barn

Oh.My.God.

Has everyone seen this???

It's bad-a**, yes, but at $1358.00 (set plus island) I think it costs more than the kitchen I am supplied with in my apartment.

Since when did "pretend kitchens" start looking so realistic? Isn't imagination the key component in playing house? I'm pretty sure I just had a box with an easy-bake oven inside...

Halloween Party Update

It's ALMOST October! Where did the summer go?

I still haven't heard anything about a Halloween Party in the community yet so I am waiting to plan ours -- however let's set ours tentatively for Saturday, October 25th at 3pm.

How does that work? Or should it be earlier? Say, 12pm? 

That is the same day Bulls Ferry is having their Halloween Parade so I am wondering if it'll be better for the kids to go home and rest between the two events or go straight from one to the other...hmmm.

Let's just set that day aside for it and I'll keep you all posted.

If you have any fun decorations, feel free to bring them. I have some items I am bringing to make the room festive.

It's a Halloween-themed Potluck so bring a yummy dish. Some ideas are on the blog.

We will be having a Pumpkin-Carving contest so if you are interested, BYOPumpkin too. ;) 

Dressing up is optional -- Hunter, Trav, & I will be dressed and like usual I will be taking lots of pics. 

All ideas for the festivity are welcome. Just leave a comment on this post to keep them organized. Thanks!

Serious Post: Out of Control Babies turn into Out of Control Children

Uh-oh...get ready for a real topic and not just fluffy fun. ;) 

So maybe I am taking a risk (oooooh) by posting this but I feel the need to express myself on this subject b/c I can see how easily it can happen...

My girlfriend from Orlando called last night to vent about her neighbor's little boy. Apparently, when he misbehaves (for example: bites, hits, or kicks other kids) his Mom says "Baby, we don't hit..." in a sing-song friendly voice. Since his Mom isn't firm with him and uses such a cutesy tone of voice with him, he continues his misbehavior. His Mom then threatens a time out in the same voice and says "Honey, please don't make me tell you again" about 10 times before admitting defeat and taking the little boy home. 

My girlfriend is annoyed because this little boy continuously approaches her children and hits them and clearly it's not my girlfriend's place to scold the child.

She says that ever since the neighbor's kid was our babies' age, his Mom used the same tone of voice and never followed through so now her son has learned that there are no consequences to his actions.

I don't want this to turn into a punishment forum, but I do want to raise a point. To little ones, even using a firm, serious tone with them is noticeable enough for them to *usually* stop the bad behavior. 

Even Hunter, who is under 8 months old, can differentiate when I am being loving versus giving him determined guidance. If he is putting something in his mouth that I don't think is good for him, I'll say firmly "Hunter, don't put that in your mouth," and he looks at me and stops. I don't ask him to stop and I don't sing him a "No, baby" because he just can't understand it that way.

Babies are smarter than we give them credit for but they need our guidance. Obviously our babies are too young to understand on their own that hitting each other isn't friendly...so it's up to us Moms to keep the little ones in check so no one feels uncomfortable in group settings.

We have such a large group with so many different parenting styles so it's important to remember to respect the fact that not everyone will follow by the same guidelines. That being said, it's equally important to be responsible for your baby's actions towards other children in the group.

This post isn't a reaction to anything that has happened between us -- most of our kids aren't mobile enough to start hitting each other anyways. :)  Just hoping to prevent a situation like the one my girlfriend is in. 

I hear Hunter stirring in his crib--going to get him up, feed him, and run some errands. Hope to see some of you at the movie this week!

Meet the Moms -- Tracy

Let's welcome Tracy to the group!

Her daughter, Olivia, is 12 weeks old. 

Tracy was introduced to us by Rebecca and Leslie b/c they were all in Prenatal Yoga class together.

If you see her in our studio, give her a Sun Salutation. 

Goodwill Donations

I am taking the clothing, etc to Goodwill tomorrow morning so please call me or email me if you have anything you'd like to donate before then.

Thanks!

Meet the Moms -- Kaumudi

Meet Kaumudi!

Here's her submission to me:

"Hey Everyone, Ark is 14 months old and recently moved from Manhattan with his mom (kg) and dad (Ravi) to Hudson Pointe. He loves the spectacular views here and tries to do the promenade walk every evening with his entourage. He can't wait to make new friends in the neighborhood."

Cloth Diaper Update

Today is my first day of the CDs...wish me luck! 

All is well so far...

Although Hunter doesn't love them -- they are thicker than the disposables and he keeps pulling at them.

Meet the Moms -- Maria

Heeeeeeeeeere's Maria!

Her daughter, Ariela, is about 4 months old. 

The live in Fort Lee so you won't see her walking along the 'Nade, but she will be coming to our events from time to time.

She enjoyed our Mini Spa Day...let's plan for another!

If you see her in the Pedi Chair, say Namaste.

Meet the Moms -- Me, Um, Azie

It's me. Your blog-lady.

Most of you know me. 

For those that don't...here I am.

Not in "all my glory", unfortunately...just hanging with my baby at my homegirl's place. (Shout out Justine.) ;) 

So my name is Azie (ah-zee as in Ozzy Osbourne, Ozzie & Harriet, Ozzie Smith, The Wizard of Ozzie...need I go on?)

My son, Hunter, is a week shy of 8 months old. Yikes! Where does the time go?

Don't be afraid to come say hi. I am on the promenade every evening at around 6pm trying to walk off whatever damage I did in the short time Hunter was sleeping and I was unconsciously phone-snacking. (I snack randomly while on the phone then hang up and wonder why there's peanut butter on my chin, granola bar crumbs in my shirt, and half a pickle on the counter.)

Meet the Moms -- Justine

Hel-lo Justine!

Her 7-month old daughter, Alexarya, likes to sing in our Music Class.

If you see them around the block, say Fa La La.

Meet the Moms -- Adi

Allow me to introduce Adi (ah-dee).

She is the proud mommy of Mia,

 the youngest baby in our group *just over a month old.*

Be sure to say hola if you see her strolling our 'hood. 

Baby Pictures 10/2

Get ready to cry...another movie based on a Nicholas Sparks novel:

Nights in Rodanthe

Earth-Hungry, er, Friendly

Circles and Squares clothing line (see Hunter to the right) is based out of NC.

I met the designer of the husband & wife team last week and purchased this organic onesie at an outdoor market in Historic Downtown Asheville.

I really liked their embroidered shirts, too, but I had done enough shopping for one day and decided on just buying this little gem.

Check out their site for original ideas!

Music Together Pics

Our little ones are tooooooo funny!

I really enjoyed Music class today and Hunter did too -- even with no naps! ;)

Here's a sneak peak to the left and the rest are here in our gallery (pages 4 & 5).

Need Something to Do on Sunday?

According to hobokeni.com, Hoboken's Fall Art & Music Festival was postponed a week so now you can attend this weekend! :) 

NEW! - Sunday, September 28th, 2008 - 11am to 6pm

Mayor David Roberts & The City Of Hoboken proudly welcome Mary Weiss of The Shangri-Las to the 15th annual Hoboken Fall Arts & Music Festival

Sunday, Sept. 28th, 2008 - 11am to 6pm along Washington St. - Observer Highway to 7th St. Featuring three stages of live music (see schedule on next page) & over 300 artists, sculptors, photographers & craftspeople

Special features include:
Fine artists are located between 2nd & 3rd St., so if you are an art collector, this is the place to be. Oil paintings, watercolors, acrylics, sculpture, mixed media, etc.

Children’s area on 3rd street with rides, games, creative activities, ponies, petting zoo, magic show, face painting, clowns, balloons, live performances and much much more:
Crafters display / sell handmade: pottery, metalwork, wood items, furniture, blown & fused glass, quilts, household items made from recycled materials, cementware, batik clothing, hand painted furniture, candles, jewelry, dried florals, soaps & lotions and much more

Food: Lots of great food throughout the fair. Hoboken restaurants will set up street cafes offering an eclectic variety of international foods such as: Thai, Indian, Greek, French, Mexican, Cajun and Italian

An Idea...

Why don't we gather a group of Mommas to attend a cooking class? 

They have some delicious dishes highlighted for Fall at Rustico Cooking and at ICE.

Any takers? 

Terra Traditions

I love these albums by Terra Traditions...they have a vintage look and are really well made.

 

Just in case any of you are looking for unique photo albums or brag books for the Grandparents as presents.

Visit the South

For those of you who haven't ever traveled South of the Tri-State, I recommend a 4-day weekend in the Southern States.If you can get past the scary crosses that say "Blood Secured Redemption" you will find a whole new world awaits you.

A world of hospitality and friendliness, of greenery and winding roads, of interstate shoulders peppered with wildflowers, of down-home cookin' and cheap local crafts, of history and hauntings, of pride and family values...

The South has a special place in my heart and my history.

My Mom, Viking by heritage, was born and raised in the South so much of my upbringing was infused with Southern traditions. 

If you'd like some ideas of where to go, email me...because us Southerners don't get out much  ;)  and most of my traveling while I lived in FL was to Southern States and coastal towns. 

Two Leaves and a Bud

Random site plug -- click on the title of this post to be redirected.

I never thought I'd be a stay-at-home mom, recommending a tea company, and writing a blog but here I am...

I love this tea company. 

Organic, delicious, and fun!

Creative Groove Studios

Has anyone been there yet? I want to look into signing Hunter up for a class next semester...

Meet the Moms -- Christine

Let's welcome Christine to the group!

She just moved here with her husband, Brian, and 5-month old daughter, Emily, from Manhattan merely a month+ ago and immediately found our group.

She's going back to work soon but if you see her on an evening stroll, say hello!

Meet the Moms -- Angela

I thought it would be a good idea to post a pic of each mom & baby so we can all informally "meet" each other.

If you'd like your pic posted, please email me. 

Our first volunteer is Angela. 

Her son, Christian, is 6 months old. 

His name is inspired by Christian Louboutin. 

If you see her on the Promenade, say hi! :) 

Halloween Recipe of the Week

Another idea for our upcoming party (TBA):

BLOODSHOT PEANUT BUTTER EYEBALLS (courtesy of Sandra Lee)

For Cupcakes:

1 (18.25-ounce) box dark chocolate cake mix

1 1/3 cups chocolate milk

1/2 cup canola oil

3 eggs

For Filling:

1 (3.4-ounce) box instant butterscotch pudding

1 1/4 cups milk

1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

1 (12-ounce) container ready-to-spread dark chocolate frosting (recommended: Betty Crocker Creamy Deluxe)

Red gel frosting

Plastic eyeballs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-capacity) muffin pans with cupcake papers; set aside.

In a large bowl, use a hand held electric mixer to beat together cake mix, chocolate milk, oil, and eggs on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape sides of bowl with a rubber spatula and beat for 1 minute more on medium speed.

Use a ladle to fill each lined cupcake cup 2/3 full. Use oven mitts to place cupcakes in preheated oven and bake for 21 to 26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcake comes out clean with no wet batter.

Use oven mitts to remove from oven and let cool completely before filling and frosting, about 30 minutes.

For filling combine pudding mix, milk, and peanut butter in a bowl. Whisk for 2 minutes until smooth and thickened. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Spoon filling into a pastry bag fitted with a medium plain tip. Fill cupcakes by inserting tip into tops of cupcakes and squeezing a couple of tablespoons of filling into each. Spread 2 tablespoons frosting on each cupcake top.

Using red gel frosting, draw squiggly lines on the frosted cupcakes so that they look like veins. Place a plastic eyeball in the center of each cupcake.

Personal Space Issues

It's true -- I need my personal space. 

No, I am not referring to the area around me personally...just the actual storage space *or lack thereof* in our apartment.

I know what you are thinking -- either "Amen Sista" or "Stop complaining because my sister's friend lives in the city in a 600 sq ft studio with her husband, toddler, baby, and dog and they manage just fine."

And while I'd like to say "Wow, impressive," all that comes to mind is, "What is wrong with those people??"

Seriously.

We are barely scratching the surface of 1100 sq ft ourselves...and there's an extra 75 sq ft included for our ridiculously long hallway entrance that shouldn't count as living space.

Not to mention there are only 4 closets in the house, none of which are linen closets and none are actually big enough to walk into.

We accumulate so much with Hunter, too...more so than I thought possible...the place is never clean & organized looking anymore -- I just move toys and gyms and playmats from one part of the home to another to free up space and appear uncluttered...and it's starting to look like a storage unit will be our only salvation.

My issue is they are so overpriced and by the end of the year or two you've spent more on the storage than what the contents are actually worth...b/c if you could live withou

t it in your home for 2 years, chances are you could live without it forever. 

The reason I am ranting is because on our weekend getaway this past weekend, I was reminded of how CHEAP land is elsewhere.

Devastatingly and painfully cheap.

Take this house, for example: 209 Crawford Glen

It may not be a luxury home but it's a spacious, 4bed/4.5bath, 3700 sq ft new construction fully-upgraded home in Greenville, SC (where we flew into from Newark) in a beautiful, wooded neighborhood within walking distance of the local town. It's going for $529,000. That hurts. Our apartment would cost almost that much if it were for sale here!! 

I'm sure I sounded like a pompous, out-of-touch jacka** when I said this but ---> When we got off the plane in SC, I saw a large sign with a listing for 36 acres of land with a 5 bedroom ranch on it for less than $500,000 and I said "OMG, hunny -- it's not even half a mil! " 

I realize to someone living in SC, 500Gs is a serious life-long investment. It is to us, too...but when you've become accustomed to the overpriced living of NY, it seems like SUCH a great deal.

I don't ever want to become one of those women who takes money for granted. I don't think I ever could. I know how hard Travis works so that I can stay home and I know the state of economy could take away our lifestyle at any given moment. 

But is it too much to ask for a house? With a lawn? In the 'burbs? Evidently it is if we plan on living in the tri-state within commuting distance. Even Westchester is flaunting Manhattan prices these days. 

I'm signing off for the night...if you need me, I'll be devising a shelf and pulley system so we can utilize our ceiling space for additional storage.

Baby Pictures 9/25

Ugh! Another poor choice:

This week's flick is LAKEVIEW TERRACE with Samuel L. Jackson.

I'm not even going to post a YouTube trailer b/c I don't think it's worth it...

Did anyone see "The Women" movie last week?

How was it?

Sad I missed it...

I'm Baaaack! ;)

Ahhhh...we have arrived back home.

The air is SO different here after breathing in clean, crisp Autumnal North Cakalaka air for a few days. 

Hunter did really well with his Nana (my mom-in-law whom some of you met at Music Together last Friday). 

And I, surprisingly, did really well without Hunter! Granted, I had my moments but the liberation, romance, and fun with friends kept me in a happy, grateful mood the entire trip.

I posted our pics on our gallery...check them out here:

First Day - Lodge at Lake Lure, Horseback Riding, Rehearsal Dinner, Trivia Night, After Party

Second Day - J&J Wedding, Reception

Third Day - Biltmore Estate, Downtown Asheville, Game Night

Fourth Day - Goodbyes, Chimney Rock, Village

There are some events I wasn't able to take pics of, like the White Water Tubing...although you probably wouldn't want to see me post-pregnancy in a bikini in freezing water holding on for dear life anyways. ;)  

Now that I am home, it's back to reality...I have about a weeks-worth of clothes to launder, unpacking, errands, grocery restocking, and some serious dieting to do (after a weekend of fried Southern food). 

Hope to see you on the Promenade tonight! I have some Carolina French Toast* to walk off.

*Carolina French Toast is homemade buttermilk biscuits battered and fried with powdered sugar and fruit compote.*

Martha Stewart Show

Yesterday was the Studio Season Premiere of the 4th Season of the Martha Stewart Show. 

We received 10 tickets to the show as a result of Adi's suggestion and our essay about our Mommy Group.

It was exciting for me just to leave the house without Hunter and go into the city (and also a first for me in the past 7+ months, believe it or not). 

The show was interesting to see Live with all the behind-the-scenes lighting and camera crew, etc. Martha has MANY little helpers. 

The taping flew by and before we knew it, we were back on the Street in front of the studio debating on where to go for lunch. We ended up at Dos Caminos and anyone who was dieting pretty much blew it when the dessert arrived: 

It was a fun morning, a nice deviation from the daily routine, and something I'll probably never do again. Here are some pics from the studio (above) and the rest are on the gallery. Check them out.

Music Together Reminder

This Friday is Hunter's first Music Together class of the Fall Semester.

If your baby has also signed up, remember to arrive before 2pm at Palisades Fitness for the class.

My Mom-in-Law, Dolores, will be attending with Hunter. 

I forewarned her that he has broken the 21lb. mark and that it requires holding the babies for extended periods of time and even galloping around the room with them. :)

It should be a fun class -- especially since the attendees are mainly Moms & Babies from our group. I am really looking forward to next week!

**the pic is of rev & einavy from our demo class :) he's got a tambourine in his hands**

Blogging, Calendars, Emails

I've noticed recently that a few events have passed *such as Second Saturdays this past week* in which Mommies have said they'd attend and then they didn't show up. 

Since I intend for our events and Mommy Group to be casual, I am okay with the low attendance. As long as those of us who come enjoy themselves, I am happy! :)

However -- after those events, I've received some emails asking when those events were and why that particular person missed it.

Here's the thing: as much as I love organizing all that I can for our group -- I am not a Reminder Service or an Outlook Calendar. ;)  This isn't directed to any one person specifically, just a general announcement to the group so you know how committed I am to the blog.

I expect that if you are interested in an event, you take it upon yourself to read the blog or check the calendar or reference past emails regarding it. If you have questions, always feel free to email me. I'm usually available.

That being said, I've decided to cancel the Monday Belly-dancing until further notice. Unfortunately, it's a challenge to schedule timed classes with babies and I understand that. I came to the Dance Studio this week with Hunter and a radio, a blanket, toys, the CDs and hip-scarves and no one else showed. I took advantage of the studio and did my own belly-dance workout but it's just not worth it for me to haul everything over there without a guarantee that at least one other person will benefit from the class. So thanks everyone for the interest but until I get a student (or when Roni returns from Israel) the class will be removed from the calendar. Thanks for understanding! 

Cloth Diapers!!

Wish me luck...I am taking the "plunge" (so to speak) and attempting to go cloth with Hunter's diapers...

I am expecting many more C.D. blogs to come. ;)

This is yet another change I've made thanks to the trifecta of books I read recently:

Organic Baby

Skinny B*tch

Green Babies, Sage Moms (thanks Adi!)

They have made me re-think my entire lifestyle and frankly, I've made a drastic change for the better. 

Trav may not agree -- he doesn't understand why there are so many "meatless" options in the freezer or why I got rid of all the conventional cleaners under the sink -- but Hunter won't know the difference b/c he is being raised in a greener household and that will be his only reality.

No worries, though, I am no eco-warrior.

I won't push these new beliefs onto you.

They are just that --> very new to me. 

I was known to be a recycler but nothing else worthy of being "green" before. 

Not that I'm worthy now, either, just learning. :)

Anyways the Fuzzi Buns and Bum Genius diapers will arrive on Tuesday, just in time for the babysitter! mu-ah-ha-ha

This Past Weekend's Events

Thank you to those who participated in Second Saturdays and the Mini-Spa Day this weekend! We really enjoyed ourselves and felt like a part of a close-knit community.

It was a long, lonely road for me when we moved here from Orlando. 

I felt like a stranger...I felt completely uprooted...in a foreign environment...with no job...and no husband to speak of since he works such long hours. 

Finding all of you has been my saving grace.

Weekends like this that we spend time with friends, planned and impromptu, makes us feel rich with love and laughter (and some friendly competition) in our lives.

Baby Pictures 9/18

Good call!

This week's movie is "The Women" after-all! :) 

Scroll down to last week's post to see the preview.

It looks awesome. Too bad I'll be out of town...

NY Yankees Game Tickets

Susie has tickets to the Yankees game on Monday night -- White Sox vs Yankees in the old stadium. She has two tickets and would like to go if one of her friends would like to go -- any Mommies up for it? Or if you want both tickets, please let her know. They are face-valued at $30. Email Susie regarding seat info.

Sesame Sad

It's pretty sad when you find yourself laughing out loud to a re-run of Sesame Street. Alas, here I am...laughing at the "Meal or No Meal" spoof.

Ahhhh...*sigh*

Links

I've added the LINKS to most sites I have recommended or referred to in my blog (see left column). This prevents you from having to scroll down and skim through countless posts to find what you were looking for.

You're welcome. ;) 

Sleeping Through the Night

Trav, as most of you know, is rarely home. He works long, stressful hours and in turn so do I.

I'm used to being the sole caretaker of Hunter during the week.

I do his morning routine, eating schedules, afternoon routine, nap schedules, bedtime routine, overnight shift, and all in between. :)

It's a lot of work but you learn to schedule as best as possible and expect the unexpected.

Typically, Hunter will go to sleep somewhere between 9:30-10pm. It's not exact b/c he puts himself to sleep...I put him down at 9:30, though.

He'll wake up anywhere between 6-7am for a bottle then go back down until 9:30am.

Since he's been teething this past week (#11 just showed up -- yikes! ouchy bites!!) he's had a hard time sleeping through the night.

I have had to go in at least once in between bedtime at 10pm and bottle at 6-7am to put him back to sleep.

This has occurred 3 days in a row.

However, when Travis sees how exhausted I am, he offers to take the night shift. When Trav takes the shift, Hunter sleeps through the night.

I wondered how Hunter knew his Papa was on-call until I realized that Trav doesn't have Mommy Sonar. *Mommy Sonar is our instinct to jump out of bed seconds before our baby makes a night-noise that sounds like waking.*

So when Hunter makes his noises and wakes up, Trav sleeps through them (or practices what I like to call the Papa Neglect tactic which isn't real neglect except in the eyes of the mother) and Hunter puts himself back to sleep. 

Mystery solved.

Now if only I could bring myself to practice this strategy, I may actually get some sleep! ;)

In Memoriam..

...of the victims of 9/11 and their families and of victims of terrorism worldwide. 

May justice prevail.

Peace to all.

Convertible Car Seats

Many of us have children "of age" to purchase a new car seat...since it's been a hot topic lately, I decided to pull the latest Consumer Report chart...I will send it to all of you.

Regardless, the Britax Roundabout and the Evenflow Triumph were tied for highest safety rating of 81/100. The Cosco Alpha Omega Elite 22-155 was in 2nd place with a 80/100 score. The Britax Marathon, which is what I had been looking at, was rated in 3rd place with a 58/100.  

In comparison to the Baby Bargains recommendations, the Britax Roundabout was given an A, the Britax Marathon was given an A-, while the Evenflow Triumph was given a B. Baby Bargains rated the Britax Boulevard with a B only because of the steep price. Can you put a price on your baby's safety? 

The car seat companies seem to think so...

I also read EVERY rating on amazon.com and babiesrus.com -- whew! 

Still confused? :)

I know I am...it seems like such a close competition and I am sure that the top 3 seats are all extremely safe. 

I'm going to the stores soon to do a personal comparison...

weelicious

I've sent this link out previously (via email) but wanted to share with the newbies who've recently entered Mommyhood and the Mommy Group. :)

weelicious ---> Yummy, easy food made for our babies

I am not at all attempting to convert any jar-feeders to "short-order chefs" (as my girlfriend Yen calls it). I split Hunter's food half and half, myself. He gets some organic jarred food, some finger-food snacks, some YoBaby, and some homemade. 

Just wanted to give you all the option of easy menus. She has great "Quick Tip" videos on her site, as well.

Need Something To Do?

There are 2 local festivals coming up:

Edgewater Arts & Music 9/14

Hoboken Arts & Music 9/28

Halloween Pics

Anyone who really knows me also knows that Halloween is my all-time fave holiday.

And I tend to go a lil' nutso with the decorations.

I have more Halloween decor than Christmas decor and had to buy a trunk just to store it all!

Sooooo...I am taking pics of the little ones in front of the Halloween decor in their costumes for those who are interested. I'll be doing it during the week (so I don't have tons o' tots in and out while Trav is trying to work on the weekends from home). 

I'll let you all know when the window is...

6pm Walks

For months, a few of us have tried our best to take 6pm walks along the Promenade. Occasionally, our babies don't cooperate with our plans but for the most part, they love being outdoors -- or at least tolerate it while we get in some light (VERY light) exercise and chatting with adults-time. 

From time to time, our babies prefer being held while we push their stroller. This is getting increasingly difficult as our babies reach the 20+ lbs mark. (ahem, Hunter, I am referring to you)

It also becomes difficult when our babies think they are 5 ft tall and able to push their own stroller as depicted below:

ah ha ha

Madeleine is SO independent and watching Kellie is like taking a look into our not-so-distant futures. Who's ready?

Stay-At-Home Perks

I don't love it when Mommies who stay at home abbreviate their title to SAHM. I'm not sure why, it just bothers me...Anyways that's not the point of this post.

Just wanted to share some pics from yesterday.

It was a SPECTACULAR day (weather-wise) so I headed out with Hunter and called pretty much all of you to see if you wanted to meet up for some outdoors fun.

Susie and Christine came (holla'!). 

As we sat there, this guy wheeled by:

Odd...

I've never seen anyone over 9 on a Razor Scooter.

But I digress...

The babies really enjoyed the weather and the playtime.

Kaviraj really enjoyed Hunter's toys and Hunter really enjoyed Kaviraj's UK Baby Biscotti. :)

Since the weather will be cooling down some (hallelujah!) I was thinking of arranging a picnic.

We could do two: one for mommas and babies during the week -- to give us stay-at-homes something to do. We could go up to the ghetto but lovely park up the hill...

And then a second picnic at Palisades for the families one Saturday afternoon (so as to not interfere with football). 

More details to follow as the weather becomes more tolerable.