Saturday, January 31, 2009

Hunter's Birthday Party

Thanks to those who attended Hunter's party today.
We all had a great time and it was nice spending a few hours in such a baby-friendly environment with our friends.
Here are a few shots of the day:




Also, I'd like to recommend a Baker for your Little One's cakes. Her name is Lindsey and her website is here. She made Hunter's cake for 20 *which we have more than half left since the "Dr Bones" Paleontologist who hosted the party hid the cake at some point for some reason*. I chose the vanilla with strawberries and cream flavor and it was delish!! Important to mention, it was half the price of a cake from Carlo's or Flour Patch and just as cute and yummy. She delivered it to me an hour before we left for the party, which was super convenient, as well.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

If in Hoboken, Get Your SWEET On!


Recommended by Roni (and every Hobokeniite I've asked):
Sweet Bakery on 343 Garden Street
BEST Cupcakes this side of the Hudson!!

Baby Massage Class


I know most of us are well beyond this age range/stage but for those interested in learning Baby Massage Techniques:

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Moms Will Appreciate This

My best friend, Yen, sent me this forward. Some of you may have seen it already. I thought it was cute enough to share:

THE NEXT SURVIVOR SERIES

Six married men will be dropped on an island with one car and 3 kids each for six weeks.

Each kid will play two sports and either take music or dance classes.
There is no fast food.

Each man must take care of his 3 kids;
keep his assigned house clean,
correct all homework,
and complete science projects,
cook, do laundry,
and pay a list of 'pretend' bills with not enough money.
In addition, each man will have to budget in money for groceries each week.

Each man must remember the birthdays
of all their friends and relatives, and send cards out on time--no emailing.

Each man must also take each child to a doctor's appointment, a dentist appointment and a haircut appointment.

He must make one un scheduled and inconvenient visit per child to the Urgent Care.
He must also make cookies or cupcakes for a social function.

Each man will be responsible for:
decorating his own assigned house,
planting flowers outside
and keeping it "presentable" at all times.

The men will only
have access to television
when the kids are asleep
and all chores are done
.
The men must
shave their legs,
wear makeup daily,
adorn himself with jewelry,
wear uncomfortable yet stylish shoes ,
keep fingernails polished
and eyebrows groomed.
During one of the six weeks,
the men will have to endure severe abdominal cramps, back aches,
and have extreme, unexplained mood swings but never once complain or
slow down from other duties.

They must attend: 
weekly school meetings,
church, and find time
at least once to spend the afternoon at the park or a similar setting.
They will need to: 
read a book to the kids
each night and in the morning,
feed them, dress them,
brush their teeth and
comb their hair by 7:00 am.
A test will be given at the end of the six weeks, and each father will be required to know all of the following information:
each child's birthday,
height, weight,
shoe size, clothes size
and doctor's name.
Also the child's weight at birth,
length, time of birth,
and length of labor,
each child's favorite color,middle name,
favorite snack,
favorite song,
favorite drink,
favorite toy,
biggest fear and
what they want to be when they grow up.
The kids vote them off the island
based on performance.
The last man wins only if...
he still has enough energy
to be intimate with his spouse
at a moment's notice.

If the last man does win,
he can play the game over and over
and over again for the next 18-25 years
eventually earning the right
To be called Mother!

Happy Snow Day!

Voyeuristic Sites


A looooong time ago I had an addiction. An addiction to anonymous postcards a la Post Secret
It's been awhile since I've been on there...and these days the secrets are not as much whimsical as they are depressing.
However this month's issue of REAL SIMPLE Family introduced me to a whole new world of secret writings.
Entries from diaries of kids and teens -- it really hits home, well...some of it anyway.
Check it out if you have 10 minutes to spare. 
Really, who does have time to spare these days?
Hunter is sleeping so I took full advantage and showered, drank tea, read the headlines, caught up on emails, called the party planner for his Birthday, and here I am posting. Woohoo! Productivity!!
An excerpt: "Robin is getting on my nerves. I found out tonight that she had taken my lipgloss and used it almost all up. She says she doesn't know how she got it at all. Come on, you gotta be really dense not to notice that this lip gloss mysteriously "appeared in your purse" and think it wasn't someone else's. She has my best barrettes and my nightgown which she hasn't returned. Also, she is totally vain... "
Ha ha! Too funny how little things were once so important to us. It's strange to consider we'll be raising children with missing lipgloss issues of their own someday. 

Friday, January 23, 2009

iO Digital Cable


Who else is totally annoyed by these iO commercials?
Anyways I have good news for those of us in the neighborhood whose DirectTV changed to Cablevision this week. 
Noggin is channel 123! :) 
I know, it may not seem important to some of you...but those of us who have little ones in love with Yo Gabba Gabba or Blues Clues needs to know what our options are when Management decides to change cable companies on us. 
On that note, it's DANCY-DANCE TIME! 

Edgewater Public Library Programs

Thanks, Justine, for letting us know about these! :) 
**Click on the Post Title for their website**
Free Thursday program for tots over 18months and Friday programs for tots under 18months:

Storytime Sessions
-----------------------
Mother Goose Group Storytime

- will meet on Thursdays, Oct. 2nd, 16th, 23rd and 30th.

There are two separate sessions: one at 10:30 AM and the second session at 11:30 AM. This caregive and me program is for all toddlers, ages 18 months + Up. This is a drop-in program throughout the year.

**There are no sessions scheduled on Thursday, October 9th.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baby’s Lapsit Storytime

- will meet on Fridays, Oct. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st. There are two separate sessions: one at 11 AM and the second session at 11:30 AM. This introductory “caregiver and me” storytime is designed for infants from 6 weeks to 18 months of age. This is a drop-in program throughout the year.

Please contact the library at 201.224.6144 for further information.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Date Night - January Reminder



It's this Saturday, ya'll! :) 
Come on out to Asia Roma in Manhattan and have food, drinks, fun, and song. 

Haircuts



Hunter got his first haircut on Saturday. 
He needed one desperately as his bangs were constantly in his eyes and I can't employ the use of a hair barrette like the Moms of the little girls can. :)
Ok, well I could but Trav wasn't thrilled to see a clip in Hunter's hair when he got home the other night.
We took him to Buzzcuts in Hoboken (the Uptown location) and he was an angel. 
He didn't react at all to the haircut -- he just sat in the Kiddie Police Car, honking the horn and watching a DVD. 
I was SHOCKED to say the least.
Those of you who know Hunter well know how kooky he can be -- just full of energy. 
So it was nice to get in and out without incident.
I cried. I know, totally lame.
It's just that once he had his first haircut, he looked more like a toddler and I am already struggling with the fact that he'll be 1 in less than 2 weeks. 
I brought my camera then left it in the car (pregnesia) so we didn't get a picture until we got home. 
:) Here is our new and improved son: 

Monday, January 19, 2009

I LOVE it :)

We've been known to dress Hunter up a bit for our amusement.
One day he may be embarrassed or annoyed at us for it, but until then, enjoy his latest video:

Friday, January 16, 2009

Baby Recipe -- Winter Pasta

Most of you know that Hunter got his first 3 teeth at 3 months, 4 at 4 months, 5 at 5 months and so on.
These days he has 8 front teeth and 4 molars and he is ready to tackle the chewiest foods. :) 
He also is graduating to eating with his hands so, unless his food is completely pureed, he requests to do so. 
I have a few cookbooks and internet sites I frequent for ideas.
The following recipe for Hunter I came up with myself and he loved it. I had it for lunch as well.
There's not much to it (added bonus) so it's easy to make. 
Like all of his meals, I add side item for extra nutrition and a snack-y item (like a graham cracker) for dessert. Keeping him occupied in his high-chair allows me time to clean up after cooking and eating.
WINTER PASTA

2 tablespoons butter
1 package Baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
Minced garlic to taste
1 can La Sueur Baby Green Peas
1/2 box Elbow Macaroni
3/4 cup fresh grated Aged Parmesan
Salt & Pepper to taste

Boil Macaroni while you are doing the following: 

Put butter in a large saucepan & melt on medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and allow to brown. Add a small amount of minced garlic (since it's for a baby -- use your judgement) and the drained can of Baby Peas. Salt & Pepper as needed.

Drain the Macaroni and add to the saucepan. Toss. Add Aged Parmesan and allow to melt. Toss again. Taste for seasonings and add S & P as necessary. Remove from heat. Cool and eat.

Hunter loves picking up the peas, mushrooms, and elbow macaroni on his own to feed himself. The recipe isn't difficult and it won't win any originality awards but he loved it and I felt good about what he was eating. 


iphone Pics of Hunter



Here are two cute pics from yesterday:

Eating an Edys Real Fruit Lime Popsicle (he's teething)

Sitting in his chair, watching Blues Clues so intently 
It was one of those days -- the cold, snowy winter days -- that we weren't able to venture outside. So we made the most of it and played lots of games and spent more time than usual playing football (Hunter's favorite). We also spent an hour rolling around on the bed. I'll post the video below when I upload it. Don't worry the video isn't the entire 60 minutes. :) 




Wednesday, January 14, 2009

We HEART The Little Gym








Today a few of us tried out "The Little Gym" in Jersey City.
O.M.G.
Hunter LOOOOOOOVVVVED it! :)
We may sign up for a semester soon. 
I told the other moms that our babies will get thinner (from working out there) and we'll get chubbier (from frequenting the pancake house around the corner from the gym afterwards).
Here are some pics from class:

Monday, January 12, 2009

Dancing King

It was inevitable...with me as his Mom, this kid was gonna like dancing...

Hunter's Latest Moves:

Saturday, January 10, 2009

IT'S A BOYYYYYYYY!


I just realized that although most of you already know, I never made the formal announcement on here:
We are expecting a little brother!!
I am thrilled, to say the least.
Those of you who know me well knew I was hoping *praying* for a little boy again.
Justine & I went to an Ultrasound Boutique on December 22nd to find out the gender.
She was my moral support. :)
I did it as a surprise for Travis.
On Christmas Eve, he opened a present that was a onesie that says "Little Brother" plus a Hunter-sized shirt that says "Big Brother".
He's excited too. He says "One more to go for a 2 on 2 BBall game."
Ha!
Not happening.
I am off to go bask in my boy-making glory.

Date Night - January


Yippee!
Thanks to Eric *again* we have another group date-night planned.
Join us on January 24th (Saturday night) for Karaoke and fun at Asia Roma in the city.
More info to follow.
Singing not required (for the chickens out there). ;) 

Friday, January 9, 2009

Playroom Politics II


Shame on me.
I'm THAT Mom.
The one I chastise in the Playroom for her unruly children.
I walk in, haughtily, knowing my son would never be as cuckoo as the other strange children there...knowing that Hunter is well-behaved and conscientious...knowing that I would definitely let him know if he was out of line before he even made it that far...and like usual, he proves me wrong.
First I get one of these comments: "He's not walking yet?"
And I'd like to say: "No. Despite the fact that he outweighs your scrawny spawn by 7 lbs, he is barely 11 months old. However, he does have a full set of teeth and can eat a NY strip steak before your baby finishes gumming a banana to a pulp."
But I don't say that. Because it's not a competition. And because that would make me look like a hormonal, defensive pregnant lady. Which I'm clearly not. 
Instead I move on into the room, scoping out a place to sit so I can attempt to rest for a few minutes while Hunter entertains himself with the new toys and new play-friends.
First Strike--> Hunter (who has eaten half his weight in Gourmet Three-Cheese Ravioli just minutes before arriving) corners a little girl at the play-kitchen and steals her goldfish crackers. Fine. I understand. He likes to snack. Out of control? Nah! Just still a little hungry. I apologize to her mother and take him to another part of the room.
Second Strike --> Hunter tackles a 3-4 year old little boy who is sliding on the playground set. He then sits on the kids' legs and claps his hands and smiles at me, as though he is proud of himself for pulling a UFC move in the Playroom. Mortified, I go apologize to his parents and tell Hunter "NO!" and take him to another corner in the room where there are less temptations. 
Third Strike --> Hunter is playing with a little girl, about 2 years old, in the crawly-tube. I notice they don't come out. When I bend down to take a peek inside, I see him holding her face and sloppily kissing her. I look further down the tube and see her mother also peeking in to see what the hold-up is. I call an apology across the tubey-thing to her mother and mumble something about her daughter being too cute to resist to my little Romeo. I drag Hunter out by his ankles.
And we're out.
I do the walk of shame to the door with Hunter squirming the whole way out, oblivious to the dishonor he's caused to our family name. 
Okay maybe it's not that bad but I have a sneaking suspicion I will be the Mom with the bumper sticker "My kid can beat up your Honor Student" emblazoned on the back of her minivan. 
Just sayin'. 

"Whose Life is More Miserable" Contest


I don't get it. 
When I was single, I would hear things like, "You have it SO easy! My boyfriend demands so much time...cherish this time on your own."
When I had a steady boyfriend, I would hear things like, "You have it SO easy! Just you and your boyfriend. Now that WE are engaged, my whole life is wedding-planning! Enjoy this low-key time together."
When I was planning my wedding, I would hear things like, "You have it SO easy! My baby takes up ALL of my time! I have no life. Relish time with your hubby while you can."
And now that I have one child, I hear things like, "You have it SO easy! Just wait til there's TWO of them! One baby is a cake-walk compared to TWO! Appreciate the limited time you have with your first born."
My initial thought is: Why am I still friends with this person? 
No really, my initial and only thought is: What is the point? Making everyone think your life sucks b/c you are taking the natural progression into adulthood, marriage, and family life? 
I just don't get it. 
You know what? I actually ENJOYED being single, being a girlfriend, being engaged and planning a wedding, and being a Mommy to just one and I am certain I'll ENJOY being a mommy of TWO. 
Besides, if we were actually keeping tabs I would tell her that she has family close by and a husband home at 5pm every day so she has it EASY compared to me. But what's the grand prize for being miserable? A pity-party? No thanks.
Sure, every new phase brings its challenges -- but so far the blessings outweigh the inconveniences and I feel confident that this pattern will continue as our family grows.
In other words, I am fortunate my life has so easily fallen into place and I don't take it for granted. 
Sure, I vent to my Mommy friends about being overwhelmed at times but that's just honesty. 
I never lose sight of the fact that there are those out there who still haven't found true love, who live in unhappy marriages, who are unable to have kids, who don't have the chance to spend so much time with the kids they do have, etc.
So THANK YOU to my acquaintance who has it so much harder than me. You've reinforced a lesson of appreciation.  

Monday, January 5, 2009

We're Home - Hurrah!


We arrived home today after a LONG South Florida trip to see the Grandparents (my In-Laws) for the holidays.
I already miss the sunshine -- but being pregnant didn't agree with me down there anyways b/c I'd get heat stroke within 15 minutes of walking outside. 
Hunter was spoiled rotten with attention and gifts galore so adjusting to a quiet home with just Mommy hasn't been easy for him today. 
I'll update more later. Now I need to catch up on sleep!! 
Glad to be home.