Holiday Weekend

We are getting ready to travel to LI for Nanny's 97th Birthday weekend. :)

I hope you all enjoy your long holiday weekend and extra time with the family.

See you all next week!

Baby Pictures 9/4

How can a Mom possibly sit through a movie like this unless her baby was asleep? It requires full-time attention and focus!? --Traitor the Movie--

Feeling Maternal, Amused, and Fortunate

Maternal:

Today our sitter came for a few hours so I could take "off" and run errands. Not fun errands but errands without a baby, nonetheless. 

I had on my "uniform" which consists of a patterned cotton blend dress (easy to launder at home, dark colors that don't show spit-up or pureed carrots, partially hides my post-preg tummy, appears like I am making an effort) and my FitFlops (that I wear b/c they are comfy and also everyone assumes I am trying to "tone" my legs which makes me feel less lazy). 

My hair was in a pony tail (because Hunter pulls it all out if it's down) mainly because I really need to get it colored and cut but haven't had a chance.

I was excited to have my hands free for the first time all week, so I was drumming on my steering wheel with my windows down, singing along to my CD player.

At a stoplight, I looked over to the car next to me b/c I felt a pair of eyes watching me. You know when you just get that strange feeling? It was a young guy, probably 19, getting a kick out of the "concert" I was putting on. 

It was at that moment that I realized I was blasting ABBA's Greatest Hits and singing "Lay All Your Love on Me" as though I was the lead role in Mamma Mia. 

And then it hit me.

I'm. A. Mom. 

Not just Hunter's Mommy...

I am an actual MOM!! 

The kind who wears their hair back with predictable comfy clothes and shoes and listens to music that the younger generations wouldn't even know if they weren't in current movies.

(It's like when I saw "I am Sam" for the first time and LOVED the soundtrack and my parents were like "Duh! Welcome to The Beatles.")

So let's face it, kids...I never thought I'd be one but here I am less than 7 months in and already eagerly singing show tunes in the car on the way to the grocery store. 

Watch out, Mom-Jeans, I will find you and wear you!

**On a side note, on the way to Boston last weekend we saw a son and his Mom driving to college with a dorm-room packed car and a UCONN bumper sticker in the back window. I totally LOST it and sobbed to Travis "Our little boy is going to leave us!" When did this happen? Trav's worried b/c Hunter hasn't even started Daycare, let alone Preschool, K-5, Junior High, or High School...College seems so far away until you see it driving next to you.

Amused:

Tonight I ran into a good Mommy friend on the Promenade. She introduced me to her husband as an organized (not!) Super Mom. It made me laugh b/c anyone who knows me well can tell you otherwise. It also made me remember this email I sent out to a girlfriend a few weeks ago...

"So I've finally given up...I'll admit it. I am not, nor will I ever be, Wonder Woman.

I wish I was.

She has that cool invisible helicopter and arm cuffs...we all know how much I love arm cuffs!! :)

But the fact of the matter is, you can't paint and redecorate a bathroom in 3 hours unless you are on a TLC show with helpers.So my new and improved Kiddie Bathroom is not yet new and improved. Although it will be by Friday if you'd like to come take a looksy.

I'm not Wonder Woman...and sometimes I think I am because sometimes Travis thinks I am...but that's no fun...because when he thinks I am, he expects me to be and that is just too much pressure. ;)

Besides, the best part of being Wonder Woman is the element of surprise...and if I say "Surprise! I painted the bathroom, cooked dinner, taught Hunter his alphabet, and organized a Baby Shower" and Trav says "What did you do the rest of the day?" then I am just an adult in a cape and arm cuffs.

Anyways if you are wondering what this off the wall email is about, it's an apology. Sorry I wasn't myself tonight. I was dealing with the disappointment of reality --- well, that and I inhaled fumes for about 3 hours straight and my virginal (to drugs) body went haywire. ha ha

I'm off to make sure a munchkin is sleeping and install a bubble blowing frog in his tub. Goodnight!"

Fortunate:

And speaking of the Promenade, how lucky are we to be able to walk along the Hudson (ick) River with a breath-taking view of the city every day and night? My favorite time of day is dusk...the sun has set and the buildings reflect gold in their windows. SOOOO pretty!! But best-of-all is the Ben and Jerry's along the walk. No, not really. Best-of-all is that I can go on a walk with Hunter and run into familiar faces and friends all along the way. We have suc

h a great community here and our Mommy support system is better than I ever imagined it could be. Thanks for being there for me and Hunter. :) Here's a pic from my iPhone tonight:

 Hunter is watching the City Lights and kicking his foot against the stroller to try and knock my water bottle out so he can play with it. Little Monkey!

Digital SLR Cameras

Just a quickie: 

Some of you have asked why the pics I take of our little ones come out so clear, etc...

It has nothing to do with my ability *because I have very little* and everything to do with my camera. :)

Here's a link to my Pentax. There are so many other models and brands that are just as good (if not better). If you are interested in buying one, I would do extensive research first.

 

I have the camera body, zoom lens, and an additional flash.

My fave aspect of this camera is that it's "real-time point and click" --> meaning if Hunter smiles for just 1/100th of a second, I can catch it if the camera is in my hands.

To view our gallery click here. 

NJ Early Intervention Program

Hopefully, none of us have to use these services...however, it's good to know what's out there.

If you are anything like me, you wonder about the development of your child and if they are "on track." 

Sometimes a little quirk will cause you to do an hour of research on the internet to make sure nothing is wrong with your little one.

I chalk it up to being a new parent and wanting the best for my baby, but it can be scary when there is so much talk in the news of autism rates climbing.

For information about evaluations, click on the title of this blog. *it's a PDF file.*

For a direct link to our county's program, click here.

Early intervention is the key.  

Pottery Barn Events

Anyone up for trying an event at PBKids?

They have story time, sing-a-longs, and picture-taking...check out their link: PBK.

Clean Green

I sent an email a couple of weeks ago regarding household cleaning with natural products. Since some of you weren't in the West NY Mommies group yet, I am posting the link on our blog FYI.

As I said in my email I am in no way attempting to persuade any of you one way or the other, nor have I adopted all of the info below as my own. I have started incorporating vinegar, lemon, and baking soda into my cleaning regimen because they were easy and inexpensive. I have also replaced all my traditional chemical cleaners with Mrs. Meyers, Seventh Generation, and Method products that claim to be earth-friendly. When Hunter was born, I went from a sometimes-recycler to an Eco-Mom overnight. According to Parenting Magazine, statistically Moms are the #1 Eco-Warriors. :)

Some cool sites:

Non-Toxic Kids

Cool Moms Picks for Safer Toys

Safe Mama

Green Mom Finds

The CHEC (Children's Health Environmental Coalition) has an informative website. They list "House Rules" for keeping your children safe.

Here is an article (I know it's lengthy -- but it's invaluable) explaining the most harmless methods of cleaning:

Recipes for Safer Cleaners by Pamela Lundquist

Cleaning products can contain many dangerous chemicals, which are usually not listed on the labels. 

One of the easiest ways to protect your family from harm is to stop using cleaning products found in stores and start making your own. In fact, it's easy, far less expensive and just as effective. Most ingredients for homemade cleaners can be found in your kitchen.

Below, you'll find recipes for kitchen, bathroom, and living room cleaning, as well as recipes for metal polishes, air fresheners, floors and carpets, laundry and mold.

Keep these points in mind:

1. Buy a few high quality spray bottles that you can use many times. Bottles with ounce measurements on them are especially useful for measuring and mixing.
   
2. Be sure to label your mixtures to avoid confusion.
   
3. Liquid soap means castile soap, a mild soap once made from olive oil, but now may include other vegetable oils as well. Coconut oil soaps are another good alternative to petroleum-based soaps.
   
4. Vinegar means distilled white vinegar, available by the gallon at your supermarket. Note that while vinegar has a slight scent while wet, when dry, it leaves no odor.
   
5. Washing soda and borax are minerals related to baking soda, but are stronger and more caustic. Though natural, both washing soda and borax can irritate skin, so use gloves. Borax can be toxic when swallowed, so keep it out of children's reach at all times. Both of these items can be found in your supermarket's laundry aisle.
   
6. ALL cleaners, whether homemade or store bought, and cleaning ingredients should be kept safely away out of the reach of children and pets in locked cabinets or high places.
   
7. You can also buy safer, environmentally friendly cleaning products, too. You'll find them in natural foods stores and some supermarkets. Some can be ordered online. See CHEC's Safer Products Store.
   

KITCHEN

Countertops: For a "soft scrub," mix together baking soda and liquid soap until you get a consistency you like. The amounts don't have to be perfect. Make only as much as you need, as it dries up quickly.

Ovens: To clean extra-greasy ovens, mix together 1 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup of washing soda, then add enough water to make a paste; apply the paste to oven surfaces and let soak overnight. The next morning, lift off soda mixture and grime; rinse surfaces well.

Microwave ovens can be cleaned with a paste of 3-4 tablespoons baking soda mixed with water. Scrub on with a sponge and rinse.

Cutting boards: Disinfect them by spraying with vinegar and then with 3% hydrogen peroxide (available in drug stores). Keep the liquids in seperate spray bottles and use them one at a time. It doesn't matter which one you use first, but both together are much more effective than either one alone.

Kitchens are one place where disinfecting is recommended for other select items like utensils and countertops. Please see Alternatives to Antibacterials & Disinfectants: Safer Ways to Keep Germs at Bay for more information.

BATHROOM

Tub and tile cleaner: Mix 1 2/3 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup liquid soap and1/2 cup water. Then, as the last step, add 2 tablespoons vinegar (if you add the vinegar too early it will react with the baking soda). Immediately apply, wipe, and scrub.

A good all-purpose disinfectant: 2 teaspoons borax, 4 tablespoons vinegar and 3 to 4 cups hot water in a spray bottle. For extra cleaning power, add 1/4 teaspoon liquid soap to the mixture.

Toilet bowl: Pour 1 cup of borax into the toilet before going to bed. In the morning, scrub and flush. For an extra-strength cleaner, add 1/4 cup vinegar to the borax.

Drains: Prevent clogged drains by using hair and food traps. To de-grease and sweeten sink and tub drains, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down drain followed by 1 cup vinegar; let bubble for 15 minutes; rinse with hot water. You might have to repeat the whole procedure more than once or leave the baking soda and vinegar to "cook" overnight.

LIVING ROOM

General dusting is best done with a damp cloth. Dry dusting simply stirs up dust and moves it around. Also, try 1 teaspoon olive oil per 1/2 cup vinegar. Mix together in a bowl and apply with a soft cloth.

Furniture polish: Mix olive oil and vinegar in a one-to-one ratio and polish with a soft cloth. Or look for food-grade linseed oil, often called omega-3 or flaxseed oil, rather than the type found in hardware stores to finish furniture. Linseed oil sold for furniture use often contains dangerous petroleum distillates to speed evaporation.

Windows: Put 3 tablespoons vinegar per 1 quart water in a spray bottle. Some recommend using half vinegar and half water. For extra-dirty windows try this: 1/2 teaspoon liquid soap, 3 tablespoons vinegar and 2 cups of water. Shake well. The best way to get streak-free windows? Use newspaper instead of paper towels to wipe them.

METAL POLISH

Brass, copper, bronze and aluminum: To remove tarnish, rub metal with sliced lemons. For tough jobs, sprinkle baking soda on the lemon, then rub.
Sterling silver: Put a sheet of aluminum foil into a plastic or glass bowl. Sprinkle the foil with salt and baking soda, then fill the bowl with warm water. Just soak your silver in the bowl and the tarnish will migrate to the aluminum foil. Finally, rinse, dry and buff your silver with a soft cloth.

AIR FRESHENER

Vinegar and baking soda are great room fresheners. Vinegar deodorizes, while baking soda absorbs odors. A simple recipe of 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vinegar (or lemon juice) and 2 cups hot water in a spray bottle can be spritzed in the air to remove odors. Zeolite, like baking soda, absorbs odor. Set out either in bathrooms and closets. See How to Freshen Indoor Air Naturally for more natural solutions to stale indoor air.

FLOORS AND CARPETS

Vacuuming is an important part of floor maintenance. We recommend using a machine with a HEPA filter, which traps very small particles that are otherwise blown back into the room in the vacuum's exhaust. Consumer Reports, which ranks appliances, has found that some vacuum cleaners without HEPA filters were also effective. No matter what kind of vacuum cleaner you use, be sure pass over carpet several times and more in heavy traffic areas.

Linoleum: For extra grease-cutting, try this formula: 1/4 cup washing soda with 1 tablespoon of liquid soap, 1/4 cup vinegar and 2 gallons hot water. Put the washing soda in the bucket first and add the liquid ingredients — this way the soda won't splash out. Caution: Do not use this formula on waxed floors! For an extra polish, combine 6 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup of water in a bucket.

Disinfect floors: Add 2 gallons of hot water to 1/2 cup of borax. (Put the borax in the bucket first, then add water to avoid splashing.)

Wood floors: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant, and it pulls dirt from wood. After a large party, I used 1 cup vinegar per pail of hot water to clean my wood floors — the smell disappeared immediately. You can also use it on other types of floors — it's a gentle yet very effective floor cleaner.

Carpeting And Rugs: Regular vacuuming will help keep carpets their cleanest. Sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the carpet and let it stand for 15 – 30 minutes before vacuuming to soak up and eliminate odors. CHEC recommends against the use of chemical carpet cleaners because of health concerns associated with their ingredients. If you want to steam clean your rug, use plain water and make sure it dries thoroughly. 

LAUNDRY

Laundry brightener: Add 1/2 cup of strained lemon juice to the rinse cycle.

Fabric rinse: Add 1/4 cup of vinegar to the washing machine's rinse cycle to remove detergent completely from clothes, eliminating that scratchy feel. This will not leave your clothes smelling like vinegar!

Detergent booster: To reduce the amount of laundry detergent you need to use, add baking soda or washing soda. These minerals soften the water, which increases the detergent's power.

For liquid detergent, add 1/2 cup of soda at the beginning of the wash. For powdered detergent, add 1/2 cup of soda during the rinse cycle.

Bleach: Use hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine bleach.

Dry cleaning: Many delicate "dry clean only" items can be washed at home by hand. In general, it's best to use cool water and a mild liquid soap. Squeeze or wring gently and lay flat to dry.

MOLD & MILDEW

If you discover mold and mildew in your house, first find the source of moisture and stop it. It's pointless to clean mold if it's only going to return! 

To clean mold: Remember to wear gloves and a facemask, since mold spores can be inhaled. Use a stiff brush, a non-ammonia detergent and hot water to scrub mold off of non-porous surfaces. Use a stiff bristle toothbrush to get in between tiles. You can also use a paste of baking soda and water. Don't rinse.

Resources:
Clean and Green (Library Journal, 1990), by Annie Berthold Bond.
The Safe Shopper's Bible (Macmillan, 1995), by David Steinman and Samuel S. Epstein.

Doula & Massage

I am not sure if any of you are looking for a doula...for most of us, having a second baby is the furthest thought from our mind. ;)

However, if you are looking for an excellent recommendation ---> look no further!

Mollie Bollers was my prenatal-masseuse and doula for Hunter and I am highly recommending her. She also performs postnatal massages. 

Here's her site. 

Recipe of the Week

In honor of my favorite holiday, Halloween, we will have a themed recipe each week until November. :) 

Maybe we can try some of them at our Halloween party? Hmmm...

Here's this week's recipe -- courtesy of Martha Stewart, of course.

"I SCREAM SANDWITCHES"

"Once upon a time, it seems, some wicked witches gathered around their hot cauldron and agreed upon a signature silhouette. So making instantly recognizable "sandwitches" is easy. Just use dark-and-dreary (chocolate) cookies and gruesome green (mint) ice cream. Then eat quickly. Wicked witches have a habit of melting -- these ones, especially."

For neat rounds of ice cream, snip away the carton with scissors, cut ice cream into 3/4-inch-thick slices, and make shapes with a 2 1/2-inch cookie cutter. Freeze leftovers in an airtight container.

Ingredients

Makes 8 (16 circles, 8 half circles)2 large egg whites
1 cup superfine sugar
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted2 tablespoons heavy cream1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
Mini candy-coated chocolates, for hats
Green mint-chocolate-chip ice cream
Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Put egg whites and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix 30 seconds. Mix in flour, cocoa, and salt. Mix in butter, cream, and vanilla; mix 30 seconds.Bake cookies: 

Using plastic lids or heavy card stock, cut out 1 circle (2 3/4 inches in diameter) and 1 half circle (4 1/2 inches long). Using the outlines as stencils, spread dough on a Silpat baking mat with an offset spatula to make 4 circles and 2 half circles.

 Transfer mat to a baking sheet; bake cookies until starting to set, 6 to 7 minutes.

Shape cones: Remove half circles with an offset spatula while still hot. With straight sides of cookies facing up, quickly bring edges together to form cones, holding until set. Repeat three more times with remaining dough.

Make sandwitches: Dip cones in melted chocolate to coat 1/4 inch of rims. Place cones on 8 whole cookies; press 1 candy onto band of each hat. Freeze until set, 10 to 20 minutes. Brush remaining 8 whole cookies on one side with melted chocolate. Freeze until set, 10 to 20 minutes. Cut ice cream using technique described above. Place on coated cookies; top with hats.

Martha Stewart Season Premiere

I have some exciting news!

I received a call today from the Audience Coordinator at Martha Stewart's Show. :) 

They want 10 of the West NY "Super Moms" to come to their Live Show on September 16th.

I'm psyched!

I know you will understand, but just to clarify how I chose the other 9 of us -->

 To be completely fair, I simply went in order of when each member was met and entered the group. Basically, whomever has been a member of our group the longest has been asked first. If they are unable to attend, then I went to the next person and so on. 

There are almost 25 of us in the group and unfortunately they didn't have tickets for all of us. 

I still don't have 10 confirmed yet but I will by Thursday of this week since that's our deadline to give the names to the show. 

If you aren't attending, be sure to DVR it and see if you can find us in the audience! They may not even pan to us but it'll be a fun deviation from another morning at home with little Hunter.

Crafting Baby Blocks

From Martha Stewart's second-run Show today:

Make your own baby blocks!! Sooooo cute! Check it out: DIY Project of the Week

Or if you don't have the time or creativity ;) ---> buy them here

Hunter Laughing

I just can't help it...I have to share this vid with you! 

Baby Pictures 8/28

This week's show is "The House Bunny". 

It looks silly but may be good if you need a laugh...or if you want to just get out of the house and you don't care what you are watching!

True Friends

This weekend's trip to Boston re-affirmed my feelings about what true friends are...not to get sappy on you but I feel the need to share. 

True friends invite you on trips that could be easier without the added challenge of a second baby's schedule in the mix. 

True friends are enthusiastic about your arrival even when you're venting about the 7-hour drive with traffic on the way there.

True friends allow you to feel comfortable being your real self...so you can be frustrated with your spouse for being late, excited by the Arctic Seal exhibit at the Aquarium, or exhausted when your baby cries through breakfast and they understand.

True friends celebrate each other's baby's accomplishments rather than compete by comparing who nursed longer, which baby walked first, etc. 

True friends contribute to conversations, voice their opinions, guide you through new experiences, and are there to listen.

True friends make the most of any situation because when you're a new parent, you learn to take full advantage of the time you are given with each other.

We're lucky to have found such true friends in our neighborhood. Thank you to our friendly fellow West New York Mommas & Poppas. :)

Boston Trip Pics

Here are some pics from our weekend trip to Boston ...see more here: Boston Trip.

Second Saturdays

Join us for a fun Family Luncheon on the Second Saturday of each month.

Our first event will be on Saturday, September 13th from 12 - 4pm in the Clubhouse.

More info to follow...

Ideas

If you have any ideas for the blog, please email me or tag it *by adding it to the shoutbox on the site*. 

I am considering adding a list of "Recommendations" that we can keep here.

Examples would be babysitters, nannies, kid-friendly restaurants, cleaning services, etc. 

What do you think?

In the meanwhile, I like to use http://www.kannekt.com when I need a local directory. There is also "hobokeni.com" and "hoboken411.com" but I use them less frequently.

Will the day ever come that we will have our very own established neighborhood without having to venture into Hoboken?

Romparoo Hoboken

For those of you interested in signing up for the Fall '08 session:

Their schedule is the same as posted except on Tuesdays there is a class from 1 - 2 pm for 6 - 12 month olds called Rock & Roll. 

More info is on their website *click the title of this post to be redirected*.

I think I am going to sign Hunter up for the Rock & Roll class. 

The session usually lasts 16 weeks and it begins on Sept 2nd. 

According to their site, it's about 16$ per class if you sign up for the entire session or $18 for a drop-in.

Pics of Our Tots

Just a reminder that every time I take pics of our little ones, I add them to our mac Gallery. Check them out by clicking on the title of this post.

 

If you would prefer not to have them posted, please contact me. 

Also, if you are looking for a Professional Photographer I have a recommendation. I'll post her information once I receive Hunter's pics and review them. Kellie has used her as well. She takes family, baby, and pregnancy pics.

Baby Pictures

Every Thursday is "Baby Pictures" at Edgewater's Cineplex. 

**Click on the title of this post to be redirected to the movie of the week by selecting NJ and then Edgewater from the participating movie list.**

This week's movie is:

Vicky Christina Barcelona - a love-triangle flick by Woody Allen.

Summer Olympics '08

This is the first year I've hardly watched them...mainly b/c I am too tired once I put Hunter down to do anything but clean up and fall asleep. ;)

However, the Chinese have gone above and beyond any Olympic spectacle I've ever seen! The opening ceremony was inventive and these gardens are beautiful:

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

This isn't from Martha Stewart, Rachel Ray, or Tyler Florence but it's quick and easy and mmmmmm delish!

Courtesy of Diana, Trav's cousin. :)

Since it is not a traditional commercial-style recipe (it was hand-written on a card) I have italicized the ingredients so it is shopping-list ready.

Bon Appetit!

FANTASTIC NEW YORK-STYLE CRUMB COFFEE CAKE

Grease & flour a 18" x 12" x 2" pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix together:

1 Box Duncan Hines Yellow Cake Mix

1 1/2 Teaspoons Vanilla

3 Eggs

1 1/3 Cups of Water

Beat for 2 minutes until blended. Pour into the prepared pan. It will be a thin layer. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until center is "set". It should not be wet if you do the toothpick test.

While the cake is baking, mix together the crumb topping:

1 lb butter *4 sticks* melted in a small glass bowl in the microwave

4 Cups of Flour

2 Cups of Sugar 

2 Tablespoons of Cinnamon

1 Teaspoon of Salt

Combine the dry ingredients then add the melted butter slowly to make a thick dough. When the cake is done and out of the over, crumble the crumb dough to the top of the cake with your hands. Put it back into the oven for 15 minutes.

When it is done baking, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Once cool, sprinkle confectioner's sugar on top and serve.

~ A Princess is Born ~

Mia Kaplan has arrived!

Saturday, August 16th, 2008

9:36 am

3.5 kg (7.7 lbs)

51 cm (20 in)

Martha Stewart Halloween Ideas

Yesterday I received a call from the Martha Stewart show. They are interested in inviting the "West New York Super Moms" to a taping of their show geared towards Mommies. I'll keep you posted with the details as I receive them.

In the meanwhile, to prep for our upcoming Halloween party, click on the title of this post to visit Martha Stewart's Halloween Idea page. There are great recipes, craft ideas, decor, DIY costumes, and pumpkin carving contest winners. 

Daily Candy Kids Edition

- Click on the title to sign up and stay "in the loop" with the latest activities, trends, shops, and toys for our kiddies. -

Intro

Hi Mommies!

I thought with all of the correspondence I send out it would be best to just create a blog that I could update. This way, those who are interested can view it and those who aren't do not have to be subjected to my countless email updates and the "reply all" threads that follow. :)

Check back often for new activities. I am going to attempt to incorporate a calendar into the site with events and weekly summaries.

Hugs,

Az & Hunter Boo ;)