Need a Dentist? Use our Mommy Friend! :)

Nomi and her husband opened their practice in Hoboken and they specialize in Children! :)

Check them out:

DENTIQUE

80 River Street

Penthouse Suite

Hoboken, NJ

201.79.TOOTH

Clearly, Hunter will be needing them. ; ) 

MINI SPA DAY #2!!

Join us on Sunday, November 16th from 10am - 12:30pm at Muse Spa.

Email me your RSVP so I can let Judy know the # of attendees and what services we want.

Last Spa Day was a success! Hope to see you there.

Second Saturdays Short-Lived

Not all good ideas end up working out.

Ideally, Second Saturdays were a time for new parents to get together and socialize while their kiddles had a playdate.

However, like so much in our busy lives, it became more of an obligation to attend and we went from 3 families our first time to 1 family showing up our second time attempting it.

So Second Saturdays are no longer...

And since we do plan so many activities as a group anyways, I don't think it will be missed. 

Sayonara Second Saturdays! 

Meet the Moms -- Rebecca

Forgive me for forgetting this, Bex! ;)

Meet Rebecca & Bella.

Bella is 6 months old and the youngest fashionista I've ever met. 

If you see them shopping, stop to chat!

-- Halloween Party --

Wow!!

I've gotten SO much feedback about the Halloween Party and I just can't hide it -- I am PSYCHED! :)

Halloween is my fave holiday of the year and last year I refused to celebrate it (since I was large and in charge as a preggy woman) so this year it means so much to me for all of us to get together, spend time with old friends, meet new ones, and eat candy. ;)

Here's just a little reminder (same as the emails I've been sending out):

WHERE: CLUBHOUSE (2nd floor of the Riverbend/Hudson Club Leasing Office) -- if you are our neighbor and don't know how to get in, please email me now or call me the day of. Don't bother the Leasing Staff for directions...they may turn you away if you are without a key fob. 

WHEN: 2 - 5pm. Trav thinks that's lame since Halloween parties should be at night -- I agree but we have kiddies to think about so 2 - 5pm was the latest I could stretch it without running into some of the early bed-time babies' schedules.

WHO: There are over 40 parents and 20 babies coming, give or take a tot or two for the preggies. Um, yeah. That's a pretty decent-sized gathering. In addition, Sia will be in attendance. She is the Grad Student journalist from Columbia who is doing a story on our party. 

WHAT: Potluck (bring a dish AND server -- I am not bailing anyone out this time b/c I have too much to bring as it is), Pumpkin Carving (there is a fun gift for first place -- bring your own pumpkin, carving kit, and newspaper for the "guts" -- carving will commence as soon as you arrive and will be judged at 4:30pm so us parents with mobile kiddies have time to chase after our children with knife in hand if need be - only joking!!), Pics and Costumes (babies should be dressed if you're into that type of thing -- Hunter is going to be a cowboy -- and parents feel free to dress up and let loose too -- Trav and I are going to be a Pharoah and Queen of Egypt), Movie Screening (Halloween-themed of course) and Scary Music, LOTS of GHASTLY DECOR (please bring one item of decor with you - it can be super simple or elaborate - no need to spend a ton of time or money but the more tricks and treats the better the bash.)

See you all there!!

Baby's Got Brand New Shoes...

I'm sitting here in my "office" (ha! anyone who has been here knows it's my living room with a makeshift desk area), eating SmartFood Popcorn (b/c nothing satisfies me before bed like a little white cheddar powder), and blogging about my baby boy growing up. Overall, it's a sad situation...

So Hunter has been showing interest in standing and walking. And when I say "showing interest" I mean he flaps his arms like little pterodactyl wings and screeches while attempting to pull himself up and stand for 2 seconds. It's humorous and adorable and --dare I say-- pathetic at times but it's also yet another sign that my baby is turning toddler on me and I best prepare myself. 

Since I can't emotionally prepare myself (AKA don't want to) I have taken to buying him big boy shoes. I'll admit. I was once the shoe snob single woman who said she'd never buy her child a pair of character shoes. That was before I saw a little girl screaming bloody murder at Target b/c they were out of Hello Kitty sandals in her size. Upon closer look, I too wanted the pink sparkly sandals and attempted to fit my too-big-for-my-height-Fred-Flinstone-foot into a Girl's size 13 sandal in front of this girl and her mother. It wasn't my proudest moment but I felt the little girl's pain. Anyhoo -- tangent -- I found the CUTEST pair of character shoes ever. 

The picture doesn't do them justice. They're 

black suede New Balance sneakers and the tongue is fuzzy cookie-monster material (you know what i mean if you watch Sesame Street). I heart them! And I am determined to stuff Hunter's chubby little baby foot into a pair by the time he's walking. 

I also made a few other purchases...a pair of Navy & Green leather Pumas (like this but different in every way)

baby blue shearling booties,

 Ugg's Baby Boy Boot 

(which is appropriately called "Boo" - my nickname for Hunter), and some Merrel Snow Boots

 (not that he'll be walking in the snow anytime soon but I wanted to be ready in case he went straight from arm-flapping to snow-angels.) I also thought I should invest in some Pedipeds in case Hunter decides (like he did with hand-clapping and waving) that walking and crawling are not for him. In that case, I am prepared to hire someone to just pick him up at his beck and call because his 24lb booty is getting too heavy for me to keep hauling around!

Pic in the Punkin Patch

:)  Here's our Punkin:

Wooden Toys

Some of you know I am a die-hard fan of wooden toys...they are nostalgic and non-toxic and the simple designs speak to me more than the gaudy plastic toys (which Hunter prefers, btw). 

For those of us who buy toys hoping that our children will one day love them as much as we do, I give you Plan Toys: site. And did I mention they are green? You're welcome.

Halloween Pics for the Tots -- The Cutest Bay-Bee

Awww, Yarden is TOO adorable in her vintage bee suit!

Recipe of the Week

Here it is, the last Halloween-themed Recipe of the Week in case some of you still need ideas for the party this Saturday:

Crescent Mummy Dogs (courtesy the Pillsbury website)

INGREDIENTS
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations™ refrigerated flaky dough sheet
2 1/2 slices American cheese, quartered (2.5 oz)
10 large hot dogs
Cooking spray
Mustard or ketchup, if desired


DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 375°F.
2. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; separate at perforations, creating 4 rectangles. Press perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; cut into 4 rectangles.
3. With knife or kitchen scissors, cut each rectangle lengthwise into 10 pieces, making a total of 40 pieces of dough. Slice cheese slices into quarters (1/2 slice cheese, cut in half).
4. Wrap 4 pieces of dough around each hot dog and 1/4 slice of cheese to look like "bandages," stretching dough slightly to completely cover hot dog. About 1/2 inch from one end of each hot dog, separate "bandages" so hot dog shows through for "face." On ungreased large cookie sheet, place wrapped hot dogs (cheese side down); spray dough lightly with cooking spray.
5. Bake 13 to 17 minutes or until dough is light golden brown and hot dogs are hot. With mustard, draw features on "face."

Trav's Birthday

Today is my hubby's Birthday so I planned a super special weekend for us. 

Saturday we went to Warwick (thanks for the rec, Roni!) to go apple-picking and to the pumpkin patch...it was c-c-c-cold but the warm cider and apple donuts warmed us up! 

Hunter was bundled in his Bugaboo and seemed to get a kick out of the pumpkins. He was beating on them like drums...is he learning from class?? Hmmmm...

When we got home we all took a nap together and then got ready for our adult night out.

My fave sitter, Allie, came to watch Hunter and Trav and I headed into the city for dinner at

 Revel and a comedy show at Gotham. 

We saw John Heffron. HILARIOUS. 

We got home at about 12:30am and I seriously can't remember the last time I was out that "late" in the city.

Sunday he played b-ball (his fave) while Hunter and I slept in. (Ahhh, to have a sleepy baby.) 

I made a big breakfast for us while he opened presents.

Then we went into the city again -- this time as a family -- to the Central Park Zoo (thanks for the tix, Sus!). Hunter was following all the animals with his eyes in absolute wonder. 

We used

 our new baby backpack and it worked really well for that setting. 

We stopped at a Pizzeria in the Upper West Side because I've been craving pizza for days.

This evening I made Trav a home-cooked dinner (which he doesn't get often since he works so late) and then we had ice cream cake to celebrate his Special Day. 

It was truly a weekend full of love and family and it felt great. I don't often feel that way since our extended family is so far away and today it felt like we were all here together, where we needed to be. 

Pizzavator

Does anyone else feel like a ravenous wolf cornering a helpless bunny when the Pizza Guy is in the elevator with you?

Is it just me?

All that melted cheese and fresh, hot dough aroma permeates every fiber in the metal cage and I want to steal his pizza and run to my apartment when the doors fling open on my floor.

I know. I have issues.

Or I'm just extra hungry.

Baby Pictures 10/23

We are SO going!!! :) 

The book was awesome...I recommend it == a real quick read.

Film: THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES
Rating: PG-13
Price: $6.50
Date: 10/23/2008
Time: 10:00 am

Warning Labels

The other day I was contemplating the fate of many women at the hands of a glass (or four) of good champagne and I came up with a brilliant idea. Well, maybe not brilliant but close enough.

Warning labels on champagne and other alcoholic beverages. I know, I get it...they already have warning labels. But they're for PREGNANT ladies!! We need labels to warn us that the consumption of alcohol could lead to pregnancy. 

Then I was reminded of another warning I got SUCH a kick out of when I was pregnant with Hunter. It's from a book called "Naptime is the New Happy Hour:"

Maybe prenatal vitamins should come with a warning label like other prescription medications. You know, the drugs that are meant to make you feel great but have a list of possible adverse reactions a mile long? The commercial for prenatals could show an extraordinarily loving family blissfully frolicking on the beach, while a soothing voice-over quickly rattles off the side effects, hoping you won't notice, "Having children may result in insomnia, hypersensitivity, fatigue, constant complaining, gingivitis, difficulty concentrating, irritability, premature graying, disinterest in sex, a filthy living room, uncontrollable urges to binge on salt and vinegar potato chips, mysterious weight gain, a tendency to forget your own phone number, an unhealthy obsession with germs, increased chance of financial ruin, confusion, and psychosis. Consult a doctor before you have children if you're edgy, interested in maintaining a career, or generally sane.

Monkey Bread -- Mmmmm...

I've made this super easy dessert before and thought I'd share. 

It appeals to me because when I was a little girl, my Mom gave me a cookbook called "How to Make Elephant Bread." 

Elephant Bread soon became my favorite childhood recipe -- bread with peanut butter and bananas. Mmmm...(also Elvis' fave)

Monkey Bread sounded just as fun as Elephant Bread, so I had to try it. :)

MONKEY BREAD

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cans (16.3 oz each) Pillsbury® Grands!® Homestyle refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, if desired
1/2 cup raisins, if desired
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease 12-cup fluted tube pan.
2. In large plastic food-storage bag, mix sugar and cinnamon. Separate dough into 16 biscuits; cut each into quarters. Shake in bag to coat. Arrange in pan, adding walnuts and raisins among the biscuit pieces.
3. Mix brown sugar and butter; pour over biscuit pieces.
4. Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until golden brown and no longer doughy in center. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Turn upside down onto serving plate; pull apart to serve. Serve warm.

Digital Scrapbooking

Kellie found a great site to use for digital scrapbooking: How Fast They Grow

It reminded me of an article I read in Parents magazine a few months ago that highlighted sites like this for a quicker more new-age way of documenting baby's milestones. 

Unfortunately I can't find the article nor do I have it in me to do an online search but here are a few other sites for this purpose:

One True Media

I use OTM (above) every year as an Anniversary present to Trav. I make a DVD of a slideshow with music of all the good pics from the year before. It's a nice keepsake to have.

Smile Box

This one (above) is great for quick, free projects you can send out via email.

Kolo

Fancier, not as involved or creative as How Fast They Grow -- but definitely beautiful albums.

There are many other options out there. We've used Picaboo before as well. 

Thanks, Kellie! As the babies turn 1 soon, we need to get a move on with their albums!! :) 

Mail Goggles

This is HI.LARIOUS.

Seriously, where was this during my single days?

Gmail has launched a new feature that you program in your email preferences -- you tell it what time of day you would most likely be drunk -- and it asks difficult math questions before it sends out your email to prevent the email equivalent of "drunk & dialing".

Check it out.

October -- Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Here's a list of beauty products from Vogue that benefit BCA: Link

Recipe of the Week

GHOSTLY PUMPKIN PUDDING

Pudding:
1 package gelatin
2 cups whole milk
1 cup sugar
6 large egg yolks (reserve 2 whites for topping)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1 (15-ounce) can pure pumpkin puree

Topping:
2 large egg whites
1/3 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 pinch fine salt
Small candy, for eyes

For pudding:
Put 1 tablespoon of cold water in a large bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over the surface, do not stir, and set aside until gelatins softens and blooms
Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a saucepan that can hold a stand mixer's bowl above the water. Whisk milk, sugar, yolks, cinnamon and salt in a heat-proof bowl. Set the bowl above the boiling water and cook, stirring constantly with a heat-proof spatula, until mixture begins to thicken and coats the back of a spoon and almost boils, 10 to 12 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat and pour over the gelatin, whisking constantly until gelatin is completely dissolved and evenly distributed. Whisk in pumpkin until combined and completely smooth.
Evenly divide mixture into 12 small 3-ounce cups (paper works fine) and refrigerate until set, about 4 to 8 hours.

For topping:
Bring a few inches of water to a boil in a saucepan that can hold a stand mixer's bowl above the water. Whisk the 2 egg whites, sugar, cream of tarter, and salt in the bowl by hand. Set the bowl above the boiling water and continue whisking until the mixture is hot to the touch and the sugar dissolves, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer bowl to mixer and beat with the whisk attachment at medium-high speed until eggs hold a stiff peak, about 5 minutes.
Spoon topping onto puddings in the shape of a ghost. Decorate with candy eyes and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Copyright 2008 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved
Halloween 2008 Web

Halloween Pics for the Tots -- A Few More

Check the gallery here to view all of the pics.

Here are a few from this weekend...

Too cute!

I didn't dress Hunter up again this time but he got in on the fun nekkid-style. 

Baby Pictures 10/16

Baby Pictures this week:
Edgewater Multiplex Cinemas
Film: CITY OF EMBER
Rating: PG
Price: $6.50
Date: 10/16/2008
Time: 10:00 am

Love Every Moment

As new Moms, we cherish our little ones and hardly need anyone to tell us to cuddle and coddle and adore our babies. 

That being said, we also have our moments of slight insanity where we feel like a well-deserved break is in order.

This story will make you rethink those feelings...even if they are justifiable.

When I created this blog a few months ago, I tried a couple of web-site "titles" before coming up with the one we currently use.

One of the web-site addresses I tried was this one.

I was intrigued by another set of West New York Mommies and read their blog.

One of the Mommies lost her daughter to a SIDS-like tragedy. 

She writes emotionally and candidly about her loss.

It's difficult to read and you'll be sobbing within minutes -- but every time I read her sad story I remind myself how thankful I am for Hunter and how special it is to be a Mommy.

Playground Politics

Yesterday was Hunter's first day at the Playground.

He went on the swing and LOVED it!!

It was too cute.

He kicked his legs like a little froggy every time I pushed him.

It's funny how having a little one helps you see the world through new eyes again...

I can see the playground from our living room so I scoped it out prior to going to make sure he'd get a turn on the swing. If it was too busy I wasn't going to go.

As I walked to the playground, there was a little girl on the swing who had been on since I was at home. She hopped off the swing, ran around the playground for about 45 seconds, and as Hunter and I approached the swing her mom put her back in it.

Then they hung out on the swing for 15 minutes while Hunter and I stood there waiting.

I don't know the playground rules...it was my first time there...but common courtesy would tell you that if your child had been on the swing already and if someone was there before you about to put their baby in the swing, you would wait your turn.

Since I was a newbie and I wasn't interested in causing any problems, I bit my tongue.

However I am often amazed at how some Moms in social settings have little interest in setting good examples for their children when it comes to sharing, taking turns, and neighborly behavior. 

Aside from that one Mom, the rest of the Mommies at the playground were super sweet and I was excited thinking that Hunter is entering a more active phase and I will start having playground Mommy friends, too. 

It will be short-lived this year since the weather is changing but none-the-less...

Who's in for the playground tomorrow?

Halloween Pics for the Tots

Hi Moms!

For those interested, tomorrow is the last day I am offering to take pictures of your little ones in costume in an Autumnal setting for Halloween. 

Email me if you want to set it up -- the time I have set for it is 12 - 1pm tomorrow however I am flexible if your baby is in child care.

Here's a sampling of what we've done so far:

The Skinny on Cloth Diapers

So I've gotten QUITE a lot of questions about the Cloth Diapers since I made the switch.

I am not a CD Warrior, we only use them part-time for now (no nights, no traveling, no babysitters). 

I am in no way attempting to persuade anyone to do what we've chosen to do - like everything else baby, it's a personal decision.

However, for those of you who have asked I have some info.

First of all, it's SOOOOO easy! 

It's literally identical to disposables except you have to wash them. 

Really not a big deal. 

Most moms won't blink twice at an extra load of daily laundry. 

The kind I use are called pocket diapers...which means there is a pocket in the crotch-area (yeah, that's the actual term...) and you put a cloth pad inside. You can use terry cloth or hemp

 or whatever else you'd like...mine came with terry cloth inserts. 

I've tried both Bum Genius and Fuzzi Buns and I think the latter is more difficult so I've been buying more of the Bum Genius brand. 

They are velcro, just like a disposable, and easier to manipulate around a writhing baby. 

Fuzzi Buns have snaps and Hunter doesn't have the patience.

Surprisingly, they wick away moisture so he is dry even when his diaper is wet.

In addition, the fabric is SO easy to clean -- (no stains yet even with the big messes) -- that when there is a poopy diaper (TMI coming up) it rinses right out without soaking in.

Here's what you use to clean the #2 diapers: 

It attaches to your toilet...just a quick rinse off, flush, and then put the diaper in a bag until you are ready to load your washer. Easy! It takes an extra 5 minutes or less per poopy diaper but it's super easy and not at all gross, otherwise I wouldn't be doing it!

If you have any other questions, feel free to email me.

Overall, I love that I am being kinder to Hunter's toosh, better to Mother Earth, and more cost-conscious. 

The diapers can be purchased for between $17 - $21 each -- but knowing I can reuse them for months rather than spending $140 per month on diapers is a breath of fresh, unpolluted air. ;) 

Bowling Night at Lucky Strike

Hey Moms & Dads!

Trav & I noticed Lucky Strike (right across the River) is about to open soon. 

Exciting!!

We love bowling (okay, HE loves bowling...I love trash-talking and drinking beer) and thought it would be fun to arrange a Baby-Free Bowling Night in the city.

Mid November?

I'll look into details...

Baby Pictures 10/9

This week's line-up:
Edgewater Multiplex Cinemas
Film: NICK AND NORAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST
Rating: PG-13
Price: $6.50
Date: 10/9/2008
Time: 10:00 am

Mini Spa Day #2??

How does everyone feel about another monthly Spa Day?

Last month's was a success...

The only feasible day this month would be Sunday, October 19th from 11:30 - 1:30pm.

How does that work for everyone interested?

If it's a go, I'll call Muse. 

See last post about it for more info -- we had SUCH a great time!

Second Saturdays #2

REMINDER: 

This weekend is our 2nd Second Saturday (I know, repetitious) in the Clubhouse.

12 - 4pm.

All families welcome. 

Bring a treat or drink to share. 

Bring a blanket and toys for the little ones to play on. 

Hubbies normally play pool and watch the games. 

Mommies sit and gossip and vent and eat and play and rest and rock and soothe and feed and............ ;) 

Hope to see you there!

Not to get Politic-Y but...

For those of you who watched the VP Debate last week and didn't catch SNL this weekend, you're welcome:

Music Together Pics

Thanks so much, Olga, for these pics of class! :) 

Click here to view.

Meet the Moms -- Rena

This is Rena.

Her daughter, Raphaella, is 7 months old.

Rena and Raphaella just returned from visiting family in Hawaii.

If you see them around, say ALOHA!

Meet the Moms -- Kanchana

Please welcome Kanch to our group!

She was introduced to us through Rena.

Here is what she has to say about her little one:

"My daughter Sydney was born on Sept. 22, 2008 (only four days before my own birthday on the 26th). I guess she wanted to have her own special day and didn't want to share with me! :-)"

What a doll her daughter is!

Please give her a warm welcome if you see her about.

Recipe of the Week

These are from Martha Stewart's Cookie of the Day Collection:

SWEET BONES

Ingredients
(Makes about 18)
6 large egg whites
1 1/2 cups sugar

Directions
Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Put egg whites and sugar in the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer. Set bowl over a pan of simmering water; whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved and mixture feels warm to the touch, about 5 minutes.
Return bowl to mixer, and fit mixer with the whisk attachment.Beat on high speed until very stiff peaks form, about 8 minutes.
Transfer meringue to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch plain round tip, such as a Wilton #1A. Pipe bone shapes, each 5 to 6 inches long, onto two baking sheets lined with parchment paper (as shown below). Bake until crisp throughout, about 1 hour. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Meet the Moms -- Susie

This is Susie.

Her son, Kaviraj, is almost 11 months old! Big boy!

He is an active crawler -- keeping his Mommy on her toes. :)

Be sure to say hi if you see them walk by!

Big Boy

I've noticed even more numbness in my back recently when I pick up Hunter and today I know why. It's his "8-month Birthday" and he is 22.2 lbs!! Holy moly. Everyone says when they start crawling the babes "thin out" but Hunter has NO desire to crawl and I am secretly happy I don't have to baby proof yet. :)

Here he is looking up at me with his head in my lap (upside down):

Halloween Pics

Hi Moms!

I am taking Halloween pictures at my place this and next Friday from 12 - 1pm for those interested.

I haven't set up a staging area yet but here's the first attempt...it was a spur of the moment set of shots but the kiddies were too cute!!

Check out the gallery: Halloween 08

Meet the Moms -- Erin

Here's Erin and her 7-month old son, Riley.

They enjoyed swim class with us this summer.

If you see them around the block, say hello!