My Monday Musings

Today's musing is brought to you by yesterdays stream of consciousness post. There isn't a day that goes by where I feel overwhelmed as a mother. I spend more days with just Spencer than anything else and after a day of tantrums and whining, it can make you wonder how everyone else does it.

When I get a chance to hop online and I read about a mommy blogger with several kids under 3 and see all she has accomplished, I can't help but wonder. I will see how she managed to run errands, get the house clean and cook a fabulous meal and still managed to look hot for her husband when he gets home. Or maybe she works part-time and still manages all these things. I have to wonder what in the heck is wrong with me?





Add to that the fact that some blog every day and well you can just stamp fail on my forehead. For goodness sake I have ONE child. It shouldn't be this hard, right? Of course now I am pregnant and that's sapping the life out of me but still. WAH!

I have seen plenty of bloggers ask those that seem to have their act together, how they do it. You know what? I have yet to see an answer. Seems everyone is looking for more time in the day or some way to organize their day but the ones that truly have it together? Their lips are sealed...

Do you feel you have it together? How do you do it? Any tricks or tips you care to share? Trust me, a lot of us would be grateful!

Stream of Conciousness Sunday: You're Doing It Wrong

I've decided to give this weekly meme a try today. i've had a lot of things swirling in my mind all week and figured getting at least one of them out without trying to be perfect would be somewhat helpful.

Last week I flew to Boston with the Hubbs and Spencer. We went to see my brother and his wife, who moved up there for grad school. I use to love flying but now that I'm 6 months pregnant and have a child that doesn't undertand the meaning of no and quiet, it's hard. When Hubby is around to help it is easier. I gladly take the bags and strollers and let him deal with chasing Spencer around.

But when I am alone and doing it. I feel like I am doing it wrong. I feel like everyone is watching me and thinking "look at that mom, she fails." I lose my patience, I raise my voice. I even spank. I can feel my face get red as I chase Spencer, who has for the 100th time decided to go wandering.

If I put him in his stroller, it's better and I can ignore the crying and whimpering that ensues but then I am that other mother. The one that let's her child wail and bother those around her. I feel like I can't win. And since I am moving slower every day, it's just a moatter of time before he ends up hurt. Or at least that is how I feel.

I am doing it wrong. But at the end of the day, at the nd of a flight, someone actually told me I was a great mom. It did volumes for my ego. So thank you kind passenger. THank you.


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So there it was, my 5 minute stream of consciousness post. It wasn't so bad...but dang, 5 minutes goes awful fast!

Want to try it yourself? Head on over to All Things Fadra and link up.

Fashionable Friday and Other Things

Nope, you didn't miss it. Miss what? Why my weekly bump update, of course. I've been traveling this week and between that and feeling like a sloth, things can sure pile up. But I did manage to get a picture on week 25 day 5. So here it is:



Dear baby girl,

Yes, you've moved up in the weekly updates. I can't call you a bump any longer, as I know you are growing very fast and packing on the weight. And along with all that growth? Well, mommy is moving slow and feeling like a sloth. I have to really push myself to get up and go. Or go, go, go as Spencer would say.

Lately he has really taken to giving you kisses and hugs. It really is very sweet and I only hope they continue when he realizes that you will require a lot of the time he use to occupy. I worry about that a lot. Of course everyone says he will adjust and I know he will...eventually. But I still worry.

I have only one request...can you do something about the heartburn? Especially at night? Can you talk to someone in my belly and let them know I will gladly take the heartburn, just not at night! I need my beauty sleep.

Time is flying by...soon enough I will be looking into your tiny face and trying to figure out if you look like me or daddy. Amazing.

Love,
Mommy

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And now onto Fashionable Friday.

Going along with my Monday musing, I am going to talk about travel fashion! That's right, there is such a thing, so sit back and make sure your trays are in their upright and locked position.

When I was in college I use to fly looking pretty bum like. I flew wearing what I found comfortable. I wasn't really worried about impressing anyone and I didn't pack light. I was one of those annoying people with a bag overstuffed that they can't even lift!

I'm not sure when that changed but I do remember my college crush dropping me off at the airport and commenting on how rough I looked. I don't remember the exact comment (he probably does) but it was something about how I should care because I never knew who I could/would meet. Talk about blow to the ego, no wonder we never dated.

Anyway, that probably marked a change in the way I started dressing to fly. Back in the day passengers use to dress up to fly. Men wore suits and women wore their Sunday best. It was a big deal to be able to afford a ticket and fly across several states in a few hours. We've forgotten this and it's time we remembered.

This is not to say that you can't be comfortable when you fly, you can. Let's just stay away from things like jeans with holes, shoes that look like they've been through a meat grinder and tops that leave nothing to the imagination.

Speaking of shoes, they come off at security so you best bet is something that you can slip on and off. I've done the high boots or shoes with laces and it's just a big hassle. If you must wear them, stick them in a bag, wear your slip-ons and then throw the slip-ons in your purse.

The other item that I never leave home without when flying? A pashmina shawl. I use it as a scarf and can also use it as a blanket or nursing cover. If you come to Atlanta there is a placed called Bijoux Turner that sells them in every color imaginable for 10$. No, they are thick but they get the job done, trust me!

Stay away from too many accessories, as you never know what will set off an alarm at security. One place it may be your bracelet, another the wires in your bra. If you want to save the embarrassment for a thorough pat down, less is more when traveling.


And while we are talking about less being more, let's talk about those carry on's! Yes, I know all the airlines are now charging to check bags and it sucks. But people, if you can't LIFT it safely and without help, then it's too full! I know a lot of you are thinking if it's too big, they will check it at the gate. And you are right, they will and for free. But trust me, it's only a matter of time before the airlines figure a way to get you there too. So be smart, check your bag and only take you essentials with you.

As a mom, I am bogged down when we fly and I check a bag. A bag that has both my and Spencer's clothing and shoes. My carry on is a backpack with my laptop and his treats and diapers and my purse items. I try to fit as much as I can in the checked bag because chasing a toddler through the terminal with more than a backpack is just punishing myself.

So there you have it...take pride in what you travel in, travel light and finally...enjoy your destination!

Need more tips? Want more advice? Shoot me an email, I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about the travel industry.

From our family to yours...

*this picture is from Thanksgiving 2009. Spencer had maybe 3 teeth but that didn't stop him from grubbing on our small feast.

My Monday Musings

Today's musing is brought to you by the letter's T, S, and A. That's right I'm going to be talking about the T.S.A. It's the #1 topic on the national nightly news, no matter what anchor you choose to watch. I usually don't put my two cents in about things pertaining to flying because I have a different insight to those things. But with this one...I just couldn't keep my mouth shut. So bear with me, whether you agree or not.

The T.S.A was created after 9/11 and when you think about what happened that day, it seemed like a great idea. But honestly, it was probably created too quickly. Many of the agents didn't have to have ANY specialized training. And in certain airport they were on power trips, which I witness more than once. Also, nothing was ever the same depending on which airport you were flying in and out of. But as travelers we adjusted and grinned and bared it when travel rules changed.

Okay, no problem. I am all for safety when it comes to flying. It's my husband's job and I want him to be safe and in turn, all those that fly with him to be safe as well. I took pride in my fellow Americans and how no matter what the rules, if someone was going to be a douche on a plane - we weren't going to take it.

Sadly this doesn't apply to the T.S.A. When they are douchey, we can't disagree. And now? Now we are subject to some serious pat downs. And I'm okay with this, because it's all in the name of safety. I mean someone who is bold enough to put explosives in their freaking underwear, is hardcore. And a little stupid - but that's another post. So pat me down if you must and get your jollies if you're so inclined.

BUT, that's right there is a BUT. Let's be realistic T.S.A. Strip searching children? Embarrassing older folks? And my favorite that I've seen first hand, making an elderly woman in a wheelchair get out of her chair so she can go through the mega-scanner. The poor woman could barely stand on her own!

Profiling may be wrong but let's get real. Does a family with 3 children, baby bags, strollers and car seats warrant a pat down? Does a child? How about someone that can't even stand alone? How about we listen to the passenger that is trying to tell you that they have an outside urine bag? Let's use some commonsense, T.S.A. People are already on edge and you aren't making things better. I am all for the pat downs, I just think you need to use more commonsense when picking the passengers.

And people, having a pat down protest? All you are doing is creating even more traffic during a busy travel time. I understand your frustration but you will further frustrate your fellow man by being in THE WAY. Get your message across just get out of the way.

No matter what your opinion on this matter...you do have a choice. You can choose not to fly. Amtrak and Greyhound will gladly take your money. Not down with them? There's always the option to drive. Over the hills and through the woods to grandmother's house you go...

Fashionable Friday: Rewind

Before I officially deemed Friday's fashionable on my blog, I did intend to try and talk about more fashion in general. I call today another rewind because I am pimping the second post I ever did after revamping my blog. I present that to you today:


Fashionable Friday, before it was official.





Happy Friday!

24 weeks 5 days

All week I was a day off and when it came time to do this post, I realized it was actually Thursday instead of my normal Wednesday. No matter, belly still the same size.



Dear Bump,

I must admit, it's time to stop calling you bump because as you can see, you are far from what anyone would consider a bump. You are quite out there and you don't let me forget it.

Just this week I complained about how much you move...it feels like it's all day long. Except when Daddy wants to feel and then suddenly you are still. But if you here Spencer or feel him near, you go into overdrive. Have you felt him pushing against you in glee? He does you know...we are trying to get him to understand that he needs to be easy. That's going to be a work in progress...

Daddy has decided that we will give you your own room and possibly a new crib. I was all set on just having Spencer's crib in our room and calling it a day. You already have Daddy wrapped around your finger and he hasn't even seen you yet. Lucky girl!

Found a great crib set at Pottery Barn.
Maybe someone will see it and get it for you!

Love,
Mommy

My Monday Musings

When you're pregnant, it's apparently okay for people to ask the obvious when they really mean something else. Example? Someone asking my sister if I was pregnant. To me it's obvious that 1. I am and 2. It's not fat.

I let my eyebrows go and having my makeup done reminded me that I have to do a bit more than dress to look put together. Oops...

Getting my makeup done also made me realize that I am no longer a spring chicken. While the makeup looked great...getting it all off was not fun. It was like removing glue from paper.

Went to a new place to eat while I was in Florida and received the slowest service ever. And then got overcharged. The waiter wasn't even apologetic. If I hadn't asked about our food, it would have came out even later than it did. Companies, treat your customers kindly and be conscience of their time. They will tell their friends.

When did Christmas shopping get so hard? The only person it's easy to shop for? Spencer! Everyone else? So not fun...

That's all I got this week. See ya next Monday.

23 weeks 4 days

Dear Bump,

Here we are almost at the 6 month mark! I can't believe the time has flown by and in just a few months I will be holding you in my arms.

You have been quite the mover and shaker and your kicks are steadily becoming stronger and more pronounced. Are you thinking of taking up martial arts? Or maybe you are practicing your jete's and will be the ballerina I always wanted to be?

I have been shopping a bit more for you and must admit, it is quite fun. But I think the real fun will be when you are here and I can see your personality and buy accordingly. Maybe you will be a tomboy and run and play in the yard with your brother? Or maybe you will be all girly girl and love all things pink and sparkly?

Love,
Mommy

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

That's right with Halloween just a faded memory, the weather getting colder and the days shorter...it's holiday time.

For years I would buy my Christmas cards on sale after the previous Christmas in order to be one leg up in November. I am the friend that has my cards ready for the mail the day after Thanksgiving. Yep, I was mighty proud of that fact. But then I became a mom and doing anything in advance...well, that's actually pretty funny.

Last year I was on the ball and that's probably because after getting so many cool photo holiday cards, I decided to do one for our family as well. I wish I had a copy of it to show, just know it was awesome. So awesome that I had friends tell me they couldn't wait to see what I come up with this year. Yes, I've been thinking about our Christmas card ALL YEAR.

Thankfully this year I have some awesome help for our cards...Shutterfly! They have so many gorgeous designs and options that I am having a hard time deciding on just one.

Do I go with more traditional Christmas cards? Or maybe another photo card? Can you see why I am having such a hard time deciding?

Right now I have three favorites...but being preggo those are always subject to change! These are my current faves, aren't they beautiful?

 

As part of Shutterfly’s 2010 Holiday Card collection promotion, I volunteered to write a post about Shutterfly’s holiday cards in exchange for 50 free holiday cards. If you would like to receive 50 free holiday cards, please visit their blogger promotion.

My Monday Musings

Just a few random things that have been on my mind the last week or so...some may sound like complaints and that's okay to, cause if I can't complain here, where can I do it?


People that won't make a big deal about special things/events/happenings in your life but expect you to jump over the moon for them. This really annoys me, it's like when something great happens to you they are ho-hum but if the same thing were to happen to them they act like it is the first time and everyone should recognize. It seems petty and I can be the bigger person...but honestly? Most of the time I don't want to be the bigger person. It's a role I've had to play my whole life.

Toddlerhood...I thought it was suppose to be sweet. And many days it is but there are some days that tear me down in ways I didn't know possible. I had no qualms about motherhood being hard. I wasn't someone that needed a child to complete me, and I wasn't fooled into thinking it would be easy. It is easily the hardest job I have ever had and I don't get a break from it. But on bad tantrum days? I feel like I've fallen down a hole chasing a white rabbit...

When I tell people we are expecting a little girl, the response is totally different than when we told people we were expecting a boy. Each and every time. It's like they are more giddy. Why aren't boys something to be giddy over? I was ecstatic when I found out Spencer was a boy!

Well that's all I got for today. Stay tuned, I hope to continue this Monday Musings bit every week.

Fashionable Friday: Other Mothers

I know, you're thinking "other mothers?" What the heck is she going to talk about today? And what do other mothers have to do with fashion. Keep reading and you will see.

Immediately after becoming a mother and taking the baby out to the store to run an errand or pick up groceries I noticed them. The other mothers. You know the ones I am talking about...they are pushing a stroller and maybe have a toddler and look calm, cool and put together. I wanted to be one of these other mothers and yet, 21 months later (and pregnant with #2 to boot) I am not.

Yes, there are days I hve my hair done and put on a cute outfit and do my makeup and feel good, and then I see one of those moms and I begin to doubt myself. It happens to all of us, at one time or another. We find ourselves thinking the other mom has it so much better, when in reality? We really don't know.

This doesn't stop us from looking and comparing, which leads me to what I did just the other day. And how I realized need to spend more time focusing on me each week. We were at the mall and before I was a mom, I would not have noticed any of the other mothers and their strollers, baby bags and children. But I did this time.

I was dressed in maternity jeans, soft turtleneck and my Old Navy sweater. I paired it with some leopard print flats and was good to go.

Now to give you some background, the nearest mall to us is pretty ghetto. They don't even have a Gap, which is where I needed to go so we went into the city of Atlanta in order to hit the closest Gap with maternity wear. The mall is close to the "snobby" part of town. It has it's share of Buckhead Betty's along with your typical mall folk.

When you work in corporate America, you tend to forget that malls are open during the week and there are actually parking spaces near the entrances. You forget that you don't have to fight crowds to browse and get customer service. What the mall is full of? Moms and their babies, baby bags, strollers and mom friends. And I noticed.

I noticed the mom with a newborn and looking like she'd never had a baby. I noticed the mom with the Hunter Jimmy Choo boots and Tory Burch pink trench. I noticed the mom with the designer stroller and baby bag. If you ask my husband? He will not have noticed these women. But I did and I compared.

And while I noticed clothing and bags and strollers, there was one mom in particular that I noticed. Maybe it was because we happen to sit across from her at lunch. Or maybe it was the way she looked so pulled together but not like she had tried.

This was when I realized that I could be the same. I had dressed and liked the way I looked but I could do more. This mom, she had her simple jewelry on, a beautiful designer bracelet and watch. Simple. She ha her hair in place but nothing fancy, no highlights, no blonde. Just brown and long. Her clothes were nothing fancy, sweater, jeans, flats. But what struck me? Was the fact that she had her nails painted. Not with a french manicure, just a simple dark color on short nails.

As I sat there and watched her interact with her baby and her husband, I knew I should be doing more. What keeps me from giving myself a manicure and painting my nails? While I don't have tons of time, I have a few hours before bed where I can do it. What keeps me from wearing more than earrings when I go out? I have a draw full of bracelets and necklaces and yet I only wear them when I travel. Or get super dolled up.

But why do I only do it then? I keep stressing how the little things can help us go from frump to fab and yet I still have a hard time implementing these small things. I deserve to look good and feel good. If it means slapping some paint on my nails, why don't I do it?

Most of the time when we compare ourselves to the other moms, it's turns into how inadequate we feel. How they look better, are better moms and we see ourselves struggling. But in this case? I'm glad I took a look around because it made me really open my eyes. Open my eyes to the fact that I CAN and SHOULD do more. I can't be a good mom and wife if I don't feel my best.

How about you? Ever see another mom and actually have an aha moment?

22 weeks 4 days

Dear Bump,

Whoa, where did that belly come from? What are you eating in there?? I don't remember really thinking I was big until we got to the last two months. But now? Yep, anytime I see you in the mirror I am shocked. I especially love the way you hang over the lip of my leggings. Guess it's too late to tone. Oh well!

This week you introduced me to braxton hicks. I can safely say I was okay not meeting him. I didn't get/feel them with your brother but then again I was able to take it easy. Now your brother keeps me on my toys and I don't have much downtime. Hope this won't effect you too much.

I found the cutest little slippers for you at the Gap. They are silver with star on them and while I am not fond of the whole newborns in shoes, I could not resist. Shopping for you is so easy, where it was harder for your brother. The clothes for girls are just saw adorable. I look forward to dressing you and your brother in similar colors for pictures.

Love,
Mommy