tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4909105845004663792024-03-05T04:13:59.558-05:00And Then There Were ThreeAll about me and my three guys :)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-39396362202720196482012-06-17T11:56:00.000-04:002012-06-17T11:56:14.623-04:00Been a Long TimeSo I have a million blog posts running around in my head, but no motivation to write them...B, I hope you don't hold it agains me when you get older, as I still want to leave you a complete chronicle of your first year. That said, I have more than a few updates that I hope to at least get out over the next week or so.<br />
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B's 8 month updates are coming first, followed by an update on our move and new house and our transition to our current time and space.<br />
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All is going very well though and I am just constantly amazed at these two little boys. I won't mention the COMPLETE meltdown that J had literally ALL DAY yesterday though. Let's just leave that in the past.<br />
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So I guess the whole father's day thing has brought me to blog today. I can't stomach facebook right now with all my friends posting the obligatory picture of their dad while taking some time to publically extoll praises. Yeah, I get it. I just sit and wonder how many realize and cherish what a gift their fathers are. I just really want to be able to hug my dad or pick up the phone to hear his voice. And now that we are in the same city, I would give anything to have him in my life and teaching my boys all the stuff he knows. I would have loved more than anything for him to see, hold and love baby B like only he would. But I won't get that chance and for lack of a better way to explain it, it just plain sucks. Two plus years later, I still don't understand why he's not here. I still have a hard time accepting his death and I still find myself mixed with anger and sadness daily. Uhhhhh! I am thankful for friends like Amina and Kristy who traveled this path before me, LaShara who walks with me and Katoiya as she's going through all the "firsts" without her dad. I just find it so tough to celebrate life sometimes when I'm still in the midst of mourning.<br />
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At the same time, I put on a happy face today and try to keep the tears at bay. After all, I do celebrate big J and the dad he is to my boys. I appreciate what he is to me and to them. He does an amazing job with the boys and steps up more than most. One look at the boys and their interaction with him and you know that he's their hero. Though I could do with a little less wrestling in the house, I know that he's perfect for them :)<br />
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So I guess I'm back to blogging so to speak. Let me see if I can get things going this week.<br />
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Thanks for hanging in there with me!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-72641259741672475632012-05-13T17:45:00.000-04:002012-05-13T17:45:13.440-04:00Two Special DaysB, yesterday you turned 7 months old! Bitter sweet cause now you are closer to a year old than you are to a newborn. Of course, it continues to be amazing watching you grow and come into your own.<br />
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Today, we celebrate mother's day...my fifth as a mother and first as a mother of two. On this day, I am reminded on how blessed I am, how amazing it is to watch both of my boys grow and thrive. The sleepless nights and sometimes stressful days...I wouldn't trade them for anything. I am more than blessed to be called your mommy!<br />
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As for B, here are some updates on your 7th month:<br />
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-Your personality is starting to show big time. You are still a charmer and will laugh and smile, your smile lights up the room. But if you are not impressed by something, around strangers or just trying to figure something out, you remain stoic and puzzled. It's cute though.<br />
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-You have two teeth on the bottom and I think one is trying to cut through on the top.<br />
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-You can now get up on all fours and rock back and forth. You want to just take off so badly, but you haven't put it all together yet. Selfishly, I am enjoying your non-mobile stage, so I am not in a rush for you to crawl or walk...But you, well, you want to follow your brother and play with him, so I know you'd rather figure it out sooner rather than later.<br />
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-You are still eating stage 2 organic baby food items. Your favorites include oatmeal and rice cereal, carrots and anything flavored with fruit. You do not like green beans, but you will eat peas every now and again. But you are not eating and sampling table food. You want a taste of whatever it is when someone is eating around you. You enjoy pieces of bread, french fries and had your first ritz cracker a few days ago. You will suck and chew on organic teething biscuits and organic puffs as well. You just like the idea of eating what we are eating. Dad even let you taste a little lemonade...you loved that, but we aren't making that a normal occurance just yet :)<br />
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-Sleep, well, no progress there. You are still waking up several times a night. You eat and go back to bed, so it's not that bad, but yeah, I am tired. I feel like I have tried everything in the book short of letting you scream your head off, and it doesn't seem to be working. Just wondering when you'll turn the corner with this sleep thing.<br />
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-Your hair is growing in big time. It's getting long and thick. It's still straight in the front and you can see little curls in the back. Cute!<br />
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-You have found your voice and now you know when to express displeasure. If we take something from you that you are into, you will scream at us and start to cry. Conversely, when you are happy, you coo and talk lovingly to us.<br />
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-No updates right now for your weight and height, though I don't think you've sprouted that much over the past four weeks.<br />
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-And btw, much to dad's displeasure, you waited until yesterday to have your first blow out on his shirt and pants...we were at one of our favorite restaurants and let's just say operation clean the poop was in full effect. yuck!<br />
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So I think that's it for now. I am sure I have missed something. I will update more later.<br />
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Happy mother's day to the one who taught me what being a mother was all about. I love you mommy! I can only hope to be half the mother you are :)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-30588954597530180202012-05-05T16:08:00.000-04:002012-05-05T16:08:39.196-04:00My Kinda DayToday is the first Saturday in a LONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGG time where we could just relax and go with the flow. And when I say "LONG" I mean in ages, since probably before B arrived. And thanks to the help and love, I actually managed to get back to sleep after my early wake up call and sleep until 10am! After that, I ate, relaxed (see the theme here?), took a long bath and got right back in my most comfy, favorite spot. I just love days like today. B is sleeping by my side. J is being spoiled by Mimi and all is right with the world at this moment. Let me take a minute to inhale and exhale....
Okay, I'm back.
Aside from that, things are going okay. B, you are still in this crazy sleep pattern that we can't seem to break. I think even you realize that waking up to eat just isn't the business anymore because you hardly every even want to finish your bottles. But you go down between 8pm and 9pm, wake up around midnight to eat, then you are up again anytime between 2:30am and 3am to eat again. Then you are usually up for the day around 6am, maybe 7am if we're lucky. We've tried just about everything, but you aren't fussy, so I think you just like the attention and the nurturing. I'm giving you a few more weeks cause once we get settled in the new house, hopefully your crib and new room will be the magic touch!
(BTW, where the heck is the spell check on the new blogger)
As I posted earlier, your second tooth is in and that one came in without too much fuss or incident. You can barely see them peeking from your gums, but they are so cute. We took a trip to Whole Foods yesterday to get you some puffs and teething biscuits to chew on and you seem to like them. I am in the process of expanding your foods as well. You are super interested in eating and if someone is eating around you, you beg for a taste. I was making most of your food, but with the move, we've been relying on some organics to hold us over. And you enjoy them just fine, especially carrots and apples. I got you some blends yesterday that we'll try this week. Some of them, I just can't get over though, I mean, who the hell would want to eat spinich, apples and sweet potatoes in one sitting? Um, gross! So anyhow, we will see how you like the more pleasant blends.
Okay, well, I guess I will get back to relaxing and doing nothing (sounds DIVINE doesn't it). It's back to the busy life soon enough...Gotta prep to go to a friend's 5th birthday party tomorrow :)
Happy weekend everyone!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-66801767980919379912012-05-02T22:55:00.000-04:002012-05-02T22:55:06.725-04:00And Another :)B, your second tooth popped out today. You can barely see it, but it's there. The both of your little bottom chompers are so cute. And you love putting them to practice...you have been enjoying your puffs and your most recent love--organic cheerios. I keep trying to take pictures of them so I can add them to your collection, but you keep your tongue over your teeth every time you see the camera. One day I will catch you!
BTW, I HATE the new blogger set up and change. Would have been nice if they gave us some notice of the pending changes. I can't figure anything out :(Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-1831372607328879792012-04-30T20:01:00.001-04:002012-04-30T20:01:09.673-04:00We're on the MoveSo excited to (finally) report that we have a home. Don't get me wrong, it's been great staying with Mimi and having constant help with the boys, but I am ready to have MY things in MY house and to get the boys back to reality...something about being in the home of Mimi that isn't quite reality. We can't always have what we want all the time, but hey, grandmas are meant to spoil them anyhow, right? Let's just hope the boys (or mom) don't go into shock when we move...
So if all goes well, in a month and three days, we will close on the house and start the fun work of moving...
Yay :)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-47185523021746394152012-04-23T22:53:00.001-04:002012-04-23T22:53:47.047-04:00No Longer CoolB, I don't know when it happened, but at some point over the past week or so, I am no longer the cool #1 mom in your life. Sure, I know you love me and you still let me indulge in cuddle time daily, but in a sense you have realized that I am not the center of your universe. And it sucks. I am only (slightly) a little okay with it since your dad seems to be the light of your life. You absolutely light up when you realize that he's around and when he enters the room. You try to wiggle and squirm out of my arms until you get his attention enough to get to him. And once he picks you up--let the dancing commence. You literally jump for joy, smile, giggle and dance as he tosses you to and fro. It is pretty cool to see (though I really hate to admit it).
Okay, so I was fine sharing the attention with your big brother as he has captured your heart and attention since day one, but geez, I am still cooler than dad, right? Dad keeps telling me that I am fighting a loosing battle. I guess I am reminded that the three of yall will have a bond that I won't share in. And I am okay with that. I am glad the boys have each other and that yall can openly love each other and enjoy spending time with each other. I will be here to do all the mommy stuff and to love every minute of it...even if that means occasionally moving to #2 in your book (we secretly both know that I will ALWAYS be #1 to all of you :).
Anyhow, all continues to go well with our transition. Both of you boys are falling into line and we are establishing a routine. More than ever, I am just grateful to be near to family and friends and the love and support. I have missed that over the past 11 years! And I am glad that my boys are getting the opportunity to be loved by their extended family first-hand. We did our best with phone and skype, but nothing beats being here in person. Cherishing the moments...Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-84169659222980738192012-04-18T09:38:00.004-04:002012-04-18T21:57:22.509-04:006 Months Old...Edited with correct height(Just act like I posted this on April 12th :)<br /><br />Baby B, you are now 6 months old...I guess that means I can't technically call you a baby anymore. You are growing and changing every day right before our eyes. I pulled out a few pictures of you to decorate my new work space and wow, it seems like you were just a tiny newborn curling on my chest. Now you are a big boy who keeps us all smiling.<br /><br />Your personality is starting to show. You are lovable and as sweet as can be. You love attention and are happy when you are playing and observing your brother. You also like your quiet time to just sit and absorb the world around you. I think your dad calls that "processing" and just like him, you process when you are in a new environment or around new people. You are extremely vocal and talk and talk and talk. It's actually pretty funny. You hold conversations with us and the tone and inflection in your voice change along with your facial expressions.<br /><br />As for the milestones, you can sit up on your own for a little bit, but we still have to prop you up if you are going to stay sitting for any length of time. I know that if I just put you down or quit snuggling with you so much, you'd be an expert sitter (and roller by now). Oh well, it'll come. Speaking of rolling, you can go from tummy to back and I think back to tummy, but you haven't quite put it together that if you continue moving you can actual roll somewhere. Once you put two and two together--well, let's just keep things simple while you aren't mobile for now, LOL. You haven't had any teeth to pop through yet, but if the drooling and chewing of the fingers (and hands) is any indication, you are sooooo close. I can't yet feel any teeth right under your gums though, but they are there. Recently, you even discovered that your toes can reach your mouth (yes, it's comedy as well...up until you bite down on your toe too hard and have a fit). Your latest obsessions include cell phones, remote controls and your brother's iPad. You are a technology geek already. If any of those three things are within your reach, you go to town and enjoy yourself with them more than with your own toys. And don't let us take one of those from you, you will yell and swing at us like you are upset (and yeah, um, it's cute for now, but let's not make that a habit, okay?).<br /><br />In the sleep department...well, you are still winning that battle. But I have to give you props, you are showing signs of promise. After your visit to the doc (more on that below), he encouraged us to step it up with the sleep training. He said no feedings AT ALL at night, but I am not that mean. So you go down for the night between 8pm and 9pm. You wake up around midnight for your "final feeding" and since you are stuck waking up every 2.5 or 3 hours, the past few nights, you have been up around 2:30am or 3am looking for food. We put the pacifier in your mouth, pat your back and let you whine (or cry) for as long as possible. Sometimes you fall back asleep for a few hours like you are supposed to. But alas, when mom is tired and your stomach is growling, I feel guilty and I will feed you. But I do try to make you wait as long as possible. So technically, that's one time a night that you are up as you will eat and sleep until 6 or 7am. So we are making progress...slow and steady I guess.<br /><br />You are eating more food and definitely let us know what you like and what you don't like. Squash was your first food and you loved it two months ago. But now, well, let's just say you cry if it hits your tongue. You do the same with green beans. So yes, none of those things for us now. But you LOVE carrots. I mean, you love them. You can't get enough. You also like sweet potatoes and peas okay. As for fruits, you now eat apples, pears and prunes. You still have rice cereal on occasion but more often you are eating oatmeal cereal now. You are up to two full meals a day and you like meal time.<br /><br />Maybe that's why you're tipping the scales and off the charts ;). Though you are smaller than J was at that age, you are still over the percentile in height and weight. You are weighing in at 21 pounds 6 ounces and I think you are 23 inches tall (I need to double check that). *Well, I was off...you are 26.75 inches now*<br /><br />You had your first well baby visit with a new physician last week. Ironically, he used to be one of my pediatricians when I was a kid. I was actually treated by his uncle who was my main doctor, but when my uncle wasn't available, he checked me out. How cool is that. It was great to see him again and he's an awesome doc, so I know you are in good hands. Anyhow, the doctor was pleased with your health and your progress. You escaped shots this time around since your medical records haven't arrived from your old doctor, but you did have an oral vaccine. Dad enjoyed the lollipop that you would normally receive for being a good patient (and he almost broke the doctors scale, but that's another story for another time).<br /><br />So I think that's it for month 6, baby B! You are doing amazingly well and are the happiest baby in town!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-29421715940102532182012-04-13T11:02:00.002-04:002012-04-13T11:07:11.964-04:00Field Trippin'Breathe in...now breathe out...Inhale...Exhale...And repeat!<br /><br />I have to keep reminding myself of that today. J, it's your first field trip today. You are heading to the zoo with your class and then to Ryan's for lunch. I didn't get to drop you off at school this am, but I am told that you were ready to go though you did want Mimi to tag along with your class. So you should be pulling up to the zoo right now. I know you will have fun and enjoy the animals, but I wanted to go too. Dad had to remind me that we have to let you go and let you fly...but that just doesn't sound right, or fair right now. You need us to go with you and hold your hand and make sure you see all the animals and that you can buy a treat in the store. You still need me to explain why everything is as it is, right? Alas, maybe you don't. I mean, of course you do, but it's okay for you to go and explore without me sometimes too. Geez, this is hard. I know I sound crazy, but you'll understand one day. In the meantime, I am counting down the time until we can pick you up from school, hear all about the zoo adventures and know that you're safe. Yeah, that's right, while you on your field trip, I am field trippin' over here! Don't laugh.<br /><br />And B, next time you decide to party from 3am to 5am, be sure to invite your daddy!<br /><br />Hope yall have a good weekend. It feels good to be back in blog land. I would love to hear from yall...so please, comment :)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-46069801028826850232012-04-12T09:33:00.002-04:002012-04-12T09:43:18.854-04:00So What's Going On????Well, that's a great question...Throw in the following and see what you get:<br /><br />-Two active little boys<br /><br />-Packing up a 4 bedroom house<br /><br />-A move four states away<br /><br />-A 700+ mile ride in a car with said boys<br /><br />-A stop over night in a hotel after 400 miles because said boys (and a Mimi) had car fever and wanted OUT<br /><br />-Saying goodbye to a job after nearly 11 years <br /><br />-Getting acquainted to a new (old) city<br /><br />-Becoming a statistic and moving back in with mom (LOL)<br /><br />-Finding a preschool, summer camp and kindergarten for J (and getting him accepted, yay for a smart kid)<br /><br />-Still searching for childcare for B<br /><br />-Storage, a new home and all that madness<br /><br />...and you get the recipe for an insane mommy. But I have been holding it together better than I thought. Moving onward adn upward has been the theme for the past few weeks as we have totally transitioned our location and our life. The boys have been taking things in stride and though J asks to go home to Florida sometimes (wait, every day), I think he's getting used to this. He's doing well in school and I know he will LOVE camp.<br /><br />And B is the BIG 6 months old today. Whoa. His 6 month post will come shortly :)<br /><br />Thanks for hanging in there with me while I have been away from this blog, but I think we have returned to our regularly scheduled program (at least for now).<br /><br />Hugs and kisses!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-3078757680796690892012-03-31T23:07:00.001-04:002012-03-31T23:08:33.957-04:00Still HereSorry for the lack of blogging lately.<br /><br />There's a ton going on that I can't wait to let you in on.<br /><br />I know I am keeping you in suspense with the details, but let's just say that we have a lot of transitions on the horizon that are taking up a great deal of time.<br /><br />I promise to get back to regular updates in the next few days!<br /><br />The boys are doing well and handling our changes better than I am :)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-9374210300729825662012-03-26T10:59:00.002-04:002012-03-26T10:59:00.457-04:00I Know It's Late, But...Had to share the chunkies...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdf40RlH2EEcYHzUhaEHB-pENrk8yHsG0OcLsfSYFuULizLzh1KCAviEO5R_sIdFD2WoErLu2iKdjppTLq-okeW8r7qKkPB-cOxYsVjNaDQOulalfpRPWi08JNfaoFsXYyGe6o873tBs/s1600/IMG_3248.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIdf40RlH2EEcYHzUhaEHB-pENrk8yHsG0OcLsfSYFuULizLzh1KCAviEO5R_sIdFD2WoErLu2iKdjppTLq-okeW8r7qKkPB-cOxYsVjNaDQOulalfpRPWi08JNfaoFsXYyGe6o873tBs/s320/IMG_3248.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723633882556750018" /></a><br /><br />That's a whole lotta lovin :)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-9888608799929910972012-03-23T10:25:00.003-04:002012-03-23T10:25:00.912-04:00ABC's of Me :)A. Age: 33<br /><br />B. Bed Size: king<br /><br />C. Chore you Dislike: DISHES!<br /><br />D. Dogs: No thanks!<br /><br />E. Essential to Start the Day: Hmmmm, prayer...<br /><br />F. Favorite Color: pink<br /><br />G. Gold or Silver: silver<br /><br />H. Height: 5'7.5"<br /><br />I. Instruments you Play(ed): clarinet <br /><br />J. Job Title: executive director<br /><br />K. Kids: 4 year old J and 5 monyh old B<br /><br />L. Live: Florida<br /><br />M. Mom's name: Cynthia<br /><br />N. Nicknames: Nik<br /><br />O. Overnight hospital stays: a few here and there<br /><br />P. Pet peeves: crunching ice<br /><br />Q. Quote from a movie: <br /><br />R. Righty or Lefty: righty <br /><br />S. Siblings: a brother, TG<br /><br />T. Time you wake up: 7:45am<br /><br />U. Underwear: as long as they are comfy, I don't care...<br /><br />W. What makes you run late: anything...I am usually late<br /><br />X. Xrays you've had: ankle, tailbone, uterus (HSG), dental, knee, etc <br /><br />Y. Yummy food you make: strawberry cake, shrimp pasta<br /><br />Z. Zoo animal you love: none...don't like the zooNikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-14574417494134346152012-03-22T09:32:00.000-04:002012-03-22T09:32:00.253-04:00Mommy of Brown BoysNo words needed...Well, maybe one...Justice...that is all!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YntAKrSYfGGY5bnu67nMP-C3cSA2TApULWBsRjAYPMVt7m42rxTU_RAZKKtDuy95Oe5HTsUs9bc2HVAohjQ0zknYJoy5t1gNOiJXODZDxj9y4tkIhBaBR59OoaRXjkoJvav_jSzURYc/s1600/2012-03-21_20-21-05_483.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YntAKrSYfGGY5bnu67nMP-C3cSA2TApULWBsRjAYPMVt7m42rxTU_RAZKKtDuy95Oe5HTsUs9bc2HVAohjQ0zknYJoy5t1gNOiJXODZDxj9y4tkIhBaBR59OoaRXjkoJvav_jSzURYc/s320/2012-03-21_20-21-05_483.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722529358987069282" /></a>Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-3366507282973066772012-03-21T12:47:00.002-04:002012-03-21T12:56:46.532-04:00This Ish Isn't For Me<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2kpH2CBgFknV88koz6WMVeEfobLeRk5sCn618YCtEXGY5zfqOsoafHSIeYoQ0kypuuZhcByrSNBCkDeX_klbu3F7GtjLxWEj4N0x50fPj7Lodbc01r_1U8Q5X7FRyA8TPnDiGYHMso0/s1600/1306864-New-Parents005.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2kpH2CBgFknV88koz6WMVeEfobLeRk5sCn618YCtEXGY5zfqOsoafHSIeYoQ0kypuuZhcByrSNBCkDeX_klbu3F7GtjLxWEj4N0x50fPj7Lodbc01r_1U8Q5X7FRyA8TPnDiGYHMso0/s320/1306864-New-Parents005.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722395266472095042" /></a><br /><br /><br />That was the line I was awakened with at 3am. And it was comical! B, you and dad have been having sleepovers together for the past two nights so mom can get a good night's rest in the guest room. You are still at the point where you are waking up every three hours to eat, and sometimes that's every two hours depending on your moods. So um, yeah, you have been hanging out with dad at night. The first night, you guys did great and after a mom rescue feeding around midnight and suctioning to your nose, I slept until 7am. Well, last night, between your waking up every two hours to eat and J sleepwalking and waking dad up three times before 3am, dad decided he had enough. So in you came at 3am smiling with all your gums out as dad handed you over to me with his proclimation that "this *$(% isn't for me." Why what do you mean big J? This is what happens EVERY night and you can't make it TWO nights? Come on man (quoting Sunday Night Countdown)...Welp, since I had been sleeping peacefully for four hours at that point, I gladly took you for a feeding and some snuggle time before we both went to sleep until 7am. But yeah, dad, this is what happens at night when you usually sleep through it.<br /><br />Baby B--1; Dad--ZERO!!!!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-29199363408126017152012-03-20T10:20:00.003-04:002012-03-20T10:20:00.090-04:00Rules of RealityIf you've seen the news lately, you have no doubt heard of the case of a little <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/neighborhood-watchman-allegedly-shot-trayvon-martin-wanted-cop/story?id=15949879">black boy who was gunned down by a "neighborhood watch" leader </a>for no reason at all other than a perception of suspicion. If that weren't enough, the man who gunned down the little boy has not even been arrested. Where's the value in human life? Where's the justice for that little boy and his family? Police are saying that there isn't enough evidence to arrest the man, but after hearing the 911 tapes that have surfaced and the accounts of the witnesses, I have to question that. My heart goes out to the family of Trayvon Martin, who by all accounts was a good kid...and who definitely didn't deserve to die in that manner.<br /><br />This case has brought to light some of the harsh realities of parenting black boys. Of of my mentors who is an amazing example of a wife and mother penned a post that says it better than I could. Here's an excerpt:<br /><br /><em>I mean......does anyone care about Trayvon Martin? Or about what it means to any African American parent when horrors such as this one occur????? As I reflect on how many times I have to tell my African American son to take his hoodie off lest someone white "get scared" or "think the wrong thing"???? Tired of this shit! Tired of always having to take the offensive every damn day.......every time there's a burglary or crime in my neighborhood, folks looking at my son and my husband as if they may be the one! This is the problem! And got the same shit in all the gated communities we've lived in too....all over the country! How am I supposed to believe in this society and trust that all is OK when my African American son could be next on the list. This is deep folks. It really is. The mindset out there from the majority of folks is terrifying. I feel like I'm living in the 50's - having to issue warnings to my children every damn day - don't go here, don't wear this, take the hood off.................even though their white counterparts don't have to understand these same codes. They're free to be kids! Had to get on my son for essentially walking through a store with his hands in his pockets. Mind you, he was doing nothing wrong, and he seems to just feel comfortable with hands in pocket......but I am looking at what THEY might think when they see the hands in pockets. A thief? A gun? Every damn day!!!! Just like I must prove that I'm really in Nordstrom to shop and truly purchase something....not lift it!!!!!!!! WTF! It breaks my heart every day when I realize just how it is, and ain't never changed. Black folks, please teach your kids. They need to know how treacherous some of these folks can be! They need to understand what they must face, what they must to do survive, even if it isn't fair. LIke, maybe they can't walk to the convenience store, maybe they can't go out to buy some Skittles and ides tea like Trayvon Martin, not like white kids can !!!!!! Sorry for the rant, but I am really reeling and, I suspect, most of Black America is too....unless we're too caught up in watching stupid ass reality shows or Basketball games to care or even know what time it is!!!!!!!!!</em><br /><br />Very harsh reality right now to face as the mommy of two brown boys. In our age where they now see a black president and hopefully understand that they can achieve all of their dreams, I just pray that they grow up with a more tolerant society that believes in them as much as we do...<br /><br />Lord help us!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-64061003904656991302012-03-19T12:06:00.002-04:002012-03-19T12:16:19.402-04:00The Mommy ParadoxWe want to hold on, but we want to let go. We want to see the next milestone, but we want time to stand still. We want to soothe you, but we want you to learn to be independent. We want to protect you from all hurt, but we want you to learn from life's difficulties. We want to keep you by our sides forever, but we want you to grow wings and fly. <br /><br />Just a few things sticking out in my head this morning as I think about my boys. B is becoming such a little man right before my eyes, yet it still seems like he should be a little newborn. It is amazing how many changes babies go through during the first year. I posted B's 5 months update a few days ago (scroll down), but yeah, he's just amazing. I look at him and I just can't put into words what I feel. I guess I could go on and on with the oxymorons that seem to apply, but yeah, it's bitter sweet to see him continuing to grow and thrive. Of course, I am overjoyed with each new discovery or development and I think with excitement about the day when he figures out how to crawl, walk and say mamma. (BTW, he's babbling da-da now first...boo, LOL). But B, can you just snuggle with mom a little longer please? Your big brother is far too independent to do so and yeah, the coolness of mom gets replaced quickly by the "boys" hanging together with dad. And um, so yep, they even have their own little special sign that they do that I can't be a part of. Woe is me :)<br /><br />***Moving on***<br /><br />It's another Monday around these parts and I am tired! We had a great weekend in Miami with the family and B got to put his toes in the swimming pool for the first time. It was a little chilly, so he didn't get to fully enjoy, but J--ie the fish, certainly got his fill of swimming. In addition, we got to hang out on South Beach and took in a Miami Heat game. How awesome to see J chanting and cheering with all the fans. He had a ball! Alas, back to reality today...<br /><br />Pictures to come soon!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-57231898086163856502012-03-15T10:26:00.002-04:002012-03-15T10:52:51.110-04:00Heart Disease AwarenessYou know how sometimes you become the poster child for something without really wanting to do it? And yeah, you join a club that you never thought you would be in yet you find yourself in the midst of what you feel is madness? Well, I guess that sums up how I feel about heart disease and awareness of heart issues. <br /><br />If you've read my blog the past few days, you know by now that two years ago my father suddenly passed away. My dad was a picture of health, or so we thought. He ate well for the most part and worked out every day of the week. He was active and very much vibrant and just all around amazing! So in the grips of grief in dealing with his death, the questions came. How could he die from a massive heart attack? It just didn't (and still doesn't) make any sense to us.<br /><br />So now, there are several campaigns going on that seek to raise awareness of heart disease. And as we now know all too well, family heredity is something that is a high, high risk factor. My Pawpaw (dad's father) died of congestive heart failure and after the fact, we have learned that two of my dad's other brothers are suffering from heart issues. TALK TO YOUR FAMILY PEOPLE!!!!<br /><br />My amazing brother was featured on a news story yesterday in a series of heart disease awareness. <br /><br />See the new story <a href="http://www.wbrz.com/news/heart-disease-one-family-s-journey/">HERE </a><br /><br />And check yourself and your family for the risk factors. We will have to keep a close eye on ourselves and our boys and remain committed to breaking the cycle of this ugly disease in our family!Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-13484337416022009572012-03-14T10:39:00.000-04:002012-03-14T10:39:00.194-04:00I Am...I am… anxious about some changes.<br /><br />I know… we are doing the right thing.<br /><br />I want… to talk to my dad's voice to hear his advice.<br /><br />I wish… there was an end to the violence in the world.<br /><br />I fear… not being around to see my boys grow up.<br /><br />I feel… super tired (B, please sleep all night tonight:)<br /><br />I smell… probably most like spit up right now...<br /><br />I hear… angry birds...<br /><br />I wonder… if we will have more children<br /><br />I believe… in a higher power<br /><br />I sing… when I am cleaning up <br /><br />I cried last… night probably...Today marks two years since my dad died.<br /><br />I can usually be found… on my laptop, ipad or cell phone.<br /><br />I am happy… when I am with my family and friends.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />What are {you} today?Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-4290537507609505342012-03-13T10:30:00.001-04:002012-03-13T10:35:19.002-04:00Daddy....It's been two years since I last heard your voice...unimaginable pain, strength I didn't know existed and love and support from near and far. I long for you every day. My heart continues to ache and the tears still flow as we carry on your legacy. Daddy, missing you today and every day! <br /><br /><br />"Dance With My Father"<br /><br />Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence<br />My father would lift me high and dance with my mother and me and then<br />Spin me around ‘til I fell asleep<br />Then up the stairs he would carry me<br />And I knew for sure I was loved<br />If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him<br />I’d play a song that would never, ever end<br />How I’d love, love, love<br />To dance with my father again<br />When I and my mother would disagree<br />To get my way, I would run from her to him<br />He’d make me laugh just to comfort me<br />Then finally make me do just what my mama said<br />Later that night when I was asleep<br />He left a dollar under my sheet<br />Never dreamed that he would be gone from me<br />If I could steal one final glance, one final step, one final dance with him<br />I’d play a song that would never, ever end<br />‘Cause I’d love, love, love<br />To dance with my father again<br />Sometimes I’d listen outside her door<br />And I’d hear how my mother cried for him<br />I pray for her even more than me<br />I pray for her even more than me<br />I know I’m praying for much too much<br />But could you send back the only man she loved<br />I know you don’t do it usually<br />But dear Lord she’s dying<br />To dance with my father again<br />Every night I fall asleep and this is all I ever dreamNikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-68115117856974845132012-03-12T17:19:00.002-04:002012-03-12T17:32:51.910-04:00Five Months!Baby B, you are five months old today! Though it seems like you were born just yesterday, at the same time, it seems like you've been here forever. Well, you are definitely not a newborn anymore. You are a full on little person with your own desires, likes and dislikes. I love that you aren't ashamed to let us know it too :). Let's see what are you up to at five months?<br /><br />-You are probably right around 20 pounds now if I had to guess...Yep, you aren't missing any meals :). <br /><br />-Speaking of meals, you are now eating one meal by spoon per day. You have organic brown rice cereal or organic brown rice cereal with apples. Just two days ago you started having organic squash. Mom finally broke out the <a href="http://www.babybullet.com/?gclid=CJavkYqn4q4CFUio4Aod8GocZA">baby bullet </a>that Ranise got us and made some squash for you. While it's not your favorite, you're getting used to eating and seem to enjoy the process. We are sticking with the squash for a few more days, then we will go to sweet potatoes which I have a feeling you'll like much better.<br /><br />-You are mostly wearing 6 months clothes. You can still fit into some 3 month outfits and have some 9 month that fit as well. You are in a size 3 diaper and a size 2 shoe.<br /><br />-You LOVE making noises and discovering your voice. You were giving us "raspberries" all the time, but now, you love to squeal at the top of your lungs...and boy can you fuss when you feel like it! It's super cute (for now...)<br /><br />-You are still waking up twice a night to eat (enough already, LOL). You usually go down around 9:30 or 10pm, wake up at 2am and 5am and then are up for the day at 7am. The good part is that you eat and go right back to sleep (not sure you even really wake up). The bad part, well, not really bad cause I like that time with you, but um yeah, we are tired over here baby boy! Looking forward to your sleeping in longer stretches...<br /><br />-And um, yeah, your newest craze (TMI here) is pooping in the bathtub. I mean, really, is the tub THAT comfortable to you? LOL. Seems like that's just your "spot" and well, yeah, you just let it go...EEEKKK!<br /><br />-Still no teeth in site, but you are a drooling machine, so I am thinking we'll feel something soon...no rush though.<br /><br />-You can just about sit up on your own. When we prop you up like a tripod, you will stay there for a few seconds and eventually tilt over. You are definitely getting stronger though!<br /><br />-You like spending time in your exersaucer and discovering the toys. Your legs are getting strong as while you are playing, you get excited and your little legs look like they are standing up!<br /><br />I think that's it for now...you are a joy to have around and your smiles light up the room. You are a true charmer and love being fussed over. Here's to another great month!<br /><br />I will update later with pics after your "photo shoot"Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-30557040160799456122012-03-08T14:23:00.001-05:002012-03-08T14:26:16.871-05:00I Know, I KnowI had just gotten the hang of this blogging thing and actually took the time to write (ie my therapy) and post regularly and now, well, let's just say for a number of reasons, it has to take a back seat...but PLEASE, hang in there with me.<br /><br />Until then, I want to share this AWESOME article with you about my dad. He's being honored by a local business magazine and being inducted into their Hall of Fame later this month. We miss him terribly and I couldn't be more proud!!!<br /><br />Check it out <a href="http://www.businessreport.com/article/20120305/BUSINESSREPORT0401/120309908">HERE</a> ...Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-10518797134868657842012-03-06T12:49:00.003-05:002012-03-06T12:50:55.744-05:00Back to BlackSorry for the lack of updates these past few days...Lots going on in our part of the world. But I am doing fine and the boys are great. B is LOVING rolling over (from tummy to back only right now) and doing raspberries (all over the place). And J is becoming a writing expert now. Yay! So I will fade to black for a little bit to get the rest of my work done. We will be back to our regularly scheduled blog programming soon.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-58661192755547350302012-03-02T10:38:00.002-05:002012-03-02T10:38:00.472-05:00It's Raining HairAnd I am not singing halleliugh about it!<br /><br />Now, don't get me wrong, my hair is the longest and the thickest it's been in a while. I attribute that to the preggo hormones, but also to the fact that I no longer get relaxers. #teamnatural<br /><br />When B turned three months old, I thought I had escaped the dreaded postpartum hair shedding. As I was doing a little celebratory dance (I should know better by now), the hair starting falling out before my eyes. Cue the tears. For a few weeks, hair was EVERYWHERE dot com! All over the bathrooom floor, my pillow, the back of my shirts. The long strands were leaving a trail behind me every time I walked! Now, I understand the science behind this as your hair rarely sheds during pregnancy, yada, yada, yada...but to see this ish is something all the way different. I drew the line in the sand when I found hair in B's mouth and wrapped around his fingers (and yes, him pulling my hair out was probably the cause of that one, but you get where I am going here). <br /><br />So I am back on the herbal supplements and vitamins in hopes to hold on to a few of my leftover strands. This is all temporary, right?<br /><br />My friend over at <a href="http://www.curlyhue.com/">Curly Hue </a>and <a href="http://www.redsticknaturals.org/index.html">RedStick Naturals</a>, what helped you and your readers with this?<br /><br />I need advice...Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-44423277817039399032012-03-01T10:35:00.002-05:002012-03-01T10:35:00.222-05:009 Months On...4 Months OffSo I can say that in just a little over four months, I am back to my pre-baby size. <br /><br />Here's a quick view...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMSppJnAC-H7PD8VfiLy-dorXQLOV5SAW3S-E_Se_DH30D7H5yU6UzXssHsJSVRhAtwQrLtMwmwlNWnPQWQrrroS12bfT0UwUNz_oWrPKaJJ_Ji_qzQleqd6DjcoiXsB5DeKMyJLM9l8/s1600/IMG-20120224-00161.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMSppJnAC-H7PD8VfiLy-dorXQLOV5SAW3S-E_Se_DH30D7H5yU6UzXssHsJSVRhAtwQrLtMwmwlNWnPQWQrrroS12bfT0UwUNz_oWrPKaJJ_Ji_qzQleqd6DjcoiXsB5DeKMyJLM9l8/s320/IMG-20120224-00161.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713128622715295906" /></a><br /><br />So I was ecstatic to be able to put on my "skinny" jeans last week and frankly, I was shocked when they fit. I was expecting to have to leave them unbuttoned and feel stuffed all day, but I was willing to do so to be cute, LOL. But I slipped them right on and buttoned them without a problem. Now, my body, though the same size is very different in composition and that flat belly I used to show off doesn't boast the abs of steel anymore.<br /><br />But...here's the flip side...I still have about 15 to 20 pounds to go to be at my most comfortable weight. When my dad passed away in March of 2010, I battled with depression and just utter sadness and packed on some pounds. Before I found out B was on the way, I was on a serious mission to loose weight and had been working out and pushing myself like crazy. Once we realized B was on board, I was advised by the doc to back down on the working out and really just didn't feel well enough to continue, so I gladly stopped. Well, now, I need to get back to it. <br /><br />I have been doing pilates <a href="http://www.pilatesatcountryside.com">here</a>, which I LOVE and I can already see a difference in my body and muscle tone, so that's working. Now, I just need to up my cardio and I think I will be fine to continue to see the scale go down. Now that I have put it out there in the blog world, let's hope you hold me accountable and I stay motivated. I plan to update weekly with my weigh in's (though I haven't decided if I will be bold enough to share the numbers just yet, LOL).Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-490910584500466379.post-46428676429922581802012-02-29T10:18:00.003-05:002012-02-29T10:18:00.322-05:00Rollin' in StyleI guess I should finish talking about baby products for a while before yall get bored with my blog...so just bear with me, I think this is the last one for a while...<br /><br />Don't know how I forgot to talk about one of my favorite new purchases for B. It's his stroller! I think I may have mentioned that with J, I ended up buying four different strollers between the time he was a newborn and two years old. It seemed like none were multi-functional enough as he transitioned through the next stages. I had the stroller that went with his car seat/travel set that could be used either with the bucket seat or alone, the snap 'n go stroller for the car seat (which is a must have, btw), then I got a fancy peg perego full size stroller and a jogging stroller for the extra space. I have since either gifter or sold all of those. For B, I knew I didn't want the stroller/car seat travel set as it was too big and bulky for me. So we got the sit and stand deluxe so I could still have a portion on the back for J to either sit and stand when he got tired of walking and still have enough space to use it with B's car seat. That stroller is great, but yeah, it's big and heavy and can be a hassle. What bugs me the most about it is that it seems as though B is so far out of my reach since he's on the front portion of the stroller and J is in the back, but we use it and it's nice.<br /><br />But then (*cue the cheesy ta dah music*) during one of my outings to BRU, I saw this beautiful thing...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQQ2Y1prXyZRQnqSySMXWLKD53oOKQgeEVEVYDujCPFGfDHQvNoUeaeoKsxgXLxvhlKqG23x3qh64y2w92eoSbxJ5fdfeK-qGa5rmlFtUuIC20yyaHFFldrki_mHWB-g2N9UbJTR_xQo/s1600/stroller.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQQ2Y1prXyZRQnqSySMXWLKD53oOKQgeEVEVYDujCPFGfDHQvNoUeaeoKsxgXLxvhlKqG23x3qh64y2w92eoSbxJ5fdfeK-qGa5rmlFtUuIC20yyaHFFldrki_mHWB-g2N9UbJTR_xQo/s320/stroller.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713126587175575346" /></a><br /><br />It's the <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11468608">Lamaze Indigo Stroller</a>. What I LOVE most about this is that I can move the seat and turn B facing me or facing out(of course now, I keep him in my direction). The seat reclines fully back or sits up. It has a fun little toy and the black and white design just plain looks great! <br /><br />Now, this stroller doesn't have the best reviews online and while I take that into account before making a purchase, I always like to try things on my own. So I took it for a test drive at BRU and it worked for me. I haven't had any off the squeeky wheels or other issues that some reviewers point out. I have definitely had my share of strollers and this one ranks near the top.<br /><br />I am in love with this stroller and I love it even more because I caught it on a great sale and was also able to use a 25% discount coupon. SCORE :)Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13208686783674874359noreply@blogger.com0