Best of the Web.

I was lucky enough to be featured yesterday in a series called Best of the Web. Go check it out!

PocketChange Lifestyle Blog

Another awesome feature of the site happens to be the tip center, where you can find all manner of smart solutions and tips for daily living!

What I Have Learned.

What I Have Learned (Sometimes the Hard Way)

I have been married for 17 years to my high school sweetheart. This December, we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of our first date. And yes, for those of you doing the math, Reagan was president.

Most of those years have been very happy and I feel very blessed by this man and this marriage. Over the years, I think I have learned a thing or two.

Lesson #1: Listening is different than being quiet when the other is speaking. My husband is a terrible listener. God love him, if he is distracted at all, he has probably only processed 10-20% of what I’ve said. Unfortunately, his way of dealing with this is to nod and say, “okay.” So to save our marriage, we have had to come to an understanding. I do not share important things in passing. If it is something that I need him to care about, I choose my moment and make sure that I have his full attention. I also ask more than yes/no questions so that I can discern if he has heard me. Also, if it is an event, I reinforce it in writing. We share a Google calendar and I try to give non-naggy reminders. (Notice I said “try”.)

Lesson #2: Sometimes the advice your parents gave you is true. You know all the adages – “God gave, you two ears and one mouth, use accordingly”, “Don’t go to bed angry”, etc. These are true, true, true! I especially believe in “Don’t go to bed angry”.

Lesson#3: Sometimes the advice you get from parents, friends, family, co-workers, and anyone willing is share is not true. Or at least not right for you. Just because your best friend was successful using the silent treatment doesn’t mean that you will be. Just because your mother-in-law wanted a model home quality house wherein she did everything for everyone (including your now-husband) does not mean that is what is right for you. Take advice with respect to the good intentions but with enough cynicism to realize that every relationship is different and only you and your partner really know what works in your home.

Lesson #4: Say thank you a lot. Say please. Use your manners. If you wouldn’t speak like that to a stranger, don’t speak that way to the one you love.

Lesson #5: It will be harder than you think. My husband and I have survived a lot. My brother died tragically our first year of marriage. He was deployed to Iraq. I was hospitalized with each pregnancy. He has been laid off. No gift registry can immunize you against tragedy. Rough times will come but if you choose to come together rather than move apart, you will gain the grit and resolve that lasts the years.

Lesson #6: It will be more worthwhile than you can imagine. No success in my life will ever bring the joy and fulfillment that making a life and family with my husband has. Yes, it is work; some days more than others. But I love this man more today than on my wedding day. He simply makes my world better.

Lesson #7: You cannot tell your partner you love them too often.

I think the last matters most. Never assume they know. We all like to hear it. There is no magic for staying in love but the Golden Rule is a good place to start. Make the other person feel how you’d like to feel and you will go a long way to keeping those home fires burning.

Good luck to you, and all those brave enough to commit your lives to another. May you have more happy days than sad and more kind words than mad. And may God bless and keep you through the years.

Traci Shannon blogs over at A Star in My Own Universe. She describes herself as a slightly weird, very sentimental, out-of-work actress in love with her husband and two kids trying to find herself in the life that happened while she was busy making plans.

Marriage is Forever.

I am so grateful to have the wonderful Missy from Wonder, Friend guest posting for me with her advice and realizations about marriage. Missy Stevens is a freelance writer and blogger based in Austin, TX. By day/night/weekend/holiday, she is also a wife and mom. Missy writes once a week or so on her blog, Wonder, Friend, where she ponders family, fitness, writing, and a whole lot of miscellaneous stuff. She'd love to connect with you on Twitter and Facebook, too.


About two weeks after my – I mean our – first wedding anniversary, I woke up one morning and looked over at my peacefully sleeping husband, and I thought...

Oh, man, this thing really is permanent.

I have to share this bed, and everything else, with this man for the rest of our lives.

We've survived the first year, completely in tact and happy. But now what? We're supposed to just keep going, like forever?

Forever is a long time. A very, very long time.

I know. You're all thinking, what is wrong with this woman? Is this any way to start a story in honor of B's upcoming wedding?

Yes, it is. Stick with me, and you'll see.

Mark and I were young when we got married. In fact, when I hear about 23 and 24 year old people getting married, I am always tempted to shout, “You're way too young! What are you thinking?”

And then I remember how old I was when I walked down that aisle. I wasn't old at all, as a matter of fact.

I didn't know one thing about real life. Sure, I'd rented a couple of apartments by then. Paid some bills. Done my taxes. (That's a lie. My dad did them for me.) I lived by myself. Sort of. Mark traveled all week, so he was only in the apartment on weekends, during which time he slept on the couch. (That's another lie.)

So I knew a few things about being a grown up, but in general I was still a kid. And so was Mark. We knew this, though. We were not delusional, thinking we had it all figured out. While we didn't know exactly what we didn't know, we were certain there was a lot of it. Follow that?

We considered the situation, though, and decided we had two choices:

1. Postpone marriage because everyone else said we were too young, maybe even break up for a while, try dating other people, and end up back together eventually.

2. Get married and give each other the grace – and the space – to grow up along the way.

And to all the people who thought we were crazy? Joke's on you, suckers.

Because here's the thing about marriage. It's not about the wedding (although that is an amazingly fun day, and you should revel in every second of it). It's not about being happy all the time. It's not about babies or vacations or buying a house.

Marriage is also not about the hard days. The days when you wake up, see that peacefully sleeping person, and get a pit in your stomach when the force of forever hits you. And also because, why wouldn't he be sleeping peacefully over there, with all the covers and one of your pillows?

Marriage isn't that simple. It can't be summed up in good days or bad.

Marriage is a forever thing. It's being present for the highs and the lows. It's knowing that whatever is going on today, whether your life seems like a musical or you just want to throw a box of cereal at your beloved (I never did that. Okay, that's another lie.), that it's all okay.

So be happy. Be really, really happy. But allow yourselves to be sad, and mad. Throw cereal now and then – but not more than once every 15 years (woo hoo – I'm due for another tantrum). Lie in bed at night and dream together of all the good; but don't be surprised when sometimes the last place you want to be is in bed together.

Give each other a little space, and a lot of grace. Talk often, be honest, let yourselves argue now and then. But don't forget to laugh at yourselves, too. Before you know it, you'll be back to the happy little musical theater version of your life.

B, I wish you and D a lifetime of everything. I wish you the greatest joys, and the strength to weather the greatest pains. I wish you the kind of love that sees you through it all. I wish you forever.

Always Kiss Goodnight.

Priscilla writes at and is also known as The Wheelchair Mommy. She has 4 boys (3 if you don't count her husband!) and is a happy stay at home mommy. She has been married over nine years.

I know it sounds cliche' but it's true, and so important. It's the one piece of advice I ALWAYS give to new couples.

ALWAYS KISS GOODNIGHT!

 

[caption id="attachment_4881" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Photo credits: The Wheelchair Mommy"][/caption]

 

 

No matter what, even if you hate your spouse with every ounce of your being that night. KISS. It can be a quick peck or a deep romantic, beautiful, lingering kiss. Just never forget.

I just celebrated my ninth anniversary in December and we still follow this rule.  The only time we don't kiss? When one of us is sick, of course. In sickness and in health does have it's limits!

Why is this important?! Intimacy. We all have such busy lives with work, kids and other responsibilities that we sometimes forget to slow down and just make time for each other. If nothing else, have this one little bitty thing, every night.

I have no hesitation when I say this, kissing goodnight, every night, has been an important part of making my marriage the happy marriage it still is today.

Advice to a Newlywed.

Sometimes, I’d like to kill him. That’s the truth. When we argue, my stomach turns in knots and it feels like I am clawing out from the inside, and I want to escape. The closeness, the reality, the expectations… it’s all too much, at times. I yearn to run away, temporarily.

But then the morning comes, and the vestiges of that argument is washed away watching him sleep as I get up with our son. And when our son says, “Daddy, I yuv you” and I see the love reflected in my husband’s eyes, I melt inside. I don’t want to be anyplace else in the world.

His arms are my sanctuary; his back is strong even though he carries all three of us. My husband is the chicken and our family is the egg. It is overwhelming, knowing that you have pledged your life to this person and you are committed. The irony should not be lost on you that “committed” may sometimes remind you of a relationship and sometimes an insane asylum.

If you remember that, your arguments will be short-lived and you will stay on the same path. Remember that love is a VERB. Real love takes work, and you must remind yourself why you fell in love in the first place. What is it that you love about him? How did you arrive at this stop on your life journey?

There are many reasons my first marriage failed, including our own respective family histories. His parents divorced when he was 2, and he never had a strong model for a family unit. Every argument meant that he had one foot out the door, and our relationship balanced precariously on a seesaw. That became my new normal, and combined with my own family history of parents who had been married for over 30 years at that point, I thought that love meant that you stick it out, no matter what. There is a balance somewhere in there.

Divorce sucks, no matter what the reason is. For the salvation of yourself as well as your relationship, do everything you can to be present in your marriage, and seek help if you need to. There is no shame in finding a professional counselor when you’ve hit a wall. It happens. Remember that you have many years to go in your own journey, and you have much growing to do, along with your marriage, and your daughter. Your marriage will change as she grows as well, and each stage of life will bring new challenges.

Meet those challenges head on, with the knowledge that this is your family, and they have your back. Create your own set of rules that works for you. For instance, “Don’t go to bed angry” never worked that well for me but “Get over it and move on in the morning” works perfectly. Our arguments flare and flame out quickly. We say “I’m sorry” and mean it. We show each other a great deal of affection and respect, and we try to fight fair (it’s a learning process).

Have faith in faith. And in each other. And in this beautiful life you are creating, three souls woven together. Love, patience, and respect will carry you a long way. Always remember to show how much you love him and you’ll find that the tough times will be a little easier to take.

Best wishes, B! I am so happy for you and wish for you a lifetime of love.

Kristin is a mother of a sweet 2-year-old boy and wife to a fantastic 6th-generation Texan, living in Austin, Texas. Loves: her baby boy, airplanes, airports, classic cars, sports, Italy, and dessert; not necessarily in that order. You can reach her via Twitter @AustinKVS or via her blog, Two Cannoli

Free Fun in Austin!

Sure, you may have seen me talk about a couple of these things before, but even so, hop on over to my gal Heidi's amazing site, Free Fun in Austin, to see a couple of my guest posts this week :D

I promise, you won't regret it. This is a PHENOMENAL resource for Austin mamas (and anyone who ever plans to visit, has an interest in living well for less, etc!)

Here's a link to one of my posts. You'll have to find the other by browsing around :)

New Design.

I recently changed my blog background (thanks for the recent compliments, ladies!), and now have my new header up and running. Check back for a new button to match soon! Let me know your thoughts! :)

The very talented (and exceptionally patient - lol!) Chelsey at The Paper Mama gets major props for the header design - isn't she awesome? Go tell her so!

Beef...It's What's For Lunch!

I recently had the exceptional opportunity to network and lunch with some of the loveliest local bloggers I could ask for. On top of that, I was hosted by the most gracious staff at the Texas Beef Council, and privileged enough to get to sample delectable cuisine from celebrity chef Richard Chamberlain of Fort Worth, listen to nutrition information and meal ideas from the lovely and knowledgeable Stacy Bates, and get to just let loose for an afternoon.

I learned a lot, which surprised me. Not that I didn't expect the luncheon to be inspirational and well done, but seeing as how I studied nutrition at UT for a couple years before changing to child development and psychology (whomp, whomp), I wasn't expecting to come away with a lot of new information. Wrong again :)

One of the most interesting things I learned at the event was that there are 29 cuts of beef leaner than poultry! Who knew?! Certainly not me! As a bride-to-be and general worrywart, I am obviously concerned with my figure, not to mention the health of my family, and so this was definitely reassuring motivation to prepare more lean beef dishes!



And what would this post be without pictures?! These are the last pictures taken of me as a non-engaged woman ;)

First, we had a demonstration by Chef Chamberlain that led to two of the tastiest dishes I've had in a while...




Then, after hearing from the nutritionist, we split into teams and prepared dishes of our own. My team prepared a farmer's market vegetable, beef, and brown rice salad that - despite not sounding like the best dish initially - was remarkable!

Our ingredients to prep:

The lovely ladies on my team!

Cooking area:

All of our dishes lined up for presentation:

Our completed dish:


Afterwards, we got to eat what we made, sampling all six dishes and washing it down with what else? Sweet Texas tea and cake balls! Delish! I have since made two of these dishes at home! That's how easy they are!


I would be remiss if I left out how much amazing swag we picked up while there, including a signed copy of the Healthy Beef Cookbook. Score!


Thank you so much to Gigi at A Kludgy Mom and the Texas Beef Council for making this all possible!

Lend a Hand, Help Japan!

While we're in the giving mood, here's another worthwhile cause near and dear to all of our hearts these days. Sure, we can't give the million dollars that Sandy and Gwen may, but hey - $5 adds up quick! Plus, these are some of the best giveaways I've seen in a long time - great job, Jill!

Check it out:

Baby Noah: Our March for Babies 2011 Baby

As you may or may not know, I belong to a group of local bloggers that meets once per month to network and chat about our lives, our love of writing, and our different hopes for our sites, etc. These women have become a great support system and sounding board for me, and I have been very fortunate in having found them. They've helped me when I've needed it, and now, I want to take my turn to help one of them.

One of our local ladies, Michelle Myers, gave birth to her first son, Noah Jackson, Thursday, two months prior to his due date. She was very fortunate that she was diligent and proactive, and it is a tremendous blessing that he made it here safely. You can find more about him and his birth story here.

As you know, I've worked with preemies in my time as a nanny, and have a very special place in my heart for NICU babies. I volunteered with the Children's Hospital of Austin many, many moons ago in the NICU, and have nannied for three different sets of triplets, and even still, stories of preemies continue to speak to me, and motivate me to make a difference so that - as the March of Dimes so eloquently says - one day all babies can be born healthy. Amen.

The Myers' have been very lucky thus far, with baby Noah growing and gaining weight and getting increasing amounts of breast milk, but with Noah being born so early, he'll likely be in the NICU for some time still, ensuring a hefty NICU bill upon his departure. That's where I ask you to step in.

There are so many ways you can help:

Anything you may purchase from myerscrosstraining.com, including workout DVD's, multivitamins, protein bars and/or shakes, and other things you may have been purchasing elsewhere anyhow, will go directly to support their NICU bill.

Michelle has also written a book about her four-year battle with anorexia, The Look That Kills: An Anorexic's Addiction to Control. If you know anyone - or even yourself - who could benefit from this book, or if you're interested in hearing more of her story, please consider buying this book. All proceeds go directly to baby Noah's care.

If you'd like to make a general donation to the 2011 March of Dimes' March for Babies, you can do so via the widget at the top of the page. All the money goes directly to the MoD, not me, so rest assured it will get directly where it needs to go :)

Thank you guys! Your support - whether monetary or emotional - is essential during this hard time! And, most importantly, your prayers are too. Anyone who has room on their prayer list for little Noah, and for his parents, is the greatest blessing of all!

Spread the Love.

As I bought A's gazillionth Christmas and Birthday presents today, I thought that it would only be fitting that this year, and each year going forward, we also "adopt" a child in need to buy Christmas presents for. Unfortunately, this thought *may* have occurred to me a bit behind schedule, though I won't be sure until I talk to someone over at AISD tomorrow. Luckily, if I'm not able to do some good there, Nina posted over on her blog today about Compassion International, and some ways you can help a child overseas:

Some of the gifts you can purchase are a mosquito net ($10), a chicken ($16), vaccinations ($25), education supplies ($30), and a water filter ($55). For many of us, these prices are a fraction of what we’ll spend on Christmas gifts for our friends and family. But these little gifts can make a big difference in a child’s life:

- A mosquito net can protect a child from malaria-carrying mosquitoes in Africa.
- A chicken can be a source of income for a family in El Salvador.
- Vaccinations can rescue an infant who might otherwise die of a disease before the age of five.
- Educational supplies can help children in Burkina Faso, India, Haiti, Tanzania and Uganda with school fees, uniforms, and books they need to get an education.
- A water filter can clean up to 500 gallons of water a day and helps prevent waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, E. coli and hepatitis A.

You can view the entire list and make a purchase/donate here.

Tis' the season!

NOTE: I will ask you, though, to reconsider when giving to the Salvation Army. While it may seem unkind of me to purposely rally against what seems like a worthwhile effort, the Salvation Army not only implores business and hiring practices that discriminate against homosexuals, but they in fact work to keep homosexuals in a state of inequality and treat them as second class citizens. Won't you send your money and/or donations to a business and charity that isn't blind to equality?

What Do You Do All Day?

I frequently visit the hilarious and informative Boston Baby Mama blog, and her post today about being a SAHM received a comment with a link to this article in The Washington Post. It's SO dead on and so validating and so perfect of a way to respond to the question that I just had to share. Too bad it isn't longer, to include everything else we do on top of raising children, like running the home, balancing the checkbook & cutting costs, exercise and health, ...

Carolyn:

Best friend has child. Her: exhausted, busy, no time for self, no time for me, etc. Me (no kids): Wow. Sorry. What'd you do today? Her: Park, play group . . .

Okay. I've done Internet searches, I've talked to parents. I don't get it. What do stay-at-home moms do all day? Please no lists of library, grocery store, dry cleaners . . . I do all those things, too, and I don't do them EVERY DAY. I guess what I'm asking is: What is a typical day and why don't moms have time for a call or e-mail? I work and am away from home nine hours a day (plus a few late work events) and I manage to get it all done. I'm feeling like the kid is an excuse to relax and enjoy -- not a bad thing at all -- but if so, why won't my friend tell me the truth? Is this a peeing contest ("My life is so much harder than yours")? What's the deal? I've got friends with and without kids and all us child-free folks get the same story and have the same questions.

Tacoma, Wash.

Relax and enjoy. You're funny.

Or you're lying about having friends with kids.

Or you're taking them at their word that they actually have kids, because you haven't personally been in the same room with them.

Internet searches?

I keep wavering between giving you a straight answer and giving my forehead some keyboard. To claim you want to understand, while in the same breath implying that the only logical conclusions are that your mom-friends are either lying or competing with you, is disingenuous indeed.

So, since it's validation you seem to want, the real answer is what you get. In list form. When you have young kids, your typical day is: constant attention, from getting them out of bed, fed, clean, dressed; to keeping them out of harm's way; to answering their coos, cries, questions; to having two arms and carrying one kid, one set of car keys, and supplies for even the quickest trips, including the latest-to-be-declared-essential piece of molded plastic gear; to keeping them from unshelving books at the library; to enforcing rest times; to staying one step ahead of them lest they get too hungry, tired or bored, any one of which produces the kind of checkout-line screaming that gets the checkout line shaking its head.

It's needing 45 minutes to do what takes others 15.

It's constant vigilance, constant touch, constant use of your voice, constant relegation of your needs to the second tier.

It's constant scrutiny and second-guessing from family and friends, well-meaning and otherwise. It's resisting constant temptation to seek short-term relief at everyone's long-term expense.

It's doing all this while concurrently teaching virtually everything -- language, manners, safety, resourcefulness, discipline, curiosity, creativity. Empathy. Everything.

It's also a choice, yes. And a joy. But if you spent all day, every day, with this brand of joy, and then, when you got your first 10 minutes to yourself, wanted to be alone with your thoughts instead of calling a good friend, a good friend wouldn't judge you, complain about you to mutual friends, or marvel how much more productively she uses her time. Either make a sincere effort to understand or keep your snit to yourself.

Book Exchange.

Alright, ladies! Who wants to build their child's library, and connect with other moms and babies? How can you say no to that? ;)

Thanks to Rene over at Just Jack, Ava and I have gotten involved with a book exchange train. It's a great idea and I'm hoping you'll join us as well! I'll send you a letter that looks like this:

Dear __________________________________,
Welcome to our book exchange! That’s right, a book exchange! Send 1 book to the child listed as #1 below , then send 2 copies of this letter 1 filled out and one blank one to 6 friends. Move my child’s name to the #1 spot and your child’s name to the #2 spot on your letter. This is not a chain letter- only fun

It will be great to see where all the different books come from around the country!
If you cannot complete this in 1 week (give or take a few days) please notify me as it is not fair to the children who have participated and are waiting for their own special books to arrive. A manila envelope will work well to mail the book and you can save on postage by requesting media/book mail service. Soon, your child will receive 36 books! That’s right all for sending out one!
Be sure to include your child’s name and address. Seldom does anyone drop out because as you know, children love to get mail! Why spoil the fun?! You should start receiving your books in about 2 weeks if you get your letters and book out right away.

Thank you for your participation and happy reading!

Remember, if you cannot send out a book let me know as soon as possible!

Send Book To:
#1 _______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Age:_____

#2 _____________________
_____________________
_____________________
Age______

Rene's adorable little man, Jack, will be in the number 1 spot and Ava will be number 2. You'll send a book to Jack, and then send letters to 6 other people, moving Ava to the number 1 spot and putting your child's name in the second spot. I'll send you 2 forms - one filled out and one blank for you to use and forward. Let me know if you'd like to join in on the fun! If I already have your address, just tell me you want in. Otherwise, e-mail me your address at unexpectedlyexpectingbaby(at)gmail(dot)com. Because there is personal information and children involved, please only forward this to other mom's you know and trust. We so hope you'll join us :)

Calling All Breastfeeding Mamas!

Alright, ladies. I have a favor to ask.

Whether you're able to just spread the word via twitter, your blog, word of mouth - whatever - or if you're willing and able to make even a small donation, there is a baby in Minnesota who needs our help.

Baby M was born just mere weeks ago to a mommy and daddy who love him and wanted him very much. His parents tried for years and years to get pregnant, and sadly, Baby M’s mama had many miscarriages and lost a baby in the middle of her pregnancy last year, too. Finally, at the end of August, she gave birth to a perfect, healthy little boy just a couple weeks ago. And then she passed away in her sleep just seven days later from a rare, unexplained rupture in her heart. You can find the full story here.

This mother had wanted to breastfeed her son, to provide the very best start for him in life, and his father wants desperately to carry our her wishes. Seeing as how milk banks are quite costly, here's where I ask for your help: I am assisting MckMama and a friend of the family by donating some of my excess milk, as you'll remember in a post a while back that my attempt to donate to our local milk bank had been unsuccessful due to the fact that I take Zoloft for my PPD. I am still waiting to hear back on whether or not I'll be able to donate now, but if so, I am hoping to send at least 100 ozs of breastmilk to Minnesota, as there are women who are willing to help with shipping costs.

Mamas, if you're able, know anyone who is able, are willing to spread the word, etc., please help this little one who has lost his mama, and his grieving father. Thank you, all!!!

Hook 'Em!

Just 18 years until Ava attends her first Longhorn game as a UT student :D




On a side note, as much as I love receiving blog awards, there is no possible way I can acknowledge the greatness that is my blog friends in just five awards, so here's a few others I want you all to go explore and show some love to.

First off, my fellow Texan and longhorn fan Ashlie over at The Souders' Saga. Not only is her baby girl GORGEOUS, but you could never even tell she had a baby! She gives Texas women a good name :)

Also, A.Lee takes some of the most phenomenal pics, and is building up a photography practice that, if she lived in the state, I would frequent for A's every photo shoot! Check out her blog (and adorable baby B!), and her photography site!

Blog with Substance Award!

The wonderful Miss JLA over at Stilettos & A Fishing Pole gave me this wonderful award today...



...and now, I'm passing it on to a few of my awesome blog friends!

Now, the rules for the award state:

1.) THANK the blogger who awarded it to you.

2.) Sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation and experience using five words.
Excitement, Comiseration, Reciprocation, Happiness, Wonderful

3.) Pass it on to 5 other blogs you feel have real substance.

This was definitely the hard part, since there are so many blogs I read regularly that are fantastic. Here's just a handful I'd like to spotlight today:


I find Toni so incredibly inspiring, strong, interesting, refreshingly honest...I could go on and on, but how about you go check her out instead?? She also made my blog button :)


Emily is awesome. She's helped many of us with tech stuff like making buttons and/or making them "grab-able", and has the sweetest little baby boy. If he turns out to need a second wife (since I know he's already betrothed), perhaps he'll consider Ava ;)


Rene is such an inspiration to me! She's a single mom (PROPS!!!), and she's rocking it. I mean, mother-of-the-year type stuff :) Her little one, Jack, can be Ava's first husband, seeing as how we're already connecting them via the USPS as pen pals. She's also an awesome pen pal, and never forgets things (like I do) or is late sending stuff (again, that's me!).

Next up?
That'd be Michelle over at Domestication of the (once) Single Girl. No one can make me laugh like she can, and I know some seriously hilarious. If you've never paid her a visit, RUN, don't walk (fast click, as opposed to slow click??) and get your tushy over there ASAP. I look forward to her every post! And "the cute"? Try, "the ridiculously adorable". Just sayin'...

And last, but certainly not least, my dear friend (IRL, also!) Butterbean. She's smart, hilarious, witty - all you could ask for in a "blog of substance", and to top it all off, she's got a cutie pie baby. Plus, she taught me about twitter, she listens to me whine incessantly about the same three things over and over again, and she has unlimited texting to feed my text addiction. In a nutshell, she's awesome. Go visit and show her some love :)

Nighty night, friends! There's a three-day weekend with my name all over it!

My First Guest Post!

Hey unexpectedly readers!! ::waves hi:: I'm so excited that B asked me to guest post today! I'm Lil Miss Butterbean, and you can normally find me over here. This is my daughter, Baby Butterbean:



She's about two weeks younger than little A, and she's a stinker. I swear she has the biggest personality I've ever seen in a baby. Anyway, when B asked me to write a post for her, I was stumped as to what to write about. I tossed around a few ideas, and then finally settled on two topics. Then, after talking to B, I *still* couldn't decide, so, you guys are getting both! This is the top five grossest things about babies, and the things you need to handle those gross things! So, without further ado, let's kick this off, shall we?

Number 5: Feeding Time
Baby Butterbean has been eating solids for awhile now and it's not the eating part that's gross, it's what she does after I get the food into her mouth. She blows rasberries. Do you know what that means? She basically spits whatever is in her mouth, all over her high chair, my shirt, and, most of the time, my face. So be sure and stock up on bibs, antibacterial wipes, paper towels and stain remover.

Number 4: Boogers
I'm starting to think that my kid is the slimiest baby on the face of the earth, because frankly, girlfriend's got some serious boogie issues. And boogers are hella gross in my book! How do I combat Baby Butterbean's green monsters? Boogie wipes (just like the ones B just reviewed!) and a nasal syringe. We own 5 of them!

Number 3: Peepee
Not to brag, but I am one lucky mom. Baby Butterbean has slept completely through the night since she was two months old. I know!! But, there is a downside to that. She leaks through her diaper every night. Know what that means? Not only diaper rash but wet sheets every morning. So be sure to keep *plenty* of fitted sheets for the crib on hand, otherwise you'll be doing a lot of laundry!

Number 2: Vomit
Baby Butterbean has severe reflux, which means she and I smell like vomit pretty much all the time. My solution? Tons of burp rags, bibs, a few outfits for her, a few outfits for me (I'm not even joking, I carry two pairs of jeans and two shirts in my car!) and *plenty* of perfume. Cause no one likes the stinky family!

And, finally, number 1: Poop
Poop and I are not friends. In fact, it is my one and only enemy. We've had more than one run in. There was the time that Baby Butterbean pooped on me in the bath. And then that one time that I was changing her and she had a blowout right after I moved the diaper out from under her. That's the time that I got poo in my eye. Yes folks, my eye. So what's a girl to do? I put a clean diaper under her before I move the dirty one out of the way, that way, once she's all clean, she's got a new diaper there to catch anything. Also, I *always* use a changing pad, even when we're at home, because we've gotten poo on the couch before. My couch that I bought right before having Baby Butterbean. That's another thing, don't buy a new couch right before giving birth.

Hopeully these tips help any new moms or moms to be. Do y'all have any tips that I missed?

Drop A Love Bomb.

This website is fantastic! A big thanks to Butterbean (who, btw, if you haven't visited her new blog, run click as fast as you can and go check it out!) for sending this to me :)

Also, here's the link to Wrenn's mommy's blog - please stop by and send love and prayers their way!