Sand in my Minivan

BELIEVE - I sure do.

2012-01-13T23:51:00.003-05:00

Well guess I have to boast...preen...and generally be super proud of myself. I am approximately 3lbs from my Weight Watchers goal. Which will be a whopping 91lb. weight loss! Yep. Four score plus eleven!

So in honor of my journey I have done a rude attempt at a self-motivating bit of prose with my apologies to all of my English and grammar teachers.

BELIEVE
Be the person you want to be.

Exercise smart choices and planning
what you put in your body and
how you move it.

Look for the opportunity to excel, change, and learn
whenever difficult challenges arise.

Invest time in yourself to -
(1) choose food that will make you successful;
(2) be accountable to track your choices; and
(3) exercise to improve your health,
because you are worth the effort.

Enjoy life and food with the flexibility of Points Plus so
you can indulge with confidence -
work the plan to work for you.

Victories, big and small, scale and non-scale,
all deserve celebrating.

Everyone has the power inside
to succeed with Weight Watchers,
just take control and BELIEVE.

Run baby run...

2011-06-07T23:23:00.003-04:00

Well, its been a while. The 5K progress report: I ran (April 10), I ran again (April 17), I rested (shin splints) - then I ran again (May 30).

Here's me from the Memorial Day Classic in Weston, FL, on May 30th, "Throwing Up The "U"" as a nod to my University of Miami alma mater - GO CANES! My mom even referred to me as a runner today - which I quickly refuted... I run, but i'm no runner.

I may be working on being a runner though. My current style is that of run as far as I can (personal best is 21min 30ish seconds) then alternate walking & running until I reach my destination. And I am still planning to enter (and more importantly, finish) the Disney Princess Half Marathon - Feb 2012.

My overall goal of getting healthy is going well also. Still loving Weight Watchers - I am now 71 lbs. gone since September last year! That's pretty amazing. Just a few pounds away from the big 75. Oooh. Gotta stay strong. The running is an efficient way of burning calories & toning the bod.

Well, that's a lot of progress since I last posted in January.

As an unrelated aside, how much do I love my kids preschool & their teachers. If only I could keep them in this loving environment FOR ALL THEIR SCHOOL YEARS. Aye, I have a little tendency to be overprotective (not quite "helicopter-mom", but guilty of some trying to bubble wrap them against the ills of the world!).

My oldest 'graduated' from preschool today. (Cannot believe it!) And my middle man, he performed in his first end of year program - he was the prince from Little Mermaid. Que cutie! It was a proud parent day!

Certifiably Crazy

2011-01-28T00:08:00.004-05:00

So... I just committed to a girlfriend to train for a 5K in slightly more than 10 weeks.

Am I a runner? Not unless there is a fire or my children need me.

Am I a regular walker or even someone who exercises? Not in any traditional sense.

Am I a former runner? Does running late to class/work count?, no then.

Am I crazy? YES.

Totally self-inspired by my current weight-loss (now over 42 lbs!). I thought it might be a good idea to start moving in a purposeful manner to tone the new & emerging body. So nothing like staring down the barrel of a race date, where I will pay real money to enter - as motivation to move my tucus.

Because I have a great love of research, and I value my ability to walk (walking being almost necessary as a stay-at-home mom), I have found a training plan called Couch to 5K.

It has a lot of anecdotal support among the Weight Watcher online community and on the web in general. Apparently there are slight variations of this walk/run training - but they all say you can successfully complete a 5K in little more than two months after hopping off the couch. We'll see!

Weight Watchers giveaway link...last day to get in on the prize!

2011-01-20T15:53:00.004-05:00

Seriously, in honor of me being only .2 away from a 40 lb. weight loss with Weight Watchers...
I am placing this link for a contest to win either a new PointsPlus deluxe kit or easy serving measuring set --- Click here to go to Danica's "Friends for Weight Loss" page.

And I hope I hit that big 4-0# at my Saturday meeting!

Third time's a charm...

2010-11-18T01:00:00.003-05:00

Well, baby #3 is eating like a champ. Still nursing and moving onto solid baby purees. Here's what really gets me... I never thought before that the temperature of the food would matter.

I thought, I don't want the kids to get spoiled by 'warm food' - just in case I have to feed them on the fly. Chalk that one up to silly. Yeah, for the few times on the fly it will be room temp but for the vast majority of the time - I have access to microwaves and other heating elements. Super DUH.

So, I have been using warm liquid (for rice cereal) and warming his baby purees --- and no surprise for most of us who like our food warm --- he is eating everything. At least I got the chance to get it right!

Along the same vein... how is it that babies can bwbwbwbwspppttt their food in the most miniscule of droplets which get wedged in every crevice of the highchair - hence making it virtually impossible to get the thing really clean before the next layer gets applied at the next meal. Seriously, i've been in there with a toothpick to get the gunk out.

Despite my best efforts, I am constantly finding something that is remaining as a reminder that my cleaning was not as thorough as i'd wished. UGH.

Glass (broken) in my Minivan...

2010-11-08T16:51:00.006-05:00

Well, S. Fla - you got me. My number was up. I was the "victim" of a smash and grab at a kids Halloween party a couple of weeks ago.

Of course, I did all the stupid stuff. Was in a hurry. Parked at the end of a line of cars in a parking lot. (Made it real easy for the thieves.) Didn't check to see that all of the bags were stashed in an unseen area of the van.

And so - in a few moments - my front passenger window was smashed and my mom's friend's purse (she's from the low-country in South Carolina - so why would she even know) GONE.

When we returned to the car 30min later (needed to leave the party early) --- there it was...Glass in & out of my minivan. The nice maintenance guy at the park had already called the police and was superbly nice in helping us get the majority of glass out of the car & getting us on the road.

Got the letter today that the local authorities are "no longer proceeding with this matter", all that they got was a smudged palm print. Up sides for me...(there are some)...
* nice clear window on the front passenger door
* personal reminder to take a few moments and check the car before leaving
*** experienced there are still some really nice people in S.Fla who help out in a crisis:

nice park guy who was very empathetic & cleaned up 98% of the visible glass and gave us garbage bags for the window, seats, etc...
nice officer who took the time with #1son and let him 'help' with the investigation - even giving him gloves for the fingerprinting!

I hate math & other random thoughts...

2010-11-07T01:49:00.003-04:00

Why oh why can't I add. Seriously. I have more than one post-graduate degree, you would think I could add simple numbers. I am going on about this because tonight, in these cash-strapped times, I inaccurately added too much tip by $10 and signed it.

First off, I rarely go out & spend $$$ on a dinner with girlfriends. (With the 7mo. old & me being just 2mos. on Weight Watchers, I cook most of our meals at home). So on this rare evening, I went out -- and after splitting the bill, I inaccurately added too much tip. I was trying to add $13.50 to a $45. bill and in my genius head... came up with $68.50. REALLY.

Of course when I got home to check the bill online - to see if the waitress actually put in the total or just my intended tip... the card companies server is offline. FABULOUS. Well, guess i'll find out tomorrow - and if I did get screwed by my own inability to handle simple math...well then, i'll just have to suck it up. And hopefully, the waitress needs it more than me.

UNRELATED... and much more positive. I did superbly well, fantastic in fact, at Weight Watchers & got my 10% keychain today. Very exciting. Not that i'll put keys on it, its too valuable to get beaten up by my keys and such. But a nice reminder of how far i've come.

For some strange reason this put me in a bad mood for most of the day. I think its because I also realize that there is still a good way to go before I will be at a weight where I am comfortable. Maybe the $10 math error is somehow cosmically related to my 10% weight loss & post-award sour mood... that's what I get for not celebrating the moment...

Therefore, I vow to have a better tomorrow, congratulate myself on my hard-work, discipline & accomplishments, and improve my simple math skills.

How I love to hear my name..."mommy"

2010-10-23T23:23:00.003-04:00

You don't appreciate the effort when it comes so easily (and repetitively) mommy mommy mommy - mama mama mama - MOOOOOOMMMM! But when the 2nd birthday comes & goes and when no close approximation comes your way...you have to get some help. FAST.

Accordingly, over my hiatus I have kept myself pretty busy. At about 7-8 months preggers with #3, I came to the realization that #2 Son, who was turning 2, was really really really delayed in his language development. I know, "How can that be?" I already had one son - and knew what-ish to expect, when re: language development. And I was suppressing the GUT FEELING (for at least 6mos.) that he should be saying more especially with the loving, well-meaning voices around me who said things like "He's a late talker" "All kids develop at their own rate" "His brother talks for him, he doesn't need to say anything". Well that was all bunk as my MAMA GUT already knew.

While in my whale-ish state we were referred to several highly recommended and uber-qualified professionals (private & state provided) who confirmed that #2 son was more than just a "late-talker".

He has been attending and receiving speech therapy 3-4x week since February. It was an amazing day a couple of months into therapy when I heard "mama", and then "mommy". Now there is more and more language coming my way - and he is making great (i'm told by his therapists "AMAZING") strides. And these days when I hear my name "mommy" repeated over and over and over...by any of my kids...I stop short of getting upset and think how lucky I am they know my name & can call me.

There are so many moms who I know ignore the GUT (maybe my kid is delayed, different, not developing) ...and many (in this economy / or otherwise) who think they can't afford any therapies - let me scream it from the rooftops - the STATE provides excellent FREE services through the "Early Steps" program for 0-3yr. olds who qualify. Regardless of financial status. We adore #2's therapist through Early Steps, like family to us, and she has enjoyed this journey and progresses with us. We also have retained a private speech-language pathologist (also like family), and she too is enjoying the fruits of our labors working on #2's emerging language.

For more information for Early Steps in Broward Co. call FDLRS/ChildFind 754-321-2204. The screening takes place at & services are coordinated through the Children's Diagnostic & Treatment Center in Ft. Lauderdale. The earlier the intervention, the better - and don't ignore your mama gut.

I'm alive, I swear...

2010-09-27T16:27:00.002-04:00

And stuck behind a land-line internet...in our garage...and with now THREE little boys (#3 son is now SIX MONTHS!) - I am never online anymore.

I want to change that. I have neglected this little outlet of mine - not that i've had any shortage of ramblings...just stepped away from my blog while I had a baby.

My obvious observation: the ability to get 3 children under 5 to give you a moment to be inattentive is akin to winning the lottery. Shower anyone?

So now baby is a bit older, and older boys are behaving well (for the time being) so here I am.

I am three weeks into Weight Watchers and almost 8lbs. down. Yippee! We'll take it. Have you seen Jennifer Hudson (the current spokeswoman) lately? I don't have the time or the coin for the personal trainer attention which I am certain she is getting...but just following the WW program...the weight is coming off.

One of the WW highlights - Breastfeeding. Anyone who has been on WW in the past 10 years knows what I am talking about. Breastfeeding mamas get 10 extra points just for breastfeeding. Of course, that drops to 5 once you start supplementing with food of any kind...so I had to get on before #3 son goes solidly on solids. Right now he's just in the 'trying' rice cereal stage, so HA! I still will enjoy my 10 extra points!

My next obstacle...fitting in some exercise. Fingers crossed I can find some time & energy!

Nice to be back.

Prenatal Yoga rocks my world.

2009-12-10T11:21:00.002-05:00

It truly is one of the best parts of being "with child." This is my 3rd baby... and my third time around, in my humble opinion, the best prenatal yoga class in Broward County - with Elizabeth Bonet, the Yogafairy.

I almost think of it as prenatal mommy "crack" (Disclaimer: I have no idea what real crack really is, and/or would actually feel like - but if it feels wonderful, then my analogy is right on point).

The class for me goes something like this, after the feel good start with mommy-to-be's sharing their journey & checking in...we get down to business. In a most gentle and understanding way, yet not at all simple, Elizabeth puts us through our paces, making allowances and suggestions for those more far along than others. I know that there are some audible moans, mostly me, but it is real work. I feel everytime renewed and like I am making my body stronger for my son on the way.

And all of the crazy hormonal stress that has built up over the week, my two boys, my hubby, the holidays, just being pregnant --- absolutly fades away, and for at least that evening - my batteries get recharged and I know I can make it through this pregnancy, too.

It is the one selfish indulgence I insist on when pregnant...going to my prenatal yoga class to take time just for us (me and the new baby). It is my recommendation, without reservation to all moms to be -- get thyself some prenatal yoga -- and if you live in Broward --- get thyself some Yogafairy prenatal yoga!

Namaste.

Breathe & Rejoice...

2009-11-02T23:35:00.003-05:00

Well, I haven't said much because - I have been sitting on my tuchus praying, crossing fingers, finding my inner peace and, well, waiting to breathe.

You see - I am overjoyed to finally report I am pregnant, again. Okay, like pretty good and preggers... like already well into my 2nd trimester, got great amnio results today and ready to just get fat & happy for the next, oh say, 22 weeks.

Yeah - we are super-dee-duper over the moon as you can expect. And... of course... the MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION...

Its another bouncing baby boy coming to our home!

Three, count 'em three, tres, trois, III - the triple threat. I am so good with this, we just wanted healthy baby - and I have all the boy gear (balls, cars, trains & other things that go!!!), not to mention I am relieved that the "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique" is virtually out of my future. [Nothing is wrong with said boutique, and what girl doesn't love frills?] I'm just saying, i'm okay with not having to learn all of the Fairies & Princesses after my head has been filled with the crucial Thomas the Tank Engine names, and all the Cars characters...

We are so happy - and looking forward to our early April addition.

Fascinating babies

2009-09-25T16:54:00.003-04:00

I wanna kick myself for not writing sooner. We've been busy, I mean who hasn't been? But being that my 3 yr. old wants to see only one thing when I'm at the computer...and he's awake - might as well bite the bullet & give in. So here it is. The Evian Babies:

Vacation...all I ever wanted...

2009-08-28T13:26:00.002-04:00

Well we had an amazing 10 days in the low country of SC... spending many an evening at the Salty Dog Cafe - Hilton Head Island, where my boys 3 & 18 mos. had a great time dancing and running around to the live music of Dave Kimmerly. Such a rockin' good family time.

And its good to be back, too. In my own bed, in my own house, in my own kitchen. With mounds of laundry to keep me company. And even though we were hustlin' back to get #1 son in for the first day of preschool (still haven't processed all that yet!), it was a terrific family vaca.

What i'm not particularly enjoying is the bug/virus/cold/funk which has accompanied us either back from vaca or coming home from preschool. What the origin is i'll never know - but it makes it harder to get through the laundry FOR SURE. Snifflin, sneezin & loving the makers of Tylenol.

Kids cliches and other 'neato' sources of lexicon

2009-08-09T15:48:00.004-04:00

So I have figured out, again, that children provide some of the most interesting sources for catchphrases... like "Poop or get off the Pot". (Clearly, "Poop" is often replaced with another synonym - but since this is a family show... I'll just stick with POOP.)

Well, anyone who has tried to potty train a toddler knows exactly the source of the aforementioned phrase. Really, I mean really, I am pretty patient but sometimes waiting hours for my oldest to 'make' #2 on the potty is like watching paint dry. [BTW - #1 is going really really well!!!]

It is sheer folly to give up and undertake another task (i.e. put him back in underwear and try going somewhere) - because inevitably he will find the 5 seconds when I am not watching his every move and --- well, have his move(ment). Right there in the underwear. His alert phrase for this action... "Mommy, I smell poops!"

And, yes, yes, I've tried other methods - i.e. prompting him at intervals. Repeatedly going through the motions after accidents. Bribery, stickers, praise. Time, it just takes time - i guess.

This reminds me of another child-borne cliche: "Don't cry over spilt milk." Which I took great issue with at the time I was pumping 6x-day for my first born. Hmmm. Could they be related?

Mr. Independent

2009-07-21T02:20:00.004-04:00

Triceratops Rock

2009-07-15T13:51:00.002-04:00

The Zen of Potty Training

2009-07-07T23:21:00.011-04:00

[Warning - the following contains typical mommy-poop talk... stop now if "you can't handle the truth"]

Okay, Potty Training is not really Zen. Kinda like trying to find an "om" moment while patiently and enthusiastically encouraging my 3yr. old little man to get 'er done.

If there is anything I am learning in this process (which I first embarked well over 6mos ago with our first "pull-ups" purchase & potty seat acquisition), it is my personal trifecta, a mantra (if you will), of potty training:

1. that there is no absolute perfect way to do this

2. trying to force the issue, when either party is not ready or committed, is akin to herding cats, and

3. every child is different (especially since my current method is a flexible hybrid of about 5 successful methods from my fellow mommyhood girlfriends).

Of course, repeating the serenity prayer helps, too. Because teaching bladder control, and for the little guy to learn control - is taking all the wisdom and creativity I have. And the laundry, ugh, I thought I did a lot before. Nope, I had disposable diapers - now I have accidents that need washing.

That said, we (he) are (is) doing pretty fabulous for only 1 week into the serious process. The Number 1 - is going great, really... and I feel that Number 2 is getting better everyday.

What's working for us -- 6 ideas for anyone who is looking to incorporate some tips.

1. We are using a potty chair (yep, the kind you have to dump and clean everytime - thank goodness for Clorox wipes). I think it gives him a good sense of control with the potty being sized down for him.

2. Prompting for potty tries. Especially at first, just a gentle reminder to go and try - starting in 3o-45 min intervals. Now, he is so good - most of the potty trips are his initiation. [Note: we tried a timer - but then he didn't want to go unless the timer went off... and that actually lead to more accidents].

3. Underwear - all the way during the day. No more Pull-ups, Easy-ups or other false senses of potty training. It seemed to only serve as a diaper substitute (with much less leak control) and the moisture absorbancy gave him no reason to want to 'go' elsewhere. He could wear a Pull-up until it was sagging around his ankles. [Note: I haven't the fortitude yet to go cold-turkey against Pull-ups, we are still using them for sleep...which I plan to phase out once daytime control is under control]

4. Extra-padded underwear for away from home outings (Gerber cotton training pants/not the vinyl outerlayer kind) - these things are the best since sliced bread. The cotton has just enough padding that he has a couple of moments to 'catch' himself and get to the potty. Otherwise, in the house, it is the supercool character underwear (Cars, Handy Manny, Thomas, etc.).

5. Bribery. I have a basket of several 2/$1.39 toy cars from Walgreens that he gets to pick a new one after a successful #2 in the potty. Hey, I figure this is WAY cheaper than diapers and eventually, he won't care so much about the cars anymore...right?

6. Spare potty chair for the road. In addition to the sand in my minivan, I currently sport a potty which we utilize at almost all stops to help prevent any accidents. FINGERS CROSSED.

Its a most interesting journey - looking forward to drier days ahead!

The luckiest man... a tribute to my friend Perry

2009-07-06T22:48:00.022-04:00

I have been on hiatus from my blog as I have been processing the passing of my dear friend Charles Perry Coe, who on June 22, 2009, 51 years young, lost his long courageous fight with ALS a.k.a. Lou Gehrig's Disease. I was fortunate enough to travel to Virginia and spend some time with him in his final days and introduce my littlest one to him, a point that gives me great joy. I hope I was some comfort to one of my best friends, his wife - now widow, and to his sons who I pray will understand what a wonderful, strong, and full of life man their father was.

And although we all new this end would come, there is nothing like the reality of the end of physical life to make us hold those we love a little tighter, breathe each breath a little sweeter and appreciate the uniqueness which is today - everyday.

In the photo: Perry [bottom left] with his sons (my ringbearers), wife Leigh (in the red bridesmaid dress), and his treasured family @ my wedding in January 2005, before his ALS diagnosis.

As to not get it wrong - the below quick facts about his disease, which has no cure - and only has one outcome, are directly taken from the ALS Association website - but it is information I feel compelled to share:

Quick Facts about ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells and pathways in the brain and spinal cord. When these cells die, voluntary muscle control and movement dies with them.

Patients in the later stages of the disease are totally paralyzed, yet in most cases, their minds remain sharp and alert.
Every day, an average of 15 people are newly diagnosed with ALS — more than 5,600 people per year. As many as 30,000 Americans may currently be affected by ALS. Annually, ALS is responsible for two deaths per 100,000 people.
The average life expectancy of a person with ALS is two to five years from time of diagnosis. With recent advances in research and improved medical care, many patients are living longer, more productive lives. Half of all those affected live at least three years or more after diagnosis. About 20 percent live five years or more, and up to ten percent will survive more than ten years.
ALS occurs throughout the world with no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries. ALS can strike anyone. Every single American is threatened by this disease.

And because Perry was such an avid golfer and rabid UNC Tarheel fan I offer the following:

P.Coe may you find all the greens of heaven,
watchover as your little men build their short game
with few handicaps and great drives
as their mom helps them grow from birdies until they soar like eagles.

Help the rest of us avoid the bunkers, limit our need for mulligans,
and try to nudge us out of the rough.

You hit the sweet spot and peace is finally with you.
Now your view, and ours of you, may be forever filled with Carolina Blue.

Okay, rating playgrounds not an ORIGINAL idea - but lots of room for improvement

2009-06-08T00:55:00.005-04:00

Well sure, when you look hard enough - you might just find what you are looking for... I found a site - KaBOOM which is a non-profit that helps save/build playgrounds - it also has a "Playspace Finder" which is an awesome theoretical idea that is (unfortunately) woefully inadequate for S.Fla. [Only has public schools and very few parks for my general 20mi. radius]. And, KaBOOM is currently trying to add 100,000 playspace listings in 100 days (ends at the end of June!) - and apparently they will raise $100,000 in the process.
So, I'm not entirely wrong - this site is still in desparate need of the S.Fla. hookup for playgrounds. I will do my part, I have joined KaBOOM, and I will add my playground listings... but, to borrow from U2 "I still haven't found what I'm looking for" in terms of local playground info. - so I will do it myself!

The quest for the best...public playground in my neck of the woods

2009-06-07T23:51:00.003-04:00

Really, I can't believe no one has done this before (not that I can find easily at least). I have been talking it up with some of my friends for about a week & as of last week, I have officially started my quest. I clearly have perfect timing, it's the beginning of June - hot as H-E-double-hockey-sticks in FLA, the rainy/hurricane season and school is out = crowded playgrounds = NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT.
Hence, I am embarking on a noble quest to find the best playgrounds in my area and rate them according to my own scale.
I am open to suggestions (Got a favorite playground? Tell me about it!) - right now I am focused on Broward County, FL and I could be tempted to go across the borders to Palm Beach/Dade - I will post my results and a pic of the playground right here for all to share.

Post-baby #'s & the Sisterhood of MOMS

2009-05-26T13:37:00.009-04:00

Lately (say, the last 3yrs/give or take 9 mos.), getting ready for 'nicer' social events in my life involves the inevitable search in my closet for something to wear and the ultimate realization that: 1. yes, I am wearing maternity pants - because they fit & are nice pants...even though at this point my 'baby' is well over a year old AND 2. aaarrrgghh, I really have nothing nice to wear that fits me because all I wear are t-shirts and casual shorts/pants.

Being a SAHM, I don't often have 'nicer' events (no business/work related events that my casual wardrobe won't accommodate), but when I do - the same tortuous internal-conversation... external-closet search goes down. And, if I tell you I recently lost almost 20lbs & am, sadly, lower than my pre-pregnancy weight...alas, still NOTHING 'good' fits. I can't bring myself to spend the time or money to get 'nicer' stuff that fits because 1. Diapers aren't free & 2. I am on a diet and my not-so-secret hope of hopes is to get into and past the current 'nicer' clothes in my closet. So I will continue to try to live healthier and hopeful that my efforts will payoff in my closet.

The 'nicer' event... one of my girlfriend's baby shower. So it was a great rainy afternoon, sharing tea & stories, at a table of some of the most amazing women I have ever known. We are a group who met through our babies. All of us and our 1st babies took classes at Nova Southeastern University's Parenting Place, and formed a common bond with each other through theses classes. Brief aside, they have a free class for 1st timers "Your Amazing Newborn" that rocks - the paid class - "Baby Rocks & Rolls" with Miss Sue is awesome, and, obviously - these shared experiences can lead to a great playgroup and girlfriends.

My wish for every first time mom is that they get involved in some kind of mommy fellowship and meet other 1st time moms to grow and evolve with - if you are in a group, class & like some of the parents... get together for a playgroup/playdate - its just that easy.

In our group, we have our 1st timer kids, some siblings, some on the way, some hoped for, some who've moved away, too!!! But we have the unique, irreplaceable experience of being first timers together - and that ongoing life that we lead - we are leading it together. I treasure these women and their sisterhood, and feel I am a better parent for the gift of these friendships.

Shamu and Sleeping Babies

2009-05-20T13:54:00.007-04:00

We just got back from our 2nd Orlando family adventure in less than a month. We are truly fortunate (and thanks to my husband's frugalness & convenient business trip & my coupon/bargain hunting) we save and plan to do these little getaways. So off we went, this time to take in the land of Shamu - SeaWorld!

Aside from the sheer pleasure taken in from the joy of my boys experiencing dolphins, sea lions, whales, sharks, etc., oh my!!! There were two mentionables from this last trip.

1. AAA member perks - Who knew. I checked the AAA website (my membership usually only used for flats & dead car batteries!) before our trip and found a perk that let us get FOR FREE a 'quick Queue' bracelet ($30ish buck value) which let us go to rapid access several of the SeaWorld rides - including the new full body coaster MANTA / just by stopping at the passholder services building in the park and showing the AAA membership. [NOTE: SeaWorld does not currently have any Disney-type FastPass-like distribution which would allow rapid line movement, other than these Quick Queue = extra charge passes... however, we did see some signs for babyswap-type stuff] This allowed my man & I to dart around like crazies while the babes napped and we got to have super thrills, too!

2. Stroller Section in EVERY SHOW for Sleeping Babies!!! This rocked - see the photo!

Really, I mean really - can't every amusement park do this! Of course we only found this out half-way through day 2 of our 2 day park trip...but it was so appreciated. It is an area set aside (at every SeaWorld show! - It's even listed on the back of the 'park map' had I bothered to read the darn thing!) for sleeping babies in strollers. SeaWorld Rocks for this. Means you don't have to wake the baby to park the stroller or, the alternative = miss the show. We used this for both the Shamu show & the Pets Ahoy show... there were occasional abusers - i.e. those who had AWAKE babies in strollers... but they were few & far between. The seats are not prime, usually on the back or far sides near the handicap/wheelchair guest sections. But it beats missing the show or waking the babies.

Hello, Disney, are you listening - you should think about this option!

New babies are amazing

2009-05-05T13:44:00.002-04:00

Last night, I was privileged to spend a few hours with my one of my best friends newborn (6hrs old!), beautiful baby girl. The petite head, sweet lips, dainty fingers & toes, cherub cheeks and wonder of the world - I saw life's possibilities in her starry eyes. She has a great cry, as cries go - not subtle... but attention-getting and full of sass!
For those moments in her presence, I was immersed in all things positive and hopeful. My 'baby fever' is in full swing...I am overjoyed for this new little life and all of the love she will give and receive. Babies are true blessings and her mom, dad & big brother are so fortunate to have her - healthy, perfect, and ready to take the world by storm.

Cleaning & Coupons, not necessarily in that order

2009-05-03T20:35:00.005-04:00

So i've been nudged, appropriately, by my man, to get a move on re: organizing my coupons. Right around the first of the year I got a great idea to become a better 'couponer.' I signed up for free coupons - researched couponing methodology - started in earnest to save the family money with my new & improved coupon system. Purchased a binder and baseball card holders to appropriately organize all my savings, and got mired down in the organizing process...
Forward to now...coupons have been in a clear box, with the binder and the card holders, occasionally weeded out and even some used from time to time. It's really time to get it together - and so I will try again - to get the system back on track. Fingers crossed.

On another note, did a significant amount of cleaning out of the closet today. Discovered well-worn, not worth passing on things (too stained & threadbare to be useful), pleasingly found some donatable items, and got things in general order in my closet - a.k.a. the dumping ground whenever we need to. Feel better about being able to see everything (even if it doesn't all fit)!

Please excuse the following technorati verification code: aetc8phuzm

The Art of the Double-Nap

2009-05-01T16:08:00.003-04:00

These days are limited...so limited. Having two under age three, and 19months apart, it is a rarity that they are both napping at the same time. Anyone in my situation, knows EXACTLY what I am talking about. But today it has happened - and I have been very productive...so productive that I am actually able to sit at the computer (a reward) for a few minutes while the sun is still up. So productive, I was able to finally pick up some of the last remaining, and pesky strands of easter basket grass - how does that stuff seemingly multiply at the speed of light??? So productive, I actually cleaned up the playroom in the MIDDLE OF THE DAY. Oh my, I think i've lost my mind. But it is very nice to actually be able to do a few things during daylight hours... oh wait, I think I hear some restlessness on the monitor. And, that's all folks.

Oh my May...and we still love Disney.

2009-05-01T00:16:00.004-04:00

Whaddya mean its May already? I don't even think I am quite used to it being 2009 and I am halfway to 2010. A busy May is planned... with a return to Orlando for the boys first SeaWorld adventure and already stocking up on the alcohol-based sanitizers and wipes... Along the Orlando lines ---

We had an amazing weekend @ Disney. With #1 son on the verge of three, he had a rockin' good time driving speedway cars at the Magic Kingdom. And one of the best (not-advertised) shows is the opening of Magic Kingdom park. Complete with singing, dancing, and the major characters arriving via the choo choo train right in front of the maingate. Not to mention the added perk of getting in the park in the beginning and being able to ride those rides that back up easily and do not have 'fast pass' capabilites - tea cups 2x back to back ... and the carousel, too! Sometimes I am glad my man pushes my procrastinating nature to 'get a move on.'

And then here is my prediction - Disney will acquire, in whole or in part, a little business called safetytat.com. http://www.safetytat.com/ (quicky tattoos (not permanent) with our phone numbers pre-printed on them... they also have some you can write on now...) We got them for the boys last Spring before their first visit to Disney - and it never fails how many parents ask about where we got them & can you get them in the park --- its just a matter of time before Disney sells these - mark my words.

Pic is #2 son with his Safetytat... (number obscured to prevent my man's cell phone becoming overly public domain!)

It has really come to this...

2009-04-29T00:21:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the blogosphere to me... Just getting started and 'puttin' it out there for anyone to check out the reflections of a(nother) South Florida SAHM of two beautiful boys and dutifully working to try and make a third baby blessing. (Fingers, toes, and all other crossables, so-crossed).

Sand in my Minivan, because 1. it's accurate & likely to have a pretty long shelf life (such that we live in S.Fla. and have little kiddos) 2. i'm not patient enough to come up with something more clever like my fellow mom-blogger friend "tropicofmom" http://www.tropicofmom.com/ - I love that name and Holly is a great role-model blogger 3. I got a lot of 'stuff' rolling around in my head that I thought might be theraputic to journal/blog about...like grains of sand...maybe they came from the minivan 4. been practicing my musings on some crazy run-on Christmas letters over the past few years (yep, i'm one of those)... Finally 5. figured the 'minivan' reference would certainly link me as a proud mom...or at least a practical one!

Disclaimer - although I have dual major in English Literature and Advertising, another advanced degree or more, was news editor of my HS and college newspapers (not a copy editor!), and my sister works at one of the greatest newspapers ever (NY TIMES) - this blog will not be edited nor will it be grammatically correct. In fact, I can almost guarantee it will be full of comma splices (still not sure what that might look like), tense shifts, dangling participles, and all sorts of messy verbiage.

And, sorry in advance for my limited web skills, the learning curve hopefully isn't too steep.

So we'll see how far this goes and at least I can start the 'cheap' therapy of publicly 'sharing'.

p.s. I'll work on making these shorter, too...