Our Yellow Construction Paper Contract

My work husband Erin told me a great story about her kids the other day (again, I'll get her to write the book). The kids were just having one of those days. Her solution? An expectations exercise. Can you tell we work in HR? She calmly discussed they were going to be a happy family that day. And what does a happy family look like? She described sharing, using inside voices, kindly playing with their toys. After the expectation sharing was complete, she pulled out two pieces of yellow construction paper and had them sign on the dotted line - really a scribble as they are both 3 and just over 1. Both kids were signing up to the agreement. The day turned around and they had a blast!

We were on a nanny search, which was successfully completed, and we had to give some thought to our parenting style. And, now, we tell the nanny, "When all else fails whip out the yellow construction paper contract".  Seems like it has the promise of working as opposed to the excessively loud and disproportionate consequences.

Here's to our child idol below. Our wish for Brecken: Respectfully appropriate yet allowed a personality!

Holy Balls: An Idiot's Guide to Surviving Summer Storms

Hello, again... I realized that this blog was dying a slow death if I didn't get it together, and with NFL training camps just having started, I better dust off my fingers and get going. So, welcome back!

If you live anywhere within the continental U.S., I'm sure you've experienced on some level the summer storms that have blown through every corner of the country. Just prior to the fourth of July, we  had a terrible storm that lasted for 5 minutes with effects that lasted for weeks.

I had just gotten home from work on a Friday and was laying down for a quick second. Taylor was feeding the baby. It started to get pitch black and then all h*ll broke lose (because of course, I was trying to close my eyes for just a second). I had opened the door to bring in the twig topiary balls we have on our front porch, which blow away in 5 mph, much less 80 mph. I opened the door and like a scene out of the Wizard of Oz the wind blew me back. I had to throw my shoulder into it like a small linebacker to get it to close. I sent Taylor to the middle of our stairwell to keep feeding Brecken (because Becoming Baby Wise has burned into my head that we have a much better chance at life if the baby stays on a schedule). And then there we sat, with no power. For days. In blistering heat.

We lasted as long as we could in the basement. We share a little backyard courtyard with our neighbors where those who had generators were kind enough to set up a little stations to run extension chords. We ran a small window AC unit we had kept from college - hoarding moment paid off! But, my first concern... my breast milk in the freezer. No way was I losing this. So, I called everyone I knew who had power and used their freezers. I had breast milk spread out all over this county.

Finally, on Sunday, the power flickered on. Insert momentary tears of joy. Then went back out. And then like Bombs over Delaware County, a transformer outside our neighborhood blew up. My first thought: do we need that transformer to get our power back? Likely yes. So, my second thought: AEP would leave us for dead and save who they could. In the meantime, our new neighbors came out to say their basement was flooding because they hadn't had their battery powered back up installed for their sump pump yet. Their what?! Crap, literally.... we started bailing water out of our own basement. Finally later that night the power came back on. So picture me, holding baby stripped down to a diaper at this point, sobbing. I had to remind myself to set the tone. Don't panic baby. Pull it together.

Here's the lesson if anyone else has lived their younger adult life in an apartment and is now adjusting to homeownership:

1. Buy a home near neighbors that appear they know what they are doing.  Don't be afraid to poll the hood before buying. What kind of tools do they own? Could you say "water filter" and they can rattle off what aisle to find it in at Lowe's?

2. Buy a generator. We put ourselves on a waiting list right away and picked one up later that week. Did I feel bad taking it from someone who was still without power? Yes... but the baby made us even. We bought one that runs 5500 watts, enough for a fridge, another large appliance and a few lights. Or, you can get fancier and buy one that is wired into your home and can power the entire house with an automatic kick on system. My sister who felt the effects of the storm on the East Coast was at my parents house at the time, and for her, roughing it was running off the whole house generator. I was relieved when she said the power came back on. Poor thing...

3. Make sure you have a battery back up for your sump pump (first, you should check that you have a sump pump).

Until then, here's to cooler weather and calmer skies!

Daily Candy: The Laundress!

One of our favorite baby products I posted was The Laundress Baby Detergent. Daily Candy (Kids) has posted another 50% off deal if you are interested! They have lots of great products for all purposes. Their cashmere wash is also a highlight.

http://deals.dailycandy.com/deal/11767/the-laundress-ew-50-percent-off?vwink=LD:Email:DEALS:DLS:20120625:22:758049:38

Proof positive: This detergent is the magic eraser. Brecken's poopy diapers look like genetically altered pumpkin puree (I'm just trying to set the stage). The below outfit was a tragic victim. Somehow it was even on his collar, but one wash with this detergent and it's like it never happened. I'm still making sense of it, but he can be crisply dressed once again.

Do you know you still have poop on you?

I'm going to do this blog in two parts, one for those who want the more gushy life stuff (see #1), the other who just want the product endorsement (see #2) - you can choose which mood you are in.

#1: Gushy Life Stuff

This weekend Brecken had one of his twice daily blowouts. Yes - he is wearing a big enough diaper, but yet he still finds a way to poop on his shirt collar. I went about my day and as I was walking through the house, Taylor stopped me and asked "Do you know you still have poop on you?" Kairos moment.

Coupled with being covered in poop, I was navigating the emotion of returning to work. You go from condemning yourself for being an abandoning mother to applauding yourself for setting a good example and putting your nose back to the grindstone.

Before baby I was the person that thrived off the late work nights and enjoyed doing it. Now I have a different perspective. We made it through what I am coining as the 'holy sh*t balls' experience that is bringing home a newborn; and, even with that changed perspective, it's still me looking back at myself in the mirror. Sometimes you just need to take a step back and laugh that you are covered in poop and not overanalyze how it reflects you as a person, because most likely, you are redefining what makes that person happy. Tonight, it was a cuddle time with baby followed by time spent watching bad reality TV, a defining moment as even that was an accomplishment. Same product, just different packaging. Life changes - go with it and you'll have a life full of Kairos moments. It's still you in the end...

Two articles related in a way. One posted by Kristin Sanders (of The Fresh Equation) and the other via Bryn Sanders (of byrd-ie.blogpsot.com) and it sort of just helps you decide how to compartmentalize for happiness and a good theory about the impact those choices have. Good reads when you are ready.

http://www.purposefairy.com/3308/15-things-you-should-give-up-in-order-to-be-happy/

http://www.freshequation.blogspot.com/2012/05/way-you-do-one-thing-is-way-you-do.html


#2: The Product Endorsement - Murchinson Hume

With more poop in our lives, I love this line of home cleaning products. I've bought both the "Superlative" Hand Washing Liquid and the "Heirloom" Dishwashing Liquid, one in the Juniperberry and one in Coriander, and there is nothing like it. The dishwashing liquid seems to get our handwashable dishes more clean than I can with anything else. And most importantly it doesn't seem to leave the water spots on the many wine glasses that will likely fill our sink when I'm not breast feeding. It's environmentally friendly, particularly for pets and kids. (One Note: The Dishwashing Liquid doesn't foam up as a traditional soap would, which can be kind of subconsciously tricky... but trust it's working).

Here's my Kardashian-esque moment... it ships from Australia. You can save quite a bit by having it shipped via sea mail; however, this can takes 8-12 weeks at $18-20 per order no less. You'll have to decide if you want to pay for impatience.

Look for local distributors in your area as we used to have a few local boutiques that carried the line!

The diswashing liquid is an oversized bottle - great on your countertops!

Happy Mother's Day: Blissful Baby Products

Photo Courtesy of
Jenny Beck Photography

Having just celebrated my first Mother's Day I'm using the word blissful. I know, I know. I've turned into one of those parents who actually enjoys the sound of the baby crying (he's healthy!) and I don't like bed time as I miss him when he sleeps (too corny, right?).

The first few weeks as documented are trying. You aren't sleeping, you've become a vessel for carrying milk which will only be thrown back up on you (if that's not animalistic...), your Queen Victoria was ripped apart and sewn back together, and through that you have to find the energy to love, care and entertain. But, amid it all, this parenting thing is by far the coolest thing we have ever done; however for sake of full disclosure I haven't taken a shower today ;)

As I have time during feedings to sit and think (dangerous), I thought about my mom asking us what is our must have product. Hard to narrow to one, but here is our Letterman's Top Ten. And let's be honest, these are all luxuries. Back in the day, all you needed was a boob and a scrap of animal skin to strap the baby to your back while you plowed the fields, yet today we would DIE without the diaper genie.

1. Okay... the Diaper Genie. Only because you.must.contain.the smell!

2. Mustela Bath Products - love these as they have been so gentle on Brecken's skin and helped with the shedding and dryness. No diaper rash yet or breakouts on the face!

3. Bloom Products - The Coco lounger & the Fresco highchair - the lounger is easy on the eyes with a wooden frame, but light enough to carry from room to room.  The highchair has been fantastic because it reclines and acts as a raised bassinet until he grows into the big boy high chair - love anything that sees itself through multiple ages.

4. Under the Nile - a line of organic cotton products. Great quality, eco friendly. We've used the bibs and cloth diapers. Always use one on the changing pad as those boy parts are like rocket launchers. (Story: I went to change the baby the other day and asked Taylor why the blinds were drawn... his answer: "Oh, Brecken peed on the window." Note to self - call housekeeper.)

5. Dwell Studio - great modern line of baby products, love their toys. These blocks are fun and aren't made of plastic! (trying to avoid)

6. Puj Tub - I die (as Rachel Zoe would say). Can be assembled one handed, so when your husband leaves you to go play league basketball the family doesn't suffer. Fits perfectly in any sink, pedestal or otherwise. It has a great drains as well so you can hang it flat and avoid hiding bacteria.

7. NoseFrida - a.k.a. The Snot Sucker. Gross concept I know, sounds like something Alicia Silverstone would do. This has pulled mucus that has been hiding in Brecken for 9 months. If you have kids prone to runny noses, congestion and ear infections, a must have.

8. Bugaboo Cameleon - if you talk to my husband, he'll tell you I was obsessed with finding the right stroller. I didn't want to have to keep replacing it - and I wouldn't mind it not looking like a dumpster when we pushed it around. We contemplated all styles, including the jogging stroller - but let's be honest, I cuss at people who jog.

9. Daily Candy for Kids - www.dailycandy.com. Turned onto it by a coworker. Go in and sign up - you can subscribe to the adult version (particular to a city) or the version for Kids. Lots of great deals and notes!

10. The Laundress Baby Detergent - again has been great on the skin. I would normally never purchase this as it's a bit pricey, but see point #9. Signed up for 50% off coupon and ordered a case :)

This list will inevitably change and grow, but we've had fun compiling so far. Our philosophy is less is more... There is a product for everything, but apply a titch of discernment and you'll come up with things that both you and the baby will love.

#1. Diaper Genie Elite - can be found anywhere! 

#2. Mustela Bath Products - you can find these pretty much
anywhere including Target or Babies R Us.

#3. Bloom Coco lounger in cherry. Also available in a
lighter finish.

#3. Bloom Fresco highchair. The seat cover has several
different colors - we chose white and orange.
 www.bloombaby.com

#4. Under the Nile - www.underthenile.com. 100% organic cottons.
Nothing fancy, but wonderful quality and great size.

#5. Dwell Studio Products - www.dwellstudio.com.
These soft blocks come apart and have noise makers in the middle -
and not the noise makers that will make you go batty.

#6. Puj Tub. Follow Steps 1-4, wash, rinse and repeat.
 www.pujbaby.com

#7. NoseFrida - can be found at any retailer that sells baby
products. An amazing gadget & promises to not suck their brains out.
Remember to buy extra foam filters.

#8. Bugaboo Cameleon in black with grey base.
The same frame converts from the bassinet you see to the infant seat that is displayed.
The canopy and base have a myriad of colors to choose from. Clips make it convertible to the Peg Perego, Graco, Maxi Cosi and some Chico car seats. www.bugaboo.com

#10. The Laundress Baby Detergent - www. thelaundress.com. Only takes  2 capfuls for HE washers.

The.Fresh.Equation.

My taste buds have changed since I got pregnant and since baby has arrived. I used to be a beer & hotdog kind of girl, and I could eat a full selection of macarons from Pistacia Vera (or Laduree when in Paris); but, for some reason those things don't appeal nor taste good when I force them down (let's be honest, I'm not really forcing them down).

I'm feeling the guilt of not eating healthy enough more now than when I was pregnant! We needed the nutrients when the bun was in the oven, but breastfeeding is not for the faint of heart and requires lots of goodies and nutrients - and I'm sure it will help with this little chub that's deciding to hang around my waist line.

Tonight I made a green smoothie and it was (as the youth say) delish! Packed in some good vitamins in 2 minutes or less.

I have this ideallyic image of Brecken running around in his Hunter wellies, digging in the dirt pulling out carrots and tomatoes for snacks! We currently live in an area that would make it difficult to have that burgeoning garden, so we found these great raised beds through Farmer D Organics (via Williams Sonoma, www.williams-sonoma\raisedbeds, $79-$149). Perhaps a Spring Project or a good one for next Spring when Brecken becomes a little more mobile. I will have to learn how not to kill all things green & living - perhaps one of the requirements of our prospective nanny should be "green thumb".

My good girlfriend Kristin Sanders, who recently went into business as a health & lifestyle coach, has a great website (www.thefreshequation.com). Like her page on Facebook and follow her for great tips & recipes - and if you are in the NY area, check her out!

Until then, be happy being Green!

Aunt Kiki's Green Smoothie:
1 C kale
1 C spinach
1/2 pear
1 frozen banana
OJ

Toss it in & blend! No need to follow measurements really. I bought some parsley
cucumbers, mango and other accoutrements today as alternatives!

Baby Update: 6 Weeks!

It's amazing we marked our 6th week as parents yesterday... and Brecken still appears to want to stick with us :)

Out of the gate, this adventure has been the hardest thing we have ever done. But, as Brecken continues to develop a personality and look back at us with those big eyes and a smile - it makes any part that makes this seem overwhelming just melt away. The moments lost of just sitting together for hours is time well spent. The early mornings when we are cuddled in bed together is like a perfect dream - probably because we are actually sleeping! Forget everything else that we aren't getting done. I made a long list of to-do's. The goal is to cross one off the list every day, and to take a shower - two things I never thought would seemingly be so difficult.

We've adjusted to operating off minimal sleep! We were walking zombies there for a while - as evidenced by the middle of the other night when I woke Taylor up to swaddle the baby to soothe him - pointing to the cat* that was sleeping at the end of the bed as Brecken slept peacefully in his nursery. We were those people who in the beginning not only slept in the same room with him, but with the video monitor on and the volume up all the way! You can't tell we are new parents.

I'm absolutely sick of the books and articles! If I read one more line that starts with "Recent studies suggest..." Every book you read, every doctor you talk to has a different opinion. I had a wake up call the other day when as we made the decision to move back down to our master bedroom I told Taylor I wasn't sure it was the right thing to do as some cultures suggest leaving a baby alone in their nursery as they sleep is liken to child abuse. Taylor promptly found the place marked in my book where I read this pointing out to me that this reference was to a rural Mayan culture. Taylor suggested we adopt our own parenting style and perhaps not rely on the Mayans to guide our philosophy. Noted... low point...

The feelings of exhaustion and sheer confusion give way to pure happiness and amazement. 6 weeks in I wouldn't change one thing, except perhaps trying to swaddle one of our pets and relying on acient civilizations to guide our decision making :)

A few pictures to share...

Up next: Our favorite baby products (thus far) and the NFL Draft (two independent entries).

*A disclaimer - we are in fact not "cat people". We rescued our dog Tres 2 years ago to bring some balance to our lives; and, now that the dog chases the cat all over the house, we can't decide what kind of people we are.

Photos Courtesy of: Jenny Beck, www.jennybeckphotography.com