The Prissy Mommy Chronicles

Wordless Wednesday

BFFs - LT & Chase

Chase @ 1 Year & 2 Months Old

The Nursery is Shaping Up!!!!!!!

Okay, well, not really.... I actually haven't even started it yet.  I just kind of felt like blurting that out, because in my mind it's totally coming together! 

I've been envisioning the nursery for a while but, as I indicated a couple weeks ago, needed to know baby's sex before making a decision on final theme.  So I've slowly but surely ordered the things I'll need to begin decorating, and boy is it exciting coming home to see what packages arrived!  Ya'all know what I'm talking about - especially my fellow Ebayers/Amazon-shoppers!  It feels like Christmas each time you come home and have a new package waiting, right? So fun!!!! Aside from disposing of shipping boxes, I haven't opened anything because the big "decorating project" begins this weekend.  My sisters will be here to help celebrate my birthday (Sunday) and all I really want to do is throw myself into this nursery project.  I just love decorating - my favorite thing is developing a vision for a room and then seeing it come to life.  So it'll be nice to have extra eyes and hands on Chase while I'm tackling his room (and while Derek is engrossed in March Madness).  

Other than that, all is well.  I'm 21 weeks along in the pregnancy - and feeling great.  Looking great too, I think? I don't actually feel like I'm showing all that much yet.  It's at that point where it really depends on what I'm wearing.  In a loose, flowing shirt I could just be a woman who you take a second glance at only because you're thinking to yourself, this chick really needs to hit the gym and do some crunches. But in more fitted clothes, there's an unmistakable baby bump. :-) Maybe for this week's Wordless Wednesday I'll share an updated pic... I just have so many new, cute ones of Chase I don't know if I want to replace it with one of me - we will see!

The weekend was nice.... productive!  We had several boxes stacked in the corner, mainly my pre-pregnancy clothes that I took out of my closet/drawers and replaced with maternity clothes.  So Derek brought those to storage Sunday, along with some albums and other miscellaneous things that were cluttering up the place (like my boxed Christmas decorations! Tsk!) So that cleared up some space and lent for an airier look, which is always a great thing.  Saturday I attended the Johnson's Baby Oil GirlTalk Cause luncheon in the city, which was nice.  The highlight of the afternoon, for me, was meeting my beauty muse, Lisa Wu-Hartwell!  I blogged about it over on my PR page, for anyone interested. 

And, finally, Happy Be-lated Birthday to my (Zeta) Sands, Tatianna, who turned 31 this past Sunday!  We are exactly ONE week apart in age.... so we've always considered ourselves TWINS, being also that we're similar in soooo many ways!  I thought about her all day at the beauty luncheon Saturday, because Tati is a makeupnista and huge fan of celebrity makeup artist, Sam Fine, who also was in attendance.  I wish she could've been there, but she was there in spirit.  Anyhoo, glad your birthday yesterday was special! Love you!! (((Hugs))) Be sure to check out her blog Sex and the Southern Belle because she rocks!

Sports Fan Collection (Cocalo Kids) Giveaway

*****Giveaway CLOSED!!!! The sports stuff now has a new home!*****

Hey folks!

As I make room to transform Chase's bedroom into a Transportation Baby fantasy-playland I've got some things to give away from Chase's old nursery, which was sports-themed. I'm way too lazy to list these items on ebay, and it would sadden me to throw them away.... so if anyone happens to have a boy's room that is sports themed I'd be happy to send you these things. They are from the Sports Fan collection by Cocalo Kids and all items are in excellent condition.  These are the items I have:

- Sports Fan crib comforter - like NEW, because he never used it (he preferred his Sports Fan soft blankie that he got attached to from birth)

- Sports Fan diaper stacker

- Sports Fan lamp

- Sports Fan switch plate

- Sports Fan window valance (I've just gotta find it - never used it, so it's packed away somewhere)

- Sports Fan waste basket

- Sports Fan wall shelf

- Sports Fan crib bumper

- Sports Fan night light

I had the Sports Fan mobile, but I accidentally broke that a while ago.  *smh*  There's other stuff too, like the Sports Fan hamper, but not sure if anyone would want to take that because it's obviously been used, and probably not the most hygienic thing to share.  *shrug* Anyway, someone please email me and take these things off my hands.  I do hate to throw them away... but I will!  All I ask is that you pay for shipping - you can send me that via Paypal. :-)

I'm not making this a fancy contest or anything.  Whoever emails me first at mochatini (at) gmail (dot) com is welcome to these things! 

Wordless Wednesday

Chase pets his first dog in the park, Nemo.

Chase @ 1 Year, 2 Months, 2 Weeks, & 3 Days Old

Discovering the Magic of Spring

We had another beautiful spring day and Chase and I decided to head to the park across the street from our house.  He'd taken a wonderful, three hour nap and woke up bright-eyed and refreshed.  He was so happy when I told him that we were going "outside to play."  (They take the kids out a lot to the playground at day care, so he's quite familiar with the terms).

The weather was gorgeous - warm but with a gentle breeze - perfect weather for playing outside.  The smell of wisteria and jasmine were in the air.  Chase was delighted by all the open space and I gave him free reign to explore to his heart's content.  He was especially tickled when a small flock of birds landed just a few feet away from him.  We've read stories with "birds" and I've taught him that birds say "Tweet tweet!"  But this was his first time seeing birds so close!  It really was the cutest thing in the world when he tried to chase them.

He had so much fun gathering together acorns, pine cones, leaves, and other interesting nature debris.  Next time we go I think I'm going to bring a shovel and pail so he can more easily scoop up the sand, gravel, rocks, bark chips, and other stuff.     

 

 

He was amazed by the touch and feel of the leaves that he found on the ground - some crunchy and brown, remnants of the winter... others soft and green and pungent.  He did try to quickly stuff leaves and grass into his mouth every time I glanced away, but fortunately I was quick enough to intercept him before the leaves made it to his lips (well, almost every time). 

 

He studied the acorns and his other treasures so earnestly.  I always wonder what thoughts are going through his mind during such moments of reflection.  I think the texture and feel was just so new and unfamiliar to him, and he was enthralled.  

Watching Chase crouched in the grass and playing in the sun was heartwarming.  I feel like I've been waiting all winter long for this.  I love these moments so much.  Even though Chase was a "winter baby" he is a "warm-weather tot."  :-) We had such a relaxing and lazy Sunday - my favorite kind! I sure am looking forward to many more days like this!  

What are you most looking forward to doing when the weather turns warm for you?

It's... a Boy!!!!!

 

Happy Spring folks! :-)

So we had our 2nd trimester ultrasound this past Tuesday and learned that Chase will be having a baby brother.  I felt overwhelmed by emotion in the ultrasound room.... and not in a good way.  The night before Derek and I had spent a long time discussing the Pros/Cons of having either a boy or girl (focusing on the pros, of course).  By the end of the discussion I had decided that it would be fabulous to have either and I'd be really excited no matter what the ultrasound technician told us.

Ha!  Who was I kidding?  When she  gleefully pointed out Baby #2's "boy parts" tears of shock streamed down my face.  I just couldn't believe it.  I thought I was carrying a girl.  I don't know... this pregnancy somehow feels "different" than the first.  It's hard to put my finger on it but... while it's been just as easy and complication-free as the first (knock on wood), somehow my body feels slightly different... my moods, my cravings, the position of my baby bump.  Of course, I know that no two pregnancies will be identical, but I just kind of figured I was carrying a daughter.  Derek thought the same. We were both equally surprised.

Anyway, I've since resolved my feelings of dissonance and have begun to get really excited about it.  The major "pro" that we're both excited about is the fact that they'll be so close in age (about 19 months apart) and will likely be best friends.  I honestly think that's the best gift a parent can give their child - a sibling to grow up with.  Of course, I'm biased.  My older sister and I are 20 months apart and have always been close - we grew up together, shared a room, shared many of the same friends, and just always had each other's back.  Having a sibling (especially same sex) is like having a built-in best friend.  So I've begun to get reaalllllyy happy about the notion of having a second boy.  Also, it won't hurt to remain the princess of our castle and Derek's favorite baby girl. :-)

I'll admit, occasionally I still think about the pretty little hair-bows and Hello Kitty bedding and ruffled dresses that I won't be buying... and I get wistful.  But there's always time for that........ so I'm not ruling anything out.

Anyway, now that we know the sex, I can move forward with completing the nursery.  When we moved to the new place this past December I kept it super basic because I wasn't sure if it was going to be a "boys' nursery" or a "girl/boy" nursery.  Once we found out it was a boy I narrowed down my nursery themes to the following:

♥ "Peter Rabbit" theme (because I love old fashion things)  

♥ "Disney character/Mickey Mouse" theme (because I love Disney characters, and the boys will grow to love them too as we take more family trips to Disney - plus, Chase already loves Mickey)

♥ "Transportation" theme ((ie, cars, sailboats, trains, trucks, etc.) 

♥ "Nautical" theme (whales, ships, sailboats, anchors, etc.)

♥ "Teddy Bear" theme ( so cute... but will it transition with the boys as they get older?)

♥ "Baby Farm Animals" (classic and cute)

I consulted with Derek and we both agreed that we like the transportation theme best.  Timeless, classic, and cute!!! It will grow with the boys and also help expand their learning/ vocabulary for everyday sights.  I'm so excited!!! I spent like all day Friday and today perusing Amazon and adding things to my Nursery list that I created (to stay organized).  

 I also found the perfect toddler bed (after much searching) that we'll begin transitioning Chase into in the next month or so.  What I love about Amazon is that most products have customer reviews, and I do read them all!!!!  

I'll keep you posted on progress with the nursery.  I wish I could share our 3d ultrasound pics with you all, but I don't have access to a scanner right now.  

Nor'easter 2010

 

We got a pretty big blizzard about a month ago and NYC became a winter wonderland!  The day it snowed conditions were so bad that schools were closed (which meant day care was closed) so Chase and I stayed home and hung out and had lots of fun.  Derek, unfortunately, had to make the treacherous commute to work, since his firm doesn't technically "close" until 18" of snow.  He went by train, though, which is way safer than driving along the streets (not that the car was dug out anyway).

Though we'd had a couple of snowstorms earlier in the winter the time was never right to take Chase out to play.  I was a little anxious winter would pass us by without him experiencing some snow play, so when this huge blizzard came I was actually glad!  First I went through the closet and dug out his new snowsuit that he hadn't yet worn.  It was a little big but once I cuffed the legs a perfect fit.  

We practiced walking around in the snowsuit a bit so he could get accustomed to the heavy, bulky feel of it.  After a few little stumbles he was just fine.

Then we both bundled up and prepared to head out.  After Chase felt out the scene for a bit he got very comfortable in the snow, and started to really enjoy the taste and feel  of it!  

He was tickled to be out and I was too - it's amazing being able to experience these "firsts" again through your baby's eyes.  Nothing is sweeter than watching a baby discover snow for the first time.  The little things we take for granted are new and exciting for them!  

 

 

 

"Okay mommy, I'm ready to go in now!"

We played outside for maybe twenty minutes or so.  Chase totally enjoyed his first snow day, and so did I.  Just wait until he is old enough to go sledding - that'll be cool! (And then old enough to shovel our walkway... not so cool (for him). LOL!!!) I'm glad we've been able to make the most of the winter - these are memories we'll treasure forever!

Wordless Wednesday

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Chase wearing (and destroying) his hat from the St. Patrick's Day Parade at daycare.

Chase @ 1 Year, 2 Months, and 2 Weeks Old

Tots & Toothbrushes & Tantrums... Oh My!

Now that Chase has six teeth and eats a mostly regular diet I've become concerned about his dental hygiene.  Since his first little tooth came in I would use a wash rag to clean that tooth and his gums but now I feel like I should be doing way more to prevent plaque from building.  The problem is that he is so independent, and he doesn't want mommy brushing his teeth for him - he wants to do it all by himself.  

 

I received a training toothbrush from MAM when I went to The Baby Show NYC last year and, according to the accompanying brochure, I should be brushing Chase's teeth at least twice daily. *Yikes* He refuses to let me brush his teeth and, these days, he barely lets me clean his teeth with a rag.  

 

He'll clench his teeth together or bite down on my wash cloth-covered finger.  We've tried brushing our teeth together, as a family, to model it for him.  I'll then give him the toothbrush to let him do it himself.  He is so independent and he loves to hold the toothbrush, but when he gets it he really isn't brushing his teeth. 

 

I've tried numerous things.  I let him chew on the toothbrush for a while, but then when I try to take it to brush his teeth, he throws a major fit.

 

So I sing silly teethbrushing songs (which he loves) but it doesn't make him want to let mommy brush his teeth.  I once waited until he was in the bath, then I explained that we needed to brush everyone's teeth in the tub.  Turning the bristles away, I brushed the "teeth" of all his bath toys. He watched with great interest.  After I brushed their teeth, I brushed his teeth next.  He enjoyed that game a lot.  Since he was laughing, that made it easier to brush his teeth.  However, he hasn't let me do that since. 

On another occasion, after his bath, I dried him off with a big towel and then wrapped him up in it so his arms were contained.  I sat him on my lap and tried to brush his teeth that way.  When he yelled in protest I slipped the toothbrush in.  I sang the toothbrush song, which calmed him a little, but I didn't like doing it in such a forceful way.  So I abandoned this method as well.

 

These days I've tried to just make it routine to bring Chase into the bathroom when I brush my teeth.  I sit him on the toilet and hand him his toothbrush.  I brush my teeth, happily smiling in the mirror and at Chase, and using big, exaggerated strokes.  He watches me curiously as he "brushes" (i.e., chews) his own.  However, out of the corner of my eye, I sometimes see him trying to copy my up-and-down movements.  After I finish brushing my own teeth, I bring out the old, trusty wash cloth and clean his teeth and gums.  Then I gently take his toothbrush from him (that's another struggle, as he hates to relinquish it) and we leave the bathroom (yet another fight).

 

Where is my sweet little baby who used to let me do anything I liked with him?  Long gone are those days!  I realize now its best to pick and choose my battles with Chase.  I figured when he is developmentally ready he'll become more receptive to getting his teeth brushed.  At this point I'm just happy it's become a part of our daily routine, and I'm glad that he has so much fun doing it.

Home Improvement... on a Budget!

Slowly but surely (and I do mean slowly) we've been making little aesthetic changes to the house.  Decorating on a budget is a real challenge, and I've been very discerning about the little accent pieces that I select here and there.  I fell in love with a Marco Fabiano print titled Scroll Bath and bought it for the bathroom.  I think it goes beautifully with the chocolate and taupe color scheme of our bathroom.  

Omg, why do I love thee?  Let me count the ways!  It's just the clean simplicity of the black and white - always a classic color combination, don't you think?  And though minimalist (a vintage claw foot tub with brass fixtures, against an ivory background), once framed and matted, I think the piece lends quiet elegance to our bathroom.  I'm excited for folks to come over and see it (lol - yes, I'm a dork).

The next thing I want to buy is a nice, over-sized wall clock for the living room.  Surprisingly, I found a really lovely one at Target!  We were shopping there a few weeks ago - not for an art deco wall clock - but for more practical items (laundry basket, rug set for the second bathroom, and shower shelf to hold our body washes and things).  I suggested we walk through the aisle with wall art and clocks, just for fun, and we stumbled into the clock by chance.  I swooned over its beauty!  It was on the pricey side (especially for an unplanned purchase) but Derek agreed that it was gorge and said we could get it.  But upon further examination the wood was badly scratched on one side.  It was the last clock of its kind out on display.  Oh, I was bummed!  But we both realized that, for that price, we wanted nothing short of perfection.  So we walked away (with me casting longing glances over my shoulder) and agreed that we'd check back on our next visit, and meanwhile look elsewhere.

Anyway, so now that's my latest obsesh - a beautiful wall clock for the living room.  Oh, so necessary - how have we managed without for so long!??