Being a Wife & Mother... Jada Pinkett -Smith explains...

Mrs. Smith keeps it real and makes it plain...

How hard is it being a wife and a mother? 

What do you think???

Check out the article:

http://www.wifedup.com/jada-pinkett-smith-talks-mother-daughter-willow-wife-mother-plus-much/

HELP FIGHT HUNGER...

1 IN EVERY 5 CHILDREN FACES HUNGER...

"Feeding America is the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity. Our mission is to feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger."

You can volunteer your time and/or donate food and/or money. There is even a virtual food drive you can partake in. 

Let's all find a cause we are passionate about and do our part and volunteer/participate in some way. If each one of us lends a helping hand, we will make the future much brighter for our children.

Let's End Hunger... Let's Feed America
http://feedingamierica.org/

Mommies Turning into Ghosts and Zombies

Boo!!! Did I scare you??? I am the ghost of the future here to give you a heads up on what you can most likely expect in your life as a mommy dear. 

All mommies turn into ghosts and zombies. You will hear often that everyone’s situation and experience is different, but THIS is universal. Of course, you are not really going to begin floating and swaying from side to side. And you will not morph into a zombie while chanting, “I want your brain!”. However, all mommies especially in the beginning fall into the ghost and zombie category.

Pregnant? Girl, it’s all about you. Gave birth? It’s all about the baby. So enjoy the attention while you’re pregnant because 9 month later, you’re going to be yesterday’s news. Once your precious bundle of joy enters the world, you really don’t even exist anymore. You no longer have a name. You become ________’s mom. It’s not like no one cares. Many people care, it’s just that they care about the baby more. Who wouldn’t want to be engrossed with your little cutie pie? Their smile, smell, the way they stare at you with their cute black pearl eyes. Your little baby will put anyone into a trance and draw all the attention toward them. You will discover how swift people will run pass you to greet your baby and later realize that you are standing there. Twenty minutes later, “Oh… hi to you too”. It’s not personal, it’s just something that happens, so embrace it and have fun with it. And remember while people are marveling over your little precious, you can use that time to sneak away and catch up on some much needed Zzzz’s.

A Zombie Mommy is something that is inevitable. For the first few months you will find yourself going through the same routine day after day. You will have loss of energy, be sleep deprived, and don’t know if you’re coming or going. While your baby is just a few months old, he/she will go through approximately 10 diapers a day. That’s normal. And guess who has to change them? Hmmm, I give you one guess. 

Most of your life will be filled with changing diapers, feeding baby, cleaning baby, and putting baby to sleep over and over again, many times within one day. Your baby will sleep every 2 hours, unless you are one of the lucky few. Which basically means 2 hours sleep, 2 hours up, another 2 hours sleep, and 2 hours up most likely crying. Which means that you and/or  your partner will be up every 2 hours catering to your little prince/princess. When my daughter was just a few months old and she would wake up many times in the early morning me and hubby decided to take shifts. First time I dealt with her, then him, we kept going like that until he had to get ready for work. When she would cry in the morning because she was hungry, one thing that helped me was just to feed her in the bed and all 3 of us went to sleep and we were all happy. Yes they do cry for other reasons- like crying because they are tired. I still don’t understand that one, but whatever- it is what it is.

Going through the same routine every day, all day long can make you feel like a zombie because you have to complete your responsibilities while you are beyond exhausted. I have never felt exhaustion until I experienced those first few months of being a mom. I remember changing diaper number 9 and literally 10 minutes later pulling out the wipes and diapers and thinking to myself, ‘Did I change her already? I don’t know!’ At a certain point you just go through the motions.

But don’t fret, there is light at the end of the tunnel. There are many things you can do to survive:

1-Keep a sound mind:

   Talk yourself through it all. Remember many women have gone through this before you and they have succeeded, so give yourself some credit. The only way to get good at something is through practice.

2-Tag-Team It:

Don’t take on all the responsibilities. It took 2 to make your baby and it will take 2 to raise your baby. Share the tasks. It’s very helpful for you and the father to discuss what each other is going to contribute in regards to your baby and share the responsibilities. For example, if I cooked my husband did the dishes. If my husband was rocking our baby to sleep, I was cleaning the house. You two have to agree on it and be consistent. It will make all your lives better.

3-Have a solid support system:

Families and close friends are really good for this. Sometimes you may need someone to watch your baby because you simply need a break. That is okay. Actually getting some rest and some personal time is beneficial because it allows you to re-energize yourself to tackle your responsibilities for another day.

4-Play music:

Put on Pandora, hit play on your playlist, or make up your own songs. Your baby won’t mind that you’re out of tune. They actually love to hear their mommy’s and daddy’s voice. So belt it out, singing your favorite tunes and dance with your little baby. This keeps everyone calm and is great for bonding.

What are some ways you got through the first few months?

NEW Crayola Markers Means No Mess

Mess-Free Freedom

Crayola Color Wonder inks and paints color only on special paper and won't color on skin, furniture, or fabric!

Tired of your child displaying their Artistic Creations on your floors, walls, tables, chairs; practical everywhere?

Now with the new Crayola Color Wonder products Picasso can be Picasso without making a mess.

The new magic of Crayola Color Wonder - the brightest and boldest mess-free colors ever!

http://www.crayola.com/splash/products/colorwonder

Park Fun

I had so much fun with my daughter today at the park. She was giggling so hard on the swing I could see all 12 of her teeth. She constantly wanted me to push her faster-faster. With every push she would smile and laugh. I can’t even imagine the day when all of this will be over. I am doing all I can to take in each and every moment because it is true what they say, “Time goes by so fast.”. I remember when we first brought her home from the hospital. With each milestone achieved she is becoming more and more independent and soon she will not need us to do certain things for her anymore. I know she will always need her parents but it will be different. So I take in the little smiles, laughter, and run after her as we head towards the sliding board. Collecting each moment in preparation for the day when it will no longer be cool to play with your mom in the park. Until then I’m enjoying each and every minute.

What are some fun activities you do with your little one? 

Alicia Keys "We Are Here Movement"

We Are Here is a movement inspired by Alicia Keys to raise awareness of issues around the world that cannot be solved in isolation. We are joining together to give birth to a movement based on the idea of social ecology - that we're all related and need to work in harmony to create a kinder and better world for all. Click on an issue to learn about our visionary partners and how you can take action to make a difference.

Click below:

Alicia Keys We Are Here Movement

http://weareheremovement.com

A Fly Mommy

Becoming a mom doesn't mean you have to look like the "stereotypical mom". You don't have to run out and purchase a "mommy robe", fuzzy slippers, and keep rollers in your hair all day. And you don't need to rock the "mom jeans" just because you have transitioned into this new role. You can still be as fly as ever and be a mother. Do I dare say "fly" and "mother" in the same sentence? Being someone's mom does not mean you have to forfeit your femininity. Take a day off and pamper yourself: think spa, mani/pedi, or even girls night out.

Granted you will be exhausted sometimes and after you perform your many mommy responsibilities all you want to do is put on your pj's, crawl into your bed, and get some Zzzz's. However, it is necessary that you try to keep yourself together. Wash up, get your hair done, and put on that cute outfit that may be buried under all that baby stuff. And if nothing fits, that's a great excuse to go SHOPPING and get something that is flattering to your body type and style!!! 

When you look good, you feel good and that can really help you get through each day. 

Keep in mind "Mommy" means:

My 

Outward appearance

Matches

My

Youthfulness

So mommies, what are some ways you keep it all together?

Dressing Your Baby Too Grown

Are baby clothes being styled too grown? Do you think it's just a cute thing to see babies/toddlers in miniature clothes, whose style is patterned after adult clothes? Or do you think children should dress like children? What does that mean to you?

Personally, I have went shopping for my daughter and I have seen clothes I never expected to be available in the baby/toddler section. I have seen clothes that were too tight, too short and clothes that I would never dress my baby in because it simply looks too grown for her age. 

Have baby/toddler clothes gone out of control? 

What are some of your thoughts?   

Don't Spend a Fortune

Shopping for my baby would get me in a world of trouble if I didn't play it smart. Especially as a new mom, you will fall victim to all the cute outfits you find in retail stores, shopping malls, and online. The best advice I can give is to remember to look for a deal. Use coupons, search the clearance section, and shop for outfits that are not going to break the bank. And I know you may feel like, 'My baby just has to have this!'. I understand, trust me I really do. For I too have fallen victim to such thoughts that forbid me to leave the store unless I walk out with that item my baby just so "desperately" needs. 

But do keep in mind, while you spend crazy money getting your baby that outfit that he/she just has to have, babies grow so fast. And the next thing you know, the next month, your little bundle of joy is no longer able to wear that cute outfit you splurged on. Don't get me wrong, if you see a cute outfit you want to get your baby, by all means go ahead. What I'm saying is don't allow frequent impulsive spending become a habit. If impulsive spending becomes a habit, your money will be going to waste because babies grow super fast.

Instead create a "baby budget", which is money allotted for baby clothes and of course splurge a little every so often. But make sure you stack up on necessities such as diapers, diapers, and more diapers. You literally can not have enough diapers, especially in the beginning months. You'll see!!! White onsies and a few color ones are a must. You'll need many onsies: short sleeve, no sleeve, and just a few long sleeve onsies. Get a few cotton pants, some socks, 2 jackets/coats, 2 hats (depending on the weather) and you should be good on clothes if you want to be practical. 

Remember you're baby will need so much more that you shouldn't waste a large portion of your money on baby clothes.  

Cool Baby Stuff...

I got all the basic necessities I needed before my baby was born. And now 1 1/2 years later I have come across some cool baby items I wish I would have known about when my baby was smaller. It's funny that I find some of these unique and cool baby items now that I no longer need them. However, maybe I came across these cool baby items for you :) 

Baby Scooter:

Bike Stroller: 

Bedside Crib:

So mommies, would you use any of these or do you think these items are a little over the top??? 

Baby Book Lovers

For all of you Baby Book Lovers out there who want to be prepared, I want to share with you a few baby books I have read throughout my pregnancy and beyond that helped guide me in the right direction while I was trying to figure this whole mommy thing out.

Some good books to flip through are:

What To Expect When You're Expecting (AKA The Bible)
By Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel

Oh, Baby!
By Tia Mowry

How to Rock your Baby: And Other Timeless Tips for Modern Moms
By Erin Bried

The Expert's Guide to the Baby Years: 100 Things Every Parent Should Know
By Samantha Ettus

New Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding
By Joan Younger Meek

Stuff Every Mom Should Know
By Heather Gibbs Flett and Whitney Moss

The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy: Or Everything Else Your Doctor Won't Tell You
By Vicki Iovine

Your Child's Health
By Barton D. Schmitt

The Available Pediatrician Every Parent's Guide to Common Childhood Illnesses
By Ralph Berberich

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way
By Susan McCutcheon

Becoming a Bilingual Family: Help Your Kids Learn Spanish
By Stephen Marks and Jeffrey Marks


Being a mom is indeed more on the job training than following a script. If all one had to do was follow instructions from a book, then this mommy job would be a breeze. However, each baby/child is different so some advice you get from books will work for you and some will not work at all. Either way reading up on being a mommy and having a baby is a good guide to help you along.