The Patience of a Saint

I think that with marriage and children, God should grant each woman the patience of a saint. This way, when one of the kids throws up and the dog is eating it while you're trying to figure out the best way to get your throw up clothes off while holding your crying child, getting his throw up clothes off without smearing it all over his face- and your other child is woken by the ruckus and you're standing there naked, ushering your sleepy child back to bed- still holding the vomitter all while your husband is sleeping, you can handle it.  Besides, I think Saint Tara has a ring to it.   

                                                                                     AMEN.

You know your a mom when...

      You wish you could have taken this mechanism home from Disney as a souvenir for the kids...just in case.

Human feces on your hand has no effect on you.

You find Cheerios in your belly button.

You run your fingers through your hair only to find a lollipop having no idea how or when it got there (true story- I swear!) Sorry Michele!

A refreshing change from Laurie Berkner is the Fresh Beat Band.

Your first baby, the family pet, has been reduced to being just a dog. (Poor Murphy)

Showering is something special.

Your main source of adult conversation is done via text
message.

Your out without the kids and all you talk about is- the kids.

You love another person more than you thought was ever humanly possible- unconditionally. Even when they vomit on you.

You think Dave would use this for a Top 10?

Mama je ne sais quio

Some woman just have it. They make being a mommy look so damn easy. You never see them stress or lose patience. You never see them sweat. I love my kids dearly, but this my friends- I do not have. I do not have Mama je ne sais quoi.

I envy these woman. As much as I try to posses it, its something that's innate. You cant just get it- doesn't matter how hard you practice. Believe me, I tried. My new year resolution was to have more patience -three years in a row. I failed. Miserably. I have tried counting to 10 and it does seem to work until the witching hour where everyone seems to lose their frigging minds and I just throw in the towel and join in with them...or pour a glass of wine.

I want so badly to be that stepford mom. Mostly ,I feel more mommy dearest-esque! I love them so much that its hard not to question if I'm doing the "right" thing. Am I paying enough attention, am I paying equal attention? Did I give them enough food, is the food I gave them healthy enough? Am I playing enough, how much should I play? No more wire hangers!!

I think the most important thing to realize is -that if you're questioning yourself as much as I do, than there is nothing left to question. Your worries and concerns are because you want the most for your little loves. You want to make sure you are doing right by them. You love them enough to be questioning your every move to make sure they are happy little people that grow into happy adults. We are driving ourselves crazy because of how much we care. Mothering may not come as gracefully for us as it does for other mothers, but it doesn't mean we aren't just as good at it. We just have to work harder.

When I see how happy my kids are, I know I must be doing something right. I may not be Martha frigging Stewart.  That mama je ne sais quoi may not be as prominent in me as it is in other mothers...but, I am doing the best that I can. It doesn't make them better than me, just different. Maybe reminding myself of this every day will help me to get through each day. And- who knows? Maybe some natural mama je ne sais quoi will shine through.

Crib Life Chronicles 4 - The Guilt Trip

The Artist Formerly Known as 24 Hour Tara

Me- on a night out where 24 hour attempted to make an appearance!

 Once upon a time, I partied like a rock star. At times I partied so hard, I actually thought I was in fact one! I moved to Miami when I was 20, so use your imagination. But - no matter how hard I partied, I always knew that when it was all said and done, and I was ready to grow up, that I wanted to be a mom. I wanted to be a mom as far back as I can remember.

Now that I am a mom, I find myself asking the same question. How can something you have always wanted, something you love so much, also be the hardest thing you have ever done? I never knew parenting would be as hard as it is. Friends of mine had kids before me and when they would complain about the hardships of motherhood, I thought it was an exaggeration or maybe they were having a bad day.  For some reason, when I was child free, I only saw the cute side of children. The funny things they said, the adorable clothes they wore or the curls on the bottom of  little girls hair. I guess now I see its because I was able to just escape any moment. Shitty diaper- here's your kid back. Crying baby- walk away. Throw up- ugh! I was able to request a table as far away from kids as possible. Set myself up at the beach in a non kid zone. I was limited to kiddie situations....that is, until I had my own.

Now that I am a mom, I see the hardships of mothering firsthand. It is daunting, its amazing, its a roller coaster. I understand the complaining. I understand losing patience. I now nod as if part of a sisterhood when I see a mom yelling at her kid like a maniac in the aisle of the supermarket. The old me would have  shook my head at her in disgust. But now, I am her. Sure some down time would be nice. Alone time is basically non-existent. Do I miss going to the bathroom alone? Sure. Would I give it up for a stint with 24 hour Tara? Absolutely not.

I had fun as the old me. She was a good time, ask anyone who knew her. I may not be as fun as I once was, or as thin, but I am the happiest I have ever been in my life- shitty diapers and all.

Bippidy- Boppidy- Boo- I take your sickness from you

   I wish it could be that easy. To be able to wave a magic wand and take my child's sickness and pain away would be a dream come true. Although my little chant above doesn't actually work, it does make Chloe feel a little bit better and brings a smile to her sick little face. Going on day 10 and the second week home from school sick in the house, I'll try anything.

When is it time to stop bathing son & daughter together?

   I have been bathing Chloe and Max together since I was able to. I had Max in the little suction seat at about 6 months old. Chloe was 2 1/2 at that time . It was so cute, the things great pictures are made of! Maybe I should have stopped when Chloe asked where her balls were, but I pushed on because it made my life a bit easier!

   The fighting over bath toys made me reconsider the shared bath time. It started becoming more of a stressful time (to add to the many other stressful times throughout the day). Then it was the bad behavior together that made me rethink bath time . The crazy splashing, floor soak and wet. I loved seeing their little coolies side by side when they were lying on their bellies next to each other in the bath...it was hard to stop. That was-until Max climbed on top of Chloe and began to sing "wiggle, wiggle, wiggle" while shaking back and forth while on top of her! That was the final straw.

   Having separate bath times doesn't only mean more work for me, it means my kids are growing up. My kids aren't babies anymore. Its crazy how a simple thing like bath time can have such a big impact on me. A simple thing like bath time that I'll miss doing together forever.

   Whats going to happen to me when they don't need me to bathe them anymore? ! ? Ahhhh, the bittersweet moments of motherhood. I never though I would be such a pansy ass!


  
  

When to take your toddler to the dentist

  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children first see a dentist when a tooth first appears, or no later than the age of one. I took my daughter Chloe when she was three for her first checkup. She did really well and I felt as though I took her at her right time. My son Max is 2 and I don't feel as though he is ready to see the dentist. I think he would go absolutely crazy in the chair and never allow the dentist near his mouth- let alone inside of it!

These pictures are from Chloe's checkup last month. This was her second visit and she is now four. She was nervous and cried a little- but she was amazing, as you can see! She had a cleaning and pictures of her teeth were taken- no X-rays just yet. Going to the dentist still scares me, so I think introducing it at an age where they understand what is happening is a good idea.

Our dentist is really patient with Chloe and explains what each instrument does. He even lets her try for herself- which she loves! Here she is trying out "Mr. Thirsty"! How cute?

Even with the little bit of crying, look at this smiling face when the checkup was complete. I plan on waiting until Max is 3 for his first dental experience. Each child is different so if you feel as though yours is ready, I suggest asking friends and neighbors for recommendations. Chloe sees my dentist and its a great fit. Finding the right dentist for your child will help make their first experience a successful one. Lots of luck!

Musical Beds....not as fun as the classic- I assure you!

Someones been sleeping in my bed...and it isn't me! I went from my bed with Chloe sick next to me with 104 temperature, to Max's toddler bed in his room, back to my bed again, and then in Chloe's bed with Max! I haven't had a full nights sleep in about 2 months! This is crazy! Max was sleeping through the night at 5 months old- now I'm waking up like a have an infant here. Someone once told me to "put your big girl panties on" and I think I'm going to have to do just that and show some tough love here! I'm so tired! I think I'm a sleepless night enabler! Once everyone is better here, its time to get back to basics and sleep in your own damn beds! Is that tough love enough?

Quick fix for dry winter skin

   Take the Johnson & Johnson baby oil out of the nursery and into your shower! I began this regimen over 4 years ago while pregnant with Chloe. I was so worried about stretch marks so I doused myself with it while still wet in the shower before getting out. It worked so well that I continued with it well after my pregnancies. I even rub it on the kids while still wet after the bath. It leaves our skin so smooth. I like the Shea & cocoa butter. Try it- your skin will feel so great that you'll be hooked too!

Organization = sanity

   Disorganization makes me feel all sorts of crazy! It definitely gives me anxiety. To me, it is a representation of my life. If your house is a mess- so is your life! When my house is together, I have more patience with the kids and I just feel like I can tackle the day more easily with them- maybe even play without worrying about everything that has to be done in the house. My way of looking at it may be a little extreme- but this is how I feel. It drives me crazy when my house is in shambles (which is most of the time, except my bathroom). When my house is neat and organized, I  feel so contented...it doesn't last very long with a 4 & 2 year old.

   In my efforts to become more organized in 2012, I've been looking for ways to make my home an easier place to live in by organizing, organizing and throwing out! I LOVE throwing stuff out! My husband, not so much! I was by a friends house and opened up her cabinet to look for a glass but opened up her spice cabinet instead. It was beautiful! (shout out mar!) She had this tiered mechanism that I had to have. Its something little- but like the famous saying, Rome wasn't built in a day. I think by understanding that and by doing little by little, I will one day have the organized home I long for. For today, its the spice cabinet bringing a smile to my face!

  I bought this Copco shelf organizer in Bed Bath and Beyond for $5.99. Such an inexpensive fix that packs a big punch!



Before, my cabinet had no rhyme or reason leaving it very hard to find spices in the back. Basically, a hot mess!







After using the shelf organizer, I can easily see all of my spices! It doesn't make me cringe when I open the cabinet! I'm no org junkie, but I am one step closer to sanity!

Lacey tunic that I must get my hands on!

Another great H&M find, this lace tunic (they say dress- I say tunic!) is a definite steal at $34.95. This is so versatile. You can wear it with jeans,leggings or tights. You can wear it for lunch, dinner, drinks or a party. I love mixing feminine shirts like this with a pair of black booties to edge it out.

I'm in love with this!

Crib Life Chronicles 3... Fours a crowd!

  Sooooo, things aren't going as well as they were with Max and his toddler bed. Its getting harder to get him to go to sleep and hes in my bed at sometime of the night- EVERY NIGHT! I secretly love the cuddle time- that is- when he falls right back to sleep! I also have Chloe coming in from time to time and I don't love four people in my bed. Something had to be done. I did something I never thought I would. I used his obsession with Thomas the Train and bought him Thomas bedding. I am NOT the character decor type- I even go as far as lying to my kids - telling them the light up character sneakers don't come in their sizes! But I went against my will to try to get this lil guy to stay in his bed!

 

  Max loves his Thomas bedding! Is it helping to keep him in bed at night- NOPE! I had to go another route so I came up with a Murphy bed type of idea. I took the crib mattress from my parents house and put it on the floor next to my bed. I figured I would slide it under the bed during the day, then take it out at night to have it ready for when the troops come pitter- pattering in at all hours of the night!

   This is working out really well...for Chloe at least.She LOVES it! Max is having no part of it! Chloe goes right in without even waking me up! I laugh when I wake up with her in the little bed next to me. I'm happy there is some type of resolution to this madness. Chloe can come in whenever she is scared and Max can still come in and we can all be comfortable...threes still a crowd, but much better than four! This may be something you can try if your having trouble keeping your toddler in his/her bed. Good luck!

My love/hate relationship with Gene Simmons

   I was never really a fan of the band KISS. Don't get me wrong, who doesn't love "I wanna rock n roll all night"?! I was more intrigued with Gene Simmons himself than the music or band itself- and not for the reasons most woman were. Its actually the complete opposite. I find Gene to be very unattractive so I was fascinated by how many woman threw themselves at this man. I hated him for his womanizing. When I first saw the preview for his reality show Family Jewels, I knew I had to watch. Once I did, I was hooked and kind of fell in love with him for the family man he was. 
   I'm not sure if it was Shannon, Sophie or Nick that reeled me in or the concept of this abnormal family being so normal! I hated Gene for treating Shannon, the mother of his children, the way that he had for so many years. He seemed to adore her but still did his own thing outside the relationship. His excuse was they weren't married so it was Okay...but it was not okay and Shannon leaves. The kids stand by their mom and let Gene know this loud and clear. At the end of the day- it doesn't matter who you are...kids have their moms back!
   Gene realized what a douche he had been and how badly he had hurt the woman he had loved for so many years - as well as hurting his children. He said Shannon was the only woman he had ever loved. He was scared of losing her. He proposed, and she said yes - making their children so happy to finally have that normal family life they had been wanting for years.
   As a mom, I fell in love with Gene for doing the right thing for his family. He didn't think it was possible for him to commit to marriage- but he did it to keep his family. There is so much love in this family, it was so hard not to fall in love with them all. Gene- you have redeemed yourself with me! I might not want to sleep with you, but your definitely welcome in my house!

                     Max rockin out with Gene!!

     

Last day to enter! Win a beautiful ,personalized bracelet- handmade just for you!

 
   How would you like to be the winner of this handmade beaded bracelet, personalized with the initial of your choice? You can use the initial of your family name or the letter of your child's name- whatever you want! String of Love on Etsy has many of these beauties to choose from & they look great stacked.
   One lucky winner will win this beautiful personalized bracelet. Simply leave a comment here with a way for me to contact you if you win. For a second chance to win, follow me by subscribing via email at the top left column of my blog, then leave a second comments saying you did so.


   The winner will be chosen by random.org.  Giveaway ends Saturday, 1/14/12. Lots of luck! I love mine and so will you!

  

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Another easy organize fix

                

   Simple Human makes a lot of great products including this stainless steel grocery bag holder. This is a simple solution to those bags being stuffed and stored all over the place. This is also one of those things I always saw and thought about getting but never have- until now.

                                       

My pantry shouldn't be allowed to be called just that...its a very, very small closet in our kitchen! My husband and I always shove the grocery bags in the corner as you can see. 

The grocery bag holder comes with really strong adhesive already placed on the top and bottom of it. All you have to do its peel it off and it mounts right on to your closet- I even installed it myself! Hahaha! It fits right on the inside of the closet door. I bought it at Bed Bath and Beyond. Its only $9.99 and about $8 with the 20% off coupon.

Industrial wire toy storage I love!

  I knew I had to order this for Max's room as soon as I laid eyes on it! His room is modern so it actually added to the look of his room. I love the industrial, raw look of it.

  I was worried it wouldn't fit many toys, but it does hold a lot. This is a piece he will have forever. Its very masculine and not childish at all. Later in life, he can use it for DVDs, magazines, books, Cd's...the possibilities are endless for this storage unit. I truly love it! It looks so cool in his room. I purchased it from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child.

 I'm considering buying the matching piece below since its on sale as well. I love how it mounts on the wall because Max's room is very small and we have limited space remaining.

                                           

Another embarrassing before- but a nicely organized after!

            Not too bad- but definitely not organized

Max's drawer before adding drawer dividers

Max's drawer after adding Good Grips drawer dividers

I told you I'd be posting another drawer today! This is an easy fix for a messy drawer. No matter how many times I refold the clothes in the drawers, they keep getting messy! I have seen this product again and again and finally bought them. I'm so happy I did because the drawers look great and it will be much easier finding Max's clothes.  I separated short sleeved tees, long sleeved tees and his sweats. I did 2 of his drawers and now I'm addicted! I want them for all of the kids drawers!

Purchased at Bed Bath & Beyond

I should have done this years ago! Before & after pics

I should be ashamed!

  This is a shot of Max's sock/underwear/hat drawer. This was on my organization must - along with many other drawers in my house! I bought Good Grips expandable drawer dividers at Bed Bath & Beyond for $19.99 (less with 20% off coupon). I wanted to buy them since having Chloe 4 years ago but never did.

   They are super easy to install...took 2 seconds.

  Look at  the results! I want to do every drawer in the house! Doing another drawer of his tomorrow...pics to follow!

2012 = OPERATION ORGANIZE!

Happy New Year from my family to yours! A new year offers us a clean slate...a fresh start. I plan to organize my ass off this year! I have compiled a list of organize worthy buys that I hope will help me this year -and you as well, if you plan to join me! I will be posting organization tips throughout the month. As you can see in the photo above, toy organizers will be included! Enjoy the first day of this new year!