Five Question Friday

I can't believe that it's already Friday!  Where did this week go?

Now onto five question Friday.  Click the link below if you want to participate!



1.  If you could, would you go back to high school?
As nice as it would be to go back to a time when I had no bills or real responsibilities, I'd have to say no. Classes, trying to fit in... I'd much rather be where I'm at now.

2.  If a genie appeared and granted you two wishes, what would they be?  (And, no saying "more wishes".)
The very first thing I would ask for is enough money to make me and my family comfortable.  I'd buy a house that had lots of guest rooms, at least 3 bathrooms, a huge dining room and kitchen so that when family visits no one would feel like they needed to stay in a hotel.  I would also need a nice big fenced in backyard so my dog had enough room to play.  I would also make sure my brothers and sisters had reliable cars so there would be no excuse for them not to come and visit!
My second wish would be for truth.  I wish that politicians, drug companies, and big businesses would be honest.  Now, I don't want to get controversial but do you ever feel that the people who are in the position to make the biggest change are too driven by their own greed?  I really wish that they would just be upfront.

3.  What kids shows do you secretly like?
None!  Abby is only one and I don't put cartoons on for her yet.  I'm sure this will change over the years!

4.  What is your beverage of choice?
Mountain Dew! I am addicted!  I am trying to turn over a new leaf and be healthier so I am proud to say that it's been 3 days since my last Dew... I miss it though!

5.  What is something that you would change about yourself (or are working to change in yourself)?
I am truly trying to be healthier.  Abby is starting to want to eat whatever I eat and I want to teach her healthy habits.  So, slowly, I'm weeding out the bad stuff.  I have one problem though... do you have to be hungry to be healthy?!?

"Smiles" Photo Challenge

This weeks Photo Challenge is "Smiles".  Abby was playing with her new bubble maker and having a blast!

Check out the other smiling faces by clicking the button below!

Helping a Stranger... Would You Really?

I think this is going to be a hot topic today.  I hope it is because it needs to be discussed.  A homeless man in New York rushed to the aid of a woman being attacked.  He was stabbed and was bleeding on the sidewalk.  For an hour and a half people walked past him, someone took a picture of him, but no one helped him or called the police.  This man, Hugo Alfredo Tale-Yax, was finally found by firefighters but had already past away.  Click here to be linked to the article from New York Post.

I am very disappointed that all of those people walked past a man in need of help.  As a society we are very much in the frame of mind that we should mind our own business.  Well, under normal situations, I would agree.  But if I see someone in true need, I will step in.  I'm not saying I would be a hero and jump in the middle of something but a call to the police is an easy thing to do.  When all of these people were walking past this poor man there was no threat.  Why wouldn't they get him help?  The fact that he was bleeding was clear, especially to the man who picked up his head and shook him.

Are we all so wrapped up in our own lives that we can't take the time to help another?   This isn't the only time something like this has happened.  This happens so often that there is actually a term for this phenomenon:  the bystander effect.  The bystander effect theory states that the more people who witness an emergency then the less likely they are to react.  If there are very few witnesses to an event, then the likely hood of a witness helping is higher.  Why is this?  Well, peer pressure plays a big rule in this phenomena.  If there is a large group of people but no one is reacting to an event then people feel that a reaction is unwarranted or inappropriate.  Another reason, is that in a larger group the pressure to react is smaller there is the belief that someone else will react if an individual does not.  Basically, we are all waiting for someone else to step up and take charge.

I can understand these theories and how they could play out.  But at some level, our sense of humanity is missing.  Although we are all caught up in our lives, we are still part of a community, a nation, and a world.  Somewhere along the way, I think we are loosing our empathy to others.  It's sad to think of this poor man laying there for all that time in need of help.  It's sad when you think that tragedy happens everyday to everyone and that man was someone's loved one.  Any of those 20 people who walked passed that man would be outraged if it had been someone they know and loved.  I hope this story makes people more aware but I'm afraid it won't.  

I really try not to judge people and know that things always look different to the person in the situation.  However, to me this is so basic.  A man is bleeding on a sidewalk... there shouldn't be a question about the right thing to do.  We all try to be generous and have our causes that we support.  When my mom was sick, I was overwhelmed by the generosity of our community and family.  Is it possible that's its easier to write a check to a cause then to actually help an individual who is suffering?  Everyone of those people had the power to save a life today.  What does everyone else think?

Who's Watching that Baby?

This picture has created lots of controversy on my Facebook page.

I know, it appears that I have my 1 year old sitting up on top of wall with Humpty Dumpty.  Now before you question my parenting like my sister did, look close. Do you you see the blur right there?  On her sweater?

That's my husband holding her!  I used this tool, called a blemish remover to erase him from the picture.  Don't you wish it was always that easy?  Just kidding Hubbins, you know I love you!

Five Question Friday

It's 5QF again!  Here we go!

1.  What was the first car you owned?
I know everyones going to be so jealous... the first car I owned was a 1981 Toyota Corolla.  Yup, born the same year as me!  It cost $600 and was the loudest car in town... seriously, you could here me coming from a mile away!  Surprisingly, someone is still driving it around!

2.  What song are you embarrassed to know the lyrics to?
I don't really get embarrassed... I am proud to know the lyrics! Mama M's vlog reminded of a funny story though.  I know all the words to most Salt n Pepa songs.  The one day I was taking my two sisters to the mall and the song Shoop came on.  Shoop is a little before my sisters time but I love that song!  So I started blasting the radio and singing.  They were laughing but then I remembered that for some reason I had a microphone in my backseat (don't ask... I'm a little crazy!).  So I whipped out the microphone and really jammed!  We still laugh about it to this day!

3.  Have you ever had stitches?
Only when I had my appendix out.  I'm not sporty so I don't have any good war stories.

4.  What was your first job?
My first job was a recreation counselor over the summer but I was only 14 so I don't really remember.  I basically just played with kids all day so I was just a glorified baby sitter.

5.  Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?
I'm really not a big Sesame Street fan so I have to side with Abby here and go with Elmo!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Writer's Workshop: What's the Secret to your Close Bond with your Mom?

Ahh, an excuse to write about my amazing mom!  This week I've decided to take part in the writer's workshop over at Mama Kat's.  I've chosen the 5th prompt:  What is the secret behind the close bond you have with your mom? Click her button to jump in on the fun and read the other 4 prompts you can choose from.

My Mom passed away this past July and until then I never fully grasped just how close we were.  I realize now, that she was my best friend.  She was the only person who actually cared to hear about all the mundane details in my daily life.  We spoke everyday, usually on my hour ride home from work.  But what's truly amazing, is that after she passed I realized that she was a best friend to all 5 of us. I don't think there's one secret way to establish such a tight bond.  All of us are so different and I'm sure that her approach was different with each of us.  Regardless, the one thing that was the same is the fact that we all felt safe enough to tell her just about anything.  Of course, the relationship with all of us went through it's season and I in no way mean to imply that it was all a bed of roses.  Some of us put her patience to the test (not me, I have my own halo) but we always found our place back home with our best friend, our mom.
Though each relationship was slightly different, I think there is a couple common factors in all of our relationships with her.  The first, honesty.  She was the most honest and up front person I know.  It was easy for her to be honest because she couldn't keep anything secret.  When I found out I was pregnant, I told her to keep it quiet for a little while.  Well, the only way she could keep it a secret from her sister was to avoid talking to her completely.  After a few days I gave her permission and could hear the relief in her voice!  She was just as honest about herself.  I can't remember a time when she refused to answer something, even if it was about a less than angelic behavior.  
Her honesty led to our honesty and created an open environment, which I think is the second key ingredient to a close relationship.  There were very few things I didn't tell my mom.  There were some things I'm sure she would rather not know and there were some things that were a little uncomfortable to share, but I did and she listened.  She was our safe say anything zone and not just for us.  Friends and cousins would come by and talk to her when they couldn't talk their own parents.  She was just that kind of lady.
Finally, I think the most important reason we were all so close to my mom was because she didn't judge.  She would tell you how she felt but you never felt like she looked at you any differently.  She was also very quick to forgive and let things go.  
Although I miss her everyday, I am so grateful to have been born to such a wonderful woman. She was funny, frustrating, giving, and loving.  She would take in a stray animal as quick as she would take in a stray person.  She taught me how to be a good person and instilled in me a sense of responsibility to my family and friends.  I only hope that my daughter and I have the same relationship.  

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day everyone!  As a kid I was totally into saving the environment which led me to major in Environmental Science.  Although I completed my degree, a career never panned out since I actually hate bugs and getting dirty.... I know, I often wonder why I picked that major too but I actually enjoyed the learning part just not the hands on part.  For most of my life, recycling was just second nature but for some reason over the past few years I've been very sporadic when it comes to recycling.  I could give you a million excuses but frankly, none of them are any good.  I just got lazy and lost sight of the bigger picture.  It's terrible and I feel guilty so as an Earth Day present to the one and only Momma Earth, I vow to recycle every week!
I was trying to make myself feel better about the enormous footprint I'm leaving on this Earth so I started thinking about the things I do everyday that are "green".  Here's my list of some simple changes that keep Earth a little happier.

• One thing I do is use a mixture of vinegar and water to clean everything!  I've been doing this since I was pregnant because I started to realize how many toxic chemicals I was using just to clean.  Vinegar is a disinfectant and it's really cheap! A win-win!  
• This sounds so simple, but if you ask my husband it was hard for me to train myself to do:  turn off lights!  I love a well lit home and hate to walk down a dark hall.  The problem is that I would prefer to leave a light on in every room.  I have learned to shut them off and am proud to say that during the day I use sunlight and rarely turn a light on!
• I gave up on dryer sheets.  If you do a google search, you'll find lots of sites that tell you how toxic they are.  I could drive myself crazy and analyze all the ingredients but I look at it this way:  everything is made from something, this something may be toxic so do I really need it?  I decided I didn't really need dryer sheets so now I use dryer balls and I honestly don't miss them.

I know this is a short list but at least I have tried to make some changes.  I try to be conscious of what I bring into my home because everything is loaded with chemicals.  What types of things do you do to help the environment and keep your home healthier?

"Collage" Photo Challenge

I'm taking part in a photo challenge over at I Heart Faces and this weeks theme is collages.  I'm using the pictures from Abby's birthday party because when it comes to a one year old eating her first piece of cake there is no way to pick just one photo! Check out their site to see some other awesome collages!

I used http://www.picnik.com/ to make my collage. It's a pretty cool site and has a lot of free features to enhance your pics!

I Can Not Believe I am Posting This!

I'm nervous to write this.  Once I write this I will be committed.  I've toyed with whether or not to do this and in the end the fear of failure seems like just the right amount of motivation I need to win my battle.  It's a battle I spent my whole life trying to conquer.  I've been successful from time to time but I have yet to be able to claim a full victory.  I bet you guessed the battle I'm referring.... the Battle of the Bulge!

I follow this awesome blog Our Mommyhood and they featured Lisa at This Mommy Works.  Lisa has decided to issue a weight loss challenge, 1 lb at a time, and I've decided to join in.  I am so afraid of not losing an ounce since I have no willpower.  I am hoping that being held accountable for eating like a cow will help me change my ways.  The list is open until April 30th and the challenge starts on May 1st. So if you want to join in the fun then click the button below to read the rules and check out the other brave souls!

So, the first step in this challenge is to name the reasons why I joined and what my goals are.  Let's start with why... because I need to lose weight!  Ok, let me be specific... I need to lose 30 lbs.  I am still 20 lbs heavier then I was when I got pregnant and prior to that I had 10 lbs that I could not get rid of.  What can I say... my extra fluff loves me!  

My goals:

• To condition myself to eat healthy 90% of the time.  Hey, a girl needs a treat once in awhile!
• To learn and share with my fellow competitors tips, tricks, and motivation
• To lose 15 lbs by the end of the 8 weeks.
• To use this challenge as a motivator to actually start training for the 3Day in October.  

FYI:  I was eating Doritos as I typed this post.  Man, do I have a lot of work to do!

Happy Friday!

Woo Hoo!! Happy Friday! I've been getting ready for Abby's party tomorrow so it has been a busy busy week. The amount of cleaning I did today was insane! But it will all be worth it once everyone is here and we can PARTY!!
Well, it's Friday so that means it's time for Mama M's 5QF. Feel free to jump in on the fun!










1. What words do you use on your blog/online that you don't use in real life?

Hmm... I really can't think of anything since I'm so new to blogging. I pretty much write the way I talk. Actually, that's not true, at home my language can be a little more colorful! I would have to say words like lol or lmao (I know, they're actually acronyms!). In real life I would actually laugh my a** off!

2. Do you still write checks?
I do but only to pay certain bills. I'm bad at budgeting and get nervous I won't have money when auto pay tries to take it.

3. Who was your favorite President and why?
I hate to admit this but I can't stand politics and rarely know what's going on in the world. It's terrible and I should try to pay more attention. So, I have no favorite.
4. Are you a yeller? Everyone should be.... it's not good to keep emotions bottled up! If a little yelling gets you through the day more power to you!

5. Have you ever dumpster dived? Literally, no... but if you're referring to seeing a perfectly good piece of furniture in need of a good home then I am shamelessly guilty!

First Birthday

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts.  A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. 

 ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn't take them along.  

~Margaret Culkin Banning

Making the decision to have a child-it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."

~Elizabeth Stone

"A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart." 

~Author Unknown

A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark.

  ~Chinese Proverb

Today my Abby is a year old!  Everyone told me time will go fast but this year was a blur!  It seems like only yesterday that I went into labor, 10 days earlier than I was supposed to.  She was definitely ready to be here but I wasn't ready for her.  I was in denial from the night before... my husband kept telling me that I was having labor pains and I kept saying no.  Even after my water broke the next morning I thought, "No way my water broke... I think I peed myself."  It didn't take me very long to realize I was in labor and I had to get moving... but first I had to make some phone calls.  This is the actual order of calls from that morning:

1. My mother:  I called her as I was on the toilet, afraid to get up and pee myself again, to see if she thought I was in labor.  She told me to call the doctor and go to the hospital.
2. The doctor:  Told me to go to the hospital.  Suddenly I realized that I had hairy wildebeest legs and knew I would spend the whole day completely embarrassed.  So, I asked the doctor if he thought I'd be able to shower.  Thankfully, he said yes but I should hurry.
3. My mother:  Called to tell her I was going to shower, shave, pack and go to the hospital.  She thought I was crazy and tried to talk me out of the shower and shave but I am stubborn!

Bet your wondering where my husband is?  Well, he was packing... but not for me!  He was nervous and decided to pack a huge (probably 3 foot long) duffel bag with everything he owns.  I have no idea what he was thinking.  But while I am in pain, trying to shower, and trying to pack for myself and Abby he's running around the house packing a months worth of clothes.  The funniest part?  Once Abby was here and he went to get our bags he was embarrassed to bring his "luggage" to the room.  Too funny!

This past year has been one of the most difficult and one of the most rewarding.  I have watched Abby change from this tiny little creature who barely opened her eyes to a creature that can spot a speck of dirt from across the room.  I've watch her learn to roll over, crawl, stand, walk and run.  I was there the first time she smiled and laughed out loud.  I heard her say her first word (Da Da of course!) and couldn't wait for her to be able to say Ma Ma.  I've also grown along with her and we're still growing and learning together.  I never could have imagined the love I feel for her.  It's overwhelming, indescribable, and amazing.

Before you were conceived I wanted you

Before you were born I loved you

Before you were here an hour I would die for you

This is the miracle of life.

~Maureen Hawkins

The Pursuit of Happiness

Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.  ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

I watched this movie, "The Box", last night.  It was strange and I'm not sure if I got most of it.  What I did take from it is that very often we want more than we have.  In the movie, a couple is offered a million dollars if they push a button.  The caveat is that once they push the button, someone will die.  This leads to a sequence of tragic events that I won't get into because I don't want to ruin the movie for those of you who may not have seen it.  My husband turned to me and asked if I would push the button.  My answer... Absolutely not!!

I've always been a firm believer in being happy with what you have.  You are always right where your supposed to be.  Lately, I've lost sight of this.  Negativity definitely breeds negativity.  I've been focused on "I want" instead of "I have".  I've realized that this has led me to take for granted all the wonderfulness in my life.  It's normal, when you go through any type of life stressor, to fall off track.  The important thing is to pick yourself back up and refocus.  So, that is my goal and I'm using the above quote as my inspiration to stay on the track I want to be on.

Does anyone else have any inspirations they tap into when they are feeling not themselves?

Five Question Friday

I've decided to jump in on a meme going on at My Little Life. Click her button if you want to join the fun!

1. Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?

I honestly couldn't think of an answer so I texted my Hubbins for his input... here's how that went:

Me:  If someone were to make a movie about me who would play me?

Him:  Why? Are they?

Me:  yup... who?

Him:  No one could play my wife, you would play yourself

Me:  awe.. why are you scared.. this isn't a trick question

Him:  Who would play me?

Me:  I'm not answering til you do

Him:  Scarlet Johanson I guess.  I think she could play you.

Hmmm... I look nothing like her... maybe he shouldn't have answered or I shouldn't have asked.

2. Did you ever go to summer camp?
Nope.  I'm not a camper.  I'm not a fan of bugs or roughing it.  I think there was one year that I asked my parents if I could go but I wasn't too upset when they said no.  I guess deep down I knew it wasn't for me.

3. What sends you running and screaming in the other direction?
Spiders! I am not just scared but terrified.  I can spot them from clear across the room and I am so afraid that I can't even get close enough to kill them.  Of course, I tend to spot them when I'm alone which leads to my theory that they are out to get me.  Seriously, I come across more spiders in a day than most people do in a year.  For example, one fell down my shirt at Babies R Us the other day.  I panicked! I wanted to rip my shirt off right there.  Thankfully, for me and everyone around me, I composed myself before that and was able to make it to the hallway by the restroom before I almost stripped to make sure the creeper was gone!  

4. What is something you do that drives your spouse nuts?

In a good way or bad?!?
Just kidding.... there are two things that drive my Hubbins crazy.  I leave cabinets open all the time and I never put the toilet paper on the holder.  He gets so annoyed by the latter that mini wars have started in our house.  His first plan of attack was to just leave the empty roll on the floor of the bathroom.  That didn't bother me or teach me a lesson so now he hides the roll in strange places... a drawer, my purse, etc.  I just hide it back! Can't teach an old dog new tricks!

5. What is currently your favorite song?
It changes with my mood but I think my most favorite is Colby Caillat "Bubbly."

Sometimes I Think the World's Gone Mad!

I admit it, I'm cheap.  I made my own centerpieces and favors for my wedding and a lot of the decorations for Abby's room.  I just don't like to spend money on things that will quickly be outgrown or forgotten.  I also enjoy seeing how far my dollar can go but still try to make a decision based on quality. I often wonder what people are thinking when they price an item or service.   A haircut, for example, ranges from $15 to $50 or more... Why?  Are the stylist really that much more talented?  Maybe some but not all.  I've gotten my fair share of haircuts and quite honestly, my hair looks the same.  I don't see the value in spending $50 for just a cut (or a "hair design" as the fancier places would say) and then pay extra for a style and blow dry.  Why would anyone leave without a style and blow dry anyway?  I would just assume that I wouldn't be leaving looking like a drowned rat but that's extra.

So, now onto my most recent experience in the overpriced department.  Abby's birthday is less then a week away and we're planning a party.  Just a simple bbq and cake.  Sounds reasonable, right?  Ha!  Has anyone priced birthday cakes?  Now, I know that most grocery stores have reasonably priced cakes but I thought that maybe we could get something a little different at a bakery.  When I was growing up, we always had these awesome cakes and I wanted to give that to Abby.  So, I went looking around and found the prices outrageous! One baker showed me a cake he was working on for a one year old boy.... $265!!! And, it only fed 35 people!!!  Is he kidding... the kid is one and won't care nor remember what the cake looked like!  I swear, people are out of there mind.

What's a mom to do?  Simple, we're getting a sheet cake from the grocery store that I'm sure will look lovely and taste delicious and will cost about $50.  But for next year... I'm taking cake decorating classes and making my own cake!

What the Heck Wednesday!?!

I have been reading The Mommyologist and decided to link up with her for What the Heck Wednesday because I was just outside and found myself uttering those same words. If you haven't checked out her blog, you should... she's amusing!

So, I have a dog named J.R. He's part pomeranian, part Jack Russell, and 100% beast! We adopted him in 2007 after he had been in the pound for almost a year. That should have been my first clue that he was a bad dog but I felt sorry for him. When we brought him home he really could care less about us but jumped right on the bed... clue #2. Let me say that I do love my dog... he's a crazy, cuddly little guy once you get past all of his downright rotten behavior! He pulls the fluff out of everything, leaves presents on the floor if we keep him in the bedroom, and barks at everything (animate and inanimate). When you take him for walks it's like maneuvering an obstacle course... I am constantly trying to avoid people, cars, other dogs. It's a headache which results in very short walks. Having company is always an ordeal filled with lots of apologies and ending with him being locked away. I am truly jealous when I see people who can take their dogs for nice long walks and envy those who can take them to crowded tourist areas. They have the dog I always dreamed of!

So, now on to my "What the Heck" moment. When I walked him last night there was someone out for a walk... he barked liked crazy. We rerouted but up ahead there was a woman walking her dog. Well, even turning around didn't stop him from barking so I had to take him back inside. I was completely frustrated since this was the second attempt to get him to do his nightly business. Well, I just took him out again and I had deja vu! The first obstacle was someone walking... the second obstacle, which I still can't believe, was the same woman walking her dog! Unbelievable! He spotted her before I did and the barking would not stop... and all I could think was "What the Heck?" Her and I must be on the same dog walking schedule! J.R. didn't get to finish his walk... he's embarrassing and loud so I dragged him back to the house and out of sight of the other well behaved dog!

Here is a picture that epitomizes my 17 lb beast!

Easter... too much food, too little time!

I hope everyone had a happy Easter.  I know we did! But boy... did we eat! I have never met another family that eats as much as ours.  Here's our menu:

• At 1:30 we ate salad, salami, cheese, olives, bread... my Dad calls this antipasta but it is a meal in itself!
• At 2:30 we at lasagna and more bread.
• At 5:30 we ate ham, sweet potato casserole, potatoes, broccoli, some sort of clam dip, and applesauce (I know I am forgetting something!).
• At 7:00 we ate dessert:  4 different types of cookies, 2 types of cakes, coconut custard pie, biscotti, and brownies.

Can anyone say fat fest?  As a family we definitely go all out when it comes to food yet there always seems to be something missing... this year I was sad to see there wasn't any cannoli.  I remember the first time my husband ate a Sunday dinner at my Nan's house.  He was amazed! 

I love our dysfunctional tendencies when it comes to food... but I hate it too.  My thighs and butt are evidence of many years of overdoing it.  I constantly want or am trying to lose weight but all it takes is one day and I'm back on the wagon!  It's an addiction... I actually get grumpy if a craving goes unfulfilled.  I am determined to take control of this... to lose weight, eat healthy, work out, and stay that way.... but I think I'll wait until after Abby's birthday party.  How could I possibly not have a piece of her first birthday cake?  True fat kid mentality! 

Things Always Sound Good in Theory

Recently I was asked if I read to Abby at night.  Hmmm.  I wanted to say "of course!" because that's what good mommies do.  The problem is I don't.  I try.  I've sat down with her, put her on my lap with a good book and have read as if I'm acting out a play.  It doesn't quite work out.  She loves books but not because she likes a good story.  She's 11 months old, she loves to eat books! So, I choose to not read to her because instead of being relaxing and entertaining she fights to take the book from me.  I know... bad mommy!

So, I got to thinking how in all the books I read before she was born there were so many things that sounded great but didn't work out so well.  Here's a list of the things that I just couldn't get on board with but for those of you who could, I envy you!  Most of the things on this list epitomize the mom I wanted to be but I love the mom I am!

• Breastfeeding:  I know, not everyone has a problem but I did.  Did I really want to take my boob out in public anyway?  (No offense to those who could, the negativity is just to mask my guilt!)

• Routine:  Is there really such a thing?  The word routine is defined as "a detailed course of action to be followed regularly."  This definition would lead me to believe that once a baby establishes a routine it remains that way for an extended period of time.  Not so! Abby has grown and changed so much in the past 11 months that her 'routine' changes every few weeks.  Basically, as soon as I become accustomed to the routine, it changes.  Welcome to mommyhood... there is no such thing as 'routine'!

• Homemade baby food:  Before Abby was born I thought "how hard could it be make baby food? I won't be that busy."  Not busy... boy did I not have a clue!  Not only could I not imagine making baby food with an 11 month old biting the backs of legs... why did I ever want to?  There are perfectly good baby foods brands out there!

• Baby Slings/Carriers:  One of the things I was most excited about receiving at my baby shower was the now infamous Infantino baby sling (yes, the one that was recalled!).  I also had a wrap and a carrier made by Jeep given to me.  I always pictured myself getting some housework done or walking through a store with Abby tucked away safely in my sling.  Problem was (and thankfully in regards to the Infantino sling) Abby hated each and every one of them!  When I did put her in the Jeep carrier I was hot and uncomfortable and much preferred to carry her.  If your out for the day a carrier is just one more thing to take along and it didn't make carrying her any easier.

• Cloth Diapers:  Yes, I thought about it.  I would love to be more Earth friendly but it's just not in me to be that 'green'.  Think about it... before they're washed, those dirty diapers need to be stored somewhere.  Too stinky for my small apartment!

Wow... now that I'm looking at this list I kinda feel lazy! If only I had a little more motivation I might have been able to do most of the things on the list.  Or, maybe I just enjoy playing and teaching Abby... I like that idea better! I'm not lazy... I've just learned how to prioritize and outsource to companies like Gerber, Pampers and Enfamil!