Going too fast

Well, it has been a while and...I don't know where the time has gone. Erik is seven months already. I can't believe it. I was thinking the other day, am I taking all of this in as much as I can?

I feel like I am constantly taking pictures, video, writing in my journal and his baby book so I will remember as much as possible. Every day he is doing something new. Whether he is grabbing the spoon during meals, tummy crawling across the room or making more and more sounds...it has been a blast. I feel so blessed that I can be home with Erik to watch him grow.

My advice, write as many things down as you can. Don't let a week go by without documenting new talents, sounds, cute facial expressions or new discoveries. Even if we may look dorky when they are teenagers, we will always cherish the memories.

we all need encouragement

I found a website for moms in need of support and communication with other moms who have kids from newborn to eighteen years of age. Once you register with Maya's Mom you can keep a journal of memories, post photos and even vent frustrations. I think it is so important to feel surrounded by other women's support and encouragement no matter what.

Going Green

These days most everyone is looking for ways to be more "green". I used to go through cases and cases of bottled water thinking I was being healthy. Healthy maybe but not environmentally conscience. I discovered a fun website called Earthlust (love the name)with reusable bottles that can be refilled and reused again and again. Not only am I saving money but I am helping the environment at the same time. So check it out. Its not surprising that the company is based in San Francisco, CA.

Fun magazines

There are some great magazines out there for new parents. I think we have all heard of Parents magazine and Parenting. But there is a new one I had not heard of until one arrived at my house a few months ago. Cookie magazine has been a lot of fun to read. There are articles about discipline, fun activities with different aged children, great getaways, pampering ideas and a lot more. I have found new decorating ideas for Erik's room and cookie corner in the back of the magazine has new websites to check out.

Homemade baby foods

Erik just passed the 5 month mark and we have been given the green light to start solid foods. We have gone through the rice, barley and oatmeal cereals and he was not a big fan. I am looking forward to the next step but not the new level of poopy diapers. :)

Some of my friends have been trying to make their own baby foods. It sounds like alot of work in addition to the already full time jobs we have taking care of our little ones. However, I may give it a try with the help of this new website I found. wholesomebabyfood.com supports and encourages moms to try it out. On the website, you can research new recipes and learn how to puree and store baby foods. They also offer advice on a calendar for which foods should be introduced at specific ages. I found it very interesting. Here is the calendar for 4-6 month olds.

Four to Six (4-6) Months old
Try mixing together the foods that you have already introduced without allergies or reactions
Try Rice Cereal mixed with Bananas for example
CEREALS
Rice
Barley
Oat

FRUITS
Apples
Bananas
Pears
Avocado

VEGGIES
Sweet Potatoes
Acorn/Butternut Squash
Green Beans

PROTEIN
None
DAIRY
None

Hope this helps as we enter the next step of motherhood.

always finding ways to save

I stumbled upon another tip to save money in these tougher times. One website worth looking into is Diapers.com. They carry everything we might need-- formula, diapers, wipes, food etc.
I price checked a few items between the local grocery store, Babies R Us and Diapers.com. They seemed to be pretty comparable but one thing about ordering online, the convenience factor.

Shall we go out?

I don't know about any of you but...I love wine. Not only is it so fun to stumble upon a new discovery but the ambiance, passion, romance and relaxation behind drinking wine is what I truly have embraced. There is something about the rituals women create when it comes to sharing with friends while partaking in a little wine and cheese.
Spending six years in the bay area of California, I learned (ok among other things) about the wine business, visited many wineries and even worked for one, so I have a PASSION for it.
So this passion has lead me to learn more about where to find fun places to taste wines. I have a couple of ideas.
In Coral Gables there is a wine shop called Wolfe's Wine Shop. Located on Miracle Mile, Wolfe's features wine tastings every Friday evening. They send out an email to their customers (Wolfepack) to let them know who the next wine expert is on the schedule. They always have different regions, price ranges, styles etc. We pay $20 for the tasting and if you buy a bottle $10 is credited toward your purchase and...you get to keep the glass.
Another idea is Town Kitchen and Bar in South Miami. Their wine program is friendly to those of us who want to try a few wines but not spend a lot of money or drink too much. They have 25 wines for under $25. So you can purchase a bottle with a few friends and not spend much. They also feature a smaller pour. Instead of always having to buy a full glass they have a half glass option.
So...I think it would be fun to meet at one of these hot spots for a girls night and let our husbands take a turn putting the little ones to bed. Let's let our hair down we deserve it!!

Shall we shop?

I know we don't need an excuse to go shopping however...these two shops up in north Miami might be worth the trip. Now that most of us have the necessities we are looking for a few fun doo-dads for our children to either wear, play with or decorate their rooms with.

One store to stop by on the field trip would be nini and loli in North Miami. They have everything from stroller liners to room decor and toys. I am excited to go that's for sure.

The other jewel in north Miami is a children's store called Chocolate Milk. I got my nursery furniture there and I LOVE it. The store is filled with adorable furniture, bedding, art and fun gift ideas. So... even though we probably shouldn't um ok...sure we should.

Keep saving

We are looking looking for ways to save on the necessities these days. My grocery list now includes items like Barley cereal, Mylicon, diapers and wipes. I have gotten a lot better at clipping coupons but another way to save on those baby items is joining the Publix Baby Club. When you join they ask for your baby's birth date. Then they send coupons for products you need that correspond to your baby's age. So if you are interested visit Publix online and keep on saving.

Run like the wind

I was talking to a friend the other day about the importance of good running shoes. If we are going to get back into shape, a reliable and knowledgeable store to buy running shoes is very important. There are a couple I would suggest. I have had good luck with Footworks in South Miami. They are knowledgeable and very convenient. I believe they have a shoe sale every January if you can time your need for a new pair. They also have sponsored runs in the neighborhood Monday and Thursday nights at 6:30pm for everyone from the beginner (run one minute and walk one minute) to the avid runner (run five minutes and walk one). The route is about 3.8 miles and is a great way to meet other runners in the area.

The other suggestion I have is further south in Pinecrest called Runners High. If you are like me and have weird feet and a gait that looks worse, this place is right for you. When you visit Runners High, they will put you on a treadmill and watch you walk/run so they can fit you with the best shoe for you.

It looks like the next Footworks Miami event is a 5k October 23. Would anyone like to join me?

Travel tips

Erik and I have driven to Orlando and flown to Denver so far. I thought I would share a few tips I found to be helpful during our trips. It takes about 4 hours to travel up to Orlando from Miami. Scott and I took turns driving and sitting in the back to entertain Erik. We also stopped half way so I could feed him. Erik slept in the Graco Pack and Play swaddled like we do at home. We also brought plenty of diapers, wipes, toys and baby shampoo/body wash.

At the Miami airport I checked the suitcase Erik and I shared and had the diaper bag, car seat, snap and go stroller and baby bjorn. In order to get through security I had to carry Erik through while all the gear went through the scanner. So make sure you are organized and have your purse, clear plastic bag of lipsticks, shoes, jacket and belt all ready to go in the bucket next to your diaper bag. After security and we had a chance to get everything back in order I made sure to change him before boarding the plane. Also at the last minute we were able to bring on the car seat so make sure you ask if there is an extra seat available to do that. Feel free to take your stroller all the way to the plane and they will gate check it for you.

Once we were on the plane, I nursed him when we took off and again as we started our decent. That seemed to help with the change in cabin pressure. I did have to change him once and thank God we were on a plane with a pull down changing table. If you are on a plane without one, the best way is to lay him on the top of the toilet seat and change him at record speed. :)

Hope these tips help and happy traveling!!

Do we have earning potential?

Being a mom has been a incredible experience and a job that I wouldn't trade for the world. However, some conversations recently with friends have brought me to the next subject in my blog. We have been brainstorming about new ways to make a little income while staying at home with our kids. We all know it is tough to find time to even shower, throw in some laundry or dare I say...exercise. On the other side of the coin, maybe we would feel even more fulfilled as women and as new moms if we discovered a way to build a home based business that works for us.

Some areas of interest include internet based businesses providing information for moms where companies could advertise, consulting from home, posting blogs to friends that include "plugs" for local events and new ideas for moms or starting your own franchise with an established company/idea. Babybootcamp.com is one company open for new franchisees. Another one I have thought about is uppercaseliving. Either idea is structured to be your own business with a team of supporters behind you.

Anyway, it is something to think about whether new moms are ready now or two or three years from now. Bouncing ideas around with your friends and gaining their support to just go for it is priceless!!

You can always respond to my blogs if you have any ideas to share.

Let's add some color

Decorating a baby's room can be a daunting task. We decided not to find out if Erik was a boy or girl until the day arrived which made it a little easier to go with a neutral gender theme. We decided on a Pottery Barn Kids pattern with sheep, ducks, birds and bunnies. It is pretty cute but in the standard neutral colors of green and yellow.

Since we still have white walls and little Erik has arrived, it is time to add a little more

color to his room. One idea that came up in a conversation the other day was removable decals. There are two websites that I would suggest checking out. What's great about removable art work is one, you can take it with you if you move and two, if you get bored with it, just take it off and try something new. Whatisblik and Liapela are two websites with a lot of ideas from wall decals, wall art, lamps, area rugs etc.

let's go joggin

From Jeep to the BOB Revolution, phil&teds and Baby Trend...there are so many jogger strollers to choose from. Some have "better wheels" some...cooler colors. After looking at different websites, reading reviews and talking to a lot of moms I felt like I made the right decision with the phil&teds sport utility stroller. It has the five point harness for Erik, an attachment for baby #2 (eventually) and a lock option for the front wheel for safe jogging.

So now...I have no excuse.

more for your money

I found a website where you can get gift certificates for the favorite local restaurants and the perk...$25 gift card for only $10. All you need to do on http://www.restaurant.com/ and enter your zip code and it will pull up restaurants participating in the special offer. I don't know about you but I am always looking for fun new ideas at a bargain price.

already worrying

I am learning one of the hardest things about being a mom. WORRY. I have been to two pediatricians this week who feel my son should have a specialist look at the shape of his head. He has spent a lot of time in his car seat/stroller and baby swing which I thought was normal for an infant. However, he seems to have more of an issue than other babies I have been around the last few months. So yes, I am a little worried.

I looked up flat head babies on the internet and found it under babycenter.com
chttp://www.babycenter.com/0_plagiocephaly-flat-head-syndrome_1187981.bc?page=1&articleId=1187981

Flat head syndrome is actually called Plagiocephaly. Plagiocephaly is when a baby's head develops a flat spot from some external pressure. They say I should see a specialist if I notice a flat area after the baby is six weeks. Well...he is 17 or 18 weeks now so I guess seeing a specialist is what I should do. Sometimes Plagiocephaly can be mistaken for a more serious condition called craniosynostosis. So that makes me worry even more. Craniosynostosis is a more
serious congenital condition in which one or more joints between the bones of the skull close up too early and the baby's head becomes deformed. GREAT!!!

So Erik and I are going to see a specialist at Miami Childrens Hospital and in the mean time I am going to have to think of sit up or tummy activities.

Cheap Eats

With the state of the economy and my new status as a stay at home mom, cheap but good places to eat out is essential. Even though we have dinners in most of the time, sometimes it is fun to have a place to go, a change of scenery or even...a date with my husband? I found a website that not only has suggestions for cheap eats in South Florida but the best dining and nightlife in any city you choose.

Here is the link for cheap eats in South Florida
http://citysbest.aol.com/south-florida/best-dining/cheap-eats/

coupon clipping

Well we all know the economy is not quite behaving these days so I am constantly trying to research ways to cut corners. I found a few websites that might be helpful for not only new moms but anyone out there who feel the need to clip.

Two local grocers here in south Florida have websites to check out their weekly deals. http://www.winndixie.com/ and http://www.publix.com/ have been very helpful.

Another great website that tempts all of us to go out and spend money when we really don't need to is http://www.momsview.com/

So happy clipping and happy saving!!

body and soul challenge

I am always so excited when I find a website to better my life. I stumbled on one the other day that included tips for morning and evening yoga, new healthy recipes, relaxation techniques and cardio exercises. We can all take the body and soul challenge that Martha Stewart has organized on her site. The link is http://blogs1.marthastewart.com/body_soul_challenge/

So what do you think ladies. Should we try it?

I am going to try to incorporate one of her suggestions per week. This coming week I am going to attempt to add the morning yoga routine and see how it goes. Anyone else want to join me?

are they teething?

Erik seems like he might be teething well...maybe not...I don't know. I found an article with some helpful hints about teething that I wanted to share with you.
Here it is:

Teething Signs and Symptoms
In a study published in Pediatrics, researchers at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation followed 125 children from their 3-month checkup through their first birthday. They found that during teething, there was a notable increase in:
biting
drooling
gum rubbing
sucking
irritability
wakefulness
ear rubbing
facial rash
decreased appetite
mild temperature
No one knows why teething babies produce all that saliva, says Dr. Hanna, but the theory is that the increase of muscle movement in the mouth during this teething period simulates chewing, which activates the salivary glands. (The excess drooling can in turn cause a rash around the mouth.) Biting and gum rubbing are the baby's efforts to relieve pressure in his gums.

breastfeeding in public?

I knew if I was going to breastfeed more than a few weeks I needed a way to feel comfortable out in public. I was not going to be tied to my house every three hours in order to nurse Erik. One day, out on Lincoln Road on South Beach I noticed a gal with a beautiful wrap on nursing her baby. So the next day I started researching cover ups and found the best website.
http://www.bebeaulait.com/ Yup, Bebe au Lait nursing covers for Chic Mothers.
And man did I feel chic alright--hip, swanky whatever term you choose.
It also felt liberating to know I could be out at a restaurant, in the park, at the mall or at the airport and feed my little boy with no problem. Believe me I have fed Erik at every one of those spots so I feel like a pro. :)

Above is a picture of my sister Katy and I being chic, hip moms with the BebeAuLait nursing cover.

he is smiling more and more

Erik will be four months on Friday and he is more and more fun!! He loves to hang out with mommy's girlfriends and their babies walking, shopping, chatting etc. We have been out for ice cream, walks in Dadeland Mall and visits to our neighbors over the last week.


Speaking of Dadeland mall and Fathers day, Erik and I stumbled on Fotoquick kiosk Monday. The clerk asked if she could take a few photos of Erik. I agreed and as soon as I said that... I knew I was caught. She took about a dozen pictures and then displayed them in frames, key chains and a mug for me. She rattled off a few package deals with some of the items. I ended up purchasing the mug (for my father in law for fathers day) and two key chains (one for my husband and one for my mother in law). So it worked out but I felt like I was a little bit of a sucker. I have attached a recent picture of Erik showing that super cute smile.
Here is the attachment for Dadeland Mall and list of stores. Fotoquick's phone number is
(305) 663-4161 and http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?id=138

The art of sleeping

I don't know about anyone else but I appreciate sleep. I have noticed Erik has a better night sleep (and so... I do too) when he is wrapped. By "wrapped" I mean he is tucked into bed by being swaddled like a burrito. I have figured out however, that Erik really likes to have his arms up over his head. Even when he was a few weeks old, he would pull his arms out of the burrito. The blanket that has become my favorite is The Miracle Blanket. http://www.miracleblanket.com/index.htm It has different pieces of fabric that you fold over the baby -- it is actually a science. If you are in the market for a new baby blanket, check it out!

Farmers Market with girlfriends

I don't know about any of you, but I would need to find a girlfriend or two to make the trek to a local farmers market. My husband would rather be either watching golf from our sofa or out at the driving range then walk around a farmers market. I think they are a lot of fun and I always feel like I am not only supporting the local community but I feel pretty healthy too. :)

I googled Miami Farmers Markets and found a few of interest. One is called Robert is Here. It is located down in Homestead, FL about 45 minutes from my house. So it is a commitment to go but it think worth it. http://www.robertishere.com/

Another option (a little closer to my area of town) is the Coconut Grove Organic Farmers Market. It sounds a little more formal but I think worth the trip over there on a Saturday morning. http://www.glaserorganicfarms.com/Pages/Market%20Pages/Market%20Pages.htm

I am looking forward to calling a few friends next weekend to try one of these out.
I am excited!

Get in Shape Girl!!

ok, I really am getting this going I promise. Erik is almost four months now and I am finally feeling like I can do more for myself now. I discovered a fantastic mommy and me yoga class in Coral Gables. We meet at the studio Mondays and Thursdays at noon. She has incorporated yoga, stretches, singing with the babies, infant massage and mommy and baby bonding.

The other thing some of us new moms are trying to make more of a habit is meeting at the mall for power walks. We meet, along with the over 65 crowd, at a comfortable, well air conditioned very flat mall walk. It is the best thing when you live in Miami, Florida in the summer.

Some of us have tried the home DVD's with the balance ball, starter yoga classes and pilates. Most of us, at least I have, figured out that it is VERY hard to finish a dvd exercise class at any given time. so...so much for that. :)

Erik's arrival and thank God for mom

Hello friends:



Well, this is my first attempt to get my blog going and I am pretty excited about it. While getting used to my new role in life has been a challenge, I would not change any part of it. Over the last nine weeks, I have been learning more and more about my little boy Erik.

It was February 13, 2008 when my husband and I went in to induce labor at South Miami Hospital. Little did we know when we bought our condo that the location would mean a VERY short frantic drive to the hospital when the time came. :) (We literally live accross the street)

We had a very positive experience at SMH complete with private rooms, fantastic staff and even an extra special rock hard sofa thing for Scott to sleep on the first night. Needless to say, he made his way home to sleep after that. My mother arrived the day after Erik was born, ok two words for that -- THANK GOD.

My mother was such a huge help from making meals, calming Erik and most importantly, a great coach for settling gassy tummies. She was also a great person to lean on when I was over emotional, overwhelmed and definitely over tired. Getting the breastfeeding going was to say the least, slightly challenging. It never occurred to me that neither myself nor the baby would have any idea what to do. So...it took us a good week to figure it out and another several more weeks to feel comfortable with it.

As time has progressed, Erik and mom are figuring more things out and in the process, having a lot of fun.