Walking Wings Winner

We have a winner for the Walking Wings giveaway.  Lucky #2 - Meggan Taylor Columbo has won Walking Wings for her beautiful baby boy Ryder!  I know that Meggan will love this when Ryder is starting to walk - it will help him and it is such a mommy back saver!  A special thanks to Upspring Baby for generously supplying one Walking Wings vest for Meggan! Watch for the upcoming product review and giveaway of another of Upspring Baby's fabulous products, Milkscreen!

Check out Upspring Baby for all of their fantastic products.  They sure know what haute moms need!

Thrifty Thursday - Clothes For One, Clothes For All!

I have been having a HECK of a time finding pajamas for Stella. All the summer PJ's are out right now but since Stella doesn't sleep with a blanket yet, I am still looking for some lightweight long sleeve pajamas. I have combed store after store and can only find sleepwear that are short sleeve with pants or short sleeve with shorts.

At lunch yesterday, my girlfriend was talking about how addicted she was to some online sites, and it finally hit me that maybe I should try looking online. I went to trusty Old Navy only to be greeted with a wonderful surprise...a Buy One Get One 50% Off Sale! Hurray!

Old Navy  is always one of those great places where us Haute Moms can find cute, affordable clothes for the whole family just in time for each season. They never fail me and guess what - they have pajamas for Stella! Head on over because the sale ends this Sunday, May 1st. Be sure to pick something up for yourself moms and remember, buy one get one 50% off just means you have to buy more! :)

Use the code ONBOGO at checkout. They also offer free shipping! Happy shopping! 

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! Can you believe how fast April is going?!  I am in serious need for some hoppin' so I hope you join in! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!



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This week we have our Guest Hostess- Elaina from A Time Out For Mommy. If you didn't visit her last week, be sure to stop on over and say hello!



Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow our guest hostess A Time Out For Mommy.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow!  One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Haute Mom Dilemma #40 ~ Time to Wean

My goal for breastfeeding Stella was always to make it to one year.  I had read that this was the best thing for your baby and one year was the recommended time period.  I also had some personal issues with giving Stella formula and so my goal for a year was powered by that as well.  I must say, two weeks into BFing and I didn't think I would even make it to one month.  Yet, here I am, still a nursing mom just a few weeks shy of Stella's 1st birthday.

I have started reading about the weaning process here and there.  I started with my What to Expect the First Year trusty book and then started combing through other sources.  As always, there is a wealth of information out there with plenty of props for making it to one year (yay for me!).  It looks like a gradual process will be the least traumatizing for Stella as well as for my milk supply so that is the route I plan on taking. 


Weaning?  I don't think so!



I have to admit, eliminating one feeding at a time has me a little nervous.  There is something inside of me that is slightly worried that Stella is going to starve if she doesn't nurse before dinner, or before bed, etc.  Can I really just not give her any milk and just feed her solids for dinner?  I usually nurse her, then plop her in her chair for her jar food and whatever finger foods may come her way.  Isn't she going to get less calories without the milk?  Do I just feed her more of something else? Is this where the role of whole milk is going to come in?  Yikes!  This has me so nervous!  So I will go on with my neurotic self and blast her pediatrician with all of these questions (and I am sure there will be more by then) or her next doctor's visit. 

I did some experimenting today since I am home for spring break this week.  I pumped and then put her milk in a sippy cup in place of her mid afternoon BFing session.  At first she sipped it right up and even followed it with a little, "Mmmmm."  I was so excited.  This was going to be easier than I thought! The little rascal must have been doing it for show because she then threw her cup, turned and went for my shirt.  So much for that idea.  I guess it will just take some time but I would love some advice on how everyone else went about it.  Between the pulling of the shirt and the four LARGE and SHARP teeth, I know it is time to get this weaning party started.

Thank You Easter Bunny!

Although we were not particularly religious growing up, Easter was alwasy one of my favorite holidays.  I have fond memories of the smell of vinegar floating through the air as I drew on my eggs with the clear wax crayon before dunking them in dye.  The Easter Bunny never failed to bring us a basket of goodies, balanced well with both fun items and candy, as only a mother could do.  A box always arrived in the mail just in time for the weekend with Peeps and other digustingly good sweets from my grandmother.  Of course, after the grand egg hunt in and around the house, the day always ended with a wonderful Easter dinner.

 Now that Stella is 3 weeks away from turning 1, we have completed our first round of all the holidays, gingerly trying to start our own traditions.  Those traditions happen to mostly follow what hubby and I experienced growing up.  For Easter, Stella got a number of baskets from both grandparents and from my sister, Auntie Amy.  She enjoyed the baskets and wrapping more than anything inside the baskets just like a baby should.  My parents came down for the weekend and got to share the holiday with Stella.  It was nice to have a family brunch and enjoy the day. After all, that's what holidays are all about in the long run.

I hope all of you enjoyed fun Easter festivities with your loved ones!

Stella with her Easter chick from Auntie Amy

Stella tearing through her Easter basket

And what am I supposed to do with a purple egg mom?

Easter brunch

Enjoying the weather

Sometimes You Just Have to Laugh

As I finally am starting to get back to normal, being sick is taken back over by life's daily stresses. Because I couldn't eat my milk supply dropped off, bills have to get paid, and trying to buy a bigger house still looms over me like a dark cloud (rather paying for it does). Throw taxes in there and I am in need of a cocktail and it isn't even noon yet.

But then I see this video and it reminds me, much like Stella does on a daily basis, that life is good. Sometimes you just have to enjoy it...and laugh.

Happy Easter weekend to all of you!

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Thrifty Thursday - Summer Sale!

Carter's Summer Sale started today and just in time too! Stella is at that awkward clothes point again where her 9 month size pants look like capris and she is still able to crawl right out of (literally) her 12 month size pants. For some strange reason, ALL of her pajamas are too small, no matter what size! I swear, these brands got together and pulled out some type of sizing consiracy, didn't they?

Anyway, who doesn't love Carters with the cute yet fairly inexpensive children's clother. When it is sale time, you can't beat it! The numbers for this sale are $6, $8, and $10 so be sure to check it out. I know I will be stalking up for the summer months now. I also plan to outsmart them by buying a VARIETY of sizes - who's smart now, huh? Yeah...I just caught on.

For all of you that are actually in-store shoppers, I have a special coupon for you. An extra 20% off if you spend $40 or more! Who needs more of an incentive than that?

Carter's Coupon - click here

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! Can you believe how fast April is going?!  This flu has left me in some serious need for some hoppin' so I hope you join in! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!




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This week we have our Guest Hostess, Simply Sadie Jane.  She is a fellow mommy blogger with a darling baby girl and a darling blog!  I've been admiring her giveaway this week.  If you didn;t visit her last week, be sure to stop on over and say hello!




Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.
2. Follow our guest hostess Simply Sadie Jane.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow!  One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Haute Mom Dilemma #39 - The Nursing Mom

I have been posting about all the issues surrounding breastfeeding for so long that I can't believe that I have almost made it to my goal of 1 year!  The posts about the BFing in public and the pumping...remember the one when I had to travel to Boston and tried to bring pumped milk back in my suitcase (and succeeded, thank you very much!)  Now BFing seems like second nature and at times, almost easier.  Not to mention all the money that I have saved from not buying formula!

I realize that there are many needs and various views out there about nursing.  For some it is very important, and for others formula is just as good.  Some moms make the choice to nurse or not and others do not have a choice.  Some moms find that 4 or 5 months is as long as they can go, while other maybe go on longer than most...like 4 or 5 years.  Either way, to each her own and from the bonded groups of mommies out there, I think we all respect each other's opinions in this area.

I just got back from the doctor again (yes, still sick..."worse" according to the doc) and she wants to change my medicine to an aggressive 10 day course.  AGGRESSIVE!  Yes!  I like it!  Let's kill those little throat germs!  The only problem is that the antibiotic recommends "using caution" if breastfeeding and my doctor translated this as "you cannot nurse".  For 10 days!   She gave me some helpful suggestions but I'm thinking, "Look lady, I didn't come this far, 3 weeks away from my goal, for you to tell me I should just give her formula for 10 days."  I do have some frozen milk but I am not sure if I have enough.

It is funny that just yesterday, while I was resting in bed, I was reading my trusty What to Expect the First Year to see what it suggested about weening. I know it is time to be thinkging about this; my mother told me yesterday that this might be a perfect time to start since I am ill.  I do NOT like the fact that Stella would have to go cold turkey for 10 days.  I am just not sure what to do.  Honestly, I am wondering (since I have a virus) how much this antibiotic is really going to help and if it is going to be worth putting Stella on formula, even part of the time for the next week and a half.

Darn it.  Being sick is ten times more complicated when you are a mommy!

Sick Sick Sunday

I have been a little absent for the last few days due to the fact that I am sick as a dog. I'm not usually one to complain but I have been full of them lately because of the way I feel. Let me just say that I can't remember feeling this sick EVER for this long. I have all the symptoms of strep throat but my test came back negative so they are treating me for strep anyway. Go figure. I have had the worst sore throat of my life and a fever going on four days.

It's always hard being a mommy and being sick. I cherish my weekends with Stella but there really is no time for rest when she's around. Especially since she took her first two steps yesterday! She makes me so happy and then I worry about passing anything on to her. We aren't just talking about a runny nose here.

In order to force me to stay in bed, my husband took her to get the car washed. I'm sad but lying in bed sure feels wonderful. Ugh. I hope I get rid of this thing soon.

Here is to a wonderful and HEALTHY Sunday to all of you!

Stella is such a good nurse!

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Thrifty Thursday - Toys!

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I have been searching around for a gift for Stella’s first birthday and came across a fantastic website with great prices. Fat Brain Toys has some of the most unique toys I have ever seen. Among these unique toys you can find a Gift Wizard that allows you to type in age, interest, etc. and matches you input up with various toys. Not to mention they have some of the best prices from what I can tell so far!

We are looking for an outdoor toy of some sort, perhaps a toddler play yard or sandbox. When I came across this website, I really liked the fact that I could search by category as well as ago group. Like Amazon, I was able to read other buyers’ comments for each product I was looking at. Many of the prices were discounted 10-20% and they offer free shipping on orders over $99. Let me just say, it would not be difficult to spend this amount with all of the great stuff that they have.

The best feature that I experienced was the Live Chat. I had a couple of questions about some of the items. One item I was looking at (Chicco 4-in-1 ride) stated that the beginning stage of this toy was a rocker but the site didn’t show any pictures of what the rocker looked at. I went on Live Chat and in seconds I had someone on the other end helping me. I mentioned what I was looking for and in two or three minutes, she had her tech guy upload more pictures for me! There was also another item, a rocking horse type deal, That said, it was great for one- and two-year olds but had a warning about small parts for children under three. With this inquiry she got on the phone with the manufacturer as she was online with me to check! Now that is some service!

Toy sites are always overwhelming but this one stands above the rest! Now buy those babes a little something!

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! Hope your week is going well! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!

Thiis week we have our Guest Hostess:

If you didn't stop by her blog and follow her last week, this week is your chance!

Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.

2. Follow our guest hostess One Blondes Ramblings.
3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.
4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Lazy Sunday - Disneyland!

I was never sure when it would be appropriate to bring Stella to Disneyland but figured we had a few more years to wait. That is until I spoke with my friend and mommy blogger Lisa Robertson over at Babes in Disneyland. She assured me that all ages can enjoy Disneyland and that there were plenty of places for the littlest ones to enjoy. Being that we live 30 minutes away, my husband and I braved it out.

Stella had an amazing time! Watching her face light up as we went on the rides was one of those moments as a parent that I will never forget. Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and Stella's personal favorite, Its a Small World. She danced a clapped through the whole thing!

The experience was so amazing that my husband and I bought season passes so that we could take her more often. That is where we spent our Sunday aftetnoon yesterday. I must admit that I had a little help with me on my first couple visits; a book Babes in Disneyland written by Lisa to help families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

The Babes in Disneyland book is a great guide for how to plan your time at Disneyland and includes tips and hints to the best places in the park for families with little ones. She writes about the services and amenities in each "land" including the most family friendly restrooms and restaurants. The book also has details for guests with special needs including special accomodations and food allergies.

Lisa knows the ins and outs of the park - she is a former tour guide and writer for the Disneyland Resort and continues to work very closely with them. She wrote the book with first time visitors, families who visit the resort infrequently, and those fans that have to switch from sans kids to baby mode (me) in mind. The book is a MUST for making the most of your Disneyland visit!

Stella had a great time!

She just couldn't let her balloon go!

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Haute Mom Dilemma #38 - It's Time to Party

I have been throwing around ideas for Stella's first birthday party since she was like 6 weeks old. One glance at my calendar last week sent me flying into reality that not only was it time to start planning Stella's birthday, I was behind! We have attended quite a few kid's birthday parties in the last few months and they have ranged from relaxing, back yard BBQs to over the top petting zoos (no, I am not kidding).

Stella is ready to par-tay!

Our style is more of the backyard gathering but our backyard is well, non-existent. We have some space but after making our invite list, we realized we needed more of a large park. Definitely doable where we live but nobody wants to stake out picnic tables at 8 am and have to guard them all day long. When I looked into reserving a picnic site at one of our city's parks, they were over $300. With that money, I might as well go with the petting zoo!



After much discussion and input, I think we have decided to have a small gathering at our house. My husband just brought home some darling children's yard chairs and from the looks of it, Stella is more comfortable in her own backyard (er, front yard) anyhow. I have decided on a zebra theme and will enjoying all the party supply shopping! This may mean that we have to keep the guest list small but I know that most people will understand. I will just start cutting from the in-law side. :)

TGIF!

After an especially long week, I find myself more than ready for some quality weekend time. The school district I work for is going through some tremendous budget cuts leaving many of my good friends wondering if they will have a job next year. This week brought on hearings for those teachers, sending me into the classroom as a substitute teacher, as many classes needed coverage. I was soon reminded how much energy it takes to do this! Hats off to all teachers, especially those that have children at home.

As some of you may remember, I took a position in the Health Curriculum office when I returned after being off with Stella. The office had been a calm welcome after those days subbing. Add teaching my college class to the list and a night out at a hockey game and we have one tired mom. Full weeks help time fly by but I predict some mommy-daughter nappy time this weekend.

Here's to everyone having a relaxing weekend! TGIF!

Hockey Night Out - Go Sharks!

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WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! Hope your week is going well?! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!






This week we have our Guest Hostess, One Blondes Ramblings. If you didn't stop by her blog and follow her last week, this week is your chance!


Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.

2. Follow our guest hostess One Blondes Ramblings.

3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.

4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.

So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. We would love it if you would help us spread the word and help Welcome Wednesday grow! One of you could be next week's spotlight guest hostess!

Lazy Sunday - Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

Our good friends had a birthday party for their two year old this weekend and there was a treat there that is still making my mouth water.  The recipe is NOT for the lazy, however, a few of these and your already lazy Sunday is about to take a turn for the worst.  But that's what Sundays are for, right?  Thanks Emily for making these ridicuously wonderful cookies!  This treat is not for the faint of heart!

When I googled the recipe tons of versions came up.  This is one I found on Becky Bakes that seemed pretty straight forward. 

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies


2 sticks (1 cup) softened butter
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
10 oz bag chocolate chips
1 pkg. Oreo cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugars together with a mixer until well combined. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

In a separate bowl mix the flour, salt and baking soda. Slowly add to wet ingredients along with chocolate chips until just combined. Using a cookie scoop take one scoop of cookie dough and place on top of an Oreo Cookie. Take another scoop of dough and place on bottom of Oreo cookie. Seal edges together by pressing and cupping in hand until Oreo cookie is enclosed with dough. Place onto a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet and bake cookies 9-13 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

Makes about 2 dozen VERY LARGE cookies.

Haute Mom Dilemma #37 - Pushing Limits

As someone who was fairly sassy growing up, there was always that thought in the back of my mind wondering whether or not all the attitude I gave my parents would come back to me. The answer is "yes".

My normally sweet natured daughter has shown a sassy side that channels a rebellious teen with attitude. Stella is starting to test her limits with hitting and screaming in between the sweet smiles and kisses. The other day I witnessed our nanny take Stella's jacket zipper out of her mouth (teething) only to get a protesting grunt accompanied by a light smack to the face. I hope I don't have to give her a raise.

I assume that Stella testing her boundaries is quite normal but I wasn't expecting it for awhile. I know she is looking for reactions so I figure not reacting is the best solution especially with the screeching in protest. The hard part with the hitting is the fact that aside from a stern tone and redirecting behavior, there is not too much that can be done on the discipline end. Or is there? Too bad you can't ground an 11 month old...kidding...sort of.

Stella telling me she did not want a photo taken. Ay yi yi.

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