Thursdays with Teresha: Tales of a Soon-to-Be Soccer Mom

We took a break last week to celebrate Christmas, but Thursdays with Teresha is back...did you miss me?! Today's guest is a woman who embraces her inner soccer-mom with a great big hug! Please welcome...

Name: Lisa
Blog Name: Tales of a Soon-to-Be Soccer Mom
Blog Address: talesofasoccermom.blogspot.com
How many children do you have and what are their genders/ages? two girls, ages 4 & 2, one boy due in April

1. How has becoming a mother changed you for the better: Becoming a mother has completely deepened my relationship with Christ. I understand love in such a different way now that I have my own children. I cannot imagine sending one of them to die for the sins of this world as God sent Jesus to pay for our sins, my sins.
2. How has becoming a mother changed you for the worst: If you want to see the ugliness of a cranky mommy take sleep away from me, or my kids! I need my sleep and it’s so much more evident now that I have two little ones to care for all day long!
3. Did you have an imaginary friend when you were a kid: I had two imaginary friends named Amy and Chelsea. Not sure where they came from but I remember pushing them on the swings when I was at pre-school. The teachers must have thought I was crazy!
4. Do your child(ren) have imaginary friends: My oldest, Chloe, has an imaginary friend named Hilly, who is definitely a character. Hilly does all kinds of things to get in trouble and more than once she has been banned from our house!
5. If the FCC had a policy that every household could only have one TV station, which would you choose: HGTV!
6. What station would your child(ren) pick: They would definitely pick Noggin (I guess it’s Nick, Jr. now…I liked Noggin better).
7. Rank your top 5 all-time favorite movies in order starting with your most cherished: The Wizard of Oz, A League of Their Own, Little Women, You’ve Got Mail and Legally Blonde
8. Random question time. What is your favorite punctuation mark: Hmm…that is random. I’m going to go with the exclamation mark!!
9. This time of year calls for hot drinks. Are you a hot cocoa or wassail fan: Hot Chocolate!
10. Any New Year's resolutions: To finish projects I have started, finish unpacking our new house (finally!) and get things ready for this baby boy’s arrival in advance so I’m not rushing at the last minute!

Thanks Lisa! I wish all my readers a Happy New Year! Check back next week for a new installment of Thursdays with Teresha...

Wordless Wednesday: Baby New Year

Tip(ful) Tuesday: Shop for Baby and Save!

A mommy could easily go broke buying all those cute clothes, blankets, and socks . That's why I love discount stores. There are two web sites that I know I can count on for great bargains on baby items.

Baby Half Off sells a baby/kid product everyday for over half off of the retail price. You can find out about about their deal of the day by subscribing to their blog, joining their Facebook fan page, or following them on Twitter.





MamaBargains.com posts multiple 50-80% deals daily and you have to check back frequently and act fast. They don't have an alert tool yet (it's under construction), but you can follow them on Twitter or Facebook and see updates whenever a new item is available.

Monday Morning Parenting: The New Old-Fashioned Way

Becoming a mother is like pledging the world's largest sorority. Think about it. Pregnancy is like rushing and giving birth is like being accepted into the Mu Omega Mu chapter. Then the sleep deprivation and round-the-clock feedings are like hazing rituals. All mothers go through these rites of passage, and it's so worth it.

Like all sororities, M.O.M is full of "big sisters" ready to impart their wisdom on baby care and child-rearing. Some of their advice, like never take a baby outside on a windy day or she will develop colic, are complete superstitions while some, such as using a little honey to sweeten baby food so he will eat better, are downright dangerous (you shouldn't give honey to a baby under the age of one year because it can cause botulism). While reading breastfeeding sites, I stumbled upon a old tip that drinking beer will enhance your milk production. I even found a vintage ad that perpetuates this claim. Ack! In fairness, some old wives' tales can be helpful. Have you heard the one about placing a piece of wet tissue on your baby’s forehead to stop hiccups? I found this one works most of the time (to add another layer to this tale, my MIL says that hiccups mean that the baby is growing).

Still the question remains...how do new members of M.O.M parent in these modern times without showing disrespect for the ways of the older generation? Many of us were fed infant cereal before we were six months old and we lived, right? I don't know if there is a better answer than to use your common sense. Some old-school methods are harmless, so it won't hurt your baby if you follow grandma's advice to pull his toes if he starts coughing while nursing, plus you spare her feelings. On the other hand, if your baby has teething pain you might want to skip the suggestion to rub whiskey on his gum, bump grandma's feelings in this case!

Being a new parent is a scary and confusing time, so it's natural to seek advice from those with experience. But at the end of the day you are the parent...not your well-meaning mother or aunt. Don't let yourself be coerced into doing anything to your baby that you aren't comfortable with. In other words, listen to your God-given maternal instincts. You are responsible for your child's health and happiness. Next time your mother-in-law insists that you give your baby a chicken bone to cut her teeth on, just flash your M.O.M badge and say, "thanks, but I can handle this. "

What are some of the craziest pieces of old-fashioned advice you were given as a new mom? Did you try any of them and did any of them actually work?

Baby Log: Week 18

Marlie and me are back from our break. Our city woke up to a white Christmas for the first time in 80 years! This made Marlie's 1st Christmas even more special. I even braved the cold to take her outside too see the snow. As you can see in the photo, she was less than impressed. It was a brief outing. Miss Marlie stayed super busy this week:

• She learned to splash the water in her bath. nice. She also taught herself to spit bubbles. cute. (can you read the sarcasm between the lines?)
• One of her socks went missing and we searched high and low for it. I later found it in her diaper...she pooped a sock! It was so funny. I should have taken a picture.
• Last Sunday we attend Christmas Eve-ning service at the home of a fellow parishioner. Marlie and her grandma donned their gay apparel. We sang carols, read the nativity and ate good food. It was sweet.
• On Christmas Eve went drove to a ritzy part of the city to see Christmas light decorations on the mansions. It was beautiful to behold.
• For Christmas we decided to celebrate low-key style. We had an early dinner (lupper!) at our favorite Indian restaurant. yum! We came home (no kitchen to clean up!) and took a nap. We had dessert later that night. Damon made pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. double yum!
• It was a truly happy holiday!

Great Sale Going on Now at SproutBaby.com

Sprout Baby had become my go-to store for organic baby products that I can trust. The company only sells products that meet the strictest guidelines, so I know it is safe to use on Marlie.

Sprout Baby is having a HUGE 30% off sale on some of their customers' favorite products like Earth Mama Angle Baby. The sale is on now through December 31st.

Plus, if you are a new customer, you can get an extra 15% off your first order by using my referral code: SB002664

As always, orders of $75 or more ship FREE!

Baby Log: Week 17

It has been an interesting roller coaster ride of a week...lots of ups and downs. Marlie had her 4-month wellness exam mid-week and received her first vaccination (she took it like a champ!). The immunization debate is confusing for parents. I understand both sides for (preventing serious illness and death in children, eradicating diseases) and against (adverse reactions from toxins, possible links to autism) vaccines, but it doesn't make the decision any easier. I read The Vaccine Book by Dr. Sears and it helped a lot. Ultimately, her daddy and me decided that she'd get shots for the four diseases that can be fatal in infancy and we'd tackle the rest on a case-by-case basis. Here's the low-down on Marlie's whirlwind week:

The Bad:

• Marlie is going through some weird phase. Several nights she has kept us up by waking every two hours. She's not crying because she's wet or hungry...she wants to play! It's killing us! I'm so tired that I didn't even taken any pictures this week.
• She is not eating well. She gets distracted when she nurses, wants to play around when it's feeding time, and won't finish eating. This has caused her weight to plateau. Her pediatrician wants me to stop nursing on demand to break her of the snacking habit. I was upset until she explained that by letting Marlie graze, she's only getting foremilk and not enough of the nutrient/calorie-rich hindmilk. So I have implemented OPERATION TOUGH LOVE and it is starting to work. She is nursing 7-10 minutes on each side versus the 5 minutes she had been doing for the last two weeks.

The Good:

• Marlie has found her feet! They are her new play things and she loves when you play footsies with her!
• She raised herself up for the first time on Saturday, just rolled on her side and sat up! ...then she toppled over like a weeble wooble.
• We won several giveaways this week: a Hallmark Baby's First Christmas Ornament from BabasFarmLife, a Kidorable frog hat, scarf, and mitten set from Enjoyceing Life, and a$25 gift card to the Sprout Baby store from Sugar Pop Ribbons!

Marlie and Me are going to take a break from blogging this week to spend time with our favorite person...hubby/daddy! Have yourselves a merry, little Christmas & Happy Holidays!

...Only 15 More to Go!

15 more what, you ask? Followers, people, followers! I am just 15 followers shy of awarding the Fall into Comfort Gift Package, which includes these goodies from Target:

• Xhilaration hat and 2 pairs of gloves
• Burt's Bees lip balm
• Swiss Mocha Cafe
• $10 Target gift card *New addition*

All you need to do have a chance at winning this A-M-A-Z-I-N-G prize is to become a public follower of Marlie and Me. Then go to the I'm Bored... post and leave a comment that you are a follower (this goes for you too if you are already a follower). There are also bonus entries if you want to increase your odds. Thanks for playing!

*this giveaway is self-sponsored*

That's What Friends Are For

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for

I was reminded of this song when I received these two friendship awards from two women I met recently in the blogosphere. I get the warm fuzzies reading their blogs because they are so charming and genuine. First up is KarmaPearl at Hope Springs Eternal, who gave me this delectable Happy 101 Award. She's expecting her first child y'all...please stop by and congratulate her!

The Rules: List 10 things that make you happy, try to do at least one of them today, and tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day. For those 10 bloggers who get the award, you then link back to my blog and create your own makes you happy list.

1. Making my daughter laugh
2. Kissing my husband when he gets home from work
3. Eating cupcakes (carrot cake with cream cheese frosting...yummy!)
4. Fellowship at Wednesday night bible study
5. Reading a good book
6. Catching up with friends online (includes emails, blogging, Facebook)
7. Getting a good night's rest (haven't had one of these since August 15)
8. Winning (I'm a competition junkie)
9. Traveling to new places
10. Feeling the sun on my skin (my way of saying I hate winter!)

Kate at Busted Plumbing gave me my second Circle of Friends Award. Kate is a glass-always-full kind of gal with she has a wicked sense of humor.

The rules for the Circle of Friends award are: Say 5 things you like to do and then pass this on to 5 friends. I'm going to cheat and re-post my list from last time (is this a little like those actor's who give the same acceptance speeches when they win multiple awards?):

1. Spending time with by hubby and baby. They are my world, and I would be perfectly content if it were just the three of us in it.
2. Eating. I can't overstate this enough...I love to chow down. People think I don't eat enough because they only see me with tiny portions. The fact is I eat 6-8 small meals a day, which gives my metabolism the fuel to burn calories 24/7. As much as I love to eat, I really hate to cook. Thank heavens I married someone who loves to cook and can throw down in the kitchen. I show my gratitude my cleaning my plate (and the kitchen).
3. Blogging. What started as a pastime has become an obsession. I hope it leads to my second act...writing. I have wanted to be a professional writer since age 5. My grandmother recently gave me some of my earlier work that she had kept over the years. Reading stuff that I wrote when I was still in the single digits has reignited my desire to be an author...of what? I'm leaning toward children's books.
4. Rummaging. Yard sales, thrift stores, clearance bins...I can sniff out a bargain like a cadaver dog (sorry for the poor choice of metaphor). Nothing makes me happier than finding a perfect pair of shoes or place mats for 50% off (except for #1).
5. Walking/Hiking. I love to get outside, smell fresh air and feel the sun on my skin. I still like jogging, but I can't enjoy the outdoors when I am whizzing past everything.

Okay, I'm about to bend the rules a little by giving BOTH awards to these new and old bloggy friends because they make me happy:
The Cloth Diaper Report
Enjoyceing Life
Good, True and Beautiful
Greedy Girls Guide
Hearts Make Families
My Voice, My View
Post-Modern Jen
The Redhead Riter
Suburbanly Crunchtastic
Too Many Heartbeats

Flashback Friday: Who's That Girl?!

That would me...Christmas 2005. I have been reading a lot of posts about ways to avoid overeating around the holidays and New Year's resolutions to lose weight, so I thought I'd come clean about my own battle with the bulge (I was 172 lbs in that photo...I'm shocked just typing that). I wasn't always that big (and, yes, 172 lbs is a lot for a 5'2" frame). I grew up in a very health-conscious household where vegetables ruled the dinner table and us kids were always running around outside. I was also naturally athletic and played sports. I never had a problem maintaining my weight. I gained the normal "freshman 15" in college, but picked up rollerblading and biking to get back into shape. Fast (or fats) forward to 2003...I'm working full-time, wrapping up my graduate program, and launching my own non-profit organization. Needless to say, a healthy diet and exercise was not on my to-do list. The result was a whopping 50 lb. weight gain, plus some scary side effects like sleep apnea and back and joint pain! When I decided to do something about it I knew I needed help. After getting nowhere with my primary care physician, I signed up with an alternative health program where I received nutrition consultations, detox treatments and vitamin supplements to undo years of self-abuse. I also tried many different exercise programs until I found ones that I could stick with (I get bored so easily). Today I am proud to say that I have kept the weight off, including the respectable 20 lbs I gained during my pregnancy. I am sharing all of this in hopes of inspiring other women. Please don't crash diet or buy into some fad program...these will only give you short-term results and in the long run you will gain even more weight. Maintaining/losing weight is a lifestyle change that requires eating right AND exercising...there are no healthy shortcuts. I encourage you to seek advice from a health care provider if you want to achieve weight loss the right way. Many companies are now offering weight loss assistance through insurance and some local hospitals even have free fitness programs. I wish you all good health!

Thursdays with Teresha: 12/17/09

I've started my own talk show, which is just an excuse to shine the spotlight on myself. Kidding! ...but seriously, I'd like you to get to know me and other cool mommy (and daddy) bloggers. So, I post ten Q&As, and ask a blogger who has been tagged by my previous guest to also answer them. I post this blogger's responses on the following Thursdays With Teresha. Plus (this is the best part!), every guest gets a special blog button commemorating their appearance on my show. This week...

Name: Teresha
Blog Name: Marlie and Me
Blog Address: http://marlieandmommy.blogspot.com
How many children do you have and what are their genders/ages? 1 girl, 3.5 months-old

1. How has becoming a mother changed you for the better: I have definitely become a more positive person. I have also learned to be in the moment instead of constantly thinking about my to-do list.
2. How has becoming a mother changed you for the worst: I used to be punctual, but now I am late for everything...church, lunch dates, doctor's appointments, parties. It doesn't matter how early I start getting ready, as soon as I make for the door something happens to delay me like a poopie diaper, or spit up down the back of my blouse.
3. Did you have an imaginary friend when you were a kid: I did! During one summer vacation in New York, I made up a friend. He was a penguin named Tuxedo. The funny thing was that I was surrounded by tons of other kids (my sister, cousins, neighbors), but only wanted to play with Tuxedo. We only hung out that summer, then he went back to the North Pole.
4. Do your child(ren) have imaginary friends: Sometimes I catch Marlie in her crib smiling, cooing and gesturing at nothing. I like to think she's playing with her imaginary friend.
5. If the FCC had a policy that every household could only have one TV station, which would you choose: This is a tough one because watching TV is my vice. I'd have to pick TBS because they air Family Guy, The Office and Seinfeld. All good shows eventually wind up in syndication on TBS.
6. What station would your child(ren) pick: Marlie is too young to watch TV...thank goodness!
7. Rank your top 5 all-time favorite movies in order starting with your most cherished: 1. The Color Purple 2. Say Anything 3. Enchanted. 4. The Matrix 5. High Fidelity/Grosse Pointe Blank (tie)
8. Random question time. What is your favorite punctuation mark: ...I am a big fan of ellipses, which I use a lot...probably to the point of abuse, but at least I know what they are called.
9. This time of year calls for hot drinks. Are you a hot cocoa or wassail fan: I love hot cocoa, but not the powdered stuff... give me real melted chocolate bars! Marlie is lactose intolerant, so this breastfeeding mama will be sticking to wassail this year.
10. Any New Year's resolutions: I was never into making resolutions, but this year I have one... to relax.

Check back next week for our next guest appearance...Lisa from Tales of a Soon-To-Be-Soccer Mom!

Wordless Wednesday: Upside Down Baby

Winner of the Sweet Pea Palace Headband

Congratulations, Lynn! You have 48 hours to respond to the email I sent you. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Today I'm the Color of Choice Blog!

I am the Color of Choice blogger being featured today at Blogs Her Color! As the name implies, Blogs Her Color is a new meet-up spot for women bloggers of color. If you haven't done so already, go over there and register your blog...and I encourage my fair-skinned readers to visit as well and make some new friends.

If you came over from the Blogs Her Color web site...W-E-L-C-O-M-E to Marlie and Me! I'm Teresha, the mommy, and Marlie is the star. This is my little piece of heaven in the blogsophere where I write about my experiences as a new parent...from breastfeeding to cloth diapering and everything in between. I hope one day to publish a series of children's books based on our adventures. In the meantime, I just record all the good, challenging, and funny stuff right here...

such as my point of view on modern Christmas traditions:

Monday Morning Parenting: What We Teach Our Children About Christmas

or, how I learned to love myself by loving my hair:

Flashback Friday: Back to My Roots

oh, and you cannot leave without checking out an episode of Thursdays With Teresha:

Thursdays With Teresha: 12/3/09
Thanks for stopping by and please drop some comment love!

Giveaway Reminders

Don't forget you have to be in it to win it!

• The giveaway for the headband from Sweet Pea Palace ends tomorrow December 14 at 11:59 pm CST

• I'm 25 followers away from awarding the Fall into Comfort Gift Pack. This one is too easy! Just join my Google Friends following and leave a comment on the "I'm Bored..." post. I'll even sweeten the pot by adding a $10 Target gift card! Happy?! Now go enter!

Baby Log: Week 16

My baby is 4 months old! In celebration of her quarter birthday, I'm a going to give the first posted comment a coupon for a FREE package of Ballpark* hot dogs. Just send me your address in a private email. Now for the latest and greatest in Marlie's universe:

• I have been chiding Damon for his inexplicable ability to avoid Marlie's poop. It has been over a month since he last changed a loaded diaper. Last Sunday as I placed Marlie on her changing table I asked him to watch her while I used the bathroom. I guess he felt guilty and decided to change her. I returned to a contamination zone! There was poop on the changing table cover, her clothes, her hands...creating more work for me! Suffice to say he has been out of practice and not used to changing poopie diapers on Marlie the Squirmer. I told him that he can't handle the poop! I also took him off diaper duty. Wait. Maybe that was his agenda all along.
• We survived Marlie's first bad cold. I took her to the pediatrician on Tuesday when she spiked a fever. Turns out she also had a mild infection in both ears, but not the type that needed antibiotics. She goes back next week for her wellness exam and hopefully her ears are all better.
• The cradle cap returned this week, and I'm convinced that it is triggered by a food allergy...probably wheat. I am sensitive to wheat/gluten and usually avoid it like the plague, but sometimes I fall off the wagon then I get acne and psoriasis of the scalp. I think her cradle cap is an allergic reaction to wheat products because her cradle cap usually coincides with one of my break outs.
• Her Granny Marge bought her a jungle gym/activity mat for Christmas (see photo...notice how she likes to pose for the camera). Actually, it's a rain forest. It plays nature sounds and has the cutest hanging animals toys, including a giraffe holding a pineapple-shaped mirror (are there giraffes in the rain forest?). She loves it!
• I won two more giveaways this week: an Inspired by Finn Amber Teething Necklace from the blog SubUrbanly Crunchtastic and a set of Monkey Snuggle cloth wipes from the blog A Bittersweet Existence. boo-ya!
• I feel like I have finally hit my stride as a mommy. I know more challenges lie ahead...teething, putting objects in her mouth, nursing strikes, but I am ready to face them.

*Ballpark did not sponsor this giveaway

Saturday Special

I received this oh so lovely blog award from Betty at Cut And Dry. Thanks lady! The rules for this award are:
Grab the award, post it on your blog along with 5 things you love to do and 5 others you want to recognize.
Without further adieu, my top 5 list of things I love to do:

1. Spending time with by hubby and baby. They are my world, and I would be perfectly content if it were just the three of us in it.
2. Eating. I can't overstate this enough...I love to chow down. People think I don't eat enough because they only see me with tiny portions. The fact is I eat 6-8 small meals a day, which gives my metabolism the fuel to burn calories 24/7. As much as I love to eat, I really hate to cook. Thank heavens I married someone who loves to cook and can throw down in the kitchen. I show my gratitude my cleaning my plate (and the kitchen).
3. Blogging. What started as a pastime has become an obsession. I hope it leads to my second act...writing. I have wanted to be a professional writer since age 5. My grandmother recently gave me some of my earlier work that she had kept over the years. Reading stuff that I wrote when I was still in the single digits has reignited my desire to be an author...of what? I'm leaning toward children's books.
4. Rummaging. Yard sales, thrift stores, clearance bins...I can sniff out a bargain like a cadaver dog (sorry for the poor choice of metaphor). Nothing makes me happier than finding a perfect pair of shoes or place mats for 50% off (except for #1).
5. Walking/Hiking. I love to get outside, smell fresh air and feel the sun on my skin. I still like jogging, but I can't enjoy the outdoors when I am whizzing past everything.

I pass this award to these 5 bloggers who came to my SITSmas party:

• DIVIACITY
• Jael Custom Designs
• Of Mice and raMen
• The Redhead Riter
• When did I Become my Mom?

Flashback Friday: My Kind of Christmas Vacation...

...is driving 10 hours from Atlanta to Miami
...is waking up to 80 degree weather
...is spending time with my family
...is drinking sorrel every day
...is eating grandma's bun with cheese...is visiting old friends
...is shopping at Saw Grass Mills
...is walking around Coconut Grove
...is partying on South Beach

This photo is from 2007, the last time we spent Christmas in Miami. It's been crazy cold in NE Texas and making me wish that I was spending the winter holidays in southeast Florida!

Thursdays with Teresha: Stuttering Shell

Hello my loves! I bring you another installment of Thursdays with Teresha. Today's guest is a She-Ra! She recently left an unsatisfactory work situation, and that is a very brave thing to do in these economic times. So go show her some bloggy love after you read her interview! Please welcome...

Name: Michelle
Blog Name: Stuttering Shell
Blog Address: http://www.stutteringshell.com
How many children do you have and what are their genders/ages? I have 2 children. Malia is 8 & Aidan is 6.

1. Did you have a pet name/nickname as a child? If so, what was it: I was always Michelle...never Shelly. It wasn't until I got older {like in high school} that people started calling me Shell.
2. By what pet name/nickname do you call your child(ren): Oh, they've had a ton of nicknames! But, almost always our daughter is Lulu or Leelee. Our son is Aidy or the booga man.
3. If you could be a bird or a fish, which would you choose and why: I think I would want to be a fish. A tropical fish. Living in a brightly colored coral reef would be so much fun {I've got visions of "Finding Nemo" running through my head}.
4. What animal best describes your kid(s): Good question...Malia is like a hummingbird. So dainty & pretty, yet vulnerable...but she's always working hard & flitting about...just like a hummingbird! Aidan is like a hyena. Goofy, mischevious, messy yet adorable {in their own hyena way...just ask a hyena's mommy}.
5. What was your favorite TV sitcom growing up: I was a child of the 80s...I loved The Cosby Show. I remember when Rudy got her period. :(
6. How about your favorite Saturday morning cartoon: Oh, Saturday morning cartoons was my thing! The Smurfs & the Snorks were my favorite. I also liked Captain Caveman & Jabberjaw.
7. What TV shows do your kid(s) enjoy: Once upon a time, we were into the Teletubbies & the Wiggles...thank goodness we've come out of that phase! The kids enjoy watching the Disney Channel & Nickelodeon. We watch a lot of iCarly, Wizards of Waverly Place, Jonas & SpongeBob in our home...but, on the flip side, my children also love watching Animal Planet & other documentary-type shows. And, as a family, we tend to watch a lot of Food Network...especially the "challenge" shows. The kids love them.
8. Have you finished your holiday shopping? Did you shop online or brave the crowds at the stores: Amazingly enough, I believe I am 97% finished with our holiday shopping. I picked up a few odds & ends before Black Friday. Then, I actually went out on Black Friday {before work!} and got quite a bit done. The rest was bought on Cyber Monday. I'm glad I got as much as I did done because who knew I would quit my job on Tuesday...even I didn't know I was going to do that! :)
9. What was the best present you ever received and what was the occasion: As cliche as it sounds, both of my children were the best presents I've ever received. Neither child was born near a holiday, but I did time their appearances well. Our daughter was born three days before my husband's birthday & our son was born just before Father's Day. ;)
10. If you could spend this holiday anywhere in the world, where would you go: Mexico. Hands down. More specifically, Playa del Carmen {just south of Cancun}. We try to go every year, but it just wasn't in the cards this year. Maybe next year...

Tune in next week...same bat time, same bat channel for new questions answered by moi!

Wordless Wednesday: Daddy's Lap

Merry SITSmas!!!

The ladies over at SITS asked their readers to post SITSmas cards. I love spreading holiday cheer, so here goes:

I love the holidays simply because its brings people together and reminds us about what is truly important...faith, family and friends. It is the renewed sense of hope that is the reason for the season.

Six days before Christmas 2008, we found out we were expecting our first child.

This year, we will celebrate Marlie's 1st Christmas!

This has been a rough year for many of my blogging buddies...illness, death, lay offs, loved ones away at war. My prayer is that 2010 is a better year for everyone.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and a Blessed New Year from our family to yours!!!

Monday Morning Parenting: Finding Middle Ground

A few weeks ago I was watching Jane Goodall on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Show, and she said something that really spoke to me. Her comment was that "any kind of fundamentalism is dangerous" in reference to a shame-on-you letter she received from PETA. The animal rights group took her to task for eating a birthday cake that had candles made from beeswax. Seriously?! In my humble opinion, this is yet another example of how our society has become so entrenched in our own little camps of pro-whatever or anti-whatever that we often go on the attack at the slightest provocation and alienate each other. This is never more alarmingly apparent than when you become parent. There are tons of parenting groups that advocate this or that, and they all want their members to follow their principles by the letter. But I have never had a group-think mentality, so I find myself on the outs with most parenting cliques just because I won't subscribe to all of their beliefs. Alpha moms?...too uptight. Beta moms?...too laid back. Me?...I'm somewhere in the middle. Call me Gamma Mom.

Like most new mommies, I read lots of parenting books and web sites and quickly realized that I didn't fit into any single category. Rather, I took bits and pieces that felt right from several different experts. For example, we did co-sleeping with Marlie until she was 8 weeks old and then transitioned her to the crib. If she is having a rough night, I feel no guilt about bringing her into our bedroom. I also believe in setting a feeding and sleeping routine, but don't believe in over-scheduling or being so inflexible with time that we'd skip a social event because it clashed with her nap time. I love the bonding of baby-wearing, but also encourage independent play time in her bouncy. I don't rush to pick her up every time she fusses, but never let her "cry it out." I believe it's okay to take the best parenting advice (defined as what works for your child) from a bunch of different sources and leave the rest on the table.

However, many of us are so rooted in the conviction that our parenting style is correct that we dismiss any other point of view. This is called throwing the baby out with the bath water. Or in extreme terms...fundamentalism, and like Ms. Goodall said, it is dangerous because it creates divisions. That hippie mom you turn your nose up at may have the perfect home remedy for your baby's chronic eczema. Likewise, that alpha mom you shake your head at may be able to help organize your neighborhood play group. We can only help each other if we don't remain so polarized.

How do you define yourself as a parent? Or, do you shun labels?

Baby Log: Week 15

What an exciting and exhausting week! It started off with a very special event and ended with us both catching colds (if I find the culprit who brought the cold bug into our home, I will make him/her pay dearly).It's partly my fault because I was eating lots of the wrong foods and not taking all my immune boosting vitamins during the holiday. In the chaos of a house full of guests and getting ready for the baptism, I forgot to take care of me. So here I sit sniffling and sneezing as I type this week's baby log when I'd rather be under some blankets asleep. But it was all worth it!

• Marlie's baptism last Sunday was a truly wonderful moment that I will treasure forever. Both of her grandmothers, her grand-aunt, her godparents (Damon's brother and cousin), my godmother, and my sister came to town for the occasion. Here is a group photo of the family members who attended:
  
• Marlie has really found her voice! Her middle name does mean "will be heard" and, boy, does she live up to it! Her vocalizing ranges from cooing beautiful melodies to shrieking like a banshee.
• The teething is now making her miserable. When she isn't crying in discomfort, she is sucking hard on her fingers to soothe her gums. She favors her first two fingers, which she sometimes sticks too far down her throat causing her to gag or even throw up! Anyone else have a baby who does this? I have ordered he some organic teethers. Hopefully, she will chew on them for comfort and leave her hands alone.
• She saw her first snow fall on Wednesday morning...well, it was more like a snow flurry, but exciting just the same.
• She has learned a new trick. Baby Houdini can kick off her socks and her baby legs! This was the scene when I looked over at her onThursday morning. Notice one sock and legging is already off and she is working the others...caught ya in the act!!!
• She has begun to take a keen interest in our dog. She now follows him with her eyes and motions toward him. I can tell that he just can't wait until she is old enough to get on the floor to play with him. Ha ha!
• Marlie woke up yesterday with a snot-crusted nose (see photo to the left)...eww! That's why she's my Boogie!

An Embarrasment of Riches

I don't know about you, but I'm still recovering from PTSD (Post-Thanksgiving Stress Disorder), which is why it was extra nice to receive some awards and prizes this week:

• a pair of Posh Pads organic reusable bamboo nursing pads from Happy Green Babies. My leaky boobs thank you!
• a $50 gift certificate from the Beau-coup.com store as part of their Fan Appreciation Giveaway. They are the ultimate in customizable party favors. I have a year to spend the money...I'm thinking of favors for Marlie's 1st birthday.
  
• Did I mention that I won the "I'm on the Blog Roll" contest over at The Redhead Riter by figuring out her real name? (It's Sherry in case you still don't know.) For all my hard sleuthing work, I won this Pamper Yourself prize pack, which includes candles, a book of poems, washcloths, a big fluffy towel, and a plush blanket to wrap up in (perfect for a long, hot bath on a cold, winter night):
  Sherry is currently hosting a giveaway for a $25 American Express gift card from Hellman's. We all could use a little extra cash this time of year, but you have to be in it to win it. Head over there to enter!
  
• The Redhead Riter also gave me this award. her blog is like a hot cup of tea, go check it out:

  This one didn't come with any rules, but I'm interpreting it as a recognition for those who leave heartfelt comments.
  
  
  
  
  

• I also got an award from Kate at Busted Plumbing...thanks my dear! Her blog is a must read. You'll fall in love with her sassy attitude and sense of humor that flies in the face of a heartbreaking situation. She could easily and justifiably be bitter, but she chooses to be bright...so.go.love.on.her! The rules for accepting this honor are:
  

• Share 7 things that you don't already know about me
• Name 7 other blogs to receive this award
• Leave a comment on each of the blogs I nominated
• Thank the person who gave you the award

7 Things You Don't Already Know About Me:

1. I've never met a vegetable I didn't like (except okra...too slimy!)
2. I was editor of my high school newspaper during my senior year. Our principal tried to censor a story and we challenged him in front of the school board. The ACLU got involved, and it made national news.
   
3. I majored in journalism in college. I wanted to be a news photographer for National Geographic.
4. Instead, I became a nonprofit professional and spent ten years managing youth programs.
5. I started my own nonprofit in 2003 called Enchanted Closet.
   
6. I cannot swim (despite living near a beach most of my life)
7. I cannot fall asleep without the television on.
8. I am a deep sleeper. I slept through Hurricane Andrew...the sounds of torrential rain, golf ball-sized hail, debris hitting our roof...none of it woke me up.
   
9. I'm athletic by nature. I like running, Rollerblading, biking, kickboxing, hiking, rebounding, yoga...anything on land.
   

I'm giving the Heartfelt Blogger Award and the Kreativ Blogger Award to these 7 blogs:

1. Akilah @ Execumamas, I hear ya!
   
2. Amy @ Six Flower Mom
   
3. Betty @ Cut and Dry
4. Jen @ Jael Custom Designs
   
5. Kelly@ Speaking from the Crib
6. A @ Lemonologie
7. Serenityville @ Aayymeee, whatchoo gonna do-o???

Whew! That's a lot of pats on the back and all well-deserved. I think I might go for a run now...

CLOSED...Sweet Pea Palace Headband Giveaway

As the mother of a baby girl (and rehabilitated tomboy), I am super excited about giveaway! I met Tiffany, the proprietor of Sweet Pea Palace, on Swap Mamas. I traded her a designer handbag for a custom-made tutu, kufi, and several headbands for Marlie (including the one she wore for her baptism). A lot of mom-preneurs are in the hair accessories business, but Sweet Pea Palace stands out in uniqueness and quality. I'm talking lace, organza, tulle and minky galore! Up for grabs is the headband being modeled here by Tiffany's very own sweet pea!

Mandatory first entry: Visit the Sweet Pea Palace, come back and comment on your favorite headband

Earn one extra entry for completing each of the following (leave separate comments for each additional entry):

• Tell a friend about Sweet Pea Palace (make sure to select the box "Click here to receive a copy of this email") then forward the email to me as proof at t_freckleton[at]yahoo[dot]com.
• Subscribe to my blog via email (subscription must be activated)
• Blog about this giveaway and leave me the link to your post
• Enter my "I'm Bored/100 Followers Challenge" giveaway

The rules:

• This giveaway will end on 12/14/09 at 11:59 pm CST
• Winner will be chosen randomly from all comments posted.
• The winner will be notified by email and have 48 hours to respond. Please make sure I can contact you either by having an email address visible on your blog profile or leave your email address in your comment(s). By accepting the prize, the winner is granting permission to have your name posted here.
• In the event the prize is not claimed in the allotted time, another winner will be chosen.
• Giveaway is open to US addresses only
• Entries that do not follow instructions or are falsified will be disqualified

Thursdays with Teresha: 12/3/09

I've started my own talk show, which is just an excuse to shine the spotlight on myself. Kidding! ...but seriously, I'd like you to get to know me and other cool mommy (and daddy) bloggers. So, I post ten Q&As, and ask a blogger who has been tagged by my previous guest to also answer them. I post this blogger's responses on the following Thursdays With Teresha. Plus (this is the best part!), every guest gets a special blog button commemorating their appearance on my show. This week...

Name: Teresha
Blog Name: Marlie and Me
Blog Address: http://marlieandmommy.blogspot.com
How many children do you have and what are their genders/ages? 1 girl, 3.5 months-old

1. Did you have a pet name/nickname as a child? If so, what was it: I was called Reese for short (pronounced Ree-cee)
2. By what pet name/nickname do you call your child(ren): Boogie
3. If you could be a bird or a fish, which would you choose and why: I have a fear of water so I'd be a bird. I think I would enjoy flying.
4. What animal best describes your kid(s): Marlie is definitely a cat. She likes to stretch, curls up when she sleeps, loves to drink milk, and scratches you with her claws.
5. What was your favorite TV sitcom growing up: I had so many...Saved by the Bell and The Cosby Show were #1 on my must-see TV list.
6. How about your favorite Saturday morning cartoon: I loved to watch The Smurfs, Thundercats, He-Man and Jem (she's truly outrageous!). I still watch cartoons...the ones with satirical, political or dark humor like Boondocks, Family Guy, Futurama, South Park
7. What TV shows do your kid(s) enjoy: Marlie is too young to have a favorite television program (thank goodness!), but she does stare at the screen when I am watching. I need to cut back on the amount of TV I watch so she doesn't develop my bad viewing habits.
8. Have you finished your holiday shopping? Did you shop online or brave the crowds at the stores: I am not doing any holiday shopping this year...it's too stressful with a new baby and a part of me is weary of the commercialization of the season. Next year, I'm going to make handmade crafts as gifts (if I learn to knit or sew as planned).
9. What was the best present you ever received and what was the occasion: Last year, we found out that I was pregnant with Marlie six days before Christmas. That was the best gift ever!
10. If you could spend this holiday anywhere in the world, where would you go: I would be on the next plane to Jamaica without hesitation. I wouldn't even pack, just take my passport and my debit card because I have to eat!

Check back next week for our next guest appearance...

Winner of the 2010 Pamela Fugate Designs Vertical Wall Calendar

Congratulations, Harlem Minded! You have 48 hours to respond to the email I sent you! Thank you to everyone who participated!

Wordless Wednesday: Marlie's Baptism

A photo collage of Marlie's baptism on Thanksgiving Sunday:

Parents and Godparents gathered at the altar to witness the baptism sacrament. Marlie is asleep in her daddy's arms.


Pastor C pours the baptismal water to bless it




Marlie is not awake for her own baptism, but that's about to change...



Marlie gets baptized by water, which runs into her face. She is startled, but doesn't cry.



Marlie is presented to the church (and poses for the paparazzi)

Award Season Continues...

I received this tangy, sweet award from Dawna at A Kiss and a Peck. There wasn't a title or description for this honor (maybe lifetime achievement in blogging?..not!). I looked it up on Google and it's an award for those who manage to make blogging lemonade. I graciously accept!

The rules for this award:

• Put the Lemonade logo on your blog or within your post.
• Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude or gratitude.
• Link the nominees within your post.
• Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
• Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

Here are the ten (10) blogs I have chosen to pass this award to:

Gloria @ Gloria's Spanish View
Alicia @ Yaya Stuff
Kate @ Busted Plumbing
Linda @ COUNTRY PICKIN'S
Leigh @ Leigh vs. Laundry
Stesha @ Hot Chocolate Caramel Mocha
Sherry @ The Redhead Riter
Sharon @ Good, True and Beautiful
Speaking from the Crib
Teresa @ Too Many Heartbeats

Please visit these bloggers who find a way to turn something sour into something sweet!

Tip(ful) Tuesday: FREE DVD Rental

Have you see those cherry red kiosks outside your local Walmart or Walgreens? They are self-serve DVD rental machines owned by a company called redbox, and I am in love! Let me count the ways:

• I love that rentals are only $1/day...no hidden fees!
  
• I love that you can reserve your DVD online to guarantee your selection is waiting for you...no disappointment from driving all the way to the video store to discover your movie is out-of-stock!
• I love that you can return your rental to any location (more than 17,000 nationwide)...no more special trips to inconvenient locations!
  
• I love that they never charge you a late fee if you don't return your rental on time, just pay for additional night(s)...no mad dash to the to video store to avoid penalties!
  

sign-up for their e-newsletter and get a promo code for one free night's rental!

Monday Morning Parenting: What We Teach Our Children About Christmas

By Jogytmathew (Own work) [Public domain],
via Wikimedia Commons

Last week was Christ the King Sunday. Our pastor challenged us to think about what is not Christmas, so I blurted out "Santa!" Before I continue, let me note that our church is very interactive, and we discuss the scripture as a group. It's a very spiritually empowering experience! Now back to last Sunday...because I know you are wondering what's my beef with jolly, Saint Nick. It started two years ago when a family friend asked Damon for help assembling a regulation-size basketball hoop he bought for his son. The two of them spent five hours putting that hoop together and Santa got the credit on Christmas morning!

So last Sunday, I offered up the beloved Santa Claus as an example of the anti-Christmas because he has become synonymous with the deconstruction and complete commercialism of the holiday season.
Santa is competing with Jesus Christ for our attention, and Santa is winning! Christmas has been hijacked by the big box retailers and most of us worshiped Black Friday this weekend rather than the beginning of advent. Watching the news coverage of consumers lined up outside of stores at 3:00 am to purchase this year's must-have toy kind of made me sad and made me think about what we will teach Marlie about Christmas when she gets older. I enjoy the Christmas traditions of decorating a tree, exchanging gifts, and a big family dinner as much as the next Christian, but you have to agree that we have lost much of the spirit of season. How do we reclaim Christmas as a holy day while celebrating it as a holiday? Is it even possible to strike a balance? What do you teach your child(ren) about Christmas? If you are atheist, agnostic, Muslim, Jewish, etc...I want to hear from you, too!

Baby Log: Week 14

I've been spotty with the blogging this week, but for good reason...I've been celebrating the holiday, welcoming relatives who are visiting, and just enjoying some quality family time. There is so much that I am thankful for and so much to cover in today's baby log:

• Little Miss Marlie is starting to notice other babies and wanting to interact with them. She is such a social butterfly!
• She is also noticing food and following my fork when I eat. She has successfully put her hands in my plate or bowl twice and almost pulled it off the table once. I am going to take to her pediatrician about starting her on rice cereal.
• Damon's new nickname for her is Lady Gaga, which is very fitting because she does say "gaga" a lot. She also has the cutest poker face!
• She is exhibiting more signs of teething...diarrhea followed by...the dreaded diaper rash, which we healed with...warm soaks and the awesome Magic Stick!
• She can sit upon her own for a few seconds now! (see above photo)
• Marlie spent her first Thanksgiving in her daddy's lap watching everyone eat and wondering why she couldn't have some. Next year, she'll get her own turkey leg!
• Dawna at A Kiss and a Peck gave us the Lemonade Stand award
• We decorated the Christmas tree with her for the first time. Marlie loves to look at the lights!
• Marlie is getting baptized at church today. We have lots of family in town for the occasion. I will be reading a letter I wrote when I was pregnant with her. I will try not to cry (right!).