I have heard of, and bared witness to the terrible 2’s. I have heard the shrill tantrums of the terrible 3’s. I have answered the non stop questions from the terrible 4’s, 5’s, and now 6’s (seriously, how long does the question stage last?). What I am new to is the terrible 1’s. My one year old, who just completed his first week as a walker has entered into a realm of non-stop activity. He moves about the house plotting his next attack. No one is safe, not his brothers, me, dad, couch, toys or even the neatly folded clothes waiting to be put away.
In a span of about 15 minutes, I found my son scaling the back of the couch (how else would he get to the blinds behind it?), biting his brother (ouch!), and throwing neatly folded shirt, after neatly folded shirt on the ground. I tried distracting him with toys and handed him a toy truck. His throwing the truck indicated that he may not be interested, so I did what any mother would do….. I gave him to his dad.
Since starting Weight Watchers, my boys have been very supportive. They have even offered me some valuable advice, and encouragement.
Justice: Mom, your belly is only a little bit big. You only look a little pregnant, it’s because you’re on a diet, right? (Note, I am NOT pregnant. However, I am happy I only look a little pregnant opposed to very pregnant.)
Journey: You should eat only fruits and vegetables, go to work, take us to the park, then come home and eat fruits and vegetables. Then you will lose weight, because that has 0 cavities (cavities, not calories) in it.
Today is Weigh In Wednesday. After taking into consideration the wonderful (and somewhat insulting) advice I received, working out, and eating healthy….. I FULLY expect to be at LEAST 2 pounds lighter. If not, I will not be a very happy momma. TO THE SCALE!
I have always wanted to be a music critic. It is a secret ambition that haunts me every time I read a music review, listen to a new album, or stumble across a new artist that I absolutely love. I like all types of music, but I love good hip hop. “Good” in the previous sentence can not be emphasized enough. I have been referred to as a hip hop snob, mainly for my hesitance to deem something good that simply isn’t. It takes more than a good beat to catch my attention. It takes a combination of great production, great delivery, and substance. Today, it is a rare combination.
With that said, when I was asked to review MeeWee (Hip Hop for kids) for this blog, I was ecstatic. Excitement quickly turned into anxiety as I pondered the possibility of having to write a bad review. My music critic career could be over before it even began (I realize I am being over-dramatic, but at the time it was exactly what wen
t through my brain). I decided to listen to the CD before completely freaking out.
I downloaded the CD, and called the boys into the living room, for what I like to call, the listening party. I played track after track and with the help of my boys quickly came to a conclusion.
School age kids (like my 6 year old), would probably prefer more sophisticated music (similar to those heard on the radio, or Kids Bop). Of the 13 tracks we heard, he only liked one. The one he did like, “Planet Brooklyn” had a distinctively hip hop bass line, and beat. He was instantly a fan.
Preschool kids would love it (like my 5 year old). It sounds grown up enough to catch their attention, but has enough whimsy to keep them interested. The use of “character-like” voices was something Justice really enjoyed.
Babies and Toddlers (like my 1 year old). Jordan will dance to anything. Classical, Jazz, gospel music (while standing in a church pew), so I knew he would be an easy sell. As soon as the music started, he was on his feet getting his party on. MeeWee is a good alternative for the parents. Nursery rhyme and classical CD’s are pretty much the only options for this age group. MeeWee actually provides the same educational value, in a less annoying format.
As for me, aside from genuinely liking some of the tracks (as opposed to liking it for the boys), the songs are educational, and have a good message. “I Can Be Anything” is a great song that packs a huge confidence boost. Having that song stuck in your head is a great self affirmation (I know, because it’s been stuck in my head for two days now). My favorite track “Extra Cheese” is probably the most hilarious song I have ever heard. I would encourage you to pick up the CD solely for that song.
All in all, on a scale of 1-5 pacifiers, I give it a 3.5 (looks like I was worrying for nothing).
You can purchase MeeWee at: iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, and Rhapsody
TODAY ONLY: $1 Flip Flops at Old Navy. Limit five (5) per person. Happy Shopping!
For over a month Journey has brought home flyer's advertising his schools spring musical performance. His excitement was building, and as the performance drew closer, so did his chatter. He asked several times rather or not his dad and I were going to make it. We assured him we were, and last night he added a follow-up question. He asked, "Mom, are you going because you want to, or just so I can have a ride home". I answered, "because I want to". It's true, I wanted to go. Not so much for the singing kids, but for the potential photo opportunities (it would mark a great end to my Shutterfly Spring Photobook).
We arrived at the school a full 20 minutes early. I dropped Journey off at his class to prepare, then the rest of the family headed towards the cafeteria/auditorium. Apparently, 20 minutes early is not sufficient time to get a good seat. The front rows were reserved. The chairs had papers taped to the back announcing it's intended occupants. Example "Student Helper", "Photographer", "Not You". Not welcome in the front row, we found the next available seats several rows back. 
Soon enough the performance started. Journey's class was up first. They sang, I clapped, then his class exited stage left. I looked at my clock, only 15 minutes passed. 45 WHOLE minutes left until the show was over. Having to watch, and respond positively to others people's kids is excruciating. From the look on Justice's face, I was not the only one who thought so.Watching your own kid butcher a song is cute, watching someone else's kid is torture. I tried distracting myself with my Blackberry, but after several stern looks from other moms, I pouted and put it away.
After the show I pondered Journey's question. Was I there because I wanted to be there, or was I there so he could have a ride home. I scanned my digital photo's, not a single good shot. I looked at Journey, and his pride filled face, then the answer was clear. For the first 15 minutes I was there because I wanted to be there. The last 45, I was there because he needed a ride home.
Weight Watchers Update
Lost 2 pounds!
7 years ago, when I found out I was pregnant I signed up for every baby website and e-zine imaginable. I continued the tradition and did the same when I learned I was pregnant with the other two. With these memberships come weekly developmental e-mails, that for the most part allow parents to stress or gloat over how their babies compare to the masses. Example: “Your child is 1 year, 4 weeks old. By now he should be reading novels, and playing violin”. There is always a disclamer though, “All babies are different, and developmental milestones vary. If you child is not reading novels or playing violin, he is not a complete idiot- your just a bad parent”. Around Jordan’s 9th month I started receiving milestone emails regarding walking. Months 10, 11, 12 pass… and no walking. It got to the point to where I refused to open up anymore of the stupid emails. It’s all fun and games when the contents reveal your baby is a genius. A completely different story when it points to the contrary.
Understanding that babies truly are different, and realizing that once he starts walking, the sheer madness of having 3 boys running around my house could induce insanity…. I was in no rush. However, it seems that family, friends, the developmental emails, and the random stranger were all in a rush to see Jordan walk. So, for all of you who have asked on a consistent basis rather or not Jordan is walking yet, you can stop. The answer is YES. As of last night he took 5 steps in a row (although he still prefers crawling). You may now begin the countdown to my first of many visits to the insane asylum.
On another note....
Needless to say I have been neglecting this blog. I'm not sure rather it's because I'm embarrassed to report that my weaning efforts failed, or it's because my life seems to have been moving at light speed these days. Regardless the reason, no excuse is great enough. Not only am I using this blog to give my friends, family, and the occasional stranger a glimpse into my life, it also serves as therapy and emotional release. It is much needed and deserved me time.
beach themed cake ( I must admit I was pretty proud of myself), and we ate BBQ. Yesterday(his actual birthday), I took a half day and we hung out with Journey and Dad at Bounce-a-rama. For $20 bucks we got admission for two (adults are fee), and a medium pizza. Not bad for an afternoon out. 
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