I'll Take Two Please.

The first picture of SJP and her new baby twins was released today and I have two things to say.

1. This photo melts my heart and completely gives me hope.
2. Where can I get mine?

I remember hearing a while back, from a friend who heard from a friend, that so and so spotted SJP at a fertility clinic in Manhattan. While I never really thought about it, I also wasn't that surprised. Her son was about 4 or 5 and given her age and the fact that she hadn't yet had another baby and would openly talk about wanting one, it completely made sense. I think I had just had the little man, or was possibly pregnant at the time and infertility was the farthest thing from my mind. Yeah, well times sure have changed, and given my current situation and my own trips to the fertility center I am so thrilled to see that even if I never get pregnant myself (let's hope that's not the case) I could still have two wonderful little babies just like Miss Carrie Bradshaw (yes, I know she isn't really Carrie Bradshaw, but in my mind she will always be.)  

It's funny, in all this time I have never even considered nor even thought of surrogacy as an option. I know we are a long, long way from this type of decision but up until now I have somehow convinced myself that if I can't get pregnant, than that's it, no babies for us. I think this is what has had me so consumed and down for the past few months.  Of course I know adoption is always an option, and we have thought seriously about it for baby number three, but I don't know why, perhaps because I don't have a natural sibling, I just really want the LM to have a 100 percent flesh and blood mate. I know none of that matters, as my half sister and I are closer than she and her full sisters, but still I just really want just one more. To be honest after seeing this picture, I want two. If I were to get pregnant again, and for some reason not be able to carry that baby to full term, I would absolutely consider surrogacy. Seriously, just look at those perfect babies. Who knows, perhaps I should give another look at adoption as well, if it were to ever come to that. The point is I just need to keep reminding myself that we are lucky enough to have options. Maybe some of you could remind me of that too, just if I seem to be heading off the deep end?

Another of my irrational concerns has been a "timeline" that I seem to have in my head. I get panicked when I think that the LM is going to be almost 3 if/when I were to have another baby. And that would be only if I were to get knocked up in the next three months. I keep thinking that they won't be "close" if I don't have them less than two years apart. I have no idea why I am so concerned about this. My sister and I are 10 years apart and I don't think two siblings have ever been closer than we are. Yet still, I find myself adding up months trying to figure out if they will be in High School, or College together. Crazy right? I look at this picture and I think, "what am I so damn worried about?" That little boy really had the best of both worlds. He got to be the only one for about 6 years and now he has two amazing little sisters that he can be a great big brother to. Even more, he likely understood what was happening versus a 2 year old and will probably be better able to adapt to having two new babies in the house. Seems like a win, win all around. Again, what the hell have I been thinking? 

While all of this may seem completely obvious to most of you out there, those of you who are struggling with infertility can likely relate. It really does make you go a little out of your mind. Throw in some fertility hormones and you have the perfect storm for a little bit of crazy. Seeing this happy family, celebrities or not, really makes me see things much clearer. From now on when I am about to have one of my "no baby meltdowns" as I call them, I am going to look at this picture and remind myself to CHILL OUT. I realize that this is what everyone has been saying all along, but like most important lessons you sometimes just have to figure them out on your own. Note to self. Relax. 

Congrats to the Broderick/ Parker family. As was said on my favorite Sex and the City episode, "Your girl is lovely, Hubbell." (as quoted from The Way We Were)  In this case, both your girls are lovely. 

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

We have a winner in our Designer Bag Giveaway! Before I reveal the winner, I would like to thank all of you for participating and I hope you were able to make it out to support the Alzheimer's Association this weekend. I'm truly saddened by how many people and their family members have been affected by this devastating disease and appreciate you sharing your stories. Please know that you are in my thoughts. 

Now on to our winner. The little man tried to participate in the selection process but alas "drawing" a winner was too large of a concept for his itty brain and he left me with 5 winners.

So with some help from random.org (thanks to Julie Q) our "real" winner is...Kiki!! Congratulations to you. Thank you for supporting this cause and I hope you enjoy your new Debbie Brooks Bag!

Friday Pot Luck.

I'm not sure if it's the Clomid, the heat, or the fact that my body is so sore from overdoing in yoga this week that I can't even breathe, but for some reason I am having a hard time focusing. 

Enter today's pot luck.

1) Summer is finally here. After two weeks of rain, and April like weather, we finally have some 80 degree temps that should make it through the next few months. It's about time! To make it official, the water in the park near our house is finally turned on. The little man pretty much refuses to wear any clothing now and is a walking prune from all the time in this freezing cold water. Last year he was too afraid to go in, but this year I can't get him out. 

2) Michael Jackson died. The nation/world seems to be gripped by this. I'm not surprised nor am I that saddened by his passing. Clearly, I didn't know the guy and I don't know if it's the prosecutor in me or the mother, but I just don't think anyone who was ever inappropriate (or repeatably accused of being inappropriate) with children shouldn't be glamorized simply because they passed. I liked his music prior to the 90's but at this point the real focus should be on the three children that he leaves behind. For two of them, their mother sold her rights away and another was birthed by a surrogate. I hope that in this circus surrounding him, someone will make sure that his children are placed in the right hands where they will be protected. More than anything his passing has just reminded me of the urgency to get our wills in place, you sadly never know what is going to happen. 

3) My kid really scared me. Yesterday around 4pm when the little man was supposed to be napping I heard a loud BANG, followed by a blood chilling scream. I immediately knew that somehow he had managed to climb out of his crib, but what I didn't know was how bad the damage would be. I tore down the steps to his closed door and while I was running I could only imagine what type of injury would/could be waiting on the other side. Broken bone, face, teeth? I couldn't get in there fast enough. When I got to his room he was laying on the ground. I immediately saw his mouth was bleeding but he was fine everywhere else. I cuddled him, laid him down, ripped off his clothes and through the tears (his and mine) I found him to be perfectly intact except for an egg on his head and a bite mark on his tongue. After some more rocking and a hand full of jelly beans he was running around like his usual self, but I was pretty shaken. I admonished him for climbing out, and told him he will get a boo boo if he does it again, but I''m not sure what else we can do. He is not even two, way too young for a toddler bed, and there wasn't any bumper/etc for him to climb on so at this point I guess we hope it doesn't happen again? Last night, just in case, I lined the floor with pillows and I was more than relieved to find him this morning still inside the crib. Oh, little danger mouse, you are going to give your poor mother a heart attack one of these days!

Have any of you had this problem at such a young age? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

4) Momma's going out! I can't believe it but I haven't been out out in over a year. I'm not sure if it's the fear of the hangover, the lack of sleep, or just the lack of desire that has kept me inside. Well no longer! Tomorrow I am throwing caution to the wind and mama is going out! A bunch of friends and I are going to see my other friend's band play and I couldn't be more excited. I still fear 7am Sunday morning, but I can't wait for 7pm Saturday night!

I hope you all have an amazing weekend and that you are able to get out and enjoy some nice weather wherever you may be...

Designer Bag Giveaway!

It's our first give away here at Yummy Mummy, and trust me, this one is well worth the wait! One of you lucky readers will be receiving your very own Debbie Brooks handbag (valued around $300 dollars) just for reading this blog, and for supporting a very important cause.

On June 26th and 27th Debbie Brooks will be hosting an auction in Lexington, Mass at Bonafine Jewelers on 319 Woburn Street. All proceeds from the auction will be going to the Alzheimer's Association, and 10% of all profits made from the store over the two days will also be donated. Debbie Brooks, who is one one of the most beloved American artists and hand bag designers will be unveiling her latest  creation "Forget Me Not" to benefit the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association at Bonafine Jewelers. 

Debbie Brooks will be at Bonafine Jewelers for those two days. For those of you who do not know Debbie, she's a handbag designer from New York.  Her bags were featured in the Oscar and Tony award gift baskets. She's been featured on Extra, CNN, Inside Edition, Today Show, ABC, and People Magazine. She has created exclusive bags for the Tony Awards, Oscars, Olympics, Elton John, Pattie Label, Inman, The Wynn Hotel, The Four Seasons, and the Avon Foundation to raise money for breast cancer.

Each bag is created by hand, and no two bags are identical. Debbie will be creating a bag for the Alzheimer's Association one of which will be raffled off. Tickets are $20.00 for a $300.00 bag with the entire proceeds going to the association.  Also, 10% of all profits from anything sold in the entire store these two days will be donated to the Alzheimer Association. Really, can you beat that?

Debbie Brooks has successfully transcended her beautiful pop artwork into one the Nation's most sought after handbags. Celebrities including Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mariah Carey,Renee Zellweger, Michelle Pfeiffer, Patti LaBelle, Iman, and Katie Couric all own a Debbie Brooks hand bag. And now so can one of you!

Here at Yummy Mummy we will be giving away her "charm bracelet" bag (the one in the top left corner.) All you have to do is leave your email in the comments section and we will be holding a random drawing on Sunday morning. If you can, please come out to support this very worthy cause, and don't forget to tell your friends and family. 

How Did I Not Know This?

A while back I wrote about my continued trouble with overnight leaks. The little man's not mine, of course. We have been dealing with this for almost 2 years, and up until a few weeks ago every day would start out the same. 

The little man would wake up wet, and pissed (no pun intended) because of this fact. I would go in and not only his jammies, but also his sheets would be soaked, sometimes all the way through to the pad. I would  then have to strip the bed, combine it with any leftover laundry, wash, dry, and fold. Every day the same for two years! I couldn't figure out why this kept happening, and really was this only happening to me? That couldn't be the case. I tried almost every diaper out there and sometimes I would even double diaper. Nothing seemed to work.

I had given up when a reader emailed me and said to try the Huggies Overnight diapers. What? They make an overnight diaper? How did I not know this???? How is it that in two years had I never seen or heard of an overnight diaper? Not on store shelves, not on diapers.com where I usually do my shopping, not on TV, not from my mommy friends....seriously nowhere? Is this like the best kept secret in mommy land or something?

Well, clearly I wasn't looking because they do exist and MIRACLES do happen because they actually work.

We have been leak free for three weeks now. No extra laundry, no wasted detergent, water, or electricity, and you know what? His diaper rash is almost nonexistent. I prefer to use the Seventh Generation during the day to balance out this serious nighttime diaper (oh, how I hate to think of this thing in the landfill) but ONE diaper is still much better than a diaper and all of that laundry. 

I would like to thank you dear reader (and mother of twins) for taking the time to let me know about this, and for those of you out there who are having this same problem....get these today!

I just still can't believe that I didn't know about this? Thank God for all of you!

What Are You listening To?

A good friend of mine, with whom I have recently reconnected with, asked me this very question the other day. Such a simple question left me with no answer. What am I listening to these days? Let's see, there's Sesame Street, Raffi, Elizabeth Mitch, and of course the Baby Beatles Album. My Ipod was last updated 3 years ago (sad I know) and I really only listen to that when I am cooking or doing yoga on my own. In short I am listening to absolutely nothing.

To be perfectly honest the only way I hear about any "new music" is through my watching of shows like The Hills or through my much cooler/ much more in tune yoga instructors. When I think about it, music is the one thing that is truly lacking in my post baby life. It's not that I don't want to know what's out there, it's more so that there just isn't an opportunity to do so. The minute we enter the car the little man screams "Elmo," giving me no chance to turn on the radio and since my bar hopping days are pretty limited (aka non-existent) my musical catalog is still living in 2007. 

Music used to be very important to me pre-baby. I am one of those people who falls madly and totally in love with a song. I may be the only person who used the repeat button in not only my car, but also on my Ipod, and I had pretty much worn out both. When I hear something that speaks to me I immediately find it, buy it, play it over and over, and then either break up with it or retire it to my list of "my favorite songs" which is about 100 deep at this point. At work, in school, in the car, at the gym, I was always listening to those same songs. 3 years later I am still listening to these songs. 

Now that I am aware of it I am going to rectify this immediately. I will make a real effort to seek out and listen to what's out there. To that end, I have found some new (or old to some of you out there) artists/ albums that I absolutely lurve! 

The first is something that I heard in Yoga on Sunday. We had a sub who put on some classical music. After about 5 minutes, I realized, "wait, I know this song." The rest of the class I was in awe. Every song was a classical "cover" of almost every popular song from the last decade. I had to know who it was. Right after class I ran up to the instructor and found out that the artist was the Vitamin String Quartet. They have about 2 dozen albums and hundreds of covers. I downloaded about 30 songs and I can't stop playing them. The little man seems to be enjoying the classical music and I am loving my new find. 

The other album that I am loving right now is Damien Rice's Live From The Union Chapel. I love Damien Rice, and I don't know how I missed that he had a live album out. This album is older than my son, but somehow I missed it. Either way, it rocks. If you haven't heard it check it out.

Finally, I love this song by Bill Callahan. I don't know why, but I just can't stop listening to it.

So, to answer your question old friend, this is what I'm listening to.

What are you all listening to these days?

Now That Is What I Call Service!

Today after a rainy play date with some friends, the little man and I popped into the Lululemon store at the Prudential Center for a much needed pair of new Yoga shorts for mom. Usually I dread (DREAD) taking the little man into any type of store, and avoid this situation at all costs. However, today we had time to kill before picking up my sister, and well, I rolled the dice and entered the almost empty store. 

I grabbed a pair of shorts (wrong size) and a top (again wrong size.) We rolled into the dressing room where in a panic realized that nothing I had would fit. I was about to exit when the salesgirl said the most amazing thing I have ever heard. "Excuse me Miss, would you like some T.O.Y.S for your little guy?" (Being the sweet thing that she was, she spelled it in case I said no.)

Toys? Toys? "Yes!" I exclaimed. She then brought in a big box of little toys to my boy who was more than happy to play with them. I was not only able to explain to the sales girl what I was looking for, but I was also able to do something I haven't done in a very long time. Try clothes on at the store. No returns, no wasted time, and getting exactly what I wanted. Novel concept, I know! I then left the store with the two things that I actually needed....and they fit. 

My question is why don't all stores have a secret toy box? Genius idea Lululemon. I can guarantee you I will be back!

Happy Father's Day.

To the most amazing Husband, Partner, Friend, Son and Father.....we love you.

Quick Change Artist.

Prior to my having the little man, I used to love getting ready to go out. I didn't always love the going out part, but I really did enjoy the ritual of fancying myself up. You know the drill, planning your outfit, having a glass of wine, a long shower. Taking the time to expertly apply my makeup and trying to recreate that salon type blow out. Hell, sometimes I'd even get a blow out if we had somewhere extra special to be. I loved getting ready with girlfriends or my sister and some times those moments really were the best part of the night.

Well, since I have had kids those days are long, long, LONG, gone.

Last night the Husband and I had an event to attend for his work. An event that required heels, mascara, and ugh, me to actually remove my pajamas after 7pm. Needless to say when the Husband arrived home at 6:30pm he was slightly horrified to fine me looking like this while making the little man's dinner.

What you can't see in this picture is the fact that my hair is beyond greasy, my nails are chipped in desperate need of some polish removal, legs need to be shaved, showered, eyebrows plucked...etc. Generally, I was pretty much a hot mess. 

I reluctantly agreed that if he fed and bathed the little man then I would (could?) be ready in less than 30 minutes. Yeah, well he didn't believe me either. 

About forty minutes later, Viola! 

Ok, ok ....I was 10 minutes late, but in my defense I blame the last minute Updo. Lucky, I had a few minutes left for some book time and some rocking before the little man's bed time, which made him pretty happy. The Husband too.

In the end we had a great time, and it was nice to be out past 11 for the first time in a long time. It also gave me a chance to break in those new Louies so I can't complain too much. Needless to say tonight, for date night, this girl is wearing jeans and flats and will be ready in less than 10 minutes. 

Hey, even Cinderella needed a day off.

Giselle Pregnant? I May Have a New Muse.

Word on the street (and by street I mean the gossip blogs) is that the mother of all Supermodels, Giselle, is about to be a new mother to her own little bundle of (mostly) joy. After this picture was taken a few days ago, everyone is pretty convinced she is well on her way. 

Clearly, it could be the outfit (if you can call it that) because if this is a "true" baby bump than she looks to be about 6 months along which based on prior pics she definitely is not. However, if she is in fact preggars,  I'm excited me for the following reasons: 

1. I love her style. I cannot wait to copy her maternity style which I imagine would be very laid back with a bit of a boho flair.
2. No one should be as perfect as she is. A few stretch marks and a little flabby skin just has to balance out the universe in some way.
3. Maybe she will hit up some local baby joints/parks/schools/ playdates and then she and I will become besties. I will then get front row tickets to every Fashion Week and tons of free and fabulous hand me downs.

Ok, ok, the last one is highly unlikely, but a girl can dream can't she? 

If the rumors are true I wish them lots of luck with their pregnancy, and if not well, I can only imagine she and her handsome hubby have a pretty good time "trying."  

Jimmy Choo for H&M? Christmas Is Coming Early This Year.

Wow. I'm almost speechless. Lucky for this blog, that is an almost. Yesterday it was announced that Jimmy Choo was doing a collection for the discount retailer H&M. Um, YAY!!!! Here is a sneak peak of a few things that they are working on. 

Apparently it is going to be a full accessories collection, hold for it.........including bags! Yeah, Hi, Mommy likes! Mommy likes big time.

I must add the following caveat to my bubbling excitement. About this time last year I was just as excited when I heard that Matthew Williamson was working with the store, and I was equally as disappointed when I found it nearly impossible to get my hands on any of these gorgeous, reasonably priced pieces. I missed the limited collection, and since the full collection came out mid May I have yet to see any of these items at the Newbury or Cambridge H&M (and believe me I looked.)

The coveted items are due out November 14th to selected stores. What stores? Trust me I will make it my mission to find out because if anything in this collection is half as cool as those Choo Hunter Wellies, well.....let's just say, anyone feel like camping out with me?

I make a mean s'more and really Novemeber isn't that cold. 

Holy Crap! It Worked!

Dry Shampoo, I officially heart you. I'm sorry I ever doubted you, and from now on I promise to use you every other day, for the rest of my life. In short, will you marry me?

This morning I woke up with hair that looked something like this:

After just a few squirts of the magic that is dry shampoo, I was left with hair looking like this:

Ok, not quite like that, but not too far off. Even after an hour of yoga, an hour at the park, and 4 hours of walking around, I am still completely greaseless. Completely. 

So if I just save 35 minutes a week of blow drying, times 52 weeks, times 16 years (the amount of time until LM graduates from High School,) than I just gained back 485 hours of my life. That's 20 days!

I can't believe I didn't know about this stuff when I had the little man. All you about to be moms, buy this now!!!!! Those first few months, when I was afraid of showering for fear that the LM would cry (god forbid right?) I would walk around looking like I was going for that whole "heroin chic" style. Not a very good look for this Yummy Mummy. Oh, and those dreaded hospital pics that EVERYONE sees, where I hadn't washed my hair for the 30 + hours I was in labor, well I won't be making that mistake the second time around. Dry shampoo will be the first thing that goes in that hospital bag. Looking back the husband could have used some too!

Here's what I'm using. Naturia Dry Shampoo. It goes on light and has no white tint to it. It keeps my hair super glossy and doesn't really change the texture. So far it is better than expected, I let you know if stops rocking my world any time soon. 

Hmmm...I wonder if I can get a deal if I order a case? This is something I do NOT want to run out of. 

And Then I Said...This Better Not Be JUST Like Baby Powder.

I do not try new things. I just don't. I go to a restaurant and have the EXACT same thing every time. Why? When something works I just don't see why it needs to be changed. As far as I'm concerned change generally sucks. This goes for most things in my life and definitely for all things in my "beauty" routine. The problem is that my routine isn't always working. Or more specifically I'm not working the routine. Skin/ makeup/ overall cleanliness,  I'm fine with. It's my hair that is the problem. More specifically it's the washing/ or not washing that has become to be the problem. 

I have fine hair. Fine hair = greasy hair. Greasy after only one day. I have no problem washing my hair, but now that I have grown it out I find that sans blow dry (which adds 10 minutes to my 5 minute routine) it looks a bit sad and limp (ok, a lot sad and limp.) Because of this I have been washing/ blow drying every day for a month now and most the time it is a total waste. For instance, once the little man and I leave the house, we have left the house. Usually this is around 9 am and we don't return until 1:30 for nap. This means that if I am going to yoga, I wash. blow dry, style, run out only to then work out. TOTAL WASTE. 

While I was getting my hair highlighted today (a necessary luxury for me) I discussed this small dilemma with my guy. He said the only solution is dry shampoo. Dry shampoo? Yep, It really works he said, for at least a day, and at a minimum it will get you through your Yoga class/ park run without looking like the Exxon Valdez spilt on your head (my words not his.) Ok, I'll try it...and then I said, "this shit better not be just like baby powder." Any of you out there who have tried that "home remedy" know what I'm talking about. Try walking in public with white/ gray roots all day. Yeah, not fun.

So today I got my "Jennifer Aniston" blowout. Tomorrow, I will attempt to keep it looking the same with my new shampoo. Ugh, I hate change. Even small change. But hey, if it gives me an extra 60 minutes a week with my kid, well that's pretty priceless. 

If you've tried this and it worked/ sucked let me know in the comments section. Oh, and if you see me in public and my hair looks greasy as hell, well let me know that too........on the other hand, maybe I don't want to know. 

Trend I Love: Torn Skinny Jeans.

I love skinny jeans. LOVE. I think they may have been one of the greatest inventions of all time (after things like the light bulb, toilet paper, indoor plumbing, electricity...etc.) Truly, I wear them like leggings all year long, every day, every season, and pretty much everywhere I go. I wear them with boots, wear them with flats, wear them with heels. Where when don't I wear them??? Anyway, you get the point, I love me some skinny jeans.

What do I love even more? Torn, distressed skinny jeans. Really, one could have seen this trend coming from a million miles away, but never one to be afraid of the bandwagon, I jumped on this one from the minute I saw all those fashionable celebs rolling around town in that "perfect" pair of everyday jeans. I picked up this pair last week, and to be honest I haven't taken them off since Thursday. It pained me to put them in the wash this afternoon for fear that in some way they may come out different, but luckily they are still just as awesome as they were  a few hours before. 

I just love how they go with everything from a white T shirt to a dressy blouse. They are so comfortable that I swear it feels like I am wearing my juicy sweats. The added bonus is that they make this stay at home mom feel just so damn cool! A pair of jeans that does all that? Well, I'm sure sold!

I May Open Shop.

Ever since the little man got all of his hair buzzed off I have been a little freaked out. Ok, actually a lot freaked out. Why? Because someone (aka me) was going to have to maintain that do. At the pace that his hair was growing, someone was going to have to maintain it a lot. Which meant that I was going to have to go at my precious little baby with not only a pair of scissors, but also a pair of clippers. Gulp. 

I asked a male friend of mine what to do, and somehow he convinced me that I could do this without screwing it up. I must mention that while he had no problem with me cutting off my son's hair, he said he wouldn't dare let me anywhere near his buzz cut. Yeah, not a lot of confidence there. Either way I sucked it up, bought some clippers, threw the little man in the sink, put on his favorite show and gave him a pile of jelly beans and went to work.

Here is the little guy, having complete trust in his mommy. Or maybe it's just because he has no idea what is about to happen.

Below is the final result, I must say I'm pretty impressed with myself (not that this was rocket science or anything) but still shaving a moving, sometimes crying, target isn't the most fun I've ever had.

Not bad right? Maybe I'll open shop. On the other hand, maybe I'll just stick to my day job, keeping the little man in one piece!

101 Things I Have Learned From The Little Man.

# 99 If Elmo Ran For President He Would Win.

Over the past few months I have come to the firm belief that if Elmo were to run for president he would most definitely win by a landslide. Why? Because what parent doesn't in some way owe any/all of their remaining sanity to that amazing marketing genus named Elmo?

My kid loves Elmo. Loves him. I have learned that we are in no way unique in this respect. However, what I find to be most bizarre about his love of this little red creature is that until last month, he had never even seen an episode of Sesame Street. Never. Obviously, that has changed and now that amazing show is my best and sometimes only bargaining tool. 

So how does a kid become so attached to a figure that by all accounts in the most annoying thing that has ever been created? The better question is how can't he. Elmo is everywhere. He is on his diapers, crackers, cookies, fish sticks, juice, toys, clothes, toothbrushs, toothpaste, and of course most importantly his band aids; you name it someone slapped Elmo's face on it. I never really noticed it until the little man started talking about a month ago. Now as we walk down the aisles at Whole Foods or Target, there is a symphony of Elmo, Elmo, Elmo coming from that little blonde head inside the stroller. I look around trying to find what he sees, and really it's everything. I swear Elmo may be taking over the world. Oh, the things only you notice when you enter into mommyhood.

At first I thought this was a very bad thing. I mean, we don't buy the juice with Elmo on it as I prefer an organic brand. Same goes for the fish sticks, diapers, etc. This would really upset the little man and then it hit me. I could use Elmo to my advantage. I buy one, item of Elmo related merchandise and refill it with my brand of choice. 

The following conversation then ensues:

YM: Eat you dinner.

LM: No.

YM: Just the fish sticks.

LM: No.

YM: But these are Elmo fish sticks, said while holding up the box.

LM: Mmmmmmmm Elmo.

And if I'm really being honest here the rest of the conversation goes:

YM: If you eat all of your dinner I'll let you watch Elmo while you eat. (I know, I know great table manners)

LM: Elmo! Said while shoveling piles of food in. 

Hey, whatever works. Right?

Elmo can even solve some of the biggest problems. For instance the bringing home of a new sibling. Two of my mummy friends had the brilliant idea that when they brought the new baby home that rather than having a party to celebrate the baby's arrival, they would have a big brother, Elmo party. There were Elmo cakes, balloons, plates, and of course a new tickle me Elmo. Those boys had such a great time that their party that they didn't even notice that they were no longer the only "baby" in the house. Not only do I think that this was a fantastic idea, I am so totally stealing it as well.

As I said, Elmo = Sanity. If he runs for president in 2016, I would offer up my services as his campaign manager. 

Now that I think about it, does the fact that he is made in China eliminate him from the competition buy default of him not being an American citizen?

Hmmmm maybe he can get the Nobel Peace Prize instead for all the peace he brings to households all over the world.

Pink Peonies.

Second only to the little man, my growing Louboutin collection and maybe the show Californication, there is nothing in the world that I love more than pink peonies. 

Today I was having a pretty crappy day when I finally accepted the fact that the clomid wasn't the magic pill I thought it would be (not this month anyway.) But after an amazing lunch with a good friend at Figs, I came home to find that the peonies that I had put in the bathroom for our company finally had opened. 

If that doesn't put a smile on your face this grey afternoon, I'm not sure what will. 

How Is It Only Wednesday?

In the last 48 hours I swear the little man and I have jammed a week's (month's) worth of fun. Seriously, we are both exhausted and I can't believe it's only Wednesday. I guess that's what happens when you have good friends in town and we experienced Boston with and through the eyes of two, two year olds. Whew. So what did we do? It's more like what didn't we do?

Monday afternoon our friends arrived and we stayed home. This was a good call as their little girl was pretty tired from the trip up, and it was nice to give the kiddies a chance to acclimate to each other. Luckily, this didn't take long and after about an hour they were best friends. 

We ended up having a beautiful day (the only one this week) so we took advantage of the nice weather and fired up the grill. A few burgers, some wine, and then some more wine and we were off for a much needed early bedtime.Of, course we just couldn't resist just one ice cream run. 

Here we are on our way to JP Licks. 

And here we are spoiling our dinner.

Tuesday we woke up bright and early. A little earlier than expected, but that seems to be what happens when you travel with kids. We took the kids to the train (the T) and headed downtown to the New England Aquarium. While this was not the little man's first visit to the aquarium (more like 300th) this was definitely his best. He was just so into everything. He was just mesmerized by the tank in a way he never had been before. At this age he has finally, finally!, learned to sit still, even if it is just for a minute. 

After the aquarium we headed over to the North End for some much needed beer and pizza at Regina's. This really is the perfect place to go with kids, especially two hungry/ cranky kids. The music is loud and no matter what shenanigans the kids seemed to pull, no one even noticed. Another T ride home (we have become pros at navigating the subway) and we made it just in time for the kids to sneak in an all too short nap. 

Since our friends used to live here, they of course had quite a few "fans" who wanted to see them. Last night we put the little ones to bed and headed out for some grown up time. We met a big group of friends at Stella in the South End. This place has amazing food, a cool atmosphere, and best of all it is owned by a yummy mummy who is also a friend of ours. We ate and drank and ate some more. I had the pear martini, arugula salad, Kobe beef, creme brulee martini, and a cannoli. They literally had to roll me out of there. We arrived home WAY past my bed time and I must say I have never been happier to walk in the door.

6 hours later the kiddies we up, oh why can't kids sleep till 10?, and we were again out the door. This time it was to the Boston Children's Museum. OMG, this place rocks. I have never been before, and after today I am a life time member. We were there for almost 3 hours and I swear we only saw 10% of the place. The little man of course loved the "construction zone" given his love of trucks, so we spent the majority of our time there.

Here he is on the bob cat "working."

And here he is fulfilling a life's dream of actually being a construction worker. 

We had the best time here, and I think we will be going back on Sunday. This may be my new favorite thing to do with the little guy. 

Since all good things must come to and end, our friends sadly left us this afternoon to visit another part of our posse up in Maine, and the little man and I were again left alone to do what we do best; hit the park.

I know I have said this before, but Boston really is a kick ass place to have kids. If you have any little ones visiting you, or you are traveling here with your kiddie in tow, I completely suggest everything we did. You will definitely want to give yourselves more time than we did, but if you have to squeeze it all in we have shown that it is completely doable. Even if you are only able to see 1% of what this awesome city has to offer. 

Back to real life now, the little man is waking up from his nap and we have quite a bit to do around here before dinner. I can tell you what, after the week we have had, I may be going to bed before the sun sets tonight. 

Oh little man, I so envy your 7:30 bedtime.