tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-231187252012-01-25T19:34:45.572-08:00here's hoping my kids won't need therapyCristinanoreply@blogger.comBlogger3331100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-59808381830511477312009-02-05T10:38:00.000-08:002009-02-05T10:48:33.777-08:00

Little Guy (out of nowhere): Trust is something you can't put back together again.Me: What?Little Guy: Trust is something you can't put back together again.Me (thinking): Holy crap. He heard Husband and I arguing last night! Great. He's scarred for life.Me: Where did you hear that?Little Guy: On Bernstein Bears.Oh, Phewwww. This is just further proof that the Bernstein Bears are better parents

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-37917366038753095112009-02-04T16:24:00.000-08:002009-02-04T16:43:05.496-08:00

Being a parent is officially hard. What? It's not all going to be easy? It's not going to be baby book, Picture People perfect? But that's what I want. That's what I signed up for. I didn't sign up for the hard stuff. No, correction. I signed up for it. I just didn't realize what I signed up for. And now I don't know if I can do it. I mean, I CAN do some things. I can do midnight feedings and

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-51500339081777855632009-01-26T08:12:00.000-08:002009-01-26T08:22:35.875-08:00

I have started a Yahoo Group for parents of children with encopresis, children who hold their poop. I am posting here in hopes that people will find this post in Google searches and join up for advice-sharing and support. Here is the link to the group: Encopresis Kids Yahoo Group

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-44607814295274063272009-01-18T15:02:00.000-08:002009-01-18T15:11:32.483-08:00

A conversation between me and my three-year-old earlier today.Him: Bitch and fuck are not kind words.Me: No they're not.Him: No, because we should never say bitch or fuck. Because they are not kind.Me: That's right. We should never use those words.Him: Yeah. *sigh*We have this conversation on a weekly basis. He gets his chance to say bitch and fuck and there is nothing I can do about it. He knows

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-34769631250764313652008-12-11T08:48:00.000-08:002008-12-11T08:55:54.507-08:00

Reading back upon the post that kind of started it all for this blog in which as a new first-time mother, I wrote (off the record) that "if my kids don't end up in therapy, I shall celebrate", I find it ironic (and yes, I'm 99% sure I'm using this word wrong, but whatever)....I find it ironic that my child is now actually entering therapy (WTF??) at the young age of THREE (holy crap).Yes, his

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-79590818602874538612008-12-10T22:45:00.000-08:002008-12-10T22:47:28.303-08:00

KFC Workers Fired For Bathing In Sinkhttp://www.kcra.com/news/18243415/detail.html Finger lickin' gooood.

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-29763170154892096622008-11-22T01:51:00.000-08:002009-10-04T17:29:05.059-07:00

Please go to the following link to sign up for an Encopresis Support Group http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/encopresis_kids/This group was formed to support parents with children who suffer from encopresis. Here are some other resourceshttp://au.messages.yahoo.com/lifestyle/teenagers/481?p=1The Yahoo Group on "miralax" alternatives if your child is on laxatives.http://health.groups.yahoo.com/

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-9071697194039829462008-11-17T15:25:00.000-08:002009-01-22T11:48:32.418-08:00

*warning: this post is going to mention poop. a lot.*I would like to start a Yahoo Group to talk with other parents who have children who withhold their poop, also known as stool withholding or functional fecal retention. E-mail me at mommy605(at)hotmail(dot)com if you want to be contacted about the group.What is Stool Withholding?Is your child chronically constipated? Does your child go for days

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com63tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-78266797621620066082008-10-20T21:08:00.000-07:002008-10-20T21:15:41.978-07:00

This may be old news, but somehow I just read about it today:PENSACOLA, FL. Asked for a reaction to the news that he'd been endorsed by reality-soap bad girl Heidi Montag of "The Hills," John McCain told Swampland: "I’m honored to have Heidi’s support and I want to assure her that I never miss an episode of 'The Hills,' especially since the new season started." Seriously? Seriously.That McCain

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-46083167318001043032008-10-05T23:59:00.000-07:002008-10-06T00:00:32.631-07:00

p.s. Did I say my son is beautiful? I love him to the ends of the earth. I will figure this out for him. I will.

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-59385330407722022132008-10-05T23:40:00.000-07:002008-10-06T00:07:09.317-07:00

Me here. Still talking about poop. Thinking about poop. Poop is my life.You know, I've been searching the far reaches of the Internet for about two months now trying to figure out how to get my son to poop. Here are some of the things I've learned:1. He's not pooping because he is afraid to poop (we know he has no physical problems).2. High doses of Miralax or other laxatives may make it

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-32389899379986631692008-10-03T14:20:00.000-07:002008-10-03T14:29:24.586-07:00

I can't take it anymore. I can't take it.I don't know what to do.This withholding. It's driving me crazy.my day is at least 6 clean-ups. bad days are 10.It's not about potty training. Potty training is the least of the problems.Daycare has labeled him special needs. Because he won't poop. He can poop. He just won't poop. They said, "Maybe this isn't the daycare for you." Maybe not because though

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-15822040991624870342008-09-24T20:40:00.000-07:002008-09-24T20:43:14.376-07:00

PBS is running a poll that asks if Palin is qualified to be VP.The Reps wing has organized a massive "yes" campaign and, at the moment,"yes" is winning!Do you think Palin is Qualified to Be VP?Considering that the Republican Machine won't even let the press have access to her or even use audio in their coverage of her recent "foreign policy meetings with diplomats," I'd say that the Republicans

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-50073239820193899962008-09-15T22:00:00.000-07:002008-09-15T22:10:12.581-07:00

Driving home from grocery shopping with my three-year-old yesterday....Me: We're here! Little Guy: We're home!Me: Are you happy to be coming home?Little Guy: Yeah....but I wish I had a bigger home. I want a bigger home.Me: Why do you want a bigger home?Little Guy: So I can get more toys and more toys and more toys. And then I will have space to put them in.Where does he come up with this stuff?

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-91029695149649546552008-09-05T20:32:00.000-07:002008-09-05T21:08:29.464-07:00

Received via e-mail from a PR firm in New York...Hi Mommy Off The Record,Did you know that a woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the time you finish reading this email? A woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 2 minutes – you can help a woman in your life by sending her the facts about breast health and an important reminder to get a check-up. This October, Folgers will partner

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-40641501525722511852008-09-04T20:10:00.000-07:002008-09-04T20:18:08.227-07:00

My life revolves around poop. Little Guy has some major pooping problems. Basically, he holds his poop and won't go. For so long I thought he was just constipated. We changed diet. We tried exercise. We did supplements.But now I know that none of that really matters all that much because if he wants to hold it, he's gonna hold it.So yeah, poop (or shall I say lack of poop) is really dominating

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-10414258114848499102008-08-11T13:31:00.000-07:002008-08-11T13:36:49.269-07:00

I won't be posting here for a while. I am finding life a wee bit overwhelming and need to concentrate on family and getting myself to feel normal again. Unfortunately, that means letting go of some of the things I have loved in the past, like my little blog here.I am going to keep it up just in case I have time to come back and resume posting again someday.Oh - and one last thing - if you happen

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-52095565217670574642008-07-14T11:10:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:35:36.448-08:00

At only three years and 2 weeks old Little Guy is already lying to me.Case in point. This morning, I was in the bedroom with the baby and I heard Little Guy in the kitchen pantry. Whatever he was touching was crinkly so I suspected he was eating some veggie chips. At 9am. Before breakfast. Me: What are you doing in there?LG: (no response)Me: What are you doing, LG?LG: I'm in the bathroom

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-48680877048755368042008-06-30T01:31:00.000-07:002008-06-30T01:35:34.701-07:00

Poor Izzy has broken her foot in a freak accident. She's looking for someone who would like to buy her BlogHer pass at a discount (she's asking $200, which is about $100 off - a great deal). If you are interested, go here to her site and leave her a comment or send her an email.And even if you don't need the pass, go over and leave a comment to cheer her up if you have a sec. I'm sure she would

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-47875784156489946472008-06-16T22:55:00.001-07:002008-12-09T19:35:36.664-08:00

Today we launched a new community forum for parents who are interested in green living - the Green Mom Finds Community Network. I am really excited about the opportunity to chat with people and make connections with folks. Check it out if you have a couple secs - and if you like it, join up! We're giving away a $100 organic cotton baby carrier to celebrate our launch. Just enter a comment on this

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-29781289168069427482008-06-16T00:00:00.000-07:002008-06-16T02:11:13.671-07:00

Husband: I finally did it today.Me: Did what?Husband: I finally burned my dick with the iron.Ouch. It was difficult for me to refrain from saying "I told you so." But I told him so.Dudes should just not iron naked. They're totally playing with fire.Possible Odd News Story Headline: Desperate Father of Two Young Children Tries to Sterilize Himself After Wife Refuses to Go Back on the Pill

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-22395602676461543662008-06-09T22:07:00.001-07:002008-06-09T22:25:11.589-07:00

Thank you kind folks who left me comments of support on my last post. Today was a slightly better day in that I didn't throw anything or scream. Progress.I think I have adrenal fatigue. At least that is what my holistic doctor thinks. I went to see her today. Actually, I was there for the baby's follow up appointment for his excema. She asks me questions about myself though and I told her that I

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-27135438089807297272008-06-08T18:13:00.000-07:002008-06-08T18:23:04.404-07:00

1. The suppository that you administered to your toddler didn't work. He never pooped. It's been 8 days.2. You threw a 2-lb plastic laugh and learn toy at your husband. 3. You later threw a bowl of guacamole on the ground after you opened up three avocados and realized they weren't ripe enough yet.4.You screamed your head off in the shower for 3 minutes. And then you cried.5. Your other son has

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-31683811826329239022008-06-06T00:07:00.000-07:002008-06-06T00:09:26.430-07:00

If you're looking for a really special invitation or announcement that can be tailored with your children's picture, then look no further than tiny*prints. I had the opportunity to review their invitations as part of the Parent Bloggers Network recently and my biggest problem was trying to figure out which invitation to choose for my son's third birthday party.Continue reading...

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-39860735231705942862008-05-26T18:04:00.001-07:002008-05-26T18:11:47.747-07:00

Scene: Me and Little Guy on the floor with his toy train.Little Guy: Mommy, can you put my train together for me?Me: Sure!Five minutes later I'm still fidgeting with the goddamn thing.Little Guy: Gee, this is exasperating!Me: What did you say?Little Guy: This is exasperating!Me (to hubby in the other room): Did you hear what he just said??! He used the word exasperating in a sentence.SilenceMe: I

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-9952789861465091952008-05-17T19:33:00.001-07:002008-05-17T19:58:18.724-07:00

I don't think I've blogged about this before, but my baby has eczema. He's had it since he was 4 months old. He's now 9 months old and it hasn't gotten any better. It's all over his back, but no where else. It looks like a chemical burn or something. It's bright red, and alternately either really flaky or really raised and rough. Oh, and it's REALLY itchy. I feel so bad. We have taken him to the

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-10464492500334309572008-05-15T00:21:00.001-07:002008-05-15T00:25:28.221-07:00

I finally had a few minutes to get onto Twitter and find out what it's all about. And holy shit, people. It's like crack for bloggers. Crack.It should be illegal, I tell you.I already have 5 email accounts and 4 blogs. I don't have time for this! And yet...I feel it calling...Are you following me yet? :)

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-67962357130481507062008-05-12T00:07:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:35:37.746-08:00

The other day my friend told me that she has a friend that puts perfume on her baby.My immediate thought was: WTF?I questioned her about it and found out that this woman does indeed put perfume on her infant. Cuz, you know, she wants to make her baby smell good.Why anyone would want to mask the wonderful natural baby smell by putting synthetic fragrances on a baby is beyond me.But my next thought

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-75842818140061752152008-05-08T22:17:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:35:37.926-08:00

If you read anything this year, this is the book you should read. A friend recommended that I read this so I bought it and I have to tell you that it is one of the most important books I have ever read. Please go read it, share it, blog about it. Tell everyone you can. The name of the book is Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry. It can be purchased for just $11 on

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-80615822638444825182008-05-04T01:01:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:35:38.113-08:00

(Warning: do not eat while reading today's post.)I'm just going to cut right to the chase and say it: Little Guy has been having some trouble pooping lately. Actually, he's been having a LOT of trouble for the last three months. Without going into the gory details, it has been really troublesome and we have been trying EVERYTHING - prunes, prune juice, liquids, cutting out the sugar and refined

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-78266309358136712742008-04-28T00:08:00.001-07:002008-04-28T00:17:45.963-07:00

I was checking my site meter for the first time in probably a year and I found that many (too many) people are coming here via Google after searching for "barny*rd p*rn." Ew.I have gone back to the offending post and removed the wording. I imagine my site hits are now going to plummet. Heh. But I really don't want perves looking at my mommy blog.That said, I have a feeling that said perves are

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-20125219810033729702008-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:35:38.266-08:00

When I first started blogging over two years ago, I had a very short list of blogs that I read - mainly, because I was new at blogging so I only knew of a handful of blogs. One of the very first blogs I stumbled upon was Rebecca Woolf's blog, (This) Girl's Gone Child. I was captivated by her writing. It drew me in. So much so, that despite having since found gazillions of mommy blogs, her blog is

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-19822656080288449282008-04-21T21:56:00.000-07:002008-04-21T22:00:06.096-07:00

No, mommy, I don't want to! I'm going to make you go away from me with my Mickey Mouse Mouskatool!!WTF?If that's not bad enough, he will randomly and without warning shout out "P-B-S Kids DOT ORG!!"It's disturbing. But at least it's PBS, right? *sigh*

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-1752805840030672582008-04-09T00:00:00.000-07:002008-04-08T21:56:15.320-07:00

Ah motherhood. I loooooove being a mom. Seriously. It's the best thing I've ever done in my life!However, it also makes me want to regularly throw back a few shots of tequila around 4pm. I know you know what I'm talkin about.Speaking of which, I find it ironic that the time in my life that I am most in need of an adult beverage is also the only time in my life that I cannot consume said beverage

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-62146731375751681382008-04-05T13:02:00.000-07:002008-04-05T13:13:38.415-07:00

My husband is always asking me, "What do you do in the shower for so long??" His showers take approximately 1.5 minutes.I know. It's not so green of me. But still, it really amazes me that he even has to ask. That he doesn't know what I'm doing. Standing still, amongst the soap slivers and half-empty bottles of shampoo, letting the water go from hot to warm to tepid. Hearing nothing. No crying.

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-51862373993875143432008-04-03T22:24:00.000-07:002008-04-03T22:49:57.712-07:00

Don't bother entering the "Fucked-up Mother of the Year" Contest because I've totally got this one. I'm winning that contest. Hands down. I'm also going to win the "Bad Wifey" and "Sucky Homemaker" Awards as well. So don't even bother competing with me. Because based on my performance in these categories today, there is no way I won't win.First of all, I dislocated my 2-year-old's elbow. Yeah.

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-78482952483435385512008-03-31T22:23:00.000-07:002008-03-31T22:40:02.860-07:00

For my birthday recently, my mother-in-law handed me a small, wrapped present. When she handed it over she said, "I hope you don't take offense to this."Uh, hmmmm. OK.I opened it.Inside was a potty training book. "I think Little Guy is ready to potty train so I thought you could use this book."Honestly, my first reaction was "Great!" I totally do need to potty train him soon so the book could

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-55089255622506172662008-03-25T21:47:00.001-07:002008-03-25T21:58:12.340-07:00

Before I get to the dirty little secret, can I tell you that I totally almost welled up with tears to see that people are still reading and willing to comment here. I really don't deserve it, you guys. I feel so guilty for my blog suckiness, for not getting out there and visiting. I simply don't have the time right now between the job, the kids, life, etc. but I can't shut this site down. I just

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-41813312462641859852008-03-24T17:42:00.000-07:002008-03-24T21:29:43.213-07:00

So, I got into a little fender bender in the Target parking lot the other day. I backed into a car that was also backing out of their parking spot. He was further backed up than I was so I kinda thought it was mostly my fault but, to be honest, it was hard to know where he was when he started backing up. What I told the insurance agent was that I was out of the spot about 60% of the way and that

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-18938923893083500282008-03-06T23:16:00.001-08:002008-03-06T23:29:39.115-08:00

Just wanted to pop over here and say hi. Ever since I have gone back to work, I have had zero time to post anything over here. It is so sad. I started this blog with such excitement and now it is languishing.I actually have a really funny post to write about how Little Guy got stuck in the baby's exercaucer. I told him not go get in there and then did anyway and laughed at me in the face (like he

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-35470024858568080612008-02-25T00:00:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:38.574-08:00

While at the security desk again last week....Me: I need to get a temporary badge today.Guard #1: OK, no problem.Guard #2: (comes up from behind me and starts hovering around) Me: (turning towards him)Guard #2: What's that?? (pointing to the black, non-descript breast pump case slung on my shoulder)Me: (looking down and realizing the bottom flap has come open exposing the pump) Oh, oops! Sorry!

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-36278271633168616542008-02-18T13:52:00.000-08:002008-02-18T14:04:31.950-08:00

I went back to work this week and fortunately for me there is a great pumping room where I can pump breastmilk during the day so that I can continue exclusively breastfeeding the baby, even while I'm away from him.Unfortunately, I lacked the access code to get into the pumping room so I went up to the security desk to ask for help, where two male security guards were there to greet me.Me: Can

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-41101794483289046512008-02-11T14:05:00.000-08:002008-03-24T21:31:08.050-07:00

(picture removed)We were wearing shorts today and playing outside with the hose. It was that warm. WTH? (Photo taken this afternoon. I swear.)

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-57690930788795311222008-02-08T13:45:00.000-08:002008-02-08T13:49:46.906-08:00

...you're digging back (way back) into your pantry to find Halloween candy that you hid from your kid back in '07 and you're so, SO happy that you never threw it out because it's the only chocolate in your entire house and it is also the only thing saving you from going completely insane today.Mmmmm. Four-month-old bite-size snickers really aren't as bad as you would think. And neither are the

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-4385473834143890932008-02-07T08:56:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:38.787-08:00

*I want to get the word out as soon as possible about this important study but I have limited time to write something original today, so I have lifted most of this post directly from media releases about the study*Today, I participated in a media teleconference announcing the results of a new U.S. and Canadian study, "Baby's Toxic Bottle: Bisphenol A Leaching from Popular Baby Bottles". The

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-25187087301232648332008-02-03T16:20:00.000-08:002008-02-03T16:34:12.092-08:00

I cannot think of a more suitable title for this post. Just wait until you hear this.So, as I mentioned a little while ago, I was dismayed to find out recently that the prenatal vitamins I have been taking for the last three years contain artificial coloring in them. So I went to my local Natural Foods Co-Op to find a new brand. Now, before I go on, keep in mind that the Natural Foods Co-Op in my

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-31318540145254885812008-01-30T21:33:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:39.201-08:00

I found this wonderful book of bedtime blessings that I bought recently. Every night before I put Little Guy to bed, we read the first few blessings in the book. Tonight he was a little under the weather. He had a low-grade fever and a stuffy nose, but he still wanted to me to read him his blessings."Mama, can we read the blessings?""Sure we can, hon." I said and began the first one.Dear God,

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-2805929868993143152008-01-29T22:41:00.000-08:002008-01-29T22:43:25.961-08:00

Want to find out what I'm so peeved about? Go check out my latest post at Moms Speak Up.

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-91514209664464260152008-01-28T14:09:00.000-08:002008-01-28T14:36:49.414-08:00

Thank you all for your supportive comments on my last post. There was one comment questioning the safety of co-sleeping. I didn't intend to start a debate on it, but I personally feel that the manner in which families choose to sleep together is totally their own business. Also, I do not necessarily think that co-sleeping is dangerous, as long as some precautions are taken (like don't smoke in

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-65529747693550110502008-01-22T09:34:00.000-08:002008-01-22T15:15:10.674-08:00

For the last 5 months I've been sleeping with another man. OK, it's not what you think. Our bed is only big enough for two, so I gave Husband the boot so I could co-sleep with the baby right after he was born. So Husband has been sleeping on the extra twin in Little Guy's room and I have been sharing my bed with the baby.I never co-slept with Little Guy. By the grace of God, Little Guy was an

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-74563261093777120612008-01-21T08:53:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:39.461-08:00

This post was written for Julie of Mothergoosemouse, who is getting a virtual shower today. More details here!*****Dear Julie,Yes, take cover - but not because you're having a boy. Because you're having another child! Boy or girl it's going to be a ton of work having three kids I'm sure, but it will also be so rewarding. And now you will get to experience what it's like to have a son! What a

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-52704045146366017342008-01-16T17:27:00.000-08:002008-01-16T17:35:54.413-08:00

So, as soon as Little Guy entered toddlerhood, I started reading every book I could on discipline. Cuz I'm not letting a toddler run my household, right? I'm the parent, right? Right.So, I decided that after reading a few books I would attempt the whole time out thing based on the book, 1-2-3 Magic. By some magical miracle, this book claims that time-outs will work if you do it the way they say

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-6777915732673117932008-01-13T02:05:00.000-08:002008-01-13T02:15:05.902-08:00

Wow. It's 2:00am and my 4-month-old child is sleeping in his crib. Soundly. He has been for the last three hours.A sane woman would be sleeping in her bed soundly right about now too. Instead, I'm blogging on the Internet.Just more proof that I am losing my mind.******On another note, I found my cell phone. It was (you guessed it) in the couch. Right where Little Guy had left it no doubt. No luck

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-10213465910727034772008-01-11T00:00:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:39.651-08:00

I’ve reviewed a handful of fabulous products as part of the Parent Bloggers Network, but I have to say that that I’ve never been more excited at a review opportunity than when I was asked to try out CleanWell’s new antibacterial soap. OK, I know. Your thinking, "Hand soap? Are you serious?" Yes, I know that hand soap isn’t the most glamorous of products, but don’t run in the opposite direction

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-19621667978108795572008-01-08T22:26:00.000-08:002008-01-08T22:55:53.524-08:00

Remember a few weeks ago when I told you I lost my wallet - with all my credit cards, my ID, my health plan cards, a bunch of cool gift cards (*sniff), and even my friggin library card? Yeah, well, I never did find it. And then about two weeks ago, I lost my keys. And I never found those so I had new ones made. And then promptly lost one of the new ones before I could get it on the key chain.Then

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-84012311707856269932008-01-04T17:55:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:39.839-08:00

I've been taking the prenatal vitamins recommended by my doctor for about 3 years now, ever since I became pregnant with my first son. I take the Kaiser brand prenatal vitamins, which are manufactured by Kaiser, the HMO that I belong to. I've always felt that I am keeping my baby safe, both prenatally and while breastfeeding, by taking my vitamins every day. I also feel that I am safeguarding my

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-34052526128701874962008-01-03T10:24:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:39.980-08:00

When I started this blog, I found myself naturally inclined towards writing about the more humorous aspects of being a new mom. And I also took some pokes at the hubby now and then. All in good fun, of course. *ahem* (Sorry, hun.)I became a bit of a blogging junkie - spending hours and hours a week blogging, even at the expense of my sex life. (You know you're a blogging junkie if you're sex life

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-53196644550045067132007-12-30T22:04:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:41.055-08:00

So you don't live near the snow, but still want the experience of a snowy Christmas day? I have the perfect solution!Leave one toddler unattended with your paper shredder for 5 minutes while you send an e-mail. Make sure that you have lots of paper already shredded in the bin.* And voila! Your house will turn into a snow-filled wonderland by the time you hit "send" on that message.Exhibit A: My

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-81217462194590539242007-12-29T08:41:00.001-08:002008-12-09T19:35:41.277-08:00

I just heard that Blogher 08 is happening in San Francisco, which is literally a stone's throw away from where I live. I was so excited! I'd finally get a chance to meet up with some of the people whose blogs I love and see what they're like in real life - more wonderful I'm sure. And I would love to meet 5 or 6 people who still read my blog and ask them "Why are you still reading my blog??" No

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-26560131708340432372007-12-24T09:57:00.000-08:002007-12-24T10:13:17.245-08:00

I wish everyone and their families a safe and happy holiday. I would post more, but I've got a naughtini hangover and really must get back to bed for a while.I will be back in a few days, after I've recovered from the present-opening, cookie-eating, eggnog-downing extravaganza that is about to occur very soon. *****P.S. Does anyone ever feel like Christmas is a giant ocean wave hurdling at you at

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-58250908199470695232007-12-19T15:34:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:41.638-08:00

After I posted about the dangers of BPA in formula cans, Andrea of Little Bald Doctors wrote to the company using the Environmental Working Group's sample letter and asked the company to stop using BPA in their formula cans. The following is the letter that Andrea sent to Isomil/Similac. We sent the letter to Sonya, the EWG researcher who wrote the report on BPA in formula. Both her comments and

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-17095991292316434262007-12-17T09:51:00.001-08:002008-12-09T19:35:43.051-08:00

More addictive than crack...More addictive than blogging...EtsyI'm not sure my checkbook will survive this.Anyone know a good 12-step program?

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-89401819842055284912007-12-14T13:44:00.000-08:002007-12-14T13:46:28.843-08:00

Cross-posted at Moms Speak Up.Ever since I heard that Wal-Mart carries organic products, I've felt a nagging sense of dread. On the one hand, Wal-Mart entering the organic market means that many millions of people will have access to organic products when they might not have otherwise. That is good. But what are the downsides? I've often feared that big-name retailers selling organic products may

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-72496980066927842262007-12-13T10:12:00.000-08:002007-12-13T10:17:56.152-08:00

I just got an e-mail from my husband at work saying "Don't get any ideas from her." And then he linked me to this article.Gosh, ever since I threw those coins at him the other day, he's been SO on edge. It's not like I would ever go so far as to kill him or anything. Jeesh. And if I were to kill him, it certainly wouldn't be by pouring hydrochloric acid all over his unconscious body. There have

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-91495025656746553042007-12-11T09:34:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:43.274-08:00

Since I am sharing my good news with everyone today, including the technician who just installed our new heater and really couldn't give a hoot about my news, I figure I should also share this with you as well....The baby slept from 10pm to 8am last night. 10pm to 8am! That's 10 hours -- 10 blessed, uninterrupted sleep-filled hours.Hallelujah. May it continue to be this way forever and ever.

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-79806086000874011832007-12-10T00:00:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:43.425-08:00

Your kid sits down on everything and tries to pee in it. Including your Christmas tree stand...

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-723340606660664962007-12-06T13:02:00.000-08:002007-12-06T13:14:20.604-08:00

Well, it depends on who you ask. Ask the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and they'll say they're unreliable. Ask the Consumer Union and they'll say it depends on the brand.The CPSC tested two common types of home lead test kits and found that the kits registered false positives and false negatives. Therefore, the CPSC has said that "consumers should not use lead test kits to evaluate

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-2559537435970761492007-12-05T13:49:00.001-08:002007-12-05T15:05:51.935-08:00

Please read this post if you or someone you know uses baby formula!This morning I participated in a conference call hosted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) about their new report about the dangers of BPA exposure in formula-fed babies. You can read the full report for all the details, but here are some of the highlights:The Scary Stuff--Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical.

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-35941028414857299012007-12-04T12:55:00.000-08:002007-12-04T13:38:57.173-08:00

I lost my wallet. With my ID, all of my credit cards, my Visa check card, and about 20 gift cards. See, I'm notorious for not using gift cards for like forever and now they're all gone. I had one to JCrew, one to Old Navy, one to the Mall, one to Starbucks...I would go on, but I don't want to cry.Fuck. I am so pissed. I have looked everywhere. In the cars, around the house, in my pockets. I've

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-91057365603831201392007-12-02T19:36:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:43.651-08:00

Tonight we hung up some of our Christmas decorations. After we put up the Nativity Scene, I picked Little Guy up so he could look at it. We took turns examining each figurine. I showed him Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus. He took lots of interest in looking at the three wise men and the animals. Then, in a sweet voice, he asked, "Mama, can I talk to Baby Jesus?" "Sure," I said, and handed him the

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-47685903213047336152007-11-29T22:16:00.001-08:002008-12-09T19:35:44.064-08:00

Today, we received the following letter from Little Guy's daycare teacher.I wanted to update you on Little Guy's week. This week Little Guy has had a difficult time following directions and completing routines and more often than not has needed a teacher's help to complete the direction/routine. Often Little Guy is looking right at a teacher and doing the opposite of what he has been told (for

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-58988626016922293532007-11-27T00:00:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:44.427-08:00

Little Guy peers over at me while breastfeeding the baby and goes..."Is that tasty, Little Brother?"

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-43282747566329066622007-11-21T07:22:00.000-08:002007-11-21T07:22:02.354-08:00

Last night as I lay next next to Little Guy in his bed while he was falling asleep....Me: I love you, honey.Little Guy: I love you too, mama.(That was the first time he's ever said it back.)Oh, so much to be thankful for this year.

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-11695591239081173952007-11-20T00:00:00.000-08:002007-11-19T23:48:33.974-08:00

Dear L.L. Bean, Solutions, Eddie Bauer, Lands End, Red Envelope, Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Baby, Plow & Hearth, and Other Various Christmasy and/or Gadgety Magazines that I Will Never Buy Anything From:Pleeeease stop sending me your catalogues. Pleeease. You're wasting paper. I mean it. So just stop. My recycle bin can't take it anymore.Sincerely,MotR

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-39483420541807634112007-11-16T07:30:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:44.644-08:00

Usually when I turn on a DVD for my toddler to watch, I want to leave the room as soon as possible. The music is generally annoying enough to get me running the other way. One of the exceptions to this is when we watch That Baby DVD and listen to That Baby CD.Continue reading review...

Cristinanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-59705850371443347422007-11-15T11:21:00.001-08:002007-11-15T11:25:47.364-08:00

I've been an on-again off-again vegetarian for the last few years. It's been hard to maintain my vegetarianism during my pregnancies - hence, the "off-again" part. But after reading the latest news on what the meat industry is doing, I'm seriously thinking of going vegetarian again. For years, meat manufacturers have been injecting meat with carbon monoxide to give it a fresh, pink look. The

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-12840377420191603512007-11-15T00:00:00.000-08:002007-11-14T22:50:45.063-08:00

Tonight I made dinner. We had pork chops with plum chutney, peas and carrots, and rice pilaf, with a home-baked persimmon bread for dessert. I admit that it wasn't gourmet, but it was edible and it had most of the food groups so I was happy with it. After supper I bathed Little Guy while Husband cleaned the kitchen. Upon briefly entering our bedroom to get something, I noticed that Husband had

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-70743616460557461482007-11-12T00:03:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:44.962-08:00

Ever since Little Guy came home from daycare and told me about Carson's penis, I've noticed that his fascination with the bathroom has greatly increased. Come to find out that his daycare is starting the beginnings of potty training. Hence the reason that he's seen Carson's penis. And hence the reason for his recent obsession with sitting on the potty.I've been dreading this whole potty training

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-85021983842881257892007-11-06T20:31:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:45.346-08:00

That's three Snickers bars, one Crunch bar, one Starburst and a Baby Ruth. And that's just what you see pictured here. There were more wrappers in the garbage. On the bright side, it got me through a tough period in the afternoon yesterday between approximately 1:00pm and 2:00pm when Little Guy decided not to nap and to instead methodically try to drive me insane with annoying toddler-esque

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-73895269738087599522007-11-05T00:42:00.001-08:002007-11-05T00:43:49.529-08:00

When I think about the keepsakes that I really treasure from my childhood, the two personalized children's books that my parents bought me come close to the top of my list. To this day, I still like to take a peek at them from time to time and read the fantasy stories that were written just for me.So I was really excited to get a chance to review Printakid's personalized books for children.

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-27874849366899510222007-11-04T09:22:00.000-08:002008-12-09T19:35:45.617-08:00

OK maybe not as low as pedophiles or anything, but people who smash jack-o-lanterns are some of the lowest forms of life. I don't care if they are just kids "having fun". Haven't their parents taught them any manners??!So to the person who smashed the jack-o-lantern sitting on our porch -- the first jack-o-lantern that Little Guy had ever carved from the first pumpkin that he had ever picked out

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-26475295559135211402007-10-29T22:50:00.001-07:002007-10-30T00:26:55.208-07:00

Me: So, do you like going to daycare?Little Guy: Yeah!Me: Do you see all your friends at daycare?Little Guy: Yeah!Me: Who are your friends?Little Guy: Mia and Carson and Noah and Jake!Me: Wow, you have lots of friends!Little Guy (spreading his hands wide): Yeah, and Carson has a BIIIIIIGGG penis!WTF?Little Guy (in a whisper): And Little Guy has a little penis. In his diaper.That was so not where

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-74436868243127216922007-10-26T00:00:00.000-07:002007-10-25T22:54:17.474-07:00

Lately, this has been our dinner mealtime routine.Little Guy: I want yogurt.Me: Sorry, hon. It's time for dinner. Little Guy: No! I want YOGURT!Me: Yogurt is not a dinner food. I made a nice dinner for you. You're going to like it.Little Guy: NO! I no like dinner. I want YOGURT!!Me: NO, you can't have yogurt! It's dinnertime. Now go sit in your booster chair.Little Guy (flinging himself to the

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-36793027974060463902007-10-23T15:43:00.000-07:002007-10-23T16:29:22.082-07:00

I am so frustrated. When Little Guy was born, I followed the standard immunization schedule and he got all of his shots on time (or at least most of them). When he was about a year and a half old, I read What Your Doctor May Not Tell You about Children's Vaccinations. The book opened my eyes a bit to the additives in various shots and some of the controversy regarding multiple dosing. Around the

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-15201544390061604792007-10-22T18:16:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:35:46.073-08:00

Wow. So much great advice and encouragement in the comments of my last post. Thank you. If I could sum it up, the most common comment was: "It will get easier." I can't tell you how much it helps to be reminded of this. And by the way, I feel more than a little wimpish for even complaining. I am lucky to have two healthy children. I should probably shut my trap and just be thankful (though the

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-52525866503521305772007-10-16T13:49:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:35:46.179-08:00

Now that the baby is two months old and I have had 60 whole days to experience the wonder and joy that is caring for two little children, I can officially tell you the following:This shit is hard.My marriage is suffering.My house is a mess.My toenails need clipping like you wouldn't believe.I haven't had a decent shower in days.And, uh, this shit is hard. (Oh, sorry I think I said that already.)

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-47370247429517881832007-10-13T22:31:00.000-07:002007-10-13T23:47:30.785-07:00

To the angry dude who acted like a complete jerk-off at the pumpkin patch today:Do you really think it was necessary to talk shit to the hayride driver in front of approximately 20 people (including several children) who were sitting like civilized people and waiting patiently for the hayride to begin?I mean, I know you had to wait an extra 5 whole minutes because the driver (nice soul that he

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-15315759298915545292007-10-10T11:31:00.000-07:002007-10-10T11:37:43.480-07:00

Today I'm bringing you live breastfeeding in support of the League of Maternal Justice's Breast Fest!I've been having trouble uploading the video to Blogger so you have to click here to view it on YouTube. Enjoy!Disclaimer: I think I flashed my nipple a couple times accidentally. It was a little difficult holding the video camera while breastfeeding. Plus, the baby has a little cold so he pulls

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-24789673825906594442007-10-08T08:14:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:35:46.469-08:00

Last night while I was working out at the gym, I looked down at myself. I was toned, trim, and in overall great shape. I couldn't believe it! Just 7 weeks after having a baby and I had NO cellulite. None! I looked good. Damn good.And lemme tell you, it was such a great feeling. I felt young and healthy and in shape. ...And then I woke up, hauled my fat butt out of bed, and had myself a cinnamon

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-66587792083922329582007-10-03T22:16:00.000-07:002007-10-03T22:28:53.761-07:00

Anyone else think it's INSANE how much media coverage is being paid to the Britney Spears drama?It seems like it's been leading the news all week. My question is: Why is it even IN the news? Wait. Don't answer that. I know there are millions of people hanging on the details of her crazy life for some weird reason. But you know, I'd personally love it if the major news networks would actually

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-8501481490714695862007-10-02T09:56:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:35:46.935-08:00

Dear M,It's not your birthday or a special occasion, but I still feel compelled to write to you. You are 27 months old - a toddler - officially in the "terrible two's." But you know what? Things aren't so terrible. In fact, they are quite wonderful. You are wonderful. And that is why I am writing you. So that you know how wonderful I think you are and how much I love you.Did you know that mommy

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-72298407306900931032007-09-26T08:02:00.000-07:002007-09-26T08:37:56.366-07:00

By now you've probably heard that Facebook is requiring that women remove pictures of themselves breastfeeding because the pictures are "obscene". Grr. Even writing that sentence makes me want to squirt some booby milk in the face of a Facebook executive. Anyhoo, when I heard about this injustice the first thing I wanted to do was stage a huge mommyblogger boob-a-thon wherein people would post

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-18154219299873911342007-09-24T10:37:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:35:47.125-08:00

Mama, how does this shade look on me?Disclaimer: I did not put him up to this. He found my make-up all on his own and now he's addicted. Try to interrupt his morning make-up routine and pay. Pay dearly.

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-58347291476762461732007-09-20T09:32:00.000-07:002007-09-20T09:34:09.878-07:00

A woman toting two kids behind her walked past me as I sat on a bench breastfeeding the baby. As she passed me, she said:"Doesn't it just make you feel like a cow sometimes?"Uh. No, I really never thought of myself as a cow. Until you said that. Thanks a lot, beeyotch.The incident just kinda left me wanting to go open a Facebook account and post a picture of myself breastfeeding shirtless.

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-11573384954538796142007-09-17T16:53:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:35:47.315-08:00

The ever eco-conscious Izzy Mom has started a new website called Moms Speak Up. Moms Speak Up is collaborative blog of writers posting about the environment, dangerous imports, food safety, toy recalls, education, health care and many other topics of concern. When Izzy sent out a call for volunteers to write for the site, I couldn't say 'no'. I have written before on my own blog about

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-7482604601006560052007-09-17T14:51:00.000-07:002007-09-17T15:19:10.265-07:00

If the comments on my last post taught me anything it's that a) I have some kick-ass readers who are amazingly generous as to leave me a comment to reassure me and tell me to stop feeling guilty about the whole blogging thing...and b) that we are all, to some degree or another, in the exact same boat. We are all struggling to maintain the same balance as mothers and bloggers, and we are just

Cristinanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-9773352383809439062007-09-14T15:57:00.000-07:002007-09-14T16:07:12.557-07:00

I have no time to blog. No time. Between the toddler and the 3-week-old, there's just NO TIME. As I write this post, both of my guys are miraculously napping at the same time. I should also be napping, but I'm not. I won't go into why because I don't have time to write about it and actually there are more pressing issues for this post. Here's the thing: I don't know how to be a good blogger and a

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-8420931204665063902007-09-12T17:14:00.000-07:002007-09-12T17:30:25.781-07:00

Now that we're into the second week of daycare with Little Guy, it appears that we have made some progress. He no longer clings desperately to Husband's leg letting out wild hyena-like shrieks and yelling "No Daddy! Noooooooo!" when Husband says good-bye in the morning. Yeah, that behavior is so last week. Now when Husband leaves, Little Guy cries but a little less fiercly. Husband "

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-81650127281016369432007-09-11T17:22:00.000-07:002007-09-11T17:22:32.468-07:00

Skip this post if birth stories aren't your thing...This is the story of the birth of my second son on 8/20/07. It was written by the doula who assisted me during the birth. I went ahead and added my own inserts here and there in italics. I met Cristina and her husband in February of 2007, when they were looking for extra support for the birth of their second son. They asked me to be their doula,

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23118725.post-43618248015623686722007-09-09T21:37:00.000-07:002008-12-09T19:35:47.592-08:00

Severed body partsA roller coaster ride that goes out of controlMen trying to get into my house to kill my familyThese are the types of dreams I've been having lately. WTF is going on? I never had weird dreams while I was pregnant and now all of a sudden I'm practically afraid to go to bed at night.I have psychoanalyzed myself and I think that I am having these dreams because I am afraid (duh).

Cristinanoreply@blogger.com14