28
Sep
Over the past few years I’ve learned not to take things so personally. Okay, so it’s self-taught and it hasn’t been going all that well but whatever. I am better at not taking everything to heart; I don’t lay awake at night worried about why someone dislikes me or if they’re mad at me and for whatever reason. IÂ think I’ve somewhat accepted the fact that if you don’t like me, then tough shit: I can deal.
But that doesn’t take away the fact that I am still an over-analyzer and overly emotional. I have yet to find a cure for those traits so if you have an idea how, please, enlighten moi.
I started this Rookie (Mom) Challenge with the best intentions and honestly I’m a little bit crushed. I toiled and strategized and planned my wee heart out. I have AMAZING support, AWESOME participants and (what I thought was) a good plan, then I began to worry… How can I improve it? Get it out there? Gain some interest? But sometimes shit doesn’t fly, yanno? I get that. I can accept the fact that it’s just not internet gold and for that reason, I’m going to put it out of its misery. C’est la vie sometimes and that is the fact of life for this little nugget of poop.
Rookie Moms still rock and I still love their book and their site, it has nothing to do with that, it’s just that either this feature sucks, I suck, or both because it just ain’t flying. Not even if I threw it into the winds of a hurricane would this baby take flight.
So, with that my girl Vic at Glowstars takes the finale with this wickedly awesome picture:
She is officially my new Internet BFF.
And for that I also bestowe on her the I’m Hooked on Your Blog Award given to me by Jen @ Blissfully Caffeinated. For being hilairously witty and so awesome, because Dude. Did you see that picture?!
So here’s for you Vic and I will also be sending along your $20 gift card for Amazon.com (or Amazon.co.uk in your case I guess.)
So that’s it my friends. Rookie (Moms) Challenge out. (Shit. Seacrest. I should have thought about getting him to pimp this. That lucky little troll seems to have the magic touch. Eeewww the thought of being touched by Seacrest skeeves me out.)
I think that’s why I’ve been feeling a little down and out the past couple days. That, combined with the lack of sleep (FOR THE LOVE OF GOD BABY – SLEEP!) and the changing of the season (which always seems to fuck with me) I’ve been a little lackluster and dare I say extremely boring! lately. But never fear, once I double my dosage of anti-depressants and caffeinated beverages we’ll be back and more irreverant than ever.
Speaking of being down and out; check out this diddy I wrote on Saturday… nevermind, can’t find it. But, I promise you it was ultra derpressing about how tired I was and resentful about my husband sleeping and snoring while I was sitting up with a child that wouldn’t sleep unless I was holding him. You would have totally rolled your eyes at me. I swear. Then, through osmosis the kid finally got it and went to sleep for four consecutive uninterrupted hours. It rocked. Then he decided to start chatting at 6am and woke up Carter. That? That did not rock.
[insert transition here - I can't for the life of me remember how to spell segway...Yes, I realize that's the spelling for the two wheel motorized stupid thingy... but is it the same for a segway. I don't make any sense, I realize that, thank you.]
You remember those “Let’s make like a….” sayings?
Let’s make like a baby and head out.
Let’s make like a banana and split.
Let’s makes like a bee and buzz off.
Let’s make like a tree and leave.
Let’s make like a horses dick and hit the road. (That’s my favourite. Am twelve)
Know any different ones? I’m curious.
23
Sep
Words have been failing me these days. They’re jumbled in my brains but I can’t get them out – writer’s block I suppose. I’ve been overwhelmed with parenting duties over the past week and a bit since Mike’s been working about 15 hours a day, seven days a week until this project is done. I have a ‘to do’ list about a mile long and don’t really feel like doing any of it.
Sometimes I just want to hang that ‘Back in 10 minutes’ sign on my forehead, but then forget to take it down so people still think I’m gone and they’re wondering how long ten minutes really is because damn she’s been gone a long time.
Because, seriously? Webcams are scary.
I have emails and posts I should be writing, research, photo-editing and designs to complete and lately I just feel like that KRA-ZE bag lady walking down the road pushing a shopping cart with my worldly possessions while smashing myself in the forehead with my fist whilst screaming about the soup that burned the roof of my mouth as I pet my imaginary cat.
[Run-on at its best.]
I’ve resigned to making my life more organized. I’ve cleaned up my personal organizer – which is not a snazzy new iPhone or SmartPhone like I would LOVE! but rather a leather binder with a notepad and paper. Old Skool.
[All the paper - or caffeine - in the world can't make it better, I fear. I try and try, then FAIL.]
Maybe start with myself then move on to the house? I dunno but something has got to give.
Moving on.
Last week’s Rookie (Mom) Challenge’s winner?
Congratulations to Abi from Baby Monkey Tree
Go check out Abi’s post with her little guy Wills asleep in the Mai Tei carrier. So adorable!
[Though I had many options to take pictures of sleeping babies and I did get to sleep in while my mom watched my boys, I just never had my camera at the right opportunity. Am FAIL.]
For week five here are your three challenge activities:
Activity #28: Drink a beer
If you’re nursing this can be a great way to help with milk production (so They say) and if you’re not nursing? Well. Enjoy!
Activity #84: Wear your baby
This may not be hard for some of you that wear your baby often, but try and take a picture of yourself while baby is in a carrier or a sling!
Activity #205: Ride a real bus or a train
I know some moms around here that do this and it really sounds like fun! Get out and take a bus ride / train or subway if you can!
So go on! Do a challenge, take a picture and post it on your blog. Come back here and sign the Mister Linky and you’re on your way to winning: $20 amazon gift certificate!!
If you’re new here and doing the challenge for the first time check out the rules and buttons HERE and for past challenges check HERE.
If you’re having trouble with the buttons: all you have to do is select all the code within the box and paste it to your post or in your sidebar!
Have fun!
15
Sep
Being a Rookie (Mom) Ain’t So Bad, we all know that! Now that we’ve had a couple (two) challenges, there are a couple bugs to work out and maybe some more explanation, but I’m not giving up on this one! I’d love to get this thing off the ground: I feel really passionate about it – it’s a great way to introduce ourselves and our children to new activities and even though it’s called a challenge, it’s really not! So, as passionate as I am about this, it’s nothing without you! I want you to enjoy it, have fun and make it easy to participate.
First off. The buttons are now linked to the category so when you or someone on your site clicks it, you’ll be directed straight to ALL posts related to the challenge. My large sidebar button is also linked directly to the category so if you arrive here looking for the challenge, click the button!
Second. Prizes! Because we all love to win stuff, no? Each week’s challenge will end with a winner! Awesome, right? So why not try some activities!?
Third – If you’d be so kind, please take a moment, leave a comment and let me know what you think. It’s all for you, I want you to LOVE! it because I love YOU! I’m open to suggestions, have your say!
Last Week’s Winner: VICKY from Secret Mom Thoughts!
Congratulations Vicky! Go check out her post of everyone have milkshakes together!
Week 3 Challenge: (Remember you only have to do ONE!)
Activity #18: Take a Picture of your Sleeping Child
Everyone loves picture of sleeping babies so try and snap a couple when they’ve passed out! Even sleeping older children and teenagers are good for a laugh!
Activity #34: Rub Your Baby Down with a Message
Applying lotion after a bath can really help the kids mellow out for sleep time! Try and capture this moment! Or – just find a quite spot and rub down baby or toddler!
Activity #69: Sleep Late
Trade off when you can, and the weekend might be best. Trade off with your partner and have a day to sleep in! Have your partner take the kids out for breakfast or to play outside while you catch a couple more Zzz’s. (And if you’re like me… kick ‘em out after you’ve finished the first nursing session!) Wondering how to capture this one? Take a picture of yourself first thing when you get up, your bed, your clock, whatever!
** Remember the rules!
1. Complete a challenge – take a picture while you’re doing it!
2. Post to your blog
3. Sign the Mister Linky at the bottom of this post – that’s it!! And with that you’re entered to WIN!!
If you have a question, please contact me! I’m more then willing to help!!
You got until Sunday at 12pm EST!! (That’s the 21st if you need numbers) Have fun!
xox
10
Sep
Hey y’all! Just wanted to remind you that the Being a Rookie (Mom) Ain’t So Bad Challenge is still on! Photograph yourselves doing an activity and get entered to win a copy of The Toddler Owner’s Manual: Operating Instructions, Troubleshooting Tips, and Advice on System Maintenance. There’s a weekly winner so get in on the action! Simple and fun way to win free stuff! You don’t even have to be a mom, so DAD’s – show us what you got!
01
Sep
** CHALLENGE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO THE END OF THIS WEEK (SEPTEMBER 14th AT 12:00 PM EST!) **
I know things are little haywire this weekend with school starting, getting back into that routine as well as Gustav pummelling the Gulf Coast. We’ve been a little distracted with life.
My heart goes out to those affected. It really does. I’ve been glued to the television for the past two days watching CNN coverage of the hurricane, just as it was with Hurricane Katrina. I have been wringing my hands, praying. Praying that those levees hold. Praying that people do not lose everything again. Praying for friends and their families.
On a lighter note:
I want to thank those that participated in the first ever Being a Rookie Mom Ain’t So Bad! challenge. You guys did FABULOUS! I loved checking out your activities!
The winner of last week’s challenge is:
Congratulations Claire!! Email me your information and I’ll be sending off a copy of The Rookie Mom’s Handbook!
Now this week? Three new activities as well as a new prize!
Activity #26: Paint your baby’s feet
As precious as baby feet are, they just don’t stay small forever! This is a great way to immortalize those itty bitty baby toes! Grab some craft paint in your favourite colour and while baby’s alseep (or awake if you have some help) make some baby prints!
(I recommend taping the paper to something flat that you can press against a lying baby – best way to get a clean print!)
If you’re ambitious enough, take it to a paint-your-own pottery place and get that print embossed on a coffee cup / plate / tile!
Activity #187 Leave the House No Matter What!
Raining? Snowing? Go to the mall!
Activity #235 Share a Milkshake
You can make it at home or head out to a local shop!
(If you’re gonna make it at home, please share your recipe with us in your post!)
There you have it, now for the winner?
The winner will receive a brand new copy of The Toddler Owner’s Manual. Hooray!
Make sure to grab your buttons (they’re working now!) and get taking your pictures!
Challenge ends Sunday September 7th at 12:00pm EST SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 14th at 12pm EST so tell everyone you know! They really want to get in on this action!
24
Aug
I had spent a lot of time over the past few months trying to think of something I could do as a feature on this site. Something to encourage reader participation as well as give back to readers. I thought long and hard and it wasn’t until I realized that there was something that I needed too; and that’s what brought this idea to life.
I need opportunity and, more importantly, reason to get out of the house. Now, with two children, I have been facing slight anxiety with leaving the comfort of my house while toting a newborn and dealing with somewhat irreverant toddler.
I gave you a little teaser, a glimpse into the new weekly feature for temporarily me, and today? The cat’s outta the bag! This my friends, is day one!
Now, for those thinking this challenge is just for new parents, you’re wrong. Though the book was designed specficially for first time parents to carry them throughout the first year, this challenge is for ALL parents. It’s meant to encourage us to try new activities with our child(ren) and more importantly – to do something that may fall outside our comfort zones and even get out of the house!
No matter the age – well, unless they’re no longer living at home or are teenagers who are embarrassed to even be in the car with their parents – there is something for everyone! Some things may be modified so we can do them together or so they can include a broader range of ages, but the core ideas are coming straight from the book. Even if the activites are something that you normally do that’s GREAT it will be an easy way for you to have a chance to win! Just make sure to take a picture!
The best part?
There will be winners selected weekly. Each week I will draw a winner by random and they will receive a prize! Rookie Moms have been gratious enough to supply books for each week and I will also switch it up once and a while to provide something else – gift certificates, other books, or something I haven’t quite figured out.
But! There is really no reason to not wanna get in on this action!
Now, you’re wondering what you have to do, right? Well, I’ll tell you.
Each Monday morning I will post three activites, or versions of activities, from the book.
Your job is:
- Choose an activity
- Complete the activity within the week. (Monday – Sunday)
- Take pictures while doing said activity
- Write a post
- Include the button provided within your post
- Sign Mr. Linky so people can come see what you’ve done!
- Deadline is Sunday afternoon – 12pm EST
Sunday evening I will randomly pick a winner who will be revealed on Monday, along with the new set of activities!
:::
This week’s challenges are:
Activity #224: Record your children laughing, babbling or telling a story
Carter has become obsessed with telling stories to the camera and then watching them back, try it out and see how chatty your child can be! (or get the baby cooing, the toddler chatting to themselves, the preteen performing something…it’s up to you!)
Activity #159: Introduce your baby to the tupperware
Let them play with tupperware or pots and pans. Bang, sing songs and jump around the kitchen!
Activity #7: Get your calcium the fun way
Translation: Go to the local ice cream shop and get a cone! You can share one or have one each!
Prize for this week!? A copy of The Rookie Mom’s Handbook!
Go on! Have fun, then come back here and sign Mr. Linky when you’re done!
Buttons:
**Â UPDATE! **
There was additional coding that got its way into the text box somehow. They should all be working now, but please let me know if there’s anymore troubles! Sorry about that!
20
Aug
So, I’ve been struggling with leaving the house.
The day after I wrote that, I shipped Carter off to daycare, got showered and dressed, then went out for a couple hours to shop for gifts for Carter’s birthday (Friday. OMG. He’s THREE on FRIDAY!).
I wore whatever decent clothes I could cramp my still-over-weight postpartum body into and I even put on make up!
It truly felt great. Normal.
Back to myself.
To keep the depression at bay, I have to get myself out of the house; I’m realizing that. I now need to tackle getting both my boys out of the house and doing something fun! together. Since I’ve wasted so much of the summer, the guilt is racking up.
I need to vanquish the guilt.
That’s why I am making a weekly challenge of it.
For us.
And for US! (That’s YOU!)
I’ve been racking my brain for ideas to use as a weekly feature I could host here. My ’situation’ gave way to a brilliant idea, a weekly feature encouraging me (and us) to step outside of my (our) comfort zone (or stay within it) and do different activities with our children.
** Backtrack 2 months **
I entered and won a marketing giveaway at Parent Bloggers Network which was sponsored by Rookie Moms. Included in my wonderful package was a copy of Whitney and Heather’s book, The Rookie Mom’s Handbook.
See where I’m going with this?
Okay. So I thought about their book and how it would be great to use their activities as a guide; I contacted them for permission and they one upped me by sponsoring my feature and providing WEEKLY giveaway prizes!
For Serious?
SERIOUS!!
So next Monday (August 25) will be our inaugural challenge! More details to come as they’re still being ironed out and I’m making more buttons too!!
(Here’s a sample!)
So start spreading the news!
(Wow, I all of a sudden felt like singing Frank Sinatra!)
Spread! Share! Enlighten!
WEEKLY GIVEAWAYS!
Um. WOW!
***UPDATE!****
Oh, and this just in….
I get to partake in a conference call / interview with Michael Phelps’ mom today!!
Let hope I don’t slip up and start blabbering about how HOT her son’s body is talented her son is.
Mmmmm…
