Calling All Bloggers! Help!

I consider myself a new-be when it comes to the blogger world.  I love writing about my experiences as a new mom, and I love getting feedback from readers (Please keep those comments coming).  Despite my initial hesitation of posting pics of my baby girl, I now have to restrain myself from overloading my blog with pics of her.  Here are some snapshots I recently took.

Clearly I'm not a professional photog.  I just try to capture as many candid moments as possible with my digital camera.  I have been contemplating investing in one of those expensive cameras.  My little Princess moves around so much that it's hard to snap the picture in time.  I've been researching different cameras and while it could be pricey, I think it's well worth it.  I've also searched far and wide for photogs in my area, but they're hard to find and way too expensive.  If anyone has any advice, I'm all eyes!

P.S.  I can also use some advice about my header too.  I've been playing around in photoshop and with the help of a co-worker, this is what we came up with.  It's not the best picture in the world, but it's one of the few pics I have with my little one that my hubby took.  Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

Weather Anchor Mama

Another Baby On the Way!?

As you already know, I am a proud mama of one.  But it seems like every time I get together with friends I'm asked the question, "When are you having baby number two?"  Yikes!  I've always loved kids and I've always wanted to be a mom.  But, I have to admit that it's a lot of work.  Having my baby girl is like having a tribe sometimes!  It can be tough but my hubby and I love parenting, and we love her.

Now all this talk of baby number two has got me thinking, It would be nice to have another little one.  I wonder what he or she will look like.  I was surfing the web and came across this cool site, morphster.com, entered our pics and like magic our baby boy appeared!!!  I almost fell out of my chair laughing when this face popped up.  My co-worker said "it's a face only a mother would love!"

Then I decided to morph our faces again to see what our second baby girl would look like.  Check it out!

 Pretty cool, huh?!!  Our baby boy looks kinda cute in an old man sort of way.  Our little girl looks a little scary though.  I think it's pretty funny how they both look Asian.  They have my eyes!  My hubby and I talk about having more babies all the time.  We can agree that we want to give all of our time and energy to our little Princess.  Maybe someday we'll have another, but just not now.  In the meantime, I'll have fun dreaming about the possibilities of our next bundle of joy.

Jamin' To Vintage Whitney With My Princess

If you ask anyone who my favorite singer was growing up besides Michael Jackson of course, they'd tell you Whitney Houston.  My family couldn't afford cable back in the day, so the only time I was able to see her music videos was when I visited my cousins on Long Island.  We also had all her cds and on weekends I would jam out to all her songs, especially "How Will I Know."  Ask any of my siblings and they'd tell you I was obsessed and would sing all of her songs all throughout our apartment.

Years later I still can't pass up a chance to jam out to some vintage Whitney.  My hubby and I took our little Princess to the mall.  I saw a big sale sign hanging outside of Baby Gap and decided to check it out.  Once we were inside, I heard one of my favorite Whitney songs and couldn't help bustin' a move with my little one and she thoroughly enjoyed it.  I'm sure there were some workers and customers who thought we were bonkers, but who cares.  We had fun!  Check it out!  

Side bar:  I know I look a hot mess, so please be nice.

OMG!!! My Little Princess Went Missing!!

I never thought in a million years, I'd misplace my own child!  I searched everywhere to find her!  After hours upon hours, here's where she turned up!

I found her wondering around in this field of beautiful flowers and as always, she was all smiles!  Wait, before you go calling the authorities on me, I'm only kidding!  I was actually messing around with Photoshop.  It's amazing at all the things you can do!

Weather Anchor Mama

Homeless Beauty Queen

I was watching the news magazine show, 20/20, over the weekend and one story literally brought tears to my eyes.  It was about homeless beauty queen, Blair Griffith.  I initially thought, "here's another pageant girl looking to score sympathy votes."  Having competed in pageants both in the USA and my native country, Jamaica, I've come across so many different girls who would do everything in their power to win that crown.

After watching the interview, I had a much different feeling.  It turns out that under no fault of her own, Blair and her mom were evicted from their home in Colorado.  Even though they have not been living on the streets, they still have no place to call their own.  The part that really made me tear up is when the reporter reveled that her dad, who happened to be her biggest pageant supporter, had passed away from cancer.  Also, her mom had had a heart attack.  Both occurrences led to high medical bills, which ultimately caused their financial struggles.  Once evicted, Blair did not make this information public.  The cat was let of the bag when someone offered to conduct an interview at her home.  

The obvious happy ending is that she received a lot of help from various sponsors and she will be competing for the Miss USA crown on Father's Day.  Unfortunately, her dad won't physically be there to support her.  But, I'm sure he will be there in spirit.

Still Suffering From Mommy Brain

When I was preggers, I did and said things that may have given off the vibe that I was a total space cadet.  Some may refer to it as "Mommy Brain."  It's said that expectant moms go through a stage of forgetfulness during their pregnancy which should improve after birth.  One journalist even wrote a book about how motherhood improves our memory.  It seems like my brain is still having a bit of trouble retaining information.  Like any other weekday, I woke up and got my little one ready for daycare.  It was Pirates and Princess day, so I dressed her in this cute ensemble she got from her Godmama Tiff.  Despite early morning rain, sunny and warm weather took over in the afternoon.  So, I couldn't pass up taking a quick pic.

Before heading off to work, I dropped my little Princess off at daycare.  I was running a little behind because of our impromptu mini photo shoot.  I made it in to work with a couple of minutes to spare.  I did the usual afternoon greeting, put my bags down, and placed my lunch in the refrigerator.  Just as I got ready to sit down and log into my computer someone said, "Stacy-Ann, your not supposed to be hear, you have a day off."  I said, "Word?"  I couldn't believe it!  I had no idea I had a scheduled day off!  What was I thinking?  I guess I wasn't really thinking because I've had so much on my mind these last few days.  I didn't want it to be a total waist of a day, so I decided to stop by my hubby's job which is only like five minutes away.  I figured I could stop by for a little while and leave before rush hour.  I must have been there about 45 minutes, when someone shouted, "It's raining!"  I looked outside and it was raining cats and dogs with thunder and lightning to go along with it.  It was coming down so hard that the umbrella my hubby was holding over our heads did absolutely nothing to keep us dry.  I would have taken a pic of us, but my iphone would have drowned!

By the grace of God I found the expressway and headed toward home.  On my way, I noticed that some highways were transformed into streams and were almost impassable.  I arrived at my daughter's daycare within 2 hours.  Then reached my front door about a half hour later.  It took me more than twice the normal commute time, not including picking up my little one.  What an insane day!  I took this video clip while waiting at a red light.  Princess didn't seem phased by this wicked weather because she fell asleep.  You can hear thunder and see lightning in this clip.  It was pretty intense.

I've read that a woman's memory improves after giving birth.  But, clearly mine hasn't.  Not only did I forget that I had the day of from work, I forgot my own forecast!

My Baby is sick & I am stressing out!

I'm sure a lot of you parents out there can relate to sick children.  It's even worse when they're babies.  They can't vocalize their pain.  My Princess has been sick with a bad chest cold for a few days now and it doesn't seem to be getting any better.  The worse part is that she got this cold from her mom.  It sucks!!


The weird thing is that despite being sick, she's still her happy self!  Her teacher included a little note on her infant gram stating that she still had a blast, even though she coughed a lot.  It shows how much of a trooper my little baby is. 

Like any other day, I dressed her up for daycare and took some cute snapshots of her outside.  I know, I am totally obsessed with catching every precious moment possible.  But, I couldn't pass it up.  It was such a nice day!

Now I feel so guilty because I gave her this horrible cough.  It took almost two weeks for it to get better, and I'm just hoping it won't be the same for her.  Well, I hope the doctor has good news.  I'll be keeping my fingers and toes crossed.

What's For Dinner?

I am an island girl, originally from Jamaica (not Jamaica, Queens despite what it says on Wikipedia).  So, when it comes to throwing down in the kitchen, I may know a thing or two.  I always knew that I wanted to feed my kids freshly prepared meals.  I make it a point to puree fresh fruits and veggies for my little one.  But when I'm pressed for time, I don't mind whipping out baby food in a jar.  I haven't been brave enough to have her try meats in a jar though.  I know people give it to their babies all the time and I'm sure it's safe.  Otherwise, it wouldn't be on store shelves. 

Instead I decided to cook up some rice and peas and chicken.  I can't hit her with the Jamaican style dish just yet, so I had to give her a modified version.


First, I soaked some red beans.  Then boiled it until tender.

Second, I streamed brown rice (a healthier alternative to white rice).

Third, I washed, seasoned, chopped chicken.  Then cooked it on the stovetop.  Lastly, I put all three into my puree machine and blended everything together, added about an ounce of my breast milk and voila!

Finally, the true test...

It's a winner!  She ate it up!

Cause For a Double Celebration!

This weekend may have started out gloomy, but I must say it ended on a great note.  I'm not just referring to the outdoors.  My little Princess was feeling a little under the weather.  I was worried because her baptism was scheduled for Sunday.  We also had a few hang ups along the way, but everything worked out fine.  Like a true diva, she came through in the clutch and was all smiles.  

Post Baptism dress courtesy of Godmama Tiff and her mom

When my hubby and I originally scheduled her baptism, we didn't think about the significance this particular day.  I came across one of my favorite blogs, Baby Making Machine, and realized that our baby's baptism was held on "Loving Day."  For those of you who don't know, Loving Day celebrates the victory of interracial couple Mildred Jeter and Richard Loving being able to live in peace as husband and wife in their home state.

I remember watching a movie based on this couple starring Tim Hutton and Lela Richon years ago.  Loving and Jeter both grew up in Virginia, later fell in love with one another and decided to get married in 1958.  But in order for them to legally get hitched, they had to travel to Washington, DC.  Upon returning to Virginia, they were arrested.  Not only did the state forbid mixed marriages, they also didn't allow getting married out of state and returning to live.

Instead of spending time in prison, the Lovings were ordered to leave the state of Virginia.  After years of struggle, they won the right to live in peace as husband and wife.  The case also paved the way for other states to follow suite in allowing interracial marriages.  My husband is white and I am black.  If it weren't for this couple, we probably wouldn't have been able to get married and my little Princess probably wouldn't have been born.  This victory happened in 1967.  It doesn't seem that long ago.  So now when I think about the day my baby girl was baptized, I will be thinking about the Loving family.  My husband and I will celebrate our own lovely union as an interracial couple as well as the baptism of our little Princess.

Sleep Conundrums

I always knew that having a baby meant giving up a lot.  My hubby and I have restructured our lives ever since our little Princess came into the world.  It's something we do willingly because we want to be there for our baby girl.   We may happily decline an invite to a social event just so we can spend time with her.  But, the one thing I must say we reluctantly give up is sleep.  For the first few months, it was a nightmare which is typical.  I don't think I got more than a couple of hours of sleep a night while on maternity leave.  By the time I was ready to head back to work her sleeping habits improved tremendously.  People would ask me all the time if she slept through the night and I'd say "yep."  Everyone was so shocked!  I thought I was blessed to have a baby who didn't wake up in the middle of the night.  Then teething started.  Need I say more?

She went from sleeping through the night to not lasting two hours without waking up.  I could rip my hair out!  I've blogged about her teething conundrums before.  I actually think that old school remedy might have worked.  But, now she refuses to sleep through the night.  She fights to sleep both at night and day. When she finally gives in, she nods off everywhere except the crib.  It's quite comical, but walking around like a zombie at work isn't.  

I know it's only temporary and it will get better.  But, jeez louise...

She sleeps in her bassinet for an hour tops.

Sometimes going ol' school with barriers around her does the trick.

She sometimes dozes off in her highchair after eating.

When I'm not in bed with her, she'd rather sleep in her carrier.

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Extreme Heat!

Call it a Spring Scorcher!


Hazy, hot, and humid weather is in control.  It was a day of record breaking tempertures across portions of the northeast with highs topping out into the 90s in some areas.  But the heat indices made it feel much hotter!  Another sizzling day is on tap for Thursday.  There is a chance of breaking some record highs, so do your best to stay cool.  The National Weather Service has issued a heat adivsory and air quality alert across the tri-state.  But no matter where you reside, you may have to contend with extreme temperatures at some point.  Here are some tips to stay cool:


  1.  Wear light wait clothing.  Keep in mind that dark colors absorb heat, while light colored cloths reflect those harmful UV rays.


  2.  Don't forget the hat and shades.


  3.  Drink plenty of fluids.  Water is always the best bet.  If you have to that caffeine fix, go with tea instead of coffee.  Also, avoid alcohol. 


  4.  Stay indoors where there's air-conditioning.
  5.  Go for a dip at the beach, pool, or head for the sprinkers.  Don't forget the suncreen!


These simple tips are great ways to beat the heat!  Be safe!

Sun Safety for Babies

Summer doesn't officially arrive until June 21th at 1:16PM to be exact. With temps heating up this week, many will be flocking to beaches or the pool to cool off.  But before taking that dip, don't forget the sunscreen.  No matter what your skin tone, pile it on!  No one is exempt from sunburn.  I can't lie, I've been guilty of forgetting to apply sunscreen myself.  


When I dropped off my little Princess at daycare, I was told it's National Sun & Safety Week!  The babies will be learning about the importance of applying sunscreen and other sun safety tips.  I think it's great that this lesson is being taught early.


My little Princess loves being outdoors.  When I take her out for walks, I never forget her hat.  But, I can't say I've always applied sunscreen. I know.  I know.  Bad mommy.  But, that's about to change.  The hubby and I went out and bought two of them, one for home and another for daycare.  Whether heading out for a buggy ride at daycare or hanging with mommy and daddy outside, she'll be fully lathered up.

All it takes for some is a few minutes to get sunburn.  I know everyone is different when I comes to reacting to those harmful UV rays.  But, it's better to be safe than sorry.  Plus, a baby's skin is so delicate.  It's so important to apply suncreen often.  I came across some useful info about Treating Sunburn in Children.  Be safe!


Weather Anchor Mama

What You Don't Know About Me

I've been working feverishly at organizing baby pics all weekend.  I barely had enough time to go out and enjoy the nice weather.


One thing many people don't know about me is that I don't have any baby pics of myself.  I've asked family members, but no one has any!  Can you believe this?  It was a little tough to deal with growing up, but I am over it.  I remember teachers asking all the students to bring in baby pictures of themselves.  Everyone would gasp in disbelief, when I said I didn't have any.  But, there's nothing I can do about it now.  Oh wait, there is one thing...I won't let history repeat itself.  All I do is take pictures of my little  Princess.  She loves the camera!  Now that the weather is nicer, we'll be taking a ton of them.   Check out these cute snapshots!

Just For Giggles

I always have my camera in hand to capture cute shots of my little Princess.  She is always up to something.  Check out this cute video of her falling asleep, while trying to escape the highchair.

How I Survived a Pit Bull Attack!

I was 19 years old when I was attacked by a pit bull.  It's been a long time, but I remember it like it was yesterday.  


I've always been an athlete, so it wasn't unusual for me to go jogging whether rain or shine.  On one rainy summer day I decided to head to the track, despite my mother's disapproval.  I assured her that I wouldn't be long.  "I should be back before dark," I said.  I wish I would have listened to her that day and stayed home.


By the time I parked the car in my high school parking lot, the rain had tapered off to a light mist.  It was a very muggy day.  I was wearing my blue spandex with one of my old high school t-shirts.  I got out of the car, closed the door, tightened my shoe laces, and began a light jog onto the field.  I had decided to do laps around the entire field instead of just running around the track.  I figured that I'd get more of an intense workout, since I scarfed down a brownie sunday the day before.  Anyway, it didn't take long because within seconds of hitting the field I saw a pit bull, without a leash, running in the distance.  He was probably about a quarter of a mile away at the time.  But, in the blink of an eye he was within inches from me.  I will never forget the look in his eyes, as if I were his next meal.  He didn't waste any time charging after me.  His brown, solid frame wasn't the least bit fazed by me pounding away at his head.  In fact, it must have made him more angry.  


By this time, he had my right leg in his mouth.  The owner, who must have been no older than myself, told me to keep still.  "How am I supposed to keep still?" I yelled.  I fell to the ground, and then a voice in me said, "Get your ass up!  If you don't, then you're done."  By the grace of God, I got up.  I kept fighting.  The owner kept trying to control the vicious animal.  I remember he kept punching the dog in the side.  I'm not sure what that was supposed to do, and  I 'm not sure it helped the situation.  That pit bull was relentless!  He didn't seem tired in the least bit.  After what appeared to be an eternity, he finally let go of my leg.  Then within seconds, he came after me again.  I thought I was dead for sure.  I remember tears flowing down my cheeks like waterfalls.  I remember the young man saying, "walk away slowly."  I then turned halfway and limped back to my car with my blood soaked, torn, blue spandex.


Once I got into the car, I broke down.  I couldn't believe that I lived through that attack!  You're probably wondering if I reported the incident, or sued the owner.  The answer to both questions, NO!  I just wanted to get out of there with my life and all of my body parts.  I don't think I told my mom until days later.  Thankfully, I didn't need any stitches.  If I didn't fight like hell, I could have needed surgery or even loss a part of my leg.  Who knows? In retrospect, I should have been tested for rabies and gotten a shot.  I know now that not reporting the incident probably wasn't the brightest decision.  It's one of my biggest regrets.  I also shouldn't have gone running.  Ever since that day, I don't think I've been the same.   


I've always been terrified of dogs my whole life, and this incident made it worse.  As a matter of fact, I thought I had gotten over my fear before the attack.  But, it ended up setting me back big time.
To this day it's extremely difficult to even walk down the street without thinking that a dog is waiting to pounce.  I would never forget the look in this dog's eyes.  I can close mine and a picture of him pops in my head.

This isn't the actual dog that attacked me.  But, looks very similar.

Luckily, the actual scar on my leg has faded.  But, the images will probably be forever etched in my brain.  I don't think I will ever forget this experience.  If I had it my way, I would erase it from my memory completely because it affects me to this day.  Now that I have my little Princess I want to protect her from these kinds of animals.  


The attack was like a chain reaction because I can recall hearing about so many similar situations not too long after that.  Moreover, 
recent pit bull attacks have been cropping up in the news lately, and it has brought me back to that place.  One story in particular was featured in almost every news outlet in New York City, including the Daily News.  A four year old boy was mauled by a pit bull in his own home in Bensonhurst, NY over the Memorial Day weekend, right in front of his young siblings.  His mom was in another room, when it all started.  This story in particular struck a cord with me because the family also claimed that this young boy was afraid of the animal.  It's also been reported that this dog was trained to fight which begs the question.  Are dogs responsible for the horrible attacks? Should we blame the owners for not training these animals properly?  Are pit bulls or any other dogs safe around young children?  It's just sad and it breaks my heart when I hear or read about stories like this little boy.  My heart breaks.  Every time I feel like I've moved on from my personal attack, stories like this brings me right back to that place.  There was another incident this week where a father and daughter were attacked by two pit bulls as they passed out religious flyers door to door in Greenburgh, NY.  The scene got so violent that cops ended up shooting and killing one of the animals.  It's sad, but that officer had to protect himself and others in the vicinity.  I think he made the right choice in this particular situation. 

Let's be clear, I am not a dog hater.  I just wish stories like this would never happen.  Now that I have a child of my own, it makes it even worse.  I would love to hear your thoughts.  Good or bad, agree or disagree, I appreciate the feedback!