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Why You Shouldn't Feed Other Peoples' Kids

 

Baby O's First Day at Daycare!

I can't believe this day has arrived. Baby O's first day at daycare! This moment is bitter sweet. I remember experiencing the exact same thing with Princess just a few years ago. Having one child in daycare is nothing like having two. My hubby and I spent the entire weekend preparing everything. We also had a chat with big sis to get her ready for the change. Rather than running around like two chickens with our heads cut off, we made a list of things to do and things to bring. We also got everything in place before hitting the sack the night before, to minimize the chaos. It was much easier for my hubby to drop Princess off in the morning, while Baby O and I traveled together in the afternoon. I'm not at the point where I want him to be there all day. I did the same with big sis just a few years back, and it worked out better for all of us. Here's a quick video of how everything went: Baby O had no problem settling into his class.

I also poked my head into Princess's classroom during nap time and gave her a kiss.

The mama in me had to call later in the day to check in to see how Baby O was doing. The teacher said he fit right in. Grandma and Daddy also said that picking up the two was a snap. I'm so glad everything went well.

 

10 Things I'll Miss Most About Maternity Leave

My maternity leave is coming to an end. I'll be heading back to work, and my heart is filled with grief and excitement. I'm excited to be heading back to the daily grind and doing what I love. But, I'm grieving about being away from Princess and Baby O. This is my second maternity leave, and I thought returning to work the second time around would be a piece of cake. But, it's gonna be harder than the first. Here's what I'll miss most: 1. Not having a schedule. Aside from meeting deadlines for school, I really haven't had a set schedule for the last 12 weeks (except for things concerning the kids, of course). 2. Not having to get dolled up. My skin has gotten a much needed brake from makeup application. 3. Being home with my family during the evenings. I usually make dinner before going to work, and set it aside for Princess and her Dad. But, it's been nice being home at dinner time. I'm gonna miss hearing Princess's question of the day, "Mommy what are you making for dinner?" 4. Daytime walks. One of things I love about being home during the day is being able to go for a stroll. Both kids love being outdoors. I remember taking Princess outside as a baby and walking her around the neighborhood, whenever she'd get cranky. I do the same with her little Bro. The movement calms him down too. 5. Sleeping. I thought that being home with a new baby would mean little to no sleep. Baby O has been a pretty good sleeper, which has allowed me to get some extra nap time. 6. Free time. Spare moments are far and few between. But, I've been lucky to have the help of my hubby and my mom. I've been able to use what little time I have to exercise and run errands. 7. Bedtime with Princess. I usually tuck her in on the weekends. But, we've made bedtime a routine during the week. We read two books, say our prayers, chat about the day, and I'd rub her back until she falls asleep. I'm counting on my hubby to stick with this routine. She's come a long way, and her reading skills continue to improve everyday.

8. Family time. We're usually limited to family time on the weekends. But since I've been home, we've been able to chill more as a family. My husband and I managed to squeeze in a date night.

9. Spending the entire day with Baby O. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Baby O is mad cool. You can just look at him and tell he's got swag. Just like any other baby, he does have his cranky moments. But, he's just so much fun to be around. I love his contagious laugh. I love the way he kicks his legs like he's getting ready to get up and go somewhere. He's a busy little baby. I also love the way he sits back and observes everyone around him. His Dad thinks he's a mama's boy, and I have no problem with that.

10. Being a stay at home mom. Even though my maternity leave has only lasted 12 weeks, I still consider myself a temporary SAHM. Some people think all you do is sit on your butt all day. But that's so not true. It's hard work let me tell ya. Keeping the the house in order has been one of the biggest challenges. But, I've managed to work out a pretty good system. Bonus: Being able to take a trip at a moments notice. My maternity leave has turned out pretty well. The only regret that I have is that I can't extend it another 12 weeks. What did you miss most about being on maternity leave? What do you love about being a SAHM?

 

10 Things I'll Miss Most About Maternity Leave

My maternity leave is coming to an end. I'll be heading back to work, and my heart is filled with grief and excitement. I'm excited to be heading back to the daily grind and doing what I love. But, I'm grieving about being away from Princess and Baby O. This is my second maternity leave, and I thought returning to work the second time around would be a piece of cake. But, it's gonna be harder than the first. Here's what I'll miss most: 1. Not having a schedule. Aside from meeting deadlines for school, I really haven't had a set schedule for the last 12 weeks (except for things concerning the kids, of course). 2. Not having to get dolled up. My skin has gotten a much needed brake from makeup application. 3. Being home with my family during the evenings. I usually make dinner before going to work, and set it aside for Princess and her Dad. But, it's been nice being home at dinner time. I'm gonna miss hearing Princess's question of the day, "Mommy what are you making for dinner?" 4. Daytime walks. One of things I love about being home during the day is being able to go for a stroll. Both kids love being outdoors. I remember taking Princess outside as a baby and walking her around the neighborhood, whenever she'd get cranky. I do the same with her little Bro. The movement calms him down too. 5. Sleeping. I thought that being home with a new baby would mean little to no sleep. Baby O has been a pretty good sleeper, which has allowed me to get some extra nap time. 6. Free time. Spare moments are far and few between. But, I've been lucky to have the help of my hubby and my mom. I've been able to use what little time I have to exercise and run errands. 7. Bedtime with Princess. I usually tuck her in on the weekends. But, we've made bedtime a routine during the week. We read two books, say our prayers, chat about the day, and I'd rub her back until she falls asleep. I'm counting on my hubby to stick with this routine. She's come a long way, and her reading skills continue to improve everyday.

8. Family time. We're usually limited to family time on the weekends. But since I've been home, we've been able to chill more as a family. My husband and I managed to squeeze in a date night.

9. Spending the entire day with Baby O. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Baby O is mad cool. You can just look at him and tell he's got swag. Just like any other baby, he does have his cranky moments. But, he's just so much fun to be around. I love his contagious laugh. I love the way he kicks his legs like he's getting ready to get up and go somewhere. He's a busy little baby. I also love the way he sits back and observes everyone around him. His Dad thinks he's a mama's boy, and I have no problem with that.

10. Being a stay at home mom. Even though my maternity leave has only lasted 12 weeks, I still consider myself a temporary SAHM. Some people think all you do is sit on your butt all day. But that's so not true. It's hard work let me tell ya. Keeping the the house in order has been one of the biggest challenges. But, I've managed to work out a pretty good system. Bonus: Being able to take a trip at a moments notice. My maternity leave has turned out pretty well. The only regret that I have is that I can't extend it another 12 weeks. What did you miss most about being on maternity leave? What do you love about being a SAHM?

 

Blogalicious Recap (Part 1)

I’ve been on a Blogalicious high for the past week, and I’ve been itching to post a recap. But exams and midterms have had my attention, since returning from Atlanta. I took the liberty of posting this YouTube video to recap the first day. Day one was all about traveling, getting settled in, and hanging with my blogger buds. I did attend the general session, which focused on Growing and Managing an Active Social Media Community. However, Baby O needed a time out soon afterwards. Shout out to Vanessa Bell of De Su Mama who offered up her room so that I could nurse him. Besides getting acquainted with some of my favorite bloggers, I did have an opportunity to chat with some of the Sponsors during the 3-Minute Media Mingle: A Brand-Blogger Networking Mixer. The second day proved to be a fun filled day. There were so many activities including the American Cancer Society Fun Run, which sadly I wasn’t able to take part in. But, I was able to catch the opening keynote with Ebony Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Amy Dubois-Barnett. I found her to be a breath of fresh air as she delivered such poignant messages during her speech that included: 1. Deliver an inspirational message behind your work and stay true to yourself. 2. Know how to make people see your vision. 3. Know who you want to be. 4. Know your mission. 5. Embrace fear as growth. 6. Step out of your comfort zone in order to grow. 7. You know yourself best. Be comfortable in your own skin. 8. Expect to be successful and happy. 9. Be careful what you put into the universe. People will feel your energy. 10. Act happy. Follow though. Do what you say you're gonna do. 11. Be independent. No one can live your life. 12. Do something meaningful everyday. What I found most captivating was the story about her tenure at Harper’s Bazaar. She was hired as the first black Editor-in-Chief at the high fashion magazine. Even though she held such a lucrative position at one of the biggest publications, Barnett didn’t believe it was the right fit for her. She ultimately resigned from the position. It goes to show that just because something looks and sounds great, doesn’t mean it is. I can totally relate to that experience. Now she holds the same position at Ebony magazine. Her story is a true testament to being authentic and never compromising one’s integrity. After hearing from Barnett, an all-star keynote panel took the stage. Each shared how they were able to grow their businesses and provided the audience with wonderful words of wisdom. Unfortunately, I had to dip out again for a while because Baby O needed a break. I was able to pop in to various sessions throughout the day, as well as meet up with some of my blogger friends like Jennifer Borget from Baby Making Machine and Quianna Agbai of Harlem Love Birds.

This was also a family reunion of sorts. My aunt, who lives in Atlanta, stopped by for a visit.

Stay tuned for Part two of my Blogalicious recap. I'll reveal how one hotel patron insulted Baby O. Some people have no filter whatsoever.