Friday, October 31, 2008

What Shoud You Be For Halloween?

Happy Halloween All!! I thought it would be fun to play along today since it is Halloween!!


You Should Be a Prisoner




You are seen as wild and even a little naughty. You enjoy breaking the rules.

You see Halloween as the day where you can be anything you want to be.

You don't think Halloween is a particularly scary holiday.

If anything, it's a little bit sexy - and you love it that way!

Anyone going to a fun party tonight or have Halloween plans?

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Mom For A Week


So I'm playing Mommy this week.. Brian's parents went away for their annual trip to the Bahamas(to the Atlantis - have I mentioned how jealous I am, LOL) so Brian and I are staying with his little brother. But I have come to realize that his little brother isn't so little anymore!! He was in 4th grade when I first met him and now he is a senior in high school..I can hardly beleive how fast time really does fly!


So I've been cooking and doing the laundry and just making sure the house is in order! I even helped him apply to 2 colleges so far... We have 3 more to go!! His brother is old enough to be independent just not old enough to stay alone for a week by himself. Even though he is an awesome kid and so not a trouble maker, he's still at that age where they can get themselves in to trouble!! And that is something we don't need...


But I actually love staying at his parent's house! It's so nice - and spacious compared to our little apartment!! And they have an amazing Jacuzzi Tub I can soak in after a long, hard days work!! Nothing better then a glass of wine and a bubble bath right?


The only thing that kinda stinks is that work is about 40 minutes away so I get less beauty sleep in the AM.. But it's ok - i don't mind....So i'm looking forward to Friday afternoon so I can had out the candy to the trick or treaters and help his brother get ready for his Halloweeen Bash!! I like the change of scenary every once and awhile!!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Wordless Wednesday


Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Can You Spot the Fake?

I did this once before and it was sooo much fun to see what you all guessed!!! I love reading the news, even though it is sometimes depressing! But hearing about the "weird" or "strange" news is sometimes good for a laugh!!!


Can you spot the 2 fake news stories?


1. FREEZE!!
Police say man tried to steal several bags of frozen shrimp from a supermarket by hiding them down his pants.
2. Can This Wedding Be Saved?
Woman must stay away from fiance two weeks before wedding, after she is accused of running over his foot, then biting him.
3. Around the world in 30 years!!
While on vacation with her family a 12 year old girl finds her mother's "message in a bottle" that she threw into the ocean when she was 9 years old!
4. Airplane Food
American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad in first class.
5. What Happens In Vegas Doesn't Always Stay In Vegas
Couple that got married on the vegas strip after knowing each other for only 2 hours have been married for 12 years and have 3 children together.
6. Arrested for What?
Michigan police arrested a 29-year-old man for allegedly "receiving sexual favors from a vacuum" at a car wash. Nearby residents called police after seeing suspicious activity..


Have fun and try and pick the fakes if you can!!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Nervous Wreck

See that beautiful Harley? I fear that it has become my worst enemy! But you see we have a love hate relationship!! And it's not because Brian loves to ride; I love and I mean L.O.V.E. to ride with him!! BUT, yesterday he went out for some riding brigade, or whatever it may be with like 20 other people.... Sounds fun right? Right, unitl he called and left me a message saying that someone they were riding with fell!! OMG!!!! Apparently the guy took a turn too wide and the bike fell out from under him and it flipped over him and went flying into the woods!!!! The guy was ok - just banged up; so was the bike.. YIKES!!!!
Now this is another thing I have to worry about!! Brian is a very, very skilled rider and he knows what he is doing and he is very careful!! I known that it won't happen to him....It's just the "what if" that bothers me!!! What if, what if, what if..... Grrrr..... Cause that's what I need!!!
Maybe i'm just nerotic!?!

My Love For coach Purses

I truly have such a love for Coach purses - always have and always will!
I need something good to happen in my life!! I need some true happiness like a new purse from Coach, LOL! I don't make a lot of money and I barely buy myself anything new, unfortunately!!!! But I saw this new
Coach Soho Metallic Hobo and I fell in love.... I know that I'll probably never get it - maybe the Coach fairy will deliver it to my door, but I guess a girl can dream now can't she.... And hey, at least it's one of the less expensive bags they have.. Thier prices are going up so much I can hardly believe it!! What happened to Coach being relatively affordable? At least I like the less expensive stuff I guess......



Saturday, October 25, 2008

People Falling

I don't know if I ever mentioned this before I find it sooo funny when someone falls!! I guess it's out of nervousness!! But someone falls and I laugh! In high school one of my teachers sat on her chair and the chair broke - I think I laughed for the entire day! I laughed so much I had to excuse myself from class while she was on the floor in pain, lol.. and to boot she was a "Nun!" I know, I know not the classiest move, LOL...

But anyway I saw this video almost a year ago. I'm sure some of you have seen this.... But check it out - I'd be soooo mad if something like this happened to me! Wouldn't You???

Friday, October 24, 2008

The Cool Gear


So I am in the process of seeing what clothes I would like to pack for Vegas when Brian and I go next month. I have been shopping around online cause I’d like some new and relatively affordable hip things to bring with me and I came across this very cool, chic website called Local Celebrity. They have such hip, cute T-shirts for both men and women. They are all so stylish and some extremly funny!!

They are located in fabulous little warehouse in the downtown L.A. area known as Skid Row. Not only can you find their Tee’s online, but you can also find them in “finer” retail stores around the world. I like this brand because they also offer limited edition designs that you cannot get anywhere else… And you all know I like to be unique!

You should really go over and check out their website and see what kind of cool stuff they have to offer! They also add new T-Shirts to the website every single Monday, they call it “Mo Fresh Monday.” And if you place an order that is over Fifty Dollars you get free shipping on your order. Don’t you just love when companies offer free shipping? It makes me so much more inclined to order from them; cause I hate paying shipping costs! But even if you don’t order over Fifty Dollars worth of items they offer extremely reasonable shipping costs. You should seriously go check ‘em out! You could be stylin like a Local Celebrity next week!!!!




So check out their cool t shirts or their funny t-shirts to get yours today!

Christmas is around the corner get your shopping down early for that special celebrity in your life, LOL......


And if you like green t-shirts you're in luck cause they've got 'em!!!!
What are you waiting for go check them out!!

Thoughts To Live By

1.Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
2. Memorise your favourite poem.
3. Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
4. When you say 'I love you', mean it.
5. When you say 'I'm sorry', look the person in the eye.
6. Be engaged for at least 6 months before you get married.
7. Believe in love at first sight.
8. Never laugh at anyones dreams.
9. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
10. In disagreements fight fairly, no name calling.
11. Don't judge people by their relatives.
12. Talk slowly but think quickly.
13. When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why do you want to know?"
14. Remember that great love and great acheivements involve great risk.
15. Call your mom.
16. Say 'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.
17. When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
18. Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibilities for all your actions.
19. Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
20. When you realise you've made a mistake take immediate steps to correct it.
21. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
22. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
23. Spend some time alone.
24. Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.
25. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
26. Read more books and watch less TV.
27. Live a good honourable life. The when you get older and think back, you'll get to enjoy it a second time.
28. Trust in god but lock your car.
29. A loving atmosphere in your home is so important. Do all you can to create a tranquil harmonious home.
30. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation. Don't bring up the past.
31. Read between the lines.
32. Share your knowledge, it's a way to acheive immortality.
33. Be gentle with the earth.
34. Pray. There's immeasureable power in it.
35. Never interrupt when you are being flattered.
36. Mind your own business.
37. Don't trust a man or woman who doesn't close his/her eyes when you kiss.
38. Once a year, go someplace you've never been before.
39. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck.
40. Learn the rules then break some.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

SORRY!!!

just a quick blurb from me!!! i have been sooooooo busy the past few days I haven't even had a chance to comment and my google reader is over flowing.. I promise I will try and catch up tonight and tomorrow.... Miss you all!!

Say A Little Prayer For Me

If you don't mind say a lil prayer for me today!
And send me all of your good thoughts today if possible!!
I could use all the help I can get and my bloggy friends always have such wise words of wisdom for me!!
Thanks ~ love you all!!

BumGenius Cloth Diaper Review

Hey there - it's Danielle from New Mommy Rant
I received this great bumgenius cloth diaper from Cotton Babies
. Check out there site - it's great!

My first diaper review will be of a bumGenius cloth diaper. That one on the cute little tush above to be exact. I heard a lot of great things about these diapers and I wanted to check them out. The company claims bumGenius is the cloth diapers for every day people because they are so easy to use. I relayed this important slogan to my mom. She laughed at me. Some people!This is the first cloth diaper I ever used.. Well I didn't realize that bumGenius came with an insert and a doubler and stupid me used only the doubler. I can laugh about it now. HA. I took Eliza on a long stroll with her bumGenius diaper. When we returned she had peed and soaked through her cloths and the car seat. OOOPS! However, this was totally my mistake. The next time I used the diaper I used the correct insert an NO Leakage. I have used the diaper since with great success.


What I Love
Velcro stretch-to-fit tabs make them as easy as disposables to close.
There are snaps in front that allow you to adjust the size of the diaper.
Fits babies 7 - 35lbs so you don't need new diapers as baby grows
Awesome color choices: Blossom, Butternut, Grasshopper,

Twilight & White

bumGenius makes a fast drying organic version of the diaper
I honestly can't think of any cons for this diaper. I am very happy with it so far. I guess I will have to wait and see how it hold up in the long run.
Cloth Diaper Grade: A+

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Keepin It Hush Hush



I have sooooo much going on.... Soooo much potential good stuff that i really, really want to share with all of my bloggy buddies.. But i'm feeling like I have to keep it hush hush!! But if you know me, keeping anything hush hush is very and I mean very hard! (hey - i love to talk, LOL)




Soon I will be able to divulge - good or bad!! Hoping for good though!!! All I ask is for some support this week and to keep me in your thoughts and prayers each night.. If you could say a prayer for me I would greatly appreciate it - I can use all the good energy I can get!!




I'm sorry if some of you are confused by this post!! And if you really want to know what's going on then shoot me over an email! I have no problem communicating via email.. It's just something I would like to keep quiet over the blog (damn you google analytics), at least for now!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Not Me Monday

I thought it would be fun to play along this week!!!

~I definately didn't not cook Brian dinner on saturday after he worked all day and I had off..What kind of a girlfriend would I be, I would never do that!
~And I didn't make him serve me the takeout after he worked all day! I would never do that!
~I did not ignore cleaning the bathroom after I said I was going to! I would never not clean our bathroom after I said I would.
~I did not say I hate going to work, not me!
~I did not give the finger to the girl that cut me off while I was driving yesterday; I would never give anyone the finger!
~I did not hide from someone I knew while I was in Barnes & Noble because I didn't want to get caught up in a converstation! I would never hide from someone I knew, not me!
What did you not do today?

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Ramblings

~Shouldn't I be asleep? It's 7 AM on a Saturday, grrrrrr....
~Wouldn't it figure that my coffee makers broken so i can't make coffee!
~Brian had to go to work today :(
~I am happy I can watch some old episodes of my all time favorite TV show.. Beverly Hills 90210, I love that show.
~Today I'm going to pick out books for my cousins unborn baby girl that's due to make her debut in December! I'm putting together a library for her. And a ton of other goodies, but I'll save that for another post :)
~I need to clean up the kitchen.
~And the bathroom.
~To or to not make dinner tonight - that is the question.
~Yay for The Hills marathon on MTV!!
~I'm in a baking mood!! Maybe I'll bake something yummy for Brian. He's a hardworking guy that deserves a yummy treat!
~I see a trip to Target in my future - the very near kind of future!
And now I think I'm going to chill out on the couch for a little bit and maybe take a nap. I've been up for a few hours now and I'm feeling a little bit sleepy... Enjoy your Saturday!!

Friday, October 17, 2008

Yay For Friday


I am so happy it's friday!!! Yesterday was such a crazy busy day. And I hate busy days, don't we all? I seriously felt like that woman in the picture I posted. I had sooo much paper work to do I wanted to scream, I actually did (poor Brian).But my craziness will hopefully be paying off in the near future. Hard work all this time has to bring something good I hope!


This weekend we don't have to much going on. We had dinner plans tonight with some of Brian's friends but they had to cancel because of work.. So that kinda stinks... But I don't really mind! Brian and I haven't had a whole weekend free in a very, very looooong time! So, it's much needed!
What are your plans this weekend? Do anything fun, going away, or laying low like me? Whatever it is I hope it's a good one :)


Thursday, October 16, 2008

My TV Boyfriend



Not only do I love him because he is soooo super smokin hot!!! I love him cause he can shake his ass on the dance floor like no one else... And being tall, dark, and extremly handsome helps too!




Check him out on the dance floor - this is one of my favorites!! So fun and upbeat!!





Ya know what else I love? The fact that Maks has a dance studio in Jersey!! And I have always wanted to learn how to ballrooom dance, it looks so fun! I keep asking Brian if he would get me Dance Lessons with Maks? And he gave me a big fat Hell No!!! hey - a girl can try can't she?

Good Night, Sleep Tight Review Part 2


Kim West, LCSW-C, LLC
The Sleep Lady ®
Author of "Good Night, Sleep Tight"
http://www.sleeplady.com/
Office: 410-647-6005
Fax: 443-927-2722

And for your information I spoke to Kim and she also mentioned that she offers phone consults and gives classes if you are interested. Check out her website; it's great! The Sleep Lady

Bedtime Routine
It must be comforting and predictable, may include books, songs, and their lovey. You need to switch their brain from alert to sleepy. If your child doesn't like part of the routine, such as putting on their pajamas or brushing teeth, do that first & get it over with.
Always put the baby down drowsy but awake. They need to learn how to fall asleep on their own.


In conclusion
Remember to take care of yourself. Review the information as many times as necessary and stick with it. Most children will take a few weeks to sleep train. Patience, consistency, and faith in your abilities to parent are the key!

Good night and sleep tight!!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Thanks Kiddies


It seems as though one of the lovely little kiddies that I teach gave me **BIG SIGH** ringworm.... Yes, you heard it right, ringworm...


No, no no - it's not an actual worm!! What is ringworm you ask - it's a **BIG SIGH** fungus!!! It looks like a tiny little perfect red circle that itches! At least mine does!! It is actually pretty facinating in a gross fungus kind of way, LOL... I'll spare you with a picture - it's so small anyway - about the size of a pea.


I knew what it was the moment I saw it! But just to be safe I went over to the walk-in E.M.O(emergency medical office) just for clarification. While I was waiting in the room the nurse came in for the standard , "what are you hear for today?" kind of questions. I showed her the spot on my arm and mentioned that i thought I had a ringworm spot and I wanted the doctor to just confirm it. Would you believe the nurse had NO IDEA what ring worm was??? Isn't that a little wierd - we're talking about a nurse!! I don't know, I find it a little weird.. She looked at me like I was crazy!!


So anyway the doctor took one look at said, "yup, that's it! that's ringworm!" I was talking to him and he said it's pretty common in schools and daycares.. (It's funny cause I noticed a spot on one of my children's legs but didn't think anything of it at the time...)Then the doctor made some stupid joke about "fungus among us!" I wanted to die of embarassment - I don't know if I was embarassed for him or for myself, LOL...


So in 2 to 3 weeks I will be fungus free... All i need to do is apply over the counter ahtletes foot cream to the area!! I feel so gross I mean who likes to have a fungus among them?? Not me!!! it's nasty!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Don't ask me why but I found those people in the red circle very funny...
This picture was actually taken from a ride In The Magic Kingdom. I forget the name of the ride - but it's the slow one that goes through my favorite of all time "Space Mountain..
Brian and I craked up when we saw this!!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Halloween Here We Come

So we are in to almost the third week on October which means Halloween is approaching! Halloween: The masquerading time of the year, is almost upon us. All of the kids in my class are so excited that this spooky holiday is right around the corner. For the past week and a half or so I’ve been hearing about pirates, spiderman, princesses, batman, star wars, superman, ninjas, transformers: need I go on, LOL.. It brought me back to my childhood when I dressed up as a Laura Ingalls (i loved Little House on the Prairie, lol) a leopard, a horse back rider, even Wonder Woman! When I used to bartend I dressed up as a Race Car driver flag girl - I know what you're thinking - but I had to make the tips! I even dressed as a Harley Davidson girl - I raked in the $ that year, LOL...




Anyway, moving right along! I was talking to my class mom she mentioned that you really need to go out and get costumes way in advance! I mean I don’t have children and I do not dress up anymore so I did not realize that costumes sell out so quick! But I would think that children do not really make up their minds until the week before Halloween right? I mean – one day they want to be a witch and then next day they want to be a super hero!


So with that said it brings me to my point – weren’t you waiting for my point? LOL! I found this really cool online Halloween store called Halloween Adventure. The little boy I babysit wanted to look online at costumes and I came across this pretty extensive website. They seem to have so many different choices and even offer free shipping which is always a plus. And not only do they offer children’s costumes, but they offer costumes for us grown-ups too! They have adult costumes, sexy costumes(come on ladies), pet costumes, holiday costumes, wigs, hat, masks, need I go on! They really do offer Halloween options for everyone! I think it’s great! I’m just wishing I had a Costume party to go to this year – I saw this really cute costume on the website. It was a batgirl costume and so very cute! This costume woiuld be so perfect for me, not to mention it would match Brian's Batman persona. I have always wanted to dress up as Batman and Batgirl... LOl - I know, I'm cheesy!!!!
Wouldn’t that be just so cute? Maybe I'll convince my friend at work to throw a party that night! The costumes are that great! Better then any of the ones I've seen in stores. And they deliver right to your front step!


So check out Halloween Adventure - For over 20 years Halloween Adventure Costume Super Stores has successfully brought the Magic, Fun and Excitement of Halloween to millions of customers, both young and old - from Coast to Coast!
Oh yeah – P.S. – check out their website, they even have

Haunted Attractions! It’s pretty spooky and really got me in to this creepy, crawly soon-to-be Halloween season!


Click here for your all of your Halloween needs:


Halloween Costume Stores





Love and Hate

I thought it would be fun to share a lil of my likes and dislikes with you!

I love sleep
I hate I don't get to sleep enough
I love to work
I hate that I don't make a lot of money
I love mozzarella sticks
I hate that they make you fat
I love doing laundry
I hate folding my clothes
I love my birthday
I hate being sung to
I love my friends
I hate that we don't see each other more often
I love surprises
I hate the uncertainty of life
I love cooking
I hate cleaning up
I love taking a shower
I hate drying my hair
I love to shop
I hate spending money
I love to drive
I hate driving other people
I love watching tv and movies
I hate not being in control of the remote
I love cuddling
I hate sleeping alone
I love Beverly Hills 90210
I hate the remake
I love my family
I hate that we aren't all together
I love when people are themselves
I hate when people are fake
What do you love and hate?

Hypothetical Question

Ok - I have a hypothetical question for you!


What if you have always wanted let's say to buy a house on the water. What if you thought that you were never going to be able to buy that big beautiful house that you have always dreamed of? Do you let go of that dream - do you let go of that thought? Or do you store it somewhere waaaaaaay in the back of your brain incase it happens someday? I really don't know!?!
I know that's kinda a lame post - but that's all I got at the moment!



Monday, October 13, 2008

Meme Monday

I was soooo busy this weekend I had NO time to Blog at all - no wonder why I'm stressed, LOL...
No but, my weekend was great! Brian and I had an awesome visit with Danielle, Pete, and the wonderful, adorable Eliza. I will tell you one thing, being around Eliza makes me feel sooo good! I love visiting them - that family sure does make me smile!
Moving right along!!!!!
I saw this over at Giovanna Diaries!
The rules are to answer the questions with one word! so here I go:



1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Where is your significant other? Home
3. Your hair color? Blonde
4. Your mother? Work
5. Your father? IDK
6. Your favorite thing? Cuddling
7. Your dream last night? Vegas
8. Your dream/goal? Happiness
9. The room you're in? Bedroom
10. Your hobby? Blogging
11. Your fear? Death
12. Where do you want to be in six years? Married
13. Where were you last night? Party
14. What you’re not? Mean
15. What do you wish you had? Rock&RepublicJeans
16. Where you grew up? Jersey
17. The last thing you did? Laundry
18. What are you wearing? PJ's
19. Your TV? JVC
20. Your pet? Brittany
21. Your computer? Dell
22. Your mood? Mellow
23. Missing someone? friends
24. Your car? Civic
25. Something you’re not wearing? Glasses
26. Favorite store? Lots
27. Your summer? Fun
28. Love someone? Many
29. Your favorite color? Pink
30. When is the last time you laughed? Today
31. Last time you cried? Driving
I invite everyone to try this one!
Somtimes it's fun and stress free to play along! So
Get creative and enjoy!!!!!
Happy Monday - May Friday be here faaaaaaaaaast!

Comfortable Camping


Camping is seriously sooo much fun! But I would say that it is more enjoyable with an air matress . I was recently thinking about purchasing a new, more comfortable one( to go along with my apartment like tent,lol) and came across this cool website all about the air matress. This website is a complete Air Mattress Buyer's Guide. Air mattresses are also good for other things besides camping. Maybe you're having someone stay over your house, maybe you're going to stay over a friend's house! I've also used it when we stayed at a hotel with one too many people in the room. They really do come in handy! You should check out this website if you're in need for one it has great tips like an air mattress price list, travel pillows, even bed sheeting.




air matress




Friday, October 10, 2008

Is A Dream Just A Dream?


For the past few months I keep having the same recurring dream!

And I can't figure out what this dream means!


*Backstroy* Incase you didn't know: In high school I played field hockey for all 4 years and was captain my senior year.


So back to my dream: like I said it's been the past few months i have been dreaming that i am late to field hockey tryouts! I then proceed really hard to try and get there and I just can't seem to find my way. I end up very upset in my dream - and my head feels like it's spinning. I end up running and running to get there but it never happens! I feel upset and know that I've lost my shot at playing for the season; which is horrible because in high school I would live and breathe field hockey.
My dream then proceeds to me skipping my math class. Though i try so hard to get there it doesn't happen! I can never seem to make it to the class and again end up upset that i won't be able to graduate!


What the hell does all of this mean? It's crazy - I've been having this same dream for the past 6 or 7 months and it's so frustrating, not to mention upsetting. I literally wake stressed out,upset, and shaken! I want it to end.... What do I do?

Thursday, October 9, 2008

T.G.I. Thursday

Thank gosh it's Thursday!! I am soooooo ready for the weekend to be here... I know I have one more full day of work and babysitting afterwards, but at least tomorrow is friday!! I need some time to myself; some time to sleep in; some time to spend with friends; and some time to spend with Brian, quality time!
This weekend should be a good one. I'm going to Danielle, Pete, and Eliza for lunch on Saturday and then Brian and I have a surprise party to go to! Sunday we will sleep in an enjoy our 1st sunday in awhile with nothing to do! And all I have to say is Amen to That!!
Oh yeah - and have I mentioned - Grey's is on tonight!! What gets better then that!!! T.G.I. Thursday!!

Good Night, Sleep Tight - BOOK REVIEW Part 1


Hi everyone! Heather from New Mommy Rant here - I am so happy to be guest blogging for Dana today. She recently received the book "Good Night Sleep Tight" to do a review on and immediately thought of me to be the one to read it. This is probably because I have read more books on babies and children than most moms. The thing that's interesting about that is I don't have any kids! I am just excited to learn as much as possible so I will be prepared when the time comes. I also have many friends and family members with young children so I enjoy passing on what I learn to them. I absolutely recommend this book to any parent of a child with sleep issues. There is no need to leave your child alone crying for hours in the dark...that can be equally tough on the parents and the child. This book will teach you how you can help your child learn to put themselves to sleep. It is easier to break bad habits the younger your child is...but it's never too late!
**This review will be done in 2 parts**
Good Night, Sleep Tight
The Sleep Lady's Gentle Guide To Helping Your Child Go To Sleep, Stay Asleep, And Wake Up Happy
By Kim West with Joanne Kenen
Summary
The need for sleep is biological; however the ability to sleep is a learned skill. Some children need a little more help than others.
The Sleep Lady's method is gentle and uses a step by step routine...Baby will sleep more soundly and for longer periods of time leading to well rested baby and parents. 1 in 4 children under 5 have sleep problems.
The most common advice parents receive is to let the baby cry it out and they will eventually fall asleep on their own. It will work eventually but most parents have a problem tolerating it.
Most families can solve their bedtime problems within 2 weeks. Be patient...learning a new skill takes time. You might get less sleep at first but you need to give up all of the negative associations.
Make sure both parents are involved and a united front. Consistency is the key. Don't give mixed messages. Do the same thing every night, not just most of the time. Decide on a plan and stick with it.
The whole family needs good sleep. Everyone deserves it and benefits from it. Good sleep habits are learned…you must teach your children.
Co-sleeping: Some choose it for easy breast feeding and some just end up with it. Think about it before the baby is born...will you want them in your bed at age 2, 4, or 6? What if you have another baby?
Choose the right time to get started sleep training. You will need about 3 weeks without disruptions or major changes in routine (vacation, moving, new baby). The first night you start, make sure baby gets a good nap during the day so they aren't overtired.
Keep a log.
Bedtime Routine - must be comforting and predictable, may include books, songs, and their lovey. You need to switch their brain from alert to sleepy. If your child doesn't like part of the routine, such as putting on their pajamas or brushing teeth, do that first & get it over with.
Always put the baby down drowsy but awake. They need to learn how to fall asleep on their own.
Helpful Hints:
1. Most sleep problems are behavioral, but check with your child's doctor to rule out any physical problems that may be disturbing their sleep.
2. Get room darkening shades if your child wakes up too early or has trouble napping when it is light outside.
3. Use a night light.
4. Use a white noise machine if your home is loud.
5. If the parents like to see and hear the baby, get a video monitor.
6. If your child uses a pacifier, give it to them for naps and bedtime only. Leave several in their crib so they can find one and don't need you to come in and get it for them.
7. Do not put a tv in their room.
8. Make sure the same sleep rules apply all the time - at home, day care, with a babysitter, etc.
9. For less overnight diaper changes, use larger diapers with an insert or overnight diapers.
10. If your child's crying leads to vomiting, avoid feeding right before bedtime.
11. Have a morning ritual - reinforce their waking up by opening the blinds and turning on the lights.
12. If you are trying to stop or reduce overnight breast feeding - have dad put the baby down so they don't expect to be nursed.
13. If you need the crib for a new baby, older child's transition to a bed should be at least 2 months before the birth to avoid feelings of displacement.

Always remember that well rested children find it easier to sleep while overtired children have trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep.

Help your child soothe themselves by giving them some space...they often become dependent on the parents to rock, hold, snuggle, and nurse them.

Parents: remember that no one really sleeps through the night. Everyone has partial arousals from time to time. (This is waking up out of fairly light sleep to adjust your blanket or get a sip of water.) We can get right back to sleep because we know how to do that. Babies don't so we have to teach them. They will just wake up and cry for someone to put them back to sleep by nursing, rocking, pacifier, etc. We must help them give up this association so that when this happens they can soothe themselves with a blankie or stuffed animal, or suck their thumb and get themselves back to sleep.

After 6-8 weeks, babies will get their best sleep in a crib or bassinet...not a swing, stroller, or car seat. Motion may put them to sleep but their brain will never reach the level of complete restorative sleep if they are moving.

How to get the right start for newborns & infants: For the first 2 weeks, don't worry about rules and schedules. Focus on recovery from birth, feeding and getting to know your baby. Accept all of the help you can get from family & friends and don't worry about dirty dishes!
Beginning at 3 weeks old - Sleep Lady's 8 Rules
1. Create a flexible feeding and sleeping routine. Not an exact regimen, just a framework for eating/sleeping/awake time. Young babies like predictability and parents will be able to plan the day better. Most likely you will know what your baby needs when they cry because it will be time for either eating or sleeping. Use a simple log to keep track.
2. Encourage soothing techniques other than nursing. Babies will learn how to soothe themselves. After the first few months, you can try swaddling or swinging.
3. Offer a pacifier for soothing and sucking, but not as a sleep crutch. Get them used to falling asleep without something in their mouth. They can use for comfort or to calm down, but not to get to sleep. Start around 6 weeks; it will be a lot harder the longer you wait. If they spit it out, don't put back in right away. Your child may develop a habit of thumb or finger sucking which parents prefer because you can't lose or forget to bring it with you!
4. Sometimes feed your baby when he wakes up after a nap - not just when you are trying to get him to sleep. You do not want to develop a strong association between feeding and sleeping. Sometimes you should nurse when they get up. Try to do twice a day; the easiest times would be in the morning and their first nap. Don't try it at night first because they will be the most tired and fussy.
5. Put him down drowsy but awake at least once every 24 hours. After 4 weeks old, do this once a day. The morning nap should be the easiest to start with. At 6 weeks try with bedtime.
6. Introduce one bottle a day. Even if you are committed to nursing, introduce bottle by 2 or 3 weeks. This is just common sense preparation for unforeseen circumstances down the road. It's totally up to you if you want to use pumped milk or formula. This also gives dad a chance to feed the baby. Some people like to give formula at night to try and help the baby sleep longer (it takes longer to digest so it will be longer before they wake up hungry again).
7. Create a sleep friendly environment. Room darkening shades, soothing colors, no bright or stimulating mobiles. White noise or fan can help drown out other sounds. Music can be used to set the mood, but don't let it run while baby is falling asleep and don't turn it back on if the baby wakes up during the night. Even though babies up to 8 weeks old are very portable and sleep wherever they are, it shouldn't be done all the time. A nice quiet crib will give them a more restful sleep. A bedtime routine is essential by 6 weeks old. It is easier in the beginning - warm bath, dimly lit room, feed and swaddle. As they get older, add stories to the routine. The routine is very important because it cues their brain to slow down after a busy day.
8. Carefully think through the whole question of co-sleeping and the family bed. Evaluate if it's right for you. Know the co-sleeping safety rules. Short term co-sleeping is ok as long as you make the transition to the crib around 3 months...it will be much harder the longer you wait. If the baby is in a bassinet in your room, move to their own room around 3 months. You may sleep in their room with them for a few days while they get adjusted to the new environment. You can get a monitor to keep yourself from worrying about them being alone. If you co-sleep make sure baby naps in their crib alone. They can't get used to you being there all the time to get to sleep...obviously there will be times when they have a sitter, you have another baby, or you are taking a shower. You want their room to be a familiar place to them. The crib will teach them to put themselves to sleep and is also safer than being alone in a bed. Reactive co-sleeping is very bad! This is when you put the baby to sleep in their crib but bring into the parent's bed when they wake up at night. The child will not learn how to sleep on their own and this can last for years. There are other ways to get your child back to sleep without bringing them into your bed.


THE SLEEP LADY SHUFFLE
Lets you be a comforting presence to a child learning to put themselves to sleep in a crib. You start by his side and gradually move out of the room over a 2 week period.
Nights 1-3: Sit in a chair next to the crib. If he fusses, stroke or pat on & off, try not to pick him up unless extremely upset (does not apply to a baby who is sick or scared). Keep it brief and return to the crib awake. Don't do anything stimulating. Can make shh or other soothing sounds. Stay until he falls asleep.

Nights 4-6: Move chair halfway between the crib & door. Stay in chair if possible, don't pick him up unless he's hysterical. Use your voice to calm him down.

Nights 7-9: Move chair to the doorway but within his view. Intervene as little as possible.

Nights 10-12: Move chair into hallway within view if possible.

Night 13 and on:
Most babies will fall asleep on their own by now. You can stay in the hall or a nearby room if he likes to hear your voice. If he cries, you can go to the bedroom door to soothe him but don't go into the room. Also don't rush right in, give him a chance to calm himself down.

Check back next week for part 2 of Heather's review

of

Good Night, Sleep Tight!









Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Wordless Wednesday

I thought this picture of a pair of scissors a child drew was funny.......
I don't mean to be offensive, LOL!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Damn You Google Analytics

So i have had Google Analytics installed on my Blog for about 6 months now and it wasn't until just recently that I have been obbsesed with checking my stats! Especially since some of my other Bloggy friends have been having problems lately with some of their visitors!
There are some updates I've been wanting to give to all of you and after checking my Map Overlay and all of the visits I've been clocking in daily, I've been getting nervous about some of the closeness(location to where I live) and quanity of my visitors! After talking with Brian - he mentioned that at least for a little while I should "nix" speaking about certain topics dealing with possible finacial increases(if you get my drift!)... Call me paranoid - but like I said - I'm noticing some weird things; isn't
technology great!?!
Google Analytics is really cool and if you don't have it installed on your blog format you should think about it! It's so cool to see who is checking your blog, where they are from, and how many times they are
stalking visiting you! But then on the other hand - you may start to get paranoid like me - it's a little creepy to know someone down in the next town over is checking out your site multiple times of the day...
But I guess I'll get over it!
Hopefully I'll be able to share good news soon! We'll see!!!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Flu Shot

OK.... so we are approaching that time of year.. The dreaded Flu Season... Working with little kids and other adults that are always around little kids I am prone to colds, germs, and the ful right? Last season the flu ran rampant around my school - many of my friends got it and unfortuantely so did I!! So i was thinking about getting the Flu Shot this season but I'm nervous! I'm not nervous about the pain or getting a shot - I am nervous I am going to get the Flu from the shot. And really who wants to deal with that.
I know that's a stupid reason not to get it because doctors say you won't get the Flu from the vacination, but it still makes me unsure!
Have any of you or anyone you know gotten the Flu Shot before? Were there side effects? What should I do? Get it or Not??
I think I need some guidance!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Weekend Off

I am taking the weekend off to enjoy this beautiful Fall Weather!!
And tomorrow Brian and I are going to see my grandmother who is celebrating her 90th Birthday!! Doesn't she look just fabulous??
Hope you all have a great weekend!!!





Friday, October 3, 2008

That's Just Not Me

According to Webster's New World Dictionary & Thesaurus the word ultimatum means - a final offer or demand, as in negotiations.
Yesterday Brian & I were together for 7 years. I know what most of you are thinking, 7 years - where's the ring!?! Are you guys gonna get married?
I will tell you one thing - I'm happy; very, very happy! Do I want to get married? yes!! Will it happen? yes!! Am I going to give him an ultimatum? NO!! That's just not me!
I'm not one of those girls that will do that - and I know some of you may be thinking - you're getting older, you've been together for such a long time, yada yada yada!!! And It's easy to say it if your looking from the outside because it doesn't directly affect you! But things are much easier said then done!
What I do know is that I want him to propose to me because he wants to, not because he feels forced to because I might leave him! Who wants that? I know I don't! I know that I want to feel wanted! Who wants to look back and say - "my husband proposed to me because I put the smack down and gave him an ultimatum!"
You'll never know if he really wanted to marry you - or felt pressured to marry you!! When it happens it'll be right!
I think once I land a better paying job and Brian sells his building things will start to come around for us! It's hard because I've been getting hit in all different directions with the question "when?" "When is it going to happen?" And like I mentioned before, if I knew I'd let you know! People don't realize it's a little offensive - If I knew don't you think I'd share that info!?! And besides it's putting "getting engaged" on my brain!! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr............

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Happy 7 Baby

7 years ago today Brian and I got together! And what a great 7 years it's been!! It feels like just yesterday!
I am lucky to have a wonderful man that I love who loves me back!!!


Kids Say The Darndest Thing

I'm on a roll this week with the kids comments.. I found this video and thought it was hilarious!! Watch what he says at the end..

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Win A Handbag

If you love purses then check this out!!
Win a Free Handbag - 1 every hour for 24 hours...Yes, I'm not kidding you!
To celebrate their October 15, 2008 launch, they are giving away a free handbag every hour for 24 hours on the day of the launch. Their high fashion, trendy handbags are inspired by popular designer brands and priced between $30 and $80.After signing-up in one easy step below, you can select the handbag you would like to win. There's absolutely no catch - this means no shipping/handling fees or credit card required. Yes, it's really that simple!
So what arer you waiting for check it out!!!

Wordless Wednesday


Going back old school style!