Happy Derby Eve!!

First off, let me say, we had such a great time last night with some great friends!  Two of my ghost loving friends came over and brought Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters to watch together last night.  We had such a great time even though we ended up watching only two episodes (Amber got through one...poor thing!  She was up for work at 4 am and we didn't start watching anything until almost 10 pm!).  The conversations were so interesting!  We all have such different beliefs and have done such awesome research - it was just a lot of fun!  We plan on continuing ghost night many more times, alternating houses each time.  How fun! 

And, don't you just love friends that you don't have to do anything special and it is still so perfect?  I am very lucky that all of my friends are that way.  Just that effortless relationship but one that you treasure so much!  I love my friends.

Ok, once you wipe the puke off of your bottom lip, let me tell you...H had such a tough time yesterday after receiving her shots the day before.  I really don't think she felt very good...her eyes were surrounded by red and I swear she had a low grade fever.  I gave her Tylenol a couple of times to try and help her feel better.  I just felt so bad for her.  Nothing seemed to help other than cuddling up with me.  If I was holding her, all was good.

She did have fun with Aunt Amber and Uncle Jason last night (they aren't married and none of us are related but might as well be!).  They played with her, held her and talked to her.  She was all smiles the whole time!  I think she had a tough time getting to sleep though.  She isn't used to the new voices that were rising to the second level and I think she was still feeling a little punk.  She finally did get to sleep and (other than a few grumps here and there) slept until 4 when she woke up hungry.  She quickly sucked down 5 oz and was right back to sleep.  She slept - without moving at all - until 8 am.  She is in such great spirits today!!

Hey Mommas...have you realized that you have become more like an ape Momma???


For instance, I pick the ear wax out of H's ear...I'm too afraid of putting a Q Tip in that area so I just use my fingers.  I use the bulb syringe daily to clear the snot out of her nose and, wow, it is like I am on a mission!!!  I get excited when I get a big one!  I am always picking hairs off of her - the dog's, the cats' and A LOT of my shedding strands!  I can't wait until the hair loss stops.  Pick, pick, pick!!  The only thing the ape momma does that this Momma doesn't is eat the pieces she picks off.  I'm not much on the taste of ear wax!

I have also become quite efficient in typing with one hand - right or left!

In other news, today is Derby Eve!  In Louisville. this is bigger than Christmas Eve, Daytona 500, Mardi Gras Eve or the birth of your first child (ok, that may be a bit extreme...maybe the birth of the second...)  Today, many of the locals (along with many celebrities) head to the Oaks - the Fillies Derby.  In my 20s, my girlfriends and I used this day to dress up and head to the Paddock area.  Lukewarm, expensive American beers would be had, some money placed on the girls and then home to get ready for a night on the town.





There is nothing like Derby Eve night in the Ville!  Tonight, while I am in the desert, feeding a baby and trying to keep a six year old from waking her up, I will be fondly reminiscing of my Derby Eve's at Phoenix Hill with all of my friends drinking, dancing and discussing our plans to get to the track the next day!!  I am sure there will be plenty of young friends taking our place tonight.  Sad but true!

Phoenix Hill Tavern Roof Garden


What will my Derby Day hold?  It will prob be the same as any other day, unfortunately.  With the exception of Mom calling me during the call to the post to sing My Old Kentucky Home...and I will get choked up as usual.  The rest of the day will be managing kids, figuring out meal plans and then crashing after their bed times.  Same ol' Saturday!

What are your plans this weekend??

Enough about me...what about you? What do you think of me?

I have recently added to my friend list on this blog and thought it might be fun to give a few random facts about myself.  Why don't you leave me a comment and do the same?  Let's start with 10 random facts...

1. As organized as I like to think that I am, I am certainly a procrastinator!  Don't be surprised if the ink isn't still wet on the birthday card I bring to the party.  It's not a sign of me not caring...it is a sign of my lost track of time.

2. If I laugh really hard or get too tickled about something, my thumbs go numb.

3. On my left foot I can "give the toe," as T calls it...I can curl all toes down other than the middle.  I can also separate my pinky toe from the rest of the toes - on both feet.

4. I could totally be (and might as well be) a vegetarian.  I don't like meat that much (other than the occasional craving for a burger...which then makes me sick) but I definitely can't eat it if I had to deal with it before it was cooked.  Especially chicken.

5. I am a total beer snob and can only enjoy beers that are darker in color and smooth in taste.

6. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE football season...GO STEELERS!

7. I have a college degree (major in Communications, minor in Political Science from University of Louisville), had my own business and made over a hundred thousand dollars but am now a stay at home wife/mom.  I am excited to be working an event for a large banking institution this year.  A little extra income! 

8. My secret indulgence that I don't do often but thoroughly enjoy when I do?  Taco Bell

9. I love going to the beach but I am freaked out about going in the ocean - I was stung by something in my late teens that has prevented me from getting back in again.

10. At 38 years old I am fortunate to still have all of my grandparents!

Your turn...ten tidbits about yourself.

Avatar

Maybe it is because I have video production experience or maybe it is because I really have to be "sold," but I am VERY hard on movies.  Most movies don't do much for me...and usually I am bored within the first 30 minutes.  Unless it is really good...no, GREAT!  And Avatar did not disappoint (although I had doubts before the first five seconds...)!  The videography was amazing and the story line very catching.  I would have never known it was a three hour movie.  It was amazing.

But it did bring to surface some emotions that have been living deep within me for a long time.  And, before I step onto my soapbox, a quick disclaimer.  My blog equals my thoughts - and some of my thoughts may not agree with yours.  I don't usually go political on my blog because I know my liberal beliefs are pretty far from a lot of my friends' and families' beliefs.  Yet I respect them for having whatever beliefs they do.  I am hoping for the same.

Avatar raised my blood pressure and brought to surface a lot of feelings I have about America today...

"We the people."  We the people believe that we are better than anyone else.  We the people believe that we should destroy the Earth in order to build more buildings that are wallpapered with "for lease" signs.  We the people kill other people and other people's families to try and enforce our "beliefs" (read: religion) on other countries.  We the people would rather spend our money on racial profiling rather than on national healthcare. 

Of course I live here as does my entire family so I have to "deal" with a lot (well, until we get to Canada haha) but I do.  I do with what most Americans do and just "ignore" what is really going on in the world today...the things that are caused by American ignorance...oh, I don't know...off shore drilling strikes a cord with my family.  Even Tay hates the idea of the marine life being destroyed because of our ignorance and greed.  And she's six.  Thank goodness she is a part of our future.

I have to ignore it most days...become callous to it...so that I can live here and not always be ticked off. 

I was telling T (and he was agreeing) that Avatar reminded me of how I felt when we watched a Discovery show not long ago.  Talking about how American scientists were trying to find out where we would go when and if our world was on the brink of distinction (and it is).  They were talking about occupying our moon or Mars for an "alternate plan."  Science fiction?  Sure, it sounds that way.  But this is serious contemplation among the science world. 

This whole concept bothered me.

I feel that WE are damaging our Earth...which would essentially lead us to self survival...where would we live?  Maybe it is sadistic but, I don't want there to be a back up plan!!  I want us to take care of our Earth NOW!  Not go and destroy another planet!  Haven't we destroyed enough? 

Ok, I am so sorry for being on my soapbox.  I sometimes feel that people just believe what their "party" tells them to believe.  Sure, I am a Democrat on my voter registration card.  But, in reality, I am a human and I believe in human nature and saving/protecting the Earth.  Tree hugger?  Sure, I love trees.  Do I like hunting? Hell no but I have heard ALL of the arguments to advocate it.  I am just one...only one...human who thinks for herself, cares for nature (including those being poisoned in the waters from our drilling) and loves her family.  That's where my beliefs lie.

Ok, I am stepping off.  You can disagree, be pissed at me or whatever you need to do in order to advocate your position.  We all have our own opinions...that isn't American...that is human.  From one human to another...thank you for letting me have my time voicing my opinion.  And, no, that isn't American either.  I could voice my opinion in Canada and most European countries...

I am not close minded.  I love to hear other opinions.  If you have them, flaunt them!! 

This morning I woke up to the sound of H cooing and talking in her crib before the sun made its way to the sky.  Another day like any other.  Except the vivid childhood memory of waking when it was still dark out to get ready for the Great Balloon Race - another awesome event during the Kentucky Derby Festival.  For many, if not most, of my childhood years, my Dad, SMom and I would wake before the birds to go chase the over 30 balloons to their final destination...but not before our traditional stop at McDonald's for breakfast (I always got the pancakes).

Of course, the weather may have delayed the race today but that, too, is traditional!  We would sometimes get to McD's and learn that the weather wasn't quite right for the race.  It was all part of the fun!  And what fun it was!!  Chasing balloons all over the town, trying to find which road would take us to their landing spot, wondering which balloon would win the race, and running up to the hare balloon when it landed in a remote field...this is what Derby Festival is all about for the kids...old and young alike!



Today was also the Mini Marathon.  I know several family and friends who ran again this year!  And in the rain, nonetheless!  What commitment! 

Ahh Derby Festival...only seven more days before Derby!  Even 1000 miles away I can smell the smells of Spring, festival foods, beer and horse manure...ahhh, home.

Freeze Frame

What a day...a day of clarity. 

It started with a blog that I ran across of a woman who is pregnant - being induced tomorrow - with a baby boy who has terminal defects.  She has known this her entire pregnancy but decided to not terminate and meet her baby - no matter how that meeting might end.  And it was certain to end.  How devestating.  Even though I have never met her, I feel a compassion I cannot explain for a stranger dealing with such a dark time.

While T, Tay and I were trying to have dinner, H was fighting her late afternoon nap.  I can always tell by her specific cries and whines.  I took her into my arms and battled with her limbs to help her feel secure and tired enough to close her eyes and take her final cat nap.  She fell asleep in my arms, mouth wide open, body limp.  A sudden flood of emotions hit me and I felt myself tear up.  She has already grown so much in four months...before I know it, it will be a year, then ten years, then twenty.  I am already asking her...myself...where did the time go?  Where did my baby go? 

It made me realize that time is precious - more treasured than gold.  Instead of worrying about my extra few pounds or the crumbs on the kitchen floor, I should be taking more time looking into the face of our miracle.  Our baby girl.  Our baby growing up before our very eyes.  I need to remember what it feels like to hold her in my arms before she is too big to be held like a baby.  I need to remember the precious looks of love she shows me before she becomes a big girl and wants her independence.  I need to treasure the moments she wants me to hold her before she becomes a teen and wants me to "go away."  I need to cherish these moments before they are no longer here.  I need to take every minute of every day to realize how very lucky I am to be able to spend so much time with my baby girl. 

I was working on a slideshow for my Step-SIL's wedding tomorrow.  They passed along pictures of both her and her groom from the time they were babies until now.  It really affected me.  I thought about their mom's.  Wow.  How fast did that time seem to go?  It took all of about two hours to scan about 80 pictures of their life.  Did it feel like it went by that fast?  In one picture they were in diapers, the next they were adults.  Life goes by so quick, doesn't it?

I have said many times that I feel like time isn't flying by.  That I feel like I have known H for years!  But, really, it is going fast.  Four months ago today I was still pregnant.  And now look at my girl!  She is amazing, smart, in a routine and becoming such an awesome little person.  T made fun of me the other day at a restaurant when a couple brought in their newborn only a couple of weeks old or something.  I stared at that baby and remembered when H was that little.  I even said that to the couple after they asked me how old H was.  I said "three months but I remember when she was that little."  T was like, of course you do!  It was only three months ago.  But she seems so much older, so much bigger now.  But yet it was just yesterday.

I am going to try and stop sweating the small stuff.  I still want to get my fit body back and I want the house to be clean, laundry done.  But I am going to try and not obsess about it...about anything...other than the pleasures in life.  And H is definitely a pleasure that I intend on obsessing over!

Friday Follow!

Join the fun...check out this link and make new friends...

http://networkedblogs.com/3beUE

And be sure to check out my giveaway below!!

Another "what I can't live without" review

It's funny how being a Mom suddenly thrusts you into a whole new world with a whole new language and all new gadgets!!  Things you NEVER would think of or know what the heck they were for if you weren't sleep deprived and overwhelmed!  For instance, if you would have told me a year ago that I would be jumping up and down to be receiving a Woombie, I would have looked at you like you just spoke Hebrew (and I don't know Hebrew).

It is amazing to see how things change over the years.  For instance, I now know how AWESOME the Woombie is...

The other thing that has changed is how babies sleep.  When I was a baby (which was eons ago so maybe I should also say when my young sugarbaby husband was a baby) my parents (and T's parents) laid me on my belly to sleep.  The theory being that, if I spit up during the night, I wouldn't choke.  Then, according to my step-cousin's wife, when she had her younger kids, 'they' suggested that babies sleep on their sides.  I don't know...maybe so they wouldn't choke OR suffocate.  But now with the "back to sleep" campaign, you are highly encouraged to lay baby on their backs to sleep to help reduce the chance of SIDS.  It's always something and, who knows, in a few years new mommies may be putting babies back on their bellies again.

I am all for reducing all chances of SIDS happening to my baby girl.  However, the problem with the "back to sleep" campaign is that, putting a baby on their back isn't comfortable for them.  Well, I mean, I don't know this as a fact.  But it has to be a challenge!  They have such a falling reflux when they are babies - their arms start flailing around which then wakes them up. 

The solution to this challenge is to swaddle baby.  Swaddling is an ancient art for sure and some mommies are rock stars at mummifying their babies in a burrito wrap with merely a thin blanket.  T and I weren't so talented in this area.  Therefore we turned our attention to products that help non-swaddlers such as ourselves swaddle without having to know which corner goes where and so on.

We started with the kiddopotamus brand of swaddlers.  You put H's legs in the bottom pocket and then wrap the "wings" around her and velcro them to the sides of the swaddle.  It looked GREAT!  Until 1 AM would roll around and she would be screaming because an arm escaped up by her face.  She did this Houdini act every night and it was evident that THAT was the reason she was waking up.

I did some research on message boards that I frequent as well as my old friend Google.  And I found exactly what I needed...actually, what H needed.

The Woombie.

This product is amazing because:
a) The material is so soft and flexible
b) It zips up with arms and legs inside so no escaping (they even make one for "Houdinis" but H hasn't escaped yet)
c) It holds their arms into their bodies securely so no falling reflex BUT it still allows her to get her hands to her mouth for sucking comfort (she just sucks them through the fabric) - her trying to suck her hands is probably why she kept escaping the other.
d) The price is right
e) The customer service is awesome

Since having The Woombie, H sleeps GREAT!  She actually smiles when she sees me getting it out of the bath time basket!  She LOVES it!  She sleeps from 8 PM until 6 or 7 AM (sometimes waking to eat around 3, but not often) and I truly believe a lot of her great sleep is due to the success of The Woombie! 

Sorry for the quality of this pic - I took it with my phone:


I am not really reviewing products in a certain order of importance but The Woombie is HIGH on my list.  I plan on swaddling H until her falling reflex is gone for good and she is ready for jammies.  In the meantime, The Woombie is our jammy of choice!!

The good folks at The Woombie has been so kind as to offer a FREE Woombie to a lucky reader!!  You can choose the size and color and it will be shipped straight to you!  If you are interested, here are the rules to enter...

How to Enter:
Please leave me a comment with your name and email address for every entry you do below!

1 Entry (mandatory): Become a follower to my blog (I know, I'm needy) - leave a comment letting me know you are following or are already one of my closest friends!

1 Entry: Follow me on Facebook
1 Entry: Fly on over to Twitter and become a follower
1 Entry: Go visit my friends at The Woombie and tell me, if you win, which one you would want!
1 Entry: Receive one entry for each day you tweet this giveaway.  You can copy and paste this message:
Giveaway!  The Woombie will help your baby AND you sleep better! http://thechroniclesofahousewife.blogspot.com/
1 Entry: Come join my community on BlogFrog (see sidebar)

Deadline: May 5 at 5 PM EST.

Good luck!!  I can't wait to give this AWESOME product to someone who is as sleep deprived as H and I were!

AND THE WINNER IS...

I had so much fun doing this review and my first giveaway!  I used a random number generator to make it fair and listed everyone's entries individually in the order I received it.  Thank you for all who entered!  I hope that you will continue to stop by and say hi from time to time!!

I know it is earlier than the 9 PM EST deadline but I have a friend coming over for dinner and I didn't want to forget and post this tomorrow so I thought earlier would be fine!

The winner of the bottle of liquid gold Colic Calm is:

LITTLEMAMA86

Congratulations!  I sure hope your baby finds it to be as much of a miracle product as mine does!  And, for those who didn't win the free bottle, you should still give it a try!  http://www.coliccalm.com/. They offer a money back guarantee (and, I can tell you, their customer service is off the charts!) so what do you have to lose??

Something I didn't mention in my original review.  I add the recommended dose of Colic Calm to H's morning bottle and bed time bottle (she is formula fed) but you can give it to them straight as well.  Just do it slowly and have an old bib that you don't mind staining or a paper towel under the chin!

Littlemama86, email me at dawnamspencer at comcast dot net with your mailing address and I will send this out to you!  Congratulations again!

Another review of a product I can't live without tomorrow.  Please tell all your Mommy friends to come check it out.  This is a hot product on the market and I definitely know why!!  And, I have a giveaway that goes with it! 

What the...?!?

Things that make me go hmmm...or just irritate the pee out of me!

Public Restrooms
*Why are there still public restrooms that don't have toilet covers?
*Why do most public restroom stalls not lock - the lock never seems to line up with the hole so you have to lodge it as tightly as possible to the frame of the stall.  Or ask someone to hold the door for you.
* Why are there motion sensored sinks but you still have to pump the lever to get a paper towel?  What's the point?

Shopping carts
* Why doesn't Target account for the size of their baskets/buggies when putting out their clothes racks?  It is like a maze trying to find the right route through the maze of clothes racks.  You get stuck between some, run free through others.
* Why do carts/baskets/buggies always have a bum wheel?
* What the hell got under my wheel that made that wheel freeze in place??  No matter how many times you roll backwards and forwards, you can't find the culprit
* Why isn't there a lip on the front of the bottom shelf of the basket?  I don't know about you, but I put my soft drinks/beer down below the main cart.  But, as I am rolling through the parking lot (which always seems to be on a downhill slope), my goods shift forward and sometimes falls off the front of the cart. 

Early morning workers
* For those very hard working guys (and possibly some girls) that drive the huge LOUD dump trucks to and from the neighboring housing development, could you please start your day a little later than 5 am?  I am just starting to enjoy the longer hours my baby is sleeping but your loud ass trucks vibrate her window as you drive by.  Keep up the good work but maybe quieter.

Crazy neighbor
* Lady across the street, could you please not psycho scream at your brood of kids?  You are scaring my baby...and ME...to death!  This neighborhood isn't THAT big plus your kids are in your DRIVEWAY!  Zip it, crazy!

Kids in the middle of the road
* There are a couple of kids (small kids) in our neighborhood that seems to have free reign of the streets...at 7 PM...in the dark...in dark clothing.  Yet they find it funny to dart out in front of cars driving down the road.  Not smart, punks.  Do you really think I won't hit you??

Interesting movies I have recently watched
* Up In The Air - George Clooney stars.  Wow.  Not a happy ending but a movie that makes you think.
* The Fourth Kind - being my non-religious self, I am always interested in other's theories.  Very bizarre movie with supposed "actual" video from an actual interview.  Definitely held my interest (which most movies don't - I am VERY hard on movies) and I was really glad that T was in town!  Plus, I checked on H about two or three times that night.

I give both movies two thumbs up!

Don't forget about the giveaway.  Tomorrow the winner will be announced!  Details in the sidebar.  I will probably announce the winner earlier in the day since I will be having a friend over for dinner. Stay tuned!

Check this out

I found an awesome giveaway on a blog I am following.  Take a look at this Etsy shop!  The jewelry is awesome!

http://intheknowgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/04/taffy-box-blessed-locket-mothers-day.html

And, don't forget about my Colic Calm giveaway!!  Winner chosen tomorrow...and another product review/giveaway will be posted!!

My Weekly Meltdown

I feel like I have an anxiety meltdown about once or twice a week lately.  Mostly it has to do with the cleanliness of the house, or lack thereof.  I feel like I have so much to do but can't seem to break away from the bottles and the diapers to get it done!  And then, days like today, I want to spend time with T because he has the day off but I look around at the piles of laundry and the other piles of whatnot and it makes my heart beat out of my chest.  So frustrating!

I am trying not to let the day be ruined because of my peaked anxiety level.  So I push everything back in its little spot in my chest and hope for the best.  But it is still there and something I will need to finangle for most of the day.  My new life can be quite overwhelming at times.

And now, after hours of trying to get H down for her nap, she has fallen asleep in my lap right before we are to head out on our errands.  While T was getting her car seat out of the laundry room, the sounds of junk falling on the floor rings through the kitchen reminding me of what I really need to be doing today.  The piles of laundry that I continuously try to melt away get piled up on more and more after each daily shower.  The stinch from the refrigerator reminds me that a) I need to clean it out and b) I need to go to the grocery to reload it with things I will need to clean out in a couple of weeks.  Tay's bedroom door is closed again...you know what that means.  There is a HUGE box in the office that T's new work computer came in...I wonder how long that will be there.  There are still a couple of miscellaneous BS on the guest bed that has been there for a couple of weeks now.

And, on with the show!!  Heading out to run errands with T and H.  Hopefully hitting Cheesecake Factory for lunch and BevMo to get makings for dinner! ;P

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Ahh yes.  That wonderful Christmas song is ringing non-stop in my head today.  But, being from Louisville, Kentucky, my most wonderful time of the year isn't just Christmas (although, with H's birthday the day after Christmas, it definitely IS one of my most wonderful times of the year) it is DERBY FESTIVAL SEASON! 

Today is the kick-off for Derby Festival which paves the way for the most popular horserace known to us - THE KENTUCKY DERBY.  I LOVE  this time of year because it makes me so proud to call Louisville my home.  Although the Derby City is alive throughout the year (especially with their awesome pubs on Bardstown Road and 4th Street Live downtown) it is absolutely glowing from mid-April through the first Saturday in May. 

Today's kick-off is Thunder Over Louisville which is a HUGE event drawing millions downtown.  It starts with an air show (and many beers) followed by the largest fireworks display in North America (and more beers).  I actually attended the very first Thunder Over Louisville 21 years ago.  Because it was the first year, it wasn't too heavily advertised or known about.  But the fireworks definitely stopped traffic on all three of the major interstates running through downtown!  My boyfriend at the time and I pulled over to the side of I-71 and climbed up the embankment to watch the show...and we were certainly not the only ones.  It was incredible and became the staple of the year in Louisville.





After the big kick-off to the season, the Chow Wagons open for business.  What a trip!  Festival foods, live music and cold (expensive but worth the experience) beers!  But the best part is the people watching!  Grab a corn dog and a cold one and just cop a squat somewhere and watch those who have made their way out of the woodwork entertain you...by just being themselves.  There are several Chow Wagons around town but the one downtown on the river just really symbolizes our great town!  You can look behind you at the beautiful skyline or in front of you at the buttcrack of the redneck from...oops, I mean the river!  It really is a ton of fun!



This goes on for several weeks (usually a two week period of time) to get everyone hyped up and drunk by the time Derby rolls around.  There are parades, Great Steamboat Race, bed races, hot air balloon race and so many more events it is INSANE!  I tell you this...there is no place else you would rather be than in Louisville during this time.  Living there is incredible!  Working there is a little more challenging...unless you aren't the least bit affiliated with the event which means early days off and much more lenient rules.  But I worked for the production company that handled the Kentucky Derby Festival account.  I was so stoked to help them put on such amazing events!!  The folks there work insanely long and brutal hours for many months leading up to the festival and then triple that when these two weeks roll around.  But they are fun people who are the best in the business when it comes to festival planning.  I miss working with them...and the passes I would get to view Thunder from the "millionaires row."  Ahhh, those were the days!!

It's funny how, when you live in Louisville all of your life, you take things for granted.  I guess that happens anywhere you live.  I have lived out here in Tucson, AZ for about five years and swore that I would NEVER take for granted the beauty of the mountains and desert around me...but I definitely have.  I will need to take a few minutes today to gaze at them and remember their beauty.  But I always took for granted that I would make it to Thunder.  That I would go to the Chow Wagon at least two or three times with different groups of friends.  That I would make it to the infield at Derby or at least have a Derby party to rival the infield.  But here I am 1000 miles away from the excitement (yet I can still feel it) and they probably won't even show the awesome fireworks on any station out here (maybe CNN as a newstory).  Oh it breaks my heart.

We live close to a regional airport and the small planes flying over this morning reminded me of where I lived in Louisville - close to downtown - I would hear the planes flying over the house making their way to the airshow while I was getting myself ready to pick up my clan and head down to the party.  As I opened my eyes I realized that I was still out here in the desert.  In a place where really no one knows the depths of Derby Festival...the thrill and excitement of it...the continuous party atmosphere in the entire town...where everyone comes together to celebrate the awesomeness that is Louisville and the Derby.  I am out here among those who probably pronounce Louisville incorrectly and, until I brought Derby parties to them, never knew about the most famous horserace in our country.  Even T didn't know what it was.  I remember when I first met him, I told him I was from Louisville and he looked at me with a puzzled expression.  I said, you know.  The Derby?  Still puzzled, he shook his head no.  I stood there with my mouth wide open.  How do you NOT know about Derby??

Anyway, I just had to share my passion for my hometown.  This is the BEST time to be from Louisville and even more awesome to live there.  It will be hard today playing around pretending like I'm not missing anything when, in reality, I miss living there a lot...everyday, as a matter of fact.  But especially NOW.  The most wonderful time of the year...

Check out the excitement in Louisville!  I am so proud to be a Louisvillian!
http://kdf.org/index.cgi

The beautiful skyline that I call home:

FRIDAY FOLLOW

Welcome to the April 16 Friday Follow celebration hosted by One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades! We invite you to join us every Friday to get more blog followers and to follow other interesting blogs. It is all about sharing and having fun.
Here's how YOU can join the Friday Follow celebration:

* Link up your blog name and URL using the MckLinky. Only need to add on one blog to be seen on all the blog hops.

* Grab the Friday Follow button and include on your Friday Follow blog post.

* Follow the Friday Follow hostesses listed in the first 3 slots.

* Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you'd like

* Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you're from Friday Follow

* Follow back when you get a new follower through Friday Follow
 
And look at my entry below for my baby product review and giveaway!!

Drum roll please!!

It is product review and giveaway time!!  I am pretty excited!  My first giveaway felt pretty daggone good!  I really do like giving things away to people!  Even though I never win anything myself.  :P

I really wanted to take time once a week to do a review of a baby product that I have learned that I cannot live without.  I am new at this and don't know the technicalities of disclaimers but let me say this...I bought these products willingly and before I began making my blog more public.  I am not receiving anything from these companies other than product to give to YOU.  I am not getting paid to review these particular products (I will gloat if I ever DO get paid to do these).  Hmmm...I don't know what else I need to "disclaim" here but, let me say this, the products I DO highlight over the next several weeks are definitely deserving of my praise!

I also want to say that I know every baby is different, every Mom is different and every situation is different.  These products may work WONDERS for me and my baby but do jack for yours.  But, hey, how about the free product to try out??  You never know!

Ok, on with the review.  I want to start my new product review segment with a product that I seriously canNOT live without (and H doesn't live without it very well AT ALL).  This product is Colic Calm Gripe Water.  H has had reflux and gas issues since, pretty much, DAY 1.  We tried breastfeeding for about 5 weeks but gave it up for soy formula after spending most of the day and night watching her SCREAM every time I would feed her from the breast.  No thanks.  This is SO not "bonding" for me. 

After switching to formula (and putting her on a Prevacid prescription), she started doing much better.  It was almost like a brand new baby.  But, even with the reflux in check, she still had horrid gas issues that would make her pretty upset.  We tried Simethicone drops and, although it SEEMED like they helped, I think it is just a false sense of relief.  Or maybe it was just THAT temporary.  We switched formulas.  We tried Little Tummies Gripe Water.  Nothing really made a huge difference.  Just small differences that didn't last long.

The other challenge we were having is that H was having a hard time going poop.  Soy formula is known to slightly "thicken" poop and make babies a bit constipated.  H was no exception.  Her poop looked like a miniature version of brown soft serve ice cream.  In the swirl and everything.  What really broke my heart was how HARD she had to work to get out that "soft" serve!  Her face would turn every shade of red and the veins in her head bulged.  No baby should have to strain THAT hard!

Then, during a Facebook conversation with an old high school friend, Colic Calm was brought up.  I decided to google search and learn more about this product.  As with any product, it touted itself as the end all/be all of conquering gas, reflux and colic.  Sounds too good to be true, right?  Definitely!  But I was willing to try...I was willing to try anything to make my baby girl feel better.



You can only order Colic Calm online (I believe they are trying to get into CVS) so that lends itself to the challenge of shipping.  Especially if you (or your baby) is so addicted to Colic Calm that you cannot go a day without it...but you forgot to order more before you ran out - personal experience.  But the price is decent (and WELL WORTH the peace and comfort you and your baby receive) and the customer service is OFF THE CHARTS!  As I mentioned, I ran out and was freaking out because we ran out on a Friday morning which meant I was ordering on a weekend and didn't know when I would get it.  Add to that,  I was heading across the country to see family that next week, leaving Thur.  I needed that bottle well before then!  I needed it immediately!  I emailed the general info contact and received a phone call from an actual person.  And she was wonderful.  That means a lot to an old sales/customer service chic!  Oh, and I received it by Tuesday morning!  FAST!

The other thing I like about Colic Calm is that it is all natural.  The key ingredient (which differentiates itself from other Gripe Water that you can buy in local stores) is vegetable charcoal.  From what I have researched, this ingredient is used to help digestive issues and has also been used to help those that have swallowed poisons.  Sound extreme?  Maybe.  But. the bottom line is, it works to relieve the digestive tract.  H has been incredibly less gassy (she is able to get it out), her poops are more "baby" consistency and much easier to pass (the smell is the only thing that gives it away) and she is so much happier in general.

I never spend the time to send in testimonials to companies in general but felt like I HAD to send one to them.  Neither H nor I can live without our Colic Calm!

Some things to know about it that may seem a bit...ummm...unusual and a little creepy.  It is a black color.  And it makes baby's poop a very dark green/black color.  It can stain clothing (unless you are like me and the stain fighting champion!  I can Shout that sh!t out!).  It comes in a small bottle so, if you decide it is something that works for you...and works AWESOME...buy more than one bottle at a time.  And don't run short.  Trust me on this.  I didn't realize how well it worked until we ran out.

It is FDA regulated, all natural and has no side effects.  I highly recommend it to parents that have "colicky" babies - who actually probably just has bad gas or reflux.  Of course, I highly recommend talking to your pedi about it...I'm not doctor.  But I am a Mom who absolutely ADORES this product and will not be left with an empty bottle again!

For more information about this product, check out their website...http://www.coliccalm.com/

I informed Colic Calm that I would be doing a review on their product and they were gracious enough to offer a free bottle of Colic Calm to one of you!  I admit, I almost decided to keep it and, if I don't get enough responses on this contest, maybe I will!  :P

Here are the rules to enter the drawing for a FREE bottle of Colic Calm:
1 ENTRY: Become a follower to this blog (mandatory before any other entry)
1 ENTRY: Become a fan of my Facebook Group Page http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=109020702453175
1 ENTRY: Become a follower of mine on Twitter http://twitter.com/cashewmom
1 ENTRY EACH: For each follower you recruit to my blog (be sure to list the name of who you recruited in the comment section)
1 ENTRY EACH: Tweet about this giveaway and receive one entry per tweet per day!

Please shoot me a comment or a FB message letting me know about your entries so that I can keep an eye out!

Deadline for this giveaway is Wednesday, April 21 at 9 PM Eastern.

Good luck!  I hope this review was helpful!  Please let me know what you thought about my product review and about the giveaway!  Comment below.

And, preview of next week's product review and giveaway??  My baby's best friend at bedtime!!

You can't win if you don't play!!

We have winner of the $100 Joseph's Salon Gift Card (this giveaway was for Louisville folks)...and the winner is...

DONDA

Congrat Donda!  You really kicked butt on this giveaway - thank you for promoting it and telling your friends about it.  FB message me your address and I will send this little dose of luxurious pampering your way!

Tomorrow I will be doing a product review and another giveaway.  Because I am a new Mom, it will be a review and giveaway of a product I just feel I can't live without!  But, even if you don't have a brand new baby, these giveaways would be GREAT (free) gifts for anyone you know that is pregnant or is suffering from the awesome sleepless nights a newborn brings!

In other news, I had another meeting today for the event I am working on.  It went way long and didn't accomplish all of the goals we had intended but it was great to catch up with my client/friend on the drive to the meeting spot.  She is a mom of two - one three year old and an eight month old.  She has more patience than Mother Theresa (assuming Mother Theresa had patience...is there documented proof??).  It was nice to share my new concerns, challenges, questions and craziness with someone who is right there...the second time.

She made a good point...it is so much easier, she suggests, with the second one.  You don't stress as much (oh, there is still stress) and you don't freak out at every scream, cry or other crazy sound.  She reassured me that she was just as crazy with her first as I am with H.  Jumping at every sound.  Running at every cry.  I don't think that will change for me and I will probably not have a second to have a comparison of the crazy levels.  But it is always nice to talk to her because she is so normal and isn't in to all the hype that comes with pregnancy and babies these days.  So refreshing!

I had a meltdown this morning getting ready for our meeting.  I started freaking out about the maintenance of the house, H's insane eating patterns and, of course, my lack of wardrobe options.  I started really freaking out - wondering if taking on this project was the right idea.  But, once I was in the meeting and talking with Jill, the gray cloud cleared and I felt extremely confident in my decision!  I can make this work...somehow!

H is in an interesting phase.  She is starting to resemble the Tasmanian Devil off of Bugs Bunny.  Every now and then she will let out these very strange growls that make you think her head is going to spin around!  I am not sure what is going on - probably frustration that she can't make her extremities work yet like she wants them to - but it is sometimes humorous, sometimes a little annoying.  But her beautiful blues and her awesome gummy smile make it all worth while.

I was able to get out of fixing dinner tonight thanks to leftovers from date night last night.  A taco pizza from Frog'n Firkins.  We had a pretty good time last night other than the fact that I was constantly thinking about H and whether or not I told T's Mom everything she needed to know to make the night run smooth...which, of course, it did.  I keep hearing that the obsessiveness I am feeling about H right now will subside quite a bit as she ages.  I hope so.  I was a bit bummed that I was sitting outside having beers and pizza but couldn't take my mind off of H.  Where did I go?  What have I turned into?  A Mom, I suppose.

So, tune in tomorrow and please tell your friends!  Hopefully it will be something of interest to some of you!  My first product review and national giveaway!  I am so excited! 

Forgive me readers, for I have misrepresented...

I am not sure if it is right for me to keep the title of my blog The Chronicles of a Housewife anymore.  Maybe The Chronicles of an Exhausted New Mom or The Chronicles of the Fat Momma.  But housewife?  I feel like that may be a bit misleading.  Especially since I did the unspeakable today...no other valid housewife would ever do what I did. I am so ashamed.  But I must come clean...I interviewed a housekeeper today.  She starts April 30...

I know, I know!  I am a "housewife."  I shouldn't be cheating on my duties by hiring someone to do my job.  But, in my defense (and boy will I sit here and justify the bejesus out of this), H takes a lot of my time right now and, honestly?  This house is just so big.  Well, I don't want it to sound like we live in a mansion...we obviously don't.  But there are a lot of rooms -  including 2-1/2 baths - which needs attention.  And I just don't have the attention to give it right now.  I figured, if I could just get someone to come twice a month and do the DEEP cleaning and get me to a nice, clean level then I could maintain from there until the next visit.  Plus, she will do the real nitty gritty cleaning once a month that includes blinds and ceiling fans.  I am so excited to finally have a clean house again! 

It helps that I picked up this event management gig this year.  I am planning on supporting this new housekeeper idea with the money I will be bringing in from that event.  I know it will sure make me a much happier Momma having clean tubs and mopped floors!  Ahhhh, I can almost see the sparkle of the polished appliances now! 

So I apologize for going against the title of my blog and, in some ways, cheating.  But I am sure some (if not most) of you would understand.

In other news, my SIL reminded me of the upcoming season...bathing suit season.  I will be seeing her and my beautiful niece on Friday and she suggested that maybe we go swimming if we have time.  When I saw that text, a high pitched, unidentifiable shreak exited my well fed pie hole.  Swimming?  Pools?  Doesn't that mean bathing suit?  I had to turn down the offer.  I am just NOT there yet.  I still look 5 months pregnant 3 months after having my beautiful baby that stretched and pulled my skin and internally shifted my fat to areas that are much more obvious than they were before.

But that one little text did linger in my brain and, during our family trip to Target today, I reluctantly took a casual stroll through the bathing suit section.  I didn't realize how many fat suits there actually are!  I must say, for looking at bathing suits in my condition, I was almost...excited!  I saw one black one with white polka dots - the top actually goes past your butt (which I would need to try on because that might be way to hideous).  But then I thought polka dots - or any pattern for that matter - may not be a good option for me this year (or ever again).  T suggested I try some on...I suggested that we just get what we came for and get the hecky darn out of this god forsaken department!  I will just have to take a day, by myself, with some downers (or antidepressants) and force myself to strap on the most horrid of all clothes!  I am sure I will shed some tears and I am not so sure I am going to expose Ms H to the horror but I guess I will eventually have to just face the fear.  I really want to take H to the pool this year.  We have one just right up the road that gives lessons to infants (with parents in the pool with them, obviously!).  I guess I have to bundle up the sausage rolls in a lycra suit that accentuates everything that is "un"good on this body!

Ok, off of my soap box.  I am pretty tired tonight so I am going to wrap up.  I sure would love to know how my Louisville peeps are doing in regards to the $100 salon gift card.  Shoot me an update!!

More giveaways AND product reviews coming soon to a blog near you!

Top 10 Signs you are a Mom...

To my Letterman fans (or at least to those who love a top 10 list):

10. Your hair falls out so much, you feel like you should carry around a shop vac!  Not to mention, when you think you are wiping drool off of your baby's face but a long hair that is knotted with 10 others come out of her mouth instead!

9. Showers consist of a quick rinse down, the frequent darting out into the cold to reposition the paci, followed by a resignation that you will never have time to shave...your legs...ever again.

8.  While holding baby and making a bottle, enough drool runs down your arm from hungry baby, it could cause a slipping hazard...and you don't even notice!

7.  All of your shirts have some sort of milk/formula stain on them before leaving the house as well as deep wrinkles (after ironing, of course) that won't come out until the next washing.

6.  Picking up your dog's poop in the park was always gross to you but now it is nothing but a daily routine to bring your baby's butt to your nose to check for a poopy diaper.

5.  You know what a "5 wiper" poop is...

4.  You have learned to walk on your tippiest of toes to keep baby asleep after swaddling, feeding and rocking...you DIVE when you see a small paperclip falling off the counter onto the tile floor...on the lower level of the house.  That little paperclip could be the end of your sleep filled evening!

3.  Your new negligee is now in the form of 10 year old jammy pants with stretched out elastic and your husband's white undershirt.

2.  You have a love/hate relationship with the baby monitor.  The least bit of baby noise that comes from it keeps you awake until an hour passes with no noise.

1.  You live (and eat) on the basis that, hey, I created life and was pregnant for nine months.  That's why I am overweight and the consistency of jello!  Not because I am eating this quarter pounder after that burrito I had at Taco Bell.  And, hell, I deserve that Blizzard at DQ...don't you know what I did in that hospital room??  I deserve to eat what I want and blame having a baby for my delicious rolls!!

GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT!!

I am super excited to announce that I am going to have some great giveaways starting next week!  On Wednesday, April 14, I will be doing a review of my can't live without baby survival products!  I know some of you...maybe even most of you...don't have babies in your homes anymore (well, they might act like babies but I am talking infants).  But you may know of someone - a friend, family member, pregnant/new mom client who needs a good butt kissing - that could use some of these products I will be reviewing and giving away.  Don't miss it!! 

And, Louisville folks (or should I say "Kentuckiana" folks), don't forget about the $100 Joseph's Salon gift card giveaway!  Deadline is midnight AZ time (3 AM your time, in case you need a cram session) Wednesday, April 14.  Who doesn't want $100 handed to them??? 

Giveaway...

As you all know, I am working on building my blog into an international phenomenon...ok, maybe just to 100 followers to start with - trying to get there by Derby Day (the most WONDERFUL time of the year).  I have my own giveaway going on right now but it is only for Louisville (or nearby) residents since it is to a salon located there.  I can't wait until I can have giveaways that can span the globe...or at least the country!! 

ANYWAY, in the meantime, I am checking out other Mommy blogs - as research or maybe just being nosey about other people's lives.  I found an awesome blog that I really enjoy and have decided to follow.  In addition to a fun writing style, there are fun giveaways!  Right now she is giving away some fun board games for the family (which can also double as fun drinking games when the kids are asleep or at grandma's).  Come check it out and enter to win!  Directions to enter are in her post.  Good luck and stay tuned!  More giveaways coming soon to a blog near you (ahem, this one...)

http://www.guessingalltheway.com/

Some days I feel so overwhelmed and exhausted, I feel like I will never make it up the hill - everytime I try to climb it (and this could be a metaphor regarding my neverending laundry), I always seem to slide right back down again.  But today was different.  I successfully juggled a three month old baby with the frequent laundry basket of clean clothes.  Granted, all of the clean clothes are stacked on our bed waiting to be put away - I will so regret this when I finally head to bed - but I did successfully make a dent in the hamper.  What the hell is it with laundry?  It is a neverending circle - and obviously a topic I frequent a great deal.

I also managed to complete a couple of my projects I set out to do today.  One was the office.  I was able to organize and re-stack (nicely and more orderly) all the paperwork that was strewn across the desk.  I wasn't able to completely polish up this project due to the fact that some items I need to cross-reference with T to be sure I don't throw away something he needs - which I have been known to do in the past.  There are also routers that are sitting haphazardly around the desk that I think are to be put on Craigslist.  Again, T would need to advise.  That is really his area.  I frequent it very little and, especially not as much with H in the picture.  He actually works out of that space so I usually keep H at a good crying distance away.

My other project was to call the housekeeper lady that I was referred to by a friend of mine.  She is starting her own business and I was really hoping that it would work out that we could hire her to come "deep clean" once or twice a month.  We finally made contact today and made plans to meet here on Monday so she can take a look at the house and discuss my needs.  Now, anyone who knows me well knows that I will be busting ass to get the house clean - spotless - before she gets here Monday!  I sure the hell don't want her running out the door in a panic when she sees the unmopped (and hairy) bathroom floors!  GROSS!!  There isn't enough money in the world for me to clean someone else's toilet or sweep up their hairs off the floor!!  Ok, there might be enough money...everything is negotiable.

The refrigerator project didn't happen.  I was pretty proud that the other items on my list were completed so I didn't get too down about the fridge.  I am thinking that I will hit the grocery on Saturday so it isn't imperative that I clean the shelves before then.  And, I have been known to clean it all out as I am putting the new groceries in so that gives me a grace period.

What I didn't mention is that I tackled Tay's room - well, half assed, anyway.  I swore I wasn't going to touch that six year old's room anymore since I was the only one who seemed to care about it being clean - of course she doesn't care and T didn't seem to either.  I was a bit frustrated that I would stress about getting it clean and organized when it would just be torn apart all over again.  I was keeping the door shut because the sight of it would send cold shivers up my spine.  But my obsessive "clean" eye could penetrate the door and I just couldn't take it anymore.  I made the bed and put the massive amounts of stuffed animals and pillows back on top.  That helped clear up most of the floor.  Then, after picking up laundry and throwing odds and ends in the various toy boxes, it was clean enough.  At least I could see the carpet again.  I was somewhat satisfied.

I ended up poo-pooing my "diet" plan and ordered a pizza...for delivery...online!  It sure amazes me that we have entered a time when we don't have to talk to a soul to do anything!  We can do everything online.  Most of us have friends we have never even met through online boards and blogs!  Sure makes it easy to click that "extra cheese" button when you don't have that human interaction to make you feel accountable!  Ahh, technology...I love it but my J Lo does not...

My first giveaway has started today!  I am pretty excited about it even though it is a local giveaway.  It is a $100 Joseph's Salon gift card up for grabs.  This salon is in Louisville, KY - my awesome hometown - so I am offering it up in a contest.  The deal?  Listen up Louisville friends and family!!  Tell all your friends and everyone you know to join us fun people on this blog.  They must sign up as a follower on the blog and you need to let me know they have done so (in the name they choose to follow with).  Every follower you refer, you receive one entry.  If they sign up with my FaceBook page, that is another entry and, finally, if they follow me on Twitter, yet another entry.  You can receive up to three entries PER person you refer!  DEADLINE FOR CONTEST IS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14 AT MIDNIGHT (TUCSON TIME).

This is a great giveaway that guys or girls can enjoy - or you can give it as a gift.  That would be very nice...I wouldn't be that nice!!  Pampering is in someone's future!

I am hoping - and planning - on having more giveaways in the future.  And more giveaways that will be exciting for everyone, no matter location.  Stay tuned!!

I am striving for a goal of obtaining 100 followers by Derby Day!!  Saturday, May 1.  I am a Derby City girl so that seemed like a good timeline!  Let's see if it can happen!!  The more followers, the more awesome giveaways will be available!  There, some motivation!!

Home Sweet Home

I am back from my trip and trying so hard to recouperate from a whirlwind of a visit with my family.  A FANTASTIC visit but a crazy, hectic, non-stop visit...with a 3 month old in tow.

H did wonderfully!  She was an ace when it came to flying and a total trooper while she was passed from one person to the next.  Poor thing, she would fall asleep in her car seat in one place and then wake up in a new place...with a dozen new faces all staring at her and making baby sounds.  After her bug eyed surprise look, she would smile and coo with everyone!  My little social butterfly!  She may have her daddy's looks but she has my personality!  The details of the trip will come later on the Hayden's Corner blog.  I am too tired to keep up with all of my blogs tonight - some will have to wait until tomorrow.

Her first flight - 3 months


Now that I am home, I am looking around at everything that needs to be done.  I didn't get much done today - other than a Target trip to pick up necessary toiletries and a FUN playmat for my awesome traveler!  But I did get a second (or was it my first) wind around 3 when I vacuumed the entire upstairs, dusted H's room and changed her sheets and changing table cover.  I also set up her humidifier - hoping to help her stuffiness that she wakes up with every morning - of course, these might be allergies..another fun trait she obtained from Mom!

Tomorrow I am planning on tackling two projects...ok, three (but the third is merely a phone call...sad that I have to schedule that in).  One will be...cleaning/organizing the office.  I feel like I say this once a month - however, I haven't hardly stepped foot in the office since H came into our lives.  So, needless to say, I am in over my head with this project.  Yet, I still want to try for another...all in one day.

Number two will be...cleaning out the refrigerator.  It isn't too bad.  I usually clean it out completely (including wiping down the shelves) every week or every other week before going to the grocery.  I am planning on hitting the grocery tomorrow or Friday so I should go ahead and get it cleaned out before I have a load of cold grocery items sitting on the floor.

Number three is to call the housekeeper lady that has called me back twice.  Both while I was out of town.  I am seriously ready for someone to come in and give us a quote for doing deep cleaning once (maybe twice) a month.  It kinda makes me feel like a failure to have to resort to outside resources in order to keep the house looking sweet.  But I do have HIGH expectations when it comes to cleanliness and, at the moment, I am just unable to meet my own expectations.

I guess I do have a fourth item that will be my project tomorrow - updating my baby's blog.  I want to describe in detail her first trip on an airplane.  Her first trip to my hometown.  Her first visit to her Grandparents' houses.  Her first initial sniff of Derby Festival...

Ok, now time for a challenge.  As you know, I am pimping out this blog yet I still have under 20 followers!!  I have more followers on my Facebook page than I do on this blog.  **Grabbing a Kleenex**

If you aren't following my blog yet, why not?  Boring?  Well, sorry...I am lucky enough to say that my life is pretty simple right now.  But, don't you want to help me pimp my blog?  Follow!  And tell your friends!  You don't HAVE to read anything!  Haha!!

Tell me now...other than my day to day - which is what this blog is all about - what would you like for me to write about??

Comment below!

Short hello!

I feel bad for not stopping by and saying hello!  Being out of town, visiting family and handling a three month old...well, the blog has taken a backseat!  I will be back in full blog mode when I get back Tuesday night.  In the meantime, maybe some thoughts here and there to keep you entertained...

Thought of the day: why are the highways in Louisville still 55 mph when the rest of the world is at least 65??  Things that make you go hmmmm...

Any thought of the day for me??

Happy Easter everyone!

Girls' Trip!

H and I are heading across the country to see my family - some of which will be meeting her for the first time, including my Grandparents.  The tricky part?  Getting there!  H and I will be flying alone (Daddy can't make this trip) and it will be H's first time.  The other tricky part?  The timing couldn't be better - H is going through her 3 month growth spurt.  Yowza!!!!

Soooo, I know I have to keep my nerves in check because, if she catches any whiff of fear from me, it is sure to cause hell with her.  So, spirits up...confidence strong...nerves solid as steel - or so I will try and lead her to believe it.  Let's see...my first time travelling with an infant...who is mine...on a plane full of people who will give me the same dirty looks and heavy sighs as I used to do as a business traveller when I would see a baby board.  There is the stroller/car seat combo that I will need to wrangle at the gate.  Oh and I didn't mention the security check...

All I know is that I am preparing myself the best I can for anything.  Whether that works for me or not is yet to be seen.  My diaper bag, which has plenty of room on a daily basis, has now become the size of an evening clutch!  Blanket, paci (her Wubbanub Froggy - if I lose him, I might as well jump off the wing in mid flight), four bottles with extra liners, enough formula for any delay or unforeseen travel hiccup, gas meds, more gas meds, liquid Tylenol, shit-load of diapers (no pun intended), wipes, toys, bibs, my lip gloss (essentials, right?), oh and of course the boarding pass (which will probably be the one thing I forget somehow).  Everything other than the bottle of Bourbon I might need before this trip is over...or even begins.

I am sure it will all be fine and I am sure I will be able to report rave reviews tomorrow.  But, for now, my usual bundle of nerves before travelling is tightened by the unknown of my first trip with H.  But, the cool thing?  This will certainly not be her last.  She will be travelling back home in July and after her birthday.  She will spend a lot of time in the Bluegrass state and I am so excited to get her there.  She needs to thicken her accent - I know she isn't talking yet, but she needs to coo in a Southern accent!

Wish me luck and look out above!!