overworked supermom

It's Time! The TGIF Blog Hop Is Up

2013-05-24T06:52:00.002-07:00

Welcome back to the TGIF Blog HOP!!!
I am no longer requiring an email during link up to save everyone time.If you'd like to continue receiving my weekly emails (including my blogger opportunities, giveaways, discounts, TGIF launch reminder, and other awesome blogger goodies) CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY TGIF NEWSLETTER (don't worry, it is still only once a week and you can unsubscribe at anytime).

The TGIF Blog Hop is a great way to gain new followers and bring more traffic to your blog. It's also a great way to meet other bloggers and get great tips, ideas, and read cool blog post.
There are also Linkys for BlogLovin', Facebook, Twitter, & Google+. Please follow other pages if you leave your link.
MAKE SURE TO ENTER THIS AMAZING AD SPACE GIVEAWAY BY CLICKING HERE

There are just a few simple rules:

Follow the 3 Hosts (you can just click on their picture and follow):

Follow our CoHost(you can just click on their picture and follow):

Please Follow Our Platinum Sponsors on Facebook
Add the TGIF Blog Hop button to your blog anywhere(Grab the code at the bottom).

Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

This month I will also be HOPPING over at the Aloha Blog Hop at What Jean Likes! It is AMAZING! Make sure you check it out! Over 400 Bloggers link up every week!

Each week we will post a new linky! Contact me at Funnypregnantlady(at)aol(dot)com if you're interested in cohosting a Blog Hop!

Advertise your Blog HERE!

Post all of your GIVEAWAYS HERE!

Grab our Button!

Copy the code below:

BLOG LINKY

BLOGLOVIN LINKY

FACEBOOK LINKY

TWITTER LINKY

GOOGLE+ LINKY

Why Not Blog Hop?!

2013-05-16T15:25:00.003-07:00

Welcome back to the TGIF Blog HOP!!!
I am no longer requiring an email during link up to save everyone time. If you'd like to continue receiving my weekly emails (including my blogger opportunities, giveaways, discounts, TGIF launch reminder, and other awesome blogger goodies) CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY TGIF NEWSLETTER (don't worry, it is still only once a week and you can unsubscribe at anytime).

The TGIF Blog Hop is a great way to gain new followers and bring more traffic to your blog. It's also a great way to meet other bloggers and get great tips, ideas, and read cool blog post.
There are also Linkys for BlogLovin', Facebook, Twitter, & Google+. Please follow other pages if you leave your link.
WE HAVE ADDED A PINTEREST LINKY!

There are just a few simple rules:

Follow the 3 Hosts (you can just click on their picture and follow):

Follow our CoHost(you can just click on their picture and follow):

Please Follow Our Platinum Sponsors(you can just click on their picture and follow)
Add the TGIF Blog Hop button to your blog anywhere(Grab the code at the bottom).

Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

This month I will also be HOPPING over at the Aloha Blog Hop at What Jean Likes! It is AMAZING! Make sure you check it out! Over 400 Bloggers link up every week!

Grab our Button!

Copy the code below:

BLOG LINKY

BLOGLOVIN LINKY

FACEBOOK LINKY

TWITTER LINKY

GOOGLE+ LINKY

TGIF! The Blog Hop Is Up!

2013-05-03T08:11:00.001-07:00

Welcome back to the TGIF Blog HOP!!!
I am no longer requiring an email during link up to save everyone time.If you'd like to continue receiving my weekly emails (including my blogger opportunities, giveaways, discounts, TGIF launch reminder, and other awesome blogger goodies) CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY TGIF NEWSLETTER (don't worry, it is still only once a week and you can unsubscribe at anytime).

The TGIF Blog Hop is a great way to gain new followers and bring more traffic to your blog. It's also a great way to meet other bloggers and get great tips, ideas, and read cool blog post.
This week we are also adding Linkys for BlogLovin', Facebook, Twitter, & Google+. Please follow other pages if you leave your link. If this week is a success, we'll do it in the future!

There are just a few simple rules:

Follow the 3 Hosts (you can just click on their picture and follow):

Follow our CoHost(you can just click on their picture and follow):

Please Follow Our Platinum Sponsor(s)(you can just click on their picture and follow):

Add the TGIF Blog Hop button to your blog anywhere(Grab the code at the bottom).

Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

Each week we will post a new linky! Contact me at Funnypregnantlady(at)aol(dot)com if you're interested in cohosting a Blog Hop!

Advertise your Blog HERE!

Make sure you enter all of the amazing giveaways HERE!

Grab our Button!

Copy the code below:
BLOG LINKY BLOGLOVIN LINKY FACEBOOK LINKY TWITTER LINKY GOOGLE+ LINKY

TGIF! Come Link Up WIth Us!

2013-04-26T06:22:00.002-07:00

Welcome back to the TGIF Blog HOP!!!
I am no longer requiring an email during link up to save everyone time.If you'd like to continue receiving my weekly emails (including my blogger opportunities, giveaways, discounts, TGIF launch reminder, and other awesome blogger goodies) CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY TGIF NEWSLETTER (don't worry, it is still only once a week and you can unsubscribe at anytime).

The TGIF Blog Hop is a great way to gain new followers and bring more traffic to your blog. It's also a great way to meet other bloggers and get great tips, ideas, and read cool blog post.
This week we are also adding Linkys for BlogLovin', Facebook, Twitter, & Google+. Please follow other pages if you leave your link. If this week is a success, we'll do it in the future!

There are just a few simple rules:

Follow the 3 Hosts (you can just click on their picture and follow):

Follow our CoHost(you can just click on their picture and follow):

Please Follow Our Platinum Sponsor(s)(you can just click on their picture and follow):

Add the TGIF Blog Hop button to your blog anywhere(Grab the code at the bottom).

Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

Grab our Button!

; Copy the code below:
BLOG LINKY BLOGLOVIN LINKY FACEBOOK LINKY TWITTER LINKY GOOGLE+ LINKY

TGIF! Blog Hop Is Up!

2013-04-19T06:12:00.001-07:00

Welcome back to the TGIF Blog HOP!!!

The TGIF Blog Hop is a great way to gain new followers and bring more traffic to your blog. It's also a great way to meet other bloggers and get great tips, ideas, and read cool blog post.
This week we are also adding Linkys for BlogLovin', Facebook, Twitter, & Google+. Please follow other pages if you leave your link. If this week is a success, we'll do it in the future!

There are just a few simple rules:

Follow the 3 Hosts (you can just click on their picture and follow):

Follow our CoHost(you can just click on their picture and follow):

Please Follow Our Platinum Sponsor(s)(you can just click on their picture and follow):

Add the TGIF Blog Hop button to your blog anywhere(Grab the code at the bottom).

Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

Each week we will post a new linky! Contact me at Funnypregnantlady@aol.com if you're interested in cohosting a Blog Hop!

Advertise your Blog HERE!

Make sure you enter all of the amazing giveaways HERE!

Grab our Button!

Copy the code below:
BLOG LINKY BLOGLOVIN LINKY FACEBOOK LINKY TWITTER LINKY GOOGLE+ LINKY

TGIF! Blog Hop

2013-04-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

Follow the 3 Hosts (you can just click on their picture and follow):

Follow our CoHost(you can just click on their picture and follow):

Please Follow Our Platinum Sponsor(s)(you can just click on their picture and follow):

Add the TGIF Blog Hop button to your blog anywhere(Grab the code at the bottom).

Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

Grab our Button!

Copy the code below:
BLOG LINKY BLOG LOVIN' LINKY FACEBOOK LINKY TWITTER LINKY GOOGLE+ LINKY

It's The TGIF Blog Hop!

2013-04-04T18:56:00.003-07:00

Follow the 3 Hosts:

Follow our CoHost :

Add the TGIF Blog Hop button to your blog(Grab the code at the bottom).

Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

Grab our Button!

Copy the code below:

The Easter Bunny Says... HOP ON OVER TO THE HOP!

2013-03-29T06:37:00.000-07:00

Follow the 3 Hosts:

Follow our CoHost:

Add the TGIF Blog Hop button to your blog(Grab the code at the bottom).

Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

Each week we will post a new linky! Contact me at Funnypregnantlady@aol.com if you're interested in cohosting a Blog Hop!

Advertise your Blog HERE! (25% OFF! Use Coupon Code FPL25)

Make sure you enter all of the amazing giveaways HERE!

Grab our Button!

Copy the code below:

Link Up! TGIF Blog Hop

2013-03-22T07:06:00.002-07:00

Follow the 3 Hosts:

Follow our CoHost:

Add the TGIF Blog Hop button to your blog(Grab the code at the bottom).

Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

Grab our Button!

Copy the code below:

TGIF! Link Up At The Blog Hop

2013-03-15T06:19:00.002-07:00

Follow the 3 Hosts:

Follow our CoHost:

Add the TGIF Blog Hop button to your blog(Grab the code at the bottom).

Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

Grab our Button!

Copy the code below:

TGIF! The Blog Hop Is Back!

2013-03-08T06:23:00.002-08:00

Follow the 3 Hosts:

Follow our CoHost:

Add the TGIF Blog Hop button to your blog(Grab the code at the bottom).

Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

Grab our Button!

Copy the code below:

Supermom's SUPER Shower Gift Idea: Emergency Car Kit!

2013-03-04T08:48:00.003-08:00

all of this for under $20?! best. gift. ever.

Whenever a baby shower comes around, I just can't help myself. I tend to go ~~a bit~~ WAY overboard when it comes to celebrating a new life coming into the world. Can you blame me?

I've done my fair share of diaper cakes, onesie bouquets and more, but for our friend's Baby Paul, I wanted to gift things that husband and I found MOST USEFUL to us as first-time parents. Hmmm... where to begin?

One of the MANY things I've learned over my three years of being a mom is that a lot of things can't be planned for. (HELLO, UNDERSTATEMENT!) For example, you could have the most practical, beautiful, amazing diaper bag, and you WILL forget it at home. And even if you do bring it, you'll find that something is missing. It. never. fails.

Especially during kid's first few months, we were going to a lot of unplanned afternoon doctor's appointments. And of course, I ran out the door almost every morning with everything but extra diapers and wipes. SIGH.

At this point, you're probably screaming "keep an extra diaper bag in the car!"! Well, duh, in theory. We tried that. And instead of being a stationary bag, it would travel between husband's and my car with the kid. Never in the same place, and hardly ever restocked. Hey, we were tired first-time parents!

Around the year mark, after a particularly awful doctor's appointment (which, yes, I was unprepared for), I snapped. I couldn't handle my ~~our~~ my lack of preparedness. That night, I created the BEST thing ever: AWESOME Emergency Car Kits!

I found a few extra plastic shoe boxes, and started filling it with everything I thought we may need in a pinch. Diapers and wipes, cracker snacks, baby cutlery, bibs, small toys, an outfit, an extra bottle... it slid under our seats, and has been helpful to us ever since!

Now, while I didn't make mine pretty—I was a madwoman going for function!—I was absolutely going to do this for Baby Paul:

the outside... the colorful container was much better than my plain clear one!

What'd we fill it with? Well, kid and I walked around Target a few days ago, and found most of the items in their $1 section (hello, Elmo!). The rest (toys, bib, first aid kit, sanitizer) came from the baby section.

Mom and Dad can fill it with whatever they'll need as Baby grows up (For example, I didn't stuff this with snacks or spoons, because, well, they won't need that for quite some time!)

ooooh, color coordinated and EVERYTHING!

I designed a label and printed it out on large label paper. I had a ball writing up a small description for it, too!

"Baby Paul needs a phone, mommy. I could call him."

"Baby Paul is a boy, mommy, not a girl. He wouldn't wear these dresses."

"I bet Baby Paul would like a blue blankie, mommy!"

shopping for Baby Paul is exhausting. :)

What's YOUR favorite baby shower gift (to either give or receive)? And would you use an AWESOME Emergency Car Kit?

—Supermom OUT

TGIF! Now, Come Hop With Us!

2013-03-01T06:36:00.002-08:00

Follow the 3 Hosts:

Follow our CoHost:

Add the TGIF Blog Hop button to your blog(Grab the code at the bottom).

Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

Each week we will post a new linky! Contact me at Funnypregnantlady@aol.com if you're interested in cohosting a Blog Hop!

Check out an amazing Blogger Opportunity by clicking HERE!

Make sure you enter all the amazing giveaways HERE!

Grab our Button!

Copy the code below:

Blog Hop! Blog Hop! Hooray For Another BLOG HOP!

2013-02-21T15:34:00.002-08:00

Welcome back to the TGIF Blog HOP!!!
Brought to you by
Overworked Supermom
and
Funny Postpartum Lady

TGIF Blog Hop is a great way to gain new followers and bring more traffic to your blog. It's also a great way to meet other bloggers and get great tips, ideas, and read cool blog post. There are just a few simple rules:

Follow the Hosts: Overworked Supermom and Funny Postpartum Lady

Follow our CoHost(s): DAWN'S DISASTER & STORY OF A GIRL

Add the TGIF Blog Hop button to your blog.

Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

Each week we will post a new linky! Contact me at Funnypregnantlady@aol.com if you're interesting in cohosting a Blog Hop!

Grab our Button!

Copy the code below:

Supermom How-To: Fun With Freezer Paper!

2013-02-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

A few months ago, I discovered the WONDER of freezer paper. Seriously, how did I not know about this before? This magical "kitchen" product not only wraps up meat and other delicious goodies for their trek in the freezer, but it is a crafter's secret weapon when it comes to fabric crafts.

Not only can you draw or—if you're artistically challenged, like me—print on it, but it can be temporarily ironed on to fabric while you trace, cut, paint... whatever!

If you follow me on facebook, you know that one: kid's third birthday is next week, and two: I've been sick with the flu for over a week. I had been thinking of a few shirts I wanted to put together for his big day, but couldn't muster any strength to do so until today. (Yup, this momma's a procrastinator; just in under the wire!)

Of course, I couldn't decide which to make, so I went ahead and did both... THAT'S how easy this was.

What you'll need:

freezer paper (it's by the tinfoil and such at the grocery store)
heat n' bond ultra hold adhesive
fabric
t-shirt
scissors and/or X-acto knife (be sure to use a cutting mat with this one!)

Thanks to my heat n' bond exploration last year with the no-sew cape, I had plenty left over. Plus, there were fabric scraps in the perfect colors already bonded to the adhesive, so I was able to skip a few steps on the second shirt! I found the white t-shirt at Wal-Mart for $3, and the brown fabric was actually a kid's shirt from the resale shop ($1).

beautiful, wonderful, fantastic freezer paper.

the shirts...

and the scraps. (oh, and heat n' bond!)

SUPERMOM TIP: Sometimes you can find exactly what you need in small quantities by surfing clothes at resale stores.

Now, let's get started! Since kid's party is Toy Story themed, I went with a silhouette of Woody I found on the internet.

to conserve ink, I printed just the outline of the shape.

Once I had it sized appropriately, I printed it directly on the freezer paper.

I didn't like the first size, so I re-printed smaller. REUSE the paper, if possible.

here are all of my pieces. the "NOAH" parts were printed twice, since I was layering fabrics.

SUPERMOM TIP: cut a sheet of freezer paper to be slightly smaller than a regular sheet of printer paper. Lightly attach it to the printer paper with a piece of tape at the feeder end. It will run through smoothly, and you won't have to trace at all!

Next, I applied the heat n' bond to the back of the brown fabric (following their instructions), then placed the freezer paper print-out on the top of the brown fabric.

taking a peek underneath. nice and bonded!

With a quick pass of the iron (seriously, two seconds should do it), the freezer paper stuck to the surface. Hurrah!

oooooooh, I'm getting excited!

Time to cut it out! You'll find that slicing through freezer paper, the fabric cuts easily. With a steady hand, it's done in no time.

tiny craft scissors are a great help with tiny cuts.

SUPERMOM TIP: if you have detailed cuts to make, consider using an X-acto knife. (I didn't here, but in other projects, it's helped me tremendously)

After cutting, peel the freezer paper off the fabric.

at this point, I'm just thinking "I'm doing this right, right?!"

Once I was satisfied with everything, I pulled the heat n' bond backing off, placed it exactly where I wanted it on the shirt, and ironed it on (see the instructions on your heat n' bond. I pressed for about 8-10 seconds).

*gasp*

Voila! A new shirt is born!

kid did a little dance when he saw it...

Following the same steps above (and layering fabrics with heat n' bond), I also created his second shirt. I just couldn't stop!

this time next week, there will be cake stains all over it. and that's OKAY!

Now, I'm off to take a nap.

—Supermom OUT

It's Been 4 Years: Bye-Bye Baby

2013-01-21T06:29:00.001-08:00

The following is a post I wrote four years ago. I am sharing it again, in memory of the one I lost, four years ago this weekend.

There are few times in life that you enjoy such unbridled happiness when sharing earth-shattering news.

"I'm in love!"

"We're engaged!"

"We're having a baby!"

I am very happy to have experienced all three of those announcements. They truly make up some of my most treasured memories. Today, however, I experienced the complete opposite.

"Mom, we had a miscarriage."

Let's forget about my husband's—and my own—pain for a moment. It is difficult to tell your parents that their baby, carrying a baby, is in the hospital. It's hard to say that their greatly-anticipated first grandchild no longer exists. Yes, you're in pain, but there's nothing they can do to fix it. That's what parents do: they fix. And for the first time in your life, you can truly understand their helplessness. You were going to be a parent, just like them.

Husband has been my cheerleader from day one. He held my hand as they peeked at the undercarriage, and withstood multiple fingernail wounds to the hand as I was stabbed repeatedly for even more blood work. He knows just when to hug, rub my arm or make me laugh. He is my other half for a reason ... in sickness and in health, forever and always. It may not have hit him yet, but when it does, I'll be there for him, just as he's been here for me.

I'm completely numb. I've known for a few weeks that it'd be a difficult road ... many blood tests and early spotting gave me little hope. I've "enjoyed" days of bed rest, but it just wasn't enough. God decided that we weren't ready for our miracle of life. I'm in pain, saddened and a bit worse for the wear, but I'm still hopeful. It wasn't our time for this journey. One day, though, it will be. And when that day comes, we'll be the best damn parents ever.

Looking back...
I can't believe it's been four years. Not a day goes by that I don't think about this. It was a very difficult time, but we made it through. Five months after our miscarriage, I became pregnant with the most perfect little boy. I became a mommy, and husband, a daddy. In a few short weeks, I'll be celebrating kid's third birthday! I am so grateful that, after all of that pain, I received SO MUCH joy packaged into one little boy. God is good, and answers prayers, even if it's not in the way you'd like it to happen.

Come On, Let's Link Up!

2013-01-18T07:53:00.001-08:00

Welcome back to the TGIF Blog HOP!!!
Brought to you by
Overworked Supermom
and
Funny Postpartum Lady

TGIF Blog Hop is a great way to gain new

followers and bring more traffic to your blog.

It's also a great way to meet other bloggers and

get great tips, ideas, and read cool blog posts.

There are just a few simple rules for our Blog Hop.

Follow the Hosts: Overworked Supermom and Funny Postpartum Lady
Follow our CoHost(s): My Daily Jenn-ism
Add the TGIF Blog Hop button to your blog.
Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

Each week we will post a new linky! Contact me at Funnypregnantlady@aol.com if you're interesting in cohosting a Blog Hop!

Also feel free to grab the code and post the blog hop in your Blog today. You can grab the entire code by clicking HERE , just make sure to go back and reword if you'd like.

Grab our Button!

Copy the code below:

A New Year, A New Blog Hop...

2013-01-11T08:36:00.003-08:00

Welcome back to the TGIF Blog HOP!!!
Brought to you by
Overworked Supermom
and
Funny Postpartum Lady

TGIF Blog Hop is a great way to gain new

followers and bring more traffic to your blog.

It's also a great way to meet other bloggers and

get great tips, ideas, and read cool blog posts.

There are just a few simple rules for our Blog Hop.

Follow the Hosts: Overworked Supermom and Funny Postpartum Lady
Follow our CoHost(s): We Are Earthformed
Add the TGIF Blog Hop button to your blog.
Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

Grab our Button!

Copy the code below:

Get Linking! TGIF Blog Hop

2012-11-16T06:43:00.001-08:00

It's also a great way to meet other bloggers and get great tips, ideas, and read cool blog posts.
HOW DO YOU SIGN UP?

Easy....Just follow a few simple rules:

- Add your blog link to the linky

- Follow the 3 Hosts (Funny Postpartum Lady, Overworked Supermom, and You Know It Happens At Your House Too) and our Featured

Blog of the Week- That Suburban Momma . If you leave us a comment we will know to follow you back.

- Visit as many blogs on the list as
you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

- Post our button on your blog....remember, the more people that find our hop, the more followers you can gain!

Featured Blog of the Week

Every Friday we will put up a new linky, so be sure to

stop by and add your blog. Each week we will randomly choose one participant

from the previous week’s blog hop to be the Featured Blog of the week.

Depending on attendance this week, we may go to every other week starting next week.

Grab Our Button!

What's In A (Kid's) Name?

2012-11-12T07:13:00.000-08:00

Most people look forward to picking their child's name, but it can be such a pain in the tookus!

Let me take you back to my own experience with it. Many moons ago, when I was pregnant with kid (and before we knew he had a penis), we played the “name game” at length. Once we had a list of names we liked, we put on our “mean kid” hat, and figured out all the ways a kid could be made fun of. (Won't share what husband and I came up with. Turns out, our inner "mean kids" can take it a bit too far.)

Sometimes, others would do it for us. See, I had LOVED the name Emma. It had nothing to do with “Friends”, by the way. It is just a classic, beautiful name. Well, one night over dinner, we were sharing a few names with my in-laws, and my father-in-law paused on Emma.

“It sounds like enema to me,” he said innocently. Emma was out.

We’d go through the celebrity roster, and make sure that IF a famous person used that name, they had a decent reputation.

Husband and I also ran through our mental Rolodex of people associated with the names. He liked Chloe, and of course, I had a St. Bernard named Chloe. No daughter of mine would have a pet’s name!

Another rule: if we knew more than 3 (we extended it to 5, in some cases) people with that name, it’d be out.

It was so easy to pour over girl’s names. In fact, that’s what we focused on for the first few months. Truth be told, I think I knew what my first son’s name would be, probably before husband and I were even married. Noah. The perfect name. The girl’s name column filled up fast, but there was always one on the boy’s side.

We all felt like this baby would be a girl. Maybe it’s because of the many hours we spent figuring out girl’s names, or perhaps it’s because I wanted to share my love of Barbies and dress up and girly things. When we went in for our sonogram at 19 weeks, I saw he was a boy on screen before the technician even said it. And I won’t even lie. For a split second, I cried. I was sad I wasn’t getting a girl. But then, I realized I was getting something much better: my NOAH.

After he was born, nicknames were tried, and most failed. Some just didn’t work—NJ (his initials) just didn’t stick, and No-no would just confuse him—and others fit so well—he is “bug” to me (short for lovebug).

Even though we’re not quite ready to have a second, husband and I find ourselves falling into the “name game” every now and again. We make a mental list (and a page in the “notes” app) of things that strike our fancy. It’s just good to be prepared.

What names could you just not use? And what nicknames do you use for your kids?

TGIF! Hop On Over To Our Blog Hop!

2012-11-09T07:31:00.000-08:00

It's also a great way to meet other bloggers and get great tips, ideas, and read cool blog posts.
HOW DO YOU SIGN UP?

Easy....Just follow a few simple rules:

- Add your blog link to the linky

- Follow the 3 Hosts (Funny Postpartum Lady, Overworked Supermom, and You Know It Happens At Your House Too) and our Featured

Blog of the Week- The Things We Find Inside . If you leave us a comment we will know to follow you back.

- Post our button on your blog....remember, the more people that find our hop, the more followers you can gain!

Featured Blog of the Week

The Things We Find Inside

Every Friday we will put up a new linky, so be sure to

stop by and add your blog. Each week we will randomly choose one participant

from the previous week’s blog hop to be the Featured Blog of the week.

Grab Our Button!

How I Met Your Daddy

2012-10-29T10:04:00.002-07:00

Yes, I'm one of those silly parents that created an email account for their kid. It sounds stupid, but I wanted to be able to send him stories about me, about him, about life. This note was written to kid over a year ago, and is called quite simply, "How I Met Your Daddy." Enjoy.

I want you to know that I love your daddy very much. He’s such a good man, and I’m so grateful to have found my forever best friend.

As you know, we met in college. He was an 18-year-old freshman; I was a 21-year-old junior. It was our first semester at our college (since I was a transfer student).

Because he didn’t really know anyone, he decided to make friends by rushing Kappa Sigma. As a pledge, you go to different events, and on October 23, the fraternity was going to the Thursday night midnight movie. I had decided to go with my best friend and roommate, Sara, and her boyfriend at the time, Will (who was also a Kappa Sigma pledge). Will, Sara and I sat toward the back of the theater and watched everyone pile in. All of a sudden, this 6-foot+ guy in a pullover fleece sweater and Kappa Sigma hat (his “uniform” for about a year… by choice) plopped down in the seat next to me. Before I knew it, we were making small talk. At one point, Will put his arm around Sara. Your daddy then put his arm around me, mocking Will’s gesture. It was bizarre, yet very normal. We watched the movie (Scary Movie 3) and made fun of it until the film burned up. We had this instantaneous chemistry that gave me butterflies. It’s hard to say that I knew in that moment that I’d marry him, but I felt like he was different.

daddy, fall 2003.

The night we met is strange to me now. Your daddy never had a girlfriend before me. He never kissed a girl or “made a move” on anyone before me. But the ease with which he interacted with me didn’t betray that. Daddy was smooth.

I don’t remember if we exchanged numbers, but I knew that I wanted to see him again. Of course, friends tend to meddle, and the following Sunday, Sara arranged a “movie date” at our apartment. The four of us watched “The Lion King”. We learned that we both LOVE Disney movies. We’re both movie nerds. We both have cynical, sarcastic senses of humor.

That next week was homecoming week. There was a long-standing tradition (which is now defunct) of fraternity men (and women) guarding the bonfire firewood (used for a homecoming rally later in the week). They would sit around and talk, and some nights, even camp out to “protect” it. Monday night, we ran in to each other there. Tuesday, I had to work, but Wednesday, (October 29) we both ended up talking by the fire. Another friend noticed we had been talking, and asked your daddy why he hadn’t asked me out yet. He said he was getting to it… and then turned around and asked me to be his girlfriend. Of course I said yes! We ended up camping out with about 30 people to “protect” the wood. That was the first time he held my hand. (It’s the little things, kiddo. You’ll learn that.)

mommy and daddy, winter formal, 2003

We have been inseparable ever since. Because I was an RA (resident assistant), I was on call most nights and weekends. Your daddy came and kept me company at the office and my apartment (When you’re on call, you can’t leave the apartment grounds). We spent a lot of time cooking, eating and watching movies. That’s where our insane DVD collection started. Of course we’d argue occasionally, but for the most part, we were a normal, loving couple. He was supportive of my crazy life—I kept taking on more responsibilities with the newspaper, with school, and even joined a sorority. He would come up on “publish” nights for the paper, bringing me something to eat, or just to hang out. We just enjoyed being with one another.

We had talked about marriage after being together for about a year, and we both knew it would eventually happen. On October 29, 2005, your daddy asked me to marry him. We had gone to visit Mimi and Papa that weekend. I think we went to lunch or saw a movie that afternoon. We came back home, and sat on the back porch. He told me how much he loved me, and how he couldn’t imagine life without me. He asked me to be his wife. It was such a beautiful moment, and I can still remember THAT moment. We kissed and hugged, and he slipped a beautiful ring on my finger.

mommy and daddy, 2005.

We set a date: May 26, 2007. It was far enough out to plan, but more importantly, it gave daddy a chance to finish school. I respected his parent’s wishes to make sure he finished school (it was never planned for him not to, nor was it an option!). By the time we got engaged, I was working at [place], and it gave me a chance to get settled in there, and accrue some time off.

We spent the next 18 months feverishly planning our big day. We really took the time to enjoy our time as an engaged couple. We decided to get married in daddy’s church, and took marriage preparation classes. Those classes were very important to us. We were able to figure out what each of us expected out of our life together, from how we would budget to how many kids we’d like to have. We discussed our apprehensions and our hopes. I hope that if you choose to get married, you take the time to do this.

Our family and friends gathered together at the United Methodist Church May 26, 2007 to celebrate our union. Daddy looked so handsome that day. I didn’t look too bad, either. ;) I walked down the aisle, gripping my daddy’s arm. I was so nervous! In fact, halfway down the aisle, I took a really loud breath, and people started to laugh. As soon as I took your daddy’s hand, though, I became calm. We recited our vows, said our “I dos” and before you knew it, we were married!

the second best day of our lives.

We had a beautiful afternoon reception at a local restaurant, then went back to Mimi and Papa’s to open presents. The next day, we left for our honeymoon to Disney World for five days. We had the time of our lives, going from park to park.

Once we returned, daddy moved in to my apartment, and we adjusted well to married life.

In June 2009, we learned I was pregnant. I went to the doctor, and from the start, everything came back perfect. You were growing as you should, your heart rate was strong… you were thriving.

Pregnancy was going well; daddy was very patient and attentive, and for the most part, I wasn’t indulging in weird cravings. In December, my blood pressure spiked, and I had to go to the emergency room. Everything was fine by the time I got there, but we monitored things very closely after that. Mid-January, I was placed on bed rest because of my blood pressure. I wasn’t allowed to get out of bed for three weeks, aside from doctor’s appointments and bathroom breaks. (I should have taken advantage of this time, but it was so boring!)

the day before having you.

On February 11, we went to our weekly doctor’s appointment. I was 38 weeks along. When the checked you, the doctor noticed the amniotic fluid was getting pretty low. She immediately admitted us to the hospital and I was induced. You were on your way!

Labor was progressing well enough at first. My contractions were fairly regular (and strong) and I was dilating at an okay rate. Once I got to a 4, though, that stopped. I got my epidural, but that was no match for the contractions. Your heartbeat kept dipping during the contractions, and after 15 hours of labor, they decided to perform a C-section. I was terrified at the thought of being cut open, but if they didn’t do it, we would have died. They wheeled us back around 3am, and by 3:35am, you were here! 5 pounds, 13 ounces and completely gorgeous. It’s an out of body experience when your child is born. I felt them reaching in and pulling you out, I heard you cry, I even saw your perfect face, but it didn’t click that your daddy and I CREATED YOU! YOU WERE OURS! It’s such a mind blowing and beautiful thing to have a child. You made our family whole on that day.

to think, it all started with a boy and a girl falling in love.

Daddy and I enjoyed learning how to be parents. With each day, we got more experience under our belt. We learned to bathe you, feed you and put you to sleep. We figured out what made you laugh and coo, and we knew what each cry meant. Today, we could probably change your diaper in our sleep.

You made us grow up in the best possible way. You brought out the most wonderful side of your daddy, making me love him even more than I ever thought possible.

You got sick earlier this year with RSV, and were admitted to the hospital. Daddy was sick, too, but he snuck up in the middle of the night to be with us. He held me as I cried, and sent me home for a shower. It sounds stupid, but those are the kinds of things that make up a good man.

he loves you more than anything, and that's okay. I do, too.

When kids are young, they want to be like their parents. When they’re teenagers, they want to be anything but their parents. When they’re adults, they realize they’d be lucky if they were half of what their parents were to them. I hope one day you realize that being like your daddy would be the most amazing thing.

I love you forever,
Mommy

the fever...

2012-10-22T07:24:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s taken almost 2-1/2 years, but the fever is setting in. Baby fever. Oy.

Before kid, husband and I wanted 2-3 little ones running around (I was partial to two, since it was just me and my brother; he grew up in a house with three boys). A boy and a girl was a definite—the third would be a wild card (IF it even happened).

Once kid was born, though, I just knew I was done. Labor was a bitch, and recovering from a c-section sucked. (Yes, I’m a baby.) In reality, I was hit with crippling postpartum depression, and everything seemed so much harder than I thought it would be. Of course, right after he was born, we also went through a bunch of life changes all at once... Husband got a new job, we moved in with my in laws as we saved to buy a house, kid was sick ALL THE TIME... It just didn’t seem to be something I was interested in repeating.

It’s funny how time seems to soften the memories. Labor wasn’t really THAT bad. Of course, it was over 15 hours, and it WAS painful, but I’m not feeling the pain now! And the c-section sure hurt for a few weeks, but I got through it. And absolutely, having a sick baby is awful, but we took care of him, and look at him now—look at US now! My little baby has grown into a beautiful, healthy toddler. My husband has a stable job that he’s been with for almost three years, and we are enjoying our first home. Every day, I look at my son in amazement, knowing I helped MAKE him. I created life. The love my husband and I have for each other has been realized in creating another being. Life is a miracle, and I want another go at it.

Now, now, settle down for a second. I’m not saying NOW. The practical side of me (and husband) knows that we need to wait a little bit longer. For one thing, the cost of two kids in day care is just astronomical. (And diapers. And formula. And clothes. And........) We are starting to save money out of each paycheck to be able to cover that. We also want to enjoy our son just a little bit longer, with just the three of us.

But the baby door has opened again, and we can’t wait to walk through it.

TGIF! Blog Hop

2012-10-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

It's also a great way to meet other bloggers and get great tips, ideas, and read cool blog posts.
HOW DO YOU SIGN UP?

Easy....Just follow a few simple rules:

- Add your blog link to the linky

- Follow the 3 Hosts (Funny Postpartum Lady, Overworked Supermom, and You Know It Happens At Your House Too) and our Featured

Blog of the Week- Army Wife Mommy Life . If you leave us a comment we will know to follow you back.

- Post our button on your blog....remember, the more people that find our hop, the more followers you can gain!

Featured Blog of the Week

THIS WEEK WE HAVE ADDED LINKYS FOR YOUR TWITTER, PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, AND NOW LINK RIGHT TO YOUR CURRENT GIVEAWAYS!!

Every Friday we will put up a new linky, so be sure to

stop by and add your blog. Each week we will randomly choose one participant

from the previous week’s blog hop to be the Featured Blog of the week.

Grab Our Button!

BLOG LINKY TWITTER LINKY FACEBOOK LINKY PINTEREST LINKY GIVEAWAY LINKY

2012-09-21T06:19:00.003-07:00

Welcome back to the TGIF Blog Hop, hosted by Funny Postpartum Lady, Overworked Supermom, and You Know It Happens At Your House Too! TGIF Blog Hop is a great way to gain new followers and bring more traffic to your blog. It's also a great way to meet other bloggers and get great tips, ideas, and read cool blog posts.

HOW DO YOU SIGN UP?

Easy....Just follow a few simple rules:

- Add your blog link to the linky

- Follow the 3 Hosts (Funny Postpartum Lady, Overworked Supermom, and You Know It Happens At Your House Too) and our Featured Blog of the Week- Moore Organized Mayhem. If you leave us a comment we will know to follow you back.

- Visit as many blogs on the list as you can and leave a comment. Let them know if you've followed them so they can return the favor. Also, if someone from the blog hop follows you, you should return the favor!

- Post our button on your blog....remember, the more people that find our hop, the more followers you can gain!

Featured Blog of the Week

Moore Organized Mayhem

Every Friday we will put up a new linky, so be sure to stop by and add your blog. Each week we will randomly choose one participant from the previous week’s blog hop to be the Featured Blog of the week.

Grab Our Button!