Mommy Vomitpants

Happy Mother's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Sun, 09 May 2010 05:29:31 PDT

I'd like to wish a VERY Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful mothers!! I hope today is filled with much pampering and relaxation! If you liked what you read here and are a member on FaceBook, please become a fan of Mommy Vomitpants!

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Earth Day

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 05:00:13 PDT

Happy Earth Day!! I love this planet we live on and I love teaching my daughter about the Earth and why it's our job to take care of it. There is a team in Germany working for an initiative called "Make it Green!". Their goal is to contribute their part in reducing the carbon footprint by raising awareness of the severe environmental damage caused by carbon emissions. One of their activities is to raise awareness of the carbon emissions resulting from the use of the internet - specifically of blogs. Did you know that a blog with 15,000 visits a month has a yearly carbon dioxide emissions of 8lb? Who knew? To demonstrate that I care about the environment (I mean, shouldn't we all?) and the carbon footprint of my blog, I have added a button on my sidebar. Just by my adding the...

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Tax Day is Looming...

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 06:33:51 PDT

The last day to file your taxes is coming this Thursday. Did you know that nearly half of the households in America don't pay Federal Income Tax? "Either their incomes were too low, or they qualified for enough credits, deductions and exemptions to eliminate their liability. That's according to projections by the Tax Policy Center, a Washington research organization." Make sure that you get all of the credits and deductions you deserve. This year, we made about $5,000 more in income, but we paid the same taxes as last year because we were able to take advantage of some of the credits that were enacted into law via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that was signed into law in February of last year. This legislation has lots of tax cuts for individuals including a...

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Potty Training 101, Results Not Typical

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:00:04 PST

First of all, sorry for the two-day lapse. I have been too busy to post until now. Anyway...back to the story. I worked from home the Monday after starting "Potty Training Boot Camp" so that Willow had one more day to get it down pat before going back to daycare. She had ZERO accidents on Monday. Now, it's been a 10 days (and counting) since Willow has had any accidents, so I think she is doing just fine with using the potty. To say that the results we have had aren't "typical" is an understatement. Even the Center Director at her Daycare commented that she couldn't believe it. I still have trouble believing it and I am waiting for the relapse. But then Willow's personality is such that once she starts something, she doesn't go back. Especially when it's something she has...

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Potty Training 101, "Boot Camp"

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:06 PST

The time had come. Willow seemed ready and eager to use the potty and give up diapers for good. As parents, we were as well. We were prepared for much frustration and many accidents. But we knew it would all be worth it in the end to be diaper-free. It was Saturday morning and time for "Potty Training Boot Camp" to begin. Let me start off by saying that it was an incredible help to have a friend potty training her daughter at the same time (my stupendous friend Kate). It was great to be able to call or e-mail each other with how we were doing, and to be able to trade tips and suggestions. We also posted quite a bit to FaceBook about the whole experience as it was happening. We started the morning off in pullups, like she had been wearing since the Tuesday before... The method we...

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Potty Training 101, The Beginning

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:27:11 PST

We decided several weeks ago to potty train my 29 month old daughter. She had been showing all of the signs including wanting her diaper changed right away, telling us when she was peeing or pooping, staying dry for several hours at a time, etc. My stupendous friend Kate (whose daughter Abby is 1 month younger than Willow) let me borrow a book called Pottywise for Toddlers: A Developmental Readiness Approach to Potty Training. It's a short book with some good information on potty training. So, I thought I'd go for it in a week or two... But before I did I wanted to get a couple of more books on the subject. So, I bought Toilet Training in Less Than a Day, and Stress-Free Potty Training: A Commonsense Guide to Finding the Right Approach for Your Child. (I figured I should be...

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Thank You's

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:52:54 PST

I read a story today about a couple here in Texas whose little baby developed without eyes. She literally has no eyeballs. She will never ever see. She will never see her parents or herself. She will never see clouds in the sky or sunsets. This makes me want to cry. It also makes me so very grateful for everything I have in my life. Everyone has things about their lives that they would like to change. We want a better job, or a better house. We want to lose weight or get married or divorced. Heck, sometimes I just wish I had that particular shirt in a different color. Since the Thanksgiving season is one of being thankful I have decided to do that....a little early. TODAY (the list changes day to day) I am MOST thankful for: God my family my sister my in-laws (who are...

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Thank You Veterans

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:29:35 PST

Thank you to the Veterans, and current service men and women, who have helped keep my family, and my country safe. Each donned their uniform to be Defenders of our liberty Their mission sure, their spirits bright Guard freedom’s home, be brave to fight One final day each faced their call Each gave their best enduring all We’ll never know what they went through But know they loved this country true Deep down inside we should all feel What heroes gave, their cost so real We must stay thankful, grateful of The gift of freedom through their love Their loved ones bore the gravest pain What we can’t know, some now sustain To God I pray their pain will cease And each will find long-lasting peace Remember this from year to year What heroes gave – shan’t disappear We’ll never let their...

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Thanksgiving Traditions

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:22:02 PST

Can you think of any Thanksgiving movies? Christmas has a ton and even Halloween has "The Great Pumpkin", not to mention your run-of-the-mill horror stories. My husband likes to point out that his favorite Thanksgiving move is "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" (hence the lovely graphic at the beginning of the post). Halloween has pumpkin carving and dressing up. Christmas has Santa and presents (Jesus seems to get lost sometimes, if you ask me). What do you think of when you think of Thanksgiving? Yesterday I talked about Christmas traditions and today I'd like to talk about Thanksgiving traditions. What makes Thanksgiving special to you and your family? Do you truly "give thanks" on that day? Most people associate Thanksgiving with the MEAL. Ffoooooooooooddd. I am guilty of...

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Christmas Traditions

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:04:10 PST

As the Holidays are fast approaching, new families (like mine) may be on the lookout for some new traditions to start. My daughter is only 2 years old and doesn't really understand the concept of Christmas. But, that hasn't stopped me from buying (when I was on maternity leave because I am slightly nutty) something that we are going to use every year called the Elf on the Shelf. Now, I did talk about this last year but here's a little refresher course. From their website: How does Santa REALLY know who’s been naughty or who’s been nice? After much urging by the elves and Mrs. Claus, Santa has allowed his biggest secret to be revealed in the book, The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition®. Santa has partnered each book with a magical scout elf which children name. They can then...

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Pass It On

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:42:40 PST

As a mother, I think about the things that I am "passing on" to my daughter. I see every day the personality traits she gets from her father and I wonder what I can offer her. You know, aside from the whole "giving her life" thing. When I was a kid, my mother was always crocheting or knitting or cross stitching. I always thought it was neat, but it never occurred to me to ask her about it. And, she never volunteered any information. So, I have decided that I am going to be proactive. I don't know if it's the Holidays coming up, or if it's my feeling a little "domestic" in my "old age", but I think I am going to learn how to crochet AND knit and teach it to Willow, if she would like to learn. I am not a stay-at-home mom. I know they have less time than I do to do fantastic things...

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Patriot Day 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:50:31 PDT

September 11th Memorial wall in Second Life is etched with nearly 3,000 names of victims of the 2001 terrorist attack against the United States A Prayer of Hope and Healing for Patriot Day By Mary Fairchild Dear Heavenly Father, Today is a difficult day. The memories are painful and some of the wounds I fear may never heal. Yet I pray you will help me to go on living for truth, firm in my hope of your salvation. May I live for you, Lord, and by doing so, be an example to my friends and family. I pray, just like Jesus, I may learn obedience through these things that I have suffered. Help me not to question why, yet even if I do, give me courage to continue to trust you. Help me take the comfort and strength you've poured into my life and use it to comfort and strengthen others who...

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What Does "Gifted" Mean?

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:00:57 PDT

When I pulled Willow out of Montessori School a few weeks ago, I decided to do some research on "early learning". I inevitably stumbled upon "gifted" programs in my search for answers. So, I talked to a ton of moms and teachers to get their thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages in giving your kid a "head start" in education. First, let me tell you a little about Willow. She is going to be two in mid-September. Right now she can sing the alphabet song (recognizing some of the letters) and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. She can "read" Yummy Yucky and Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?. I put the word "read" in quotation marks because even though she can say the words and turn the pages at the right times, that doesn't mean she can read. It means that we have read them...

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Are You Constantly Running on Full?

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 05:00:03 PDT

My daughter watches Elmo a lot. Her favorite video is Elmo's Potty Time. One part of the video has a giant blue monkey who is "in tune with his body", meaning he knows when he's thirsty or hungry, etc. because he listens to what his body is telling him. This is helpful in learning to use the potty. I find this to be an interesting concept, especially because I don't think most people are in tune with their bodies (me included). My weight has been an issue for me ever since the 7th grade (or so). I was never really "fat" (like I am now at a size 18, which is over the average size of 14 for women in America), just overweight. As I am sure I have mentioned in here before, I think it's important to set a good example for your young, impressionable, children. That's why I exercise...

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The School "Edge"?

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:00:09 PDT

My daughter turns two on September 17th. In Texas (as in some other states, I am sure) the cutoff for beginning school is September 1st. So, she will miss the cutoff by 17 days and when she enters Kindergarten she will be almost six years old. At first, this was bothersome to me. Being from new York, whose cutoff is in December, I started Kindergarten when I was 4 (since my birthday is in October) and I graduated high school when I was 17. Since my daughter is a fall baby as well, I thought the best thing would be to find a way to help her "get ahead" and start school a year earlier, when she was about to turn five. I mean, it's a whole YEAR, right? Aren't I doing my child a disservice by making her wait? So, the search for a private school that didn't strictly adhere to the...

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It's Been a While

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 08:55:56 PDT

I feel like I have been neglecting this blog and I am hoping to remedy that. So, be on the lookout for more frequent posting! In the interim, please check out our new neat FaceBook box at the top of the blog! See you soon!!

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Welcome the Pad

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:24:05 PDT

A discussion about feminine products and my evolutionary views on them as I have aged into my 30's. When you're young and hip and on the go, you tend to use certain "products" over others during your Aunt Flo's visit. Am I right? And, let's be honest, when you're young the tampon is what most women use. Especially in this day and age when it seems (to me, at the risk of sounding prudish) like young women are wearing less and less. We can't have that bothersome pad sticking out and ruining our outfit, can we? However, since having a baby, my views have changed. And I am uncertain as to whether it's to do with the fact that something so large came out of an opening that was so small, but tampons just don't seem to FIT like they used to. And, since I was bleeding after giving birth...

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Courteous, Polite, Kind

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 06:28:28 PDT

These are words that we want people to associate with our children, aren't they? How awesome does it feel when someone compliments you on your child's behavior? I have gotten compliments on my 22-month-old so I can safely tell you that it is pretty awesome. It makes you feel like you are doing something right. So, the questions is, why do we want to instill traits and behaviors in our children that we do not ourselves pattern? We "roll through" that stop sign but if our teenage child did the same we'd surely say something. We complain when the neighbor has a party, but when it's our turn we are just as loud. Ever since having a baby I have learned a little more about consideration for others. This is because I am considerate (or at least try to be) for my child. You would think...

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Happy Birthday America!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:00:27 PDT

Happy 4th of July to you all!! As we celebrate the birth of our amazing country, please be mindful of fireworks and their use. Here are a couple of useful links from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 9,800 People Treated in Emergency Departments for Fireworks-Related Injuries in 2007 Fireworks Injury Prevention Have a wonderful weekend!! If you liked what you read here and are a member on FaceBook, please become a fan of Mommy Vomitpants!

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National Ice Cream Month

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:56:11 PDT

You may not be aware that such a thing existed but July is National Ice Cream Month! It was designated such in 1984 by then President Ronald Reagan with the third Sunday of the month designated as "Ice Cream Day". This year, that Sunday falls on July 19th. For some Ice Cream Facts (Courtesy of IceCream.com) It takes 12 lbs. of milk to make just one gallon of ice cream. Wonder how they fit it all in one carton? The U.S. enjoys an average of 48 pints of ice cream per person, per year, more than any other country. Maybe we should make ice cream the fifth food group! It takes an average of 50 licks to polish off a single-scoop ice cream cone. Challenge your family to a Lick-a-Thon, and see who finishes first! The biggest ice cream sundae in history was made in Edmonton, Alberta,...

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Sweating the "Parenting" Thing

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:11:38 PDT

I live in Houston and I hate to sweat. Not a good combination, right? I mean it gets hot here (heat index in the 100's lately), not to mention the hurricanes we see every year. Sweating in the heat, to me, is kind of like sweating the whole parenting thing. See, when I was a kid I always thought that I'd have two children. A boy and a girl (of course). The American family, with me living the American dream. Now that I am a parent and I intentionally have only one child, the dream has changed to one of raising a happy child. So, I am reading parenting books. Right now I am reading (and loving) Parenting an Only Child: The Joys and Challenges of Raising Your One and Only by Susan Newman, Ph.D. Like all parenting books, this one tries to tell you what to do (and not do) when...

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Happy Father's Day!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 05:00:22 PDT

Today is the day we celebrate the dad's in our lives. As a wife, I have to admit that there are times when I feel like I should be appreciated more than I am. So, it stands to reason that my husband (and father to my lovely daughter) would feel the same from time to time. So, today I have set out to celebrate his wonderful "fatherness" with a few gifts and a couple of cards and a whole lot of family time. I will start off with a new phrase I am trying out with Willow: Seriously though...he is a wonderful father and husband and neither I nor Willow (not just because she can't talk well enough yet) could ask for someone better. If you liked what you read here and are a member on FaceBook, please become a fan of Mommy Vomitpants!

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An "Ideal" Life?

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:40:46 PDT

When you make the decision to become a parent, you have ideas about how you want to raise your child and what kind of parent you want to be. You have seen how well your parents did and what mistakes they made and you vow to be and do better. But, is such an idealistic way of parenting reality? Being the parent of a toddler, I find it incredibly hard to abide by the "rules" I have set for myself as a parent. And I am strict. There is no cursing in front of the toddler. That little mimicker is already picking up my bad habits of picking up the bowl to get the last scrapings of food (it's cute but messy). The last thing I need is for a curse word to "slip out" in public. And I think I must have hit the cat once or twice in front of her because she seems to think it's not only okay,...

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Best Selling Car in America?

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 05:14:10 PDT

I saw this on the NBC Nightly News and thought it was hilarious... June 11: The yellow and red Little Tikes Cozy Coupe sold more than 457,000 units in 2008 - more than any other car in the U.S. NBC's Brian Williams reports. (Nightly News) Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy If you liked what you read here and are a member on FaceBook, please become a fan of Mommy Vomitpants!

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In The News - Understanding the Risks (and Rewards) of Pills and Pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (Mommy Vomitpants) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:08:21 PDT

My husband reads Time Magazine and thought sharing this article with my Mommy Vomitpants readers would be a good idea. After checking it out, I have to agree!! Having been pregnant, I can attest to the desire, at times, to pop a pill to fix what may be ailing you. But, it's important to remember that your body is no longer your own when you are pregnant. Everything you ingest is ingested by your baby. Believe it or not, even over the counter drugs can be harmful to your unborn baby. It can be hard for a first-time mother to know what is safe to take and what is not. I mean, let's face it, we live in a "pill-popping" society. People just "pop a pill" when they have indigestion or a headache or allergies without thinking twice about what they are putting into their bodies. That's...

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