Ooh La La Mama

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:41:00 +0000

Ooh La La Mama has a fresh and funky new look...visit our new website www.oohlalamama.com
You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and MySpace

We have lots of great new designs...sign in to our website for contests, discount codes and updates.

Here are a few of our favorites: Poppies
Paisley

We would also love to hear your ideas for new designs...log-in to our site or comment below and tell us what you think, we look forward to hearing from you!

Fall/Winter Photoshoot

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Ooh La La Mama's Fall/Winter line is finally HERE! We recently finished some adorable photoshoots for our latest collection with two very talented photographers in San Diego. And just for our readers, check out what these fantastic photographers are offering now!

Get 20% off any products from Yvonne Le Brun photography. Just use the promo code OLLM20 to save on prints, canvases, storyboards, and more.

Also, check out www.micheleludwigphotography.com Ooh La La Mama customers can receive a FREE CD with 5 copyright released digital pictures now through Dec 10, 2009! Reserve your session today.*

* Must book up to an hour session with Michele. Limited availability and additional charges may apply to areas outside of San Diego County. (At time of booking use promotion code: OLLM09)

Congratulations BlogHer winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 02:26:00 +0000

Our favorite Complicatedmama is back from BlogHer and has had a Whrrl of a time! Amidst meeting all the coolest mom bloggers in the nation, bowling, parties, and cocktails with the energizer bunny, a gecko, AND Mr. Potato head, Corine ran an Ooh La La Mama twitter contest. Two lucky winners each received an always fashionable Ooh La La Mama onesie.

Congrats to Jill Shepard of www.thediaperdiaries.net and Julia Dianora who are both expecting! Jill won by being the first to spot out Corine in her Ooh La La Mama t-shirt in the lobby at BlogHer while Julia was our at home twitter winner. We can't wait to see your precious new arrivals in their new Ooh La La Mama onesies.

BlogHer Convention '09!

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:03:00 +0000

Ooh La La Mama is proud to sponsor Corine Ingrassia to attend the BlogHer conference starting today in Chicago. The BlogHer conference is a great experience for bloggers to finally meet "In Real Life" and share tips on blogging, marketing, and networking. Corine writes her own blog, http://www.complicatedmama.com/ and will be spreading some Ooh La La Mama love in the blogosphere.

Follow her at the BlogHer conference here: http://whrrl.com/experience/story/18232070

For you other mommy bloggers out there, this year's conference is sold out, but find out more info on the next one at www.blogher.com.

Celebrity Baby Yard Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Sun, 31 May 2009 17:06:00 +0000

Ooh La La Mama was proud to participate in the Celebrity Baby Yard Sale, Saturday May 30th, 2009.

The event was organized by the Bailey Baio Foundation and is an effort to heighten awareness of the importance of expanded newborn screening and raise much needed funds
to support children and families affected with GA1 and other organic acidemia metabolic disorders.

Scott Baio (Charles in Charge, Happy Days), his wife Renee Baio, and Daughter Bailey invite the public to walk the red carpet and shop new and used baby apparel and gear from top retailers and celebrity parents.

For more info, visit www.baileybaioangelfoundation.com

OOH LA LA MAMA & JENNY MCCARTHY'S NEW BOOK!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Back in November, Ooh La La Mama was invited to provide shirts for Jenny McCarthy's new book - Healing and Preventing Autism available now. Not only did our shirts make it on the cover, but so did my son Max! (He's the cute redhead.) We had a blast at the photo shoot and are so excited the book is finally here. If you missed out on our exclusive the behind-the-scenes pictures at the photo shoot, click here.

Congrats on the book and maybe even a new talk show and deal with Oprah, Jenny! You go girl.

Shop now for your own flag tees and onesies feature on the cover.

Special Event and Spring Trunk Show

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 13:00:00 +0000

Hey OC Moms and Dads!

Join Ooh La La Mama on Saturday, April 4th from 2pm-4pm for a sneak peek at the new Spring/Summer 2009 line of rockin' apparel for babies and kids coming down the runway at OC's hippest baby boutique, Under My Umbrella.

Also, don't miss:
-Ooh La La Mama's blowout sale at up to 50% OFF.
-Enter our coloring contest to win a free T-Shirt or Onesie of your choice!
-Meet Lisa Johnston, artist/designer for Ooh La La Mama

Fashion Show begins at 3:00pm. RSVP at umu4kids.com by Wed, Apr 1st.
Some of your other favorite brands that will be on the runway with Ooh La La Mama:

-Sorbet

-Hula Mula

-Knuckleheads

-Surf City Threads

What's that you say? You've never been to Under My Umbrella? Wacth a short video clip of this awesome store and get amped up for the Fashion Show! We hope to see you there.

Under My Umbrella from Kimberlee West on Vimeo.

*This awesome video was made by Kimberlee West, Ooh La La Mama's exclusive fashion photographer! If you're looking to capture fun, fresh, timeless moments of your little one, you must contact her. www.kimberleewest.com

**Retailers - If you are interested in hosting a trunk show, please contact us at chris@oohlalamama.com.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:11:00 +0000

Thank you all for entering our Target gift card giveaway! Tons of responses and 3 lucky winners:

Winner #1 - Andrea - Twitter name @andreacooks and visit her yummy website: http://www.andreasdolcevita.blogspot.com/ - I am hungry just visiting. Lot's of fun stuff!

Winner #2 - Briann - Twitter name @Briann88 - Everyone should really pop on over and visit her adorable blog to see really beautiful pics of baby Leah. She is gorgeous! http://shaunandbriannneeley.blogspot.com/

Winner #3 - Brittany - you may know her as @barefootfoodie on Twitter - and please visit her totally awesome blog - http://barefootfoodie.com/ - lots of fun, interesting posts about life, pregnancy and always being hungry. Just found her blog when she won our contest. I have a new favorite to add to my list!

So - if you didn't win today - please don't fret. We've always got fun contests coming up.
Happy weekend everyone!

TARGET, TARGET, TARGET!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:00:00 +0000

We just love giving stuff away! Ooh La La Mama is at it again! We just love making our customers happy. NO - you do not need to shop but YES - we totally appreciate it when you do!

Please visit our main site for truly rockin' apparel for your little ones. Our stuff is also totally loved as baby shower gifts and our super soft, yummy, funky designs always draw tons of "Ooohs and Awwwws" from moms-to-be.

OK - back to the contest! Next week we are giving away 3 (YES THREE!) Target gift cards for $50 each to 3 lucky winners! How do you enter? First - you must follow this blog and leave a cute little comment to this post. That's it. Super easy to win!

So - get ready and start commenting! Winners chosen by random drawing on Friday at 2pm (PST) . Any retweets, blog mentions get you an extra entry. Mention what you like from our line and that might count too! http://www.oohlalamama.com/GOOD LUCK!

Pictured below - Jen - lucky winners of previous Target Gift Card giveaway (from a few contests ago). This could be you! Good luck! Thanks Jen for the awesome pic! She's got a @Themomjen on Twitter. Follow her if you are not already! And be sure to visit her site too - you know it totally rocks! jenthemom.com!

And here's our other winner - Joanne of Bareley Domestic Mama - gotta check her awesome site out right away too! You ROCK! Congrats on the win! Let's see who's up this time...

And now for a shameless plug about me (yes, it really is all about me - but just sometimes - just after my kids are asleep, hubby's at work, I am not in the ER - my patients are taken care of - and then yes, it is all about me!) So - since this is my moment please listen to my shameless plea:

If you'd be so kind - please vote for us on StartUp Nation - see little VOTE button above? Just click there or HERE. We really appreciate your vote! Thanks! You all now - officially - rock too!

Stalked at Stroller Strides

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 06:11:00 +0000

Some of you may remember I joined Stroller Strides as part of my New Year's resolution to get back in shape. I LOVED the class from the start and immediately signed up for a monthly pass which allowed me to take an unlimited amount of classes. I’ve found the class has made me feel a million times better physically and emotionally, it’s a great place to connect with other moms, and they contribute so much back to the community. (Find out more at http://www.strollerstrides.com/)

Imagine my shock and anger when I heard that during one of the classes, park patrol approached one of the instructors (in front of the moms and their children) and cited the instructor and threatened to have her arrested if she continued the class. Then, along with some nasty words, the park patrol proceeded to call TWO more cruisers for backup! Geez I didn't know a bunch of moms with strollers could pose such a threat. As a result, our classes were cancelled until our local stroller strides franchise owner and instructor, Zoe, could work things out with the city.

Well – the moms continued to meet in the park on their own without the instructors because Stroller Strides had become such a wonderful source of support, friendship, and a healthy part of their daily routines to get themselves energized and their children out into the fresh air. Unfortunately, the moms found themselves being watched. Park patrol sat in their cars with binoculars, took photographs, and noted the moms’ cars and license plates. The franchise owner was sent citations for continuing to operate the class, saying that even if the instructors weren’t there, that if it there was a time and place posted online then it was considered a class. (Even though we all have an email saying classes are cancelled and will be receiving refunds for the cancelled week!) It was maddening to hear. These moms live in this community, pay their taxes, and use a public trail and park but are being watched! Will nannies be charged for taking children to the park too? How about personal trainers that take their clients outside?

I could go on and on about what’s going on…but you can read more here as the story has been picked up by our local paper: http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2009/02/17/business/dpt-strollerstrides021309.txt Basically the city wants to take over the classes which would make it more of a hassle to register and sign up for, and probably a completely different class, or they want to charge a ridiculous amount to a small business owner that already pays her taxes.

Zoe has since met with the city and they will hopefully come to an agreement in the next few weeks, but nothing has been set in stone yet, so I’m gonna write my letter to the city now and cross my fingers! Save Stroller Strides!!!

Ooh La La Mentions

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:48:00 +0000

This week Ooh La La Mama was featured in LA Splash's Valentines Day Gift guide. We're so excited to have our "Vintage Love" design included in the spread. Thank you to the editors of LA Splash and Happy Valentines Day Everyone!

Also, we'd like to give a special thanks to Suzanne Broughton for mentioning us on The Mom Blog at the OC Register as one of many other wonderful mom blogs that she reads. Suzanne has two children and has been blogging for about two years on her blog, Alive In Wonderland, which we also think is a great read for Mommies! Please check out her blog at the OC Register and her personal site and support other blogging mommies. Thanks to everyone for visiting us daily!

25 years ago today...

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:08:00 +0000

So, I have been trying to get away from the super personal blogs - trying to keep things more focused on Ooh La La Mama on this bloggy blog. But, today is a special day. I just could not help myself. So please excuse me for the sappiness of this post. I truly cannot help myself.

Many of you know me as Cindyoohlala (my twitter name) and some of you may know me as Dr. Parker (yep, I am a full time ER doc) or as just Cindy, owner of kids' apparel line - Ooh La La Mama. But I suspect most of you probably do not know me at all so let me just say, "Hello!" And, thank you all for taking the time to stop by my little blog and to take the time to read my rambling thoughts.

Being an ER doc really has nothing, whatsoever, to do with running a kids' apparel line. I am often asked by my patients and by people I meet through Ooh La La Mama - why I became a physician and why I chose ER.

25 years ago today - I was 13 years old (shhhhh, please don't tell - I know that makes me super old but please don't do the math!) My mom had driven me to dance class after a silly argument with my dad - something like, "You are going out - you buy the damn milk!" Can you imagine? Doors were slammed and we left to ballet class. About 3 hours later - we arrived home to find PB & J sandwich made, but not eaten, waiting on the counter, TV on - dad's car gone. I am sure he went out to buy some milk. Me, being 13 years old and in junior high - I ran immediately into my room and got on the phone. Mom never came in the house. Apparently a neighbor drove up after us and told my mom to get in her car, that my dad had been in an accident. My mom, in shock went with the neighbor to the local hospital and was told that my dad had been in a major car accident.

My dad had driven about a block down the street - and was hit by a drunk driver who ran a stop sign. My dad was thrown through the window and landed head first at the opposite end of the intersection. The fire department was first at the scene and covered him up. No pulse was detected. They cared for the drunk driver who had only a broken arm. Miraculously, the second unit arrived with a paramedic who will always be my hero. He found a thready pulse and my dad made it to the hospital.

I received a call from the PD notifying our family that my dad had been in an accident. I had no idea where my mom had gone and ran next door to my best friend's home. Her father answered the door to a crying 13 year old and said, "that was your dad?" when I told him, through sobs, that my dad was in a car accident. Another neighbor saw the accident occur and she was unable to drive for about a year following the accident.

My dad had major injuries. His ER chart said, "Prognosis extremely poor - not expected to survive the night." He received 17 units of blood in the first 24 hours and was taken to the OR twice. He was in a coma for 6 weeks and then had his jaw wired shut for another 6 weeks. He came home as a head injury patient and did not work for several years. The doctors and nurses that cared for my dad became like family to us. We hung on every single word that was spoken - every single intonation of their voice, every little twitch that might convey hidden meaning when we asked how my dad was doing. I will never, ever forget those nights and days spent in the ICU waiting room - waiting and waiting for news.

And so, I knew I would become a doctor. My story is as simple as this. There have been very few major events in my life besides this one - except getting married and the births of my children. But - those were happy occasions. My dad's injuries were horrific and this was a very, very scary time for my family. The years following my dad's accident were filled with recovery and my dad really had to learn just about everything.

I must also ad that my mom was amazing through this time. OK - she was a little weird in the first few days - telling me and my sis that my dad "would be fine - that he'd be home in a few days." But - as a mom - I cannot imagine what I would tell my children in this situation. What I mean to say - is that she was completely awesome and carried our family - emotionally and financially through this crazy time in our lives. I am sure that it is because of her that I will always be an independent woman. Yes, I am super happily married and my hubby and I are both working, productive members of society (did I mention? He's an ER doc too.) But - I am a stronger female, for sure, because of the woman my mother was while I was growing up - and especially during those rocky years while my dad was still sick.

So - of course I cannot keep you all hanging - my dad is fine today. He retired last year (not old, just sick of all the crap) and he is still my dad. He swears at the dog and kisses his grandchildren and does magic at my girlfriend get togethers and I love him tons.

So thank you to Dr. Colen (the paramedic who saved my dad's life 2/12/1984 - he's now a surgeon!) and thank you to all of the docs and nurses who care for patients like my dad and who are gentle with dealing with families when there is not always the best news to be shared (I really, really try to be like you!) and thank you Mom for everything. You know what you've done.

And - to Daddy - happy 25 years! Don't go out to buy milk tonight! I love you tons.

Trista & Ryan Sutter LOVE Ooh La La Mama!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:56:00 +0000

Trista and Ryan Sutter are expecting - a new baby girl - in about 10 weeks!

All of us here at Ooh La La Mama are all huge fans of Trista and Ryan Sutter. Seriously - how could we not all fall in love with their story? You know.... The traditional love story: Trista goes on ABC's reality TV show The Bachelor and does not find love. Trista goes on her own reality show The Bachelorette and meets and falls in love with firefighter hottie - Ryan Sutter. Trista and Ryan marry and have cute little Max. Who could not absolutely LOVE their story?

So - all of us at Ooh La La Mama (especially me!) just adore Trista and Ryan and had to send them onesies for arrival of little Max (who is now about 1 1/2 years old). Trista just loved our onesies and sent a gorgeous thank you note and just emailed us again to request some goodies for expected baby girl Sutter.

Trista asked specifically for these prints: Vintage Love, Fly Spirit and Roxy - which of course we sent her - plus a bunch of our personal fav's. We just cannot wait to see Max's little sister.

Here's what Trista had to say about Ooh La La Mama:
"I'm such a fan of Ooh La La Mama. Their designs are so unique and fun to put little ones in. Our son, Max, wore their onesies constantly and once our little girl arrives, we will surely outfit her in their designs as well."

Ooh La La Mama will, of course, share any personal updates with you so stay tuned!

For now - we are wishing Trista and Ryan a wonderful, easy delivery and a happy, healthy new baby girl! Congrats Trista and Ryan. We are totally stoked for you both!

Valentine's Day Onese - Get it while it's HOT!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:19:00 +0000

Marisa is wearing Ooh La La Mama's "Be My Valentine" Onesie
Get yours NOW! Only $29.95

PRIZES ANNOUNCED!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 07:03:00 +0000

HERE IT IS! CONTEST PRIZES FOR NEXT WEEK (1/26-1/30)
Monday - $100 Target Gift Card!
Wed Wii Fit!
Friday - Ready? FLIP VIDEO CAM! (I want one too!)

So - get ready and start commenting! Winners chosen by random drawing. You must be a follower on our blog. Any retweets, blog mentions get you an extra entry. Mention what you like from our line and that might count too! http://www.oohlalamama.com/

GOOD LUCK!
Cindy

TARGET CONTEST WINNER ! WOO-HOO!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:57:00 +0000

Well, as most of you hopefully remember - we did a few huge contests last month. We gave away a total of 4 target cards - each $100 each. Also - we had one lucky winner for our $500 VISA gift card giveaway. That means we gave a total $900 away last month - and we're not even including the fun giveaways for Ooh La La Mama products and gift certificates.

Pictured here is TheMomJen - with her 100$ Target Gift Card! Congrats Jen - you rock, you totally rock!

So how do you win?

Just stay tuned. We will for sure have another contest next week - either for a gift card or maybe for a Nintendo Wii Fit. What would you like to win? Send comments or suggestions. We read them all - honest! And who knows maybe you'll be the one to mention your dream prize and we might even go for it and you might even win! So suggest away.

We'll be anouncing the upcoming contest on Monday - so any cool ideas must be sent soon!

More pictures to come with more winners and more contests soon! All you need to do is click the follow button (on the right) and keep checking back for new contests - hot one starting sometime next Monday! Don't miss it!

You must be a follower on Twitter (@Cindyoohlala) - and on our blog (on the left) and you must comment on the blog. Start now if you'd like - just let us know what you'd like to win! Dream big and let's see what happens. We kind of get a big kick about "going big" around here. Love big surprises and helping others make a change. So start your comments - the wilder the better. We'll do our best - promise - to go extra big this week! Any cool comments about our onesies, dresses - like which ones you like best also get extra points - just visit www.oohlalamama.com. New stuff and new discounts added every day! We just love hearing how much you love us! This will be a big contest so don't be shy!

And as always - extra FB, My Space, Twitter mentions or retweets - or blogs get you an extra post - just email me or tweet me @cindyoohlala each time you twitter to keep me honest!
Email Cindy@oohlalamama.com.

Oh - quick update about who we are: We manufacture baby onezies (gotta be careful now that Gerber contacted us), dresses, rompers and super cute bloomer sets with all over prints that are super soft and yummy. Please visit our main site: http://www.oohlalamama.com/ for fun, funky, sweet and sassy apparel for your little one. Also - our products are kind of on the higher end - shop now for 75% off - makes a fantastic baby shower gift, birthday gift for that special rockstar prince or princess in your life. Our clothing is sized 0-3m up to size 6 and all pieces wash and wear really well.

Support us and help us continue with supporting those in need! As business continues to grow we'll be doing more and more of this fun contest and charity stuff so you can feel good about your purchase!

Oh - one last thing - please leave your twitter name in comments section so I can find you!

Thanks and good luck!

CindyOohLaLa (twitter name) and the Ooh La La Mama Familia

Cindy@oohlalamama.com

www.oohlalamama.com

Happy Inauguration Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Tomorrow is the exciting, historic inauguration of our 44th President, Barack Obama! I can't wait to hear the much anticipated speech and also, as a woman, I can't help but join the fashion world's buzz about what our "Commander in Sheath" and new First Lady and her beautiful daughters will be wearing. Everything this woman picks has been flying off the shelves since she was seen on the View wearing this black and white dress:

According to MSNBC, Mrs. Obama still doesn't know what she's going to wear. Understandably, she's been pretty busy relocating her family and getting her girls situated! I don't blame her - I'd probably change my mind a hundred times the day of. Here are a few of the sketches some top designers submitted:

I like this one by Peter Som because it's white and reminiscent of the gown Jackie Kennedy designed for JFK's inauguration. This colorful sketch by Isaac Mizrahi just seems fun and bold like many of the other colorful dresses Michelle has worn.

Another white one, by Diane Von Furstenburg

This one is just so glam and glitzy, you gotta love it! By Badgley Mischka

So you may not be going to the ball, but in the spirit of inauguration day, Ooh La La Mama suggests these for your proud little American...
(CLICK ON PICTURES TO BUY NOW!!!)

REFLECTIONS OF A VERY WHITE WOMAN

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:06:00 +0000

I titled this post as 'Reflections of a very white woman' not to draw attention to myself. Just to make a point. Tomorrow will mark the beginning of a very incredible time in American History - a time I am extremely honored to be able to witness.

As a white female child I never quite understood what all the fuss was about. I was born in 1971 and all of this history - well, it really just seemed so distant - the riots, the segregation, the complete and total predjudism for our African American friends and family members (although back then - I imagine that there were too many whites who counted the African Americans as their 'friends' - sad but probably true.) But, as I grew older I learned - that this past, this very ugly and shameful American past, was really just around the corner - was really just yesterday.

It was only about 55 years ago that Rosa Parks was arrested during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. All because she refused to give up her bus seat to a white male! This would never happen now - at least in most parts of our world we live in today.

I am so overly excited that tomorrow our county finally, yes finally will be moving on - passing over into an era of intelligence and acceptance. An era where, I hope, people will be honored for their achievements, accomplishments and their wisdom. The skin color and differences we have should be celebrated and respected but not be the main basis for who we are. We are all- really - just us - similar in so many ways - from our bone structure down to our basic cellular making - we are THE SAME! It is our hair, our skin, our thoughts and beliefs, our smiles, our styles that make us different from each other. But it is what we do and what we believe that determines who we truly are. It is this that will be left for all to remember.

So regardless of your vote - you must still be smiling tonight. As a nation we have come so very far. This is a time to record, to twitter, to blog, to vlog and to TiVO. This is a first and I feel so very blessed to be a part of it. So plug in your power cables and prepare yourself for a rockin' fantastic day of history.

God be with you President Obama. We are all behind you and we know you will do your best to lead this find nation once again to greatness.

In ending - while I once did see myself as a very white girl - so removed from the black and white social struggle (I grew up in So Cal and really was not very exposed - pretty much embarrassed to say that I was sheltered from the shadows of our history). I now see how much smaller a world this place that we call "home" really is. We are all each others brothers and sisters and daughters and sons. We must rally together with our new president to make this nation and this word a much better place. What else do we have if not that?

Oh, and for those of you who may be wondering - my vote was for Barack. Today I am a very, very proud American.

Thank you for reading!

Cindy

FREE AT LAST! THANK GOD ALMIGHTY - WE ARE FREE AT LAST!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:03:00 +0000

MAX'S MORNING

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 11:45:00 +0000

You know when you see your kids and you just know you have to capture it on film?

Well - yesterday was one of those mornings.

So - I'll make this post short and sweet. Not too much to read.

Max is in love with the Wii. He has discovered yoga and it is pretty damn funny to watch:

Here's how you do yoga on the Wii (according to 4 year old Max):

1. Pick an appropriate outfit - take as long as you need but be sure you look GOOD!

2. Be sure to set your Wii up in an area with lots of space - free of any potential obstacles.

3. Be sure to breath in and breath out and to be sure that you look extra cool while doing yoga. See - look how easy this looks.

See how much fun Yoga can be!
LOOK! So very simple! He's not tired at all.

Just breathe in and breathe in and out and you'll be done in a jiffy!

And when you are all done, you should, of course be stoked!

Congratulate yourself.

You, of course, totally ROCK!

OH HOW I LOVE MY BOYS...

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:28:00 +0000

My last post (the one I wrote - about feeling guilty about working in the ER, not seeing my boys enough - see 2 posts back) was really kind of a sad post. The comments and emails I received were great and I really appreciated all of the encouragement and reassurance that I received from so many of you.

So - I decided to try to lighten things up a bit tonight by sharing some of my fun moments that I have had so far with my boys - some more recent than others.

For those of you who may be new to our blog - let me give you a brief intro to my boys - just to set the scene for you.

Son #1 - Maxwell (AKA Max, Wudgie, Professor Max) ~ My 4 year old (5 in February but really going on 30) - very serious, speaks in full sentences and loves to use huge words like "actually, confession, apparently, futuristic." Bright red hair, pale with some freckles (don't worry - we put him in Tae Kwon Do and we're getting him guitar lessons - hoping he'll be the interesting tall kid- rather than the geeky kid who gets his ass kicked on a weekly basis). Max takes about an hour to get himself ready for preschool - coordinates clothing and puts gel in his hair daily. My guess on his profession: Artist, Scientist, Doctor, Fabulously Gay something or other...

Son #2 - Keirnan (AKA Keir, Keir-Keir, Señor Littles, Beast) ~ My 2 1/2 year old son who is totally a frat boy - complete with sticking his cute little naked butt in the air and farting- belly out and belching - and already has the whole Jeff Spicoli (Fast Times at Ridgemont High for those of you young 'uns) laugh down. Anticipated profession: Plumber, Athlete, Politician (he's a very smooth talker already), Weed Dealer. We'll see.

So - now that you've been introduced I'll share with you a few of my fun stories:

Keir - age 2 - days after his second birthday. Me - "Keirnan, did you fart?" After gigantic, loud baby fart. "No, Mommy - that was fireworks coming out of my butt." OK - not so cool that a 2 year old says butt - but pretty funny and pretty clever. This is about when we started to figure out that Keirnan was definitely not like his brother, Max.

Max - age 2 - changing diaper after day of preschool - Max has baby powder in diaper: Me - "Max, what happened here?" Max - "Ms. Rita put sugar on my junk." Hee, hee... Oh - in case you didn't know - in our home 'Junk' = boy parts - all of them.

Keir - last week - (Target is his favorite place to go - even better than Disneyland for Keir) - As I am tucking him in before leaving to work: "Goodnight, Keirnan. What are you going to dream about tonight? Target?" Keirnan - mischievous little grin on his face, "Target and you, Mommy." He so has the charming thing down already...

Max age 3 - visiting Daddy at work (he's an ER doc also - we took him dinner one night when I was actually not working). "Well, apparently they built me my own ER already." "I think I need to see the CT machine so I'll know how it works." Don't be too impressed here - I am sure he overheard us talking about work - "CT" is probably a very common word thrown around at our house. We try not to - but we do end up talking shop from time to time.

Keir - yesterday - "I like your bumps, Mommy." Then a few seconds later, "I like the big moles on your bumps too." Again, same mischievous grim, head down, eyes peeking up from under long lashes... Oh - in case you are not too quick: 'Bumps' is the term Keirnan has created for my breasts - you can figure the rest out on your own..

So today before I left for work - I had just a little bit of time with my boys. Max was running around in his PJ's - all excited to do Yoga on our Wii Fit. Too cute- I really must post pics of this! Keirnan was playing with his train set - trying to ensure that the train would crash and fall off the tracks. Keirnan hit Max on the head and was sent to time out. Max came over and said, "I am OK, Mommy. It really hurts but I think I should go give Keirnan a hug." Keirnan of course, is sitting in time out mumbling to himself - running commentary - as always, "You do not put Keirnan in time out...I am a good boy."

So - as I sit here in the ER missing my boys - I am laughing at these little images that I happily share with you. And don't worry - I have had tons of kids tonight to keep me occupied. None too sick - it is just the time of year for colds and sniffles. Hope you all have a great night and that I don't have to meet any of you, or your little ones in my ER. Oh - and if any of you are wondering where the beautiful black and white pic of Keirnan came from - here you go: Kimberlee West Photography - http://kimberleewestblog.com/. Kimee was our former nanny - now highly sought after photog. She still takes pics of Ooh La La Mama models for us and she's our family photog - when we can get her, that is!

FAB FREEBIES

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:42:00 +0000

Last week Ooh La La Mama was featured in the "Daily Dish" at http://www.seekingdesigners.com/ - a fashion and style directory for fresh and fabulous designers!

This week, SeekingDesigners.com and Ooh La La Mama have partnered up to bring you a
FAB FREEBIE!

WIN A $200 OOH LA LA MAMA GIFT CERTIFICATE

There's no catch, just awesome free stuff! All you have to do is

Deadline: Register by 11:59pm, Friday January 16th, 2009.

For more Ooh La La Mama products and info visit our store: http://www.oohlalamama.com/

REFLECTIONS OF A WORKING MOM

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 03:40:00 +0000

Yesterday my Max called me Grandma. Max is 4 and he is the oldest of my two little men - Keir is 2. This is not the first time that my sons have called me Grandma. Not sure why - but yesterday this seemed to kind of make me stop and catch my breath. Max stopped himself and laughed and said, "I meant, Mommy - I am just pretending you are Grandma." Not sure which is worse - Max so naturally saying Grandma - when looking for some help, some love, some encouragement or him 'just pretending' that I am Grandma.

Why has this happened? Many of you may think this is proof that I am a bad mother - that I am obviously not available enough to my kids or maybe you may think that they are not my top priority. Don't worry - these are all questions I have had to ask myself.

Here is what I say. I am me. Plain and simply ~ I am a mother, a wife, a physician and owner of two kids clothing lines - which also makes me a partner and a boss. I have thought long and hard about what this all means for me and for my family. I have sacrificed time away from my family so that I can provide them with certain luxuries - a nice home, stability, college savings plans.

I went to school for just about a million years to become an ER doctor. I am proud of my role as a doctor. My patients seem to like me and I feel that I am a caring, compassionate doctor. I only hope that my nights kissing my boys goodnight as I walk out the door will someday be regarded with pride by my boys as well.

I hope that someday they will realise that this has not been easy for me - as I know that this has not been easy for them. I am sorry, Max, for missing your Christmas production 2 years ago. I regret not being there for Keirnan's first step. It is hard every single time I have to kiss you goodnight to go to work. Even if Grandma has trained you to cutely say, "double glove, mom and save lots of lives." Keirnan has learned to say - "How was your work? Are you here now? Did you give lots of shots?" And this is in the morning - as I come home from work and he is just waking up. All at the age of 2 - he is already aware that I am not always home. I am sorry boys for this. I know I am not always the best mom.

I am tremendously, incredibly blessed and lucky that I have a wonderful husband and mother in law to play mom (or I should say 'Grandma' when I am not around to do so). I have justified not being home by saying - at least my kids get this time with their grandma - at least they will have these great special memories of their time with her. This is how I justify my actions, my selfishness with my time - my time to work in the ER and to work on Ooh La La Mama and of course to twitter, to blog and to answer emails.

I feel fortunate that my husband supports me in my various jobs and positions. No - he is not a SAHM - he is my business partner in Ooh La La Mama and also is a full time ER doctor. But, I am sure, he does not worry about his absence from home. He is the man. I love him madly but I know this is still the way of the world. We are fortunate that 'Grandma' (my hubby's mom - who is totally awesome by the way) is young enough and fit enough to juggle to young boys and to be the second mom, or substitute mom maybe? - while I am away at work.

So - not sure where I stand on all this. A bit bummed about being called 'Grandma' but still proud of who I am. Envious of my SAHM friends - who have managed to figure it all out. My hat is off to all of them and all of you who are SAHM and whose children call them "Mom." You guys are my heroines and I am madly jealous of the times you have with your little ones and all of the "firsts" that I am missing.

Max and Keirnan - I love you both insanely and with every single breath I take.

That's it for now. Off to shower and get ready for another crazy night of ER fun. So I am off to start my usual routine: coffee, shower, throw scrubs on and kiss my little munchkin's goodnight while they cuddle up with grandma and to "cozy time" and watch Wow Wow Wubsy and The Goodnight Show. This is the saddest part of my day - but there are really patients that depend on me and who knows - maybe even lives to be saved tonight. But really - I am just hoping for some cute little babies with minor colds. And for all of you moms who take your cute little ones into the ER - just know that when the crazy ER doctor stops and asks your little munchkin for a hug - and you might think that he or she is hugging just a bit too long - or if you think you catch a bit of sadness in their smile - just know - that you are right and that they might just be wishing that this was their little one and please just smile back.

Baby Manicure

noreply@blogger.com (Jackie) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:00:00 +0000

I'm going to invent the Baby Nail Salon. Can't you just picture it? A bright nail salon full of hot pink and orange high chairs. The Jimmies playing in the background. Posh babies in every chair holding out their delicate fingers on one hand while holding a teething ring in the other. What's the latest babble? Did you hear Ashlee Simpson named her baby Bronx Mowgli? Can I offer you some fresh organic sweet potato puree? Would you like milk with that? And don't worry, I'm Vietnamese but I don't speak it that well, so it'll be English all the way. No talking about you in front of you. It would be totally fantastic. All the celebrity moms and babies would come to me and then I'd come out with my own line of baby safe chemical free nail polish. Moms would never have to worry about accidentally nipping the skin and hurting baby...no more scratches on the face, no more jagged little nails and hangnails. No more feelings of dread. Aaah, wouldn't it be nice?

Okay, back to reality. I'm on my third pair of nail clippers and still not happy. One had a light to clip at night while she's asleep - I'm too tired when she actually falls asleep and I forget and the clipper is dull and ends up ripping her nails. Then I got the little baby nail scissors. These seem to cut well, but the problem is cutting so they don't actually leave a jagged, even sharper nail. Then I got ones with the magnifying glass. The magnifying glass made me go cross eyed and the first time I used them I thought - these are the best ever. Second time, they wouldn't cut - totally lost their edge. How does that happen!? Ugh. Back to the scissors and tiny emery board. I think that's about as good as it's going to get.

ADDICTED TO TARGET? WE CAN HELP!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:28:00 +0000

So are you a slave to Target?

Do you have sleepless nights tossing and turning and wishing that Target was open at 2 am so you could just shop? And you have to wake up and touch wood 10 times and turn the lights on and off and on and off over and - oh wait, that's my crazy obsession.

But if you are like us - you may have a dangerous addiction to Target. Step one is admitting that you have a problem. We want you to know that you are not alone. There is even a medical diagnosis for this: TARGETOMANIA (trust me, I am a doctor - and no, I did not stay in a Holiday Inn last night).

Actually - Wikipedia does have a medical term:

"Oniomania is a medical term (from Greek onios="for sale," mania=insanity) for the compulsive desire to shop.

Ooh La La Mama is here for you! In support of all of our new followers who are helping us with our new blog - we are doing another giveaway today at 4pm! All you have to do is follow our blog and be entered to win a $50 gift card to Target. Additional entries can easily be earned by commenting on our blog, tweeting about our blog on Twitter, Facebook, your blog. If you blog about us we'll add that as an additional entry.

So - thank you all and good luck! If you do not win today - please check back. We'll be giving more stuff away almost weekly!

Cindy