Entry 14: Good Bye!

What a great time! I sincerely hope you all enjoyed the party.  Thank you for your participation.  I know we are all really excited for Meagan and Ryan. Can hardly believe the baby will be here before we know it.

Meagan - We can't wait to meet him!

Thank you for joining us. Please take home the left-overs and grab a balloon or stay a little longer and take a swim. I'm actually going to grab a quick nap before I leave.


As soon as Meag chooses the babies' name, we'll have the (is it the third?) centerpiece give away.  And then of course another one to the person who first answers her Chinese sign. 

And then finally, I'd like Meagan to take one home for the baby's room.  And if there is one left and I think there is but I can't remember because I've had too much to drink at this party, let's leave it here on the table to remember this fantastic time we had celebrating, chatting and waiting for the baby.

Safe travels everyone!



Entry 13: Music Makes the World Go Round

We all love music, especially kids.

My daughter loved it when we played the Mama Mia CD when she was about 6 months old.

What albums/songs do your children like, or did you like as a child?
Also what songs remind you of children and your relationship with them?


We bought several nursery rhyme CDs for long rides once Diana was about 2.  One really made us laugh because it censored Three Blind Mice (no carving knives in this version) but had a hearty rendition of Hot Cross Buns that was so inappropriate, it was uncomfortable.  We needed a shower every time we heard it.

Entry 12: Name the Baby

Meagan has confidentially told me that we get to name the baby.   Yay!  She will choose the name she and Ryan like best from the first 5 responders.  The winner (Meagan will choose her favorite!) will win a centerpiece and bragging rights.

Please enter your first and middle name choice!  I'm pretty sure Meagan wants something very unique!

Entry 11: Confessions!

Well, one thing is for certain.  When you get a bunch of Mommies in a room, they like to talk and compare stories.   In fact, the last entry the confessions were already starting to fly.  We all have embarasssing parenting/babysitting mishaps (except me).  What is yours?

Just kidding of course, I just have to think about mine. 
Have fun with this one Jessi! P.S. I know about the water spilling at the restaurant.

Entry 10: The Most Important Thing I Learned

Let's post the most important pieces of advice we have learned....

I'll start:
1.  Some days suck, tomorrow will be better
2. If you want to give up nursing, just try it one more day. Never quit when frustrated.
3. Co Sleeping is the best and worst thing
4. Listen to the doctors and experts, but trust your gut
5. Be prepared: Every time you said "I would never allow that or do that to my child" - it will come back to haunt you.  And you'll laugh (eventually) and silently apologize to that poor parent because you will "get it."
6.  If you are still able to get things done during the day, don't tell anyone else because you'll just make them feel bad about what they didn't accomplish.
7. You will blame teething and gas for everything.
8. Parenting is hard.
9. Parenting is full of fun and pride and giggles and more love than you can really handle.
10. A Momma bear and I will go head to toe any day.
11. Make sure your pediatrician doesn't make you feel stupid.

Entry 9: Breastfeeding Support Hotline

For anyone who has ever nursed a baby you know how challening it can be.   

Please post your advice to prepare, motivate and encourage Meagan for this important activity!

Entry 8: Best Baby Books for THE BABY

After you get through the first months of learning about your baby, you will eventually have time to read.   My daughter loves books (and the iPAD too).    We started with a bunch of board books but she has a lot of other books now too.  You can never have too many books on your baby's book shelf.

Friends and Family - What books do your children love or what books do you remember most from your early years?

We love the Sandra Boynton board books! My favorite is Barnyard Dance! Coming to a mailbox in Boston soon!
Sheep in a Jeep
B is for Bear
Fifteen Animals

We also like the following for the older child:

If You Give a Cat a Cupcake
If You Give a Moose a Muffin
If You Give a Pig a Pancake
An Angel Came to Nazareth (A beautifully illustrated and "light" book about Christmas)
Giraffes Can't Dance
There are way too many to name so help me!