We Love Elephants... And a Good Deal!

I have a little bit of an obsession when it comes to all things elephant. At least I admit it. Yes, I even have an elephant tattoo...

The obsession stems from the love I have for my mom's mom. She was a very wise, supportive, and inspiring woman. I grew up around her so I felt very close to her. She passed when I was 10 but her words will forever stay in my heart.

She loved elephants...

And so do I.

Elephants are known to symbolize strength, happiness, patience, and luck. The elephant is considered a symbol of responsibility because it takes great care of its offspring as well as their elders. My grandmother had 10 children and she still had the energy and enough love to share with her grandchildren. ;-) What a woman!

Now... I have my own child that is my responsibility. When I was pregnant, I wanted to make it a point to include my grandmother in Blake's life. She is such a huge influence on me and I want him to know that.

With that being said, I chose to decorate his room with elephants. From his pillows to toys to his mobile and even some of his clothes... elephants are around.

I saw this elephant rocker at Pottery Barn and in my heart, I wanted to buy it but the sensible part of me screamed, "NOOOOOO STINKIN' WAY!" There's no need for it and especially for $149! Blake probably wouldn't even use it (at least not any time soon) and I'd probably be more paranoid of it rocking on his little fingers instead of actually letting him enjoy it. So I snapped a picture of it and walked away...

And then a few weeks later, I saw this post from a consignment shop around the way.

There doesn't look like there's much to it or that it was even special at all, but I had to have it!

I called 5 minutes after the owner posted it and asked her to hold it for me. Picked it up the next day for... wait for it... waaaaaaaaaait for it...

$19.95!

(No joke!)

Drove home with a smile on my face and a baby sleeping in the backseat. Got home and gave it a good scrub down. Not that it was in bad condition or visibly dirty, but you know... just to make sure.

Put it in Blake's room the next day and sat him down in front of it. He looked at the tip of the elephant's trunk and followed it all the way up to its eyes. Then a huge smile spread across his face and his eyes lit up! He leaned forward towards it and tried to reach up and touch the trunk. I helped him stand up and feel it and he played with the hair on the top of the elephant's head. The body of the elephant is sturdy enough for him to grab onto for support when he's standing. It's weighted enough for him to sit on top, too! Man... there were giggles galore!

Just look at how happy this kid is! Langston, our pup, likes to lay next to it too but he's camera shy so I wasn't able to snap a picture of him. :-P

It's just nice to know that I can spoil my son... even on a single-mom-budget! :-)

Peace out, folks!

Review Wednesday: Kleynimals

Sometimes Blake gets in meltdown mode and he can't snap out of it.At least, he wouldn't snap out of it until... I introduced Kleynimals to him!

He loves the sound of jingling and jangling and rattling and shaking. But he seems to have outgrown his baby toys. Rattles and plastic keys just don't cut it anymore. Over it, mom!

Blake and I went to visit a local shop a few weeks ago in Annapolis and found Kleynimals (pronounced as Clean-Ih-Mahls). Clean Key Animals. Food-grade stainless steel, non-toxic KEYS for BABIES (over 6 months old)!

(image: http://www.kleynimals.com)

Maybe I get a little more excited than he does when it comes to his Kleynimals. But maaaaan, these things are awesome. So awesome that they're freeeeeeaking awesome! The sound they make when they rattle sound just like real keys. Gets Blake's attention instantly!

The nice smooth, round shape of his Kleynimals are perfect for him to hold. No sharp ends poking him and I don't have to worry about his little tiny fingers getting sliced by real keys. On top of that, it's non-toxic stainless steel. Some car keys have lead in them, but these Kleynimals give you peace of mind because they have been tested and proven to have no lead, phthalates, BPA or cadmium! Go ahead, Blake, try and chew them!

And since my little one is teething, the slight coldness of the stainless steel can ease his teething pains. It's easy to wash so if he gets his mushy food, milk, or drool on it, I can just throw it in the dishwasher or wash it by hand real quick. No fuss!

(image: http://www.kleynimals.com)

There are three Kleynimals on each ring. And they have names. :-) Eli the Elephant (if you know my obsession with elephants, you already know he's our favorite over here), Gus the Giraffe, and Leo the Lion! Blake likes to hold each Kleynimal on its own and just run his fingers over their faces. He really looks like he's studying their characteristics. By far one of the cutest things ever!

The Kleynimals come in a cute, little pouch so you can store it in your diaper bag without worrying about little crumbies getting all over it. I like to keep it in the pouch when Blake isn't using it so it's easier to find in my bag and it's also like opening a present every time I take it out for him!

Wait, I'm not done raaaaaaving about it yet! Kleynimals was first founded and made, and still based in ANNAPOLIS! Hold up. Whaaaaaat?! Yup, they're local, too! *dyingggggg* A family-owned company. I'm absolutely loving that!

If I had known about these any earlier, I would have gifted them for a couple baby showers I attended. Moms need this! Babies need this! Sanity saver at its finest. :-)

OTMama Rating (lowest 1 - highest 10): 10!

It Finally Hit Me Yesterday...

This blog was made to share a little piece of our world with you. Maybe hopefully give you some insight on things... And possibly help you learn new things?

It's not always going to be glamorous, happy, and light though...

Because moms have their days, too...

And yesterday was one of those days.

You never really realize how helpful 10 minutes a day to yourself can be... Until you don't get it. Yesterday started off wonderfully. Well, besides not getting any sleep again because I had to study, pump, and nurse my son back to sleep. (That's pretty much how every night goes.)

Blake and I went to Stroller Strides, enjoyed some mommy and baby time at Starbucks then ran some errands. Blake napped in the car for most of our ride but when he woke up, he kept reaching out and tried to arch his back to get out of his carseat restraint.

I decided to make a stop at the park since we were passing it anyway. We had a wonderful stroll around the little lake and then swung at the playground for a bit. Boy, does he love swinging!

Soaked in some sunshine, met new friends, and nursed on one of the benches. He was so happy!

Then we got home and that's when all hell broke loose. -_-

He wouldn't go down for a nap. Wouldn't eat food. Wouldn't play with toys. Wouldn't let me put him down! I couldn't even pee without him on my lap.

4 hours later, he was still fussy. My back hurt from carrying him, my head hurt from his whining, and my stomach hurt because I was so hungry. I had plans to see a show last night and couldn't even get ready. I had to put Blake down in his room and let him cry... While I sat on my bed and cried. I needed a release... I needed help. Where's Mary Poppins when you need her?!! I need a direct line!

I don't know how other mommies do it. Two, three, four kids in tow... And they still have time to bake cookies, attend playgroups, shower, put make up on, and cook dinner.

I texted my cousin that lives around the way and told her I was thinking of canceling my one night to go out. I didn't want to leave Blake crying with her and I couldn't get ready anyway. But her positivity really reached out to me through her response. And she said she was up for the challenge, even with her own two kids at home. She was so calm and encouraging and said I could just drop him off and get ready in peace. Thank goodness for family...

I packed his bag and dropped him off.

Then came home, shut the front door, called Langston and plopped down with him right at the entryway. And cried...

I was emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted. Worn down. And it's just the end of week one with no help during the day.

Two more weeks to go...

The life of a single mom has officially hit me...

I'm no super mom.

The Best Valentine's Day!

I didn't sleep well last night, if you call 2 hours sleeping... but I woke up super excited and giddy because it's my first Valentine's Day with Blake!

To be quite honest with ya, I never really got the giddy feeling over Valentine's Day before. It was moreso anxiety because I had to think of what to get, what to do, and where to go. I guess I still had to do it but this time around, it was special because I spent it with my son.

There's just something about holidays, even Hallmark holidays, and children. I just can't wait to start traditions with Blake and maybe this'll end up being one of them.

We had a bit of a rough start because his schedule was a little off last night. We went to bed later and didn't go through his bedtime routine, so he was just all outta sorts. I had to pump, study, and eat so I didn't sleep much either. Oh yeah, and update the blog for ya... 'cause you know... it's just another excuse not to do homework. :-P

We finally made it out the door and met with two hot mamas and Blake's BFFs for some Valentine's crafts at a baby boutique in Baltimore. It was a mommy and son date day! The boys played in the store and they made handprint cards. Maybe I'm weird, but I love seeing Blake's little handprints. haha! And I love doing crafts with him. Letting him feel new textures and play with colors. It's pretty cool if you ask me! My hot mommy friend, Stefani Chung, actually captured some really beautiful shots of us making his handprint art.

of course i had to get a picture of him with my iPhone!

Then it was lunch time. Blake sat up in his high chair and tried to use his manners but how gentleman-like can you really be if you're eating cheerios with your fingers? ;-) It was so nice to just be able to sit down and eat and have conversations with some wonderful, wonderful ladies! We went to a cafe called Golden West Cafe. Pretty good! I'd go back again!

Afterwards, Blake and I took a little stroll around Hampden (since I upped my parking time). It was peaceful and cool to see the thrift stores, boutiques, and all that Hampden has to offer.

Once we got back to the car and I buckled him in, he passed out. So nice to see a happy, fed, and tired out kid. :-) Seeing him just made my heart melt. He's such a good kid... and I am so lucky I got to spend the whole day with him!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Strayed Off Schedule

Yesterday, Blake and I had a nonstop kind of day. We woke up a little earlier than usual to get ready to head out the door. I totally forgot that it was his Valentine's exchange with the other kids in our Stroller Strides class... so I had to grab some before class.

But before I could do that, I dropped off Langston, our pup, to the groomers. 7:30 am. :-/ With a child in tow. Egad...

Took a little longer than usual to get him settled but once we dropped him off, we kept moving. Next stop... our second home... TARGET! Blake was still sleepy so instead of sitting in the cart, I brought his stroller down. Grabbed some Valentine's goodies and cards and breakfast at the Starbucks. Out the door we go. And straaaaaaight to Stroller Strides!

Got his Valentine's goodie bags ready in the car and then loaded up the stroller to meet the other mamas and kiddies. An hour work out. Then Valentine's exchange! Yaaaaay! It was absolutely adorable!

Anyway, I decided to skip Blake's MyGym class so I could study for an exam while he napped instead. That went great! He took an hour and a half nap. I ate lunch, studied, and found time to just sit back. When he woke up, I dropped him off at a friend's house to I could take a class exam. I am just so thankful to have great mommy friends in the area!

Picked up Blake, went to the grocery store, picked up Langston, fed Blake some dinner, made dinner for myself (cheesesteak stuffed peppers), ate real quick, and then out the door we went again! Made it to 7:00 pm mass for Ash Wednesday and Blake got his first ashes! I missed taking a picture of it because quite honestly, I was just tired and so was he. Once we got home I changed him into jammies and he went night night...

Mommy go night night, too.

Take Your Son to Work Day

While my parents are unable to help me with childcare for Blake, some friends and family have offered to help. Three days in and I've already had to accept help.

Tuesday was a work day for me so a close family friend, my god sister, came over to watch Blake. But when she arrived at my house I was already running around trying to get things done. Instead of leaving her alone with Blake and making it so sudden, I brought them both to work with me.

Thankfully I have a fairly lax job when it comes to that!

My "office" has a little play area for kids so Blake was able to roll around and hang out. And during nap time, he made it pretty easy to put him to sleep. All we had to do was out him in his stroller, lean him back, and he was out.

After work, we had a nice lunch to celebrate my brother's birthday. His family, my godsister, and Blake and me. It was a fun outing and just really nice to be with my brother's family and catch up!

Three Weeks

Blake and I have to try and survive the next three weeks without any help...

Oy...

Tired just thinking of it.

My parents have been such a huge help with Blake. My mom is on disability due to a car accident late last year so she's been home. Thankfully, Blake is pretty well mannered and not too much of a problem child. So he doesn't need to be carried a lot. My mom was able to watch and entertain him for ten minutes at a time so I could eat, shower, pump, and use the bathroom.

All those things never seemed like such a luxury until Blake was born. (I mean except the pumping... that didn't happen until after Blake was born.)

On the days where I am 110% sleep deprived and running on E, my dad would come home a little early from work to hang out with little man while I napped for 30 minutes.

Now... those days are put on hold.

And mommy is going to have to pull all-nighters to study after hours.

*super super long sigh here*

But Blake and I are INCREDIBLY LUCKY to have such an amazing support system and wonderful friends. A couple mommy friends have offered to help while my parents are unable to for three weeks. I just always feel bad for asking for help because I feel like it's a burden. Especially to those that already have kids! I mean... one kid is enough, but two or three is a lot! I absolutely BOW DOWN to those of you with young ones running around. Sheesh...

Yesterday was the first day without any help and I was pooped by 8 pm.

I finally cooked a meal for myself, did two loads of laundry, studied and took an exam at school. All while Blake was basically awake. (You know how I wished for the long nap trend to stay... well, it didn't.) Blake doesn't watch T.V. so I am always trying to find things to keep him entertained. That, in itself, is exhausting.

I might have to invest in a bottle of wine this evening... you know... after he's asleep and all.

Any advice on juggling work, school, survival skills, and a baby would be greatly appreciated!

Wish us luck...