Save Your Drama For Ya Momma and Not Your Mom Group

How 1990's is this post title? Just thinking of it I can't help but think of Maury or the Ricki Lake show! So dating myself with this! Either way it was the perfect segway into my post. I'm still kind of in disbelief as to what happened in a mom group I recently joined.

Photo Source 

I was invited into a local mom group via Facebook by a friend who I have known for 10 years. First off the group seemed like fun. Moms would create events for local activities that moms and little ones could participate in. I loved the idea of the events and it makes it easy to see what is available in our community. Most of the moms stay at home so you can imagine all the activities take place during my work week. It was difficult for me to attend many of the activities as my work schedule stinks during the week. I'm off 1 day a week I am off to take Jack to his specialist over an hour away and I really can't commit to anything.

A few weekends ago I was happy to be able to attend an event in a local park to visit Santa and support the local food pantry. Although I decided to attend the event for the safety of myself and my son I don't RSVP to any Facebook type event. In my opinion I don't trust people knowing exactly where and when I'm going to be places. Other moms feel fine with it and some others actually post there address for playdates. Not my scene but to each there own. The safety of Jack is most important.

Fast forward to a few days after this event. A mom posts on the group that she thinks it is important to get rid of members who "refuse" to attend events. She demanded that mothers must attend 2 events in 1 month in order to stay in the group. She requested moms respond so I did. I made mention that as a working mom who doesn't get home to 7:30 at night it was difficult to adhere to the new guidelines. I also made mention that the winter and indoor activities are not my first choice as Jack can get sick very easily. I stated my case in hopes that moms would understand other moms and their difficulty to commit whether it's their job, illness or even as simple as nap times.

What comes next was quite a shock. A mom (an active group mom) responds to my comment is the most rude and inconsiderate way. She stated (I wish I could have screen shot it but the admins deleted the post.)  in some similar verbiage: I'm going to sound rude and I don't care. Stop making excuses and show up! I was pissed! How dare she be so rude? How dare she make so light of my life and the things that hold me back from attending things with my son. Naturally I wanted to go back at her and not care if I was being rude but I didn't. I held my head high and ignored almost everything that came after. Apparently, other moms didn't react well to her nasty comment towards me and proceeded to leave the group. I was also tempted to leave the group. Shortly after the admin explained that rules of the group would not change. Clearly, they get it.  A lot of members left and I'm toying with the idea of it still. Although I like the idea of knowing events in our local area I have no time for high school drama or moms who are not supportive of other moms. Isn't that the idea, moms supporting other moms? I really buy into the "It takes a village" ideal. It really, truly does! Moms should build up other moms rather than tear them down no matter the circumstance.

I guess I just needed to get that off my chest.

Am I being over sensitive?

JACK- 11 MONTH UPDATE (2 weeks late)

Weight and Height- 

Last appointment he was 18.6 pounds. He is also 28 inches long. 

Health- 

Jack is doing AMAZING. We will continue his treatments and continue to visit his specialists.   He still hasn't had a cold [knock on wood] He is doing so well. He gets a runny nose and fever when he cuts teeth but he is doing so well. So we have been very lucky. 

Sleep- 

Jack just doesn't sleep. He has slept one night, yep 1 night in his pack and play this month. He slept 7 hours. I thought I was in heaven but it din't last long. He doesn't fall asleep easy. When he does he often wakes up by 1 am and  usually lands in our bed. 

Crying- 

Jack is super social but really loves his mom and dad. He has some separation anxiety and cry when I walk away. When he does cry it is often if his needs aren't met immediately. He has often exchanged his cries for shrieking screams! He sounds like a dinosaur.  

Feedings- 

Jack is a total piggy! He eats just about everything. His favorites are homemade chicken soup with lots of veggies, chicken pot pie, pancakes, french toast, yogurt and all fruits. 

Routine- 

Most days start at 5am. We begin with this treatments and follow that up with a couple of hours of sleep. He stays with my mother in law and his older cousin each day. He has a built in big brother and they have a blast together. Our nights usually contain of eating together when I get home from work. We give him a bath, we play, he eats and another treatment after he has fallen asleep.Lately sleep comes at 11 which is a total change in his routine. 

Hair- 

It's such a beautiful blonde color with some red highlights. 

Eyes- 

A gray blue!

Clothes- 

Jack is wearing 6-9 months. I have put on some 12 month pants and sweaters but they are usually way too big for him 

Social 

He is so incredibly happy and friendly. He is such a flirt its crazy! He smiles at any one who pays attention to him. He now waves at anyone waving at him.  He loves watching older kids play. He squeals with excitement when he sees kids and he adores dogs. He verbalizes lots of sounds. He says ma, da, and dar dar a lot. He calls grandma Gaa-Gaa and he's said Bogart as well as Ho-Ho-Ho and Fa-la-la-la-la. 

Milestones:

-Jack visited Santa a few times. He loved the first time but after that not so much.  

-Jack is walking although I haven't been able to get it on film.

- He is talking up a storm. 
- Jack's fine motor skills are incredible.
- He turns on all his toys. 
- He points at things he wants
- He is signing "more"

-Jack sits up on all his ride on cars. 

Likes-

Showing off

Playing with his friend Michael and his cousins. 
Thomas the Tank Engine
Playing with Christmas ornaments. 

Puffs and Baby Mum Mums

Playing with Bogart

He is a water boy. He loves his baths.

Jack love dogs. 

He is obsessed with phones, iPads and remote controls. 

Listening and dancing to the Yule Log

His talking Daniel Tiger stuffed animal is his favorite.

Family- He loves his grandmas and grandpas. 

Dislikes- 

Laying down for diaper changes

Car rides

Being told no

Going to bed

Sleeping in his crib

Mommy- 

This mom is tired. 
No longer nursing.

I feel like I haven't slept in so long. 

More than anything I am so HAPPY. 

 just love being a mommy! 

I still have working mommy guilt but it has gotten a little better. 

It still sucks! 

Oh Hey Friday

It's Friday and it's fabulous! I took the day today to prepare for a friend's Christmas party. We have a pretty fun and holiday filled weekend ahead of us. We are just all about the holiday spirit these days. 

[one]

Tonight, my friend's husband is dressing in a Santa suit and hands out toys to all the kids while parents enjoy good food, little wine and an ornament swap. I picked up an adorable Rudolph toy for Jack. He actually wouldn't put it down when we were in Target. Mom confession: He's been playing with it for 2 weeks and I just wrapped it this morning. I'm looking forward to a nice out with some friends and our babes. 



[two]

I'll be making this deliciousness tonight for the party. I can't wait to sink my teeth into some brie. I haven't had any since before I was pregnant. 

LINK

[three]

 Last week we took Jack to see Santa at a park and it was freezing. He was uncomfortable and didn't want to stay in the carriage with his blankets. It just wasn't very fun for him butt his mom and dad had a fun time. It was all to sponsor our local food pantry. Bring some food items and get free pictures with Santa. There was popcorn and hot coco while we waited for pictures with Santa. After Santa at park we headed home to see our fire department Christmas parade. 

[four]

Saturday we had plans on going to a light show at a local zoo but it's going to be so cold and after last Sunday I just feel bad that Jack will not have a good time. Instead we will be going to a Santa village with indoor cottages to get a break from the cold. After that visit we are super excited for a drive through light show at ball field. I've seen videos and it looks like so much fun. When I was a little girl living in NYC we would drive around at night during December to see all the lights. Brian and I still do and it's become a tradition with our family. 

[five]

I think I may need a weekend to recover from my weekend but I think Sunday will be spent very quite. We'll start off at church and most likely do some wrapping. (Most of my shopping is complete) I think that some Christmas movies and baking may take place too! 

Holiday Family Movies

One of my favorite things about the holiday season has got to be cuddling on the couch with hot coco and enjoying all the movie classics with the ones I love. When I was very pregnant last year I had a terrible case of pregnancy insomnia and I spent many nights up watching Christmas movies.

This year I've tried watching putting on some holiday classics with Jack and he really doesn't have much interest  yet. I'm sure he will be interested in the future but for now I'll put them on and chase him around the house.

Movies by kj2380 featuring a tapestry blanket

What are some of your favorite family classics?

I can't believe I left out National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
"Save the neck for me, Clark"

Christmas Gifts- The Man That's Hard To Shop For

One of hardest people I have to purchase gifts for during the holidays is my husband.  He's a simple guy who doesn't really want for much.  A few weeks ago we decided we wouldn't purchase gifts for one another but we may change our minds which puts me in a bind.  Here are just a few things that I thought may be the perfect gift for the man that's difficult to shop for during the holiday season.

What are some things you get for the man in your life that is hard to shop for?

Christmas Gifts by kj2380 featuring Lifefactory

Lifefactory kitchen dining

$25 - connox.com

Food drink

casa.com

Porter's Badger Shaving Brush

amazon.com

Baxter of California Chrome-Plated Safety Razor

mrporter.com

Men’s Modal Trouser Sock

americanapparel.net

Jackery Bar Premium Aluminum iPhone Charger External Battery 6000mAh...

amazon.com

Jack's 1st Christmas

christmas Day by kj2380 featuring christmas home decor

I am so excited for Christmas this year! I love Christmas but with a little one it just seems so much more fun. My wallet has definitely taken a beating this holiday season. It just seems I want to buy everything for Jack although I know family will spoil him too.

I've already purchased the 3 in 1 Trike and I LOVE it. Although it took Brian and I hours and a near divorce putting the darn thing together it is awesome. I've also gotten him plenty of books, Twas The Night Before Christmas, Sled, and tons of Little People toys. I really want to get him the wagon and tee pee but they may wait until his birthday on January 5th.

I feel like it was just last December. I was as big as a house and couldn't wait to meet my little baby. This Christmas will be amazing but I will always hold Christmas of 2013 close to my heart. Awaiting the arrival of our first baby around the holidays was by far a beautiful experience. I've been so blessed to share this past year with Jack. My heart is so full and I am in awe of how lucky I am being Jack's mommy. I've been blessed beyond measure. Santa doesn't need to leave a thing under the tree for me. Everything I have ever wanted will be around the tree with me from now on.


What are you hoping for this Christmas?
What great things are you getting your little ones this year?
Merry Christmas to all. 

Jack's 1st Christmas Ornament

Now that we are in the full swing of the holidays. I've got the decorations up, most of the gifts bought and wrapped and I'm enjoying the precious moments with my little man. We have lots of fun stuff planned for the weekend; a light show, craft fair, another visit with Santa, and a German Christmas Festival.

Before Jack was born I had seen the great ornament idea on Pinterest and knew I'd want to make it for our new baby.  Last year I bought a large ornament and when Jack came home from the hospital I added his hospital hat, and all 3 of our hospital bracelets. It was so easy yo make. 

How cute is that?

I get chocked up just looking at it.

Not long ago my precious baby wore that hat and tiny bracelet.

I love it!  It's simple but it is the most perfect thing on our tree. It just means so very much to me! 

If you like this one check out the  Wedding Invitation Ornament I did a few years back. 

Santa Baby

Although my husband and I have decided we are not buying Christmas gifts for one another this year I can still dream about some of the goodies a gal would like. Between only working 32 hours a week, our very large families, and Jack's birthday coming up in January money is more than just tight this holiday season. Although I would love to spend away on all of our favorite things it is the smart decision. So here is my virtual wish list.

Wish list by kj2380 featuring Victoria's Secret

Lush Products- I am in love with their organic products! They make my skin feel refreshed and amazing.

Personalized iPhone Case- My Otterbox is great but I'd like to personalize my phone with a picture of my favorite little man.

Cardigans- Since having Jack all I find myself wearing are open front cardigans.  They are my favorite way of hiding all of my imperfections.

Victoria's Secret Gift Card- I haven't done much of anything nice for myself in quite some time. You may laugh at me when I say my last pedicure was. It may be nice to treat myself to something special.

Stella and Dot Charm Necklace- I would love to wear all of my favorite things around my neck. I adore the Stella and Dot Charm necklace. I'd probably add the number 5 for Jack's birthday, garnet for his birthstone, his initial and a mom charm.

Pregnancy Journal- I made one last year through Shutterfly and I've actually been hinting for my husband to buy it for me. I did just receive a free code so I may be getting this and wrapping it for myself!


I have to admit it would be nice to get a little something but it's much more important to me to see all the great things that Jack and our family enjoying the magic of the Christmas season.

What items are on your wish list this year?

Let's Be Thankful Swap Reveal- A Day Late

I don't do swaps as often as I used to but I really do love them especially around the holiday season. I decided to participate in Meg and Alex's swap because Meg is one of my favorite bloggers! 

My favorite part about this swap is I was actually paired up with Meg! Meg and I became blog friends several years back after we were paired together for a holiday swap! I remember from several years ago how kind and giving Meg was and she did not disappoint this time around either. Meg is such a giving and kind person it was really easy to shop for her. 

Check out these goodies. Oh yeah and I totally stole this picture from Meg (Thanks girl)

To be honest I ate the South Carolina Beef Jerky for dinner and the Charleston Chew for desert the night it arrived. When you have a baby and get home at 7:30 most nights you don't get dinner all the time. 

Another thing I love about Meg is our mutual love of the NY Yankees so the gloves she sent me are perfect. She knows I love coffee and moon pie flavored coffee sounds amazing to me. She also included some Pumpkin scented car fresheners, red nail polish (wearing it now!), some sleep lotion for my son who NEVER sleeps and some cozy socks. 

Most importantly Meg filled an adorable gift bag with goodies for the little girl I chose in our church's giving tree this year. The bag included crayons, stickers, hair clips, and bracelets. I cried when I saw all the extras Meg included for her. As always Meg's huge heart really showed in this swap! 

Thank you so very much Meg. 

Pop over to Borrowed Heaven to check out the goodies I sent Meg.