A Girl Named PJ

Archives for 2012

Please vote for Levi!

On a whim last week, I entered Levi in the Parents Magazine Cover Contest, and this morning I received an email announcing that his photo is in the running to become one of the weekly Reader’s Choice finalists.

(Although, I imagine that every photo submitted has the potential to become a weekly Reader’s Choice finalist. It’s probably a very big pool of contestants!)

Still, I’d love for Levi to be chosen as a finalist. I mean, what mom doesn’t think her kid is cute enough to be a child model? Levi and I would very much appreciate your vote — just follow this link to show baby guy some love. You can vote once a day from now until July 1st.

Thanks in advance!

xx

 

friday links

Here are some interesting links to take you into the weekend:

This is why I blog about being a new mom

The 10 loudest toys–and why they could pose a health risk

Free book covers to disguise your copy of “Fifty Shades of Grey” (via Design Editor)

If only I had the energy (and the wardrobe!) to dress to impress every day

Why McDonald’s hamburgers always look better in commercials

Practical tips for file naming (I take too many digital photos!) (via @pretavoyager)

Facebook now lets you edit comments, and speaking of Facebook, come “like” Bunny & Dolly!

Reminder! Enter to win a set of personalized mommy calling cards!

 

I also write for Lifetime Moms:

Every Day (Yes, Every Day!) Sun Protection Tips

 

See ya back here on Monday!

{image via}

clean hair, crying baby

baby crying in exersaucer

Until this morning, I hadn’t washed my hair since Tuesday.

On Wednesday I was able to spritz it with dry shampoo, restyle my new bangs and braid the rest.

On Thursday my hair was too greasy to leave down (that’s the only drawback to a Brazilian Blowout), so I wore it in a ponytail with my bangs bobby-pinned off my face. I couldn’t even get into the shower to rinse off my body because Levi was being too uncooperative. He used to happily sit in his BabyBjorn Babysitter Bouncer in my bathroom so that I could keep an eye on him as I showered, brushed my teeth, styled my hair and got dressed. But yesterday he screamed and stiffened his body so that I was physically unable to put him in his seat, which meant mommy was dirty all day.

Ugh.

With a lunch date and Gymboree on our schedule today, I was desperate to look presentable and determined to find a way into the shower. Despite his protests, I (gently) forced his straightened body into his BabyBjorn bouncer and listened to him wail as I quickly scrubbed myself clean.

Needless to say, it was one of the worst showers I’ve ever taken.

When Levi screams and cries, I normally give him a few minutes to try to work it out on his own before comforting him. We don’t let him cry it out, although I know that method has worked for others. I’m afraid that letting him sob and sob and sob will lead to feelings of abandonment and anxiousness down the line, and I already worry that he may be predisposed to some of my anxiety. But this morning I had no choice but to let him shriek as I showered, and as I worked the conditioner through my hair, I watched my tears mix with the water running off my body down into the shower drain.

I feel terrible but at least my hair is finally clean, right?

xx

{photo was taken a week ago when Levi was in another one of his “I don’t want to be confined!” moods}

 

 

a yellow and grey baby shower

grey and yellow baby shower 1

This past Saturday I happily attended a friend’s baby shower, which was co-hosted by her sister and another friend. Reflecting the gender neutral color palette that the parents-to-be chose for the nursery (they are not finding out the sex of the baby until delivery!), the hostesses decided on a modern yellow, grey and white theme for the baby shower.  My first thought upon entering the room was that the decor was totally Pinterest-worthy. Turns out, the decor was mostly inspired by Pinterest!

make your own fruit lemonade bar

Some of my favorite details were the individual portions of Oreo cheesecake presented in baby food jars and the make-your-own fruit lemonade with strawberry, raspberry, lemon and lime mix ins. Also, each clear plastic plate was dressed up with a doily and hand-cut sentiments, such as “Am I a girl?” and “You are loved.”

But the showpiece was the incredible backdrop handmade by my friend’s sister from paper pinwheels or rosettes. I joked with her that if the mom-to-be didn’t want to hang it in the nursery, I was going to bring it home and display it in my living room!

paper pinwheel wall decor for baby shower

My admiration of their handiwork led me to Pinterest, where I attempted to track down the sources of the hostesses’ inspiration so I could share them with you. Here’s what I found:

How to make a paper pinwheel wall hanging

Recipe for mini cheesecake jars

Another example of a lemonade bar

{top image via}

Giveaway: The Stationery Boutique Calling Cards

Earlier this month, Levi’s 10-week session of music classes came to an end. After his last class, another mom and I started chatting about signing up for the summer session. Since the next round of classes start in the middle of July, I mentioned that we had just joined Gymboree so that Levi would have a weekly activity to enjoy (plus they have open gym a couple times a week). She seemed interested, so I suggested she try out a free class, which is what we did before registering.

I also wanted to give her my phone number and email so that she could reach me if she had any questions or, better yet, so that we could schedule a playdate. But we were both juggling squirmy babies in our arms, and I felt awkward suggesting she add me to her contacts. Plus, I didn’t even know her name, and I doubt she knew mine!

At that moment, I wished I had a mommy “business card” I could have simply handed off to her. Before Levi, I never understood the value of a calling card like that, but now I get why they are so handy. Making mom friends is hard (especially if you are shy like I am). I mean, at what point during a conversation at the playground or in Babies R Us do you whip out your iPhone and ask for a stranger’s phone number? What if this potential new friend isn’t ready to share her contact information with you?

The beauty of a mom card is its simplicity. There’s no need to dig through your diaper bag for a pen and paper or to try typing on your phone while holding a kid in your arms. With one hand, you can reach into your bag for a card and pass it to your new mommy friend. Then, at her leisure, she can add you to her address book or contact list. Easy peasy!

win a set of personalized mommy cards

To celebrate Bunny & Dolly’s redesign, The Stationery Boutique would like to offer one lucky reader a set of 40 personalized mommy cards! Make these two-sided Little Birdie calling cards your own by choosing a sage green, blossom pink or pool blue background and the number of baby birdies following the mama bird. You can include your name, the name(s) of your kid(s), a phone number, an email address or whatever info you’d like to share with other moms.

How to enter:

One winner will be chosen by random.org and announced on Monday, June 25th. Good luck!

 

I HAVE MORE TO SAY
JOIN MY NEWSLETTER
Exciting updates, bonus content,
exclusive giveaways
LET'S
CONNECT
A LOOK INTO MY LIFE
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM