Monday, January 31, 2011

1, 2, 3, ..., 10! Yes!

So, I had another bizarro dream last night, but in this one Zayd was a little boy and not a doll at all!
It started with me lying in bed so it was one of those dreams that you REALLY believe while you are dreaming it. I dreamt Sam was here and I was trying to show him Zayd moving around in my belly. Then, the shape of Zayd's teeny foot started to emerge on the left side of my body! Then the other foot! We could see both of his feet as if they were right in front of us; there was just the pesky matter of a thin layer of MY skin between us and his monkey-toes. In fact, the first thing I did was count his toes - 10 Ladies and Gentlemen! - that's how well I could see them. Sam and I enjoyed putting our pointer fingers under his toes and watching him curl his piggies around our fingers. It was so cute! (Even the MEMORY of the dream is adorable.)
Then, Sam and I got greedy. We decided to just take the baby out and play with him for a little while, then put him back and let him cook for the next two months. (Strangely, many months ago I read about a very similar dream in Jenny McCarthy's Belly Laughs.) So, we did. I'm not quite sure the mechanics we used to take little Zayd out but I was laying on my back holding Zayd up in the air in front of me. He was probably more like 3 months old and super expressive. Sam and I played with him for a while and then told him that we were going to put him back for a bit to fatten up. He was NOT having it. Zayd was super annoyed and just kept "saying" he wanted to eat. (Silently but we knew what he wanted.) Sam and I tried to explain to him that he should be getting all of the food he needs through the umbilical cord - still attached, mind you. Zayd scrunched up his little face and he was FURIOUS. I started to give in and Sam explained that we had to put him back, and he had plenty of food. I was torn and couldn't decide what to do for my little man...
That is about when I woke up. He's still in there, so I guess I got it all resolved in my dream!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Nesting, Sewing, and my First Upcycle!

So, some of you might be familiar with this cardigan.
Well, maybe with a slightly different version of this cardigan - a version that had sleeves. Sadly, I spilled curry or something equally orange on the sleeve and it was UNCLEANABLE! So, off to the donation pile? Well, with my new Brother sewing machine, I thought I might be able to do one better. Why not remove the stained part and see what was left - most of the sleeves. About 20 minutes later, I had my first upcycle. Teeny Tiny Zayd Pants.
They definitely aren't perfect and I didn't get my bobbin tension very steady but it is a new machine and I will get better. These are super soft fluffy wooly bottoms and I think they are adorable. "What's the best part?" you ask! We can match!
It is taking nearly all of my will power to not go cut the sleeves off EVERYTHING in my closet. If these were real wool, they would also double as a diaper cover for nighttime, but sadly they are a mix of a bunch of materials and I don't think they will quite do the job. Have an extra sweater in your Goodwill pile? Bring it on over! I'll make a matching set for me and the babe!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Parenting by Horoscope

It's Friday night and I am messing around on Baby Center while watching Real Time. I found this awesome tool that let's you see your parenting style and your babe's personality based on horoscope! I read up on Sam, Zayd and myself and LOVED these descriptions of me and the little man.

About the Sagittarius Parent - Cheerful and Optimistic

As a Sagittarius parent, you warm your children's lives with optimism and good humor, and you teach them by example about the excitement of exploring the world. You're an adventurer at heart, and you guide your children in greeting life with the same open-minded curiosity you possess.

Since freedom is one of your primary needs as an individual, you're likely to be a permissive parent who doesn't limit your children unnecessarily. You recognize the importance of certain boundaries and routines, but in general, your philosophy centers on finding truth and meaning through personal experience. You want your kids to discover the world and to draw their own conclusions based on what they find.

Travel, whether real or vicarious, is an excellent way to expose your children to customs and habits different from their own. With your universal outlook, you can help them find connections which at first may not be obvious. You'll invite your diverse array of friends to interact with your children, and you'll encourage your kids in turn to ask questions and make conversation.

About the Aries Child - A Natural-Born Leader
If your Aries son or daughter was born ahead of schedule, it should come as no surprise: Aries children are always pushing ahead of the pack. With an "Are we there yet?" outlook, they are impatient to arrive and get started already!

Aries children possess a passionate, creative, and restless nature. They seem to have more energy than other children, with a vitality that's matched only by their natural bravery. Their "me first" attitude can be a challenge for anyone who has to contend with their high spirits and frequent self-absorption.

Legendary for their straightforward honesty, Aries children tell it like they see it. They can overstep boundaries because they're naturally impulsive and tend not to look before they leap.

As the parent of a young Aries, you're probably no stranger to epic temper tantrums. Yes, Aries children have a hard time keeping their emotions under control, but there's a positive side to this: They don't hold a grudge. Once the fireworks are over, so is their anger.

Since Aries children are great at starting grand projects but not as keen on sticking with them, you'll need to be patient as you guide your child gently but firmly, helping her stay on track.

Also make sure he gets plenty of exercise. Any vigorous activity will be an excellent outlet for his energy, and if it's a competitive sport, so much the better. But be sure he wears a helmet or any other essential safety gear. In their eternal hurry, Aries children tend to be accident-prone.

My Take?
This makes me EVEN MORE EXCITED to meet little Zayd. This description is EXACTLY what I would hope my little tike would be like - adventurous, boisterous, curious, and brave! I just had to get this down on the blog so I can scroll back to it in a few months and years and see how accurate this little experiment was!

As for me, I think this thing is PRETTY RIGHT ON. The only part they might be missing is that I bet having a 1/2 Pakistani upbringing will make me just a little more prone to making rules than the average Sagittarius. :)

Thursday, January 27, 2011

My First Review: Belly Butter

This is for my preggers friends or for my other lovely ladies to file away for *someday*.

So, I have been slathering a lot of different creams and lotions on my belly and have been surprised REPEATEDLY. I introduce my top two contenders for Belly Balms: Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Balm, and Palmer's Tummy Butter.

You would think this would be no contest - I am partial to all things "natural" and really LOVE my Burt's Bees stash (lip balm, shampoo, body wash, etc). And it was no contest - it's Palmer's all the way!

Consistency - This is really where the the two products stand apart. When you rub the Mama Bee between your fingers, you get a greasy, lumpy consistency that will mostly melt in when you apply it to your belly. Not completely, though. There are always teensy clumps left behind. It feels thick, which can be nice, but it leaves a greasy residue inside anything that clings to your body. When you rub the Palmer's into your skin it completely melts. It is velvety and rich but for the most part absorbs into your skin leaving just a thin silky barrier between you and the world. I LOVE the way my belly feels with the Palmer's.

Smell - The Mama Bee is unscented which thought I would love. It is nice to know there are no perfumes or unnecessary additives. I suppose, in the end, I am not all that hippy-dippy though because the smell of the Palmer's makes my heart sing. It smells like delightful cocoa butter - mildly chocolatey and a little sweet. I love it. <3

Price - They are nearly the same. 80 cents different per tin, but there is one extra ounce in the Palmer's.

So, my advice, skip the Burt's Belly Balm (but buy their grapefruit body wash!) and buy Palmer's Tummy Butter in a three pack from Amazon!

Belly Shots!

Here we are at 31 weeks! This is quite the belly I've developed lately. I wore something tight so you can REALLY see it.


And here's me playing with iPhoto!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

A Letter TO Zayd

Dear Zayd,
Your mom's a dork. And you might be one too.
But I will love you anyways, just like I love your mom.
See you soon,
The Great One (aka Dad)

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

A Letter from Zayd

Hi Daddy!
We've been missing you around here. Mom has gotten pretty good at keeping the house running but I just hope we don't have to spend any more time with the plumber. Mommy says it is all fixed now but I am waiting to see for myself.
I did a really cool trick at work today! Mommy was sitting in her desk chair and I kicked her badge! It jingled on her stomach and I think everyone around her was pretty impressed. I could hear them laugh so I did it a couple more times. I didn't want them to think it was a fluke.
We've been reading our book a lot lately. But I sort of suspect that mom might just be reciting it from memory. There is one page that she always reads twice! She also started doing all of your weird voices. I am not sure if she knows, but she seems to be talking more and more like cookie monster.
I'm getting a little chunkier thanks to mom's new favorite - Peanut Butter Milk Shakes! Mommy looks great, though. ;) With my new muscles, I've been exploring my warm little house and found this new spot way on the left. It is kind of cramped but I like to go on expeditions before dinner and see how far I can get. Sometimes mom pushes on me and tells me to go back to my snuggly spot, but really she lets me get away with anything.
I need you to come home and watch some Batman with me! Or, BETTER YET, Ben 10! Mommy makes me watch such dumb stuff like Say Yes to the Dress, the Oprah Winfrey Network, and the Bachelor. (We already decided that we hope Brad picks Emily - what's left to watch!?)
OK, we are going to bed. Mommy seems sleepy but its only 5:30.
I love you (mom says she loves you too),
Zayd

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Whoops!

In hindsight, I remember that Zayd actually has ANOTHER newborn outfit! We received this little number in the mail from our friends up in DC. Isn't it adorable!?! The hood has little bear ears on it. I packed it too! Why the heck not?

Life Insurance 101 (by Suze Orman)

I have been thinking a lot about getting life insurance for Sam and probably some for myself. Then today, while flipping to the Oprah Winfrey Network I saw Suze Orman talking specifically about life insurance for new parents! I thought her information was very helpful and wanted to share it with any young parents out there.

What kind of insurance should you buy?
  • Only buy term insurance
  • Never buy whole or
How long should your life insurance be for?
  • The term should last at least until your youngest child is 23 years old
How much life insurance do you need?
  • You should multiply your salary by 20 or 25 and purchase THAT much level term insurance. This way they can invest the money, use the interest, and it will last them for a very long time, approx 40 years.
What will it cost?
  • Suze said a million dollars should cost you around $20/month!!! I am not sure if this is right. This seems very cheap!

Cross One Off the List!

I bought a little something for Zayd. It's size Newborn but it looks huge. Hopefully, he can wear this home from the birth center. Unless I find a cute Ralph Lauren sailor or prince themed onesie in NB. I have seen some adorable ones for slightly older kiddos.
I have already packed it in our overnight bag. So, now we have a pink jammie set for me and a little onesie for him.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Ideas Needed

Here is a list of things I need to get sorted out
  1. What am I wearing to birth center? (Something white and bleachable? That seems like a good place to start...)
  2. How am I going to keep my bangs out of my face without losing my mind? A small braid? A clip?
  3. What am I wearing home? (Not very important.)
  4. What is Zayd wearing home? (Extremely important!)
  5. Come to think of it! What the heck will Sam wear?!?
  6. Should I bring my snoogle to the birth center? (Perhaps only friends who have recently bought one or tried out mine can weigh in on this. You simply can't understand how awesome it is unless you have slept with one!)
  7. Should I make a playlist of music? Maybe not necessarily for labor but maybe for the quiet time afterward?
  8. Where will we take Zayd's newborn photo shoot? (I am thinking at the San Antonio Botanical Garden which just happens to be in our neighborhood.)
  9. What diaper will he wear to his photoshoot? Below are some thoughts I have had. I am partial to the heart. Maybe I could make him one...
Something Manly? Something Sweet?

Something funny?
Something silly?
What am I missing?

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Thirty Weeks!


What is new with the littlest Zayd?
  • He has been ON THE MOVE! I keep asking him where he is trying to get to, but he doesn't seem to know. Despite my bragging about how he was such a content, if kicky, baby for about ten weeks now, he seems to have discovered the ability to roll over and do summersaults. And he loves them. It makes for a cool show from the outside, so I love them too!
Maybe this is why he is so cramped. Here is an image of a 30 week baby I found on the internet.

  • He is somewhere between 16 and 17 inches. Unless he is like his mom, and then he is probably a slightly teensier babe. He should also weigh around three pounds. So, this means he could grow a few more inches but he needs to at least double his weight over the next ten weeks.
  • Apparently, Zayd's little brain was smooth until this point. Now he has those characteristic grooves that we all have that allows him to gain more brain tissue!
  • He's losing his monkey-fur (lanugo). Again, this is only if he is unlike his mother. Or anyone in her family. :) Since he is "beefing up" he doesn't need the downy hair to keep him warm anymore!
What's new with me?
  • Its hard to think of anything that ISN'T new with me.
  • My tailbone hurts. There really is nothing you can do for an aching tailbone...
  • My belly is MUCH bigger and I am a huge fan of it.
  • I (knock on wood) really still feel pretty spectacular. Sometimes I am tired, but I think that might have more to do with running a house than growing a baby. Especially running a house that seems to be turning on me - the dryer is fickle, the pipe under the driveway got in a fight with the magnolia tree and the dishwasher is (CURRENTLY!) full of dirty water that just won't leave.
  • I am in full out crafting/creating/cooking mode. There is no stopping me. (Until I get uncomfortable.)
  • I am starting to think more about the little details of the birth and fret over them.
  • I am still having crazy dreams and I keep having dolls replacing little Zayd in them. Last night I dreamt that I had Zayd and was living with my parents (too much Teen Mom). I went for a walk around the neighborhood with a baby in my arms. Then my favorite neighbor asked to see the baby and I said, "I just brought this doll around. They look pretty much the same." I pulled the doll from my chest to reveal a blonde Ken doll in a human-baby-sized cloth diaper all swaddled up. So weird.

Now We're Getting Serious - Nesting

I know I am supposed to be blogging for you all but I am just all wrapped up in nesting!

I opted to spend the last few days painting a rather large canvas to hang over the mantel.

Here is the original sketch. It's a leafy montage with a few "M"s hidden around to represent our little family. The rug and the print on the chair in the living room are very paisley/leafy/green.



After the first day of putting paint to canvas, I had made it this far:

And I just finished the final product. It is much more brown and green than it appears in this photo. The only colors I used actually were Ochre, Burnt Umber, White, and Dark Green.

Oh, golly, it feels to good to make stuff. :)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

To hold you over

WE ARE THIRTY WEEKS PEOPLE!

And Showing It!

I posed next to some post-it notes to give perspective!


I will post more later but just had to get this up on the blog. Mwah!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Zayd's First Girl's Weekend :)

My loveliest ladies (save one) came in from Houston for the long weekend and my bestie here in San Antonio joined us for what was one of the funniest weekends of my life. I haven't laughed so hard or so often probably ever in my life. Besides all of the delicious food, stories, and laughs we shared - I put these girls to work!

We got off to a hysterical if maybe slow start with lots of support from the mimosa mob. "Where should we put the Zayd astronaut?," I asked.

We really put the only non-pregnant champagne-free lady to work.
We spent the better part of an afternoon designing the layout and having Miss P tape it up. This layout sadly stayed put for less than 24 hours and soon we had vinyl decals jumping to their deaths right off the wall. This meant we were back at square one by the next morning! How many teachers, accountants, mathematicians, and doctors does it take to hang vinyl decals - many more than you would expect.

We all had our different strengths and weaknesses and I think we learned a lot about each other. One of us can't tell a straight line from a crooked one, one of us doesn't have enough biceps to complete a stick-up job, one of us cannot stop cursing under the pressure, and none of us was taller than 5'6". So, the room isn't completely done and I am looking for 5'10" and up volunteers to hang Saturn, the Earth, and the stars.

As an enticement you should know that I allow rowdy workers and sometimes I even let them have fun!

In the end, we got quite a bit done. Here are a few of our masterpieces!


Thursday, January 13, 2011

I hope that I...

For me, I have always thought about how I would "mother". The things I would hope to do, the things I would never do, and the ways in which I hope to approach my children. This is true now more than ever. Nearly everyday, I get a little tidbit that makes me think, now THIS I MUST remember for Zayd's sake. Anyone that knows me knows that remembering has never been a strength of mine.

Here's a list of things I am consistently making vows to myself that (at the very least) I will attempt to do:
  • Make homemade baby food. I believe so much in good nutrition and I think my actions now will make Zayd's life distinctly harder or easier as he tries to nourish himself as an adult in this (poisonous?- maybe too harsh) world of food choices. Especially if he has any of the same food inclinations as his darling father.
  • On Diane Sawyer's Master Class I heard her talk about a Nobel Prize Physicist who's father asked him everyday after school, "Did you ask any good questions today?". (Instead of, "What did you learn today?") I think this is such a fantastic way to approach learning and a child's curiosity.
  • I think it is so easy to forget that a baby or child is in a room. It's almost natural to have adult conversations about a little one, pretending that they don't hear us because they don't necessarily understand us. I speak to Zayd everyday now - about what we are eating ("Raisin Bran is on the way, kiddo! I know! I am excited too!"), about where we are going ("So, little one, we are off to African Dance. There is going to be a lot of noise but its from the drummers and we call it music. I am not sure that it sounds like music in there, but I will bring you to hear them after you grow up a little and I bet you will love it."), and I respond to his kicks ("My oh my, you are getting strong. Are you trying to find a comfy spot?"). I think that I have set myself up to continue this trend of asking questions that I know he can't verbally answer. I hope that it will make Zayd know that he is loved. In the beginning, I hope it just teaches him to know that I am there and that I am interested in his well-being.
  • I hope I remember to lotion him. I think having dry skin is so uncomfortable.
  • I hope I am flexible throughout the day but with a consistently reliable pre-sleep ritual. I think it will involve massage (lotion!), reading, some calming music, snuggle time, and, when he gets older, I want to remind him about his self soothing techniques just before I leave the room.
  • I am a busy busy person. I thrive on a packed, energetic life. I pray that I have the presence of mind to recognize the life in which Zayd best thrives. If he is completely different from me, that might be a challenge. I just want to be able to acknowledge his best schedule without seeing it in competition with mine.
  • I want to teach him to create things with his hands.
  • I hope to figure out a Christmas routine that keeps him excited, grateful, and not overwhelmed.
  • When he is a little older, I want us to skype with some distant family member. Maybe it would be a set once a week thing. I am not completely sure. But something where he gets to talk to his loved ones (even when they live far away) and show them his adorable little face.
  • As you all know, I hope I can stay committed to cloth diapering. (It is quite simple to be committed before his arrival...)
  • I want to speak and even sing to him in foreign languages. I will probably stick to those I speak, a little Russian at lunch, some Arabic music at night and Urdu sprinkled throughout the day. I am certain he can pick up Spanish in this town. :)
What am I missing? I know the list is actually much longer than this.

Monday, January 10, 2011

If you give a doll a grape...


I had the strangest set of dreams last night. One was simply wonderful. My (late) grandma and (late) aunt and a large African American woman (unknown) and I were sitting in a house that is definitely in my parents neighborhood. In the dream it was the same house in the same position but it was also a historical society house and an antique shop. I loved the little nick-nacks in the shop and the lace bedspread. We just sat and laughed and talked and I showed them all my bouncing baby belly when Zayd kicks. These were the most vigorous Z-Man kicks I had ever seen. Nothing much happened but it was a great dream all the same.

The one I simply must report started much differently. I was taking down the Christmas tree and Sam was milling about the house. I was still pregnant but was much further along than I am now. All of a sudden, I realized that I forgot to feed the baby. Ah! I shouted to Sam that I hadn't fed the baby since the previous morning and he nonchalantly told me to feed him. I was annoyed. This is an understatement. Anyway, then I (inexplicably!) ran to the bedroom, opened the closet, and took one of my grandmother's dolls from atop my jewelry box. The doll is a rag doll but was very nicely swaddled.
I hustled to the dining room and set her on the table and then busied myself trying to find something to feed "the baby" in the fridge. Mind you, this entire time I am cognizant of the fact that this is a doll, not a baby. I return to the dining room table with a bowl of tiny green grapes. All of a sudden, I am completely overwhelmed. I have no idea how to feed this doll. Sam is useless. (And the tension rises as he is completely uninterested in helping me feed this starving doll/baby.) I keep putting the grapes up to her sewn on mouth but it never opens to take the grapes from me. I actually ask Sam how I am supposed to get grapes in the doll's mouth and how the baby will get the food from the doll. Not a rhetorical question but I just got a shrug. So, I proceed to peel the grapes. Maybe the doll doesn't like grape skin. (I am not partial to grape skin so I can understand.) This dream continues like this for about 30 minutes. I am fretting over the starving doll/baby, Sam is making himself a sandwich THE ENTIRE TIME, and the dumb doll/baby is just looking at me with these embroidered eyes.

It was so stressful while I was dealing with the hungry baby but when I woke up the panic instantly dissipated.

I am putting this dream down in the baby book.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

On The Night You Were Born

Every night Sam and I read to Zayd from what is MY new favorite book, On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman.

In case you all need a bedtime story, I thought I might read it to you as well.



Sam got us another of her books, Wherever you Are: My Love Will Find You and it is equally enchanting. That purchase made her my favorite author and Sam my favorite husband. ;)

Nighty night, love bugs!

Pocket Full of Posies

I am starting to get into buying mode. (Though, admittedly, some things on the list have nothing to do with the baby - coat rack and bedside tables top the Nesting Though Not Zayd-Specific list.)

Well, my first fluff mail of 2011 has arrived - a handful of pocket diapers! Woot woot. With these four new additions, my stash comes to the following:

That's three Flip covers, two Bum Genius 4.0, a Bum Genius Elemental, one Rootbeer Rumaproos, two Kawaii Baby covers, Litewrap Newborn cover, two sets of BG inserts and soakers, six organic Flip inserts, and a pack of 18 disposable Flip inserts. Not a ton, but I am getting there!

Here are my latest Bum Genius purchases with some definitions for...well, basically everyone.



The one on the left is a Pocket Diaper because the stuffing comes out. This means you can get more than one use out of the cover, compared to the inserts. There is a nighttime soaker shown for extra absorbency. On the right is a All In One. They call this a Daddy diaper because there are no inserts or stuffing to be done. Everything is sewn into place and washes as a single piece. I don't think this is the way I want to diaper Zayd (drying time, inconvenience, mess) but I figured I would get one daddy-proof diaper and see what happens!

Here's some close ups of the other dipes or covers, just for kicks. The center is the newborn cover and it is pretty small!

I have also decided to go with Itsy Bitsy Bums for my newborn rental. These rental policies strike me as awesome! Because teensy weensy babies don't fit in traditional cloth diapers, companies offer to send you a rental package for between $45 and $100 (minus a deposit) and you simply return the diapers after three months.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Wanna snoogle?

So, I am a proponent of not wasting money. For the most part, I try to stay away from things that seem to gimmicky. With those intentions, I originally shunned pregnancy pillows. I saw "The Back Up Plan" where it seems Jennifer Lopez would choose a pregnancy pillow over just about any chocolate dessert in the world but assumed it was just a silly little anecdote in a movie.

I was 100% wrong.

Since receiving my Snoogle for Christmas I was have become a quick convert. I recommended to my girlfriends that they each get one and even told a guy friend with neck and shoulder problems to consider a pregnancy pillow. This thing is a snuggle in a cute hypo-allergenic cover. It can be used any number of way but I prefer some of the more traditional methods as shown on the front of the information card. (BTW, I love this thing so much that I am saving the information card.)

For the more adventurous out there, you may prefer to try one of the eight different suggestions:

I may just incorporate this into my every day routine with the Donut Deluxe. It is recommended for people with hemorrhoids but I bet it would be super comfy while watching Oprah on the couch.


I had a heck of a time trying to get this entire thing in a photograph, but here are some of my best attempts. You can see is the second photo that the biggest nook is to support your knees and the littlest one is to cradle your head. Two awesome features. I am not exaggerating when I say that after two days of maintaining perfectly aligned hips while sleeping, I stopped complaining of hip pain every night. As soon as my belly is big enough to prop it up on the pillow, I will report on how well that works too. (But, I am expecting miracles.)



So, my advice. Just embrace the pillow early on! The only downside is that this pillow takes up about half of the bed. :) But Zayd and I deserve it!

Thanks for reading,
Tahira, Zayd, and the Snoogle!

Monday, January 3, 2011

My Dancing Belly

Here are a couple shots I took before work this morning. It is now IMPOSSIBLE to hide my belly behind my puffer vest or jacket!

I feel lucky to still be so circular. I presume at some point, this will have to stretch out to be a oval-shaped. It's that or get taller to maintain the circular shape. Ha ha.


Sunday, January 2, 2011

A Letter to My Ladies (& Gents?)

I know the New Year isn't the "What am I thankful for?" holiday but I just want you all to know that I am thankful for all of the supportive and loving women who post here! (Someday a nice man might post and then we will thank him too.)

The most I can wish any pregnant woman (including some of the less positive people who chose to post on my blog) is that they find a path that is right for them and their pregnancy and surround themselves with people that recognize birth is a very personal matter. Labor and birth is a journey for which no one else can light the path for you but having your loved ones close behind cheering you on as you make your way toward the big day is an immeasurable blessing.


Have you been to Sesame Street!?!

Some of you may not know this, but I LOVE Sesame Street. I remember watching as a kid with my gma after spending the night there. After getting in our hour of educational TV, we would always go swimming in her apartment pool that had blue tiles on bottom of the pool. I remember it as one of the prettiest pools I've ever seen because the water just looked so blue. I must have been pretty little because the memories are fuzzy, but I can remember where the TV was in her home and I can remember how excited we would be when Sesame Street FINALLY came on!

So, despite my pledge to not buy things I can't use, I have bought this little treat for Zayd!

His first T-shirt! I know what you are thinking - he can certainly use a T-shirt, silly! Except, as modeled by Mr. Pink, this shirt is size 12-18 months, so we have a while.


One of the things I can distinctly remember loving about Sesame Street was their Getting Ready to Read video. In fact, VERY early in this pregnancy, before I had told any of you about the then-named Mammenito/a, I searched the internet to determine if they still made Getting Ready to Read, or if I would need to steal my parents copy and buy a VHS player. The answer is - it is VHS only, no DVD copies! BUT, much to my happiness, the entire video is on You Tube. So, Zayd and I will have to watch Getting Ready to Read from this computer. Though, I suppose I might be a TAD BIT ahead of myself with this, as well. What can I say, Sesame Street gets me pumped. Here is just a tiny snippet, to peak your interest.