Social Media Potpourri

Posted on October 2, 2010 by Yakini

Sometimes we put our foot in our mouth and wish dearly that we could wave a magic wand and take the moment back. But with social media that isn't always possible. And, in the end, you have to wonder whether that moment really should be undone? Sometimes difficult experiences are necessary as they contribute to a process of self-discovery and growth. I've been blogging for nearly 8 years now, and a "mom blogger" for two of those years, and still struggle with finding balance between what's appropriate to share, trying to enjoy candor with consideration, and all the while attempting to remain as authentic a person I can be. I'm a work in progress, and am so thankful to have readers and supporters of this blog willing to overlook the faux pas I will undoubtedly make along the way.

In other news… BLOGALICIOUS!!!

Geez, is it really next weekend? The time flew by. If you'll recall I was up in the air with regards to going and I've decided against it. Last year it became a pretty expensive weekend. Although my conference registration was sponsored by MomSelect, there were additional costs such as airfare for me and Derek plus hotel stay, car service to and from the airport, and so on. The weekend came close to $1000. It was a good time, I met many wonderful new blogger friends, and I was prepared to do it again… but in thinking about it realize it wouldn't be fiscally responsible for me to take that trip at this time. My 8 weeks of Family Medical Leave Act just ended, so my salary went from half pay to zilch, and there are 4 weeks remaining before I return to work.

So that pretty much was the deciding factor. I'm of course disappointed that I won't be physically present, but I sure am looking forward to following all my bloggy friends' tweets and FB status updates, and of course reading blog posts upon their return. I'll have to just enjoy and learn what I can vicariously through them! Oh! And I can't wait to hear where the MamaLaw ladies announce they're holding the conference next year. *Cough *NEW YORK PLEASE *cough*

Anyway, how could I leave behind these sweet faces?

Updates + More

Posted on July 25, 2010 by Yakini

Hi everyone!

Thanks for the lovely comments on my last blog post. All of your words really helped validate my feelings and reminded me that I'm not an ogre after all! I appreciate that more than you know…

Funny, I'm always reluctant to open up on this blog and get deeply personal, but when I do throw caution to the wind and blog with my heart on my sleeve I'm always glad that I did. Blogging can be so cathartic… when you allow it to be. I feel like just being able to express the feelings in that post freed me of much of the angst I was experiencing. And having spoken aloud about the pink elephant in our house, I feel like I've been a calmer and more patient person. (Plus, we had an extra set of hands helping out this past week, which was incredible).

You know, I've never been one who was much good at suppressing emotions… I find that when you do that they always spill out somehow, and usually not in the right way. So again, many thanks for that outpouring of support!

In Other News:

♥ If you follow me on Facebook (my personal profile) don't be alarmed that my wall is missing. I had a few folks email me about it. I didn't de-friend anybody or make any special "lists" to isolate you. I disabled it. *shrug* The truth is I haven't been enthusiastic about it in a while and at this time time really need to focus my energies into the blog and accompanying Fan Page. I have a few personal goals to reach, with regards to this blog, and not a lot of time to work on them…. so I wanted to pour my little bit of spare time into those goals versus maintaining a personal FB presence. Meanwhile, The Prissy Mommy Life Page is still active, so I'd love it if you'd join us over there!

♥ Health Stuff: I realized I never updated you with regards to Chase's vision. Well we did inquire about it at his 18-month checkup. His doctor was great and gave me the referral to a child's eye doctor. I made an appointment for the next week and he checked Chase out thoroughly…. dilated the poor babe's eyes and then ran all sorts of tests. Turns out his vision is fine, and he suggested I come back when he is 3 years old for another appointment, since poor eyesight does run in both our families. Hmmmm, okay. *scratching head* I am glad to know Chase doesn't need eye glasses for now. But I'm still not convinced that the eye rolling/crossing is "nothing" and, once "life" settles down for me I plan to do some follow-up (either another eye doctor or neurologist). Sorry doc, it's not personal, just the type of mom I am!

♥ And lastly, because I didn't intend for this to be that long (funny how that always happens!) I decided to put Chase's transition to his toddler bed on hold – again. If you recall, I first began the transition back in April, when Chase was 15 1/2 months. That was way too early. He wasn't emotionally mature enough for the switch, and kept getting out of bed, playing in his room, coming into the hallway, etc. So I gave it some time and we started back again at 18 months. I found that he was able to nap in his bed, but his naps would be shorter. He'd wake up after half an hour and come out in the hall, and then that was it. After speaking to a couple of girlfriends, I decided to try the transition at night instead of during the day. So I started putting him in the toddler bed at bedtime and just turned a night light on in the room (so he didn't wake up frightened in the middle of the night).

This proved way more effective than the day time naps. He has clearly matured and understands that it isn't okay to get out of bed anymore (or at least knows better than to leave his room and flaunt his presence to mommy and daddy, lol). He now accepts that this is his "big boy bed" and, like the crib, he is to remain in bed til morning. So the first couple of times it went so well – we were excited!!!! Then one day, after I'd laid him down, I heard him start screaming/crying after an hour. I ran to his bedroom and didn't see Chase anywhere. Turns out he had fallen in this small nook between the floor and the window! Omg, it was scary. He was okay though… crying and still asleep at the same time. I put him in the crib, and we then put some stuff in that nook to prevent him from falling again. But last night he fell out of bed again, at 3 am. I heard a thump and then he started wailing. I raced into the room and picked him up. He was a little dazed but otherwise okay. I had lined the floor with stuffed animals in the event that this happened, so he was startled more than anything. Anyway, this made me realiz
e that, until I can get some real guard rails, he isn't quite ready for this toddler bed. He doesn't yet sleep with that "unconscious but conscious" awareness that there aren't the constraints of crib bars, and I think that's something that will have to come with time.

I'm okay with that now. Like, seriously. When the new baby is ready to transition from co-sleeping in his bassinet to the nursery with Chase…. if Chase isn't yet transitioned over, we'll just get a second crib. It's really all good. The toddler bed can be stored until somebody is ready to sleep in it. I realize now that transitioning from crib to "big boy bed" is a huge step, and it's really unfair to rush Chase simply for the convenience of using the crib for his little brother. I want him to transition into it naturally, as he would have were there no baby on the way. So I'm going to let some more time pass and then allow things to organically unfold as they should. I'm quite sure he'll let us know when he's truly ready to make that move!

Hope ya'all have a great week!!!!

38 Weeks Today!

My “American Baby” Makeover

Posted on June 7, 2010 by Yakini

I spent the day at Jack Studios in Manhattan enjoying a day of pampering and primping at my new mommy makeover with American Baby. It was a fun and amazing experience! Jack Studios is a gorgeous, airy loft – bright with natural light – that overlooks the Hudson River. I felt so very "New York" being there!

When I arrived and met the other two makeover recipients I was surprised to discover I was the only pregnant one. The other two ladies were realtor turned SAHM of a 2-year-old and 4-month old, and [project manager] mom of a 6-month old. Both ladies were super sweet and, during our down time, we enjoyed sharing new mom stories. Susie (the mom of two) was especially helpful, as we talked a lot about how her toddler son had adjusted to having a new baby sister.

I checked beforehand with the Beauty Director about taking pictures within the shoot for my blog post, and was told that personal cameras weren't allowed in the studio. I was fine with that, as I sometimes find that I get so consumed with taking pictures and "capturing" the moment… that I sometimes miss the moment! You know what I mean, bloggers? It was actually nice to enjoy the day without the (self-imposed) pressure of getting great shots.

So we took "Before" shots with plain white tees and nude makeup. Then we each took turns getting our hair and makeup done and meeting with wardrobe. What I appreciated most was that the makeover team actually did full consultations with us, in which they were really interested in our opinion and what we were looking for. After the makeovers we got to keep all our makeup and received a new set of all hair products used, which was awesome!

The experience was loads of fun and the makeover team made me feel and look like a million buck! You can check out the mommy makeover piece in the September issue of American Baby.

31 Weeks & 1 Day Pregnant

http://www.ymw.typepad.com/.a/6a00e0098943a788330115718ebfb6970b-pi

And the Blessings Continue to Pour In…

Posted on June 2, 2010 by Yakini

Hey all!

I learned today that I'll be featured in the September issue of American Baby, a parenting magazine and division of Parents.com.

I discovered American Baby Magazine several years back… when Chase was but a twinkle in my eye.

At that time I loved reading it and simply fantasizing… but it would eventually help coach me along during my pregnancy and as I adjusted to my new life as a mom. It's chock full of good info – from the health and medical issues of pregnancy, infant and child care, to maternity and infant fashions, nursery settings and new baby products and accessories. Very cool!

Well today I was contacted by the Beauty Director of American Baby. She had learned about me through another mom I met at the National Moms Nite Out celebration several weeks ago. Apparently, American Baby is doing a "new-mom makeover" story for the September issue and they wanted to invite me to take part in the makeover and photo shoot. How cool is that! The Beauty Director quickly assured me that they don't think I need a makeover (HA – little do they know), but they’re looking for a few pregnant women in the NYC area to participate in this glamorous day of hair and makeup and fashion. Ashunta Sheriff, who works with Alicia Keys, will be doing our makeup! Omg – excited!!! I'll let you know when that issue become available… Can't wait!

This really does come at a perfect time. Since Chase was born I've felt decidedly "unglamorous." There's just something about having a new baby, and getting so consumed in raising him along with balancing career and household, that doesn't always allow for the "me-time" and attention you used to give yourself. Not that those things become any less important but, whereas I had a standing hair appointment every Saturday a few years back…. I'd rather spend my Saturdays with my family now. Now don't get me wrong, I'm a naturally cute lady (if I do say so myself

and I don't feel like a complete frump. But I've let a few things fall off that I'm not proud of, and definitely eager to get myself back together once this second baby arrives. So I'm kind of feeling like this third trimester "new mom makeover" is just the impetus I need to step my game back up following baby's arrival.

Following the makeover (like, literally the next day!) I'll be on a plane heading to Cincinnati, OH to visit the P & G Baby Care headquarters for a "behind the scenes" look at the Pampers brand, along with meetings with the developers, pediatricians and researchers behind the Dry Max diaper. I feel so humbled to have been chosen as part of this intimate group of ten bloggers, and it's something I'm really looking forward to. I can't say I'm happy about leaving Chase behind, but it'll only be for two days – and it may be good practice for me as I'll soon be dealing with a "forced" separation once I'm hospitalized to have the baby. Very anxious and sad at the thought of that – but more on that later.

Muchas Smoochas!

Moving Past Facebook Guilt

Posted on May 24, 2010 by Yakini

"Facebook chatter," Freedom to Read magazine, 2008 Edition.

I resisted joining the Facebook community for a long time before I finally broke down and did it. I just couldn't resist the appeal of using FB along with the rest of the available social media to network and promote my blog. It started out that way and then, somehow and someway, folks from junior high, elementary, high school, and college started to find me – via my school networks I suppose. I really didn't mind. In fact, it was kind of nice to reconnect with old homies I'd lost touch with and thought about from time to time.

I'll admit, once the initial excitement of FB wore off it became somewhat of a nuisance. I started to regret creating a personal page rather than a fan page, as all I really wanted to do was spread the word about my blog. And, likewise, I'm sure my constant Networked Blog updates had to be annoying for FB friends who just don't get the blogging thing. In any event, I remained on there and would even post the obligatory status update from time to time (i.e., "Enjoying this beautiful Spring day with my family").

Now much to my chagrin I sporadically get friend requests from folks I don't care to communicate with at all. While my memories of college are generally great ones, there were certain relationships I was content leaving behind. Nothing deeply personal or anything – but folks just grow up and move on with their lives, you know? And now this monster called FB is able to dredge up those folks who, of course, are always able to seek you out – despite your "private" profile.

I used to feel bad about denying these requests – and would let them linger in my Notification box for days while I wrestled with the guilt of not accepting it. What must they be thinking, I'd wonder. Did they notice I'm not on their Friends list yet? Maybe they'll just think I haven't logged on in a while. Well, maybe I should just accept the request, grin and bear it.

I'm not sure how I was able to let that go but suddenly I did. And I felt so much… freer!
In this day and age, being on a social networking site like FB seems inevitable. Maybe you love it, maybe you hate it, maybe you're indifferent or just barely tolerant like me. But one thing I've resolved is that in my personal life I will no longer feel bad about setting limits that make me comfortable. Just the other day I asked my husband if he accepted every FB friend request that came to him. He was incredulous and, without even pausing to think about it, said, "Nope, if I don't know them… or don't care for them, I don't accept." Well golly, just that easy, huh?
Truth be told, I suspect some of the folks whose requests weren't accepted by me may have been surprised by it… but surely not devastated. Then again, on some level maybe they weren't surprised. Seriously though, I doubt they're losing any sleep over it – so why should I? If folks from the past care that much about what's happening in my life, they're welcome to ~~stalk me~~ follow me via my blog. You can't get much more access into my life than this!
I want my online experiences to be fun, positive, and healthy for me. That's what they've been thus far, and I'm going to continue to surround myself with people and experiences that keep it that way. And really, if anyone takes issue with that… they can discuss it with their therapist.

What about you…. do you blanket-accept Facebook friend requests, or are you selective about who you allow into your FB life?

Blog Mini-Makeover

Posted on May 20, 2010 by Yakini

When it comes to spring cleaning it's important not to overlook… your blog! Well that's the way I see it anyway. Blogs have a tendency to collect clutter too, and I’m not referring to the content so much as all the junk that often surrounds it. I know I've been guilty of getting a little widget-happy in the past – it's an addiction but, trust me, I'm working on it!

Also, if you're anything like me, I'm super fickle and get tired of my blog designs quickly. So you'll often find me playing around with colors or tweaking my template as my mood determines. Of course, the goal is not just to make it aesthetically pleasing, but more functional as well.

So I've been feeling recently that my little blog was totally still wearing last year's fashions, and needed a little revamping.

So with the help of my favorite designers, Danielle the Design Girl and Monica Illustrations, we made a few tiny changes. The changes reflect the major transitions taking place in my life over the next months…. hence, Creating Balance With Boys. Now, more than ever, I'm feeling the need to carve out personal space to devote to my froufrou la side aka my "girlish whims." Well guess what – this is it! In a house (soon-to-be) swimming with testosterone I guess you could say The Prissy Mommy Chronicles is my sanctity. So I do try to invest as much time and detail into it as life permits.

And speaking of all things blog-related, if you haven't already, don't forget to stop by my new Facebook Page and fan The Prissy Mommy Life. I'm really, really excited that folks have been so supportive of the page thus far, and I think we've had some pretty good discussions on there! I'd love for you to join in on the conversation and fun!

So…. what do you think about some of the blog changes? Is it cleaner – more fun? Don't really notice too much difference? I'd love your feedback!