Future Golfer Still Needs Some Work!

Dad, is this the correct way to hold a club?

Evan Gets Lost in a Pudding Bowl

I don't know where he got his sweet tooth....

Bathing Suit Shopping

Though I've never felt comfortable in a bikini, I will say I wish I had known what I had when I had it.  Since the birth of my son almost two years ago, my personal body image has rapidly gone downhill.  Although 3/4 of the year I can coverup most of my problem spots, it' s that time of year again that most of us dread- bathing suit season.  The toll of trying to balance being a full-time mommy, full-time wife and full-time teacher is evident as I gaze into the dressing room mirror braving myself for the ultimate battle of body versus clothing.  As I wrestle with the perfect storm of tight fabric, metal sensors and plastic tags of the tenth bathing suit, I decide in that instant that this shopping experience is more painful than childbirth.  I leave defeated with red claw marks on my back, hurt pride and the reality of having to go a size larger. 

Parenting Workshop

I recently had the opportunity to attend a parenting workshop on Social Skills.  Since I consider being a parent one of the most important roles I'll ever have in life, I knew it was a great opportunity to learn more about the world of my soon-to-be Terrible Two Year Old. The focus of the workshop revolved around the importance of social skills, the emotional development of your child, and the ability to problem solve independently.  Although the instructor gave a six-step process to model and implement for problem solving (which I will probably have to make signs to hang around my house), I cannot stress enough the importance of this skill.   As an educator, children will use problem solving in every facet of their lives and it is important to provide them the opportunity to learn this skill in a safe and supportive environment.  Doing so will allow your child to problem solve independently when the opportunity arrives.

Evan Eating a Lemon

On a recent trip to the beach, we stopped at our favorite seafood restaurant.  Evan insisted on eating all our lemons. His expression in the video is priceless. 

How to Pack for a Trip

Not that I have taken that many trips with my 21-month-old son, but I keep thinking it's going to get easier every time I pull out his bag.  As I desperately gather socks, onesies and pajamas to do one last load of laundry, my mind bounces from food needs, bedtime rituals, to car ride entertainment.  I frantically start a list and by departure time I am still running around, grabbing pacifiers, and wondering how I am not more prepared.  Having said this, I have saved my recent "Must Pack" list and plan to create a trip check list to hopefully avoid this anxiety and panic next time. 

FREE Breakfast Tuesdays

Chick-Fil-A restaurants in the Greater Triangle Area are offering free breakfast Tuesdays in March.  Check out the Out and About link to the right for more details. 

Midtown Momma Returns from a Business Trip

Last week I had to go to Savannah for work.  A 12 hour round trip and conference in two days was not a good idea, but that's what happens when you hate being away from your family, yet still think you can do it all.  Upon returning home, the first thing I wanted to do was run into my son's room and give him a big hug, but it was 9PM and I knew it was best not to disturb him.  However, shortly after my arrival, my slumbering angel awoke.  My husband gave me the "I've been watching him for two days look," so against my better judgement, I went to soothe my son and put him back down to sleep. BIG MISTAKE!  He was up every 10 minutes yelling, "Maaaaa!  Maaaaaa! Maaaaaaaaaaaaa!" until I would go in and put him down. again  Now many of you might say, "Let him cry," but I was convinced that after my 2 day absence he wanted to make sure I was still going to be there when he got up and I wasn't going to let him down.  This continued until about 1AM, when an exhausted me went in for a final time to hold him a little bit longer, kiss him even more, and pray that he wouldn't get up for at least 5 more hours. And it finally worked!  Lesson learned.   

Guilty As Charged!

During dinner tonight, (a delicious Stouffer's lasagna- because I've got too much work to do for school tomorrow) my thoughts about my blog monopolized the conversation.  I debated with my husband, Chris, the benefits of having links to additional blogs vs. pages that I currently have as tabs.  And because my husband does not know the world of blogs, it was pretty much a one sided conversation.  Halfway through my rambling thoughts, Chris exclaimed, "Please don't become that person! That person who shares more with their blog than with me!"  I joked with him saying,  "Read my blog so you know that I am doing."  Chris continued, "I know you, you have an addictive personality."  I closed the conversation with, "It's a good thing I never did drugs." 

Blog Beginning

Welcome to Midtown Momma!  After wanting to create a blog for awhile, I finally took the leap into this digital world with the help of my friend Kristen.  During a three hour workshop at "The Nest," I realized I have a lot to learn, but Kristen is the perfect guide.  Ever patient and encouraging, it reminds me of the days we met as teachers and I would run across the hall to get advice, share a secret, or comiserate.  Seven years later, she's still the best!