Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
On this dreary, stormy day I have decided to break from work for a moment to do a little research. Nope, it's not on parenting or the latest fashion trends for Mommies. I'm trying to plan a baby shower!
My Sister-In-Law (SIL), is due with a little boy in October. Yay! Another little playmate for MRP! I've already told her she'll have someone to boss around and dress-up (much to his dismay I'm sure!) in about a year when he's crawling :P
SO, my other SIL and I have decided to get a jump on the party planning. Any ideas? We've both been to some great showers, and are trying to remember what it was about them that made them so fun. Was it the theme? (I.E.: Bugs, dinosaurs or ducks?) The games? (Do preggos REALLY like having their belly measured with ribbon?) The food and cake? (Stay away from spicy!) The gifts?
Speaking of gifts: sidenote here: there's a fantastic new website called Wishpot.com Wishpot.com offers a unique, free of charge baby registry service that allows mommies and parents-to-be to find, save and share lists of things found from not just one but from any site on the world wide web, making the possibilities for baby shower gifts endless! Wishpot also offers price comparison and sale alerts to keep registries within every guest’s budget, as well as gift ideas & tips from baby experts and even other registered parents-to-be. How exactly does Wishpot work? It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. 1 – sign up. 2 – download the Wishpot button to your toolbar. 3 – go shopping! While browsing your favorite baby gift sites on the net, drag and drop items you like into the Wishpot button on your toolbar. The items will be automatically added to your registry. Set any price comparisons or sale alerts, then send to your family and friends! It's THAT EASY!
Now that we have the gifts part taken care of, we need suggestions for creative invitations, themes, games, where to get a fantastic cake--the works! Lay it on me people, I need choices!
Until next time, party like it's 1999!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below. Feel free to become "A Follower" of this blog!*
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Solid Foods, not just for adults anymore!
Hello LFM readers!
It's time! We've reached the 6 month mark--woohoo! At our visit to our favorite Ped., we were told little MRP can now start SOLID FOODS (I never thought we'd make it this far :P). Apparently, solid foods can be started at 4 months for bottlefed babies, but not until 6 months for breastfed. Which is just fine with me; it's 2 months less we've had to actually buy her "food."
So, to the store we went for rice cereal. Well, that's not completely true...I bought it 2 weeks ago because I was so excited about this milestone!
Directions specifically from doctor said 2 Tbs., but literature from doc's office said 2 tsp...hmmm. I go for the Tablespoons. I mixed it up in a small bowl and got out my soon-to-be trusty purple spoon that I've been letting her stick in her mouth lately, just to get used to the feel of it. Well, of course she was adorable--her little tongue didn't know what to think! I wish I could've fed her and taken pictures at the same time (Brian was working unfortunately). I did the "airplane" noises and everything! She loved it, but was soon over it. She didn't eat that much really; note to self: go for the teaspoons next time. She soon began to cry and get fussy, obviously done with her new "meal."
This experience, although perhaps trivial to some, is the first of many exciting ones in my book! She'll be on this cereal a few weeks, and then gets to start vegetables, and then eventually fruit. Ahh, my baby is "so big!"
Wondering: what were some of your favorite milestones? Did your child have a favorite (or NOT favorite!) baby food? Have they changed their mind since? Let me know! Looking forward to hearing from you!
Until next time: yum yum!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below...and feel free to "become a follower"!!!!*
It's time! We've reached the 6 month mark--woohoo! At our visit to our favorite Ped., we were told little MRP can now start SOLID FOODS (I never thought we'd make it this far :P). Apparently, solid foods can be started at 4 months for bottlefed babies, but not until 6 months for breastfed. Which is just fine with me; it's 2 months less we've had to actually buy her "food."
So, to the store we went for rice cereal. Well, that's not completely true...I bought it 2 weeks ago because I was so excited about this milestone!
Directions specifically from doctor said 2 Tbs., but literature from doc's office said 2 tsp...hmmm. I go for the Tablespoons. I mixed it up in a small bowl and got out my soon-to-be trusty purple spoon that I've been letting her stick in her mouth lately, just to get used to the feel of it. Well, of course she was adorable--her little tongue didn't know what to think! I wish I could've fed her and taken pictures at the same time (Brian was working unfortunately). I did the "airplane" noises and everything! She loved it, but was soon over it. She didn't eat that much really; note to self: go for the teaspoons next time. She soon began to cry and get fussy, obviously done with her new "meal."
This experience, although perhaps trivial to some, is the first of many exciting ones in my book! She'll be on this cereal a few weeks, and then gets to start vegetables, and then eventually fruit. Ahh, my baby is "so big!"
Wondering: what were some of your favorite milestones? Did your child have a favorite (or NOT favorite!) baby food? Have they changed their mind since? Let me know! Looking forward to hearing from you!
Until next time: yum yum!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below...and feel free to "become a follower"!!!!*
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Classes (Part Deaux)
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!
I'm just updating--some LFM readers and I have joined forces, and have decided to sign up for Swim Classes at the Beaumont YMCA this summer! And I have to say, I'm very excited that little MRP will be in the "Shrimp" class! :) How adorable is that? I hope she loves the water and takes to it like a fish, like her Mom did!? I am SAD to say however, that after signing up for the class, I realized I would actually be IN the water with her, therefore having to go bathing suit shopping (I can hear the painful groans leaving your mouths as I write this!)
Eh, whatever. I sucked it up and bought what my friend calls "my first swim-dress, aka 'Mom-Suit'" It's black, of course, with little hawaiian flowers on it. Maybe I should've gone for blue, and then I could've blended into the scenary-- the pool?
We've also signed up for an evening music class. It's a bit pricey, but it's for 12 weeks, so it evens out to a nice average. She'll have her own little instrument kit we can play with at home too. I can't wait to see how she reacts to all the sounds and movement...and all the other babies! Another friend and I signed up together, so it will be good for me to get some social time in too.
Brian is going to alternate classes with me so he has the chance to see MRP's development in the classes too; has more daddy-daughter bonding time, and can mingle with other parents. I'm excited he's still just as involved today as the day she was born <3 What a good husband!
So, until next time: fill those summer schedules!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below!*
I'm just updating--some LFM readers and I have joined forces, and have decided to sign up for Swim Classes at the Beaumont YMCA this summer! And I have to say, I'm very excited that little MRP will be in the "Shrimp" class! :) How adorable is that? I hope she loves the water and takes to it like a fish, like her Mom did!? I am SAD to say however, that after signing up for the class, I realized I would actually be IN the water with her, therefore having to go bathing suit shopping (I can hear the painful groans leaving your mouths as I write this!)
Eh, whatever. I sucked it up and bought what my friend calls "my first swim-dress, aka 'Mom-Suit'" It's black, of course, with little hawaiian flowers on it. Maybe I should've gone for blue, and then I could've blended into the scenary-- the pool?
We've also signed up for an evening music class. It's a bit pricey, but it's for 12 weeks, so it evens out to a nice average. She'll have her own little instrument kit we can play with at home too. I can't wait to see how she reacts to all the sounds and movement...and all the other babies! Another friend and I signed up together, so it will be good for me to get some social time in too.
Brian is going to alternate classes with me so he has the chance to see MRP's development in the classes too; has more daddy-daughter bonding time, and can mingle with other parents. I'm excited he's still just as involved today as the day she was born <3 What a good husband!
So, until next time: fill those summer schedules!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click below!*
Breastfeeding in the WHITE HOUSE
Hello LFM Readers!
As I nurse my daughter at night, my mind slowly drifts about wondering things, as many minds do when they're forced to slow down for a moment. I wonder what the future will be like, what the past was like (we didn't have cell phones, or even cordless phones when I was born; what will the world be like when MRP has kids???) My mind of course drifts back to work and the many tasks I have to accomplish the next day.
New layout? Check. Deadline reminders? Check. Create new marketing plans for clients A, B and C? Check. PUMP????? Reluctantly, check. I know breastfeeding is the very best possible thing I can do for my child. She gets tons of vitamins, nutrients, and immunities. Plus I'm saving $money$ !! But hooking up little suction cups and tubes to your boobs, and then to a machine to simulate the so-called natural action of a real child nursing, is...unnatural! It's awkward to say the least.
And having to ask for a private space to do it is quite annoying as well. Our office is very open and works somewhat like a newsroom. I share my large office with two other women; the only person with their own office is our Publisher, who is in and out and only in attendance on particular days (what they are, no one seems to know, as they are always changing from week to week). I hate having to go in and ask for her to stop whatever she is doing so I can use the room for all of ten minutes, especially when it seems to be a burden to her.
So I often wonder: where would I breastfeed if I were FIRST LADY? :P Obviously I would have secret service with me when I was out and about. Could you see their face? "Hi, um, I was wondering if you could step out of the suburban for a few minutes so I could bust out my boobs and attach them to this device to squeeze out some juice for the First Child? Don't worry, everything will be "secured!" Seriously though, I'm thinking the woman has people and cameras following her everywhere she goes. How could she privately do something so, private? I doubt they would let me borrow the Oval Office! I understand they have their own living quarters, but even there I'm sure they have prying eyes.
MRP likes to throw the cover-up blanket I have off of her head now. Which I understand, I would hate being hot under there too. And it's not really a question of modesty, it's just that I don't feel like stripping down for coworkers or women in the Macy's Lounge in the middle of the afternoon!
I think about how much easier it would be just to give MRP a bottle filled with formula, but then I also realize that by breastfeeding, I am doing what's best for HER, not what's best for ME. Isn't that what having kids is all about? :)
So until next time, remember to sacrifice a little of yourself for the betterment of your child--I'm sure the First Lady would find a way! :)
Karyn Potts
*I welcome your questions/comments: click below*
As I nurse my daughter at night, my mind slowly drifts about wondering things, as many minds do when they're forced to slow down for a moment. I wonder what the future will be like, what the past was like (we didn't have cell phones, or even cordless phones when I was born; what will the world be like when MRP has kids???) My mind of course drifts back to work and the many tasks I have to accomplish the next day.
New layout? Check. Deadline reminders? Check. Create new marketing plans for clients A, B and C? Check. PUMP????? Reluctantly, check. I know breastfeeding is the very best possible thing I can do for my child. She gets tons of vitamins, nutrients, and immunities. Plus I'm saving $money$ !! But hooking up little suction cups and tubes to your boobs, and then to a machine to simulate the so-called natural action of a real child nursing, is...unnatural! It's awkward to say the least.
And having to ask for a private space to do it is quite annoying as well. Our office is very open and works somewhat like a newsroom. I share my large office with two other women; the only person with their own office is our Publisher, who is in and out and only in attendance on particular days (what they are, no one seems to know, as they are always changing from week to week). I hate having to go in and ask for her to stop whatever she is doing so I can use the room for all of ten minutes, especially when it seems to be a burden to her.
So I often wonder: where would I breastfeed if I were FIRST LADY? :P Obviously I would have secret service with me when I was out and about. Could you see their face? "Hi, um, I was wondering if you could step out of the suburban for a few minutes so I could bust out my boobs and attach them to this device to squeeze out some juice for the First Child? Don't worry, everything will be "secured!" Seriously though, I'm thinking the woman has people and cameras following her everywhere she goes. How could she privately do something so, private? I doubt they would let me borrow the Oval Office! I understand they have their own living quarters, but even there I'm sure they have prying eyes.
MRP likes to throw the cover-up blanket I have off of her head now. Which I understand, I would hate being hot under there too. And it's not really a question of modesty, it's just that I don't feel like stripping down for coworkers or women in the Macy's Lounge in the middle of the afternoon!
I think about how much easier it would be just to give MRP a bottle filled with formula, but then I also realize that by breastfeeding, I am doing what's best for HER, not what's best for ME. Isn't that what having kids is all about? :)
So until next time, remember to sacrifice a little of yourself for the betterment of your child--I'm sure the First Lady would find a way! :)
Karyn Potts
*I welcome your questions/comments: click below*
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Time for Class(es)!
Hello LFM Readers!
Just wanting to see a consensus here: at what age did you start enrolling your children in developmental and physical/motor-skill building classes? MRP is going to be 5 months old next week, and I'd love to start her in some fun classes where I can meet other Mommy's and get out a bit with other adults.
I know there's Kindermusik, Musikgarten, Music Matters, Gymboree, and I'm sure there's more out there. I know some are more music-focused, and others are music and motor-skill building; I'm just wondering what people's opinions are of each? Most are advertisers with us, and tell us they get great response from our readers, so I know all of them are very popular. I'm just thinking that we should try some new things with her--we read books, dance in the living room, and have baby gyms for her to lay under and swat at toys, and even a Little Einstein Exersaucer-type thing that she likes. But I think now is the time to broaden her horizons. She just gets SO excited when she does something new--I love the look on her face: complete AMAZEMENT! Five months old is a good age to start, right?
I'm also thinking about doing some "Mommy-and-Me" classes at the YMCA (probably Beaumont). I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years, and I'd be overjoyed if MRP followed in my footsteps. Really I'd just be overjoyed if she liked the cold water in general! Are their pools heated? Plus, we have a new business coming to town: Baby Boot Camp! It's for pre- and post-natal Moms! It sounds intimidating, but it's really not! We met with the owner/instructor named Kimberly Summers. She'll be teaching classes at Centenary Methodist Church on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and also at the AmStar Theatre on Nicholasville Rd. at Brannon Crossing on Saturday mornings. The good news is, the first class is FREE! Just go to the website (www.babybootcamp.com) and search for classes in KY, and click on the icon on the right to get your class free (that's not something that happens much these days! :)
So there. MRP and I are getting on the Smart & Sassy wagon! Won't you join us??? You can contact me here by leaving a comment, or by emailing me direct at Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
Until next time: Get Moving!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click the link below*
Just wanting to see a consensus here: at what age did you start enrolling your children in developmental and physical/motor-skill building classes? MRP is going to be 5 months old next week, and I'd love to start her in some fun classes where I can meet other Mommy's and get out a bit with other adults.
I know there's Kindermusik, Musikgarten, Music Matters, Gymboree, and I'm sure there's more out there. I know some are more music-focused, and others are music and motor-skill building; I'm just wondering what people's opinions are of each? Most are advertisers with us, and tell us they get great response from our readers, so I know all of them are very popular. I'm just thinking that we should try some new things with her--we read books, dance in the living room, and have baby gyms for her to lay under and swat at toys, and even a Little Einstein Exersaucer-type thing that she likes. But I think now is the time to broaden her horizons. She just gets SO excited when she does something new--I love the look on her face: complete AMAZEMENT! Five months old is a good age to start, right?
I'm also thinking about doing some "Mommy-and-Me" classes at the YMCA (probably Beaumont). I was a competitive swimmer for 13 years, and I'd be overjoyed if MRP followed in my footsteps. Really I'd just be overjoyed if she liked the cold water in general! Are their pools heated? Plus, we have a new business coming to town: Baby Boot Camp! It's for pre- and post-natal Moms! It sounds intimidating, but it's really not! We met with the owner/instructor named Kimberly Summers. She'll be teaching classes at Centenary Methodist Church on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and also at the AmStar Theatre on Nicholasville Rd. at Brannon Crossing on Saturday mornings. The good news is, the first class is FREE! Just go to the website (www.babybootcamp.com) and search for classes in KY, and click on the icon on the right to get your class free (that's not something that happens much these days! :)
So there. MRP and I are getting on the Smart & Sassy wagon! Won't you join us??? You can contact me here by leaving a comment, or by emailing me direct at Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
Until next time: Get Moving!
Karyn Potts
*To comment, just click the link below*
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A Wish
Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine readers!!
I've been spending a lot of time lately, just staring at my beautiful little MRP. When she sleeps, when she plays, when she eats. I sit there contemplating everything she knows and doesn't know, and I've come up with this:
She doesn't know about war or weapons. She doesn't know hate or betrayal. She doesn't know loneliness, sadness or disappointment. She doesn't know hurt, bitterness, or what a lie is. She doesn't know hunger. She doesn't know fear. She doesn't know viciousness, or pain. She doesn't know racism. She doesn't know violence, poverty or rejection. She doesn't know abuse of any kind, homelessness, or even death. And I wish I could keep it this way.
On the other hand, I am grateful for what she does know at this point: she knows laughter and smiles. She knows tickles and wonderment. She knows both excitement and amazement! She knows hugs and cuddling; warmth and kisses. She knows protection and trust. She knows Mommy and Daddy--don't forget her beagle Buddy! She knows baths, and sing-song. She knows sweet voices and evening walks. She knows flowers and sunshine. She knows....LOVE. And I wish I could keep it this way.
I know what you're going to say, that these things are "all a part of LIFE," but that doesn't make these wishes any less hoped for. Hopefully she'll be able to find her way through all of these experiences, and still end up a positive person. I reallyyy wish I could just wrap her up in a bow and stick her in my pocket forever, but I guess that will never happen. :)
Until next time, make some wishes for your child and try to make them come true!
Karyn Potts
*I'd love some comments! Just click below!*
I've been spending a lot of time lately, just staring at my beautiful little MRP. When she sleeps, when she plays, when she eats. I sit there contemplating everything she knows and doesn't know, and I've come up with this:
She doesn't know about war or weapons. She doesn't know hate or betrayal. She doesn't know loneliness, sadness or disappointment. She doesn't know hurt, bitterness, or what a lie is. She doesn't know hunger. She doesn't know fear. She doesn't know viciousness, or pain. She doesn't know racism. She doesn't know violence, poverty or rejection. She doesn't know abuse of any kind, homelessness, or even death. And I wish I could keep it this way.
On the other hand, I am grateful for what she does know at this point: she knows laughter and smiles. She knows tickles and wonderment. She knows both excitement and amazement! She knows hugs and cuddling; warmth and kisses. She knows protection and trust. She knows Mommy and Daddy--don't forget her beagle Buddy! She knows baths, and sing-song. She knows sweet voices and evening walks. She knows flowers and sunshine. She knows....LOVE. And I wish I could keep it this way.
I know what you're going to say, that these things are "all a part of LIFE," but that doesn't make these wishes any less hoped for. Hopefully she'll be able to find her way through all of these experiences, and still end up a positive person. I reallyyy wish I could just wrap her up in a bow and stick her in my pocket forever, but I guess that will never happen. :)
Until next time, make some wishes for your child and try to make them come true!
Karyn Potts
*I'd love some comments! Just click below!*
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Great Weight Debate
Hello LFM readers!
MRP is now more than four months old, and I'm feeling....gross. When I first found out I was pregnant, I was SO good about my diet, and eating (and not eating) exactly what I was supposed to according to her growing stages and trimesters. (It helps that I naturally crave cold vegetables in the summer and fruit all year round.) Toward the end however, I craved drive-through and junk food; horrible I know.
After her delivery, the weight seemed to literally fall off my body. I was super-excited! I vowed to breastfeed for the rest of my life if this is how it was going to be! Now though, I find that I'm still eating the way I was towards the end of my pregnancy, and the weight has stopped falling off, and is actually creeping back on! :(
I wasn't the thinnest person to begin with, so seeing this body morph over and over again doesn't make me very happy (who would it?) I need to get with the program already! But which program will be best?
I've done Weight Watchers in the past, and it's worked. But I feel like I've done it so many times==vicious cycle. I'm not about to start spending money "for the food" with Jenny Craig--though congrats to '80's star Valerie Bertinelli,--or never be able to go out to eat again because "my meals are delivered to my door" via Nutri System.
My husband tells me that he just doesn't understand how people can have such issues losing weight. This coming from a man almost 6 feet tall, and 140 lbs. at best. (Note: I hope my daughter has his build! :P) He believes in the good ol' fashioned "Eat less, move more" theory. Whatever.
I belong to a popular gym in town, but it's not very family-friendly, and I find that no matter my good intentions, that is all they are--intentions. I'm thinking of joining Jazzercise. I figure it's close to the house, it's only an hour long commitment, and I can be in and out and home again before MRP and Brian can miss me. Any thoughts? I'm looking for some good women to join with, or meet there to keep me motivated. Any takers, or does anyone already go?
I NEED to do something. I can already see MRP running around the house, and me trying to keep up with her. I'd like to make the life change now (though I feel I've said that a million times), and teach her to be fit and healthy. HELP! Take me up on my offer--lets do this together!
Until next time, I need workout partners and motivators!
Karyn Potts
*Comment here, or reach me at: Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
MRP is now more than four months old, and I'm feeling....gross. When I first found out I was pregnant, I was SO good about my diet, and eating (and not eating) exactly what I was supposed to according to her growing stages and trimesters. (It helps that I naturally crave cold vegetables in the summer and fruit all year round.) Toward the end however, I craved drive-through and junk food; horrible I know.
After her delivery, the weight seemed to literally fall off my body. I was super-excited! I vowed to breastfeed for the rest of my life if this is how it was going to be! Now though, I find that I'm still eating the way I was towards the end of my pregnancy, and the weight has stopped falling off, and is actually creeping back on! :(
I wasn't the thinnest person to begin with, so seeing this body morph over and over again doesn't make me very happy (who would it?) I need to get with the program already! But which program will be best?
I've done Weight Watchers in the past, and it's worked. But I feel like I've done it so many times==vicious cycle. I'm not about to start spending money "for the food" with Jenny Craig--though congrats to '80's star Valerie Bertinelli,--or never be able to go out to eat again because "my meals are delivered to my door" via Nutri System.
My husband tells me that he just doesn't understand how people can have such issues losing weight. This coming from a man almost 6 feet tall, and 140 lbs. at best. (Note: I hope my daughter has his build! :P) He believes in the good ol' fashioned "Eat less, move more" theory. Whatever.
I belong to a popular gym in town, but it's not very family-friendly, and I find that no matter my good intentions, that is all they are--intentions. I'm thinking of joining Jazzercise. I figure it's close to the house, it's only an hour long commitment, and I can be in and out and home again before MRP and Brian can miss me. Any thoughts? I'm looking for some good women to join with, or meet there to keep me motivated. Any takers, or does anyone already go?
I NEED to do something. I can already see MRP running around the house, and me trying to keep up with her. I'd like to make the life change now (though I feel I've said that a million times), and teach her to be fit and healthy. HELP! Take me up on my offer--lets do this together!
Until next time, I need workout partners and motivators!
Karyn Potts
*Comment here, or reach me at: Karyn@lexingtonfamily.com
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