Last week, my oldest son (almost six) had his little brother (almost three) in a headlock. When I walked back into the room, he spotted me and quickly pretended it was a hug. He even added, “Awwwwe, you’re so sweet,” to the fake brotherly love fest to prove his innocence.

Yesterday during my trip to the grocery store, I was grabbing a few Luna Bars when I spotted four small fists punching at each other and swinging around wildly in the aisle.  There was kicking, pinching and yes, another headlock. It was like a cage match without the cage. I stared for a minute with a look of dismay on my face. Maybe someone else will claim them? No such luck. I stepped in and physically separated them.

My boys are entering the “you-annoy-me-and-take-my-toys-so-I’m-gonna-hit-you-until-you-stop-or-until-mom-walks-in-the-room” phase. I have to give them both credit, because they are equally good at provoking each other and most of the time they are both guilty when things reach a boiling point.

I guess we all went through it. I remember when my younger sister and I could hardly stand to be in the same room together. Of course that happened when we were teenagers, so it doesn’t really count. I did shove her once and she fell backwards down the stairs. She still likes to bring up that story today. What she fails to mention is we lived in a tri-level house, so the flight if stairs consisted of six steps. Needless to say, messing up her ponytail was the extent of her injuries.

At the end of the day, my boys still kiss and hug each other goodnight. 75% of the time, they play very well together and genuinely enjoy being pals. The other 25%…well, it’s not a warm & fuzzy. I try to be fair and keep things civil between, but sometimes I just have to let it play out a bit. I have a sneaking suspicion brotherly love is a bit more painful than sisterly love. Not sure. Just guessing.

The majority of parents have probably been in a similar situation as reality star and new mother, Kourtney Kardashian. As a new mommy, she is discovering how much swearing actually goes on in her life. Now she’s worried her baby’s first words will be bleeped out on national television. The biggest potty mouth culprits? Her sister Khloe and her baby daddy, Scott Dipstick Disick.

As a child, I was under strict orders never to use swear words. While I heard them occasionally – like when my dad got a paper cut, which was his biggest pet peeve in the universe – my family didn’t cuss. As I got older, I started peppering f-bombs into my personal conversations and I’ve since realized how hard it is to stop. My hubby and I agreed to cut the cussing down to a minimum when we found out we were pregnant for the first time. Now that my kiddos are bigger and closely relate to parrots, we really have to watch it. I’m still guilty, but we certainly try to limit the potty mouth.

I think it’s funny that Kourtney has taken this into consideration and wants to start censoring her family. She’s even asking for advice from readers on her blog. What’s great about this dilemma is it proves she’s thinking like a mommy. And that’s a good thing. My advice to Kourt would be “earmuffs” as we saw demonstrated in Old School.  A “swear jar” is way too obvious for that family. Maybe they should give Scott a shot of tequila for every cuss word and that way he’ll either succeed in making a huge buffoon of himself, which is always entertaining, or he’ll just pass out cold and we won’t have to hear and/or see him at all. Also a good option.

Image:iVillage.com

Earlier this week, my first guest blog appeared on Betty Confidential. I read an article about Angelina Jolie’s parenting style and it made me wonder if I were really ridiculously wealthy, would I be a different kind of mom? Enjoy!

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A few weeks ago I was at the nail salon flipping through a tabloid. The story that caught my eye was about Angelina Jolie and her mother-in-law, Jane Pitt. The two weren’t getting along so well because Brad’s mom was annoyed at Angelina’s overly relaxed parenting style. She worries that the nannies are too involved and that Angelina doesn’t provide them with enough discipline. According to Brad’s mom, the kids stay up late all of the time, they eat lots of junk food, go out in public looking unkempt. Brad’s mom believes young children need a more structured upbringing.

I’m a stay-at-home, work-from-home mom, so I’m knee-deep in kiddos every day. As I was about to knock Angelina for her mommy style, I couldn’t help but entertain the scenario in my head. “What kind of mom would I be if I were super-rich like Angelina?”

If we had ridiculous amounts of disposable income, would I be a different mother? Would I invest in more “we” time or more “me” time? Would I choose to spend more quality time with my children or with myself? Would I throw caution to the wind? Would I let my children stay up late munching Cheetos, knowing that I didn’t have to deal with the orange handprints all over the sofa? My housekeeper would handle that. When the boys start to slap, pinch, shove and wrestle for toys around 5:30 p.m., would I just let the nanny figure out how to intervene? Or would I even be at home? Maybe I’d be at the gym or shopping or – gasp! – getting my weekly massage. Would I be constantly running out of the door, kissing my kids on the cheeks and yelling last-minute directions to my nannies on the way out?

Read my final thoughts about it by clicking here!

Image: BettyConfidential.com

I know we blog about items you must have as a mother. Things you need for survival in this crazy, kid-filled, hectic life.  There is only one thing I can guarantee as a mom. If you have dark circles under your eyes BEFORE the children arrive, you will have bigger, darker circles AFTER they show up.

This is maybe the cutest, coolest, most innovative product I’ve purchased in a while. It’s the ‘Confessions of a Concealaholic’ Kit from Benefit and it works. If you didn’t figure it out from the clever name, it’s a concealing & brightening kit You can find it online at Ulta for $36 and in many department stores.

My favorite item in this little kit is the Erase Paste. Like you, I’ve tried tons of concealers and none of them seem to work like this one does. Now you MUST understand that the biggest part about concealers like this is knowing how to apply them correctly. If you buy this at the Benefit counter, ask one of the gals to show your how to apply everything. No shame in that!

Here’s what comes in the kit:

- “That Gal” Brightening Face Primer
- Erase Paste (no. 2 medium) brightening camouflage for eyes and face
- Lemon Aid Color Correcting Eyelid Primer
- Eye Bright Instant Eye Brightener
- Concealer brushes
- Step-by-step lesson

I think this would be a great gift for an expecting mommy or new mommy. She may laugh at it when she opens the gift, but she’ll be putting it on in the a.m. And thanking you for it…

Last week MommyQ was lucky enough to take a trip to Portland, Oregon, to witness a “behind-the-scenes” movie experience.  Walmart and P&G invited me to attend, so I could see the guts and the glory it takes to produce a television movie. The movie, “In My Shoes,” is a clever, compassionate and family-friendly project that proves the notion of family movie night is not forgotten.

When I was a kid, I remember sitting with my parents and my sister once a week, usually Friday night, to watch television together. I have to admit, I don’t remember exact titles of the movies we watched, but I do recall the laughter, giggles, communal popcorn tub and the fun. I also know my parents didn’t have to jump up and run to the TV (we didn’t have remotes back then) to change the station because something non kid-friendly was interrupting our viewing pleasure.

From the wonderful folks at P&G and Walmart to the producers to the actors, EVERYONE working on this project is totally aware of the need for family-friendly television entertainment. Even the youngest actor on the set, 11-year-old Jackson Pace, mentioned how important it is to be able to watch television together as a family. (BTW, what a cute little guy.)

I also got to meet some phenomenal women/mothers/entreprenuers as in @MomStart @mamaspohr @eightymphmom @BettyBuzz @OurOrdinaryLife – funny, fantastic and talented, who could ask for more?

Get a taste of what the new and improved family movie night is by watching The Jenson Project on July 19th on NBC. And if you haven’t seen Secrets of the Mountain, you’d better get to watchin’ because it was incredible. Stay tuned!

Momologie is a free daily newsletter and website that delivers must – read information for living family life to the fullest.  It is the one-stop location for practical, creative recommendations, tips, and picks that are a simple reflection of every mom’s lifestyle and personality.  These daily emails are addicting and you’ll be sure to love the tidbits of inspirational and creative information focused on home / organizing, holidays / celebrations, personal style, food / recipes, and travel.  As a bonus, Momologie subscribers have the chance of winning great items through the giveaways offered within the daily newsletter.  Michele and Gia from MiGi launched Momologie in the fall – smart girls!

Hop on over to Momologie and have some fun! Also, check out a Momologie’s giveaway on Droolicious. Enter to win an adorable 4-piece MiGi Baby Bedding Set.  The drawing will be held on Mother’s Day 2010!

I know breakfast seems like a no-brainer, but what if you’ve blessed with picky eaters? My kiddos don’t like milk or eggs, so cereal and scrambled eggs don’t work in my house. Here are a few tips from Connie Evers, M.S., R.D., nutrition expert and mother of three:

1. – Get up & eat! – Get the kids up earlier on weekdays to spend time together and eat a proper breakfast.

2. – Be a role model – Moms who eat a balanced morning meal benefit and set a great example.

3. – Provide small portions – If your kiddo claims to not be hungry in the morning, offer a smaller breakfast and pack a snack.

4. – Get organized – Keep your kitchen stocked with “grab and go” foods like yogurt, bananas, grapes, juice boxes, whole grain English muffins, pita bread and Nutella. Even on the most rushed days, you can send them out the door with a balanced meal!

5. – How can Nutella be part of a balanced meal? Spread it on whole grain toast and serve it with fresh fruit. Just make sure you don’t go crazy on the portions. Eating an entire jar of Nutella in one sitting isn’t really part of the plan.

I’m excited to announce a Nutella Giveaway on Droolicious! The contest will go live in the morning and the lucky winner will get THREE FREE JARS of Nutella. Click here to find the post.

It is now official! America’s Sweetheart, actress Sandra Bullock has filed for divorce. According to Us Magazine, she filed April 23rd in Travis County Court in Austin, TX.  And we are so happy to have her here!

The eight-page document states: “The marriage has become insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities that destroys the legitimate end of the marriage/relationship and prevents any reasonable expectations of reconciliation.” The papers — filed under “B.A.S.” (Bullock’s initials backwards) — state that the actress and James, 40, who wed in 2005, “have ceased living together as husband and wife.”

On a bright note, Sandra recently announced that she has adopted a son, 3 1/2-month-old Louis from New Orleans. This news is flying around the Internet at a high rate of speed, but I think it’s because everyone is excited for her. As moms, we know how much love and joy enters your life as soon as you become a mother. Luckily for Sandra, she doesn’t have to worry about most struggles a single mom might face like working/income, etc.  Anyway, she brought little Louis home in January and has been keeping it a secret until now.

From one mommy to another, congratulations!!!! Life tests you, but there is always a shining star somewhere in your midst. I think Sandra found hers!

Image: Us Magazine

 The list below is brought to by Dr. Benjamin Tanner, president and founder of the Antimicrobial Test Laboratories, LLC (a microbiology laboratory that specializes in the development of disinfectant and antimicrobial technologies) and the fine folks at Diaper Genie.

10 Simple Tips to Maintain a Healthy and Germ-Free Nursery
1. – Identify the germ “hot spots” within your nursery and clean them often. Germ hot spots within the nursery are the areas that come in contact with waste in diapers and other body fluids, either directly or indirectly. Diaper waste–and the millions and millions of germs in it–can be spread by hands and objects that come in contact with it. Since germs are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, it’s easy to spread many of them to clean surfaces without knowing it.

Areas where most bacteria typically gather include:
Changing Table – This is the place where diaper messes and germs are transferred from the diaper to baby’s skin – and possibly mom’s hands. And a dirty diaper likely has more germs inside it than anything else in the nursery.

Laundry Hamper – Studies have shown that laundry, especially if it has come in contact with bodily fluids, can harbor great quantities of bacteria and even spread them to clean clothes through normal washing cycles.

Floor – Germs on the floor are not a concern for adults, but the floor is where babies lay, crawl, and play.  Most floor germs aren’t of the harmful type, but it’s still a hot spot to keep an eye on.

Toys/Toy chest – The average toy isn’t loaded with germs, but toys will transmit them easily if they become contaminated, since toys come in contact with playmates’ hands, skin, and mouths.

2. - Learn the difference between cleaners and disinfectants, and which is appropriate for your nursery. Cleaners remove most soils, but may spread germs around. Disinfectants actually kill germs when used correctly.

To use a disinfectant correctly in a nursery, remove your baby from the spray or wipe zone and apply the product liberally. After the label-specified contact time elapses, wipe off the surface with a wet cloth or paper towel to get rid of any irritating residual chemicals so your baby’s delicate skin does not touch these chemicals.

3. – Set aside a special place in the nursery for disinfectants so they’re readily available for quick cleaning but safely out of reach of children Even “non-toxic” cleaners can be dangerous to children, so keep cleaners on a high shelf in the closet or a child-proofed drawer of the dresser.

4. Keep messes (and germs) to a minimum when changing dirty diapers in the nursery. Establish a quick, mess-free diaper changing routine, and keep supplies handy and close by.

- Get rid of diapers in a hygienic fashion that keeps germs sealed away. Dr. Tanner recommends the Diaper Genie II Elite™ Disposal System. It seals odor into the pail and out of your nursery unlike an ordinary trash can and plastic bag. Diapers only touch the disposable film, not the pail, so there is one less thing to clean. The Diaper Genie II Elite™ Disposal System also has Antimicrobial Protection built into the plastic to inhibit odor-causing bacteria.

5. – Keep soap and warm water, or where soap and water are not available, antibacterial hand wipes, nearby to use after changing your baby in the nursery.  This will help stop the spread of germs within the nursery.

6. – Keep baby bottles away from germ hot spots, such as the changing table, and only handle them when your hands are clean Harmful germs can grow very quickly in formula and breast milk – be sure to keep bottles clean and dry when not in use.

7. - Keep a special hamper inside the nursery to use specifically for heavily soiled baby laundry. This special, separate hamper will help prevent bacteria on heavily soiled laundry from spreading throughout the rest of the nursery. Also, take special care when laundering heavily soiled baby clothing and bedding to prevent the spread of germs through the laundry.

8. – Take special precautions within the nursery when baby is sick to prevent spread of illness to other children and throughout the rest of the nursery.

9. –  Take special precautions in the nursery when you or other family members are sick, to keep from giving your infection to baby and spreading throughout the nursery.

10. – I know we all love our furry and/or scaly children, but you should reduce pet access to the nursery.
- Reptiles and birds frequently harbor dangerous germs, like Salmonella. Make sure that children wash hands well with soap and warm water after handling reptiles and before coming into the nursery, and keep bird bedding/litter out of the nursery altogether.
- Dogs and cats are less risky but still may carry certain kinds of harmful bacteria. Cats may harbor a parasite that is of particular concern to pregnant women – if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, avoid changing cat litter to reduce exposure to the parasite Toxoplasma.
- If a pet makes a mess on the carpet, make sure to spray it with a non-bleach disinfectant after cleanup to prevent those germs from spreading to baby during playtime.

The April issue of SELF  features a really great interview with Grey’s Anatomy star, Ellen Pompeo, where she dishes on her secrets to handling marriage-motherhood-career while staying sane and enjoying it.  That sounds heavenly to me!

She reveals her pregnancy truths (“I was like, ‘Oh, God, it worked! Oh no!’”), her brown-bag lunch strategy, the 6 foods on her personal “energy diet,” and lessons she’ll teach her daughter (“I hope Stella has more self-confidence than I did as a child.”).

What does she have to say about happiness? “It’s easy to get lost in the baby. But you have to make the time for your relationships. You have to make sure you give your husband attention. And I still see my friends all the time, too. It’s important to have a well-rounded life. You learn things from your friends, and they bring you joy, and you bring back all that happiness to your baby.”

PUMA Fitness Bag – Give her a sweet gift she can use. It’s big enough to tote gear, but not too bulky. One a few left at Zappos. Retails for $51.

Sephora Train Case – It’s gleaming, metallic pink with silver locks. Inner compartments to keep your gal’s primping favorites safe and organized. Find it at Sephora for $68.

Victoria’s Secret Terry Robe – It’s soft, comfy and even a little blingy. Pinky pink with fron pockets. Not sure why a robe needs pockets, but whatever! It retails for $50 at Victoria’s Secret.

Michael Kors Perfume Ring – Get your girlie a little slice of Kors heaven with this Very Hollywood Eau de Parfum Ring.  Totally red carpet-worthy for only $40 at Michael Kors.

Betsey Johnson Calandra – If your wife has a bit of a shoe fetish, treat her to a pair of frilly Mary Janes. She can wear these with party dresses or jeans – perfect for any occasion. Find them in every size at Zappos for $154.

As you know, toddlers talk A LOT. And they are funny! No, he’s not as well-spoken or as diabolical as Stewie – thank goodness. In addition to  “please” and “thank you” and “you’re welcome,” we’ve been hearing some other amusing responses to our questions and comments.  Here’s my Top 10 List:

1. – “Mine!”

2. – “Me too!”

3. – “I want sumpin’ else.”

4. – “No, I hold it.”

5. – “Mama, get me more juice? More juice? Juicy? Juice?”

6. – “No, I busy right now.”

7. – “In a minute.”

8. – “I all done.”

9. – “Mommy? Mama? Mom? M-O-M?  Dada? Daddy? Dad?”

10. – “I wanna wear racin’ shirt.”

What are the funny little phrases you hear from your kidlet constantly?

Do you get stressed out trying to find the perfect party favors? It’s not easy to find something with keepsake appeal that’s also cute and whimsical. Well, I’ve been admiring the party favors at Beau-coup Favors and this might be my favorite.

Each resin cupcake place card holder features white (faux) frosting with colorful sprinkles and a purple candle. Simply slip the matching place cards into the candle cardholder and serve! For a bigger surprise, remove the top of the cupcake to reveal a tea light within. Measures 3.5”W, 2.25” in diameter and sold in sets of four. Matching place cards are included.

Are these adorable or what? They are a bit pricey, but what the heck. Shop here!

The Rock Star
Rock her world with a pair of Velvet Angels Ferox Slip On Boots. At least when she kicks your butt for procrastinating, she’ll look good doing it! Find them for $365 at Endless.

The Flirt
You can’t go wrong giving her a Python clutch! This is the “Trudy” pleated clutch from LAI and it will go with almost every outfit. Find it at BlueFly for $482.

The Beauty
Perfect shades for every fashionista can be found in the Dior Holiday Express Travel Pack. These must-have items come in a cute little case with silver “D” hardware. Find it at Neiman Marcus for $75!

The Romantic
She holds the key to your heart, right? Why not celebrate your love with this beautiful Tiffany Keys Heart Key Locket. Heart key locket in 14k gold with a 20″ long chain will cost around $775 at Tiffany & Co.

‘Tis the season for giving thanks, attending parties and receiving gorgeous bling! Celebrate with Austin’s All About Diamonds and brighten your holiday in a sparkly kind of way. If you shop at the store on Bee Caves – starting today! – the first person to mention MommyQ’s blog in the store wins a $100 Gift Certificate. Come on moms, I know you want to grab that!

If you live in Austin, TX, join All About Diamonds for their Jude Frances and Philip Stein Trunk Show & Viewing Party:

December 4, 10am-4pm
Philip Stein & Jude Frances Trunk Show
Enter to Win a Philip Stein Wine Wand ($325 value)
Gift Bags and $100 Gift Certificates from All About Diamonds for all guests!

December 4, 4pm-7pm
Philip Stein & Jude Frances Viewing Party
Hosted by All About Diamonds and Hall Plastic Surgery & Rejuvenation Center
Enjoy Champagne and Chocolate Truffles
Hourly Giveaways for Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaners
Win a pair of Jude Frances Diamond Ear Hoops ($480 value)
$100 gift Certificate from All About Diamonds for all guests!

December 5, 10am – 5pm
Jude Francis Showcase
Win Jude Francis Diamond Ear Hoops ($480 value)
Gift bags and $100 gift Certificates from All About Diamonds for all guests!

Like most moms, I appreciate holiday decor that doesn’t scream HOLIDAYS! I like my joy subtle, hip and unique. Take a look at these gorgeous Christmas Stocking from Oromono. I featured them on Droolicious for a good reason. Read more about them and grab a few for your mantle. Retail for $77.

There are lots of cute, tiny decorations to choose from, as well as cupcake liners and wrappers. It’s certainly worth a click or two! Hop on over to CupcakeSwirl.com.

Before I had children, I imagined the products I couldn’t live without. A magnificent pram with gorgeous white fluffy linens, a Baby Bjorn that would be glued to my chest, a designer diaper bag with perfectly sized pockets and so on. Fast forward to five years later and the reality of that list is laughable. (Aside from A-list celebs living in New York, who buys prams anyway?)

My list is nothing shocking or brand new that will blow you away. It’s not an “ah-ha” moment. “My goodness, how did I ever live without that?” But it’s real and it’s mine. (Now there are a few exceptions. I did not list my Blackberry because a cell phone is too obvious, nor did I list my iPod or digital camera for the same reason.) I welcome other moms to chime in and let me know what you can’t live without.

#1 – CHI Flat Iron
If my CHI breaks, I buy a new one that day. I don’t shop price or go without it. It MUST be replaced instantly. That is how much I love my CHI. This is the definition of brand loyalty. As I’ve said before, I have no idea how I ever looked decent without this thing. Maybe I didn’t have kids and I could spend time primping and properly applying makeup with brushes. Well, those days are long gone.

#2 – Clorox Wipes
I love to clean with bleach that doesn’t smell like bleach. That being said, I’m addicted to Clorox Wipes. I could use one canister in a week if the mood strikes. I am actually sad when I reach the last wipe. Yes, it’s highly toxic and that’s what makes it work. Duh…

#3 – Starbucks VIA
For instant coffee fans like myself, Starbucks VIA is a definite must-have. I am so in love with these tiny packets of joy, it’s quite pathetic. Who has time for a pot of coffee to brew? I want my steaming hot caffeine as fast as scientifically possible. I rank this item right up there with toilet paper and mascara.

#4 – Pampers Cruisers
People say all diapers are the same. Those people are smoking crack. All diapers are NOT the same and I think Pampers Cruisers are the best EVER. I will not allow any other diaper brand near my child. Both of my children have used these and we have experienced no leaks, no mess, no falling off, no droopy butt, etc. If a teacher accidentally puts the wrong diaper on my child, I’m totally upset. How. Dare. You.

#5 – Lip Venom
Nothing says you look pretty like painful lip gloss. I’ve been using this stuff for years and I’ve tried a zillion other lip glosses too. Lip Venom by DuWop is the best plumping lip gloss by a landslide. You have to get used to the stinging, hot sensation and when you do, it’s incredible. Warning: Don’t apply Lip Venom and drink a hot cup of tea or coffee. Your face may explode. Now that’s plump!

P.S. MommyQ does not get paid by the companies I blog about. I am not trying to sell the products I mention, nor am I officially endorsing them. These are just my opinions and I like to give them away for FREE. Awe, I’m so sweet.

I’ve always been enamored with writing ever since I can remember. When I was little, I wrote stories about my Barbies and movie scripts for my Barbies. Yep, I’ve always enjoyed it. Writing was never a bad thing to me. In high school, my friends would moan & groan about writing papers and I loved writing papers. I’m an English major – sue me.

Throughout the years my biggest issue has been what do I write about. I’ve been minimally interested in so many different hobbies that none stood out. Then I became a mom about five years ago and everything changed. Blogging was the wave of the social media moment and motherhood was ruling my life. Writing and motherhood. Writing and motherhood. Computer keys and baby bottles. Sleepless nights and too many ideas. Of course! I will be a mom blogger. In 2008, MommyQ was born and it has been a blast!

And what stands in the way of blogging daily and turning a simple WordPress site into a magical fantasy world of revenue and recognition? Your children! I have lots of ideas for blog posts that never get written. Why? Being a mom takes priority. I, like most mom bloggers, have discovered irony is a funny little beast. So you see, my first comment is totally accurate. What makes you great can easily stand in the way of your greatness. I gotta run now…my baby is climbing the bookcase…again…

My friends and family have been suffering some devastating losses recently and my desire to write about pricey baby clothes, upscale baby gear and the like has been greatly diminished as a result. When life hands you lemons, sometimes making lemonade is the last thing on your mind. It doesn’t really heal or help true pain. The only thing that helps is the passing of time.

My heart goes out to my friends and family members who are suffering right now. Whether it’s the loss of a life that didn’t last nearly long enough or worrying about a life that may be cut short or mourning a full life that met a tragic end – I am sorry for you all.

MommyQ is taking a short mental vacation to mend, prioritize, re-examine and reflect.  I’m sure my goofball perspective on motherhood, my fascination for animal print everything and my cynical wit will return quickly. Let’s just say, I’m not feeling it at the moment. And I would never want to be a faker. Peace out for now…

It seems almost inconsiderate to mention how beautifully 9/11/2001 began. I was living in a duplex at that time and my bedroom window was positioned in such a way that it gave me a wonderful view of the sunrise. I only had to open one eye to see the bright orange ball slowly lift up beyond the daybreak. That September morning featured a bright, clear, blue day and a glorious sunrise.

I remember every aspect of that morning perfectly, as most people do. Instead of waking up and tuning into Matt and Katie playfully banter about current issues, I focused my energy on sending out resumes. I was unemployed at the time. I was frustrated at my slow computer and almost ignored the telephone because I was in no mood to be chatty. I picked up the phone on the final ring. It was my mother and she was frantic. She said something about terrorists, a bomb, a plane and attacks. I dropped the phone and ran to turn on the television. I don’t think I turned off the television for about two weeks.

I started watching the TODAY Show right before the second plane crashed into the tower. It was unbelievable. Watching the events unfold and getting snippets of information here and there was surreal. What was happening? None of it made sense. When the first building unexpectedly collapsed, I felt as if I were watching a special effect in a movie. It wasn’t real. It couldn’t be. Were there people in that building? No…I’m sure they all escaped. It’s funny how your mind works when something like that happens. Denial seems to be the first emotion. No, this can’t be…

As the reality set in and I began to realize what was happening, it was like all of the air was suddenly sucked out of the room. I sat in front of the television for hours, glued to every shred of every detail. I called relatives and friends along the way for comfort. And then the tears began to fall.

I will never forget the stories. The firemen who rushed up the stairs bravely as people ran down them to safety. The helpless people in wheelchairs who were stranded in the stairwells, waiting for a stranger to help. The people who had to jump or be engulfed by flames. The people who could not escape. I cried and cried for them and their families. Each story was more heartbreaking than the next. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children, friends and co-workers. Nobody was safe and everyone was affected.

We lost more than loved ones that fateful day. We lost our security and the peace of mind we felt in our day-to-day lives. City skylines we once marveled at became terrifying, airports became targets and we were all scared to live our lives. We were all thrust, unwillingly, into a harsh new reality and it was shocking and scary. Yet, a funny thing happened for days, weeks and even months after 9/11. We found comfort in each other and a nation united.

We rallied to find strength, hope and fight for our freedom. Maybe it was getting a red, white and blue bumper sticker or being nice to our neighbors, but we all tried a little harder to be better people. We were sad, hurt, horrified and broken, but we persevered. I’d like to think that is the silver lining in all of this. Those events, no matter how unnecessary and cruel, united a divided nation. Even if it was fleeting, that’s no small feat.

I hope everyone tries to revisit those feelings of unity tomorrow as we mourn. My thoughts and prayers are with every family, friend and colleague who lost someone special that day. It is a day I will always remember and hope none of us ever forget.

Want to get together with all of the fabulous mommies on Facebook? Join The Hip Mommies group and chime in with your parenting advice. Exchange ideas, get tips about cool baby gear and bask in the momminess. Look for The Hip Mommies on Facebook. This group is open to everyone!

Growing up, we spent many hours on the tennis court together. At times, my mother would join us and we would play a few hilarious sets of doubles together. I use the term “hilarious” because my mother would play the net like a maniac, flying through the air awkwardly to return a lob or totally missing the ball and accidentally tossing the racket mid-swing. I’m sure onlookers thought we were crazy. I remember laughing so hard, I could barely swing the racket.

Today, after nearly 25 years, my father, sister & I still play tennis together. We don’t play often because she lives in a different state and I get busy being mom and doing mom things. When do play, it’s just like old times. We giggle when we successfully drop shot dad and I still run around my forehand because I prefer backhands. My sister mutters funny stuff under her breath when she crushes her forehand and we both blame the other one when a ball whizzes by us on the center line. “That was yours!?!”

We’re teaching my children how to play tennis, although they are still too young to fully understand the concept. It’s a chaotic scene – me, my husband and my father trying to convince two small kiddos to hold the racket steady and swing. They’d rather chase tennis balls, tug on the net, drag the racket on the ground or use it like a golf club. And that’s all just fine with me.

One day, we will all play doubles together. My kids will laugh at my silly antics at the net and I will marvel at the great shots they make. We’ll spend time on the court talking about nothing special, enjoying the physical activity, the smell of new tennis balls and relishing in the perfect cross-court winner.

It’s funny how becoming a parent forever changes your perspective of time. During pregnancy you’re constantly anticipating the next stage. When am I going to start showing? When is the baby going to start kicking?  When is my water going to break? Nine months would have seemed like a lifetime when we were small. An eternity, in fact.

The reality is nine months blow by so incredibly fast, it seems like a cruel joke. The first birthdays are fifth birthdays. Our little infants are big kids. The bumper pads, onesies and burp cloths we couldn’t wait to buy have long since been packed away and are now stored neatly in the closet in a dusty box. From rolling over to crawling to walking, we’ve been there for the milestones and the victories.  The sweet voices that once called out, “mama” are now speaking to us as if they were already adults.

I’m often asked to give advice to new parents, so my advice is as follows – embrace the moments life gives you and squeeze them for all they’re worth. Forget about the reality of time. Don’t listen the people who say,”they’ll be grown up before you know it.” Pretend you’re a kid again and live in the moment. Stop looking for the next distraction and allow yourself the freedom to indulge in complete and utter ignorance when it comes to time. There may not be enough of it, but you can certainly learn how to make it last.

MommyQ has been wearing the same perfume for about five years, so I decided to pick a new scent. Today I sniffed four horrible fragrances before I finally found two I liked. Is it wrong the coffee beans were the best smell by far? Anyway, I know my nose doesn’t always know. I had to ask the friendly salesperson her opinion a million times. Finally, I had two faves to choose from…

I really loved 212 by Carolina Herrera. It’s an off-beat, floral fragrance with musk undertones.  Too much musk makes me feel nauseous, so I am really careful about that component. 212 is fruity, fresh and timeless. It was a contender.

My second favorite was Light Blue by Dolce & Gabbana. It is a stunning scent that is fruity, floral and lively. I liked it a lot and could not decide. Finally, I sprayed one on one wrist and one on the other. I’m sure I reeked something fierce after I left. I would have no idea because my nose was on overdrive and I smelled nothing.

Anyhow, 212 was the winner. Now I stink of femininity and confidence. Awesome.

So readers, gimme some feedback! What is your favorite mommy fragrance? How long have you been wearing it? How often do you shop a new scent? Also, do you have a perfume for day and a different one for night? Do tell!

Every so often I come across baby gear that floats my boat. When my diaper bag from Kirsten James Handbags arrived in the mail, I was in awe. This bag was not only beautiful, but also perfectly crafted and absolutely flawless. My mother was with me when it arrived and immediately tried to coax me into letting her have it. Sorry, mom! Not this time.

Kirsten has a variety of styles to choose from, but I picked The Eden Bag. The size is exactly right for a busy mom who needs to use it as a diaper bag, toddler tote or overnight bag. It has a heavy magnetic snap closure and four roomy inside pockets. The designer fabric options are stunning in person. She also has eco-friendly options for green mommies. It shouldn’t come a big surprise that her bags reflect quite a bit of innovation. After all, Kirsten is a NASA engineer.

She worked for United Space Alliance as a Computer Programmer and Corrective Action Engineer.  United Space Alliance is the prime contractor and handles all Shuttle Processing for NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).  As a programmer and Engineer for NASA, she wrote programming code in support of new software applications to support Shuttle processing and worked with operational organizations to streamline processes and build software tools that automate those processes.

Her mommy know-how, creativity and passion for fashion launched her new career as a designer. After having her son and becoming frustrated with the poor quality of diaper bags in stores, she left NASA and began her own line of bags. Feeling inspired? Visit her site to learn more about her story and buy yourself a bag. You won’t be disappointed!

Have you thought about throwing an eco-friendly baby shower? Why not, it’s all the rage. Just because you have to skip lots of the wrapping paper fun, doesn’t mean it’s a boring alternative. Pregnancy Today writer Katherine Bontrager explores lots of great ideas for showering mommy with a party that is fun and green.

Forget the pink and blue, folks. Get your creative juices flowing and make plans to throw one of your own. You can read the full article here. And looks for MommyQ’s input starting on page 2. You know I have a lot to say about this topic.

Enter C-Panty! I’ve seen a lot of “new” baby and maternity products over the years, but this one is really top-notch. It is a panty designed specifically for post cesarean use. Instead of wearing those big, mesh, hospital-issued boy shorts or granny panties, you can wear these. They have special panels and a silicone layer to protect and support your new scar during healing.

Hop over to Droolicious (a Babble blog) to read more about the C-Panty. Now that’s one smart pair of undies! If you have mom friends with a c-section on the calendar, make sure you send them a link to this post!

The other day I was at a store and overhead a little toddler counting. She had beautiful flawless skin, big bouncy curls and expressive brown eyes. She was adorable! She counted to 20…then to 30…and finally stopped at 50. Her mom beamed and she smiled at me when she was finished because she knew she had a small audience. Amazed, I asked her mother how old she was. She was three and a half. “Good job,” I said enthusiastically. I was lying.

My mind immediately started racing. Was this normal? Can all kids her age count to 50? Are my young children on track? Is she ahead of the curve? Are my kids behind it? Thoughts were racing through my head and I wanted a computer so I could Google it until my heart was content.

Luckily, the non-mom side of my brain kicked in and squelched the mom racket. The fact that this little girl could count had nothing to do with me or my children. This was someone else’s moment, not mine. I realized how easy it is and how nature it feels to be competitive with other children. Which makes me wonder, are other parents ever genuinely happy for someone else’s child? I sure hope so. After reflecting on my actions, I’d like to congratulate that bubbly little girl on her impressive counting skills. She deserves it.

1. – Fill out hospital paperwork prior to due date. Most hospitals have a packet for expecting moms. Do yourself a favor and fill out all of this info weeks before you’re due. You do not want to be in labor and have to deal with it. They also ask for data you probably don’t know off the top of your head. Plan ahead!

2. – Pack your bag with care. Take the time to shop for maternity pajamas. You will be living in these for a while and if you’re nursing, it is so much easier with pjs made especially for nursing moms. You might not want to get pajamas with pants or shorts because the waistband might be uncomfy if you have a c-section. Pack shampoo, conditioner, magazines, glasses (if you wear contacts), toothbrush, toothpaste, mouth wash, hair dryer, etc. The hospital is not a Four Seasons.

3. – You will leave the hospital fat! You won’t be fitting in your skinny jeans two days after delivery so pack maternity clothes to wear home. The softer and more comfy, the better. You might also want to avoid the high heels for a while too, Mrs. Fashionista. Falling down after having a baby would be a bad thing. Pack flats!

4. Grab those diapers. Look, you paid for that lovely hospital stay and diapers are included. If there are extra ones in your room, you own them so take them home with you. If you have a boy, you want to grab some extra gauze pads for the circumcision. Oh, don’t forget to take home the ‘boy shorts’ they give you, mom. You will really like having extras for the first week or two after delivery.

5. Write down when you take your pain medicine. The biggest mistake you can make after having a baby is getting behind on your pain medication. It’s much easier to keep the pain under control if you take it every four hours. If you think you feel okay and wait 6 or 7 hours, it will most certainly catch up with you. And it will hurt! Don’t trust that the nurses will keep you on schedule. Write. It. Down. And buzz the nurse about 15-20 minutes prior to when you need to take the medicine because sometimes they don’t get to you right away.

6. Ditch the jewels. Don’t wear all of your expensive jewelry to the hospital. There is no need for it and they will usually make you take it off anyway. If you like it, keep it at home. Besides, your puffy fingers might appreciate a break from the tight wedding ring. And yes, they will go back to their normal size. So will your ankles.

7. Ask questions! If you don’t understand something your nurse tells you, ask her questions. And if you don’t like your nurse, ask for a different one. I’ve had some wonderful nurses and I’ve had some horrible ones. You will probably have a bunch of different ones during your hospital stay, so don’t get too attached to one. Nothing says “I Love You” like your husband telling off your nurse because she has an attitude problem.

8. Take notes. It may sound silly, but if your doctor or pediatrician tells you certain things and you want to remember exactly what was said, write it all down. Actually, tell your hubby or a family member to take notes. There is so much going on and mom is usually pretty groggy, so it doesn’t hurt to jot things down.

9. Use the nursery at night. It may be scary to give your brand new baby to strangers, but take advantage of the nursery. Your baby will be in great hands and you will get some rest. Keep the baby with your during the day and send him or her to the nursery at night. New moms need lots of rest and you will not get that rest once you leave the hospital.

10. It’s okay to be scared. As your hospital stay comes to an end and you’re putting your baby in the infant car seat for the trip home, you might freak out. The car ride suddenly becomes scary and the realization that you’re on your own is powerful. Don’t worry. Being a first-time parent is scary. Rely on your friends who have children or other family members for support. The good part is when the second or third baby arrives, you’re already an expert.

Happy deliveries!

I was in the kiddy pool with my son and so was another dad with his daughters. A family was swimming with their two small children in the big pool. Their youngest climbed out of the big pool and ran towards the kiddy pool. The mom jumped out as fast as she could and ran to catch her little escape artist. He ran to the kiddy pool, stopped, and then stepped in. Well, he missed the step and fell into the water. And he sunk! I was actively watching and so was the other dad, but by the time the “danger” signal went off in our heads, this child had already been under water for many seconds.

I jumped up just as the little boy’s mom grabbed him and pulled him out. He was a bit choked up, but fine.  They sat next to the pool for a while and we all thought, “thank goodness!”

My point is this – I was watching, she was watching, the other dad was watching and two lifeguards were perched poolside. Accidents happen. Just because other people are nearby doesn’t mean your child is safe. While the pool is a place to chat with friends and relax, there are real dangers that can happen in the blink of an eye. Be alert and ready to act! Don’t take your eye off of your kiddos (especially toddlers & preschoolers) for a second.

Life handed me a “mom moment” the other day and I actually stopped long enough to appreciate it. I was playing outside with my energetic young children, when I noticed my little toddler was dancing. Well, we don’t have speakers outside, so there wasn’t any music. My older child wasn’t singing and luckily for the neighbors, neither was I! As I watched my toddler, he continued to clap and sway and wave.

Then I noticed he was involved in a conversation – he was talking to his shadow! He danced with it for a while and smiled as it danced back. He tried to grab it a few times and seemed frustrated when he would only succeed in grabbing a handful of dirt. The routine lasted for about 10-15 minutes and ended with a happy wave saying, “bye bye baby!” Of course, the baby waved back at him. What a polite shadow.

It was a really cute moment and one that reminded me how innocent life can be for a child. And maybe we would all benefit by dancing with our shadows once in a while. It certainly looked like fun.

- A normal-weight woman should gain between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy.

- An overweight woman —should gain 15 to 25 pounds during pregnancy.

- For the first time, the guidelines set a standard for obese women — to gain 11 to 20 pounds.

- An underweight woman should gain 28 to 40 pounds.

Thankfully, the article stresses the importance of gaining weight in a healthy way. Just because you’re preggo doesn’t mean you can live on Dr. Pepper, Skittles, bacon sandwiches, Cheetos and a daily Frosty!  You can’t throw all of your knowledge about nutrition out the window just because you see a plus sign on the little stick. It is tempting, but it’s not smart.

Keep this in mind – you will probably want to lose everything you gain.  (If for no other reason than you like your existing wardrobe and don’t want to say goodbye to those William Rast jeans forever, right?) See, that takes the fun out of your nightly rendezvous with Krispy Kreme, doesn’t it. It may sound odd, but my big craving was those old-school multi-colored rainbow popsicles. I probably had one every day and haven’t had one since I was pregnant. Strange, huh?

When I was pregnant, my doctor told me my goal weight gain was 25-30 pounds. Well, I gained a ton more than that. (I may have been on the underweight side when I got pregnant, but only by a few pounds.) I probably gained close to 55 pounds during my pregnancies, maybe more. I was freaking out, but my doctor was fine with it. My diet was good and I was exercising, but I packed on weight no matter what. I passed all of my blood tests and check-ups with no problem, etc.

My point is if you gain more weight than you’re supposed to, don’t starve yourself to stay within the “recommended” numbers.  Don’t beat yourself up mentally or try to exist on a unrealistic diet. Every pregnancy is different. These guidelines are exactly that – benchmarks. You may be within that range and you may not. Be honest with your doctor and if you’re doing everything you can do to be healthy, yet you’re packing on the pounds – so be it. You need to be smart. Your body will do the rest.

Weight gain guidelines – friend or foe? How much weight did you gain? Do you agree with these guidelines?

I, MommyQ, am in my mid-30s with two small children under the age of five. After a day with my spirited, funny, active, goofy, demanding, jumping, leaping, walking, running, throwing, tossing, eating, napping, griping, giggling, smiling, frowning kiddos, I’m exhausted – both physically and emotionally. Again, I’m in my mid-30s. Based on nothing personal about the woman – just math – I think this is a sadly selfish, unethical situation.

When her child is an active toddler, she will be approaching 70-years-old. When her child is ten-years-old, she will be getting close to 80-years-old. It’s simple mathematics. Just because one can do something, doesn’t mean one should. In my silly little opinion, this is completely unfair to the child. I cannot imagine being 30 years older than I am and attempting to raise a newborn. It’s too absurd to even consider.

Adeney might be the best, most loving parent in the world, but the odds are not in her favor to be around for her child’s life. Not to mention, the ew factor is pretty high too. (Having a baby at 66? Ew.)

What do you think MommyQ readers? Is she just another pregnant lady?

I’m still thoroughly shocked and/or impressed with the moms in my neighborhood that show up to drop their little kids off at school and are fully decked out at 9 a.m. Did they have to wake up at 6:00 am to get all of that accomplished? The hair, the jewelry, the outfit, the shoes, the big smile, the brushed teeth, the lack of food residue on the shirt. Yep, as a mom the whole “getting ready” routine becomes an enormous “situation.” I’m pretty sure I’ve run out of the house with mascara on one eye only once or twice.

Enough of the babbling and on to the fun stuff. Expensive shoes! Ooooh & aaaahhhh. I’m not actually a Bluefly shopper, but I do like to check out their shoes every so often. BF does not disappoint! This year, let mom know you love her and appreciate her by giving her a pair of shoes. For some mommies, diamonds are not a girl’s best friend — platforms are!

Hi there, Prada. You had me at hello. The detailed stitching on your platform makes me shed tears of joy and the fact that your are a 5″ heel makes me weep! Wearing you would make a gal a bazillion feet tall. How can we not love thee?

My dear Giuseppe Zanotti, Tu sei una stella! You are croc print and bejeweled with love. Your chunky gold heel  makes you even more desirable. Wait, can you be worn with gold and silver? Beautiful confusion.

And last, but not least….Christian Louboutin. Bright green with a wooden stacked heel like an incredibly stylish frog that happens to cost over $700. Sigh. Oh what fun we would have together….you in my closet and me staring at you sitting in my closet. True love!

They may be created for kids or moms who have the same taste as kids – either way, I just love Zid Zid Kids. I think the metallic fabric is so original and fun, it’s impossible not to smile when you see these things. And who doesn’t love a poof? If you don’t, you’re just not human. And who doesn’t need more elephants in their life? I know I could use two or ten.

Gimme Bookends!

Gimme Cushions!

Gimme an Elephant!

All of these things would be so much fun to get as gifts for ME. Yes, me. Although I wouldn’t order my elephant with that little boy because I don’t really need another one of those! So, Mr. Q., if you’re reading this (and I know you aren’t), here are three cool things you can get me for Mom’s Day that would make me smile.

Click here to enter the Milkscreen Giveaway on Babble! Contest ends on Wednesday, April 22, 2009. Good luck!

I came across this unmistakably chic HP last month. It has been featured in Elle, Decor, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire and many more. It’s the HP Mini Vivienne Tam Edition and to quote Paris Hilton, it’s “hot!”  The eight-color Peony design has a matching sleeve for easy, safe and stylish transport. You can’t beat the 10.1″ display; just 2.45 lbs and a mere 1″ thick. It retails for $800-$1200 depending on where you find it. Love it, love it. L-O-V-E.

Today we celebrated Valentine’s Day a bit differently. Like in a huge room of screaming kids with enormous colorful inflatable slides that practically touch the ceiling. Babies bouncing off of big kids, toddlers jumping wildly to the point of exhaustion, boys and girls bludgeoning each other with big foamy blocks….total chaos. Had someone from the future told me how I’d be spending Valentine’s Day now, I would’ve laughed. (And asked how I would look in my 30s!)

Anyway, the holidays aren’t really about us anymore. They’re about our children. And spending a few hours at the coolest bouncy house in town was exactly where we needed to be. Laughter, smiles, squeals of excitement, happiness and a few impromptu hugs between siblings made for a special day.

Tomorrow Mr.Q and I will celebrate Valentine’s Day minus the crowds and the kids. We’ve agreed not to go overboard with gifts this year and I’m proud of us for being so darn mature. Maybe we’re finally turning into the responsible adults we’ve always aspired to be. Then again….maybe not! Happy Valentine’s Day!

They’re easy and adorable. What are you waiting for? Learn more…

I can thread a needle and work a sewing machine with limited success, but I would rather not. That’s why I’m in love with Unique Stitch. The tagline says it all, “Sewing with a tube.”  Simple, yet effective. You gotta love truth in advertising. This stuff dries clear and it’s washable. Let me tell you with lots of confidence, it works. I won’t admit to all of the things I’ve glued, but it’s a lot. Look, life is hectic. Sometimes you just gotta glue it back together. $2.99

What makes this sphere-shaped snack container so much fun?

- BPA-free
- Phthalate-free
- PVC-free
- rigid form so snacks are crush-proof
- great for travel
- two halves unscrew for easy cleaning
- perfect size for little hands
- dishwasher safe (top rack only)

Pregnancy is an exciting time in a non-celebrity life, so it must be extra-special when it’s a famous belly growing.  No matter who you are, if you’ve had a baby you’ve experienced the same life-changing event – a birth! That similar momentous experience makes you feel a connection to someone famous.

Let’s take, Angelina Jolie-Pitt, for instance. She had her twins via c-section so she went through everything all c-section moms did like the scary long needle in the back, the creepy tingling toes, the weird pulling and tugging sensations, the BIG final push so kindly referred to as “pressure,” meeting your baby for the first time with your organs sitting next to you on a table and the sewing-up job that seems to leave you stranded there for eternity. So yea, I could say Angelina and I have something in common. Does that makes us friends? No. But we have a distant connection. And I think most people want to feel a connection and they act on it by mimicking purchases.  Orbit, Ergo, Q Collection Junior, Bratt Decor a la J.Lo and so on….

Doesn’t mom get a secret thrill saying matter-of-factly to her friend, “I have a stroller like Tori” or “a Bumble Bag like Reese” or “a Britax like Donald Trump’s kid…” People just embrace it. It somehow makes us all even. See, we’re all special folks. Awe…

A green baby shower is just as much fun as a traditional shower, it just has a sprinkle of eco-friendliness. The centerpiece can be a cake made with cloth diapers, decorated with fresh flowers. The party favors can be glass baby bottles with organic ingredients like popcorn, M&Ms or Cheerios. Instead of a guestbook, everyone can sign an organic baby t-shirt as a keepsake. Ditch the paper plates and wrapping paper to keep stuff out of landfills. It make take a little bit more creativity, but the benefits are worth it. Enjoy the photos!