I know you are all asking, " Who is that sexy lady in the green sweater with Marky Mark?"  Yep that's me, circa 1990.  My one brush with fame...probably my last.

I was thinking that I haven't really posted anything about myself. I read a lot of other blogs and love when they post little facts about themselves.  I helps me relate more when reading, a little more personal. So I'd thought I'd share five random facts with you.  Interesting or not, it's me.

1.  I was a dance minor in college.  I dream of dancing at Disney World when I was younger and on Broadway when I was older.  I dislocated both knees in college and I had to stop dancing.

2.  I am am terrified of bugs.  All kinds....even ladybugs.

3.  I cry.  Over Everything.  I cry for movies, songs, cards, puppies.  I cry when I think about Jack growing up and about my husband and I growing old.

4.  I don't like cake.  Actually I really don't like dessert.  But I love chocolate chip cookies.

5.  If I could have any job, I would be on the Today Show, like Ann Curry or Matt Lauer. 

And that is my husband.  I am crazy about him.

There are days I wish I could stay at home and not have to work. I would get to spend my days with Jack and not have to worry, the house would be cleaner, and we would eat nicer meals.  In a perfect world that would be the case. But honestly, I feel that work gives me balance. It makes me truly appreciate every moment I have with him. It keeps me sane and is teaching me to become more organized and able to handle stress.  And as strange as this may sound, I think I may be a better mom this way. 

Every evening after work my husband and I say to myself "It seems like Jack has grown so much since last night!"  And as he grows, I say to myself, "This is my favorite stage so far".   I am sure as Jack keeps growing, I will say this many MANY more times.  But for now, I will say, this is definately my favorite time.

Yes I love the newborn stage.  The tiny hands and feet,  the way he laid on my chest all night, the newnesss and amazement of it all,  the way he "needed" me.  But as he has grown, there have been so many other things that I love. 

He is such a big boy now.  I love how when he sits by himself he has this look of amazement, a look of  "I can't believe this is happening!"  I love how he is no longer crabby (for the most part), from the minute I get home from work until the minute he goes to bed.  This time is now filled with playing and laughing and enjoying all the new things there are to enjoy.  I love watching the look in his eyes when he sees something for the very first time. I love that he looks to me when other people are around, making sure he is safe, and that he reaches up for me when he is playing. 

Jack may not be tiny, or lay on my chest at night or comfort anymore, but he still needs me. Working or not.  That's what I love.  I am enjoying every second of it.

New Giveaway: Teething Bling!

CLOSED....congrats Kait!

You know when you're wearing a necklace and your baby pulls on it and tries to eat it?  I do.   I have had two chains break in the past month becasue of this.  I had  heard about this "teething bling" and wondered how it worked.  Well Smart Mom Jewelry sent me a necklace to try out for myself. 

I have to say it's a great product.  Not only does it look stylish, but you can let your little one bite away and not worry about ruining your expensive jewelry.  The winner will have the choice of the following colors. 

You can view these and many other colors, and styles, as well as keychain and bracelet teethers.  These make great shower, new mom, or Mother's Day gifts!

To enter this givewaway, please do the following:

1.  Visit Smart Mom Jewlery and tell me your favorite product.

****For an extra entry leave a comment telling me what your ideal Mother's Day would be. 

My ideal mothers day?  Sleeping in, going to breakfast and spending the day with my husband and Jack and maybe fitting in a pedicure. 

Please include your email with each comment.  Contest ends May 5th at 11:59pm.  Winner will be choosen by random.org and notified by email. 

Jack says Good Luck!

Everything but Ketchup

So Liz over at A Belle A Bean & A Chicago Dog. gave me her Chicago Dog award.  Being from Chicacgo I was SO excited.  What is the Chicago Dog Award you ask?  According to Liz..."The 'Chicago Dog: Everything But Ketchup' award salutes bloggers who have what I find to be just the right mix of ingredients...without any ketchup. Witty, smart, sassy & true-to-life! Sprinkle on a little sarcasm, and you've got yourself a true Chicago Dog award winner". 

Those not from Chicago might not be aware that Chicagoans would NEVER, EVER put ketchup on a hot dog. 

Liz asks that we pass the award on to those who we think are also worthy. 

I have picked two blogs that I read daily. 

The first is Tater Tots and Jello who has a neverending amount of crafts and creative ideas for your home, and family.  Hopefully soon I will attempt to make of few of the items she has shown in her blog.

The second is Mommy and Molly  she is new mom of adorable Molly and is also very knowledgable in the blog world.  She has started "The D-list" which I think you should check out.

Check those out, I hope you enjoy. 

Esty Shop Giveaway Ends Tonight

Just a friendly reminder that the giveaway for your choice of earrings from etsy shop ArtWark ends tonight at 11:59 pm. 

You can enter by clicking HERE !

Meetup Mondays

I HATE Mondays. I hate that feeling I get when I wake up. I hate that I am usually running late on Mondays. I usually don't have time to get my coffee and usually forget to make lunch. What would make my Mondays better I asked myself? How about a way to meet other people and find other blogs!

And so Meetup Monday has begun! Each Monday, you will have the opportunity to add your blog to our blog roll. This is going to be a great way to make some new bloggy friends and to hopefully expand your readership. Also, please grab my button to the left for Meetup Mondays!

The rules are simple:
1. Add a link to your main blog (or most current post)
2. Leave a comment on the blog above your name in the list.
3. Visit as many blogs as you can and leave comments and follow if you like.

So sit back, enjoy a cup of coffee, (or five) and enjoy. I would also love to hear from you what you do, working or not, to make your Monday's easier.  I could definately use some help. 

Stay Tuned....

I hope you are all having a great weekend, back to work tomorrow!
Tomorrow I am also starting a new way for you to get your blog seen, and hopefully meet some new people!

I'm having a party...and you're all invited

I love having people over, but let's face it; I have absolutely no energy lately and our place is never clean enough. I thought I would try the next best thing to hosting a party at our place; hosting a party on my blog – a Stella & Dot Trunk Show!

What's great about this kind of party, is that it saves you from all the awkwardness of the typical jewelry/food/romantic toy party. You know those parties that you have to go to for your friends? The ones where you show up, have some food, drink some wine, and feel like you have to buy something..for friendship's sake?

This Stella and Dot Trunk show is SO not that. Instead you can sit, eat snacks, drink wine, and browse fabulous jewelry all from the comfort of your couch! (or bed/desk/kitchen table). The best thing..I'll still like you whether you buy something or not.

Stella &; Dot has been in the jewelry business since 2008, featured in some great magazines and has many celebrity customers. They have some great Mother's Day gift ideas; below are some of my favorite pieces....

I really can't choose a favorite, I love so many things on this site.  To join the party and shop for some amazing jewelry just click on this link:

Stella & Dot Trunk Party

Enter Amy N for hostess name and it will take you to the shop. You will have until May 7th to shop and place your orders, have fun shopping!!

Could it be?

Jack has finally decided to sleep though the night!  I hope I am not jinxing myself by posting this.  One thing that has helped him is his rainforest musical toy in his crib. 

About two weeks ago, I woke up one night to the sounds of therainforest music playing and Jack laughing.
"Did you turn it on?" I asked my husband.
"Nope". 

He somehow learned how to turn it on by waving his arms around until he "hits" the on button.  I laid there for a few minutes until the music stopped to check on Jack.  There he was laying on his side fast asleep.

This has now become his middle of the night ritual. 



Hey whatever works, right?

New Friend Friday!

I found  New Friend Friday though other blogs and had to take a look.  I love it! What a great way to meet new bloggers and friends!   The Girl Creative hosts NFF and I think you should check out her blog and join with me!


I hope you all have a great Friday!

Six Months...and Lessons Learned

Can it really be six months already? I still see Jack as this tiny, new, beautiful baby, yet I know he isn’t. He is growing so fast into a little man. So much has happened in six months. I have learned so much about myself, so much about life.

I learned that I am a much better mom than I thought I could ever be.  I have learned the true meaning of "teamwork" by having a great husband who helps out so much around the house. I have learned that spit-up and poopy diapers are just part of my day now.  I have learned to admit when I need help and to also accept it.  I have learned to “not sweat the small stuff”. 


I have learned that not always having a clean house, or a gourment meal for dinner is okay.  I have learned that having a child is the most amazing experience I will ever have, and that I need to enjoy every single second of it…before I know it my now six month old will be leaving for college.
Most importantly though, I have learned, it's not about me. 

I can only imagine what else I will learn over these next months, and years.

I would love to hear from you.  What are one, two or 100 things you have learned as a mom?  I love reading your comments!

Plant a Tree!

Happy Earth Day....xo Jack.

He Has NO Idea....

We are a family of diehard Cubs fans.  My dad took me to games ever since I can remember, my family home is full of every type of Cubs memorabilia possible, and we will live, and die with the Cubbies.  So, will Jack.  What Jack doesn't know, is that he most likely is in for a lifetime of disappointment.  With a team that has not one the World Series for 101 years, we are used to disappointment. 

How fair is it though, that I am knowingly subjecting Jack to a lifetime of curses, let downs, ninth inning comebacks (from the other team of course), and future Bartmans?


But we are Cubs fans.  We're used to it.  We will keep cheering, keep singing our "Go Cubs Go", keep wearing our Cubby Blue.  Jack will survive, just like the city of Chicago has for over a centery.


And who knows, maybe the cubs will win the World Series in Jack's lifetime.   But if not.....there's always next year.

Giveaway: Personalized Frame

CLOSED: Congrats Jennifer!

 

                                

My newest giveaway comes from You're That Girl Designs shop on Etsy.  This shop has the cutest hand painted frames and signs for your little (or big) one.  All are super affordable and can be custom made to fit your design colors!  The winner of this giveaway will win the above frame with their choice of a name or saying painted on it. 

How to win (mandatory):

1. Visit You're That Girl Designs Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/yourethatgirldesigns and comment below about what item is your favorite.

For additional entries you may do one of the following:

2. Join You're That Girl Design’s Facebook Fanpage

3. Vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs by clicking the sidebar button (help get me in the top 25!

4. Follow my blog. (if you already follow just let me know)

5. Blog about this giveaway on your blog, or tweet about this giveaway on twitter and leave the link or tweet in your comment. (3 extra entries)

6.  Subscribe to my blog

Please leave your email when you comment.  Contest will end April 28th at 11:59 pm.  Winner will be choosen through random.org and will be contacted via email!  Good Luck!

Working Mom Meals...Dessert Edition

I am not a big dessert person.  Unless there is chocolate involved.  This dessert however is my absolute favorite.  What's even better is you can modify the recipe and add chocolate if you wish.  Now that the weather is getting warmer, this is the perfect, dessert.  I found this recipe on the Nellie & Joe's Key Lime Juice bottle;  it's so simple and will have people coming back for more!

Nellie & Joe's Key Lime Pie

9" graham cracker pie crust (I love to use oreo cookie ready made pie crust)
14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
3 egg yolks (whites not used)
½ cup Nellie & Joe's Key West Lime Juice

Combine milk, egg yolks and lime juice. Blend until smooth. Pour filling into pie crust and bake at 350º for 15 minutes. Allow to stand 10 minutes before refrigerating. Just before serving, top with freshly whipped cream, or meringue, and garnish with lime slices.

Look Ma...No Hands!

Yes...Jack is sitting on his own!  

He has been sitting for a while now with his arms in front of him and with us supporting him.  But just this week he has been sitting on his own.  He is in awe of this new found skill.  Every time he sits he gets this expression on his face, like "I can't believe I am doing this!" 

We of course think everything is happening way too fast. 

Teething Bites.

I don't think I've mentioned this before, but Jack already has two teeth! The first two were not bad; not much crying or pain, so I thought "Hey this teething thing is a piece of cake!"

I was wrong.  He must be getting another tooth, or having a delayed reaction to the teeth because he is a drooling machine and a little crab apple.

But I did find one thing that helps him, and makes him happy.....



When we first tried this mesh feeder, Jack didn't show much interest into it and I was ready to throw it away.  I am glad I didn't.  And yesterday, he learned to hold it himself.  He is doing a pretty good job, don't  you think?
He also enjoys his "big boy" high chair. 

Giveaway: Etsy Shop ArtWark

CLOSED!  Congrats Christine!  

I know what I want for Mother’s Day. Now I have to subtle ways to let my husband know. You know, like leaving the web page open so he can see it every time he uses the computer, or emailing pictures of the link to him.

What is it that I want, you ask?? It’s this beautiful "Mother's Love" necklace by Artwark on Etsy!

I blogged about Artwark’s shop before when I bought my initial necklace for myself for Christmas. Well this is another beautiful, original piece, and it’s perfect for every mom, or grandma you know.

Artwark has so many beautiful creations at her shop, it is so hard for me to pick just one, (or five) things I love. Sarah, the designer, designs, makes and markets her pieces all over the world from the boutiques & occasional events, focusing on creating unique jewelry which emphasize the inner & outer beauty all women posses.
Currently, Artwark is offering 3 lines to suit all your needs: high end, trendy and vintage. All items at Artwark is individually handcrafted by Sarah at her New York Studio.  The lucky winner will be able to choose from the following:

Pretty as a Pearl

Caribbean RainsSweetheart Earrings

So cute right??!! What’s even better is Artwark is giving free shipping with any purchase if you enter FREESHIP at checkout.   So give some hints to those family members and get yourself some jewelry!

How to win:

1. Visit Artwark’s Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtWark and comment below about what item is your favorite.

For additional entries you may do one of the following:

2. Join Artwark’s Facebook Fanpage or follow her on Twitter (one entry for each one)
3. Become a follower of Artwark’s blog at http://www.artwark.blogspot.com/
4. Vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs by clicking the sidebar button (help get me in the top 25!)
5. Follow my blog. (if you already follow just let me know)
6. Blog about this giveaway on your blog, or tweet about this giveaway on twitter and leave the link or tweet in your comment. (3 extra entries)

Please leave a separate comment for each item you complete along with your email. Contest will end Monday, April 26 at 11:59pm. Winner will be chosen by random.org, and notified by email. Good Luck

Stop it!

Last night Jack slept through the night....for the first time.  On one hand I am sooo happy.  Happy that this may mean there are no more nights of crying and screaming.  No more nights of shushing and patting and late night bottles. But also sad that my little guy is growing up.  Even though I might be exhausted, I will miss those times.  Those "mommy and jack" times.   Times when all is quiet and I get to enjoy being with just him, while he still needs me.

Some days I just want to scream "You are growing way too fast; Stop it!!"  Before I know it, he won't need his mommy and daddy anymore.  I realize more and more that we need to enjoy and be thankful for every second we have with him.

You Comment, I Thank: Webbisodes

Last week I decided to thank those that frequently comment on my blog by featuring their blogs.  Well this weeks loyal commenter is Shannon with her blog Webbisodes.  Shannon shares the journey of becoming a first time mom to a little girl in 2009.  She has the cutest family ever and I really think you will enjoy reading her blog.

Thanks again for the comments!!!

Ultimate Blog Party

I found out about the ULTIMATE BLOG PARTY, by visiting another blog.  I thought maybe I wasn't invited, but it turns out, everyone is invited!!! That's the best kind of party.

If you have never been to my blog before, welcome, I hope you enjoy it.

My name is Amy, and I have a son, Jack, born last October.  I am special education teacher in Chicago and live with my son, wonderful husband ,and cute yorkie, Lenny, in the suburbs.

I LOVE being a mom.  I started my blog as a way to keep a "diary" of my time with Jack.  It has turned in to so much more for me, and I enjoy it so much.

I am hoping to become a better photographer and a better writer through this all, and I LOVE connecting with other moms. 

I hope you visit often.  And enjoy the party!!!!
P.S. keep your fingers crossed that I win the Grand Prize Toshiba laptop!!!

Running on Empty

I have never been a runner.  EVER.  In high school I was on the dance team but could not run a mile if my life depended on it.  For some reason, before I got pregnant, I decided I wanted to run.  I wanted to get in better shape, and I know that running is one of the best things for you.  My problem? I would be gasping for air after 10 seconds of running.
Along came The Couch to 5k running plan.  My life was changed, and I could breathe (sort of) again. I went from not being able to run 1/2 block, to running a 5k; something I NEVER thought I could do.  What's even better is that I actually enjoyed running.  I loved seeing my accomplishments each week.

What is the Couch to 5k Program you ask?  It is a great program for the non, or beginner runner to start.  It eases you in gradually.  It's goal is to "transform you from couch potato to runner, getting you running three miles (5K) on a regular basis in just two months.


Each session is 20-30 minutes three times a week.  If you feel like one week is really hard on you, you can repeat it.  There is no time limit for you to finish in.   The link above has everything you need to know, along with a week by week plan of action.

I'm back on it.  I stopped when I was pregnant and haven't had the time, energy or will to start until now. With summer coming I want to feel better and look better.  I am hoping to get back in my "pre-baby" shape.  I am forcing myself to find 20-30 minutes a day, three days a week for myself and for my health.

If this plan looks good to anyone else, let me know.  I would love to connect and support others who would also like to try this program. 

A 180 degree turn.

Literally. Last night we put Jack to bed like normal, and went in before my bedtime to check in and give him a goodnight kiss.  What I found where his head usually is, were his feet.  Jack made a 180 degree turn while sleeping!!! 

Then around 4am I hear his rainforest crib toy playing through the monitor along with squeals of joy.  I tap my husband and ask if he turned it on for Jack.  He didn't.  Jack has now also learned to turn his monitor on.  I wait for the music to stop and walk in his room, he is fast asleep on his side facing the crib toy.

If that's what it takes to get him to "sleep" through the night, so be it.

Does or has your little one done this?

I'll end with my picture of the day...

What I'll be doing Friday night

Date Night Movie


This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of 20th Century Fox. All opinions are 100% mine.
My husband and I don't get out much anymore.  Actually we have been out 4 times alone since Jack was born.  It's amazing how things change.  What we used to love pre-Jack, was going to movies.  We would see every new movie the weekend it came out.  While we have been saving a lot of money by staying in, we are dying to see a movie.

Well Friday night is date night.  Guess what we are doing....you got it, seeing a movie!  It is my turn to pick, so I'm picking "Date Night".  "Date Night" stars Steve Carell and Tiny Fey.  We LOVE The Office, and 30 Rock, so we are pretty sure we will also love this movie.  I don't think they could have found a funnier pair for a movie.  In “Date Night,” a bored suburban couple played by Steve Carell and Tina Fey go on their weekly dinner date and find themselves thrown into a more than crazy night. 

If this sounds like something you might like, take a look at the trailer at the end of this post.
Date night comes out April 10, this Friday.  So get out with your husband, boyfriend, girlfriends, whatever.  Just get out and see a movie.  Oh, and get yourself a large popcorn, you deserve it!





I would love to know what your ideal "date night" is.  Do you get out less now that you have kids, or do you still find time for yourself?

I'll beg if I have to...

Top Mommy Blogs just reset their rankings.  I don't know why, but my goal is to be in the top 25. 
If you like what you see, do me a favor and vote by clicking on that little button below.

Thank you!

Featured Blogger on NewParents.com

So one day I was reading my email when I came across one that said they would like me to be a featured blogger for NewParent.com.  I have to admit, I had never even heard of NewParent.com, so I stopped over and took a look around.

I liked it, and so I said "Sure why not?"   Then the panic set in.  I am not a writer.  I just do this for fun!  So I put together a post and submitted it, and they liked it. 

http://www.newparent.com/you/the-life-of-mom/


I would love to know if you like it as well.   If you do tell me; and if you don't, please tell me as well. I am always looking to improve...in all aspects of my life.

Also, if you are a new parent, take a look around the site.  They have some nice information.

Amd with that, no post would be complete without a picture of Jack and me from the Easter weekend!

Working Mom Meals #10: California-Style Chopped Salad

I have been a bad blogger the past two weeks. I have not posted Working Mom Meals.  Well they are back again and hopefully you will enjoy this meal.  I do, in fact, we are having this tonight.

It's an easy, tasty salad perfect for a night when you are short on time or just don't feel like cooking. 
This recipe is courtesy of Foodnetwork.com and GiadaDe Laurentiis

Enjoy!



Ingredients

1 head romaine lettuce, trimmed and halved lengthwise
1 ear corn, husk and silk removed
2 zucchini, halved lengthwise
6 colossal or 12 extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Olive oil, for drizzling
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 head butter lettuce, torn
2 medium tomatoes, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and diced

Dressing:
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons  honey
salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 cups store-bought tortilla strips


For the salad: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill. In a large bowl add the romaine lettuce, corn, zucchini, and shrimp and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Grill the romaine lettuce, turning occasionally, until crisp-tender and browned in spots, about 2 minutes. Coarsely chop the grilled lettuce and add it to a large salad bowl. Grill the corn and zucchini for 2 minutes on all sides until crisp-tender. Remove the kernels from the corn and add to the salad bowl. Chop the zucchini into 1/2-inch pieces and add to the bowl. Grill the shrimp until the meat is opaque and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Cool slightly and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Add the chopped shrimp, butter lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado to the bowl.

For the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil and honey until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all the ingredients are coated. Garnish with tortilla strips and serve.

Free sample of Bordreaux's Butt Paste

Boudreaux’s Butt Paste

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine. So walking in the baby aisles of Target this product made me stop dead in my tracks. Who can resist a product with the name "Butt Paste"? I decided to try it, and now I am hooked. I use it daily for Jack's little bum. This product is the only diaper rash/skin protectant I will use now. The best thing about it is that it keeps him bone dry through the night, with no diaper rash.


Boudreaux's Butt Paste has a really nice, (not overwhelming) scent and spreads on so easily, it is not greasy or sticky. It works almost instantly for diaper rash and keeps Jack dry overnight. What's even better is Now Boudreaux’s has a new all natural formula! It still has castor oil and zinc oxide, but now it now Butt Paste has aloe vera, beeswax and peruvian balsam oil in it. I have tried many other products for Jack, but I honestly think Butt Paste is absolutely the best.

If you haven't tried it yet, you can get your free sample here: http://www.blairex.com/BLButtPaste.php

If you have tried it, I would love to know what you think of it.



This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.
This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux’s Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.

You Comment, I Thank.

I love comments on my blog.  I love reading what you all think about my posts, and to know that others are going through what I am.  Comments make my day,and make me want to blog more.  Because of this, I wanted a way to thank those that comment regularly on my blog, and I think I found a way.

I decided to start a weekly "shout out", to those who comment frequently, along with featuring their blogs.   I think this is a great way to say, "Thanks for reading, and commenting."

My first "shout out" goes to Liz at "a belle, a bean & a chicago dog".  I love her blog.  She is a mom, originally from Chicago, with 2 adorable little girls, and a cute as can be dog! 

Liz is currently blogging about how you can plant a tree for your blog.  It's a great way to help the environment, and it's free!  I think you should take a look at her blog and let me know what you think!

And keep commenting!!!!

Remodeling...

I need change.  Sometimes that's a good thing, sometimes a not so good thing.  I hope this time it's good.

I changed my header.  I had the cartoon to start out with, but it seems everyone has cartoons now.  So....I changed it. 

I would love your input as to which header you prefer....the cartoon, the photograph, or do you not care at all??

Thank you for your comments, and thank you for reading....I hope you are having a great weekend and a great Easter if you celebrate.  Spring is here!

Our first Spring Break

So this week was my Spring Break. We didn't go anywhere exotic, or do anything exciting. The days of crazy spring break vacations are over.  But I did get to do something way better.  I got to spend a full week with Jack.  Something I think we both really needed.  I was beginning to feel like Jack didn't "know me" or that he was "mad" at me for working.  Doing nothing this week with him has been the best thing ever. 

The hard part, will be going back to work Monday. 

Jack's new favorite thing....sticking out his tounge. 

We have had such nice weather this week, this is his first time "sitting" in the grass.....

Now the countdown to summer begins.....