Do Not Push!

A great example is my own experience with my son. I tried to potty train him before he was ready and it was a brutal mess with pee and poop everywhere! I tried to potty train him before he was willing because I heard other parents with children similar in age were doing it. What I learned is that all kids are different so do not get hung up, worried, disappointed or discouraged if your child simply is not feeling it. In a few months, you can try again.

Keep Your Cool

Look, I know it is easier said than done after getting peed and pooped on for what feels like the 500th time. I know it can seem hard, but you have to try and stay calm, so potty training is a positive experience for your little one. If you don’t your children will feel as if the potty is a punishment. Keep potty training as encouraging and happy as possible, even when you’re trying to figure out how poop managed to get on the wall (facts). 

Sit On It

Now we are not talking about The Fonz (thank you, Nick at Night for that dated reference) but what I am talking about is getting your child to sit on the potty. If they have not needed to use the potty for a while, ask them if they need to go and get them to try. Get you child in the routine of going to the potty when they need it and not when it’s too late. Your child may fight you in the beginning, but the aim is to make using the potty as natural as possible. 

Two Potties For Every House!

Having two potties is something that helped me out greatly! If you live in a two story house, have one potty upstairs and one downstairs. This saves you having to unleash your inner Supergirl and fly up or down the stairs to grab the potty because your child has decided they “need to go.” Stay ahead of the game and have one upstairs and one downstairs.

Have A Potty Chart

Ok so here it goes, I managed to get my son to use the potty with some good ole' fashioned bribery. Some moms will tell you that this is not a good idea, but I can tell you from personal experience that enticement can work. My son loves food especially jelly beans (I don’t generally give him candy), so we had a system where each time he used the potty and did not go in his pants, on the carpet, or behind the couch, he would get to pick out a few jelly beans to snack on. To say this worked and helped with potty training is an understatement. So if you are having a hard time and just need that extra little trick to help, maybe bribery could be the way to go.

Although grills are popular throughout the urban community, I am terrified for my son to become one of those children with a mouth full of silver-capped teeth. I am very aware that baby teeth are temporary, but that shouldn’t lower the priority of keeping them healthy.  I also understand that there are many causes far beyond neglecting a good mouth scrubbing that may lead to the mentioned.

What causes rotting teeth? Sugary foods and beverages are the most common culprits. Additionally outside bacteria’s can contribute to tooth decay.

Prevent Poor Oral Health
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• Do not put your child to bed with a bottle remaining in their mouth. Make sure that bottle contents are done, and the bottle is out of baby’s mouth!
• Do not use a bottle to replace a pacifier to consistently calm a child. Additionally, keep baby’s pacifier clean!
• Bacteria is found in mouths so fight the urge to place your mouth on feeding utensils, bottles, cups, and pacifiers. Even I’ve done this, but I’ve had to fight the urge.
• Do not dip pacifiers in sweet substances or even in any substance. Items can cling to both pacifiers and teeth.
• At the sign of teeth, brush them! I brush Tre’s teeth in the morning and at night, but the ADA says that tooth decay begins on contact.
• Encourage drinking from a cup as soon as possible.

Right Direction

The importance of learning proper dental hygiene early is significant! In fact, a dentist informed me those baby teeth set the standards of adult teeth. Before teeth come in wipe gums with a clean and sterile washcloth. Get your child accustomed to allowing you to clean their mouth.   

Great Products for Children’s Teeth

Here are some products I’ve tried to hopefully avoid my son’s mouth from involuntarily looking like a Cash Money Rapper in B.G’s Bling Bling music video. These have helped me from a tight-lipped boy to a toddler who loves to brush his teeth. And remember it takes 30 days to learn a habit so start your little one in the right direction!

• Tooth Tissues
• Finger Toothbrush
• Banana Toothbrush Teether
• Baby Buddy Baby’s 1st Toothbrush
• Baby Buddy Sonic 360 Toothbrush
• Hello Oral Care Kids Fluoride Free Toothpaste
• Nuk Toddler Tooth and Gum Cleanser

Let me know if you have any advice you’d like to share! I love hearing about different ways to improve on Mummying *English Accent

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For The 1st Time Nursers

I know that breastfeeding a child is an expectation most mothers have when thinking about sustaining their child. There is seriously no better way to bond with your little one and develop that trusting security that says, “I’m your Mom, and I’m responsible for you.”
Although nursing seems like a magical and intimate experience you share with your child, the reality is… it hurts!! I remember engorgement, raw nipples, and then there was pumping which felt like breastfeeding was punishment. All of the pain I went through was worth it to share those moments with my son until he grew teeth and bit me.
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I wanted to share some tips that helped me while I was on my breastfeeding journey.
Helpful Tips

• Did you know that Medela provides insured mothers with the opportunity to receive a free covered breast pump? Looking into the market for the best breast pumps I was introduced to Medela while still in the hospital with my little one. As I researched the brand I noticed how pricy the pumps were but also noticed that EdgePark extends eligible moms Medela breast pumps covered by insurance. I received my pump in 3 days after application. 

Mom Hack: Click Here for Eligibility

• Invest in an amazing hands-free pumping bra. Holding cups to your chest to make sure your pumping machine applies the proper amount of suction to disburse milk is time-consuming! Who has time just to sit there holding those plastic funnels to your chest? We only have 24 hours in a day and 23 of those hours are spent with a foreign object we call kids attached to us.  I know those bras may seem a little pricey, but it is worth it to be able to focus on other activities while you pump.

Mom Hack: Purchase a cheap snug fitted sports bra and cut holes vertically where your nipples are set. You can insert plastic filters and save yourself 20-30 dollars.

• Generating enough milk to meet the demands of your child may be challenging. Some foods can help boost milk production. Try drinking Carrot Juice, eating more Spinach, Oatmeal, and Salmon for protein. Stay hydrated and do not skip a meal!

Mom Hack: So you’re exhausted, and breastfeeding has left you with no time for anything else. Time to call in reinforcements aka formula. I know you might be anti-formula, but if your child isn’t getting the nutrients they need to bulk up, you have to put your pride aside and feed them.

• Baby, can you stop the pain? *New Edition Melody* Try placing cabbage on your nipples while in a steaming shower. It also isn’t normal for nipples to be continuously cracked or in extreme pain. If this problem persists, you may want to consult with a doctor or lactation specialist to ensure you’re feeding your child right.  

On this journey, I sought the advice of other mothers and the shared key to keeping sane is to eke out a couple of hours for yourself to be pampered. What a better way to pamper yourself than to take care of your skin? I asked fellow mother and owner, Tiffany Woods of LA’s prime skin care salon The Facialist for her expertise on how to keep that skin glowing as you face the world with only 3 hours of sleep and Legos in your purse.

As a mother, we are constantly in a rush to get things done and organized. When we finally get to ourselves, neglect is common. Tired and drained we don’t see the value in taking time for mommy upkeep, but if you can get away for an hour or two, The Facialist located in the heart of Los Angeles, CA offers a variety of services to perfectly maintain your skin.

The Basic Facial is customized to fit your skin type. The facial starts with a double cleansing, deep enzyme exfoliation, extractions, light facial massage, soothing customized mask, refreshing toner, hydrating moisturizer, and SPF. (Anti-Aging, Brightening Serums are optional add-ons).

The Anti-Aging Facial is one of our most popular skin treatments. Starting with a deep cleansing then a skin analysis is done. An enzyme exfoliation with steam followed by extractions. Anti-Aging treatment targets fine lines and wrinkles, and dramatically enhancing overall hydration. Using CreateFirm serum, along with Probiotic Anti-Aging Serum simultaneously with product penetration techniques allows moisture, vitamins, and antioxidants into the skin, providing immediately visible age-defying results. Skin will instantly feel rejuvenated, radiant and lifted.

Revealing fresher skin through exfoliation, Diamond Tip-Microdermabrasion helps with a variety of skin issues. This process can eliminate dry, flaky skin, reduce wrinkles, and skin discoloration.

Who has time to lay out in the sun for hours a day? With St. Tropez Spray Tanning you get a quick-drying beautifully bronzed color without the harmful sun properties. The weightless spray application is oil free and develops within 4 hours. 100% naturally derived from Ecocert approved DHA. St. Tropez Spray Tanning is ideal for the entire face and body. The aromaguard fragrance technology eliminates self-tanning odor by up to 70%. Leaving skin soft, with a subtle, refreshing fragrance. Avoid perspiration and water for up to 8 hours after application. Tan will last 5-8 days with proper care.

Imagine waking up with perfectly elongated lashes. Eyeliner and mascara take up a considerable amount of time, and with Mink Eyelash Extensions there is no need for a steady hand or the additional 10 minutes.

Mom Hacks

I haven’t forgotten about how expensive children are, so here is a list of inexpensive must haves to help combat tired and dehydrated skin.

• You need to take care of yourself first to be able to take care of others. Getting the proper amount of sleep may be farfetched, but making sure you consume enough water will be your skin's best friend. Try drinking at least 8 ounces every time you make a meal or snack and feed your little one a bottle. 
• The sun gives off UV rays that may harm and age skin. Climate additionally may require skin protective skincare. Moisturizing skin is a great way to cope with the mentioned. The Facialist LA Skincare specialist, Tiffany Wood’s recommends Vitamin Shoppe’s Organic Coconut Oil day and night moisturizer and Herbivore Botanicals Rose Hibiscus Hydrating Facial Mist.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
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​Growing and evolving is something that I’ve found myself doing a lot of now that I’m a mom. I used to get upset when my sister’s kids would come over and wreck havoc on my property. A broken article of some sort and crumbs on the floor are typical when children are involved. I am talking about this because my son has now graduated and inducted me into the carefree IDC (I don’t care) Club that mothers find themselves in.

The Inner Artist

Writing on the wall with markers, no problem. So your kid likes to draw on walls? Encourage them by investing in chalkboard paint and create a safe platform for them to become the next Picasso. 

Pablo

A pair of suede CL pumps scratched during one of Tre’s exploratory escapades, cool. So the little one has a taste for the finer things in life like your designer shoes? You better hide your precious items like Columbian drug money.

Debo
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My son has finally managed to snap the chain on one of my favorite nameplates, and I didn’t bat an eye.  What I learned is when you’re a Mom you’re going to learn not to sweat the small stuff.  Just tuck your chain in like Debo from Friday is coming and let go and let God lol. 

What They Don't Tell You

I was writing a message in a card for my boss as she welcomes her baby boy and as I was writing, I figured hey I should probably blog about this. I started the letter talking about all of the things people don’t tell you before having a baby but probably should.

No Privacy

Be prepared for that thing called privacy to be completely taken away from you. I mean I can’t even use the restroom unless:
a) My son is in there with me.
b) I’m singing the ABC song loud enough for him to clearly hear me.
c) I'm playing peek-a-boo, popping my head out of the bathroom door to let him know I have not abandoned him for the 45 seconds it took me to pee.
Yes Tre mommy is still here, but it’s extremely difficult to wipe and hold you at the same time.

Laundry

Laundry becomes a daily chore. My son goes through more outfit changes than Beyoncé performing a 4-hour set. He hasn’t mastered the whole staying clean thing. I found him yesterday bathing himself with apple sauce in the family room.
Which brings me to my next subject…

ABW

In Glen Garry Glen Ross they teach their sales associates the A.B.C's of business, Always Be Closing. Well when Momming, A.B.W. Always Be Watching!! It doesn’t matter that you only turned your head for less than a minute, man babies are sneaky little things. I hid his yogurt puffs, and 20 seconds later I found him making it rain treats all over the microfiber couch. When he gets older I know I’m going to want him on my team, all the magical stuff he pulls off.

Our Meals

Your meals are their meals. I’ve tried feeding my son before I eat to get him all nice and full, but there’s just something about me wanting to savor a meal or beverage to myself that obviously drives him crazy. I’m like dude trust me you do not want this lemon wedge I’m sucking on, but yeah he does. You shall never eat your favorite plate solo so make sure you make enough for two or be prepared to share.

Make It Rain

You think you have that extra money for guacamole, don’t you? Not with a kid you don’t, children are expensive. I only bring this up because I looked at my bank statement the other day and realized I probably shell out 2-3k a month on this tiny human. Food, clothes, diapers, toys, care, tools, activities, and medical expenses OH MY!

Sleepless In America

Sleep? You’re going to have to look up the definition of sleep in Webster’s Dictionary within your first week of being a mom. How soundly does Tre’s father sleep as I have to wake up to feed and comfort our son after working a 9-hour shift, cooking dinner, and doing laundry all with a cold. I’m lucky if I get 6 hours of sleep but hey I guess I signed up for this when I allowed him to hit me with that extra pelvic thrust.

Panic Attacks Are Normal

You are going to worry and panic like nothing you've ever encountered! Suddenly you'll crave for the now slight anxiety you felt when your college professor announced, "POP QUIZ" and you weren't in the slightest prepared. SIDS, RSV, colds, a cough, a sneeze, a blink or even a slight variation of breath will warrant a trip to the ER. 

Blessings

I don’t want all of these things to scare expecting mothers because, with everything I mentioned, I wouldn’t change being a mother for the world. I am blessed to be a Mom! My son gives me a sense of purpose, fills me with love, motivates me, and makes me happy beyond belief. For everything that has to be sacrificed, there is the reward in the form of hugs, smiles, and kisses… Love from your child is the best thing ever!!

As Tre got older and started to army crawl, I purchased an Imaginarium Alphabet & Numbers Foam Puzzle Mat- 36 Piece. The mat covers a large area of the floor creating a protective crawl space that is also waterproof. I just place him in the center with toys at the corner and let him have a go.
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