Getting to know me...

I ran into this post on Theta Mom- a blog I love to read. Don't you love to have a little peak into someone's life? Especially someone you don't know that well...um, please say it's not just me!

So here's a little bit about me that you might not know...

1. Name someone with the same birthday as you. Yao Ming (that really tall basketball player.)

2. What has been your favorite age so far? Hm. Maybe 22?

3. Where did you meet your husband? At a party. At his house. I slept in his puke. Long story.

4. How many children do you have? Two beyond amazing lads

5. Have you ever sung in front of a large number of people? Yup. Was Pegora the Witch in a musical. Suck it, haters!

6. What’s the first thing you notice about your preferred sex? eyes. always.

7. What really turns you off? Being pompous. Get over yourself.

8. What do you order at Starbucks? non-fat vanilla latte with a shot of carmel.

9. What is your biggest mistake? moving while I was 8 months pregnant. (love my house but wow, should have moved before I was bigger then a house!)

10. As a child, what did you want to grow up to be? doctor.

11. Say something totally random about yourself. When preggo, I could eat at least a sleeve of Fudgee-Os a day (& I wonder why I gained 40 pounds)

12. Do you still watch kiddie movies or TV shows? Yup, yup (Dinosaur Train is my current fav)

13. Did you have braces? Retainer

14. Favorite Social Network? Facebook....and twitter. Actually, I think Twitter. Um, undecided?

15. What is the most romantic thing someone of the preferred sex has done for you? Oh my goodness, I am sure someone has done something romantic but I can't think of anything now. Chris? Help??

16. When do you know when it’s love? When you have the worst bladder infection ever and they stay at your place to make sure you're ok. That's love.

17. Do you speak any other languages? Oh, ya, Spanish (thanks Dora) and Chinese (Thanks Kai Lan) and French (Thanks 10 years of school)...now ask me to say anything other then counting to 10 and I'm screwed.

18. Have you ever been to a tanning salon? Oh ya. I'm whhhhitttteee! Prefer spray tan, though.

19. What magazines do you read? I get House & Home but haven't read an issue. Gah.

20. What is playing on your iPod right now? I can't find my iPod...but I really love that little Selina Gomez and her "I love you like a love song, baby..."

21. Have you ever ridden in a limo? yup

22. Has anyone you were really close to passed away? My papa

23. Do you watch MTV? Teen Mom!!!! What what!

24. What’s something that really annoys you? When no one in my house sleeps! EVER! URGGGGG!

25. Which television show you were sad to say goodbye to? GILMORE GIRLS. Seriously cried at the last episode and then rewatched the entire series while on mat leave with Z. LOVE.

26. Can you dance? uh, probably not.

27. What’s your favorite place in the world? New York City

28. Have you ever been rushed by an ambulance into the emergency room? I rode in an ambulance with Z once, but I wouldn't say RUSHED....

29. If you could meet anyone (dead or alive) who would it be? Lawrence Hill- he wrote my favourite book "The Book of Negro"...oh, and George Clooney!!!

30. If you could change one thing in the world for your child, what would it be? I would make it safe for them to be in school- no bullying, no predators- just let them be kids.

Your turn: If you’re up for the challenge, ask a question in the comments that you would like to know more about and I’ll do my best to answer it. How’s THAT for random?

Preserve amazing memories- BLURB GIVEAWAY

CONTEST!!

I never knew what Sleeping Is For Losers would become. When I started writing, I did it because I was a new mom who knew nothing and hoped there would be some people out there on the interweb that could relate to my daily struggles. And some people did (and shockingly, they weren't my mom...seriously!).

As this blog has grown and given me amazing opportunities, I've never stopped remembering why I started it and what it may one day mean to my son. I have always hoped that Z could read what I wrote about him and realize how he changed my life in so many amazing ways.

I rarely get around to printing photos- especially now that I take so many quick snapshots with my Blackberry- and I've been AWFUL at keeping up with a baby book for Z. But I did blog about his life and now I have something that will be an amazing and treasured keepsake for Z and myself for years to come.

My friends at Blurb.com gave me the opportunity to transform my blog into a book.

(note: putting on makeup and brushing hair before getting your picture taken would have been a smart thing to do...)

A real book that chronicles the ups and downs of mothering Z...as I see it. A book that I can give to him when he becomes a father one day (gulp) because, let's face it, he'll only really appreciate my sleepless nights when he's awake too.

And it was easy, people. So easy to do. With a couple clicks, Blurb had slurped my blog up and formatted it into a beautiful book- all I had to do was edit (I tried not to do toooooo much). In a few weeks I had my blog, my blood-sweat-tears-words, printed for me to read and relive.

In addition to slurping up your blog, Blurb allows you to create beautiful picture books- perfect for weddings, showers, replacements for that baby book you swore you would create and never did...ahem..., or just treasured keepsakes for you and your loved ones.

I have used other sites like Blurb before but never have I been so pleased with the ease of use, quality of product, and customer support I received. I cannot wait to go back and make more amazing memories with all that Blurb has to offer. Who knows what could come out of it?

Enter my GIVEAWAY!!!!

Now for the good part- THE CONTEST!

Blurb is giving away a $45 promotional code to one lucky Sleeping Is For Losers reader!!! This code can be used online when you preserve your amazing memories in a Blurb book. With such amazing pricing at Blurb.com, I can only imagine what amazing things you will create!

Want to enter?

Leave a comment telling me what you would include in your Blurb Book! (remember to include your email address so I can contact you if you're the winner!)

Want extra entries??

1) "Like" Sleeping Is For Losers on Facebook

2) Follow me on twitter: @sarahnewk

Easy as pie!

Contest Rules

1. The contest will run from September 26, 2011- October 5, 2011
2. One winner will be chosen using Random.org and will be notified at the email address used upon entry. The winner will have 48 hrs to respond and failure to do so will result in a new winner selection.

My Red-Headed Goof

Goof
For your weekend enjoyment...all I wanted was a good picture of my toddler and I. Instead I got this:

so we tried again and did even better...

My red-headed goof.

Why sometimes I'm caving...

My good friend (and amazing blogger) Sara wrote a great post about CAVING. Giving in to your kid. Not always being the hard ass. And how it can be detrimental to every routine you have ever tried to instill in your kid.

She's right.

In the past, anytime I've caved with Z, I've regretted it. Anytime I've threatened and not followed through, I've regretted it. Anytime I've said he'll get a time out and then not followed through, well...you get the point.

However, since Z has turned (terrible) two, my thoughts on caving have take a different turn. Sometimes, I think it's good to cave. Sometimes I think it's ok to give in a little bit and let your child have a bit of control in situations. Especially when you have a child like Z.
(this picture is old, but typifies our relationship. I'm always trying to hold him back and he's always wiggling and struggling- trying to go and do his own thing...and looking so cute doing it...)

Let me start by saying that I adore my children. I may be annoyed or frustrated by them sometimes, but I ADORE them and am willing to put up with pretty much anything they throw at me (literally and figuratively). But, as I have mentioned numerous times before, my 2 year old has been giving me a real run for my money since W was born 3 months ago. He has always had a really strong personality. He was born stubborn and fierce and headstrong. When he wants something, he wants it and you are not going to derail him easily. I think these qualities will serve him so well when he is older. I can only imagine what he will be capable of and what he will accomplish. Right now, though, when he's 2...he's not completely able to control himself and the headbutting is sooo frustrating.

Threats really don't work very well. Bribes do (of course. they work on me and I'm a grown-up) but only to a point. But I'm discovering that CAVING. YES. CAVING. actually works with my son. Giving him an opportunity to redeem himself and not get the punishment I had threatened give him the feeling of control that I think this headstrong kid really needs.

You see, I think that kids with strong personalities often crave power. This is where Z and I butt heads most often. He wants power. I have power. By caving occassionally, I've noticed that our relationship is a little less contentious. He sees me as a little softer. He gains a little power. He feels a little more in control and (magically) he listens and obeys a little more easily.

The key has been picking our battles. Because with Z, there could be a fight at every turn. I say white, he says black. It's his nature to do the exact opposite of what I say because he wants to discover for himself... By allowing him to feel like he is making real choices and getting his way (occassionally), Z seems to be pacified and more willing to cooperate.

A magic bullet this is not. If I notice Z is getting a bit too big for his britches, it's back to the hard-ass, non-caving, I'll outlast you and any tantrum you throw my way mom. But the caving, the giving in, might just be the key to a better relationship between me and my headstrong redhead.

Apple Picking (should always include wine)

We love apple picking. We've done it every year of Z's life (so, two years). I just adore being in an apple orchard. I think I have secret dreams of running off to BC with my little family to run an exquisite apple orchard where I'd have a little store with homemade baked goods and the boys would run through the orchard playing catch and Chris would make apple wine. Sigh.
But, considering my husband isn't a farmer or wine maker, I don't bake, and the boys would be more likely to beat eachother with branches from the apple trees then gently play catch, I think I'll keep it as one of those secret dreams.

So we went apple picking at Archibald Orchards- and it was amazing.
The apples were plentiful and delicious! We picked Honeycrisp, Gala, and (my personal favourite) Silken. Z loved picking.
He was really good at it- much better then last year. But after 15 minutes of picking...he was doing a lot more hiding and eating.
Ok, we were all eating...

(have I ever mentioned to you how much I hate when people are crouched on the ground and take my picture...making me look ginormous? Well, I do) (Also, Hangover anyone?)

Z and Chris had a great time finding the best apples. Z was determined to carry the bag because he's soooo big. His dad did a much better job!
W hung out in the front carrier, dressed like a bunny, watching everything we did (and practically begging for an apple.)

AND what would a trip to the apple orchard be without a little Blue Jay fan pretending he's a cow? I think this was his favourite part of the whole day;)

Best part for me? Wine tasting after we'd picked our apples...and grabbing a few bottles for home. Some of the yummiest fruit wine I've ever had. EVER.

About Insecurity.

Insecurity.

I hope that my boys learn how amazing they are, inside and out, and don't let anyone tear them down. But (sadly) it's probably not likely. We all have insecurities. We all let others tear us down. And I don't think it's until we're much older (like, you know, 30), that we realize that those who make us feel the smallest are often the most insecure of all.

I'm still learning this lesson. When I had one of the most exciting "professional" accomplishments of my life, when I was published in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book (see?? I still have no clue how to flip this photo. I'm awesome at computer stuff. Heh.)

I allowed the words of someone else to make me feel stupid for ever sharing my good news and allowed those words to make me feel less than and unworthy.
I had actually wavered on sharing the news. I kinda thought it would bring out some ugly in some people who had been trying to get published. But I never expected to made to feel so bad and low for having something awesome happen to me.
The email I received from this person pretty much told me I wasn't that great of a writer, I didn't know my place and I shouldn't be "boasting". And I really believed it.

I'm insecure about a lot of things, but my writing is right up there. I was encouraged by a university prof to try my hand at serious writing (she was thinking novel), but I was too scared that no one would like it or read it. I was encouraged by an editor that I freelanced for to pitch a monthly column to a newspaper. But I was too scared that they would think I wasn't a "real" enough writer to be taken seriously.

It's still a shock to me that anyone would read my words, so when I got one of my stories published in an honest-to-goodness-real-book-that-people-might-read-and-like...well, I started thinking that maybe I was a decent writer and should stretch myself the way I'd been encouraged to.

And then I got the email. From someone who I thought knew what they were talking about in the writing/publishing industry. And their thoughts on my writing (me?) made me never want to write again. I didn't want to blog, I didn't want to pitch stories, I certainly didn't want to pick up on writing my unfinished novel (that has 50 pages. ha).

That was a whole lot of months ago and now, in hindsight and with the wisdom of some good friends, I'm realizing that those cutting words were coming from a place of that person's own insecurities. Their own need to feel good and important. And their words had very little to do with me and my writing abilities and WAY MORE to do with this person's fear that THEY weren't ever going to be good enough.

Phew. Wow. Big realization- but enough to make me want to start writing again. And to stop doubting that I do have things of worth to say.

The ones that brag the loudest and make us feel the smallest are usually the most insecure of all. Wish I'd known that in high school...

Sunday Sanity Saving Tip

(a day late...)

Pack your diaper bag every single night. This was a hard won tip. Took me forever to figure out that you can't just throw baby in the car seat and hightail it out the door.

You need diapers and wipes and a bottle (if that's your thing)/sippy cup, and a paci (if that's your thing)/lovey/best friend that they won't leave the house without. And you need your wallet and your keys and their health card (which you may or may not have lost twice...ahem), and a few toys to keep them occupied, and a couple of spit-up cloths, bibs, blankets. You also need your cell phone. And a snack. And extra clothes incase there's an explosion.

And you can get none of this ready while baby is crying, pooping, whining, spitting-up, etc... And babies will always do those things when you are desperate to get ready.

So, I pack the diaper bag the night before- every night- whether I have plans or not.

I make sure there are a minimum of three diapers (per kid), a good amount of wipes, and an extra outfit. I also make sure there is an empty plastic bag in case I need to throw out/contain anything that is pooped on, peed on, leaking, half eaten, etc... and an empty ziplock which is awesome if someone suddenly needs to throw up (those 9 months of morning sickness taught me something).

I have standard diaper bag toys that stay in my diaper bag. I keep a paci in a ziplock bag inside my diaper bag. I have 2 clean spit-up cloths, one bib, and one blanket.

I keep my wallet (with both boy's healthcards...lesson learned) in the front of my diaper bag. I always have extra cash stashed in one of the pockets...just in case. I also fill up a ziplock with snacks for Z (usually goldfish crackers or raisins or an apple) and a granola bar (in case I'm starving). Lastly, I keep a ponytail holder jammed in a pocket because I always need one and a tube of concealer....for obvious (sleepless) reasons.

In the morning, if we're going out I throw in a bottle of formula for W, grab my keys & blackberry, and we're out the door. Literally take 5 minutes.

Yes. It's annoying to double check the diaper bag every night but the time it saves me in the morning (or afternoon) when we're trying to get out the door and both boys need their diaper changed and Z is running around refusing to put on shoes and W is screammmmmming at the top of his lungs because he HATES being buckled in his car seat. Well, those are the moments I am happy I took that 2 minutes to double check that my diaper bag is stocked and ready to go.

Facebook Page

Won't you head on over to Facebook and "Like" my new "Sleeping is for Losers" page?

I don't know what I'm doing over there...yet...but I'm figuring it out:) It's a great way for my blog posts to go to one designated spot.

Here's the link: LINK

Seventh Generation WINNER!

Congratulations to Pam- comment #11.
Random.org chose you as the winner of the Seventh Generation prize pack:)

Update: I have been using the Seventh Generation diapers with W and they are really great!! No explosions or leaks to speak of! YEAH:)

Photos: The Good, The Bad, and The Embarrasing...

Photogenic, I am not. Let's use Monday as an example of this.
People who have only seen pictures of me are usually surprised when they meet me in person. You know, cause I'm a 20 year old, 6 foot supermodel;) No really, there's something about the camera that fails to capture what I actually look like.
Occassionally, I take a decent photo.

Like this one:

It's my birthday;)

OR this one (the one where Mia Micheals said that we looked like sisters...sigh! So happy!

More often then not, though, I just look bad.
Like in this one:
Could my pose be any worse? And why are we on a riser and the teeny tiny intern that took the shot is wayyyyyyyyyyy down below making me look ginormous? HM?


But then, more often then I'd like to say, I just look awful. I forget that I'm getting a picture taken and I make the most ridiculous faces.
Like in this one:

WHAT??? Reminds me of about half the photos of Britney during her "crazy biatch" period. She always had a weird laugh/mouth open/ imma gonna eat you look on her face.

Those model dreams are for sure put to rest.

Oh ya, the really pretty, really photogenic girl in all the photos? My sister. Sheesh.

The Using of the Fork

Tonight I cried during dinner.

Usually I cry because Z is doing something only a two year old would think to do, or W is crying uncontrollably while I'm elbow deep in raw chicken. You know. The usual.

But tonight was different. Tonight I cried because Z, my two year old, sat at the table using a big boy this:


A big person fork. Just like his mom and dad. And you know what he was eating with this fork? Fish and broccoli. Not fishsticks- real fish that I had broiled with dijion mustard brushed all over it. Granted he got a huge blob of ketchup to dip it in but still....

So I sat there crying (not sobbing, just all teary and blubbery) and Z leans across the table and grabs my hand and asks, "Mommy, you happy?".
"I'm super happy," I told him. "I'm just so proud of you for using a big boy fork and eating all your delicious food."
"You crying and you happy?" I guess that's a pretty hard concept for a 2 year old to wrap his head around.

I can't believe how big Z has gotten. He went from a little baby just like my W- someone who needed me for everything and relied on me for his complete existance. Now he's sitting there, eating cod and broccoli, using a big boy fork, and consoling his crying mother.

Where, where has the time gone?

Best part of the day? Today was just W & I, all day long. I got to watch him play and chat and smile and eat...and I got to cuddle that beautiful boy all day. It was a nice treat:)

Check me out on the Marilyn Denis Show!!

Wanna see me on TV? SURE YOU DO!!!!

I got tickets to the Marilyn Denis Show today. It happens to be my birthday. Yeah!!!
My mom, my sister and I all went. My mom was super excited and super loud...and as a result we got great seats and a lot of audience attention.

But the best part? When they needed someone to taste test during the cooking segment and I got to do it!!!!!!! The food was so good. And I didn't look toooooooo awful, considering I just had a baby 11 weeks ago!

Here's the link: I come in around 7 minute mark.

http://www.marilyn.ca/Cooking/segment.aspx/Daily/September2011/09_12_2011/HeatSeeker

Soccer Mom

Well, thanks to my friend Barb I have come to the realization that I am every stay-at-home mom stereotype out there.

I wear yoga pants more then anything else.
I line up for spots in programs like toddler story time and swimming.
I watch the Y & R religiously (ok, as much as I can and then I BBM my dad to fill me in on what I've missed...lol).
I eat more grilled cheese, cheese strings, chicken nuggets, and yogurt tubes then I care to tell you.
I can name everyone on Handy Manny, Dora, Diego, recite most popular kids books by heart, and tell you what the best brand names in toys are and what to not waste your money on.
I spend more time at the park and indoor playgrounds then I do at the salon or spa.
I have ONE pair of high heels and a gazillion pairs of flats.

AND... I am a soccer mom.

Z has been in soccer for about 6 weeks. It's the most entertaining, fun time you could ever imagine. Every Saturday I load up on snacks, water (spiked with a bit of apple juice), and our folding chairs and off we head to soccer. Here's a taste of what we watch every week:



Pretty much the entire 45 minutes is spent with parents running, yelling, attempting to get their kids to listen and follow instructions.
Z is hilarious to watch. He's in it only for the fun and the moment he's bored, we lose him, just like every other kid. Last week three kids had to be dragged off the field by their parents, kicking and screaming. Another kid spent the whole time picking grass. Some other kid ate a snack and chatted with his Grandma who had driven to watch him play. Z stayed on the field almost the whole time. Phew. I've got more video that I'll have to upload when I get a chance.

But yes, as I am about to be IN MY THIRTIES (ICKKKKKKK!), I have realized that I am absolutely a soccer mom (minus the van...but I wouldn't put it past us!)...and I'm kinda ok with it all.

Get in the know: Join the Convo

How many times have you had a question about your baby and not known who to ask or where to go. I'm not talking pediatrician questions, I'm talking "where can I buy the cheapest formula?" or "where can I get organic products for my one year old?". Oh ya, now you know what I'm talking about! I can't even begin to count the number of times I wish I had a place to go to post a quick question or get some useful tips from moms who had been in my shoes (or were living in them- hellooooo sleepless nights!).

Well now we sleepless moms have a great place to go- Baby and You. Hosted by Loblaw ( you know, the grocery people), Baby and You is an amazing one stop shop on Facebook that allows you to converse with other moms, get useful tips and product info, and see weekly sale items (LOVE!!!) and exclusive promotions and coupons.

I was most excited about this page because I already shop at Loblaw on a weekly basis. I get it all- from diapers to formula to toddler snacks- and I love the idea of being in the know for great deals. But I also genuinely love the products that Loblaw stores carry. My boys have been (are being) brought up on PC products, especially the organics.

But I don't just love the page for its deals. I love the conversation. Two popular bloggers focus on moms and babies- reminding us that we're not alone in this thing called motherhood. The constant flow of ideas and thoughts allow you to jump in and out, even at 2 am when you're up for yet another feeding. It's a great feeling to be a part of an online community made up of moms just like you.

So join in! Hop on over to Baby and You and be a part of the conversation today!

Disclosure – I am participating in the Baby and You program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Loblaw Companies. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Sneaking Up on the ABCs

I snuck up behind Z and W lying on the floor.
W was doing tummy time. Z decided to sing him a song. His ABCs.

I grabbed my Flip and recorded most of it. Z freaked out on me afterward and demanded to see the video. He said I could put it on my blog because "I sang really really good mom."



PS- I'm never far away from W when he's doing tummy time since Z decided it might be fun to roll over top of his little brother when I wasn't looking. Hrmph.

Sunday's Sanity Saving Tip

Don't go to Costco on a Saturday during the long weekend.
You're welcome.
(but do go to Costco when your toddler is driving you nuts because he'll be so enthusiastic about the snacks-that are totally free-and he'll forget to drive you crazy for a few moments) (but you will have to deal with annoying as heck people who are shopping there) (so go at your own risk).

Best part of the day?
W breaks into the biggest smiles whenever he sees or hears Z. It's an immediate reaction to his big brother and I love seeing it!!