Chicago Moms Blog

Wired Kids

As I sit and type here in my laptop, I noticed my 2 year old is as busy watching a video on my iPhone lulling her to nap. I guess just like my husband and I, all 3 kids are quite adept when it comes to technology. But whose kids aren’t so technologically or virtually inclined now-a-days anyway? Are other families really that different from us? I mean our society is so infused with technology and I can’t imagine that this isn’t simply the case.

My kids took on the laptop mouse / mouse touch pad faster and better than they did with potty training. My 9 yr.old son uses Office documents with ease and saves his work on a memory stick for school, and my 6 year old can manage to install a cd game by following prompts. They also happen to know how valuable it is for us to have wifi when we were traveling recently.

A New Day

 "Early in the morning
 It’s the dawn of a new day
 New hopes new dreams new ways
 I open up my eyes and
 I open up my mind and
 I wonder how life will surprise me today
 Early in the morning
 It’s the dawn of a new day
 New hopes new dreams new ways
 I open up my heart and
 I’m gon’ do my part and
 Make this a positively beautiful day"

These are the beautiful words from India Arie’s song – A Beautiful Day. I’m not sure how to describe what this song meant to me, but I am going to at least try. As a  busy mom of 3 with way too many daily responsibilities to fulfill, it is so easy to get lost in the forever going madness and in need of some inspiration to go on. Between chauffeuring the kids to different activities while answering emails and making phone calls with a very active toddler, I can’t help but feel beaten and overwhelmed by the end of the day and not ready for more the following day.

Sticking To My Blogging Rules

I just recently received an email from one of my blog readers saying that she aspires to be just like me since I seem so organized and can tackle anything my way with an ease. This continued on to how her life is depressing and that she reads my blog because I just seem to exude in happiness. I was flattered of course. But deep down I was sad for her. How can she measure her life according to what someone like me SEEM like?

It was truly a sweet email, and yes overall I am truly happy. But I am nowhere near anything as organized or as confident as she said I am.

I guess the perception comes from what I try to achieve as a blogger. I’ve chosen to make my blog as a positive reinforcement in my life. With that being said, you will never find me write anything other than what is peachy at the moment. First off, I’m not one to delve on disappointments and so there is no room for that anywhere in my blog.

Pregnancy could've saved the day

A major wardrobe dilemma happened last weekend when the family and I had to attend a Chinese New Year Benefit. This has been a 2 month planning process for us in the committee and the night before the event some of the women started talking about their cheongsams. My brain froze! My mind started running.

“How did I even forget about what to wear?”

And if that wasn’t alarming enough, my second thought was even more concerning.

“There is no way that I will wear a cheongsam looking like this!”

A cheongsam is a traditional Chinese form-fitting dress that will show even the tiniest of bumps. My hump and lovely lady lumps are just not suited for this kind of dressing. And besides, who wants a giant stuffed egg roll walking around anyway! So you can just imagine how horrified I was. But I had to wear something appropriate for the cultural occasion and I needed it quick.

Facebook, you confuse me!

I’ll be honest, I’ve heard about the hoolabaloos on Facebook not allowing breastfeeding pictures anymore but I didn’t really pay that much attention to it. Maybe because I am somewhat torn with this issue. I often wonder what makes people feel like they have to share their breastfeeding pictures to the world.  Actually I’m a big supporter of breastfeeding and even breastfed my 3 kids. But breastfeeding for me is a very private moment I shared with my child and could not imagine people looking in on my moment.  But that’s just me. And this is a personal issue, so if you want to share your breastfeeding photos then do so. Just not on Facebook’s turf. 

Somehow I get Facebook. I get that there are certain places that are inappropriate for children. And I get that there are appropriate topics on certain instances. So with my conscious effort of making sure everyone is comfortable around me including myself and my family, I basically just go with the flow.  If it is not allowed, then I just don’t do it. Whether that is right or wrong, it is how I roll.

Stop Hoochifying our Girls!

Even before I had my daughter, I am always sick to my stomach when I see and read about the portrayal of today’s societal media forces on young girls. From consumer brands, fashion magazines, print ads, TV shows and commercials, it is almost impossible to run from this. And no matter what cave you hide from, our children are subjected and exposed to the degradation of self-esteem and morality.

First let me start with the obvious.  Bratz Toys. The name itself bother me. Why do I see parents even allowing their children with this? I see children that idolize these creatures that look like street walkers. You didn’t notice? Thigh-high boots and fishnet stockings were a shoe-in on that one.  Never mind the blood red lipstick and glittery make-up to complete the hoochy ensemble. When going to Target for some toys, I avoid that specific aisle at all cost. But just when I thought it was safer to go for Barbie, Mattel supposedly came up with a Dominatrix Barbie. Forget suggestive sexualizations, go for the gold and call it by what it is!

My so-called digital life

Contrary to what a lot of my friends believe, I actually have a lot to do away from my computer. After all, the laundry needs to be done, the kids to be fed, and the house needs cleaning.  But there are certainly days when a couple of hours are needed to dedicate in just getting stuff done tinkering in my laptop.

I’m not really talking about the productivity suckers like Twitter (cough) and Facebook (cough cough), and not even about keeping up with the numerous blogs I currently run or write for. I’m talking about simple things like paying the bills online, answering emails from friends, writing emails to my son’s teacher, canvassing for a good travel deal, making a doctor’s appointment, etc…

Green Makes Me Blue

What I am about to say may cause some people wanting to throw me down and trample on me over and over again.  But what the hey, go ahead and take a stab.  Maybe (only maybe) this time I will finally get it. 

Okay, here it is.  I am the most wasteful person I know! <ducking> My family and I probably make more carbon footprints than any of you Moms and your families reading this combined. <ducking and checking to see if coast is clear>  I think the whole “green” thing got people on the bandwagon because it is a big fad! <ducking, running away, and now running back holding a white flag>

There, I said it.  But before you start sending me those hate mails, please let me explain.

Family Vacation = More Work For Mom

Four. That’s how many loads of laundry I’ve done in the 2 weeks that we were on vacation. The 4 nights that my husband and 3 children slept soundly after a whole day’s adventure while I dragged a bag full of clothes to wash at the hotel laundry. For the most part, I was up late every night just so I can get everything ready for the next day’s activities.  Packing everyone’s bathing suit, sunscreen, beach mat, sunglasses, hats, boogie board, life vests, snorkeling gears, diaper bag…  The list goes on and on depending on what is in our schedule of events the following day.

Besides sleeping in late, I was also the first to wake up early just so I can get a decent amount of time in the shower while the baby is still asleep. Actually my husband is a very helpful guy.  But like most husbands, I don’t think they have the kind of urgency like moms have.  He doesn’t see the problem with the boys wearing the same tees they sweat on the day before since they will just jump into the pool or beach anyway.  But I just can’t let that happen.

Summer Road Trip '08 Product Sponsors

Buzz was all around BlogHer and SV Moms Group about our annual and infamous swag bags. The Silicon Valley Moms Group in coordination with MomViews.net would like to thank the following product sponsors that made it even more exciting for us:

Apparel and Accessories

CBS
www.cbsnews.com

Provided: Silicon Valley Moms Logo Summer Tour '08 Tee Shirts

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Lands End
www.landsend.com
Provided: Medium Open Top Canvas Tote Bag
Retail Price: $19.50

"Tip-proof" Tote stands up by itself!
Batter-proof, 24-oz. cotton canvas
Reinforced, rip-resistant bottom and handles
Sturdier seams help Tote stand upright
Four pockets inside to help you organize

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Wati Design
www.watidesign.com
Provided:
The Jenny Knit Dress - makes a very mod statement. Very comfy with leggings or at the beach over a swimsuit. Cotton Knit Jersey.
Retail Price: $50.00
and
The Serafina Ruffle Front Dress - a great look for the younger girl as well as older tween, in navy and cream flower toile print. Very chic over skinny jeans or leggings!
Retail Price: $40.00

The Wati Collection for girls is a bohemian, colorful, easy-care collection. Inspired by the girls, who wear Wati designs, each season is about washable cotton (embroidered poplins and smocked voiles) - pretty dresses and versatile separates, in vibrant, playful colors, that mix and match with ease. Available in sizes 4 - 12.

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See Kai Run
www.seekairun.com
Provided: See Kai Run children’s footwear
Retail Price:  $34.00

See Kai Run shoes are hand-crafted from supple sheepskin with padded collars and a breathable leather lining. Soles are constructed from extremely flexible rubber allowing new walkers lots of freedom to move while protecting their feet on all kinds of terrain.

A family-owned and operated business located outside of Seattle, Washington, the idea for See Kai Run was born when owner Cause Haun was on a quest for the perfect first pair of shoes for her son, Kai. Unable to find shoes in fun styles that still promoted the healthy development of little feet, Cause and her husband created their own line of shoes along that satisfied all of these needs. In just three years, See Kai Run has seen sales expand from a few boutiques, mostly in the Seattle area, to stores all around the country and worldwide. See Kai Run shoes fit children from six months to three years.