Leapin' lizards!

In honor of Leap Day (and my extreme inner geek), here’s a handful of lesser known facts about this strange concept keeping us in February for one more day.

• Chances of being born on leap day: about 1 in 1,500



• Leaplings in the U.S: 187,000, Worldwide: 4 million



• Famous leap day babies: Pope Paul III, Randy “The Dawg” Jackson, Superman



• If you were born in 1912, you would celebrate your 24th birthday today



• Century years are only considered leap years if they are evenly divisible by 400. So 1700, 1800 and 1900 were not leap years, and 2100 will not be.



• In the U.S., this day is sometimes referred to as Sadie Hawkins Day, a shout out to a female character in the Al Capp cartoon strip, Lil’ Abner. Supposedly women have “the right” (gee, thanks) to run after unmarried men to propose.



• In 1268, Scotland passed a law that allowed women to propose marriage to the man of their choice in a leap year. The law also required that any man who declined a proposal in a leap year must pay a fine (seems only fair), which ranged from a kiss to payment for a silk dress or a pair of gloves.



• In the Greek culture, there is a superstition that claims couples have bad luck if they marry during a leap year. Apparently one in five engaged couples in Greece will avoid planning their wedding during a leap year.



• Superstitious Chinese believe that more accidents and mishaps occur during the leap month. They also think that children born in that month are harder to raise. I guess that means only 4 million moms out there technically have the right to complain about their difficult children. Sorry Mom.

Happy leap Friday!

Style file: Project Runway

Last night Bravo aired the second to last episode of Project Runway. This was the big "walk-off", sudden death design as my husband liked to call it for the last spot at New York's Fashion Week. Project Runway is by far my favorite show on television. I know I've raved about it before, but really it is the absolute best. One of the designers in the "walk-off" last night actually used human hair in his designs. Creepy? Yes, very. Creative? Absolutely.

The remaining designers are Rami, Jillian and Christian. All of whom have an amazing talent for design. My money is on my favorite, Jillian. She has been working at Ralph Lauren and has this amazing sense of strength and ingenuity in her designs. Your fan favorite Christian is I'm sure to be fierce, but I think he may lack the experience to pull it off. Rami, well is Rami. Brilliant, but probably won't take as much risk in his designs.

Really they all have a chance to win it. We will just have to see who is in next week. Don't forget to watch the finale next week, Bravo Wednesday, 9 pm (CT) or check out www.bravotv.com/Project_Runway/index.php.

Things we love: election enthusiasm

The old saying goes, “the early bird gets the vote”. Or was it the worm? Either way, I think that early bird was onto something.

Early voting is officially underway here in Texas. I personally think this concept should be the frontrunner for a Nobel Prize. Not only do I get to beat the line (and avoid the crazies) on Election Day, I can knock out my voting and grocery shopping in one swoop at the store right around the corner from my house. This convenient process definitely earns my vote.

While I’m officially debated out and have stopped answering my phone for fear of the automated political schpeel on the other end, I still find the election buzz and the passion it’s sparking in Americans completely invigorating.

I don’t dare delve into politics here as my motto truly is “to each his own”. But for those of you sharing in my enthusiasm for this process and seeking a way to show your pride more prominently than a tiny “I Voted” sticker on your sleeve, consider sporting it on your biggest accessory… the 20 pound hunk of love you tote around daily on your hip.

Our clever friends over at Wry Baby have outwitted themselves once again and created a line of commemorative 2008 election gear for baby. From party pride to veggie vetoes, your little commander in chief can join in the free speech fun now too.

See you in aisle 23: produce and polls!

> Visit www.wrybaby.com

Culture shot: Music Together Class

Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and the adults who love them. First offered to the public in 1987, it pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum that strongly emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement.

Classes are based on the recognition that all children are musical. All children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with confidence in the music of our culture, provided that their early environment supports such learning.

I was introduced to the Music Together program through the Austin Lyric Opera and the Armstrong Community Music School. I am a big fan of this program and so is Lillie. We have been taking the classes for a few months, and Lillie is crazy about it. It is an absolute joy to see Lillie learn through music and hear her try and sing and sound the words. There is dancing, fun and if you don't mind tapping into your inner-child for an hour, it's actually really fun.

I encourage all parents to check out the web site to see if there is a local program near you. You too can be singing "Pop Goes the Weasel" and dancing in no time!

www.musictogether.com/

Mommy Diaries: And the Oscar goes to...

And the Oscar goes to...Lillian Grace. In honor of Oscar time, I have to give a nod to my precious little who has learned the art of acting. Somewhere between learning to walk, talk and ask for things my daughter has learned how to play up a really good whine. It's a little pathetic and absolutely hilarious in my book.

Let's say for example someone really wants to watch Elmo (which is every 5 minutes usually). And, a really mean mommy says, no. Lillie enters her 'I'm going to be as pathetic as possible' state to try and make mommy change her mind. First, a foot stomp, then some running in place, followed up with a very long "nnnnnnnnnnooooooo" and if you're very lucky a jump in the air landing straight on her bottom. Oh, Miss Lillie, your performance does Cate Blanchett shame.

As your skills are refined by age and countless times for needing a good performance, I'm certain you will be nominated again. But, this year's Best Whining Performance by a Little Person goes to you. Please make sure to thank me when you accept!

Top Ten Things I like about Toddlers

10. Little toddler sneakers and socks.
9. Splashing in the bathtub.
8. The learning of new words and sayings.
7. Little legs trying to learn to run.
6. Squeals of delight when excited.
5. The sounds of furious drinking of milk.
4. Little arms wrapped around you for hugs.
3. Enthusiasm for anything outside.
2. Intense concentration for using forks and spoons.
1. Heavy breathing sounds while sleeping.

Style file: stylin' in the rain

puddlecreep (n. puh-dle-kreep) – When you accidentally step in the world’s smallest puddle of water, the very tips of your jeans get wet, then the water proceeds to slowly creep up your jeans to knee-level while you shop in the twenty-below frozen foods section of the grocery store.

For most women, style trumps function. For their babies, its always function over style.

We big babies have been loving our wellies for years. They’re chic, surprisingly comfortable, 100% puddlecreep-proof, and make our legs look lean and mean when paired with skinny jeans and a sweater.

Baby’s chunky little thighs don’t stand a chance at looking thin (thank goodness!), but now they can at least stay fashionable, comfy and dry in a pair of mini wellies.

Leave it to the creator of our very favorite baby socks to kick it up yet another notch.

The only thing cuter than Trumpette’s Maryjane baby socks? Their Me and My Little Maryjane rainboots.

Things we love: second-born baby gifts

The first-born child gets all the glory. A big pre-arrival bash, lavish gifts, and meticulously-labeled photo albums. If he’s lucky, the second-born child might get a picture or two in the digital camera (which hopefully will be downloaded by his first birthday).

Tradition long ago put the kibosh on consecutive sibling baby showers and gifts. This is one rule I love to break.

Give a gift unique to the parents, but also one that the baby can enjoy. Not bottles, burp cloths, or bathtubs. Think concert tickets, classic books, or dinner for two at the hip new place in town.

For the Music Lovers

• Grab tickets to a coveted show for a last hurrah before the baby is born. Wrap the tickets in a onesie adorned with their favorite band’s logo. www.band-tees.com
• Make a copy of your favorite Coldplay, Bob Marley, or Beatles tunes and pair it with a lullaby version of the album to help them really rock the cradle. www.rockabyebabymusic.com

For the Bookworms

• Contribute to the family library with your top-rated adult book of the year (non-parenting subject matter, please) and a classic tale that was meaningful to your own childhood. www.amazon.com


• Sign them up for a subscription to Newsweek and throw in a Baby Einstein toy to occupy baby with brain-building fun while Mom and Dad catch up with the rest the world, one week at a time. www.babyeinstein.com

For the Foodies

• Reserve a table for two at a trendy restaurant and offer your babysitting services for the night. Treat the sprout to a gourmet feast of handmade pretend food. www.twobluepeas.com


• Stock the freezer with individual servings of your prized recipes. Inspire the same homemade goodness for their little one with a baby food processor. www.babyage.com

For the World Travelers

• A well-traveled family must be a well-organized family. Arm the globetrotters with monogrammed his, hers, and baby’s toiletry bags. www.llbean.com


• Ease the sting of airfare expenses with vouchers from their most-traveled airline. Ease Mama’s back pain and baby’s airport anxiety with a stylish hands-free carrier. www.metromama.com

For the Art Buffs

• Give them passes and an excuse to get out and converse with other adults at a local museum or art exhibit. Inspire their little artiste with hip wall graphics for the nursery. www.weegallery.com


• Grace the coffee table with a gorgeous compilation book of their favorite artist’s work. Encourage creative documentation of milestones with a custom baby memory book. www.aimeej.com

Culture shot: the cradle will rock

Long gone are the days of frilly smocked outfits and the Dorothy Hamill haircut. Thanks to hip mamas like Kate Hudson and Gwen Stefani, ric rac and pigtails have been replaced with mini designer jeans, vintage tees, and long, free-flowing locks.

Today’s kiddos are way too cool for old John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt. They need groovy music to match their newfound style. Enter Medeski Martin & Wood and their inaugural children’s album, "Let’s Go Everywhere".

I’ve been a fan of MMW’s improv-style, electronic-funk jazz since my early college days. As an adult, their music always makes me want to get up and dance like nobody’s watching. You know, like when you were a kid.

This album is a fantastic blend of whimsical lyrics, grown-up composition and downright jams. With tunes like "Pirates Don’t Take Baths" and "Where’s the Music" belted out on the keyboard, you'll happily oblige the again! again! again! requests.

John Medeski put it best when he noted that “in most cultures of the world, there is no distinction between music for children and music for everyone else."

But why? We’re most open to new ideas and experiences when we’re little. Why not introduce your brood to richer sounds that inspire creativity and true love of music?

Go ahead. Eject Elmo, pop in "Let’s Go Everywhere", and wave your hands in the
ay-air like you just don’t cay-are.

> Visit MMW’s "Let’s Go Everywhere" page on myspace.com

Mommy Diaries: Watch her grow

Lillie has reached 17 months this past weekend. She is almost officially a year and a half - I can't even believe it! Here are some of Lillie's favorite things:

WORDS

emmo = Elmo

yeah-ow or yep = yes

ohkay = OK

mah tuhn = my turn

go gur = yogurt

weeng = swing

uh u = love you

ni ni = night night

SONG

Alphabet sung, "A-B-B...E-P...O-T...YAY!"

Pop goes the Weasel

COUNTING

(very slowly) twooo....fiiiive....TEN!

ACTIVITIES

sliding

and anything to do with Elmo or Steet (Sesame Street)

ACCESSORY

hats

NAUGHTIES

bopping mommy on the head

NICES

great big hugs wrapped around your legs while your standing (my favorite)

My V-day: A Knock Out!

Awhile back, Cy and I had the genius idea to have a Valentine contest. Instead of trying to impress with expensive gifts, we would find the cheesiest Valentine out there to exchange. And, the person who found the worst one would win. There were no actual prizes for this contest, just bragging rights as the winner for the year.

This contest has been going on for 6 years. And, this year we decided that we actually had bought all the cheesy Valentines out there. If you pay close attention, it seems that stores stock left-over Valentines and just bring the same ones out year after year. I've seen Elvis boxes of candy, West Coast Choppers Valentine beer mugs, Bed of Roses box with fake rose petals and scented rose oil, you name it and I've received or given it. So, this year it was the cheesiest card contest. Which, as a new category to this game was challenging. There are a ton of bad cards out there, so finding the right one would be tough.

I have to say Cy was the winner. His was a total knock-out as you can see. Congratulations Mr. Huckaba you have earned this year's bragging rights. You are the cheesiest!

Sweet Deals at Le Garage Sale

Happy Valentine's Day! What could be sweeter than getting Two Blue Peas merchandise for dirt cheap? Not much. This weekend Two Blue Peas will be joining other local Austin boutiques for the Le Garage Sale weekend event. Although garage sale is in the title, the only thing dingy and used will be your pocketbook by the time you're through.

Wendy Kyle is the founder of this wonderful event in Austin. She had the genius idea that all the local boutiques should get together, clear out their inventory and sell their designer duds for cheap. I have loved this event since its conception and am a regular customer. Where else can you get a Dian von Furstenberg dress for seventy bucks?

Well, we couldn't resist the idea of giving our customers the same chance with our beautiful baby goods. Everything in our booth will be $25 and under. We are talking Cloud Mine pajamas, Kumquat outfits, Baby Cie dishes, Zutano and so much more. We are honored to take part this weekend and hope if you're in the Austin area you will have the chance to take advantage our great deals (and others, too). Here are the details:

Le Garage Sale
Austin Music Hall

Saturday (2/16) noon - 5 pm
Sunday (2/17) 11 am - 4 pm

Cash only event
$10 one-day pass, $15 two-day pass

Style file: V-day Fashions

I love a theme, really I do. And, Valentine's Day is the perfect time to show your love of holiday and themed wearables. But, don't bust out your patchwork sweater just yet. Read these quick do's and don'ts for Valentine wear.

DO:
Choose one clothing item to express your love.
DON'T:
Wear multiple themed items in one outfit.

DO:
Find something that makes you feel lovely.
DON'T:
Wear something that has wording, especially the holiday name, printed or stitched on your item.

The image above sums it up. Don't be the crazy lady in a holiday sweater, you know her, she still owns stirrup pants. Be a fashion forward mama this Valentine’s Day!

Culture shot: 10 cheese-free love songs

Love is in the air this week, and the cheese is definitely flowing faster than the wine.

I think a holiday to celebrate your sweetheart is a fantastic concept. We could all use a little reminder to slow down and focus on each other, and probably more than just once a year for Valentine’s Day.

What I can live without, however, are the lame decorations, uber sappy cards, jumbo boxes of thunder-thigh truffles, and bad love songs.

I’d like to share a small sample of my favorite modern love songs, sans cheese. It’s a pretty safe bet you won’t hear these dedicated to JoJo from Daryll on Delilah’s radio show Thursday night.

1) Iron & Wine: Naked as We Came
2) Iron & Wine: Lion’s Mane
3) Death Cab for Cutie: Transatlanticism
4) Mason Jennings: Be Here Now
5) Ray Lamontagne: Hold You in My Arms
6) Regina Spektor: Samson
7) The Weepies: Take it From Me
8) Damien Rice: Cannonball
9) Alexi Murdoch: All My Days
10) Ryan Adams: Two

Mommy diaries: 28 year-old baby

When do mothers stop thinking of their children as their "babies"? Is it when we turn 40? When we can comfortably pay our own bills (not that anyone ever falls in that category)? Or is it when we become parents ourselves?

I used to think it was the latter. I assumed that once we finally gave my mom grandbabies, all the energy and money once spent on us would immediately transfer to the kiddos. Now I’m not so sure that’s the case.

We may not have given her real grandbabies yet, but if grandkitties are any indication of how things will be once the human version comes along, I think the answer to my question is that we will always be our mothers’ babies.

We find $20s in our sock drawers, always get beat to secretly pay the waiter, and never go hungry (nor skinny) when mom is around.

At Christmas, we still get ridiculously full stockings. Our kitties get them now too. The Easter Bunny still sends us care packages that nearly put the stockings to shame. And with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I suspect that we will receive a box full of goodies for the whole family to share.

Trust me. I’m not complaining one little bit about this mothering behavior. I’m just trying to figure out when I can expect it to stop, if it ever will. Just give me a heads up before it happens, mom. You don’t want a terrible 20’s tantrum on your hands now do you?

Extreme Makeover: scary bedroom edition results!

Goodbye lovely sunset. Adios angry sunrise. Au revoir scary tree. I'm not 100% finished with the project just yet, but we're sure sleeping easier tonight.

Extreme Makeover: scary bedroom edition

When we decided it was time to buy our first house, we were practically babies. We were making our first ever salaries and wanted to be big kids and invest in something other than Mac and Cheese and beer.

You remember your first salary – hardly enough to afford the dream house. So we went with the complete fixer upper instead. Over the past few years we have poured enough blood, sweat and tears into this place to create another human being, or maybe a small family.

Every square inch had to be replaced, repaired, re-tiled and most notably, re-painted. Interior Designers, please avert your eyes from the pictures below. Some of the material is graphic in nature and is not suitable for anyone with even a small sliver of taste.

Yes, this was my master bedroom. And yes, all three photos are of the same room. It was obviously first in line to be covered with primer, so we have not been sleeping under the tree gazing at the lovely sunrise and sunset every day. It has just taken me until now to find the perfect headboard (an old wooden door), bedding, lamps and tables to call it complete.

The after photos to come… hopefully sooner than later.

Style file: salt-n-pepa

What’s black, white and fabulous all over? Classic black & white that’s once again gracing the runways, sweeping the streets and adding an edge to sofas everywhere.

It’s hard for me to call black & white a trend. It’s a timeless DO that we just seem to fall in love with all over again every couple of years. This season’s take combines bold modern graphic prints with softer floral motifs. The yin and yang, the masculine and feminine – it’s all about balance.

Just because you’ve got a baby on your hip and a diaper bag haphazardly slung over your shoulder does not mean you’re automatically excluded from this one too.

I’ve seen a sizeable handful of adorable and versatile dresses that could be worn even when chasing after a sugar-hopped toddler.


And just because she hasn’t learned her colors yet doesn’t mean little Miss Priss is exempt either! Swaddle her up tight in a black & white receiving blanket or lunch together in style with a graphic black dot bib.



More fashionable favorites from the Two Blue Peas shelves:
> Black & White Stripe Leg Warmers
> Black Dot Bib & Burp Set
> White Chenille Blanky
> White/Black Dot Burps

Things we love: Ghirardelli dark chocolate

Oh, chocolate why are you so wonderful? I think somewhere in the connection of humans and nature, chocolate and women must share some sort of genetic link.

I found at my local grocery store in the 'bad for you food isle' that no one is ever going down but me, a package of lovely individually wrapped dark chocolate squares by Ghirardelli. These are genius! If you're a sweet lover like I am, you can take one (ok sometimes two) chocolates after a meal and feel like you've had a great dessert.

Having a chocolate treat is usually a luxury for most folks. So, to get you on my dark chocolate train (is that a really bad rap song?); I'm listing all the benefits of dark chocolate:

- lowers high blood pressure

- is chalk full of antioxidants, which help fight cancer

- has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL)

- stimulates endorphin production, yes, the feelings of pleasure

- contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant

Next time you shop, proudly walk down that candy aisle and if anyone gives you a snooty glare; think of all the endorphin production that is going to happen once you're at home. And, give them a little giggle back.

Culture shot: Saturday afternoon fever

For most baby in bar cases, I’m inclined to pass a little judgment toward the parents. Really people? A baby in a bar? I’m not suggesting that all adult fun has to abruptly end upon the birth of your children. The fun you’re used to might just have to change a little. What’s one more change in this utterly life-altering experience you’re going through anyway?

But don’t write off your favorite night club just yet. If you live in one of the 27 super cool cities already on board with Baby Loves Disco, you’re free to keep on grooving. Dancer/caterer/brilliant mompreneur Heather Murphy dreamed up Baby Loves Disco as a way for parents to share the spirit of music and dance with their little ones. It’s a truly kid-friendly AND parent-friendly activity that dances all over the usual trip to the park.

Hip lounge by night, kiddie playground by day, the Baby Loves Disco venues are transformed into child proof discos for toddlers, pre-schoolers and parents to take a break from the norm and really let loose. Disco ball, live DJ, bubble machine and all.

So burn baby burn, disco is evidently not dead. It’s just moved to Saturday afternoons instead of nights.

> Visit babylovesdisco.com to see if your city is cool enough

Mommy diaries: partying with your baby

Our family trio went to a Superbowl party last night at a good friend's house. She has a little boy about the same age as Lillie and one more on the way. I have to give her much kudos for taking on a party while pregnant and caring for an 18 month old. I've struggled with this a little bit since becoming a parent. Are parties any fun when there are children involved? Or, are we just giving ourselves more chaos to deal with in a different place?

So far most of our partying has included children's birthday parties. Which, I have to admit, are always fun because the entire event is centered around children and children's activities. And, well, I'm a sucker for a cupcake, slice of cake or really anything with frosting on it. But, there have been a few occasions where we go to an adult party that is child-friendly. And, the more it happens, the more I feel like it becomes a parenting battle between mom and dad's. Questions flying left and right including: Who has the kid? Are you watching or am I? And are you letting her eat that? Can I get a beer at this party or am I just going to carry this sippy-cup of juice? Can I eat while you watch her? Oh crap, where'd she go?

I think I need to lower my expectations of what a party really includes now that we have a toddler. I love being with my friends and it is so rare that you get to see all of them in one place. But, gone are the party days of picking out an outfit to impress, hanging out with your hubby, having a glass of wine, eating some cheese and having long meaningful conversations. I'm usually just happy to make it home in one piece without the husband being mad at me for some child meltdown that occurred. Party on Wayne, party on Garth.

Live and Learn?

Is it the old saying that goes 'live and learn'? Since Lillie is growing up and getting more and more independent, I struggle with this. Do I hold her hand every time there's a step or let her figure out how to get down? Is that piece of cracker too big or should I break it? Can she go down that slide by herself or should I hold her hand? These are the struggles I deal with everyday.

My husband is of the mind-set that we let her learn and if she falls, chokes or cries that's part of it. Being her main protector for 16 months, its really hard for me to let her be in a situation where she could hurt herself. And, I'm not talking about walking through fire or swimming alone in a pool, its the little decisions everyday.

So, a perfect example, yesterday I was going down the little slide with her on the playground. She was doing great and really not needing any help from me. My internal protector said, keep helping her she's little. And, then my husbands voice appears, 'No, let her do it. She needs to learn.' Giving in, I let her try the next slide by herself while I waited up top. Wouldn't you know her little foot gets caught as she speeds down the slide and lands face first in the pile of woodchips. Hysteria breaks out. Other parents are watching and probably thinking what an idiot mom!

Live and learn certainly is a good way to think. But, for now I think I need to 'Serve and protect'. How can I not? Look at that face.