6 Pull-Ups® Big Kid App Features That Make Potty Training Easier

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Pull-Ups®.  I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

It's been a month and some change since JJ and I decided to get serious about this potty training business.  I have to admit that potty training JJ has been a very different experience than when I potty trained Moo.  For starters, there was his dislike for actually sitting on the toilet.  Also, he is my most stubborn child by far.  When he makes up his mind not to do something, it can be quite the challenge to convince him to do otherwise.  

But thankfully, in addition to the Big Kid Academy resources that can be found via the Pull-Ups® website, they also have a super cool Big Kid App that is available for free for both iPhone and Android smart phones in the app stores.  Using this app has helped me to help my stubborn little man get more comfortable with potty training and make some progress on this potty training journey.  I would definitely recommend that any parent that has or is getting ready to start the potty training journey with their child download this app and check the 5 features listed below.

5 Cool Pull-Up® Big Kid App Features I Love

Multiple Account Creation- The first featured that I love about the Big Kid app is that you can create multiple accounts.  Having the option to create multiple potty training account for each child is perfect, especially if you're a mom with multiples.

You can personalize each account with your child's name/nickname and choose from a selection of pre-made aviators or upload up a picture from your phone.  Parents now have potty training resources and tools right at the touch of finger no matter where they are.

Videos & Songs- One thing I've come to learn about JJ is that he enjoys learning through songs and visuals.  The Big Kid app has an awesome selection of videos and songs like Bye-Bye to Diapers, Potty Dance, and more that I have been playing for him to really help him get pumped about making this transition.  I can play these songs and videos in the car, at home, in the store, at the playground or wherever.  When our children see other children pumped about doing something, then they're more likely to want to follow suit.

These songs and videos have really helped to make using the bathroom more fun.  And I'm not going to lie, parents once you listen to these different songs over and over with your child for a few times, you start to get into them too.  Yes, I have gotten my dance on to the Potty Dance song.  I'm not afraid to be silly with my kids.  Seeing me excited about using the bathroom has helped to make JJ more at eased about it.  We've conquered our fear of sitting on the potty.

Big Kid Timer- Having conquered his fear of actually sitting on the potty, I then started using the timer feature to help make sure we're going to the potty regularly.  The timer has made potty training for us easier in that it's a reminder when I've gotten busy and forgotten to ask if  he has to go to stop and ask him.  You can set your time for as long or short of a time period as you want.  You'll get a pop notification when it times to ask your little if he or she has to go potty.

And just a tip, even if JJ says no, we still go and sit.  I can guarantee you that almost 50% of the time when they say no, they really mean yes.  Usually they're too engrossed in their playing to want to stop and go use the bathroom.  So, I started off setting the timer at 45 minutes.  Therefore, every 45 minutes I was checking if he had to go.  But since then I've learned that during certain parts of the day he goes longer in between having to use the bathroom.

We prefer Sully

What's even cooler about this feature is that you or your child can choose between using the James P. Sullivan or Mike Wazowski Monsters University themes.  Fingers crossed that they add Boo and some Disney Princess ones by the time I have number three.

Potty Rewards- In addition to using our printable chart, I am to track JJ's potty training victories and reward him whether we're in the house or on the go.  With the Potty Rewards features, your child can unlock fun games featuring some of their favorite Disney characters by doing things to stars.  So, if your child enjoy virtual games this is another tool that you can use to motivate him or her to use the potty.

Pull-Ups® Big Kid 3D Celebration- Each pack of Pull-Ups training pants comes with a special marker inside that you will need to keep to activate this feature.  But I love it because it's another fun way to celebrate major potty training accomplishments.  Your child can choose Mickey Mouse, Buzz Lighting, Minnie Mouse or Princess Rapunzel to help them celebrate.  Of course, JJ is nuts for Mickey and that's who he's chosen each time we've celebrated.

Your special marker should look like this

Tips & Articles- I know some might expect me to be a little bit of a pro at potty training since I've done it before, but each child is different.  Therefore it helps to have tips and articles that I can access quickly for help or for a refresher course.  This journey has been and can be frustrating for both parents and children.  And what was frustrating for me was the fact that some things I did with Moo didn't work with JJ.

So, I did consult the tips and advice from this feature to get some new ideas like keeping a few toys that he likes in the bathroom to keep him occupied while he's sitting on the potty.  They recommended books too, but after fishing out one book from the toilet, I decided to scrap that and just stick to toys.  Toys I can bleach, but paper books I have to throw away.

More Updates

So, we have officially ditched diapers.  We've been enjoying the Lighting McQueen Pull-Ups® Learning Designs ® training pants that were sent to us.  I love that they have a special design that fades when wet.  No more having to unfasten diapers to check.

And we're so close to him doing his first poop in the potty.  I have to make sure I catch him when he first starts showing signs of having to go because let me tell y'all, it's hard and messy to put a child on a potty while they're still trying to poo.

Lastly, our biggest success hands down has been the fact that he is no longer afraid of the potty or the toilet.  This potty training journey would be even more challenging if he was.

Don't forget that you can check out Big Kid Academy and more the Pull-Ups® website.  Also, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Twitter for more tips and resources as well!

Pull-Ups® First Flush Ambassadorship Kick Off

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Pull-Ups®.  I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Happy Monday YUMMs!  If you all follow me on Facebook (Young Urban Modern Mommies) or Twitter (@YUMMommies), then already know that my Valentine's Day started off with some great news.  I am happy to announce that yours truly is now a Pull-Ups® First Flush Ambassador!!  Over the next seven weeks, JJ and I will be getting serious about this potty training business.  The best part is that we get share this journey with you guys and I promise not get all gross on you.

Mostly, I'll be sharing things like our experience this time around using the Pull-Ups® brand, what difficulties we had and of course our successes like his first Big Flush or first accident free day.  Some of you reading this may be on the fence about starting potty training, looking for tips on how to start or what brand of training pants work well and that is where these post will come in handy.  Or maybe, your child is potty trained already but your have niece or nephew who isn't and their parent/guardian is looking to start.  If so, be sure to direct them to this post. 

I have to admit that this is not my first potty training rodeo.  Three years ago, I embarked on my first potty training journey with Moo.  During that process I learned that being persistent is the key as well as monitoring your child's bathroom schedule.  For example, I knew that Moo usually had to use the bathroom first thing in the morning, around lunch (noon) and right before bed (8-9 PM).  So, I would ask if she had to go and we would sit on the potty until she went.

This time around things will be somewhat the same.  JJ's a boy and that of course adds a different aspect to whole potty training game because there's the choice to decide well do I teach him how to urinate standing up first or just by splash guard and let him urinate sitting down and let the Mr teach him the other stuff later?  I am leaning more towards the splash guard option simply because we've attempted that before.

Also, we'll be using Pull-Ups® as our training pants of choice again.  Duh, right?!  I like that they have so many different styles and types, but they all fit and look almost like real underwear.  And that's important because I don't want them to feel like just another diaper or his mind won't make the connection as easy to use the potty.

With our earlier attempt at potty training last year, I think the challenge was that he wasn't quite ready and he hated that his feet didn't touch the floor while he sat on the potty.  Also, the seat we had might have had an opening that was a little too big.  So, we're going shopping for an actual potty that will be perfect for him.

I definitely plan to utilize the different tools and resources available on Big Kid Academy via the Pull-Ups® website.  They have tons of printables, charts, activities and expert advice that will help us keep track and help me to make this a smooth and positive experience for him.  We've already got our Mickey Mouse Potty Progress chart ready to go!

Once we reach the First Flush milestone, I am going to be most excited about being able to do away with buying any type of training pants and going official underwear/boxer shopping with JJ.  I'm sure along this journey he's going to look forward to the routine of getting stickers, high fives and treats for each success or milestone we reach.  Well, we'll check back in soon with updates and more.  Meanwhile, don't forget to check out Pull-Ups® on Facebook and Twitter for more updates, coupons and exclusives from them and  their Big Kid Academy!

Are you starting/have started potty training?  All of you boy moms, share some advice with me below!

Magazine Madness

I'm going nuts over trying to decide if I should take a leap and start an online magazine.  It's something that I've been thinking about since before I found out I was pregnant.  Then after I got pregnant with Moo, I really started to dream of doing a magazine that combined all aspects of my life-motherhood, fashion, marriage, etc.  I realize that to some reading this I may sound nuts.

After all I've got this blog, my Etsy shop, two kids at home 24/7, a marriage and other stuff. But since I'm kicking my bad habit of procrastinating to the curb, I feel like I could make an honest of go this.  It's more like I need to make an honest go of this.  It's time that I get more serious about my YUMMommy/YUMMommies brand.

This is a legacy that I'm leaving to my kids one day.  I want to make sure that my legacy and work is something they will be proud to carry on and pass down to their kids.  I want to make my mark on this world beyond just being a blogger.  Most importantly, I want to help others fulfill their dreams of getting their voices out there.  

My JET Magazine feature opened so many doors and put me on so many people's radar that I need to pay it forward.  Plus, the upside to all of this is that I've site that where I can publish an online magazine for FREE! That way once I get everything aligned and ready to go for a test run, I'm not really losing any money.  And of course, there's always the old-fashioned way of using MS Publisher and converting it to a PDF.

Either way, I've been praying really hard about this and I think I'm finally building up the courage to start work on the first issue.  I know in my gut that this has the potential to be a success.  However, undertaking a task that will be so time consuming scares me.  Will I find the time to make it work?  How will others respond to this magazine?

Will I be able to find quality writers?  Sponsors?  Sometimes, the road to success is scary.  But the it's time to sink or swim.  And I really want to swim.

What would you like to see in a magazine?

A Run For My Money

My little guy is giving me a run for my money.  OMG, I had forgotten how much a new walker could get into.  I feel like all this chasercise (yes, I made that up) is definitely helping me to burn off some calories.  Remember, I told you guys that he was doing a fast walk-hobble?  Well, he's getting better at improving his run.

It's fun watching him get better and better at walking and running.   Then on the flip side it's also scary.  I can certainly start to see dare devil/fearless streak in him.  Just today alone he's gone from climbing and standing up in the couch to trying to climb up the tv stand.  He can even grab hold of the tray on his high chair and with his foot on the foot rest, pull himself up.

He's getting into the laundry baskets when I'm trying to wash clothes.  He can even open the dryer door.  I had no clue he was that strong.  I've caught him attempting to pry open the frig and reaching for the oven handle!

Talk about scaring my wits out!  I haven't a clue what I'm going to do with this little guy.  Let's hope that I last until this newness of walking wears off.  I miss my cuddly lap baby.  The only time he wants me to hold him is if I'm eating something he wants or he wants to nurse. 

Now worries though, Moo is taking advantage of him not wanting to be held.  I think that with all the chasing around of her little brother that I do has her feeling a bit left out.  So, she's always asking me to hold her, give her big hugs and covering me with kisses when I have a chance to sit down..  I think that after Halloween, we're going to have a girls' day.  

Maybe, we can do manicures and pedicures.  I want her to always feel that she's just as loved and wanted as her brother.  Meanwhile, I think that I might actually invest in a baby gate or two to keep my little man out of his own way and out of danger.

How did you keep your new walker safe?

Because of You

Three years and nine months ago, my life was kind of a mess.  I wasn't entirely happy with the person I had let myself become.  To say that I felt lost and unloved would be an understatement. 

But then almost $20 and few double pink lines helped me to turn my life around.  Moo, you saved my life!  You gave me a reason to rediscover the better person I knew I could and wanted to be.  It's because of you that I've learned how to appreciate the simple joys and treasures of life again.

It's because of you that I didn't give up.  It's because of you that I've become somewhat of a morning person now. (I'm getting better.)  Thanks to you, I spend a little bit more time at the park and get a little bit more exercise.  

It's because of you that I'm finally going hard after my dreams.  

Words can't and could never fully describe the love and thankfulness I have for you.  But always remember that each day I get better and better is because of 

YOU!!

Happy Birthday!!

I love you!

Rocky Road

Let me just say that the past 7 days has been a very rocky road for me as mom.  I feel completely drained physically, emotionally and mentally.  It all started with a trip to the emergency room with Moo on last Friday while vising with my mom.  Since, then we have been in and out of the hospital and pediatrician's office.  We started out with a mis-diagnosis at the first emergency room.

That then led to an almost 48 stay at another two hospitals.  Sunday we found ourselves in the emergency room yet again when Moo developed this funky cough and still had a high fever.  Well, Monday it was discovered that she had an ear infection.  Tuesday and Wednesday the vomiting started and yesterday we stopped eating what little bit we were already eating.  And today we found out that her cough has turned into viral pneumonia.

As if that's not enough, her wheezing is back and her oxygen level is on the low side.  I feel like neither of us can get a break.  I even missed my scheduled OB appointment this week because I overslept!!  It feels horrible knowing that there's not much we can do expect wait for Moo to get better.  No mother wants to see her child in pain.

It seems like we have these spells where she feels ok for a little while then she's back to feeling down right horrible.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying that this mini pharmacy I now have in my purse works to help her get well really soon because we can't take another stay in the hospital.

Oh and the icing on the this awful cake is that her allergy test results came back and it turns out she's allergic to foods we didn't even know she was allergic too.  So, it's no wonder she's been having these completely random eczema and hive outbreaks.  Plus, we'll pretty much never be able to have carpet because the allergens and dust mites that live in carpet and other upholstery is very bad for her. In fact, that was her number one allergy.

This means that we will be looking for new couches soon, putting allergen covers on all our pillows and mattresses.  It also means a higher water bill because her clothes and the bedcovers have to be washed in hot water now and we need to switch laundry detergents.  Also, we're looking into buying a steam vac so that we can steam the mattresses and throw pillows at least once a month.

It's curve balls like these that you won't read about in those glossy mom magazines or what to expect pregnancy books.  Just know that with children anything can happen.  You really have to be dedicated and serious about your dive into parenthood!!  It is not for the faint of heart or easily discouraged.

Thanks again to everyone who has been sending prayers and words or encouragement.  They have meant a lot!  Hope that you all have been having a much better week than we have!

Co-Sleeping Blues

I've talked about the fact that I write a journal for Moo.  I want her to know what her childhood was like and also I share advice and important events in history with her.  Well, I've been debating whether or not to share entries I write on my blog.   I decided what the heck, I've shared more personal stuff before so this is nothing new.  Enjoy. 

Dear Moo,

As I write this you are sleeping.  You're not quite sound asleep because you keep rolling.  Plus, the slightest move I make causes you to stir.  Not sure if this is your way of signaling that you're ready for a Big Girl bed.  However, I do know that I've enjoyed these last two years of co-sleeping.

While some people think it's a handicap, I can say that is has been a great bonding experience.  It's been a much needed comfort for me.  I try to cherish small moments like these because you'll be bigger and older before I know it.  Then you might think you're too cool for slumber parties with Mom.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you won't though.  Anyways, know that I love you  so very much and you'll always be welcome to have a slumber party with me no matter how old, big and cool you get!

I love you Moo,
Mommy

Growing Up Too Fast

So, it me the other day that my little Moo will not be so little for much longer.  I felt very sad because I must admit that I have greatly enjoyed having her need me for simple things.  And tried to explain it to one of my friends and of course they didn't understand because they don't have kids and just couldn't sympathize with the emotions I was feelings.  The more I tried to explain it to them the more they were convinced that I was overreacting.  The conversation ended with me being highly frustrated that they would blow my feelings for my child off as nothing and needless to say I haven't been exactly dying to talk to them again since.

My point is that Moo is almost two and while she still needs me for basic survival, she has become so independent so fast that it really took me by storm just watching all the things she can do by herself now.  Like for example, she can untie her sneakers even if I double loop them.  She can undress and redress herself.  The clothes may not always be on the right side but they're on the right body parts.  She can drink out of regulars glasses without a lid.  But that's only when she's really calm isn't running thru the house with it.

She can unlock the screen door, close the front door,  and reach all the locks on the bedroom doors.  She's a master at climbing.  I mean we're climbing up on the couch, the table, the bed, clothes baskets, the entertainment system and anything else she can pull her little body onto.  We're making progress with learning how to brush our teeth good, but she can get a the job done sans me.  She's feeding herself and even knows how to unwrap gum and candy.

She's opening the refrigerator door, trying to operate the microwave and flicking channels with the remote.  I could go on and on about the things she can do and how I miss being able to do them for her.  Thus, I have decided that instead of going into her second birthday with a looming sadness, I'm going to just cherish the moments and capture the memories as they come.  I know that there are greater adventures out there for us to face together.  Even as I type this I'm watching her out the corner of my eye eating a piece of cake and I know that no matter how old she gets I'll still be her mother and never replaced!

Adventures in Potty Training: The Beginning

Well, I think that I mentioned a few posts back that I was going to try to have my adorable Moo potty trained by the end of the Summer.  And I have to admit that at first I didn't put much effort into it.  I know Boo me, but in my defense, I was just tired.  I had a lot on my plate. (Not really unusual.)  And of course, let's  just face it, I was just lazy when it really came to the task at hand.

However, I am happy to report that I have since recovered from my laziness.  I can't say that I've taken some of the things that were on my plate off.  If anything it's been quite the opposite.  I've actually put more things to my plate, but I will save all that for a later post.  The important thing is that we are finally on the journey to leaving behind diapers and saying Hello to big girl panties!  Now that I have taken the plunge, I'm truly excited.

It sounds crazy but I am genuinely excited about Moo soon being able to go potty.  For starters, my diaper bag will be lighter.  I won't have to carry a stack of diapers, ointment and all that other stuff.  I can just keep a few pull-ups in the car and I always keep wipes.  Second, I'm excited about taking her shopping to get her first set of panties!!!  That will be a milestone to write about in her baby journal.

Every time, I go to Super WalMart or The Children's Place or whatever shop I'm at, I can't help but glance at the little girl underwear and wonder when my Moo will have a collection of her own.  My mom always says that nice underwear helps you to feel sexier and better about yourself.  Of course, Moo is too young to feel sexy, but at least she will feel good about herself.  She'll like the big girl she tries so hard to be.

This morning, we sat on the toilet using the Sesame toilet seat my mother got.  She did a little tinkle.  And then later on this afternoon at the office, she tried taking a poo on the toilet!!  That might be TMI, but I can't help it.  I'm motivated and fully committed to helping her progress.  I'm learning that motherhood is what you make it.  And I choose to make my journey fantastic.

I can either complain like I see so many of the other moms doing, but at the end of the day Moo didn't ask to be here.  So, instead of viewing this process as a messy one, I'm keeping my eyes focused on the prize.  I'm also trying hard to let this be a positive experience for Moo as well.  If my attitude towards potty training her is negative or ill then she won't feel motivated to let me know when she has to use the bathroom.  Instead she'll be more content to urinate in her diaper and not have to bother me.

So, I'm already on the hunt for a cute frog potty that we can decorate with her name and maybe some more frog stickers.  I'd also like to get one to go in the car.  That way I can get her used to going to the bathroom on the go.  Not to mention, I won't have to put out a boatload of sanitizer and Lysol just make the public restrooms clean enough to go in. I can just lift up the trunk of our minivan and sit her on the potty. (I have privacy screens that can go around her potty of course.)

I can't wait to see how this adventure progresses.  Wish us luck!!!

The Fascinations of Moo

Well, the weekend is almost here.  And I for one am very much looking forward to it. Moo and I will be partying it up at a birthday party on Saturday.  Not to mention, my movie Sex & the City 2 is having a midnight premiere!!!  So, that will be certainly be on my list of fun things to do.  But more about that tomorrow...

Lately, I've been noticing that Moo is fascinated by the oddest things such as the trashcan. I'm not sure what's her fascination with the trashcan at this moment. What I do know is that it's annoying the hell out of me. I mean seriously doesn't she know all the germs she can get from those things? Well, maybe not, but I do. Feels like I'm having to wash her hands every five seconds.

Then there's her fascination with wallets. She's a bit too young to be knowing that money makes the world go round. Every time she sees my wallet,

Thankfully, she has come off her no meat boycott. Don't get me wrong I have no problem if she decides at the young age of one that she wants to a vegetarian. However, I am a self proclaimed carnivore. The meatless life is not for me. (Sorry cows, pigs and chicken.)

She's also been showing an added interested in climbing on things-her rocker, my trunk, the sofa, coffee table.  Anything she can swing her little legs on and push herself up on, she tries it.  This has been the cause of many heart attacks and I'm not even 30 yet. LOL. Seriously, ever since her fall, I have been super paranoid.  Trying to watch her every move is a bit impossible.

Still that doesn't stop me from trying. I hope that this Dare Devil stage passes very quickly.  However, I know that these fascinations will only be replaced by new ones.  What fascinations do your little ones have?

Wishful Wednesday

Ok, I'm pretty sure that what I'm about to share is probably TMI, but I've read worst on other blogs.  And besides I've come to think of some of you as really good friends.  So, here goes.... As you all know, I have a little shadow that follows me everywhere.  And I do mean everywhere.  She's about 30" tall, 23 lbs and has the cutest smile and biggest brown eyes that will just melt your heart.

So, Sunday, I'm in the bathroom doing my thing and in walks my shadow right on cue.  Of course, I'm completely used to this and I've given up on closing the door because she will simply stand outside and beat on it yelling "Ma, ma, ma, mommy, mommy" to the top of her lungs until I open it. And when I do open the door, her yelling turns to joyous "Mommyyyyyy..." as she pushes right past me.  Anyways, she comes in the bathroom and bursts into her random rambling of toddler gibberish mixed with plain English.  I just nod and say "yeah", "really" or "she said what?"

Even though I don't understand what the half things she says means, I still feel it's important to pretend that I do.  And sometimes, I really try to sit and listen and try to understand if she's asking for something.  But she has pointing down, so usually it's just her rambling. But clearly, this time it was not just aimless chatter. No sooner had she finished her run-on sentence of gibberish did she proceed to pull down her pants and snatch off her diaper.  I was about to launch into a "why would you do that" rant when she came and sat down on the potty next to me.

Oh, my little heart leaped for joy.  I know you think I'm nuts. But do you have any idea what that small gesture means?  She's ready for potty training.  I sort of figured that she has been ready to trade in her diaper for a pair of big girl panties because:

1. She started taking an interest in mine whenever I would fold laundry.  She would always sort through the basket of freshly dried clothes and turn up with a pair of my panties to place on her head. LOL. (I'll have to snap a photo for her scrapbook)
2. She had started taking an interest in the toilet. No, she wasn't playing in the toilet water, but she would watch it and always put the lid down. Also, she has mastered the art of working the handle.
3. She snatched her diaper off in church two Sundays ago and promptly placed it on the floor.  Then she gave me that look like 'I'm tired of that thing' and proceeded to stalk away.  I was slightly embarrassed and wanted to disappear.  Yes, I'm THAT mom almost every Sunday.

So, you know what they say about signs-they come in threes.  Therefore, this Wishful Wednesday, my wish is that this potty training adventure will go as smooth as possible. I'm hoping and praying that she will be as easy to potty train as the hints she's been throwing my way.  Wish us luck.

And don't forget to check out this week's giveaway.

Love at 1st Sight

So, I went with my mom and niece to the doctor earlier today-Moo in tow of course.  And it was here that I was first introduced to the wonderful and very useful Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine.  Well, while waiting for my niece and Mom to resurface from the back, I fell in love.  And not it was not with some hot dad in the waiting room because there were none and have never been any.  It was the Maclaren Techno XT stroller.

Yes, you read right.  I fell in love with a stroller!!!  This is not just any stroller.  It's like heaven in a lite weight stroller.

My Moo has reached the age where a full travel system stroller is not a day to day necessity or all that feasible to carry around in the trunk.  Especially considering the fact that we are a family that likes to haul a lot of junk in our trunk. You could say that I am in the market for a new set of wheels for Moo.  And being the writer-creative type, I'm always carrying a load of stuff-notebooks, reading books, magazines, cell phones ( I have more than one), cups, more books.  Therefore, I need a stroller that while lite weight and compact is still sturdy enough and roomy enough to store my items.  After all you never know when a good idea will hit you.

And when I saw that Techno XT, I knew it would be the perfect stroller for Moo and I.  I mean it has handlebars that are adjustable!!  Do you know how wonderful that is for a person is slightly on the taller side of things?  I've tried other compact strollers and hated being stooped over like a hunchback.  I'm too young to be developing a bad back.

Moo is also an avid on the go eater.  Therefore, her heavy stroller has taken a lot of spills and smears. But since it doesn't have a removable seat like the Techno XT, I've had to hose it down outside and hit with the hair dryer to clean it.  I can imagine Moo being well protected from the sun under its wide top canopy. The best feature by far of the Techno XT is that if fully reclines.  This would come in handy on those days when she falls asleep after a long walk in the park.

But unfortunately my dream bubble was burst when I saw the $289 price tag.  I'm a single mommy on a budget.  One that can't afford a $289 stroller no matter how fantastic and amazing it is.  So, I guess I'll have to settle for just posting it on my cork board to gaze upon every morning and evening in hopes that maybe one day we will meet in person.

Caution Unstable Walker Coming Thru

Happy Friday Everyone!!  The weekend is finally in sight.  Yippeee...  I am so glad this week is coming to an end.  I had the scare of my life on Tuesday.  So, if you are my Facebook page or read my Selfish post, then you would know that my little Moo is my whole life.

Well, after a CAT Scan and visit to a bone specialist, Moo finally decided it was high time for her to start walking.  We discovered her bowed legs were the culprit behind her delayed walking, but that the issue would correct itself.  Obviously even though I put on almost 100 pounds and looked like I had a circus ten under my shirt for nine months, she was still cramped for space.  I blame my tumors.

They took up valuable space that she needed to stretch her legs.  And sleeping in her much loved fetal position post womb only bowed her legs out more.  So, now we finally walking and running everywhere.  I thought the excitement over achieving such a milestone would never wear off.  Boy was I wrong.  She gets into twice as much stuff and in stores, we steer clear of any aisle with breakables.  Just last Friday, she pulled down a whold box of water guns.  I promise my face was bright red from embarrassment as they all clanked loudly to the floor and customers gave me that 'control your child' look.

Anyways, back to Tuesday's events.  So, I'm in the dining room (which is open to the living room) working on my line of custom totes and accessories called Nizhoni Sky.  I've rented a booth at the Yard Sale of the Carolinas for May 1st in Chesterfield, SC.  So, I really needed to work on as much as possible to prepare.  I'm in the process of ironing one tote when an argument over a couch pillow breaks out between my Moo and my four year old niece.

Moo decides to get one of the larger couch pillows and starts making her way to me in the dining room.  Like a proud mom, I'm standing there looking on thinking about time has flown and how thankfully I am that she is finally walking.  She decides it's a good time to play 'put the pillow over my eyes and try to walk' and ends up tripping over her feet.

At first I didn't really think her fall was that bad.  I've seen some kids take a bad fall before and hers was nothing compared to theirs.  But as I went to help her up, I turned her over and almost screamed.  Her face was swollen in her T-zone area.  Worst she had started to cry.  I hate it when she cries.

But at the sight of her swollen face, it wasn't the crying I was all the concerned about.  I wanted to panic, but remained somewhat calm.  I didn't know what was wrong with her.  All sorts of bad thoughts popped in my mind. What if she fractured her skull or her nose?  So, we loaded up and off I sped to the hospital. Four hours later, she was diagnosed with a contusion.  She damaged a blood vessel from the fall but would be recovered with 3 to 5 days.  Oh my Moo was safe!!

Never have I been so scared.  Sincw then she has been confined to her walker her safety purposes.  She hates it at first but eventually calms down and starts rolling around like nobody's business.  And here I was worried about her getting hurt with dad and it was me I needed to be worried about.  I am so going to keep her in the walker until she is more sturdy on her feet at least.

If only she had come with a Caution New Walker sign or something. I am to report that she has already recovered from her fall with a little help from Grammie and food.  She is back to her dare devil ways climbing on stuff and being the fearless child that I once was.  I can only chaulk this up to karma.  I gave my mom lots of near heartaches with my dare devil schemes and now Moo is doing the same to me.

Maybe I'm Selfish

Today, it hit like a sag of rocks that my little Moo is growing up on me.  And if I'm being totally honest I have to say that I don't like it one bit. I know, I know...I should probably be glad that she is learning to do certain things for herself such as walking, taking off her shoes and socks (and hat on occasion), holding her own cup and more.  Call me selfish or crazy but I want to rewind the clock all the way to the beginning.

As I watched her walk around, it crossed my mind that in 8 months she'll be 2 and then before I know it she'll be 18 and leaving the nest.  Just the thought of her not needing me anymore kinda scare me.  I mean if I'm breaking down now because she can climb on the sofa by herself, what am I going to do when she starts picking out her own clothes?  I know some of you are thinking that I should just have another kid, but to be honest I just like having my one.  It took me years to get to the point that it dawned on me that I would actually like to give this mommy thing a try.

Let's not add the fact that my current situation is a little complicated at the moment.  The love I feel for her is so overwhelming that I can't envision being able to give the same love to a 2nd child.  But then maybe we're meant to love each one of our kids differently.  As the second oldest of five, I know for a fact the my parents love each of us differently and at times it bothers me.  I just don't want to risk putting any child in this same position.

Not to mention, Moo totally enjoys having me all to herself.  Another child anytime soon would just crush her.  Then there's the fact that I have fibroids that grow and shrink on my right ovary.  I was so uncomfortable my entire 9 months and got so sick of people asking if I was having twins.  If only storks could really just drop the baby off at your door step.

However, all the pain and months of discomfort were worth it. Now I just want her to need me a little while longer... Ok forever maybe.  Having Moo transformed me somehow.  I'm shaping a life here. Wow!!  That is just still totally amazing to me.  No matter how selfish I feel the urge to be, I won't smother her.  Instead, I'll sit back and watch my caterpillar morph into the soaring butterfly she's becoming.