Darling Asher:
I suddenly realised this week that we moved into our new home on March 1st-- three and a half months ago--and since then, I have not written in your Baby Book, as I don't know where it is hidden. Probably in the last box we will open, somewhere in the garage. So, in an attempt to continue chronicling your growth and development, I wanted to write you this note that we can later stick in the relevant place in your baby book so that we continue to have a record.
Yesterday you had your 18 month appointment at the pediatrician. You way 24 pounds and measure 32 inches. At last you have trippled your birthweight!!! You are in the 25th eprcentile again for weight, which is better that the 10th percentile you were in at your 12 month checkup.
It would seem to be sods law that the few months I don't write in your book are the months during which you have learned to walk and really developed a vocabulary, which must now span upwards or 20 words, which is the 18-month "average." Having said from alsmost the getgo that you would one day be class clown, due to your dynamite personality, it seems appropriate that one of your first phrases would be "knock knock" which began last week (6/18). You are beginning to understand "no" and when I say it, you repeat it back to me, which I can only assume is a good thiing. You are testing the boundaries and so understanding no doesn't always mean you stop what it was you were doing.... these days, splashing in the toilet, slamming doors shut, fiddling with the oven nobs!
Other words you now say are "ball", "pool", "peas", "cheese", "Mummy", "Daddy", "this", "that", "what this", "juice", "door", "EIEIO" (Old McDonald), "uh=oh" -- esp when things drop on the floor, "hi", "hello", "bye", "bagel", "baby"
\n\u003cdiv\>You know a lot of the animal noises: dog, cat, cow, lion, duck, bird, snake, horse, pig and last week we learnt donkey\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>You understand even more words: cup, fan, shoes, hug, kiss, splash, kick\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>You also understand a lot o commands/ questions, such as "Where is your [cup]?" "Bring Mummy your [cup.]"\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>You eat most foods but your appetite seems to be in 48-hour cycles: one day you eat so well, the next day you don't. These days, you especially enjoy mac and cheese, Dr. Praegers foods (fish sticks and veg pancakes), pizza, noodles, asaparagus, avocado, corn, peas, carrots, melon, grapes. You love chocolate buttons and pretzels.\n\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>You began to walk about a month ago and once you plucked up the courage to give it a try you almost stopped all crawling simultaneously. You began to walk in a music class at NOVA -- i looked up and i saw you walking across the room when you thought no one was watching you!!!! i had suspcted for some time you were secretly giving it a go!! Hard to believe now that I was ever worried that you seemed to be the last walked amongst your friends! We bought you your frist pair of shoes at STride Right, 2 weeks ago -- a white pair of tradisional first shoes with little train motifs on them. They are very cute and you love them!\n\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Yo are fascinated these days by: my sunglasses, my keys, my phone, doors, the wine/ beverage fridge, the oven, cabinet doors.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Last week I bought you your first potty -- a FIsher Price one that sings to you. We are beginning to introduce the ceoncept to you as part of your bedtime ritual and I figure that you become interested in your own time. You enjoy sitting on it and playing with it, and that is what matters for now.\n\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>We love your new pediatrician (AT LAST), who is Dr. Aber at Aventura's Pediatric Associates. She is my good friend, Jen Adler's, sister-in-law.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Yesterday, June 25th, I threw out all your Avent bottles. We now are using the born free cups for bedtime and regular cups at all other times. I can't believe my baby is off the bottle.",1]
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You know a lot of the animal noises: dog, cat, cow, lion, duck, bird, snake, horse, pig and last week we learnt donkey
You understand even more words: cup, fan, shoes, hug, kiss, splash, kick
You also understand a lot o commands/ questions, such as "Where is your [cup]?" "Bring Mummy your [cup.]"
You eat most foods but your appetite seems to be in 48-hour cycles: one day you eat so well, the next day you don't. These days, you especially enjoy mac and cheese, Dr. Praegers foods (fish sticks and veg pancakes), pizza, noodles, asaparagus, avocado, corn, peas, carrots, melon, grapes. You love chocolate buttons and pretzels.
You began to walk about a month ago and once you plucked up the courage to give it a try you almost stopped all crawling simultaneously. You began to walk in a music class at NOVA -- i looked up and i saw you walking across the room when you thought no one was watching you!!!! i had suspcted for some time you were secretly giving it a go!! Hard to believe now that I was ever worried that you seemed to be the last walked amongst your friends! We bought you your frist pair of shoes at STride Right, 2 weeks ago -- a white pair of tradisional first shoes with little train motifs on them. They are very cute and you love them!
Yo are fascinated these days by: my sunglasses, my keys, my phone, doors, the wine/ beverage fridge, the oven, cabinet doors.
Last week I bought you your first potty -- a FIsher Price one that sings to you. We are beginning to introduce the ceoncept to you as part of your bedtime ritual and I figure that you become interested in your own time. You enjoy sitting on it and playing with it, and that is what matters for now.
We love your new pediatrician (AT LAST), who is Dr. Aber at Aventura's Pediatric Associates. She is my good friend, Jen Adler's, sister-in-law.
Yesterday, June 25th, I threw out all your Avent bottles. We now are using the born free cups for bedtime and regular cups at all other times. I can't believe my baby is off the bottle.
\n\u003cdiv\>You still have very sensitive skin and get heat rash bumps ocasionally. We still see Dr. Fallabella, your dermatologist every three months.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>You are going through a biting and smacking phase. It is your way of getting my attention. i tried smacking you and biting you back (!) once but I obviously didn't do it properly as you just laughed at me! and i felt terrible. so we are firmly sticking to one-minute time outs in your bedroom or on a chair. you don't like that at all.\n\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>You rplaymates are Carly (your girlfriend), Izzy, Jax, Hannah, Hayley, Andrew, Sage.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>We read every night together and end each story session with "Each Peach Pear Plum" -- I think I have recited that to you every n ight now for a year! it s part of our ritual.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>You also have your own ritual these days -- when i come in in the morning and after your nap, you like to hold up each of the anmals in your crib and have me name them for you. "hippo", "elli" "baby elli" "bunny" "teddy" "doggy" "baby doggy"..... i swear one day, when you can say them all, you will surprise me by reciting the list yourself!!\n\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>you like to make aaaah, baby. And you will come up to me and spontaneously say, aw mommy sometimes -- it is so sweet.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>you are beginning to have empathy and if you do something and i pull a sad face, you will come up to me and say "mommy", as if to say you are sorry, or 'what's wrong'. you are such a little mush! (as i type this, as if by cue, you have just sayd "MOMMY" and crawled onto my lap!!!!)\n\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>You now give me kisses, which I love. You come up to me and go "ma" (kissing noise) -- its lovely. i love that we have our little impenatratable bond. Being your Mummy makes me the happiest woman in the world. You are a joy to have in our lives.\n\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>All of a sudden you are looking like such a big boy.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>you have had two hair cuts to date.",1]
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You still have very sensitive skin and get heat rash bumps ocasionally. We still see Dr. Fallabella, your dermatologist every three months.
You are going through a biting and smacking phase. It is your way of getting my attention. i tried smacking you and biting you back (!) once but I obviously didn't do it properly as you just laughed at me! and i felt terrible. so we are firmly sticking to one-minute time outs in your bedroom or on a chair. you don't like that at all.
You rplaymates are Carly (your girlfriend), Izzy, Jax, Hannah, Hayley, Andrew, Sage.
We read every night together and end each story session with "Each Peach Pear Plum" -- I think I have recited that to you every n ight now for a year! it s part of our ritual.
You also have your own ritual these days -- when i come in in the morning and after your nap, you like to hold up each of the anmals in your crib and have me name them for you. "hippo", "elli" "baby elli" "bunny" "teddy" "doggy" "baby doggy"..... i swear one day, when you can say them all, you will surprise me by reciting the list yourself!!
you like to make aaaah, baby. And you will come up to me and spontaneously say, aw mommy sometimes -- it is so sweet.
you are beginning to have empathy and if you do something and i pull a sad face, you will come up to me and say "mommy", as if to say you are sorry, or 'what's wrong'. you are such a little mush! (as i type this, as if by cue, you have just sayd "MOMMY" and crawled onto my lap!!!!)
You now give me kisses, which I love. You come up to me and go "ma" (kissing noise) -- its lovely. i love that we have our little impenatratable bond. Being your Mummy makes me the happiest woman in the world. You are a joy to have in our lives.
All of a sudden you are looking like such a big boy.
you have had two hair cuts to date.
\n\u003cdiv\>you like to practice your talking and you jabber away all day -- especially when you are alone in your crib or in the playroom. we don't have an idea what you are saying but it is a delightful sound.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>You now have 8 teeth (4 front, 4 molars). The eight molars were awful for you to get. esp the last one which kept you up at night and gave you a lot of pain.\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>you have recently begun to enjoy watching the television. you will sit there with your cup and watch for a good half an hour. you seem to like dora, sesame street, jack's big music show, charlie and lola, pinky dinky doo, the backyardigans laurie berkner. you also are back in love with your iny love MAGIQ dog DVD.\n\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>Asher, my love -- I love you oh so much -- more than all the star sin the sky, fish in the sea, sand on the beach.... you get the picture!\u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>-- Mummy xoxoxoox\u003c/div\>",1]
);
D(["mb","\u003cspan class\u003dsg\>\n\u003cdiv\> \u003c/div\>\n\u003cdiv\>\u003cbr\>-- \u003cbr\>Check out The Knocked-Up Knockout at \u003ca href\u003d\"http://www.beautyandthedirt.com\" target\u003d\"_blank\" onclick\u003d\"return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)\"\>www.beautyandthedirt.com\u003c/a\> \u003c/div\>\n\u003c/span\>",0]
);
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you like to practice your talking and you jabber away all day -- especially when you are alone in your crib or in the playroom. we don't have an idea what you are saying but it is a delightful sound.
You now have 12 teeth (8 front, 4 molars). The eight molars were awful for you to get. esp the last one which kept you up at night and gave you a lot of pain.
you have recently begun to enjoy watching the television. you will sit there with your cup and watch for a good half an hour. you seem to like dora, sesame street, jack's big music show, charlie and lola, pinky dinky doo, the backyardigans laurie berkner. you also are back in love with your iny love MAGIQ dog DVD.
Asher, my love -- I love you oh so much -- more than all the star sin the sky, fish in the sea, sand on the beach.... you get the picture!
-- Mummy xoxoxoox
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Dining out with Baby
The Knocked-Up Knockout
June 2007: No. 1
www.beautyandthedirt.com
Tales from the Trenches of Motherhood: A Reintroduction
Dining out with Baby
Hannah Claire Shapiro
This week, following a particularly gruelling “Mommy and Me,” my two girlfriends and I decided to unwind with a lunchtime téte-à-téte. Said friends and I have gotten into a spot of bother lately in our quest to find the ideal locale for hungry mothers with children, and have already vetoed a fair few places who treat us well-tipping diners like vermin. It seems that quality customer service at supposed “family” restaurants is now reserved for people who dine without their young families in tow. Case study number one took place recently at our local, “family-friendly” pizza jaunt, where a very grumpy waitress reprimanded us for the inevitable child-residue (a few crackers on the floor). Our 22.5% tip as compensation (we are sympathetic that waiting on multiple mothers with babies is not easy) seemed to have gone unnoticed. Case study number two happened at another pizza restaurant where, upon parking our respective German-brand SUVs, removing our children from the car and putting them in their rainbow of Pliko P3s, and entering the restaurant, we were announced to fellow diners by someone who was clearly having a bad day. “Oh look,” she said somewhat snidely—and loudly. “It’s the ladies who lunch.”
Such occasions have made me think that visitors to these parts might be interested in sharing my research into the most friendly and delicious lunch spots in South Florida. Whether you are dining alone, à deux or with a whole slew of offspring, these are four of my fave restaurants for lunching…
La Goulue
9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, FL 33154 Phone: 305-865-2181
If I feel like giving Asher and myself a treat, I head down Collins Avenue to lunch at La Goulue. This is the South’s sister to the restaurant’s flagship site on Madison Avenue in New York. Nothing beats a La Goulue burger or moules frites (or tuna/ steak tartare for that matter!), washed down with a glass of rose, when it comes to whittling away an afternoon in South Florida. The newly introduced children’s menu with a “Mac and Cheese” that, judging by Asher’s yums, is to dies for, makes this the ultimate dining spot for yummy mummies who lunch. Not to mention that the Bond Street equivalent shops in the Bal Harbor shopping center, which houses La Goulue, make the whole picture even better!
Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor
128 S Federal Highway, Dania, FL, 33004 Phone: (954) 923-4445
Despite it’s name, Jaxson’s offers patrons a plentiful menu of American diner delights, from bountiful salads to hot dogs with ‘kraut to a simple grilled cheese. The waitresses are always cheery and are more than happy to offer their pearls of wisdom regarding which three of their 50 homemade flavours you should choose to top that brownie sundae you saved room for. Each dish on the children’s menu comes with a drink and ice cream sundae, making for excellent value—especially since it is large enough to give you a few tastes, too! Upon entering Jaxson’s, through the old-fashioned candy shop, you will feel as though you have walked onto a film set and the Americana lining the walls will keep accompanying children of all ages entertained for the duration of lunch.
Houston’s
2821 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33062 Phone: (954) 783-9499
Typically, I admit, I am a food/ restaurant snob with a firm dislike for chain restaurants. However, Houston’s—at any locale—rarely disappoints. But at this Pompano Beach location, my favourite of the South Florida branches, overlooking the intracoastal, you have fab scenery to boot. Houston’s secret to success is a simple menu of signature, classic American dishes, bolstered by seasonal (unlisted) specialties, such as stone crab claws or grilled artichokes, which regulars know to ask for. Dishes are always fresh-tasting and though there is no children’s menu to speak of, all the Houston’s I have visited have been extremely child-friendly and keen to cater any reasonable request. From the delicious burgers to the fantastic salads and fresh fish options, not to mention the to-die-for ‘knife-and-fork’ ribs, Houston’s have never disappointed on the food front. Oh, and did I mention they make a killer Dirty Martini?!
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
2203 S Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Phone: (954) 462-5555
There are now three locations of this South Florida pizza restaurant and the food is consistently good at all venues. The menu is simple, with a house salad that warrants regular cravings and chicken wings that people literally rave about. But the piéce de la resistance, the pizza, is worthy of being voted the best in South Florida. The menu is very child-friendly—I have yet to meet a child who doesn’t like anything on an Italian menu, and Asher has a penchant for the Anthony’s meatball and ricotta pie, which is nothing short of delicious. I, meanwhile, opt for the house salad and the arugula (rocket) pizza. What’s more, I have never encountered a grumpy waitress at Anthony’s who begrudges your little one enjoying his or her lunch, even if it means a bit more mess on and around the table, which makes a relaxed lunchtime experience for the mums and children alike.
June 2007: No. 1
www.beautyandthedirt.com
Tales from the Trenches of Motherhood: A Reintroduction
Dining out with Baby
Hannah Claire Shapiro
This week, following a particularly gruelling “Mommy and Me,” my two girlfriends and I decided to unwind with a lunchtime téte-à-téte. Said friends and I have gotten into a spot of bother lately in our quest to find the ideal locale for hungry mothers with children, and have already vetoed a fair few places who treat us well-tipping diners like vermin. It seems that quality customer service at supposed “family” restaurants is now reserved for people who dine without their young families in tow. Case study number one took place recently at our local, “family-friendly” pizza jaunt, where a very grumpy waitress reprimanded us for the inevitable child-residue (a few crackers on the floor). Our 22.5% tip as compensation (we are sympathetic that waiting on multiple mothers with babies is not easy) seemed to have gone unnoticed. Case study number two happened at another pizza restaurant where, upon parking our respective German-brand SUVs, removing our children from the car and putting them in their rainbow of Pliko P3s, and entering the restaurant, we were announced to fellow diners by someone who was clearly having a bad day. “Oh look,” she said somewhat snidely—and loudly. “It’s the ladies who lunch.”
Such occasions have made me think that visitors to these parts might be interested in sharing my research into the most friendly and delicious lunch spots in South Florida. Whether you are dining alone, à deux or with a whole slew of offspring, these are four of my fave restaurants for lunching…
La Goulue
9700 Collins Avenue, Bal Harbour, FL 33154 Phone: 305-865-2181
If I feel like giving Asher and myself a treat, I head down Collins Avenue to lunch at La Goulue. This is the South’s sister to the restaurant’s flagship site on Madison Avenue in New York. Nothing beats a La Goulue burger or moules frites (or tuna/ steak tartare for that matter!), washed down with a glass of rose, when it comes to whittling away an afternoon in South Florida. The newly introduced children’s menu with a “Mac and Cheese” that, judging by Asher’s yums, is to dies for, makes this the ultimate dining spot for yummy mummies who lunch. Not to mention that the Bond Street equivalent shops in the Bal Harbor shopping center, which houses La Goulue, make the whole picture even better!
Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor
128 S Federal Highway, Dania, FL, 33004 Phone: (954) 923-4445
Despite it’s name, Jaxson’s offers patrons a plentiful menu of American diner delights, from bountiful salads to hot dogs with ‘kraut to a simple grilled cheese. The waitresses are always cheery and are more than happy to offer their pearls of wisdom regarding which three of their 50 homemade flavours you should choose to top that brownie sundae you saved room for. Each dish on the children’s menu comes with a drink and ice cream sundae, making for excellent value—especially since it is large enough to give you a few tastes, too! Upon entering Jaxson’s, through the old-fashioned candy shop, you will feel as though you have walked onto a film set and the Americana lining the walls will keep accompanying children of all ages entertained for the duration of lunch.
Houston’s
2821 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33062 Phone: (954) 783-9499
Typically, I admit, I am a food/ restaurant snob with a firm dislike for chain restaurants. However, Houston’s—at any locale—rarely disappoints. But at this Pompano Beach location, my favourite of the South Florida branches, overlooking the intracoastal, you have fab scenery to boot. Houston’s secret to success is a simple menu of signature, classic American dishes, bolstered by seasonal (unlisted) specialties, such as stone crab claws or grilled artichokes, which regulars know to ask for. Dishes are always fresh-tasting and though there is no children’s menu to speak of, all the Houston’s I have visited have been extremely child-friendly and keen to cater any reasonable request. From the delicious burgers to the fantastic salads and fresh fish options, not to mention the to-die-for ‘knife-and-fork’ ribs, Houston’s have never disappointed on the food front. Oh, and did I mention they make a killer Dirty Martini?!
Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
2203 S Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Phone: (954) 462-5555
There are now three locations of this South Florida pizza restaurant and the food is consistently good at all venues. The menu is simple, with a house salad that warrants regular cravings and chicken wings that people literally rave about. But the piéce de la resistance, the pizza, is worthy of being voted the best in South Florida. The menu is very child-friendly—I have yet to meet a child who doesn’t like anything on an Italian menu, and Asher has a penchant for the Anthony’s meatball and ricotta pie, which is nothing short of delicious. I, meanwhile, opt for the house salad and the arugula (rocket) pizza. What’s more, I have never encountered a grumpy waitress at Anthony’s who begrudges your little one enjoying his or her lunch, even if it means a bit more mess on and around the table, which makes a relaxed lunchtime experience for the mums and children alike.
A few more of my favourite things...
The Knocked-Up Knockout
June 2007: No. 1
www.beautyandthedirt.com
Tales from the Trenches of Motherhood: A Reintroduction
Hannah Claire Shapiro
I feel like I owe you all a bit of an apology. The last seven months for us Shapiros has been a bit of a house-buying-and-renovation whirlwind. To the extent that everything else, i.e. this column, has been put on hold. We moved in on March 1st, to cement floors, no kitchen and no hot water. Now, I was never the best camper—in fact, I relinquished my Brownie uniform following my first camp experience—so the fact that I have come out the other end of these past few months with my head still firmly screwed on (although some would say that is questionable, i.e. Mister F) has left me feeling a renewed sense of pride and strength.
And so, let me reintroduce you to The Knocked-Up Knockout. Your source for the latest and greatest Mummy and offspring scoop, from beauty products and fashion, to news and tips. My first 18 months of motherhood have been nothing short of eventful. I am now looking forward to kicking back a little and letting life happen, and sharing all the tales that unfold with you. As well as a few insider tips for all you hip, yum Mums and To-Bes.
A few months ago, I heard about a fab new clothing line out of LA, called Yoga Army. Many of the items (polo shirts, tanks, dresses, skirts etc) are imbedded with original works of art; all the collection is utterly wearable and very comfortable. The dresses are ideal for all mums and To-Bes, as they are effortless to wear—the fabric is stretchy and so forgiving, which means you can wear it pre-pregnancy and beyond. Prices range from $98 for tops to upwards of $500 for dresses. Kristin Cavalleri and Lindsay Lohan are amongst the brand’s fans… need we say more?! Check out www.yogaarmy.com. The dresses can be purchased for international sale exclusively to Beauty and the Dirt/ Knocked-Up Knockout readers, by calling (+001) 626 285 0528, or by emailing the showroom directly, at yogaarmy@yahoo.com.
I have purchased a few of the Yoga Army dresses myself, as they are perfect for the year-round sun, here in Miami. I have always liked to dress femininely but since there have been two for me to dress, I find it easier than ever to simply throw on a dress in the morning, rather than worrying about clothing combinations. Not to mention that dresses are a lot cooler now that the South Florida mercury is rising to the mid-90s mark (Fahrenheit, that is). The Yoga Army dresses are perfect since, though they are a little pricey, they can carry you between seasons, with the addition of a little cardi, or from from day to night (Ballet pumps to heels). But the biggest plus these dresses has to offer is that they will carry you through ALL your trimesters and as Asher approaches the 18-month mark, I must confess, I am beginning to ponder Baby 2.
Though I had no problems conceiving last time, there is no guaranteeing the same luck with Baby 2. You see, according to Victoria Jennings, Ph.D, Director of Georgetown University's Institute for Reproductive Health, approximately 20% of women who do not become pregnant fail because they do not know when they are fertile. (These are the depressing facts you come across when writing such a column as this).
Enter CycleBeads, the fashionista’s answer to an ovulation chart! This pretty, rosary-style, contraption (developed by Georgetown University’s Institute for Reproductive Health), enables a woman to easily identify her 12-day “fertile window”. The CycleBeads are ever so easy to use: you simply move a black ring over a series of color-coded beads that represent her fertile and low fertility days. The day a woman starts her period she puts the ring on the red bead, and each day you move the ring along the chain by one bead, always in the direction of the arrow. When the ring is on the red bead or a dark bead, there is very low likelihood of pregnancy. When the ring is on a glow-in-the-dark white bead - Days eight through 19 - there is a high likelihood of getting pregnant. Genius! My set is already on order so that when the time is right, I have them to hand. And for those of you considering the move to become a Knocked-Up Knockout yourself, I thoroughly encourage you to do the same. If nothing else, you will have a new fashion accessory. You can get more information, and order your own set of CycleBeads, at www.cyclebeads.com.
Until next time,
Hannah xo
Final thought…
My best pal, Polly, recently sent me a card with a near-prophetic saying on the front, which I feel it is my duty to share with all fellow Mummies out there. The card read as follows: “Lies to tell small children: wine makes mummy clever.” Hallmark, take note: never has a truer sentiment been uttered in the course of greeting card history.
Thank goodness for vino! And good friends. Neither of which, any mother wishing to keep her sanity should be without.
June 2007: No. 1
www.beautyandthedirt.com
Tales from the Trenches of Motherhood: A Reintroduction
Hannah Claire Shapiro
I feel like I owe you all a bit of an apology. The last seven months for us Shapiros has been a bit of a house-buying-and-renovation whirlwind. To the extent that everything else, i.e. this column, has been put on hold. We moved in on March 1st, to cement floors, no kitchen and no hot water. Now, I was never the best camper—in fact, I relinquished my Brownie uniform following my first camp experience—so the fact that I have come out the other end of these past few months with my head still firmly screwed on (although some would say that is questionable, i.e. Mister F) has left me feeling a renewed sense of pride and strength.
And so, let me reintroduce you to The Knocked-Up Knockout. Your source for the latest and greatest Mummy and offspring scoop, from beauty products and fashion, to news and tips. My first 18 months of motherhood have been nothing short of eventful. I am now looking forward to kicking back a little and letting life happen, and sharing all the tales that unfold with you. As well as a few insider tips for all you hip, yum Mums and To-Bes.
A few months ago, I heard about a fab new clothing line out of LA, called Yoga Army. Many of the items (polo shirts, tanks, dresses, skirts etc) are imbedded with original works of art; all the collection is utterly wearable and very comfortable. The dresses are ideal for all mums and To-Bes, as they are effortless to wear—the fabric is stretchy and so forgiving, which means you can wear it pre-pregnancy and beyond. Prices range from $98 for tops to upwards of $500 for dresses. Kristin Cavalleri and Lindsay Lohan are amongst the brand’s fans… need we say more?! Check out www.yogaarmy.com. The dresses can be purchased for international sale exclusively to Beauty and the Dirt/ Knocked-Up Knockout readers, by calling (+001) 626 285 0528, or by emailing the showroom directly, at yogaarmy@yahoo.com.
I have purchased a few of the Yoga Army dresses myself, as they are perfect for the year-round sun, here in Miami. I have always liked to dress femininely but since there have been two for me to dress, I find it easier than ever to simply throw on a dress in the morning, rather than worrying about clothing combinations. Not to mention that dresses are a lot cooler now that the South Florida mercury is rising to the mid-90s mark (Fahrenheit, that is). The Yoga Army dresses are perfect since, though they are a little pricey, they can carry you between seasons, with the addition of a little cardi, or from from day to night (Ballet pumps to heels). But the biggest plus these dresses has to offer is that they will carry you through ALL your trimesters and as Asher approaches the 18-month mark, I must confess, I am beginning to ponder Baby 2.
Though I had no problems conceiving last time, there is no guaranteeing the same luck with Baby 2. You see, according to Victoria Jennings, Ph.D, Director of Georgetown University's Institute for Reproductive Health, approximately 20% of women who do not become pregnant fail because they do not know when they are fertile. (These are the depressing facts you come across when writing such a column as this).
Enter CycleBeads, the fashionista’s answer to an ovulation chart! This pretty, rosary-style, contraption (developed by Georgetown University’s Institute for Reproductive Health), enables a woman to easily identify her 12-day “fertile window”. The CycleBeads are ever so easy to use: you simply move a black ring over a series of color-coded beads that represent her fertile and low fertility days. The day a woman starts her period she puts the ring on the red bead, and each day you move the ring along the chain by one bead, always in the direction of the arrow. When the ring is on the red bead or a dark bead, there is very low likelihood of pregnancy. When the ring is on a glow-in-the-dark white bead - Days eight through 19 - there is a high likelihood of getting pregnant. Genius! My set is already on order so that when the time is right, I have them to hand. And for those of you considering the move to become a Knocked-Up Knockout yourself, I thoroughly encourage you to do the same. If nothing else, you will have a new fashion accessory. You can get more information, and order your own set of CycleBeads, at www.cyclebeads.com.
Until next time,
Hannah xo
Final thought…
My best pal, Polly, recently sent me a card with a near-prophetic saying on the front, which I feel it is my duty to share with all fellow Mummies out there. The card read as follows: “Lies to tell small children: wine makes mummy clever.” Hallmark, take note: never has a truer sentiment been uttered in the course of greeting card history.
Thank goodness for vino! And good friends. Neither of which, any mother wishing to keep her sanity should be without.
Infant travelling
The Knocked-Up Knockout
Nove 2006: No 1
Travelling with Baby
Hannah Claire Shapiro
I recently took my now 11-month-old son on a transatlantic trip back to Blighty. Just me, him and a plane full of strangers who eyed us with a look that expressed both fear and pity (and relief when they realized that they weren’t sitting next to us) as they boarded the plane. This wasn’t the first time I had flown solo with Asher but I instinctively knew that this boisterous boy was a far cry from the meek little darling who had traveled with me eight months prior. Gone are the days when A will sleep through anything and demand no more nutrition than the occasional bottle. That angelic, sweet and quiet little baby has been replaced by a toddling boy who likes to jump, squeal(both in delight and horror) and play.
As the day of the trip dawned upon us, my average number of hours slept per night was dwindling as my mind raced with questions: “How many bottles should I bring?” “How many changes of clothes will A need?” “What if the formula in England makes A ill?” “How am I going to carry everything I need onto the plane?”
Something had to be done. And seeing as Asher’s own Daddy would not be joining us for this adventure, I thought I might benefit from an expert daddy point of view. So, in preparation for our flight, I spoke with Dad-centric author, Armin Brott (www.mrdad.com) to see what he suggested to calm down this manic mama. Armin’s advice is brilliant and applicable whether you are flying solo or with your partner so I had to share it with you. It will keep all traveling mummies as yummy as they can be on a long-haul flight with a baby in tow!
Here are Mr. Dad’s Traveling Top Ten Tips:
Get to the airport early. Going through security with a baby can be a real adventure. You’ll have to fold up the stroller to put it through the x-ray machine and in most cases you’ll have to carry the baby through the metal detectors. And be prepared: if you set off any alarms, the security people may pat your baby down too.
Use your stroller to haul your carry-ons, car seat and other stuff and carry the baby in a front-pack or sling along. Most airlines will let you check the stroller at the gate.
Always request the bulkhead seats—they generally offer a little more room, and you won’t have to worry that your child will kick the seat of the people in front of you. Also, ask to be seated next to an empty seat if possible. On long-haul flights, sitting in the bulkhead seat will also enable you to use the airplane’s SkyCot, which can hold babies up to 23 pounds.
If making special requests of the airline staff at check-in or while on board the plae, be sure to hold your absolutely adorable baby in your arms while you’re asking—this can improve your chances of getting what you want.
Don’t board early. Instead, send your partner on with the carry-on stuff while you stay out in the lounge, letting the kids run themselves ragged until the last minute. Why spend any more time cooped up in the airplane than you absolutely have to?
If you’re going on an extremely long trip and your child is particularly restless or active, schedule a stopover or two to give you all a chance to get off the plane, stretch, and run around.
Every child under two years old should suck on something—breast, bottle, or pacifier—on the way up and the way down. This will counteract the pressurization and reduce the chances of painful earaches. It may also make your baby a little drowsier.
Make sure your child drinks a lot while on board the plane and try to keep his nasal passages moist. Airplane travel can dry out your baby’s (and your) mucous membranes, making him more susceptible to colds or sinus infections.
If you can afford it, invest in buying baby his own seat. Yes, it’s more expensive, but holding a baby on your lap for a few hours, especially on a packed plane, can be a real pain. It’s also not nearly as safe as having the baby neatly secured in a car-seat.
Check as many bags as you can, but take one carry-on that’s stocked with diapers, wipes, an extra outfit or two, and enough toys for the journey (one per hour, including the hour or two you’ll be waiting at the airport). In case of plane delays, carry on enough food and diapers for 24 hours.
Armin’s website, books and DVD are jam-packed with similarly down-to-earth advice, and are available from his website www.mrdad.com. They would make a good holiday gift for all those fab—and expectant Dads—out there!
Happy Holiday Travels, to one and all.
Until next time,
Hannah xo
These are a few of my favourite things....
The Knocked-Up Knockout
Feb 2007: No. 2
These are a few of my favourite things…
Hannah Claire Shapiro
Since the introduction of this column to beautyandthedirt.com late last year, I seem to be regarded as something of a Yummy Mummy expert by both friends and strangers alike. The biggest question on everyone’s lips is always “What is your favourite baby product? And Mummy product?” And so, I have decided to begin a somewhat regular “Favourite Things” rundown, which will alert you to my round-up of most-wanted products for knockouts and their cherubs.
This Little Piggy Went to Prada, by Amy Allen
Every copy of this book, billed as “nursery rhymes for the Blahnik brigade”, means a donation to Save the Children. But if that weren’t incentive enough, just think how entertained you will be while reciting Lee’s rhymes, such as her version of ‘I Had a Little Nut Tree,’ which begins “I had a little shoe tree, nothing would it bear/ But Manolo Blahnik and vintage Taittinger.” Not to mention, the illustrations, which are nothing short of stylish. Need I say more?! This is the perfect gift for any mother or mother-to-be on your present list.
www.thislittlepiggywenttoprada.com; £12.95
Belli Cosmetics
Every modern-day mother-to-be has one fear bigger than giving birth: STRETCH MARKS. To prevent these nightmarish scars, not to mention, minimising the other skin and health issues related to pregnancy, see itchy belly, chloasma (a.k.a “the mask of pregnancy”), and swelling, I relied rather heavily on the remarkable Belli Cosmetics products, from Day 1. As a result of my religious use of their belly oil, I suffered no pregnancy-induced stretch marks. So, it was no wonder that I turned to their post-partum line, once Asher arrived. The Body-Firming serum and Eye brightening cream are fantastic and a year later, I am still using them! I’m not alone in my assessment. These products, devised by husband-and-wife team, Annette and Jason Rubin, are now the #1 recommended skincare products by US-based OB/Gyns.
www.bellicosmetics.com
Rodial Stretch Mark Eraser
If you aren’t so fortunate in the stretch mark stakes, check out “the natural alternative to Strivectin,” which fades the appearance of not only stretch marks, but fine lines and wrinkles, too. The product does this by plumping the skin through increased collagen production. There are even clinical trials available to confirm the product’s effectiveness. The Rodial Stretch Mark Eraser ain’t cheap at £78 a pop but my friends tell me this stuff is nothing short of a miracle. I say you should try it out for yourself. And look out for my upcoming trial of the celeb-favourite in cellulite treatments, Rodial’s 3-in-1 Body Scrub and Body Sculpture.
www.rodial.co.uk
Egba Originals
These are just about the most fashionable invitations-cum-birth-announcements on the market; Sean “Diddy” Combs and Brooke Burke agree. Egba is the acronym for what everyone hopes for from their special event: “Everything’s gonna be awesome.” Despite the somewhat cheesy name-meaning, these are hands-down the most unique and interesting birth announcements or birthday party invites I have seen on the bespoke printing market.
www.egbaoriginals.com
Until next time,
Hannah xo
It's what's inside [your makeup bag] that counts!
The Knocked-Up Knockout
Feb 2007: No 1
www.beautyandthedirt.com
It’s what’s inside [your make-up bag] that counts!
Hannah Claire Shapiro
Greetings, all. I hope you are doing well.
I had such a resounding response to my previous piece about the mummy make-up routine, with many of you querying what the handbag essentials are for those inevitable mid-day touch-ups. I too had been asking myself the same question since my physical therapist advised me to lighten the handbag load. You see, I was the girl at school whose friends could always rely on her for poweder, lip balm… you name it. And mot much as has changed since the days of adolescence.
So, once again, I contacted my pal, and make-up artist to the stars, Jessica Liebeskind, to help us draw the line between well-equipped and OTT. Here is her list of Dos and Don’ts, which should guarantee that you are never caught out and not looking your best.
“The yummy mummy’s make-up bag for her purse should be filled with the perfect items to touch up her face throughout the day,” says Jessica, who suggests the following Dos:
A travel-sized, stick foundation. “This is great for covering up tiny imperfections and blemishes, which may rear their ugly head throughout the day.”
Pressed powder “is great for Mummies with oily skin,” and is also necessary to get rid of any perspiration sheen that arises from chasing your toddler around!
Your favourite pink-toned cream blush, which will liven up your look during the mid-afternoon slump. Plus “everyone looks fresh and pretty in pink,” says Jessica.
Your signature lip colour, which should be “one that matches your lips when you’re not wearing any lipstick at all,” advises Jessica.
A tester of your favourite fragrance
A small sample of moisturizer. “Sometimes all your face needs for a great pick-me-up is a little cream,” advises Jessica. “It smoothes over hours-old foundation, eliminates the cakey-ness of concealer, and always gives an added glow to the skin.”
A pretty mirrored compact. (I couldn’t agree with this one more. I love the Estee Lauder gold compact my Mum bought me for my 21st birthday so that I could “powder my nose like a lady.”)
Jessica also has some great tips for Don’ts!
Never carry eyeliner. (Note to reader: I was guilty of this one but Jessica is adamant that eye liner is a once-only product that requires no touching up during the day.)
Mascara (ditto)
More than two lipsticks or lipglosses, as they take up space and you always end up wearing one rather than the other, anyway! (She has a point!)
So, girls stay pretty and fresh…
Until next time,
Hannah xo
P.S.
Once again, and in time for Valentines Day, my friends at Benefit are offering free shipping to all my lovely readers. Just enter the promotional code at checkout. Happy shopping!
Feb 2007: No 1
www.beautyandthedirt.com
It’s what’s inside [your make-up bag] that counts!
Hannah Claire Shapiro
Greetings, all. I hope you are doing well.
I had such a resounding response to my previous piece about the mummy make-up routine, with many of you querying what the handbag essentials are for those inevitable mid-day touch-ups. I too had been asking myself the same question since my physical therapist advised me to lighten the handbag load. You see, I was the girl at school whose friends could always rely on her for poweder, lip balm… you name it. And mot much as has changed since the days of adolescence.
So, once again, I contacted my pal, and make-up artist to the stars, Jessica Liebeskind, to help us draw the line between well-equipped and OTT. Here is her list of Dos and Don’ts, which should guarantee that you are never caught out and not looking your best.
“The yummy mummy’s make-up bag for her purse should be filled with the perfect items to touch up her face throughout the day,” says Jessica, who suggests the following Dos:
A travel-sized, stick foundation. “This is great for covering up tiny imperfections and blemishes, which may rear their ugly head throughout the day.”
Pressed powder “is great for Mummies with oily skin,” and is also necessary to get rid of any perspiration sheen that arises from chasing your toddler around!
Your favourite pink-toned cream blush, which will liven up your look during the mid-afternoon slump. Plus “everyone looks fresh and pretty in pink,” says Jessica.
Your signature lip colour, which should be “one that matches your lips when you’re not wearing any lipstick at all,” advises Jessica.
A tester of your favourite fragrance
A small sample of moisturizer. “Sometimes all your face needs for a great pick-me-up is a little cream,” advises Jessica. “It smoothes over hours-old foundation, eliminates the cakey-ness of concealer, and always gives an added glow to the skin.”
A pretty mirrored compact. (I couldn’t agree with this one more. I love the Estee Lauder gold compact my Mum bought me for my 21st birthday so that I could “powder my nose like a lady.”)
Jessica also has some great tips for Don’ts!
Never carry eyeliner. (Note to reader: I was guilty of this one but Jessica is adamant that eye liner is a once-only product that requires no touching up during the day.)
Mascara (ditto)
More than two lipsticks or lipglosses, as they take up space and you always end up wearing one rather than the other, anyway! (She has a point!)
So, girls stay pretty and fresh…
Until next time,
Hannah xo
P.S.
Once again, and in time for Valentines Day, my friends at Benefit are offering free shipping to all my lovely readers. Just enter the promotional code at checkout. Happy shopping!
Effortless Mummy Makeup/ Jan 07
The Knocked-Up Knockout
January 2007: No. 1
www.beautyandthedirt.com
Effortless Mummy Make-Up for the New Year
Greetings from sunny South Florida. And Happy 2007 to you all! I wish everyone a happy and healthy year ahead.
Having lost all the baby weight—at last—I decided to give myself a couple more manageable resolutions this year. Following a rather indulgent December, the first was to have a “dry January,” i.e. no alcohol. As with all good new years resolutions, it wasn’t long before this one was broken—with a lovely Pinot Noir. The second, to maintain an effortless makeup regimen, is, however, going surprisingly well.
I don’t know about you, but I am a bit of a makeup junkie. I am a marketers dream; a sucker for any well-billed new product on the market. I can’t walk through a beauty hall without, at the least, picking up a new eye shadow or lippy from one of my fave brands. And so, while most girls I know have a cute, little makeup bag containing all five or six of their fail-safe products, I have a three-tiered toolbox—literally—filled with cosmetics. And though I may use only five or six of the hundreds of products regularly, I cannot bear to throw any one of them out—you never know when you will need that yellow eye shadow, after all! And, guaranteed, I would throw it out only to realize its calling.
This may seem like no big deal. But whilst pre-baby I could ready myself for the day at leisure, these days I must cram what used to take me a good 40 minutes—showering, teeth-brushing, lotioning and potioning, make up applying and dressing—into 15 to 20 minutes, if my son and I are ever going to make it out the door before noon. No makeup is not an option when, these days, you have dark circles a raccoon would envy; but applying the mask becomes a lengthy process when I have to trawl through the hundreds of products in my case to find the one thing I’m looking for.
So, I called in the advice of the experts.
Jessica Liebeskind, is a bicoastal makeup artist who has worked with the likes of Heidi Klum, Nicky Hilton, Gucci and Matthew Williamson, and she has great advice for maintaining a simplistic Mummy makeup regimen for those women who, like me, possess far more makeup than is strictly necessary for daily use.
“Keep a separate small makeup travel bag, filled with your favorite, basic products,” says Jessica. “This will also lead to less stressful packing [for holidays] as you will never need to worry about leaving your favorite products behind.”
Jessica suggests your new, minimal bag includes the following products:
Moisturizer with an SPF
Eye cream
Concealer, Jessica’s fave is Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer kit
Foundation
Cream blush, I like the Nars sticks
Eyelash curler, I prefer the often replicated, never duplicated Shu Uemara
Black mascara, Jessica recommends Dior Show
Lip gloss, I like the Chanel glosses
The best thing about Jessica’s lineup for a streamlined makeup bag is that none of the products require brushes, which means even less rooting around time. Since putting this resolution into practice, I have only added to the minimal mix with a neutral and dark brown eye shadow, and a kohl pencil, which is hardly giving in. The eye shadow, I apply with a cotton bud, which I also use to smudge the kohl, so I’m still brush free. And there, my dears, you have it! Effortless Mummy Making Up for the new year!
Until next time,
Hannah xo
P.S. In order to get your streamlined makeup bag going, my good friends at Benefit are offering my readers 50% off select items. Enjoy!
January 2007: No. 1
www.beautyandthedirt.com
Effortless Mummy Make-Up for the New Year
Greetings from sunny South Florida. And Happy 2007 to you all! I wish everyone a happy and healthy year ahead.
Having lost all the baby weight—at last—I decided to give myself a couple more manageable resolutions this year. Following a rather indulgent December, the first was to have a “dry January,” i.e. no alcohol. As with all good new years resolutions, it wasn’t long before this one was broken—with a lovely Pinot Noir. The second, to maintain an effortless makeup regimen, is, however, going surprisingly well.
I don’t know about you, but I am a bit of a makeup junkie. I am a marketers dream; a sucker for any well-billed new product on the market. I can’t walk through a beauty hall without, at the least, picking up a new eye shadow or lippy from one of my fave brands. And so, while most girls I know have a cute, little makeup bag containing all five or six of their fail-safe products, I have a three-tiered toolbox—literally—filled with cosmetics. And though I may use only five or six of the hundreds of products regularly, I cannot bear to throw any one of them out—you never know when you will need that yellow eye shadow, after all! And, guaranteed, I would throw it out only to realize its calling.
This may seem like no big deal. But whilst pre-baby I could ready myself for the day at leisure, these days I must cram what used to take me a good 40 minutes—showering, teeth-brushing, lotioning and potioning, make up applying and dressing—into 15 to 20 minutes, if my son and I are ever going to make it out the door before noon. No makeup is not an option when, these days, you have dark circles a raccoon would envy; but applying the mask becomes a lengthy process when I have to trawl through the hundreds of products in my case to find the one thing I’m looking for.
So, I called in the advice of the experts.
Jessica Liebeskind, is a bicoastal makeup artist who has worked with the likes of Heidi Klum, Nicky Hilton, Gucci and Matthew Williamson, and she has great advice for maintaining a simplistic Mummy makeup regimen for those women who, like me, possess far more makeup than is strictly necessary for daily use.
“Keep a separate small makeup travel bag, filled with your favorite, basic products,” says Jessica. “This will also lead to less stressful packing [for holidays] as you will never need to worry about leaving your favorite products behind.”
Jessica suggests your new, minimal bag includes the following products:
Moisturizer with an SPF
Eye cream
Concealer, Jessica’s fave is Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer kit
Foundation
Cream blush, I like the Nars sticks
Eyelash curler, I prefer the often replicated, never duplicated Shu Uemara
Black mascara, Jessica recommends Dior Show
Lip gloss, I like the Chanel glosses
The best thing about Jessica’s lineup for a streamlined makeup bag is that none of the products require brushes, which means even less rooting around time. Since putting this resolution into practice, I have only added to the minimal mix with a neutral and dark brown eye shadow, and a kohl pencil, which is hardly giving in. The eye shadow, I apply with a cotton bud, which I also use to smudge the kohl, so I’m still brush free. And there, my dears, you have it! Effortless Mummy Making Up for the new year!
Until next time,
Hannah xo
P.S. In order to get your streamlined makeup bag going, my good friends at Benefit are offering my readers 50% off select items. Enjoy!
Thursday, 21st June 2007
OK... having met 4D properly today, I have decided to go with her for the following reason: her office is five minutes away. You see, I liked both women... my gut didn't tell me anything. I also liked the coincidence that she is from Connecticut and her mother is English. My Mother is from CT and my Father is English. If she was Jewish, it would be perfect-- or be-ershert-- as we say... I don't think I am far off! As for the hospital situation, we will decide when we need to decide: memorial East or Memorial Miramar. I have to say, though, to be truthful and fair, the plasma screen TV opposite the exam chair, this morning on Regis & Kelly, is a VERY nice distraction!!! And when push came to shove, I made my decision based on these two superficial things because, like I said, both women were so nice and VERY informative.
So, job done. Mustn't think about it anymore as my head is in a tizzy from it all!
So, job done. Mustn't think about it anymore as my head is in a tizzy from it all!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Day 1 on Blogger: MY quest to find an OB
Welcome to my Blogspot... Here, I will chronicle--in even more detail--the realities on how it is to be the young Mummy of a lively and energetic 18-month-old boy, and the wife of a livewired 35-year-old husband!!! Of course, I will also keep you up-to-date on the latest and greatest tools for all you Mummies and "To-Bes" out there. From jeans to makeup, and nursery decor to travel... please let me know what you would like to know and hear from me.
There's nothing like gtting right down to the nitty gritty... so let's get to it.
Today, I have continued on my elusive quest for an OB/ GYN. The US-system is soooooo different to that back home--not that I ever had to go through the UK-system--but, by all accounts, it really is. There is no GP and no midwife. You're out on your own. And there are so many choices. It's mind boggling. My requirements, you would think, are simple, that my OB be female and be able to confirm that she is more than 80% likely to be the one who will deliver my future baby(s). It's taken me a while but--at last--I have been referred to two women who are up for the task. Now what's the problem? I like them both!!! Urgh. Now I have to decide which one I will have to break up with. So I am up to my eyeballs researching local hospitals (each woman delivers at a different hospital) and considering the realtive merits of each woman's facility. I have to say that today's candidate, with her plasma-screened waiting room and attractive enticements such as compliemntary 4-D ultrasound, may be slightly ahead of yesterday's with her idyllic office on the ocean.... HOWEVER, Ocean OB delivers at Broward General, which is supposed to have an award-winning NICU and beautiful rooms, whilst 4D OB delivers at Memorial where you are not guarranteed a "hotel-like" room in which to welcome you rprecious bundle of joy, nor is their NICU so top-notch. AND "Ocean" is a professional recommendation from the Elite OBGYN, my friend, Araba Sam (who takes no insurance but offers you man, pedis and massages to follow your exam, not to mention door-to-door limo service to and from her office. "4D" has been suggested to me through friends of friends. You see why this gets complicated?!
I will keep you posted.
In the meantime, Asher T is down for his mdiday snooze which gives me one hour to get on with some organisation around here. A woman's work is never done....
Until next time,
Hannah xo
There's nothing like gtting right down to the nitty gritty... so let's get to it.
Today, I have continued on my elusive quest for an OB/ GYN. The US-system is soooooo different to that back home--not that I ever had to go through the UK-system--but, by all accounts, it really is. There is no GP and no midwife. You're out on your own. And there are so many choices. It's mind boggling. My requirements, you would think, are simple, that my OB be female and be able to confirm that she is more than 80% likely to be the one who will deliver my future baby(s). It's taken me a while but--at last--I have been referred to two women who are up for the task. Now what's the problem? I like them both!!! Urgh. Now I have to decide which one I will have to break up with. So I am up to my eyeballs researching local hospitals (each woman delivers at a different hospital) and considering the realtive merits of each woman's facility. I have to say that today's candidate, with her plasma-screened waiting room and attractive enticements such as compliemntary 4-D ultrasound, may be slightly ahead of yesterday's with her idyllic office on the ocean.... HOWEVER, Ocean OB delivers at Broward General, which is supposed to have an award-winning NICU and beautiful rooms, whilst 4D OB delivers at Memorial where you are not guarranteed a "hotel-like" room in which to welcome you rprecious bundle of joy, nor is their NICU so top-notch. AND "Ocean" is a professional recommendation from the Elite OBGYN, my friend, Araba Sam (who takes no insurance but offers you man, pedis and massages to follow your exam, not to mention door-to-door limo service to and from her office. "4D" has been suggested to me through friends of friends. You see why this gets complicated?!
I will keep you posted.
In the meantime, Asher T is down for his mdiday snooze which gives me one hour to get on with some organisation around here. A woman's work is never done....
Until next time,
Hannah xo
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