You probably won’t be surprised to learn that I have a 14 month old.  Actually, after what I’ve just said that’s probably either obvious, or a relief.

How would I cook dinner without O’s?  How would I get a shower?  Manage car rides, church services, morning meetings?  From the moment that pincher grip is developed, the world opens up to “O”pportunity – its O’s, O’s and more O’s.

I’ve tried other snacks – yes, I have.  There’s a whole line of infant junk food available, to my utter shock.  By why  I would want to fill my eager infant with sugar and processed flour is beyond me.  O’s might not be the best thing to eat, but they work for now.

Tiny yet yummy, snacky yet (sort of) nutritious, easy to grab on my way out the door yet certain to please – Cheerios, you are a Mother’s best friend.  I grow weary of seeing you on every surface my eyes fall upon yet you are so reliable. I’m sorry that I get mad when you’re stuck to my feet t as I step out of the shower; just as frequently I gaze on you in awe and gratitude.  I raise my spoon to you.  Cheerio!

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With Valentine’s Day a month in the distance but Mother’s Day coming up before you know it, we’re kind of in that in-between gift time.  Wickedly Chic’s Valentine’s Gift Guide is about to be gone for good, but here are some of our favorite picks for your shopping pleasure.   Better late than never to pick up a little something for yourself or someone special to you.   Or maybe get some ideas for those hints we all drop when we know the Hubby is on the hunt for a gift for us.

Every day is a good day for chocolate, in my humble opinion. So why not get the “good stuff” and buy yourself some gourmet chocolate from 2 Chicks with Chocolate, http://www.2chickswithchocolate.com? Almond toffee, chocolate covered Oreos and pretzels and much more are waiting for you.

I have to recommend frame the [date], http://www.framethedate.com for gifts. For gift giving, there’s nothing more memorable than a custom photo frame. You choose the frame, the date and the photo and you have a treasure that is meaningful and will last forever.

Here’s what I love about Soap Hope (http://www.soaphope.com): You can purchase your favorite all-natural bath & body products (at a discount!) and know that all of their profits go to help women in poverty. A win-win shop to head back to again & again.

Alltherageonline (http://www.alltherageonline.com) has the trendiest & most stylish jewelry at reasonable prices. There’s something new here almost every day. Plus..all orders over $15.00 will receive a 35% discount.

I’m a candle freak and that’s why I must let you know about the soy candles at Sweet Harvest Farms, http://www.sweetharvestfarms.com/candles.html. Choose from spring-like scents such as Tomato Leaf, Lavender Bud or Seaside.

Boheme Jewelry, http://www.bohemejewelry.com has beautiful pieces for the Romantic Rebel in you…and a new Alice in Wonderland jewelry collection. Use code VALENTINES to receive 20% off of your order.

To spice up your underwear drawer…let’s face it, most of us need spicing up, hit up Girliepants, http://www.girliepants.com where you can find clean undies for dirty girls. Use code GPROX10 to receive 15% off of your order.

There’s plenty more to check out at the Valentine’s Guide.  But hurry…it won’t be up for much longer!

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Just recently, again through Facebook, I found out that my high-school boyfriend recently got into a serious relationship with some random girl that I don’t know.  Who cares, right?  He was somewhat of a loser even if he was adorable in that boy-next-door way.  His mom used to call me when we would break up for the umpteenth time and convince me to take him back.  He was my pastor’s son and the golden boy of our church but a bit socially awkward.  And I adored him for some un-known reason.   He took me to my prom but wouldn’t dance with me.  But then he came back to my house after and we stayed up late cuddling on the couch watching a movie and I was happy as a clam.  He was one of the first non-family people in my life that made me feel like I was on top of the world and someone special.  Well, it didn’t exactly work out with us for so many reasons.  I hadn’t seen him or talked to him since my sophomore year in college until we were reunited through Facebook.

Even though I would NEVER have wanted to be his wife (although there was certainly a time I thought I did), he was the first boy I ever truly loved and that tends to stick.  I have an amazing life now:  I have a husband who adores me (and whom I adore). I have given birth to three beautiful boys.  I have some of the truest friends God could ever have blessed me with.  And yet…  I still admittedly dream about this one guy.  I wonder what it would have been like to be with him, to make a life with him.   When I am walking through an airport, I sometimes think about how funny it would be if I were to run into him.  I have had dreams where we are together or connected to each other in some way.

I don’t love him anymore.  I haven’t in a long while.  But my heart was so deeply wrapped up in this boy for so long that the effects seem to still linger.   Even though I walked away, I think he still broke my heart.  I had such high hopes for us and placed so much of my teen-age identity in this relationship with this one boy.  And I certainly wouldn’t change the outcome or the path God has placed me on.  But it seems that my heart still carries a small sliver of love for this boy whom I so fully loved so long ago.  Maybe that is just how first love works.  Maybe that is why so many people seem to marry their high-school sweetheart.  That first love primes our heart for what it feels like to deeply care for someone other than ourselves or our family.  And even if we move on from there to love others and feel the wounds of love, there is something special and significant about that first time we learned to love.  At least that seems to be the case for me.

I am not sure what it says about me that I occasionally dream about this boy or look for him in crowded airports.  Am I the only one with this problem?  Or maybe it isn’t a problem at all.  It could just be a sign that my heart has a deep capacity for love.  There is more than enough room in there for my hubby and my boys to have my heart and for me to still remember the sweetness of that first love feeling.

What do you think?  Is this a sign that I never let go? Is my heart telling me that I am longing for a little more romance?  Or is it perfectly within the realm of normal to still feel some level of connection with someone who had your heart even if only for a short time?

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This was taken during our totally awesome Dupage Mamas Spa Party awhile back.  Is she dancing?  Just showing off her elbows?  Who knows.  :)   No, just kidding.  She was treating her dry areas to a hot wax treatment which, in all fairness, so I was.

I hope we haven’t started a Weird Picture war, because we’ve known each other a long time and it could get ugly.  Maybe its time one of you sent something in to save us from ourselves…

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But before I give you the details, first a testimonial.  Farrah started going to class about a year before I did.  Each time she signed up she tried to get me to come with, but I wasn’t paying much attention.  As I’ve mentioned, I have high standards for kids music and am pretty musical myself.  I was already singing and dancing my way through the day with my kids and had never seen a kid’s music class that could top what I did naturally.  But when I finally signed up I was hooked…and so are both my boys.  Nothing lights up their faces like hearing their Music Together songs start up – and not just in class.  At home, we sing, dance, play them on the piano, make up new words to them, all day long.  I don’t know how I would get dinner cooked these days if I couldn’t break out these songs which have become a sure pick-them-up.

Ok, enough from me – here’s the details.  And at the bottom, your chance to win!

Wee Heart Music, Inc. provides the Music Together® music and movement classes for children birth through age five and their parents or caregivers.  The Music Together® program is offered at Wheaton, Glen Ellyn and Lombard Park Districts.  Openings in Music Together® classes are available on weekdays, afternoons, evenings, Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoon.  Registration is now open for our spring semester beginning on Monday, April 5th.

In a Music Together® class, twelve children and their parents or caregivers (nanny, baby sitter, Grandparent) meet for 45 minutes each week for ten weeks to experience new songs, chants, movement activities and instrumental jam sessions.  Both adults and children sit in the circle and participate, led by a teacher with early childhood and music skills.  The teacher helps adults understand how to participate and the importance of relaxing and enjoying the activities with their children.

Children have many opportunities to create and to play-making up rhythm patterns, making up new words to songs, and making up movements to express a sound.  Some children simply stare and “study” the activity as they absorb the musically rich environment.  Others sing, play and dance freely because they know the songs and chants from the songbook and recording they take home.  All experience a comfortable, encouraging environment that respects individual temperaments and learning styles.  Twelve to fourteen activities are included in each class ranging from free movement to songs in unusual tonalities and unusual meters.

The national Music Together program has been developed in Princeton by coauthors Kenneth K. Guilmartin and Lili M. Levinowitz.  Guilmartin, Founder/director of the Center for Music Young Children is active nationally in research and teacher training.  He has composed numerous scores for off-Broadway and regional theater productions as well as many songs and instrumental pieces for Music Together song collections.  “We believe that every child is musical, and that each child needs a stimulating, supportive music environment to enjoy the wonderful human capacity for music-making,” said Guilmartin.  “Parents may be surprised to find that they can support their child’s music development regardless of their own background in music.”

Music Together® is a music and movement approach to early childhood that develops every child’s opportunity for basic music competence by encouraging actual music experience rather than learning of information about music.  Families are encouraged to attend class together, so younger children and older children in the same family can learn music and movement activities to enjoy at home.  Parents also enjoy the classes because their skills and appreciation increase, too.  “This is a great program and all of the teachers are enthusiastic and their talent with children makes it very easy to have fun and ‘let yourself go!’” said a parent from Wheaton.  “Even the fathers in their button-down shirts break down after a few weeks, and become bunnies on the floor, and have a great time!”

Interested? Find out more about the program by attending a free demonstration class at the Wheaton Park District on Sunday, March 21rst, Monday March 22nd and Saturday, April 3rd.  At the Glen Ellyn Park Distrcit on Saturday, March 20th, Monday, March 22 and Tuesday, March 23rd.  At the Lombard Park District on Tuesday, March 23rd and Friday, March 26th.  RSVP’s are needed.  Please call Christy Burich, Director at (630) 927-3028 for more information and a class brochure.

And now for the giveaway!  I have two $15 Gift Certificates to use towards class, as well as a “Drums” CD and Music Book set. That equals three lucky winners!  Please leave a comment to enter, and for a second try link to us on your blog, your email, Facebook, Twitter, Buzz…whatever!  If you RSVP to attend a Demo Class let us know and we’ll give you yet a third entry.

Farrah and I are really excited about this one and I hope you are too.  We just can’t get enough of Music Together!

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In the article published regarding this ‘news’ it was announced that the ACOG also loosened its stance on restricting food and drink to the laboring woman; one doctor also released a written statement:

“As for the continued restriction on food, the reality is that eating is the last thing most women are going to want to do since nausea and vomiting during labor is quite common,” Dr. William H. Barth, Jr., chair of ACOGs Committee on Obstetric Practice

Well, thanks, but being the annoying type of girl I am, I like to make my own decisions about what I want to do.

I was a bad girl. I ate and drank during ALL of my labors- what I wanted and when I wanted it..if you cannot be demanding when delivering a child when can you be? I am fine- my kids are fine. Granted, I did not need an emergency c- section requiring general anesthesia but I did vomit during one of my labors (sorry Heather).

With Peas I was eating something and the nurse walked in and told me I was not supposed to be eating- I retorted by asking if she was planning on kicking me out. No more was said about the issue and I got to finish my crackers. Another time I discussed it ahead of time with my OB- I was lucky to have him- said he could not say it was ok (liability issue)- but he wouldn’t say anything- my response was along the lines of – ok so I will not tell you I am eating. A nurse happened to walk in when I was eating a bagel and she told me I was not to eat- I said good to know and took a huge bite.

I found drinking cool beverages to be refreshing when I was struggling and even a little distracting. I found eating before the onset of hard intense contractions to be helpful to me. A way of getting needed energy to do what I needed to do.

Why did I feel the need to go against the nurses and doctors like this?? I understood the risk associated with my choice and decided my comfort was worth it- before everyone jumps all over me- there are risks associated with a lot of things! There are risks to epidurals- risks to driving- risks to everything!

The reality is the medical community is much more rigid about this than the midwife community. They are much more open to letting a woman do what she needs to do- in giving the control back to the woman but being there to guide and to facilitate, if necessary.

Doctors have recommendations on everything. It is up to you to be an informed patient and decided what works for you and what doesn’t.  What did you do during your labor and how did your care-providers respond?  We would love to hear from you!!

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But seriously, I do have a certain love/hate relationship with food. I mean, I love it… but the kinds of food I love tend to make me fat. Maybe this is because I tend to really enjoy things like ice cream, snickers bars, chicken nuggets, pizza, cake, etc. No big shocker that eating those things would make you gain weight, but certainly when you are pregnant it is hard, if not impossible, to avoid them at all times. I suppose my attitude towards food is best put in the words of Voltaire, who said “Nothing would be more tiresome than eating and drinking if God had not made them a pleasure as well as a necessity”. Therefore, I do my best to make meals that bring out the pleasure aspect AND lately I have been working on making my favorites a bit more ‘healthful’.

My latest creation that was a smashing hit are homemade chicken nuggets. Everyone LOVES nuggets, but since that are not exactly ‘healthy’ they are a sometimes food. Not anymore with my recipe! My husband and baby thought that they were delicious (even better that McDonald’s chicken selects) so I have added this to our weekly menu. Granted I still like to dip them in ranch dressing, but you save where you can right?! Of course I simply could not tell you this and then neglect to pass along the recipe, so here it is (with a picture too, so that you can all see how delicious they are and fun right out and buy some ingredients):

Ingredients
1 1/2 cup butter crackers, crushed
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 cups milk
4 chicken breasts (cut into smaller pieces)

Directions

Spray your baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Lay out two flat casserole dishes or pie plates. In one dish pour milk. In the other dish mix cracker crumbs, paprika, and pepper. Lay out another baking dish next to the cracker crumb dish. Place chicken piece in buttermilk, coat with the cracker crumb mixture and place in the baking dish. Repeat with all chicken pieces. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes until no longer pink.

So there you have it… my attempt at health and flavor and if I say so myself there was never a better result! Do you have a favorite recipe? I would love to hear about it, since cooking and eating is a bit of a hobby/obsession with me!

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Do you have next week’s Weird Picture??  Send it our way!

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If you are like Catherine and love the moving sound of strings and woodwinds, you should check out the Artist Series at Wheaton College.  Several times a year, they bring in internationally renowned singers and orchestras and ballets and make them accessible for those who can’t make it to the city for a concert or performance.  This Saturday is the second to last Artist Series performance of the year.  Wheaton is welcoming the world- renowned Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra.  Founded in 1978, the Moscow State Radio Symphony Orchestra began performing 18th, 19th, and 20th century works on Russian radio. The orchestra quickly expanded to television, and in 1980 it created a major subscription series in Moscows Tchaikovsky Hall and the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. Since then, the orchestra has toured the United States and the world, even as it continues to faithfully record the best of Russian and European classical music.

Tickets to the concert can be purchased through the Artist Series website or by calling directly.  Visit the site for more details.  But why buy them, when you could win them?
I have been given 2 complimentary tickets in the front left center section for Saturday night’s 8pm performance.  And while I do love classical music, I bet there are mamas out there that love it more than I do.  So I would love to pass these tickets on to you!  Leave a comment here with your name and e-mail to win the tickets.  I will choose a winner Saturday morning and get the tickets to you even if I have to leave them at the Will Call window. Follow us on Twitter (@dupagemamas) or Facebook or subscribe to our feed and leave an additional comment for an additional entry.  Or tell a friend for another chance to win. (And yes, Cath, you can enter to win if you want.)

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to see high-class entertainment without a trip downtown!

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Celtic Woman

It had to be a good sign when my husband walked into the house, said “Oh, Celtic Woman!” and popped the CD immediately into the player.  Once I heard their voices I realized how he knew them – and you probably do too – they often show concerts on PBS.  I’ve always enjoyed Celtic music, and these five ladies are known for their modern twist on the ancient sounds.  The CD I have,  Songs from the Heart covers hits like Sting’s “Fields of Gold” and Billy Joel’s “Goodnight My Angel” with their unique sound.  Unfortunatly, Sting and Billy Joel aren’t my favorites to begin with, but I do enjoy listening to this CD; I can only assume I would enjoy others even more.

If you’re interested, check out a map of their upcoming tour. And better yet, you can watch videos of the Celtic Woman in concert.

La-La-Lisa

Another new CD in my stereo is La-La-Lisa’s The Big Green Alligator.  I have to admit, I have high standards for kids music – I even wrote a paper in college about the very few that meet my standards, and I wasn’t even a music major!  I would say this is cute, fairly standard fare as far as kid’s music goes, but nothing that would have gotten a mention in my college paper years back.  However, a few of the songs (My Little Brother and The Countdown Song) are starting to get into my blood.  And she is giving a portion of her sales profits to a charity called “Teen Mothers Choices.”  So at least stop by and find out more.

Jennifer Shaw – Love Broke Through

To be honest, when I heard this album for the first time the image that came to my mind was listening to a sound recording of myself singing in a church worship band. When you’re singing into a mic, because everyone else at church is singing along you really are just the loudest singer in a huge choir – you’re not trying to sing a solo and it doesn’t sound like a solo.  But you can’t tell the details until you hear what the people in the sound booth hear.  And I’m not making this up – I’ve been helping lead worship my entire life (ok, since I was eight) and my husband often runs sounds.  I’m not enitrely untalented, but the view from the sound booth isn’t so nice.

That was the long way around, but its a pretty good description of how Jennifer’s CDs sound to me – like a homemade recording of a home-town worship leader.  Which isn’t bad, just now what we’re used to hearing on the radio and iPod.  But as I continued listening I realized that her songs are really really good.  Then I found out that some of the songs on this CD are being used in thousands are churches, beginning this month. So it seems my instincts were on track – her emphasis is on writing great worship songs, not on being the next American Idol.  And honestly, I think I prefer it that way.

The jury is still out on all three of these albums – will they graduate from my CD player to my MP3 player?  Only time will tell.  But don’t let me miss an opportunity to point you in the direction of a few kids CDs that I can recommend without an ounce of reservation – even though they weren’t around when I was writing my paper years ago.  Curious? Visit here and here (you’re be hearing more about the second one in the coming weeks – its a great resource for DuPage Mamas!) And then come back and let me know what you’re listening to.

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