LilSugar

You Know You're a Mother When: Panic Mode

babysugar — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:30:13 PST

Before I had children, there were few things that sent my heart flying into my throat -misplaced keys and a lost wallet were two of them. Now that I'm a mom, there are countless instances that send me into panic mode. The strange thing is most of the time they are all for naught.

This morning I rode the bus to the office with my work bag on my lap. Five minutes into my commute, I looked down and broke into a cold sweat worried that my son's bottles of milk were leaking all over my computer. It took me a minute to realize that I was childless and surprisingly, bottleless.

To see what else makes me wig out,

read more. On days when I run errands without my kiddos, I often frantically look in the silent backseat fearing I have left them somewhere and it takes a moment to remember that I have left them... at home with a babysitter! But, the situation that causes me the most angst is flying solo. When I'm airborne sans wee ones, it is admittedly worlds easier but I feel naked when I'm in the air without them and sometimes freak out at their absence. I look for strollers to come off the conveyor belt and feel uneasy not carrying a hefty diaper bag full of treats and toys. Thankfully, most of my panic moments are based on my worry wart tendencies but I have a feeling I'll just keep adding to the list as the youngsters grow older. What sends your heart into your throat?

You Know You're a Mother When: Weightlifting

LilSugar — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:00:45 PST

Prior to motherhood, I never understood the sheer strength that comes with having a baby. But, my tolerance for pitocin induced contractions and my son's middle of the night shrieks pale in comparison to what prevails when my kids fall asleep in the car and there's a bag of groceries to carry up the stairs. I can't leave the tots unattended so I hoist my son in one arm and my daughter in the other and hang the bag on my arm before cautiously ascending the stairs. My tots are getting heavier and their limbs are much longer so I'll have to retire this practice in the very near future.

Gone are the easy days of one babe in the Baby Bjorn and the other on my hip with a diaper bag over the arm and a hand to hold a couple of bags. I had to laugh when I saw this picture of famous photographer and dad, Nigel Barker, toting a trio - his infant, son and a friend. What a cute workout!

Pacific Coast News

You Know You're a Mother When: Musical Changes

LilSugar — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:00:51 PST

Pre-baby, a hip lady may know all of the songs playing on the Top 40 countdown. When she enters motherhood, she may start humming a different tune. She may find herself singing "Elmo's World" while in line at the grocery store or bouncing around to "I Like to Move It, Move It" as she finishes up household chores. Cruising moms will find the old classic "The Wheels on the Bus" hard to remove from her memory. Her playlists will quickly be taken over by lyrics that will please her tot - mostly because those little fingers have taken possession of mama's iPhone. Husbands and wives trade late night karaoke sessions at the bar with impromptu duets of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, and "I Love You, You Love Me" in their little one's bedroom. Even if it means knowing all the words to every song in The Little Mermaid instead of Rihanna's latest CD, most mommies wouldn't have it any other way.

You Know You're a Mother When: Milk Rules

babysugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:30:13 PST

Along with the birthday cake and balloons, there's another reason mommies are jubilant on a child's first birthday - milk! When babes reach their 1-year mark, it most often means they can start chugging cow's milk instead of formula or in addition to breast milk. In most instances, it means mum can start stocking up on gallons of milk (about $8/week) rather than relying solely on the breast or expensive formula ($29/can). Instead of tossing on a nursing shawl or packing powder and bottles of water for a lunch date, mommy can relax and order a small glass of milk along with her soda. Moms who supplement with formula will be thrilled to cut that expense from their shopping list, leaving more room in the budget for wine and cheese!

Currently on the top shelf of my fridge? Skim for dad, 1 percent for me, 2 percent for my 3-year-old, and whole for the 1-year old. Yeah, we got milk . . . lots of it.

You Know You're a Mother When: Sitting One Out

babysugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:30:05 PDT

As a mom, I have learned that one can expect the unexpected at any time. This past Saturday started out with high hopes and promises. To get our day started, I took my tots to a jumpy house birthday soiree that was blessed with clear blue skies and red velvet cupcakes. After some time, we packed up and headed back home for naps, the Blue Angels air show and a pumpkin carving party. My kiddos, however, had something else in mind. To see what happened,

read more. Just minutes shy of getting home, my eldest child got carsick and threw up all over herself and her car seat. I quickly handed her the burpcloth from my diaper bag, rolled all the windows down, and got home as quick as possible. Instead of naps, it was baths. Mama's downtime was spent spraying down the clothes and car seat in the bone chilling cold and tossing laundry all afternoon. As my pants got drenched and I canceled the rest of our plans, I couldn't help but think of all the years past where I had spent the same October day on roof decks watching planes buzz by with a beer in hand. The silver lining to the putrid predicament was that my lass was back to her old self and we made it home safely from the party. Sadly, it will be too soon if I ever see another red velvet anything.

Do You Excuse Fellow Moms For Being Late?

LilSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 07:00:05 PDT

Grabbing your keys and running out the door is a distant memory when you enter motherhood. The process suddenly involves packing the diaper bag, doing one last nappy change and ensuring your clothes are clear of spit up stains. All of the last minute prep work can easily make a mama late for her meeting, playdate or appointment, but if the plans involve fellow moms, most are usually sympathetic. When Angie Harmon was running behind for our interview earlier this week, I understood the delay. According to her reps, she was busy getting her husband and daughter prepped for the day's activities and fell behind.

Do you excuse tardiness?

Things Moms Can Leave Behind When Flying

babysugar — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 06:00:28 PDT

When moms begin flying with their wee ones, the friendly skies quickly turn into anxious ones. Parents embarking on their first airborne adventure with a child will quickly learn that some things are not what they used to be. There are five things that most every parent can leave at home when they've got their child in tow.

You Know You're a Mother When: Date Night Preparation

babysugar — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:25:26 PDT

Remember when a "date" used to get a woman all hot and bothered? Before hitting the town, she'd take a long shower, deep condition her hair and shave her legs. Maybe even blow out her hair and flat iron it for a sleek look. After lotioning up and spritzing herself with her favorite perfume, she'd apply makeup like the MAC artist showed her at the mall. Then she'd slip into her tightest pair of denims and a slim fitting top that showed off her best curves. When she walked out the door with her man, she felt like a million bucks.

Fast forward three years and that same dolled up babe has got a different idea for "date" night. Now a mother to an infant, she only has time to strip out of her baby food splatted tee and hop in the shower for a quick rinse. After jumping out of her 60-second blast, she realizes she forgot to shave her pits, which haven't seen the likes of a razor in days. A quick application of soap to the underarms, a swift blade down the flesh and she's ready for deodorant and her wet pony tail. She grabs a comfortable pair of leggings and a billowy blouse that reveals nothing of her muffin top or hairy legs. She slaps on a bit of lip gloss and reaches for her bag, which doubles as a diaper bag and rushes to open the door for the babysitter. Not wanting to waste a second of her precious date night time, she and her man head to their favorite restaurant only now she feels like two million bucks with her beau in tow and her wee one sleeping soundly at home.

You Know You're a Mother When: Where Is My...

babysugar — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:15:18 PDT

After spending 30 minutes kneeling on the ground and lifting couch cushions, mom suddenly realizes her sunglasses were on top of her head. Whether she puts the milk in the cupboard or her keys in the fridge, a busy woman is known to misplace her belongings - an occurrence that seems to become more common in motherhood. At the airport the other day, we got off the parking shuttle van with all of our vacation loot.

The strollers were popped and ready, suitcases lined up on the sidewalk and all heads were counted for. Before wheeling our way to the ticket counter, I realized my prize camera was not in tow. Panicked, I asked my husband to jump back on the bus to check for it. When he got off, he looked at me and said, "It's not on there. It's around your neck!"

You Know You're a Mother When: Tot Takes Over Television

LilSugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 04:00:30 PDT

When babe's is in arms, a mother can watch what she wants - from Grey's Anatomy to The Real Housewives, she doesn't have to worry about wee eyes seeing racy scenes or hearing inappropriate language. Then, the child enters the toddler phase and it's time to tame what's being shown on the tube. This can get hairy if the home only has a single television set. Hours once reserved for watching a parent's favorite sitcoms are filled with episodes of Thomas the Train and other cartoons. Or prime viewing time becomes bath, story and bedtime. If moms and dads still want to partake in the water cooler conversations at the office centered around the fate of George and Izzie, they may want to invest in a DVR or TiVo!