LilSugar

What a Difference a Year Makes

babysugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:00:53 -0800

A year ago, I was laid up in a hospital bed in the maternity ward ogling my little newborn. She was born exactly one year ago today and what a year it has been. From pushing to posting, my life has been forever changed. Here are some of the ways that motherhood has revealed herself:

An unconditional love and worry for a little being has overwhelmed me.
I can no longer sleep peacefully, unless I'm on vacation.
I know I have a little partner in crime (until she can speak at least).
I never eat alone.
My body will never be the same as it was when I was 18.
I prefer the smell of baby detergent over my own scented lotions.
I like to spend the night cuddling with my hubby on the couch instead of out on the town (most times).
Our friends and family don't care so much about us - just about her.

The thing is, I love and accept it 100 percent. I know there are times when it's hard, especially at the beginning. But it grows on you as your baby grows. I can't imagine life without her.

Even Teen Burglars Have Soft Spots For Babies

babysugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:15:03 -0800

Tonight on the 6 'clock news - thieves feeding babies. Sounds crazy but that's what happened to a family in Indianapolis. While two high school students were robbing a house, a baby started to cry. Either out of the kindness of his heart or his desire to hush the baby (I'm putting my money on the latter), the 18-year-old thief warmed up a bottle of milk and allowed another child in the house to feed the wailing babe. Unfortunately the rest of the story is not so delightful. He held a gun to the head of the father of the family and threatened to kill him. In the end, it was his aunt who turned him in to the authorities. Thankfully everyone is safe and sound, especially that scared baby.

Marcia Cross Gives Thanks Early This Year

babysugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:53 -0800

Known as the buttoned-up and tightly wound kitchen queen on Desperate Housewives, Marcia Cross appears to be quite the opposite when seen about town toting her two tots to the local playground for a swing in the park or a roll in the grass. Though the multitasking mum certainly has her hands full and plenty of mouths to feed in her own home, the drama mama took time out of her Sunday afternoon to dish on motherhood, balancing a career, her fortunate life and how she gives back to the community.

How do you teach your children about giving back?

I have to be very honest and say that I'm in this very strange interim of wanting the world to seem like this perfect lovely place because they're 2-and-a-half... to then introducing them to the idea that other people have less. It's going to start soon, I think around the holidays. The way I try to do it is in simple ways. I have things in the house and I say, "Why don't we give this to so and so?" And I will say somebody else's child and "If you're finished with that, why don't you give that to so and so?" I've noticed that they'll come up with that on their own now, which makes me so happy... I can't yet go to the place where there are other kids that are hungry... maybe in another year. I don't know exactly. I think just teaching empathy and then teaching giving in that sort of way is how I've started and hopefully it will grow from there in terms of how lucky we are... We say Grace and we say prayers at night. Prayers to me is just sitting around and saying what you're grateful for. One answer that my daughter Eden says all the time, which I love, is "Outside," which is such a beautiful thing to say thank you for, which we take for granted.

What kinds of things do the girls do to make you laugh?

My girls are really funny. They're actually little jokesters. They do twists on words already, or I call them my little minxies. They dance, they do imitations of other kids dancing, they make up songs, they make up lyrics. It's all so silly but I think every mother just adores their own child and I'm the same way. They make me laugh all the time.

To see what the striking redhead has to say about balancing motherhood and her career, her character Bree, and what she is most thankful for, read more.

Are there any similarities between Bree and Marcia Cross?

Wow. I wish there were more because she's so organized and such the domestic diva, which I am not. But I think in her own twisted way, Bree has a big heart and a passion for life. Although, I'm thinking about what she's doing right now and we don't have that in common... she's having a little extra passion right now (giggle). At the moment, I'm going to say there's a little less in common than more.

How do you raise your kids and have a career?

I think some days I do it more gracefully than others. And other days it takes its tolls. Like any parent, I go through times where things are going great and then I have a week where both of my daughters are sick and so I'm trying to juggle work and home-life and it's hard and it's stressful and I think it would be unrealistic to say otherwise. I think that mothers manage an incredible workload. Whether you're a stay-at-home mother or you have a job as well, it's a very full life and certainly one that I dreamed about and always wanted. And even given that there are days that are challenging, because you can only be in so many places at once... whether it's at work or with your kids, or sometimes you just really want a nap so it's a full-time job.

What are you thankful for?

Health. Health of my family, health of my friends, health of my parents, who thank God, are still with me. I'm grateful that I have a family that I always dreamed about. I'm grateful for the job that I have. I get to do what I love. I'm grateful that I get the opportunity to be a spokesperson for things I feel are important.

This Thanksgiving, Marcia is encouraging all Facebook mommies to go to My Chinet's Facebook page where they can pick a plate, decorate it and show it on their profile page. By doing this, mommy will feed her soul and donate to the cause of filling someone else's stomach this holiday season.

Play Our New Baby Name Faceoff!

LilSugar — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:00:42 -0800

While a name lasts a lifetime, this game goes fast if you can't decipher which moniker is more popular. Luckily, you can play as many times as you please. Based on the Social Security Administration's list of the most popular baby names that come from card applications each year, these names were in the latest release. Try your hand at the Top 100 Girl Names for 2008 by playing this fun game that pits the names against one another. How does it work? Each time you select the name with the higher "popularity" score based on readers' votes, you get points! Take a chance at winning the $1,000 a month prize!

Leap Year Babies Unite Online!

LilSugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 11:01:11 -0800

My Leap Year baby isn't the only lil (or big) being on the planet with the distinction of being born on February 29. In fact, your chance of being born on Leap Year Day is about one in 1,461 - meaning only 0.0684 percent of the world's population are "Leapers."

Some serious February 29 advocates have created a special Honor Roll to celebrate people born today. You can add your child, or yourself, to the site's exclusive list and learn more about the special birth date.

My Leap Year Baby

LilSugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:00:39 -0800

My due date was January 26 before the doctors changed it to February 13. So while we entertained the idea of a Valentine's baby, I never considered that my child would be born at the end of the month. But, life is full of surprises and my daughter made her much anticipated debut on February 29.

We decided that we would celebrate her birthday both days - February 28 and March 1. And, commemorate the occasion with a special trip on Leap Years. So today we are in Disneyland, a preschooler's paradise. And, entertaining options for her eight birthday. But one thing is certain, we will throw her a Sweet Sixteen when she turns 64.

Are You Traveling or Staying Put For Thanksgiving?

babysugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:30:50 -0800

The holiday skies and roads are not so friendly this year. Gas prices are still soaring, and outrageously priced airline tickets paired with baggage fees are keeping many families grounded this holiday season. Instead of giving thanks at a table of aunts, uncles, and grandparents, many folks will be sharing a meal with neighborhood friends and their immediate family.

What are your plans this Thanksgiving?

Lil Links: The Batemans Go Ga Ga For Yo Gabba Gabba

babysugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:16 -0800

The Batemans go ga ga at Yo Gabba Gabba - Celebrity Baby Blog
Pamela Anderson tells her boys about the infamous sex tape - Celebrity Baby Scoop
Uterine tea gets mamas ready for labor - CafeMom
Decode your baby's name for a charge - ParentDish
Dad spoke to son in Klingon only for first three years - MomLogic
Zoom in on the germ spots in the house - Parenting
More moms spank than you might think - The Mommy Files
The new clean plate club - Mamaista
Custom rubber stamps - Cool Mom Picks

Ring In the New School Year and Win $1,000 Wardrobe From Tea Collection!

LilSugar — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:55:27 -0700

The beginning of the school year is the "new" year for most families. Our lives revolve around our children’s schedules, activities and commitments. This year we're making school year’s resolutions to help you and your lil students prepare. We've been sharing our tips from how to make over your kiddo's lunch box to the best in eco-friendly backpacks and cool apparel for the professional parent. One lucky reader will also win a $1,000 wardrobe from Tea Collection!

To enter to win, log in to take this quiz. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz once you are logged in. You need to be a TeamSugar member to take the quiz; if you're not already a member, register here for an account and join in all the fun on the Sugar sites! Just click on "take the quiz" below and we will do a random drawing to determine the winner. US residents eligible only (sorry!). Click here for the official rules.

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What Was Your Favorite Grade in School and Why?

babysugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:00:54 -0700

When asked which grade was their favorite, most people can answer without hesitation. Whether it was the teacher, the classmates, or the lessons, there's something that reminds them of the joy they celebrated for one year of their life. Kindergarten is full of firsts and new friends, but subsequent grades offer P.E., drama classes, learning how to jump rope, taking field trips, and participating in school talent shows. While I loved most every minute of elementary school, second grade was my most cherished year. My teacher, Mrs. Wright, who coincidentally was never wrong, was sharp, witty, quick to discipline, and never short on laughs. If someone wasn't behaving well, she'd threaten to sit on them and occasionally she did, though it was mostly for show and giggles. I can only hope my children are lucky enough to have a Mrs. Wright and irreplaceable friends placed along their school path. What was your favorite grade and why?

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