Settling In-Pediatrician Search

While I hated almost every minute of living in Philadelphia, going to school out there and working caused me to settle in a bit and after finding out that we were expecting I turned to all of my friends in the medical field for help. I delivered in the hospital I worked for, my nurses were friends and people I knew, and almost everyone I became acquainted with either called to check up on me, stopped by to see me, and of course collect and run any and all blood work so of course when it came time to choose a Pediatrician I didn't have to far to look as I worked for The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. It is an amazing hospital with some of the best physicians, PAs, and laboratory staff I've ever seen. The hospital doesn't even really feel like a hospital and I sing it's praises for their mandatory pump breaks (their rule is all nursing moms must take as many breaks as necessary to pump during the day, given it doesn't cause a detriment to the department) and many were accommodating.

We had just had Chunk's 6mo check up when we left Philly but because of my nervousness about them knowing everything about his medical background up to that point and our relationship with his pediatrician we've made the trip back the Philadelphia twice for his 9 month and his 12 month appointments. I think I've gotten over my nervousness now that we've passed this 1st year mark and I'm ready to find our very own NYC pediatrician. My childhood doctor is closing in on retirement and so his office is handled by some new doctors and nurses so I'm meeting with him to hear who's who and see if I'm comfortable with that situation.

Because I grew up with an older, West Indian doctor who cared about my report card, how my piano recital went, and what I wanted to be when I grew up and who also had a great relationship with both of my parents I wanted to same for Chunks. Our doctor in Philly is really great with remembering facts about Chunks and us so I will miss that but hopefully I can find the same in our own search. Wish me luck.

How did you choose your little one's pediatrician? What do you look for in your child's healthcare provider?

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Weaning and Wailing

Now that Chunks is 1 we decided it was time to get rid of the bottle and make the switch to milk. Nutritionally, I felt it was time for him to have more than what formula was providing. He took a bottle with no problem, has been on solids/table food since 5 months, and mastered the sippy cup around the same time so I just knew that this would be no big deal.

BOY WAS I WRONG!!!

So apparently while I'm at work at night Hubby used the bottle to put Chunks back to sleep when he would toss and wake up, so now, while he tossed the pacifier at 6 months, the bottle became it's replacement in a way. I was home for a week with an infected cyst on my gum and decided while he has all my attention we'll start the process.

I DON'T EVEN KNOW THIS KID!

The first night wasn't that bad because I would get up with him and sooth him back to sleep with water or singing but the next day?!?!?! He was grumpy, ignored everything I said, threw tantrums, cried for no reason, THE WORKS! I started to feel horrible because I didn't know if he wasn't getting enough food to fill him, if my schedule was off, or if I was just plain wrong! It's crazy what you can study in school, advise other mothers, but can't make sense of it in your own waking life, so I went back to the text books and found that with the amount of milk he was drinking, the fruit, the yogurt, and the meals he shouldn't be hungry so these fall outs were just because he didn't have a bottle!

Bedtime became a fight but I had to channel Supper Nanny and fully develop an evening routine which was a little haphazard because I leave at 6:30p and his bedtime was originally 7-7:30 so the house has been a bit crazy at bedtime. So I've changed this up, dinner is at 5ish, the playtime to let the food digest, then bath time around 6ish, quiet play time (blocks and such), a story or two, some water and then tv off, lights out, down for the night. IT WORKED! and then I went back to work...

So now, to get Hubby to follow the routine with me. It's a little difficult because when I get home at 6am he is just waking up and so is Chunks so we still need to refine our mornings and I think things will smooth themselves out.

What are some of your daily routines? How did you transition your little one through the weaning process?

Yummy Mondays-BARK!

I've always been in love with Bergen Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn but with the new Nets Stadium slated to go up on Flatbush Ave. soon we're starting to see more and more new, trendy businesses pop up in the neighborhood. One that got my attention was a restaurant on the new Bergen Street called BARK!. It's a restaurant that serves up nothing but hotdogs. While I saw it in the neighborhood and thought it was neat, I never stopped in but one night I was up watching the Cooking Channel's Unique Eats and they were featuring the spot!!!

The story behind the owners is what really intrigued me the most other than the bark butter (mmm fatness!!). They were noted chefs here in the city and spent 5 years researching the perfect ingredients to put into a hot dog. They traveled all over looking for vendors that provided nothing but the finest meats to fill their beloved dogs. The dogs are coated in the delish bark butter which is a smoked lard butter quite like a steak, grilled, and then are topped with dozens of wonderful toppings. So of course I decided that Chunks and I HAD to make it down there and SOON! So we did...

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The block is charming and the inside, even more so. EXPOSED BRICK :Gasp::Swoon: lol. The restaurant reminds me of a charming picnic area and almost everything in there is eco-friendly from the wooden picnic-like tables, to the metal chairs, and wooden high chairs. The smell is intoxicating and the staff members are already used to customers needing time making up their minds about which one of the many toppings to choose from. Since childhood I've loved hot dogs with baked beans so I went with their 'Frank and Beans' made with heirloom beans, smoked pork, onions, and mustard-OMG GOOD! Hubby went with 'Chili Dog' with chili, cheddar cheese, and onion, he was quite satisfied and normally he needs two to be happy. The buns are the most tasty toasted, potato buns and the basic condiments galore are on each table. Chunks thought it was a winner too.

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The new "in" thing in the restaurant business is comfort food, as is in every recession. People turn to things that make them feel good, that are simple, and that reminds them of happier days and what makes us remember those easy, happy, childhood days then a good hot dog? Now while they specialize in hot dogs, Bark, also serves up burgers and other sandwiches as well as amazing fries and onion rings. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone for almost anything, guys night out, girls quick bite, family trips-really anyone. On total with both dogs that day, our bill came to about $11, a little pricey for hot dogs but WORTH IT! Give it a try and then take a walk around to the other awesome shops popping up on the new Bergen Street, see what you can find.

Bark Hot Dogs 

474 Bergen Street

 Brooklyn, NY 11217-4035

Can You be a Chic Momma?

If you've ever spoken to me about pregnancy then you know that I wanted slap everyone that said pregnancy was a beautiful experience. I was fat, swollen, and TIRED! I tried my hardest, some days, to get myself together but for the most part I just slept and thanked God that I worked in scrubs (lifesavers!!!). Sometimes I would fall asleep and not even remember laying down, just waking up with my hair plastered to my face. TIRED!


I was a HOT MESS! Since I've had Chunks I've had 3 friends have babies and while they were much bigger than I was, they were CUTE! I was saying that it was because they were having girls but my last friend was carrying TWIN BOYS! She was gorgeous all the way through and after but she's always been that way. I enjoy motherhood he keeps me busy and active but I've started to explore more and more of the city because of all the activities I want him to take in and I don't want him to have that mom that he has to duck from when the other kids ask, "Who's mom is that?". I brought this thought up to some of my older mom friends and they told me not to worry about the superficial things and that my uniform for the next 5-7 years will be a t-shirt and jeans, sneakers, and sandals on a good day.


This bothered me and I wondered why can't I have it all? Why can't we be cute and still run around with our little ones, even the boys?!?! Then I ran into one of my new favorite blogs where the writer is a FAB mom who moved to Park Slope, Brooklyn from California and is trying to adjust to the more laid back and sometimes frumpy wears of the playground moms in the neighborhood. One of my blogger-big-sisters (well in my mind lol) has 2 boys now and always seems to be at the peak of FAB so why can't I just get it together. I was never a fashionista but I think I'm ready to change things up a bit.


Here are some looks I think are ideal for a mom to keep her chic and together with baby. Enjoy.

What are some of your favorite everyday outfits? Has baby/ies changed the way you take care of yourself?


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Raising Cain

A few months back I took Chunks for our routine playground visit, at the time he was still getting a hang of walking so I kept him close by and on the swings. As I sat with him to tie his laces I noticed 2 little boys walk up and slap another and take his ball. The boy was younger than them and tried to run after them but gave up to tears. I couldn't believe it!!! Some how he got the ball back but then another little boy came and did almost the same thing, except he pushed him back but eventually lossed because this child was older than him too. What irritated me was that that boy's mother was sitting right there watching.

The victim's mother, who seemed quiet herself ran up and told him to put his hands up and say NO!. Now typically I'm an average New Yorker in that I mind my business and let others deal with theirs but I think this pissed me off even worst. I walked over and told him not to let anyone jump in his face and just walk off with his stuff and then told her to take it to the other boy's parents. HE'S A BOY! I threw some looks at the hooligan's mother who then got up and got the ball back and scoffed "They were just playing" so I responded "It's not playing if someone gets hurt!" She told me I was taking it too seriously, so when I said "If it was yours I bet you wouldn't have been just sitting there" she had nothing else to say.

Some of the older ladies thanked me and said they didn't want to say anything but here I am with my little boy who will soon have to play with some of these rough kids and I couldn't imagine watching him go through that. I always believed that we as parents should not teach our children to be violent bullies but should a problem come their way they should know how to respond. If it's defending their ball, telling someone they don't like being hit, or just feeling confident that if anything happens they can handle themselves. When it comes to boys, I know fighting and challenges will be just a part of the process but when does it become bullying and when is it just boys being boys? Of course, we're there to supervise but what happens in the case where the care giver is a lax as the second mom? Some teachers let it slide or don't see, so who then makes sure our boys are ok?

I do not look forward to the day that the fun of toddler years end and he has to face things like this but I would love to know your input on this topic. Should we teach our boys to defend themselves? How much is too much when it comes to rough housing? When should one get involved? And if there is a lax parent overseeing, how do we approach them and let them know how we feel without getting into a fight yourself?

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To My Little Boy

Dear Chunks,

You're ONE now! I can't even believe how fast this year has flown by but I'm loving how you're growing. Everyday you show me something new, something about what you'll be like, about what I'm like and even what you're dad's like. You are ALL BOY! You're walking like a pro now and eating everything in site, just like a typical boy! You're a tough guy-bumps and little falls mean nothing to you and accidents don't stop you from going after whatever you've set your mind on (except when you're tired). I fall in love with you more and more every minute.

Your laugh is contagious and everyone falls in love with you at first site. You flirt with all the pretty girls, young and old, but it's hard to get you to wave at any guy lol. Trucks and boxes are your thing right now and you like showing me how strong you are. My sweet boy it warms my heart every time you run over and give me a hug out of no where or when I'm cleaning up and you grab one of your wipes and clean up your "area" lol. Your kisses are my weakness, your babble cracks me up and leaves me wanting more, you make me smile, laugh, cry, giggle, and live like I've never before.

I thank God for you everyday and I just pray that he gives me the grace and wisdom to be the best mom for you. I'm already working on your teen years where I know nothing and you know everything but if I'm right about things now I think we'll be fine.

Well here's to you Sweet Prince! We made it through our first year and here's to many, many more. I love you beyond words and/or logic and I can't wait to teach you more and see what else you're going to teach me.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHUNKS!!!

MOMMY LOVES YOU!!

The Birthday Boy w his Crumbs Smash Cake!

Yummy Mondays-Piquant

So after my last post I decided to actually take a little a little part of my Saturday and have some me time. After forcing DH to help me clean up a bit (he did an amazing job, even with an attitude lol) I handed Chunks over to him and headed out.
First stop was a MUCH needed mani-pedi session, those massage chairs were heaven sent on that day and gave me a little time to stop and think. I read a little trash mag, got my eyebrows shaped and I was human again. I couldn't just head home after this so I decided to go out to eat. I NEVER go to a restaurant by myself, not even McDonald's but something gave me the guts to just try it. I've had my eye on this restaurant for a while a decided "Why Not?" and I'm glad I did-Very Liberating!

PIQUANT

The restaurant is about 2 years old with a great deal of charm. Almost anything with exposed brick wins my love and to add to its overall fabulousness, there is an outdoor area that reminds you of being in someone's posh NYC backyard. It's a Southwestern spin on some of the freshest food in Park Slope. I tried their Red Snapper Bolero and as a Jamaican who loves stew fish I was excited to see what they would do with it (not a fan of cilantro so  had that removed with no problem) and it was DIVINE! It was served over a tasty rice pilaf with a white wine cream sauce that was heavenly with a tomato and cilantro blend. The sauce was thick enough to coat the fish and give more flavor to the pilaf but not over powering.

I was recommended by my very helpful waitress to try their drink "The Rodeo" on top of my white wine to finish up. OH SO GLAD she did! It's a citrusy cocktail with Tequila (a winner!) and fresh orange juice. My total meal, including drinks and tip, was about $40.00. It was a pretty quiet visit at 4:00p but as I was leaving the dinner crowd was starting to trickling in. With the ambiance, the staff, the food, and the drinks I would recommend this place over and over again, either for brunch with friends or date night; not ideal for children because of the general feel but for those that need a break or with a freedom pass.

PIQUANT

259 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217(718) 484-4114
Has anyone tried going to a restaurant by themselves? Where did you go and how did you work up the nerves? Is it something you would do again?