The Devil's Little Helpers in Green ......

Who are these people trying to ruin my life ....... I was simply minding my own business trying to pick up a healthy lunch of seared salmon on a bed of fresh mixed greens, when I noticed them lurking from around the corner!

HELP ME!

Mardi Gras 2009!

Break out the mask, costumes, and beads beads beads ....... It's Mardi Gras baby! Brody Joseph, in all of his festiveness, insisted we celebrate! We visited our favorite folk at the Regency Retirement Home. Figure, if anyone knows how to get the party started, it's definitely them. Fun times .....

nothing says party like a yummy cake

Hey ladies, how'd you get those beads???

Fun times

Ms. Ann said Brody's the best baby she's ever seen - awwwww

Isn't he just the cutest!

Brody and I going bead crazy

What do you see, Brody

She played "Oh when the Saints go Marching in"

The Residents Marched......

...... and Marched!

Mommy, I love spending time at the Regency!

Mommy - Baby = ????

Hi my Brody Lovers,

Well, how was la weekend?? Brody and I crossed a very crucial bridge together this past Friday. As much as I promote "Mommy time" and feel any chic mom takes time away from bebe, I realized I was all talk and no game. Friday I hosted a soiree for la girlfriends. Once I came to the realization that my little nugget had no place at the party (trust me, I considered having him there) I knew it was time for us to go our separate ways for the evening. When his Grandmother offered to take the little man to church on the very same night ...... left me with no excuses.

So, I did it. Brody's Grandmom (the mother of 11 children and 20 grands) has the whole keeping kids thing down packed. However, my heart bled as I strapped my lad into someone else's car. I looked at him to find the slightest bit of fear or uneasiness, but there was none to be found. He looked at me as if to say, "see ya." It felt so strange driving away with him NOT in my back seat. And, I'll only tell my Brody Lovers, I cried. I mean what if he takes his first step without me? What if he finally masters the night time prayers I've been trying to teach him? tear.

I'm happy to report, I survived. The yummy strawberries and passiontinis somehow carried me over the bridge. I love mi chicas. They were there for moral support and we ended up having tons of fun. When Brody returned, he immediately began yapping and cooing. It may just be me but, I could have sworn I made out, "I missed you fabulous mommy!"

Spread Love on Valentines Day!

Hi Love Birds!

I hope you had the most gushy, mushy, hopelessly romantic Valentines Day possible!!! Mine, which started the 13th and carried on, was simply divine. Despite the tragic tale of St. Valentine, this day is so wonderful! BroJo, as you can imagine, juggled several different valentines. He made sure he saw each of them just enough to make them smile! We also got the opportunity to pass out fresh baked cookies to the residents of Regency Retirement Home. What a treat. Brody was a big hit amongst the residents!! He charmed them all with his winning personality and stunning looks! The residents were so grateful. Check out the pics before you carry on with your post Valentine outing plans (wink).

The Future Bobcat.....

Hi guys!
So, Friday night Seph and I attended his first NBA game. Of course it was my mission to make sure the little man was dressed in the proper attire for the occasion. Since we are true Charlotteans, I thought he should be head to toe in Bobcat wear. So, I set out to find the perfect baby bobcat outfit. Surprisingly, it was much more difficult than I thought. In our crunch for time, we couldn't order off the Internet and the local sports stores, yes local, did not have any. You can imagine my frustration. As I bounced around the uncharted territory of sports stores, I noticed BroJo did not seem excited. He had this look in his eye. Oh, he feels the frustration, I thought to myself. This made me more motivated and head to yet another store. With time winding down, I slowly began to sink in the reality that Seph would not be a mini bobcat on Friday night. But it was his eyes! Those deep almond shaped eyes that told the story. What I mistaken for his frustration was actually him trying to get my attention. And that's when it hit me. My BroJo would never wear team paraphernalia to a sports game unless he was on the team. How could I disrespect his swagger? As I grabbed the orange shirt which subtly said 'I support the Bobcats', his eyes lit up with glee!


Anyway, we had a great time in spite the aroma of hot dogs and funnel cakes that kept making its way up my nose. GO BOBCATS!

P.S. I would like to formally apologize to the cashier at Carolina Place Mall. I was soooo frustrated and it seems pretty obvious Brody can not fit a 3T.......

Quite the Ladies Man!

We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled Program For a Very Important Message!

Brody laughed out loud!! I mean REALLY LAUGHED! I don't quite know what was soooo funny. I simply told him, "You're not eating enough." I guess he thought that was a joke. By the time I grabbed the camera, he didn't think it was as funny. Listen closely and you'll hear his chuckle!

Picture This

BRODY LOVERS!!!!!!

Who would have ever thought one could truly miss those I've yet to meet! It's been wayyy to long since we've spoken! Oh the products tested, experiences gained, lessons learned, cities traveled, pounds lost, recipes tried, scrapbooks completed (j/k). I really don't know where to begin!!

What a difference three weeks can make. Seph (short for Joseph) is now talking up a storm! Seriously, I mean it. He wakes up with lots to say and being the outspoken liberal that he is, he says it. Oh, and the songs!!! He's bound to be the Chris Brown of his time (young boy just turned sixteen and I've got).

Well, my little cover boy had his first "real" photo shoot. The first of many of course. You would not believe how great he did. But the real question: Is this industry a scam?? As I searched and compared the prices of local QC studios, I found the prices incredibly reasonable, much to my surprise. So I excitedly booked an appointment. When I called, I doubled checked the prices once again to ensure I was correct about these oh so cheap shots! "Yep, that's correct," said the young lady on the other end of the line. She heard my excitement. "I very rarely see a mom spend less than $100. Most of the time $200," her voice dripping with warning.

As I replaced the receiver I thought to myself, there is no way I'll spend that much money. Their prices are much to reasonable for it to add up. Little did I know each of the 79 shots we took would be absolutely irresistible. How can you turn down that perfect purse of the lips, that huge grin, that wink, that perfect look of innocence. The answer is, YOU CAN'T. And mommies, you won't. You're just not strong enough. Send dad. He can do it. But you....YOU CAN NOT. So, I'll file this in the "lessons learned" category right behind wearing four inch heals while carrying a car seat down a flight of stairs. In the mean time, can anyone help me think of 275 of my closest friends who may enjoy a pic of the little man????

One of my fav shots! Mommy's little angel!

Pop the Bottle ....... 2009!!!

When Charles Dickens wrote the line, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," he must have been pregnant with his first child. 2008, where did you gooooo? Can't say that I'll miss you much. I'll definitely remember you. You brought life changing events and I thank you for all you taught, but Sayonara baby. On to bigger and better things. Expect the next level, Brody Lovers.

So as you know, many people use this time to set resolutions for the incoming year. I usually don't participate as I continuously strive for improvement. But this year, oh, I'm participating. And I'm selecting the most popular resolution of all. I know you guessed it, I NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT. Ok, this baby chub has got to go. I'm packing his bags and sending him far far away (oh, chub is definitely a male). He'd better be gone before the weather breaks and he should never EVER return. Every woman has her "happy weight." It's different for different people. My happy weight is 20 (cringe) pounds from now. I tossed and turned with the idea of sharing this with the world (/five blog followers), but I know me. And, the one thing that keeps me going is accountability. Now I have no choice.

I haven't exactly figured the details of how I will obtain this goal, but I know what I won't do and that's pull out a calculator while out to dinner and subtract the calories from my current weight, blah, blah, blah (sorry weight watchers). I'll keep you updated with my progress and hopefully I'll get a few mommies to join me. Oh, I think I may be a little excited!

Ok BL's, enjoy your night, be safe, and be prepared to share the details on Monday 01.05.09.

love and kisses

"Look up in the sky. It's a bird, it's a plane. No, it's B-ster"
I love this site .... create your own cartoon at www.befunky.com

Pure Bliss.......That Christmas of Mine!

Hi Brody Lovers!

I miss you all so much!!! I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday. I want to hear all about it and don't leave out any details! So, the highly anticipated first Christmas of BroJo's was way more than I ever expected! Although he seemed to be extremely sleepy, he was tons of fun and caused several laughs. Brody was blessed with an abundance of gifts that would make any new mom beam. Everything went off without a hitch. Well, except for the chocolate chip cookies which should have been taken out of the oven ten minutes prior (sorry Santa, Candra made them).

My favorite gift under the tree - Just Brotastic!

Brody with his first gift - so excited he can hardly take it..... sporting his '08 Christmas Pajamas

Brody ripping the Christmas wrapping!

Brody trying on his new Christmas gear while dancing (the back hand bounce)

Brody bonding with cousin Antonio

The day after Christmas

Happy Happy Baby!

Merry Christmas to All......... And to All a Good Night!

As I reflect on the twenty-uhh huumm-three Christmas' I've experienced, I can't help but think about the lovely gifts I've received over the years. All the toys and dolls. Oh, what about the gadgets and electronics. Not to mention the clothes and shoes. I would always take such pride in my gifts. I wanted to take them to my Grandmother's house and show them off. I wanted to wear one of the new outfits to school and pretend like I'd had it for years. This year my gift came a little early. It was wrapped tight and snuggled in a special gift box. The greatest gift of all, my Brody Joseph.

I am so blessed and thankful for this gift. I realize it is one many people want and are unable to have. I selflessly love him with every single ounce I have in me. I wish I could really explain it but, it's something only moms know and I haven't met one yet who was able to put it into words. This very feeling should be jarred, marketed, and sold for everyone to enjoy.

So, on this eve of Christmas I'll cuddle up with my little butterfly, sip hot chocolate, start new traditions, and bask in that Brody love. We'll wake up Christmas morning, indulge in our family's annual Christmas morning breakfast, and pretend Brody knows what's happening as we force his little balled up fists to rip wrapping paper. We'll take that road trip to Grandma's, laugh at my hilarious family, sneak a slice of pumpkin pie before dinner is done, and stare at that gift we don't quite understand. We'll reverence and celebrate JESUS and sing at least 1300 songs. We'll enjoy the company of cousins, aunties, uncles, and close friends of the fam. In other words, this Christmas, we'll be MERRY!

love and kisses


P.S. Due to the holiday, Brody Joseph will not post on Friday 12/26! Don't fret, we'll be back with plenty of pictures and holiday stories. Drink some egg nog for me!

The 2008 Baby Boom!

As this year's end quickly approaches, it's only natural to reflect and review the happenings '08 brought. I think several of you will agree with me when I say this year brought on the BABIES! Everywhere I turned there was a mommy-to-be sporting this year's hottest accessory, the baby bump. Not to mention the friends/family/colleagues/celebrity world who joined in on the baby mania. The stork certainly put in some overtime. Congratulations to all my 08 moms!

Christina Aguliera and baby Max born January 12

Tori Spelling with baby Stella born June 9

Nicole Kidman with baby Sunday born July 7

Jessica Alba and baby Honor born June 7

Nicole Richie and baby Harlow born January 11

Halle Berry and baby Nahla born March 16

And of course, my binka, Brody born October 16

To Believe or Not to Believe ........ That is the Question.

So, over the past few weeks I've had several conversations about a jolly old fat guy. I must say I had no idea there were so many people who felt so passionately about Saint Nick. As a new mommy, I constantly think about my parenting style and although a lot is developed as you go along, some things you must research what you truly believe and how you will handle it.


During my many conversations I heard several "I'm not teaching my kids about Santa" comments. Some said, "I worked hard to purchase Christmas gifts. I want the credit." That's just silly! Some felt bad about "lying" to their children. The most popular naysayer said, "Christians should not teach Santa, instead, Jesus." First let me say, I know Christmas is the day we set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I will definitely teach that to little Brody. It was quite interesting to me how these Christian parents incorporate every other man imposed aspect of Christmas.


The belief in the magic of Santa Claus is such a joyous childhood memory. Buying into Santa Claus does not mean you can not also focus on the spiritual aspects of Christmas. Saint Nicholas was really a devout Christian who was known for his love for children. He used his great wealth to help poor families, children, and orphans. He became the epitome of Christian love and affection, honored by Christians around the world and considered to be the great patron Saint of children and the cheerful giver of gifts. His intention was only to help people and spread the love of the Lord, and this was his mission for most of his adult life. It was never to put himself on an equal or higher pedestal than Jesus.


At the end of the day, it's solely up to you as a parent to decide which way to go..... to believe or not to believe.



P.S. "Chloe stood as still as possible in the pitch black room praying the footsteps would continue past the door. As the clank of high heels became more and more apparent, she began to perspire."

All I Want For Christmas.....

Is it just me or did Christmas dress in all black with a black ski mask, wait until we weren't paying attention and sneak up on us!!!? OMG, I can't believe it's just next week. As a busy new mommy I have yet to purchase the first gift ..... sigh. No need to panic, 'tis the season to be jolly! So, Brody Lovers, I'm quite sure your lists are jammed packed with mommies to buy for. No fret my pets. I've collected a list of chic mommy gifts for under $100 (I know.... you love me).

1. Aqua jet foot spa - treat yourself to the ultimate foot massage. $79.99 - Brookstone

2. Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer - print digital photos while on the go. You know how much we love, love, love our photos! $99.99 - Best Buy

3. Engravable bar ware. I love this. Perfect for the entertaining mommy. Personalize your affairs with your initials. Adds that special touch. - Pottery Barn - $59.99

4. Create you own basket! Pick a theme and stick to it. For example the Napa Valley Basket would include their favorite bottle of wine, long stem wine glasses, cheese and crackers, and a cork screw. The Paint me Pretty Basket would include an array of nice make-up.

5. Bling signature fit sweats! Easy fit, with side sequin graphic. Cinched leg. Wide waistband with drawstring elastic waist. Be careful not to wear these every day for the rest of your life. Muy Comfy! - Victoria's Secret $68