The 2017 New York Baby Show: FREE Ticket Giveaway #MTBloggerLounge #ad

Like clockwork, once Spring is in the air - baby fever kicks in and I always find myself looking for the must have essentials for the newest bundles of joy to join our loved one's families. Last year we highlighted our top 3 products  and back in 2015 we shared our total New York Baby Show experience at Pier 92. It''s simply not a show to be missed and you'll walk away having discovered some great new items for not only baby but mama/dad. So go ahead & get excited because we're offering Ten tickets to attend thanks to Momtrends and the New York Baby Show. 

Celebrate Diversity with Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend and 25% off on Tickets #ad

Having grown up and now raising our own two children here in NYC it's always been an amazing learning experience because of the diverse mix of people that live here and visit from other countries on a daily. In our very own building, because we live close to the airport our boys have managed to make friends with children who's parents are here on business with the United Nations, from Egypt, Dubai, Japan and more. It's wonderful to see how they embrace each other and help their friends adjust to being here, especially those who don't speak English very well yet. From early on we've taught our boys not to judge others based on the color of their skin, religions etc and to accept everyone's beautiful differences.As cliche as it sounds the world would be rather boring if we were all the same. Sesame Street Live is back in New York with their show "Make a New Friend" which shows our lil' monsters how to celebrate friendship and similarities despite cultural differences.

Disclosure: We were provided tickets to review the show, opinions expressed are 100% our own. 

Freshen up Your Tween's Routine with Scented Glad Products #ad #MTNightOut

There come's a point when the kids get a little bit older and they have to start helping out around the house. Not only because it's helps alleviate one more thing that needs to be crossed off the checklist but because it will also instill a sense of responsibility in them that will prove valuable as they go out to face the world on their own. With our oldest CJ starting middle school this fall we thought aside from the chore of cleaning his room we'd freshen up his everyday routine with a few more household duties like taking out the trash.  During a recent mom's night out event with Momtrends' very own Nicole Feliciano we talked about balancing mom life and I realized one way for me to simplify life would be to delegate more tasks for the kids. That evening we also discovered the wonderfully scented line of odor shielding trash bags from Glad as we made our own Glad with Febreeze inspired hand lotions.

Our So-Called Balanced Life: Discovering Must Have Products to Simplify the Everyday #MTNightOut #ad

When you're a mama who's juggling life inside and outside of the home, a night out with other women who can undoubtedly relate is always a welcomed pass time, right? I'll be the first to admit - the mama hustle is real! C'mon, it's ok you can admit it too - finding balance can be hard and usually the last thing on our checklist is scheduling in a little well earned "me-time" in between the conference calls, school plays we'd feel guilty about missing, trips to the pediatrician that leave you in waiting rooms well passed your scheduled appointment and scrubbing the gross off the bottoms of toilets {i'm a boy mom}.  Hubby works late nights till 1am as a chef so if I can manage to get a babysitter and I'm not dealing with a Crohn's disease related flare up, there's no way I'm passing on a chance to hang out with my blogger babes. 

Picture a perfect autumn NYC evening with gorgeous rooftop views of the twinkling Soho lights, add some DIY, bubbly and stories of how we manage get it all done with must have products that help us master the chaos and it's surely going to be a good night! Thanks to Nicole Feliciano of Momtrends & Meredith Publications {Parents, Fit Pregnancy, Family Fun and Parents Latina} who gathered tried and true brands like Glad, Quaker Oats,Clorox, Philips Avent & Earth's Best, we were able to channel our creative sides while discovering & using the best products to make life easier for busy parents. 

12 Tips From Girl Scouts of the USA and Disney Channel's "Elena of Avalor to Inspire Girls to Lead

If you watched this year's Olympics in Rio, then you've witnessed a diverse and amazing group of athletic women fulfill their dreams by showing great teamwork, leadership and determination to succeed. I hope that little girls all around the world are inspired by Monica Puig  for winning the first gold medal for Puerto Rico & 19 year old African American, 5x gold medal winning gymnast - Simone Biles.  And let's not forget the first woman to wear a hijab while competing in the Olympic games like Muslim fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad. These young women have proven that despite their differences if you're a go-getter that's willing to be a leader and dreams big, anything  can be accomplished. 

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and Disney Channel are teaming up to inspire girls and their families to practice leadership. The collaboration brings GSUSA’s focus on leading like a G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)^TM, the Girl Scout way, and Disney Channel’s recently launched animated television series Elena of Avalor into action with the debut of The Elena of Avalor Leadership Guide by Girl Scouts and Disney Channel. Available in English and Spanish beginning today, the Guide showcases leadership activities and conversations parents and caregivers can engage their preschool through fifth-grade girls in to boost their everyday leadership skills and prepare them to create the future they imagine.

Reflecting on Why We Can No Longer Sit Idly: Please Tell the World my Son's Black Lives Matter Too #BlackLivesMatter #BlackSonsMatter

This weekend has been anything but normal and I've found myself caught up in my feelings & like many of you I'm sure, I've been trying to find all the words to express what I've been thinking after the news of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile's tragic deaths. Typically I write about reasons to celebrate life but realize with this platform I have a social responsibility to speak out honestly on things that are a far cry from jubilation, despite how tough the reality may seem. 

Writing & sharing posts on our most recent lived in moments - trips to Rhode Island, movie screenings of the latest summer blockbusters and the perfect holiday gift seem so irrelevant to write about when our social media feeds and email boxes should be filled with the voices in mourning & those advocating for positive change. I'll make room here for me to share this story because I knew as a mother of two brown little boys I couldn't come back to this space without discussing the current state of our country. There is a need to recognize the disproportionate number of black lives lost at the hands of law enforcement who are meant to serve and protect us all and to encourage you all to speak out against it.

Grab Yourself Some "Me Time" & See Mom's Night Out #MNOMAMARAZZI #MOMSNIGHTOUT

As moms how often do we find ourselves torn between wanting to spend quality time with our kids and spouses as often as we can while juggling housework, careers and schlepping kids to various activities? Thanks to The Moms, earlier in the month I was invited to attend a screening with my fave mom-bloggers of the newly released faith-based, comedy film Moms Night Out which stars Patricia Heaton {the hilarious mom from Everybody Loves Raymond and Malcom in the Middle} and Sarah Drew {the quirky and loveable Kepner on Grey's anatomy}, Sean Astin and David Hunt. Before the screening we mingled while sipping delicious Mom-mosas  and other yummy cocktails courtesy of Martini and enjoyed sweet treats from  Baked by Melissa.  

From the first ten minutes the theater was all laughs, which really never died down throughout the entire film as we watched Allyson a Stay at home mom, wife of a busy travel-for-work husband and mom blogger navigate her way through the perils and joys of motherhood to 3 high energy children. How is it possible that when you seemingly have it all: the successful & good looking husband, the white picket fence and adorable kids, you are still unhappy with your life? A dilemma that has Allyson spazzing out like Susie homemaker turned incredible hulk, and sobbing in a closet {while looking at old glitzy party shoes} about her life that once was.

One of the moments/ quotes that stood out to me in the film was when Allyson's very understanding husband {played by Sean Astin} explains to his wife that she needed to heed the advice that most flight attendants give at the beginning of a flight. "You must put your oxygen mask on first, in order to be of any help to anyone else", comparing a girls night out or a hobby to an oxygen mask, a necessity to live.  As moms we sometimes forget that we need to take care of ourselves first, both physically and mentally before we can be good to anyone else. One of the many things I love and appreciate about my own hubby is that he encourages me to take moments for myself, whether a long bubble bath, a walk around the block or brunch with the girls because he knows I need it for my own sanity every now and then.

So as recommended, Allyson rounds up her ladies {the pastors wife, played by Patricia Heaton & the best friend Izzy} and we follow along as the movie takes us on an outrageous girls night out adventure in which  the hubbies are left in charge of the kids, and we witness the disastrous yet hysterical series of events unfold, while these glammed up moms give it their best efforts to paint the town red.

We've all been there, paralyzed by stress and guilt: questioning our parenting skills, wondering if others are judging us, seeking an identity outside of being a mom, and occasionally needing a moment to ourselves to enjoy the things and people we loved before having kids. No joke it's a balancing act, I stayed home with each of my boys for their first 2 years as a choice. One that my husband and I made because honestly childcare expenses are so high in NYC and with me being an educator I just couldn't see my kids being cared for by anyone else but myself or close family. Often I wanted to pull out my hair, and still do from the sleepless nights and potty training days of long ago, to battles over the TV and meltdowns of today and needed an outlet which was in part why I started this blog. Through events like these hosted by The Moms I've been blessed to be able to meet and become friends with lots of other mom bloggers who have all at some point tried to find their voice in the blogosphere while managing a household.

After the screening we were all lucky enough to sit in on The Moms live Q&A with the cast for SiriusXm radio, which was a blast! They discussed the ups and downs of parenting and marriage while managing careers in the spotlight and it's great to see that despite their celebrity status we all go through the same things and try to be the best parents we can be since there just isn't a manual on how to do it. I was able to ask Sarah Andrew on air if there was a friend or family member who she had been nervous about watching her child only to be relieved that everyone was safe & sound and had a good time. Fortunately for her she says she's been blessed with amazing family who insist she go out while they babysit. In the midst of my question, the adorably handsome Sean Astin {of Lord of the Rings and 80's classic The Goonies} walked in.

This Mother's Day I was able to indulge in the best of both worlds {thanks to my mother-in-law who gladly relieved me of my mommy duties}, an entire day to myself which included the rare joy of sleeping in past 8am, lounging in pajamas while watching tasteless -girly television {hubby had to work} and actually being able to talk to my bestie Liza on the phone {without hyper monsters yelling in the background}, opposed to just shooting her a text in ten minute intervals. After a relaxing Saturday, my two monsters returned home, eager to greet me with hugs and kisses. My hubby prompted our 3 year old and asked "What do you have to tell mommy?" he jumped up in my arms and with conviction yelled "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY" which had me cracking up. We ended up playing board games and cuddled upon the couch watching movies and had breakfast for dinner.

By far some of the best movies are the ones that you can find yourself relating to, that make it easier to laugh at yourself and that make you realize you aren't alone in this crazy life as parents. If  you have yet to see Moms Night Out, arrange a sitter,  grab your girlfriends or go alone for two hours of  "mommy" time because you deserve it!  Watch the Trailer, I guarantee you and the family will laugh a bunch and even get a little teary, if you're a cheese-ball like me sometimes.

How do you find time for yourself & what's been your own favorite Moms Night out Moment?

Having a Moment: My Dream for my Son on His 8th Birthday

I couldn't think of a better day to celebrate my son CJ's 8th birthday then today January 21st, 2013, a day honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr & the public viewing of President Obama being sworn in. We are tuned in watching NBC and all the Inauguration day coverage before heading out to Barnes & Nobles and Toys R' Us for CJ to run through all his gift-cards and a visit to the grandparents to devour Crumbs cupcakes. 

Like any mother I have high hopes and dreams for my son to be strong, respectful, encouraging, supportive, intelligent and loving. CJ is fortunate to have examples of all of those qualities within his father, grandfather and a host of uncles, sadly some young men aren't as fortunate. You would think that after all those years ago when  Dr. King first gave his infamous speech that the ways of the world would have changed greatly. I will say that, yes we have come a long way from the days of slavery but with stories of Sean Bell & Trayvon Martin still unsettling in our hearts, have we really forged a way for more open-mindedness and less judgement towards our fellow man/woman? With words of encouragement all I can to my son is "Rise above it all to be the great man you are destined to be and when you've reached the top remember to pay it forward!" I truly believe it's in the hands of our future generations to be the change we want to see in this world.

Enjoy this historical day and celebrate the LEGACY! 

Bunches of Xoxo's

                            Dellah

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Revel in NY: Mom's Night Out Mommybites Summit 2012 & A Giveaway to The New York Baby Show

Two weeks ago my girlfriend Rachel and I met downtown at the 34th street New Yorker Hotel for a night of mingling, expert advice, food & wine, shopping and let me not forget the awesome SWAG bag!

 Mommybites is a great community for parents here in NYC and for future planned locations that offers great resources, support and education through webinars, classes, national events, and blogs. If you live here in NYC, you can attend lunches, in person support groups and summits to connect with other families. The website also has a great mom-generated nanny/childcare board and a local listings section for finding real estate, part time work, casting calls and tons more.

I have to tell you, I encourage everyone I know to attend this event because it's so beyond worth the $25 ticket just in food and drinks alone and it's a great way to spend an evening with your fave people and a few 300 other people. Rachel and I attended with another friend  two years ago when all three of us were pregnant and had such a great time and this year didn't disappoint. I think we actually had an even better experience this time around and look forward to going again {the Hubby even asked if he could come}.

This years keynote speaker was Gretchen Rubin  the author of the New York Times best seller The Happiness Project. Her discussion was insightful, thought provoking and very entertaining {she had us jumping up and down in the aisles to get our blood moving, to prove the importance of exercise}. I know having that "burnt out" feeling isn't just a symptom of being a multitasking NY mom, but just a part of being a where-ever you live mom. One thing she said that resonated with me {although I'm up typing this post at 1:30am} is to know your bedtime the same way we know our kids bedtime. Sometimes the only way I feel I'll get any "me" time or Hubby and me time is by putting the kids to bed first to get things done and I know I'm not alone. This book will have you questioning what HAPPINESS really means to you and the best ways to achieve it. I can't wait to find a moment to read it.

Ok, now for some pics. I only snapped a few because I really was caught up in the moment and had such a good time {which I think is a vast improvement for me because I know I tend to get caught up in images as a blogger lately}I later realized I didn't even get a snap of me & Rach the whole evening.  

* At the end of this post I am offering my first GIVEAWAY, so keep scrolling!

One of my favorite vendors of the evening was CultureBaby an online global baby boutique that specializes in international clothing, toys and accessories for babies and children.

There were tons of vendors to shop from, whether you were looking for a baby item for your expected bundle of joy or if you needed family portraits taken, or a hands free umbrella that attaches to your stroller,  there was an array of tempting choices to pick from.

 The first thing we did when we got there was find where the food station was set up because I had a headache and was accompanied by a very hungry Rachel + one. The pasta dishes were great, one was extra creamy and cheesy while the other had a spicy kick to it that I'm sure a lot of the preggo ladies enjoyed. I felt so bad for the staff walking around with trays of small tasty bites being followed around by the masses. There were also sweet treats, coffee and tea that made a perfect end to the night.

I spotted a few of the "dads" bunched up and hanging out by the open bar. I say kuddos to those who did bring their beau with them because it probably made it easier to just hand them the bountiful swag bag or raffle winnings to lug home.

By far I think the best place to be was at the Britax table area. It was like Oprah was there giving away cars from the screams and shouts of excitement that echoed across the room, but I guess a few $500 strollers given away is close enough. In celebration of the movie release of  What to Expect When Expecting, they were raffling off several strollers, car seats, carriers and accessories every 10-20 minutes. I swore Rachel was going to call for a do over when the number called for the stroller she wanted was four away from hers {that's her in the left hand corner, getting product info}.

 At the end of the night we walked away with a Swag bag full of stuff, I couldn't fit everything in one picture but it included some great book reads {one just for dad}, a Britax stroller caddy, grooming kit for baby, products for mom and a bunch of other stuff I got from vendor tables {and yes if you are one of my friends or fam expecting a baby, you just may find one of these items in your gift basket from me, Surprise!}. Overall It was a great event and If you missed it this year be on the look out for next years!

Now, about that Giveaway I mentioned above: This Saturday May 19th & Sunday May 20th is the New York Baby Show at pier 92 from 10am - 4pm. This event for expectant and new parents is going to be fun, and educational with great keynote speakers and several exhibitors including Mommybites & Britax, more than 100 baby brands, play areas and activities for the kids, meet and take pics with characters, a free stroller check up and test drive & tons more! 

 I thought that I'd offer 2 family tickets { each for 2 adults and up to 4 children} to 2 randomly selected  followers for Saturday and Sunday. 

All you have to do to win is:  Leave a comment on this post telling me 

What part of the baby show/ key speaker or vendor do you most look forward to seeing?

 For an extra chance at winning you can "like" the blogs Facebook page .

If you've done that already, send someone over to like the page, and have them comment on the link to this post on the FB wall saying who sent them. The more people you send to like the page the more chances you have to win.

The last Giveaway entry can be submitted by 5pm Friday May 18th. I will announce the winnerson Facebook Friday evening May 18th by 6pm. Please make sure you have submitted your email so I can contact the winners. Good luck!

**Update: Congrats to Lovidy for winning tickets to Sundays event!

Bunches of Xoxo's

                               Dellah

Having a Moment: What's your Disciplining Style?

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            I know I'm not alone in this but as a parent, on occasion I reach a point where my boys can really get on my nerves. I've been testing out various discipline methods and although this week has been a bit calmer, they have both been really testing limits and acting, well quite crazy.  You'd think that with a background in Education {currently finishing my masters in Elementary Education and was a Preschool teacher for 5 years} and a Bachelors degree in Forensic Psychology {mostly studying behavior} I could figure out a way to take charge with my boys. I know there is no right answer for this and it's always a debatable topic between the hubby and I and many households i'm sure but What is the best way to discipline your child?
            Lately my first born, my sweetheart, CJ has been a little mouthy {constantly talking back} and grouchy. I'm not sure what has gotten into him! With Tristan already turning 1
I think it's too late to say that CJ is acting out because of the new baby. The problem is he's too dang smart for his own good and combined with his mother's attitude he's been getting into trouble quite a bit. I've tried timeouts, he throws himself in the corner for his 7 minutes and pops back up when it's over un-phased by the few moments of silence. We've tried showing him the consequences of his behavior. We try to make sure the punishment fits the crime so that he understands why it's happening. He's currently going 2 months without Wii video game privileges, for slacking with homework because he's become too preoccupied with how Super Mario will make it to the next level without pinching his tush on those spiky things. I'm shocked he's lasted this long, although we have made some concessions by bending the rules a little for the older kids to play at the baby's 1st birthday party, and the weekend we found out he made the Honor Roll {proud mommy grin}.

               If you ask the Hubby he'll tell you a good pow-pow is in order every now and then to set a child straight and keep that level of fear and respect. I was never really spanked as a kid, but my dad and I definitely got into screaming matches as I reached my late teens. I guess those arguments were because they always allowed me to voice my opinions or as the Hubby would say "You guys back-talked your parents" and as my opinion differed we clashed more. We were watching the season premiere last night of Tori and Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood on Oxygen, we get a kick out of watching them because they are so relatable. Dean, like my own Hubby seems to be the grounding force of the house when us ladies tend to let our emotions take over or when we dream big seemingly unrealistic dreams or when we fail to put our foot down with the kids.Tori discusses her 17 Tori-isms about life with kids in a sit down with Parenting magazine and discusses here, how she has become less of a softy with her kids.

Tori Spelling during a photo shoot with Liam and Stella source

           In one particular scene Tori was in the midst of a photo shoot with the kids while Dean was out of town. Her oldest child Liam {such a charming kid} was a hot mess, smacking her in the face, trying to pull her lash extensions out  and all the while she was concerned with how the crew and friends around her would judge her as a parent. Why couldn't she reign in her child's behavior? Liam was given a timeout but Tori did admit that she wasn't the disciplinary and that when Dean's away Liam knows how to push her buttons. I don't favor spankings{ I've given CJ a spanking maybe three times his whole little life and it broke my heart} but I know that my screaming and yelling is no better, for me or the kids. It got to a point where Chris would yell at his friends and say things like "Are you hearing me? you better start listening" while talking through his teeth in frustration and I knew he was mimicking us.

CJ at Toys R' US Times Square

             One of CJ's biggest issues is his need to always get, get, get!! and it's my fault i guess because the Hubby says I spoil him. He'd never admit to doing it himself although recently CJ suckered him with his big cheeseball smile into getting this Beyblade set he wasn't supposed to get till Christmas. CJ was never really jealous of the baby until the birthday party, he constantly broke into tears as Tristan was showered with gifts and we opened cards for the baby that were filled with $20 bills. CJ made sure to count it all to compare what was in his Lightning McQueen wallet. There was no way it would be acceptable that his younger brother could buy twice as many packs of Pokemon cards then he could. It was good thinking on his Nana's part, she came prepared with a special gift just for the big brother. The hubby and I have been considering volunteering on the weekends and setting limits on what he gets; no more begging for that new toy that sings while doing flips and tricks while glowing in the dark, when he knows we are just going to Target for toiletries and granola bars!
         I promised CJ I would scale down my yelling, he knows that stress isn't good for mommy's Crohns disease. I know that whatever this moment is, it's just a phase that I'm hoping will pass soon. I guess he's making up for never putting us through the terrible 2's, which I'm already anticipating with Tristan who has a big temper for such a tiny person. It boggles my mind that at 10 months old he already went through a moment of aggressive mannerisms. I know kids model what they see and aren't fully capable of communicating their needs but we aren't walking around biting people and certainly not head butting anyone when we are in a crappy mood. Once he did that to me in a Target while I was trying to console his over tired self. The Hubby laughed so hard but honestly I almost dropped him due to pure instinct. Tristan is definitely testing limits, his favorite activity of the day is turning the TV on and off and laughs hysterically while doing it. I usually just remove him from whatever area he's causing chaos in and firmly tell him "No thank you" with an explanation , even though I know he doesn't understand fully but I know it's better than wagging my finger and shouting empty "No's". What's your disciplining style? Do you dole out the timeouts, give pow-pows, or try to talk it out and revoke privileges? Do you discipline or plan to discipline your kids the same way your parents did? 


xoxo, Dellah





           

Having a Moment: Weaning of Any Sort is Never, Ever Fun!

 When I first decided to blog I wasn't sure how much of my life at home I really wanted to share. I'm a pretty real, upfront person but I also know that although I am far from perfect I am horrible about handling constructive criticism even though I ask for it all the time. I've become totally distracted from my post on pumpkin decor for Halloween because I'm listening to baby Tristan wail in agitation in the next room. With our first child CJ , now 6, I read all the baby books: What to Expect, Parenting magazines, Dr. recommended this and Dr. suggested that and took the advise of all the moms before me. Maybe it's because this is our 2nd child, or maybe it's because we've had so much going on, my Crohns disease acting up, my hubbies shoulder surgery, and everything else life throws at you but I just haven't been doing parenting by the "books". 

Poor Tristan is not only being weaned off breast feeding, but  we also want to wean him from sleeping in the bed with us. All I can see is pointing fingers, shaking heads and "tsk tsk tsk" being uttered. I honestly don't know what happened. The hubby was working nights when he was born and so he slept during the day in the beginning and out of pure exhaustion I would nurse Tristan to sleep and we'd just canoodle together in my bed and he's pretty much been there ever since. On occasion I would put him down for nap time in his crib, but It would never last and I just didn't have the patience or time. Our days consisted of bringing CJ to school, walking the dog,  breakfast and playtime with Tristan, cleaning house a bit and it was nap time.

By the second half of the day we are off to pick up CJ, go to the park, maybe grocery shop or some form of errands, homework, I don't cook so maybe side prepping (rice, mashed potatoes whatever), baths, dinner, stories and then bed for the kids. The hubby and I may watch a movie and some canoodling of our own, he'd walk the dog and now I'm either in class (finishing my masters) or figuring out this blogging stuff. What am I going to do when I go back to work? As I type I am unsuccessfully ignoring Tristan's piercing crying and I'm tempted to scoop him up from his fathers arms and end his torture. I hate to have him this upset and I don't want to disturb the neighbors or wake up CJ, did I mention it's 12:37 am? The hubby has jury duty and while we enjoyed the long weekend it's back to school and the everyday routine in a few hours. 

     Well Tristan, who is now walking has managed to speedily waddle his way to the living room with blood shot eyes, seeking out my boobies.  I place him on my lap and he nuzzles my chest like a little puppy as he tries to get to them. I manage to stay strong and I've even passed him back to the hubby. Any suggestions? I know that I can't be the one to put him to sleep because (as my sister calls me) I am the milk giver, giver of milk. The hubby just said "You'd think he was on some sort of drug" but hey boobies can be addictive. This cycle has to be broken it's about 10 months overdue. Looks like we have a few sleepless nights ahead of us. Let the games begin. I'll keep you posted on our success. Our goal is the 17 days until his 1st birthday. Wish us much needed luck!

xoxo, Dellah

Earthquakes and Tornados and Hurricanes.. Oh my!!

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I guess a few natural disasters can definitely give you a huge reality check. 6 days ago my girlfriend and i had just finished taking our boys to the park and thought to go back to her place for lunch. We were chatting over by the computer when all of a sudden the shelves and desk started to shake. She had thought her vertigo had kicked in or that it was simply all in her head. Initially i thought it might have been a huge freight train ( thoughts of the movie "Unstoppable" featuring Denzel Washington and a runaway train) passing by her house (she does live near train tracks). When i realized that I too was shaking while nursing Tristan. We couldn't both be loosing it, could we? Our kids were so preoccupied with their cars and trucks they hadn't even noticed there was any sort of commotion.

I suggested we check on Facebook; what better source is there for instant updates on the happenings of the world? Eyewitness news was checked afterwards. Several friends had already posted and my girlfriends father who was so panicked confirmed that we were actually feeling tremors from a 5.8 quake that hit Virginia right here in NYC. We felt like idiots analyzing the source of the house shaking rather than grabbing our boys and fleeing. We definitely weren't alone, many people told stories of being in their offices and their chairs rolling away from their desk repeatedly and thinking they were exhausted or someone was pushing their chair. The idea of an earthquake was the furthest from our thoughts.

Photo of Huricane Irene approaching via  nytimes.com 

4 days later all anyone could talk about was Hurricane Irene and how on Sunday the 28th she was going to wreak havoc upon the East Coast. Facebook was flooded with Hurricane posts and Eyewitness News was doing 24 hour coverage. Airports and towns were evacuated and for the first time ever mass transportation in NYC was shutdown. At one point there were even a few tornado watches. People Filled their tubs with potable water, joined last minute shoppers on crazy supermarket lines for essentials {not sure the chocolate cake we picked up qualified} and tried to put together an emergency "GO" bag. I think the best thing that came out of this was many families realizing how unprepared they may be for an emergency and making a change for the future. From Coast to Coast we should make sure all precautions are in place for the rare occurrence.

 Ironically i stumbled upon an article Sunday afternoon in the September issue of Parents Magazine "Are you prepared for an Emergency?" that i think is worth everyone taking a look at .

        Dr. Wendy Swanson lists steps needed to take in an unexpected emergency { For full details see link}

1. Create a communication plan {Teach your children phone numbers of family members, Choose a location for family members to meet, Designate an out of state contact etc.}
2. Assemble a Kit {Stash cash (no electricity, no ATM), water, food, first-aid kit, important documents, flashlights etc.}
3. Know your neighborhood {Contact local fire departments to inquire about threats to your neighborhood such as streets prone to flooding etc.} 

Hope this was helpful, our kit isn't fully complete but I'm glad that we've started a conversation and have started collecting these important items.

xoxo Dellah