Big City Moms 35th Biggest Baby Shower Fab Four Picks

I haven't been to a baby-related media event in, like, forever! Once I stopped using the lightweight stroller for Aiden (because his on-the-go mid-day naps became nonexistent), I figured we were out of the baby stage. And I've been declining offers to attend baby-related events ever since.

Until now.

photo via BCM website

With Baby August five-months-old, growing, blossoming, and interacting with his environment, I need to know what's what in the baby care department. And, since I've been out of the loop for the past four years or so, I need to play "catch up" in the baby gear department.

photo via BCM website

That's why I was excited to attend The Biggest Baby Shower hosted by Big City Moms. Not only was it a chance to chat with some of my NYC Blogger pals (hey Kristin!), but it was also a great way for me to see the latest and greatest in all things baby gear. In no particular order, here are my top faves:

photo via BCM website

Organics Happy Family
Their Clearly Crafted pouches of baby food?! I'm here for it! August will be turning six months soon and it'll be time for him to experience his first taste of solids, and I love the idea of buying baby food in packaging that's transparent. I got a taste of their Apples, Pumpkin, and Carrots, and it was kinda delicious for baby food! #ImJustSaying

As stated on their website, "It's premium organic foods that offers the best possible nutrition for growing babies." Can I get a "yum"?!

Baby Bjorn's High Chair
Okay... so I'm kind of obsessed with this here high chair! It's safe (the high chair makes it harder to stand up or push legs against a table and fall backwards), it has an ergonomic design (the curved backrest helps the little one to sit up and can be adjusted as the babe grows), it can be folded up and takes up minimal space (with a small NYC apartment, need I say more?!), and it's easy to clean (yes, I actually tested it out).

I've got to get my hands on it so August and I can give it a more in-depth review!

photo via BCM website

Baby Zen YoYo Stroller
A lightweight stroller that literally folds up into the size of a diaper bag?! Three words: Sign. Me. Up! Not only does it offer convenience for parents on-the-go, but it also offers loads of comfort for babies and toddlers. The stroller also offers a sun canopy, a curved handlebar for one-handed steering, and a shoulder strap for shoulder carrying. As August becomes more mobile, I'm going to need a lightweight stroller that folds up nicely and doesn't take up too my space in my small apartment that I can easily manage on the subway, and umm, the YoYo is  definitely a top contender!

By the way, Aiden got to test it out with Baby August in it and they both approve -- it was a very smooth ride!

photo via BCM website

Gift of Gab
Now, y'all know I couldn't do a round-up without including dope apparel for the babies, right?!

In true Mommy Delicious fashion, one of the first tables that the boys and I visited was Gift of Gab. Because, fashion... hello! Their pieces are hand painted and made with gluten-free non-toxic ink. And it's straight up dope. (I said that already. It's that dope!)

But Gift of Gab is more than just first-words apparel. Based in NYC and Long Island, they are a group of speech language pathologists that provides clients with home-based therapeutic treatment or the option of Telespeech from the comfort of their own home. They also provide screenings, evaluations, and consultations. Fashion and child-development... two things that are near and dear to me!

Thanks so much to Big City Moms for hosting the 35th Biggest Baby Shower! It was a huge success and I'm so happy that the boys and I got to check it out! Can't wait for the next one!

{Disclaimer: I received a ticket to this event in order to facilitate this review. Press attendees received a gift bag. All opinions expressed herein are my own.} 

This Is The Part About Parenting That I've Gotten Wrong

I didn't have much growing up.

Scratch that -- I didn't have any of my basic needs met when I needed them to be met. After my we (my mother, my two sisters, and I) got evicted from our apartment, we stayed in different shelters, roamed the streets, and, finally, one of my sisters and I ended up at my maternal grandmother's house, while my oldest sister ended up at a family friends' house.

I was five. And it would be years until we were all reunited.

I hated living with my grandmother. She was physically and emotionally abusive and downright mean. To this day, I'm convinced that she hated the burden of having to take care of me, and treated me like shit because of it.

After a couple years, my sister and I were removed and placed into a foster home. That was, quite literally, hell on Earth.

All the while, my mother continued to battle a drug addiction. And my father, well, he was long gone. (I don't remember if I knew this at the time, but he was serving a very long prison sentence.)

Growing up, I never quite felt like I had any of my basic needs met. I never quite felt like I had any of my emotional needs met. I never quite felt like I was cared for, protected, liked, loved. And I never felt like I was deserving.

All those thoughts and feelings were valid. They still are.

When Aiden was born, I vowed to change the narrative for him.

Aiden has the exact opposite life that I had. No, he doesn't have his other parent around consistently. But he has me. And I try to be as consistent with him as I can be. All of his basic needs are met on a daily basis. He has no idea what it's like to go hungry, to worry about where he's going to sleep at night, to worry about if he'll be safe or protected. That's a good thing. No kid should have to feel like that. Ever.

But beyond that.

Aiden has the exact opposite life that I had. His days after school are filled with a different extracurricular activity from chess to soccer to basketball to Tae Kwon Do. Saturdays are spent in swimming class. Summers are spent at summer camp and weekend trips exploring other cities. He gets to take several trips throughout the year -- both domestic and international. He gets to experience NYC and all the kid-friendly cultural things this city has to offer. He gets to go to dope media events because I have this blog. At home, he has an iPad and a Nintendo DS that he loves to play with. His toy bins are filled to the max with legos and costumes and cars and balls. So much so that they're practically overflowing. His library is so filled with so many books that I have to keep some in the closet and put them out on a rotating basis.

He has a good life.

We're not rich, but I make sure that he has a good life. I make sure that he feels cared for, protected, liked, loved... deserving.

And herein lies the issue.

He feels so deserving that he has a sense of entitlement when it comes to a lot of things. He feels like he's entitled to take vacations, like he's entitled to have extracurricular activities, like he's entitled to go to basketball clinic, like he's entitled to toys and gadgets and technology.

And this is the part about parenting that I've gotten wrong.

It's been a hard year for him -- I've been very transparent about that. But the village and I put some plans in place for him and he's gotten a lot better. Thank you Jesus!

But, over the past two weeks, he's been in this downward spiral. (To say that I'm beyond frustrated is an understatement.)

It all started when he took on of his friend's Pokemon cards without asking. And then refused to give it back when his teacher asked him to return it. (I feel my blood pressure rising all over again just from typing this.) Of course he knows what stealing is and that stealing is wrong, but here's the thing: he took the card because he wanted it, because he felt entitled to have it.

Of course, we had a conversation about stealing and what happens when people commit crimes. And y'all know I gave it to him straight -- no chaser -- right? And then I took all of his 200+ Pokemon cards away from him. (I have plans to give them away to other kids.)

But that's not what's really bothering me. Kids make mistakes. Kids do things that they aren't supposed to do and we're here to help them with it -- it's called "Life".

The part that's bothering me is that I've helped in creating this sense of entitlement. I've been so caught up in making sure that his life is better than the one I had growing up that I've forgotten to let him know that he does not deserve anything "extra" -- he has to work for it!

This is the part about parenting that I've gotten wrong.

And so now I need to get it right. I need to teach him that the world doesn't owe him anything, that he doesn't deserve anything beyond his basic needs being met, that he's not the center of the universe and there are other people around him with thoughts and feelings and needs. Now I need to teach him that his words and actions have an effect on other people.

Because what the world does not need more of is a self-centered, grown man who can't do anything for himself, but still feels like he's owed the world.

This is that part about parenting that I will learn how to get right.

August Kingston, 5 Months Old

I say this all the time, and with every passing month, I feel it more and more: in motherhood, the days are long, but the months and years a short. They fly by!

August turned five months over the weekend and we're celebrating a few of his "firsts". Like his first plane ride, his first time in the pool, his first time in ocean water (beach life is the best life!), and his his first time rolling over from his tummy to his back.

While I'm happy that he's exclusively breastfeeding and it's going well, I kinda can't wait till he turns six months so that I won't feel guilty if we end up supplementing with formula. I'd really like to continue breastfeeding till he's a year, but the way my schedule at my job is set up....

Sigh. It kinda sucks for breastfeeding because I don't have the time that I need to pump at work. (Or should I say that I don't take the time that I need.) Luckily, I have a good freezer stash, but, umm, it's kinda dwindling.

#normalizebreastfeeding

I'm trying to slowly replace the baggies that I've already used, but I'm not trying to stress over it because, umm, who needs another stressor in life, right?

August is definitely more alert and more in-tune with his surroundings. He's awake for much longer periods (little dude hates long naps!) and he definitely wants to be an active participant in pretty much everything. Because of this, we have him out and about more. Brunch events, trips to Puerto Rico (more on that in another post), live performances -- it's all fair game!

It's so great to see his little budding personality.

Poolside in Puerto Rico

Bello Mania at The New Victory Theater

chasing waterfalls in PR

August likes:

• Pulling down his activity mat
• Loud giggles and belly laughs, especially when Aiden is pretending to fall down
• Whenever Aiden does something funny 
• Rolling from one end of the living room to the other -- this kid's got places to go, yo!
• Kicking his legs and waving his arms in excitement
• Chewing on everything -- I think he's teething
• Laughing whenever he sees the branches/leaves on trees blowing in the wind
• Playing with his feet, which includes putting it in his mouth 

August hates:

• Unexpected loud noises (blame it on Aiden, not me)
• The wind blowing in his face (it's totally fine when the wind is blowing trees though)
• When people don't talk back to him when he's trying to "talk" to you (ask me how I know)

It was clear that it was time to get him a new toy when, one day, I turned around and saw him do this with his activity mat:

I mean, really August?! Really?!

So... behold the Rainforest Jumperoo:

So you just gonna fall asleep in that thing, aren't ya?
Also, don't mind the dirty clothes in the background.
#LaundryDay
#Motherhood

So. Much. Cuteness. 

Thanks for the fly outfit Zutano!

Can I just bottle this stage up forever?! 

Products Galore with New Moms Babbleboxx

I have to admit: there was a time not too long ago when I didn't "get" subscription boxes. Like, I couldn't understand why anyone would want a whole bunch of random samples in a box. But then I ordered a subscription ox full of self-care goodies (thanks Tara!) and I was hooked! It was like everything that I needed to increase my relaxation factor by, like, 100% was delivered right to my doorstep. Literally. 

And then I fell in love.

And now I can't get enough of subscription boxes.

So when I heard about a subscription box specifically for new moms, I was excited to see what it was all about.

products galore!

I mean, one of my biggest struggles ever since I found out that I was getting ready to welcome Baby Delicious into this world was figuring out which products work best. With Aiden and August being eight years apart, I'm just out of the loop on all things baby products. (Related: Products and brands in the baby department have changed. A lot.) And, let's just say I need all the help I can get.

Enter New Moms Babbleboxx.

What I love so much about New Moms Babbleboxx is that it not only contain products for Baby August, but that it also has some pretty awesome things in it for me.

Like the Mustela Maternity Stretch Marks Prevention Cream. The cream is specially formulated to reduce the appearance of stretch marks for new and expecting mothers. It's non-greasy and fast absorbing and -- bonus! -- it didn't rub off on any of my blouses or dresses when I put it on. Score! (Bonus: You can receive 20% off your entire purchase until May 15th using the code MustelaBabbleBox. Double Score!)

Or... like the Arm & Hammer Truly Radiant Clean & Fresh Toothpaste. If you want a toothpaste that'll start whitening immediately and freshen your breath with a surge of cool spearmint, then this toothpaste is the way to go!

Or... like the Fujifilm Instax. It's definitely one of my favorite products in the entire box. I mean, who doesn't want to take more pictures of their adorable baby?! I love that it allows you to photograph all the cuteness and get the pictures immediately with the INSTAX Mini 70. A major plus?! The pictures come out incredibly sharp! A another plus? There's a "selfie mode" that automatically adjusts settings for the perfect mommy and baby selfies.

otherwise known as cuteness wrapped in a Gerber bib

But New Moms Babbleboxx doesn't just cater to new moms. There are goodies for the baby as well.

Like Gerber's Childrenswear. I always say that babies can never have enough onesies. They are literally the perfect garment for layering or for pairing with baby skinny jeans (another obsession of mine). They are available in short sleeve and long sleeve lengths, and the ribbed openings are designed to perfectly fit baby's legs and provide freedom of movement all day long.

Or... like the Boudreaux Butt Paste. Truth be told: I heard so much about this popular diaper rash cream, but was reluctant to try it since I've been in love with another ointment since Aiden was a baby. But after using the butt paste for a few days, I can definitely say that I'm hooked. Not only is it free of parabens, preservatives, dyes and phthalates, but it also provides relief from the very first use. And, whether your little one needs the original formula, maximum strength formula, or all natural formula, it can be used with every diaper change.

Or... Sesame Street Naturals. If you're looking for bubble bath, a gentle cleanser, or a multi-purpose balm, then you must check out these products. They are derived from plant-based ingredients. They also shea butter and aloe for extra moisturizing benefits. It's perfect for August's delicate skin and leaves him fresh and snuggly. Even more so than he already is.

Okay. So you've heard it all. I'm totally feeling the products that arrived in my New Moms Babbleboxx and I'm totally jumping on the subscription box bandwagon.

Even more so than I already have.

{Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post by Babbleboxx.com on behalf of Single Edition Media. Thank you for supporting Mommy Delicious.}

Loved, Squared

The boys and their toys in Puerto Rico

Real talk: I never expected Aiden to embrace the fact that he was going to have a baby brother. I didn't expect him to hate the idea, but I really thought that he'd be too busy in his own 8-year-old-big-kid-world that he'd be too preoccupied to worry about a newborn.

I'm happy to admit that I was wrong.

Every single day Aiden amazes me with how attentive, loving, and caring he is with August. If August needs his pacifier to be washed, Aiden washes it. If August needs his dirty diaper to be thrown out, Aiden tosses it. If August needs his mouth cleaned because there's spit up or drool on it, Aiden cleans it. If August needs to be entertained, Aiden puts on a show.

Aiden will literally fall on the floor twice over (thrice over!) just to make August laugh. And the sound of August's belly laughs? The funniest thing ever.

Before giving birth to #BabyDelicious, I didn't think I had the capacity to love another little person as much as I love Aiden because, well, Aiden and I have a very special bond. (I've written about this before.) Quite frankly, Aiden and I have been through some things together.

We've grown together. We're growing together. He put in the work with me. He put in the grind with me. He went to class with me when I was in grad school and didn't have a sitter; he came to work with me and sat in my office reading, coloring, playing on my phone, napping... repeat.

But it was love at first sight with August. And it's only gotten stronger with every passing day.

Back, when it was just us two, Aiden would say, "I super love you" to me. And I'd respond, "Back atcha kiddo. Back atcha."

Now... seeing Aiden be so protective of his little brother... watching August get excited every time he sees Aiden after school... seeing Aiden and August love up on each other...

I tell them that it's double the love.

It's love, squared. In so many more ways than I could have ever imagined.

August Kingston, 4 Months Old

It's been four months of deliciousness!

They say that time flies when you're having fun and that's exactly what's been happening 'round these parts with Baby August -- time is flying. And we're having loads of fun.

He's one of the most chill babies I've ever known. And I'm not just saying that. Everyone says it -- my friends, the nanny, family. I've taken him to work for a few hours a couple times and, each time, he was just so calm and observant. Everyone loves him! (And they should.)

Check out August's likes and dislikes and some adorable pictures! (PS: I wish I did this when Aiden was a baby.)

August likes:

• Doing mini-pushups during tummy time. 
• Rolling from back to stomach. (He's no longer trying to do it -- he's fully rolling with the homies like a pro.) You're supposed to learn to roll from stomach to back, but this guy's dancing to the beat of his own drums already. And I'm loving it.)
• Laughing. From his belly. It's the cutest thing ever. 
• Widening his eyes in excitement and grabbing his bottle whenever he sees that it's coming -- gotta love the expressed breastmilk.
• Rubbing his face into my chest. (Don't ask.)
• Sucking on his middle and ring fingers. A lot. Like, all the time.

August hates:

• The swings at the playground. He'll learn to love it eventually. 
• Having lotion rubbed onto him. (Ain't nobody got time for that!)
• Combing out his hair. (Again... ain't nobody got time for that!)
• Waiting patiently until his bottle warms up to room temperature. (It's literally the only time that he'll cry.) 

Can't wait to see what next month brings! 

How We Win

All week my principal and I have been talking to our third graders who are taking their ELA NY State Test this week. It's three days of testing, can you believe it?!

Anyhow... everyday we come up with something to inspire them, encourage them, and push them to do their absolute best.

One of my favorite messages so far?

Hard work beats talent any day. Everyday. We've got to work hard, work smart, work consistently... and work to the point of being uncomfortable. When we move pass our comfort zones, when we get a little uncomfortable, when we get comfortable with being uncomfortable... 

THAT'S when the growth happens. 

THAT'S when we get to our personal best. 

And THAT'S how we win. 

Now... who's ready to win this thing?

That was for a test. But, obviously it can be applied to life. Are you ready to feel the fear, but do it anyway? Are you ready to consistently put in the work to move closer to reaching your goals?

I know I am.