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This is advice for Mommy (Sheena) but I am sure that some of you dear readers can use this information as well.

My son is 14 months old and while I am not truly a “veteran” at mommyhood I do have pearls of wisdom to share. Sheena, you have a finite time between now and when Jayden starts to become independent, expressing himself in ways that may not always make you happy. So first off, I implore you, enjoy the newborn stage and don’t be in a rush for him to become mobile. Relish every moment of Jayden’s immobility because the difference between a newborn and a toddler are astounding!

Here are some things that will help you on your journey.

1. Never underestimate the value of spending time with your peers. Join Mocha Moms (www.mochamoms.org), a meet-up group or start one of your own. The time spent with your peers will provide you with a sounding board, help alleviate your fears and if the group has Mommies Night Out (I highly suggest finding a group with MNO, you can have fun without wondering if you are going to have to pull your boob out in the company of strangers) join immediately.

2. I know that you are nursing, please hear me on this one – WEAR A BRA AT ALL TIMES! Even to bed. Otherwise you will be looking at those girls sag wondering “what happened to my perky breasts? ? ?”

3. Time passes quickly, be sure to take as many photos of Jayden as possible. He is changing everyday and 10 months from now your recollection of what he looked like will be vastly different from reality.

4. Take time for self. ALONE. I am sure that being a mommy, blogging, and running your business are time consuming but you need to take a break from it all. Even if it is just to get a manicure, a cup of coffee, or read a good book.

5. If you have not already started, begin laying Jayden down for naps and bedtime when he is drowsy but not asleep. The ability for him to self-sooth will provide you with extra hours of sleep. This is very important. Sleep depravation is a terrible malady that most Moms suffer from. Beat the curve on this one, don’t be average! You don’t want to be the Mom that is still rocking your son to sleep at 3 years of age.

6. Schedule a date night (or day) at least once a month! Spending time with your soon-to-be husband without Jayden is vitally important to the success of your relationship. Trust me on this one, make it happen.

7. Find a good reliable babysitter so that you can go on the date referenced above. Don’t be like me and wait until he is 10 months before you and Greg have a night on the town!

8. Finally and most importantly – Enjoy yourself! Don’t worry about being a “good mommy” I am sure you are the best. Don’t question your ability to be a Mommy - remember that we all make mistakes don’t beat yourself up when you make one.

So there you have it. My personal pearls of wisdom. Kind readers I am sure that you have some pearls, please share them with us! Thank you Mommy (Sheena) and Daddy (Greg) for letting me take some space up in your blog. It has been fun and if you ever need advice in the middle of the night – please don’t call me. I will be catching up on all of the sleep that I’ve missed over the past 14 months!

Renée aka Mekhi’s Mom became a blogger to chronicle her life as a work at home mom, wife, new business owner, and early literacy consultant. Her obsession with diaper cakes motivated her to start Cutie Booty Cakes –Diapers Shaped Like Cakes. Her cakes are gorgeous, stop by the website and see for yourself.

I love when I can’t find anything quick to eat and then it arrives at my doorstep. That’s just one of the perks of being sent samples. Last Saturday afternoon I was starving. I needed to eat something quick. Jayden was fussy and Greg had just left for work. After putting Jayden down for a nap, I scurried off to the kitchen ravishing through the fridge and cabinets then…*rumble rumble rumble**knock knock knock*. The Fedex man left a box at the door. In that box were packets of Ronzoni Bistro meals. Ronzoni Bistro meals are 8 ounce savory pasta meals in a pouch that microwave in 90 seconds. It does depend on your microwave because I zapped mine for 60 seconds. Our microwave doesn’t have a low/medium/high setting, so I’m not sure of the temperature. That’s what you get when you buy the cheapest model from Walmart! Ronzoni Bistro meals are available in Spaghetti and Meatballs, Rotini with Tomatoes and Basil, Penne with Chicken & Broccoli, and Linguine with Chicken & Mushrooms flavors. So far I’ve tried Rotini with Tomatoes and Basil and the Penne with Chicken & Broccoli. I love them. They are rich in flavor and take no time to prepare. If I had a job to go to, I’d definitely pack them for lunch. If you plan on trying Ronzoni Bistro meals, be sure to visit ronzonibistro.com and sign up for the coupon to save $1 off the suggested $2.79 retail price!

I’m pretty sure by now many of you have seen this Burger King commercial advertising their new Kid’s Meal. Burger King has launched a nutrition program, BK Positive Steps, which works toward creating healthier food choices. Now offering a new kid’s meal made of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, apples cut in the shape of fries with low-fat caramel dipping sauce and Hershey’s 1 percent low-fat milk, parents don’t have to feel apprehensive about giving their children fast food.The meal is 350 calories, and less than 25 percent of those calories are from fat, with 9 percent from saturated fat.

Yes, this is a simple meal that can be prepared at home. Let’s put yourself in the shoes of a parent out and about with munchkins screaming that they are hungry. Burger King is nearby. Rather than order them a burger and fries and feel bad afterwards, order something that they’ll love which happens to be more nutritious than the typical kid’s meals.

Some parents don’t like the fact that the apples are shaped like fries. They feel it’s a way of trying to trick children into eating fruit. So lets say they were in the shape of a crown or even cut into cubes. Would it make a difference? Children like their food prepared in mini fun shapes. I don’t see any harm in the apple fries. It isn’t tricking at all, just making the apples fun and appealing. Ever had Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes or star shaped ice cubes?