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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’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?

Enjoy this guest post while I try to dig myself out of overwhelment. Is that a word?

I think most of us would agree that procrastination is probably the biggest waster of time that there is. Quite often the job takes less time than the procrastination itself.

The problem with constant procrastination is because it creates a psychological mountain out of a mole hill, by the time we start the task we are probably feeling stressed and uptight. Sometimes we are our own worst enemies as we do not even recognize we are suffering from this time stealing habit.

Alongside procrastination there is the busy mentality we buy into. Let’s face it there is a sort of kudos in today’s world about having so much to do. It makes us feel important and needed. What is also interesting is that the definition of one persons business compared to another can be quite different.

Having spoken to lots of people and done a little research on the subject here are some ideas to eliminate the procrastination habit, which in turn may help to free up some precious time.

1. Get into the habit of keeping a daily “To Do List”. That way you are less likely to forget something that is urgent and important.

2. Those of us that procrastinate often have an unrealistic sense of time. We either start believing that a project will take forever. (So we never can find the time to start it). Alternatively, we do not allow enough time to get the task completed comfortably. Remember even five minutes is enough time to complete something. This could be some filing at work or sorting out the cutlery cupboard or making a telephone call.

3. If you are finding “starting” the task difficult - remember not all tasks need to be started at the “beginning”. If it is a difficult letter or a report which needs your attention - make a start and go back to the beginning later.

4. Try to action things as they appear, this way you will end up with less of a backlog.

5. Are you making the task more difficult? Sometimes there is a simpler, quicker solution. Try to be flexible in how you approach tasks. Think delegate, fake not bake. Not so much finite detail. Most importantly stop aiming at perfection.

6. If there are particular types of projects you consistently procrastinate over, think about why. It could be that the information you need is not conveniently accessible. Or maybe there is an emotional reason for your reluctance to action your task or project e.g. confidence.

7. If you can not establish why you continually procrastinate over a particular task. Ask yourself if you really want or need to do it.

8. Schedule for problems and setbacks. By expecting problems and difficulties you may find yourself motivated to start the project earlier.

9. Plan a reason to motivate yourself into action. If it is a home based activity that you have not managed to get around to. Invite friends around and use this as your motivation to complete the tasks before their visit.

10. Tell someone else your deadline and give permission for them to remind you.

11. Listen to your moods. Use your energy to get tasks completed. For example gardening, washing the floor are great when you are frustrated or angry. Feeling overwhelmed - have a clearout.

12. Be opportunistic. Utilize “dead” time. If someone is running late, is there a phone call you can make. What five minute task can you do while you are waiting. Not only will you be able to tick something off your to do list you are less likely to be irritated by their lateness.

Diana Groves is the Editor of the Website Help For Busy Mums. We aim to provide time saving tips and simple solutions for busy mums. Visit us and join our community.

Etsy.com is full of gorgeous handmade items that will have you spending your bank account dry. A few days ago I decided to look around for some small accessories for myself. Mama deserves a treat every once and a while, right? I am addicted to anything with a cowry shell on it. I love wearing jewelry made with cowry shells. I love stringing cowry shells in my hair. So what did I search for on Etsy? Cowry shells! In the first page of results I found a delicious pair of Fatigue Cowry Hoop Earrings that I HAD to have. They were from seller KeeyshasKreations. I quickly snatched them up and she quickly sent them over and included a hair adornment as a bonus! I am too cute now! Thanks Keeysha’s Kreations!

This post was written yesterday, but I fell asleep before I was done. So let’s pretend like today is yesterday, ok?

It’s hard to believe our little booger is 3 months old today. He’s getting so BIG! He’s 13.8lbs! Before I know it, he’ll be towering over me! Now let’s see…he’s got a pretty large appetite. He Nurses less than every 2 hours. He puts my boobs in a chokehold! He sleeps wild! He kicks and flings his arms everywhere! He so strong! He’s mastered grabbing. He’ll snatch anything that you put in his face. He enjoys tugging on my clothes. He finds amusement in staring at his hands. He is very vocal. He will babble infantspeak nonstop. When I’m on the phone, he HAS to be in on the entire conversation! He enjoys watching us tinker on our computers. Uh oh could he be a future blogger?! He demands attention. If he could do this, he would! He appreciates getting his diaper changed. There’s no stopping those little beefy legs once he hits the changing table! He’s got the teething munchies. He must chew on EVERYTHING, including my arms! His eczema has improved and his complexion is getting lighter. Overall he is doing great. I can’t get enough of squeezing his chunky thighs and kissing his button nose 9256785234 times a day!

Today was a fun day. I popped in the Disney CDs and recorded some videos of Jayden. Below are some clips with a few hilarious surprises! [edit]HE FARTS![/edit] The visual isn’t all that crisp, but I’m thankful that it only took 10 minutes to upload vs overnight! I’ve been trying some new things with our camera software, still looking for more software for $FREE.99.

The CD featured in this video is Disney Music Block Party. The songs played are Mickey Mouse Club March by Ralph’s World and The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room by Wayne Brady. As you can see, we couldn’t get enough of Tiki Room! Block Party is 1 of the five CD’s sent from Mom Central for us to review. The other titles are Imagination Movers: Juice Box Heroes, They Might Be Giants: Here Comes the 123s, Choo-Choo Soul, and Ralph’s World: The Rhyming Circus. My favorites were (I can’t speak for Jayden) Disney Music Block Party and They Might Be Giants: Here Comes the 123s. Disney Music Block Party features classic Disney songs sung by Playhouse Disney artists. I can definitely relate to this album as I grew up singing these songs.They Might Be Giants: Here Comes the 123s features songs that are ALL number themed with the exception of the bonus Playhouse Disney favorite tracks. I love the concept, who doesn’t love products that encourage learning? The other albums are great too. I’m just not familiar with the songs, as I don’t watch the shows. I’m PRETTY sure Jayden will help me out later on down the road! Each title except Imagination Movers: Juice Box Heroes either includes bonus music videos or lyrics. We really enjoyed reviewing the CD’s. They are a great addition to our family media collection. I encourage picking up a few of them here! I almost forgot about The Disney Music Block Party Live Tour! For tickets and showtimes, visit the Disney Music Block Party Tour!

I was featured in Spotlight on Dads over at Discovering Dad! Spotlight on Dads is a series where every week a dad is thrown into an interrogation room, placed under a spotlight, and forced at gunpoint to answer questions about fatherhood. This week was my turn! I really encourage you all to check it out, as you may discover something about me that you didn’t know before. For example, I bet you all didn’t know that I have thirteen toes!

Ok I lied, I don’t really have thirteen toes. I only have twelve… and a half.