8 AM at the Hannemaniacs' House

W has always been musical. He can sing on key, quickly get acquainted with a tune, give it his own twist for a remix. He loves music. It doesn't come from me, mind you. I am not musical, but love that he seems to be so far.

When we moved in the fall we found ourselves with a lot more space and devised a plan to one day get a piano. Little did we know my aunt would be downsizing at the same time and needed a place for my cousin's gorgeous baby grand to live until he is at the point in his life that he's ready to take it back... Perfect timing for all of us. We hired piano movers, found a piano teacher, and W fell in love.

I hate feeling like I'm bragging about my kids... But he's good. It just comes naturally to him. He hears a song on the radio and works on it until he has figured out the tune on the piano. Is it perfect? No. Does it usually just involve his right hand? Yes. Has he only been taking piano lessons for seven months? Yes. Does his teacher get excited when she's here? Yes. And that in itself is exciting.

For now, we've found his thing. Will he be a professional musician? Who knows. Will he even still be playing by the time he gets to high school? Likely, but not for sure. But for now listening to him work a song from inside his brain to a tune on the keys is the best gift. I can't thank my aunt and cousin enough for sharing this gift with us. As someone told me recently... "Whatever he is going to be... He's going to be SOMETHING." And maybe that something might just be a musician.

This post was inspired by 2 A.M. At The Cat’s Pajamas by Marie-Helene Bertino, a novel about hope, love, and music in snow covered streets of Philadelphia. Join From Left to Write on August 28 we discuss 2 A.M. At The Cat’s Pajamas. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.

Flashback to Care Bears

My super hero-loving boys are suddenly into Care Bears. And I love it. Totally love it. Honestly, I sometimes get tired of super hero cartoons and the like. I can't preview everything before they watch it and I'm tired of hearing them run around the house play fighting each other. The easiest answer for me was to introduce them to the cartoons that I remember from my childhood on Netflix... Like Care Bears.

My expectations weren't high, but they actually liked it and asked to watch it again. It's not an every day thing, but hearing them sing some of the songs later in the afternoon is pretty sweet. Since then they've watched Robin Hood, Strawberry Shortcake, and Dragon Tales. Is it just me or are these blasts from the past a little sweeter than what kids are watching today?

Here's your opportunity to introduce your kids to your favorites... I'm giving away a THREE MONTH NETFLIX SUBSCRIPTION! Cool, right?

Here's how you can enter the Netflix giveaway... Tell me your favorite old school show! It's that easy.

If you want to be nice and follow me on twitter and Facebook and all that jazz, then cool. But, I'm just more interested in hearing new ideas for shows I can look for on Netflix!

A random winner will be chosen on May 21st.

Disclosure: I am a member of the Netflix Stream Team.

Staying A Step Ahead

Help. I think my child is smarter than I am. It's W... He's like a sponge, always looking to learn more about everything. He loves animals and dinosaurs and space and geography... We were watching the Olympics and they did a little piece about Siberia. He was consumed by it. Like he couldn't look away. It only lasted ten minutes and as soon as it was over he asked how he could watch more shows like it. So, we started searching... We found some great options on Netflix, like How The Universe Works. The only trouble... I can't answer his questions.

It's been years since I studied the solar system and now he's learning about it in preschool (preschool isn't just about sharing and eating graham crackers anymore, people). He has a basic knowledge about space, but wants to know everything. The trouble is I can't really tell him more than he already knows. Yes, I just admitted that my 5 year-old son knows more about space than I do. Science just isn't my strongest area. I remember being placed in AP Bio in high school and my mom and I looked at each other with a WTF look before WTF even existed. 

Is it just me or are kids so much smarter than we were at their age? I didn't know half the stuff he knows when I was five (or ten for that matter). We parents need to band together and start having wine and geography nights or something, because I have a feeling it's just going to get worse. 

Anyway, I digress... It's hard to stay a step ahead of a bright kid. I need all the help I can get. Oh, and I'm totally screwed in 10 years.

L'Occitane's Angelica Instant Hydration Mask Works With My Easy Skin Routine

I am all about easy when it comes to just about everything, especially my beauty routines. If it's not fast and simple, I just can't be bothered. I wash my face and put on moisturizer. But, when I had the opportunity to take part in the campaign for the L'OCCITANE Angelica Instant Hydration Mask, I was willing to add a few minutes to my routine. And that's all it took. 3 minutes.
I haven't done a mask in about 20 years. And when I think of them I think of the crazy colored, strong scented, turn into cement masks that my friends and I experimented with at junior high sleepovers... Yuck, right? But this mask is totally, totally different.

Here is my little vlog telling you all about it. (Note: The boys were sleeping in close proximity to our bathroom, which might explain what comes across as low energy...)


See other videos on the L'OCCITANE Facebook page here. Disclosure: I received a tube of L'OCCITANE Angelica Hydration Mask for review and a basket of L'OCCITANE products for my time. All opinions are my own.

Thankful

I asked W what he was thankful for without giving him the definition of thankful. I wasn't sure what he was going to say, but I'm really glad I hit record:

While I may not need to explain the word "thankful" to W, we might want to clear up his confusion on the definition of question vs. answer.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Baby Einstein World of Rhythm

When W was born we received a fair amount of Baby Einstein products, but haven't really used them. Except for the books, he always really liked them, and every now and then we listened to a cd when he was a baby. It was the videos I resisted. I think my hesitance to introduce Baby Einstein was more about me... What I'd heard about the videos bugged me: I heard they make no sense to adults and kids become obsessed. And, honestly, we had so much stuff when W was a baby, it's hard to know what to use and when they're ready. So, we just never got around to working Baby Einstein into our routine. I thought we'd missed our window. I was wrong.

When given the opportunity to review one of their new Discovery kits, I figured I might as well see what these products were all about. I chose the World of Rhythm video with a "but my son is very advanced, so I don't know if we're the best candidates for this product" attitude. I figured I'd learn what makes Baby Einstein so popular and then maybe use it for Baby #2.

W and I sat down and watched the video for the first time. He mainly sat, sang along, clapped and seemed engaged. I interviewed him afterward:

Did you like the video we just watched?
Yeah, I did.

What was your favorite part?
I liked the toys playing music. Those ducks were not in there.

What duck?
That duck that wasn't in there.

Did you learn something new?
I did.

What did you learn?
I learned that toys play music. Now Mater is washing Lightning.

Do you want to watch it again?
Yeah.

Did the music make you want to dance?
Nope.

Did you like the kids?
Yeah, I liked them.

What do you think about the video?
I think it's good.

I thought I'd put the video away and pull it out when Baby #2 seemed ready for it. I was proved wrong once again: The next morning W asked to watch it while he did his breathing treatment. And the next day and the next.

We've watched the video at least 15 times since then. At first it was annoying, but then I realized how interactive it could be and we've spent a lot of great time dancing, singing, pretending to play instruments, and running around in front of the tv. When the kids play drums, we play air drums. When toys roll across the scream, we turn in circles around the room. When the kids walk in a marching band formation, we do too.

Bottom line: I have totally been proved wrong. Baby Einstein World of Rhythm video is great when you need a 20 minute activity and is more interactive than most of W's videos. The book doesn't do much for a two and half year old and the music cd is fine, but he's not too into it. I have a feeling the video will continue to be a favorite for a while.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary Baby Einstein World of Rhythm kit for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own and I received no other compensation.

My WGN Chicago Spot

A couple of weeks ago I did a little spot on WGN. They all could not have been more pleasant. Dina Bair was sweet and made me feel really comfortable.

In case you didn't catch it, here you go:

Congrats, Tristina!

My sister, Christina, got hitched last weekend. And, lucky for us, she married Tristan. (Get it? Christina + Tristan = Tristina.) Tristan is like a brother and friend and role model for our little guy who adores him. It was a fabulous wedding. I'm too tired to go into the details right now. Man, being a matron of honor really takes it out of you (does this explain the lack of posts as of late?).

So, for now, I'm thrilled to share a little video put together by Ben Mahoney Productions, who is a good friend of our family and happens to be the most talented wedding videographer you'll ever meet.

Watch this. You'll love it. I promise. And you'll get to see my beautiful sister and a little ringbearer who thought it was one big party for him. More to come... Just give me time to rest my feet.

Your Just To Good To Be True. Video By BMP. from Video that rocks. The Weddings. on Vimeo.

My P90X Journey Begins

Today I started P90X. My sister has been following it in preparation for her wedding and said she has seen better results from this than any other workout she's done. And she just so happened to have an extra copy since the packaging was totally busted when she received it and they sent her a new copy, telling her to get rid of the old copy. Wasteful, right?

Well, I can't let a good workout plan go to waste, so offered to kindly take it off of her hands. Ok, so maybe she had to bug me about it a few times and I was a little too scared to initially jump at the opportunity. But, here I am. One day down. So that makes it P89X now, right? (OK, so I don't really even know what P90X stands for, to be honest.)

Here are some lessons for Day One:

1. The trainer on the video (Tony) is incredibly annoying and likes to refer to the people working out with him and his at-home followers as "kids" or even better "boys and girls." He also likes to mention how good looking he is and how much better he is than anyone else when it comes to fitness, but he has to teach the moves and make sure that no one else cheats so he can't prove it... And, oooh, even better... He likes to cross his arms in front of his chest to make an "X" when trying to really show you how to live and workout "X" style. Not kidding. I kinda want to stab him.

2. I am pretty much unprepared for what I'll need for the workout. Day #1 called for a pull up bar. Um, really? My house is like 1,300 square feet and somehow when they built it in the 1950's they forgot to include the home gym. So, I improvised with bands this morning. I can't wait to see what else I'll be missing for future work outs. One might think that I would go through all the information they sent, which I'm sure specifies, but why bother, I'd rather be surprised.

3. Carving out an hour a day is going to be a little difficult, but it's not impossible. Obviously easier on the days I work from home and weekends, but I'll figure it out.

4. Bridesmaid dresses are really good inspiration to take off the remaining post baby extras that I have so lovingly been clinging to since the little guy was born. Seriously, it's time.

I'll try to include mention of how P90X is going at least once a week... Good motivation to keep it up.

Oscars Schmoscars

There are some things you do just because you feel like you should. For instance, I'm watching the Oscars right now. I'm not sure why. I haven't seen most of the movies. Better stated: I haven't seen 99% of the movies. I just feel like I should be watching.

I love movies, I just don't have time to go to the theater. And, honestly, I prefer watching movies in the comfort of my own home... On my own couch where I can pause the movie when I have to go to the bathroom and don't have to deal with obnoxious people talking/texting/slurping their drinks/chomping on their snacks/kicking my seat. (OK, I'm a little particular and easily annoyed.) I can wait for the dvd when I get to watch the movie and then all the fun extras, too. (Who doesn't love those extras?)

Admittedly, there are a few things that I enjoy about the awards. The best reason to watch the Oscars is to help me fill up my Netflix queue (currently at 372 -not kidding). I also really love the best song nominee performances. I should say: I *used* to love the best song performances. But, unfortunately these seem to have been axed this year. REALLY?!?! The highlight of my Oscar viewing history was Robin Williams performing Blame Canada. What a loss.

So, now I'm ready to go to bed, even before the In Memoriam montage, which everyone enjoys in their own morbid way. Admit it, you like it, too. I mean, the John Hughes tribute... If that didn't tug on your heart strings and make you feel some nostalgia, then you're just cold. But I'd rather be in bed and just check the list of winners and all the other gossip online tomorrow. And, seriously, some of the presenters have kinda shocked me. Ahem, ahem... Miley Cyrus. What the??? (Matt told me I better get used to her since she doesn't seem to be going anywhere, but I refuse. I'd rather eat glass.)

I'm tired. I have a child who wakes me up at 5:00 am EVERY MORNING. Where's my award for that?!?! Oh, wait! The In Memoriam montage is starting... I'm so going to bed after this.

Update: Eating my words. Luckily I just caught the performance by The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers. It was like a SYTYCD reunion with old friends. Can't wait for that show to start again. Now, I'm going to bed.

Also, this must be said: Is it just me or is George Clooney is a really bad mood tonight? Jeeeez, George.

Pull-Ups Potty Dance Party and Ralph's World

This week I went to the Pull-Ups Potty Dance Party featuring Ralph's World. It was a free event to people who registered in time, but let's face it, I work full time and am not generally in-the-know about kids events in the city. But, luckily I was invited as a Mom Blogger.

Since it was on a week day, my first thought was to pass up the opportunity. However, I mentioned it to a friend and realized that by not introducing William to Ralph's World I could quite possibly ruin my career as Best Mom in the World. (Thank you for enlightening me, Lara.) So, I decided to take the day off and check it out with Grandma H who came in town to see the little guy.

So, first off, I really loved that attendees were asked to bring a diaper donation for a local organization. What bummed me out were the number of moms who did not bring said diapers (tsk, tsk) and that they only mentioned the recipient organization once and in all the hullabaloo, it was lost on me. Could have been a good partnering opportunity to give the organization some face time and potential donors, but that's just how my mind works as a fundraiser....

Going on... Learning the Potty Dance did not make William a potty training sensation over night. We're not quite there yet, but I have a feeling it's coming. On the contrary, he was a little freaked out by the loud music and seemed much more interested in trying to pilfer snacks from other kiddos. However, he loved Ralph. And so did I.

I had a chance to chat with him after the show and, though I could have probably picked his brain for a while, there were way too many moms shoving cd's and children in his hands for hugs, photos, and autographs. (Plenty of mommies were also shoving themselves in Ralph's hands for hugs, photos, and autographs.) Which leads me to this... A 12 month old cannot tell you who his favorite singer is or what kind of music she really loves, so why the following? Why are all these parents claiming Ralph is their kids favorite? Because obviously he's mom and dad's favorite. So, I asked him.... And he had a really good answer.

We vicariously connect with our kids through music (so says Ralph). A baby can't say "I love you," but can smile and wave his hands to a certain song and suddenly your life has been transformed. Even more, it allows parents to dance like kids again and act silly. We can pull out all the moves we wouldn't dare pull out when we're having a cocktail with a friend or dancing at a wedding.

(OK, side note: Anyone who has ever witnessed my crazy dancing moves knows that I DO pull out moves most people would not. Moving on....)

Anyway, it was refreshing to hear that from him. After his history as a rocker (thank you, Alan, for enlightening me) and move to kids music, he seems to have figured out his crowd. And the crowd that is willing to buy all his cd's, beg for autographs, and dance like they're kiddies again. For the record, any man who writes a song about mommies, coffee, and vino... Well, that man is a friend of mine.

So, I guess these days Lisa + Ralph = BFF. And now instead of listening to Dean Martin only, William is willing to listen to Ralph as well. That means he must be good, right?

Well, hello computer...

The little guy is obsessed with watching videos and listening to music on the computer. It's making it pretty hard to get much computer stuff done when he's around.

Read my post on Chicago Moms Blog for the scoop.

Mambo Italiano

As you may know our little guy is obsessed with Mambo Italiano. This has been going on for months. First thing in the morning he asks to "Mambo." The instant Grandma B comes over, he's ready to "Mambo." All day long, the kid just wants to mambo and tells you so again and again.

Until now he has been a Dean Martin loyalist. However, we've strayed. Aunt Danielle found this little gem, which is the first thing I have ever seen him sit still and watch. He's captivated.

The guy singing is Gerard Darmon, a French actor, and his back up comes from puppets. What more can you ask for? Take a looksie, it's fabulous.

Man vs. Toddler

Watch this. I find it to be hilarious.