Flashback/Feature Friday!

So I've been consumed lately on the design of my blog instead of its content. I think I have it the way I want it now at least for a little while. I'm never really satisfied, but I hope you like its new design. I'm pleased with it. Hopefully you are too. I was just told that when you comment on my blog, the verification code is partially covered and you can't submit the message. I have disabled the verification code for now. Does anyone know why this is happening? Maybe its my new template...not sure...

Anyway...

Of course I'm doing Feature Friday today, but thought I'd start off with a little flashback in honor of Flashback Friday.

My Flashback

My son was approximately 8 months old when it was a frosty Wednesday bath night. Yep, bath night. We had him in the tub, Hunky Hubs was doing something else, he is usually up there with me while we watch J splash and play. He started getting particularly gassy ripping one fart after the other in the tub. So of course the thought flashes thru my head to get him out of the bath fast. I grab the towel and a diaper and I'm toweling him off when I see IT float by. Yep, I was too late. It was one of those moments when I realized it probably would happen eventually, but wasn't prepared to actually see that amongst the toys he was playing with. Ha ha!! :)

And now for my "Feature Presentation":

Dr. Yakini Etheridge has a 19 month old son named Chase with another little one one the way. Chase's Mom says "he is a very spirited, energetic toddler who LOVES music, dancing, and singing - he actually has a "reputation" at his day care for being the best dancer. :-) Chase is mesmerized by dogs, birds, and bicycles. He really enjoys reading, making people laugh, and of course he loves to be chased!", living up to his name already.

Dr. Yakini Etheridge is a clinical psychologist. She says, "I see primarily adult and some late-adolescent patients at a large hospital in NYC".

When asked what her parenting philosophy was she said, "I am a proud Attachment Parenting mom (when possible), as I feel it's the best way to foster the type of relationship I want to have with our son".

I asked her what made her start blogging and why she does is. She said,

"I'm from New York City by way of Maryland by way of South Carolina! Always the social media enthusiast, I started this blog while pregnant and in an effort to include out-of-state family and friends in our lives during this exciting and busy time. I wanted to document my thoughts and feelings about my pregnancy experience as well as reflections on motherhood, as I'd waited my entire young adult life to experience this Blessing!

After the arrival of our son, I knew I wouldn't have the time (or energy!) to regularly call/email folks with all his special updates and milestones, so I decided to put it all in one place--the birth announcement, the pictures, videos, and my first-time-mommy ramblings too! My blog became a way for my husband and I to share our lives with family and friends who aren't able to see the baby on a daily basis. I've been told that, through my blog, they feel like they are a part of his life every day. That makes me feel so good!"

We all have our struggles with parenting, mine is giving in when I probably shouldn't. Yakini's challenges are setting boundaries when it comes to family and friends coming over at times that would compromise her son's routine. Being a very routine driven mother myself, as I know infants and children thrive on routines, this is one thing I struggle with myself.

She says, "As a new mom I struggled with setting boundaries with people with regards to my son. We all know how important routine is for babies and children. As such, I have a major issue with anything that disrupts my son's daily routine (i.e., coming over late at night to try and visit him knowing his bedtime is at 7 pm). However, as I've grown into my role as a mom, I became more comfortable with asserting myself and now find that people are more respectful of the choices I make for my son and our household. I've come to realize that everyone may not always agree with my parenting style but, at the end of the day, our son is happy, well-adjusted, and bright.... and our household runs smoothly. And that's really all the validation I need that I'm doing the right thing!"

But we all have our thing, our little tricks at getting our little ones to calm down or do what is best for them. Yakini's tried and true parenting method is "Singing to Chase". She says, "it has always been able to calm and relax him, since birth. There's a particular song I sing, "Jesus Loves Me," but I also add two additional stanzas that I made up (i.e, Mommy Loves me, Daddy Loves Me) and this makes him smile and snuggle in my arms (almost) every time he is upset. I wonder if this will be effective for his brother as well?"

And of course I always like to ask what is on everyone's ipod. Yakini says "I haven't listened to my ipod in AGES actually..... but we recently bought a new SUV and for the first time we have Sirius Satellite/XM radio. Right now I'm loving The Groove (Old School R&B station) and Back Spin (Old School Rap Radio station). Of course, Chase loves them too!"


So here is Dr. Yakini Etheridges Blog Here latest entry is about the trip to the Ob. Something she doesn't like too much, but since she's got another little boy on the way, its a necessity. Unless I can see baby on an ultrasound I'm not a big fan of peeing in that cup and being poked an prodded either. So go on over and show Yakini some love. Her little boy is very cute and sounds a lot like my little one.

*Happy Blogging*

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