Thriftanista in the City

She's 6 months official! From 6 pd 8 oz to 15 pounds. Sleeping about 22 hours a day to 13 hours. Having no control over limbs to managing to put both feet in mouth. Amazing. I hear a lot of mom's say how fast it all happens. It didn't happen that way for me. These 6 months have been long! I'm so happy with the progress she's made and looking forward to her future progress. Teeth, crawling, walking...let's go! Stink eye to the parents. Getting some good sleep. Le sigh. The newborn diaper that no longer fits. Milk drunk She looks alien-ish here. Brand new to the earth. Did time fly or stand still for you?

Yesterday was Little Miss' 6 month checkup. Baby Girl is 15 pounds (31st percentile) and 2' 1" inches (27th percentile). The height hasn't changed. The nurse thinks that maybe she was measured wrong last time. She  got more shots.  I asked about the sleep thing since Miss V is averaging about 3 or 4 hours before waking up. She again reminded me to put her down sleepy but awake. She also said she only needed to eat once or twice per night. After her bedtime bottle she's usually knocked out so I do put her in the crib completely zonked and I have gotten into the habit of feeding her every time she wakes up. It's just faster. Last night I tried the one feeding over night. She woke up at least 4 times. I waited 5 minutes and you know what? She fell back asleep or maybe she wasn't away at all just making a little noise. She didn't have a total melt down cry just a lot of whining. I went in to check on her around 3a. She rolls on to her stomach a lot and can...

My me made skirt and swag bag Last night I finally left the house. At night. Without Little Miss. I received a complimentary ticket to Sassy Moms Night Out Go Red event. Free drinks, free appetizers and beauty treatments? Yes, please! Have you seen my vision board ? Free stuff and parties are on the left. I spruced myself up and donned a red skirt. I had zero parking issues with my little Toyota Yaris (parking is a bear in that neighborhood over by Harpo Studios and the United Center). I got a "special" wristband that entitled me to a lil extra gift. Score! I lost it and found it again in my coat when I was leaving. I drank pretty red Barbie juice drinks and loaded my plate with some of my favorite foods - hummus, baba ganoush, and dolmas. Win! I went in search of a free manicure. They were all booked up. Boo. This is what happens when you're tardy for the party. Oh well. I took a red carpet photo. The photographers were pumping me up. I showed them all kin...

A battle for the computer. Distracting her with kisses. Queen V still reigns. All while wearing World Cup footed pajamas.

I ate an entire pound cake in 2 days. I imagine myself being BFFs with Zap Mama, Sade, and the Girlfriends cast (not the actors but the characters). I haven't voted in every election since I became of voting age. I don't trust politicians. Breastmilk taste better than I thought it would. I normally have breastmilk dribbles on my pants. I am easily confused when watching espionage movies. I google some words to make sure I'm using them correctly. I am more outspoken since having a baby or maybe it's because of age. I sometimes wipe milk dribbles on Little Miss. I have more than a few favorite songs that have misogynistic lyrics (partial list below). What do you want to confess?

A: YES I didn't think it was possible but this color didn't pack a punch. I'm beginning to think I'm not a Zoya fan.  I added some girl stickers to try and perk it up. Putting them on was a challenge for me. The pinky is really jacked up that's why the thumb is covering it. I only did one hand.  I want to try something different already. I'm not getting that all is right in the world  feeling.  Brighter color, more glitter, please!

Her likes: moving from sitting to laying on her stomach (unfortunately she hasn't learned how to get out of this position so frustration usually follows) my Macbook my cell phone the remote control fake laughing having the drool wiped from her mouth panting waking up early talking grabbing baths blowing spit bubbles pulling my hair scratching everything to hear what it sounds like nibbling on her toes hanging upside down making the scary voice kisses hanging out in Jumperoo trying to stand and standing morning fresh diapers tasting inedible objects

Before Little Miss was even thought of: 1. I would dream of having a baby girl never a boy. 2. My BFF did this funny little FB app that morphed my face with His face. The baby that was created had a mustache and we joked about the app adding in His 'stache. 3. He and I would always say if we had a kid she/he would rock locs. Well it looks like all have come to pass. I had a girl, the app was right and we see more and more freeform locs sprouting from her head (guess that's what happens when you don't comb it). See the darkness around her mouth? It gives her a mustache-ish look. There are 3 or 4 locs on the right side of her hair. Can you see it? Scroll down for a close-up. Happy Friday! Disclaimer: Post created Thursday night while drinking wine, baby in bed, and me all by my lonesome. If you Google baby with mustache you will see I'm not the only one who thinks it's funny.

Little Miss was awake the entire time we were outside and she's in the big girl stroller. This is her first day of seeing more than our block!

How do other mothers do it? I'm still struggling with getting sh*t done. Am I the only one with a baby that clings on for dear life? I have to be in her line of vision at all times. If I'm in the kitchen too long she gets fussy. When I go to the bathroom, I take her with me. If I'm doing the laundry, I wrap her in the Moby. I finally made the decision to outsource the housecleaning (love it and recommend it). In the attempts I've made I haven't gotten very far. I can't clean floors and bathtubs with her in the Moby (I am researching babywearing for the back so maybe that won't be a problem much longer). I haven't seen the bottom of the laundry basket in about 3 months. There are paper piles everywhere. This isn't her doing. We've always had a mountain of mail but I can't shred near her because she wants to sit on my lap with the grabby hands. Yesterday I made a baked dish. I got tired of saying I can't and decided to just do it. I...

I spy a book.   I love books! Should I devour this book. or savor it? Hmmmm.. Maybe not.

I am one of millions who got engaged on Valentine's Day. Five years ago I was having a lovely meal from the "Like Water for Chocolate" menu when He popped the question and pulled out a ring. It was quite a surprise.  We had been living together for a few years. We're not really Valentine's Day kind of people. We had not discussed marriage. I'm glad we went ahead and did it. I love being his wife. Not actual engagement photo. This is from the kwanjula . Photo Booth - Us My favorite lovie dovie song. Happy Monday, February 14th or Valentine's Day to you!

I like to hold on to things. Old pictures, old diaries, old mementos. I have to talk myself into throwing things out. When it comes to my hair, I have a hard time cutting it. I cut my hair in college and I cut my hair a year after growing my perm out. Since I've had locs, the most I've ever cut is 7 inches but normally I just try to keep it from reaching my behind. That's the scary length for me. I've never been one for "styling" my hair but I need a change. Little Miss pulls my hair every time she's near me and it's such a task to do the wash, twist, and curl. I saw this picture and I think this should be my new look. Isn't her hair cute ? She's cute, her hair's cute, and her dress is cute. I want to be her friend. Source I'm trying to find a stylist who cuts locs and in my neighborhood. It's like a needle in a haystack. I haven't had any luck so far. More time to think and get comfortable with the change, I ...

Awww. I love the hearts. Found at cheapy corner store spot. The pink is another one of the Zoya freebies.

Asleep in Pack-N-Play Asleep in Moby Wrap Asleep on my lap Asleep in crib????

We're going to be in the deep freeze for the next 3 days so I took a walk yesterday. It was a balmy 30 degrees out. I had books on hold at the library that I needed to pick up before they were sent on to the next patron. I took some shots with my phone's camera. This is my city: I'm wearing a skirt (handmade by me) and 2 layers of tights under all that North Face. I love to wear dresses and skirts but I rarely have an opportunity these days. Little pink chairs holding it down! I'm surprised no one stole these. From the dining room table? The garbage pile up. I bet this person said "F it. It'll thaw by spring". Crates and a cardboard box so unoriginal. This person put a lot of thought into this space holder - a cone, paint buckets, and a wood plank. My snow boots are always dirty and water damaged.  On my walk I also saw huge Christmas ornaments hanging in a tree and a used condom. I didn't take pictures of thos...

I received some really tragic news  (overly dramatical statement). He is going on a business trip for 3 WHOLE FRIGGIN DAYS!!!! I will have a set of peepers on me while I'm on the toilet for 3 days.  I will have to take 3 fast TAP (50 points if you know what that means) showers.  I will have to take on 2 extra bedtime routine days (no chance to unwind by staring off into space). I will have to resist the urge to bring her into our bed so she can protect me from the boogieman. Who will I process my day with (basically a rundown of Little Miss' day)?  I'll be the only one getting up in the middle of the night to feed or soothe her (well, that remains the same). My friends via Facebook have suggested I spend some time out of the house. Go visit family, friends, and schedule some play dates. I may do that depending on the weather. O Weather Gods, please don't let it snow or turn arctic! I've considered going to Vegas to visit my mom. She ...

One of my free Zoya polishes. This color should be called "Meh" in my opinion or maybe it just doesn't compliment my skin tone. I do like how the glitter catches the light.

At 5 months she is starting to do the  grab and grunt/whine  when she wants something. I didn't think it would come this fast. I know nothing about babies (except that they are weird). I've decided to swap out Mom and Dad for "More" and "Give". She'll pick up on our names soon enough! I'm glad we're doing the swahili. I can learn too! More/Ingine (loose translation) Want/Unataka

I like meat. I've seen videos of animal slaughter. Yes I think it's really really gross but ooohhhweee goat, bacon, cheese, burgers, and chicken are good. On December 31, 2008, I had a fabulous NYE meal at Brazzaz's, a brazilian steakhouse aka meat buffet. I didn't plan on going vegan. My intention was to do a master cleanse (lemonade and water for 10 days) with a Facebook group starting January 1. I was going to keep a diary of my experience and receive a gift card for posting about the experience. Of course, I was also hoping for a little fast and easy weight loss. The next day I did start the cleanse, I did one salt water flush instead of 1 each day. If you've ever done it then you know why. I didn't feel like writing about the experience so no gift card but I still wanted to see if I can loose a little weight. It worked for Beyonce surely it could work for me. For me the first 2 days were hard but after that it wasn't so bad. I had a headache the first d...

Have you looked at your non speaking child and felt like you knew what she would say if she only had the words? Here are some phrases I think Little Miss would say: I love the the sound made by slapping my hand against your face/the pillow/the floor/the mattress. I feel like I'm riding a horse when I hold on to your dreads while you're carrying me. Why do I have to sleep by myself? Jumping is fun. What is this crap (rice cereal) you keep putting in my mouth? I like hanging out in your lap? It's cozy. Yes! Diaper change! Awesome! Bath time, yes. Bottle,yes. Bedtime, no. I rock at standing up. I don't understand your swahili and what's with all the hand signs? You will not be able to keep up with me once I start crawling. Look at me. I'm almost there. Really. Look. See how I push off using my arms and knees. Get off of the computer and play with me now. Why do you keep calling me mommy? Aren't you the mommy? It weirds me out when you stare at me through the ca...