does sophie pope has a speech problem
Friday, December 30, 2011
Stuff People Google 33
Rosie Pope's speech impediment has been a pillar of this blog. The number of posts I've written (here, here, here and here) and the amount of web traffic I receive just from this issue is mind blowing. Sophie the Giraffe has also been the subject of a fair amount of posts (here and here) and viewership. This search phrase confused the two Next Stop Baby regulars and I got a good laugh out of it.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
2012 New Year Resolutions
It's time to consider, reconsider and commit to a few resolutions for the new year. The magical year of 2012 is almost upon us (in 2.5 days) and no time is better than RIGHT NOW to figure out the changes you'll make, bad habits you'll break and goals you'll achieve in the next 365 days.
Before you do so, let me tell you a little about 2012. I'm not psychic, just quick with my Wikipedia research.
Let's make some resolutions.
For the Baby Crazed individual, trying to simmer down in 2012 probably won't work. You're baby CRAZY (not baby happy) and it's the Year of the Dragon. Maybe resolve to put your energy toward something that will benefit your future offspring - learn to knit baby booties?
For me, the relatively new blogger (it's been almost a year!), I've resolved to write at least two posts a week that are focused on story telling, quirky observations and deep thoughts. Through the process of writing for Next Stop Baby, I've also become a blog follower. In part, I wanted to see how other people did this blogging thing and, in part, I was genuinely interested in the subjects. Blogs that post often have a certain appeal because you can count on a daily (or near daily) fix. But, I'm a bigger fan of blogs that post quality content. As an avid follower, it's easy to tell when a blogger publishes a cop-out post...I'm sure you've been able to spot my cop-out posts over the last 11 months. So, I'm vowing to write quality posts only. This will inevitably mean that I will post less often, but I'm cool with that. I hope you are too.
What are your 2012 resolutions?
Before you do so, let me tell you a little about 2012. I'm not psychic, just quick with my Wikipedia research.
- The Year of the Dragon - According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon. It will be a year marked by intensity and enthusiasm. Contrast that with 2011, the Year of the Rabbit, which
iswas marked by serenity and tranquility. For those of you who just thought, "yeah right...serenity and tranquility my ass....", this first point might not impact your resolution making. - Leap Year - February 29th exists in 2012.
- The Hunger Games - I couldn't end the year without another reference to this book and the entire trilogy. For those keeping track, I will now reveal that I've finished all three books. While I'm tempted to share my thoughts, they're not really "Next Stop Baby" relevant....though I could be persuaded. The first movie, The Hunger Games, is due out in May 2012.
- Summer Olympics - London will host the 2012 summer olympics, from July 27 to August 12, making it the first city to host three olympic games.
- Presidential Election - On November 6, 2012, the good folk of United States will elect a new (or the same) president.
Let's make some resolutions.
For the Baby Crazed individual, trying to simmer down in 2012 probably won't work. You're baby CRAZY (not baby happy) and it's the Year of the Dragon. Maybe resolve to put your energy toward something that will benefit your future offspring - learn to knit baby booties?
For me, the relatively new blogger (it's been almost a year!), I've resolved to write at least two posts a week that are focused on story telling, quirky observations and deep thoughts. Through the process of writing for Next Stop Baby, I've also become a blog follower. In part, I wanted to see how other people did this blogging thing and, in part, I was genuinely interested in the subjects. Blogs that post often have a certain appeal because you can count on a daily (or near daily) fix. But, I'm a bigger fan of blogs that post quality content. As an avid follower, it's easy to tell when a blogger publishes a cop-out post...I'm sure you've been able to spot my cop-out posts over the last 11 months. So, I'm vowing to write quality posts only. This will inevitably mean that I will post less often, but I'm cool with that. I hope you are too.
What are your 2012 resolutions?
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Your Baby Looks Like....
Your baby looks like David Letterman.
Ever met a baby that looked so much like David Letterman that you absolutely needed to make the comment? Thankfully, I haven't. Not exactly. I have wanted to say: your baby looks like an old man. The baby was a little girl and I did actually say it. Outloud. But, I was alone on my couch perusing through Facebook photos so it didn't much matter.
I try to keep these type observations to myself. Or, to the empty rooms of my apartment. I've decided that any reference to a baby looking older than 6 months should be avoided. Even if the baby looks like an adorable senior citizen, even if you mean it in the kindest way possible, it might not be perceived as a compliment. I get offended when strangers comment on my dog's appearance. Just last week, a youngish, hipsterish fellow told me that my dog looked like Baxter from Anchor Man. I was pissed, though I thanked him. Baxter's a fine looking dog, but he is a HE and my dog is a SHE. And, my dog's looks far exceed fine.
Consider this scenario: a baby who looks EXACTLY like one parent. This little bundle defines the gross term "spitting image". Do you comment about the obvious likeness? It seems like a no brainer - Yes. It makes sense (genetically) and what parent doesn't want there child to look like them (or their spouse)? Think again. There are parents out there that don't appreciate your opinion that the baby looks like anyone other than them, the other parent included.
One final, even trickier, scenario: a baby who looks like no one. Your brown hair, brown eyed friend and her brown hair, brown eyed husband introduce you to their blond hair, blue eyed baby. The baby's nose is an original and her mouth is somehow the exact opposite of both parents' mouths. There's a slight similarity between the shape of her eyes and the shape of one parent's eyes, kind of...not really. Overall, this baby may have been switched at birth because the resemblance is shockingly absent. Do you comment - where did this blond beauty come from? Do you make a joke of it - someone was sleeping with the mailman. Do you throw the question back at the parents - who do you think she looks like? Do you ignore it altogether?
I've encountered all three of these scenarios at one time or another. I've met the baby who looks like George Bush Sr. I've met the mother who doesn't like people commenting that her baby looks like her husband. I've met the baby who looks like neither of his parents. Being that I'm not typically quick on my feet in the face of potentially awkward conversation, I've managed to say the wrong thing in all situations. The lesson that I've learned and the most simplified rule of thumb is to always choose the path of least resistance. When it comes to babies, even a slight bobble of words can create a highly offended parent. It's a sensitive subject and understandably so. What is this non-resistant path? Just say "she/he is a combination of both parents." If this is a complete lie and you're not comfortable with that (by the way, paaaaalease, it's so not a big deal), then just don't make any look-a-like comment. Stick with general terms like "cute" and "adorable" and "perfect".
Ever met a baby that looked so much like David Letterman that you absolutely needed to make the comment? Thankfully, I haven't. Not exactly. I have wanted to say: your baby looks like an old man. The baby was a little girl and I did actually say it. Outloud. But, I was alone on my couch perusing through Facebook photos so it didn't much matter.
I try to keep these type observations to myself. Or, to the empty rooms of my apartment. I've decided that any reference to a baby looking older than 6 months should be avoided. Even if the baby looks like an adorable senior citizen, even if you mean it in the kindest way possible, it might not be perceived as a compliment. I get offended when strangers comment on my dog's appearance. Just last week, a youngish, hipsterish fellow told me that my dog looked like Baxter from Anchor Man. I was pissed, though I thanked him. Baxter's a fine looking dog, but he is a HE and my dog is a SHE. And, my dog's looks far exceed fine.
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| Keeping it classy. |
Consider this scenario: a baby who looks EXACTLY like one parent. This little bundle defines the gross term "spitting image". Do you comment about the obvious likeness? It seems like a no brainer - Yes. It makes sense (genetically) and what parent doesn't want there child to look like them (or their spouse)? Think again. There are parents out there that don't appreciate your opinion that the baby looks like anyone other than them, the other parent included.
One final, even trickier, scenario: a baby who looks like no one. Your brown hair, brown eyed friend and her brown hair, brown eyed husband introduce you to their blond hair, blue eyed baby. The baby's nose is an original and her mouth is somehow the exact opposite of both parents' mouths. There's a slight similarity between the shape of her eyes and the shape of one parent's eyes, kind of...not really. Overall, this baby may have been switched at birth because the resemblance is shockingly absent. Do you comment - where did this blond beauty come from? Do you make a joke of it - someone was sleeping with the mailman. Do you throw the question back at the parents - who do you think she looks like? Do you ignore it altogether?
I've encountered all three of these scenarios at one time or another. I've met the baby who looks like George Bush Sr. I've met the mother who doesn't like people commenting that her baby looks like her husband. I've met the baby who looks like neither of his parents. Being that I'm not typically quick on my feet in the face of potentially awkward conversation, I've managed to say the wrong thing in all situations. The lesson that I've learned and the most simplified rule of thumb is to always choose the path of least resistance. When it comes to babies, even a slight bobble of words can create a highly offended parent. It's a sensitive subject and understandably so. What is this non-resistant path? Just say "she/he is a combination of both parents." If this is a complete lie and you're not comfortable with that (by the way, paaaaalease, it's so not a big deal), then just don't make any look-a-like comment. Stick with general terms like "cute" and "adorable" and "perfect".
Ever been in one of these situations? Have any words of wisdom to share? Moms (and dads...if you read...) how do you feel when someone makes a comment about your baby's appearance or resemblance to someone else?
Friday, December 23, 2011
Stuff People Google 32
There are probably some left field reasons for searching this phrase, but the reason why someone found Next Stop Baby is my reference to a scene from Pregnant in Heels in a post from May (here).
girl in wedding dress getting peed on
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Hollywood Does Baby Names
Here are some of the more unusual baby names chosen by the celebs that we love...ish. Look at these cute babies!!!
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| Ever Imre Morisette-Treadway (Alanis Morisette's son) |
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| Indiana Hawke (Ethan Hawke's daughter) |
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Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Holiday Gift Countdown...over
Back in November I had this genius idea of posting 25 holiday gift ideas for the special baby in your life. In my excitement of showing you these gifts, I forgot that you have to purchase and wrap the gift in advance. And, that many of you (including myself) exchange gifts before December 25th. I exchanged some gifts as early at December 10th this year. Realizing this just the other day, I decided to bring my genius idea to a halt a bit early...today.
So, here is one last gift idea - not because I think you'll have time to purchase it in time for Christmas (if I'm being honest), but because it's the cutest thing and my bestie WW laughs every time she looks at the photo below. It's a bearded hat and it's fantastic. The Esty crafter who makes it (By Laura) also has adult sizes. Get crazy.
So, here is one last gift idea - not because I think you'll have time to purchase it in time for Christmas (if I'm being honest), but because it's the cutest thing and my bestie WW laughs every time she looks at the photo below. It's a bearded hat and it's fantastic. The Esty crafter who makes it (By Laura) also has adult sizes. Get crazy.
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| Bearded Hat By Laura ($39) |
Friday, December 16, 2011
Stuff People Google 31
I thought this was something that only happened in critically unacclaimed romantic comedies featuring Lindsay Lohan (did anyone actually see Labor Pains?).
pillow stuffed under her shirt
Thursday, December 15, 2011
First Name + Middle Name + Last Name = Awkward
You knew I couldn't last long without a baby name post.
A little while back (here) I raised the issue of choosing a first name that combines badly with a last name. This could play out as Rose Petal, a name that's a common noun, or Julia Child, a name that's a well known person. With either of those first name/last name combinations, your daughter is going to get a lot of feedback about her name...for the rest of her life. Whether that feedback is good or bad is sort of beside the point because in either case it's going to get annoying after a lifetime of repetition.
Today, I have two more issues for you: rhyming names and awkward initials. Ever met a woman named Cheryl Merril? I have. It was impossible not to smirk during the introduction. If my last name had been Padilla (pronounced Pa-dee-yah), it wouldn't have been as cool for my parents to name me Leah. Leah Padilla sounds like a cartoon character, not a person.
Awkward initials are, well, just as awkward as a rhyming name. If your last name is Smith, avoid naming your son Adam Steven...you'd be making as ASS out of him (and you). Another example would be a girl named Faith Uma Kingston. FUK, while not the properly spelling for the expletive that we all know and love, still gets the message across and would be an unfortunate monogram for a third grader's backpack. Do you really want your cutie patootie daughter's initials to spell PIG? Pamela Isabel Gray, get yourself to the dinner table and eat yourself silly like you always do! Ugh.
Choosing a name because you love it, because it's just right is always a solid foundation. But these few issues are worth consideration. You'd be pissed if your mom told you that she hadn't thought of the fact that your initials spell POO or that you share your name (since birth) with award-winning actress Meryl Streep. The good news is that these unfortunate names are rare realities, the bad news is that when they are it's pretty much a deal breaker.
Any additions to our list?
A little while back (here) I raised the issue of choosing a first name that combines badly with a last name. This could play out as Rose Petal, a name that's a common noun, or Julia Child, a name that's a well known person. With either of those first name/last name combinations, your daughter is going to get a lot of feedback about her name...for the rest of her life. Whether that feedback is good or bad is sort of beside the point because in either case it's going to get annoying after a lifetime of repetition.
Today, I have two more issues for you: rhyming names and awkward initials. Ever met a woman named Cheryl Merril? I have. It was impossible not to smirk during the introduction. If my last name had been Padilla (pronounced Pa-dee-yah), it wouldn't have been as cool for my parents to name me Leah. Leah Padilla sounds like a cartoon character, not a person.
Awkward initials are, well, just as awkward as a rhyming name. If your last name is Smith, avoid naming your son Adam Steven...you'd be making as ASS out of him (and you). Another example would be a girl named Faith Uma Kingston. FUK, while not the properly spelling for the expletive that we all know and love, still gets the message across and would be an unfortunate monogram for a third grader's backpack. Do you really want your cutie patootie daughter's initials to spell PIG? Pamela Isabel Gray, get yourself to the dinner table and eat yourself silly like you always do! Ugh.
Choosing a name because you love it, because it's just right is always a solid foundation. But these few issues are worth consideration. You'd be pissed if your mom told you that she hadn't thought of the fact that your initials spell POO or that you share your name (since birth) with award-winning actress Meryl Streep. The good news is that these unfortunate names are rare realities, the bad news is that when they are it's pretty much a deal breaker.
Any additions to our list?
- Names that are common nouns (i.e. Ruby Stone)
- Names that are famous (i.e. Oprah Winfrey)
- Names that rhyme (i.e. Cheryl Merril)
- Names that have inappropriate initials (i.e. Adam Steven Smith)
Holiday Gift Countdown - Days 15 and 16
Today's (and tomorrows) choice holiday gifts are a cell phone teether and a remote control teether. These eco-friendly toys are handcrafted by 3 Princesses Engraving, a Canadian based Etsy shop. Both can be personalized and both retail for $12. It's never too soon to introduce your child to technology, I suppose.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Pregnant Ladies on the Train
Let's start today's afternoon post with a brief discussion on the many words that are substituted for "subway" depending on where you are in North America:
That wasn't so much a discussion, as a list. Moving on. This morning on the train (reference list above), I couldn't help but notice an adorably dressed pregnant woman. I loved everything she was wearing from her heeled suede booties to her beaded hoop earrings. I came close to asking her where she got her striped cotton shirt (because I wanted it) until I realized that it was definitely maternity gear - she was that pregnant.
As I suppressed my need to ask about each item of her clothing, I realized that my fellow train riders were doing the opposite. Well, not the exact opposite, which would be not suppressing their need to ask about each item of her clothing. But, where as I was sort of stalking the hot mama-to-be, everyone else was completely avoiding her. All eyes turned intentionally away. Why? Because no one wanted to give up their seat for her. They seemed to be following the old Manhattan proverb: if you don't make eye contact, it never happened. If they could pretend that she wasn't there, then they could pretend that they weren't assholes by making her stand while they sat.
I was standing, so I had no seat to give. Meanwhile, many seemingly able bodied New Yorkers cozied up in their plastic chairs. None were interested in standing, not even for a very hip and very pregnant lady. Not one. Ms. Preggers seemed to be following a different old proverb: if you stare at something long enough, it will eventually look back. She glared up and down the row of commuters. No one looked back. Realizing that her tactic was failing, she upped the ante to belly rubbing. She pushed aside her wool trapeze coat and started rubbing that big belly. She was rubbing and staring and rubbing and staring. At last, the deadly combo got some middle aged guy to stand and wave her over. She gave a fake smile (he deserved it) and sat. I sighed with relief and returned to considering her outfit.
Moral of the Story - If you're a pregnant woman on the subway/train/L/T/Bart/Marta/metro, don't mess around with subtle gestures. Cut right to the belly rub and make those non-pregnant train riders feel like theassholes lazy people that they are.
New York - Train
Chicago - L
Boston - T
San Fransisco - Bart
Atlanta - Marta
Montreal - Metro
That wasn't so much a discussion, as a list. Moving on. This morning on the train (reference list above), I couldn't help but notice an adorably dressed pregnant woman. I loved everything she was wearing from her heeled suede booties to her beaded hoop earrings. I came close to asking her where she got her striped cotton shirt (because I wanted it) until I realized that it was definitely maternity gear - she was that pregnant.
As I suppressed my need to ask about each item of her clothing, I realized that my fellow train riders were doing the opposite. Well, not the exact opposite, which would be not suppressing their need to ask about each item of her clothing. But, where as I was sort of stalking the hot mama-to-be, everyone else was completely avoiding her. All eyes turned intentionally away. Why? Because no one wanted to give up their seat for her. They seemed to be following the old Manhattan proverb: if you don't make eye contact, it never happened. If they could pretend that she wasn't there, then they could pretend that they weren't assholes by making her stand while they sat.
I was standing, so I had no seat to give. Meanwhile, many seemingly able bodied New Yorkers cozied up in their plastic chairs. None were interested in standing, not even for a very hip and very pregnant lady. Not one. Ms. Preggers seemed to be following a different old proverb: if you stare at something long enough, it will eventually look back. She glared up and down the row of commuters. No one looked back. Realizing that her tactic was failing, she upped the ante to belly rubbing. She pushed aside her wool trapeze coat and started rubbing that big belly. She was rubbing and staring and rubbing and staring. At last, the deadly combo got some middle aged guy to stand and wave her over. She gave a fake smile (he deserved it) and sat. I sighed with relief and returned to considering her outfit.
Moral of the Story - If you're a pregnant woman on the subway/train/L/T/Bart/Marta/metro, don't mess around with subtle gestures. Cut right to the belly rub and make those non-pregnant train riders feel like the
Holiday Gift Countdown - Days 10-14....
Okay, it's probably no secret that I've been a little delinquent on the holiday gift countdown...and posts in general. Tis the season for some after work drinking, chocolate chip cookie making and holiday movie watching. I've fully indulged in all three and fully slacked on the post front. Tis also the season of forgiveness?
Let's jump back into the holiday gift countdown with a brief look back at the gifts so far:
1. Handprint canvas kit by Red Envelope
2. Money pots by Uncommon Goods
3. Finger puppets by Restoration Hardware
4. Personalized pillow by Comfy Heaven
5. Red bow knit hat by Nita Mae's Garden
6. and 7. Origami crane mobile by Spare Bedroom Studio
8. Wool slippers from Garnett Hill
9. Chan Pie Gnon (friends of Sophie the Giraffe)
Today, for gifts 10 through 14, here are five amazing ornaments to celebrate a/your/some baby's first Christmas.
Let's jump back into the holiday gift countdown with a brief look back at the gifts so far:
1. Handprint canvas kit by Red Envelope
2. Money pots by Uncommon Goods
3. Finger puppets by Restoration Hardware
4. Personalized pillow by Comfy Heaven
5. Red bow knit hat by Nita Mae's Garden
6. and 7. Origami crane mobile by Spare Bedroom Studio
8. Wool slippers from Garnett Hill
9. Chan Pie Gnon (friends of Sophie the Giraffe)
Today, for gifts 10 through 14, here are five amazing ornaments to celebrate a/your/some baby's first Christmas.
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| by Aphrodite's Canvas ($22) |
Friday, December 9, 2011
Stuff People Google 30
Another Friday, another search phrase that left me totally confused. What was the context here? Is there another kind of pee that I'm not aware of?
definition of pee
Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 9
Christmas is 16 days away and Hanukkah is a mere 11 days away. Where has the year gone? There's still plenty of some time to order gifts online and even more time to shop in store. So get on it. Here's another idea for the baby (or babies) in your life: Chan Pie Gnon. You've met Sophie...now meet her friends, chan pie gnon (in blue, pink and yellow). They're made of the same natural rubber as Sophie, but shaped like mushrooms. They retail for as little as $12.89 on Amazon.com.
(COME BACK AT 12 NOON FOR TODAY'S EDITION OF STUFF PEOPLE GOOGLE!)
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Baby Shower Partay...Whoop Whoop
I'm a Gleek. No, that's a slight exaggeration. I'm not quite a Gleek. Gleek status requires a Glee obsession and, truth be told, I've missed a few episodes. But I do watch nearly every week and thoroughly enjoy it whenever I do. Immediately following Glee is New Girl. It's the new half hour sitcom starring Zooey Deschanel. And, while it's no Glee, it's pretty good. I first started watching it accidentally because I was too lazy to change the channel after Glee. Holy couch potato Batman. But in recent weeks it's been a conscious choice. New Girl is kind of funny and kind of cute. Plus, Justin Long just joined the cast as the boyfriend of Jess (Zooey Deschanel's character), which bolsters the shows Rom/Com credibility thanks to his starring role in She's Just Not That Into You.
This week on New Girl, one of the male characters (Schmidt) attended a baby shower. It was at some outdoor, pool, patio, potted tree locale. It was at night, which was evident because it occurred after the work day and it was dark outside. All the lady guests were sporting stilettos and evening attire. Everyone was mingling around high top tables and sipping martinis. In fact, it was quite the boozefest. Schmidt and all the ladies, with the exception of the lady of honor, were three sheets by the end of the sitcom baby shower.
Bullet-pointed Review:
Before I judge, let me confess that I've only ever attended the mid-afternoon tea and cookies type baby shower. Now I'll judge: the boozy baby shower seems like anbad odd choice given that the mother-to-be is supposed to lay off the sauce. It would be like throwing a peanut butter party for someone who is allergic to nuts. Or something like that. Does the pregnant honoree mind drinking sparkling apple cider while the guests chug champagne? It just seems that when a baby shower turns alcohol-induced, it stops being about the mom-to-be and starts being about everyone else. Thoughts?
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| You know Justin Long. He dated Drew Barrymore for a while. |
This week on New Girl, one of the male characters (Schmidt) attended a baby shower. It was at some outdoor, pool, patio, potted tree locale. It was at night, which was evident because it occurred after the work day and it was dark outside. All the lady guests were sporting stilettos and evening attire. Everyone was mingling around high top tables and sipping martinis. In fact, it was quite the boozefest. Schmidt and all the ladies, with the exception of the lady of honor, were three sheets by the end of the sitcom baby shower.
Bullet-pointed Review:
- Swanky locale - Fairly normal in a Los Angeles type way
- Night time - Slightly less normal, baby showers are more of a Sunday afternoon event
- Stiletto and cocktail dress guest attire - Slightly less normal for a baby shower, but highly normal for a night time event in Los Angeles
- Boozefest......wha????
Read only the bold words - sounds like a bachelorette party, not a baby shower. So, why did I just recount a baby shower scene from a new (and arguably mediocre) sitcom? Because art often mimics life often mimics art. I'm wondering whether cocktail party baby showers the new, hot trend?
Before I judge, let me confess that I've only ever attended the mid-afternoon tea and cookies type baby shower. Now I'll judge: the boozy baby shower seems like an
Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 8
Garnet Hill makes these adorable boiled wool slippers. They each retail for $44, but are on sale now for $33. And, there's a free shipping promotion for the holidays. And, I'm pretty sure if you search around the internet you could find yourself a coupon code for an even deeper discount (if you do share the wealth in a comment). Sizes start at toddler (4-8) and go up to kids (1-3). My favorites are the monster and the shark.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
I Saw A Baby...In A Bar
This past Saturday night, I had a lovely dinner with six of my favorite friends. Our reservation was for 8 p.m. and we managed to arrive right on time, a rarity. We started the night with some champagne (it was a special occasion) and ordered a bunch of appetizers about a half hour later. By 9 p.m. we were munching on edamame and finishing our second bottle of champagne. By 9:30 p.m. we had finished the yuba dumplings, spicy tuna and...you guessed it...our third bottle of champagne. We were gossiping and giggling and having a grand old time when unexpectedly, from the bar, a baby started screaming. It was sudden and loud, in the range of blood curdling. I nearly dropped my salmon and avocado roll.
I think most will agree that the sound of a screaming baby is a less pleasant sound. On the scale of 1 to 10, definitely below a 5. Even when it's your baby, you can't tell me that the screaming is cute. You just can't. The cooing is cute. The screaming is not cute. And when the baby isn't your baby, it's especially not cute. And when it's at a restaurant and interrupts your champagne toasting, it's the worst.
Back in July, I wrote about an airline that was considering banning babies from certain first class flights (here). I bring this up not because I want restaurants to ban babies, but because on Saturday night I really did wish that the parents had left their little screamer at home. It didn't ruin the night, not by a mile. But, the group collectively thought - party foul.
How do you feel about babies in restaurants? Does the kind of restaurant matter (swanky and high priced versus casual and economic)? Does the hour matter (early bird special versus late night apps)?
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| This image of a salmon and avocado roll made me realize why sushi is served in dimly lit restaurants. Sushi isn't all that attractive. (image here) |
I think most will agree that the sound of a screaming baby is a less pleasant sound. On the scale of 1 to 10, definitely below a 5. Even when it's your baby, you can't tell me that the screaming is cute. You just can't. The cooing is cute. The screaming is not cute. And when the baby isn't your baby, it's especially not cute. And when it's at a restaurant and interrupts your champagne toasting, it's the worst.
Back in July, I wrote about an airline that was considering banning babies from certain first class flights (here). I bring this up not because I want restaurants to ban babies, but because on Saturday night I really did wish that the parents had left their little screamer at home. It didn't ruin the night, not by a mile. But, the group collectively thought - party foul.
How do you feel about babies in restaurants? Does the kind of restaurant matter (swanky and high priced versus casual and economic)? Does the hour matter (early bird special versus late night apps)?
Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 7 (and 6 too)
I skipped Day 6 of the holiday gift countdown. Did you notice? I'm making it up with THREE gifts today. All are made by Spare Bedroom Studio. I've shared many a nursery mobile in the past (here, here, here). But this mobile might just be my favorite. The origami cranes are made of vintage music sheets, vintage maps and novels.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
They're Baaaaaack...
The new season of Teen Mom 2 is premiering tonight on MTV (10 pm/9 Central). I think I'm even more excited about the return of these ladies than I was about the return of the Teen Mom ladies back in July (wrote about that here). The Teen Mom 2 cast may not have been the original, but I think there's a strong argument that it's the most beloved. They're the Godfather II of the Teen Mom empire.
I watched the Teen Mom 2 recap just yesterday to insure that the drama of last season is fresh in my mind. By the way, can you believe there's only been one season of Teen Mom 2? First there was 16 and Pregnant Season 2A (yeah...2A...), which opened with Jennelle Evans on February 16, 2010 and the others followed throughout the season. Then, the ten girls from 16 and Pregnant Season 2A were cut down to four. Those four were then featured in the first season of Teen Mom 2 that aired on January 11 this year.
That quick history made me realize that the lives of the Teen Mom 2 cast members have drastically changed in a very short period of time. While we (the general public) were briefly introduced to Jenelle, Chelsea, Kailyn and Leah in spring 2010, we've come to know andgawk at love them just this past year. And what a year it has been for them, both on and off screen. This thought motivated me to search the world wide interweb and collect some off-camera happenings of the four mommy superstars. Here is your one-stop shopping for what Jennelle Evans, Chelsea Houska, Kailyn Lowry and Leah Messer have been up to on the off season.
Jennelle Evans - Jennelle spent many of her off-camera hours hanging out with police officers, judges, attorneys and rehab counselors. She was arrested on March 28, 2011. The alleged crime? Assault. The truth behind the allegation became quite clear when a video surfaced. The assault (aka Jennelle beating the crap out of another female teenager) was caught on tape...NOT by MTV (they wish), but somedrunk teenager witness. The video is below (thanks TMZ). It's pretty vicious, in a haymaker, hair-pulling kind of way. Keiffer Delps, Jennelle's on again off again, crazy again crazier again, boyfriend was most recently arrested for assault and is currently serving an 8 month jail sentence. I couldn't quite get his legal history in chronological order, but it seems there's been a bunch of arrests in a bunch of states.
Chelsea Houska - Chelsea's friend and former roommate, Megan Nelson (who was featured in a few Teen Mom 2 episodes) had a baby on July 4th. She NATURALLY delivered a BIG boy (9 lbs. 8 ounces). Chelsea's pug named Pixie went missing on July 7th and I couldn't find any word that the little bugger was ever found. Sad. That was all I could gather about Chelsea, she seems to keep the lowest profile of the Teen Mom 2 ladies.
Kailyn Lowry - Kailyn started selling Amway products online. Weird. Check out the website (here) if you want to support her and buy Amway. While your at it, head to Kailyn's personal website (here) and read posts about Isaac (her baby) and her other business (Isaac's clothing line). I'd specifically like to direct your attention to the July 14, 2011 post entitled "Isaac was conceived...". Weird. Finally, just yesterday, Kailyn came to the rescue of Kourtney Kardashian. Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham had criticized (via twitter) Kourtney K's announcement that she was pregnant with baby number two. I guess Farrah was upset that the pregnancy is out of wedlock? It wasn't clear. Kailyn came to Kourtney's defense (also via twitter). Weird.
Leah Messer - Leah Messer and Cory Simms were officially married on October 17, 2010. We all watched the wedding on the season finale of Teen Mom 2 on March 29, 2011. A couple weeks later, in April 2011, Leah filed for divorce. Leah's decision to file for divorce was filmed by MTV and we will likely get both sides of the story during the new season. In the meantime we can speculate about the breakup based on the two reasons that have surfaced: Leah cheated and/or Corey stole $19,000 from Leah. The divorce was finalized in June 2011. Also in June 2011? Leah was rumored to have rekindled her relationship with ex-boyfriend Robbie Kidd, scandalous.
I watched the Teen Mom 2 recap just yesterday to insure that the drama of last season is fresh in my mind. By the way, can you believe there's only been one season of Teen Mom 2? First there was 16 and Pregnant Season 2A (yeah...2A...), which opened with Jennelle Evans on February 16, 2010 and the others followed throughout the season. Then, the ten girls from 16 and Pregnant Season 2A were cut down to four. Those four were then featured in the first season of Teen Mom 2 that aired on January 11 this year.
That quick history made me realize that the lives of the Teen Mom 2 cast members have drastically changed in a very short period of time. While we (the general public) were briefly introduced to Jenelle, Chelsea, Kailyn and Leah in spring 2010, we've come to know and
Jennelle Evans - Jennelle spent many of her off-camera hours hanging out with police officers, judges, attorneys and rehab counselors. She was arrested on March 28, 2011. The alleged crime? Assault. The truth behind the allegation became quite clear when a video surfaced. The assault (aka Jennelle beating the crap out of another female teenager) was caught on tape...NOT by MTV (they wish), but some
Chelsea Houska - Chelsea's friend and former roommate, Megan Nelson (who was featured in a few Teen Mom 2 episodes) had a baby on July 4th. She NATURALLY delivered a BIG boy (9 lbs. 8 ounces). Chelsea's pug named Pixie went missing on July 7th and I couldn't find any word that the little bugger was ever found. Sad. That was all I could gather about Chelsea, she seems to keep the lowest profile of the Teen Mom 2 ladies.
Kailyn Lowry - Kailyn started selling Amway products online. Weird. Check out the website (here) if you want to support her and buy Amway. While your at it, head to Kailyn's personal website (here) and read posts about Isaac (her baby) and her other business (Isaac's clothing line). I'd specifically like to direct your attention to the July 14, 2011 post entitled "Isaac was conceived...". Weird. Finally, just yesterday, Kailyn came to the rescue of Kourtney Kardashian. Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham had criticized (via twitter) Kourtney K's announcement that she was pregnant with baby number two. I guess Farrah was upset that the pregnancy is out of wedlock? It wasn't clear. Kailyn came to Kourtney's defense (also via twitter). Weird.
Leah Messer - Leah Messer and Cory Simms were officially married on October 17, 2010. We all watched the wedding on the season finale of Teen Mom 2 on March 29, 2011. A couple weeks later, in April 2011, Leah filed for divorce. Leah's decision to file for divorce was filmed by MTV and we will likely get both sides of the story during the new season. In the meantime we can speculate about the breakup based on the two reasons that have surfaced: Leah cheated and/or Corey stole $19,000 from Leah. The divorce was finalized in June 2011. Also in June 2011? Leah was rumored to have rekindled her relationship with ex-boyfriend Robbie Kidd, scandalous.
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| This past summer, Leah Messer with Robbie Kidd and without post-divorce blues. (image here) |
Monday, December 5, 2011
Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 5
It's a girly gift day with this adorable crocheted "red sparkle bow holiday hat" (actual product name) by Nita Mae's Garden ($24.95). There is a one to two week turn around time between your order and receiving your gift, so no time to waste if you want to make this a Christmas gift.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 4
This personalized pillow is not the first personalized pillow I've featured on Next Stop Baby (other feature here). I think they're nice gifts because they will be appreciated and cherished long beyond the nursery years. If it's a holiday gift for an unborn baby and there is no chosen name, Comfy Heaven (maker of this pillow) will personalize the pillow with any word you'd like - Loved, Baby, Happy, etc.
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| by Comfy Heaven ($24.99) |
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 3
Puppets hold a dear place in my heart. Seriously. I have a good friend who is a puppetry guru, she's incredibly talented, and being her roommate for a number of years left me with lasting memories of...puppets. Plus, A Muppet Family Christmas is one of my favorite holiday movies. I always thought the Swedish Chef was highly underrated, so seeing him shine in this movie was a real treat.
These six tiny finger puppets ($18) are sold by Restoration Hardware and would be a fantastic stocking stuffer for the toddler in your life (intended for ages 3+).
These six tiny finger puppets ($18) are sold by Restoration Hardware and would be a fantastic stocking stuffer for the toddler in your life (intended for ages 3+).
Friday, December 2, 2011
Stuff People Google 29
Today's edition of Stuff People Google is a term that first appeared on Next Stop Baby back in April 2011 in a post entitled The Things I Don't (Want to) Know. I had hoped it was folklore, but learned that it's an actual, physiological occurrence. Ouch.
uterus resizing
Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 2
Another day of December, another gift idea. These are money pots from Uncommon Goods. They would be a great gift for an expecting couple or a baby that has already arrived. Each money pot is handmade in Italy. Once a coin goes in it can't come out. When the entire pot is filled it is then broken open and the money is used for the growing child. Each pot comes with a "fortune coin" that is already inside. The fortune coin is a memento to keep after the pot is broken and no longer in use.
Check back at noon for this week's edition of Stuff People Google
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 1
Everyday (or nearly everyday) from today through Christmas Eve I will post holiday gift ideas for the babies in your life. A gift per day. The gift post will go live at the regular time (8 AM) and on some days a second, more substantive post will go live at 12 PM. Double the Next Stop Baby, double the fun.
The internet in general and Etsy as it's own magical website make gift shopping a pleasure. There are so many lovely choices. Yet, with all the lovely choices it can feel overwhelming. So, hopefully my gift ideas will help the process. Please share your great gift ideas in comments or email me (nextstopbabyblog@gmail.com) and just maybe I'll include your suggestion!
The first holiday gift suggestion is this handprint canvas kit by Red Envelope ($39.95). It's intended use is for one baby. The four similar hand prints with all the varying colors make for a very Andy Warhol feel. I think it could also be perfect for a family of four (mom, dad and siblings), a family with four children, or to save over the course of four years and make a new print each year...a work of art in progress.
The internet in general and Etsy as it's own magical website make gift shopping a pleasure. There are so many lovely choices. Yet, with all the lovely choices it can feel overwhelming. So, hopefully my gift ideas will help the process. Please share your great gift ideas in comments or email me (nextstopbabyblog@gmail.com) and just maybe I'll include your suggestion!
The first holiday gift suggestion is this handprint canvas kit by Red Envelope ($39.95). It's intended use is for one baby. The four similar hand prints with all the varying colors make for a very Andy Warhol feel. I think it could also be perfect for a family of four (mom, dad and siblings), a family with four children, or to save over the course of four years and make a new print each year...a work of art in progress.
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