Mrs. Priss - Motherhood, Frugal Fashion & Thrifty Living

• When I pick up Maddie from day care, sometimes I forget to switch the radio/CD from my “big girl music” to something more baby friendly. The other day it happened to be Lady Gaga, and until she said “disco stick” I didn’t realize that mayyybe that wasn’t the best idea.
• I shared a McDonald’s french fry with her and she went a little crazy over it. So I gave her another one.
• I never neglect her when she needs something, but when she cries, I think it’s the cutest thing in the world and I usually laugh.

Am I horrible?

I don’t mean to be rude, but don’t those black shoulder pad things remind you of something?

Am I the only one that sees over-sized pasty petals?

Honk, honk.

I have been sitting on this post for a few weeks, not being sure whether it was appropriate to share.  This is a subject that is now very sensitive to me after my own experience with labor, delivery and visitors.  I truly believe most people don’t understand the rules of etiquette when it comes to baby hospital visits and such, so if this can serve to enlighten even one person, I’m happy.

A few weeks ago I read this fabulous article from one of my favorite etiquette blogs, The Pink Teapot. Janine gives some awesome tips for Moms-to-be as well as potential visitors.  Some of my favorite points:

• Please respect that it is not the end of the world if you are not there for the actual labor and delivery of your grandchild.  Although I understand it may feel that way, it’s simply not the time to be imposing on another person.  I remember my sweet mother-in-law and I having conversations about this when I was pregnant with my first child and I remember her being so respectful of my wishes.  I actually wanted her there just after, and we told the family we’d call them.  My husband’s family as well as mine respected that and we had all of our family around us within hours of my son’s debut into this world.
• Please don’t ask if you can be there during labor and delivery- and don’t just show up.  Again, this is a private thing, a painful thing, a wonderful thing.  There are so many emotions wrapped up into this event that make it special.  It should not be intruded upon by someone else, no matter who that person is.
• Don’t get your feelings hurt.  My wise mother always says, “remember it’s not about you, it’s about them”.  I am a tender-hearted person and I wear my heart on my sleeve, so I understand getting my feelings hurt, but this is not about you, this is about the person who is holding that little bundle of joy…remember that.
• Don’t assume and bring children. It’s always best not to bring children to the hospital for so many reasons. They press the call buttons, run around, bring germs along with their sweet faces… none of these things are appreciated. A visit can always wait until they get home from the hospital so you can find someone to tend to your children to go and visit the baby and mother.

That was pretty lengthy, but I couldn’t really leave anything out! I love how she includes tips for both the mother and the visitors, because really, everyone could use some help in these awkward situations. No one wants to have a horrible birth experience!

I know the comment about getting your rest sure hits home (right, Kourtni, Colleen, Larissa, Kristen, Jennifer, Megan, Jimaie, Missy, Shea, Lisa, Talia, Nanette, Liz, Natali, Molly & soon to be Crystal, Tristan and Kate? Whew!)

If I can stress one thing, it would be to accept the help that is offered to you.  Those first few days after you pop that baby out are so tough… DON’T TRY TO BE A HERO, lady.  If you have a mom, sister, grandmother or friend who is willing to watch the baby for even 2 hours while you get some rest, jump on that opportunity with no reservations.

Do you all have anything to add? Any good, bad, or ugly hospital experiences to share with the rest of us? A tip or two for the moms-to-be?

In a lame attempt to get out at least ONE post this week, I give you this:

An impersonal image of a pair of shoes I just purchased online! Woohoo! I know the excitement is almost too much to bear, but you really need to calm down now.

{oh DEER! Women’s Pout Sandal on sale at Endless.com for $50.00}

Justin’s words, not mine.

Remember a few weeks ago when I had a crazy case of spray-painting fever? Those frames weren’t the only thing I attacked.

I found that little shelf at a thrift shop and paid a whole $2.00 for it. It was caca brown which isn’t the most appetizing of colors for a kitchen (or anywhere, for that matter), but a little white paint did the trick. And didn’t I say I would find a way to bring that squirrel into my kitchen?

The embroidery hoop had to be the simplest project I’ve ever tackled. I know I say that every time, but it was. I really can’t even say “tackled” because I could have done it with my feet while doing a handstand, blindfolded. My local craft store has a massive selection of fat quarters in their quilting section for very cheap, so that’s where I found the green polka dots.

Now speaking of embroidery hoops, check out “swatch portraits” on Flickr when you get a chance.  I have a feeling this is going to be one of my next projects. It could easily get out of control and “way too feminine” if I’m not careful… I swear I would cover every inch of my apartment in pink glitter and rhinestones if Justin let me.

- Edit -

So, I’m laying in bed and I hear a loud SMACK in the kitchen. I go to investigate and find this on the floor:

Notice the giant crack and the broken corner? Someone  reaaaaally doesn’t want that squirrel in my kitchen.