Is milk good for you?

After recent discussion with my mommy friends, it has me wondering if milk really does a body good? or if cow milk harmful to us? What is "ultra pasteurized"?  How come some organic milk doesn’t need to be refrigerated?  How is milk produced? Is very arguable depending who you talk to and resources you read from.  I have never been a milk drinker not even when i was little.  If I did drink milk, it had to be ice cold or flavored otherwise i wouldn't even touch it. We all have grown up thinking milk is the epitome of healthy drinking.  Is it still true?  Maybe back when things was still done the old fashion way.  As our high paced lifestyle is taking over, we seek for more affordable, fast and easy alternatives like items that are mass produced to meet our needs that is found in our local grocery stores and supermarkets shelves.  Most of the milk we see today at the supermarket are given growth hormones to increase milk production and antibiotics to decrease infections.  Even organic labels are highly questionable and misleading.   Which also brings in question how these animal are treated and how clean the facilities are.

Additives, organic, grass-fed, homogenization what?? With all this reading and searching online, I’m still unsure what is good and what is bad.   More confused than ever.  It seems like everything these days is confusing with many contradicting views.  For now, I still want to believe cow milk, especially grass-fed cow milk and not homogenized is good for children.  Although, I wouldn't be surprised to later hear arguments whether the grass cow are grazing on is natural grown grass or tampered!

I have recently been buying Ronnybrook milk for my daughter - Creamline milk.  Grass fed, pasteurized and non homogenized in glass bottles.  So far we like it. 

Happy Father's day

My daughter's first father's day craft.  Doesn't it just makes you want to smile.   Priceless.

Happy Father's Day all!

Upset About membership Changes in ACM Program

Are you upset about ACM Reciprocal Program changes?  For those that are not familiar, ACM is a national program providing services to individual museum members to unlimited admission to their home museum and plus other participating museums nationwide.  Most Children Museums are participants, if you are not sure you can check on the ACM website. 

I’m sure you must heard me rave about the benefit of getting Children’s Museum membership from my other posts.  What I didn’t realize was the changes that applied in during the recent months since I purchased my membership.    I think this change is most affected in metropolitan areas, particularly in NYC.  It used to be that if you purchased a family pack of 4, you were able to take the whole family of 4 to any tri-state’s Children Museum with unlimited access among admissions to nationwide participants.  This was what drew me in the first place to purchase – unlimited access to tri-state museums.  Now with the new changes, is only good for one adult and one child.  So while they have added more nationwide museum to the program it took away my local privilege and the major selling point for ME!

Don’t get me wrong.  I think the program is fantastic, gives you ideas of where to take your kids to when weather doesn’t cooperate or when is too hot outside and just need somewhere indoors to cool off.  Fabulous when you are doing road trips as well, so that you can check out that area’s Children Museum.  However, if you live in NYC, this is a major loss.    I have written several emails to both my home museum, Long Island Children Museum (LICM) and ACM Reciprocal Program, not the response I was hoping to hear.  I believe they should honor members who purchased their membership before a certain date or otherwise somehow compensated them for the inconvenience and change.    Again, I think overall is this is a fantastic program and great value but just not as appealing as it was initially for earlier member.  

Driving Extravaganza: Fast and Furious Experience

Can’t find something for Father’s day?  How about celebrating father’s day by giving a gift he would certainly love and remember – try, one full day with six and counting beautiful, sexy and luxurious cars he always dreamed about at Bear Mountain!  This package includes driving up to 12 beautiful classic sport cars, lunch and cocktail hour and 1 custom designed CC – Tshirt.   Click on the links for more details provide by Gilt.com.  Act, they sell quick!

Fun weekend in Philly

@ Touch Museum - Milking the cow

Highlight this weekend is Philaldephia.  Also known as Philly or The City of the Brotherly Love from the literal greek translation. Is less than 2hr from NYC depending on traffic. Is amazing how much there is to do in Philly.  We been to Philly many times and each time gets even better.  Many times before the kids and a few times when Megan was younger.  Each visit brings a new discovery.  I'm a sucker for retro and anything that tells a story.  Love the rich history the place holds and beautiful historic architecture.  More and more bohemian and artisant are flocking to the city - opening shops and galleries. It's a nice place.  Anyhow, this time it was more for my kids than for my selfish satifaction.  My husband differs on that note, he thinks these trips I plan are still more design for my ego!

There are many attractions for children in this beautiful city - some right in the city and others not too far from Philly center.  If you plan on staying for more than 3 days, I highly suggest you purchase the City Pass.  Philly City Pass for $59/adult admission to 6 attractions.  

We stayed at the Hyatt Summerfields Suits in Mount Laurel, NJ with another family of 4 - infant and toddler like us.  Fantastic bargain - 2 King bedroom suite with kitchen for $150/night or $110 for 1 bedroom.  Not your 5 star hotel but clean with modern furnishing.  Is about 25 minutes away from Philly and 15 minutes from the Aquarium.  The place is on the small side but big enough for all of us to be comfortable.  Wyatt slept in the pack n play and daughter slept with us in the king size bed.  Breakfast included.  The breakfast had a pretty decent selection to choose from.  Even took a few fruits on the go in case the kids wanted to snack later.   

We spend our first day at the Touch Museum.  Took my daughter there when she was 15 monhts.  I think she enjoyed it much more than she did  then.  She was able to fully enjoyed all the activity the museum offered.  If you never been here, the museum is pretty impressive and looks like just like a grown-up museum.  It's got 2 floors of  exhibits - spread out in 38,000 sq ft with interactive activities.  I have to say - is one of the best museum we have gone so far.  Most likely if you are member to a Children's Museum, they probably a participant in the ACM reciprocal program which means you can attend the Touch Museum for free.  Otherwise do check out City Pass for discount. We spent our whole day there and then we headed down to Reading Market Terminal for an early evening dinner/snack!

On the way to Reading Market Terminal, we stopped by Smith Playhouse.  My daughter felt asleep in the car but my friend's daughter did get to check the place out. Smith Playhouse is dedicated playarea for children under 5.  Recently renovated and updated.  They've got an indoor play and a nice outdoor playground with modern equipment.  Even also have one of those old fashion wooden slide.  Admission is free but they do suggested $5 donation per family. Glad we stopped by and check the place out.  It was a nice detour. 

Reading Market Terminal, to best avoid crowds go before the rush, around 5 o'clock.  I don't suggest strollers.  If you have young infants, is best to sport them on a baby carrier. Parking can be kind of tricky.  You can street/meter parking and if not you can park at Filbert Garage for $4 - 2hr limit - with minimum purchase of $10 which you can easily be done.  Before you set your eyes on a stall, do get a quick tour or grab a map to see all the offerings available.  I started at Tommy DiNic's for a savory kick for their delicious pulled pork sandwiches and husband had the pastrami sandwich, grab a nice cold beer to wash down the grease at the Beer Garden, then walk around and browse the stalls for groceries to bring back to the hotel/home, have ice-cream at Bassetts' and lastly if you get full like I was - pick up some whoopie pies at the Flying Monkey and cookies to go.  Megan was on a sugar high the whole evening!

 On our 2nd and last day of our weekend, we went to the Adventure Aquarium in Camden NJ.  Way better than New York Aquarium in Brooklyn.  Do check out the seal performance however do prepare to get there 20 minutes before showing.  The seats do get fill very fast. Also do know that there is no shades and it can very hot.  So be careful if your kids are sensitive to heat and sun.  The best part was watching the hippos.  I don't think I ever seen them so close and it was amazing watching swim in the water. Is definitely a sight not to be missed.  If decide not to get the City Pass, I read somewhere that you can pick a $4-5 coupon at the ACM Hardware in Bayonne.

I think I had more fun than the kids.  My husband may have been right.  ;-)  If you get the Philly City Pass, do ride the trolley, check out the Zoo and take the ferry to or from the Camden Adventure Aquarium.  If you intend on extending your trip and want to venture further out, you can also include Sesame Place, Dutch wonderland and/or Crayolla Factory!

How much to spend on Kid gifts?

We’ve got a whole bunch of birthday parties to go to in the next month.  Two just this weekend!  What is a good gift to get for a 6yr old? I hate getting gifts that don't have gift receipts.  They either really just awful gifts or items we already have.  By the way most times when you get gifts without receipts they are recycled.  Don't tell anyone but sometimes I recycle items that I don't like.  I feel terrible when I do because I hate it when I get them.  Most time I buy giftcards because it saves me on trying to think of something smart to get and run into the chance of getting something the birthday kid already have, along with something really small so they can open something.  Speaking of which, while I was shopping yesterday, I found these delightful coloring books, not your ordinary coloring book.  It encouranges your little one to think outside the box and can keep them busy for hours.  You can find them on Amazon.com or any local bookstore, from $8-$20.  Perfect for my little small gift.  How much do you spend on gifts? 

We are in May but believe it or not, I have mommy friends that are already planning for their kids bday for Nov!  We didn't throw a bday party for my daughter last year since it was around when i had my son.  Still debating whether I should throw one for the both of them.  Think it would be tacky to throw one for both in between their two birthdays - Sept 17 and Oct 29?

Boy left behind

A friend from work picked up her daughters from the daycare as usual yesterday.  As she drove into the lot she saw a little boy alone at the playground situated next to the daycare center.  She rushed in to pick her daughter as she did she forgot about the little boy.  As she walked out of the building with her girls heading towards the car she saw a boy still playing in the playground alone.  Just as she spotted the boy, she saw the director along with one of the teachers talking heading towards their car and she then shouted to them that there is still a kid in the playground!  Both the director and teacher scramble back to the building to get to the little boy.  As she was telling me this I was appalled.  He was left behind!  It gave me goose bumps as she told me this.   How can they forget the kid.  Why wasn’t there anyone watching?  Where was everyone?  Were they short staff?  That is no reason to forget a child!  I was flooded with question.  She then told me that it was impossible to miss the kid in the playground as you walk out of the building.  She then asked me if she should mind her own business or tell the mom and file a complain.   I told her that she should speak up.   I know if it was my little one, I would want someone to tell me about if they saw my child out there by himself.  Imagine if something happened or if someone snatched him?  What the informed parent do with the information would be up to them.   What would you do, if you were in her shoes?  I'm still a bit shocked hearing the story from my friend.

Happy Belated Mother’s Day

Happy Belated mother’s day to all the mommies out there.  Hope everyone had a beautiful weekend last week.  On the other hand, had one  Besides entertaining mom and grandma for the weekend, going in and out of doctor’s office and staying late at work, I'm finally catching my breath.  Is the worst when kids are sick.  They don’t sleep well, I don’t sleep well. 

Daughter came home yesterday from school with a big bite mark on her forearms.  This is her 3^rd time she got bitten at this school.  Whenever there is an incident at school, she is sent home with a letter with a report explaining what happened.  However, I felt kind uneasy still so I called to inquire if this is the same kid that bit my daughter.  They explained the situation that my daughter snatched a toy and the other kid bit her because she wasn’t sharing and no is not the same kid.  I know this is probably something that happens quite often among this age group.  Not sure which is worse, being bitten or bully?

Date Nite

Husband and I are going to go on a date and catch a flick tonight!  I think the last time, we went to the movies was maybe over a year ago while I was still pregger with my son.  Nope, can't tell you what we watched.  It was that good!   Tonight we are going to see "Fast Five".  It was between "Fast Five" or "Water for elephants".  I'm not a big fan of Robert Pattinson and the reviews were not too good.  Besides, who can resist Paul Walker?

We are going to rush home first from work, spend a little time with the kids, eat a light dinner, tuck them in and then head out.  Grandparents will be over while we are out.  Hubby installed a camera (FOSCam) in the baby's room so that we can check in and see how the baby is doing while we are out.  There is a phone app you can download for free, is call CamViewer.   Is password proctected and secure.   There is also audio sound.  How cool is that.  Tonight will be our first time using this device and app.

By the way if you are in the area check out the TriBeCa Film Festival - Family Fair 2011 tomorrow from 10AM to 6PM. There will be lots pf kid friendly activities at the fair.  We'll also have good weather.  The film festival last until May 2nd.  So if you can't attend tomorrow do try and go before it ends.   Hope to see you there.

Summer Ambition

I finally joined the gym today and took one of the aerobic kick boxing classes at Lucille Roberts! It's been almost 8 months since I had my son. I think is time that I got off my arse and got motivated. I don't intend on completely losing myself just because I'm a mommy.  I'll like to feel and look good.  Besides, I still want to fit into my pretty clothes. 

It felt really good to sweat.   As disgusting as it sounds, I was delighted to find my shirt drench!  Dawn the instructor was awesome.  Maybe that is why the class was so crowded.  Everyone's got the one mission in mind, for - swimming suit bodies!  You should see these women, they meant business.  And ME, struggling to keep up, fumbling with my steps and punches.   Whenever I falter I will check out my neighbor and got me focusing again.  I had a moment, an embarassing moment, but - please don't laugh.... I found myself unable to control myself when I was doing jumping jacks or any sort of jumping for that matter.  O-K, I mean down there. Other mommies out there experience this?

I have also joined the NY Road Runner and signed my first run in June.  So get myself ready for the runs, im going to alternate gym and jogging.  I'm so excited. 

Feeling the pressure

You get that guilty feeling at work as if you are not pulling your weight?  I joined the group early last year and then went on maternity in Sept.  Somewhat new in the group and then sort of not.  I work where men are the majority.   A lot of them single and/or young eager to prove themselves.  Stepping up and moving the bar.  Able to pull late nights and milk the benefits of free dinners and car service.  As well as go for drinks and smooch with the managers and bosses. And still be able to get in before I can.  I feel guilty leaving on the dot and dashing out.  I go home thinking about work and sometimes even dream about work!  How scary is that?  I get a guilty consious when I take days off.  Then when I return from missing out work a couple of days I get this terrible feeling.  I stay late when I can but I just can't help but wonder if just all me.  Is it possible to have it all?? Are there other moms feeling the same? Yes, I want it all. I guess you can if you can handle it.  Some people tell me to take it easy and stay as longest as I can.  Sometimes I feel like i need to look for something that doesn't require staying late and meeting deadlines. Then there is another part of me that wants give it the best.

Updated Hall of Science

The last time I was at the New York Hall of Science was over twenty years ago when I was in grade school.  For some reason I remember it as - boring and dark! 

We went this past weekend on Easter Sunday and it was nowhere near what I remembered.  Three words - educational, bright and modern!    I don’t know why I never thought of going and I pass by it every day.  Guess it never occurred to me - Hall of Science to be toddler appropriate and thought it was more for mature audiences.  Was definitely wrong.  There was plenty of things to do that kept the littles ones occupied.   I’m so glad my friend convinced us to go.  We were able to use our LICM membership to get discount tickets at Hall of Science - one free adult and child.  We purchased our membership in Long Island Children’s Museum in February and we’ve done so much with it.   We have user our membership several times already.  We were also able to use when we visited in Boston's Children's Museum earlier in March where we were in town visiting family and friends.   Great value and option to take your kids to.  For today's visit only had to pay $11 for the 2nd adult, Wyatt is free since he is still a baby.  NY Hall of Science was super easy to get to, is right off the LIE.   If you have enough time and feeling to do more you can visit Queens Zoo just down the block.  You can pay $10 for parking or do street parking.   We got lucky, the attendant wasn’t at his post so we pulled right in.  Surprisingly the place was pretty packed on a holiday but we still manage to find parking near the entrance.  Once you pay, they hand you stickers that you wear on to show that you paid.  Just as we pass the entrance and peeling the stickers to put on, we overheard 2 people ahead of us talking about sharing the stickers with friends waiting outside.  I know it doesn’t have anything to do with me but I don't totally approve the idea.  Would it bother you?  Do you think is ok for them to?

Anyhow, Megan had a good time running around with her friend.  She enjoyed playschool area, Great Hall and the playground the most.    We left at closing and just before the rain started to come down.  It was certainly a quiet ride home.  We will definitely go back again

Cake Pops and Easter

A bunch of us friends got together for Easter at Johnny and Mey’s in Jersey.   Our lucky family to host our 1^st annual Easter event.  Poor Johnny didn’t get home till 2AM, found himself waking up to a 5AM emergency call to rush back to work.  Then to come home to a full house with 9 active toddlers running around and ready to hunt for eggs in his home. 

To make things easier for the hostess and host, we initially agreed that each family contributed to something this was before knowing Johnny had to work.  Potluck makes it so much easier especially if you are expecting a lot of people.  Even thought the event wasn’t planned at our house, just baking and putting together the bags was exhausting.  Imagine doing it all?  Our gracious host and hostess provided yummy Latin food.  I offered to put together goody bags and bake sweets. 

 

I’m not much of a cook or baker.  Although I decided to bake sweets for this event.   Starbucks gave me the idea - cake pops.  Their new line of sweets.  They are so cute which made me want to make them for Easter.  I think cake pops are going to be the next big sensation like the cupcakes!  I did a little more digging and discovered “Bakerella” on the internet!  After checking her out, I ran out and bought myself her book.  Love it.  I never really baked before - let’s just say I never baked this much before in such a short time.  

To prepare myself for Easter - I baked twice before my big bake.  Brought my first batch to work to shared with my fellow colleagues and then another batch for my daughter’s daycare.  Made both variation – cake balls and cake pops.  I used yellow cake from a box for my cake pops and dipped them in different color chocolate to make bunnies, chicks and Easter eggs.  As for the balls, I made them look like bite size chocolates with red velvet cake inside.  They were a hit.  Everyone loved bite size cakes and seriously who can resist cake on a stick?!   They are also fantastic for little munchkins and their little hands.  I did alter the recipe by using less than recommended frosting to just 1/3. 

As for gift bags – I made it simple.  Order “Max and Ruby” story and coloring books from Amazon, also added a box of small crayons, voila.  HOWEVER, my little gift bags did not turn out how I envisioned because my LOVELY husband accidently threw my Amazon package into the trash.  My only save was the 4 books that were shipped separately!  The night before the get-together I ran to B&N and target and couldn’t find any!  "Max and Ruby" are hard to find.  I had to improvise and picked up other books as replacement.  Arghhhh... It was a disappointment on my part but the kiddies didn't know any difference.  Lesson learned, don’t trust your hubby when it comes to cleaning and picking up! 

Happy Easter Everyone.

Meet Mickey & Minnie

Took my 2 ½ yr old daughter to Disney World for the first time.  People told us that is probably too early to take her there and won't remember much.  They are probably right but we went any way.  Was a bit overwhelming and tiring but we still manage to have an amazing time.   I can now understand why kids under 3 go in for free! 

We opted to go during the first week of April before Spring break rush for 5 days.  We were able to find direct airfare for less than $200 per person on JetBlue leaving on friday evening.   Didn't want to take too many days off from work,  so to make the most time we decided to account saturday and sunday into our trip. We opted to go during the first week of April before Spring break rush for 5 days.  We were able to find direct airfare for less than $200 per person on JetBlue leaving on friday evening.    

Didn't want to take too many days off from work,  so to make the most time we decided to account saturday and sunday into our trip.  We had everything packed the night before so that on Friday after work, we were able to rush home from work and go straight to the airport.    Traveling alone can be a lot of hassle and adding a child to the equation can be worse.  We had to decide on whether we wanted to take the carseat or the stroller, we went with the car seat because we rented a car and didn't intend to rent the carseat even though we knew we can but we wanted to bring our own.  For this reason we got, "Traveling Toddler Car seat Accessory Strap".  It was hard to strap on at first and but once you get the hang of it, it aint too bad.  She love it and asked to sit on the strapping carseat.  Otherwise if no car seat, go with "Ride-on Carryon".   Is an ingenious idea especially when you need go from terminal to terminal.  However it can't replace the stroller.   Unless you want to travel with a suitcase everywhere you go.  Both gadget are smart concepts and definitely makes traveling easier with a toddler!  JetBlue never disappoints me.  Love that they still serve drinks and snacks.  We got to  Orlando in less than 2 hours.  Megan was really excited since it was also her first time on the plane.  So excited that she didn’t sleep on the flight as we were hoping she would.  Megan was all wired up and wide awake.   You can tell she was fighting it because 20 minutes before landing fatigue hit her.  She was completely out as we picked up our rental car and we didn’t finally tuck her in until midnight.  We stayed at Wyndham Bonnet Creek Resort.    Perfect resort for families.  We had a 2 bed/2bath room equipped with kitchen.  There was plenty of things to do at the Resort if we opted not to go to the Park.  We schedule it so that on first day – we relax, explore and food shop,  2^nd day visit Magic Kingdom, 3^rd Epcot, 4^th lounge and relax by the pool and 5^th day unwind and depart.  We made bfast every morning to get our day started.  Bonnet Creek Resort is only 10 minutes from Magic Kingdom.  Our room also had the view of Epcot and we able to see the fireworks in the evening.  I think we only saw it once when were in on the 2^nd night.  All the other nights we were out late.  Resort also offers shuttles to the parks which made it really convenient.

Megan was able to enjoy most rides both at Magic Kingdom and Epcot to keep us busy.  Also at this age they get tired easily and still require naps.  My daughter zonked out both days for a good 3hrs in the middle of the afternoon.   If an adult can get tired, imagine a toddler at 2 1/2!  If I had to do it differently, I would have rented a city mini stroller instead of the Disney stroller from the park.  Strollers at Disney does not recline and is just hard plastic.  When she felt as asleep we had pull it in an angle so the kids can get a better nap and drapped our sweaters over it to shade from the sun.  Otherwise she had a fantastic time with her friend.  Oh yes, do take advantage of the Fast-pass.  And do book in advance if you want to do character dinning.  I think this can only get better.  We are going to try and do it again next year if not next year definitely the year after.

Yo Gabba Gabba

Colin’s first Birthday Part-ee! Selina my girlfriend and mom did an amazing job coordinating it. She is a teacher at a private school in Manhattan. She is unbelievably patient and hands-on when it comes to kids. Sometimes I wished I was a bit more patient like her. She is also very creative and resourceful when it comes to planning. She threw her son, Colin a Yo Gabba Gabba party.

The party was held at the school where she teaches. She was able to rent a space at the school to throw the party. The school looks like it belongs in the Harry Potter movie with manicure lawns and impressive buildings. The school is currently going through some restoration. 

She had balloons tied to the doors so the guest can find their way to the party.  As soon as you get closer you'll notice familiar faces on the happy colorful balloons - why of course the characters from Yo Gabba Gabba!  I couldn't believe they were stickers.  She had a great space to work with too.  She had an open area where she setup a projector on one wall with the show running in the background and a bunch of equipment scatterred throughout the the room for the kids to play. The kids loved the gigantic legos and blocks. The kids had a ball building and sharing.  The equipment kept the kids occupied the whole time and little supervision was needed.  They had fun, we had fun! 

As for food, she had it catered from a Philipino restaurant, she arranged a long table all spread out as a buffet area with drinks in the middle of the room. The food was definitely interesting and different.  Then on each side of the Buffet table were two long tables for the guest to sit, beautifully decorated with center pieces and colorful table settings.  The place didn't need much decoration. Then along on by window she had a round table where the cake and gift bags were spread out and another table for the gifts. The gift bags were adorable and it was personalized for each little guest. She got assorted coloful paper bags from Party City and placed the names for a personal touch.  As party favors, she got plain little t-shirts and placed character faces on them. Very cute and practical. Selina also gather the kids together during the party to do circle time - did the parachute, dancing and singing with the kids. She was also able to find DJ Lance radio piñata.  It was a big hit for all the kids incuding the older ones.  Before you knew 3hrs went by. With all the excitement and playing - our birthday boy certainly had a long day.  We later found him yawning on his mommy's arm.  Everyone had an amazing time and the party was a total success. Hope Colin did too! Happy Birthday Colin!

Wyatt: 6 month update

My son is 6 month and 2 weeks today. He amazes me even thought I already experienced it with my Megan. He is very different from my daughter than when she was a baby. Megan was a fussy baby - feeding and evening time was always so very dreadful. It took us a good 6 months before we actually knew what we were doing and expect. Wyatt is so chilled and happy all the time. He is super cute. He loves his mealtime. Been offering him solids twice a day. We started on grains and today introduced - carrots! He really digged it. Is so cute when he gets upset with me because I take too long getting the spoonful in his mouth.

Momnesia?

Hi My name is marisa. Created this blog over a year ago and ...FINALLY entering my first entry. This is more for myself than for an audience where I can keep my racing thoughts, ideas and interest on track. I always wanted to start a blog but never really took action just like many other things I said I wanted to do but always found something to deter me. I hope this is my start of many good things to come and motivate me to action than just talk and think about things I can do! Since my 2nd child I have noticed that I’m more forgetful and often spacing-out a lot. Forgetting details from a meeting that I just attended , not remembering where I left my keys and have to ask questions several time before my brain registers and focus. I find that I have to write things down or otherwise I’ll forget. Been also relying on my calendar and my phone to keep track of things. Thank God to technology. This new change that is been happening is really hindering my performance at work. Googled my symptoms and it led me to – Adult ADD. Can I possibly? Well, I found myself answering “Yes” to almost all the symptons listed! It said that I should visit a professional to further diagnose. Really? Is this part of getting old or can kids do this to you? Can it make you lose your mind and yourself? Hahaha …I LOVE my kids. We spend whatever time we can with the kids. We try to set aside Saturdays as family day no matter how busy we are with things– we’ll attend kiddie birthday parties, visit friends, go on play dates, visit museum and other attractions. I think of this as moments where we are creating memories to look back to and remember. Great times. Is not always fun now...especially since we are at that weird stage, the terrible stage actually with my daughter who is two and half. We are holding to our seats tight and hoping to that this will blow over quickly. Although, I’m told that I have a long journey ahead from other parents. After Twos, there are THREES and FOURS to look forward to. I hopping she skips all this. But then I suppose there is also my son’s to look forward to after my daughter is done with hers. Even so - NO, it doesn't end at four. Oh Joy. No escape. In the meantime, I'm going to just enjoy our family weekends now and worry later.