Hey Everyone! I hope you enjoyed your weekend and you’re off to a great work week. I had the time of my life this past weekend in NOLA at the 25th Anniversary of the Essence festival. I had the pleasure of going with a group of ladies who were there for the first time also so none of us knew what to expect. It also helps when you go with patient, easy going, like minded people who go with the flow and believe in compromise.

While I was there I learned that not everyone in New Orleans go to partake in Essencefest activities. Some people go to attend other events like brunches, luncheons, day parties, night parties, you name it they had it. Along with the events came the heat and humidity. It was like a sauna out there with temps in the mid 90’s. I know what you’re thinking I should be use to that because I live in Houston. Well I’m not because I don’t do half as much walking here that I did there. On the first day I walked 19,000 plus steps. Where they do that at? But I digress….

My friends and I went to the convention center on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to see the celebrities, get some freebies from sponsors and check out the vendors. We also went to the concerts on the Main stage at the Convention Center on Friday and Saturday where we saw Estelle and friends which included a whole Soca and Reggae set, RBRM (Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky and Mike of New Edition), Missy Elliot, Monica, my forever FLOTUS Michelle Obama interviewed by Gayle King, Lil Kim and Mary J. Blige.

The first concert was very unorganized, had long intermission breaks which included commercials and Loni Love who wasn’t the best host. She usually is very entertaining but she didn’t transition well when introducing each segment and she wasn’t able to stall and capture the audiences attention when Missy Elliot didn’t come on at the time she was suppose to. So they eventually had DJ D-Nice play music to get the crowd hype instead.

Overall, my first experience was Phenomenal! However, here are a few quick tips I wanted to share with you about Essencefest.

10. Just because neon green is the color for the summer and they make it in your size doesn’t mean you should buy it or wear it. I saw more hot mess lime green outfits than I care to see for the rest of my life.

9. This one is for the ladies. Wear a bra, preferably the right size bra. I saw more areolas than a Radiologist technician who does Mammograms on a daily basis. Please keep your areolas to yourself and those who want to see them.

8. Wear deodorant daily. Nobody wants to smell you on a hot summer day.

7. Wear comfortable shoes. It’s nothing like seeing women after a concert walking on the dirty floor or the nasty streets with no shoes on their feet.

6. If you see a celebrity don’t expect them to take a picture with you. They’re human and sometimes don’t want to be bumrushed. Talk to them and humbly ask them to take a picture with them. And if they say No, don’t get mad. Wish them well and go about your business.

5. Don’t overbook yourself with things to do when you go to Essencefest. Just make a few plans, be flexible and open to do different things within reason.

4. Take enough money because you never know what merchandise you may want to purchase, food and drinks you want to consume or events you may want to attend.

3. Go with people who share the same interests as you to avoid conflict and issues.

2. Pack your patience. Every line, every where was looonnngggg!!

1. Enjoy yourself and make memories. Memories are PRICELESS and can never be taken away from you like material things.

If you keep these quick tips in mind you too can have an Epic experience next year at Essence festival. Until next time….

Hey Friends!

Hope you’re off to a great week. This past weekend the family went to San Antonio, Texas to celebrate Grandma B’s birthday and we had a good time together. We headed out on I-10 West to San Antonio around 3 PM and it took us about four hours to get there due to traffic. When we arrived we checked in to our hotel and made our way to the San Antonio Riverwalk to get dinner.

We parked the car a little ways away and on our search to find someplace to eat we stumbled upon the Alamo.The Alamo is a Spanish mission and fortress compound where the Battle of the Alamo in 1836 took place. Now it’s a historic museum that we were unable to visit because it was closed. But we were able to capture this great picture below.

As we descended onto the Riverwalk, which was crowded the temperature was hot and humid and made you feel very sticky. The San Antonio Riverwalk is a tourist attraction which consists of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River one level beneath the streets of Downtown San Antonio. There are a variety of restaurants to dine at but I opted to eat at one that wasn’t the typical chain restaurant called Gourdough’s Public House.

Gourdough’s is known for having donut burgers so of course I had to try one. I decided upon an El Camino which consisted of angus beef, topped with blue cheese dressing, chipotle mayo, chipotle cheese blend, bacon, tomato and cilantro. Either I was hungry or it was delicious. I paired it with some brussel sprouts and washed it down with a Hurricane.

After dinner we walked a little and made our way back to the hotel to get ready for the day ahead at Sea World Texas. Overnight, it rained in San Antonio which allowed for an overcast and cooler temperatures on Saturday morning. I was excited because I just knew it would be to hot at SeaWorld. Boy was I wrong!

The temperature at SeaWorld was on 1000!! It was so darn hot out that my Dad who is from the Caribbean and never complains about the heat said in his Grenadian voice, “It’s too damn hot”. I chuckled so hard because it was so hot I was sweating in places I didn’t know sweat could accumulate.

We saw pink flamingos, alligators, sea turtles, dolphins, penguins, beluga whales and dolphins. I don’t know who was more excited about the animals me, Jordy B or Zach Attack. We stayed at SeaWorld for about 5 hours and I felt like it was an eternity but the time spent with my family was PRICELESS!

By the time we got back to the hotel, we mustered up enough strength to go to dinner, shower and hit the bed. The next morning, we grabbed breakfast at Le Peep which was underwhelming and made our way back home. All in all, the weekend was a success because we made memories that will last us a lifetime! Until next time…..

Hey Everyone!! Hope you’ve been doing better than me and Jordy B. We’re currently at the House of Refuge aka my parents house because Houston and it’s adjacent areas had heavy rainfall and scattered thunderstorms which caused some flooding. Not only was the weather bad but Jordy B was diagnosed with pneumonia the other day which I think was an upper respiratory infection but who am I. She also had hand, foot and mouth virus two weeks ago and a cold two weeks before that. And in the midst of that I had back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. But despite all of that, God is good and this weekend is Mother’s Day so I’m here for any gifts coming my way.

Let me stop to say Happy Mother’s day to all of the women who sacfriced, nurtured, cared for or provided love, kindness and generosity to their kids, kids of others, family members and their community. I want to say a special thank you to my Mom who is my biggest supporter and my second toughest critic. She is a voice of reason who challenges me and is one of the best grandma’s Jordy B could have asked for.

Now, she also has the tendency to tap dance on one of my last nerves like most mothers do. For example, when I ask her to babysit she says to me I have things to do and she gives me a hard time as if I’m trying to drop Jordy B off to never return. She gives me the third degree and is worse than day cares are when you pick up your child one minute late. And when I give her specific instructions while babysitting Jordy B she does the exact opposite. Good help is hard to find, lol.

When I told her I was pregnant, she told me she would be supportive but that was a half truth. Let me tell you why, I asked her if she could retire (again) from her part time job so she could take care of Jordy B and she told me, “No, I’m not that type of grandmother ” and she was unapologetic about it. She didn’t care who she told or how it sounded and she continues to work. She’ll probably retire when Jordy B starts school just to make sure she doesn’t get stuck with her.

On the other hand, when I need her to do something for me, she does it within reason and without hesitation. She picks up Jordy B from day care when I need her. Over the last few weeks, she’s watched Jordy B when she’s been sick so I wouldn’t have to take a significant amount of time off from work. She comes over to my house to help me when I ask her and she’s always up for an outing with me and Jordy B.

I also remember when I went to college and she worked two jobs so I can have some money in my pocket and so my brother could have all the things she wanted him to have. She was selfless and instilled in us values and beliefs that I will pass on to Jordy B.

So when she asked me to take some pictures for Mother’s day, I did what any good daughter would do. I asked her, “do we have to?” But then when she said it again, I booked the session and made it work. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for her because she continues to go above and beyond for me and her family. So on this day, I want to wish her the best Mother’s day because she deserves to be celebrated every day for being the best Mommy (yes, I still call her that) a girl could have!

Check out the pics below from our photo session. Until next time…..

Hey everyone, I hope you enjoyed your weekend because let’s just say my friday evening was an adventure. Why you ask? Because I went to the Cardi B concert at the Houston Livestock and Rodeo (HLSR). I know what you’re thinking, that should have been good entertainment. And you are correct, it was good entertainment from what I saw of it on this monitor below.

Yes, I watched the 45 minute show on a TV screen in the SRO section. What’s SRO you ask? Well, it doesn’t stand for Single Room Occupancy it’s defined by Rodeo terms as Standing Room Only. I know, I know, I know why would you buy these tickets Tisha? Well they were $85 and I didn’t think I would literally be standing on the 100 level section of the hallway in the stadium. Not only did I have to stand in a particular section but they had the nerve to say it was first come first serve. Really tho? There was no rhyme or reason to these areas it was basically get in where you fit in. And that’s what we did.

One lady standing near us actually said she had front row seats by standing because she was able to see the performance better than the people in the stadium who had to look at the concert as the stage continously rotated 360 degrees in the stadium throughout the show. Well that’s one way to look at it lady? Did I mention there were all ages of people at this concert. From one year olds to old ladies (self included). We were all clearly out past our bedtime. And then I ran into my sister who was in her element. She clearly was ready to Partaaaayy and I was there to be comfortably casual.

When the show was over it appeared as if all 75,000 people at the Cardi B concert went to the Rodeo carnival. It was like a slow mass exodus to the promise land of Fried Oreos, Turkey legs and Funnel Cakes. After the concert on Black heritage night at the Rodeo, everyone heads over to a tent called the Hideout where live Zydeco music is blasting, all the black cowboys and cowgirls are swinging out and everyone is having a good time. I of course could have gone home to get in the bed but Team Can’t Stop Won’t Stop wanted to go experience the band.

So we waited in this long unruly line where people jumped ahead of others and behaved as if they were about to enter the pearly gates. I was officially over it all but a half an hour later we made it in the tent and ran into my cousins. We stayed for a little while to listen to the band who was actually really good and then we proceeded to make our way back to the car. However, we didn’t actually know how to get back to the car.

We parked on a street near OST but none of us knew where we were in relation to that. So we asked a few people who told us to take a shuttle bus to OST but the lines were long. So we walked and we walked and finally we were at the food tents by NRG center where we entered the rodeo. By the time we arrived to the car everyone’s feet were on fire. When I finally got home it was 1:40 AM and your girl was EXHAUSTED. All in all it was an adventure that will go down in the books of things to never do again. Until next time….

A week and a half ago, I had the pleasure of celebrating a friend’s 40th birthday (aka Jotakafest) in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. So let me just start by saying this, when I turn 40 in 19 years this is how I want to do it! Jotaka Eaddy left no stone unturned in Puerto Vallarta. She had an itinerary planned that was better than the itinerary for #fyrefestival. There were so many things for us to do that by 11 PM every night I was ready to go to sleep and I did.

The trip was a short trip for me but it was so worth it. This was the first time I had been away from Jordy B for more than a night so I was a little nervous. But if you know me you know I wasn’t going to let it stop me from living my best life in PVR. I arrived on Friday afternoon and was greeted at the airport with a margarita. Cheers!! From that point on, all I could think about was what would be the next drink I could chug down.

When we pulled up to Garza Blanca, I felt like I hit the lotto and landed in paradise. I don’t know if I felt like that because I hadn’t been on vacation for over a year or if it was just that damn beautiful! And just when I thought the lobby was beautiful we made our way to our Junior Suite that had a jacuzzi and hammock on the balcony. Yasss!

We had a little free time before we were scheduled to attend the meet & greet so we grabbed a bite poolside and met some of the other attendees of Jotakafest. Did I mention that 70 plus people came to PVR to celebrate at Jotakafest? I should also tell you that almost every African American who stayed at Garza Blanca that weekend was there for the festivities so it felt like we were at a family reunion when we greeted each other.

The first night was low key so we made reservations for dinner at BocadosSTK. This restaurant was a steakhouse and let’s just say as a lover of steak I was very disappointed. Overall, the food at the resort was not very appetizing and was possibly the reason I had the BG’s (bubble guts) on Saturday night and a few days afterwards. Or maybe it was the Mexican water/ice? But I digress…

On Saturday, we had a boozy brunch at the hotel and then we attended the yacht party which was LIT! Do people still say that? There was a DJ, a step and repeat, all the margaritas you can drink, delicious finger foods and we even docked long enough for the adventurous folks to snorkel and swim in the Pacific ocean.

On Saturday evening, there was a party at the rooftop bar at Hotel Mousai (the sister hotel of Garza Blanca). Even at night, this swanky rooftop had the most breathtaking view of the ocean despite feeling like the building was swaying. However, we didn’t stay long because my two friends and I were famished. So we headed downstairs to the Japanese restaurant, Hiroshi (which was not inclusive in our hotel package). The food at Hiroshi was significantly better than our other previous dining experiences probably due to the fact that we had to pay for it.

We partook in Japanese Skewers for our appetizer which were yummy. I had Wasabi ribeye which came with carrots and baby corn and for dessert I had wasabi chocolate. What a way to end the day! Maybe that’s why I had the BG’S?

On Sunday morning, my two friends and I went to the spa for an 80 minute massage. Can I tell you that this massage was EVERYTHING!!!!!!! My massage therapist, Paty chanted something, washed my feet and then I proceeded to take it all off for my massage. I hopped on the table and snored for the next 80 minutes while she gave me the best massage EVER. By the way, the view from my spa room over looked the beautiful blue ocean water.

Later that day, we went to the pool party where people were playing cards, dominos and engaging in unscrupulous conversations about nipples (You had to be there). All in all, the vibe was real chill. That evening, we were informed to arrive at the restaurant in the hotel lobby promptly by 7:30 PM. When we arrived we were instructed to find a seat so dinner could be begin.

Now what was to come was something you would only see on TV. The birthday girl came out to greet us and had the wildest entertainment I’ve ever seen. There was a sign that said Jotakafest, fireworks and a fire thrower. There were toasts during dinner provided to us by a chosen few who chronicled the different stages of Jotaka’s life. Jotaka even debuted a song from her EP during dinner. Who makes an EP for their birthday? Wow!!!!!

After the show, was the beach party and after the beach party was the hotel lobby. In the hotel lobby, we all tried to inconspicuosly sneak up to one of the penthouses for the after party. The after party vibe was cool but I had my mind set on one more good night’s rest before I returned home to the bad sleep bandit, Jordy B. So I checked out early and went back to my room.

On Monday, most people (self included) left to return home on a vacation high after experiencing an event that will be often imitated but never duplicated. Jotakafest will go down in history as hands down, one of the best trips I’ve ever been on. The mixture of my favorite things, good people, libations and relaxation was just what I needed to carry me through until Jotakafest 2.0. Until next time…..

P.S. I can’t take credit for all of these beautiful pictures. We had a private WhatsApp group where some of the images were shared. Also, one of the guests brought his drone for the aerial shots. So here’s a big thank you for those who shared their pics for me to be able to share with everyone on the blog!

Happy New Year, can I still say that? Well I hope you’re 2019 has been off to a good, busy and productive start like mine. I already need a vacation because I’m tired from the holidays, Jordy B’s first birthday party and the everyday hustle and bustle. Why didn’t anyone tell me how stressful planning a kids birthday party was? I needed an event planner but the way my budget is set up, I had to resort to planning it myself.

I started planning this party last November and still felt overwhelmed the week of. The theme was Jordy B’s Winter ONEderland and I solicited the help of my colleague, Ms. Wilson to decorate the event space. It helped that we work together and that she decorated my baby shower so she knows me well enough to know what I would and wouldn’t like. She pushed me to decide upon what I wanted to have her create in a timely manner which was one headache out of the way.

During the course of planning, I brainstormed with my best friend, Aisha about party favors and we decided upon hot chocolate and marshamllows in a jar with a customized sticker from Vistaprint. I also consulted with my old roomie Erika who had the same theme for her daughter’s first birthday regarding where to purchase the items for the party favors.

When I started researching cakes I solicited my line sister, Tonishea of Pure Bliss Sweets & Treats to bring to life the best cake I could’ve imagined for my baby’s party. Not only did it look great but it taste really good also. Two layers were Yellow cake and one was Red Velvet cake. There was also a variety of candy and cupcakes on the cake table.

My family and best friend came through with some finger licking good food for the guests. The menu included meatballs, baked chicken wings, brisket sliders, pasta salad, fruit salad, deviled eggs, tossed salad, chicken nuggets and pizza. We also had a Snow Party Punch, soda, water and beer.

The only thing I would have changed was I should have planned more games for the kiddos. However, I had such a variety of ages of kids I didn’t know what to do with them. I thought about hiring a clown and inquired about the price. I was told by one vendor it cost $175 an hour. So I immediately said, “Let me think about it”. Well I didn’t get the clown nor did I have any entertainment.

Lucky for me, the weather was nice so a few kids went outside to play on the playground and then we played one round of good ol’ musical chairs. All in all, I think the party was a success and I learned a few helpful tips for future party planning. The most important one was, “Don’t plan another birthday party until she turns 5!” Until next time….

Hey everyone, I hope you’re ready for Christmas because it is rapidly approaching and will be here before you know it. I’m 11 months in to parenting Jordy B and it has been the most challenging experience I will never forget. I’ve managed to lock her in the car while the keys were locked in my trunk outside of the doctor’s office. Jordy B has managed to fall off the bed twice. I’ve allowed her to sleep a few nights in her pack and play and take a few naps in her crib. She’s probably eaten a few things off the floor that she shouldn’t have had. But all in all, we’re surviving and taking things one day at a time.

This single parenting experience has not been a walk in the park. I think having to care for and take care of this little person who solely relies on me for EVERYTHING has been the hardest adjustment. I’ve been single for thirty seven years and had a lot of freedom. But to have to give that up to take care of the best blessing has also been an internal struggle but one that I will never take for granted and wouldn’t change for the world.

The single most difficult thing I’ve had to deal with is Jordy B not having a relationship with her father. I know how important it is for a girl to have her father around especially because of the relationship I’ve had with my Dad. Her Father has seen her a few times but it will never replace him missing out on a series of firsts she’s experienced these last few months. It is my hope that he will realize the importance of having a relationship with her and make a better effort in the future.

On the other hand, the thing that brings me the most joy is seeing the relationship she has with my Dad. Even though her father has not been present, my Dad has shown her more love than I ever imagined. He’s so surprisingly gentle and protective of her I find myself laughing at the two of them and even when I think about it. The bond that they share will be one that I will ensure she never forgets.

Recently, I went to a brunch with some of my Baylor friends who have children around the same age. While we were eating someone asked, What was the most important thing you wish someone would have told you before having children? One Soror responded I wish I would have known how much support I would’ve needed. At that moment I wanted to reach across the table and give her two high fives and shout Hallelujah from the rooftop of that restaurant but my mouth was full of chicken and waffles so all I did was shake my head in agreement. Because let’s be clear without my parents, siblings, other family members and friends I wouldn’t have kept my sanity or my hair.

When I was pregnant, I never imagined I would need all hands on deck the way that I did but I’m glad they were available to me and Jordy B. I can also recall taking a hospital tour with my Mom and while we were there all of the other women were there with their significant others and I was the only one there with my Mom. When I got back in the car I cried because of the realization that I would be raising Jordy B single handed. Once again my mom was there to reassure me that I had the support of others and God would not put more on me than I can handle, I felt a little more at ease.

Alright everyone, gotta go because I need to finish Christmas shopping and planning Jordy B’s Winter ONEderland birthday party. Until next time….

So your girl went to see her favorite Brooklyn rapper, Jay Z and his wife, Beyonce in her hometown of Houston, Texas last Saturday night and was thoroughly impressed when they finally got on stage at 9:30 PM (in my sarcastic voice). The tickets said the show started at 7:30 PM so when Chloe x Halle came out a little before 7:30, I thought we were off to a good start. They performed their set which was good but I felt like the sound was too loud and drowned them out which made it hard to hear them sing their lyrics.

Then there was a pause between their set and when DJ Khaled hit the stage. By the way can anyone tell me why DJ Khaled has a DJ and he’s a DJ? But I digress.. DJ Khaled performed some of his hits with other artists and even did this dance that looked like he was about to trip over his feet. When he did it twice I got nervous.

After he performed he had a rendition of Houston’s got talent where a few of Htown’s best rappers graced us with their presence. Some artists included Paul Wall, Bun B, Trae the Truth, Kiotti, Slim Thug and Scarface. He even had an artist named Ingrid perform and Diddy’s son performed a song that sounded like Case’s song, Touch me Tease me.

When they were done Bey and Jay didn’t hit the stage until 9:30 PM, finally. They started off with a few hits they had together and then broke off to some of their individual hits. Some of the highlights:

Jay needs a haircut.

I love the way Bey accentuated Jay’s lyrics when they performed together. And when they were on stage together you could see the love they have between them is genuine and real now.

Jay was looking at Bey like Obama and Biden look at each other, like she was a snack, lol.

When Bey performed in her sequined onesies I was on my feet.

When Jay performed I sang along but primarily sat done. I saw him in concert last year and while I enjoy his music I’m not crazy about his onstage presence and performance.

By 11:30 PM, I was checking my watch and yawning because it was way past my bedtime. The concert ended at Midnight and I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Is it to much to ask artists to be more considerate of concert goers time? Overall, I enjoyed the concert and maybe now I’ll listen to their last album in its entirety because when they performed the new songs I was completed clueless, lol.

And don’t ask me where I was sitting and why those lines were in the way in my pictures. That’s what I could afford and I’m not ashamed to say it because ain’t nobody going broke to see Bey and Jay. Do you know how much day care costs a month? Until next time…..

Hey Everyone! I hope you enjoyed your summer and you’re ready to FALL into the final quarter of 2018. I’ve been taking a break from blogging because being a single mom and having a new home is HARD WORK! As I’m trying to get back into blogging I’m asking for you to hold me accountable but also be patient because I have some new ideas and things to share with you all.

This past weekend Jordy B had her first airplane experience to New Jersey. She handled it like a BOSS! Ok, not really but she did get compliments from people on the plane who sat near us. They said, “She’s a good baby”, “She’s so cute” and my favorite was “She didn’t make a lot of noise”. I was thinking to myself, what baby were they talking about? Is this the same baby who had a meltdown when we were making her bottle or the baby who cut up when we changed her diaper?

Overall, she was well behaved because we had all of her essentials which included noise cancelling headphones, her very own neck pillow, a blanket, a toy, bottles, baby food and my favorite, her pacifier. What more did she need? She needed her own seat because air plane seats are to darn small for the both of us. But I digress…

Jordy B, Mama B and I stayed with family and friends during our visit but of course we rented a small SUV to hit up the mall, two BBQ’s, Allan’s bakery to get some Currant rolls and Salem Missionary Baptist Church (my home church) in Brooklyn. Although, we didn’t do as much as I would’ve like to, the quality time spent with family and friends could not be replaced. And everywhere we went Jordy B was a celebrity. People wanted to hold her, touch her, play with her and take pictures with her. Below are some of pictures of our adventures in NJ. Until next time….

Willie P, Neets and Jordy B having fun at #Issahhousewarming

Hey Everyone! Since I’ve been back to work I‘ve been trying to figure out how to balance my new normal all while keeping my sanity. I feel like I need a vacation which consists of napping, eating, more napping, binge watching Netflix and other mindless TV. I’m not sure how parents with multiple children find time for themselves, their spouse or anything else because I’m always TIRED!!!! I’m so tired that I resigned from my part time job. Ok not really. The real reason was to spend time with Jordyn and because grandparents work until their 85 even on the weekends, lol.

As a new mom, I’ve enlisted family and friends to help with Jordyn because without them we would struggle. They’ve done everything from babysit when I went to get a massage and facial, to decorating Jordyn’s room (which she hasn’t slept in yet). I’ve also found a few helpful items that help make “mommying” a little easier.

1. Dock a Tot

This cozy little thing has allowed Baby J to get the best sleep of her life so far. She is even sleeping all night (on most nights). I don’t know if it’s the way this thing is constructed or the fact that she’s co-sleeping but she sleeps so good she drools and baby snores. She gets both characteristics honestly.

It’s also easy to disassemble and clean. It’s a little pricey, $185 but it’s worth the money. I was able to purchase it by combining gift cards together. I promise you won’t be disappointed and you cam thank me later.

2. Baby Brezza

This is what I affectionately call a Keurig for baby bottles. It perfectly makes your baby’s 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 oz bottle at the right temperature. I don’t know who invented this genius product but whoever it was should win the highest honor a parent can give to another person.

If you struggled to breast feed like I did this baby will not disaappoint. This item is about $185 but the official website always has a sale or coupon code so it’s never full price. Or you can do like I did and put it as an item on your registry and pray that someone will buy it for you like my good friend did.

3. Nose Frida

Baby J is a snot monster. Even with a humidifier it’s like she always has some congestion. If you’re like me and you were disgusted when you saw a parent put their mouth over their baby’s mouth and blew hard so the snot came flying out of their nose then this is for you.

The Nose Frida allows you to stick one end in the baby’s nostril and suck out the snot from the other end into a tube which can easily be cleaned.

4. Boppy pillow

This little pillow can be used up until baby J is nine months. I used it in my attempt to breastfeed. I used it to feed baby J when I was on maternity leave. I use it for her to sit up in when I’m taking a shower and for tummy time. I took a nap on it by acccident. It’s multi-purpose and I love it. It also has different covers if you don’t like this flowery pattern. They have other kinds also for breastfeeding and newborns if your not interested in this one. It costs about $30 and would be a great item to put on your baby registry.

5. Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing

This little swing makes baby J happy. Can you tell? She takes naps in it and it puts her to sleep at night after I’ve read her a bedtime story. This was also gifted to me by a good friend and it wasn’t even on my baby registry. She told me you’re going to need this when you move into your own place and she was right. It vibrates, swings and plays music. What more can a girl as for? Swings range in different prices and sizes so do your research first. Not all babies like swings but give it a try and pray to the good Lord that your baby enjoys it as much as baby J.

I hope you enjoyed the gadgets that help me keep my sanity since becoming a mom. Let me know if you have any questions, comments or good ideas you would like to share. Until next time…..