I did not feel like blogging at all tonight. I’m super tired and just want to plop down and read on the couch…but then there was a huge potty training breakthrough at dinner and I just had to tell you about it. Ok, ever since Fritz started school we’ve only been dabbling in potty training. I’ve been feeling the task looming over my head. I keep talking about it and saying I’m going to look up a final answer/technique online ect., but never do. The closer I get to my due date the less motivated I am to attack the potty training sitch and BD is out of the loop completely on this matter.

For the last three months, every so often Fritz will show a little interest, I think mainly as means of getting a treat. We’ll take off his pants and diaper and he’ll go a little bit, about four times in a row and get a few treats and we won’t do it again for another two or three weeks. Pretty lame. I’m sort of thinking ‘ok he’ll get into it when he’s ready’. Well tonight, that is precisely what happened! We’re sitting at dinner and all of a sudden he hops up and is all “PEE PEE! PEE PEE!” and starts yanking down his pants and diaper. I’m all like ‘Let’s do this!’. So he runs over and sits on his little potty who’s home is in the corner of the kitchen. Ok, that’s kinda weird I know but thats where it is, and it’s usually dragged into the living room for TV time potty sessions. So anyway…he goes, gets his treat and all that. But the most important part about tonight was that I suggested we put on these little boxer briefs that I got him a while ago and practice with undies. At first he was resitant to the undies then he came around and wore them for the rest of the night and actually pulled them down when he needed to go, a few times. MAJOR!

Anyone who’s trying to potty train knows that this is a huge step. And he looked so cute running around in little mini boxer briefs I had to resist pinching his little bum bum in fear of putting him off to the experience. I’m hoping we can carry on with this amazing development at some point tomorrow.

Beep bee beepe beeep be beep- ‘This has been a Hipster Mom News Flash!’

*Above image is from the same line of little boy’s boxer briefs that I bought Fritz. Claesen’s…so f*cking cute!

I am three weeks and four days from my due date. OMFG. I’m banking on December 18th. I said Fritz would be born February 18th and my water broke that day. He was about a week early, actually popping out on February 19th. I’m feeling close. Symptoms include massive complaining, severe back pain in the night, peeing every five minutes, my pelvis feels as if it’s ‘opening up’ and Lola seems to be whipping around, communicating to me that she is indeed ready to make her debut.

I feel very prepared. I’ve dusted off and washed all Fritz’s old baby stuff. The stroller is ready to go. Car seat, check! Co-Sleeper, check! Baby Bjorn, check! I’m going to pack my hospital bag this week for good luck. I couldn’t be more thankful for the timing of these last weeks. Everyone knows the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas fly by. Eeeeekkkk. The anticipation is killing me.

Even though I’m willing her to come early there is a possibility that I could wind up in the hospital on Christmas which would totally bum me out considering this is Fritz’s first Christmas that he actually understands. My due date is the 23rd. Maybe you guys could help. Any Psychics out there? Will I give birth before or after Christmas???

Currently reading: Slummy Mummy by Fiona Neill. One disheveled ‘Mummy’, three kids, elicit affairs, messy homes, Yummy Mummys, hot stay-at-home dads and the PTA. Bridget Jones for the Mommy set. Mindless yet entertaining. I’ll get to Thy Neighbors Wife next!

Ok that’s not really the name but it should be. It’s actually called The New York Botanical Garden Train Show with Gingerbread Adventures and it looks like a perfect NYC holiday family activity! The show runs November 21-January 10th. This is going on our holiday to do list, tout suite! It’s also high time this family made a trip to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. We’re doing it big this year…BIG!

*Above image not from Gingerbread Spectacular.

I totally went with commenter Kri’s suggestion and got the KidKraft Garage playset! It’s actually the same maker as the Fire House that most of you liked. I think this garage has the color and excitement of the Firehouse and will cater more to Fritz’s love of cars and motorcycles. The lift and the spiral slide really sold me on this one too. Christmas shopping done bitches!

In efforts to make Fritz and Lola’s room more user friendly, this weekend we set up the Trofast system from Ikea (shout out to my mom for helping me put it together). I couldn’t be more happy with the results. Everything feels put away and super organized. Only recently did we haul up a shit-load of toys from the living room area to the bedroom. They were just sitting there in some stackable bins being ignored for the most part. But now with drawers of toys and shelves of books, that he can easily access, it’s become much more of a bedroom/playroom. This system is cheep and easy to assemble. I love the variety of colorful drawers and all the options for different levels and surfaces. Yey for organization!

Becoming a stay at home mom really reshaped my family. It seems that the mom/dad roles have become very, very traditional, meaning BD brings home the bacon and I do mostly everything regarding Fritz. This is my job. When I was going to work everyday, just like him, and we had a nanny, things with Fritz were more shared…not too much more, but more. To give you an idea, as a SAHM my duties include changing diapers, feeding, bathing, waking up/putting to sleep, changing clothes, playing, doing arts & crafts and reading stories. Then there’s keeping house, all the cooking, cleaning and tyding up. It can be pretty chill or totally hectic, but it’s pretty much around the clock and for the record, in no way am I complaining, just laying the groundwork for my point. BD’s role with Fritz is taking him to school (I pick up) and maybe a little play when he arrives home. Most nights we all have dinner together as a family. I’d say most of BD’s interaction with Fritz happens on the weekends when we all do a family activity together. So over all we can say my hands on time with our son is 85% to BD’s 15%.

This is never how I pictured things when we decided to have kids. But it’s how it is and I love it…for now at least. I wanted to explain the roles that me and my husband play because while he is the one forging ahead in a career outside the home and making all the cash money, it may look as if his job is more important or fulfilling in someway. On many occasions I’ve thought this to myself. But as I grow in to my role as a SAHM, which like I described puts pretty much all the child rearing duties on me, I find a huge satisfaction in it. I am in no way resentful and the better I get at it the happier it makes me. I can see my influence on Fritz. I am helping to shape his personality with all this interaction.

A few months ago I wrote a post about how I hated reading the same books at night over and over. It’s still not tops on my list but you know what, I find a much greater pleasure in it now because I know that with my patience, reading those books to my son for close to half an hour before he goes to bed at night is helping him in some way. I also feel proud that I have developed this kind of patience, it’s something I know my husband could never do and I begin to relish in the fact that it’s our thing, mine and Fritz’s.

I am proud that I give Fritz my undivided attention to play puzzles, make a painting or sculpt monsters and spaceships out of play-doh. While these things may seems silly or non-important to the average person, they’ve got it all wrong. Some parents, mothers and fathers, don’t have or simply won’t make the time for these sorts of activities. They are too busy or too preoccupied and the tasks are left to someone else or no one else. My mother always prides me on being a good mom because she never did those kinds of things with me. Now I have begun to see the value in what I am doing and It’s every bit as important as what my husband is doing.

‘I can say I hope it will be worth what I give up…’ -Santogold

I am very curious to know what all your home lives are like regarding the mom/dad roles. Who does what? Who’s do the majority of the child rearing? Who’s keeping the home together? Who’s working? Who’s not? Do you feel things are equal or unfair?

For a minute delve into the mind of a two and a half  year old little boy. If you were this little boy, which of these three play sets would you want for Christmas? You see the dilemma I’m faced with right? They are all pretty cool and look like good fun. They are basically doll houses for little boys. Cute! I just can’t seem to choose which one to get Fritz. Help meeee!

[All toy sets available at Back To Basics Toys]

As some of you are aware I offer advice. Virtually anyone can get my opinion by simply emailing me via the clicking the ‘Take it or Leave it’  icon to your left.I’m open to talking about whateves so ask away. Here’s a good one from avid Hipster Mom reader Beth…

Q: I’ve read your NYC Activity Review and was wondering if you have any recent updates or recommendations. I’m travelling to New York with my husband and three year-old son for a three week stint (starting this week), and am trying to organize some activities while we’re there. We’re staying in Chelsea/Meat Packing District, so we’ll be based out of that area. We’d like to avoid super touristy stuff so parks, and other low-key jazz are definitely on the menu. If you have the time/energy, any tips are welcome.

A: Where do I start! NYC and the surrounding buroughs are filled with so many activities it can be almost overwhelming. Let me narrow down some of my families favorites…

1. Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Ok just to be up front this is a trek from Chelsea but sooooo worth it. You will relish watching your kid have a blast in this beautiful children’s museum. The museum is a totally hands on interactive experience.  Here is a link to all the traveling info. The museum is closed Monday & Tuesday.

2. Central Park. Duh! This one is obvious…maybe a little touristy but who can deny the beauty of NYC’s Central Park. Bring a little bag to collect a few leaves and acorns. You can bring them home as souvenirs, probably the only free stuff you’ll get this trip! Visit FAO Shwartz while your there. DO NOT GO ON A WEEKEND!!!

3. The Natural History Museum. This museum is stunning. I recently visited the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in DC and it didn’t hold a candle to ours. Fritz loves this museum and if your kid can actually sit still visit the planetarium while your there….so soothing.

4. Williamsburg. Head over to 14th St. Union Square and take the L Train three stops to Bedford Avenue. Explore the hood, shop, eat and look at the fashion parade down Bedford Ave. Take the kiddo to McCarren park to burn of some energy or take a stroll down Kent ave and check out the park at the waterfront. Here are some links to my favorite things in Williamsburg: Vintage Shop Beacon’s Closet, KCDC Skate Shop right next door, Sprout a beautiful plant store, Spoonbill & Sugar Town Books sells lot’s of interesting books and Zines, To-Go Vietnemese Sandwiches at Banh Mi on Bedford. If you check out these places you should also see plenty of other great stuff on the way.

5. Max Brenner Chocolate Restaurant in Union Square. They have regular food but the Chocolate Menu is obviously the highlight. You’ll be doing plenty of walking so indulge in something crazy.

6. Economy Candy. This is a good reason, among others to visit the LES. Economy Candy has every candy imaginable and it’s an NYC legend located on Rivington Street. WARNING: Kids could go batshit in here depending on age enter with caution. While on Rivington chill out with a glass of wine and yummy italian noshies at ‘Inoteca. Explore Ludlow and Orchard Streets while in the neighborhood.

7. Brooklyn Bridge. If your the active types take a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge and make your way over to Dumbo. Great photo op’s and spectacular views. Depending on age of child bring the stroller. Bundle up!! Dumbo has a really great playground as well. Take the train back.

8. Shake Shack at Madison Park in the Flat Iron. Believe the hype. This infamous burger joint located in the middle of Madison Square Park and serves up delicioso burgers fries and shakes. The lines can be treacherous so go at an odd hour like 4:00 pm.

9. NYC Transit Museum. Go down into a real subway station that has been transformed in to a museum that houses train cars through the years. This is another one of Fritz’s absolute favorite NYC activities. Located in Downtown Brooklyn. While your there check out the Fulton Street Mall for everything ghetto fabulous, gold jewelry, kicks and mix tapes.

10. Do a tourist Day!  Just do it. Gawk at the signs in Times Square, Visit Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum and eat at Mars 2112. I live here and I still like to do this kind of stuff every once in a while. It’s good fun but again beware the weekend.

11. NY Hall Of Science. This is a trek to Queens but again, totally worth it. I did a review on The Hall Of Science this past summer. Go!

12. Last but not least when in doubt go on NYMag.com for other suggestions. It’s the place to go for food, entertainment and shopping.

I LOVE NY!!!!

I fully intend to continue my annual tradition (started last year)  of making our Christmas tree decorations. We’ll have a few people over, set out a crafts table, down some nog and get busy. But I couldn’t resist when I saw these spectacular ornaments at Urban Outfitters yesterday. Their frosted fabulousness called to me. Adding a few store bought ornaments couldn’t hurt. Yule tide foreva!