Earths Best!

We have begun the first trial of baby food. I initially tried to make my own baby food, by steaming sweet potatoe and mashing it up. Unfortunatley the consistancy was a little too thick for Marley, even when I added water. So we decided to go to the next best thing and get organic baby food. We chose the brand Earth's. Best. The first vegetable we tried was winter squash. He loved it! Then we tried the organic sweet potatoe and he loved that even more. I have to admit I was a little taken a back that he didn't eat my version but, I will try again in the future. This week has been very challenging, because I have to introduce a green vegetable. We met with our pediatrician and she instructed me to feed him a green vegetable for 1 week exclusively. Ahmed tried on day one, and he was not having it. The next day I had to use some fun trickery to get the peas in his mouth. Such as making faces, doing the airplane, the best trick is to make him say Dada and that is the perfect movement for him to chew. And of course, pretending to eat the food worked as well, untill he had his fill!!! Then he was done and turned into the green monster. But he is getting better everyday and I let him play with his spoon after....which is his favorite part. I am so proud of Marley . He is healthy and a whoping 21lbs and 27inches. Yay!!!

Brooklyn!!!!

Last week Ahmed and I caught up with our friend Fiona and her son Aubrey. Fiona is of Kittian descent so we have a special connection and I am so happy that we are now able to share the journey of Motherhood. Her son Aubrey is an amazing child. Not only is he kind, smart and beautiful......he is a musical genius! Our Stomp off -spring Boy Band continues to grow. I think MNM......will become MN AM. Aubrey is only 2yrs old but he is a special musician and has such an understanding of timing and improv. At dinner the boys started to trade 4 bars of druming on the table inside of the restaurant. Aubrey would play, Marley would respond. They didn't play over eachother......they listened! It was incredible! We were cracking up. They were actually riffing!? We were discussing how we personally know adults that do not even understand the concept. It was such an awesome evening. Thanks Fi, J & Aubrey

Great Grandpa & Marley

Last week I was so moved to watch my grandfather and my son meet for the second time this year and for the first time my Auntie Irene in Queens, NY. There was a moment I found myself watching admiration. I could not help but go through the list wonderful memories with my grandparents. They showed us so much love and affection. They always made me feel important, loved, and special. I really wish my grandmother Ruby was alive to meet Marley, she would have loved him so much. I met my grandmother for the first time when I was about 6 months as well. And as a grew into my adulthood she was one of my greatest female influences in my life. I miss her dearly and love her with all of my heart. I am just so blessed to still have my grandfather here with us. He was so thrilled. You should have seen the smile on his face and the pep in his calm demeanor! I cannot even explain it. I just know that he was so happy in his heart and tickled inside to see Marley. This is a moment I will hold dear in my heart. The little girl that used to sleep over Grandma and Grandpa's house. Where hey use to drag us everywhere from church, to the zoo, shopping, Coney Island, etc. Every Sunday was spent having family dinner. Every greeting began with the rhertorical question "Do you know how much Grandma and Grandpa loves you?They attended my high school and college graduation, Grandpa participated in my wedding, and now sharing my new family. I am so blessed and I thank God for that opportunity.

Birthday Celebrations!!!!

On August 19, 2009

We all celebrated Ahmed's birthday at a Cuban restaurant in Montclair, NJ with his parents.

Cuban Pete was the name

and food was excellent! Marley had a fantastic time and as always leaves a venue with his own fan club. He litterally cried when the music stopped! I mean who's birthday was it anyway?

Breakfast with auntie Tiffany & uncle Delvin

The first day in Jersey. We did what Jersey folks do.......went to the Diner on Rte. 1 and then to the Mall. That was fun. I miss Jerzzzzzz. LOL . Nice hair cut Uncle Del.

Skype part 2

This is the second installment of the MNM mom's! The first picture installment was Me, Stephanie and Corallissa via Skype (las vegas). Last week it was Me, Coralissa and Stephanie via Skype (las vegas). Hopefully next week it will be yours truly via Skype (Los Angeles). And then....one day we will all be together. Meanwhile, I will write to Oprah tell her about our mommy circle and maybe we can unite on her show and get some really cool stuff for boyz....shhhhhh. singing....these are a few of my favourite thingggggggs.

Aloha Stomp Family

Last Thursday and Friday our dearest freinds Coralissa, Ivan and Nainoa came to Los Feliz to visit. This was our first time our boys have met each other and it was so beautiful and amazing! I feel like we actually live parallel lives with the Deleforces. We both met our spouses through STOMP, got engaged the same month, married the same year, and had big baby boy a trimester apart!!!! We could have planned this if we wanted to but I'm glad we are doing it!

Nainoa is such an awesome and gentle little soul. Marley was so intrigued with him, he could stop staring and smiling at him. I think they are going to be really great friends in the future. We've already putting a boy band in the works. We kind of assigned instruments, but everything is still up for grabs. As far as Im concerned MNM is still the name right? Marley Nainoa Makai. There was a recent birth from our friends Herren and Sam. Their son's name is Skender. Hands down, we've already decided that "Skender on Bass" sounded really cool. Sorry lil' Laybourne, start slappin de bass!

Thanks for spending family time with us, your presence is missed! Move back to L.A! Please.

So Much to Tell!!!

I know.......I have been pretty awful with the blogging, but I promise to be better. I don't know where the time goes. The baby and hubby are fast asleep so I am going to take this me time, even though I probably should follow suit. Oh well I will just regret it in the morning and let live! :)

So, about two weeks ago I set out for a job to NYC. It was my first performance job since I had the baby and it felt so good, to be working again. We rehearsed for 2 weeks and flew to JFK and stay in the Lower East Side @The Cooper Hotel for two whirlwind days! My little Marley accompanied me on the trip and he was so awesome. I love how easy he is .........how he just rolls with the punches. While I was working my brother and sister in law watched him and he enjoyed their company. I am so thankful for our family's. I love them. And thank you to our favourite family The Lanes! Thank you Francine & Girls for the long weekend! I could not have done this with out you!

Anyways, on this job. I performed with the artist Kanye West.

We did a one night concert for this watch company called G-Shock at Cipriani's in downtown. We had a great time, we rocked the show and got to wear Herve' Leger bathing suit! Along with black body paint and jabbawocki mask! Beautifly Scary!!!!

That's an exciting thing for a girl who loves fashion. But even more unbelievable to me.....having a baby 6months ago, would I ever think I would be wearing one! hahha

On this trip, I was not the only mama traveling with her infant! There was two of us, and it was awesome. I have to give it up to all the mama's, baby mama's, etc. Working and being a mommy is a tough thing, but it can be done with great support. There was a couple of bumps on this job. ...Unfortunately, there are business women who do not like women with children. I KNOW! Go figure. The men on the job were so accepting and supportive of us being new moms and we didn't even have our children on location. Some things I will never understand. However, I am back, recharged and proud that I rocked on!!!!