don't be stupen.

Jack is eating eggs and cheerios while he watches a show about dancing potatoes.

It's "small potatoes" on a stage, all in costume, doing musical theater with english accents.

They don't have arms, duh.

Kid shows are so bizarre.

Lately there have been lots of rumblings about having babies.  Not from me-  from friends.  I've had a few emails and conversations about the pros and cons of being a parent.  Pro-  babies love you unconditionally and you'll have someone to do the dishes in 10ish years.  Con-  babies are expensive and they don't always listen to you or wear what you want them to wear.  Pleeeease wear this awesome sweater jacket, this hat, and these cool shoes.  Ok.  Fine.  Wear the spiderman tshirt, fireman rain jacket, shorts, cowboy boots, and your camo baseball cap with the deer on it.  This kid...

More pros-  They like to snuggle.  Babies smell SO GOOD.  They get excited about things like bubble wrap and play doh.  They remind you to have fun.  Your priorities change in a good way.  You don't care about the dumb drama that happens around you because you've got bigger problems-  like having a baby with a high fever who's puking in your hair.  Toddlers tell you they love you and give kisses and hugs.  You suddenly have a bond with every mother you encounter because she's had a kid throw down in public before too.  Kids are the funniest people you will ever know.  Getting handmade presents is the best ever.  Holidays are much more fun with kids around.  

More cons-  Public fits.  Eventually you get used to it-  when you have kids, you just don't feel embarrassment like you used to.  Potty training sucks.  They grow so fast that you're constantly buying clothes.  Learning to talk and communicate is frustrating for you and your kid and it can cause major baby (and mommy) meltdowns.  They talk back.  The other day, Jack told me that I'm stupen. Whew... at least I'm just stupen...  You constantly wonder-  where did they learn that?!

Things to remember-  Pajamas run small-  they're supposed to fit snug so the kid doesn't get tangled in the night but it's stupid how fast they outgrow their jams.  Bottle warmers are life savers.  Even if you breastfeed and pump.  We had one with a built in cooler to store 2 bottles for nighttime feedings so you don't even have to leave your bedroom.  Time out as punishment is a lot harder than you think.  Jack doesn't really care and they don't really work for him.  Try directing your kid's attention to something fun and constructive when they're being bad.  Remember when you're pregnant that babies sometimes want out early and unexpectedly. Also remember, if that happens, don't be in denial-  just go to the hospital so you aren't in labor for 12 hours at home- alone.  

Look, I don't care if you have babies or don't have babies.  I'm just saying if you decide to, don't be scared.  It's really, really hard but very rewarding.  It's a lot easier than i thought it would be and a lot harder too.  

It's so important for your sanity to keep some things for yourself.  Keep a shred of your social life intact.  Keep your friends close, you'll need them to cry to when you're crazy stressed out and zombie tired.  We let Jack stay overnight with his grandparents early on when he was just a couple of months old.  It's good for you and baby to detach from each other every once in a while if you're lucky enough to have a supportive family like we are-  you don't want to be a crazy mommy (or daddy) and you want baby to be around family.  I really feel like that's the key to our happiness around here- I still play shows with my band, Husband still golfs, and we still go out for nights on the town together.

"SNEEZE!!!" goes the baby.

"Bless you" goes the mommy.

"Yes, bless me" says the baby talking to himself.

♥ jp

hello darlin.

Our weekends are getting busier and busier.

I have a show or two pretty much every weekend for a thousand years.

I like it.

Holidays will sneak up soon.

Even bought a few Christmas presents for Jack today.

I remember searching for hidden presents when I was just a baby jaguar.

Now I'm hiding them for my kid.

I love it.

My BFF and rock'n'roll partner in crime, Sandy.

To the guy who told me my voice reminds him of Hope Sandoval's (of Mazzy Star)-  you are awesome and thank you.

To Benny, my drummer, who told me my voice reminds him of when Feist sings with Broken Social Scene-  best compliment of all time.  

All time nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.

I'm nowhere near either of them but I appreciate when people recognize my influences.

Leather jacket weather is the best weather.

White dress I didn't even buy. 

I love it but have no place to wear it.

I wish this was around when I got married.

Simple.

Gold dress I didn't buy-  because I think I'm too old for short, low cut, AND gold.

But I do love it.

Not sure when I'll ever be too old for gold leggings as pants.

Jack had a full weekend but I'll have to post those cutie pie photos and tell those funny stories tomorrow.  

♥ jp

wild go.

"I'm going to the punkin patch with my class on Thursday."  says him.

First conversation of the day, barely awake, still trying to push snooze.

"It IS Thursday!"  says me.

Time to wake up- no chance of my just-10-more-minutes game.

Jack put on his new shirt, ate his breakfast, brushed his teeth, watched his dinosaur train show, rode his bike around the house, played with trucks, and helped me decide on what to pack for his lunch.

Ham, cheese, crackers, pineapples and strawberries, and cheerios.

He was feeling particularly handsome, staring proudly in the mirror, and declared it was picture time.

We went to his favorite photo location- the front porch.

He waved me away and said, "NOT YET!"

It was extremely important that he place a glittering Halloween sticker on his cheek.

"NOT YET!"

By the time we got to his class, his shirt was no longer tucked in and he had scooped up his favorite brown striped beanie hat.  

He still looked cute.

Put a dollar in his pock pock so he could buy a mini pumpkin to add to his rapidly growing collection of pumpkins.

I thought he was off to the start of a great day...

His teachers said he was aggressive and angry all day.

My sweetie pie?!

He's getting moved to an older kids' classroom in a couple of months and I think it will help a lot.

Sigh.

Made cupcakes for the boys yesterday.

I let Jack eat half of one before his dinner.

You can think I'm a bad parent all you want but sometimes the cupcake wins over dinner.

Playing a show on Saturday in OKC at the Blue Note.

The Oh Johnny! Girls, not solo.

New songs!

I wore the leather shorts at the last show and the gold ones the one before.

What to wear...  ?

What more is there.

Have a lovely Friday.

We'll be backyard camping.

"Can I bring my blankie?

Can I bring this pillow?

Can I take my binky?

Maybe I'll see stars in the big sky.

Can momma dada have a pillow?

I want two hot dogs and one mustard.

I want to make a big, big fire.

By myself."

No fire, my baby.

I have to draw the line somewhere.

♥ jp

like lightning in my heart.

This room is by no means done but i finally decided on something for the walls.  I'd like to start hunting for a cool headboard, something with tufted velvet perhaps.  I love velvet, gold, vintage, sparkle, masculine with regal, feminine pieces, flashes of tiger, cheetah, or leopard print, chandeliers, charcoal and cream, displayed jewelry, fake fur throws, big pillows, and NO OVERHEAD LIGHTING.  I have always hated overhead lighting-  pendant, chandelier, recessed and track lighting excluded.  Can't wait to lay on the bed and watch HBO on a neatly mounted flatscreen on Sunday nights while eating popcorn and enjoying a completely finished bedroom.  (it's a lot brighter in the bedroom than the cave-like picture shows.)

Would I ever do the chevron print again?  You would have to pay me quite a bit to do that tedious measuring, taping, painting and painting again.  My back hurts, my hands hurt, my head hurts.

Yesterday I had a cut and color.  Just had a teeny bit trimmed because for now, I'm going to continue to grow it.  The cut looks and feels fantastic.  I like the color-  but i just like it alright.  I was looking for something a little more dramatic-  I mean, if you know me, you know I'm not scared of serious change when it comes to fashion and beauty.  Going in, my hair was already lighter at the tips, just a natural summer fade.  (pic above is after leaving the salon)  The gradient effect is very slight but very even, which shows skilled talent in a stylist, but soon I will probably try and do it myself.  Sometimes I don't communicate what I want very well I guess although I did bring pictures.  My weird medium-reddish brown natural color can be difficult to work with.  

Here are a couple of shots Husband took of me a week ago.

The Oh Johnny! Girls have been killing it lately and it feels good.  We had a great show last weekend.  A photographer came out to do photos for an article in next months Distinctly Oklahoma magazine and I'm excited to see them.  We've got a few things coming up, a show at the Blue Note on October 15th and we're playing on a moving vehicle at the Ghouls Gone Wild parade.  FUN.  

I'm excited for the weekend!  We're going to a movie tomorrow night and going to my in-laws on Saturday to watch the big OU/TX game.  They just finished a huge renovation/add on to their home and I'm super pumped to watch the game on a HUGE flatscreen, eat good fun, and play with babies.  Must plan Jack's OU outfit now.

I can't remember if I told you about my solo show thing.  It was fun.  It was weird.  I was nervous for the first time in years.  I had my PA system set up in my dining room and practiced here and there.  Jack loves the microphone.  He would sing his Night Night song before bedtime and look so satisfied and proud of himself.  My little heart feels so big when I see that look on his face.

A, B, C, D, Night night time!

Did you know you can make the alphabet song into a song about anything you want to?

Jack does.

♥ jp

busy.

Baby Jack goes to the new outlet mall with Mommy and Daddy.

Daddy forgot to pack the stroller.

Tantrum.

Baby rides the firetruck 2 times.

Tantrum.

Mommy, Daddy, and Baby leave 20 minutes after arriving.

He just looked so happy and cute on the truck though.

Friday, Jack went to my mom's for the evening.  Husband and I wandered around the local Friday night art walk on Main Street.  Met up with some friends here and some friends there. 

Husband gets serious at Steak 'n Shake.

Today is my best friend's birthday.  I don't think she reads this but HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANYWAY, ANNA HESTON.  I love you and you are pretty.  

The weekend was very laid back.  Jack started showing signs of sickness on Saturday but he was looking forward to going to my in-laws and I couldn't tell him no.  He was worse on Sunday and went to see Doc down there to get checked out.  He sounds like a baby seal.

Went to OKC on Saturday night to meet up with friends for a late dinner and drinks.  Ate too much and ended up going home early.  Husband was very grumpy but think it was because he was too full to drink beer.  

Spent Sunday with my mommy.

Today.

Took apart the high chair and fixed it all by myself.

Took the crib apart and turned it into a toddler bed all by myself.

Drinking lots of chai green tea with soy milk today.

Did something to my lower back and it hurts to move.

"did something" means carrying around a 35 pound baby.

Trying to eat healthy this week and Husband brought home red velvet cake last night.

Why would you do this to me.

Doing 30 mins of dance cardio and TAM iron man 2 videos.

Holy workout, it hurts.

Getting a costume idea on lock down for a 2 year old is very difficult.

Currently in the middle of a tea par par, watching Jack pour water from one cup to another cup.

Over and over. 

Water everywhere.

So busy this week.  Show Friday to look forward to.

♥ jp

oh my darlin.

Jack loves riding the pony at Wal-Mart.

He's pretty serious about it and likes for me to take pics of him on it.

First OU football game of the season is tomorrow.

YYYYYAAAY.

What am I going to wear?

Husband's a part of a huge tailgate thing so that will be fun.

Jack is going to spend the day and night at my mom's.

Tonight we will watch Rio and keep it low key at home.

and I think I'll make one of Hannah's famous tarts.

I got the new-ish Levi's curve ID skinny jeans.

In love.

I am a "slight curve" in case you wondered.

I work out and I work out but some things will never change...

Sigh.

The Oh Johnny! Girls met up for an interview for Distinctly Oklahoma Magazine.

It was swell.

More about it when it comes out.

Reality show?

More on that later.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Too big for a binky.

I know.

The baby wants what the baby wants.

He only gets it when he's going to bed and in this pic, he's going to bed.

Had to get all of his trucks lined out first.

BOOMER you guys.

♥ jp

breathless in the daylight.

I received an email this morning about fitness and motivation for an app someone is working on.  I wish there were a specific recipe for fitness motivation.  One cup of peanut butter + maple syrup + snickers bar + chocolate ice cream.  Or something like that.  Anything from Rusty's, Victoria's, or Tarahumara's.  For real though, my motivation comes and goes.  Some weeks, I'm so into it and at least one week a month (go figure) I'm not wanting to move my ass anywhere but into a pizza parlor. 

This is what works for me:

My style Pinterest board-  looking at clothes and girls who look good in those clothes make me want to workout and be on good diet behavior.  I say "diet" but really, it's just avoiding some of the treats I let myself have.  Example:  Yes, I'll have one martini instead of 4 beers.  

Check out the tagged photos on Tracy Anderson's facebook page.  Tons of before, during, and afters and it's pretty damn motivating.  

I remind myself that I feel great, sleep better, and have lower stress levels when I'm being good. 

Making a new workout playlist!

Have something to look forward to-  this is my ultimate motivator.  I look forward to playing shows and going out on the weekend and date nights with Husband.  

Sundays.  I eat something bad and delicious on Sundays.  Free days are important to me.

If nothing works and I just can't get into dance cardio, I just don't do it.  I don't beat myself up over it, I just pick up where I left off the next day.  No big deal.  Some days I just don't have the time.

Any tips you'd like to share with me?

I'm drinking my first diet coke since Sunday.  SUNDAY, i said.  Wait, i did try a diet coke and cherry whipped vodka the other night.  It was a little tiny drink though.  Yes, it was good but a little sweet for me.  Like a melted cherry coke snowcone.  Total college girl drink.

Jack is back at school this week.  He's been a very sweet chicken the past couple of days.  Still waking up in the middle of the night and insisting on getting in bed with us.  Any tips on how to stop this would be greatly appreciated.  

♥

jp

monday busy monday.

Just some pictures from the weekend.  Today is catch up day.  Laundry, cleaning, baby wrangling, and grocery shopping.  I've been wearing an excessive amount of ridiculous shorts lately.  Just bought a pair of BCBG leather shorts-  originally $200 but I found them on sale!  Also found an amazing yellow jacket also $200 but on super sale.  Success.

Thursday night, Husband and I went on a little date in OKC.  We ate Big Truck Tacos-  the tacos with fried avocados are insane- and then stopped by Cocktails on the Skyline at the art museum.  Friday I played a show at the Opolis in Norman.  Lots of people were out and it was a fun time.  Saturday was my niece's 2nd birthday party-  the kids had fun and wore themselves out.  After, I did a maternity photoshoot for my sister in law.  Sunday, Husband and I went to see One Day and it was depressing.  It was a good movie, a little slow but charming until the end when it depressed the hell out of me.  Quit it, movie.

gold shorts.

more gold shorts.

Jack likes to paint.


Hey!  So, have a good week.  There's a cool show at the Opolis tonight-  maybe I'll see you there.
♥ jp