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greetings from the peachtree
Hey. You’re so awesome to follow me all the way to Hotlanta or A.T.L as apparently the youngsters call it (thanks Sandrine for the 4-1-1 on that).
I think the term Hotlanta is roughly equivalent to, “The Big Apple.” I never refer to NYC as the big apple and I can’t imagine there are large swaths of Atlantans who go around saying things like…
“Hotlanta is such a great place to raise kids.”
“But I do wish Hotlanta had less traffic.”
“So what part of Hotlanta do you live in?”
But I promise here and now, if I ever relocate to Atlanta, I am totally calling it that.
I’m here, along with three other bloggers… Sheila from Xiaolin Mama, Joe from Joeprah and Vicky from The Mummy Chronicles to film a Graco car seat campaign. I’m going to have the opportunity to share my parenting know how (must quickly think of brilliant, clever parenting tips) and demonstrate how to install a car seat (First step: Turn to your spouse and say, “Hey, can you please install the car seat this morning?).
The video will go up on the Graco website, as a resource for parents. I must say, so far, it’s a very good gig. I’ve been white wined, lobster tail dined and pink pedicured, all courtesy of the cool folks at Graco. Apparently, they are actually going to make me do some work tomorrow. Alright, alright. Seems like the least I can do.
I miss my little cupcakes Dylan and Summer dearly (I mean really, who wants to actually pee alone?) but it is so nice to have a little calm and quiet and -
Wait, is that a baby?
And another one? Oh mercy. Who invited the kiddos?!
Actually, those adorable twins belong to my awesome college friend, Lanie. I was thrilled to meet them. They are named Hot and Lanta which is a bit odd but I think they can pull it off.
Note to reader: Their parents may actually call them Fletcher and Alyssa but I’m not confirming that.
Note to husband: Yes, I miss you too. I will confirm that.
mama bird notes
Don’t forget to enter this week’s baby giveaway package. Two pairs of super cool Robeez shoes for boys (sizes 18 – 24 months and 20 – 24 months), an organic cotton and hemp burp cloth (amazingly stylish and practical) and the Melissa Errico “Lullabies and Wildflowers” CD. And all these goodies come in a fabulous recycled cotton tote from Joy by Mellim. Just leave a comment on the mama bird diaries this week and you are entered to win.
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I like the way you think. I told my husband to install the car seat — and then he took it to the police, who installed it for us. Thank goodness! Good luck and have fun! Er, break a leg?
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Tip: Buy a car with the anchor thingies, and then just snap that puppy in.
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Sounds like you're having a great time, you superstar!
That's how I would install a car seat, too, btw.
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Glad you are enjoying Atlanta and got to see the cute little twins!
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Watch out! Hotlanta will melt you! Hope you have fun, and check out some of the yummy restaurants in Buckhead and Midtown if you get a chance! Have a great day!
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How did you end up filming a commercial for Graco? And yes, Peter always installed our car seats. That's the easiest way.
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I don't even feel the smallest bit of shame that I have NO IDEA how to install a car seat. I mean, Hubby will feel totally useless if I do EVERYTHING!
Can't wait to see your commercial! Break a leg!
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What a cool mama, doing a commercial … you go girl!
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You are too funny!
You need to make sure to post the commercial here!
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Love love love the pictures of Fletcher and Alysaa (and Lanie). I am so glad you got to meet them. Love you both!
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What a cool opportunity. I can't wait to see your video!
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a.) Make sure we get the link when the commercial runs
b.) Shouldn't Graco be offering some cool giveaway to your loyal listeners? (They have a very cute baby doll stroller / carseat set)
c.) You have the most fun!
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That's so funny that they're having the moms demonstrate how to install a car seat! Of all of my friends with cars, I don't know one mom who actually installed their own car seat. Yay for husbands!
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Actually, I think the kids call it "the" ATL. But lord knows everyone who doesn't live there calls it Hotlanta. I'm headed there in August and have said repeatedly, to anyone who will listen, "August. What a great time to visit HOTlanta." Wow, how original am I? But thinking about it, I don't think I've ever called NY "The Big Apple". I agree that it's reserved for those "Welcome to The Big Apple" commercials they show in the cab. Hey- since those little ads also tell you to "buckle up!", perhaps Graco will run your carseat video in cabs, helping suburban visitors install their carseats while in the city. You'll be famous in multiple cities!
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I saw your kiddos this morning with Grandpa and they are looking good and happy. Although Dylan was wearing a shirt with no bottom or maybe it was a mini, mini, mini dress. I almost put Ella's pants on her, but did not want to offend Grandpa or Dylan.
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I just had to laugh reading this because my hubby is the police so you would think he would have been the one to install. Nope….we ended up at a store that did it for us!!
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Albuquerque has some great nicknames too, like "Burque" (prn. Berkey) and Duke City. But my favorite is "The Q."
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First of all, congrats on your Graco gig. Very cool!
Second, yep, I agree with the others. We can't to EVERYTHING around here. Come on, hubby, step up.
And last, but not least, I find that trips alone are so like that: you crave the solace but miss the craziness.
Break a leg!
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cool gig. it's to bad you have to pee alone.
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Enjoy Hotlanta!
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I thought you just go to the firehouse and have them install the carseat..hmm
ATL..so now cities are going by their airport codes?
At least w/ NYC it's a song..grant it it's from Annie, but still.
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I guess I should have offered to come pee with you . . .It was so great to see you!!
Hot and Lanta (aka Fletcher and Alyssa) were very excited to meet you. They have not stopped talking about the visit
. Good luck with the shoot today.
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As Hot and Lanta's (aka Fletcher and Alyssa's) proud papa, thanks for including such cute pictures of them in your great blog. As far as I am concerned, they are now famous!
Sorry I did not get to say "hello" in person, but do enjoy Atlanta. (Lobster and spa treatments sound tough, but I think you are up to the challenge.) And yes, you are correct, Atlantans do not call our town "Hotlanta or "the ATL" — we leave that to visitors (and our city's crack marketers and tourism board). Of course, as a visitor of NY, I have never called it "The Big Apple" either…
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I was forced to install a car seat in a rental car–hubby was at work. It was quite a process. Congrats on your gig and enjoy your time away!
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Like your other posters, I have the police install the car seats regularly, although the husband does a great job too. Can't they just have you offer that advice on the web site while looking all pampered and cute?
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What a cool opporunity! I know it's hard to pee alone but enjoy the rest of your "kid-free" time because I'm sure your babies will be stuck to you when you get home!
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you are turning into a super star celebrity right in front of our very own mama eyes! so proud and excited for you and you have to let us know when/where to watch!!!
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As a non-resident and someone who will never live in that city herself because she has experienced the traffic firsthand – we call it Hellanta.
Oh, and it's the Hellanta Airport, as well.
Hope ya'll enjoy ya'lls stay down hea, Suga!
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As the very proud mom to Lanie and grandmother to Hot and Lanta, thank you for showing them to all your friends–looking forward to seeing you demonstrating the wonders of being a very special Mama Bird.
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very cool gig with graco !!! hubby is in charge of ALL that. i had to do a bit of it last week when the car went in and i was flustered BUT i got it to work and realized i should know how to do it on my own.
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Hot Lanta, Hot Lanie, Hot babies…I'm sorry I missed it all.
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Thank goodness for carseat help. We installed our and took it to get checked. They asked with much concern, "You haven't had your baby ride in this have you?". NOPE is what we said which really meant we had taken him home from the hospital, to his first dr. appt., etc. WHOOPS! They're just too confusing!
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It's wonderful to see you still combining a career and motherhood and wifehood and looking wonderful and having fun doing it all. You should have 3 more babies; you do it all so well. A testament to a college education and a Jewish husband…Mazol tov..
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Dont forget to "smile with your eyes" as Tyra would say. I am holding out for an invite to appear in a Shamwow commercial.
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oh…i forgot to mention that the show baby borrowers premieres tonight june 25th at 9pm on nbc for those of you who want to watch it…it's a great show for moms like us…i highly recommend it…to learn about parenting…:)
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I'll bet Atlanta residents roll their eyes when they hear that term, "Hotlanta."
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Whenever I hear "HOTlanta," I think that's really funny when we're catching on fire in August… and yes, all the little gangbangers DO call it the ATL. I live near Augusta GA affectionately known as "Disgusta"–20 degrees hotter than H-E-double hockey sticks. oh God…melting….like…ice…
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Sure the Graco video will be a big hit.
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(First step: Turn to your spouse and say, “hey, can you please install the car seat this morning?).
So WHO is playing "Rick"?
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Wait – you say "please" when you tell him to install the car seat? Aww. Whaddaya, newlyweds or sumpthin'?
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LOL at all these comments!
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Cute twins. I'm think it's great you're getting to pee alone in Hotlanta for a while. Always make you appreciate what's back at home. Have fun filming the Graco commercial! Sounds like fun.
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My husband moves the car seats too! Very cool gig – sounds super fun to be wined, dined, and pedicured! Enjoy the break!
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Seriously, I just shot coffee out my mouth .. the opening to this post is hysterical!!
Have fun being white wined and dined you lucky girl!
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wow! quite the gig, I am envious, can you pass along any future fun trips to me that you can't make.. thanks!
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Maybe the Graco people (and all other car seat makers) should get a hint from all of the comments about the difficulties installing carseats. I miss my European carseats. I could confidently install the toddler seat in about 60 seconds flat- and the thing was solid and secure. (It could even be reclined without having to adjust straps.) We moved it whenever we wanted to. With our American carseat, I only move it when absolutely necessary and then only with help. …and those harness straps are constantly twisting.
Congrats on the honor.
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aw your kids are cutefaces! moving a car seat is total hell!! <—not a fan.
i make hubby do it so the kids won’t hear a constant stream of explatives coming from the driveway!
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What a great trip huh? I really enjoyed myself too. I only regret that I didn’t have any time to really get to know you and Vicki. I can’t wait to see the final product. Best wishes ~ Joe
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