The Case for Usain Bolt

The fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt, is being criticized for his excessive "showboating" during the 100 meter run. I watched along with millions of others as Usain Bolt looked back at his competitors and when he neared the finish line beat his chest. I think Jacques Rogue, the International Olympic Chairperson is reading too deeply into this gesture when he said Bolt did not act in the "spirit of the Olympic ideal." The beating of the chest stemmed more from a cultural behavior that is typical of a Jamaican man. Note: I can say this because I'm Jamaican and have spent most of my life around Jamaicans. Jamaican men usually have a high level of confidence and pride that is extremely hard to ignore. It's obvious in the reggae lyrics, the outlook on life, and the unabashed swagger.

I could only imagine Usain Bolt beating his chest and saying to himself, "We run t'ings, t'ings nah run we."

Feeding Time

If you possess a keen sense of style prior to parenting, it only spreads to your child. Such is the case for feeding time, because now you only want the chicest, most unique item for your bundle of joy to scoop up his applesauce. I'm digging the sterling silver spoons from Lunt Silversmiths (www.luntsilver.com) because of the easy to grip handle. I also like the handcrafted spoons from Sarah Hood (www.sarahhoodjewelry.com) that's stamped with the words "Eat Your Vegetables". However, if you're not into the heirloom concept, the BPA free Baby Bjorn Plate and Spoon are just as nifty and can be found at www.giggle.com.

Up and Away

Among many traits and skills motherhood challenges, I'll say organizational skills is on the top of the list. For the first couple months of motherhood you realize you can't walk without a purpose. Every move and time of the day must be one of strategy. One major question I often ask myself when I leave with my sweetie, pertains to how much time do I have to run errands before her next feeding or nap. In other words, how long can I tag her along without a fuss or before she gets tired.

Prior to motherhood, I would see these pictures like the one in the ad chapmaign for Skip Hop above and think that'll be me. A cute daughter in one arm, a stylish diaper bag in the other and be the most stylish put together mom on the mission. Now some months into this journey, I must say I'm getting more of a hang of it but it definitely has been a learning curve. The first lesson I learned was that organization is your friend. The second lesson I learned is that I cannot do it all by myself. You can always spot the mothers who try to be superwoman, or to be like my childhood homie Wonderwoman. They are always tired, frustrated, and always wondering why they could never do it all. As opposed to women who realize that help, whether it be a grandma (biological or play grandma), cousin, sister, daycare, helps out a great deal and can give you time to write that bestselling novel you've always wanted to write or start that home based business with revenues that will come in handy. These women know the secret to doing it all, it is orrganization and yes, building that team to help you be the best mom you can be.

Nuff Respect To Jamaica

Big up to Jamaican women for winning for 1st (Shelly-Ann Fraser), 2nd (Sherone Simpson), and 3rd (Kerron Stewart) place in the 100 meters.

Padding Along

Among the many questions of motherhood involves the appropriate time to have your child wear shoes. I was all for babies wearing socks, since they are not yet walking, until I saw the soft sole shoes from Robeez and Livie & Luca. The shoes make me feel like a kid again with its playful designs and the bottoms which are soft and flexible.

Sweet Potato Prints

Stay-at-home moms have the best ideas. This team of stay-at-home moms created Potato Playground which makes handmade clothing items with logos stemming from potatoes. Their inspiration simply comes from their children's interests. I'm loving the lady bug tee. Check out their website at www.sweetpotatoprints.com.