Happy Halloween!

From Wensdy, Verick, Violet and Jeff Von Jack O Lantern!

Verick's Skateboard Lesson

Mydols drummer Johnny Miller stopped by today to meet Violet. Johnny and I were in another band together, the basements, before the Mydols, so we go way back. I remember him stopping by soon after Verick was born. This time, he gave V. a skateboard lesson.

VIOLET (Pink) PICKS

My staff - Stephanie Angelyn Casola, Lana Mini and Susan Steinmueller - surprised me by turning one of our newspaper's features, Pink Picks, into 'Violet Picks.' Here's how it appeared in Observer & Eccentric newspapers Thursday, Oct. 23.

The PINK staff congratulates Features Editor Wensdy Von Buskirk and her husband Jeff Von Buskirk on the birth of their second child, and first girl, on Friday, Oct. 17. Violet Von Buskirk was 8 pounds 12 ounces and joins big brother Verick, 3. With warm wishes, we’ve compiled a list of fun, fashionable Violet Picks in her honor:

Wear It!
A “Born to Rock” pink body suit with a vintage Pebbles Flintstone graphic by Baby Gap

Kick It!
Amarissa satin strap shoes in purple by Ralph Lauren Baby

Tote It!
Kate Spade’s Zermatt Stevie Baby Bag in eggplant, with a yellow changing pad included

Mane It!
Baby Bee Shampoo & Wash, tear-free formula made with coconut and sunflower oils

Smell It!
Mother Nature’s Sweet Violet Baby Lotion

Hear It!
Wensdy’s band, The Mydols. Hear them at myspace.com/themydols

See It!
Barney and Friends on PBS Kids - he’s a purple dinosaur

Ringtone It!
Violet by Hole on ringtonematcher.com

DVD It!
Harold and the Purple Crayon with narration by Pete Seeger

Click It!
Violetgumdrop.com where you’ll find personalized baby gifts by West Bloomfield’s Darcee Matlen

TiVo It!
It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, showing 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 on ABC

Drink It!
Earth’s Best Infant Organic Formula

Eat It!
Yummy Spoonfuls Mushy Yummy Mashed Organic Blueberry and Banana Cereal - when she’s on solid food!

Experience It!
Baby and Me Yoga at Namaste in Royal Oak

Read It!
Where is Baby’s Pumpkin by Karen Katz

Violet Is Here!

Violet Jacquelyn Von Buskirk was born 11:31 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 at the University of Michigan Health Center in Ann Arbor.

She weighed in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces with a full head of dark hair.

The whole household is smitten with this peaceful little flower.

Castor Oil Quandary

So as of today, Violet is 4 days past due. Friends are starting to recommend castor oil. Supposedly you take 2 tablespoons and within hours, voila, baby is born!

I've done some online research, and it seems the oil causes stomach cramps and intestinal spasms (not to mention severe bathroom problems), which in turn stimulate contractions. By all accounts it seems to work.

Why am I more scared to try this foul concoction than schedule a C-section?

I see Dr. Z today at 5 p.m. so I'll find out more about my options. I would love to hear about other moms' experience with castor oil.

Treats from Japan

Verick got a special delivery a couple days ago. His beloved babysitters, Meryl and Leah, sent him treats from Japan, where they are spending a year studying at Kansai Gaidai University.

I've heard that everything in Japan is 'cute' and these little candies are no exception. They're shaped like mushrooms with cookie stems and chocolate caps. Inside the packaging is a drawing of the mushrooms rockin' out, just like V. is known to do.

Meryl and Leah are blogging about their experience at "I Think I'm Turning Japanese."

Ultra Violet

Well, two days past my due date and still no Violet. I went to the doctor on Friday and he sent me in for an ultrasound at UofM to see how she's doing in there. Turns out, she's estimated to weigh 8 pounds 15 ounces already!

But she looks cute! Check out those Angelina lips, and those haunting eyes! (In case you can't read the ultrasound, it's a close-up of her face.)

Verick was nine days late, so I'm bracing for Violet to take her own sweet time. This is definately the most uncomfortable time of pregnancy though. It's hard to sleep, she's got a foot jammed into my diaphragm, and even my maternity clothes feel confining.

Help!

Pumpkin Patch Video!

Here's Verick at the George Farm Pumpkin Patch in 2006. We visited again the other day with John Heider and filmed a video for the Northville Record. Check it out at http://www.hometownlife.com. Verick has gotten so big - and I've grown so wide.

Daisy Rock Bass!

I just got some great news from Judy! Daisy Rock, which specializes in making guitars for girls, has offered to sponsor yours truly.

Judy has been sponsored by the company for some time, and has done a great job promoting the brand. You'll see her playing her pink flower-shaped Daisy Rock at all of our gigs, and she has a baby blue acoustic Daisy Rock slung over her shoulder on her Rock Star Mommy book cover.

As for me, just as my daughter Violet is gearing up to burst into the world (due this Friday), Daisy Rock has offered me a left-handed Stardust Elite bass in "Violet Burst" - a sparkly purple pearloid finish.

It's yet another sign my Libra baby will be born to rock!

To learn more about Daisy Rock, visit www.daisyrock.com.

Top 10 Maternity Must-Haves

1) Jeans. At the start of your pregnancy, purchase jeans a size or two larger than normal. After that, move up to maternity. Whether you like them under-the-belly or over-your-bump, you'll get use out of them while you're downsizing post-baby too.
2) A-line Skirts. I'm still wearing my pre-pregnancy elastic waistband skirts in my 9th month. Skirts do wonders to keep you fabulous and flirty whether you're going to work, or walking around the neighborhood. Just remember to pair flared skirts with fitted tops so your proportions stay balanced.
3) Leggings. The fact that stretch pants are back in style is great for pregnant ladies. They are so comfy and look great under tunics and dresses.
4) Tunics/Dresses. Stock up on flowy dresses and tunics to show some leg or wear with slim pants. Don't buy your baby shower dress until the event is just a couple weeks away to ensure proper fit.
5) Message Tees. Message tees are essential maternity wear, especially during the stage when strangers can mistake your pregnancy for a paunch. But instead of 'Baby on Board' try 'Future Rock Star,' 'Bun in the Oven' or 'October Baby.'
6) PJs. Splurge on a cute new pair, with a matching robe. They'll keep you looking pulled together for your hubby while lounging at home, as well as at the hospital when all your visitors show up, camera in hand.
7) Ballet Flats. It's easier to wear heels while your pregnant than when you're toting around a toddler, but an adorable pair (or two) of ballet flats will keep you chic and comfy until your due date and beyond.
8) Pumas. Sporty Pumas are the trendiest athletic shoe to wear with jeans and tees while preggers. The way they feel on your feet will encourage you to stay active too!
9) A Great Haircut. Take time for yourself and book an appointment, but beware of making any drastic changes to your hair at this point. Your body is changing enough!
10) A Fab Bag. Since you can't buy any 'normal' clothes for yourself for nine months, splurge on a signature handbags. A big bag will balance your ever-growing bulge, and you can use it as a diaper bag after the baby comes.