"...sleep through the night? Fuggettaabout it!!!"

I guess I should backtrack to the wonderful baby shower that was given for me. My best friends, Cindy and Laura, fellow Bangle Vicki and honorary Bangle Amanda, all did a wonderful job organizing the event. There were many family members and good friends there, plus good food (which my husband had a lot to do with!!) and a fabulous cake!!

"I want a slice of the BIG toe..."

Brian was so excited about the impending birth that he constantly asked when the baby was coming. I think he was looking forward to being big brother! He read to, sang to, and kissed my large belly many times!

"Is she cooked yet, Mom?"

 Finally, the big day arrived. Everything went smoothly and she came out just perfect. I had to stay at the hospital for 3 days, but had many visitors to help pass the time. Brian came and finally got a chance to hold his baby sister.

"uhh, Mom, what do I do now??"

 Now that she's home and almost 6 weeks (already!!), we're adjusting to having this wonderful little person around. We're looking forward to all the little milestones that come with having kids-first smile, first tooth (well...), sitting up, crawling etc.. For now, I'm just thankful and happy to have two lovely and healthy kids!!

OK... Now it's time for Q AND A!!! You've sent in some great questions for me to answer...

Q: Was Keira planned??? I mean did you and Steve discuss having another baby, or was it "oops! guess what?..." and for Brian, how does he like being the big brother (experienced kid and ready to show her all kinds of things)?  How many names did you go through before finally deciding on Keira?  Who does she look like?  Blonde like mommy ?  You are so loved Debbers and btw...you looked absolutely stunning at the El Rey and you rule !!!!
-Selbangle
A:Dear Selbangle,
Hi again - it was good to see you at the Billy Cowsill benefit. Well, let's just say Keira was a GIFT!! We weren't EXACTLY working on it, but are very pleased that she's here. Brian is SUCH a great big brother! He absolutely loves his baby sister and is looking forward to showing her everything. We went through loads of names, but we kept coming back to Keira. It's such a beautiful Irish name. Brian helped pick the spelling of it too. Thanks for writing in!
Love, Debbi

Q: Hola Mrs. Debbi!
First of all...Keira!! That is such a CUTE name.... Katie would have been cute too...LOL! Congrats on the new Baby Bangle Rock Kitten! First of all I want to know how you balance all your time with Brian and now Keira? Is there no time to do what you like to do to relax, like your painting (can we see some of the works of art?), and writing your songs, and practicing your drumming... like you would need any practice. Do you think Keira would follow in her Bangle mommy's footsteps? If you were my mom I totally would! Congrats again Mrs. Debbi with your new bundle of joy!
- ContinentalBangleBabe
A: Hey there ContinentalBangleBabe,
Well, I think it's safe to say that I'll be VERY busy from now on! I'm juggling 2 kids and a career, but I'll make it work. I'd love to start painting again, but I think that will be put on the back burner for a little while. I'll still find time for songwriting and practicing, though.  Hey you never know!! She may follow in mom's footsteps, but we've got a ways to go... (imagine her drumming in diapers - great look!) Thanks a lot!!
Love, Debbi

Q: Was Keira named after Keira Knightly (one of my favorite actresses)?
- Eric/anyoneelse
A: Hello anyoneelse/Eric,
Actually, we named her Keira independently from Keira Knightly.. Thanks!!
Love, Debbi

Q: Question for Keira: How do you like your crazy beautiful world so far?
- epinSkcaJ
A: Hi epinSkcaJ-
Keira says " As long as I have a diaper, plenty of milk, and someone to cuddle me, LIFE IS GOOD!!!" Thanks!!
Love, Debbi

Q: Congratulations on the new baby, and a lifetime of happiness to your little family.
This might sound like a strange question, but now that you have a daughter, has your perception of parenting changed ? We all know that it's a tough world out there, but sometimes I get the feeling (as the father of two very young daughters myself) that there are so many things that I have to be wary of because of the fact that my kids happen to be girls ! More precisely, I'm referring to the twisted standards of femininity imposed by questionable role models such as the Olsen Twins, Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera. You certainly have been able to beat the stereotypes (come on, how many female drummers are there ?!?! lol), but how do you plan to handle this with your own daughter ?
And by the way, there's a cool website about how fathers can positively affect their daughters' self-esteem and life in general... pass this on to your husband ! It's www.dadsanddaughters.org.
- The Usual Suspect (Louis)
A: Hey there Louis/The Usual Suspect,
You know what - she's so young now that I'm really just focusing on the day to day essentials. I'm sure my perception of parenting will change when she grows up and I'll be dealing with more feminine issues. It's a different kettle of fish dealing with a girl than with a boy, so it'll be a challenge! I will DEFINITELY pass on to Steve the website info you gave me. I know he'd love to check that out. Thanks for the heads up!
Love, Debbi

Q: One question: What did you do while you were pregnant? At the Cowsill Benefit, you looked stunning. It looked like you didn't just have a baby - Risty
A: Hi there, Risty!
Once again it was fab to see you at the Billy Cowsill concert. Thanks for the compliments! I tried not to eat TOO much (they always say you "eat for two..") and exercised as much as I could. I've been very lucky to have had two good pregnancies and now I have two wonderful children! Thanks!
Love, Debbi

Q: Hi Debbi!
First, let me say that it's very nice of you to take some time to answer our (numerous) questions... we all know how busy of a mum you are, especially these days! I have two questions for you:
1) Which is the first song/lullaby you sang (or will sing!) to Keira to put her to sleep?
2) Was Keira's second name "Mary" chosen because it's the same as her mommy?
Thank you Debbi once again... and give Keira and Brian a big hug from me! Okay, Steve can have one too.
- Meny
A: Hi Meny,
First of all, I've sung little gems like "Goodnight" from the Beatles and various melodies that pop into my head at the time. Kids are great to experiment on when it comes to songwriting!  Sometimes my husband and I make up silly little songs when we're doing mundane things like changing diapers! Second, my little girl's "Mary" in the middle, just like me! Thanks for writing in!
Love, Debbi

Q: Hey Debbi!
First off, I wanna say once again how happy I am for your family! What a precious gift! Here are my questions:
1. How do you fit in songwriting and practicing around attending to Keira? I assume this means things like not drumming when she is asleep or anything like that..... I dunno, as I don't have kids yet...
2. Has having Keira opened new doors of inspiration when it comes to your songwriting?
3. Speaking of songwriting, with all the Bangle down time, have you been writing new songs with the other Bangles, or anyone else? Any song titles you could spill for us? Many thanks for answering these Debbi, you ROCK!!!
-MikeBangle
A: Hi MikeBangle,
Well so far, I haven't had the time to get down to some serious songwriting, but hopefully when I get settled into a routine, I will. Both Keira and Brian are an inspiration to me! I haven't yet hooked up with the other girls to write, but I do plan on it soon. Thanks for your questions.
Love, Debbi

Q: Hello Debbi, Congratulations again.
I would like to know if when you were pregnant, Keira moved or expressed herself when you were playing music or singing? While the last concert you did as pregnant, did she hit your body during the whole show? And also does it calm her down if you sing or play now (well, if she let you the time to catch an instrument between two crazy yelling)?
All the best
- Sophie from France
A: Hi there Sophie! (bonjour!!)
Oh yeah!!!! When I played at the show we did locally at McCabe's, I was 6 months pregnant and she was dancing like crazy inside my belly! She really responds to music and it calms her when she's upset. Thanks for your question!
Love, Debbi

Well, that's it for now. I'm off to go and be "mumsy"! Keep on checking the website for more photos and updates on how the kids are getting on (I'm so proud of them...).

Thanks for all your support and love and keep on BANGLING ON!!!!!

Hugs and Kisses - and everybody have a SAFE and happy Halloween -