It's that fun, interesting time in my daughters life where she gets to try solids! She actually started to try things out when she was 5 months old but that was just a little rice cereal here and there. She didn't really get into things until she was 6 1/2 months old. If there is one thing to say about it its that the girl loves to eat! However there are 2 curve balls to that statement. First one being is that she still has a sensitive stomach and certain food (mostly orange colored ones) cause her to spit up even more! Secondly is that she is pretty insistant on feeding herself. If I try to feed her via spoon she really doesn't have the time of day to eat. So I figured out that if I put the purees I had made up into one of those fresh fruit mesh bags she just goes to town! Loves everything I give her and loves that she has control over it. Added bonus is that she gets to make a mess while doing it! Not necessarily as exciting for mom..haha
So, once I've finished up the purees I've already made up for her I thought I would give baby led weaning a try. Seems she's steering herself that way anyways. The choking aspect of it is quite concerning to me but everyone assures me that they gag more than choke.
Seems crazy, she's growing up so fast!
Friday, November 20, 2015
Thursday, October 29, 2015
Frequent topic of mine...
..baby sleep..or lack there of. I have never had anything more frustrating in my life then trying to get baby naps figured out. I have been told that the first nap of the day is the most important and if you don't get that right the rest of your day is down hill. The worst part about that is that if you get it wrong you have to wait 24 hours before you can try again essentially. Once you've messed up that one nap the rest of your day is off kilter. Try again tomorrow..then you mess it up again and wait until the next day.
So frustrating..
I look around at the other ladies that have babies around the same age and it seems like sleeping is a breeze for them and their baby. I don't know if I am really that terrible at this or they're just not saying anything about their own issues. I'm hoping for the latter but am suspecting the first option is what rings true. I've done a ton of research on it of course (google mom here!) but am no further ahead. Chances are I've done too much research and I'm just in my head too much. Whatever the answer, my poor daughter is paying for it in lack of sleep.
Who knows, maybe i'll get it right tomorrow..
So frustrating..
I look around at the other ladies that have babies around the same age and it seems like sleeping is a breeze for them and their baby. I don't know if I am really that terrible at this or they're just not saying anything about their own issues. I'm hoping for the latter but am suspecting the first option is what rings true. I've done a ton of research on it of course (google mom here!) but am no further ahead. Chances are I've done too much research and I'm just in my head too much. Whatever the answer, my poor daughter is paying for it in lack of sleep.
Who knows, maybe i'll get it right tomorrow..
Friday, October 16, 2015
New Moms, sometimes you have to loosen the purse strings!
I will be the first person to tell you that when you've having a baby, especially your first, you do not need to go out and buy every gadget, toy, blanket, outfit out there! Chances are you won't use it as much as you think or sometimes not at all. I did not purchase anything new with my daughter. I bought everything used or was given stuff from friends and family that no longer needed their baby stuff any more. However, as you go along you will find that there are certain items that even though they may not be absolutely necessary; they make your life just a wee bit easier. With being a new mom, anything that makes your life easier is a must. For me it was the baby video monitor. My daughter is currently 6 months old and up until this point we had been using a hand me down audio baby monitor. Worked fine and all but there was room for improvement.
1) My daughter has her bedroom upstairs so I go up and down those stairs more times then I care to count.
2) My daughter is not the best of sleepers. She makes lots of noises and with just audio you're never too sure if she's asleep or not
3) This is tied into my second point. If she is awake and sees you peeking in on her she gets excited and wants to play. Which means you pretty much have to start all over again.
So I did my research and found a video monitor I thought was the best bang for the buck and it is a god send! I couldn't go back now...I wouldn't go back now! I'm wondering why I waited so long. The last 6 months could of been that much easier.
Anyways, I went with the Levana Keera. Overall I would give it a good review. At times I wish there were an audio only option. It has what they call the PEEP mode which the video only flicks on when the baby makes a noise. This can be annoying in the middle of the night if it keeps flicking on and off. However you can just flip it on its front to solve that.
The moral of the story is, by the way, pick and choose what is important. Don't feed into the hype and buy all the trendy stuff the moment you find out you're pregnant. Get the basics and when the baby comes figure out what you actually need/want. You'd be surprised how little stuff you actually need for the baby the first 6 months. Then as you figure life out and what would make it easier, then splurge a little and buy whatever it is that will make parents and baby happy. Everything else is just clutter!
1) My daughter has her bedroom upstairs so I go up and down those stairs more times then I care to count.
2) My daughter is not the best of sleepers. She makes lots of noises and with just audio you're never too sure if she's asleep or not
3) This is tied into my second point. If she is awake and sees you peeking in on her she gets excited and wants to play. Which means you pretty much have to start all over again.
So I did my research and found a video monitor I thought was the best bang for the buck and it is a god send! I couldn't go back now...I wouldn't go back now! I'm wondering why I waited so long. The last 6 months could of been that much easier.
Anyways, I went with the Levana Keera. Overall I would give it a good review. At times I wish there were an audio only option. It has what they call the PEEP mode which the video only flicks on when the baby makes a noise. This can be annoying in the middle of the night if it keeps flicking on and off. However you can just flip it on its front to solve that.
The moral of the story is, by the way, pick and choose what is important. Don't feed into the hype and buy all the trendy stuff the moment you find out you're pregnant. Get the basics and when the baby comes figure out what you actually need/want. You'd be surprised how little stuff you actually need for the baby the first 6 months. Then as you figure life out and what would make it easier, then splurge a little and buy whatever it is that will make parents and baby happy. Everything else is just clutter!
Friday, October 2, 2015
They should change the saying sleep like a baby..
..to perhaps sleep like a newborn! 'Cause I'm telling ya, babies don't sleep all that great. In my previous post I had finally had some ray of hope come threw with my babies sleep. However, after that we had a short trip down to the US which threw our nap schedule out the door. Once we came back the poor girl caught a cold. Probably due to the lack of sleep from the trip. Finally after a week the cold finally dissipated. However, we were left with a mess of schedule/routine. She has always been pretty consistant with her naps but that was no longer. One day she was tired after an hour, next it was 3 hours. She would only stay asleep for 30-40 minutes and wouldn't go back down despite still being tired. So after 2 weeks of trial and error, watching her sleep cues very carefully because she is not the most obvious with those. I also downloaded an app called baby tracker. It lets you enter when they fall asleep and when they wake up. You can also track their feedings and diaper changes. For the first 2 weeks you get the charting option, which lets you compare each day in a nice little chart, for free. After that they do want you to pay but luckily I don't think I need it so I won't bother.
Anyways, for now we seem to be doing alright but as I have learned things can change very quickly. So never get comfortable with a schedule/routine, you're only setting yourself up for disappointment..lol
Anyways, for now we seem to be doing alright but as I have learned things can change very quickly. So never get comfortable with a schedule/routine, you're only setting yourself up for disappointment..lol
Friday, August 21, 2015
4 month sleep regression (part 3)
I am happy to post there has been a break in the cycle...finally! My baby is now sleeping fairly well, not perfectly, but better! She sometimes wakes up a few times from 7-11:30, then I dream feed her and she is usually good until at least 4:00...sometimes 7:00! It doesn't sound that great when I'm typing it but trust me, it is better. Just to be able to get 4 hours of straight sleep seems like a god send at this point of time. I think we are on the road to better sleep; hopefully I'm not jinxing myself.
So, for all of those parents out there going through this terrible 4 month hurdle; it does get better, eventually! It probably took about 4 long weeks to get to this point, but at least we got here. Here's hoping it will only get better from now on.
So, for all of those parents out there going through this terrible 4 month hurdle; it does get better, eventually! It probably took about 4 long weeks to get to this point, but at least we got here. Here's hoping it will only get better from now on.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
4 month sleep regression (part 2)
Well, as you can see its been a few days since I've posted. Our issues with the 4 month sleep regression have not gotten any better. She continues to wake every 1-2 hours; however she used to sleep pretty well from 7:30-11 but that has now gone away. She will wake up around 8:00 bright eyed and grinning! Last night it took me 2 hours to get her back to sleep. At first I thought maybe it was because her room was too hot. We've been having a heat wave and have been having problems keeping her room cool. Its been hovering around 24 degrees in there. Plus she was still being swaddled so I thought maybe she is uncomfortable. Nope, not it, still not sleeping. She is also squirming a lot more while sleeping or trying to go to sleep. So, lets try dropping the swaddle! Not the greatest idea I've ever had but it went better than I thought. Still awake every 1-2 hours but she is sleeping. Which is better then the last time I tried it. So the conclusion is, I have no idea if I am helping or hindering the situation. Luckily I have the happiest baby on earth and no matter what she seems to just look up at me and smile. Perhaps her way of saying "good try Mom".
Friday, July 31, 2015
4 Month sleep regression
In the earlier months of my daughters life I had come across this reference to 4 month sleep regression. I took note of it but never thought much of it. My daughter was never been the best sleeper as it was so how much worse could it be even if it did happen. Oh dear, silly, foolish me. She is 1 week away from being 4 months old and I believe it has hit us. She will sleep pretty well from 7:30 -11:30, maybe waking once. After that though all bets are off. She is waking every 1-2 hours! That's not including how long it takes to get her back to sleep once she wakes up! I am exhausted and void of all forms of sleep..
The internet is pretty vague about how long this may last. Apparently anywhere from a week to indefinite. Indefinite?! Dear gawds I hope not. There must be a solution. I've already adjusted her sleep schedule to fit that of a 4 month old. She is down to only 3 naps a day and staying awake roughly 2 hours in between each nap. Which is kind of funny because she sleeps so well during her naps. So at least I get some relief..
Here is hoping we get things straightened out sooner than later. Until then I will make sure the coffee supply is well stocked!
The internet is pretty vague about how long this may last. Apparently anywhere from a week to indefinite. Indefinite?! Dear gawds I hope not. There must be a solution. I've already adjusted her sleep schedule to fit that of a 4 month old. She is down to only 3 naps a day and staying awake roughly 2 hours in between each nap. Which is kind of funny because she sleeps so well during her naps. So at least I get some relief..
Here is hoping we get things straightened out sooner than later. Until then I will make sure the coffee supply is well stocked!
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Swaddle transition failure
Well as previously posted I attempted to try how my baby would do unswaddled. FAIL! lol..she just isn't ready. She still needs that comfort of being wrapped up tight. Which is fine by me, I wish I could feel that comfy cozy and go to sleep. However, there is still the issue of the rolling over that is coming about. So in my mind I figured I need to get one of those blankets made for transitioning. The Halo Swaddle Sleepsack to be exact. It gets rave reviews so it must be good. I just don't want to pay the price of it. $36.95 plus shipping seems a bit steep to me for a blanket, plus I don't even know if she will like it. As always I go to my local online swap and shop and put an ad out looking for this Halo blanket. With luck 1 person replied and she had 2 of them. She wanted $10 a piece which isn't bad considering the web price on them. So I scooped them up. Now the one thing to remember, and shockingly I did not, my baby is a Houdini baby. The Halo Swaddle Sleepsack is not for Houdini babies! I put this blanket on her and she almost laughed at me as she so easily moved her arms up and out of the blanket. So this is a reminder and a warning all in one.
1) If you're wanting to try something out with your baby always try buying used first. That way if it doesn't work you don't feel so bad about wasting money. Plus you can usually put it right back up on the site you got it from and sell it for the same price you bought it for.
2) The Halo Swaddle Sleepsack is in no way or form for Houdini babies. However, I will keep it for a little longer to perhaps use it for a transitioning blanket for both arms out. That way she can have the blanket wrapped tightly around her body but her arms will be out. Plus she will have the added comfort of still having the warmth of a blanket.
Another lesson learned and this task will have to be postponed for a little longer. Will try again in a couple weeks and see how she feels about things.
1) If you're wanting to try something out with your baby always try buying used first. That way if it doesn't work you don't feel so bad about wasting money. Plus you can usually put it right back up on the site you got it from and sell it for the same price you bought it for.
2) The Halo Swaddle Sleepsack is in no way or form for Houdini babies. However, I will keep it for a little longer to perhaps use it for a transitioning blanket for both arms out. That way she can have the blanket wrapped tightly around her body but her arms will be out. Plus she will have the added comfort of still having the warmth of a blanket.
Another lesson learned and this task will have to be postponed for a little longer. Will try again in a couple weeks and see how she feels about things.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
The swaddle trials and tribulations
To swaddle a baby is a great thing. They look so cozy and at peace. Almost makes you wish there was an adult size one. That's when they are a newborn though, when they hardly move at all. Then they get older and begin to squirm and fight the swaddle. Which is ok, it usually means they don't need to be swaddled any more. Not the case with my daughter. She just likes to fight it to see if she can get out. Once the hands are out there is no hope of sleeping. Frustrating of course but I have found a few ideas that have helped me defeat baby Houdini. However, my baby girl is almost at the stage of rolling over. Surprisingly not from stomach to back, but from back to stomach. Which everyone knows is a no-no for swaddled babies. So now its' not an option any more, swaddle has to go. I've tried the 1 hand out scenario and it seems to just give her the challenge to get the other one out. So I said nuts to this we are going to try cold turkey. She is up in her crib right now, first nap of the day. I rocked her to sleep until just to the point of drowsiness so she could finish the job herself. So far she has been asleep for 20 minutes and it seems to be going ok, but I'm not going to get my hopes up. As with the pacifier trials, everything is not as it seems. We have mostly broken our attachment to the pacifier. She only wants it sometimes to help her go to sleep but once she is asleep and it falls out of her mouth she is ok with it. So I wouldn't call it a win but it's not a fail either. Let's call it a mutual agreement between mom and infant!
Thursday, July 9, 2015
No further ahead..
My daughter has had a spitting up issue since around 1 month old. She is now 3 months old so we've been dealing with it for around 2 months. I know that spit up is a normal thing for babies to do but she does it in excess. It's all the time no matter what I do. I've tried feeding her so she's sitting up, as well as keeping her upright for 20-30 mins after she eats. I've tried the expensive Dr. Brown* bottles and burping her several times while eating. I've tried gripe water and gas drops. Nothing works!! I took her to a pediatrician and all he could suggest was to maybe try mixing in half soy with a regular milk formula. If that didn't work to just keep changing the milk formula until something agreed with her. That's easy enough for him to say! I've already tried 6 brands of formula all with the same end result. Each had their own different side effects. However, since she is still gaining weight properly that was all the suggestions he had to offer me. I can deal with the extra laundry, I don't care at all about that. How much fun can it be for her to be spitting up all the time? The constant taste of vomit in your mouth, constantly chewing on her hands cause her tummy doesn't feel good. Plus she wakes up every 30-45 minutes during her naps because she has spit up. Which is another big problem for me cause I'm always concerned she is going to choke!
So what is the answer? Is there an answer? Do I keep trying different formulas? They say that wreaks havoc on their system as well. Or do I just accept the way it is, pick the best of the worst formulas and hope she doesn't feel too terrible on it?
*One day I hope to write a letter to the Dr. Brown company regarding how their expensive bottles have cheaped out by not colouring the measurements they have on the side of the bottles. Do you know how impossible it is to see opaque numbers on a bottle when you're trying to measure out an exact amount of water? It has to be exact remember! See my post re: my dislike of formula preparation
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Small Victory!
Pretty much from the day I got out of the hospital I have been trying to get my body back to the way it used to be. Which is funny because I wasn't all that happy with it before I was pregnant. We women are never happy when it comes to bodies and weight!
Of course while I was breastfeeding I ate healthy and didn't limit myself by any means. I had also had a C-section so I couldn't do much for the first 6 weeks anyways. Once they were over though, that's when I started getting serious about things. I finally had weighed myself and it was great but it wasn't terrible either. While pregnant I had gained 32 lbs and the scale was telling me I had 13 more to go. Sounds doable right? Things are never that easy with a baby around. This is my first time being at home with a baby. I have worked since I was 16 so its the first time in a long time I've been home all day for an extended period time. So boredom does sometime take over and that is my down fall to weight loss. When I'm bored, I eat! Even worse, when I'm bored I bake! Guess who eats the baking afterwards..
Anyways, I've been steering clear of the baking, and if I'm bored and thinking of food I will grab a piece of gum first to see if that will suffice. I also downloaded an app call my fitness pal that lets your put in everything you eat so you can track your calories. Its easy to use, you start with putting in your current weight and the weight you would like to be. It figures out your daily caloric intake and you try to stick to it or slightly below. You can either search for your food of choice or it also has a bar code scanner. Or if you're into baking like I am you can manually enter in recipes and it will figure out the calories per serving. It also has an area that you enter in any exercise you have done. It's really amazing how quickly the calories add up!
So I have been actively trying to lose weight for a little over a month now and I am down 5 lbs. Which may not sound a lot to some but I prefer the slow and steady method. I feel like I have more of a chance of keeping it off that way. I've never been into the gimmick weight loss options. I have especially never been into the diets that require denying you the things you like to eat. So, every day I enter in everything I eat; bad stuff included. If I go over because of the bad stuff then I know I have to make up for it in exercise. It seems like the closest thing to happy medium you can get in the dieting world. At this rate I should be able to fit into my summer capris just in time for summer to be over! lol..oh well!
Of course while I was breastfeeding I ate healthy and didn't limit myself by any means. I had also had a C-section so I couldn't do much for the first 6 weeks anyways. Once they were over though, that's when I started getting serious about things. I finally had weighed myself and it was great but it wasn't terrible either. While pregnant I had gained 32 lbs and the scale was telling me I had 13 more to go. Sounds doable right? Things are never that easy with a baby around. This is my first time being at home with a baby. I have worked since I was 16 so its the first time in a long time I've been home all day for an extended period time. So boredom does sometime take over and that is my down fall to weight loss. When I'm bored, I eat! Even worse, when I'm bored I bake! Guess who eats the baking afterwards..
Anyways, I've been steering clear of the baking, and if I'm bored and thinking of food I will grab a piece of gum first to see if that will suffice. I also downloaded an app call my fitness pal that lets your put in everything you eat so you can track your calories. Its easy to use, you start with putting in your current weight and the weight you would like to be. It figures out your daily caloric intake and you try to stick to it or slightly below. You can either search for your food of choice or it also has a bar code scanner. Or if you're into baking like I am you can manually enter in recipes and it will figure out the calories per serving. It also has an area that you enter in any exercise you have done. It's really amazing how quickly the calories add up!
So I have been actively trying to lose weight for a little over a month now and I am down 5 lbs. Which may not sound a lot to some but I prefer the slow and steady method. I feel like I have more of a chance of keeping it off that way. I've never been into the gimmick weight loss options. I have especially never been into the diets that require denying you the things you like to eat. So, every day I enter in everything I eat; bad stuff included. If I go over because of the bad stuff then I know I have to make up for it in exercise. It seems like the closest thing to happy medium you can get in the dieting world. At this rate I should be able to fit into my summer capris just in time for summer to be over! lol..oh well!
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Mom's networking
I have been pretty honest from the get go, I am an introvert. I'm not much for small talk or getting together in large groups. I do have to admit that after being cooped up in the house for 3 months now even I crave outside interaction. So I threw it out there on a local forum to see if there were other moms in my area in the same situation. I didn't get much reply but I did get some. I went out today and met them and went for a walk with the little ones. I have to say it was soo nice to have someone to vent/talk to and say "Yes! I know exactly what you're talking about", or to talk it out and get another perspective from someone in a close situation. Sometimes, not even your significant other, can understand your day like someone else who is with a baby day in and out 24/7. So lesson learned, it pays to put yourself out there and build your own network; however big or small. You might learn something or you may have figured something out that they haven't. It just feels good to realize you are not the only one who doesn't have all the answers!
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Stay Strong Momma!
I have recently began the endeavor of breaking my baby girl from her soother attachment. She was never one to need it all the time but it was a must for easy bed time/nap times. It made life easy cause you just popped it in there and she knew what she was suppose to be doing. Until it fell out..no problem, i'll just pop it back in there. Fell out again..no problem, I got that for ya darling. Fall out again, and again, and again, and again. Until it has fallen out so many times I consider myself the stair master! It's not the worst thing in the world by any means. Good work out to get those extra baby pounds off, but really, how well can she really be sleeping if she wakes up every time it falls out. It has to go!
The controversial part is that she is not quite 3 months old yet. There are some that say that this is too young to take it from her and others that say the younger the better; they won't remember and haven't officially created a bond to it yet. I beg to differ. Perhaps not a bond but there is definitely a reliance on it. It makes her feel cozy and secure and doesn't like the idea of someone taking that away. It's like telling an adult they can't have that comfort food they crave when they're having a tough day. Not necessarily good for us but it makes us feel better temporarily.
Anyways, I started off pretty slowly. She hasn't been feeling well because of some formula issues but we've been to the dr. and she seems to be doing a little better. I started off putting her down for her nap a couple minutes early without her soother and see if she would ask for it. If she asked for it I would give it to her. If not, all the better for me. Lots of times she wouldn't ask for it, fall asleep, and then wake up halfway wanting it. After a couple days of this I moved onto if she asked for it I would let her talk it out for like 5 mins. Not run to her with it like I usually do. Sometimes she would talk it out with herself and realize she could live without it, others she ended up screaming bloody murder. We are on day 6 and 3 naps in I've only had to give her her soother once *knock on wood*.
Moral of the story is stay strong; stick with it! Might seem like a pointless task, like you may just be torturing yourself and her. It does get better and easier. I'm sure both of us will be thankful in the end!
The controversial part is that she is not quite 3 months old yet. There are some that say that this is too young to take it from her and others that say the younger the better; they won't remember and haven't officially created a bond to it yet. I beg to differ. Perhaps not a bond but there is definitely a reliance on it. It makes her feel cozy and secure and doesn't like the idea of someone taking that away. It's like telling an adult they can't have that comfort food they crave when they're having a tough day. Not necessarily good for us but it makes us feel better temporarily.
Anyways, I started off pretty slowly. She hasn't been feeling well because of some formula issues but we've been to the dr. and she seems to be doing a little better. I started off putting her down for her nap a couple minutes early without her soother and see if she would ask for it. If she asked for it I would give it to her. If not, all the better for me. Lots of times she wouldn't ask for it, fall asleep, and then wake up halfway wanting it. After a couple days of this I moved onto if she asked for it I would let her talk it out for like 5 mins. Not run to her with it like I usually do. Sometimes she would talk it out with herself and realize she could live without it, others she ended up screaming bloody murder. We are on day 6 and 3 naps in I've only had to give her her soother once *knock on wood*.
Moral of the story is stay strong; stick with it! Might seem like a pointless task, like you may just be torturing yourself and her. It does get better and easier. I'm sure both of us will be thankful in the end!
Saturday, June 27, 2015
The Frugal Life part 2!
I am such a nerd from how excited I get when I find new ways to save money. I recently discovered a new app call Flipp and it is great! You can enter in your postal code and it will bring up all flyers that are in your area. You can then browse through them and click on the items you want to pick up and it will make a list by store under it's "clippings" section. You can also create your own shopping list and as you enter items it will search all those flyers for you and tell you who and where has them on sale. Best thing since slice bread I tell ya! lol
FYI it also pays off to follow your local stores on Facebook. Sometimes they will post coupons or mention deals that aren't in their flyers.
FYI it also pays off to follow your local stores on Facebook. Sometimes they will post coupons or mention deals that aren't in their flyers.
Friday, June 26, 2015
The Mommy blues..
This career choice is so different from what I'm used to. That's what it basically is, right? A career choice; something you've committed to making your life mission.
One minute you think to yourself, "I've got this, it's not so bad". The next you're thinking you have no idea what you're doing and somehow your baby has ended up with the worst choice for a mother. I know, the thoughts are fleeting. You just get pushed so far with so little feedback you have no choice but to question yourself. So you go and cry it out as you do the dishes so you'll have clean bottles for the next feeding. You look into their beautiful faces and forget your troubles for a moment or two, then start the cycle all over again.
One minute you think to yourself, "I've got this, it's not so bad". The next you're thinking you have no idea what you're doing and somehow your baby has ended up with the worst choice for a mother. I know, the thoughts are fleeting. You just get pushed so far with so little feedback you have no choice but to question yourself. So you go and cry it out as you do the dishes so you'll have clean bottles for the next feeding. You look into their beautiful faces and forget your troubles for a moment or two, then start the cycle all over again.
The Pacifier Trials and Tribulations
Since my daughter was born she has loved to suck. She was an aggressive eater and just always wanted something more. So, we introduced her to the pacifier. Worked wonders! Kept her calm, happy, occupied. What could be so wrong? All is good until night time, when that darn pacifier will fall out of her mouth about 15 times! Luckily she is still in her bassinet beside me but it is still annoying, for her and myself. She is also getting to that point where she is getting too big for her bassinet. Which means I will have to move her upstairs to her crib. Which could potentially mean 15 treks up the stairs a night. This does not seem viable to me. So here I am attempting to break her of her attachment to her soother. It's not going too badly, she isn't screaming for it, but she isn't sleeping either. In some aspect I feel bad about it because it is something that soothes her and makes her happy; and here I am taking it from her for my convenience. On the other hand, it was going to have to be done eventually anyways and they say the sooner you do it the easier it is. I assure you easier does not mean easy. It feels terrible denying your baby something they love and want so they can feel calm and nicely drift off to sleep. This is what we signed up for though, right? To give them what they need and not what they want. To teach them how to grow.
Sigh, this motherhood stuff is tough..
Sigh, this motherhood stuff is tough..
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Houdini baby
I am no expert in parenting I will be the first to admit. Before Sadie was born I didn't have much to do with kids, especially babies. So everyday is a learning day for me. When I do learn something that I think could possibly help someone else out through my trial and errors, especially if it saves money; I like to pass it along.
Sadie has always been a pretty good sleeper. If, and this is a big IF, you get the swaddle done right. I'm pretty sure she makes it her personal mission to try and get out of it just to teach me how to do it better. I have tried it all. Regular blankets, stretchy blankets, swaddlers with Velcro but alas that little hand would come up out of there. She will not sleep until she tries her darndest to test the swaddle. If she can't get out, sleep, if she can...do it again mom! After trying a many different blankets, googling the correct way to swaddle, looking into the Halo Sleeper and the Miracle Blanket, I was no further ahead. The Miracle Blanket looked like my best bet but you can only order it online and they are $30+ a piece. So, being the frugal gal I am I came up with a solution I would like to share. All you will need is to purchase those Swaddle me Swaddlers from Walmart. I think they are 2 for around $10. Also, a thin receiving blanket of sorts that stretches the length of the Swaddler. See Below:
Sadie has always been a pretty good sleeper. If, and this is a big IF, you get the swaddle done right. I'm pretty sure she makes it her personal mission to try and get out of it just to teach me how to do it better. I have tried it all. Regular blankets, stretchy blankets, swaddlers with Velcro but alas that little hand would come up out of there. She will not sleep until she tries her darndest to test the swaddle. If she can't get out, sleep, if she can...do it again mom! After trying a many different blankets, googling the correct way to swaddle, looking into the Halo Sleeper and the Miracle Blanket, I was no further ahead. The Miracle Blanket looked like my best bet but you can only order it online and they are $30+ a piece. So, being the frugal gal I am I came up with a solution I would like to share. All you will need is to purchase those Swaddle me Swaddlers from Walmart. I think they are 2 for around $10. Also, a thin receiving blanket of sorts that stretches the length of the Swaddler. See Below:
As you can see her arms are being held down with the receiving blanket by putting it underneath her, causing her own weight to keep them down. Then proceeding to wrap her as normal with the Velcro Swaddler. This has made my life so much easier and I saved myself money from not having to buy an expensive blanket that she may only use for another month or so. Either way, she's happy, I'm happy, so that's a feat in itself.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Mother's/Father's Day
This year is my husband and mine first Mother's/Father's Day. To be honest, I feel the same about it as I ever did. If you go back to the root of the day it started off with good intentions. As with Valentines day it was meant as a day to remember and appreciate everything someone special does. However, somehow it gets turned into a day of who can spend the most money. Who can give the better gift. Gifts to me have never been important. They're exciting to get but they're just things.
When I was working I worked in a male dominant business. There were a few times that men would speak not so kindly of theirs wives and yet those were also the ones who would go out and buy expensive gifts on these "special" days as well. I have no doubts that women do this as well. Somehow we women have been branded as requiring gifts more often and usually costing more. My thoughts are to show your significant other as often as possible that you love and respect them and appreciate everything they do. When those holidays come up, do something personal. Do that chore for them that you know they hate. Go out with the baby so they can sleep in for a change. These little things that have no monetary value will mean way more than any piece of jewellery or expensive flowers.
This post wasn't meant to have a negative feeling shadowed onto Father's Day. It was meant to rethink the possibilities of the day itself and how we look upon it. In its current state are we truly doing it justice?
When I was working I worked in a male dominant business. There were a few times that men would speak not so kindly of theirs wives and yet those were also the ones who would go out and buy expensive gifts on these "special" days as well. I have no doubts that women do this as well. Somehow we women have been branded as requiring gifts more often and usually costing more. My thoughts are to show your significant other as often as possible that you love and respect them and appreciate everything they do. When those holidays come up, do something personal. Do that chore for them that you know they hate. Go out with the baby so they can sleep in for a change. These little things that have no monetary value will mean way more than any piece of jewellery or expensive flowers.
This post wasn't meant to have a negative feeling shadowed onto Father's Day. It was meant to rethink the possibilities of the day itself and how we look upon it. In its current state are we truly doing it justice?
Sunday, June 21, 2015
New baby + Old Animals + One roof = ?
 |
| Rydell |
 |
| Asia |
Rydell for the most part, has chosen to ignore baby completely almost to the point of jealousy. Asia on the other hand does not really have much to do with her either, until she cries. Sadie had a stomach ache the other evening and was crying quite hard. I'm not sure if this caused my cat's motherly instincts to kick in or just drove her to insanity. While trying to console baby I had a cat trying to climb my legs (via clawed paws btw) to get to her. She would not leave me alone until that baby stopped crying.
It makes you wonder what animals think when this small human is thrown into their nicely established world.
Will they come around to liking her? Or will it get worse over time once she starts crawling and grabbing? Can my fur babies and my actual baby contently co-exist? I guess we will have to wait and see. In the mean time it is hard to spread the love around. You get caught up trying to tend to the baby that the animals get put to the wayside. Not the intent but that's how it works out. How do you find a balance?
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Every Day is Different
To say that every day is different when you have a baby is an understatement. It may seem monotonous with the eating, sleeping, pooping part of it but the trials of each is where it gets interesting. One day they will be great eaters that have an insatiable hunger. Next, it seems like they've forgotten how to eat from a bottle. Then you think you have the trick to getting them to go to sleep, then they do a 180 and have no interest in the matter..
When you compare the every day life of a mom to one of the working woman you would automatically assume that the working woman is being pushed more mentally. Learning more, carrying more stress, and over all growing as a person. Not the case. When dealing with a tiny human being who can't give you the answers you want. Who does not do as you will them to when you want them to; it's a true test of your patience and pushes you not only to learn about them but yourself as well. You had no idea how little sleep you could go on and still be functioning. How far your patience could be pushed before you break but still get up off the floor and do it again. There is no doubt that being a working woman is hard but don't discount the mom job, it is a learning and growing aspect of life.
“There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” —Jill Churchill
When you compare the every day life of a mom to one of the working woman you would automatically assume that the working woman is being pushed more mentally. Learning more, carrying more stress, and over all growing as a person. Not the case. When dealing with a tiny human being who can't give you the answers you want. Who does not do as you will them to when you want them to; it's a true test of your patience and pushes you not only to learn about them but yourself as well. You had no idea how little sleep you could go on and still be functioning. How far your patience could be pushed before you break but still get up off the floor and do it again. There is no doubt that being a working woman is hard but don't discount the mom job, it is a learning and growing aspect of life.
“There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” —Jill Churchill
Friday, June 19, 2015
The Frugal Life
I have been a saver my whole life. Growing up we never got much of an allowance but whatever I did get plus birthday money, I saved! One day when I got home from school all my money had gone missing. I found out later that my mom had put it into a long term savings account. At the time I was so upset, not knowing that essentially it was a good thing she had done. Still, it had taken me a long time to save up all the money and in my eyes it was now gone. Since then I have almost become a money hoarder. I like to have a couple accounts with money in them for a rainy day but still like not to go under a certain dollar amount in my every day use account. Drives my husband crazy! Opposites really do attract because when I met him he was the type that if there was money in his pocket, it was burning a hole! Debt up to his eyeballs and still going. With some hard work and discipline on his part he managed to get out of it and see the light of not being reliant on credit cards. There is a certain feeling of freedom when you want to purchase an expensive item and you don't have to turn to credit cards or banks. Anyways, I've gotten off topic. Saving, being frugal (different from being cheap) is definitely a way of life. It's not for everyone but it sure comes in handy when having a baby. Some people have no idea the money they could save when they have a new baby if they just did a little work. Some examples?
Garage Sales: Babies only fit an outfit for a short amount of time. Like the tags say 0-3 mos, 3-6, 6-9. Three month bursts essentially. How many times could they possibly wear an item in that time frame. Once a week, maybe. That's 12 times at most! Go to Garages sales, yard sales and you can pick up items from anywhere from $0.25 an item to maybe $2.00. Compare this to buying it new for anywhere from $8.00 - $20.00 and you've saved a bundle.
Second hand stores: Same idea as garage sales but you may pay a little more. Probably anywhere from $1.00 - $5.00
Local Classified websites: This can be good for clothing, toys, or even furniture. Plus you can do it at your leisure in your own home. I picked up a baby swing that would have cost me $200+ for only $50. Of course you want to ask questions like how long was it used for. You don't want items with a blown out motor. For non-motorized items though as long as they're not broken or badly worn its a great deal! A lot of times people will sell a lot of boy or girls clothing. So you can get a whack of clothing at once for a low price.
Manufacturers websites: Sign up to any manufacturers products that you use. Pampers, Similac, Huggies, Nestle, Enfamil.. They all have websites that you can become a member to and they will send you anything from free product to coupons. Nestle will even send you a free diaper bag!
Flyers: Check out flyers for your frequently used items like diapers and formula. Once you find out which products you like, ex. you may find you like pampers more than huggies or vice versa. Look in your local flyers for sales. Every store has a cycle that they stick to for sale items. Once you figure it out you will never pay full price for these items.
Price Watching: This is tied into watching flyers. You have to be careful with pricing because they can trick you. Always figure out a "per item" price. I've noticed this especially with diapers that there are quite a few different packaging size. So you might look at the sale picture and think it's a great price but if you look it will be because it is a slightly smaller package. Take the price and divide it by how many are in the package and compare. Buying the large quantity (bulk buying) items doesn't always work out to be cheaper.
Name Brand: You don't always have to go with name brand. I have found that Walmart's brand Parent's Choice of formula has worked best for my baby so far. However I do not like their wipes. I do like Pampers diapers the best so far but have found Kirkland to be quite comparable. I don't have a Costco close by though so they aren't readily available to me. Either way, give non name brand items a try. You might be surprised how well they work.
Coupons: The dreaded coupon! I never got why coupons have gotten a bad rap. Perhaps they are perceived as being financially in need but that's not the way I see it. Rich people don't give money away, that's how they got to be rich. So if a manufacturer is essentially saying here, have a $1.00, why would I turn it down. Better in my pocket then theirs I figure. Give it a chance. Start with the coupons that will give you free items. It's always exciting to get free stuff! You can find coupons in your local newspapers or can go to online websites and have the mail them to you.
www.lifemadedelicious.ca
www.websaver.ca
www.save.ca
Apps: If you have a smartphone you can download a few apps that will give you money back for purchasing select items. The best ones I have found so far are Zweet, Snap by Groupon, Checkout 51, and Coupgon. All are available in Canada and the US.
DIY: This is not for everyone. You need time and patience for DIY. However, there are a few simple things you can do that will save you a lot of cash. You can make your own laundry detergent for example. All you need is to pick up a box of Borax, Washing Soda, Resolve Powder or Oxi-Clean, and a bar of soap. Mix 1 cup of each powder and grate the bar of soap, mix, and you have detergent. Of course you can make it in large quantities at a time but this is a good start just to try. This recipe actually can be used for washing baby clothes if you buy the unscented bars of soap.
Another thing you could try is making your own baby food. Essentially all you're doing is cooking your meat or vege of choice and throwing it in a blender to puree. Place in a ice cube tray (or whatever container you like) and freeze. Pull out as needed. Saves a lot of money and you won't have any added preservatives or salt.
So whether you use all or just one of these ideas to save money, it all counts and adds up! Any money saved can be used to put towards your child in other ways. College/University is expensive now a days I hear. Or you can use it towards a well deserved night out with your special someone. That's the difference between frugal and cheap. Frugal is just saving money where you can so you have it for more deserving or needed areas in your life. How bad can that really be?
Garage Sales: Babies only fit an outfit for a short amount of time. Like the tags say 0-3 mos, 3-6, 6-9. Three month bursts essentially. How many times could they possibly wear an item in that time frame. Once a week, maybe. That's 12 times at most! Go to Garages sales, yard sales and you can pick up items from anywhere from $0.25 an item to maybe $2.00. Compare this to buying it new for anywhere from $8.00 - $20.00 and you've saved a bundle.
Second hand stores: Same idea as garage sales but you may pay a little more. Probably anywhere from $1.00 - $5.00
Local Classified websites: This can be good for clothing, toys, or even furniture. Plus you can do it at your leisure in your own home. I picked up a baby swing that would have cost me $200+ for only $50. Of course you want to ask questions like how long was it used for. You don't want items with a blown out motor. For non-motorized items though as long as they're not broken or badly worn its a great deal! A lot of times people will sell a lot of boy or girls clothing. So you can get a whack of clothing at once for a low price.
Manufacturers websites: Sign up to any manufacturers products that you use. Pampers, Similac, Huggies, Nestle, Enfamil.. They all have websites that you can become a member to and they will send you anything from free product to coupons. Nestle will even send you a free diaper bag!
Flyers: Check out flyers for your frequently used items like diapers and formula. Once you find out which products you like, ex. you may find you like pampers more than huggies or vice versa. Look in your local flyers for sales. Every store has a cycle that they stick to for sale items. Once you figure it out you will never pay full price for these items.
Price Watching: This is tied into watching flyers. You have to be careful with pricing because they can trick you. Always figure out a "per item" price. I've noticed this especially with diapers that there are quite a few different packaging size. So you might look at the sale picture and think it's a great price but if you look it will be because it is a slightly smaller package. Take the price and divide it by how many are in the package and compare. Buying the large quantity (bulk buying) items doesn't always work out to be cheaper.
Name Brand: You don't always have to go with name brand. I have found that Walmart's brand Parent's Choice of formula has worked best for my baby so far. However I do not like their wipes. I do like Pampers diapers the best so far but have found Kirkland to be quite comparable. I don't have a Costco close by though so they aren't readily available to me. Either way, give non name brand items a try. You might be surprised how well they work.
Coupons: The dreaded coupon! I never got why coupons have gotten a bad rap. Perhaps they are perceived as being financially in need but that's not the way I see it. Rich people don't give money away, that's how they got to be rich. So if a manufacturer is essentially saying here, have a $1.00, why would I turn it down. Better in my pocket then theirs I figure. Give it a chance. Start with the coupons that will give you free items. It's always exciting to get free stuff! You can find coupons in your local newspapers or can go to online websites and have the mail them to you.
www.lifemadedelicious.ca
www.websaver.ca
www.save.ca
Apps: If you have a smartphone you can download a few apps that will give you money back for purchasing select items. The best ones I have found so far are Zweet, Snap by Groupon, Checkout 51, and Coupgon. All are available in Canada and the US.
DIY: This is not for everyone. You need time and patience for DIY. However, there are a few simple things you can do that will save you a lot of cash. You can make your own laundry detergent for example. All you need is to pick up a box of Borax, Washing Soda, Resolve Powder or Oxi-Clean, and a bar of soap. Mix 1 cup of each powder and grate the bar of soap, mix, and you have detergent. Of course you can make it in large quantities at a time but this is a good start just to try. This recipe actually can be used for washing baby clothes if you buy the unscented bars of soap.
Another thing you could try is making your own baby food. Essentially all you're doing is cooking your meat or vege of choice and throwing it in a blender to puree. Place in a ice cube tray (or whatever container you like) and freeze. Pull out as needed. Saves a lot of money and you won't have any added preservatives or salt.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
What it takes to be a Gamer's wife/girlfriend
This is the only aspect in my life where it helps to be an introvert. It takes a special kind of woman to be and stay a gamer's (read: video game player) girlfriend or wife.
A gamer is in some aspects like an introvert. They like to game when they are happy, upset, tired, frustrated. It's almost like a self soother to them, it helps them recharge from life. This is where it takes that special kind of woman. You can't take it personally when they choose to game instead of spending time with you or paying attention to you. Don't get me wrong, they do need to spend some time with you, they just can't spend every minute paying attention to you. It takes some getting used to. Society says that someone shows love by wanting to constantly be with you. Anyone who has been in a long term relationship knows, you need to have some time away from each other. You need some independence from each other or things will end in disaster.
When I first met my husband I had previous experience with a gamer so it wasn't a complete culture shock. However, that relationship didn't last near as long and the commitment wasn't there. So once I moved in with my husband, then boyfriend, it took some adjustment. If you don't take control of it, it can take over. You need to set some boundaries that work for the both of you. Don't try to change him by getting rid of gaming, it will only cause resentment. For my husband and I we have set nights that we spend together and the others he is free to game and I do whatever I want. On our set nights we make it a rule to not touch computers, video game consoles or even our phones if we can. Its a night designed for us to reconnect and just chill together. Or if you're into it and on occasion I am, find a game you both like and game together. I would recommend co-op games such as Halo, Borderlands, Gears of War or Mario Party and World of Keflings if you're into the more whimsical storylines.
Don't read this as I have got my shit together. At times it is still a struggle; and we've been together for 9 years now. I am lucky enough to have a tight knit group of other couples that the husbands/boyfriends are gamers as well. Every once in a while we will all get together and have a night of board games which interest both parties. It helps to know others in the same scenario. You don't feel judged when you see one of them and they ask where your significant other is and you have to tell them "he's in the basement, gaming". They get it, gaming is not just for kids any more. Some of the older generation doesn't get that yet, they see it as lazy or immature. The world is changing though and this is a common part of it, and there is nothing wrong with it. We all have our vices or outlets. As with everything in life it seems it's all about moderation and understanding.
So, whether you're new to the world of being a gamer's significant other or a 10 year veteran..just understand it takes patience, understanding and a wee bit of controlling!
A gamer is in some aspects like an introvert. They like to game when they are happy, upset, tired, frustrated. It's almost like a self soother to them, it helps them recharge from life. This is where it takes that special kind of woman. You can't take it personally when they choose to game instead of spending time with you or paying attention to you. Don't get me wrong, they do need to spend some time with you, they just can't spend every minute paying attention to you. It takes some getting used to. Society says that someone shows love by wanting to constantly be with you. Anyone who has been in a long term relationship knows, you need to have some time away from each other. You need some independence from each other or things will end in disaster.
When I first met my husband I had previous experience with a gamer so it wasn't a complete culture shock. However, that relationship didn't last near as long and the commitment wasn't there. So once I moved in with my husband, then boyfriend, it took some adjustment. If you don't take control of it, it can take over. You need to set some boundaries that work for the both of you. Don't try to change him by getting rid of gaming, it will only cause resentment. For my husband and I we have set nights that we spend together and the others he is free to game and I do whatever I want. On our set nights we make it a rule to not touch computers, video game consoles or even our phones if we can. Its a night designed for us to reconnect and just chill together. Or if you're into it and on occasion I am, find a game you both like and game together. I would recommend co-op games such as Halo, Borderlands, Gears of War or Mario Party and World of Keflings if you're into the more whimsical storylines.
So, whether you're new to the world of being a gamer's significant other or a 10 year veteran..just understand it takes patience, understanding and a wee bit of controlling!
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
What they don't tell you
It's funny how things work. Women have been having babies since the beginning of time, you would think by now they would start being honest about it! Let me explain what I mean. When you become pregnant and perhaps even before, most women who have already had babies will tell their war story to you. Morning sickness, cravings, back pain, just plain uncomfortable. Then you go into the labour stories..20 hours of labour, 2 hours of pushing! Sounds horrendous and for the most part it is! After all these stories though, they usually end it with, "it's not so bad"..
I am here to tell you, "it is that bad!"..lol
I have only had 1 child so far and let me tell you, there are holes in their stories that I am pretty sure they leave out as to not scare you. For example:
1) Once you get into your third trimester the doctor will do a test for staph b. I was not aware of this until right before he did it. I was laying there getting a routine pelvic exam to check on baby. Just when I think he is done he adds in the tidbit "just have to do a staph b test. It's uncomfortable but necessary" and proceeds to put a swab up your rectum. It was probably a good thing that I didn't know it was coming because I would of worried about it. Either way, its uncomfortable and you feel slightly violated at the same time.
2) Once in labour you feel like a road side attraction right from the get go. Seems like once you're in labour everyone gets to take a look at what's happening down there. It doesn't get any better once you have the baby either. I had a C-section so I was in the hospital for 3 days after. Every morning there was a team of people in my room whether I was decent or not. Nurses and Doctors want to see what you're doing when you're breastfeeding, lab is here to take a blood test, another guy is here to look at the baby. By the time I left I am pretty sure the whole maternity floor staff had seen my boobs.
3) That brings me to the next thing they fail to mention. Everyone goes on and on about how breastfeeding is such a beautiful and natural thing. In theory, yes, you are bonding with your baby and providing them nourishment. Unfortunately, it hurts like hell and that's before you've done it for a while and your nipples become chapped, or worse!
I personally never produced much milk, and was supplementing from the start. Try as I might it never got any better and after 4 weeks just switched her completely to formula. You would think this is where the pain ends. Nope! Even though I never produced much, when your boobs become what they call "engorged" it is terribly uncomfortable. For about 4 days after stopping the breastfeeding your boobs hurt and there is nothing you can really do about it!
4) Near the end of your pregnancy you can't wait until your body goes back to normal. You will be able to tie your own shoes, sleep comfortably, the perks are endless. Which is true, you are able to do all those things once you've had the baby. They just fail to mention that your stomach will be like a bowl of Jell-O that you carry around and almost have to shift around when you sit. I'm sure it depends on how much weight you put on while pregnant. I, myself put on 30 lbs, which is in the recommended range. I guess it's because your skin was stretched out and now you have too much of it. It was quite bothersome to me and wanted it gone ASAP. I'm at 10 weeks now and its still there a little bit but a lot better then it was. I recommend Palmers Firming Butter https://www.palmers.com/en/cocoa-butter-formula/27-firming-butter.html which can be found in Walmart for around $7.00. As well, once I hit my 6 week mark after the C-section I have been doing some exercises to help. I found the website http://www.fitpregnancy.com/exercise/postnatal-workouts/5-exercises-your-post-baby-belly and try to do some of them while my baby plays on her play mat.
4) They say that you will love your hair while pregnant. It's true, my hair has never been more healthy! Once again, they fail to mention that after baby you lose it. I'm not talking you no longer will have that great shine. You literally lose clumps of hair at a time about 6-8 weeks after you have the baby. It's disturbing! It is normal though, don't freak out and think there is something wrong. For some reason while pregnant your body holds onto hair rather than sheds it. This is your body letting all that extra hair go. My suggestion is to definitely buy a drain filter or be prepared to have your shower/bath drain plugged over and over again.
This is my insight to the dark side of pregnancy, not to deter you from having a baby but to make you more aware of what's to come. Take from it what you will.
I am here to tell you, "it is that bad!"..lol
I have only had 1 child so far and let me tell you, there are holes in their stories that I am pretty sure they leave out as to not scare you. For example:
1) Once you get into your third trimester the doctor will do a test for staph b. I was not aware of this until right before he did it. I was laying there getting a routine pelvic exam to check on baby. Just when I think he is done he adds in the tidbit "just have to do a staph b test. It's uncomfortable but necessary" and proceeds to put a swab up your rectum. It was probably a good thing that I didn't know it was coming because I would of worried about it. Either way, its uncomfortable and you feel slightly violated at the same time.
2) Once in labour you feel like a road side attraction right from the get go. Seems like once you're in labour everyone gets to take a look at what's happening down there. It doesn't get any better once you have the baby either. I had a C-section so I was in the hospital for 3 days after. Every morning there was a team of people in my room whether I was decent or not. Nurses and Doctors want to see what you're doing when you're breastfeeding, lab is here to take a blood test, another guy is here to look at the baby. By the time I left I am pretty sure the whole maternity floor staff had seen my boobs.
3) That brings me to the next thing they fail to mention. Everyone goes on and on about how breastfeeding is such a beautiful and natural thing. In theory, yes, you are bonding with your baby and providing them nourishment. Unfortunately, it hurts like hell and that's before you've done it for a while and your nipples become chapped, or worse!
I personally never produced much milk, and was supplementing from the start. Try as I might it never got any better and after 4 weeks just switched her completely to formula. You would think this is where the pain ends. Nope! Even though I never produced much, when your boobs become what they call "engorged" it is terribly uncomfortable. For about 4 days after stopping the breastfeeding your boobs hurt and there is nothing you can really do about it!
4) Near the end of your pregnancy you can't wait until your body goes back to normal. You will be able to tie your own shoes, sleep comfortably, the perks are endless. Which is true, you are able to do all those things once you've had the baby. They just fail to mention that your stomach will be like a bowl of Jell-O that you carry around and almost have to shift around when you sit. I'm sure it depends on how much weight you put on while pregnant. I, myself put on 30 lbs, which is in the recommended range. I guess it's because your skin was stretched out and now you have too much of it. It was quite bothersome to me and wanted it gone ASAP. I'm at 10 weeks now and its still there a little bit but a lot better then it was. I recommend Palmers Firming Butter https://www.palmers.com/en/cocoa-butter-formula/27-firming-butter.html which can be found in Walmart for around $7.00. As well, once I hit my 6 week mark after the C-section I have been doing some exercises to help. I found the website http://www.fitpregnancy.com/exercise/postnatal-workouts/5-exercises-your-post-baby-belly and try to do some of them while my baby plays on her play mat.
4) They say that you will love your hair while pregnant. It's true, my hair has never been more healthy! Once again, they fail to mention that after baby you lose it. I'm not talking you no longer will have that great shine. You literally lose clumps of hair at a time about 6-8 weeks after you have the baby. It's disturbing! It is normal though, don't freak out and think there is something wrong. For some reason while pregnant your body holds onto hair rather than sheds it. This is your body letting all that extra hair go. My suggestion is to definitely buy a drain filter or be prepared to have your shower/bath drain plugged over and over again.
This is my insight to the dark side of pregnancy, not to deter you from having a baby but to make you more aware of what's to come. Take from it what you will.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
My dislike for formula preparation
Right from the get go formula has been an enigma to me. When we went to the prenatal classes like the good little first time parents we were, they told us that you must put the formula in boiling water because the manufacturers can not give you a sterilized powder. Ok, easy enough. However, if you look on the can of formula or do any sort of research online it tells you not to do that. You are burning all the good nutrients that your baby requires. Ok, easy enough, I will cool the water down first. Delve into the search any further and you will find an ongoing feud as to whether you should pre-make bottles or not. Some say you only have an hour once you've put the powder in the water, others say 24 hours. This is where it things start getting tricky...
Option 1: You could pre-measure out your water and just add the powder just before you feed your baby. Trouble with this is that you're adding powder to room temp water and must shake the crap out of it. This causes bubbles in the milk which may or may not cause gas or spit up issues with your baby. Plus some babies will not drink room temp milk so you may possible have to warm it up.
Option 2: Add your formula to water that has been boiled and cooled and place in the fridge until needed. Trouble with this is that when your baby wakes up in the middle of the night and decides they are hungry here and now, you must stand there with this baby screaming and wait for some water to boil, then place the bottle in there and wait for it to warm up. All the while your baby is red in the face, you're part deaf from holding them while they scream, and anyone else in the house has no chance of having slept threw this.
Option 3: I have never personally tried this because I just learned of it. It is almost a combination of option 1 and 2. Pre-measure half the required water out and place in fridge until needed. When needed add boiled water for the remaining required water and add the powder. It is somewhat the happy-medium because you end up with semi-warm bottle in less time. However, you still have the issue of bubbles and you still need to stand there and wait for water to boil.
Now some say they use the microwave to warm everything up. Maybe this is where I am creating my own problems but I am not a fan of the thought of microwaving it. I am no conspiracy theorist and have not done a whole lot of research on microwaving food but it just doesn't jive with me. You risk the possibilities of hot spots plus you are messing with the molecules. Call me crazy but microwaving just isn't an option for me. Ask me again after a few more nights of a screaming baby and I might change my mind.
So lets throw it out to the universe, am I missing something? Is there an easier way that I just am not grasping in my sleepy stuper?
Option 1: You could pre-measure out your water and just add the powder just before you feed your baby. Trouble with this is that you're adding powder to room temp water and must shake the crap out of it. This causes bubbles in the milk which may or may not cause gas or spit up issues with your baby. Plus some babies will not drink room temp milk so you may possible have to warm it up.
Option 2: Add your formula to water that has been boiled and cooled and place in the fridge until needed. Trouble with this is that when your baby wakes up in the middle of the night and decides they are hungry here and now, you must stand there with this baby screaming and wait for some water to boil, then place the bottle in there and wait for it to warm up. All the while your baby is red in the face, you're part deaf from holding them while they scream, and anyone else in the house has no chance of having slept threw this.
Option 3: I have never personally tried this because I just learned of it. It is almost a combination of option 1 and 2. Pre-measure half the required water out and place in fridge until needed. When needed add boiled water for the remaining required water and add the powder. It is somewhat the happy-medium because you end up with semi-warm bottle in less time. However, you still have the issue of bubbles and you still need to stand there and wait for water to boil.
Now some say they use the microwave to warm everything up. Maybe this is where I am creating my own problems but I am not a fan of the thought of microwaving it. I am no conspiracy theorist and have not done a whole lot of research on microwaving food but it just doesn't jive with me. You risk the possibilities of hot spots plus you are messing with the molecules. Call me crazy but microwaving just isn't an option for me. Ask me again after a few more nights of a screaming baby and I might change my mind.
So lets throw it out to the universe, am I missing something? Is there an easier way that I just am not grasping in my sleepy stuper?
Monday, June 15, 2015
New mom syndrome
Throughout time new moms are most commonly known for one thing...worrying about everything! Rightfully so. We are thrown into a world so different from our everyday lives. Not to mention the weight of being able to keep this tiny human being alive.
I am one of those moms.
I worry about everything! Google everything! I'm not sure how the world of motherhood existed before the internet. Good or bad it will give you an answer, tons of answers actually. Which sometime will create this twisted vortex of having an array of answers to your question so you're really no better off than you were to begin with. However, most times it is of great assistance.
I am also a woman who likes to schedule. Probably relating back to my work life as a operations manager. Everything had its time and I liked to try to stick to it so I know how my day is going to go. In mommy world this is referred to as parent-led style as opposed to baby-led. With parent-led parenting you choose the schedule and you try to get baby to conform to it. Sometimes it works, and others it doesn't. You do need to be flexible about it. If baby says they're hungry you absolutely need to feed them. I love being on schedule but I'm not about to starve a baby..
So in this scenario this is where the internet was helpful, a website I have found in one of my multiple google scavanges is http://babysleepschedule.net/routine-samples/ . It breaks it down by age, ex. newborn, 6 weeks, 2 months etc. a general schedule you should try to keep your baby on. A 6 week old baby will not have the same schedule as a 2 month old. You are attempting to space out their feeding and naps as they get older, and this website helps you with that. I was lucky in that my baby was a pretty scheduled being right from the get go. She does not like her routine to be messed with a whole lot so we have had to change only gradually. From the day she was born she was fed every 3 hours. I started off breast feeding and supplementing with formula. I was only able to do that for 4 weeks until I switched completely to formula. No matter which, once 3 hours had passed my baby wanted to be fed! She is now 9 weeks old and we are only at 3 hours and 10 minutes between feedings! Not a lot of difference but its progress. As for sleeping we are currently on a schedule that looks like this:
7:00 - wake up
7:10 - eat
8:15 - nap
10:00 - wake up
10:10 - eat
11:15 - nap
1:15 wake up
1:25 - eat
2:30 - nap
4:30 - wake up
4:40 - eat
5:45 - nap
6:30 - wake up
7:00 - bath time routine
7:15 - eat
7:45 - bed time for the night
2:30 - eat
I have been lucky because my baby dropped her 10:00 PM feeding pretty quick. Perhaps that is why she is so rigid with her 3 hour feedings. They say you are suppose to try to give them most of their calories during the day so they can build up to eventually last the whole night without eating. However, if your baby is hungry around the 10 o'clock mark you will see on the website previously mentioned something called a dream feed. This is when you feed your baby without actually waking them. I attempt to do this at my 2:30 AM feedings and it works out for the most part. If you have to change them then the idea is usually out the window!
Now you may look at this and it appears to be pretty rigid and trust me, it feels that way too! Its hard to get a lot done when your day is broken up into essentially 1.5 hour time slots. This is what works for my baby though. She is overall a pretty happy baby, never gets too upset. Which I chalk up to the fact that she is never left until starving to be fed, never over-tired, and her diaper is changed routinely just before she goes down for her naps (with the exception of the poopy ones, they get changed immediately!). Like I said though, this is just what works for us.
So, whether you choose to go the route of parent-led style parenting or baby-led; it always boils down to what works for the two of you. Never feel bad if what's working for you is not what the websites are saying are right. You're the one who has to get you and your baby through the day alive!
I am one of those moms.
I worry about everything! Google everything! I'm not sure how the world of motherhood existed before the internet. Good or bad it will give you an answer, tons of answers actually. Which sometime will create this twisted vortex of having an array of answers to your question so you're really no better off than you were to begin with. However, most times it is of great assistance.
I am also a woman who likes to schedule. Probably relating back to my work life as a operations manager. Everything had its time and I liked to try to stick to it so I know how my day is going to go. In mommy world this is referred to as parent-led style as opposed to baby-led. With parent-led parenting you choose the schedule and you try to get baby to conform to it. Sometimes it works, and others it doesn't. You do need to be flexible about it. If baby says they're hungry you absolutely need to feed them. I love being on schedule but I'm not about to starve a baby..
So in this scenario this is where the internet was helpful, a website I have found in one of my multiple google scavanges is http://babysleepschedule.net/routine-samples/ . It breaks it down by age, ex. newborn, 6 weeks, 2 months etc. a general schedule you should try to keep your baby on. A 6 week old baby will not have the same schedule as a 2 month old. You are attempting to space out their feeding and naps as they get older, and this website helps you with that. I was lucky in that my baby was a pretty scheduled being right from the get go. She does not like her routine to be messed with a whole lot so we have had to change only gradually. From the day she was born she was fed every 3 hours. I started off breast feeding and supplementing with formula. I was only able to do that for 4 weeks until I switched completely to formula. No matter which, once 3 hours had passed my baby wanted to be fed! She is now 9 weeks old and we are only at 3 hours and 10 minutes between feedings! Not a lot of difference but its progress. As for sleeping we are currently on a schedule that looks like this:
7:00 - wake up
7:10 - eat
8:15 - nap
10:00 - wake up
10:10 - eat
11:15 - nap
1:15 wake up
1:25 - eat
2:30 - nap
4:30 - wake up
4:40 - eat
5:45 - nap
6:30 - wake up
7:00 - bath time routine
7:15 - eat
7:45 - bed time for the night
2:30 - eat
I have been lucky because my baby dropped her 10:00 PM feeding pretty quick. Perhaps that is why she is so rigid with her 3 hour feedings. They say you are suppose to try to give them most of their calories during the day so they can build up to eventually last the whole night without eating. However, if your baby is hungry around the 10 o'clock mark you will see on the website previously mentioned something called a dream feed. This is when you feed your baby without actually waking them. I attempt to do this at my 2:30 AM feedings and it works out for the most part. If you have to change them then the idea is usually out the window!
Now you may look at this and it appears to be pretty rigid and trust me, it feels that way too! Its hard to get a lot done when your day is broken up into essentially 1.5 hour time slots. This is what works for my baby though. She is overall a pretty happy baby, never gets too upset. Which I chalk up to the fact that she is never left until starving to be fed, never over-tired, and her diaper is changed routinely just before she goes down for her naps (with the exception of the poopy ones, they get changed immediately!). Like I said though, this is just what works for us.
So, whether you choose to go the route of parent-led style parenting or baby-led; it always boils down to what works for the two of you. Never feel bad if what's working for you is not what the websites are saying are right. You're the one who has to get you and your baby through the day alive!
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Coming to terms with pink..
Pink..something nice to say about pink..
As a red headed woman, I have never been one to choose pink for anything. It just doesn't seem to work for me. However, giving birth to a baby girl I was thrown into the world of pink! She was also born with red hair so may one day have the same issues I do with the colour. Until then she doesn't have a whole lot of say in her wardrobe, mostly because everything baby girl is pink!
Why in this day and age are we still so segregated into thinking blue is for boys, pink is for girls. It's just not the case. Even when I was still pregnant and not knowing the sex of the baby it was terribly difficult to find clothes that were considered "gender neutral". Now that she is here its pink, pink, pink!! Purple, Yellow, Blue, Green...all of them will one day be available to her so why not now? Do we have to make a statement to the world saying "Look..i have a baby girl!" or "Look..i have a baby boy!". Perhaps this is the inner tom boy in me trying to get out but if any baby clothes manufacturer reads this, please, expand your pallet of colour for baby girl clothing..
As a red headed woman, I have never been one to choose pink for anything. It just doesn't seem to work for me. However, giving birth to a baby girl I was thrown into the world of pink! She was also born with red hair so may one day have the same issues I do with the colour. Until then she doesn't have a whole lot of say in her wardrobe, mostly because everything baby girl is pink!
Why in this day and age are we still so segregated into thinking blue is for boys, pink is for girls. It's just not the case. Even when I was still pregnant and not knowing the sex of the baby it was terribly difficult to find clothes that were considered "gender neutral". Now that she is here its pink, pink, pink!! Purple, Yellow, Blue, Green...all of them will one day be available to her so why not now? Do we have to make a statement to the world saying "Look..i have a baby girl!" or "Look..i have a baby boy!". Perhaps this is the inner tom boy in me trying to get out but if any baby clothes manufacturer reads this, please, expand your pallet of colour for baby girl clothing..
Introduction to introverted Mom
Welcome to the Introvert Moms Guide to the Galaxy blog. My name is Jennifer, I am a new mom to a 2 month old baby girl named Sadie, and love her to pieces! However, I am also an introvert by nature. Trust me when I say this, the two worlds tend to collide.
If you are unfirmiliar with the style of an introvert, let me explain. We aren't recluses that are locked up in our homes not wanting to deal with the outside world. We just need time alone to recharge after dealing with the world! This is where the mommy world and introvert worlds collide. There is no recharge time in the life of a new mom. There is hardly even shower time for the life of a new mom!
So, I am hoping to figure things out as I go on this journey of new mommy-hood and along the way hopefully help others. This is no easy task whether you have the perfect scenario baby who sleeps when they are suppose to sleep and eats without fussing, or the baby that perhaps needs a little more attention (read:drive you to insanity!!) due to colic, acid reflux or just has a little more energy than most!
Feel free to follow along with me and even give me feedback on things you've had experiences with. Sometimes even google can't compare to someone with life experience!
If you are unfirmiliar with the style of an introvert, let me explain. We aren't recluses that are locked up in our homes not wanting to deal with the outside world. We just need time alone to recharge after dealing with the world! This is where the mommy world and introvert worlds collide. There is no recharge time in the life of a new mom. There is hardly even shower time for the life of a new mom!
So, I am hoping to figure things out as I go on this journey of new mommy-hood and along the way hopefully help others. This is no easy task whether you have the perfect scenario baby who sleeps when they are suppose to sleep and eats without fussing, or the baby that perhaps needs a little more attention (read:drive you to insanity!!) due to colic, acid reflux or just has a little more energy than most!
Feel free to follow along with me and even give me feedback on things you've had experiences with. Sometimes even google can't compare to someone with life experience!
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