Goodbye frumpy hospital gown

The other day at the chiropractor I had to have x-rays taken. They gave me these huge robes to put on and I almost had a flashback to giving birth. The robes at the hospital were terrible. I am 5'2 and I was swimming in my One Size Fits All robe. I would have LOVED one of these dearjonnies robes. They even make matching baby burritos a.k.a. swaddles! So cute! These are the most fashionable hospital gowns I have ever seen. Goodbye frumpy baby's momma and hello Heidi Klum delivery room project runway. Well maybe that is taking it a bit far- haha

http://www.dearjohnnies.com/shopcollections.php#

OK. I am so tired. I worked a day and a half and I feel like I was run over by a big truck. My throat is killing me. I think I overdid it on the Tooty Ta dance.

"Save my soul, the board of education took away my parole"

Woe is me, all "maternity leave" I was happy and free.

Save my soul, the board of education took away my parole.

I gotta go back, back, back to school again.

You won't find me 'til the clock strikes three; I'm gonna be there 'til then...

I gotta go back, back, back to school again.

Whoa, whoa, I gotta go... back to school again!

Grease 2 The Four Tops

Eliza Marie

9/18/07
I always think about how much Eliza has changed in five months. However, going back to work made me realize how much I have changed over the last five months. I am a mom now and my life will never be the safe. I had no idea when I held Eliza on the day she was born how much she would rock my world. But she did and now my perspective on life has changed and that will effect everything I undertake. The past five months with my daughter have been challenging and rewarding at the same time. She has taught me about strength, love and selflessness. She has made me a better person- stronger and wiser in so many ways.

Today was my first day back to work. I am home a little early because there was a mix up and I don't officially start until tomorrow. However, I did stay with my class for a couple of hours. Everything went really well. Eliza did good with my mom. Shockingly I was not as upset as I thought I would be. I don't know if that is good or bad. When I got home Eliza was so happy to see me. She was smiling and laughing and it made me feel good. Now that I have gone back my anxiety is gone. It is the fear of the unknown that makes me stressed. I was anxious all day yesterday and by last night I was cool as a cucumber because I realized the one thing that really matters is my family. As long as I can come home and look into the beautiful face of my daughter I will be OK.

I want to thank everyone who supported me through this transition. I really appreciate all of the kind words and phone calls. It really meant a lot to me ad I kept thinking about what everyone said when I started to get upset. Thank YOU!!!! One day down...

In the words of my favorite leading lady Scarlett O'Hara

"After all... tomorrow is another day. "

Wordless Wednesday

Gotta Love Them BabyLegs

To My Bloggy Partner Who's Going Back To Work

I wanted to send you a little note to cheer you up as tomorrow is your last day of stay at home mom life before going back to work. So I thought I would do it on the blog so I could test out my new signature (see it?!)

I hope you are feeling better about your decision of returning to work. Try and put a positive spin on the situation and instead of thinking that you are neglecting your job as a mom in some way by leaving her in day care, believe that you will be a better mother if you are a fulfilled person who can feel important at her job and also to her family.

It will be hard at first to get used to the new routine. Give it a chance and by the time you feel like you're back in the swing of things, it will be June and school will be over. Then you have all summer to decide what your plans are for next year :)

Look on the bright side - living at your mom's during the week means you are closer to me so I can drop by for a visit anytime. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Good Luck back at work. Love ya!

Keeping it Green and Clean!

Let me start out by saying that nothing irritates me more than a Febreeze commercial. How stupid is it to spray a cleaning product and then smell it directly? I know some kids have probably tried to imitate this moronic commercial at home. Do you think they actually bottle up sunshine and roses? There are chemicals in that product! Why would anyone want to inhale that directly into their lungs? Let me just turn on my gas burners and start inhaling some fumes while I am at it! Huffing is sooo much fun-let's teach kids how to do it on T.V. I know they are being funny-but it is MORONIC if you ask me. Who is with me?

Using safe products to keep my home clean is a topic that means a lot to me. I have a baby, three cats, and a bird in my house. I want to keep it safe for all of my family members. About three months ago I boxed up all of my toxic cleaners and threw them away. I really started to think about natural ways to clean my home. I wanted to be able to clean when Eliza was around me (maybe even on my back). I figured that if the cleaners were giving me a headache, they would torture my baby's delicate system. Thankfully the University of Google provided me with plenty of information.

Under my sink you will find:

• distilled white vinegar
• baking soda
• Borax
• Seventh Generation Dish Detergents
• some microfiber cloths
• Method hand soap

That is it for now. I can basically clean everything with these products. I still use paper towels too much and plan to cut down on my use. Not that these are toxic- but I can hear the trees falling each time I pull one off the roll. I plan to expand my product making in the future by using essential oils to jazz them up. I prefer lavender and lemon scent. We all know I could use a calming scent right about now. I freed up a ton of space under my sink. The added bonus is that it costs much less than if I were to buy a zilion toxic products. I think we are so brain washed by big business and television that we need all kinds of things to keep our homes clean. In reality- we really need a few simple products under our sinks. Mr. Clean called and told me all that fresh scent nonsense is a load of bull donkey. The chemical clean smell does not mean it is actually clean.

*I have found that soaking icky clothes in Borax before putting them through the wash really helps with explosive diaper stains.

and now for your viewing enjoyment...

I found this video on UTUBE and it is really informative. It gave me tons of new ideas and I hope it gives you some too!




Disclaimer: This entry in no way states that I clean my house on a regular basis. I can usually be found playing with Eliza, reading, watching Ellen, or blogging instead of doing said housework. It simply states that if and when I do clean- I try to keep it green!

Meme Monday and My last few days

What does Meme stand for anyways?

Pam tagged me to do this meme

5 things I want my kids to know:

1. You can always tell me anything -NO MATTER WHAT!
2. I am not perfect-but I do my bes. We all make mistakes!
3. It is important to forgive- don't hold hatred in your heart- it can turn you cold
4. The most important thing is trying- not succeeding
5. I love you, I love you, I love you
   

5 things you want to tell your children when they are grown up:

1. You need to learn from your own mistakes
2. Sometimes people you love will hurt you
3. Success is not determined by the amount of money you make
4. If you love what you do you will never work a day in your life
5. Don't let fear of failure hold you back from chasing your dreams

5 things you want to tell your child before you die:

1. I didn't know what love was before you were born
2. A life without love is empty- fill yours to the brim
3. No amount of money can equal happiness
4. Accept people for who they are- don't change yourself and don't try to change others
5. The reason the house was so messy was because I wanted to spend time with my family and do the things I love. sorry!

5 things you want your child to know before she dies:

1. Love
2. Security
3. Joy
4. Success
5. Courage

I now tag Mary Kate * I don't know that many bloggers yet- most that I know were already tagged!

I am trying to enjoy the last few days of my maternity leave. Eliza has been one tough cookie and I think she is trying to making easier for me to leave her at daycare. I am feeling very sad about leaving her and returning to work. In a perfect world this would not be my situation. I go back to work on Thursday. In just a few short days my life will be turned inside out and upside down. I must apologize now if I neglect my blog for a little while.

Cue violins playing in the background...

Going back to work means that I will no longer live at my own residence during the week. I work about 60 minutes (with NO traffic) from where I live. DH works about 90 minutes in the opposite direction. My mom lives 15 minutes from my job. Eliza is going to daycare 5 minutes from my mom. Where does that put my family Sunday night thru Friday? You got it- at my parent's house. So every weekend I will pack up my entire family like we are going on vacation- a vacation where I need to bring my own food if I want to eat a vegan diet. We will then travel to my parent’s house and stay there for the week. On Friday I will repack everything and get to spend a whole day and a half at my condo; my condo that I am working to pay for and not living in. Oh wait! I am working to pay over $1,000 a month for someone else to watch my baby! I guess DH works to pay for the condo where we won't be living. I know this is a ridiculous situation. However, the idea of commuting everyday to work and dropping the baby at daycare is out of control as well. It has taken me up to three hours to get to work in traffic and sometimes just as long to get home.

So know you all know why I am sick to my stomach with stress this week.

Plus-my legs are sore because I thought it would be a good idea to do about 50 squates with Eliza on my back!

One of my new favorite recipes!

Since goin Veg I have had to find a new repertoire of recipes. I found this one online and it was an instant favorite. It is Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas. I have made it three times and it is Yummo! I use Tofutti Sour Supreme Non-Dairy Sour Cream in my version. I also used store bought enchilada sauce because I am a semi- homemade type of momma. The first time I used hot enchilada sauce and DH said it was too hot. The next time I could only find mild and I thought it was far too wimpy. The third time I used medium and it was just right. The link below gives the recipe and a recipe to make your own enchilada sauce if you have the spare time on your hands. I have also made a similar recipe in the form of a quesadilla. It was equally as yummy. Plus this recipe is a great way to sneak some healthy food into kids. I grew up on spicy foods and like it HOT!- you be the judge when it comes to the enchilada sauce!

http://www.mothering.com/sections/recipes/bean-potato-enchiladas.html

Tonight I am making a recipe from the February issue of VegNews. The recipe is featured on the Cafe VegNews Blog. I'll let you know how it turns out!

This is Great- Momsense

I found this at Mommy Needs Coffee.

http://www.mommyneedscoffee.com/2007/08/12/momsense-to-the-william-tell-overture/trackback/

This is awesome! Share it with all the moms you know!

More Info on Swaddling

More information on my fav. baby practice. The Baby Burrito!

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/14/the-right-way-to-swaddle/
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/extract/121/1/177
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/120/4/e1097

Hidden Danger- Baby Yoga

Here is the conversation between DH and I last night before bed...

DH: What are you doin?
Me: Blogging
DH: Your blogging in your head?
Me: Yuppers

OK...so my title is meant to be funny. There are no real dangers in Baby Yoga that I know about. I am talking about the hidden danger...

Last night I decided I would do a workout video. Eliza was in the jumparoo getting her own workout. When I had to stop early before I passed out finished my workout I decided to indulge in a little Baby Yoga. I took an Itsy Bitsy Yoga book out at the library and have been using it for a month or so. I really want the video but haven't found it for cheap on Amazon or Ebay yet.

We were having a good ol' time doing Super Baby and then I felt something wet in my eye. Eliza is a drool queen so I fiugured it was just drool. The she started coughing and formula shot out of her nose and mouth. I am not sure how I could see this because I had a pool of vomit in my eye. GROSS! We ran to the bathroom and got cleaned up. Needless to say, that was the end of yoga for the day.

Here are some pics of Little E's favorite moves.

Vomit Inducer A.K.A Super Baby or Super Eliza

Divine Drops * It looks like I am having a lot of fun here. I can feel the burn in the glutes!

Womb Wings * This is always sure to get a smile

My warning to you- wait a LONG time after eating to try out the moves! Unless of course you like vomit in your eye, on your face and in your hair!

If you like shopping online and making money keep reading...

It's only been a few weeks since I have thrown myself into the world of blogging, and I can't believe how many things I have learned and interesting people I have met...well I feel like I met you...sort of. Nevermind. Anyway I was checking out a great blog this week (if you want me to check out your blog, leave me a comment and I am there!) I was reading From The Cheap Seats http://laskigal.blogspot.com/ and she was blogging about a website where you can get points by shopping online that you redeem for free gift certificates.

So I was inspired to share with you all the website I am completely obsessed with that gives you something a little better than gift certificates (even though they are really great). How about MONEY!! That's right...the site is called EBATES. http://www.ebates.com/. The way it works is that everything you buy through their website, you get back a percentage of it (they mail you a check). I have been doing it for a few months and already made over $50. All you need to do is start off on their website - click on what store you would like to go to and you are taken straight to that store's site to shop. Could it be any easier? They have hundreds of stores including Target, Wal-mart, and so many others we all shop at all the time anyway. Why not make some extra cash while we are doing it??

They have a deal going now that if you sign up and make a purchase before March 31, you can have your choice of bonus money in your account or a store gift card. If you decide to sign up and are feeling really generous, go ahead and put my email in the referral box heatherbookman@optonline.net and I will get a little something special too. Happy Shopping!!

Baby First Adjustment

So Eliza had her first chiropractic adjustment this week. I had been meaning to get it done since she was born. I go to the chiro every week. I do get a 20 minute massage as well which helps to bring me back each week. I was adjusted the entire time I was pregnant and only took a short break after delivery. I find that it really helps with my overall health. I started reading about getting my baby adjusted while I was pregnant. They had a pamphlet at the office and I love to read anything I can get my hands on- especially in a waiting room. It said that delivery can be a traumatic event for the baby's spine. It was traumatic for me anyway! I read that many babies who suffer colic and reflux symptoms demonstrate great improvement after a few spinal adjustments. So, I brought the pamphlet home to show my DH. He loves to call the chiropractor the Voodoo doctor. He scoffed at the idea so I let it go for a while. I know he probably pictured our newborn face down getting her little neck cracked. They would say, "Wiggle your toes and relax Eliza" and then CRACK!

Well, I have to say that her first adjustment was very quick and painless. I held her in my arms while the doctor examined her. She had two problem spot in her spine. Later that day and the following day she pooped a few times. I think the doctor hit a magic poop button or something. I regret not bringing her in sooner because she was a little colicky but I figure better late than never. I think the practice is a bit controversial but I really trust my chiropractor and new she would use a very gentle touch. I would say that parents should go with their gut when it comes to this practice.

If you would like to read more about having your baby adjusted check out the following websites.

http://www.chiropracticwestpalmbeach.com/Resources/ChiropracticforInfantsandChildren/tabid/186/Default.aspx
http://www.colichelp.com/colicandchiropractic.html
http://www.spineguys.com/your_health/children.asp

21 Ways To Enjoy Being A Mom

All you moms out there might enjoy this article from Parenting.com

http://www.parenting.com/article/Mom/Health--Fitness/21-Ways-to-Enjoy-Being-a-Mom

What do you watch? & Jumped the Shark

After the post from 5 Minutes for Mom yesterday I started wondering what shows all the moms in the blogosphere are watching. If it wasn't for DVR I don't think I would get to watch anything! Usually it takes me 3 times as long to watch one show because I need to stop, pause, and/or rewind to go and do something. Two shows that I DVR are Prison Break and Smallville. I guess I have a thing for the bad boys and for the good boys. A guy with superhuman powers always gets my attention. It is a toss up between Superman and The Green Arrow for me. I also love to watch House. When I was little I watched Hugh Laurie in some british comedies and I am a long time fan of his. I also really like to watch Ellen. I think she is funny, cooky and crazy. Plus, I think everyone should dance at least once a day.

All of this got me thinking about why I continue to watch shows after they have Jumped the Shark. If you listen to Howard Stern (please no negative comments- if you are not a fan- be nice) you probably have heard the term before. It refers to the point when a t.v. show has reached its peak (and also directly refers to when The Fonz literally "jumped the shark" on Happy Days). The website was founded by Stern Show's infamous rich nerd Jon Hein. Anyway, in my opinion Prison Break Jumped the Shark after the first prison escape but I continue to watch the long and drawn out mess the show has become. I also think that Deal or No Deal Jumped the Shark with the terrible million dollar mission. Why do they act surprised when someone picks a million dollar case? Duh! There are like twelve of them up there. One last show that I am afraid has reached its peak. OPRAH! If I have to hear Dr. Oz or Gail one more time...

So what are you watching? And which shows do you think have Jumped the Shark and why?

Blog Design Contest

by Danielle a.k.a. 30 Minute Mommy

I hate the design of my blog so I am hoping to win a blog design from http://www.sweetnsimpledesign.com/. If you are interested in winning a new design for your blog check out Andrea's blog at The Laughs Will Go On. In the eventful case that I don't win -does anyone have any tips or suggestions so that I can get a new layout. I would really love a three column layout. The way my blog is now always leaves me feeling a little lopsided.

Wordless Wednesday in Wrong Spot :(

by Danielle a.k.a. 30 Minute Mommy
Sorry- My WW post is down below! She is too cute for words-but I have to say that-I am her mommy!

What did you do with your placenta?

Other than New Mommy Rant, my other blog obsession is the Celebrity Baby Blog. You can check them out at http://www.celebrity-babies.com/ I was reading an interview with Brooke Burke which was very interesting, especially the part where they asked her what she did with the placenta from her pregnancy with her 3rd daughter. Below is her response...

They thought I was insane, but I didn't care! I wanted to plant the placenta with a beautiful rosebush or fruit tree to help it grow. It's a concept that I learned about from a close friend of mine. Its got so many valuable components to it -- it's believed in many cultures that if you plant it, it's supposed to grow something really extraordinary, both spiritually and physically. There's actually a really funny paparazzi picture of my assistant carrying my placenta out of the hospital, and we've laughed about it so many times!

Apparently there are many other people saving their placentas and doing a variety of things with them. Planting it with a tree or flower seems to be the most common; Other ideas are eating it raw or cooked, dehydrating it and putting into capsules, donating it or keeping it in the freezer (for years) until deciding what to do with it.

I always assumed that the hospital throws them out. I am very big on saving the cord blood so maybe this will be a new thing of mine. Anyone have a good placenta story?

Eliza is 5 Months Old!

Yesterday Eliza turned 5 months old. I can't believe she is such a big girl. Today was her doctor appointment. She had to get two shots. :( She cried the entire time we were there. She is 13 lbs 12 oz and 26 1/2 inches. She is such a little string bean. I asked the dr. about swaddling and he said it was fine to continue the parctice as long as it makes her happy.

I also asked about starting cereal, fruits, and veggies. This seems to be a hot topic among new moms. The AAP recommends only breast milk for the first 6 months of life. It is thought that waiting to give solids can help prevent the development of food allergies. There are also some indicators that baby is ready for solids.

According to kellymom.com the following are some signs indicating a baby is ready for solids.

Baby can sit up well without support.

Baby has lost the tongue-thrust reflex and does not automatically push solids out of his mouth with his tongue.

Baby is ready and willing to chew.

Baby is developing a “pincer” grasp, where he picks up food or other objects between thumb and forefinger. Using the fingers and scraping the food into the palm of the hand (palmar grasp) does not substitute for pincer grasp development.

Baby is eager to participate in mealtime and may try to grab food and put it in his mouth.

I have decided to wait until 6 months to introduce cereal and solids. I don't see any reason to rush. She had a hard time going from breast milk to formula and I don't want to put any additional strain on her digestive system.

I am wondering how everyone else feels about starting solids. At what age did you introduce cereal? fruit? veggies?

Wordless Wednesday

Thanks for Voting

I would like to thank everyone who voted for my picture in the Write from Karen Photo Contest. I am the WINNER!!!! I can't say it enough. Thank you! Thank You! Thank you!

Please check out her next photo contest. http://take2max.com/blog/?page_id=1639

Cost Of Having A Baby? I Have No Clue!

Everybody says that if you wait to have a baby until you can afford it...then it will never happen. Most people probably have a little saved up to cover expenses but how do you know how much that will be? I have been trying to figure it out, but how exactly do you know what a baby needs? To get started, I read over the New Parents' Checklist on BabiesRUs.com. I have come to the conclusion that this store is in the business of selling stuff and possibly planning to rip me off when it comes time to shop for a little one. Here's the deal...if you add up all of the feeding and baby gear items on this list it comes to over $3,000. Is it just me or does a baby NOT need 4 different kinds of strollers? Once I take this number and add it to the cost of

- delivery in a hospital
- enough diapers, wipes, formula & baby food to last 1 year
- daycare 5 days a week
- cord blood banking
- babyproofing the house
- toiletries and first aid supplies
- furniture & decor for the nursery
- books, cds, & dvds
- clothing

I am looking at about $19,000 (for the first year). Yikes...I guess I'd better start hinting for a raise.

Those of you out there with kids...does this sound completely insane or should I totally expect to pay this much? What baby items/gear would you say is something you couldn't live without and what is a complete waste? I am looking to knock some major money off this list!

This is so very disturbing- Meat Recall

This video is about the largest beef recall in the U.S. The meat from sick and crippled animals was sent to schools for school lunch programs. This makes me happy I have decided to Go Veg.

http://news.aol.com/business/story/_a/undercover-video-sparks-beef-recall/20080217183209990001

I've Been Tagged

Yay! I am so excited. This is my first time being tagged. woohoo

I was tagged by Heather ... 7 Random Things About Me

1. I have three cats: Gary, Tigger and Myrtle and a bird - Zazu


2. I kept my bellybutton pierced for my entire pregnancy


3. I was married at Moon Palace Resort in Riviera Maya- Cancun


4. I was President of my sorority in college- Theta Phi Alpha


5. I love Harry Potter. In September I secretly wished I was going back to school to be a teacher at Hogwarts


6. I am a Vegan


7. I wanted to be a Vet before I decided to become a teach

I tag. . . Lori from Teacher Turned Mommy, Pam from Random Thoughts , Elaine from Blah, Blah, Blog)

Reasons to Wear Your Baby

If you have kids I know you have been in this situation. You are at the store in the parking lot and your baby is safely buckled in his/her car seat inside the car. You look at the stroller like it is a WWWF wrestler. You know it will you or the stroller-one of you is going down. I think they purposely make strollers cumbersome and difficult to open and close so we all look like fools in the parking lot. I am only 5'2 and I think the stroller comes up to my neck. Cut to me shoving it into my trunk that is filled with things I am too lazy to throw out. There are still about 20 rubber ducks in my trunk left over from my baby shower. The stroller always bounces off of them and comes back at me. The best is the toy Lightening McQueen car that someone gave me. I meant to bring it in for my students back in September but never did. If I hit it just right with the stroller it shouts out quotes from Cars. I know that stupid car is taunting me and my inability to get the stroller back into my trunk smoothly. Usually I have broken into a sweat and am cursing under my breath by the time I am finished. I have decided you just cannot look cool while performing this task. It isn’t just me. I have also seen my 5’11 husband struggle with the stroller. My answer to this dilemma is baby wearing. I try to forgo the stroller at all costs. Let it collect dust in my trunk with everything else. I know I will just end up with my shopping bags in the stroller and the baby in my arms anyway. Don’t try to deny it moms. I have seen you all at the mall.

Here are my top five reasons for baby wearing

1. I can finally ditch that stroller and go hands free.- stop looking like a fool and started looking cool.

2. I can work out without really trying. It may not really count as exercise but I tell myself it does.

3. It brings Eliza and I together in a way that nothing else can. I can feel her breathing and we truly become one.

4. I always know she is safe and right there with me.

5. I can spend time online researching baby carries to make up for the time my husband spends on the golf course. He wanted me to get a hobby!


Ok, here are some additional reasons to wear your baby from http://www.naturalchild.org/guest/laura_simeon.html

1. Wearing a baby is convenient.
When we carry a baby in a sling, we can walk around freely and not have to worry about negotiating steps, crowds or narrow aisles with a stroller. Plastic "baby buckets" and removable car seats are heavy and awkward for parents, babies often look uncomfortable, and they are kept at knee level. A sling can block out excess stimuli when breastfeeding a distractible baby, and it allows for discreet nursing in public places. A sling can also double as a changing pad, blanket, or cushion when away from home. I've found my sling especially handy when negotiating busy airports with a small child and several bags!

2. Wearing a baby promotes physical development.
When a baby rides in a sling attached to his mother, he is in tune with the rhythm of her breathing, the sound of her heartbeat, and the movements his mother makes – walking, bending, and reaching. This stimulation helps him to regulate his own physical responses, and exercises his vestibular system, which controls balance. The sling is in essence a "transitional womb" for the new baby, who has not yet learned to control his bodily functions and movements. Research has shown that premature babies who are touched and held gain weight faster and are healthier than babies who are not1. Mechanical swings and other holding devices do not provide these same benefits.

3. Babies worn in slings are happier.
Studies have shown that the more babies are held, the less they cry and fuss2. In indigenous cultures where baby-wearing is the norm, babies often cry for only a few minutes a day – in contrast to Western babies, who often cry for hours each day. Crying is exhausting for both the baby and his parents, and may cause long-term damage as the baby's developing brain is continually flooded with stress hormones.3 Babies who do not need to spend their energy on crying are calmly observing and actively learning about their environment. Baby-wearing is especially useful for colicky babies, who are far happier being worn, but placid, content babies and children will also benefit greatly from the warmth and security of being held close.

4. Baby-wearing is healthy for you!
It can be challenging for new mothers to find time to exercise, but if you carry your baby around with you most of the day or go for a brisk walk with your baby in her sling, you will enjoy the dual benefits of walking and "weightlifting". A long walk in the sling is also an excellent way to help a tired but over-stimulated child fall asleep.

5. Toddlers appreciate the security of the sling.
Slings are usually associated with infants, but they can be very useful for toddlers as well; most slings accommodate children up to 35 or 40 pounds. The world can be a scary place for toddlers, who feel more confident when they can retreat to the security of the sling when they need to do so. Toddlers often become over-stimulated, and a ride in the sling helps to soothe and comfort them before (or after!) a "melt-down" occurs. It can be very helpful in places like the zoo, aquarium, or museum, where a small child in a stroller would miss many of the exhibits.

6. Baby-wearing helps you and your baby to communicate with each other.
The more confidence we have in our parenting, the more we can relax and enjoy our children. A large part of feeling confident as a parent is the ability to read our baby's cues successfully. When we hold our baby close in a sling, we become finely attuned to his gestures and facial expressions. Many baby-wearing parents report that they have never learned to distinguish their baby's cries – because their babies are able to communicate effectively without crying! Every time a baby is able to let us know that she is hungry, bored or wet without having to cry, her trust in us is increased, her learning is enhanced, and our own confidence is reinforced. This cycle of positive interaction enhances the mutual attachment between parent and child, and makes life more enjoyable for everyone.

7. Slings are a bonding tool for fathers, grandparents, and other caregivers.
Slings are a useful tool for every adult in a baby's life. It makes me smile when I see a new father going for a walk with his baby in a sling. The baby is becoming used to his voice, heartbeat, movements and facial expressions, and the two are forging a strong attachment of their own. Fathers don't have the automatic head-start on bonding that comes with gestation, but that doesn't mean they can't make up for this once their baby is born. The same goes for babysitters, grandparents and all other caregivers. Cuddling up close in the sling is a wonderful way to get to know the baby in your life, and for the baby to get to know you!

8. Slings are a safe place for a child to be.
Instead of running loose in crowded or dangerous places, a child in a sling is held safe and secure right next to your body. Slings also provide emotional safety when needed, so that children can venture into the world and become independent at their own pace.

9. Slings are economical.
Slings cost far less than strollers, front-carriers or backpacks. Many mothers consider the sling to be one of their most useful and economical possessions. Inexpensive used slings can be found in consignment and thrift stores, and new ones can be bought for about $25 -$50 (U.S.) - not bad for an item many parents use daily for two years or more! A sling can also be sewn for the price of a length of cotton, some rings and batting; sling patterns are available.

10. Baby-wearing is fun.
Who doesn't love to cuddle a precious little baby? And when your baby is older, having her in the sling makes conversations easier and allows you to observe her reactions to the wonders of the world around her. It's also fun for baby, because when she is up at eye level, other adults notice and interact with her more. Your child will feel more a part of your life when she is in her sling, and you will find yourself becoming more and more enchanted with this special little person.

Home with the kids on Presiden't Day?

The holidays always make me a little nostalgic for the classroom. If I had been teaching this past week I am sure I would have dug up some fun President's Day activities to do with my Kindergarten students.

I LOVE to use music in my classroom. I think it makes the learning experience pleasurable for everyone. Plus- I LOVE TO DANCE! One of my favorite is a song my Dr. jean Feldman. It is called The President and lists the names of all the presidents. You can find the song at the Songs for Teaching Website.

I use Dr. Jean’s CD’s as a teacher and I am sure I will use them as a parent. If you have young children you should definitely check out her website. It is filled with tons of fun learning ideas. http://www.drjean.org/

Also check out the following site for some great info and President’s Day activities
http://www.whitehouse.gov/kids/


One of my all time favorite children's books is So You Want to be President. The books gives fun information of past president's that is sure to make anyone smile. It is best suited for kids ages 7 an up.

Anyone with a baby name not in The Top 100?

When the day comes that I actually have kids, my plan is for them to have a name that is not super-popular (at least not in the top 20). I hope this will be helpful in their life so there aren't so many other kids with the same name. No doubt that today's daycares & school classrooms are full of Madisons & Avas and Aidans & Jakes just like there was a lot of Jennifers & Jessicas and Michaels & Matthews when I was growing up. (Not that there is anything wrong with this, it's just my personal preference.) This is not as easy as it seems...I believe almost all of my friends & family's children's names are on this list. I am looking at the top 100 names for 2007 and I don't think I can come up with many names not on here...

The chart below is listed by number of popularity followed by boys name and girls name for that ranking. Let's see how creative you all are and let us know if you have a child with a name that's not on the list! (Keep in mind that alternate spellings may or may not be listed but it still counts for that number (ex. Aidan, Aiden, Aaden, etc. are all included under #1 Aidan).

Looking forward to getting some good responses!!

1
AIDAN
AVA
2
BRADEN
ABIGAIL
3
KADEN
CAILYN
4
ETHAN
MADELINE
5
CALEB
ISABELLA
6
NOAH
EMMA
7
JADEN
CAITLYN
8
CONNOR
OLIVIA
9
LANDON
CHLOE
10
JACOB
BRIANNA
11
JACKSON/JAXON
HANNAH/HANNA
12
ELIJAH
LILY/LILLY
13
GAVIN/GAVAN
SOPHIA
14
DYLAN
KAYLEE
15
ALEXANDER
HALEY
16
AARON/ARON
ELLA
17
GABRIEL
ADRIANNA
18
TRISTAN
ISABELLE
19
BENJAMIN
ARIANNA
20
LUCAS
GRACE
21
ANDREW
ELIZABETH
22
JACK
AMELIA/EMILIA
23
NATHAN
AALIYAH/ALEAH
24
LOGAN
ADDISON
25
NICHOLAS
ALYSSA
26
JOSHUA
MADISON
27
OWEN
AUDREY
28
LIAM
KYLIE
29
MATTHEW
KEIRA
30
COLE
PAIGE
31
ZACHARY
ALLISON
32
WILLIAM
EMILY
33
DOMINIC
SAVANNAH
34
ADAM
ABBY
35
DAMIEN/DAMIAN
ALANNA
36
ISAAC
CLAIRE/CLARE
37
IAN
LAYLA/LEILA
38
COLIN/COLLIN
CADENCE
39
BRANDON
CHARLOTTE
40
ADRIAN
ANNALISE
41
CHASE
BELLA
42
DANIEL
NATALIE
43
JAMES
JADYN
44
SEBASTIAN
MAYA
45
RYAN
MICHAELA
46
LUKE
GABRIELLA
47
SETH
SOPHIE
48
KEAGAN/KEEGAN
SADIE
49
OLIVER
SARAH/SARA
50
CHRISTOPHER
FAITH
51
NATHANIEL
EVA
52
SAMUEL
RILEY
53
ISAIAH
MIA
54
HAYDEN
SCARLETT
55
ANTHONY
BAILEY
56
MASON
GABRIELLE
57
MICHAEL
SAMANTHA
58
JONATHAN
LAUREN
59
XANDER/ZANDER
ASHLYN
60
EVAN
ALEXA
61
XAVIER
REGAN/REAGAN
62
JACE/JASE
RACHEL
63
BRICE/BRYCE
BIANCA
64
MICAH
ZOE
65
JUSTIN
KAYLA
66
TYLER
ANNA
67
CARTER
ASHLEY
68
DAVID
ALEXANDRA
69
REECE/REESE/RHYS
AMY
70
BRENDAN
PEYTON
71
CAMERON
AVERY
72
WYATT
CARLY
73
JAKE
AMBER
74
THOMAS
ALEXIS
75
BLAKE
AUTUMN
76
ASHER
CATHERINE
77
MADDOX/MATTOX
LEAH/LEA
78
JASON
BROOKE/BROOK
79
SEAN/SHAWN
SIENNA
80
PARKER
CALLIE
81
JOSEPH
MACKENZIE
82
CODY
ERIN
83
RILEY
LUCY
84
AUSTIN
VICTORIA
85
FINN
AUBREY
86
HUNTER
JULIANNA
87
BRODY
JASMINE
88
GARRETT
ANNABELLE
89
JONAH
LILLIAN/LILIAN
90
CHRISTIAN
JILLIAN/GILLIAN
91
GRAYSON
AARALYN
92
BRADLEY
MEGAN
93
GAGE
JULIA
94
TREVOR
AURORA
95
MILES/MYLES
ABRIANNA
96
COLTON
TAYLOR
97
BRIAN/BRYAN
ADRIENNE
98
HOLDEN
VIOLET
99
HENRY
ALEXIA
100
JARED
NICOLE/NICHOLE

Laptop Giveaway Contest

Please check out this blog for a wonderful laptop giveaway contest!


http://nothpnowmommy.blogspot.com/2008/02/technology-or-why-olpc-laptop-wont-work.html

Babywearing Fun

Here are some pics of Eliza in the hotsling. I know I look like a hot mess in most of my pictures. I swear I did not always look like a candidate for What not to Wear! Although lately I have been secretly hoping Stacy and Clinton will run up to me with a camera crew and a $5,000 credit card.

I have also been practicing with my Babyhawk Mei Tai. I purchased the Tummy 2 Tummy DVD and I have been watching it for a few days straight. I am addicted. If you are interested in this DVD you can purchased it from Peppermint.

I wore the Mei Tai to the mall yesterday and Eliza napped cozily in there for almost the whole time. There were a couple of babies in strollers and I know they were jealously eyeing Eliza.




I hope to make videos of some carries but I need a cord for my JVC that plugs into the computer.

My New Team Member- Future Mom

I hope you enjoyed the post by Future Mom. I have asked her to join me in my blogging quest. Future mom is a long time friend. She was my college roommate and we lived together for five years. She loves researching all things baby and I wanted her to start her own blog to share the wealth. Since two heads are better than one we just decided to join forces.

Here is a pic of us!


More on Happiest Baby on the Block and I how I discovered its miracles...

This book was truly a lifesaver for me and Future Mom is the one who introduced me to the book and its techniques. As I had said in my breastfeeding post I did not figure out how to calm my baby until a friend showed me how when she was 9 weeks old. During a visit, Future Mommy saw that Eliza would not sleep unless I was holding her. She was also very fussy. At the time I was stressed and not able to get anything done! Every time I put her down to sleep she would wake herself up with her flailing arms. Future Mommy swaddled her tightly and she fell asleep like magic. It was an amazing life changing moment. She slept longer and more soundly than she had in nine weeks. DH and I had given up on swaddling because we thought Eliza did not like to be swaddled. She did struggle at first but then she grew to welcome and enjoy swaddling. That weekend I rushed out to get a copy of the book. I have used many of the techniques since purchasing the book. In fact I think the swaddling worked so well I might just be doing it until my daughter enters college. She is five months old and still needs to be swaddled. Some people think it hinders physical development to swaddle for this long-but she is just not ready to sleep without her wrap. I have tried and she just can't settle down. I see no reason to rush the transition so for now I am the proud mommy of a little burrito baby.



Here she is wrapped in a amazing swaddle blanket from aden + anais.

Do you want to have the happiest baby on the block?

Who wouldn't? If you are a busy parent and can't find the time to read an entire book...well you've come to the right place! Over the last few years, I have been building my library of baby and parenting books and now I am going to share the information I have learned. The first book I would like to share with you is "The Happiest Baby on the Block" by Harvey Karp, M.D. This book is the perfect choice for you if your baby is a newborn but also appropriate for any baby under 4 months old. The main focus of the book are the 5 S's (I will explain). They will make your baby calm and have them sleeping well. Check out the review and see what you think...

The Happiest Baby on the Block
By Harvey Karp, M.D.

What are the 5 S’s? Ways to imitate qualities of the womb to turn on baby’s calming reflex.
1. Swaddle tight
2. lay baby on side or stomach
3. Shh loudly or use white noise
4. Swing vigorously
5. Suck on pacifier/nipple

Doing these 5 things in order = the “Cuddle Cure” to get baby to stop crying. Do as much as needed because it is impossible to spoil your baby in the first 3 months!



Your baby really needs a 4th trimester. From birth to 3 months-imitate the womb to soothe baby. Baby really needs this time to be fully mature but it can’t stay inside mom anymore or else it would be too big to be born and would get stuck.

Baby’s calming reflex: rocking and noise like in the womb triggers this reflex. It was used in the womb so baby wouldn’t move around and possibly injure mother or get baby stuck or wrapped in the cord. The baby was in a protective trance in the uterus and also used to being held and fed 24 hours a day. Going from cozy womb to empty room upsets baby-they are used to being with mom nonstop for 9 months.

Reason the baby is colicky: it can not self soothe. It needs the 4th trimester to get ready for the world…senses, social and motor capabilities, and psychological characteristics aren’t ready yet. Baby seems to wake up at 4 months old!

Top 10 ways to imitate uterus
1. holding
2. dancing
3. rocking
4. wrapping
5. white noise/singing
6. car ride
7. walking
8. feeding
9. pacifier
10. swing

Back to the 5 S’s
Swaddle: makes baby feel like it’s in the womb (tight fit and continuous touch). Keeps them from flailing and helps them pay attention. They lack coordination and can’t control their arms.

Side/Stomach position: this is the feel good position for baby. They don’t feel like they are falling. Carry them around like a football-this is what they were like in the uterus. ALWAYS PUT THEM ON THEIR BACK FOR SLEEPING!

Shh: a baby’s favorite sound. Harsh and loud noise mimics the uterus-remember they were surrounded by noise for 9 months. It is impossible for a noise to be too loud for them because their eardrums are not mature yet. Their muffled hearing makes your quiet house seem extra quiet and they will cry from sensory depravation. When they are crying put your mouth 2-4 inches away from their ear and make shh sound as loud as their crying is and soften as they are calming down. Some substitutes for Shh: hair dryer, vacuum, fan, running water, white noise machine, cd of white noise sounds, toy bear with recorded sounds of the womb, static on radio or baby monitor, dishwasher, car ride, and clothes dryer with sneakers or tennis balls inside (DO NOT EVER PLACE BABY ON TOP OF THE DRYER).

Swinging: laying motionless is disorienting and unnatural for a baby. They like continuous and jiggly movement. Start out vigorous if they are crying and then change to gentle motion to keep them calm. Babies are used to continuous motion and do not like the stillness of a crib. Babies love carriers and slings because of the motion and warmth, as well as scent, touch, and sound of mom. Some ways to swing/move your baby: carrier or sling, dancing, baby swing, rhythmic patting on back or bottom, hammock, rocking chair, car ride, vibrating bouncy seat, bouncing on exercise ball, and brisk walks. Swinging must be fast & jiggly (movement of the head-not body-triggers the calming reflex). Follow baby’s lead and be more jiggly when they are agitated and reduce the pace when they calm down. Remember jiggling is NOT like shaking!! Your movements should be tiny, baby’s head should not be flailing and always be in line with their body. (No whipping actions at all!)

Tips for getting the most out of your baby swing: Start early at 3 weeks old. Don’t put them in if they are screaming-they should be settled. Swaddle them but make sure all straps are secure. Recline as much as possible. Jiggle the seat for 20 seconds if they start to fuss. Use the fastest speed unless they are already sleeping when you put them in. Use white noise while swinging. Practice makes perfect-after baby is in it a few times, it might make them happy as soon as you put them in.

Swings are not bad for babies! Just make sure their necks are ok when they are in it. Swinging does not make babies spit up, it may make them burp. It can not make them nauseous. If the baby likes swinging they will not get tired of it.


Sucking: releases chemicals in their brain to make them relax. It makes them feel good-satisfies their hunger and turns on calming reflex.

Sucking for soothing is called non-nutritive sucking. It is for comfort, lessens stress, can decrease suffering from shots or circumcision, and lowers risk of SIDS. How to succeed with pacifiers: Try different ones. Don’t force it if they don’t want it-try to calm them another way and then try offering it again when they are calm. Train them to hold on to it (only when they are calm) by tugging on it lightly 10-20 times and they will respond by resisting-sucking harder and gripping better.

Some potential pacifier problems:
Nipple confusion-breast fed babies may get confused. Avoid bottles and pacifiers for 2-3 weeks if you are breastfeeding (possibly longer if you are having problems breastfeeding). Buy only clear silicone and not yellow rubber pacifiers because the chemicals can transfer to baby when they deteriorate from use. Don’t dip into anything to make baby want to suck on it more. Keep them clean by washing when you buy and rinse off several times a day. Do not hang around baby’s neck. Get rid of pacifier by 5 months because they can suck on their fingers by then. By 6 months or older it is more difficult to give up because they develop a security/emotional relationship. If the baby fusses within the first 5 minutes of sucking on the pacifier they are probably hungry.

Doing the 5 S’s successfully might take a few tries because the baby’s brain will have trouble paying attention and processing what you are doing. Some more tricks to calming colicky babies are massages, walks outside, and extra warming.

Massage-15 minutes a day makes them cry less, be more alert and engaged, gain weight faster and have less stress
Walks outside-they are exposed to calming images and soothing rhythms, possibly get bored sitting at home all the time
Extra warming-warm bath, blanket, hat & socks, and hot water bottles make them cozy and comfortable. DON’T OVERHEAT! (If baby’s ears and toes are red and hot or their armpits are sweaty they are too hot!)

Approximately 10% of colicky babies have a food allergy. Try eliminating certain foods or changing formula to see what happens. You should see improvement in 2-4 days. The most common allergy in babies is dairy.

Colicky bottle fed babies may be constipated. Try changing formula, diluting formula, massage, or insert a Qtip with Vaseline you-know-where.

Baby may be crying because they aren’t getting enough milk. (Especially with breast feeding because you do not know how much they are getting.) Also some moms and babies have trouble nursing. Baby may also be crying because there is too much milk. It is possible for too much to come out of breast or bottle for them. Approximately 3% of babies have acid reflux: signs are crying during or right after feeding.

Sleeping:
Bottle fed babies tend to sleep longer than breast fed babies because the formula sits in the stomach longer. Normally babies sleep 14-18 hours a day. By 3-4 months old, they need to learn how to fall asleep on their own and put themselves back to sleep if they wake up in the middle of the night.

Weaning off the 5 S’s:
Sucking: Wean off first. They need to learn how to fall asleep without something in their mouth. This is the least reliable for keeping baby asleep because pacifier can fall out or baby can spit it out.
Swinging: by 2-3 months old, reduce to lowest speed. If they still fall asleep try letting them fall asleep with the swing not moving. Baby should be out of the swing by 3-4 months old.
Swaddling: start by wrapping them with one arm out. If they sleep well then try wrapping with both arms out. Baby should be out of swaddle by 3-6 months old.
Shh: wean off over a 2 week period. Gradually lower the white noise volume until you can eventually turn it off. Baby should be sleeping in a quiet room between 3 and 12 months.

Try to put your baby on a schedule (depending on how good they are at putting off eating or sleeping). Best way is between 1-2 months increase time between feedings to 3 hours. Get them to go to sleep without a nipple in their mouth and make sure their eyes are open when you are putting them down to sleep. Baby will sleep longer during the night if they eat well during the day. Wake to eat if they sleep for more than 4 hours, feed in a quiet room so they do not get distracted and refuse to eat, cluster feed in the evening (feed every 2 hours), make sure to wake them for midnight feeding. Keeping baby up during the day does not make them sleep better at night. Let them sleep in swing, sling, or bouncy seat so they have constant touch and motion. This will make them calmer at night because they will need less stimulation from you. Turn down the lights in the evening to signal to them that it’s bedtime. Darkness quiets their nervous system and helps them relax.

Decide if you want to co-sleep with your baby for extra bonding and companionship. Make sure you stop by 4-5 months before they get used to it…the longer you do it, the harder it is for the baby to stop. Ways to keep baby safe in your bed-don’t have extra pillows or loose bedding, do not sleep on a waterbed or couch, make sure there are no spaces between the mattress/wall/headboard that the baby could get trapped in, use a co-sleeper attachment, always keep them swaddled so they can’t move, make sure they are sleeping on their back, do not smoke or drink, and do not co-sleep if you are obese.

Other information about sleeping, feeding, etc.

The reason that your baby wakes up when you put him asleep into his crib is because the crib is quiet and still unlike your cuddling. Try the 5 S’s to get them back to sleep.

If your baby falls asleep while feeding you should still burp them and change their diaper even if it makes them wake up. They should go back to sleep quickly because they are full.

How to tell if the baby is too hot or too cold: if ears and toes are red, sweaty and warm baby is too hot. If they are cold and blue baby is too cold.

Baby can have trouble sleeping if they are having a growth spurt-they will need more frequent feedings.

Breast milk: First 5 minutes is more watery and after 10-15 minutes is very rich. Your baby is not ok with one breast per meal if they feed too often or are not gaining weight. You should switch to both breasts-1st side for 7 minutes and then switch for 15 minutes or longer on the other side.

If baby wakes up when the sun rises try black out curtains, white noise machine, or bring them to bed with you.

It is ok for baby to sleep in the carrier.

It is not ok for baby to sleep on parent’s chest-they can fall off if you are both asleep!


-----The End-----


4 month old baby has increased control, can handle being upset without crying, can reach out manually and socially, can use their hands, can smile, and wants to be on their back instead of tummy so they can see everything and play.

10 Red Flags to call the doctor: most colicky babies are not sick. If they are growing well and acting normal in all other ways, and also calm for long periods during the day it is probably not anything serious. However call the doctor if you see any of these symptoms…

1. Persistent moaning/weak crying that lasts for hours
2. Super shrill crying
3. vomiting-if it is green or yellow OR more than 5 times a day over 1 oz.
4. Constipation or bloody diarrhea
5. Fussing during eating (twisting/arching/crying)
6. Abnormal temperature (over 100.2 or under 97.0)
7. irritability-crying all the time
8. lethargy-sleeping too much and not eating enough
9. Bulging soft spot on their head
10. Poor weight gain (under ½ oz. per day)

A look back- Part 2

After the first night we brought Eliza home the engorgement finally went down. However, I continued to struggle with latch and remained frustrated. I was in pain and exhausted. I knew breastfeeding would not happen naturally but I thought it would be easier than what I was experiencing. Truth be told, I had only ever seen breastfeeding on TV. I think this was part of the problem. Breast feeding is a socially learned behavior in primates. I had never even been around babies never mind a breastfeeding mom. However, I was determined to breastfeed so I kept doing my best. I tried to relax and sat in my glider with calming music. I was not relaxed at all. I was tense and worried and in pain. Each time DH brought Eliza to me I wanted to cry. I developed a Pavlovian reflex. I could hear him coming up the stairs with her and started feeling sick to my stomach. I was expecting the worst before it even happened and I couldn't stop. At times we did great and I was relieved. Other times she would flail her arms, yank hard, pull off and cry. I would cry too. I have a distinct memory of feeding Eliza in the middle of the night. DH was sleeping in bed next to me and I sat there with tears falling from my eyes onto her face while she was eating. I was so freaking frustrated it hurt.


I kept going back to my books and trying different positions with her. If something helped one time it didn’t seem t help the next. I tired two different nursing pillows and a nursing stool. The pediatrician told me sometimes it takes a while to find a good position. I tried nursing in bed, on the couch, lying down, and in my rocker. I would have tried it standing on my head if I thought it would have worked. I was desperate and in pain. I knew the latch should not hurt and I needed help fast. I suffer from major anxiety when it comes to calling places of business on the phone. However, I sucked it up and I called several lactation consultants for help and finally found a place I could go to (an hour away) to get some help.


At Eliza’s appointment with the LC she did great. I learned how to get her on a little better and she took in 2.5 oz and then drifted off to sleep. She displayed none of the problem behaviors we experienced at home. As a result these issues were never really resolved. After the meeting we worked on our latch and for a small amount of time I was confident and felt better about breast feeding. Then it just got worse again and nothing seemed to help. At this point I had reached the brink. I was walking the line of sanity. While I was struggling with breastfeeding I was also suffering a bad case of Baby Blues. The combination was terrible and overall I felt like I just wasn’t cut out for being a mom. After promising myself I would take nursing one day at a time, I gave up. I did not nurse for 24 hours. Then I freaked out. Eliza wasn’t happy and neither was I. The little connection I felt to her when nursing had vanished. Now I know this sounds crazy, but I started to think that my bay hated me. Of course I now that these thoughts were ridiculous; I said I was walking the line. At the time I felt that I was of no comfort to my unhappy little baby.

I was not happy breast feeding. I was not happy bottle feeding. I was not happy period. The happy medium that I finally found was exclusive pumping. I knew two people who pumped exclusively and so after much research I started the process. It was very difficult but I will never regret the choice. I was able to give my daughter breast milk for four months. Eventually I started to feel better. You will be happy to know that I am only half crazy now.


Looking back there were so many factors that led to my horrendous experience. The problems started before I had even given birth and extended into the weeks that followed. One key factor was that I have a fussy baby. The nicer terms are spirited baby or passionate baby. Call it what you like-I call it FUSSY! It wasn’t until a friend helped me out five weeks later than I found the solution to calm and soothe my sweet baby girl.

Through this journey I learned a lot and if I ever am blessed with another baby I would do things differently.

Before Delivery
• I would definitely hook up with a local La Leche League. Those women
could have been the support that got me through. A support network is
critical.
• Make arrangements to give birth at a hospital that allows for rooming in
and has a positive attitude about breast feeding.

After Delivery
• Make sure to nurse my daughter soon after delivery
• Make sure to see the hospital LC
• Purchase an infant scale. I know this is crazy but I truly think it would
have made me feel better to know she was gaining weight.

The only other thing I would have done differently would be to swaddle her when she was feeding. I was always told to strip her down into her diaper to keep her awake. However, Eliza could not relax when eating and would flail her arms all about. I think that the swaddle could have been a solution.

I still have not completely come to terms with my failure. I don’t know if I ever will. I hope that someday a successful breast feeding experience will make me feel differently. In many ways I am angry. I am angry that I did not succeed and I am angry for all the moms that I know that went through similar experiences. No new mom should ever feel so sad and alone.

Write From Karen Photo Contest Entry

Baby Love!

Please vote for me when polling starts at 5 PM Central on 2/15/08.

10 Ten Reasons I love DH a.k.a. Pete

10.He doesn't care what other people think
9. He wants what is best for our family
8. He doesn't make me watch sports
7. He is the yin to my yang
6. He has nice smelling armpits
5. He is my rock
4. He is a wondefaul father to our little Eliza
3. He never stops dreaming
2. He has a super cute butt

and the number one reason...

1. He loves me despite my insanity



Our wedding at Moon Palace Resort in Summer 05

Wordless Wednesday

Snowy Day

It is a snowy day here in Dirty Jerz. The weather is blah and that's how I feel. I have a case of "end of maternity leave blues." I go back to work in 16 days and Bubba Fresh has to go to day care. I keep telling my husband she is just not a day care kinda girl. I love her dearly,but she is demanding and high need. I am scared she will be crying all day long. I know things will probably be fine; but what if they aren't OK. What if Eliza Marie is a day care drop out. I just know they can't give her the attention that I can.

I called the day care center today and was told I have to drop off her stuff the week before she starts. I have a LONG list of things she needs and I better get started with putting it all together.

I am going to go throw myself a pity party now.

bye for now

What's in your cart?

I never thought I would be so excited about someone putting a foot in a mouth. Last night Bubba Fresh a.k.a. Eliza discovered her feet. My little contortionist was yanking her little foot to her mouth and licking her big toe. I was cracking up. It is moments like this that make me so happy to be a mom. The joy she brought me in a couple of minutes is immeasurable. Unfortunately, DH did not have the camera on hand so I had to use my phone to capture the moment. The pictures are not the best, but you can still get a feel for what she was attempting to accomplish. As you can see in the pic, she hasn’t figured out that she can’t fit both her hand and her foot in her mouth at the same time. YUMMO!





Moving Along!

Yesterday was grocery day and DH and I made our way to Shoprite. My confession is that I secretly judge people based on what fills their shopping carts. Some people read palms; I read grocery carts. I am aware this makes me a hypocrite as I hate when people judge me based on what I eat or choose not to eat. I guess the difference is I just think about things and don’t actually say anything to people. If I did I would probably get socked in the mouth. I am so intrigued by what people buy to feed their families. Don’t worry, I check out my own food with the same critical eye. As I stand in the checkout I always ask myself, “What would people think if they were checking out my groceries?”

Had you been peeking this is what you would have found in my cart yesterday:
Raw Unsalted Almonds
Trail Mix
Boca Original Vegan Burgers
Tofutti Cheese Slices
Chipotle in Adobo
Enchilada Sauce (Mild) * they were out of hot
Corn tortillas
28oz Canned Plum Tomatoes
Seltzer- 6 Bottles
Pomegranate Green Tea Bags
Creamer- for DH
Deli Turkey- for DH
Carrots
Onions
Sweet Potatoes
Jalapeno (3)
Peaches
Bananas
Swiss Chard
Watercress
Apples
Pears
Strawberries
Limes
Amy’s Organic Soups
Soap
Tom’s of Maine Toothpaste
Larabars

Now that I look at my list I have to admit it is pretty boring. I don’t drink soda or anything with artificial sweeteners. I don’t eat meat so aside from the deli turkey for DH my cart is meatless. Prior to giving up meat you would have found some chicken and ground turkey. There are really no snacks. I don’t buy them so that I don’t eat them. I guess the almonds and Larabars are my snack. I do love corn chips. However, I will indulge in them until my lips are burning and that can’t be good. Anyway, we had a lot of staples at the house so that is why there is no bread, couscous, rice, pasta, beans etc.

When I look at other carts I am sometimes amazed at what I see. I hate carts that are loaded with soda, cookies, chips and sugar cereal. Produce is often scarce which disturbs me. I know kids like to snack, but is finding a semi healthy snack too difficult?

I once saw someone who had about 30 Hungry Man dinners. This just made me laugh. I know that they must have been on sale- but seriously?
Another favorite of mine is a lady who had 6 gallons of milk, 4 cartons of eggs and about 5 bags of sugar and flour. I can only hope she was holding a bake sale.

And so I ask you, What do you think of my cart? What would I find in your shopping cart? What does it say about you?

Photo Contest

Sleep, Sleep, You Gotta Go to Sleep Right Now

Sleep, Sleep, You Gotta Go to Sleep Right Now

These are the lyrics that ran through my brain all night! The song is from a record I used to play on my Fisher Price record player. I found it online at a site I visit frequently to get songs for my Kindergarten classroom- Songs for Teaching. It is by Rosenshontz and it always made me laugh when I was little. What brought on this fond childhood memory? Little E had a rough night. My little love bug was very restless. We ended up putting her in bed with us and that didn’t even help. This past week she slept through the night two times, two times! However, she didn’t want DH and I to get used to sleeping so she followed these nights by two sleepless ones. We shall see how tonight goes.

Last night DH and I watched Across the Universe. I am a HUGE Beatles fan and I couldn’t wait to see this flick. I will say that if you are NOT a Beatles fan, do NOT see this movie. You will want to poke out your own eardrums with a chopstick fifteen minutes into the movie. If you are a Beatles fan than grab a big bowl of popcorn (the movie is rather long) and get ready to karaoke. Family member may need earplugs if you have a voice like mine. The plot revolves around a group of young musicians who are caught up in the counterculture movement of the 60’s. The movie is psychedelic at times and did involve some interpretive dance scenes that DH would have edited out. Bono makes a strange Ringo-esq guest appearance as Dr. Robert. Aside from the fact that I waited the entire length of the film to hear Hey Jude, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Breastfeeding- a look back so I can look forward- Part 1

Last night in bed I started to think about my philosophy of parenting. I though about how when I was becoming a teacher I had to write about my philosophy on teaching, create a portfolio. and answer comprehensive interview questions. On the other hand, to become a mom I basically needed a car seat so I could leave the hospital legally! It turns out that many of my views align with attachment parenting. I continue to be an advocate of this type of parenting-but my own quest to parent in the manner have been a challenge.

Since breastfeeding was such a struggle for me I have decided to go into depth about my experiences. I hope someone can gain something from what I have to share.

Of couse I had read numerous books and had sugar plum visions of parenting. I expected I would have a well behaved little bundle of joy who took to the breast like a champ, and loved being worn 24/7. We would spend countless hours cuddling as I looked adoringly into his or her eyes. I thought about all those moms who couldn't cut it when it came to breastfeeding- happy I wouldn't be one of them. I was prepared. I read The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and every other book I could find. I was ready for latch problems, clogged ducts and mastitis. I would not give a bottle or a pacifier. Also, I anticipated some baby blues and possibly even postpartum depression. The truth, as I discovered shortly after Eliza's birth, was I wasn't really prepared for anything.

Eliza Marie arrived two weeks early. This was the first indication that I had a feisty one on my hands. Her delivery was textbook and after 11 fun hours she arrived bright eyed and alert. In her first pictures she look ready to meet the world. After she was born I did get to hold her right away as I wanted. I get it that some people think it is gross; but I did want to hold her right after she was born. I also wanted to breastfeed immediately. I had read about how the sucking reflex is very strong and breastfeeding shortly after birth was VERY important. The nurses were supportive. Who wasn't supporting me in this decision? My pediatrician. Why? She wanted to finish her rounds so she could get to the office. If I had been a stronger person I would have told her to go to he&% and demanded to feed my daughter. Unfortunately, I kept my mouth shut (for the most part) and did not get to breastfeed for a LONG time. I did grumble a little but mainly under my breath. This was very disappointing to me. I really should have switched pediatricians on the spot. I continue to regret the decision to keep my mouth shut. The only person I have to blame for this is myself.

I did not see my daughter for hours after her birth. This seemed strange to me but what the heck did I know. When they finally did bring her in to breastfeed the nurses handed her to me and walked out. I did my best to latch her on but had to call someone in for help. I quickly learned that many (not all) nurses know zilch about breastfeeding. One even gave me a nipple shield without really explaining the positive and negatives of using such a device. Throughout our stay at the hospital I received mediocre help but thought I was doing OK. One nurse, I called her "Aunt Sue", was extremely helpful. However, after her shift ended I was alone again. "Aunt Sue" had boosted my confidence somewhat but nothing had prepared me for what would happen next.

I will call this goodbye colostrum and hello MILK. The last night in the hospital I woke up every hour waiting to nurse my daughter. I forgot to mention they did not allow rooming in at the hospital- for DD or DH. They never brought her in to me. Finally, at five in the morning I wandered the nursery halls and inquired about my daughter. I was told they were only "required" to bring her in to feed once overnight. I was pissed to say the least. In the meantime my milk jugs (sorry- how often do you really get to use the term?) had become so engorged I couldn't even get my daughter to latch. It continued to get worse as we were discharged. I went home to my mom's. We had to return to the pediatrician the next morning to have her jaundice checked. Gee! I wonder why she is jaundiced? Maybe it is because they did not bring her in to nurse enough!

At my mom's I showered and pumped and showered again trying to relieve my engorgement. The pain was excruciating. I kept trying to feed my daughter but she still had a hard time latching on. Hours later when night rolled around things got worse, actually things got markedly worse. Eliza screamed and cried and I could do nothing. I was exhausted and frustrated. The sounds of her crying were too much for me. My worst fear, not being able to console my infant daughter, was coming true. I knew she was hungry but could not help. I was panicky and I found the hospital binky, sterilized it, and popped it in her sad little mouth. She continued to cry. I did not want to give her formula. I had already given in with the pacifier. At this point I am beyond drained and wandering topless around my parent's house. My husband takes the baby and tries to calm her down. When my mom (who did not breastfeed) gets home from work around midnight they give her some formula while I lay crying in bed. I had only been home a few hours and I already felt like I failure. I kept thinking we were crazy to have a baby and that I was a terrible mom.

I woke a few hours later drenched in sweat and in pain. (This was one of many nights I woke up soaked. I had not been told that night sweats are quite common after delivery. It is your body detoxing.) I am alone in bed and the house is quiet. I tiptoe out to the living room and find my husband and baby sleeping on the couch. I know this is dangerous, but I am so relieved they were resting I went back in my room and passed out for a few more hours.