Misadventures of Co-Sleeping

Before I had my baby, I hadn't made up my mind about where my baby would sleep, but my husband had. "He'll be sleeping in his crib, where he belongs." Besides, we have a queen size bed with little room for a baby. After a few nights of breastfeeding for 20 minutes every 2 hours, that plan was out the window. I would try to stick to feeding and then putting him back to bed as long as I could, but I would eventually wake up too exhausted to do either.

So, I brought him into bed with me. At first it was glorious. When he woke up in the middle of the night, I would bring him to bed with us, then roll to my side and I'd fall asleep with him feeding. I would occasionally wake up to a peaceful baby, it felt like this was how it was meant to be, mother and child.

A few times later I learned the hard way that keeping a receiving blanket under him diaper failures was a necessity. Then he started spiting up profusely because I hadn't burped him while I was asleep (probably an error in judgement on my part). And then he got a stuffy nose. All night I tried to sleep, but was unable to do so with his labored breathing. He is a LIGHT sleeper for the most part. If I even thought about moving, he would wake up. This just didn't seem good for him. It also started to crowd out my husband.

So, he now sleeps regularly through the majority of the night in his crib. Often I bring him into bed with me because he insists on a 5AM feeding, then wakes up at 7. I enjoy the time that we get to sleep together. He wakes up in the morning so happy, that I can't help but join in and reap the reward of smiles.

Could I have co-slept better? Certainly yes. The co-sleeper bassinets are a fantastic idea. I wish that I had purchased the Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper Mini Bassinet Convertible because would have provided him with his own safe area to sleep, also it could also act as a pack-n-play. The commonly available The First Years Secure Sleeper would have been nice if we'd had a larger bed.

Do I think co-sleeping is right or wrong? I think it is up to the parent to make an informed decision. Learn the precautions that need to be made from books like Sleeping with Your Baby: A Parent's Guide to Cosleeping. If you'd like, try it. Don't knock it until you have. It wasn't the right situation for me, but I know that it has been great for others.

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Preparing to travel with 3 month old

So far I've managed to mother my little one with dignity and without being chastised. Flying alone with an infant and several hundred other people will challenge that. I used to be one of those people that would be mortified to inconvenience anyone, but I'm slowly getting used to the fact that babies aren't don't share the same sentiment. So, like any mother, I plan ahead and hope for the best.

I am extremely meticulous, and while this list is overkill, it keeps me sane. From all of the information I have found, this is my game plan:

• Be Prepared! Pack Smart:
• Check one rolling bag
• Clothes for me and baby for the week
• Everything needed for pumping and feeding
• Carry on one mommy bag
• Flight Tickets, Identification
• Change of clothes
• Empty water bottle (refill after passing security)
• Have both baby and mommy liquids in plastic bag assessable for security
• Carry on one diaper bag
• Stocked with diapers, wipes, changing pad, 2 sets clothes, socks, hats, bibs, burp cloths, blankets, nursing cover, pacifier, you name it!
• Have bottle(s) easily accessible for checkpoint
• Any entertainment items such as ipod. I doubt I'll be able to read a book!
• Pack an extra snack
• Be Courteous! Travel Smart:
• Pass through security
• If available, locate the family security lane
• Take off shoes, grab liquids bag and bottles
• Remove baby from stroller and pass through security together
• Put baby back in stroller and obtain all personal items
• Put on shoes and restore everything to its correct bag
• Check in at the gate and select seat preferences.
• Arrange to board the plane first
• Get tags for checking the car seat and stroller at the gate
• Tip:  Cover the car seat with a plastic trash bag in the event of rain. Check the weather to see if this is necessary
• Use family bathroom and diaper baby
• Board Plane
• Present tickets to gate attendant
• Gather bags and stroll baby to end of jet way
• Remove car seat. Fold up stroller, give to attendant
• Remove baby from the car seat and give the car seat to attendant
• Gather bags and board the plane. Accept any help offered
• Place the mommy bag in the overhead bin
• Keep the diaper bag stowed at feet
• Place baby in lap. Play with baby until plane is ready for takeoff
• Flying
• Feed or discreetly nurse baby during takeoff
• Except if baby is already sleeping!
• Relax and try to keep baby happy or asleep for the remainder of the flight.
• Experienced parents insert chuckle here.
• Exiting Plane
• Pack up baby bag
• Wait for most of the passengers to exit. 
• Obtain overhead bag, ask for help if needed. 
• Obtain stroller and car seat. Place baby in car seat. Then attach car seat to stroller.
• Load stroller with bags. 
• Repeat necessary steps if boarding a connecting plane.
• Locate next departure gate while still seated on plane. Check that it is still correct.  
• Leaving the Airport
• Visit a bathroom to diaper baby.
• The remainder should be pretty standard.
• Remember to keep a hand on stroller and have an eye on the baby at all times.
• Install car seat in transportation.

 So, what do you think? Would you do anything differently? My baby isn't fond of being carried in a sling or wrap for a long time, so that is why I'm sticking to the car seat/stroller method. Any tips or advice are appreciated! I'll blog or comment about how it really went after the trip!

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First Months with Baby

It seems like year have passed since I gave birth to our first child and son. Yet it was only 10 weeks ago. Nothing could truly prepare me for the magnitude of responsibility of taking care of a child. When I hold him in my arms, as he gazes so freely at me, I realize that I am responsible for his life. I still don't fully acknowledge that I am a mother, and it might not even sink in until he can call me "Momma". One thing that I know is that he's the best thing I have ever done. I delight in his smiles and laughs. Every coo and kick bring my heart joy. I pray that it will always be this way.

The things that I will probably forget are all of the burping and vomiting that leads to spit-up running down my back. The ill-timed farts that are just as funny as smelly. That laundry isn't as simple when you have to remove the "poop juice" or it'll leave permanent stains. Lugging around the bulky carrier, everywhere we go. Never seeing the inside of a nice restaurant or movie theater. But most of all, feeling as if this is the beginning of being old.

If life with children is a journey, than I am determined to take it one poopy diaper at a time.

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Parenting

       The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. - Theodore Hesburgh


This quote is essentially reciprocal. It highlights the fact that the best thing for children is a stable loving home, in which the parents are still in love. They model love. I searched for polls and statistics of marriage and love, and I didn't find much. What i did find was more statistics on marriage and divorce. It did interest me that the US has the lowest rate world wide of children who are raised by both biological parents at 63%. Could parents have saved the relationship if they continued to foster their love? I believe so. No matter how many years from now, when I look back on this blog, I want to hold tight onto my husband and feel the exact same way. In a few days I'll post a few of the books that have spoken strongly to me. I'd love to hear your suggestions on any websites or books that have supported you in parenting or relationships.

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Elimination Communication

[Wikipedia] Elimination Communication is a toilet training practice in which a caregiver uses timing, signals, cues, and intuition to address an infant's need to eliminate waste. Typically the goal is to partially or completely avoid the use of diapers. EC emphasizes communication between the caregiver and child, helping them both become more attuned to the child's innate rhythms and control of urination and defecation. Some practitioners of EC begin soon after birth, although it can be started with babies of any age.

Some people might have just freaked out at the thought of this. Everyone in my family has thought me crazy for considering it. I like the concept because, much like breastfeeding, you are responding to the needs of your infant or toddler.  I plan to try a Part-Time EC, or maybe even Occasional EC, method by focusing on EC-ing primarily when at home. I feel that when I am the primary caregiver of my child, I will become aware of and able to respond to my child's elimination needs. I will use cloth diapers at home as a backup.

My best resource has become diaperfreebaby.org. To prepare, I want to read The Diaper-Free Baby: The Natural Toilet Training Alternative by Christine Gross-loh. Although you can position your child over the toilet, It will also be nice to have a child's potty. 

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Prediction for Baby Carriers

As I register for all of my presumably necessary baby items, one area that I plan on splurging on is baby carriers. I plan to be a baby wearing momma. Some frugal people make their own versions of these carriers, and can even replace the need for a stroller, but I plan to have one just in case.

From all of my research, these are the slings that I plan to try, and my predictions on how they will perform:

1. BABY BJÖRN Baby Carrier Original - City Black

This carrier is a common retail favorite. I like that the baby can be facing my body or outward. My husband wanted it immediately and said that it was the only one he would agree to use, I think based on the style and ease of use factor. It is very quick to put on.






2. Moby Wrap Baby Carrier-PACIFIC

I am really excited about getting a Moby Wrap as a baby carrier. It is a long piece of fabric that can be wrapped around your body for an unlimited amount of baby holds. I like that the baby will be held snugly against my body like in the womb. Babies can be carried in the front, and on the back of your body. Check out the following YouTube Videos for instructions on a Moby Wrap.




3. Original Maya Wrap Sling 
I have to be honest, I didn't intend to purchase this sling. I thought that I was purchasing a Moby Wrap (See Number 2). But, having tried it on, I can see the benefits of a fabric sling. It can easily put on and also stowed in a purse or a diaper bag. The Maya Wrap Sling has a comfortable material that is breathable for the baby. I have yet to see how the distribution of weight will feel, but I easily carried my 13 lb terrier mutt in it the other day.

4. Freehand Mei Tai Baby Carrier

What I like about the Mei Tai style of baby carriers is how quickly you can wear your baby. Again, the baby can be worn on your front or on your back. A padded Mei Tai can distribute baby's weight across your shoulders and hips. I think that I will like this one the best during the toddler years.



Well, those are the four baby carriers that I plan to try. Have you had any success with a specific carrier? Stay tuned for a post with links on making your own carriers, for all of you crafty people.

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Consignment Sales

The past three weeks have been a whirlwind with baby shopping. Yes, I am only 18 weeks, but the Spring Baby and Kid Consignment Sale season is only February-April. Consignment sales have it all! Every weekend, there are local consignment sales that have a vast assortment of ently used cribs, Pack-n-Plays, high chairs, swings, bouncers, clothes, toys, bedding, and more.

But what a success I have had! I've loaded up on all of the essentials for a newborn, and I haven't had to break the bank. I'm shopping now because the fall season is August and September, during which I will be either 9 months pregnant, or caring for a newborn.

How did I stumble upon this consignment sale world? I don't remember exactly. I think that when Josh and Anna Duggar were getting ready for their first born, they aired an episode where Anna went to a consignment sale in their area and found great deals.

I like the frugality of the sales along with the green-ness of purchasing gently used items. Here are two websites that pointed me to my local consignment sales:
http://www.kidsconsignmentsales.com 
http://www.atlantaparent.com/10-03-march/march10cosign.html (Atlanta, Ga area)

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First Post

Along with the New Year comes the realization of this blog. For some time, I wondered what I could write about. I am a wife, I am carrying my first child, I am an engineer, I am athletic, and I am a friend. Well, that’s all fine and dandy, but what does that give me to talk about?

After several futile attempts at various blogs on the topics above, I stumbled onto my voice. I realized that family is what I am passionate. I hope that you will read along as I experience the birth of a new family and learn invaluable lessons along my journey as a new mother and wife.

This blog will touch on so many things while exploring the simple family life. I hope that it is a blessing to you as I know it will be to me.

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