The Simple Family Life

Potty Training Update @ 16 months

2012-01-05T17:20:00.000-05:00

Well, a lot of time has passed since we first started elimination communication (part-time), so I thought that I would update how it has been going. We've been mainly giving "potty-tunities" after waking up, which is about 3x a day.

Because our bathroom is not baby friendly, I keep the door shut all day. This limited his view and accessibility to the potty. So, I decided to put a picture of the potty, with the word written below on the door. Then, every time I took him to the bathroom, I taped the picture, then signed, and also said "potty". This worked surprisingly well, except that he also began using it to just get into the bathroom, not go potty. So, I had to make sure that we stayed on task. Each time, I allowed him to wash his hands, which he loves doing.

That was going pretty well. And then sometime when he was 15 months old, he started saying and signing "potty". This was really cool. Sometimes he actually peed. He also started saying "bye pee-pee" when I flushed the toilet.

This past Christmas, we traveled for 10 days. I was worried about losing our routine, so I bought a Potette Plus. I love how small it is. He was able to use it several times on the trip, but started to fight me on it. Since we've come home, he's been on a pretty major potty pause. It's likely due to all of the verbal progression he's been making lately. Luckily I don't have an agenda or need to force anything on him. So, I'm back to just trying first thing in the morning.

I hope that now we are back home and getting into a routine, he will rediscover the joy of diaper free elimination.

Free Resource: Library

2012-01-05T17:02:00.000-05:00

This may sound like a no brainer, but using the library has cut down materials budget tremendously. Through my library's website, I am able to reserve all of the books for his curriculum. Not to mention, I can check out educational DVDs and homeschooling resources. With an antsy 16 month-old, it saves me so much time and hassle to be able to walk to the front desk and have all of my materials waiting for me! Our library also has a decent toddler story time, so if I time it right, it can be a very productive outing.

Toddler Preschool

2012-01-05T16:55:00.000-05:00

Now that my 16 month little guy is curious about everything, I can't help but fuel his curiosity. The FREE 2 year old curriculum provided by www.abcjesusloveme.com which seems to blend the right amount of academic, faith, and fun. I hope to use this as a framework for information and activities that I expose him to, but do not force on him. In addition, I will probably use Montessori type activities to supplement his need for hands on activities. I am like a sponge looking for new resources over the internet, so if you have any, please leave me a comment. Look out for upcoming posts about inexpensive enrichment activities.

Misadventures of Co-Sleeping

2010-11-06T00:09:00.000-04:00

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.

Preparing to travel with 3 month old

2010-11-05T12:38:00.000-04:00

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!

First Months with Baby

2010-11-01T23:06:00.000-04:00

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.

Parenting

2010-03-22T21:53:00.000-04:00

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.

Elimination Communication

2010-03-22T10:37:00.000-04:00

[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.

1st Pregnancy: Week 19

2010-03-22T09:44:00.001-04:00

It's the beginning of week 19. I'm getting excited about the possibility of a baby bump. I have only gained 6-7 lbs, so far, so I only have a bump when I have had a big meal. With a bump comes all of the fun ways of dressing it. Unlike the stories that we've heard from our Grandmothers, who wore their husband's clothes during the pregnancy, maternity clothes these days are so cute. I've started adding to my collection little by little. I need my clothes to be stylish for work and everyday. Here's a peek into what I've got so far as well as what I've got my eye on for the future.

My Maternity Closet

I got the above pieces from Motherhood Maternity when I went shopping with my mom. I absolutely love the jeans with the full belly support. I've since picked up a shirt and khaki work pant at JCPenny from their Duo Maternity line.

My Dream Maternity Wardrobe

As you can tell, I am a big fan of the baby doll style shirts with an empire waist. I think that they are a beautiful way to showcase my future bump while keeping me comfortable. I'll also be needing a maternity dress to get me through a few weddings this summer.

Prediction for Baby Carriers

2010-03-15T08:57:00.004-04:00

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.

1st Pregnancy: Week 17

2010-03-12T15:49:00.001-05:00

Please excuse my lack of posting for the past...13 weeks! I have had the most uneventful first pregnancy, for which I am extremely grateful. It hasn't been till this past week when I have really acknowledged that I am pregnant. Do I have a bump? No, but I am definitely getting enlarged in the belly area and hope to acquire a cute bump soon!

With the 20 week ultrasound around the corner, the big question is, "Are you going to find out the gender?". Ninety percent of my social circle says that not knowing is the best thing. The other ten percent is my family, and they want to know pretty bad. The honest truth is that I am not ready to know yet. I don't even have a bump. I've just gotten used to the idea that I am pregnant, and I still have a long way to go in that department. For the time being, we'll ask the ultrasound tech to write down the gender and put it in an envelope just in case I decide that I am ready to know.

I do think that finding out at the birth will be an amazing experience. We're also driving people mad by not deciding the name until after the birth. I have always believed that you should meet the soul before you are going to give the baby a name. Maybe I am a total lunatic for believing it.

I have thought of taking a Intelligender Gender Detection Test for fun, but I am afraid that it will skew my mind one way and foster disappointment if it is wrong.

What do you think? What were your experiences with finding out the gender and revealing the names? What old wives tales do you think work?

Consignment Sales

2010-03-12T15:29:00.000-05:00

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)

1st Pregnancy: Week 5

2010-01-16T20:57:00.002-05:00

Week ending December 12th

Diary Excerpt: “Is today a day that I will always remember? I woke up at 4:14 AM well rested, and I was so excited about the possibility of being pregnant that I couldn’t sleep.”

6:00 PM: This was IT, I was finally going to take a pregnancy test this month. I was two days late, and I couldn't wait another day. I was glad that I had one on hand and didn’t have to go to the drugstore again. The house is silent as I walk up to the bathroom. As my terrier mutt Sasha attempts to follow me into the bathroom, I decided that I needed to fly solo on this mission, and shut the door for privacy. As I completeed the process of urinating on a pregnancy stick, I wondered if there is a less messy way to do it. Never the less, I set it on the back of the commode and pretend to be occupied with something else in my nearby closet. A minute later into the three minute test, I thought, “ Why not check?” and plain as day it said, “YES”. It was a moment that changed my life. I looked blankly at the test, and for a minute, didn’t know how to react. Then I let it out, I ran around the house excited and screaming like a lunatic. We had done it!

6:15 PM: I was startled to hear my husband come home. I had no time to plan some big surprise of how to tell him. He is my best friend and I couldn’t keep it from him. Nearly a minute after he came in the door, I hugged and kissed him and smiled so large as I told him “We’re pregnant!” He lifted me clear off of the ground and hugged me with excitement lighting his eyes.

First Post

2010-01-16T20:28:00.003-05:00

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.