Mommy Fails Thus Far

Here are the Mommy Fails thus far for me...sigh...I'm sure there will be more to come so stay tuned...

1. Halloween at Mother Goose

We attend a weekly Mother Goose class with other moms and their babies. We sing songs and tell stories for an hour each week. For the class during the week leading up to Halloween, all the babies were supposed to come dressed up in their Halloween costumes. Guess who forgot...moi! Eep! Poor Sebastian was one of three babies who weren't dressed up...boo! Evidence is below...notice we headed straight for the back of the group during picture time (in order to hide in shame...) One of the moms even tried to make me feel better by saying that his Canucks bib can count as a costume...really reaching for that one to try to make me feel better...boo...

For the record Baby S does have a costume...Mommy just forgets to put him in it when it's time to dress up!

2. Pumpkin Patch

We had every intention of taking the babe to the pumpkin patch this year...the husband and I were reminiscing about our childhood visits to the pumpkin patch too. Unfortunately a series of weekends with poor weather, rugby games and being sick as a dog resulted in us not attending the pumpkin patch this year. Argh! We were so looking forward to it too... =(

I must say that thoughts of photoshopping our child into a pumpkin-patchy-esque scene has cross my mind...but my skills are non-existent in the realm of photoshopping...please email me your attempts if you so desire and help a mom out! =) Revisionist history... =)

3. Driving home without kid...

We go and have dinner with my parents once a week and we often use this as an opportunity to run errands without the baby...my wonderful parents thoroughly enjoy the alone time with their grandson and granddog while we go out.

This week...after running a bunch of errands...I proceeded to drive home...without the baby or dog...I think the husband found this amusing because he very calmly asked me if I forgot about something...to which I replied, "Huh? What are you talking ab...OH CRAP!"

Yes...it's not as bad as the parents who leave their children at the gas station or daycamp leaders who leave their kids at a park without knowing... (see link below for the story about the daycamp! It's the 4th story down...) but it's still a fail...

http://www.newwestpolice.org/mediaReleases2009-07.html

4. Buying EcoTraction for the sidewalk and almost missing our Christmas Mother Goose class...

We're getting some winter weather...ice...snow...cold...and we're out of sand. Our stairs and sidewalk are notoriously slippery. We don't use salt because of our dog...so we use sand...that is until I saw this product on CBC The Dragons' Den...EcoTraction...http://www.ecotraction.com/

Knowing that it'll probably be sold out pretty soon (just like snow shovels) I rushed off to buy some after I located it at a local hardware store. Ever so pleased with myself for the find I headed home with the baby in tow. He was fussing in the car, so I proceeded to sing a song that we learned in our Mother Goose class...one line into the song and I realized that today was the day of the special Christmas Mother Goose class...and that it was about to start in 10 minutes!!! Yikes! A quick pit stop at home and we made it to the class in time for the start...phew! That was a close call! For the record, I had it written down in my planner...now whether or not I looked in that planner recently...that's a different question! =)

5. Injury during story time...

Baby S and I read books together. One would think that this is a relatively safe activity for a mother and child to partake in...apparently not in this household! Poor Baby S suffered his first boo boo while we were reading a book! He was trying to grab the pages in order to shove them into his mouth...typical...but then he suffered a paper cut on this thumb! Poor guy! I personally dread paper cuts more than any other injury (I'm wincing as I type this by the way)...but my little guy was a trooper! It didn't even phase him! He didn't even cry! I didn't even know it happened until I noticed that there was blood all over my hand!

The ridiculous irony in this is that we were reading a book called Boo Hoo Bird by Jeremy Tankard. (We bought the same book for our friend's daughter because we loved it so much!) It's about a bird that get INJURED and how his friends try to make him feel better afterwards. Of all books to hurt my child with...sigh...

Cloth Diapering Update

Yes, we took the plunge into the world of cloth diapering! Thanks to some good information from a couple of my friends who were kind enough to share their experiences and some good ol' internet research...we were off! =) Everyone else thought we were crazy...but we were so thankful to have a couple of fellow cloth diapering moms to lean on! =)

Our two main reasons for choosing cloth were the following:

-reducing the amount of waste going into our landfills (both the husband and I teach kids about doing our part for the environment...we needed to continue to "walk the walk") Here are some stats: http://www.ec.gc.ca/envirozine/english/issues/45/any_questions_e.cfm

-cost savings...kids are expensive! Although the initial investment into cloth diapers is hefty...the long term savings are HUGE! Check it out: http://www.tinygem.ca/cloth-vs-disposables.shtml

If you want to try to do the math yourself, here's a tool to help you (you'll need the prices of your choices though...) http://www.diaperpin.com/calculator/calculator.asp

We didn't start using the cloth right away...adjusting to parenthood was new enough thank you very much...but once we had a handle on everything, adding cloth diapers to the mix wasn't too bad at all! We were using cloth wipes from the very beginning...they just go into the same wash as the diapers.

You may be thinking the same things when I first thought about cloth diapers...

Ewww...gross!

So much work!

Safety pins and and cloths!

Washing must be gross!!!

It is actually not bad at all! (And this is coming from someone who is grossed out easily...TRUST ME!) Cloth diapers have come a long way in the last few years! The ones we use are pretty similar to a disposeable diaper...have a looksie here:

http://www.cottonbabies.com/product_info.php?products_id=1279

There are SO many different types of cloth diapers to choose from...you really need to research and see which ones suit your needs best. This particular one works for us...but it may not be ideal for other folks.

We chose this particular diaper for the following reasons:

-one size--it adjusts in size to grow with your baby--don't need to buy different sets of diapers for different stages in the baby's life

-pocket diaper--ability to adjust absorbency needs by adding or removing stuffing--also takes less time to dry in the dryer

-design--easy to put on...just like a disposable diaper because it has velcro attachments...no folding...no pins...easy peasy!

-one piece--no extra cover required

Aside from some pee leaks early on (mostly due to us not putting on the diaper properly)...they have been awesome! No poopy explosions unlike the disposeable diapers we used in the beginning! I'll take pee leaks over poopy explosions any day!!!!! =)

We aren't exclusively using cloth diapers...we use disposables sometimes when we are going out (depending on the outfit)...usually because the cloth diapers are a bit bulkier and some of Baby S's pants don't fit right because of it...and we use a disposable overnight. Cloth diapers don't hold as much as disposables do...we'd have to change Baby S overnight if he was in the cloth (he would wake up more), so we figured using a disposable diaper in order to have uninterrupted sleep is okay! =) We're using cloth for most of the time...we're doing our part...but we're not perfect!

As for washing etc. I think this website does a good job of describing it:

http://www.newandgreen.com/info_diaper_care.html

All in all it is a thumbs up in our household!

Baby S's diaper rashes are minimal to non-existent...

The diaper laundry is manageable...

We are saving money...

Baby S is starting his life in this world by doing his part for the environment...

Let me know if you want to chat diapers! =)

BC Women's Hospital Milk Bank

(See website if you are interested in any of the following:)

Blood donor...check.

http://www.blood.ca/centreapps/internet/uw_v502_mainengine.nsf/page/Home?opendocument

Hair donor...check.

http://www.cancer.ca/british%20columbia-yukon/support%20services/hair%20donations.aspx?sc_lang=en

Registered organ donor...check.

http://www.transplant.bc.ca/index.asp

Registered bone marrow donor...check.

http://www.blood.ca/CentreApps/Internet/UW_V502_MainEngine.nsf/page/E_ubmdrPKG-intro?OpenDocument&CloseMenu

Donating extra milk to Canada's only human milk bank? Might as well!! =) Everything else seems to be fair game already... =)

Yes...BC Women's Hospital is the home of Canada's one and only human milk bank. They provide milk to babies in the NICU and to babies with mothers who are having trouble producing enough milk. There are also some babies that cannot take formula AT ALL due to allergy issues and health complications...I heard of one mom in Toronto that has milk shipped to her from Vancouver and the U.S. because her baby cannot take any formula...she relies solely on milk banks to feed her child!

There used to be more milk banks around the country...but the whole HIV issue in the 80s caused the closure of most of the milk banks across the country. The one that we have in Vancouver is not funded by the government and relies entirely on donations to continue to operate.

If you are a mom / soon to be mom...please consider donating your extra milk!

If you are looking for a great cause to donate money to...this is a good one! Any amount will make a difference!

Here are some links for more information. I'm also happy to answer any questions from a donor perspective.

http://www.cw.bc.ca/library/pdf/pamphlets/Donor%20Milk%20Bank_bcw800_may05.pdf

http://www.bcwomens.ca/Services/PregnancyBirthNewborns/HospitalCare/Breastfeeding.htm

Keeping Baby S healthy...

Since Baby S is always shoving his thumb or his hands in his mouth...I am very concerned when people start touching his hands! Eep! (Let me disclose that before I had my child, I was the worst offender of this...the first thing I did whenever I met a baby was to reach for his/her hand...now that I am a parent, I have stopped...)

If hand washing is the best defence against getting sick...and babies are unable to wash their own hands regularly...and if babies under the age of 2 are in the high risk group for getting seriously ill from viruses like H1N1...people touching the hands of babies who frequently chomp on their hands are potentially going to get the kid sick! (Unless of course you wash your hands before touching the baby's hands...then you're okay in my books...) Unfortunately, Baby S cannot get his H1N1 vaccine or his flu vaccine until he is 6 months old...argh!

Now, I know that I have a bit of a reputation for being a germaphobe...I will be first to admit it...but I think I'm correct on this one...at least for our child...other parents can decide what they want for their own children. Don't get me wrong...our child does NOT live in a germ-free bubble (those of you who have been to our home can attest to that...eep!)...we don't bleach anything...his toys are not sprayed down...Baby S puts random stuff into his mouth from time to time...and we have a dog! No household with a dog is pristine by any long stretch! But this hand touching thing during this flu season has really touched a nerve with us. Y'all have germy hands...germy hands touch baby hands...baby puts hand in mouth...baby gets sick! Eep!

No parent wants to see their child sick...EVER. The pain and suffering associated with illness, especially in young babies who are unable to tell you what's wrong with them, is heart wrenching! Not to mention the fact that babies can get really sick...really fast because of their young age.

Since babies rely on parents to protect and nurture them in every way, why wouldn't we do our best to try to prevent them from getting sick? I'm not naive...I fully realize that our kid is going to be ill from time to time (I'm sure he'll get his fair share of illnesses from his two teacher parents over time) and that his immunity will be built up over time...blah blah blah...but that doesn't mean that I don't try to prevent him from getting sick when I can...especially at this young age. I certainly take measures to prevent myself from getting sick...and don't we all? I have NEVER heard of any adult wanting to get sick on purpose...and in theory...we can all continue to "build up our immune system" to no end...yet we continue to take preventative measures all the time for ourselves. Yet I often find people saying, "Oh let him get sick...it'll be good for him!" or "It'll be good for his immune system!"...easy words for people who don't have to suffer (physically, psychologically, emotionally) along with a young baby for the duration of the illness! =(

Please don't be offended when we ask you if you are sick or not, or to please wash your hands before handling the baby or to try not to touch his hands...we are just trying to look out for our kid.

At the end of the day...

We are the ones who gave Baby S life (the whole development of life is truly miraculous if you ask me...so many things have to go right before a healthy baby can be born into this world...I'm sure all parents will agree with me on this one!)...

I carried Baby S for 40 weeks doing my darndest to make sure that I did whatever it took to ensure the best possible outcome for my baby...

We are his parents and primary caregivers...and we love him to no end...and we have worked so hard to give him a healthy life...

We have both worked very hard at staying healthy ourselves in order to prevent Baby S from catching anything from us...

We realize that he will be sick from time to time...we just want to avoid him getting sick when we can, especially when he is so young...

Please respect our wishes of wanting to keep our son healthy by washing your hands before you play with him...or avoid touching his hands if possible...and of course stay away if you are ill...you will save these two parents a lot of worrying...and at the end of the day he is our child and we are the ones that have to take care of him and worry about him when he is ill...just remember that...help us parents out! =)

Oh and for the record I think these people in this article are crazy...please read the following link:

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/health/Doctors-warn-against-Swine-Flu-Parties-78819937.html

Here are some pics of Baby S over time shoving his hand in his mouth...

Fears of Santa Claus...

I often wonder when and why kids develop a fear of Santa Claus...

Is it because he looks scary? Is it fear that is developed because kids sense the anxiety from their parents? Is it stranger danger?

I must admit I have had a not-so-pleasant looking photo with Santa around the age of 1...tears and all...I will try to find it and post it...but for the most part I don't have any other evidence or memory of bad Santa experiences. It's always been fun ever since I can remember...and I have also tried searching for other not-so-happy photos with Santa...but to no avail.

The husband has admitted to shedding some tears around the age of 5 (which we all know probably extended a few years past that...he just won't admit it...)...

Not to mention the countless kids you see at the mall screaming (and I mean screaming...) when approaching Santa....

I am hoping that Baby S will be a friend of Santa...hard to tell with this year...we've only had a Santa photo at the Breakfast with Santa that we attended at the local community centre. We have yet to brave the mall Santa...although that is on the list of things to do before Christmas.

I'm not sure the Breakfast with Santa photo should even count...kid was asleep. He was wired when we got there...proceeded to fall asleep when the festivities began...and then woke up right when I sat down next to Santa...just in time for the photo. See photo series below...

I hope Baby S will not develop a fear of Santa...only time will tell...we will try our best to make it a happy experience for him. Any tips will be greatly appreciated from all of you seasoned veterans out there! =)

Time sure flies...

I've been saying, "Time sure flies..." a lot recently...and I truly believe it.

Baby S will be 6 months old at the end of the month...can you believe it!

He looked like this last year around this time...

And now he looks like this!

Oftentimes we don't realize how much he has grown...it's tough to notice when you see the kid every day. It is often when we look back at some of his earlier photos that we notice how much he has grown.

Here's Baby S in his carseat on the day we came home from the hospital:

Here's Baby S at 5 months of age in the very same carseat:

Advice to new parents and soon to be parents: enjoy every moment because they change so quickly! Make sure to take lots of photos too! =)

Elevator Etiquette...

What is it with people and elevators? Manners and consideration apparently don't apply when one is using an elevator. As a new mom with a stroller I have recently entered the realm of elevator usage. Here's what really grinds my gears about people and elevators in malls:

1. Lazy non-essential users

Elevators should be used by the following categories of people:

-the elderly

-people with mobility issues

-people with strollers or with small children in tow

-people carrying large parcels or carts of goods

-people who are traveling up/down multiple floors (not just ONE!)

Maybe it's the teacher in me...but it really bothers me when flocks of able bodied teenagers are too lazy to take the stairs or escalators and instead decide to monopolize the elevators. They have options. Me with the baby and stroller? No other option. I can't believe that there are signs that need to remind people to give priority to people in wheelchairs and strollers...dude...shouldn't that be obvious? Sigh...

2. People who rush in...

This has happened to me multiple times...I'm trying to get out with my stroller...people start getting on the elevator while I'm trying to get out. They squeeze by us. We are in no way taking too long...they are just impatient. Dude...it is hard enough to drive this darn stroller without running people over...do you really need to squeeze by us? Can't you wait a couple of seconds? If you let us out first it would be a lot easier! ARGH!!!

3. People who can't wait their turn...

I must say my fellow strollerites are the worst at this! Dude! We're supposed to be on the same team! We should be in solidarity!

It bothers me to the nth degree when people can't wait their turn...whether it's waiting for the bus...waiting at the food court...waiting for a parking spot....or waiting to use the elevator.

It's often very obvious who has been waiting for the elevator the longest...very much like a 4 way stop intersection. But to some people, the opening of the elevator doors apparently means that all bets are off and it's every man for himself! What the heck! Wait your turn! There have been several occasions where other people have BUDGED (yes...I have pulled out the old school elementary school lingo to describe this!) in front of us and barged right into the elevator while we watched...and believe me...I was not asleep at the wheel when it happened.

We get back at people in our own passive aggressive way...our normally quiet baby is usually easily hushed to silence by us...but if we're in an elevator with someone who has ignored all basic means of etiquette...we allow him to scream in that small and confined space. Ha ha! Serves them right! Our baby is showing them who's boss! I must say that Baby S has a knack for fussing at the most suitable times too...perhaps he can sense his mother's annoyance...standing up for his mommy already! Awwww.... =)

Here is a link to a website dedicated to elevator etiquette...yes...such a website needs to exist apparently:

http://www.elevatorrules.com/

However...I prefer to simplify it just like how I simplify guidelines for behaviour in the classroom. One word: RESPECT. Be respectful of others in every way and you are bound to be showing proper etiquette.

Rant over. More to come... =)

Why hasn't the blog been updated?!?#@

Sorry about the lack of posting for the last month. It has been hectic. After my mom went back to work I was left to fend for myself! The husband was working for the first half of August...but he finally got some time off for the last half of the month. We have been trying to cram in as much family time as we can before school started for the year.

The beginning of the school year has been strange for me. I've worked at one job or another since the age of 15. I honestly can't remember what life was like before working. I've always been in school...or working...or both. It will be weird not doing either for the next while.

On the one hand I am thankful that I get to spend 14 months with Baby S before I have to go to work (these are certainly days to be treasured...he's growing up so fast!)...on the other hand I miss the hustle and bustle of teaching. I must admit I had the requisite injection of stress when I first saw those darn Staples back to school ads on TV...I've been conditioned to dread this time of year! I'm sure I won't miss the planning, marking and commuting associated with working...however I will miss the interactions with students and colleagues. Hopefully some well-timed visits to school will alleviate some of my withdrawal symptoms.

(As a side note I would like to add that I am happy that I will be at home instead of working during this whole H1N1 business this flu season. Germaphobe mommy is glad to be away from all of the potential flu bug carriers! )

Baby S is almost 3 months old now. He enjoys chatting up a storm with his mommy, daddy, grandpa and grandma. His coos are very cute! He is very smiley (especially in the morning) and tries very hard to speak. He loves baths and loves going out. He enjoys our family walks and outings. He is obsessed with his animal mobile and loves it when people sing to him.

Casey is still trying to get used to having Baby S is around...although I think he is still waiting for this invader to leave like the other house guests from days past.

Here are some pics of Baby S from this past month:

Baby S is sporting his monster costume for Halloween...it's early...we know...but we couldn't help it! It's so cute!

Baby S enjoying his bath time as usual!

Baby S loves putting his fist in his mouth...so strange...

Baby S is not letting go of his toys!

Baby S is wearing the first shirt that I bought for him on the day that I found out that I was going to have a baby boy.

Here is a video of Baby S during one of our morning conversations (he's the cutest from the 45 second mark onwards...) :

Secret Weapons....

We have a couple of secret weapons that we have been using to appease Baby S during his more difficult episodes. One we happened upon by chance...and the other was a smart purchase after some research over the internet.

Secret weapon #1--dealing with crying and general unruliness

We slowly began to notice that Baby S took a liking to lights. We have documented our experience in the next series of photos:

Baby S finally stopped crying!! What is he staring at so intently?

It must to something interesting...we must investigate!

Baby S LOVES staring at our kitchen light fixture...an ugly relic from many moons ago. He instantly stops crying when we walk into the kitchen and allow him to admire the light. We have since discovered that he takes a liking to most lights anywhere...thank goodness...something to calm him down with. Our kitchen light fixture is fool proof! Thank goodness!!! =)

Secret Weapon #2--sleeping soundly at night

The first month was full of many sleepless nights. Baby S would cry for no apparent reason between 12am and 4am. When he finally fell asleep...it would only last a short time before he woke up again...repeat process. I must say that my arm, back and leg muscles got quite a workout from the pacing and rocking for hours on end...it probably did wonders for dropping all of the pregnancy weight! =) We were getting desperate...we needed help. That is when I discovered secret weapon #2.

Notice the seemingly plain bear sleeping alongside Baby S. This is no ordinary stuffed bear. He is our saviour. Our prayers for peaceful slumber have been answered!

The Prince Lionheart Slumber Bear plays a sound recording of the noises that a fetus hears while in its mother's womb. It is a combination of static-like white noise along with the heartbeat of the mother. Babies find this sound very soothing since it reminds them of the 9 months spent in the womb. The sounds are meant to comfort the baby so that it falls asleep faster and stays asleep longer. Any movement or sound turns on the bear automatically for 5 minute intervals.

I saw this at the store when I was pregnant. I believe I scoffed at it. I was not a believer. I was SO wrong. I think the sleep gods got wind of my skepticism and decided to teach me a lesson...hence the 12am-4am marathon crying sessions. The husband was also a non-believer. He was angry that I was wasting money on such nonsense. He was SO wrong. After the first night of success...we had hope...and when night after night we experienced peaceful slumber...we were reformed! Never again will be doubt the power of the Slumber Bear. When you have babies...this will be our gift to you! It is that good...

http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=2689396

Our adventures so far....

I've been bad.

I've ignored the Chinese tradition of staying home with the baby for the first month...

Thank goodness we've been out and about...I think I'd go stir crazy otherwise!

We have been very fortunate to have many visits from our friends to break the monotony...please come over and visit! We'd love to have you! =)

Aside from the visits...we've been out and about quite a bit. Keep in mind that the usual spontaneity of, "going out" has all but vanished for us.

Having a baby requires packing and planning: making sure that the baby bag is restocked, packing the stroller, not forgetting the baby when we walk out of the door (a fear of mine since we are still getting used to the idea that we actually have one...), planning outings around feedings, making sure we know where the bathrooms are for diaper changes, making sure that our destination is not too hot (which really only came into play during the crazy heat wave that we've experienced over the last little while)....etc etc. I must say that the husband and I have the pre-trip routine down to an art form now...nothing like teamwork to get us out of the door in a decent amount of time.

Don't get me wrong...we haven't gone anywhere too fancy. In the last six weeks we have done the following:

-grocery shopping (yes this is considered an outing now...don't laugh...)

-went to the mall many times...mostly to bask in the glory of air conditioning during the heat wave...but also early on to satisfy my post pregnancy food cravings in the food court... =) Judging by the number of strollers that I see at the mall each time, I suspect that Baby S and I will be spending much of our time there just like the other moms...

-went to a wedding rehearsal and dinner

-went to an outdoor wedding in Ladner

-family meals at restaurants (including sushi twice woot woot!)

-family walks with the dog

-went to a touch rugby game

-went to a backyard BBQ

Upcoming events: another wedding, a kung fu banquet, the PNE...the sky is the limit! =)

Not bad for a little 6 week old if you ask me! We'll try to be a bit more adventurous once we're more comfortable with this whole parenthood thing...but then again...how adventurous can one be with an infant?

Here are some latest pics:

At our first wedding...

Falling asleep on daddy...finally!

Bath time antics...including a lot of cross-eyedness...

The honeymoon is over...

Sigh...

I've been spoiled by my mother for the last 6 weeks...

She took her vacation time from work (she had been saving up for a while) to coincide with the birth of Baby S. My mother has been coming over every day during the week to help out with Baby S since he was born...and this week she returned to work...so I am left to fend for myself while the husband is at work.

Frightening? Yes...

Hectic? Yes...

Doable? Yes...but...

Better being spoiled by your mother while she takes care of your child? Yes...

Mom's are great...I definitely miss having her around...we were very lucky that she was able to help us out for the first 6 weeks...I don't know how some mom's survive without help!

I am very happy that she got to bond with Baby S over the last few weeks...grandmas are meant to spoil their grandchildren and she did just that! =) God knows she's been yearning to be a grandma for a long time... =)

We love grandma! =) Here are some pics with grandma over the last six weeks...look at how much I've grown! =)

One month pics

Haven't posted any new pics on this blog for a while...here are some of the latest! =)

Top 10s

Now that we're settling into our routines, we have started looking back at things that we were glad that we did and things that we would do differently. I've put them into a Top 10 list format...hopefully some of you will find this useful...or amusing... =)

Top 10 things we're GLAD we did (no particular order):

#1 Not following crazy Chinese superstitions regarding postpartum care. Please see below:

"Chinese Postpartum Care

Chinese mothers too enjoy a special period known as “confinement” to help them recuperate. The period is usually 30 days although some families extend it to 45 or even 60 days, depending on their financial state. During this period, a caregiver called a “confinement lady” is employed to attend to all the needs of the mother and baby. Poorer families may request the help of older female relatives for the job.

The confinement lady is responsible for preparing special baths with herbs; cooking food rich in herbs, especially ginger; carrying out day-to-day housework and even taking care of the infant at night. She also makes sure that the mother observes all the taboos during this time – no hair washing, no showering with regular tap water, no frequent hand washing, no eating fresh and raw fruits and even no venturing out of the house!"

Isn't that ridiculous! Confinement to the home would have driven me insane...we've ventured out for walks, grocery shopping, trips to the mall, eating out and a wedding. If I was confined to the home I would definitely go crazy. I've fought my mother on this...she has decided that having a crazy daughter caring for her only grandson is not favourable...she has given up trying to keep me caged in.

I must say that having my mother help us out during the week has been a blessing! It's nice to have someone else around when the husband is at work...and bringing us food every day is nice too! Thank goodness for mom and my uncle who owns a restaurant! =)

Not washing hair? Not bathing? Can you imagine that! Especially after labour etc? What were my people thinking...basic hygiene dude!

#2 Splurging on a double electric breast pump

Once upon a time I considered only using a hand pump to express milk...in the hospital we were happy to use the single electric pump...but now that we have a double electric pump we have seen the light! Life is too short...time is of the essence with a small infant...having a double pump has saved us a lot of time! Well worth the money! The husband does the night feedings and we have extra milk to freeze and store for later as well (who knows how long this milk factory can keep going...) We have also invested in a contraption that holds the pump in place, freeing up the hands during pumping...well worth the investment as well!

#3 Buying baby things ahead of time bit by bit.

I love shopping. I love planning ahead. I love investing money in better quality things that last longer/work better rather than getting things just because the price is right. We were able to buy some nicer things because we spread out all of our purchases over a long period of time.

We started shopping for baby items well before we planned on having Baby S. Baby furniture, stroller, clothes were all purchased over the last couple of years. I must say it helps financially to break up the shopping over time...babies are expensive creatures...it's nice to have little purchases here and there rather than one whopping bill all at once.

There was some worry about "jinxing" our chances of being able to have a baby...you know...buying things ahead of time only to find out that you might have trouble...but it all ended up working out fine...no jinxing after all and we are blessed with our little son! =)

#4 Mountain Buggy Stroller and Carry Cot

We are extremely happy with the stroller that we chose! It's very maneuverable and it suits our needs perfectly (it'll be great on the muddy rugby field sidelines)! We purchased the carry cot to use for the first few months and we can't imagine life without it! It's great for newborns when you're out and about because they lay flat (babies should not be in car seats for long periods of time--see link below for details...hence us opting not just plopping a car seat onto a stroller.) We use the carry cot as a bassinet at home...Baby S has been sleeping in this since we got home from the hospital.

Info on why newborns should not be left in car seats for long periods of time:

http://www.canada.com/Life/leave+newborn+sleeping+seat/1370661/story.html?id=1370661

#5 Aden and Anais Muslin Receiving Blankets

http://www.adenandanais.com/

I bought these muslin receiving blankets a while back and they have been fantastic! For anyone that is having a summer baby...these receiving blankets are a must have! Because of the weave of the fabric they are super breathable and they keep Baby S warm without making him stuffy and sweaty. They are also HUGE and can be folded to suit your needs. A bit pricey...but well worth the money.

#6 Having the husband partake in feeding the baby.

The husband is in charge of night time feedings. I am up at every feeding as well...I'm just pumping instead. It's been great to have dad bond with the baby during feeding time. I also welcome the break from feeding (feeding 8 times a day is exhausting--especially since Baby S usually takes up to an hour to finish! ) We are happy that Baby S is able to switch from bottle feeding to breastfeeding without any problems...this means he doesn't have to be attached to me 24/7 and can be left with other caretakers if needs be. Am taking names for babysitters now... =)

#7 Using cloth washcloths as wipes instead of using disposable wipes.

We are planning on using cloth diapers for Baby S...he's just too small at the moment...we'll start once the sizing is right.

We have been using washcloths and water as wipes instead of using the disposable wipes (however we do use the disposable wipes when we are out of the house...it's just less hassle when you're on the road.) This has worked out well! Our decision to do so is based on the environment (less waste by reusing washcloths), finances (cheaper to reuse washcloths than to buy disposable wipes), and health (using only water is better than using wipes with various chemicals and additives.) Hopefully the cloth diapers will work out just as well!

#8 Taking pain relief drugs during labour.

I cannot stress this enough: they don't give out trophies for enduring labour pain! Why put yourself through it? The prospects of not taking the pain meds and being exhausted after the delivery while suffering through the pain does not seem to be a good idea to me. Being rested enough to take care of the newborn was important to me. I was a happy camper after the morphine and the epidural...Baby S had no side effects from it...nor did I. Some people are afraid of the epidural needle going in their back...honestly...the pain associated with that is NOTHING compared to the pain of contractions.

#9 My Brest Friend breastfeeding pillow

http://www.mybrestfriend.com/

Funny name...yes. Looks ridiculous...yes. Useful...absolutely! This is a pillow that wraps around the body to help support the weight of the baby during breastfeeding. It helps a lot especially since I had a c-section. It takes close to an hour to feed...so anything to take some of the weight is super handy!

#10 Getting a PVR.

I love watching TV. I was raised on TV.

With our crazy hours now it's tough to watch any show at any given time. Enter the PVR...recording shows ahead of time...skipping commercials...watching them whenever I want...what a beautiful thing...

#11 Buying and using the Snoogle body pillow.

http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=2691303

The Snoogle pillow has made sleep wonderful! Joe and Casey love it too and I have to fight them for it! I still use it now...LOVE IT! It's a body pillow that provides back support and keeps you sleeping on your side (moms to be should sleep on their left side). Best investment ever...been sleeping like a baby since this pillow! We no longer have to have 6 different pillows and cushions wedged everywhere at bedtime!

Three weeks in...

Three weeks into motherhood...where has the time gone!


We are JUST starting to get a handle on things...it seems that life revolves around feeding the kid around the clock...just when we think we're done...we're due for another feeding in a very short time. Thank goodness the husband has taken the lead with the diapers...and thank goodness my mom has been by every day to help out.


Phew! I don't know how people are able to handle twins etc. because our singleton certainly keeps us on our toes!


Here are some of the highlights and lowlights of the last three weeks:


Number of people pooped on: 2

(Joe and my Mom were victims of my poor diapering techniques...it LOOKED like it was on properly...)


Number of times Baby S "christened" the change table (and anyone nearby) during a diaper change: countless

(you'd think we would've learned to cope by now...nope...ahhh...the joys of having a son...)


Number of family walks with the dog a day: 2

(Casey has yet to learn that suddenly walking in front of the stroller is not a good idea...so oblivious)


Number of hours of continuous sleep at any given time: 2

What's REM sleep again? It's foreign to me now...



Number of feedings in a day: 7-8

Yup...that's every 3 hours or so...hence never sleeping for more than 2 hours at a time...sigh...

Number of visitors so far: 6

Let us know if you want to pop by to see Baby S! No sickies though! (Still a germaphobe...I know...)

Number of funny facial expressions that Baby S makes: too many to count!

I'll try my best to take more pics...he's just too funny! =)

Post pregnancy food update:

As mentioned in one of my earlier posts, there are many foods that I have been craving for the last 9 months or so. I am happy to report that I have eaten many of the items on the list! My first week after the baby was born was not so fun...I had zero appetite and was in no shape to eat much of anything. I have recovered since then and have indulged on many of my favourites! The only things that I have NOT had a chance to eat yet are the following: vietnamese sub, screamer, rare steak and undercooked eggs. Sounds like the making of one heck of a breakfast meal all at once if you ask me! I will get to these items soon enough...=)

Ready for visitors!

Baby S is now a whopping two weeks old now and we are finally settling into our routines.


He loves keeping us awake all night and spends most of the day sleeping (soundly)...should've figured as much because that's how his activity was when he was still in the tummy.

Casey is being a very good big brother...poor guy is getting just as much sleep as we are...he looks exhausted and is craving the attention of others...please give him his fair share when you visit! =)

I'm feeling MUCH better this week and we are ready for visitors! Give us a call if you want to pop by to see the baby...we'll work out a good time around feedings etc. Please excuse the state of the "war zone" that we are living in...we'll have time to tidy up eventually... =)

Here are some recent pics:

Sleeping in his Mountain Buggy carry cot (aka the bassinet)...we are in love with our Mountain Buggy stroller...it's the best! Baby S falls asleep every time we take him out for a stroll too...maybe we should start taking 2am walks...

Baby S loves sleeping with his hand propping up his head or his hand on his face in some way...he's always naturally sleeping like this...so cute. He had his hands against his face in his 3D ultrasound photos too...

The next three photos are of variations of a cute face that Baby S makes that we like to refer to as the "Face of Carnage." Cute...yes...but unfortunately this face is usually followed by carnage in the diaper of massive proportions...watch out if you spot this face... =)

Big brother Casey loves bringing his toys to greet visitors...make sure you give him a nice pat on the head when you pop by so he doesn't get jealous! =) He's been very good with the baby...he even licks him from time to time (which really doesn't mean much because Casey licks everyone's feet as well...yuck...)