The Prissy Mommy Chronicles

Bringing My Needle and Thread Out of Retirement

So Chase is totally in love with Moose A. Moose, the host of the Noggin Network.  Moose A. Moose and Zee are his favorite friends without a doubt.  He grins and stares transfixed whenever he hears his voice or sees him on TV.  It took me a a couple of days to figure out what Chase was reacting to every time he would break into this huge smile, between programs... but once I realized, it was just the cutest thing to see!  I mean, he really thinks Moose is the bee's knees! 

I've been looking all over for the perfect Moose doll for Chase to have, so he doesn't have to wait to catch fleeting glimpses of Moose between shows.  I quickly discovered that Noggin doesn't really market any Moose A. Moose products for kids.  That was so surprising to me!  However, I did notice that lots of folks make their own Noggin characters from home and then sell them online.  I found one really cool site, by a woman named Gramma Ruth, who hand-makes Moose A. Moose and Zee puppets.  Cute as they may be, these hand-made dolls cost an arm and a leg!  I'm not sure what folks are charging these prices for--labor?  Because it darn sure doesn't cost that much to buy some fabric and thread!   

I figured that since I have some sewing ability I would try to make my own doll for Chase! I looked online and found a coloring book picture that I thought would be a good one to sketch a pattern from.  I printed it out, then brought it to work and blew it up 200x.  Now it's the perfect size for my pattern!  I haven't decided if I want to make a stuffed toy or a hand puppet (which would be cool as I could talk/sing to him in my Moose voice). 

I'm excited about this new project!   I haven't sewn anything in a while (I'm talking years!), and I don't have any sewing materials what so ever.  I think tomorrow morning Chase and I are going to take a trip to Michael's so I can buy the things I need.

My Shopping List:

yellow fabric (body)

brown fabric (antlers & mouth)

white felt (eye balls)

black felt (irises & nostrils)

pink felt (tongue)

brown string (eyebrows)

needles

yellow & brown thread

fabric glue

stuffing

I can't wait to begin!  I haven't decorated a cake or worked on a major craft project in a while, and I can feel that adrenaline rush that I get before I start a new project.  The creative juices are flowing!  I don't really have free time on weekdays to work on this, so I think this will be my little weekend project.  Oooh, I can't wait to see the look on Chase's face when I hand him his very own Moose A. Moose doll.  LOL, I wonder if I'm being overly ambitious...? Nah, I really do think I can pull this off.  Wish me luck!

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Prissy Mommy's "Pearls" For Mommys-To-Be

This post was inspired by one of my favorite bloggers Jenn, aka Future Mama, who recently asked her circle of Twitter moms for preparatory advice while in the pre-pregnancy planning stages. In addition to the advice/resources I was given pre, during, and immediately following pregnancy, I picked up a few pearls of my own along the way.

Whether preggers, TTC, or simply contemplating children "one of these days," I hope you find my personal "pearls of wisdom" helpful. This is what they *dont* put in the pregnancy books! *smile*

image source: Everyday People Cartoons

Spending Smart:

• If possible, try and wait for your baby shower to purchase any items for baby!  Between family, friends, and co-workers you'll receive so much that you'll likely be returning duplicates of things.  Pick up remaining registry items after the shower--if there's anything left to buy at all (and I suspect it will be the "basics," ie, wipes/pampers/nursing pads).
• Even during the chaos of opening presents at your shower, try and hang on to any gift receipts (and packing slips you receive from items in the mail).  It will be easier to make exchanges when you make your trips to Targe' and Babies R Us. 
• With regards to baby clothes when creating your registry, ask for a range of sizes.  Babies grow at lightening speed, and you'll be grateful to have the next sizes already on-hand as your little munchkin outgrows Newborn sizes within weeks (yes, weeks!)
• On the subject of clothes... while it's super fun and temptingto buy a whooole bunch of maternity outfits (and omg, there are some cute ones out there!), definitely limit yourself in terms of how much you buy.  Remember, while pregnancy lasts 40 weeks, the first few months you will still fit into your pre-pregnancy clothing (especially with a Secret Fit Belly panel).  Hit the sales and begin buying maternity clothes in your first trimester, and you can continue to buy even during the second trimester (if you discover that you under-estimated how much weight you'd gain), but toward the end of your pregnancy I'd put a halt on adding to your maternity wardrobe.  Be creative--mix and match the clothes you have!  To keep spending money on clothes you will just put away (until the next time) or give away really isn't wise at this point.  Now, more than ever, is a time to really be selective about where any extra money is going.  It's now time to start focusing on what's left to be purchased for baby/nursery, rather than expanding your maternity wardrobe. 
• In terms of creating your registry: Don't rely solely on what you think you need.  Totally consult with girlfriends who've had babies within the last year (or two), or simply check out their registries (if still available on-line).  Ask them about specific items if you have questions (i.e., Did you really need that $300 Baby Einstein bouncer? How often did Baby Jessie use it?  How long before she outgrew it?  Would you buy it again if you could do it all over?)
• With regards to registry items, I use a co-sleeper instead of a bassinette.  Love it!!! This is especially perfect if you’re going to breastfeed! I highly recommend the co-sleeper.
• If possible, buy a convertible crib.  A convertible crib grows with your baby.  It converts into a Toddler Bed, Day Bed (for lounging), and Full Size bed.  That way you don't have to replace baby's furniture as he/she grows bigger.
• If you plan to breastfeed and return to work, definitely invest in a good, quality electronic pump.  It's worth the extra money that you'll spend. 
• Don't spend too much money on the pregnancy books (i.e., What to Expect When  You're Expecting, etc.)  While these books are “tradition” and, in fact, may very well be passed on to you from mom/sister (in which case, totally take it and thank her!) all of the information found in these books can be found online for FREE.  I mean, really, it's a new day.  I know our moms and elders cite these books as the best thing since sliced bread but, unless you’re one who just appreciates the feel/smell/experience of handling an actual book, I would save the trouble and just find the resources online.  BabyCenter.com was a gem--THE best pregnancy resource ever.  Do sign up for their weekly email updates and, through their newsletters, message boards, and search engine, I think you'll find that you have all the information you need.
• If staying at home with baby isn't an option for you, begin researching day care/nanny services right away!  You'll need to factor the cost of child care into your budget, and also be mindful that a good child care center could have a waiting list of 9-12 months.  You'll want to get on a few waiting lists early in your pregnancy, and then take your time and tour/interview afterward.

Labor And Delivery:

• Only Tivo "A Baby Story" (on TLC) if you really want to face the realities of the birthing process (i.e., the blood, sweat, and tears!).  For some ladies it's helpful, but for others it's more upsetting and only leads to more worry and speculation.  Don't feel compelled to watch this program because you've "heard" that other moms-to-be enjoy it!  Every woman's thresh-hold is different, and do only what makes you comfortable.  The labor and delivery is going to happen regardless--so watching it on television (to me) isn't doing anything to prepare you for it that a child birthing class can't do--except make you more nervous.
• Remember, every woman is different.  So no matter how many different accounts of the birthing process you hear, don't take any of it as an absolute truth. It will likely not be the same experience for you.  So be wary of the woman who totally minimizes it and acts like it was a walk in the park that she breezed through, and also be wary of the woman who acts like it was the most awful, traumatic experience in the world.  It will be YOUR experience, and I think you will find that it doesn't duplicate anything you've heard. 
• I would definitely recommend taking at least a couple of parenting classes.  Derek and I did 1) Child Birth Education Class (Bradley Method), 2) Caring For Your Newborn, and 3) Infant Safety/CPR.  To me, #1 and #3 were quite valuable.  If you ask Derek, he will likely say that only #3 was useful for him.  Whatever the case, I think taking a class or two will give you and partner "peace of mind," if nothing else.  Perhaps much of what is taught is common sense, but I think it does make you feel a little more relaxed about the whole process.  Besides, it's fun meeting other couples who are due close to you!

Personal Care/Health:

• Take care of any pressing medical conditions prior to getting preggers.  For example, in my case, I have a condition called Periodontal Disease.  This is a gum disease that, if left untreated, can lead to low-birth weight/premature birth.  Also important that I treated this prior to conceiving because I needed X-rays, Novocaine, and other procedures that you absolutely cannot get while carrying a fetus.
• Definitely try and relax and SLEEP and chill, by yourself and/or with hubby, before the baby comes. Don't spend all your free moments working or preparing for baby, take time for YOU. Sleep in, sleep in, sleep in.... go out, have a (non-alcoholic) drink, go on dates..... enjoy your couple's time. Because once baby comes, you'll be giving up much of that--the free time, the extra sleep, basically the YOU time..... at least in the beginning.
• If possible, get your hair done and mani/pedi right before your're admitted to the hospital. (This isn't always possible, especially if you go into labor naturally).  You will have lots of visitors, family/friends/co-workers, while in the hospital, and the birth itself will take a physical and emotional toll on you.  It will help lift your spirits to look attractive when visitors come by, as folks will wants pictures of you and baby.  *Note* Be sure that you and your partner have an "emergency plan" in place in case you should go into labor while at the salon.  This was especially important for me, as my salon is in a whole different borough from where I live, and I take a 40 minute train ride to get there. Yes, it was just that serious. We had a plan though. *smile*
• With that said, I would advise scheduling your appointments several days before your due date.  In my case, I hadn't dilated very much with each weekly OB appointment, and eventually my due-date came and went.  I knew I had a bit of time to play with before Chase made his grand debut, so I wasn't super anxious about going into labor while at the salon.  My OB ended up scheduling an induction three days after my due-date.  So I knew when I was going in and, thus, went to the salon the day before. 

Biggest Surprises:

• It was a shock to find out that a full gestational period is 40 weeks, since everyone always refers to pregnancy as being 9 months (which is 36 weeks). Ha! Yeah right. And if you don't go into labor naturally, most OBs won't induce you until up to 42 weeks.  So yes, you're looking at a possible 10 1/2 months of pregnancy.
• Immediately after birth, it was startling to discover that I still looked (at least 3 months) preggers.  I guess I assumed that, as soon as the baby popped out, my stomach/abdomen would immediately deflate and I'd look my former, svelte self.  Ummmm, not so much.  It will likely take a couple of months before your uterus has shrunk back completely, and of course it helps if you're breast-feeding.  Oh!  And don't be surprised if you still find yourself quite comfortable wearing a few maternity clothes even after baby's arrival.  *raises hand* 
• It was also alarming to discover that breastfeeding did not come as easily or naturally as I thought it would. Because it's such a natural, beautiful, and age-old process, I guess I just assumed that me and the baby would click instinctively and automatically develop this great breastfeeding relationship. But it didn't happen that easily. It took a LOT of work and perseverance and pain and tears shed (on both me and Chase's parts).  Were I to do it over, I would take a breastfeeding class offered by the hospital or our local prenatal yoga center.  While we took all the other classes, I must admit I kind of scoffed at this one because I figured things would fall into place.  Eventually they did.  But I realize now it would have been more helpful to have been more knowledgeable about the process beforehand.
• You really do get used to the sleepless nights.  After a while you stop feeling drowsy during the day.  I guess your circadian rhythm just re-adjusts.  I mention this only because, prior to motherhood, I assumed that the nightly feedings would be more difficult than they were.  I truly believe that the frequent need to urinate during pregnancy (omg, in that last trimester, I felt like I was going every 10 minutes--day and night) was Mother Nature's way of preparing you for the sleep disruptions you'll experience after baby's arrival.

Establish A Routine Early:

• Establish a routine for your baby as early as possible.  For example, Derek and I have a sleepy-time routine for Chase that, with my mom's help, we established within the first couple weeks he was born.  This is the best thing we could have done.  His bedtime routine consists of me taking him into the back at 6:30 pm, closing the door, dim lighting, changing him into pj's, quiet voices used, feeding, then quiet music/story-time/quiet talk if he is still awake. He's in bed by 7:00 pm.  On school days he falls asleep immediately after eating. Since we've been doing this since he was born, he now understands that when it's time to go into the back and the lights are dim, and mommy and daddy are using quiet tones, that it's time to lay in bed. So that is why he is able to put himself to sleep now. These days he goes to sleep fairly easily, and is even sleeping through the night now, short of 1-2 feedings (last night he only woke up once to eat).
• Obviously there are the rare instances when exceptions have to be made, like while on vacation or when we travel and get home later than usual. But I think sticking as closely to the routine as possible is important--for him more so than us.  Babies appreciate the consistency and familiarity of knowing exactly what is going to happen. It's what makes them feel safe, secure, and comfortable.  I know enforcing a schedule is only going to become more challenging as Chase gets older and begins sports and music lessons and wants to hang out with his friends, which is why I think it's important to establish a routine now.
• Set boundaries with folks from the beginning--and I mean family and friends!  It used to bother me when people spontaneously dropped by at night to try and see Chase. This would disrupt his entire sleep schedule and I was the one affected most by it, since I'm primarily the one who calms him and puts him to sleep when he is screaming and over-tired. However, when I was a brand-spanking-new mom I wasn't completely comfortable asserting myself on this matter.  I got over that quickly.  Folks now understand that I am at home with Chase all day long on weekends (and home from work at 5:30 pm) and this is when they can spend time with Chase, if they choose to do so.  Fortunately, Derek supports me in this.   

Make Couple's Time A Priority:

• Chase's 7 pm bedtime allows Derek and I to have adult/couple's time of our own in the evening. And Lord knows you need that after a new baby!  We need time as a couple to reconnect too, even if it means just watching mindless reality TV, chit-chatting about our work day, and enjoying a few laughs. We both need time to "relax, relate, and release" sans bébé .
• If possible, find a reliable sitter whom you trust and continue to have a date night--at least every other week.  This is something Derek and I struggle with as we haven't found a good sitter yet, and it's definitely affected our romantic life as a couple.  We do the best that we can to enjoy intimate moments given the constraints, but the spontaneity of "going out" is something that we both miss and look forward to getting back.  Outings as a family are wonderful and I wouldn't trade them--but couple's time with your partner is equally valuable.  It's too easy to fall into the mode of "Chase's mom" and forget your former self--so you need to create occasions to get your hair done, do your makeup, put on a cute dress with heels, and go out and giggle and have a cocktail and flirt and celebrate your "non-mommy self."

Fun Stuff:

• Call your insurance provider to find out if 3d/4d ultrasounds are covered by your policy!  This is just a little something fun and extra that you and your partner can enjoy.  We were fortunate enough to get a 3d/4d ultrasound with every sonogram appointment, while my sister's insurance did not cover this at all.  So her and DH would have had to pay extra ($700+) to get this. Obviously, they opted for the traditional ultrasound picture (that looks like a weather/forecast screen, lol). 
• It's sooo neat getting the 3d ultrasound, as it's essentially a snapshot of exactly what your baby will look like! So if your insurance will pay for it, go for it! Do be certain first... you don't want to receive any mysterious, astronomical bills in the mail a few weeks after your appointment. 

Useful Tools/Websites:

• This Ovulation Calculator from BabyCenter.com is great when TTC.
• The Summer Prenatal Listening System is also cool. I gave this to my sister for her birthday last year.  This comes with a set of headphones so your baby can listen to music while in the womb, and also allows you and partner to listen to your baby's heartbeat, kicks and hiccups within the comfort of your own home! This is especially helpful if you have the proclivity to be paranoid (like yours truly!) about something happening to your baby inutero. 

I could go on with more of my personal "tips," but I think I should stop there for the time being. *smile* I'd love to hear pearls of wisdom from some of the other moms out there.  Please feel free to add your own thoughts in the comments!

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Memorial Day Magic

The sun is out, the family is home, the grill is hot, and the pools are open! It must be Memorial Day weekend. *smile*

Chase's first Memorial Day weekend has been quite lovely thus far.  Even as I blog this, Chase is with Daddy down the street at Morningside Park.  They're watching a little league softball game and enjoying some father/son bonding time, all while taking in some delicious Vitamin D! 

Chase continues to amaze me and Derek daily with new milestones, including:

• siting up by himself for a full 5 minutes yesterday... no support from me or anything!  He is so strong now!
• eating a full bowl of baby cereal this afternoon (oh, did I mention that he loves the stuff now?) and fretting for more!
• holding his bottle in his hands by himself during feeding, for a full 3 minutes, Friday night 

And he still:

• loves to blow bubbles
• loves to explore the world with his mouth (EVERYthing goes in his mouth, and I do mean everything)
• loves to stick out that little tongue (Nabs affectionately dubs it "The Michael Jordan," while Meka calls it the " Whasssuuuuuppp!!!!" lol)
• is just as giggly and chatty as he wants to be!
• acquired yet another nickname, "Archie," because he loves arching his back/body when he is sitting in your lap.  Better hold on tight or he'll end up on the floor! lol 
• loves mommy's singing very, very much!
• loves being outside on a warm day (although born in the winter, Chase is very much a "summer baby!")

Wishing everyone a safe and fun-filled holiday with lots of picnics, barbecues, hiking, beach-going, gardening, biking, sunning, and frosty-drink sipping!

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Swim Diaper Giveaway on ClothDiaperBlog.com

 

Summer is upon us and pretty soon our babies are going to be poolside, on the beach, frolicking in kiddie pools in the backyard, and playing in sprinklers!

Which means…

THEY NEED SWIM DIAPERS!!! Trim fitting, bikini-style Imse Vimse Swim Diapers can be worn under a swimsuit or worn alone; they snap on one side to allow for quick and easy changes if an accident occurs. 

Chase and I are beginning our Mommy & Me swim classes in July, and I couldn't be more excited!  After doing much research about various swim diapers on the market, I've realized that these reuseable diapers are exactly what we need!

Of course I just had to share this weekly giveaway with my fabulous readers as well!  This week there will be THREE (3) Winners. Each winner will receive ONE (1) Imse Vimse Swim Diaper.  Visit the Cloth Diaper Blog for more details!

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Thrifty Fun With Paper Dolls

Recession Themed Robe à la Anglais in White and Green with Pouf à la Bailout from Liana's Paper Doll Blog

So I'm totally diverging from blogging about Chase to take a reaallly brief trip down memory lane!  Please bear with me, as this is pure self-indulgence of the girly girl in me! *smile*

Ladies, who remembers paper dolls?

I recently discovered that many little girls today don't even know what they are!  This astounds me, as I used to love playing with my paper dolls!  Creating new fashions and thinking up cool story-lines to give my dolls personality kept me entertained for hours!  My parents would buy them from the store and I would also make my own.  This was a first primer to pattern making, as it encouraged me to learn to sew as well.  I would subsequently spend hours sewing clothing for my dolls. 

It seems that kids today don't know how to "play" without video games, television, or entertainment that has to be "plugged" in.  Derek and I were talking only the other day about how we intend to limit Chase's television and video game time as he grows older, lest he become an obese, sedentary, open-mouthed, Zombie-slave to the TV, disinterested in "real" active play! It's a shame really, because in my day I felt like we were forced to be more creative, you know? 

Parents, I'm sure many of you have spent a pretty penny on the latest "it" toy for your child, only to see them grow bored and toss it aside within weeks.  It seems to me that paper dolls are perfect indoor-fun for today because they're a fabulous way to save money, while also encouraging your daughter to go wild with her imagination and creativity!  The beauty of these dolls is that you can print them from your computer at home for FREE--and who doesn't like free stuff (especially when it keeps your little ones occupied for hours)?  So, while I'll admit that the notion of paper dolls seems a tad old-school, here's to re-introducing this quaint and delightful past-time to your daughters, and creating new worlds of fashion, fun, romance, and intrigue! *smile*

Hmmm, now that I really think about it... I wonder if Derek would let me give Chase paper dolls to play with when he's older?  I mean, boy ones.  Really, what's the difference between paper dolls versus a G.I. Joe doll? LOL!!! I'll let you know how that argument conversation goes!

So below are a couple of dolls as well as a few of my favorite fashions from Liana Kerr's absolutely fabulous paper doll blog that I discovered recently.  Love that blog!  She posts a new paper doll fashion daily... how cool is that? 

Moms and Dads, please humor me and share this fun and totally recession-friendly past-time with your little girl.  Then come back and let me know if she finds as much delight and pleasure in the hobby as I did! 

Click on the image to enlarge for printing.

  

 

Floral Easter Dress & Hat

 

Penelope Cruz's vintage white lace gown from the 81st Academy Awards, anyone?

 

First Lady Michelle Obama's turquoise dress from the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

 

Sarah Palin's Pink Jacket W/Grey Pencil Skirt from the (infamous) Katie Couric interview 

CLICK HERE for more of Liana's paper doll fashions. 

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Post-Partum Hair Updates I

During my pregnancy I did very little with my hair.  I mainly wore buns and occasionally con-washed.  I rarely went to the beauty salon, and relaxed a total of two times--early in the second trimester and then right before I was due (gotta look cute in the hospital! *smile*)  I pretty much halted my entire hair regimen.  I ceased all vitamins (except prenatals), didn't use Boundless Tresses/MTG, didn't Henna, no deep conditioning, and so on and so forth.  This was primarily because much of that wasn't safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Truthfully, it was kind of nice being lazy and doing nothing to my hair.

Despite this gross neglect, my hair thrived and looked amazing throughout my pregnancy! I had cut it back to Armpit Length just after my second trimester, so it was blunt cut and full.  It was extremely thick, lustrous, and felt so silky to the touch.  My new growth seemed to be softer and coming in with a looser curl pattern.  Overall, my hair never looked better!  As you probably know, when we're pregnant our body undergoes significant hormonal changes, including an increase in estrogen production.  This affects our natural hair growth cycle, causing some hair follicles to shift into the anagen (growth) phase of the cycle so an above average number of follicles are producing hair. The increased estrogen will also inhibit some follicles that are in the catagen (shedding) phase so less hair is lost during this time.  Due to these changes to the hair growth cycle many pregnant women will experience a boost in hair thickness, hair volume, and hair length.

Of course, after you've delivered your baby and the placenta that nourished baby is also delivered your body experiences a dramatic drop in estrogen levels. At this point our hair follicles now enter the shedding phase.  (Shedding = hairs coming out from the root.  Breakage = small pieces that break off at the ends). Other follicles will be affected during this time and enter the telogen (resting) phase. Since no new hair growth is being produced but hair shedding is increased dramatically, we sometimes experience hair loss.  Of course, once the body readjusts itself to its pre-pregnancy levels of function the hair growth cycle should also return to normal.

With that said, I was already expecting these changes to occur in my hair post-partum.  No surprise when my hair looked great during pregnancy, and also no surprise to discover hair loss post-partum.   Being the hairnista that I am, I actually started a post-partum regimen immediately after delivery with the expectation that some shedding might occur.  The main product I decided to introduce to my (at this time) very simple regimen was garlic.  Yes, I said garlic!  Garlic is a pretty common and effective way to help minimize shedding. You can take garlic supplements or use garlic-based products (i.e., Queen Helene's Garlic shampoo, Alter Ego nourishing garlic conditioner).  Of course, if you're a DIY'er like me, you can make your own garlic conditioner simply by blending several cloves of garlic in your conditioner of choice. You can also make a hot oil treatment by infusing garlic into your oil of choice (i.e., olive oil  or, in my case, Aceite De Ajo by Alopecil--since I use Dominican products almost exclusively).

Post-Partum Hair Pics

Front/Edges of Hair

5/17/09

As I mentioned, I discovered a couple of months after my baby was born that the front of my hair and temples had thinned significantly.  I really don't know when or how it happened--but one day I realized that my hairline had receded noticeably.  It's quite apparent when I have my hair pulled back into a ponytail, but otherwise not so obvious.  Either way, it's important to me that I curb this shedding and get those edges to fill in.  I'm so glad I started this garlic regimen early, as I suspect the problem may have been even worse had I been doing nothing at all.  I have a few pictures so you can see the post-partum shedding and present state of my hair.

 

I always had slight indentions on either side, but never so far back or pronounced. 

 

Back of Hair

5/16/09

No real complaints here.  In an effort to really start anew and take back control of my hair, I opted for a fresh trim last weekend.... first one in about 9 months. I needed it! My last cut was during my second trimester.  At that time there was no real reason for the trim--an impulse decision, if you will. I blame it on the hormones. *smile*  It grew back fairly quickly. This time I told the stylist not to worry about giving me a blunt cut, but just to take off the split ends (because you know how they do... my hair would have been a chin length bob!)

 

Front of my hair is quite shorter, which lends for a V or U-shape in the back (depending on the trim).

 

More photos in my Hair Journal.  Leave me a comment requesting the link if interested.

These days I'm still doing very little... bunning most days for work, con-washing every other weekend, essentially just minimizing manipulation. I don't get to the salon as much as I'd like, with the baby and all.... but try to keep my ends moisturized and dust occasionally for splits.  I'm eager to start my Biotin again.... and that's likely all that I'll add. Right now my goal is to curb this post-partum shedding (my edges/temples) and, if possible, retain the wonderful thickness I got during pregnancy.  I'll continue to add more products to my regimen as necessary, but for now here are just a few of my "must haves."

Post-Partum Staples

Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut Conditioner (con-wash/detangle/moisturize)

 

Aceite De Ajo by Alopecil - Garlic Oil Capilar (oil scalp/seal ends)

 

Biotin (5 mg daily)

 

Ladies, did any of you experience post-partum shedding?  How long did it last, and what did you do (if anything) to curb it?

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(Mis)Adventures in Eating Solids

On any given day I waiver between not wanting Chase to ever leave infancy--wishing that he could somehow remain a cute, cuddly, sweet little arm baby forever.... and being excited about milestones such as his first crawl, words, walking, running.  It doesn't make a whole lot of sense because, in order for him to accomplish those "firsts," he has to grow past the infancy stage, right?  But OMG, they are so darn precious at this age, aren't they? 

Well, contrary to my fantasy that he stay a "baby" forever, I've been looking forward to Chase's first solid food feeding for some time now!  I really don't know why that makes me so excited, lol, but it does! I think just imagining how much he is going to ultimately enjoy "real" food gets me giddy. Hey, what can I say... I'm a gourmand, as is Derek.  So I figured that Chase will one day be too! 

I knew the time was coming, as he had practically doubled his birth weight, eats ravenously during feedings, has near perfect head control, and is almost able to sit up on his own.  According to BabyCenter.com, these are all indications that it may be time to introduce solids to your baby.  (Note: The word "solid" in this context is relative, as "solid" baby cereal is really just watery gruel to those of us with teeth).  The usual age is anywhere from 4-6 months, but largely depends on your baby and his readiness.  Chase has been a healthy and robust  boy, with a hearty appetite, since birth.  While he is the youngest baby in his class at school, he isn't the smallest!

So we spoke with our pediatrician about it at Chase's last appointment  a few weeks back.  He told us to pump our breaks, lol..... and wait until Chase is eating 8 oz. during feedings.  Once he is doing that fairly regularly, he suggested we start with rice cereal, which is gluten-free and less allergenic than other foods.  Then slowly introduce baby veggies and fruit, one at a time, to Chase... so we can more easily pinpoint any reactions that should occur.  We were instructed to first nurse/bottle-feed him (so that he isn't super hungry). Then give him one or two teaspoons of dry cereal mixed with enough formula or breast milk to make a semi-liquid.  The doctor told us to begin with a once-a-day feeding, but to expect that he may not eat much in the beginning,  Instead, give him time to get used to the experience, and to practice keeping food in his mouth and swallowing.  Okay, cool, got it!

So armed with this information, we went on to Targe' and bought our supplies.  We also picked up Chase's high-chair, which Granddad had been storing for us at his house.  Since I was away last weekend, we decided that this weekend would be IT! 

I woke up this morning, bursting with excitement!  Today was the Big Day--the day that Chase would eat "big boy" food! I had already planned to go in town to run a couple of errands, so I was up at 7 am and in the shower.  Shockingly, Chase was still sleeping as I got dressed.  He woke up as I was checking my email, so I stopped to feed him then handed him to Derek, who was still trying to salvage a few morning zzz's (Brotha, please! "Sleeping in" ended 4.5 months ago, lol). I brought a few of Chase's toys into the bedroom and the boys proceeded to play and watch Noggin.  I headed out to take care of my errands.

A few hours later I was back home and we were ready to begin.  Now mind you, when I left Chase, he had a bottle with 6 oz. of milk in it.  He had drank 2 oz. from the bottle just before I headed out, and I left that bottle on the nightstand for Derek, figuring that Chase would finish it and then some.  When I got home I saw the bottle on the nightstand, with about 3 oz. left.  I was surprised that Chase hadn't drank more.  During that time-span he usually would have finished at least 1 1/2 bottles.  A bit weird, but not so shocking, as Chase tends to eat best with me, and doesn't really do as well when others feed him.  But whatever.... the point I'm getting at is I was trying to assess Chase's level of hunger. I wanted him to be just hungry enough to try the food, out of curiosity... but not starving to the point where he's frustrated and crying to be fed.  Derek assured me that Chase shouldn't be that hungry, as he'd eaten less than an hour ago.  Hmmmmm... He did seem calm and happy... And I was, of course, pressed, lol.  So I decided that we should proceed with said plan.

Omg, terrible mistake. *smh* What followed suit wasn't at all what either of us had envisioned.  Well, I certainly hadn't, anyway.  The feeding started out calmly enough... but very quickly went down hill.  It still tickles me to think about it.  It really was kind of fun (while it lasted), although most of the cereal ended up on his chin and bib.  But I'm going to just let you watch the video and see for yourself.  I will say only that I should have gone with my gut instinct, which was to wait! LOL!!! I guess I was just so darn over-eager, plus fooling around listening to Derek = a disaster! LOL!!! Well, after a couple of attempts to feed him,  we ended up quitting early and giving him his regular milk.  Not surprisingly, he tore it up! Tore it up!  Turns out, Chase was starving!  Poor thing.  No wonder he was so upset with me trying to stuff this little rubber spoon in his mouth.  Like I told Derek, when I'm starving, don't hand me no chopsticks!  Give me the fork that I'm used to! 

Aaah, another day, another milestone. *smile*

Folks, does anyone have any advice for us before we attempt to feed him again? We know now to be mindful of his level of hunger.... and his mood in general.  Any other little tricks we should know before proceeding?

ETA: If you're having difficulty viewing the video without delays/pauses, select Regular view instead of High Definition.

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Time for a Makeover... a Bloglift, That Is!

Somehow I feel better about myself when I’m wearing a bit of makeup, a new outfit, and have bouncing, freshly washed hair.  It seems that those minor cosmetic changes do wonders with regards to making me feel prettier, polished, and more put-together overall.  Can anyone relate to that?

I feel the very same way about Chase's blog!  With my 6-month Blogaversary just a few days away, I thought it was high time to make a few changes!  I was aiming to not only create a more aesthetically delightful site for like-minded bloggers to fellowship, but also excited about expanding our readership community, diversifying the blog's content, building relationships with other mom/future mom-bloggers, and committing to blogging about Chase and his milestones on a more consistent basis.  I thought a mini-bloglift was just the impetus I needed to stimulate fresh new ideas and content!

Chase has been such a busy little bee lately, and I'm so excited to share all those updates with you!  With this new bloglift, you'll get all that... and more! I promise you, lots of fun stuff on the horizon that I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy!

Please tell me in the comments section what you think about the blog's new look!

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My Brown Baby Feature

Hey all!

I'm super excited to be featured at My Brown Baby, a weekly blog that provides thought-provoking, insightful, wickedly funny commentary on motherhood--for moms who love their brown babies, by moms who do the same!  

Here's To The Good Times: Missing the Baby Onboard

While you're over there, please do take the time out to peruse through some of the articles!  It's well worth your time... and I'm pretty sure you'll fall in love with the site immediately, as I did. *smile* Great ladies with reallllyyy wonderful stories to tell!  Founder, Denene Miller, wears many hats--wife, mom, author, editor, columnist--but still finds time to be one of the most helpful, down-to-earth, kindest, and assessable social mediapreneurs that I know!

 

Thanks so much for the feature, Denene.

 

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