tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17696796203005098032024-03-05T06:47:41.701-08:00HankandLucyjamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15103047512463828864noreply@blogger.comBlogger256125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-84848427153179538942012-05-14T00:13:00.000-07:002012-05-14T07:56:30.796-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh, hi. I have a THIRTEEN MONTH old that I've been having WAY too much fun with to really sit down and take the time to write this post, but it's an important one that I don't want to miss.</div>
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<i>Dear Lucia,</i></div>
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<i>Today, you have been with us for 13 months and 10 days, yet life before you has become such a haze... a collection of memories that somehow seem incomplete without you in them. To say you have turned our world upside down and inside out in the most magical way imaginable would be such as gross understatement. You have brought a joy to our lives that we could have never thought possible, my girl. Your Papa and I have always felt happy and lucky to have each other. We've had the whole sundae, but you are the official cherry on top.</i></div>
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<i>We've spent the last year (and 40 days) really getting to know the newest little member of our family, and I think it's safe to say that you continue to surprise us every day. In many ways, you are just like us. You have inherited your Papa's stubbornness, and my tendency to overreact. We're so sorry. In most ways, however, you are very much your own person. You love to laugh, and you do it often. You might be the most adventurous and curious person I've ever known, and you let nothing stand in your way. Don't ever lose that. Your comic timing is <a href="http://instagr.am/p/Kd8evAtvpQ/">spot on</a>. You have A LOT to say. Sure, none of it makes any sense just yet, but that doesn't stop you from saying it. Your smile is infectious, catching and trapping every stranger it meets. You are the antithesis of shy; you love meeting new people and want to make every single one of them your new best friend. You're big on affection, and you can't seem to get enough or give enough hugs and kisses in a day. I think it's impossible to put into words how much we admire you and how immensely you inspire us.</i></div>
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<i>Please try and remember that your Papa and I are not perfect. We will work very hard and always try to do our best, but we will most likely make some mistakes in the parenting department along the way. Know that everything we do for you comes from the purest form of love and with the absolute best intentions. Even if it may not seem like it at times, our number one goal is to always do what we think is best for you. If you ever feel that we are wrong, we want you to be comfortable telling us. We may not always necessarily agree with you, but we hope you understand that you can talk to us about ANYTHING. Yes, we are your parents, but we are also your buddies and your top supporters. The three of us are in this together.</i></div>
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<i>Thank you, my sweet girl, for the absolute best of year of our lives. Even the challenging times, and you better believe we've had some, have ended up being nothing short of rewarding. If these past 12 months (and 40 days) are any indication of what's yet to come, let's just say your Papa and I are THRILLED to have you joining us for the ride. We would tell you that we love you to the moon and back, but that would only be the tiniest fraction of the actual love we have for you. You are, and you have our hearts forever.</i></div>
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<i>KIIISSSSSSEZZZZ,</i></div>
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<i>The Luckiest Mama on The Planet</i></div>
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<br /></div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-30027560433594173072012-05-04T10:53:00.000-07:002012-05-04T11:00:02.031-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Guys, I have been meaning to write a series of posts
about breastfeeding for <i>ages</i>. It is something I never knew I would come to feel
so strongly about, but sometimes the more I have to say/more I feel about
something, the harder it is to write about. You know, those good long letters
you plan to write are the hardest ones to get to? In my plan, I kicked off a
whole week of breastfeeding posts by an intro about the topic (and my experience
with it) in general. </div>
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But life being what it is, I am going to jump into a
later topic, returning to work while breastfeeding. I had NO idea what I was in
for. I knew that plenty of women went back to work full time, and continued to
pump milk and breastfeed, and I had NO IDEA what a challenge it could be. I
have a lot of lessons learned that I think others can learn from! Warning, this
is a LONG post. I am not good at editing, and it is made for mamas who need
specific and practical advice, so I am putting it all out there.For this reason, I included a "jump."</div>
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When Henry was just over 3 months old, I returned to work
full time. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, emotionally. Making
sure our little baby (who we hoped to keep exclusively breastfed till 6 months)
was well stocked up on milk was a challenge both emotionally and physically. </div>
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Most of what I address here will focus on the physical
challenge, but there is some unavoidable over lap. Also? This is just my
personal experience. I know some of you have had/will have wildly different
ones, but I think mine might be somewhat typical.</div>
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First of all, if there are any of you in the thick of it
right now, just returning to work, let me say this. IT GET'S EASIER. The part
about making enough milk? Gets easier. The emotional? Gets easier. Don't get me
wrong, I am still in the middle of an ongoing battle to get my job to allow me
to work part time so that I can be home more with Henry. But the hormones have
slowly chilled the eff out, and my little tiny guy is so much less dependent on
me specifically. And the struggle has TOTALLY been worth it, to continue nursing him! For many many months now,
pumping has just become another boring part of my day, and I am so glad we got to continue as planned
for feeding the little guy.</div>
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First, some things you can do ahead of time:</div>
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- GET A GOOD PUMP. I was given* an older madela pump in
style. It seemed to work just fine. I didn't think much of it. Once Henry broke
a part on it and I had to borrow a newer madela until I got the replacement
part, and it was totally wimpy compared to my workhorse! A shop like <a href="http://www.sharp.com/mary-birch/new-beginnings-boutique.cfm">this </a>can
probably help you by picking out a pump with good suction. </div>
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- Start building your supply early. After a few weeks,
once we were staring to get in the swing of things, I began pumping milk daily.
You can either pump a little right after a feeding or (if your baby is like mine
and needed to be held ALL OF THE TIME) you can pump on one side while baby
nurses on the other, then switch. I just kept the pump hidden under a table next to our bed
and during our morning feeding (when I had the most milk) I would pump a little
extra. Don't expect a lot at first. Just an ounce or two maybe! But it will
gradually increase. </div>
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- Practice early (but not too early, after nursing is
WELL established. For more, read <a href="http://sdbfc.com/blog/2010/11/12/how-and-when-to-introduce-a-bottle-to-your-breastfeeding-inf.html">this</a>.)
with the bottle, and be patient. We tried 3 different bottles before Henry would
take one. And at first he would only take the bottle for me. Ben was VERY
stressed that when I went to work Henry wouldn't take a bottle. But of course
he did. </div>
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- Be confident with your caregiver when you go back to work! It worked REALLY well for us that we saved a bit of
Ben's paternity leave for after I went back to work. He only took off a few
weeks after Henry was initially was born. Of course, this gave them a time to
bond, but it also made it so much easier for me to go to work everyday knowing
Henry was at home with his dad. </div>
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- Know your <a href="http://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/milkstorage/milkstorage/">handling and storage guidelines</a>. Print it out
or keep it on your phone for yourself and your caregiver. </div>
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As it is time to go back, I borrow advice from <a href="http://sdbfc.com/blog/2011/4/11/hi-ho-hi-ho-its-off-to-work-we-go-part-2.html">Robin</a> again:</div>
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- Talk to your boss ahead of time. Even though I read
this advice, I didn't follow it. Duh! I work for a place with TONS of employees,
so I never thought it would be an issue that they would have somewhere for me
to pump (as state law requires.) and it wasn't, but we had to scramble to find
a place for me. It was stressful, and it wouldn't have been had I prepared early. </div>
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- Go back on a Wednesday. Who says it has to be a Monday?
A shorter week is a much gentler transition.</div>
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- Have support. Whether it is a group of mom's who have
been through something similar, a good lactation consultant (I called or texted
or emailed <a href="http://sdbfc.com/about/">Robin </a>SO many times during this transition, woman was my ROCK!), you
need someone who can offer advice or commiserate. There are also tons of message board groups out there, really specific to pumping moms!</div>
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And then the big day. Here is where it got hard for me. I
had dad at home, a good supply in the freezer, a great pump, a baby who would
switch back and forth between bottle and boob, what could go wrong? Well, it
turns out getting milk out of a bottle is a lot easier than getting it out of a
boob. And to compound that, it is a lot easier
for babies to get milk out of a boob then it is for a machine to get the same
amount out of milk from the same boob. So when you leave a little baby at home
with an endless (or so they think) supply of their favorite snack, it can be
hard to pump as much as they are inclined to drink. Guys, I can't even tell you
how many tears I shed in those early weeks. He was rapidly drinking more than I
was pumping, and our once bountiful supply was dwindling. There was the time I
forgot the milk in the office fridge (which he needed for the next day) and I
had to go back for it, resulting in me missing our post work feeding. Meaning I
would have to pump again when I got home. I cried the whole way there and back.
I was a WRECK. But you know what? Eventually it worked out, and within a month
or two I was pumping more than he was drinking, and we were rebuilding our
freezer supply. (I even ended up donating our extra to the family of a little
boy's whose birth mother was a drug abuser, so they were doing everything
possible to increase his health and immunity, including using donated
breastmilk.) Here are various things we did to help my supply match Henry's
need: </div>
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-Limit the milk he drank during the day. (What? I
know!)
At first, during feeding time, Ben would let Henry drink as much milk as
he
wanted. I was finding that he wasn't too hungry when I got home in the
evening!
I asked Ben to limit the feeding amount. I don't remember what we
started with,
maybe 3 ounces? A little less? And gradually only offer more if it was
clear that Henry still needed more. We eventually found a happy medium
that made Henry satiated
but not stuffed. It took a week or two, but I think this was SO
important for us.
This is where it was nice having Ben at home, or having a supportive
caregiver
in general. This might be a little harder in some day care situations?</div>
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-What I mentioned above is basically <a href="http://kellymom.com/bf/normal/reverse-cycling/">reverse cycling</a>.
Because we co sleep, we were able to really reverse cycle. Instead of eating
more during the day and sleeping through the night, Henry was given a little less
during the day and allowed to nurse on demand all evening and throughout the night.
It also helped me emotionally. Because I was away from him for so many hours a
week, it allowed us to bond and be together even while sleeping. I know this
isn't for everyone, but I think it was a key point for us.</div>
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-See if there is any flexibility in your work schedule. I
tried to time it so that I left Henry with a full belly in the morning and came
home to him with an empty one in the evening.</div>
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-Don't give up that morning pumping- yet. Until worries of
supply were just a memory, I continued my morning pumping routine in addition
to pumping at work, since this is when I had the most milk. It was a pain,
lugging that stupid pump back and forth everyday, but whatev. </div>
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-Drinking lots of water and taking fenugreek. I SWEAR I saw
my supply go up and down with the amount of fenugreek I took. I also made <a href="http://steadyhappy.blogspot.com/2011/07/recipe-milk-enhancing-granola-bars.html">theseyummy bars</a>, but have no idea if they helped my supply, or just gave me a good
excuse to say to Ben that he couldn't have any of my treats. ;)</div>
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-I followed my let down, and gradually decreased the
amount I pumped. I went from up to 4 times a day (I work longer shifts) down to
3, then 2, eventually I found I could pump as much in 1 sitting as I could in 2
or 3. </div>
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I wish I could tell you exactly when my supply issues
became less of a stressor, but it could not have been more than a month or two. </div>
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Now here are a few general ongoing tips/thoughts/suggestions:</div>
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-I am not terribly modest, but it was still hard dealing
with some awkward situations. I work with almost all men, and most would get so squeamish when they realized what I was up to every 2 hours. We all got over it
sooner or later. If I have to go to an all day conference, I just call ahead of
time and ask to be accommodated. No big. And to avoid weirding people out, I
bought a little cold pack type lunch bag thing to put the milk in, in the
fridge, so that no one could see it. (People and can be dumb and weird, I just tried to avoid it.)</div>
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-That said, I hated washing my pumping parts in the
kitchen. It took too long, the office kitchen is nasty. Drying them was a pain. Instead I spent 40
bucks and ordered spare parts. I brought 3 sets with me to work, one for each
time I had to pump, then washed them all when I got home. (Or rather, Ben
washed them while I snuggled the baby.) I have<a href="http://baggubag.com/#/Enlarge/ZIPPER+BAG+L/L%20Stripes/"> 2 zipper pouches</a>, I keep clean/unused ones in one bag,
dirty ones in the second. (I used tupperwear at first, too clunky.) Just wash
the bags once a week. Saved so much time in the office!</div>
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-My boobs were not leaky faucets forever. I don't
remember the last time I "leaked" or had to wear a pad. (MAN! I
remember being in the shower when he was a small infant, and with the warm
water, the milk just shooting out like a sprinkler!) </div>
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-By now, I only pump once toward the end of the day. I
have also gotten a lot less fussy about the milk. That stuff is resilient! If I
pump at 3 and go home at 5, there is no need to bother putting it in the office
fridge. If I forget parts at home, I just pump when I get home and make sure to
leave a little extra in there for Henry.</div>
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WOW! I think I have said enough. Except, I am so extremely fortunate that I have been able to nurse Henry from birth. Not all bodies and babies and mommas are as lucky as us. I am every grateful for this, and throughout of all our challenges am still thankful.</div>
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So. What tips do you have? </div>
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*sharing pumps is FINE even though some places say not
to? You just buy new parts, so anything that is actually touching the milk or
your body is new or sterile. The pump is just a machine to create suction. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15103047512463828864noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-87477683516278372122012-04-27T22:50:00.002-07:002012-04-27T22:51:21.867-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2rT6NTrfgFEqLNr-hFpcykHhS9aw7ACPl8j7yoK7-X3mch6tQni-58heXuVfYmT8Urb1tx76pq6zoVVvDbMOx-nVcgLjd_1O8m1qGaZoXQ3wqNQwGRPdYbCi7uu4q1WlENX2Ju3qbK8/s1600/CRIBFORSALE.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2rT6NTrfgFEqLNr-hFpcykHhS9aw7ACPl8j7yoK7-X3mch6tQni-58heXuVfYmT8Urb1tx76pq6zoVVvDbMOx-nVcgLjd_1O8m1qGaZoXQ3wqNQwGRPdYbCi7uu4q1WlENX2Ju3qbK8/s1600/CRIBFORSALE.png" width="550" /></a></div>
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Oh, hi there! I know we've been a little MIA here at H+L as of late. Jamie has been crazy busy trying to get her awesome <a href="http://radandinlove.com/">new business</a> off the ground, and I have been mad house-hunting/in a funk/taking a blog break. We'll be back soon. Promise. </div>
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On that note, my little family is ready to part ways with what has now become our <i>useless</i> crib. It would be super rad if I could sell to a local reader, or a local friend/family member of a reader. I live in the SF Bay area, so if this offer interests you in any way, please check out all the details <a href="http://www.lifeaccordingtocelia.com/2012/04/crib-of-your-dreams.html">here</a> on my blog.</div>
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xo</div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-84139222046114598522012-04-11T23:55:00.000-07:002012-04-11T23:55:53.936-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibi8Sac9K96Zy_3VY4rRnSSfkZyRmvsDZeb3QxwWx0cBsdnmHEYGPmcs3FUFDYDAYIIs70pQifj2M9j37_Z3Oh9D_cLINxoc3Y29V42wNQs6aO3GvIjJVhkKU4N39pPRZNNNBUZ8WKNTo/s1600/tastytreat.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 425px; height: 425px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibi8Sac9K96Zy_3VY4rRnSSfkZyRmvsDZeb3QxwWx0cBsdnmHEYGPmcs3FUFDYDAYIIs70pQifj2M9j37_Z3Oh9D_cLINxoc3Y29V42wNQs6aO3GvIjJVhkKU4N39pPRZNNNBUZ8WKNTo/s1600/tastytreat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730403656130315538" /></a><br /><br /><div>I've recently gotten in the habit of giving Cheech choices. Lemme explain. When I was pregnant, I was perusing through a children's clothing store when I noticed a mom hold up two different dresses to her baby girl. "This one, or this one?", she asked. The girl, who couldn't have been more than 12 months, took a minute to study each dress, then extended her hand to reach for the one she wanted. I couldn't tell if I was more amazed that such a little person was already showing signs of likes and dislikes, or that her mom had even thought to give her the option. I vowed to do the same once my little one came along.<div><br /></div><div>Here's why. When I was a kid, I pretty much wore what my mom wanted me to wear, played with the toys my mom picked out for me, and did the things my mom chose for me to do. I never got the luxury of options. I'm not trying to make my mom out to be the bad guy here, I just believe that it never would have occurred to her to do it any other way. And honestly, I think that's most parents out there. When <i>you're</i> the one doing all the purchasing, until your child becomes very vocal about his/her opinions, why wouldn't you pick out what <i>you</i> like? So, I ended up the little girl with super long ringlets, and always, ALWAYS in a dress with some sort of mary jane-type shoe. But that's not me, AT ALL. I've preferred short hair for most of my life, my favorite color has been blue for as long as I can remember, and my mom still cringes at my incredibly foul mouth. Just because I came from her, it does not mean I <i>am</i> her. </div><div><br /></div><div>With Cheech, I want things to be different. I am fully aware that she is her own person, with her own interests, and as new age-y as this may sound, I want her to always confidently express herself and feel comfortable picking out the things she likes. I want her to be aware of what makes her <i>her</i>, and not me or her dad. So when I took her shoe shopping about a month ago, I grabbed two completely different styles. A super cool "<a href="http://robeez.com/Robeez-Soft-Soles-Touch---Feel-Chameleon-navy-Robeez-baby-shoes/product.aspx?ProductID=1475&deptid=300&PriceCat=2&Lang=EN-US">Chameleon</a>" pair that would have been <i>my</i> first choice, and a pair that never in a million years I would have chosen for her, the "<a href="http://robeez.com/Robeez-Soft-Soles-Tasty-Treat-pastel-green-Robeez-baby-shoes/product.aspx?ProductID=1494&deptid=224&PriceCat=2&Lang=EN-US">Tasty Treat</a>" style. I watched as she carefully looked over each shoe and reached out for the Tasty Treat. I'm not gonna lie, I was kind of bummed she didn't go for the Chameleon. I took the Tasty Treat back, switched hands, showed them to her again, and asked, "Are you sure??". Tasty Treat it was. </div></div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-14804829218599357882012-04-09T14:42:00.001-07:002012-04-09T14:42:38.300-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePHVNY6_RezC3b-B7YTt0TCTxjWZGE4APKL-85jErVS3tkNwRRcYCSw7p039XloQ-wpB8AI4G4AMQr_ldIF8BLohbg9qSuDA8BDcAz-bML7Xst6X2zNTzY6OuaxkboWLJWArvwA1wXMI/s1600/keepcalm.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 720px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhePHVNY6_RezC3b-B7YTt0TCTxjWZGE4APKL-85jErVS3tkNwRRcYCSw7p039XloQ-wpB8AI4G4AMQr_ldIF8BLohbg9qSuDA8BDcAz-bML7Xst6X2zNTzY6OuaxkboWLJWArvwA1wXMI/s1600/keepcalm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729507031736526002" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The last few days have been a NIGHTMARE in our household. It all started the day of Cheech's <a href="http://www.lifeaccordingtocelia.com/2012/04/celebrate.html">birthday party</a>. She was one unhappy baby, and the next day when I realized that her top front teeth, which had been hanging out right at the surface of her gums for months, had FINALLY broken through, it all made sense. We got a few days of normalcy after that, and BAM, she's been in total teething hell ever since. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On Saturday, it took 6 hours and two doses of Tylenol to get her fever to settle down. If I even tried to get near her with a cold compress, she would start screaming. We battled high temperatures for the rest of the night. By noon yesterday, her Easter dress was soaked through with drool. We went for a drive in the afternoon and she ended up having such an epic meltdown that Joe had to speed home, all while I tried to soothe her as she struggled to get out of her car seat and reached her arms out for me to hold her. By the time she was in bed last night, I was much too exhausted to drown my sorrows in a margarita. DO YOU KNOW HOW UNLIKE ME THAT IS?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She woke up at 5:45 this morning (very early for her), and started the day off in tears. I tried taking her out for some distraction, but it only seemed to make matters worse. By 10 am, after hours of constant crying and fussing, I gave up. I gave her some more Tylenol, started a Netflix marathon of <a href="http://yogabbagabba.com/#">Yo Gabba Gabba</a>, and handed her her <a href="http://hankandlucy.blogspot.com/2012/03/can-we-have-little-chat-about-pacifier.html">pacifier</a> to suck on all she wanted. And then I cried. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wish I had a better post for you today, but I simply do not currently have the mental capacity to think of anything besides my unhappy baby. I wish I had words of wisdom, but obviously I have no fucking clue what I'm doing here. This week has been about getting by and <i>patiently</i> waiting for all this to end, for Cheech to be her smiley, happy self again. On a more exciting note, she took her first steps on Saturday.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://happy2bsad.tumblr.com/post/7863547704">happy 2 b sad</a>, via <a href="http://www.peoniesandpolaroids.com/">P</a></div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-2893190654901347452012-04-04T08:37:00.001-07:002012-04-04T08:37:00.473-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DSihMGjvSIUIJuo5Yjl9buiBX4kPaI8Yu8K4WUrVxMgj8R5_NiXdkB6nrC9sK0HmsYLUuU9yG2OG6W3IWH2VHfNm6EreuV2V1_L8jxovxaYWtX0Zd_dIUMp-eAHAOgUn198jYitT9D_S/s1600/seacreaturepjs.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 550px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DSihMGjvSIUIJuo5Yjl9buiBX4kPaI8Yu8K4WUrVxMgj8R5_NiXdkB6nrC9sK0HmsYLUuU9yG2OG6W3IWH2VHfNm6EreuV2V1_L8jxovxaYWtX0Zd_dIUMp-eAHAOgUn198jYitT9D_S/s1600/seacreaturepjs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727411156809433954" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I don't know about your babies, but my baby grows out of her PJs like nobody's business. I don't know what it is, but they just don't last us. Considering she wears a clean pair EVERY SINGLE night, this is quite the inconvenience for us. I've decided to stop putting her in footies because those seem to fit for the least amount of time, and I've found that she sleeps MUCH better when she goes to bed in two piece pajamas anyway (it really is peculiar how the tiniest adjustment can make such a difference). Seeing as she doesn't really get *seen* in her PJs, I'm not exactly keen on shelling over the big bucks (or even the medium bucks) for them. As long as they're comfortable for her, I really don't care what they look like. But when my friend, <a href="http://dachaakhmatova.blogspot.com/">Hannah</a>, showed me some ridiculously adorable sleepwear she picked up from <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/">Old Navy</a> for her daughter Stella, I knew I had to pay them a visit. <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=51737">Affordable</a> AND <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/category.do?cid=51738">cute</a>? I have to say I'm impressed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">P.S. The pair in the picture is on sale in the actual store. ;)</div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-86022032305476642682012-04-03T08:01:00.000-07:002012-04-03T08:01:00.115-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2n6t-OXMxmErkrSjKurfeh5QInBgyThz2wqojLIHmBuaxJQrV-V4-69r8fVVFzX0yQHRvCC8YFn5zJr7xZPv8OGHdhDjHnayznpitIJAlseUYZnKjSjBmJRB6AXp36ltlE_dTowg_Wk/s1600/studioskinky.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 416px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV2n6t-OXMxmErkrSjKurfeh5QInBgyThz2wqojLIHmBuaxJQrV-V4-69r8fVVFzX0yQHRvCC8YFn5zJr7xZPv8OGHdhDjHnayznpitIJAlseUYZnKjSjBmJRB6AXp36ltlE_dTowg_Wk/s1600/studioskinky.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727036151779709138" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I guess all my talk of <a href="http://hankandlucy.blogspot.com/2012/03/heres-quick-question-for-you-at-around.html">coloring</a> made many of my friends want to go out and buy Cheech some sort of crayon for her <a href="http://www.lifeaccordingtocelia.com/2012/04/celebrate.html">birthday</a>. They're all super cool and fun, but I especially wanted to share the <a href="http://studioskinky.com/">Playon Crayon</a> by <a href="http://studioskinky.com/">Studio Skinky</a> with you guys. They come in stellar colors, are stain free, and incredibly easy for little baby hands to hold. Unfortunately, Cheech is still really only interested in sticking them in her mouth, but considering they're certified non toxic, well, I just go ahead and let her. </div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-22853865642910206412012-04-02T10:12:00.001-07:002012-04-02T10:43:22.043-07:00<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oliviaaboone/3817183900/" title="Untitled by 1995you, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="356" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2652/3817183900_3ac3003be1.jpg" width="540" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oliviaaboone/3817183900/in/photostream/">olivia boone</a></div>
<br />
In the months after Henry was born, one of the last things I was ever prepared for happened, I lost my best friend. No, she didn't <i>die</i>. We just had an ugly fight and were unable to resolve it. (So Jr. High, right? What else can I say.)<br />
<br />
In the last year, I have come to find that friend loss for new mothers is... kind of common? My friend <a href="http://apracticalwedding.com/">Meg</a> just send over this well written <a href="http://embracerelease.com/2012/03/12/187/">piece</a> on <a href="http://embracerelease.com/">embrace release</a>, and I think it is so helpful, I have to share it here. For soon to be parents, new ones and long time ones. And importantly, non parents. Oh how I can relate:<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: #76a5af; color: white; text-align: justify;">
Friends were excited with us when the baby was an idea, a distant future
reality symbolized by an absurd hump on my front, his wants and needs
and bodily fluids managed quietly by my trusty uterus. I think we
imagined that hazy future reality to include plenty of hanging out at
friends’ houses, festival-going, and lazy afternoons at the park,
throughout which the baby would giggle and stumble around happily while
we caught up on our social lives.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And then on to: <i></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: #76a5af; color: white; text-align: justify;">
But when our son arrived and new parenthood was nothing like the dopey
feel-good fantasy we imagined, when he didn’t sleep longer than two to
three hour stretches for his entire first year... I unconsciously shrank inside of our house, vaguely
assuming we would emerge one day when things were easier, when we felt
more in control and better rested, to find our friendships intact and
waiting.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And confirming some of my suspicions: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #76a5af; color: white;">The </span><a href="http://offbeatmama.com/" style="background-color: #76a5af; color: white;" target="_blank" title="The Offbeat Mama">Offbeat Mama</a><span style="background-color: #76a5af; color: white;">
commenters who gloated about how they take there babies any and
everywhere? They have easy babies. Lucky them. I know those exist
because our second one turned out that way.</span><i> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And:<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: #76a5af; color: white; text-align: justify;">
Release yourself and your friends from the bondage of naive
expectations, defunct plans, and the starry-eyed fantasies of yore. None
of you knew what to expect pre-baby, maybe least of all your friends.
Change is hard and can be painful for everyone. But in this case, for
you at least, it is infinitely worth it.<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: black;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<a href="http://embracerelease.com/2012/03/12/187/">Please, do read the entirety! </a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: black;">
<br /></div>
</div>jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15103047512463828864noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-51367074487160608142012-03-28T22:20:00.000-07:002012-03-28T22:20:12.961-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11w_hiEihZR3Ps8fhWIoX2fyLNfr_RliLnicGxWssAqiNOSDxLy2KN-t5kTo3zCdFcNw5ilef2NwRtuOzcl-NqlXPn59k4HYmmwnPhBWEIxQOqMtBeJdbYVsCtWpzXYiHtb_YoXTQVks/s1600/firstbirthday.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 550px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11w_hiEihZR3Ps8fhWIoX2fyLNfr_RliLnicGxWssAqiNOSDxLy2KN-t5kTo3zCdFcNw5ilef2NwRtuOzcl-NqlXPn59k4HYmmwnPhBWEIxQOqMtBeJdbYVsCtWpzXYiHtb_YoXTQVks/s1600/firstbirthday.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725182754837334530" /></a><br /><div>Cheech's first birthday is in exactly one week. I may have gotten a little emotional while wrapping her gift last night.</div><div><br /></div><div>Look at what a difference <a href="http://hankandlucy.blogspot.com/2011/04/this-is-it.html">1 year</a> makes. </div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-85739801504702087742012-03-27T22:50:00.001-07:002012-03-27T22:50:51.627-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8kgAGNhHX5pMVmVNgBu_H3EiIFSXjauZTs8lWQRJHk2lkaLqu6QaRbq2lTDTDVMOVvcxI9Mo-fdkUet-Nqf-rZ_ov-F4Rxz5YfleuZeekEZnRm39MSEj1SVyN5fF1BKS4LsQ4VrkWBI/s1600/pacifier.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8kgAGNhHX5pMVmVNgBu_H3EiIFSXjauZTs8lWQRJHk2lkaLqu6QaRbq2lTDTDVMOVvcxI9Mo-fdkUet-Nqf-rZ_ov-F4Rxz5YfleuZeekEZnRm39MSEj1SVyN5fF1BKS4LsQ4VrkWBI/s1600/pacifier.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724812583680183602" /></a><br /><div>Can we have a little chat about the pacifier? First, I'd like to say that I LOVE our pacifiers. They made car rides for those first 8-9 months miles easier, and had it not been for Cheech's <i>chupóns</i>, I'm not sure we would have been as successful at getting her to sleep through the night on her own. Well, <i>kind of</i> on her own. But, where does the line have to be drawn?</div><div><br /></div><div>Joe and I were out to lunch a few weeks ago, and we saw a family walking with a child in a stroller and a pacifier in her mouth. The child was a GOOD 5 years old. I'm not going to start ranting about my feelings regarding children who have been walking for YEARS in strollers, but I have to admit I was a bit taken aback by the fact that she was sucking on a pacifier. Am I just being naive? Look, I'm well aware that parenting is often times more about survival than anything else, but when does it stop being about convenience and turn into downright destruction? </div><div><br /></div><div>In no way, shape, or form do I want Cheech to be sucking on a pacifier when she's 5 years old. ESPECIALLY, in circumstances where she wouldn't <i>need</i> it. That being said, I'm not exactly in a rush to take it away from her now. We mainly use them currently for sleeping purposes, and still, in her car seat (although, she's recently been using it less and less in the latter situation). Although I carry one with me, I try to only give it to her if she seems to be in distress and I need to help soothe her before I get her home/change her diaper/do what needs to be done to snap her out of it. In other words, I don't let her have at it whenever she wants. And, once she does calm down, I gently take it out of her mouth and tell her that she doesn't need it anymore. She's also a thumb sucker, so I also try to see if she'll resort to that first. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, so I'm definitely pro-pacifier, but I am anti-pacifier-forever. What I'm having trouble figuring out is when to know that their time is up... and when that time does come, what's the best approach to help kick the habit? <a href="http://www.peoniesandpolaroids.com/">P</a> had her girls quit cold turkey at 9 months, but like I said, I'm not exactly feeling the pressure just yet. When I lived in LA, I nannied part-time for a 3 year old girl. Her mom had instructed me that she could use her pacifier for her naps, and ONLY for her naps. It was kept in her nightstand drawer and if she requested it at any other time, she simply was not allowed to have it. Right around the time she turned 3 1/2, her mom had a "talk" with her and told her that now that she was a "big girl" she had to hand her pacifier over to the Pacifier Fairy, who would then pass it along to one of the new babies in the world. She gave it up without a single problem. I kind of like the idea of "reasoning" with a slightly older child, but I can see how that plan might backfire. </div><div><br /></div><div>What do you guys think? Do any of you get help from a handy pacifier? Have any of you taken them away with success? Or, has it been a total nightmare? </div><div><br /></div><div>Photo, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35168673@N03/3789927808/sizes/z/in/photostream/">libertygrace0</a></div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-38375415805472717892012-03-21T22:34:00.001-07:002012-03-21T22:34:51.929-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0B4jj1eCBsuNrHf7w3g8yvjTl3IHRm20U7HFGFpcpVDq2pU_jWqchNy_u3YXTPYvmbusal-JkFvkhjFOD8KUKhRikPTYdeAMvMAZXrq2iiUriAgpBGRzf_RiF7YGeelOq9nCbGosaMHE/s1600/montessoribed.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 366px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0B4jj1eCBsuNrHf7w3g8yvjTl3IHRm20U7HFGFpcpVDq2pU_jWqchNy_u3YXTPYvmbusal-JkFvkhjFOD8KUKhRikPTYdeAMvMAZXrq2iiUriAgpBGRzf_RiF7YGeelOq9nCbGosaMHE/s1600/montessoribed.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722584215151141058" /></a><br /><div>The more I think of it, the more I'm loving the idea of a floor bed (or, montessori-style bed) for Cheech once we get her into her own room. The reason we don't have our bed on the floor now is because when you live and run a business out of a 650 sq. ft. space with a baby, you use every single nook and cranny possible for storage. Cheech isn't walking yet, and THANKFULLY hasn't been showing extreme amounts of interest, but I imagine once she does figure it out, having her sleep in our bed when we're not in it might be a tad bit scary.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I just wanted to thank all of you who suggested it. It really is the most practical solution, and I have no idea why it never crossed my mind. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also, TONS of thanks for all your thoughts regarding sharing. It's fascinating and educational to learn all the approaches different parents choose to take and why. </div><div><br /></div><div>Photo, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/goldberg/6083485883/sizes/z/in/photostream/">goldberg</a></div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-6865923673337612392012-03-20T11:47:00.000-07:002012-03-20T11:47:21.255-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdcIrLCbeU4R1QkU4nDn5QaVECXQxqy36tqtoBK5GFfA5dx3faHsT4i-tDI7dFO35YYWH_6PpfI9wzSxIZZ6KLdq9ZNL8sFQacTeC_OQ8P1BazPpTTTWyKItlIeeTB6D5waY94DSnpTs/s1600/boogaloos.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWdcIrLCbeU4R1QkU4nDn5QaVECXQxqy36tqtoBK5GFfA5dx3faHsT4i-tDI7dFO35YYWH_6PpfI9wzSxIZZ6KLdq9ZNL8sFQacTeC_OQ8P1BazPpTTTWyKItlIeeTB6D5waY94DSnpTs/s1600/boogaloos.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722041751066532994" /></a><br /><div>Cheech has recently discovered the art of stealing toys from other kids, and I have to admit it has caught me a bit off guard. It's not that I was expecting her to be this perfect little angel, but rather that I guess I don't know exactly how to handle the situation. The thing is, I think Joe and I might me hyper aware of this type of behavior because we're not planning on having any more children (more on that some other time). We're CONSTANTLY bombarded with unwelcome comments from people telling us that it's a detriment to our child to not give her a sibling, and that we're going to end up raising a bratty and selfish kid. Obviously, I think that's all a load of crap (again, more on that later), but I think all these opinions have caused us to put in the extra effort to ENSURE that we don't end up with a kid who has a strong sense of self-entitlement. </div><div><br /></div><div>We got the chance to make up that music class she missed last week because of her ear infection. At some point during the class, the teacher emptied out a basket of maracas onto the floor for all the babies to choose from. Kids started picking their instruments left and right, and sure enough, Cheech crawled up to one of them and yanked a maraca right out of her hand. I took it away from her, handed it back to the little girl, and told Cheech that someone was already playing with that one and she had to pick her own. What REALLY shocked me was that after she found and picked her own maraca, another kid came up to <i>her</i> and stole it. His mom said nothing. So, we picked a second maraca and it was stolen by yet another kid. Again, the parent said nothing. As I looked around, I realized that kids were pulling toys out of other kids' hands like little maniacs, and none of the adults in the room seemed to notice/care. I know this is a phase that most babies go through, but is it really customary to just let it be?</div><div><br /></div><div>When we went to her second music class yesterday, same routine, but this time with mini bongos. And of course, Cheech had her eye on one that had already been nabbed by a little boy. When I took it away from her and handed it back, his mother told me it was fine and that she could play with it. Although I appreciated her kindness, I made it clear that she had to pick her own and that I was trying to teach her that she can't just grab whatever she wants from whomever she wants. The mom looked at me like I was a total lunatic. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the thing, I know Cheech is still very young and that for the most part, she really doesn't understand the concept of right and wrong. HOWEVER, and I could be wrong here, I truly believe that a) these problems should be nipped in the bud (and will be easier to cope with in the future if tackled in the beginning stages), and b) babies are smart and even at a very early age, can learn the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behavior. For Cheech, I find that the best learning tool is repetition. As soon as she started crawling, she was OBSESSED with playing with the cat's food and water bowl. After about 100,000 times of redirecting and "yucks", I know for a fact that she understands that she's not supposed to be touching his stuff. Does she still do it? Yes, occasionally she will. Just yesterday she turned over his water bowl and sat in the puddle of water in her last clean pair of pants. But for the most part, when she crawls up to the bowls, I see her stop and think about her next move. For the most part these days, she'll turn around and crawl away. Sometimes, she'll even look over at me to see if I'm watching... you know, just to test me. Slowly but surely, she's getting it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Are you guys more proactive when it comes to these types of situations, or do you just let it be?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Adorable <a href="http://www.blablakids.com/Online-Shopping/Boogaloos#">Boogaloos</a></div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-21397828037141722032012-03-19T11:18:00.005-07:002012-03-19T11:20:44.463-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmHRHIQlnwS_fWzcClAAX7BWyIVDjwuRO564FZv0UuVyRRSUDypCMhp_4LpfR_0zqu95iiWgYVoDkLLRDll5tNhpKimTOu8sf6D2GrmSUz3ru87gN1TqzDrCd3ymJC4F5RyqTmdS8KUuL/s1600/J+H+Love4-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfmHRHIQlnwS_fWzcClAAX7BWyIVDjwuRO564FZv0UuVyRRSUDypCMhp_4LpfR_0zqu95iiWgYVoDkLLRDll5tNhpKimTOu8sf6D2GrmSUz3ru87gN1TqzDrCd3ymJC4F5RyqTmdS8KUuL/s800/J+H+Love4-1.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
Hi friends. I have an exciting (and scary!) <a href="http://adesertfete.blogspot.com/2012/03/yall-remember-i-mentioned-that-michelle.html">baby related project</a>, up <a href="http://adesertfete.blogspot.com/2012/03/sakura-bloom-diary-love.html">on ADF</a>, in case you are interested.<br />
<br /> ♥
<div style="text-align: center;">
photograph of H & I by <a href="http://michellepullman.com/">michelle</a> of <a href="http://radandinlove.com/">rad + in love</a></div>jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15103047512463828864noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-59428575110377037432012-03-14T11:04:00.000-07:002012-03-14T11:04:55.384-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJi_afDPqXq0xitM4ApPBUMgq_tr0qWuf8AcdnblbowLOEE0yktGzs9-PfSBA90O3sNeN2HNAt4wyzmgJNJQ5poAvKCKljrq4YCouF54ezgemWcduF2X1nONVWn-pyIdU6TAFqe3Xd4P0/s1600/sleepingcheech.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 550px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJi_afDPqXq0xitM4ApPBUMgq_tr0qWuf8AcdnblbowLOEE0yktGzs9-PfSBA90O3sNeN2HNAt4wyzmgJNJQ5poAvKCKljrq4YCouF54ezgemWcduF2X1nONVWn-pyIdU6TAFqe3Xd4P0/s1600/sleepingcheech.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719636296287512530" /></a><br /><div>I wanted to keep the co sleeping discussion going. Some of you brought up some great points in the last comment thread, and as soon as I was going to respond to all of them, I got super sick, then Cheech got super sick, and blah blah blah.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, here are my responses...</div><div><br /></div><div>@williamsburgbaby Honestly, I think it's impossible to really know what parenting techniques you're going to adopt until you actually have your baby. Like I mentioned, we were on the fence about co sleeping, but once Cheech was born, it didn't make sense to do it any other way. I feel like lots of things have ended up that way. </div><div>I agree with Jamie that it probably is a survival strategy for most people... although, I know most people don't sell it that way. The first year, especially those first few months, can be insanely challenging. I think it's only natural for new parents to fall into habits that make life easier for themselves and their baby. For us, that was co sleeping. Knowing my EXTREMELY DEFIANT little girl, "training" her to sleep in her crib really has not been worth the effort. I've spent the last year exhausted as a new mom, and truthfully, I don't feel the need to exhaust myself anymore. Some people might consider this lazy parenting, but I disagree whole heartedly. I find that getting through that first year (and possibly even second year) organically is more about logic than laziness. In other words, you'll know what works best for you and your babe. Whether that's using a crib or altogether skipping it, like I've said before there is no "right" way.</div><div><br /></div><div>@The Waits I couldn't agree more; Co sleeping feels extremely natural for us as well. That being said, I know many people, personally even, who think we're total weirdos for doing it. ;)</div><div><br /></div><div>@Amy My point exactly! It's so funny how you plan and plan, and just assume that you have it all figured out <i>before</i> your baby comes. I crack myself up when I remember some of the things I used to think I'd do, or ways I was sure I'd be.</div><div><br /></div><div>@Clairsy I totally get how a family bed just isn't for everyone. If it freaks you out to the point where you're getting less sleep, then yeah, skip it. Like stated above, it's all about survival. </div><div>Things were different for us. This may sound very odd, but I have always felt that Cheech is safer in our bed than she would be on her own. I'm pretty sure most parents who co sleep share this sentiment. I guess I feel that having her so close to me gives me a leg up if something is going wrong, i.e. she stops breathing. Obviously, I understand that not everyone would be on the same page as me with this issue.</div><div>As she's gotten older, our sleeping arrangement has changed significantly. For the the first 5 months, she slept between us. At least 3 of those months, she slept on the Boppy Infant Lounger. Swaddling was a total disaster for us; She learned how to break her arms out by the time she was two weeks old, and if we wrapped her so tight that she couldn't break free, she'd cry. So, we gave up on traditional swaddling by the end of her first month. As a result, she learned how to become a very active sleeper at an early age. Once all the rolling started happening, we got rid of the lounger and placed her on the mattress slightly above our heads so that our covers wouldn't touch her. </div><div>Somewhere between months 4 and 5, she got pretty good at rolling back and forth in her sleep, and I'd find that she would scoot herself down to get under the blankets. It wasn't until around 6 months that we started putting her under the blankets with us. I know that's somewhat of a controversial decision, but I think it's all about knowing your own baby. She had gotten so skilled at moving around in her sleep, that our fear of SIDS diminished significantly. About a couple months ago, she even started using her own pillow. After she had spent weeks fighting me for mine, I finally gave in. Again this arrangement isn't for everyone, but it has worked and been safe for us. </div><div>Also, we do have our bed against a wall. We usually start the night out with her between us, but she prefers sleeping right up against the wall, so she always ends up there at some point during the night. When we're not in bed with her, we barricade the other side and foot of the bed with our couch cushions.</div><div><br /></div><div>@Emily Yes, it WILL happen. Just because babies who co sleep tend to take longer to figure it out, it doesn't mean that they NEVER will. </div><div><br /></div><div>@Yellow Buttercup We never used a co sleeper bassinet, but I've heard only great things. I guess they're the perfect compromise between a traditional bassinet and having your baby sleep in your actual bed. I have a friend who use one and now that her baby is too big, she uses the pac n' play just as you described. We tried the pac n' play method, but sadly, had no success. For Cheech, I believe that a lot of her sleeping issues also have to do with having enough space. Therefore, cribs, bassinets, pac n' plays, and everything of the sort have never been roomy enough for her.</div><div><br /></div><div>And to everyone else, thanks for commenting. I know this is an intriguing topic both for parents-to-be, and parents who would never even fathom co sleeping. I like discussing sharing a bed with our baby because it's the way we do, but please don't feel like I'm pushing this method on any of you. I 100% know that it's not right for every baby. Had I not had so much difficulty breastfeeding, and had Cheech not screamed bloody murder every time we attempted to put her in a crib, I can't be positive we'd be a co sleeping family either. </div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-5363221392530954472012-03-12T11:45:00.000-07:002012-03-12T11:46:44.124-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4eGW3RtOb-NqObDrYPmyCRMGYWqegaoWj9Xcf5WKOAdt8hKUTy3H8rNNRPosLGI8iBaPgFkVvQOXgTuJkqo3vctkd1i2T5oXKEIcmWrHc-QgfexRyQrQ68e14XNWuX8UDAIGYFUIF0w/s1600/luciasick.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 550px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4eGW3RtOb-NqObDrYPmyCRMGYWqegaoWj9Xcf5WKOAdt8hKUTy3H8rNNRPosLGI8iBaPgFkVvQOXgTuJkqo3vctkd1i2T5oXKEIcmWrHc-QgfexRyQrQ68e14XNWuX8UDAIGYFUIF0w/s1600/luciasick.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719081154307458578" /></a><br /><div>Oh, man. We've got a sick baby on our hands. VERY SICK. We were certain it was just allergies when it started on Saturday, but as her symptoms worsened and she got about 100x more sick than we'd ever sen her, I knew something was up. Sure enough, her doctor's appointment this morning confirmed that she has croup AND an ear infection. I am one sad Mama right now. And you know what makes this awful situation so much lamer? She had to miss her <a href="http://hankandlucy.blogspot.com/2012/01/happy-new-year-guys-i-want-to-make-sure.html">first music class</a> today. Total bummer. </div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-59946033957912808292012-03-08T07:48:00.001-08:002012-03-08T07:49:57.936-08:00Reason that you must buy your near walking baby a walker toy:<br />
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<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/38142078?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=1" width="398" height="224" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>
<br />
Reason it should be a wagon: <br />
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<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/38142077?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&autoplay=1" width="398" height="224" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>
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(OK, also because your baby will take great joy at putting things in and out of the wagon. Always sorting, those babies.)jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15103047512463828864noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-88170015220537407072012-03-07T17:00:00.001-08:002012-03-07T17:00:54.313-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf33kYSOFsgvX8Pb-RkwkSsvnPnBMdpO3TtjK_c-rsWNveQCjV3nghKwivXGsWTqKRFBmqEYRwKjWW6bhRIm2fZIlg9QEB3Eoo18IYqmh7MBikZ9sfHIFAuGShquroVPS8rM6foIXxrpc/s1600/crayonpola.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 660px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf33kYSOFsgvX8Pb-RkwkSsvnPnBMdpO3TtjK_c-rsWNveQCjV3nghKwivXGsWTqKRFBmqEYRwKjWW6bhRIm2fZIlg9QEB3Eoo18IYqmh7MBikZ9sfHIFAuGShquroVPS8rM6foIXxrpc/s1600/crayonpola.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717322821704111394" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's a quick question for you: At around what age did your little one start to show an interest in coloring? The reason I ask is because I was big-time into coloring when I was a kid. In fact, I still really enjoy pulling out a coloring book and coloring a few pages from time to time. I think it's such a fantastic activity for kids for so many reasons, and I've kind of been holding my breath waiting for Cheech to partake in all the fun. We took her out to Happy Hour a few nights ago, and when our hostess handed her some crayons and a paper menu to scribble on, I practically leaped out of my seat from excitement. <i>If our hostess thinks Cheech is ready for some coloring, surely she must be.</i> But, nope, not at all. As with everything else, she's still only concerned with <i>eating</i> crayons. C'est la vie. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Photo, <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/davebias/3512188032/sizes/o/in/photostream/">davebias</a></div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-35137153831123447292012-03-06T20:11:00.001-08:002012-03-06T20:11:53.100-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7I07aA5NAjhta9aTQg5BtROVUZJqv9JjDrZw38SINQBANH2VXa10fXsNH8dW3PExKPFbPfo0XV1RQvRWH3rBdMYjiJDpzJpTdo6HXBPdbmgLXekkgFj1FixxBHjz0jZxrbbGudmQYZREY/s1600/curls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7I07aA5NAjhta9aTQg5BtROVUZJqv9JjDrZw38SINQBANH2VXa10fXsNH8dW3PExKPFbPfo0XV1RQvRWH3rBdMYjiJDpzJpTdo6HXBPdbmgLXekkgFj1FixxBHjz0jZxrbbGudmQYZREY/s800/curls.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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A brief chat with <a href="http://www.naurnie.com/">Naurnie</a> (in which she requested that I kiss H on the head for her) promptly brought me back to a dream I had the night before, one where I looked over at Henry and he, almost out of nowhere, suddenly had a head full of curly hairs. (Nothing could be further from the truth, ha!) Curly haired babe via <a href="http://ledansla.blogspot.com/2012/02/ici-ce-sont-les-vacances-et-ca-se-voit.html">LE DANS LA</a>.jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15103047512463828864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-26049217374289839452012-03-05T07:55:00.001-08:002012-03-05T07:55:00.494-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga41HXunHcvckziVBMz34xui25uV7aR5PgCq9j6fjtrewZUivaMH7mJA3_pAgBmJMOASuqJkczS38mQz3gqyronnJnh2Z3EkbaDSajTkHLYJud8SFS1cy9SOSdyKpGXZpJL8E9C0Ip6B0/s1600/11months.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 377px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga41HXunHcvckziVBMz34xui25uV7aR5PgCq9j6fjtrewZUivaMH7mJA3_pAgBmJMOASuqJkczS38mQz3gqyronnJnh2Z3EkbaDSajTkHLYJud8SFS1cy9SOSdyKpGXZpJL8E9C0Ip6B0/s1600/11months.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716272443468724978" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Holy crap, guys. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to take a picture of an incredibly active 11 month old? I took 52 shots and I swear to you, only 4 are in focus. And of those 4, there's just one that is <i>fully</i> in focus. I'm really starting to see the beauty of only doing these monthly photos for a year. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, here we are. The home stretch. In approximately 4 weeks, my baby will no longer be a baby; She will officially be a toddler. I know I've said it before, but it truly is surreal how quickly time flies. Cheech doesn't even <i>feel</i> like a baby anymore. She keeps acquiring lots of fancy new skills that get her closer and closer to becoming more independent from us... more her own person. I'm so proud of her. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.peoniesandpolaroids.com/">P</a> once mentioned that the first year is about SURVIVING, and it could not be better put. There is so much to learn, both about your baby AND yourself, that it's virtually impossible not to [often] feel emotionally, mentally, and physically overwhelmed. But it's all good. Last week, Joe and I were reflecting on the past 11 months. He said that it has been both the most challenging and the most fun year of his life. So fucking true. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJCAgiGw_00TitD7JKXCKSpNeBE_fog-QZsoJunZ2nrL-IMPgY8q5bwm0ONHVixXK5TNgypgwdSGq-az1JmTHRAV9werkkpYO1YU62vUUbWRZxYOTfZET0aIoLxF8YtCtFURovOiEgyM/s1600/blurries.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 376px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJCAgiGw_00TitD7JKXCKSpNeBE_fog-QZsoJunZ2nrL-IMPgY8q5bwm0ONHVixXK5TNgypgwdSGq-az1JmTHRAV9werkkpYO1YU62vUUbWRZxYOTfZET0aIoLxF8YtCtFURovOiEgyM/s1600/blurries.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716284709150677970" /></a></div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-78013470434964198162012-02-29T11:43:00.000-08:002012-02-29T11:43:55.899-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thanks to an anonymous comment on<a href="http://hankandlucy.blogspot.com/2012/01/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none.html"> this post</a> I started reading <a href="http://www.bonbonmini.com/">bonbon mini</a>. Have you checked it out? You should. From that blog I got the genius idea of<a href="http://www.bonbonmini.com/new-york-infant-cpr-and-choking-instructor-kim-newman.html"> hiring an in home instructor for cpr/first aid</a>. Ben and I wanted to brush up and go into better detail from what we learned in our baby care class, but finding the time to actually go to one was proving hard. So we searched until we found <a href="http://www.lockhart-training.com/about.html">Sue Lockhart</a>. A few friends came over (above, ms <a href="http://www.sittinginatreeevents.com/blog/">Tori </a>and beautiful little Lucca Valentine) and our nanny came for a refresher. H got to hang out and yell and bang on blocks during the class and no one minded. It was great. The small classroom size was perfect too! And if you are in the area, I really recommend Sue/Lockhart Training.jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15103047512463828864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-62832961088941350602012-02-27T12:45:00.000-08:002012-02-27T12:58:48.832-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKElpC0VW0SNVoFFZbWT4I1IB0ASf91Bt742m6TMTM680xtGfbVsAp5qrLhBvVTWyAeLlpOMDgWFkxJp-iJ6a3EiGMAH-Eughttk2cpGRUYTY4EN5BPnRK0xRHsU85vqtNdnBlMXXXiDk/s1600/6a00e554f1ae938833016300e3be5f970d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKElpC0VW0SNVoFFZbWT4I1IB0ASf91Bt742m6TMTM680xtGfbVsAp5qrLhBvVTWyAeLlpOMDgWFkxJp-iJ6a3EiGMAH-Eughttk2cpGRUYTY4EN5BPnRK0xRHsU85vqtNdnBlMXXXiDk/s800/6a00e554f1ae938833016300e3be5f970d.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDU_rven2yylzFfQcDbTw4G4HHW8n8g4RT-6kGSGuYuuuzvjoj8DYuIjuRepokDwpJl5YcigbjUo9kIRUBxXFK6ZXcN226izRYHldmyYiEBMs3X1VbcP-eg0PpFHjGUOynjwKb547MwEVU/s1600/2285845_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Quick I have a dilemma! I think I want to get for H a little table set. He hasn't big digging his high chair (big surprise) and I like the <a href="http://www.themontessoriplace.org.uk/2011/9-month-old-at-weaning-table/">Montessori idea</a> of letting them eat at their own sized table, so I want to give it a whirl. I love the picnic table below, and it is on clearance at my<a href="http://www.progresssouthpark.com/"> favorite neighborhood sho</a>p. But, will H have a hard time getting in and out of that seat for too long? I want something he can use soon. Should i opt for a vintage booster seat (<a href="http://bleubirdvintage.typepad.com/blog/2012/02/etch-a-sketch.html">like above</a>) and a little separate table?<br />
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<i>*i should note that i am not worried about following the Montessori approach strictly, if so than i would have my choice. i just want to know if you think a little guy like H would soon be able to climb in and out of a bench style seat.... </i></div>jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15103047512463828864noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-46392485298684957312012-02-27T08:23:00.004-08:002012-02-27T11:13:31.634-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDSd_PGNH6j7knqjoj1CZcKdymMpEdq0QkggCcMANL5Mtukt5NE6BBRx5cc6KGoZjK6uloEsVNdxGm8cbGSaPk_Vt5U8ED2JhIiXG59oPTonVRso0VaViH7z5ec9CApFluRFOV8xsyU0/s1600/sleepingcheech.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 550px; height: 376px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigDSd_PGNH6j7knqjoj1CZcKdymMpEdq0QkggCcMANL5Mtukt5NE6BBRx5cc6KGoZjK6uloEsVNdxGm8cbGSaPk_Vt5U8ED2JhIiXG59oPTonVRso0VaViH7z5ec9CApFluRFOV8xsyU0/s1600/sleepingcheech.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713717937826564418" /></a><br />Oh, the mystery of co-sleeping and why families choose to do it. If you've been reading this blog since the beginning, you may recall that Joe and I were a bit unsure about co-sleeping. It was an idea we considered, but with all the <i>dangers</i> involved, we weren't sure it was the best decision for us and our baby. So we went out, bought a crib, and set it up super cute with a handful of stuffed animals and some <a href="http://www.dwellstudio.com/">Dwell Studio</a> crib sheets... because who with a baby on the way doesn't do that?<div><br /></div><div>Cheech was born at 7:50 in the morning, and Joe and I remember that night as being one of the most traumatic of our lives. Our brand new baby SCREAMED and WAILED the ENTIRE night. At the time I was unaware that I was producing zero colostrum, and by that evening my poor girl was starving. She was latching, so we had no clue that her non-stop tantrums had to do with the fact that she had not received an ounce of food since being pulled out of my belly. She absolutely refused to be placed in the hospital crib, and the only thing that seemed to help her was being cradled in my or Joe's arms. We were lucky that we got to stay in a private room with two beds. We spent that night in 20 minute increments of holding and passing her back and forth between us. The next morning, we discovered her blood sugar levels were low, and that I was dealing with some serious <a href="http://hankandlucy.blogspot.com/2011/08/ive-struggled-for-months-on-whether-or.html">breastfeeding challenges</a>. Having to put so much extra effort into nursing, sleeping with Cheech had become extremely convenient. </div><div><br /></div><div>Because of my cesarian, we stayed in the hospital for four nights, and by the time we came home, co-sleeping had already become our norm. All of a sudden, all those <i>dangers</i> didn't seem as serious and scary... I can't speak for other couples and families, but we've always been very aware of our baby's presence in our bed. Sleeping with our baby not only made constant nighttime feedings incredibly easier (<i>even</i> when Cheech became an exclusively bottle-fed baby), but it offered a way to bond with our child on a whole new level. Jamie once stated in one of her posts that sleeping with H allows her to spend hours with him that that she misses out on during the day while she's at work. Her sentiment made so much sense to me. Yes, I can see how sleeping with your baby may not seem like valuable time spent together, but trust me, in a very peculiar way, it definitely is. I think most people would agree that the act of sharing a bed with someone creates a deep sense of closeness and intimacy. For me, sleeping with Cheech has provided a great feeling of attachment despite my failed attempts at breastfeeding. </div><div><br /></div><div>Co-sleeping has certainly come with its challenges, but I am a firm believer that unless there is some sort of sleep training involved, most babies face sleep challenges. That being said, I am here to say that babies who sleep with their parents <i>can</i> and <i>do</i> have the potential to sleep through the night... the ENTIRE night, even. Cheech was your classic "wake every two hours to feed" baby for the first two months of her life. Despite everyone's claims that "bigger babies sleep for longer periods", and "formula babies make it through the night because they are fuller", we didn't exactly have that experience. I assumed that my bigger-than-average, bottle-fed baby would be a champion sleeper in no time, but that was not at all the case for us. In many ways, all these declarations that seemed to apply to the average baby, were starting to remind me of constantly being reassured that morning sickness "only lasts during your first trimester of pregnancy". Somewhere along my 16th week, when I was still on a pretty strict diet of bagels and popcorn because everything else kept making me ill, I started to realize that no one seemed to know shit... at least when it came to me and my situation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Between months 2 and 4, she went down to waking three times a night. Then another two months of twice a night. Right at 6 months, she mostly only woke once on most nights. Examining her two month pattern, I was hoping/assuming she'd make it through without waking at all by 8 months. Well, since our little Cheech likes to keep us on our toes, she waited until her 9th month to pull that trick out of her hat. She'll be 11 months on Sunday, and I can confidently say that she sleeps the entire night (roughly 6:30-7) about half the week, and still resorts to her one early morning bottle the other half of the week. If I compare her sleep patterns to all the other babies I know, I can't say she's the best sleeper on the block, but she ain't exactly doing too shabby either. And if I take her age into consideration, she's in fact doing a pretty awesome job. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course we've dealt with setbacks from time to time, and I'm sure many of you recall all the issues I've had with actually <i><a href="http://hankandlucy.blogspot.com/search?q=bedtime">putting</a></i> her to sleep, but I wrote this post to point out that, contrary to popular belief, co-sleeping doesn't necessarily result in a poor sleeper. Often times, I know parents of co-sleepers may not get the best support, and they may feel discouraged by their situation if they have a frequent waker, but let's not forget that there are babies who sleep in cribs and in their own bedrooms who also suffer from these problems. Although I have not personally felt the need to sleep train, I'm not trying to say that I'm against it here. Every family has to do what works best for them. I guess I just view sleep as a milestone that some babies reach sooner than others... such as crawling or talking. There are babies who have an extensive vocabulary by their first birthday, while others wait closer to their second to utter any words at all. But eventually, even when it comes to sleep, they all get it. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-9119339014674973742012-02-23T09:09:00.001-08:002012-02-23T09:09:36.944-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You guys. How do you feel about your stretch marks? Way into my pregnancy I thought I won the stretch mark lotto. Not a one! Then in the last feew weeks, they just started apeeeeeaaaaring. Every day they got deeper and longer and darker and more intense. Until the days after Henry was born Ben and I marveled at the marks on my abdomen that we thought looked like a tiger had made, swiping mirror claw marks, swooshing across me. They were especially prominent after a hot shower or bath. My mom confirmed it "I (after giving birth at 18) never wore a 2 piece again." I was sure that was my fate.<br />
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But here is the thing; I hate wearing a one piece at the beach. <i>Sand all up in everything</i>. I don't like sand being up in everything. I hate having <i>wet cloth </i>on me when I am not in the water. And I go to the beach to actually get in the water. And those tiger claw scars? They have really chilled the f* out. They are there, don't get me wrong. But they are not so intense. The are more skin colored. I don't think under the California everyone in a mile radius of me on the beach would be able to see them.<br />
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Also? So much breastfeeding has helped to keep my weight down.* (WIN!) (Don't get me wrong. I DO NOT HAVE ABS OF STEEL. I will leave it at that, mkay?)<br />
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So mamas with marks, do you rock that shit in public or keep it covered up? (You know, I tend to keep covered anyways, but you know what I mean. Uncovered long enough to enjoy the water.)<br />
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*Related, for the first time ever my jeans are loose instead of getting tighter. Will I regret having them taken in when Henry weans?<br />
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portrait by <a href="http://radandinlove.com/">my partner</a> (!) <a href="http://michellepullman.com/portriats">michelle pullman</a><br />
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<br />jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15103047512463828864noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-8131427000558389012012-02-22T21:51:00.001-08:002012-02-22T21:51:17.653-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gZGFOdd12AqX8AMahS56aB_UAbXkabUCYCGDgW1cb0KTQIH3k2ZNhZuIiTGl8hBknQ_FqPdbXaouTSofz7fBxpgRT7xcm4V9Gj-TavgbE_pmzBK5e76KUAByHcEYPVeCUnoBkSepEXY/s1600/biggirlbed.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 530px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3gZGFOdd12AqX8AMahS56aB_UAbXkabUCYCGDgW1cb0KTQIH3k2ZNhZuIiTGl8hBknQ_FqPdbXaouTSofz7fBxpgRT7xcm4V9Gj-TavgbE_pmzBK5e76KUAByHcEYPVeCUnoBkSepEXY/s1600/biggirlbed.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712203622495988162" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">As you know, Joe and I also co-sleep with Cheech. We are currently in the market for a bigger place where she can have HER OWN ROOM, and as much as we love sleeping with her, I think the time to get her sleeping on her own is quickly approaching. Like Jamie, I've come across some challenges with co-sleeping*, but on a completely different level. While H, I'm sure, was sweetly sleeping <a href="http://instagr.am/p/e7ak4/">cradled in one of his parents' arms</a> the other night, I woke up to a fierce baby kick in the eye that I'm surprised didn't result into a massive bruise. So yeah, my little Cheech has proven that she feels the need to be active during ALL hours of the day. When she was smaller (I can't believe I'm even referring to her as "smaller", seeing as she's not even a year old), the constant rolling around was much easier to handle. However, sleeping with her has become increasingly difficult and I think Joe said it best when he proclaimed, "Cheech gets half the bed and you and I get the other half." Unfortunately, this could not be more true.</div><div><br /></div><div>Considering we've attempted [and failed MISERABLY] to get her to sleep in her crib on two different occasions, I'm considering going straight for a "big girl" bed. The<a href="http://hankandlucy.blogspot.com/2011/11/so-after-just-about-8-months-of-co.html"> last time</a> we tried to get her to make the big move to the crib, we spent two weeks of her waking up every hour until she was brought into our bed. I'll get more into it later*, but we had never had an issue with her waking so frequently, so I'm assuming that more than a desire to sleep with <i>us</i>, she just wants to sleep in <i>a bed</i>. And you know what? I get it. Crib mattresses are downright uncomfortable, and I would imagine most tremendously active sleepers would not be fond of sleeping in such a confined space. </div><div><br /></div><div>Currently, we have our bed against a wall and during her sleeping hours that we're still awake, I barricade her in from the opposite side of the bed and up from the foot. This system works well for us and she sleeps on her own like that for approximately 5 hours a night, which gives me reason to believe that she could probably go the whole night. She also naps in our bed, and when she wakes up, she just makes sure to give a loud holler for someone to come get her. Getting her in a<i> real</i> bed would mean not having to deal with a toddler bed, and also having an extra place for guests to sleep when we have them (she would sleep with us for such an occasion). It's a big win, if you ask me. Lots of companies make <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/kids-beds/kids-furniture/azure-jenny-lind-bed/f9692">lower beds</a> these days, and with an added <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/kids-jenny-lind-collection/kids-furniture/jenny-lind-and-petite-marguerite-guardrail/f7149">guardrail</a>, I'd feel very safe having her sleep by herself. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, what are your thoughts? I've told a few people this plan, and they've all seemed to look at me like I'm cray cray. Truthfully though, most people give me that look when I tell them we co-sleep anyway. I mentioned a while back that I also co-slept with my mom and was transferred to my own proper bed right around my second birthday. Realistically, we won't be moving until after Cheech's first birthday, so I don't feel I'll be upgrading her <i>that</i> early. Do you have older children who co-slept with you? When did you get them into their own bed? </div><div><br /></div><div>*My personal experience with co-sleeping coming next week.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Photo, <a href="http://www.milkmagazine.net/">Milk Magazine</a> via <a href="http://www.thebooandtheboy.com/2010/10/cool-kids-room-art.html">The Boo and The Boy</a></div>Celiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05922091596290930281noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1769679620300509803.post-27557069612700872592012-02-21T08:09:00.000-08:002012-02-21T08:09:32.200-08:00<br />
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I have gotten a couple of requests to talk about cloth diapering, so here goes. First read <a href="http://lovelymorning.com/index.php/2010/06/the-cloth-diapering-report/%20">this</a>, then read <a href="http://lovelymorning.com/index.php/2011/02/cloth-diapering-11-months-in/">this</a>. Done. <br />
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Just kidding, sort of. For real, <a href="http://lovelymorning.com/">Kristina </a>was my cloth diapering guru. If you could see how many emails when had on the subject when I was pregnant, you might think we were a little crazy. (On her part, mostly just for humoring my crazy-ness.) For real though, if you want to hear more, read those posts, then I will add on to our experience below. (Warning, I talk about P O O P.)<br />
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Ok, done? <br />
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First of all let me reiterate what Kristina said; SO SO SO EASY. When my neighbor/friend saw my baby registry she said (all knowingly) "<i>so you are going to try and cloth diaper, huh</i>?" me "<i>yeah</i>" her "<i>you will give up. no one does it. you know Michelle [her very hippie friend] </i>she <i>gave up, and </i>she <i>doesn't use disposable anything</i>." <br />
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This conversation baffled me. How did my neighbor think that a whole industry of products was supported on people trying something then giving up? Surely <i>some </i>people successfully cloth diaper?<br />
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Yeah, <i>no</i>. It is <i>so </i>easy guys.<br />
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For those of you that don't know, there are loads of different cloth diapers these days. I am familiar with two kinds: there are the classic <a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/diapers.htm#prefolds">prefolds </a>(contrary to their title, they do not come prefolded. You prefold them before putting them on the babe.) These are just the flat cloths that you fold and wrap onto the bottom. Then you use a <a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/covers.htm">water resistant cover</a> over them, or a <a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/covers.htm#doubleknit">cute wool cover</a>. Since the cloth diaper itself absorbs the liquid, you can reuse the cover through several changings before it needs to be washed. They come in a variety of sizes. Oh, you can also buy ones like <a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/diapers.htm#workhorse">these </a>that have snaps, so you don't have to do the fancy folding. They still need a cover.<br />
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Then there are the pocket diapers. These are the<a href="http://fuzzibunz.com/"> fuzzi bunz</a> that kristina talks about, and Henry is wearing above. They have a shell with snaps, an inner fleece lining that drys fast and keeps baby a little more dry, and a super absorbent liner that you stuff into the pocket. The whole diaper gets washed at each washing with one of these. These also come in a variety of sizes, but they also make a "one size" with adjustable straps and buttons. You can read about one size vs fitted <a href="http://www.fuzzibunz.com/cloth_diapers_how_to_choose.php">here</a>. <br />
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From the advice of K and others, I knew that we wanted to go with Fuzzi Bunz. Since I wasn't sure (still am not) if we would ever use the dipes more than once, I was hesitant to buy more than one size of the pricey (when compared with pre folds) fuzzi bunz, but knew from others' experience that he would not fit into one-size fuzzi-bunz from birth. So we opted to use pre folds for the first couple of months, until he fit well into his one size fuzzis. <br />
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I have to tell you, we did not have a great experience with the pre folds. We could *not* get them to contain the liquidy breast milk poo that greeted us several times a day. So we were constantly having blow outs, having to wash the covers and his pants all the time. It was such a pain in the ass. We couldn't get them tight enough around the legs, and because we opted for a diaper service for the first month or two, we even had professional help. It didn't really help. So we ended up using a lot of seventh gen's in those first months. That said, there are loads of families out there who use and love them, so it must have been user error?<br />
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We were thrilled, to say the least, when he started fitting into his bunz. They actually give us less blow outs than the 7th gen disposables did. In fact I don't even know for sure if we have ever had poop leakage with our bunz.<br />
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Some notes: (Note that I am only adding onto what Kristina has already said, so if you need a comprehensive guide READ THOSE LINKS)<br />
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-We have about 18-20. Not sure on the exact number. We do a wash a little less than every other night. We almost never use disposables. I thought we would, say when we were out? No reason to, really. Cary a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Wise-Diaper-Wet-Bag/dp/B003IHN4YG/ref=br_it_dp_v?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3OJD8CGZEANE3&colid=O0L3SAZTKSD1">small </a>(or medium if we are gone for the day) wet bag with us, then deal with it when we get home. <br />
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-Yeah, they were a big upfront inverstment (several hundred?) but come on. Surely we would have spent waaaaaay more than that by now on disposables. <br />
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-If we are traveling in the car for 2-3 nights tops, we still use our cloth. Sure a bag full of dirty dipes in the back of the car is a leeeeetle gross, but whatevs. It doesn't bother us.<br />
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-We hang a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Wise-Diaper-Wet-Bag/dp/B003IHN4YG/ref=br_it_dp_v?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3OJD8CGZEANE3&colid=O0L3SAZTKSD1">large </a>wet
bag on the door inside the bathroom. No pails or pail liner. Just throw
the dipes in there, then wash the bag along with the dipes every other
dipes washing.<br />
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-We have a sprayer but haven't installed it yet. Breastmilk poops don't need it, the poop will rinse away with that first cold cycle in the wash. Now that he is starting to have big boy poops, we have to scrape some off into the toilet. Should probably get around to installing the sprayer, but part of me hopes they will all be "ploppable" soon.<br />
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-You may recall we had issues at night with leakage. (When H was tiny, we diligently changed him every time he woke up to nurse. haaaaaa! He doesn't seem to be bothered by one dipe all night. Way less bothered than being changed while sleepy.) I can now report we have a good system: tripple stuffed bunz (yeah, you can put more than one absorbent liner in there to soak it on up!) with a wool cover over. For this you just need a few extra liners on hand (we like these thin and absorbent <a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/doublers.htm#smallhemp">hemp ones</a>) and two wool covers. The wool covers need to be washed only every couple of weeks. But since they take a while to dry, you will need two have an extra on hand to use while the other one dries. <br />
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-You can read how to wash your woolies <a href="http://www.zany-zebra.com/washing-wool-diaper-covers.shtml">here</a>. It also includes instructions on making your own wool wash, which I have been doing since I had all the ingredients but no wool wash on hand. <br />
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-Luckily H isn't prone to diaper rash, but when he gets it we use <a href="http://www.grandmaels.com/">grandma els</a> which works great and does not seem to harm the fleece liners.<br />
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-We do use cloth wipes. I thought we would not, but I have no idea why??? They are super easy. We are already doing the laundry, it does not add any. Saves money, and I know exactly what is going on our baby's bottom. Use em dry, or just put a little warm water on them, or make a solution and keep it nearby in a squirt bottle! (We use a recipe suggested by <a href="http://steadyhappy.blogspot.com/">Christina</a> with lavender oil, tee tree oil, a bit of apricot oil, and some almond bronners. Check this link <a href="http://www.zany-zebra.com/cloth-wipe-solution.shtml">out</a>.)<br />
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-I know some mamas prefer non-synthetic materials. If so, fuzzi's are not your choice. Also I know our nanny's babe is sensitive to the fleece liner, so she has to use something else. Makes me think it would be best to start with one or two, just in case, before you invest in them all.<br />
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I think that covers it. I will probably add notes as I think of them, though maybe in the comments so that people don't miss them. Feel free to add your own notes! What has your cloth experience been? Favorite products?<br />
<br />jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15103047512463828864noreply@blogger.com14