Article: Busy is a Sickness

I am so guilty of this and hope this article inspires me to be more mindful and enjoy "just being"-

Article: Is It Normal to Breastfeed Your Toddler and Beyond?

We are at 15 months and still going strong... I fear the day that we get dirty looks.

The article states:
"The only downside to breast-feeding through toddlerhood is social stigma."


Here's to normalizing toddler breastfeeding for those who choose to do it!

Article: Love and Wealth are Not Enough

Very interesting article for me as a parent, and as a child. This inspires me to know myself better, know my spouse better and to know my child better. I want both my husband and my baby to FEEL that I love them!

Article: Why Your Newborn Should NOT Be Sleeping Through the Night

I wanted to share this article for all of you new moms who are fielding the "is your baby sleeping through the night yet!?" question... Don't worry... Just lie and say "yes"... And then read this article:

Article: Postpartum Depression and Disorders, What I Wish I'd Known

You all know that I have postpartum OCD and can totally relate to feeling that same "wait, this isn't depression, so what is it?" feeling when I have my intrusive thoughts.


Don't be afraid or embarrassed to get help if you need it. 

Article: How Do I Get My Kid Out of My Bed

As a cosleeping mom, I hear all the time "if you start cosleeping, you're doomed!". I was so happy when I came across this article from my new favorite blogger, Milk Meg:

http://themilkmeg.com/how-do-i-get-my-kid-out-of-my-bed/

She tells the story of how she transitioned three very different babies out of her and her husbands bed and into their own beds. Enjoy!

TheMilkMeg

I think this is my favorite new blog!
http://themilkmeg.com


Why Sleep Training is NOT for me

This article sums it up... Leaving my child to cry violates my deepest instincts

Arguments against the Ferber method

Although studies show that extinction sleep training can be very effective in eliminating bedtime protests and stalling tactics, many people—parents, pediatricians, and researchers included—worry about potential side effects.
Leaving children alone to cry seems to violate our deepest instincts, and no wonder. For most of human history, our ancestors biggest sleep problem was almost certainly the avoidance of predators.
Like modern-day hunter-gatherers, our ancestors slept communally and shared “watch” duties (Worthman and Melby 2002). Children snuggled up to their parents and siblings. And if children cried out, it was important to soothe them quickly to reduce the chances of attracting predators to the camp.
In this setting--the setting that characterized millions of years of human and pre-human evolution--leaving a child alone at night would have constituted child abandonment, if not attempted infanticide.
Our evolutionary past has left its stamp in our brains. When babies and children are left alone at night, they are likely to experience one of the most primal and powerful stressors known to young animals--separation anxiety (Panksepp 2000). Separation anxiety is a panic response arising from a primitive part of brain that also processes information about physical pain (Panksepp 2000).
Concerns about separation anxiety and stress have led some pediatricians, researchers, and therapists to worry about the adverse effects of the Ferber method on a child’s health and well-being (e.g., Sears and Sears 1996; Commons and Miller 1998; Sunderland 2006).
- See more at: http://www.parentingscience.com/Ferber-method.html#sthash.ozhoz8Xc.dpuf

StitchFix Shipment #1

I signed up for StitchFix after hearing several friends recommend based on word of mouth. I filled out the questionnaire and then anxiously awaited my first shipment. 

Shortly after, this box arrived-


I am not a fan of dolman sleeves, or sleeveless tops (especially when it's 8 degrees here), so I kind of mentally returned those immediately. The jeans were super soft and comfy, but quite low waisted and just a tad bit tight on the tummy (doesn't help that I've put on like 5 pounds since thanksgiving). The dress was cool but, again, tight on the stomach so I ended up returning all those. I kept the Henley top - my new staple style. I haven't worn it yet but that's because it's been crazy cold and 3/4 sleeves aren't enough for me on these 30 and below days, but I love the fit, it's soft and flows and I know I'll wear it out this spring and summer! Can't wait for my next shipment!

Try it for yourself:
https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/4595684

Simply fill out your style profile, and a personal stylist will handpick five items just for you.

UPDATE: I've been loving my Pixley Henley Top!



Stay fabulous my friends!


 

My Favorite Mom-Friendly Clothing Brands

A mom's body is different after she has a baby. She also needs clothes that can keep up with her active lifestyle, comfortable and easy to wear. I have a few favorite brands that I have really been into since becoming a mom:

Jag Jeans
This line is slimming, pull-on, high-waisted jeans will keep you from flashing your back while you are bending and crouching playing with or chasing a toddler. They also have have petite, ankle and crop lengths, as well as cords and colored jeans!

Carve Designs
This line of workout inspired clothes feel like pajamas but look pulled together. Love their leggings, Henley tops and striped shirts.


NYDJ (Not Your Daughters Jeans)
Designer feel, super comfort. I loved the way these felt (the jean leggings), but they are pricey. I ended up returning them and keeping the JAG Jeans instead.


Jojo Maman Bebe
Adorable nursing clothes, also can be used for maternity (wish I knew that like 18 months ago!) very comfy and well designed.

Lucy
Wonderfully comfy lounge/activewear. Perfect for long days of playtime and strolling through the neighborhood!

Splendid
Beautiful, soft and colorful clothes. The moment you try on these soft cotton pieces you will never want to wear anything else!

The best part is, all of these brands are available on Amazon!

Originally Posted: 02/12/2015

Article: Why African Babies Don't Cry

Here is an article that someone from my breastfeeding support group posted. I really enjoyed it, and the message it sends. I feel that being an attachment parent really aligned with my natural instincts, which I love hearing are similar to those mothers who are outside of the internet and modern amenities.

An African Perspective
by Claire Niala


Here is a related article, giving specific tips to American mothers on how to be more attentive (i.e. get your baby to cry less!): Babies Don't Cry in Africa Why Should They Cry in the USA


That BabyFace

That baby face. My baby's face. It melts my heart.

I just love it and maybe you do too. Well hopefully so. Because here are a slew of photos of- That BabyFace. 

MY LOVE







Baby Valentine

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and what baby wouldn't love getting a new sweet book?

Here are some that I recommend to show your little sweetheart how much you love them!


Available on Amazon:


ExpectingHappiness is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If you purchase items through the links above, it is no additional cost to you, but the author of this blog makes a small amount of money as compensation for her referrals. 

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 2/6/2015