Happy New Year!!!
Happy New Year!
We had a wonderful last day of 2014. Our friends came over and the kids had a blast playing together, and with Waldo. It brings me joy to see my baby so happy, and we enjoyed some delicious champagne, too. This was a great year and we are ready for 2015!
Sleeping In and Waking Up
Check out these cuties sleeping in on Saturday morning. This may be the top reason to cosleep (with a close second being the fact that you don't have to get out of bed to get baby back to sleep)...
Merry Christmas, Baby!
Merry Christmas from our family to yours!
'Twas the week before Christmas...
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads...
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!
Love, Kristi
Family Portraits
Three months ago we took family portraits at a local park to celebrate our four year wedding anniversary. It was a hot, steamy, summer day; we were there right in the late afternoon- right before sunset. Our photographer, Rachel Naft of RMN Photography (our engagement, wedding and newborn photographer) did a great job capturing our whole family, including Waldo!Tips for Winter Babywearing
Someone from my mommy group asked about suggestions for winter Babywearing and of course I had something to say about that, here were my suggestions-
"My daughter is almost 13 months and we still love babywearing! I started with her in the Boba carrier the day after we got home from the hospital. We went for walks almost every other day all through winter and spring (and summer...). I babywore very often. Some of my MONA friends don't recognize me when I'm pushing a stroller ;-)
for short walks (and at home) I loved the Baby KTan. It has to fit you perfectly so follow their size guidelines. I had a Small in the organic and it was perfect (I'm 5'3" and weighed about 145 at the time). It's soft, easy, and so cozy. When baby is newborn they are covered up so much by the carrier that it's really an outer layer.
Layers are the key. For really cold days I would wear a fleece zip up and put baby in a fleece coverall (footy pajama) over a onesie or cotton pj. Then I would wear a big winter coat OVER the carrier. This is key. If you have a maternity jacket- that works beautifully! I still wear mine! when baby falls asleep on your walk you want to be able to sneak inside and keep them sleeping without both of you becoming drenched in sweat. Just pop off the winter coat and you are both just in light fleece layers. Then you can relax for a few minutes while baby finishes up her nap.
I tried one of those carrier covers but it didn't seem to work with the Boba, it was huge, and I felt like I looked like a homeless person wearing a sack. If you can get it to work, I'm sure it was great but for me it was no go."
Here are some terrible photos of us winter Babywearing:
One Year Postpartum
My body has now had over a year to recover from pregnancy and childbirth. I would say that it's in a much better place, but some things will just never be the same.
Mentally, I still experience some postpartum OCD, but it's much less. I get anxiety and stress like most new parents. I haven't cried much this year and sometimes I wish I had cried more, to just let everything out. I have had a tendency to let things build up and I have to remind myself that it's not healthy. So every once in a while I have a good old breakdown and open the flood gates...
Emotionally, I love being a mom. More than I imagined. Having Keira in my life is just amazing. Watching her learn and grow and change is like seeing a miracle first hand. My capacity to love has grown and she's made me more compassionate and forgiving just because I want the world to be a better place for her to live in. I like holding her close to me and still love walking with her in the carrier...
Mother's Room
We recently made some improvements to the Mother's Room in my office. It could be bigger and better but this tiny little space is all we have to work with for now.
Here's a little peek...
My "One Year" Post to my BF Support Group
Here was my "one year" post to my Breastfeeding Support Group, and the group leader, Susan. They have been SUCH a big part of our success. I highly recommend joining a local group!
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Dear Susan and Fellow Mamas,
I truly know how quickly time can pass now that I have a baby.
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Dear Susan and Fellow Mamas,
I truly know how quickly time can pass now that I have a baby.
Breastfeeding - One Year and Beyond
We are still breastfeeding and plan to keep it up for another year. Why not?
It keeps baby happy, it's free and I always have breastmilk with me!
I know a lot of people start to introduce cowmilk at 12 months, but I didn't feel comfortable with that, and this article just reassured my decision-
http://breastfeedingarts.wordpress.com/2011/10/06/whats-the-deal-with-cow-milk-at-12-mos-anyway/
I will keep pumping at work twice a day and on my days off Keira will keep nursing on demand (typically 6-8 times a day).
How could I say no to this sweaty little girl, she looks so peaceful...
Are there benefits of breastfeeding beyond 12 months?
All the health benefits of breastfeeding continue after baby's first birthday, including offering fabulous nutritional content and improved resistance to infections. Children who are still breastfeeding and attend daycare are known to have fewer and less severe infections than non-breastfeeding kids, meaning mama has to take fewer days off work.
Some parents worry that extending breastfeeding could hamper baby's independence, but breastfed toddlers prove the opposite. Children who wean on their own time often seem to gain confidence by taking this step themselves. (And children who are weaned before they’re developmentally ready can sometimes become extra-clingy.)
Breastfeeding can also be a sort of secret weapon for the mom of a toddler; nothing soothes a sick, scared, hurt, or upset child (or their mom) better than nursing. Plus, mom and baby get to continue to enjoy the intimacy of their breastfeeding relationship. As Dr. Jack Newman says in his article, Breastfeeding a Toddler -- Why on Earth?, "Breastfeeding is a life-affirming act of love."
In our culture breastfeeding moms of toddlers sometimes catch some flack, but these policy statements from major health organizations affirm that there are, indeed, benefits to breastfeeding for the long haul:
"Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended up to six months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond."
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics:
"Breastfeeding should be continued for at least the first year of life and beyond for as long as mutually desired by mother and child....Increased duration of breastfeeding confers significant health and developmental benefits for the child and the mother....There is no upper limit to the duration of breastfeeding and no evidence of psychological or developmental harm from breastfeeding into the third year of life or longer." (AAP 2005)
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians:
"Breastfeeding beyond the first year offers considerable benefits to both mother and child and should continue as long as mutually desired….If the child is younger than two years of age, the child is at increased risk of illness if weaned." (AAFP 2001)
(From: http://m.thebump.com/new-mom-new-dad/breastfeeding/qa/benefits-of-breastfeeding-beyond-one-year.aspx?MsdVisit=1)
Mid Day Baby Fix
After 7 hours away from Keira I start to miss her really badly. This doesn't mesh well with an 8 hour work day and trying to work out afterwards. So I tried getting a mid day baby fix this- it was great! I stop by after her lunch and just get and give some cuddles and nurse her. She cried for a minute when I left but then her teachers distract her immediately.
Those baby snuggles got me through the rest of the day, and a short workout. Gotta get my baby snuggles!!
Hi.
Baby's official first word: "Hi."
She said "Hi" to everyone we pass at the grocery store. Of course the greeting also includes a cute little princess wave :-)
She is so outgoing and friendly towards everyone. Most people love it and say "hi" back!
Baby's First Shoes
Last Friday, Keira and I went shoe shopping together. Since she is now walking (still with assistance) we want her to be able to walk outside and not get dirty feet. I read that the best "first shoes" will have a thin sole, preferably made of leather. This is to best mimic the feeling of being barefoot. Babies should never wear shoes until they are walking, barefoot is best. There is a great article about it here: How Shoe Choices For Children Can Affect Foot Development
So the first store tried to convince me that these rubber sole shoes were best so we quickly left. A local toy store carried the PediPed brand that I had heard such good things about. A few minutes after we arrived I slipped the sparkly little shoes on Keira's feet and she never wanted to take them off- she wore them out of the store and all weekend!
You can check out the whole selection of PediPeds here:
http://www.pediped.com/
Holding Hands
We took a little trip up to Shenandoah National Park this weekend and the best moment was watching my husband hold my daughters hand as she took some of her first steps. Melted my heart :-)
The views were pretty nice, too!
Lessons Learned
Every so often I think of something I would do slightly differently if I could have. So in order to remember these "constructive criticisms" for myself, I'm noting them in this blog post. Maybe they'll help some of the new moms out there at the same time!
(Note: We plan to have another baby some day, but not right now, hence why I need to write this stuff down, it might be a WHILE! I want to give my body a bare minimum of 18 months to recooperate)
- Be better prepared for labor. My labor progressed VERY fast before I could even get to the hospital. I had no idea what to do since I was just counting on my epidural to get me through. I did not think about what to do before epidural, but next time, I will be prepared.
- Have someone take pictures of YOU with your baby. We had many visitors come to the Hopsital and they all of course wanted pictures with Keira, but we only got a couple of us with her. Put yourselves first, parents!
Sick, Again
Our sweet baby is sick again... Mucous galore and a 102.4 F fever this evening. The doctors office couldn't be less concerned and indicated that this would be the norm for the next 3-4 months and she works her way through all of the daycare germs. Tough times!
For now, the only cure is Ibuprofen and mommy cuddles...
... And sleep
Snuffaluffagus
Our poor baby is sick and all stuffed up- we call her snuffies. She hasn't been sick yet so it's scary for me. My little baby, she can't be sick!!!
(Mom, I don't feel good!)
We knew she wasn't feeling well when she woke up crying but wouldn't fall back asleep. I took her for a long steamy shower to try to relieve some of the stuffiness and she passed out in there immediately. We got her out and in some comfy clothes and I took her for a walk, she fell asleep again. I knew it was going to be a sleepy day for her and she sleeps best on the go, so I stayed busy! She ended up taking FIVE naps.
When we finally got home and checked, it turned out she had a low grade fever (99.4F), it's her first fever. Poor baby! I broke out the baby Ibuprofen but she already seemed better. We ate dinner (se ate a ton) and then afterwards she was her usual munchkie self- yay!
I did notice that she has tooth number 8 about to pop through so I don't know if that is the culprit or it's just a normal step in the acclimating to the germs of daycare.
Either way, I hope she is all better tomorrow!
Sign up for Text4Baby
If you haven't already, please sign up for Text4Baby, they send you safety updates and reminders! Moms are busy and this is just a little help you may need!
Getting in a Groove
Things have gotten much better with work and daycare. I still miss Keira when I'm at work, but I know she is happy and more comfortable at daycare now and I'm enjoying work.
Drop offs are going smoothtly and I'm happy to be doing them again, I love our time together in the morning :-)
Last week I went to a meeting and it was nice to be back in the groove, riding metro! It was also nice to pick up baby early and spend the afternoon together!
Thanks for all the support in our transition!!!
Scenes from a Pump Station
Pumping at work hasn't been too bad (especially since I'm working partime, and pretty much just pumping once or twice a day). Here's a peek into my beautiful pumping station...
Shower Time
We have been on several trips with baby and bathing her in a tiny sink never seemed to work for us, so out of desperation, I took her in the shower with me. It worked great! I get in the shower, bathe myself, then Mike brings her in and I shower with her. Its essential to have everything nearby and not use too much soap. When we are done, dad comes in a wraps her in her towel and gets her in her pajamas. Good times are had by all!
A Letter to my baby
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To my baby: It's strange being back at work without you. For 19 months, we spent almost every moment together. I remember sitting at my desk and feeling you move in my belly. I had no idea what a special, silly and amazing little person you would become. I still sometimes reach down to my belly but you aren't there anymore.
Back to Work... The next couple days
The second day did NOT go as well as the first... But we got through it. I learned on Day 3 that even if she cries when I leave, she stops about one minute after I walk out the door. I stuck around in the hallway to witness for myself and that made me feel much better.
I only worked about ten hours over three days but it was a good transition. I would like to get close to twenty hours next week, but baby is my first priority.
I will say the weekend has new meaning again after working, yay for the work week being over. I got to meet up with one of my besties and her adorable little guy for a nice hike around Roosevelt Island.
Favorite Baby Products @ 9 Months
Here are my favorite products right now:
Bumkins Bibs
You can hand wash these or machine wash them. They are light and waterproof, and they are cute!
Plum Organics
Keira and I are on the go all the time. Fresh fruit isn't always feasible so we needed some healthy and quick (and not messy) snacks.
OXO Bath Bin
This sized-just-right bin is cute and practical. It comes off and scoops up all the baby stuff or stays put and just holds everything is place. I love this thing.
Quiet for a little while...
I have two weeks left of maternity leave and I'm trying to enjoy every second so the blog will be a bit quiet for a little while... (Crickets)
The (Baby) Weight is Over!
As they say- nine months on, and nine months off...
Today was the day that I finally reached pre-baby weight!
The Great Outdoors
Everything is better outside! We go for a walk every day and try to go to the park every other day. Keira loves playing with grass, sticks, leaves and dirt. Yup, she plays with dirt. We are lucky to live near so many parks!
Sticks make great teething toys-
A little picnic-
Why does grass taste so good?
And they have swings at the park!
Watching the big kids play-
Selfies are more fun with a baby-
There's a sleeping baby tucked in there-
The chlorinated pool water feels so good-
Being wrapped up and in daddy's arms feels even better-
A little back porch snoozing-
Virginia is just gorgeous in the summer-
And also relaxing-
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