Emerson slept through the night....
7.5 glorious hours of sweet slumber in a row, then another 4 after that.
Please.
Please.
Please.
Don't let this be a fluke. I'm not sleep deprived, but this wouldn't be the worst routine for her to pick up.
My baby is awesome.
The end.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
What I'm Loving Wednesday
I apologize in advance if WILW ends up being WILW- Baby Edition from now on. I'm a mom, yo. Baby stuff consumes my life :)
I'm loving... Johnson's Lavender Bedtime Bath.
We give Em a bath and use both the lavender bath soap and lotion. Oh Em Gee. It smells like heaven, and it really relaxes her. And for two days afterward, she has that heavenly baby smell. I would buy a lifetime supply of this stuff if I could.
I'm loving.... Folger's Caramel Drizzle K-Cups.
Now that I'm allowed 1 cup of regular coffee a day, I've been getting reacquainted with my Keurig coffee maker. This is my new favorite flavor. Even just the name is mouthwatering. YUM!
I'm loving... Saline drops + The Nosefrida.
Ok, TMI alert... Babies get boogers. And it's the saddest thing ever when you can hear that they are having trouble breathing but you can't see into that tiny little nose and figure out what's bothering them. A few drops of saline, and the amazing invention known as the Nosefrida, and voila! Clear nose = Happy baby. Honestly, if she's fed, changed, burped, and not tired but still fussy, a stuffy nose is usually the culprit. Stupid winter.
I'm loving... Our stroller.
This thing is a beast! We got the Peg Perego Pliko P3 (say that 3 times fast) and I friggin love it! I now make excuses just to use it. It couldn't be easier to open and dismantle, and Emerson LOVES being pushed around in it (who wouldn't?!?) The car seat clips into it in less than a second, which is perfect for someone like me who can't even assemble Legos properly.
See? She falls asleep immediately. Which for a newborn = I love this mommy, let's keep it up!
I'm loving... Johnson's Lavender Bedtime Bath.
We give Em a bath and use both the lavender bath soap and lotion. Oh Em Gee. It smells like heaven, and it really relaxes her. And for two days afterward, she has that heavenly baby smell. I would buy a lifetime supply of this stuff if I could.
Now that I'm allowed 1 cup of regular coffee a day, I've been getting reacquainted with my Keurig coffee maker. This is my new favorite flavor. Even just the name is mouthwatering. YUM!
I'm loving... Saline drops + The Nosefrida.
Ok, TMI alert... Babies get boogers. And it's the saddest thing ever when you can hear that they are having trouble breathing but you can't see into that tiny little nose and figure out what's bothering them. A few drops of saline, and the amazing invention known as the Nosefrida, and voila! Clear nose = Happy baby. Honestly, if she's fed, changed, burped, and not tired but still fussy, a stuffy nose is usually the culprit. Stupid winter.
This thing is a beast! We got the Peg Perego Pliko P3 (say that 3 times fast) and I friggin love it! I now make excuses just to use it. It couldn't be easier to open and dismantle, and Emerson LOVES being pushed around in it (who wouldn't?!?) The car seat clips into it in less than a second, which is perfect for someone like me who can't even assemble Legos properly.
See? She falls asleep immediately. Which for a newborn = I love this mommy, let's keep it up!
What are you loving today?!?
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
30 Day Shred
Yesterday I decided to start day 1 of the 30 Day Shred.
Good decision? Yes. Sore muscles?? You bet.
The 30 Day Shred is a workout DVD with Jillian Michaels from The Biggest Loser. It's a 20 minute workout, but it is HARD. It has 3 levels with varying intensity, and it is the most legit workout DVD I've ever come across. (Except for P90x, but people who do that are cray-cray).
I started doing it before I got pregnant and loved the results. So I figured this, combined with running, would be a nice swift kick in the behind to begin getting back in pre-baby shape! And, in true mommy fashion, I was able to do this DVD in the living room while Em was napping right there. Girlfriend didn't even flinch!
As an alternative to the Shred, I found this easy living room-friendly workout on Pinterest that follows the same principles:
I will definitely be trying this when I need a Shred back (I'm telling you - it's intense!)
The weight is dropping more slowly now (about 1-2 lbs per week), but the transitional jeans I bought to get me through are already too big (WINNING!!) and I've lost 2 inches in my waist in the last 2 weeks (HTH did that happen?!?)
If you have any great tips, recipes, or websites to share, let me have 'em - I've got a bridesmaids dress to wear in 4 months, and I am determined to be back to my old size by then! ;-)
Good decision? Yes. Sore muscles?? You bet.
The 30 Day Shred is a workout DVD with Jillian Michaels from The Biggest Loser. It's a 20 minute workout, but it is HARD. It has 3 levels with varying intensity, and it is the most legit workout DVD I've ever come across. (Except for P90x, but people who do that are cray-cray).
As an alternative to the Shred, I found this easy living room-friendly workout on Pinterest that follows the same principles:
I will definitely be trying this when I need a Shred back (I'm telling you - it's intense!)
The weight is dropping more slowly now (about 1-2 lbs per week), but the transitional jeans I bought to get me through are already too big (WINNING!!) and I've lost 2 inches in my waist in the last 2 weeks (HTH did that happen?!?)
If you have any great tips, recipes, or websites to share, let me have 'em - I've got a bridesmaids dress to wear in 4 months, and I am determined to be back to my old size by then! ;-)
Monday, January 23, 2012
Newborn Photographs
We decided to have newborn photographs of Emerson taken when she was just 7 days old. We wanted a professional to capture her new-ness, and all of her teeny tiny squishy loveliness while she was still unopposed to having her picture taken.
This will go down as one of the best decisions I've ever made. Well, I guess WE made, since Jon had a say in it too.
Overall, it was such a fun experience. Our photographer, Vanessa was so patient, and didn't seem to mind that Em pooped on her white blanket. And her brown blanket. And daddy. And peed on her green blanket. And on her prop box. And daddy. Oh well! I guess that's what happen when you leave a newborn diaper-less for over an hour.
But other than a few tears at the very end, Emerson stayed asleep the ENTIRE time. She let us put her in these ridiculous poses and just slept like the baby that she was. (I mean, IS. My little girl is still a baby. Breathe, Audra, breathe).
So allow me to be one of THOSE moms and share the pictures of her newborn preciousness.
Be still my heart.
This will go down as one of the best decisions I've ever made. Well, I guess WE made, since Jon had a say in it too.
Overall, it was such a fun experience. Our photographer, Vanessa was so patient, and didn't seem to mind that Em pooped on her white blanket. And her brown blanket. And daddy. And peed on her green blanket. And on her prop box. And daddy. Oh well! I guess that's what happen when you leave a newborn diaper-less for over an hour.
But other than a few tears at the very end, Emerson stayed asleep the ENTIRE time. She let us put her in these ridiculous poses and just slept like the baby that she was. (I mean, IS. My little girl is still a baby. Breathe, Audra, breathe).
So allow me to be one of THOSE moms and share the pictures of her newborn preciousness.
Be still my heart.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
"Is this your first??"
While shopping yesterday (yes, all me & Em do is shop... well window shop that is), I was stopped by no less than 5 people who wanted to take a peek at my beautiful new baby.
Of course I didn't mind... I love showing off my gorgeous daughter (but uh, please don't touch her or I will karate chop your @$$).
I was also asked no less than 5 times "Is this your first baby?"
Oy.
From the moment I started showing, I've been asked this question. It's a harmless question that people ask out of curiosity, but I absolutely HATE being asked.
No. Sweet baby E is not our first. Jack Benjamin is, was, and will always be our first baby.
But how do you possibly explain your entire story to a total stranger?? They can't possibly know the impact he made on our lives in a 2 minute conversation.
Jon and I discussed that, unless someone knew our history, we would respond with "Yes" when asked this question. It's just easier that way. No need to make people uncomfortable, and no need to explain our situation to total strangers. Still, part of me dies inside when I say "Yes." It's like I'm not acknowledging my son, and that makes me really sad.
The worst was when we were in the hospital delivering Emerson. Every nurse asked this question, and I wanted to tell them the truth. For me, we had come full circle... the last time we were in the hospital, we lost our baby. This time, we were going to get to take our baby home, and I wanted to celebrate that. I also wanted them to know why I was an absolute nervous wreck, panicked that something was going to go wrong. When you go through a loss, your anxiety levels multiply in a way others just can't understand.
But we ended up not saying anything, except to the one nurse who was with us the entire time. She was there during my entire labor, and I wanted to tell her about my little boy. Emerson has a brother, and I wanted to talk about him. She was very sympathetic and sweet, and I'm glad I said something.
In a way, Emerson is our first; She's our first take-home baby. And I guess it's okay to just say "Yes" most of the time for that reason alone. Even though the stranger in Macy's may not know about Jack, we do, our family & friends do, and Emerson will. And that matters more than anything.
Of course I didn't mind... I love showing off my gorgeous daughter (but uh, please don't touch her or I will karate chop your @$$).
I was also asked no less than 5 times "Is this your first baby?"
Oy.
From the moment I started showing, I've been asked this question. It's a harmless question that people ask out of curiosity, but I absolutely HATE being asked.
No. Sweet baby E is not our first. Jack Benjamin is, was, and will always be our first baby.
But how do you possibly explain your entire story to a total stranger?? They can't possibly know the impact he made on our lives in a 2 minute conversation.
Jon and I discussed that, unless someone knew our history, we would respond with "Yes" when asked this question. It's just easier that way. No need to make people uncomfortable, and no need to explain our situation to total strangers. Still, part of me dies inside when I say "Yes." It's like I'm not acknowledging my son, and that makes me really sad.
The worst was when we were in the hospital delivering Emerson. Every nurse asked this question, and I wanted to tell them the truth. For me, we had come full circle... the last time we were in the hospital, we lost our baby. This time, we were going to get to take our baby home, and I wanted to celebrate that. I also wanted them to know why I was an absolute nervous wreck, panicked that something was going to go wrong. When you go through a loss, your anxiety levels multiply in a way others just can't understand.
But we ended up not saying anything, except to the one nurse who was with us the entire time. She was there during my entire labor, and I wanted to tell her about my little boy. Emerson has a brother, and I wanted to talk about him. She was very sympathetic and sweet, and I'm glad I said something.
In a way, Emerson is our first; She's our first take-home baby. And I guess it's okay to just say "Yes" most of the time for that reason alone. Even though the stranger in Macy's may not know about Jack, we do, our family & friends do, and Emerson will. And that matters more than anything.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
1 month
To my sweet little Emerson,
My baby is growing up so fast :(
I know this will be the first of many times I say this throughout the course of your life. Like your 1st birthday. The day you start kindergarten. When you graduate high school. Get married. Have a baby of your own. I am not ready for any of that.
But as this tiny little sweetheart lays sleeping on my chest right now, I just can't believe you're a month old. On one hand, it feels like you've always been here. On another, it seems like the time flew so fast my head is spinning.
You have changed SO much in the last month. When we left the hospital, you weighed 6 lbs 14oz. You were such a peanut!!! Oh my goodness, you practically disappeared in my arms. Well, you're still a peanut (still wearing newborn clothes and your tiny head is too small for the 55 headbands I bought you). And everyone that meets you says that you are just oh so teeny tiny.
But at your last doctors appointment you weighed 8lbs 2oz, and had grown 1.5 inches!! That was two weeks ago, and I know you've only gotten bigger since then. You have the most ADORABLE belly I have ever seen. It's so "chunky" compared to your long skinny legs, and we love kissing and tickling it. And someday you'll be embarrassed by this, but I swear you have like 4 chins. I die every time I look at them because they are so unbelievably cute.
You're such a sweet baby. You have the most gorgeous eyes, and when you look up at me I feel like you know all of the secrets in the world. Not to mention your beautiful baby lips, which even when pouting are so perfect. I think Daddy said it best when he said "How did we make such a beautiful baby?? I know for a fact neither one of us is this good looking." HAHAHAHA.
Right now, your days are spent looking around, practicing your neck control, eating a ton, and sleeping a ton. Also breaking every heart and winning over every single person that meets you. How can someone so tiny be loved by so many?? I don't know, but I know I love it.
Here are the things you love right now:
- Staring at any available light source. And also curtains.
- Your duckie and your doggie (aka the Wubbnub. I don't have the heart to tell you that duckie is missing in action. I've looked everywhere. Yikes)
- Bath time
- Snuggling
- Eating time
- Daddy's voice
- Having your forehead rubbed
- The Rock and Play
- Your carseat
- Shopping trips. Especially Target. You love Target. A girl after my own heart.
You despise the following things:
- Getting OUT of the bath
- Getting your diaper changed
- Being naked in general (Your father is fine with this)
- When we put hats on you (but it's cold out and you look so cute in them!)
- Buffalo wing sauce. Yep, mommy can't eat that for awhile. You are not a fan. Anything for you though, sweetcheeks.
- Mommy taking your picture over and over (and over) again
- Being put down before you've had the right amount of snuggling
Without a doubt, the last month has been the best of my life. Happy 1 month sweetheart.
Love,
Mom
My baby is growing up so fast :(
I know this will be the first of many times I say this throughout the course of your life. Like your 1st birthday. The day you start kindergarten. When you graduate high school. Get married. Have a baby of your own. I am not ready for any of that.
But as this tiny little sweetheart lays sleeping on my chest right now, I just can't believe you're a month old. On one hand, it feels like you've always been here. On another, it seems like the time flew so fast my head is spinning.
You have changed SO much in the last month. When we left the hospital, you weighed 6 lbs 14oz. You were such a peanut!!! Oh my goodness, you practically disappeared in my arms. Well, you're still a peanut (still wearing newborn clothes and your tiny head is too small for the 55 headbands I bought you). And everyone that meets you says that you are just oh so teeny tiny.
But at your last doctors appointment you weighed 8lbs 2oz, and had grown 1.5 inches!! That was two weeks ago, and I know you've only gotten bigger since then. You have the most ADORABLE belly I have ever seen. It's so "chunky" compared to your long skinny legs, and we love kissing and tickling it. And someday you'll be embarrassed by this, but I swear you have like 4 chins. I die every time I look at them because they are so unbelievably cute.
You're such a sweet baby. You have the most gorgeous eyes, and when you look up at me I feel like you know all of the secrets in the world. Not to mention your beautiful baby lips, which even when pouting are so perfect. I think Daddy said it best when he said "How did we make such a beautiful baby?? I know for a fact neither one of us is this good looking." HAHAHAHA.
Right now, your days are spent looking around, practicing your neck control, eating a ton, and sleeping a ton. Also breaking every heart and winning over every single person that meets you. How can someone so tiny be loved by so many?? I don't know, but I know I love it.
Here are the things you love right now:
- Staring at any available light source. And also curtains.
- Your duckie and your doggie (aka the Wubbnub. I don't have the heart to tell you that duckie is missing in action. I've looked everywhere. Yikes)
- Bath time
- Snuggling
- Eating time
- Daddy's voice
- Having your forehead rubbed
- The Rock and Play
- Your carseat
- Shopping trips. Especially Target. You love Target. A girl after my own heart.
You despise the following things:
- Getting OUT of the bath
- Getting your diaper changed
- Being naked in general (Your father is fine with this)
- When we put hats on you (but it's cold out and you look so cute in them!)
- Buffalo wing sauce. Yep, mommy can't eat that for awhile. You are not a fan. Anything for you though, sweetcheeks.
- Mommy taking your picture over and over (and over) again
- Being put down before you've had the right amount of snuggling
Without a doubt, the last month has been the best of my life. Happy 1 month sweetheart.
Love,
Mom
Friday, January 13, 2012
Smile
Emerson gave me her first non-reflexive, purposeful, wide-awake, reactive smile this morning.
And I cried instantly. My heart has melted into a pool of baby love.
So naturally, once she went down for her nap, and all I'm thinking about is her beautiful smile, I think of the Charlie Chaplin song "Smile." And then I think about the Glee cover of the song (and it is beautiful, btw). Which reminded me of the version from the movie My Girl 2, where Vada gets to watch a home video of her mother whom she lost as a baby. It's been years since I've seen that movie, so of course I looked it up on YouTube.
WARNING: If you are the mother of a baby girl, NEVER EVER watch the following video. I really need to buy stock in Kleenex.
And I cried instantly. My heart has melted into a pool of baby love.
So naturally, once she went down for her nap, and all I'm thinking about is her beautiful smile, I think of the Charlie Chaplin song "Smile." And then I think about the Glee cover of the song (and it is beautiful, btw). Which reminded me of the version from the movie My Girl 2, where Vada gets to watch a home video of her mother whom she lost as a baby. It's been years since I've seen that movie, so of course I looked it up on YouTube.
WARNING: If you are the mother of a baby girl, NEVER EVER watch the following video. I really need to buy stock in Kleenex.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Workin' on my fitness
So before I got pregnant for the first time, I was in love with running.
Well, when I say "in love" I mean I was in love with results that running gave me, and I LOVED how I felt after the run. During??? Not so much. But I digress.
Before I got pregnant with Emerson, I was honestly way too depressed to start working out again. It took until about March of 2011, 6 months after our loss, for me to get my motivation back. So naturally, after dropping $300 on a membership to the gym down the street, I found out I was pregnant 2 weeks later. Funny how things work.
As of today, I am 6 pounds away from my per-pregnancy weight. I'm happy about this, I really am. But as any woman who has had a baby can attest, your body is totally different after pregnancy. I'm all like, "Where'd my waist go??" and "You mean, my stomach doesn't just get flat right away??" HA!
So in order to get back to my "happy" weight, where I feel best about myself and have the most energy, I'll need to lose more than those last 6 pounds. But more importantly, I need to get back into the fitness routine I had circa 2009/2010.
I am someone's mother now, so I'm not interested in prancing around in bikinis and belly shirts. No no.
But I just want to feel good about me. I don't need to look good for anyone else. Well, for Jon too I guess, but that man has seen me at my worst (and I mean, the WORST) and still calls me beautiful, so we're good there I think ;-)
I'm starting out small, because Em is my number one priority and I don't want to do anything that will hinder my ability to nurse her. But I've started eliminating processed foods, and things are going well. Basically, no white carbs and nothing out of a box with 279 ingredients. She seems happy with it too.
I'm also obsessed with pinning different workout plans and healthy recipes. Here are some of my favorites I can't wait to try**
**once that whole pesky task of being medically cleared by the doctor happens.
Well, when I say "in love" I mean I was in love with results that running gave me, and I LOVED how I felt after the run. During??? Not so much. But I digress.
Before I got pregnant with Emerson, I was honestly way too depressed to start working out again. It took until about March of 2011, 6 months after our loss, for me to get my motivation back. So naturally, after dropping $300 on a membership to the gym down the street, I found out I was pregnant 2 weeks later. Funny how things work.
As of today, I am 6 pounds away from my per-pregnancy weight. I'm happy about this, I really am. But as any woman who has had a baby can attest, your body is totally different after pregnancy. I'm all like, "Where'd my waist go??" and "You mean, my stomach doesn't just get flat right away??" HA!
So in order to get back to my "happy" weight, where I feel best about myself and have the most energy, I'll need to lose more than those last 6 pounds. But more importantly, I need to get back into the fitness routine I had circa 2009/2010.
I am someone's mother now, so I'm not interested in prancing around in bikinis and belly shirts. No no.
But I just want to feel good about me. I don't need to look good for anyone else. Well, for Jon too I guess, but that man has seen me at my worst (and I mean, the WORST) and still calls me beautiful, so we're good there I think ;-)
I'm starting out small, because Em is my number one priority and I don't want to do anything that will hinder my ability to nurse her. But I've started eliminating processed foods, and things are going well. Basically, no white carbs and nothing out of a box with 279 ingredients. She seems happy with it too.
I'm also obsessed with pinning different workout plans and healthy recipes. Here are some of my favorites I can't wait to try**
**once that whole pesky task of being medically cleared by the doctor happens.
 |
| Flat belly moves... important for post-partum gals like me |
 |
| Speaks for itself |
 |
| 6 moves to get toned arms |
 |
| 8 week bikini ready plan. SO not ready for this yet. |
 |
| Who doesn't want toned and sexy thighs Now?!? |
 |
| How to lose 15 pounds in a month... if I get desperate before Lin's wedding |
 |
| A week's worth of healthy, flat-belly recipes |
 |
| How to do lunges correctly |
 |
| List of healthy foods to help with grocery shopping |
 |
| Marisa Miller's workout. It's gotta be good, right?? |
Of course, all I have to do is look at this beautiful baby and I am reminded how it was all worth it :)
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Emerson's Newborn Must Haves
Admittedly, I spent WAY too much time researching any and all baby products when I was pregnant. I read every review, watched every YouTube demonstration video, and read every message board regarding each particular product we considered purchasing. It was excessive really.
But now I'm glad I did. Em might just be an easygoing baby with a happy temperament, but I'd like to think that maybe some of what we've done has helped her ease the transition from cozy womb to big scary world.
So here is my list of the items that, so far, we could not live without. There are alot of other things we use daily that are nice to have, but these are the essentials.
SLEEP STUFF
Happiest Baby on the Block DVD by Dr. Harvey Karp
First and foremost... watch this DVD before you have your baby. The accompanying book was recommended to me by my sister, who has 6 happy children, so I figured she knew what she was talking about. I won't get into the nuts and bolts of this philosophy, but basically Dr. Karp believes that the first few months of a newborn's life are like the "4th trimester" and that by mimicking the sensations the baby felt in the womb, you can calm your unhappy, crying baby and make them the... wait for it.... happiest baby on the block. I don't really know most of my neighbors, but I think Em is the happiest baby on our block (okay, so she's the only one I've seen, but still).
Anyway, the principles make total sense to me, and we've been using the techniques since day one. Again, not sure if it's just coincidence, but Emerson has been a great sleeper so far, and I feel well-rested almost every day, so something is working for us.
You don't have to buy the DVD... we just rented from the library. I'm telling you, CHECK IT OUT! You won't be sorry.
The Miracle Blanket
One of the principles in HBOTB is that since babies were so scrunched up and snuggly in the womb, when they come out they get startled by their flailing arms. So swaddling your baby is the key to calming and relaxing your baby, which encourages deep and peaceful sleep.
When we first got home from the hospital, I decided not to swaddle her at night because she was constantly moving her arms around. I thought she wouldn't like being trapped by the swaddle. Well, after 2 nights of her waking every 45 minutes, I decided to give the Miracle Blanket a try. Hallelujah! She instantly calmed down and slept a good 3 hour stretch that first night. And now, as soon as girlfriend even sees TMB, I swear her eyes start drooping. She can go from crying hysterically to happy camper in less than a minute. It is awesome!
The blanket freaked us out at first because it literally looks like a baby straight jacket; Jon thought we were torturing her. But with her arms free she'll wake herself up, and that is way more torturous for a growing newborn. We only use it at night, so that she associates TMB with nighttime sleep, but this little invention has saved our lives!
I've also started loosely swaddling her for daytime naps with the Aden & Anais blankets, because again, she seems much happier, but we save the nice snug swaddle for bedtime. I'm telling you, we couldn't live without this one!
Fisher Price Rock and Play Sleeper
If you enjoy your sleep (and who doesn't), this will be the best $40 you spend as a parent. This thing is awesome! We put baby E in this at night to sleep, and she sleeps so soundly. Because of it's design, the baby feels like they are still being held, and the slight incline makes me feel better in case she were to spit up in her sleep (which, thankfully, we don't have a very spitty baby yet.... fingers crossed!)
It's also a rocker, so if baby girl is having a hard time falling asleep after I put her down, I just rock her back and forth for a few minutes and she's out like a light. You can keep it right next to your bed for easy baby access, or carry it around the house for a portable napping station.
She loves it. I love it. You'll love it to.
White Noise Machine
Another absolute essential item, according to Dr. Karp (and now to me and Emerson). The baby hears white noise and your heartbeat constantly while they are in your belly, so when they come out, it's just too gosh darn quiet for them. If swaddling doesn't calm Em down right away, putting her down with white noise nearby certainly will. I even turn the radio to a staticky station when she starts to fuss in the car. It's amazing how quickly she calms down when she hears it.
We have this one by The First Years, but there are tons on the market. I even have a white noise app on my phone in case she's having a hard time falling asleep.
Summer Infant BabyTouch Monitor
So nobody told me this, but newborns make ALOT of noise in their sleep. Like, alot. They grunt, cough, snort, and even cry out while they are sleeping. I read that this happens when they are transitioning from one sleep cycle to the next. Either way, it was scary at first. I kept picking Emerson up at every little sound, thinking she was wet or hungry, when in reality I kept waking her up when all she was trying to do was move on to her next cycle. (I can just imagine her....Geez, MOM! Back off and let me sleep!)
Even when we determined that her sleep sounds were normal, it was still hard to sleep ourselves because every little sound she made would wake us up. One night I was hanging up laundry, so Jon put her in her nursery in the Rock and Play with the monitor on. I kept expecting her to wake up because mommy wasn't right next to her, but she slept great! And when I went in to nurse and change her, since I wasn't carrying her as far as I normally do, she was able to stay asleep and fall back to sleep much easier. So now she sleeps in her nursery and is happy as a clam.
Anyway, back to the monitor. We love this one because we have a very clear shot of the baby. You can also pan the room with the monitor (you know, in case you want to check for boogeymen) and it even has a Talk feature so the baby can hear your voice. I leave the monitor right next to the bed, and I'm able to hear her immediately when she starts crying for real. Trust me, you will very quickly learn the difference between what we call "fake outs" and the real deal. For Em, fake outs sound like apathetic noises... the real deal sounds like "HELLO!!! Get in here and feed me goshdarnit I am starving!!!!"
This monitor is a little pricey, but for our peace of mind it was definitely well worth it. You can also buy an additional camera for another room, so some day when Em has a sibling, we can watch them both at the same time.
Fisher Price Soothe and Glow Seahorse
Okay, so this isn't a must have for sleep per se, but it definitely helps our nighttime routine. This adorable little thing plays about 10 minutes of classical music and has a nice soft glow. I use it when changing her diaper at night. It's enough light so that I can see what I'm doing, but not so much that it wakes her up completely. Plus, the soothing music keeps her calm and happy. And at 3am, I will do anything for a happy baby.
DAYTIME FAVORITES
Wubbanub
I am someone who was anti-pacifier. I've heard it gives them an overbite, they become dependent on it, bla bla bla.
But when your sweet little baby is fed, changed, warm enough, and still fussing, as a parent you will do whatever you need to do to make them happy. And since pacifier use is linked to a decreased risk of SIDS, I feel okay about it.
Em wouldn't take a normal pacifier at first, so we figured we couldn't use them. But then we tried the Wubbanub. Oh Em Gee, girlfriend LOVES this thing. With the cute little toy attached it makes it harder for her to spit it out (and trust me when they spit it out before they're ready, the sadness that ensues is not one you want to experience). Plus, she loves looking at the little toy.
Is $10 alot to spend on a pacifier? Yes. But we have two of them. And I will probably get another one. Again, it's a small price to pay for a happy little girl!
Boppy Newborn Lounger
Emerson doesn't get put down much while awake (it's hard being so loved by your parents, friends and family isn't it?) But if I do need a minute, she loves laying on this pillow. It's so soft, and she can look around at the world without being completely flat on her back (which she HATES and I have nightmares thinking about transitioning her to her crib, but that's another story for another day).
Anyway, I love this thing. I wish they made an adult-sized one.
Pampers Swaddlers
The best diapers on the market, in my humble opinion a whole 4 weeks into mommyhood. There's a yellow line that turns blue when the baby is wet, so there's no wasting diapers. And so far, no leaks!! They're slightly pricier, so if you're expecting I'd recommend buying one case a week, that way you're not buying them all at once. Because trust me, they go through A TON. I had no idea.
CLOTHING
Just like with her name, I have developed very specific criteria on what type of clothing is best for my newborn:
Zip-Up vs. Button: Why are any baby pajamas made with buttons?? In the middle of the night, the last thing your newborn wants is for you to fumble with all those teeny tiny buttons. The zip-up onesies are awesome, and make the 3am diaper changes must faster.
Newborn size vs. 0-3 month. Everyone told me "Don't even bother buying newborn-sized clothing, they grow out of it so quickly!" So at firs we didn't have anything size NB. But luckily, we received quite a few NB sized items at our baby showers, and Jon went out and bought her some precious onesies one day when Carter's was having a huge sale. Thank goodness! Em was SWIMMING in the 0-3 stuff when she was born (as well as the size 1 diapers, since everyone told us not even to bother with NB sized ones). Even now at 4 weeks, the 0-3 stuff is still huge on her. She's got really long legs, so her NB stuff, after several washes, is getting snug, but unfortunately there's no in between. So this week she either looks like a stuffed sausage or a baby who is wearing her big sister's clothing.
Carter's vs. Gerber. Hands-down, Carter's wins. The Gerber onesies we have feel, as Jon so affectionately put it, like cardboard, and I agree. I'm sure she doesn't care, but I just don't want to put my sweet baby with her soft skin in pajamas that feel stiff. Carter's clothing, on the other hand, feels so soft, and the NB sized ones we have all have the mitten cuffs on them (VERY crucial because, due to the flailing arms, babies can scratch and gauge their faces without mittens).
PHEW! Are you exhausted reading this?? I'm exhausted after writing it. I hope this helps someone, because instead of napping or showering while Emerson napped this morning, I wrote out the longest blog post in the history of this blog. It's all about priorities.
But now I'm glad I did. Em might just be an easygoing baby with a happy temperament, but I'd like to think that maybe some of what we've done has helped her ease the transition from cozy womb to big scary world.
So here is my list of the items that, so far, we could not live without. There are alot of other things we use daily that are nice to have, but these are the essentials.
SLEEP STUFF
Happiest Baby on the Block DVD by Dr. Harvey Karp
Anyway, the principles make total sense to me, and we've been using the techniques since day one. Again, not sure if it's just coincidence, but Emerson has been a great sleeper so far, and I feel well-rested almost every day, so something is working for us.
You don't have to buy the DVD... we just rented from the library. I'm telling you, CHECK IT OUT! You won't be sorry.
The Miracle Blanket
One of the principles in HBOTB is that since babies were so scrunched up and snuggly in the womb, when they come out they get startled by their flailing arms. So swaddling your baby is the key to calming and relaxing your baby, which encourages deep and peaceful sleep.
When we first got home from the hospital, I decided not to swaddle her at night because she was constantly moving her arms around. I thought she wouldn't like being trapped by the swaddle. Well, after 2 nights of her waking every 45 minutes, I decided to give the Miracle Blanket a try. Hallelujah! She instantly calmed down and slept a good 3 hour stretch that first night. And now, as soon as girlfriend even sees TMB, I swear her eyes start drooping. She can go from crying hysterically to happy camper in less than a minute. It is awesome!
The blanket freaked us out at first because it literally looks like a baby straight jacket; Jon thought we were torturing her. But with her arms free she'll wake herself up, and that is way more torturous for a growing newborn. We only use it at night, so that she associates TMB with nighttime sleep, but this little invention has saved our lives!
I've also started loosely swaddling her for daytime naps with the Aden & Anais blankets, because again, she seems much happier, but we save the nice snug swaddle for bedtime. I'm telling you, we couldn't live without this one!
Fisher Price Rock and Play Sleeper
 |
| Comes in all colors, but of course we have it in pink. |
It's also a rocker, so if baby girl is having a hard time falling asleep after I put her down, I just rock her back and forth for a few minutes and she's out like a light. You can keep it right next to your bed for easy baby access, or carry it around the house for a portable napping station.
She loves it. I love it. You'll love it to.
White Noise Machine
Another absolute essential item, according to Dr. Karp (and now to me and Emerson). The baby hears white noise and your heartbeat constantly while they are in your belly, so when they come out, it's just too gosh darn quiet for them. If swaddling doesn't calm Em down right away, putting her down with white noise nearby certainly will. I even turn the radio to a staticky station when she starts to fuss in the car. It's amazing how quickly she calms down when she hears it.
We have this one by The First Years, but there are tons on the market. I even have a white noise app on my phone in case she's having a hard time falling asleep.
Summer Infant BabyTouch Monitor
Even when we determined that her sleep sounds were normal, it was still hard to sleep ourselves because every little sound she made would wake us up. One night I was hanging up laundry, so Jon put her in her nursery in the Rock and Play with the monitor on. I kept expecting her to wake up because mommy wasn't right next to her, but she slept great! And when I went in to nurse and change her, since I wasn't carrying her as far as I normally do, she was able to stay asleep and fall back to sleep much easier. So now she sleeps in her nursery and is happy as a clam.
Anyway, back to the monitor. We love this one because we have a very clear shot of the baby. You can also pan the room with the monitor (you know, in case you want to check for boogeymen) and it even has a Talk feature so the baby can hear your voice. I leave the monitor right next to the bed, and I'm able to hear her immediately when she starts crying for real. Trust me, you will very quickly learn the difference between what we call "fake outs" and the real deal. For Em, fake outs sound like apathetic noises... the real deal sounds like "HELLO!!! Get in here and feed me goshdarnit I am starving!!!!"
This monitor is a little pricey, but for our peace of mind it was definitely well worth it. You can also buy an additional camera for another room, so some day when Em has a sibling, we can watch them both at the same time.
Fisher Price Soothe and Glow Seahorse
DAYTIME FAVORITES
Wubbanub
But when your sweet little baby is fed, changed, warm enough, and still fussing, as a parent you will do whatever you need to do to make them happy. And since pacifier use is linked to a decreased risk of SIDS, I feel okay about it.
Em wouldn't take a normal pacifier at first, so we figured we couldn't use them. But then we tried the Wubbanub. Oh Em Gee, girlfriend LOVES this thing. With the cute little toy attached it makes it harder for her to spit it out (and trust me when they spit it out before they're ready, the sadness that ensues is not one you want to experience). Plus, she loves looking at the little toy.
Is $10 alot to spend on a pacifier? Yes. But we have two of them. And I will probably get another one. Again, it's a small price to pay for a happy little girl!
Boppy Newborn Lounger
Anyway, I love this thing. I wish they made an adult-sized one.
Pampers Swaddlers
CLOTHING
Just like with her name, I have developed very specific criteria on what type of clothing is best for my newborn:
Zip-Up vs. Button: Why are any baby pajamas made with buttons?? In the middle of the night, the last thing your newborn wants is for you to fumble with all those teeny tiny buttons. The zip-up onesies are awesome, and make the 3am diaper changes must faster.
Newborn size vs. 0-3 month. Everyone told me "Don't even bother buying newborn-sized clothing, they grow out of it so quickly!" So at firs we didn't have anything size NB. But luckily, we received quite a few NB sized items at our baby showers, and Jon went out and bought her some precious onesies one day when Carter's was having a huge sale. Thank goodness! Em was SWIMMING in the 0-3 stuff when she was born (as well as the size 1 diapers, since everyone told us not even to bother with NB sized ones). Even now at 4 weeks, the 0-3 stuff is still huge on her. She's got really long legs, so her NB stuff, after several washes, is getting snug, but unfortunately there's no in between. So this week she either looks like a stuffed sausage or a baby who is wearing her big sister's clothing.
Carter's vs. Gerber. Hands-down, Carter's wins. The Gerber onesies we have feel, as Jon so affectionately put it, like cardboard, and I agree. I'm sure she doesn't care, but I just don't want to put my sweet baby with her soft skin in pajamas that feel stiff. Carter's clothing, on the other hand, feels so soft, and the NB sized ones we have all have the mitten cuffs on them (VERY crucial because, due to the flailing arms, babies can scratch and gauge their faces without mittens).
PHEW! Are you exhausted reading this?? I'm exhausted after writing it. I hope this helps someone, because instead of napping or showering while Emerson napped this morning, I wrote out the longest blog post in the history of this blog. It's all about priorities.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Your daily dose of sweet baby E
Coming tomorrow: Emerson's list of newborn must-haves. It's a long one! Packing her for trips will require more luggage than a 3-week Parisian getaway.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Why do bad things happen to good people??
I just spent several hours with a good friend who, sadly, now knows the same kind of all-consuming sadness that I once experienced.
My sweet, beautiful friend and her husband said goodbye to their baby boy in December, halfway through her pregnancy.
When I heard the news, I couldn't help but cry. And cry. We were heartbroken.
I remember saying a prayer after we lost Jack that no one I knew would ever have to experience the kind of hell we had to go through. It's just not fair. Saying goodbye to your child is the absolute worst thing that anyone could ever do. You feel helpless, and nothing anyone can do or say will make you feel better.
And why them?? These two were so happy and thrilled to be parents, and their excitement was so wonderful to see. They deserved to have a happy, healthy baby more than anyone I know.
All I wanted to do today is tell her that everything was going to be okay, but that is exactly the kind of advice I hated hearing back then. I didn't feel "okay" and I truly felt like I would never feel "okay" again. How could I ever feel normal when every single thought I had involved Jack and the life he would never get to have?? It's a pain I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, let alone someone I love and care about.
However, holding our sweet, healthy baby girl reminds me that in time my friend will actually be "okay." The joy I feel today is joy that I never knew existed, never knew possible. I was in a dark place last year, and I know she'll be in a dark place for awhile too. I know all too well that time is the only thing that will heal them, just as it was the only thing that healed us. And I know they will be blessed with a beautiful rainbow baby when the time is right for them.
After she left, I was listening to iTunes, and this song came on. I haven't heard it in ages, but these lyrics seemed so fitting:
In my dreams I'll always see you soar above the sky
In my heart there'll always be a place for you, for all my life
I'll keep a part of you with me, and everywhere I am, there'll you be.
Rest in peace sweet baby Joey. I know you and Jack are already best friends up there.
<3 <3 <3
My sweet, beautiful friend and her husband said goodbye to their baby boy in December, halfway through her pregnancy.
When I heard the news, I couldn't help but cry. And cry. We were heartbroken.
I remember saying a prayer after we lost Jack that no one I knew would ever have to experience the kind of hell we had to go through. It's just not fair. Saying goodbye to your child is the absolute worst thing that anyone could ever do. You feel helpless, and nothing anyone can do or say will make you feel better.
And why them?? These two were so happy and thrilled to be parents, and their excitement was so wonderful to see. They deserved to have a happy, healthy baby more than anyone I know.
All I wanted to do today is tell her that everything was going to be okay, but that is exactly the kind of advice I hated hearing back then. I didn't feel "okay" and I truly felt like I would never feel "okay" again. How could I ever feel normal when every single thought I had involved Jack and the life he would never get to have?? It's a pain I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, let alone someone I love and care about.
However, holding our sweet, healthy baby girl reminds me that in time my friend will actually be "okay." The joy I feel today is joy that I never knew existed, never knew possible. I was in a dark place last year, and I know she'll be in a dark place for awhile too. I know all too well that time is the only thing that will heal them, just as it was the only thing that healed us. And I know they will be blessed with a beautiful rainbow baby when the time is right for them.
After she left, I was listening to iTunes, and this song came on. I haven't heard it in ages, but these lyrics seemed so fitting:
In my dreams I'll always see you soar above the sky
In my heart there'll always be a place for you, for all my life
I'll keep a part of you with me, and everywhere I am, there'll you be.
Rest in peace sweet baby Joey. I know you and Jack are already best friends up there.
<3 <3 <3
Thursday, January 5, 2012
This Christmas
Yes, I know Christmas was almost two weeks ago. Again, I have a newborn. Priorities.
I knew it would happen, but I was so emotionally overwhelmed by the difference a year makes. Last Christmas I was so, so sad, thinking about how Jack would never get to open any presents with his family on Christmas Day. I was in no mood for celebrating.
This year, instead, I was overcome with joy at the beautiful blessing we were given. Not only to be holding my healthy, beautiful daughter in my arms, but to be able to share her with our family and everyone we love. The adage "What a difference a year makes" has never been truer for anyone, I can assure you.
Sweet Baby E got absolutely, positively SPOILED on Christmas. 90% of the boxes under the tree were for her. Let me say now that I am completely okay with this. I honestly prefer to give rather than receive, but when it comes to my daughter.... dude, it's fair game. Spoil her rotten, I don't care. We'll teach her humility, gratefulness and graciousness later on I promise.
So because I spent $28 on an outfit she would wear for only 4 hours, here are some more pictures of Emerson in her Christmas dress :)
Cue the tears. It's her birthstone. That baby, I tell you what. She is so thoughtful. It's gorgeous, and every time I look down at it I think about my sweet baby girl born in December - and her sweet father who went and picked it up for her ;-)
My other favorite gift of the night? Aunt Lindsay bought us this book:
Cute storybook, right? But when we opened it up, she had written on the inside. Quick back-story: We went into labor at 2:00pm on a Tuesday. By 2:30, most of Jon's family had shown up and were tailgating in the waiting room. Even though they couldn't come back to the delivery room, they waited there ALL NIGHT LONG. Emerson was born at 7:48 the next morning. We couldn't have any visitors until around 9:30am. I can't believe they waited in the drab waiting room the whole time, but I was so touched by the gesture. Anywhoo, back to the book. Inside, Lindsay had written hour by hour what happened between the time we went into labor until the time Em was born, including all of the times Jon came back to give them "updates" and how everyone felt. Well, I say this like I've read it. I haven't actually been able to read everything she wrote, because just by looking at the book cover I start sobbing. Reading the title takes me right back to how I felt during labor and how emotional and amazing the experience was. Someday I'll read it, I swear. But the gesture was incredible, and I am SO happy Lindsay had the foresight to do something like this.
All in all, Christmas was a huge success. I can't wait until next year when she'll be old enough to open her own presents and interact with everyone. Now I just need to figure out how to explain Santa Claus...
I knew it would happen, but I was so emotionally overwhelmed by the difference a year makes. Last Christmas I was so, so sad, thinking about how Jack would never get to open any presents with his family on Christmas Day. I was in no mood for celebrating.
This year, instead, I was overcome with joy at the beautiful blessing we were given. Not only to be holding my healthy, beautiful daughter in my arms, but to be able to share her with our family and everyone we love. The adage "What a difference a year makes" has never been truer for anyone, I can assure you.
Sweet Baby E got absolutely, positively SPOILED on Christmas. 90% of the boxes under the tree were for her. Let me say now that I am completely okay with this. I honestly prefer to give rather than receive, but when it comes to my daughter.... dude, it's fair game. Spoil her rotten, I don't care. We'll teach her humility, gratefulness and graciousness later on I promise.
So because I spent $28 on an outfit she would wear for only 4 hours, here are some more pictures of Emerson in her Christmas dress :)
Then once we took an appropriate (read: obscene) amount of pictures with her in it, we all switched to over to more comfortable Christmas PJs. Yes, we have matching pants. We are the coolest family on the block. Word.
After opening all of her presents, there was one tiny box that was left for me. I asked who it was from, and Jon replied "It's from Emerson." Here is what was inside:
My other favorite gift of the night? Aunt Lindsay bought us this book:
Cute storybook, right? But when we opened it up, she had written on the inside. Quick back-story: We went into labor at 2:00pm on a Tuesday. By 2:30, most of Jon's family had shown up and were tailgating in the waiting room. Even though they couldn't come back to the delivery room, they waited there ALL NIGHT LONG. Emerson was born at 7:48 the next morning. We couldn't have any visitors until around 9:30am. I can't believe they waited in the drab waiting room the whole time, but I was so touched by the gesture. Anywhoo, back to the book. Inside, Lindsay had written hour by hour what happened between the time we went into labor until the time Em was born, including all of the times Jon came back to give them "updates" and how everyone felt. Well, I say this like I've read it. I haven't actually been able to read everything she wrote, because just by looking at the book cover I start sobbing. Reading the title takes me right back to how I felt during labor and how emotional and amazing the experience was. Someday I'll read it, I swear. But the gesture was incredible, and I am SO happy Lindsay had the foresight to do something like this.
All in all, Christmas was a huge success. I can't wait until next year when she'll be old enough to open her own presents and interact with everyone. Now I just need to figure out how to explain Santa Claus...
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