About Me

Alberta, Canada
What's My Deal? - - - There is so much to say, but I will give you the basics in regards to this blog. I am a Canadian 20 something woman married to a wonderful man, and we are the parents to our wondeful son who was born in the fall of 2010. As you will read, I am a supporter of breastfeeding, baby wearing, co-sleeping, cloth diapering, and so much more, but mostly learning about babies! Oh, and I also love reading blogs and playing jigsaw online!!! I blog to share things that I have learned, read, heard and experienced.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Update from my iPad!!!

Well, I splurged today and bought an iPad. I love it. Seriously, I love it so much. I love the noises it makes when my fingers hit the screen. It's a great sound.
I had thought about buying one a while ago, but decided against it as I was anti Apple. But a friend had commented that she used hers while nursing her child. I have a BlackBerry so I always use that but sometimes I want a larger screen. I saw a commercial last night and said that I wanted one. I got my EI payment finally. Backdated for 2 months. Yay! AND I didn't get a "Push Present"' so this is how I am justifying it. So, happy iPad day to me. I am still learning how to use it, the hardest part was turning it on, and then a friend told me that I had to set up an iTunes account.
Let me know if you have any good advice or apps to download!

Monday, January 17, 2011

My Days Continue...

Well well, it's been so long since I did a proper post, in fact, it has been about 2 months since my last real post about me and what has been going on.
 
Clearly, I have been so busy being a mom that I haven't had a chance to even properly get online and just waste time. Actually, now that I am no longer working full time, I seem to have very limited personal time....if that even makes sense.

Over the last couple months so much has happened. More recently though, Alan's parents were here for Christmas, and we all had a wonderful visit. I was sad to see them leave. Sutton is becoming more aware of his surroundings and needs to be entertained. He looks at something to intently and really examines it. It is so funny to watch. It seems as though maybe he has a photogenic memory, or that he will be a genius. He is also getting so big. He has outgrown his newborn clothes already.

 really miss my old life. I miss getting up and getting ready for work, hair, make up and clothes. Teh rush of the drive to work, with a stop for breakfast. I miss sitting at my desk first thing, and doing the same routine everyday. I miss wondering what I was going to have for lunch, and then actually having an hour to do whatever I wanted. I miss packing up and taking the elevator down to the parkade everyday at 5:00pm. I miss coming home, seeing Kobe and waiting for Alan. I miss the countdown to Friday and then sleeping in all weekend, and doing nothing, or doing everything, I could do whatever I wanted. My time was that; all mine. I could do as much or as little as I wanted.

As much as I miss my old life, I love my new life. I am so blessed to be able to know who I was then, and who I am now. I am the same person, yet my priorities have changed so much. The transition from a career girl into a mom is fairly drastic, yet it has been relatively easy for me, and I have taken it all in stride. Don't get me wrong, I have had some bad moments and even bad days. But I do love being needed and loved. I love that my son needs me for nourishment, comfort, shelter and entertainment. The feeling of being depended on is a feeling that I don't think someone can truly understand until they are a parent. Being a stay at home mom and wife is better than I could have imagined. My house isn't immaculate and my homeade suppers are elaborate, but I think my expectations were far too high.

The thing that really amazes me the most is that my days do not start and end. They continue on, one day falls into the next.

Sutton and I are gradually getting into a routine. We get up at about the same time everyday, and then we have a day filled with feedings, naps, playing, cleaning, errands, diaper changes, clothes changes, and clock watching. I am always looking forward to Alan coming home. Him and Sutton have a very special Bond. I always knew that Alan would make an excellent father, but to actually see it is something else altogether. The next best thing to my son smiling at me, is him smiling at his Dad. It warms my heart to no end. I love listening to Alan talk to him and tell him stories. Sometimes he just walks around the house and talks to Sutton about everything, the fridge magnets, the pictures on the wall, the contents of his room, the dogs every move, and what I am doing. They always spy on me. The evening can be a challenge though, as that is when Sutton is needing me the most. He likes to be held in my arms and be able to nurse as often as he wants, which is usually contantly. If he is not given this special mom time, he is fussy. I love when Alan has days off because then Sutton and Alan can spend real time together when Sutton is happy and his true personality shows through.

The other night I heard Alan telling Sutton how much the Flames suck. That must mean that Toronto lost the hockey game. Cutest thing ever. Alan held Sutton inches from the TV and he watched it so intently. It was hilarious how enthralled he was with it. Sure its the colours, movement, etc, but Alan believes he is learning the game and preparing to be an NHL player, so we will go with that!

And now for pictures!!!


We have smiles.  He loves when I sing him the song I wrote for him!


Jan 16 - Swimming, he loved it!


 Jan 02 - A flying baby!


A clean baby!


All dressed up for the Passport office!


More swimming!  He looks naked here!


Jan 15 - Hockey Night in Canada!!!  He wears his Toronto hat for support!


In his outfit from the Gulleys!  So cute!  One foot says "Little" and the other says "Monkey"  He looks terrified!












Thursday, January 6, 2011

Tips For New Moms!

Over the last 7 weeks I have learned a lot. 

Here are some little tips/advice/anecdotes etc. for new moms, I've come by them all honestly, some funny, and others are just plain old common sense!!   You may get a good laugh or head smack from them!

Remember though, that I am not a professional in child rearing nor am I a doctor. (Although, I do self diagnose like a pro!!!)

1.  Bibs - They can really save an outfit!
2.  Lanonlin Cream - A must have those first few weeks of breastfeeding.
3.  Bassinet - Must easier to have baby in room with you than in their room, easier for night time feedings, and a sense of security for the baby.
4.  Breastfeeding - It is hard, do research before the baby arrives, so when you need it, you have it.
5.  Diapers - Don't buy them before baby arrives, because you might need a smaller or larger size, and chances are you have thrown out the receipt.
6.  Cloth Diapers - Remember they are really puffy so make sure the clothes you buy fit over the bum, this means you might have to buy larger clothes.
7.  Your body - Let it heal after childbirth, there is always lots to do when you get home, but your body needs to heal itself as well.
8.  Pads - The ones the hospital gives doesn't have wings, they are mandatory, so bring your own.
9.  Onesies (Diaper Shirts) - We went through so many of these, so have lots on hand.  it is possible to go through several a day, especially when you haven't perfect diaper changes or the diapers are crap!
10.  Sleep Bras - If you are breastfeeding, this will be an essential item.  They are easier to get your boob out, and provide a good amount of comfort and support while you sleep.
11.  Swaddle - Learn to swaddle or use a woombie, keeps baby warm and secure.
12.  Pictures - Take lots, if possible have a nurse take pics during the birth and right after.
13.  Meals - If people offer to make you meals, why say no!!!  Someone else bringing you supper us always a bonus!
14.  Showering - I found night showers to be great.  Nice and relaxing before bed.
15.  Bassinet (Part 2) - Raise the head part if your baby seems to hate it.  This can help with reflux.  I also lined mine with blankets so it wasn't so hard.
16.  Noises - As much as this can be controversial for long term sleep habits, the Sleeping Lamb might be nice to help baby sleep, sounds of heartbeat, rain, whatever.
17.  Waking at Night - Don't wake a sleeping baby, everyone will tell you this.  If your baby wants to sleep for 5 hours, let them.  If baby is hungry, they will wake!  Of course, preemies are another story.
18.  Breast Pads - Leakage is no fun, helps to keep the lanolin cream where it should be as well.
19.  Clothing Sizes - Newborn size, doesn't always mean small, sometimes it means massive!
20.  Pets - We brought a blanket home from the hospital, so it contained my smell and the babies, when we brought the baby home, the dog was already familiar with that smell.
21.  Dancing Baby - Do not play this game after a feeding, and if you must play it, don't have the baby over your face!
22.  Puke - Where to begin.....Overfeeding your baby is possible.
23.  Nursing in Bed - Nursing in bed is a wonderful thing, BUT...you must remember to burp the baby afterwards, otherwise an air pocket forms and all milk drank will come up when the burp does, and then its a waste of the liquid gold!
24.  Pretending - your baby knows when you have no idea what you are doing...tell them you do know, and they might believe it! 
25.  Cuteness - Yes, your baby is the cutest one ever born...well, after mine of course!!!!
26.  Swing - Best baby essential we have.  Perfect for naps or to contain the baby while you are doing stuff.
27. Left Hand - Start using your non-dominate hand, because you are going to need it.
28.  Car Rides - Lots of babies love being in the car, the hum of the engine and the bumpiness put them right to sleep.
29.  Baby Book - Buy one, and fill it in before you forget all the information!
30.  Daddy - Let Daddy bond with baby as much as possible, if you are breastfeeding, you will find that the baby might prefer you, as you are their source of nourishment and comfort, Dad will eventually be able to comfort baby as well, it might just take longer.
31  Car Seat Cover - If you are fortunate enough to experience -30'C, a car seat cover is great, it will protect the baby from the elements.
32.  Strollers - I hate strollers, which is why I bought the smallest one available.  Travel systems are NOT any cheaper, and they are NOT safer then others.
33.  Baby Carrying - Baby needs practice, so do you.  Research them before buying.  Some really hurt your shoulders, and others squish the baby.  A reputable store will have some for you to try on with your baby.  Walk around with it on for 20 minutes, you will know if it is comfortable.
34.  Fussiness - It is true, some babies are fussy the same few hours of everyday.  They may not have gas, be tired, be hungry or be wet.  They might just need to be cuddled!
35.  Pumping - This can be hard or easy.  There are tricks if you are like me and have a hard time though.  Warm compress before pumping, and double pumping.  Remember that a baby sucks more efficiently than a pump pumps.
36.  Manual - The hospital doesn't give you one, seriously, they don't.  Google is a damn good resource though, as are blogs aimed at your style of parenting (which maybe you don't think you have, but you do!)
37.  Poo - I could talk all day about poo.  There is a huge difference between breastfed babies, and formula fed babies.  Your baby doesn't have to poo daily (age depending) so don't fear the worst.
38.  Stool Softeners - How could I forget, anyone who has a child vaginally, will probably advise you to take stool softeners, I will do the same!
39.  Snaps - Love and hate relationship.  I love zippers, snaps can become annoying, there are so many, and can be hard to get closed correctly when baby is squirming, or you are in a darker room.  Plus, some outfits have like 20 snaps on them, plus the diaper shirt!!! 
40.  Sleepers - Wouldn't you be more comfortable in a 1 piece outfit then an actual outfit with a shirt, sweater, pants, socks etc.  Easier for changing as well!!!
41.  Pacifiers - I shouldn't even get started on this, so I will only say, do what you want.   But know the difference in sucking a pacifier, bottle, or breast, all can interfere with eachother!
42.  Comfot Sucking - It does exist, it is tiring, but it can be wonderful for the baby.
43.  Doctors - Don't believe everything they say!  They don't know everything, and they certainly do not know your baby.
44. Plan Ahead - If you weren't a planner before kids, you might want to achieve this special trait.  This means all outing, showers, meals, etc work better with a little planning.

This is all I can think of at the moment, if I think of any more, I will add them!

Again, I must say that I am not a professional, and these are not all correct for everyone, but they are for me.  Especially the dancing baby game, over feeding, challenges of breastfeeding, a bassinet, left hand, fussiness, puke, just to name a few.

Remember that you know best.  This is your baby, and trial and error are usually the best way to figure things out.  What worked for you mother, your friend, your neighbour, etc, might not work for you and your baby.  Things change all the time over the years.  Bottle warming used to be done in the microwave, now it is practically illegal.  Feeding used to be done every 4 hours, now they say every 2-3 from the beginning of a feed (yes, this means as soon as the baby is done eating, it may be time to start again), they also say feeding on demand is best as well.  You will quickly learn when your baby is hungry or using you as a pacifier. 

There isn't a right way or a wrong way of doing things...well sometimes there is, but not for everything.  Do what works for you!  This is your baby, spend your time loving them and cherishing the moments.  And above all, remember that you are the most important person to your baby.  They love you unconditionally!!!!

Good luck everyone!!!!!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Photo Update

It is hard to type with 1 hand, so I will upload pics for now with a breif description!

Enjoy!!!


Enjoying some time with Mom is his Carrier


Daddy giving Sutt-the-Butt a bath.  He loves baths, but didn't in thispicture!


December 22 - Sutton all ready for Alan's Christmas Party, I am still in my pj's.


December 22 - Sutton's first Christmas Party.  This was the very end of the night, and he was partied out and wanted to see his Mimi and Grandad!


January 5 - Enjoying some time on his mat, with a partial smile!!!


January 05 - Sitting in his glider with his giraffe


December 30 - New Car Day!


Janaury 05 - Chillaxin with Kobe!


Auntie Pearly gave him this adorable shirt.  I love the look on his face!


January 04 - Having some Tummy Time!