Mom Life

Mom Life: Baby Signs

Lately, I feel like Olivia is trying really hard to be able to communicate. She’s started making the most annoying precious “MMMMMMMMmmmm” noise when she’s frustrated. I’ve been doing some reading on baby sign language and I think we’re ready to give it a go. 

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“Baby Signs” says that it’s best to wait until your baby shows interest in communicating. The authors suggest asking the following questions to determine a good time to start.

  • Is baby at least 6 months old?  ALMOST!
  • Baby is beginning to point at things. Not yet
  • Is baby bringing toys or objects to you and looking for a response? No, Not really
  • Is your baby beginning to wave “bye-bye”? No
  • Is your baby beginning to shake head yes or no? Not at all
  • Is your baby beginning to show an interest in picture books? Mom says YES, Dad says NO
  • Is your baby frustrated when you don’t understand what she needs? Yes.
  • Are there still important things your baby doesn’t have words for? Duh.
  • Are you an over eager parent? Will you ignore the number of times you answered NO to the above questions and start signing anyway? YES.

That being said…

We’ve already started waving and saying “bye bye” when someone leaves a room and beginning to point at things and talk to her about them. For example, pointing to the fountain and talking about water (Have I mentioned how much my child LOVES water? Swimming in it. Looking at it… Her latest obsession is ice cubes.. great dinner table distraction when mommy forgets to bring a toy). We’re hoping that she’ll start pointing on her own so that we can help her assign words to things she sees. (From what I gather, this is the general direction that the book suggests)

We’re going to start with 5 signs. (I didn’t make it past the first 50 pages – after reading that I was breaking all the rules by starting early… I abandoned everything but the dictionary of signs in the back of the book)

  • Milk
  • Diaper
  • Bath
  • Book
  • Sleep

Milk

Diaper

Bath

Book

Sleep

Great Resource + Images above found Here

Featured Image: Natural Wooden Baby Signs Blocks Here $45

Anyone have any pointers on signing with baby? 

Momma Meg Loves: Healthy Essentials

Wanted to share some of the essentials that keep me on track with a health(ier) lifestyle. What do you consider essential to your healthy well-being?

Garden of Life Raw Prenatal Vitamins

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 Garden of Life Raw Prenatal Vitamin – I started taking these when I found out that my New Chapter Organics Prenatal Vitamin was no longer independently produced. In fact, New Chapter Organics is now owned and produced under the Proctor & Gamble umbrella. I’ve had great success with these. Definitely have a “RAW” smell… Luckily, no funky after-taste or burps. Usually somewhere in the neighborhood of $60/6-month supply although occasionally on sale at Sprouts. I’ve continued taking these while I’m nursing but will eventually be looking for a daily women’s supplement.

Green Vibrance

Buy Here $49.95/30-Day                  Image From Here

Green Vibrance – A concentrated superfood, nutritional powerhouse, loaded with all kinds of wonderful vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Supports healthy digestion, immunity, and circulation while fortifying your body against stress. I use this as a supplement to my daily vitamins. It tastes SO much better than other “Green Drinks.” Even my husband will drink it mixed with juice. (We use Simply Apple as a mixer – it’s REALLY sweet so you honestly can’t taste the “GREEN” at all) Occasionally, I’ll use in smoothies too! Blend 1 Frozen Banana, 1 TBSP Green Vibrance with 1 1/2 Cups Apple or Orange Juice and 1/2 Cup Crushed Ice. Delicious!

Monkey Picked Oolong Tea

Buy Here $25/2oz                    Image From Here

Monkey Picked Oolong Tea – “As legend has it, Buddhist monks formulated this ancient top ten treasure. The monks trained monkeys to gather the youngest leaves from the tip-top of wild tea trees for this special Imperial Reserve blend. The secret lives on with the deft hand plucking of the unbroken, evenly sized leaves that unfurl to create the most complex yet light orchid aroma and highest grade of oolong in the world. IMPERIAL RESERVE.” Teavana claims that this tea tastes “Smooth and bright, (with) orchid aromas throughout with clean refreshing finish” But really… it tastes like grass. My dad has become quite the tea connoisseur and gifted us a huge canister one year for Christmas. He swears by the healthy effects, drinks at least 2 cups a day instead of coffee. I usually follow his suggestion and cut it with something mint flavored – Starbucks Tazo Refresh works well.

Gyokuro Imperial Green Tea

Buy Here $20/2oz                   Image From Here

Gyokuro Imperial Green Tea – “The finest of Japanese teas, Gyokuro bushes are covered in shade two weeks before harvesting which creates a light but very complex blend and a luscious deep dark green color. The shading retains chlorophyll, which concentrates both green tea taste and nutrients, making this a healthy, tasty favorite. IMPERIAL RESERVE .” Teavana claims, “Light smooth vegetal green tea taste with a sweet ending, complex layersrise up throughout.” Again… this is not a for taste tea. Add to Monkey Picked Oolong & Refresh concoction for cancer prevention attribute and overall wellness.

Lululemon “The Mat” Yoga Mat

Buy Here $68                    Image From Here

Lululemon “The Mat” Yoga Mat – This one has been on my wish list for some time now. (I hate that my cheapie mat slips and slides all over the place!) I’m totally a wannabe believer in the cult-following of Lululemon Athletica. I finally made the $100 splurge on my first pair of Lulu yoga pants (with some gifted Birthday $$$) and will NEVER go back. I finally get it! These pants are awesome! Making my craving for this yoga mat all the stronger.

Mom Life: My Breast Feeding Story

In celebration of World Breast Feeding Week  I thought I would share my story here. I hope you find it encouraging and uplifting… 

I was determined to breast feed from the moment I got pregnant. In fact, at my first prenatal appointment, my OB-GYN said something along the lines of “Are you planning on breast feeding? Because your body definitely is!” I was even more than determined. I was downright excited. I never considered any alternative. It was the one thing I didn’t need to do any research on… I didn’t need statistics to tell me what I already instinctively knew. So I’m going to completely skip the preachy part that these stories always tend to include and skip right to the personal stuff. 

Olivia nursed on the delivery table just moments after being born. She latched on with no trouble whatsoever. In fact, she was quite literally attached to my breast for 24 hours. I’m sure this is true with most infants in the first few days of life. Looking back, I’m not sure how I blocked out the searing pain of nursing a baby for 24 hours STRAIGHT. I mean… she literally wanted to nurse every 15-30 min. I guess I was too high on a more intense love than I’d ever felt… Finally, on the second night, with nipples that were cracked and bleeding, I called the nurse desperate for suggestions. Since obviously Olivia wasn’t actually getting anything other than colostrum, she suggested that I let her suck on my pinkie finger for comfort. I HAD NO IDEA HOW STRONG AN INFANT COULD SUCK! I was so shocked that I woke Daniel up and made him stick his pinkie in her mouth just so he could understand. I scheduled time with the lactation consultant the next day to make sure that a poor latch wasn’t causing the pain. Nope. Her latch was great. And the pain – totally normal. And it makes sense that your nipples would need an adjustment period. More than painful, it’s frustrating. And the first few weeks definitely didn’t get much better in our case. I winced when Olivia would start crying in the middle of the night for a feeding… When you’re deliriously tired and incredibly sore down there… there’s nothing wonderful about rolling over (we were co sleeping at the time) and letting a little monster latch on with the strength of a pirana. Enough about the pain, I don’t think anyone can adequately express it.

Around 3 weeks, the pain tapered and my milk supply began to adjust to Olivia’s demand.  Like a light switched, I started to really enjoy nursing. More than enjoy it… I loved it. Just as much as I thought I would. I was filled with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and emotion every time I nursed. Even the middle-of-the-night feedings, I enjoyed. Nursing was, and still is, our most special bonding time. I make a point to try and keep the TV and other distractions off – which was more difficult during the first few weeks when nursing was basically ALL we did – but I really cherish the time now. I’m already trying to emotionally prepare myself for the day when Olivia doesn’t want to nurse anymore.

I read a few different books while I was pregnant about what to expect when nursing a newborn. Most sources said to expect about 10-15 minutes on each side. Quickly I learned that Olivia was a remarkably fast eater! I obsessively timed each feeding (Using the Total Baby iPhone App – Mentioned Here) for the first 5 WEEKS! Olivia never ate for longer than 10 minutes on a side – More often 6-7 min on the first side, then 3-4 min on the second side. By 3 months, she was eating in under 10 minutes total – usually only on one side. And thus started my obsession with my milk supply. When Olivia began eating on only one side, I began pumping (after almost every feeding) on the opposite side. Obviously this created an over supply problem leaving me with 100+ ounces of frozen breast milk. As you can imagine, pumping after every feeding got old REALLY quick. And… being totally lopsided was especially inconvenient when we were out and about. So I stopped pumping as frequently… then pretty much stopped pumping all together (With the exception of 1x in the morning to empty overnight excess). Naturally, my body adjusted to what it was sensing was a lower demand level. Psychologically, I knew that this would happen… but I still panicked that my supply would “dry up.” And when I say panicked… I mean stressed day and night, EVERY DAY for almost 2 months. Was she getting enough? Was she really a fast eater or was I not producing enough for her to nurse as long as other babies? So a friend, after listening patiently for so many hours, shared an article on things I could do to boost my supply. And I tried them ALL. Mother’s Milk Tea, Fenugreek, Oatmeal, Beer…. you name it, I tried it. All of which had some small effect. Almost 6 months of successful nursing and I STILL worry about my supply.

It makes me incredibly sad to think about the number of women who are equally committed to nursing but have REAL issues – supply, latching, jobs with unaccommodating bosses etc. I feel like women should be encouraged.. more than that…. supported (financial and emotional) with breast feeding. It isn’t easy at first, but there are several completely FREE resources available.  Online forums and message boards as well as local branches of LLL make finding support and information easy. In a culture that has become obsessed with convenience – I’ve found breast feeding to be a wonderful reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment. I hadn’t given much thought to my opinions on extended breast feeding pre-baby. I’ve come to feel very strongly about letting Olivia decide when she’s ready to wean. I have no qualms with the appropriateness of nursing a “toddler”  and plan to nurse as long as possible. 

That being said… our breast feeding journey is nowhere close to over. 

 

Some of my nursing must-haves

Mother’s Milk Tea

Coupon Here

Aiden + Anais Muslin Blankets

I found that these are just as easy and lighter weight to cover-up while nursing in public.

Buy Here $49.95

 

Bamboobies Washable Nursing Pads

These are an awesome, more eco-friendly alternative to disposable nursing pads.

Buy Here $29.99 Multi Pack     GIVEAWAY Here

GlamourMom Nursing Tank

By far, the best nursing tanks out there, pricey, but worth it.

Buy Here $59.00

 Some other great breast feeding stories over here:

world breastfeeding week blog round-up

Featured Image Here

 

Momma Meg Loves: Just Between Friends

Just Between Friends is a HUGE children’s and maternity consignment sale. Sort of like a giant community garage sale. Consignors bring their new and gently used clothing, gear, and toys to sell at this 3-4 day event. Usually held at convention center-type locations, Just Between Friends events can be found in cities all across the country. Find an event here. 

A few insider tips –

  • Register as a first-time momma (dads, and grandparents too!) and gain VIP access one day before the sale is open to the public.
  • Consigners and volunteers are also eligible for early access and presale.  Consigners who also volunteer earn a larger profit on items sold.
  • Often the last day of the sale they run everything at 50% OFF
  • Kids and Babies are not allowed during presale. The only exception – “nursing” babies who must be worn in a carrier or sling. I remember reading that strollers weren’t allowed at all… however, this is definitely not enforced. 
  • They do offer big blue Ikea shopping bags but best to bring your own/ leave with your own (full of treasures). 

My first experience with JBF was before Olivia was born. I attended the Plano Sale on the last day (knowing that the selection would be picked-over) having every intention of just looking to see what it was all about. I walked out $15 later with an armful of gently used (some even new with tags) outfits, a bassinet frame (I ditched the mattress pad + sheet set) several classic kids books and a wooden chandelier to hang in the nursery!

This weekend is the Dallas/Mesquite Sale at the Mesquite Rodeo Exhibit Hall. Schedule Here. Thursdays are definitely the best day to shop the best selection and totally worth the $3 entrance fee (only charged on Thursday). It’s best to go with an idea of what you’re looking for otherwise it can seem overwhelming. This was my first time attending the Dallas/Mesquite sale and it was easily 4x bigger than the Plano event. 50+ people in the check-out line… definitely crowded! My friend Michelle brought a stroller in today with no problem…I have mixed feelings about stroller vs. baby wearing, definitely benefits & drawbacks either way. I’m a baby wearer and Liv stays happier but as she gets heavier it might get more challenging. 

The selection was impressive. Although JBF specifically requests only items “in good condition” – if your standards are as high as mine… you’ll find that you’ll have to dig through lots of “very loved” to find the “like new” and “gently used.”

Loot from today:

Graco Johnny Jump Up $18.00 (Similar $54.99)  

Very Good Condition. I’ve been thinking about buying one of these but just couldn’t justify the price tag (new). I’d seen the cloth variety at resale shops around town but really wanted one with a tray. Liv is already a huge fan. 

Century Wood High Chair $25.00 (Similar $149.99) 

Sturdy, Loved, Cheap – a definite DIY project. For some crazy reason, I didn’t think to register for a high chair when I was pregnant. I guess 6 months just seemed like an eternity away. But let me tell you… 6 months FLEW by. And now we’re gearing up for solids… needing a high chair. This bargain variety came with a darling teddy bear cover/cushion that I’m going to disassemble, study, and recreate (with help from Michelle – who is going to teach me how to sew – Check that off the 2012 to-do list) using fabric that better represents Liv’s little personality. Also considering a new coat of baby-friendly paint to cover the “love” marks and scratches.

Set of 2 Carter’s 9 Mo. Sleepers $2.00 (Similar On Sale $9.60 Each)

Set of 2 Gerber 9 Mo. Sleepers $2.00 (Similar $14.99/ 2Pc Set)

Definitely an awesome opportunity to find great stuff for kiddos and babies. Eventually, I’m going to get my act together enough to volunteer + sell. Any of you other momma’s ever shopped, sold or volunteered at a JBF sale? Where do you buy budget-friendly kiddo stuff?

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Some of my other local thrift and resale favs –

Once Upon A Child – Lake Highlands Location Skillman & Abrams

Green Beans Resale Boutique Mockingbird & Abrams

KidSwap – Snider Plaza – Hillcrest & Lovers Lane

 

 

Momma Meg Loves: FREE BAMBOOBIES

In celebration of World Breast Feeding Week, Bamboobies is giving away free nursing pads (while supplies last), just pay shipping!

I bought this multi-pack right after Olivia was born and they’ve saved me a bundle on nursing pads. I still occasionally use disposable ones while I’m out and about but usually wear these super-soft, washable, and adorable ones while we’re just hanging at home! The overnight ones are great for heavy leaking and… duh overnight.

Buy Here $29.99

Giveaway Here

Momma Meg Loves: The GLOW, and other websites.

Inspired By Mrs. Brittany Driver over at Let’s Nest… to share some of my favorite Mommy Websites.

The Glow – I loved reading these short celebrity interviews while I was pregnant. When I was first referred by a friend I thought I would find these mommas to be too fashionable for even myself. Even moreso, I was worried that I would covet their uber expensive taste in toys, clothes and gear. I was pleasantly surprised that lots of these celebs are at least portrayed as normal Mommas… balancing work, love and kiddos. “The Glow is a glimpse into the world of inspiring and fashionable moms. Here you’ll find their styling ideas, go-to gear, multitasking secrets, and enviable decor.” Check it out. There are some gorgeous photos and great nursery inspiration!

The Bump – I frequented this website more often during pregnancy.  Loved the different list features (confessions of a list-a-holic). Lots of registry tips, lists of what to take to the hospital, message boards, etc.

Total Baby iPhone App – I lived and breathed through this iPhone app during the first few months of pregnancy. It makes tracking feedings, diapers, and sleeping SO much easier. Especially in those first few weeks when you’re probably so tired you can’t remember your own name, much less what side you started or finished on last time you fed the baby. I’ll admit, I was a little bit obsessive about timing EVERY SINGLE FEEDING, documenting EVERY SINGLE DIAPER, and celebrating EVERY SLEEP TIMER that reached the 4 hour mark! Great charts and graphs to help you see a pattern with feedings/sleep although slightly discouraging when that “pattern” you saw in week 4 completely disappears in week 5. I’m sure this is totally normal first-time-momma behavior but someone should have sat me down, at around 5 weeks… and told me that I was being just slightly neurotic and that the app was no longer necessary. $4.99 in the iTunes store. Definitely worth it. Just be aware of the possibility of addiction.

Green Baby Guide – Lots of great tips on ways for our little family to live a green-er lifesyle. Love the budget-friendly theme. Fun blog to follow for simple ideas on living a more organic lifestyle.

 

Tiny Choices – Similar to Green Baby Guide, I’ve found some great ideas on here for budget-friendly and green alternatives to traditional parenting methods.

 Are any of you mommas members of Holistic Moms Network? What are your thoughts on attachment parenting? Extended Breast Feeding? Cloth Diapering? Hot-topics among members of this network… I’m thinking it would be a great resource.

I’m very much comfortable in the gray. I believe that no method of parenting needs absolutes. I’ve adopted pieces of many styles that I’ve observed and read balancing with my own maternal intuition. 

Reflections: Live the Life You’ve Imagined

We all have things we say we’re going to do but know we’ll never get around to. When I was pregnant, I had high hopes for having more time to “DO” once I was a full-time stay at home momma. I even dreamed up a list of “Post Peanut Projects” that I hoped to accomplish in the first year. Who knew it would be so difficult balancing fun + entertaining activities for the baby with productivity + projects. No longer can I clean the entire house in one day. Liv will not allow it. She’ll sit patiently or hang in the exersaucer while I clean one room… maybe two. Never the entire house. I’m slowly figuring out how to “stay on top of it” and wiggle in one project at a time. I’m reminded of a quote that I first came across when reading, Mark Albion’s “Making a Life, Making a Living” in college.

The first step is to stop doing what is making (you) unhappy. Next (you) have to act on (your) desire for change. – Mark Albion

In no way am I unhappy. In fact, mommy-hood is the most amazing and wonderful experience of my life. I can truthfully say; I enjoy it more and more each day, even on the bad ones (and there are bad ones). That being said, I need to make a better effort (<—See, that’s me taking responsibility) at planning less and doing more. 

Image From Here

I’ve mentioned before that I come from a long line of planners + calendar-a-holics. Most influentially, my mom. This past week left me with a whole new appreciation for her. Daniel was out of town for the better half of the week/weekend at a Microsoft conference in Seattle (Actually, Redmond, WA). To say I’m excited for him to be home this afternoon is an understatement. Just in case you don’t really know me or my family…. I’m the oldest of 4 – my brother Christopher (24) and sisters Bethany (21) Emily (19) and I are all between 18 mo. and 2 years apart. Growing up, I had NO idea what this meant for my mom. My dad is a top executive with a major retailer and has always traveled a lot (we’re talking 3 to 4 out of 5 nights a week) but still managed to coach little league on the weekends. My mom juggled 4 under 8 years old… multiple car seats… diapers…all of that laundry and grocery shopping. I just can’t fathom. And we were always doing fun + educational stuff (especially during the summer) – going to the beach, zoo, library, etc. She’s also one of the most creative do-ers I know. I could write an entire post about how amazing a mother my mom is but I’ll save that for Mother’s Day 2013 and just say “I don’t know how you did it mom – You’re my hero.”

Featured Image Here

Mom Life: Who Wears Short Sorts?

On top of dressing my 5+lb “new mom body”, (Read: slightly lumpy) I’m feeling like lots of my old stand-by outfits and favorite pieces are no longer (as) appropriate for #momlife. I know, I know. At 26, and size 2-4, it’s still perfectly appropriate (mom or not)  for me to wear short(er) shorts. Yet I’m finding that some of my pre-baby purchases make me feel like I look like the nanny instead of the mommy. I’m finding it challenging to maintain my personal style and feel like I’m dressing appropriately for this new phase of life. How did you first-time mommas resolve this conundrum?

Summer in Texas requires the following summer essentials: shorts, tanks, lightweight dresses + skirts. Darling as all of the cropped, colored and printed jean trend is, it’s just not practical July through September here. Unless you work/play exclusively indoors… but even still… I say you’re crazy.

While shopping for shorts, the following considerations were important to me:

  • Pre-baby I felt comfortable in the shortest of shorts and since I’m not ready to go the bermuda or “walking-short” route (At least not until I want to look 30) I was determined to find a perfect-fit short-short or boyfriend-style silhouette. 
  • Not wanting to forgo the printed trend, I was looking for a print that I wouldn’t get tired of after 2 wears and that paired well with neutral tops
  • Denim is great. But then there’s that 100+ degree temperature issue to consider. Lightweight materials were key.

Madewell ArtDot Shorts $59.50

Perfect with a Chambray popover or brightly colored lightweight tee or tank. These Madewell ArtDot Shortsfit at the natural waist, on the shorter side of short, but a great fit. I opted for the black and cream version of these shorts but the burnt orange is pretty adorable too! Buy Here

JCrew 3″ Chino ON SALE $29.99

A great stand-by, JCrew 3″ Chino Shorts (offered in 4″or 5″ also) are a fantastic, comfortable and colorful option.  Buy Here

Zara Floral Shorts $39.90

I fell in love with these Zara Floral Shorts –  ultimately too short for me, but I felt I should include them because they’re such a great print, good fit, and reasonably priced! Buy Here

Target Printed Cotton Shorts $17.99

I purchased these Mossimo Tie-Dye Cotton Shorts at the beginning of summer and have pretty much lived in them. The fit is definitely more like PJs than anything else – But pockets in the back make them feel substantial enough to wear out running errands or as a cover-up. Buy Here in multiple prints.

Madewell Seawall Shorts ON SALE $44.99

Purchased these Madewell Seawall Shorts  yesterday ON SALE! I’m imagining them with lightweight button-up and casual sandals or crocheted tank. I’m a sucker for an elastic waist… because on most days, comfort outweighs style. Buy Here

Featured Image Here

 

Olivia: 5 Months

5 Months

15.2 Pounds

25 Inches

Size: “6 month”, Size 2 Diapers

Nicknames: Sneekle Freetzie (AKA Snickle Fritz), Liv, LiverDude, Peanut, OKP

Loves…

The Skip Hop Tree Top Play Mat

The Baby Einstein Exersaucer (AKA “The Disc”)

Sophie the Giraffe and Sophie “Chewie”

The “Liv, Liv, Liv” Song

The Belly Button Song

Reading before bedtime, especially “Where’s Spot?”

Going to the Aquarium

Swimming

“Longtime Sunshine” Song

Bath Time, Baby Massage, Bed Time

Putting fingers, hands, and feet in her mouth.

Interested in food and drinks, wants to put everything in her mouth

The flying baby game

any type of baby wearing: Bjorn, peanut sling (finally!)

Pulling mom’s hair

Cranks…

getting in the carseat

being in the stroller for long enough for mom to shop

watching mom blog

watching dad study

staying up past 9:00pm

watching mom + dad eat dinner

Milestones:

Almost sitting up alone

Meeting cousins Rylie + Remie for the first time

First trip to the Lake with Bilbo/McElyea/Darley fam

Sleeping 5+ hour stretch at night, occasionally 8+

First Fourth of July

First Bubble Bath

Swim Diapers Size S/P finally fit!

Wore Vans tennies for the first time

Stuck tongue out and made a funny face

Getting a little furrier! More blondish red hair coming in…

Went to the nursery at Church for the first time

Daily Routine:

7:30 Wake Up, Nurse

10:00 Nurse

11:00 Nap (30 min – 1hr)

1:00 Nurse

3:00 Nap (1hr-2hrs)

4:00 Nurse

7:00 Nurse

8:00 Read books in bed with Mom + Dad

8:30  Bathtime, Lotion and Massage, “Jammies”

9:00 Nurse, Songs, Prayers*

*In the process of pushing the whole night-time routine up to 7:00 pm… slowly shaving a few minutes off every night