The Dreamland Mom

Co - Sleeping is soooo much easier than dealing with the reality of actually finding and sticking to a bedtime routine that works.  That's right.  Our Little Lovebug was 12 weeks yesterday...and STILL not sleeping through the night.  Not really even semi-sleeping.  He sleeps for a few hours, wakes up screaming for food and usually falls back asleep in our bed.  


So here is roughly our new nightly routine:


8:00 Bath/Dress in pajamas
8:20 Feed while rocking on rocking chair with dim lighting
After feeding - changing
8:45 - Read Story/Say prayers
9:00 Put into crib, rub belly, play soft soothing music
9:01 - Sleeping child?  We shall see!


Hopefully all of that plus many prayers will make for some peace around bedtime.  


Three month olds are supposed to get 10 hours of sleep a night.  Putting him to bed for 9:00 will eventually cause him to sleep until 7:00 in the morning.  In theory, of course!  Anything is worth a try!

The Working Mom

Yesterday was a big day for us Lovebugs!

I returned to work on Monday, which wasn't so bad.  I knew my Little Lovebug was in good hands with his Grandmommy and my class this year is much better behaved than last year's class.  Yesterday was our first class trip, to Green Meadows Pumpkin Farm.  My first grade class and I were joined by Benny, Big Daddy Lovebug and Grandmommy.  We milked a cow, went on a hayride, saw many adorable farm animals and picked Benny's first pumpkin.  

When we got back we took Benny to the doctor, where he got 2 shots and an oral vaccination.  My Little Lovebug was so brave!  He whimpered a little bit...but that was it!  I also got a shot - the flu shot!  Benny now weights 11 pounds!!!  Nice and solid!

Big Daddy Lovebug has been very sick, unfortunately - wheezing, coughing and unable to breathe.  At least he got a semi-full night of sleep last night because Little Lovebug just about slept through the whole night!!!  A half an hour more would be even more fantastic honey!!!!

The Apple Farmer Mom

A few days ago we took our Little Lovebug apple picking.  We went to Lewin Farms on Long Island and the weather was perfect as was the apples we put into our barrel.  I highly recommend this apple orchard, especially to those with children, for the apple trees are nice and low and also because you pay per pound.  Some apple farms charge by the half or full bushel.  We found a nice little pizzeria for lunch and that's where Benny decided he would have the mother of all screaming fits.  Not enjoyable, rather exhausting, but eventually ended...thank goodness!!!

On another note, it's been two nights since the big move from cradle to crib and it's going... it's going... I think it makes him nervous waking up and finding no one there... hopefully, time will change this...

The "Mom of a Two Month Old" Mom

My boy is a big 2 months old today!!  While he continues being absolutely adorable - it's only enhanced by his smiles and coos.  I on the other hand have had a miserable cold for the last few days, making it difficult to talk and play with my Little Lovebug.  What makes it worse is that I am entering my final week of maternity leave and I want to spend it having fun with my Little Lovebug, not in bed drinking tea... 


Other happenings recently:
* Similac had a huge recall two days ago on many batches of their dry formula due to beetle larva found inside. Fortunately - the one we have been using during the middle of the night was not!  However, we did just purchase a large canister, which we did not open - but yes - it was recalled!  I'm just so glad we didn't give him any from that batch!  
* Big Daddy Lovebug's car was hit while sitting in the parking lot of his job.  Not sure if there's any internal damage, but a body shop man offered to fix it for $100, which the woman who hit him paid.  She also gave us $200 to not tell her insurance company, which won't really do us any good if there IS any internal damage.  Unfortunately we won't be able to buy a new car for another year and a half (when my car is paid off...)
* We booked a place for my Little Lovebug's baptism.  It will be the first week on November and the planning has commenced!
* Last night is our Little Lovebug's last night in the cradle in our room :(  I will miss having him so close to us, but since I return to work in about a week and since he's been sleeping almost the whole night, I'd love to try to get him into the crib from 11-6.  That would be ideal for me going to work.  It'd be better at 10 PM, but I think that may be a little bit of a stretch for right now!!!  We'll have to make tonight count!!!
*Tomorrow, I start a post pregnancy diet...I am still on vacation mode and now that my doctor has given me the "ok" I can start exercising again...


In honor of my boy's second month on this planet:

 

Firsts Accomplished

First real smile - yea!!!

First coo and goo
First visit to Amusement Park (Advertureland)
First birthday party
First trip to Library
First Mets Game
First Immunization shot
First baby class
First time meeting cousins
First trip to NJ
First time in church
First bank account opened
First walk with dog
First labor day

First (and only) time being two months old!!! 

Favorite Momma Lovebug Moment

"My favorite moments are when he's lying on the bed, looking right at me making silly faces and noises, and he laughs and coos like he knows exactly who I am!!"

Favorite Big Daddy Lovebug Moment

"When him and I connect with each other - I talk to him and he smiles back!"

Little Lovebug Discoveries

Discovery of feet

Begin to vocalize

Response to loud, different noises

What to Look For During his Third Month
Reach and grab an object
Roll over one way
Laugh out loud
Bring both hands together
Hold head steady when upright
Turn when he hears his parents voice

Good Bye Cradle - We'll miss you!!!

Our Pio Pio Dinner in honor of our boy!

The "Go Away" Mom

"He's crying - he must be hungry..." - When you say this you are implying that I'm a neglectful parent who is starving her child.  There are countless reasons why babies cry and if I fed mine every time he did - he'd be as big as a hippopotamus.  I, like most parents who actually care about their children monitor how often my baby eats based upon what my pediatrician has told me.  End of story - good night!

"You should enjoy him - time goes by so quickly..." - duh...and I'd like to savor every moment without people reminding me every time I'm out that he is now one moment older than the last moment.  Thanks for your advice!

"How's he sleeping at night?" - I admit I have previously fallen into this category when my friends have given birth.  This seems to be the #1 question I am asked, like you can tell oh so much from my 2 month old's sleeping habits.  Perhaps you want to feel good about the fact that you had 5 more hours than me last night, so unless your volunteering to do night feedings, please don't ask!  He sleeps like a 2 month old!  It's fantastic if your week old sleeps through the night - mine doesn't - so stop asking!!!

"How was your C-Section?" - Let's see - it was as if someone slipped me a roofie, cut open my stomach, ripped my child from it, sewed me back up...then expected me to walk around and go back to my normal routine the next day...yes...it was just like that... let's just say it was so traumatizing I wouldn't mind that part of my memory erased.  Up until they showed me my little boy of course!

*Authors Note - in no way is this blog meant to be petty!  Just saying!

The Light Packing Mom

This is my checklist for the bare minimum items to pack in my Diaper Bag.  Either way, I feel like I'm always missing something anyway.  Also - everyone also says "Oh my - it's so heavy - you have too many things!  That is a negative...

Diapers

Wipes

Diaper Rash Cream

Changing Pad

Several Changes of Clothes

Bottles in Cooler

2 Blankets

3-4 Toys/Books

The Bippy!!! (Pacifier)



My gorgeous Coach diaper bag - a git from Big Daddy Lovebug on Valentine's Day!



The Nervous Mom

On the 9th Anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11 - it has always scared me to raise a child in a world where there is so much hatred towards those who are different.   Though I can't promise he'll grow up in aw world free from that, I do vow to teach my son kindness, compassion and understanding. 

Today, we took a free class for babies at a local center.Adorable, and it gave me many ideas to use and modify for my own "Babies Have Class!"  Songs, games, tummy time...of course Benny fell right asleep in the middle!!! 

My Little Lovebug had THE most ridiculous tantrum today.  He ate, was changed and we were snuggled together in bed ready for a little nap and all of a sudden he went ballistic!!  Absolutely crazy, screaming his head off.  I tried everything - the pacifier, rocking, bouncing, lotion, soothing noises...you know what worked and put him out in about 4 seconds?  More breastfeeding!  He wasn't hungry, he just wanted an "edible pacifier!!!!!" 

We took a trip to Party City two days ago to pick up some baptism supplies.  Bought some really neat stuff - banners, table clothes, decorations...I spent so much money it was ridiculous.  My Little Lovebug is worth it!!  Now if only our pastor could confirm the date... hoping for a early November baptism - I really want it before the weather gets cold, where I can still work with an autumn theme  and it'll be a month before his baby cousin's... On our way from the party store Benny started screaming again.  Music, singing, rocking, nothing was working until I got him home and just held him!  My boys a "crier"!!!  I wish he knew how much we loved him and how safe he was with us.  There is never a need to be so stressed out with us!!!

Speaking of Little Lovebug's cousin - he's one month old today!  Going out to celebrate at a delicious Chinese restaurant.  How time flies!!!

The Delighted Mom

I'm so excited when...


He has a bowel movement after being "clogged up"

He attempts to roll over on his Tummy Time Mat

He gives a good burp after drinking a portion of his bottle

He smiles...even if it's gas-induced

He ceases his crying immediately when I pick him up

He only wakes up one time in the middle of the night

He falls asleep in my arms

He tries to grab a toy

The Ambitious Mom

In the midst of taking upon too many things at one time, this one takes the cake!!!

I have been looking since the middle of my pregnancy for a class that specializes in infants.  My search led me to a disgust, for every class I found was either:

          Not in Queens, NY

          Too Expensive

          Inconvenient Times

Along with my mother, who runs a Mommy and Me Playgroup in our local church for ages starting at 18 months, we decided to host our own program, tailored specifically for babies 0-1 year old.  It will be called "Babies Have Class" and feature Tummy Time, Stroller Walks, Infant Massaging and many games geared to boost their little brains! 

I am doing this for my son (and the community) and hopefully to network myself and create other local "Mommy Friends"

Prayerfully it will take off...

The Cringing Mom

No one told me that my child's first shot would be as traumatic for me as it was for them.  The difference is I'll remember it tomorrow and he won't!!  My Little Lovebug got his Hepatitis B shot at the doctors, which went into his upper right thigh.  It was awful!  He was so calm and content as the doctor took his height (22 1/4 inches), weight (a whopping 9.2 pounds - 2 pounds more than his birth weight!) and temperature, but the moment that needle struck his leg he let go of the more piercing scream I'd ever heard!  It was absolutely heartbreaking!!!  Luckily this particular shot didn't lead to him having any reactions.  My little trooper!

Besides the traumatic doctors visit, I also visited my school today to make sure my paperwork was in order.  I am thrilled to say that I will not be returning to work until the beginning of October.  That gives me a whole extra month to snuggle and bond with my Little Lovebug! 

The Wishful Thinking Mom

There are billions of baby products on the market - when we registered for my Little Lovebug I was completely overwhelmed.  I'm taking this blog to thank the inventors of the following items.  You have made my life a lot easier (I just wish I thought of it first!)

1. The Boppy

What a concept!  Instead of having your child awkwardly between your bony arms while feeding, you slip the Boppy around your waist, lay your child on it and let him nestle.  It's a dream for breastfeeding (and those like me with a C-Section), convenient for bottle feeding and just plain great when he wants to be close to you, but your arms are about to break from holding him!  It's exactly like putting an adorable, soft pillow around your waist!

2. Lullaby CDs of Rock Artists

As a teacher, I love children's songs and have a nice collection of nursery rhyme CDs at my disposal.  However, there are probably only so many times I can listen to "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" before I'd want to have myself committed.  The time for that is coming...and it should...Nursery Rhyme and Sing-a-Long Songs are a vital part of growing up, one that is often overlooked by parents today.  However, for car rides at the present, nothing beats listening to "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Dream On" set to twinkling tones to lull my baby to sleep.  Genius.  

3. The Diaper Genie

It's a garbage pail - for diapers!! It "magically" compresses baby's used diapers, diminishes odors and can be discreetly placed anywhere.  The best part is the laugh you'll have with your significant other when the genie gets full: "Did he really use that many diapers?" and "It's like a diaper sausage!"

4. Angel Care Monitor/ The Sleep Positioner

Yes, it's true we had a horrible scare the first night, when our boy rolled off the Angel Care Monitor pad and set off the obnoxious alarm signaling that our child had stopped breathing.  The next day we went to Babies R Us and bought us the sleep positioner.  Since I don't have to wake up every other minute to make sure my child is breathing - we too sleep like babies (until our baby wakes us because he's hungry!)  Though it's true the Sleep Positioner (which expands to our child's size) hasn't been tested fully for the reduction of SIDS, it definitely keeps our little boy from rolling onto his stomach, which itself poses a greater risk for him to stop breathing.  Although I can't imagine hearing that alarm again, I'd rather be awoken on a false alarm than not awoken at all!  

5. Pack and Play

Are you kidding me?  This thing is fantastic!  It fits in a corner of our living room, has a changing table, mobile, infant sleeper, playpen, folds up into nearly nothing AND comes in like a billion different patterns/colors/sizes/styles!  We probably use this product more than any other one we have.  It saves me from going upstairs every time he falls asleep or needs to be changed.  We take it with us to the babysitters.  Great advice we've received is - get your kid used to the playpen while he's young!  That way he doesn't flip out when he's a toddler and you want to make dinner and knows that this is HIS spot for playing!  The playpen has really come a long way!!!  

6. Pee-Pee TeePee

I'll admit it - I haven't tried this yet, but I will pick up a pack next time I'm in Babies R Us just because...well...I like the name!  Made specifically for boys (duh), you simply place the Pee-Pee TeePee over his privates while changing to avoid getting an unwanted shower.  Necessary?  No.  Adorable?  Yes.  Practical?  Who cares? Just try to say "Pee-Pee TeePee" and not smile.  Just try!

The Baseball Mom

Let's Go Mets!  That's what the crowd was cheering today as we took our Little Lovebug to his first Mets Game at Citi Field.  Our five week old was presented with an adorable Mets Build-a-Bear upon entering the park.  The Mets won 5:1 against the Houston Astros, which means our Benny is batting 1000!  The Mets are Big Daddy Lovebugs team (who has said he'd disown our little guy if he ever strayed to that...other NY team!!!  Joking I'm sure!!!)  Benny's parents enjoyed delicious burgers and shakes at the Shake Shack, noodles and finished up their trip with ices from Lemon Ice King of Corona.  After a well deserved rest after an extremely hot day (It was roughly 90 degrees!), Big Daddy Lovebug read Benny "Hello, Mr. Met" by Rusty Staub.  A fantastic end to a fun, long day!

The Literary Mom

Benny took his first trip to the library today!  We had just met Big Daddy Lovebug for lunch and made the discovery of a Queens Library only a block away.  It was nice, small and quiet.  I'd forgotten the joys of being in one, for I have gotten swept up in the purchasing of books for myself or going to my school's beautiful library for my first graders.  At this library we took out a few books on newborn development, infant games and several children CDs which I'm downloading onto iTunes.  Of course we picked out a book for Benny too...Puss in Boots, retold by Lorinda Cauley.  Not like he doesn't have enough books for me to read to him at home!!!  

Benny's aunt made a delicious meal, so we spent the evening over her house.  We also watched Disney's Aladdin, which was just as amazing as it was years ago.  I look forward to introducing my Little Lovebug to these amazing stories, both literary and on the screen.  I know the "experts" say not to introduce the television to children before the age of two.  However, let's be realistic: parents need to monitor what children are watching and put a time limit on it.  Secondly, parents need to realize that movies and television are not a substitute for real human contact, connection and teaching.  

The Adventurer Mom

For our cousins birthday, Big Daddy Lovebug, Benny, my sister (Benny's aunt) and I went to Adventureland in Farmingdale, Long Island today.  Which meant Benny accomplished two "firsts" today: his first party and his first trip to an amusement park.  Though he slept most of the time, including his first ride on the Choo-Choo Train which circled the park, he was awake for a good 2 hours during the evening.  We used that time to walk and dance around, eat and go for his first ride on the Merry-Go-Round.   His facial expression on the Merry-Go-Round was absolutely priceless.  At first he was a little cranky, but as we started to go around his eyes grew wide and he became mesmerized by the swirls as we went in circles.  

I have decided that a HUGE pet peeve of mine lately has been people who comment "Enjoy him now, it goes so fast..."  I KNOW!!! I feel like it's a constant reminder that this 7 1/2 pound infant I hold won't be my baby forever.  I just want to enjoy the time now and treat every moment as a gift without that incredibly stupid remark!  

Anyway..after the park, we headed to my aunts house to continue the Birthday Celebration.  We just arrived home and my Little Lovebug has just eaten and is snuggled soundly in my arms.  These are indeed happy moments!! 

The unfortunate thing is that Big Daddy Lovebug has been a little under the weather the past two days.  Which means I have been the sole care taker of our son round the clock, since we don't want him catching what his daddy has.  In no way do I feel like caring for my Little Lovebug is work, however - I need sleep!  I always feel slightly inadequate when I'm overtired.  On the other hand it's often been said that it's amazing how well a mother learns to function without a full nights rest.  While that may be true for the present I fear my breaking point is coming!!!  Let's hope Big Daddy Lovebug gets better before that happens!!!

The "Mom of a One Month Old" Mom

My Benny is one month old today!  Already the time is flying!  In honor of his one month birthday I'd like to take a look back at what made this month so special!

Firsts Accomplished

First day of life

First meal

First meeting Momma Lovebug, Big Daddy Lovebug and rest of family

First smile (even if it was gas-induced!)

First car ride

First time home (meeting dog included)

First (and second doctors appointment)

First photo day

First time in a mall/restaurant/store/outside

First time at a play

First time in the Poconos

First time in Central Park

First time being a big cousin

First times being introduced to music/dance/stories/toys/funny faces

First bath

First (and only) time being one month old!!! 

Favorite Momma Lovebug Moment

"When we were in Target and he gassed so loud he scared himself,  every time he smiles or goes through a range of facial expressions, feeding him in Central Park, watching him spaz out when I put lotion on him and his first bath."

Favorite Big Daddy Lovebug Moment

"The first time I looked in the mirror and saw him in the car seat, his smile even if it's from gas, his first bath, his loud farts!"

Little Lovebug Discoveries

Discovery of hands

Able to lift head while on belly

Able to focus on objects close to his face 

Reflexes Developed - sucking, being startled, rooting

What to Look For During his Second Month
Recognition of Momma Lovebug and Big Daddy Lovebug
A real smile/laugh
Start vocalizing (a "coo" and a "goo" would be nice!)
Reach and grab an object
Roll over one way

I love my 1 month old Benny!!! 

The Fed-Up Mom

We're Going to Need a Bigger Boat......in a different neighborhood.  By boat I mean house.  By bigger I mean at least the same size or bigger.  

We just wanted the American Dream...to own a piece of land that was ours!  We got our dream - I absolutely LOVE our house.  It's perfect - detached, 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, living room, finished den/basement, eat in kitchen, converted dining room, crawl space for storage, garage and backyard (though shared with our neighbor.)  I love how we decorated the rooms - our bedroom is a tropical paradise, the babies room is a safari, the other rooms are just to our liking. 

So, what's the problem?  The problem is our neighbors - they are rude inconsiderate pieces of scum.  That is being said politely.  Big Daddy Lovebug and I keep to ourselves, never cause a problem, but lately we've actually had screaming matches with the two houses next to us.  The neighbor we share our yard with actually had the audacity to cut down a tree that was on our property and another neighbor kept putting garbage in front of our house and screamed at us when we moved it back.  Add in the loud, obnoxious music (if that's what you call it) from cars and different homes at all hours of the night, and riots in the middle of the street occasionally, well, you would want to move too.  I have actually gotten to the point where I'm scared to leave at times and I have this horrible fear of someone hurting my dog, or worse... There isn't a supermarket or mailbox close enough to walk to and I would definitely not bring my son to a school or playground in this neighborhood.  

So, we're looking for a place to move into.  However, this is it.  My life only allows for one move, so this next place we move into will be where I want to grow old in.  I want to watch my son learn how to ride a bike there.  I want to host many barbecues and Halloween parties there.  I want American flags proudly displayed and no litter scattered in the street.  I want neighbors who show the same decency and respect that I was brought up to show.  

Of course, we have no idea how to go about this.  We don't even know how much we could get for our house now that the market is down.  I just hope we break even, especially since Big Daddy Lovebug did so much work to make the inside of our house a beautiful home.   

On another note - Big Daddy Lovebug was working late tonight so I took Benny out to my grandma's today (his great-grandma) who was thrilled to see him.  After the visit, Benny and I picked up my sister (his aunt) and we drove down to the mall.  Little Lovebug was a little cranky while we ate, but enjoyed being pushed around in his stroller.  A little disappointed in the children clothes selections they had there, but I did find the most adorable thing in the Disney Store for him and HAD to have it!!!  A nice, fun, easy going day for us Lovebugs!!! 

The Scheduled Mom

Since I will be taking care of my Benny pretty much full time until the beginning of October, I need to create some sort of schedule.  Right now, I'm completely baffled at what to do with my Little Lovebug.  He is staying awake much longer in the daytime, but his eating/sleeping/pooping is complete erratic.  I feel the need to be stimulating him, but am not quite sure at how to do so.


A good friend said it best: "It's not easy keeping someone entertained when he has the attention span of an earthworm!"


Advice I've read/received/figured out on my own:
* Read to Him
* Sing to Him
* Tummy Time
* Play music while Dancing with Him
* Funny Faces
* Talking to Him
* Play with and Show Him Different Objects/Toys with Different Colors, Shapes and Textures
* Letting Him Smell Different (Pleasant) Things


I bought this for my Benny today to add to his growing collection of toys (Sassy A-Z Links):

We also bought this some time ago, which is absolutely adorable (Captain Calamari):

I bought this for myself so hopefully I can educate myself to become the Mother my Little Lovebug deserves...:

Let the stimulating begin!!!

The Restaurant Mom

The 24 Hour Buffet is OPEN!!!  Here is something I never thought I'd admit - I really like breastfeeding!  I thought I was going to hate it and it's true, there are the cons (however, the benefits make it worth it): 

CONS - I am indeed, a 24 hour buffet!  When he wants to eat, I have to oblige!  I have to eat healthy to make sure he's getting all nutrients!  Having to find a space eventually to pump at work!  It's also heavily time consuming, which isn't bad that I'm not going back to work for over a month still (and I dread my schedule when I do!), especially because Benny likes to "idle" (just kind of hang out while attached.) Oh - and it's expensive - breast pads, lanolin cream, the pump, car adaptor, freezer bags, bottles...

PROS - Always available at right temperature and the right amount.  The biggest pro is the BONDING!!! Everyone said it, but I didn't believe it, but there is something amazing and special with being able to give food from your body to your child - and no one else can!  My body knows what my child needs and gives it to him.  It doesn't cause him to spit up, the poop doesn't smell, it's easier to digest and there are countless heath benefits for him in the future...including the protection against SIDS (my greatest fear...) Oh - and it's cheap - the milk is always there, no need to buy expensive formulas!