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!

The Traveler Mom

I don't really need a vacation ... I try to convince myself!  A year ago, before Big Daddy Lovebug and I even made the attempt to have a little one, we had booked a 7 day cruise to Bermuda aboard the Norwegian Dawn.  That cruise leaves dock in about 2 hours!!  Obviously without us as passengers (most cruise lines don't allow babies under 6 months to travel), which is a little more depressing than I'd care to admit.  In no way do I regret substituting a vacation this year for a life with my little Lovebug, but ahhh...the Bermudian breeze...the pink sands...the warm blue ocean...I long for it!!!  Instead I sit here on my couch, listening to the rain outside, one hand holding Benny's pacifier in his mouth, the other hand typing, my left foot rubbing my dog's fur all the while pumping a little milk for this coming week.  At least I've got the multi-tasking down!!!  It also helped that Olive Garden started its Never Ending Pasta Bowl again, which made for a delicious and filling lunch! 

Speaking of food, here's another thing I need to do - shed a few of those preggo pounds!!  I gained about 15 pounds during pregnancy and I'd like to lose 10 by Benny's baptism in November, then another 5 by February.   It will be difficult (especially since I'm pretty immobile still from the surgery) - and especially since Big Daddy Lovebug and I LOVE different foods!  But it's also a health thing, by next summer we'll be taking him to parks and I want to be able to keep up with my little dude!  It also helps that we have not one, but two vacations planned for next year - Marco Island, FL in February and our "postponed" cruise to Bermuda in August 2011!!!  Slim Momma Lovebug, here I come!  


Random little note: Benny is 4 weeks old today!!!  Almost a whole month!

It's almost time for Tummy Time with Benny!!!  This has become part of our daily routine (if you can indeed call it a "routine")  Benny absolutely loves being on his belly!  When he was still in mine, Benny proved he was a future football player with his extremely strong legs.  Now he uses those legs to wriggle about like a little worm on his play mat.  He even is able to flip himself over from his belly onto his back (although he only does so when he's having a crying fit.)  His head is getting stronger also, and Benny is able to pick it up off the mat and switch from side to side.  He usually spends about an hour a day on it.  Our dog likes the mat too and often lays on its side next to the baby.  Here are some Tummy Time pictures:

The Safari Mom

Since Big Daddy Lovebug and I chose not to know the gender of out little one, we decorated our already green spare bedroom with a Safari theme.  A while back I was looking into ideas and Pottery Barn Kids had these adorable animal decals.  The problem?  They were over $100 - EACH!  Sorry, that's insane!  So, we went to AC Moore, spent $10, and painted our own Safari animals.  There is a giraffe watching over the crib, a palm tree with swinging monkey, an alligator creeping behind the changing table, a lion next to the changing table and butterflies and birds scattered throughout.  We already had a white desk and bookcase in the room, so we continued with the white furniture.  Big Daddy Lovebug, or rather Santa, bought me a white rocking chair for Christmas, which is draped with a beautiful embroidered blanket with his name.  We purchased a sleigh convertible bed from Kohl's and the changing table from Babies R Us.  Humorously enough, Benny has not actually slept in his crib yet.  Right now he stays in a cradle in our room.  It's much cooler during this summer (due to air conditioning) and he's close enough for feedings, changings and comforting. 

The New Mom

I have never been much of a blogger, and perhaps I'm biting off more than I can chew now...but in fact...as time seems to fly I'd like a record of my absolutely adorable son and the time we have spent with him...

My name is "Momma Lovebug", my husbands name is “Big Dady Lovebug”, and I will be (hopefully) entertaining you with stories of my Little Lovebug, my Benny, my son.  As I write this first post he is almost 1 month old - 1 MONTH OLD!!!  Insane!  It feels like only yesterday when he was but a thought, a dot on an ultrasound.  It feels like only yesterday when those awful doctors split me open only to show me the most precious sight I could ever hope to see.  It feels like only yesterday when we strapped him in his car seat and drove him to our quaint little home in Queens, NY.  It seems like only yesterday when he peed all over my nightgown...oh, wait - that actually was yesterday!  

Since this plans on being a running record, I'd like to present a timeline of this last month, complete with photos!

Benny Boy - born July 25, 2010 at 4:50 PM (after having contractions the entire day before, being 4 cm dilated around 8 PM on the 24th, an epidural about 9 PM, a night of excellent sleep - I can sleep through anything..., 10 cm dilated around 12 PM on the 25^th, 3 hours of pushing starting around 1 PM and a C-Section around 4 PM)

He was 7.1 pounds, 20.5 inches and incredibly perfect.  A gorgeous head of hair, Big Daddy Lovebug’s eyes and nose, my upper lip…simply the most beautiful thing I had ever laid eyes on…

My hospital visit lasted until Wednesday the 28^th and included many visits from friends and relatives, lots of pain as I tried to walk (and they took me off morphine…), surprisingly delicious hospital meals, and time spent with my boy…our first three days…

July 28 - When we got home we introduced Benny to our lovable, but excitable pit bull, who took to him right away.  Constantly sniffing and looking at him curiously, she has been really great.  I feel bad that I’m unable to walk her as much or for as long as usual, but hopefully once I’m healed, we can resume…

My family visited that night and brought food!  It’s important…both the food and the family!

Ordered birth announcements during their visit – actually found a promotion that entitled me to get 50 for $5!!! Couldn’t beat that deal!


However, this was the SCARIEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE!!!  About a week before we came home, we purchased the Angel Care Monitor, which goes under the child's mattress and monitors their breathing.  It sounds a loud alarm when it has not detected movement from the child for 20 seconds.  The problem is, the motion detector is only about 1 square foot, so it's very easy for the child to roll off of.  Which is exactly what happened our first night home.  Though the detector was in the center of the mattress, our little Benny rolled over, not once, but TWICE and set the alarm off.  There is no scarier feeling that thinking that your child has stopped breathing.  The next day we went to Babies R Us and purchased the Sleep Positioner so Benny will be held in place.  I actually do recommend the Angel Care Monitor and at the presest time (with the Sleep Positioner) we have had no more false alarms, and I sleep much better not having to check my child every other minute to make sure he's still breathing.  Too scary to think about...

July 29 – Had to get out!  We took Benny down to our Babies R Us for a few necessary items!  Like the Sleep Positioner which will hold Little Lovebug in place so he doesn't scare his Momma Lovebug!!!   

 July 30 – First doctors visit – it’s so nice how Big Daddy Lovebug’s mom works there so there’s never a wait for us.  The doctor weighed and measured him.  His umbilical cord fell off this night!

July 31 – Moma (grandma on Big Daddy Lovebug’s side) came to visit while I packaged and sealed the birth announcements, which had already arrived!!! She brought food too!!! Mmmmm…chicken and pasta salad….delish!

August 1 – My whole life I imagined walking up to my house with my newborn child to a stork waiting in front!  I’m so lucky to have a husband that allowed me to spend our hard earned money on one!  Seriously though – such a beautiful thing – I highly recommend them – http://www.bundleofstorks.com/.

August 2 – Took Benny to Picture People in Roosevelt Field Mall.  We got a gift certificate and they did a really amazing job!!! After that we had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and I got something I had been dying for – chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake!  Waited 10 months for it, I did!!!

August 3 – Went to the Swan Club in Roslyn for lunch.  Big Daddy Lovebug and I had been married there on May 3, 2008.  They changed the menu and raised the prices much to our dismay, but we’ll be back!  We love reliving the day we were married!

August 4 – Second doctors appointment.  Benny was weighed and measured.  He has not grown, but gained 1 ounce. 

August 6 – Yes, in the midst of having our first child we still managed to be an avid part of our community theatre groups show – Spelling Bee.  (http://www.jcplayers.com/) Benny stayed with his Aunt Jenny – first babysitter!!!

August 7 – Moma babysits while we were in our second performance.

Third performance of Spelling Bee.  Benny comes with us and steals the show as the world’s cutest audience member!

August 10 – Big Daddy Lovebug and I drove Benny down to the Poconos for the day.  Now, you’re probably wondering, how and why am I moving and doing so much and I only have this to say – I am my mother’s daughter.  Went to the outlet stores and bought Benny some “gender biased” clothes since I was a little tired of people asking if he was a girl or a boy.  We did not know his gender, so we have a lot of green and yellow! 

August 11 – His cousin is born!!! Spent the day in Central Park, walking and relaxing as we awaited his cousin’s birth!!  Benny is already a big cousin!!

Had Big Daddy Lovebug’s choir dinner that night at Zum Stamdish in Glendale.  I love showing our boy off!!

August 14 – Spelling Bee performance.  Benny has to be brought backstage because he was crying his cute, sweet cries!!!

August 15 – Final performance followed by cast party at his Grandma and Grandpa’s house (also known as Grandmommy and JaJa)

August 16 – Had a doctors visit today.

Benny’s first bath went off without a hitch!!  It went so well I couldn’t even believe it!!! Benny was absolutely adorable…a little confused, but I think he had fun!

August 17 – Perhaps the second most horrible day – Big Daddy Lovebug went back to work (the first most horrible will be the day I have to…) – was very tired and cranky and very unsure of what to do!!!

August 18 – Spent the day with my boy, visited Big Daddy Lovebug at work for lunch.  It’s uncanny – this child eats, sleeps and poops, in any order, all the while finding time to both cry and take in his environment with wide eyes…

August 19 – Went out to eat with Grandmommy and JaJa.  Benny had a hungry fit (just like JaJa) before I took him home!! Man, this boy can eat!

August 20 – TODAY!!! Finally!  My arms are tired from leaning on this table where my laptop rests!!! The big thing today was we read him his first book!!!  We want Benny to really recognize our voices and show him that we are there for him, so in his moments of crying, I read to him “The Giving Tree”, by Shel Silverstein.  The book and my reading soothed him to sleep.  Thank goodness because I started to cry!!! That book is sooo sad.  I felt like I was the tree and one day my son was going to leave me!!! I love my boy so much! 

Well, thank goodness!!! A whole month summed into 4 pages on Word which I will now transfer over!  Add a whole bunch of pictures and my oh my – this is a long post. 

When I should be sleeping.  But, come on – that whole “sleep when your child sleeps” statement?  Not happening!  Not when all I want to do is WATCH him sleep!!! 

It's the beginning...the beginning of watching a life grow...the beginning of our lives together!