Tips to a successful baby night out

Before Weston was born I was always on the go. Between working long crazy hours, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends I was definitly no home body. I loved going to new restaruants and trying all types of fun and interesting cuisines. Life was pretty simple...
When I became pregnant of course the eating continued, and my appetite as well, but I slowly went from being this social butterfly to wanting to just come home after work and taking a nice long nap. When the baby came life as I once knew changed forever. What once took a few minutes to do quickly turned into an hour. I went from being super punctual to being late for almost everything! It took awhile for my body and mind to adjust to my new addition.
Fast forward 10 months and life is far from simple, but I've definitely gotten adjusted to motherhood. The nervousness from going out into the world with my precious baby has expired, and my life is about as "normal" as it were before. I've even (or so I think) mastered the skill of dining out with my bambino.
Yes there is a method to it if you care to have a civilized, calm, enjoyable dinner night out. After much trial and error I'm comfortable enough to even go out by myself to the most fanciest restaurant, but...I had to get to that point and it's actually quite simple. Here's how I did it:


1. The number one rule to remember when first introducing the LO to restaurant outings is to choose your establishment wisely. Taking your newborn to Ruth Chris's, and not really sure how they will behave may not be the best choice. Be respectful of others and take in consideration that not everyone wants to hear your baby cry throughout their entire meal. 


2. Choose places that are more "kid friendly" or what I like to call loud. The noisier the better in situations when you have an unhappy baby. Also loud restaurants are less likely to give you that look when for some reason your baby ( need a DARE say) cries! OH my!!! But yes, fortunately the noise will mask the cries and let you as the parent remain calm and focus more on your baby rather than what other people are thinking.


3. Bring LOTS of food. Especially if your LO isn't eating table food. If you think you're bringing too much, then thats the perfect amount. I learned that having a variety of different things helped also. Besides milk, having fruit or pureed veggies made it so the baby never got bored sitting at the table. Remember even though their tiny, babies are super smart, and if they see that you're eating thats exactly what they will want. 


4. Always ask for the ticket way before you finish your meal. You never know when your LO has had enough of dinner time and lets you know they are ready to GO! Having the ticket lets you pay and make a swift exit whenever without having to wait on your waiter.


5. Last but not least pack toys! Because your LO is obviously not old enough to sit and color make sure  they have plenty of options. Also be sure you have wipes to sanitize them after they drop them a million times. Have fun, and engage in conversation with your baby. These are some of the greatest moments!


Happy dining! :)

Coping with separation anxiety

Oh no... that dreadful day that all parents try not to think about, but in the back of their mind know that it's soon approaching. Yes! I'm talking about the day you have to leave your precious LO with a "stranger"!!!!! Yikes!!! Rather it's 3 months after birth or even a year overcoming the anxiety for both you and the baby may be a tad overwhelming. Thankfully I haven't had to cross that path yet, but I did get a little taste of what I may have to look forward to.
When I joined my new gym I also signed the LO up so I would have absolutely no excuses as to why I'm not working out. I thought this would be absolutely perfect! While I work out my baby could be less than a few steps away safely being watched, happy, and playing away. Hmmm... Boy was I in for a shock. The first night I went to drop him off in the kids zone he immediately started to let me know that he wasn't comfortable. Looking around with sharp head turns, grasping tightly to my arms, and just an overall look of "please don't go mommy" in his eyes! Needless to say that night I did NOT get to work out at all. The moment I went out on the gym floor with earbuds snug in my ear I hear on the intercom... "Weston's mom will you please come to the kids corner? Westons mom to the kids corner please!" lol
That look on his face made my heart melt! He looked completely terrified, and I felt guilty for leaving him with this strange person, and all these new faces that were zipping by him flipping and playing and being REALLY loud. The nerve of kids right?! Lol Fortunately it has gotten a lot better for our gym visits now. Not sure if it was just the separation from him and I, or the anxiety of all the other children, but it's so much better! ( except for that one time daddy took him and he didn't get to play basketball for only 5 mins before his name was called) tee-hee :)
I can only imagine the pain that him and I will only feel the day he actually has to be a complete big boy, but the reality is... I'm so not ready. In the meantime I will take in and treasure everyday spent being as close to him as possible. I know these days, months, even years will quickly zip by, and all I will be left with are sweet sweet memories. Oh, and the thousands of pictures I've taken of him! :)

Oh boy it's a New Year!!!

Wow 2012 has finally appeared and I couldn't be any more grateful for everything that 2011 brought forth to me! I'm so extremely excited about all the exciting things that are to come this year. For starters the bambino has officially started crawling, and not only that, but is pulling himself up and standing on his own. Did I mention he's only 6 1/2 months?! :) He's definitely on his way on becoming an official walker! Yaaay!

Another exciting moment is completely weening him from breast feeding. For all moms that have traveled down this road you know that its not a complete walk in the park. My personal goal has always been to BF for only 6 months, and I'm so proud of myself for standing strong and making that happen. Weening him hasn't been as hard as I thought it may have been, but it has been bittersweet. I LOVE that this great milestone marks one step closer to him growing and developing independently. On the other hand I'm sure I will certainly miss that special bonding time that comes with it.

Solid foods are on the menu, (Yaaay!) and I'm so proud of my baby taking to all of them so well. Thank goodness it doesnt seem that I have a picky eater on my hand. So far he loves bananas and carrots. This week I'm introducing sweet potatoes to him, and I plan to add a dash of cinnamon just for kicks. I'm sure he's going to LOVE it!!! I may even put some aside for myself to enjoy. *wink*

Watching my son develop and learn all of the amazing things that life will teach him makes me smile. To think this time last year I was 4 months pregnant full of a bundle of complex emotions. Not knowing what to expect... only hoping for the best. Worrying is only part of the process, but I'm grateful for everything. These 1st 6 months of my sons life has been an amazing adventure for not only me, but I believe for so many. Having a spectacular support system in your corner makes the world seem like a piece of cake at times. Being a mom is no easy task, but babies truly are a gift from above. I take absolutely nothing for granted.

 In less than 6 months the LO will celebrate being in the world for an entire year!!! Yes I have already started to think about birthday plans, location, theme, etc. I know...I know..., but you only turn 1 once right? 

May the New Year bring lots of love and happiness into your life, oh.. and a little prosperity probably would hurt either I'm sure. ;-)

To Believe or not to Believe

With Christmas less than a week away last  minute shopping is at its peak. Parents wait in long lines to obtain that must have toy for their child. Some even using the last of their savings just to see a smile on their childs face on Christmas day, only to tell their child that it was a toy giving to them by Santa. Others are using a more "realist" approach, and either do not celebrate at all or are brutally honest with their 2 year old that mommy and daddy are the ones that brought them the toys under the tree. Others find it appealing in their household to share the tale of St. Nick, and how their was a man who went around and gave gifts to people, while also explaining about the birth of Jesus and the reason Christmas is celebrated.


I grew up believing in Santa Claus without any idea that my mom was working twice as hard just to make sure I had presents under the tree Christmas morning. At the time I truly believed that if I were good then Santa was going to come at night while I was asleep and bring me everything that I had asked for. Waking up every Christmas needless to say I was never disappointed (except for that one year when I didn't get my Easy Bake Oven :-/), but what about the kids who are? What about the ones that sat in Santa's lap and read off a long list of items only to have their tiny little world crumble on Christmas morning because they received a scarf and mitten set instead of the latest electronic gadget? 


These are things that I have pondered about especially because this is my first year as a mom, and as a parent you always want the very best for your child. If only we could always keep a smile on their pretty little faces, and never see them disappointed. **sigh**
Unfortunately in the real world life is not all covered with sugar plum fairies, and money definitely doesn't grow on trees. Do you let kids be kids and enjoy mythical stories and embrace the idea of imagination or do you tell them the truth? Their has to be a balance to this dilemma ...or is there? 


God made our imaginations and hardwired us to connect deeply with stories, and we all know children have the greatest imaginations of them all. Jesus himself appealed to people’s imagination by telling parables—stories that communicated profound truths. Even if stories are fairy tales, and therefore not necessarily true, they still communicate truth. Parents can use the Santa myth to teach their children to be giving rather than demanding, and to experience generosity and grace. Whatever you're decision may be I hope you all have a happy and safe holiday. :-)

Parting is such sweet sorrow...and it kinda hurts too. Yikes!

So last night was the 1st time the LO did not need to be nursed to sleep!!!!! Oh my I am so happy! Why might you ask? Because this is the month that I said I was going to ween from breast feeding. After all the horrible stories I've heard about how hard it is, or how much it's going to hurt I've kind of been dreading this day. But what I've come to realize throughout everything is that everybody is NOT the same. What I experience as a mom you may never. Motherhood is probably about 40% read and taught and the other 60% comes from self.
On the 15th my bambino will be 6 months and I'm so proud to have been able to breast feed for this time. It's giving us a bond that's beyond describing. A bond that will forever be cherished. I like to think it was I who has made him this strong and healthy baby thus far. It's a bitter sweet moment for me, but I'm sure the transition for him will be smooth and easy. **crossing fingers**
Now for me on the other hand is another story, but I will manage. :)
As I watch my son slowly drift in and out after being nursed to sleep I smile. This moment I treasure forever.

Blah, Blah, Blah

Soooo... apparently I have what is called writers block, and I am totally blank on topics. Its strange because as a new mom there is rarely a dull moment in your life, so having this "block" is quite entertaining to me. I have so much to talk about concerning the LO, but not a single topic comes to mind... so, I will just rant about what's been happening with the little bambino. :)


One of my dear friends just recently had a sweet baby girl, and hearing her experience just brought back all the memories of my labor. I remember every detail just like it was yesterday. Wow... I look at my baby and realize that he's growing so rapidly. It just amazes me on how quickly they grow and develop. I'm so grateful to be able to spend all of my day with him to witness all of his developmental moments in life. I'm currently working on a video that will be a detailed look on his life throughout the 1st year. I'm super excited about the project, and I can not wait to play it for all my friends and family at his birthday party!


Blink and you're sure to miss something that's for sure! Just last week my LO said da-da for the first time, and it was the most amazing thing to ever hear. Of course he said it after I just recently nursed him and I was the one holding him... go figure. :) Thankfully dad was there to witness that awesome moment. Now I'm working on hearing the words every mom dreams about.. yes you guessed ma ma! :) Ummm... I think I may have to wait a while for it. LOL He's also rolling around, reaching and grabbing for EVERYTHING, and sitting up by himself. Who's a proud mommy??? You betcha... me!!!!! ;)


We've also started on a different solid which has been exciting to see how he responds to the taste. I dont think I have I picky eater on my hands because we first started with bananas and now we're trying carrots this week. He seems to love everything so far. :) Everyday I find myself simply staring at him while he sleeps. So peaceful. So innocent. I'm truly blessed.

Traveling while Preggo

The holidays are fast approaching, and the airlines will be extremely busy. While I miss being pregnant at times, I do not miss the frequent pain associations, and traveling while sick is not a day at the park! Take it from me I wish I had of known before hand on how to ease the pain of traveling while pregnant. I traveled during my entire pregnancy all the way until I was 7 months pregnant. Yes I was 30,000 ft up in the air far away from any doctor or hospital with only 2 months left until delivery.Crazy? Mayb, but definitly safe. In fact if your pregnancy is not considered high risk then you can safely travel within the U.S all the way until you are 8 months pregnant. Anything past that will require a statement from your doctor allowing you to travel, and even then its up to the airlines descretion rather to allow you to fly or not. Its also recommended to travel during your 2nd semester as compared to the 1st becasue normally the morning sickness has ceased some. Also if you are traveling during your 2nd or 3rd trimester its recommended also to have a copy of your prenatal chart handy. This information will include your age, the date of your last menstrual period, your due date, the number and outcomes of any prior pregnancies, your risk factors for disease, pregnancy-related lab tests and ultrasounds, medical and surgical history, and a flow sheet of vital signs taken at each doctors visit.


Although it is perfectly safe to travel while pregnant its necessary to take the extra precautions.

• Check with your healthcare provider to make sure its ok to travel.
• Have medical records and all other vital records handy.
• Buy travel insurance
• Prepare for the unexpected
• If traveling in your last trimester check with your airline to make sure that there arent any restrictions.

Traveling while pregnant – whether by plane, train, or automobile can be a tricky proposition. But with your doctor's blessing and some smart preparation, there’s no reason to sit home. Safe travels to everyone! :)