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. ;-)