Every day I make a point to take time out to read to my LO for at least 15 mins a day. Not only do I get the bonding time with him, but he enjoys it also. We talk about the pictures on the page and I let him touch the pictures as well. I like to think that he understands everything thats being read to him. :)
Just recently I found myself in a situation that neither myself nor the bambino has been in. We went with dad to the dentist and what should have been a normal 30 minute visit turned into almost 2hrs!!! Do you realize how incredibly long 2 hrs is for a 5 month old??? The few books I had, and his toys started to become boring to him after about 30 mins. I was running out of ideas! So I did what any Iphone user would have done and I searched for apps for babies. Laugh if you may, but to my surprise I was saved by the app Gods. The one that I enjoyed the most (so much I purchased the upgraded version for .99) was called Phone4Kids. What I recently discovered is that babies love sound and lights. Rather it be singing cartoons, mommy singing nursery rhymes, the sound of bubbles being blown, or just plain clapping...they love it! My son in particular becomes so attentive when he has a visual followed by a sound. Books that include music or noise and lights really catch his attention and seem to work the best.
The reason I love this app Phone4Kids is because my son is stimulated with visuals and with sound. From the moment I uploaded it he was glued to the screen. The upgraded version allows you to scroll through 24 different types of activities. From ABC's to 123's, colors, animal, sounds...this app has it all! So far my .99 was money well spent towards watching my son begin his learning process that will make the pathway for the rest of his life. Its never too early for you LO to start learning. I also ordered a sign language DVD that should arrive next week. I'm super excited about its arrival and will be posting updates. Attached is a video of my son heavily engaged with the app on my Iphone. Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
The Soother
Being a new mommy in a new city definitely takes a toll on your sense of time management, but I'm getting the hang of it. I've been MIA, but what I've come to realize there's no rule book on parenting. A lot of it I've just been winging, and sometimes thats the only way into finding out what works best for you and your LO.
The subject I'm addressing now is trying to get the little bambino to sleep in his crib. While I was pregnant I would have never thought of this as being an issue, but boy was I wrong. I've read how some babies from newborn until whenever sleep through the night in their crib like perfect little sleeping sweet babies. Ummmm....yeah... not over here. I will admit its partial....ok its totally my fault. From birth to about a little over a month I was so good at swaddling him and placing him gently into his crib for a good couple of hours of sleep, but then I started to have baby withdrawals, and let him sleep with me one night. My mother warned me that I shouldn't start a bad habit, but me being a first time mom, and thinking that I knew everything I ignored her advice. Now 2 months later, and my LO probably thinks my bed IS his bed, and his bed is like some nicely decorated piece of furniture. Go figure :-/
So of course I started googling on the best ways to get your LO to fall asleep in their crib. I no longer can swaddle him because he will just kick his way out, so I needed ideas quickly! (My baby is a WILD sleeper already) After trying all the different suggestions I stumbled upon an article about using a soother to help with your baby falling asleep. I immediately went to www.amazon.com and typed baby soothers. What I absolutely love about Amazon is not only can you get free shipping on most of your items, but you have the opportunity to read reviews of the product. Love it!
So I found one that caught my eye made by Fisher Price called the Peek a Boo Waterfall Rainforest Baby Crib Toy. It was fairly easy to install on the side of the crib and plays several different songs and also lights up and has monkeys that swing about or fish that swim in the water. The volume also adjusts and it has a simple touch button on the front of the toy. A lot of parents also even commented that as their child got older they were able to reach and turn it on and soothe themselves back to sleep when suddenly awakened. If I had to rate it out of 5 stars I would give it a 4 simply because the music could play a little longer, but other than that it was worth the purchase. I would definitely recommend it to all the new parents.
The subject I'm addressing now is trying to get the little bambino to sleep in his crib. While I was pregnant I would have never thought of this as being an issue, but boy was I wrong. I've read how some babies from newborn until whenever sleep through the night in their crib like perfect little sleeping sweet babies. Ummmm....yeah... not over here. I will admit its partial....ok its totally my fault. From birth to about a little over a month I was so good at swaddling him and placing him gently into his crib for a good couple of hours of sleep, but then I started to have baby withdrawals, and let him sleep with me one night. My mother warned me that I shouldn't start a bad habit, but me being a first time mom, and thinking that I knew everything I ignored her advice. Now 2 months later, and my LO probably thinks my bed IS his bed, and his bed is like some nicely decorated piece of furniture. Go figure :-/
So of course I started googling on the best ways to get your LO to fall asleep in their crib. I no longer can swaddle him because he will just kick his way out, so I needed ideas quickly! (My baby is a WILD sleeper already) After trying all the different suggestions I stumbled upon an article about using a soother to help with your baby falling asleep. I immediately went to www.amazon.com and typed baby soothers. What I absolutely love about Amazon is not only can you get free shipping on most of your items, but you have the opportunity to read reviews of the product. Love it!
So I found one that caught my eye made by Fisher Price called the Peek a Boo Waterfall Rainforest Baby Crib Toy. It was fairly easy to install on the side of the crib and plays several different songs and also lights up and has monkeys that swing about or fish that swim in the water. The volume also adjusts and it has a simple touch button on the front of the toy. A lot of parents also even commented that as their child got older they were able to reach and turn it on and soothe themselves back to sleep when suddenly awakened. If I had to rate it out of 5 stars I would give it a 4 simply because the music could play a little longer, but other than that it was worth the purchase. I would definitely recommend it to all the new parents.
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| Sleeping nice & sound in HIS bed with the soother playing softly in the background. :) |
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
More bang for your buck
Being a new mom definitely changes a lot of things in your used to be all about you world. While once nothing could stop you from eyeing that $500 watch, now you're clipping coupons for baby wipes and diapers. Ahhhh.... the joys of motherhood. And while raising a baby will take a toll on your savings there is a way to not feel like its money down the drain.
First I would start off by recommending to start clipping coupons if you haven't already. I wasn't, and still not quite to be considered the coupon queen, but I do make an effort now. Especially in ads like Babies R Us where you can sometimes find coupons for up to 40% off a single item, and those come pretty much on the regular. I can specifically remember purchasing my breast pump from Babies R Us and using their 40% off coupon on top of the item already being discounted. It was very much worth the effort of clipping and saving.
Next I would suggest to buy in bulk. A lot of people think that stores like Costco and BJ's are strictly for larger family homes, but thats certainly not the case. Buying in bulk not only saves you money by getting more for an overall cheaper value, but it also saves you that late night trip to Walgreens or your local grocery store. When you buy in bulk its less likely that you will run out of your essentials like diapers, wipes, or formula.
One of the last things I wanted to sort of touch bases about when it comes to savings will be the terrible realization that one day you wake up and your tiny baby no longer fits their clothes. Yes all of those adorable outfits, and some that he or she only wore once for 5 mins can no longer be worn. So now you have to go out and buy more clothes for the next age group, and the next, and so on... until you realize that you may be putting out more than you should. Now I know we all want our babies to have the best, but seriously.... $50 for a shirt that he or she may wear only once? I realize we live in the age thats all about the brands, but I don't think we have to worry about your baby getting bullied in his crib at daycare because he has a batman on his onsie vs a Polo sign. I learned my lesson very early when it comes to buying clothes for the LO. Yes I was that mom heading directly to all the cute individual baby stores like The Childrens Palace or baby H&M, but when I saw some of them that never really got worn I completely changed that. I soon discovered Burlington baby section, and OMG they have everything, and everything is so incredibly reasonable. Now if you still want to "splurge" on special occasions for your LO, then that's totally fine, but every day wear I would highly recommend the latter. Happy shopping mommies and daddies!!! :-D
First I would start off by recommending to start clipping coupons if you haven't already. I wasn't, and still not quite to be considered the coupon queen, but I do make an effort now. Especially in ads like Babies R Us where you can sometimes find coupons for up to 40% off a single item, and those come pretty much on the regular. I can specifically remember purchasing my breast pump from Babies R Us and using their 40% off coupon on top of the item already being discounted. It was very much worth the effort of clipping and saving.
Next I would suggest to buy in bulk. A lot of people think that stores like Costco and BJ's are strictly for larger family homes, but thats certainly not the case. Buying in bulk not only saves you money by getting more for an overall cheaper value, but it also saves you that late night trip to Walgreens or your local grocery store. When you buy in bulk its less likely that you will run out of your essentials like diapers, wipes, or formula.
One of the last things I wanted to sort of touch bases about when it comes to savings will be the terrible realization that one day you wake up and your tiny baby no longer fits their clothes. Yes all of those adorable outfits, and some that he or she only wore once for 5 mins can no longer be worn. So now you have to go out and buy more clothes for the next age group, and the next, and so on... until you realize that you may be putting out more than you should. Now I know we all want our babies to have the best, but seriously.... $50 for a shirt that he or she may wear only once? I realize we live in the age thats all about the brands, but I don't think we have to worry about your baby getting bullied in his crib at daycare because he has a batman on his onsie vs a Polo sign. I learned my lesson very early when it comes to buying clothes for the LO. Yes I was that mom heading directly to all the cute individual baby stores like The Childrens Palace or baby H&M, but when I saw some of them that never really got worn I completely changed that. I soon discovered Burlington baby section, and OMG they have everything, and everything is so incredibly reasonable. Now if you still want to "splurge" on special occasions for your LO, then that's totally fine, but every day wear I would highly recommend the latter. Happy shopping mommies and daddies!!! :-D
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Does your baby trust you?
Wow its been quite awhile since my last post, but I've been pretty busy with a baby that just recently wants to be the complete center of ALL of my attention. Normally the bambino is great with relaxing in his swing or either getting his exercise in with tummy time, or just simply babbling and blowing bubbles. Not sure what has caused this onset of wanting to be a baby and be held all the time...how dare he!!! :)
The dilemma I guess I've been faced with is rather or not to let my LO have those "cry it out" episodes or not. Now normally the bambino isn't a typical crier. He's mostly a very happy, easy going, laughing and smiling type of baby. If and when he cries it's because he has a wet or poopy diaper or he's hungry. I can't even begin to tell you how many books or online sites that I've read about this topic, and it seems like no matter what method you choose there will always be a critic to your decision.
If you're constantly picking them up then you're "spoiling" the baby, or if you let them cry it out then your losing that sense of trust your baby has for you. So the question is which method is correct? My answer to that would have to be to each its own. All babies are different and I don't think there is one type of parenting style that fits perfectly to every child. I think you should be open to trying different ways if your way isn't working properly.
I personally have tried the "cry it out" method and it broke my heart to listen to my baby cry his eyes out. Needless to say thats not the method I am currently using in my household. Babies are so delicate and precious, and at such young ages their only way to communicate is to cry, so if they're crying then its obviously a reason behind it. Temporary emotional abandonment just isn't my style. I've also heard the what you would call "ol' school" moms say that you're spoiling the baby by not letting them cry. Like really? How are you spoiling something that only wants to be loved and comforted? At such a young age a baby simply doesn't yet learn that having crying fits get them attention. On the contrary, the more responsive you are to an infant’s needs, the less “spoiled” the baby will be as they get older. Bonding creates trust, and children with secure attachments tend to be more independent, not less.
The one thing I know that I want to have with my son is a great loving relationship were he not only knows that I love him with all of my heart, but were he also trusts me.... and that trust starts now.
Ps. I'm holding him right now :-D
The dilemma I guess I've been faced with is rather or not to let my LO have those "cry it out" episodes or not. Now normally the bambino isn't a typical crier. He's mostly a very happy, easy going, laughing and smiling type of baby. If and when he cries it's because he has a wet or poopy diaper or he's hungry. I can't even begin to tell you how many books or online sites that I've read about this topic, and it seems like no matter what method you choose there will always be a critic to your decision.
If you're constantly picking them up then you're "spoiling" the baby, or if you let them cry it out then your losing that sense of trust your baby has for you. So the question is which method is correct? My answer to that would have to be to each its own. All babies are different and I don't think there is one type of parenting style that fits perfectly to every child. I think you should be open to trying different ways if your way isn't working properly.
I personally have tried the "cry it out" method and it broke my heart to listen to my baby cry his eyes out. Needless to say thats not the method I am currently using in my household. Babies are so delicate and precious, and at such young ages their only way to communicate is to cry, so if they're crying then its obviously a reason behind it. Temporary emotional abandonment just isn't my style. I've also heard the what you would call "ol' school" moms say that you're spoiling the baby by not letting them cry. Like really? How are you spoiling something that only wants to be loved and comforted? At such a young age a baby simply doesn't yet learn that having crying fits get them attention. On the contrary, the more responsive you are to an infant’s needs, the less “spoiled” the baby will be as they get older. Bonding creates trust, and children with secure attachments tend to be more independent, not less.
The one thing I know that I want to have with my son is a great loving relationship were he not only knows that I love him with all of my heart, but were he also trusts me.... and that trust starts now.
Ps. I'm holding him right now :-D
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The Bumbo
So my LO had his 4 month shots the other day, and I must say he did awesome! He's such a big boy. He's also at that point wanting to be right in the center of everything. He rarely wants to be placed on his back anymore to lay down, but he loves it when we prop him up with pillows to sit up. Since he's still not quite able to stay upright completely by himself a lot of times he has to go back to his laying down position when I needed something to be done around the house. I do have a wrap that I use, but the housework I can do with him in it is very limited considering I can not, or should I say I don't feel comfortable bending down and over with him in it. Luckily for me a friend of ours so graciously gave and introduced us to a baby seat known as the Bumbo.
The Bumbo is a soft rubber like seat that contours to your baby and allows them to sit upright totally unsupported. Its recommended to start using not until your baby is fully able to support their head which depending on the baby is typically between 3-4 months. It also can come with a detachable tray to use if you preferred to feed your baby in it as well. Oh, and it comes in a few cool colors if you needed it to match your decor. :)
I've only had it for a few days now, so I'm not a veteran on the product, but so far I must say its pretty awesome. My bambino already sits up a little, so when I put him in the Bumbo he just sat there and looked around with bright eyes. It was the coolest thing because he was able to sit up and check out the world around him. My cat even had to look twice at the neat little chair sitting on the kitchen floor. I was able to clean my kitchen while having my son in the Bumbo on the floor playing with his toys content and happy. I say that was pretty awesome vs having a fussy baby because you have to lay them down to do something. Now granted I only had him in it for maybe like 15 mins, but that entire time he really seemed to be having a great time.
With all products that I use with my LO I go to the trusty internet to read reviews and to basically get the 411 on the product. Well before receiving the Bumbo to my concern was information about a recall back in 2007 for the Bumbo baby seat. Of course I turned into like supermom and continued to read and search every site pertaining to the Bumbo and this alleged recall. Well... after much research it appears that 30 babies were reported having Bumbo related injuries due to falling out of the Bumbo onto the floor from a high service. Hmmm.... lets think about his for a moment. So as a mom because of my lack of intelligence and basic stupidity for putting my baby in something and then placing him on a counter it's clearly the manufactures fault if they fall. Right? I mean like seriously people this product or any other baby product is not meant to be used as your personal babysitter. It just amazes me how peole can be so irresponsible, and the moment something bad happens they start pointing fingers. If you the parent put your precious baby in a product, then put that product on a table, countertop, etc, and left them unattended you are to blame. Period.
Also if your LO is able to sit up on his or her own then maybe the bumbo is not the ideal product for you. If they have outgrown it, it is no longer safe to put them in it. ie. car seats, bouncers, walkers high chairs ect…. The idea is to know and watch your children and when you see that they are at the threshold of out growing a product you simply stop using it. The Bumbos that were produced after the recall simply have a sticker stating “WARNING” – “Never use on a raised surface. Never use as a car seat or bath seat. Designed for floor level use only. Never leave your baby unattended as the seat is not designed to be totally restrictive and may not prevent release of your baby in the event of vigorous movement.” Now we just have to hope people will read.
The Bumbo is a soft rubber like seat that contours to your baby and allows them to sit upright totally unsupported. Its recommended to start using not until your baby is fully able to support their head which depending on the baby is typically between 3-4 months. It also can come with a detachable tray to use if you preferred to feed your baby in it as well. Oh, and it comes in a few cool colors if you needed it to match your decor. :)
I've only had it for a few days now, so I'm not a veteran on the product, but so far I must say its pretty awesome. My bambino already sits up a little, so when I put him in the Bumbo he just sat there and looked around with bright eyes. It was the coolest thing because he was able to sit up and check out the world around him. My cat even had to look twice at the neat little chair sitting on the kitchen floor. I was able to clean my kitchen while having my son in the Bumbo on the floor playing with his toys content and happy. I say that was pretty awesome vs having a fussy baby because you have to lay them down to do something. Now granted I only had him in it for maybe like 15 mins, but that entire time he really seemed to be having a great time.
With all products that I use with my LO I go to the trusty internet to read reviews and to basically get the 411 on the product. Well before receiving the Bumbo to my concern was information about a recall back in 2007 for the Bumbo baby seat. Of course I turned into like supermom and continued to read and search every site pertaining to the Bumbo and this alleged recall. Well... after much research it appears that 30 babies were reported having Bumbo related injuries due to falling out of the Bumbo onto the floor from a high service. Hmmm.... lets think about his for a moment. So as a mom because of my lack of intelligence and basic stupidity for putting my baby in something and then placing him on a counter it's clearly the manufactures fault if they fall. Right? I mean like seriously people this product or any other baby product is not meant to be used as your personal babysitter. It just amazes me how peole can be so irresponsible, and the moment something bad happens they start pointing fingers. If you the parent put your precious baby in a product, then put that product on a table, countertop, etc, and left them unattended you are to blame. Period.
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| Bambino contently playing in his Bumbo...on the FLOOR! :) |
Monday, October 17, 2011
Those aren't crocodile tears my dear
So I'm laying with the LO and its confirmed that he is not going to sleep anytime soon. I told him that he has a really big day tomorrow and that he may want to get some rest, but he disregards my advice and continues to blow bubbles and play. I guess he forgot that tomorrow is his 4 month checkup. Oh no!!!! Yes tomorrow I will have to pretend to be strong while they inject my poor baby! One thing as a new mom I don't think I will ever get used to will be seeing and hearing him scream from his check up vaccinations. No way no how! It just breaks my hurt to see my baby so helpless and in so much pain. His 2 month shots brought endless screams and I'm sure tomorrow will be even worse. I just hope its over quickly for my baby and he doesn't cry that bad. *wishful thinking*
I decided to entertain him so i found this episode of one his favorite shows Sid The Science Kid. It was an episode on vaccinations ironically! So appropriate for tomorrows big day I thought. There you have Sid talking about how great vaccinations are for you, and then my son seeming to understand. So awesome! I really enjoyed the episode also, so much I think it will be a tradition of some sort to watch it from now on before his gets his shots. Feel free to share it with your LO as well. ;-) http://youtu.be/4tpmiGFxRg4
I decided to entertain him so i found this episode of one his favorite shows Sid The Science Kid. It was an episode on vaccinations ironically! So appropriate for tomorrows big day I thought. There you have Sid talking about how great vaccinations are for you, and then my son seeming to understand. So awesome! I really enjoyed the episode also, so much I think it will be a tradition of some sort to watch it from now on before his gets his shots. Feel free to share it with your LO as well. ;-) http://youtu.be/4tpmiGFxRg4
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Don't blink or you will miss it!
I find myself constantly contradicting things that I say. Like for instance a little after my bambino was just born I remember saying oh I cant wait until he gets bigger, or I cant wait until he's crawling, and so on. Well today for the first time when I laid him on his tummy he crawled just a little bit towards me. I was so ecstatic, but then after a moment I kinda felt a little sad because my baby was growing up. I started thinking about how next he'll be running around, then headed off to school and college then marriage and then my little baby will be gone far away from mommy. I know... a little much, but my imagination definitely can get the best of me at times, and its true...time flies by.
We've probably all been guilty of having a moment when we've made statements similar to mine, but we probably fail to realize that babies grow and development so incredibly fast. Heck I'll even admit to missing moments of my pregnancy, but remembering saying I couldn't wait to hurry up and deliver! :)
One thing I will suggest for all the new or upcoming moms is to try and record any and every moment possible of your pregnancy, delivery, and those tender moments postpartum.
One thing I did was had pictures taken while I was pregnant. I waited until I was about 8 months (very much showing) to have them done. I absolutely love looking at all my pictures and having them to reflect on those moments of all 9 months, and to also have to show my son one day how pretty he made mommy. :)
During my delivery I kept it pretty modest. I didn't video record anything while in labor, but I did have photos taken of my before, during and after delivery (censured and rated PG of course), and I absolutely LOVE having those pictures. I can really look back with them with loved ones that couldn't attend, and tell a story of the whole event. Pretty awesome I must say... even though I'm not thrilled on my appearance on over 90% of them I still love them.
Last I would recommend buying a very nice baby keepsake album. This is were you would joint down every little tiny thing about your pregnancy and delivery, and after your Lo arrives...every single milestone for the first five years. I have documented not only little things like my cravings during pregnancy, but all of my sons "Firsts" up until now. The album I have is very detailed and it allows for me to add extra scrapbook type of items to it also! Now if your not into detail, then they also have the really simple ones that allow you to just make a note of the basics moments. Either way trust me you will love looking back, and having those images or stories to reflect on about your little one. Besides... they're only a baby for such a brief period so enjoy and don't forget to take notes! Heres a link to the book I have for my son. ~~~>>> www.crgibson.com/baby-2100000235
We've probably all been guilty of having a moment when we've made statements similar to mine, but we probably fail to realize that babies grow and development so incredibly fast. Heck I'll even admit to missing moments of my pregnancy, but remembering saying I couldn't wait to hurry up and deliver! :)
One thing I will suggest for all the new or upcoming moms is to try and record any and every moment possible of your pregnancy, delivery, and those tender moments postpartum.
One thing I did was had pictures taken while I was pregnant. I waited until I was about 8 months (very much showing) to have them done. I absolutely love looking at all my pictures and having them to reflect on those moments of all 9 months, and to also have to show my son one day how pretty he made mommy. :)
During my delivery I kept it pretty modest. I didn't video record anything while in labor, but I did have photos taken of my before, during and after delivery (censured and rated PG of course), and I absolutely LOVE having those pictures. I can really look back with them with loved ones that couldn't attend, and tell a story of the whole event. Pretty awesome I must say... even though I'm not thrilled on my appearance on over 90% of them I still love them.
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