It's a Long Way to the Top if you Wanna Rock and Roll

No, this post does not have anything to do with music. I am just recovering from surgery to have my perineum repaired (finally) after giving birth. That is what tears when you give birth, and mine didn't heal all the way. I thought the recovery was going to be worse, but it is actually not to bad. I am assuming this is more what a lot of woman feel like after a week or two from giving birth when they have a stage 1 or 2 tear, not like me a month later after a 3rd degree.

Anyway, one of the things I want to talk about is something that always seems to be on the list of things that moms say was a waste of money and they never used, but I love and uses 10+ times a day.... my changing table. Are their really people who never use this? Some people say they use their bed, couch or floor. I have and I find that VERY annoying. Maybe my bed and couch are just low enough for it to be annoying, but after labor and now after surgery, getting up and down is REALLY hard. Harder than going up and down stairs, and more painful. Also, now that my daughter is rolling over, I can't leave her unattended for 2 seconds on any surface other than the floor. The changing table allows me to stand, has everything I need within arms reach and has a strap on it so I can walk away for a minute (to pee or grab a change of clothes from the closet) and not worry about her rolling off onto the floor. We also put a mobile on it to help keep her distracted during changes (and because they are not safe to put on a crib in case they fall or the child grabs it and pulls it in), so it has become one of her favorite places to be. She watched it spin, listens to the music and grabs and kicks it as it spins.

Another item that we heard was a waste or dangerous were crib liners. Well, what you don't hear about it how some kids like to stick their legs through the bars. Yes, you read that right. Why, you ask? I honestly have no idea. But day after day, we would wake up to find she had BOTH legs through the bars of her cradle. Many people use bassinets that have mesh or something else before the crib, but we have a wooden cradle (that I LOVE), so we are experiencing this earlier than many parents would. I asked other mothers about this on FB and found that there are plenty of kids that do this (YAY! My kid is now weird!) and that mesh liners helped a lot. Several of them also said that their kids got stuck (which was a major concern of mine as she got bigger) and that is when they decided to get the liners. And that the mesh ones are the only ones safe to use. We found a bunch online that were plain and simple, but settled on ones from Buy Buy Baby that had stars on them. They are cute and we still have a bunch of gift cards to use there, lol. I am happy that I did not buy them before (in case I didn't need them), but I would never put them on a list of useless items. Just maybe not for everyone.

Every child and every family is different. I do not think I will ever say any baby item is useless. Maybe just not for you or your baby. Or, maybe you think it is useless now, but use it later on or with a different child (you never know....). I write this blog for me (so I remember) and for other moms who are looking for help, tips and advice. But, what works for me may not work for everyone. Do you have any experience with these or something else that you heard was a waste? Share below for other moms that may be in the same boat. :)

It's Getting Hot in Here.....

No, not that kind of hot. I'm talking about my babies first temperature. Not a fun night for Mommy. It was nothing major, just a side effect from her first shots, but she just was so sad. It broke my heart. Luckily, the pediatrician told us to get Infant Tylenol for her to help with any pain and discomfort she may have. We went right to Walmart after we left and picked it up so we were ready physically, but not emotionally. I think that night was worse for me than the shots themselves. It was over in 2 seconds, she cried, I put her on the boob and she was fine. Boob power!! Lol. But that night was long and sleepless. We were not sure how high it would go, so we kept taking it and watching her. It never went over 100 degrees, but I'll admit it, I was nervous. I'm sure every Mama is when their little one is under the weather.

The next morning, she seemed to be feeling better, but was over cuddly. We spent a good amount of time cuddling in bed. I know that this is not something you should EVER do, but I will admit I do sometimes. She is so happy and LOVES to sleep on her side, so when she is very cranky, I lay with her until she falls asleep and put her in her cradle. It usually lasts about 5-10 minutes, but lasted a little longer after her shots as she started to fuss every time I went to get up. But, I didn't mind. I love my cuddle time. I could stare at that cute little sleeping face for hours.

So, something to make sure you have on hand ALWAYS is Infant Tylenol. And Gas Drops!!! I think I have said that before, but it is a DEFINITE must!!!! Gripe water can help relieve an upset tummy, but does not work the same way. When your LO is crying in pain, they work so fast, it is like a miracle. These are 2 things I do not think I could live without. Just make sure you call the Dr. before giving any medication like Tylenol to your baby. Only they can give you the proper dosage, and that is not something you want to take a risk with.

Anything you think is a must? Leave a comment below! Let us know!! ;)

The Terrible 2's.....Months That Is....

When they are newborns and they cry, you try everything to figure out what is wrong. They get so upset, but at the same time it is super cute. My Baby Girl's cry was so funny and adorable that it made us giggle sometimes (when we weren't exhausted in the middle of the night). And then the day came when she learned to scream. An ear piercing, blood curdling scream that makes you wonder if  there is something REALLY wrong. But, no. You just took too long to get the boob out, or she decided she does not want to be undressed at that moment, even though she is covered in poop. And man, does it hurt your ears!!

Also starts the baby tantrums. Kicking of the feet, flailing of the arms and arching of the back. All because the boob we are on is now coming out too slow and we want to switch to the other one, or  we do not want to burp (even though we have to), or something as simple as that. It feels sometimes like everything is a battle. Feeding, changing, trying to find out what activity she is in the mood for....

But at the same time, it is also amazing watching them grow. They are no longer your little baby (well they are, and always will be....), but they are starting to become a person. Holding their head up, staring at you, cuddling you, rolling over, learning about their body. It is amazing to watch the wonder in their face, the smiles that come every time you smile at them, and listen to the noises they make as they discover new things. Even the sounds they make when they get frustrated, but they resolve it themselves in a minute.

They love to look at things (mine especially loves the TV), feel things (and pull on things, so watch jewelry and hair!) and hold things. You can start giving them toys like keys and rattles and watch them punch and kick on activity mats for long periods of time (hurry up and pee, now's your chance...). My LO also started playing in her Activity Center at around 2 months. She did not want to lie down as often, so one day I decided to set it up (ok, I admit it may have been to save my sanity). She was very small in it, so I used her blanket sleeper with it (which is also what I did when I carried her around the house or on a walk in her carrier) to boost her up. I also had to make sure her arms were up and not stuck down by her sides. She loved it and I started attaching other toys to it for her to reach better, like a crinkle book and bunny that have attachment hooks on them. As she grew, we did it without the blanket. As soon as one foot touched the floor because it made her wobbly. It is still her favorite place.... and mine. I need mommy time. Even if it is sitting on the couch next to her writing my blog and checking on her every 5 seconds....

So, when the screams are loud and the nights are long, remember that smile.... and grab a glass of wine. :)