DC Metro Mom

I’ve always thought it was funny –interesting/funny AND funny/funny- that no one has written a book about baby books. It would be so helpful to compare and contrast all the pages upon pages of sleep training methods and scheduling advice. Have you ever met anyone who said, “Yes, I followed the ______ book and life with my infant has been easy ever since.” Me neither.   And I talk to a LOT of parents. It seems that most parents take a pinch of Ferber, a dollop of Weissbluth and a serving of Sears and sometimes still come out confused.

Packing for vacation is always tough. In my pre-baby days, I agonized over choosing only two pairs of shoes and which sundress made me look the cutest. Now I agonize over which outfits are the cutest for my toddler, and whether I packed all of the nine zillion baby things that clearly they don’t sell anywhere else on Earth, so I must bring them with me (joke… smile now). Going to the beach is a particularly daunting packing task… there are so many variables!

Here's the scenario: The baby was up one extra time in the night and you're feeling groggy this morning. Despite your exhaustion, you manage to get your three year-old ready for school and successfully load both kids into the car. On the way, you all sing and joke around together.

Upon arrival, you congratulate yourself for being on time with two relatively cheerful kids in tow. As you walk towards the classroom a little, "note to self" begins to tug at your brain. Oh dear, today was your turn to bring in the snack for your child's class and you completely forgot.

We've all been there and done that but what is most important here isn't the forgotten snack. It's what you tell yourself about it.  Do you say, "How could I have done that? That was so stupid"? or, "Now, I've let everyone down"?

Not everyone does do this, but for some of us it's hard to let go when we make a mistake and we beat ourselves up when we do.

“Crying it out Causes Brain Damage?” – Parental Urban Legend or Scientific Fact?

These days I am in full on baby planning mode. Since it has been six years since the last time I had an infant (Lord give me strength!), I have had to replace many key items. Bottles, bottle warmers, pack n’ plays, bassinets, etc.

As any parent will tell you, a typical newborn/infant is awake and in need of care for several hours every night for at least 3-5 months.  In the past, most parents had extended family members to help with this 24 hour schedule, and mothers were able to remain in the birthing center or hospital to recuperate. Today however, family members are geographically spread out or cannot leave work themselves, and most mothers are not given the chance to properly heal before being sent back home (and back to work!). In order to get the vital sleep needed to care for their family and function at work outside the home, some new parents choose to employ postpartum help such as baby nurses, newborn caregivers or postpartum doulas.

When you see those 2 heartbeats on the sonogram, first embrace the joy and adventure of twins. Then, prepare, prepare, prepare. Arranging for a baby nurse, having all the gear ready before you need it and gaining a working knowledge of infant health issues before you're in a red alert situation will only make life easier for your family when those little bundles arrive.

Arrange for Proper Rest in the First Weeks Home from the Hospital- Conventional wisdom teaches new mothers to "sleep when the baby sleeps." For twin moms and dads, particularly those with other children, this is just not an option. Enlist friends, family members and neighbors to care for the twins for even a few hours per day, so you can rest.

I recently started getting newsletters and sale updates from Great Beginnings in Gaithersburg, MD.  I have been impressed with some nice discounts that are being offered.  If you want an alternative to the national baby chains, look no further than the 80,000 square feet store in MD.  You can sign up for deals and discounts on the HOME page @ http://www.greatbeginningsonline.com/.  I typically find monthly specials both in-store and online.

One of the best deals I noticed was this little Nap Nanny for $89.99.  It is a close out item, so act fast.  This is the best price I have seen this item.  LINK:  http://www.greatbeginningsonline.com/store/item.asp?DEPARTMENT_ID=99&ITEM_ID=30117

I am really excited to introduce our newest DC Metro Mom blogger, Denise Stern from Let Mommy Sleep.

Denise is a bit of sleep expert.  From her own experiences as a new mother, Denise has come to realize that helping families with infants is a calling.  Denise created a business that helps DC Metro area families deal with those sleep deprived moments that that inevitably come with a newborn.

I have long been a fan of Onesies DC. When Robyn, from Onesies DC, recently told me about Mamas Link.com, I was excited to share the news with DC Metro Mom readers. Robyn was kind enough to put together the attached to let local moms know about this wonderful resource.

During a recent playdate my friend gave me a catalog of baby items.  While most were very cute...there were some that were just downright bizarre!  I had to share the attached.  I would LOVE to know your thoughts on this Tummy Tub European Baby Bath.  I can't help but think....IS THIS SAFE?

By ─ Anna Carrington

This fall Del Ray's eclectic "Avenue" welcomed Bellies & Babies, a consignment boutique catering to expectant mothers and their children. The boutique provides a great opportunity to both recycle and buy local. Handmade items complement a selective collection of gently worn clothing, and the prices fit every budget.

It's been awhile since I've gotten the chance to write. Between a visit with the in-laws, days off from preschool, and the removal of my wisdom teeth, October has been a busy month but I'm back to give some advice on designing a nursery.

You probably want to start working on your nursery design and look when you are about 5 months along at the latest. Before you get started try and imagine the look and feel you want your nursery to convey. Do you like the classic looks a la toile or are you into clean lines with a modern flair? Baby furniture and bedding has come a long way in the past couple of years. Take a look at websites or stores and get an idea of what is out there. If you aren't finding out the sex of your baby beforehand it is still fun to design and decorate a gender neutral nursery (I've done it twice before).

Carefully measure the room and think about what pieces you really need. Obviously you will need a crib and a changing table or dresser that you use as a changing table. I personally would go with the latter as you'll get more use out of a dresser. All you need to convert the dresser to a changing table is the pad and some baskets to place your diapers, wipes, lotions, diaper cremes, etc. If you have the space then a bookcase and/or a glider can finish off the room. Don't go overboard buying furniture before the baby comes. The baby stores can make you feel like you need the matching armoire and tall bureau when you probably don't. You'll need to decide what color of wood you want the furniture in or you can mix and match within reason. With my first, I used an antique white crib that my friend was done with and then bought a yellow dresser and tall bookcase (think buttery yellow, not neon!).

If storage may be a problem, you can always convert a closet with an ELFA-type closet system (The Container Store) or get the professionals in to create additional space. Consider hanging up things like sleepers if you need the drawer space to hold towels, wash cloths, blankets, etc. The bookcase will come in handy for all of those books your little one will collect. It is also great for displaying stuffed animals, picture frames, and hold baskets for containing toys, etc.

If you want your furniture to come in prior to your baby's arrival, you should order it 3-4 months before your due date. There are good furniture lines at several price points. Spend what you can afford. I know it's easy to get sucked in to feeling like you must have it or your baby won't be happy.......just not so! Just make sure that you purchase furniture that is made from good quality wood, bonus if it is manufactured in North America or Europe as the quality tends to be better. Pull the drawers out to make sure they don't catch. Most of all, have fun and be creative. This is a room you will spend a plethora of time in so you want to love it!

Cross posted on http://www.nurseryknowitall.com/blog.php.

He is here!   Andrew Gregory Fisher was born 10-19-08 at 4:20pm EST.  He is 6lb 12 oz and 20 1/4 inches long.  He is perfect!  Mommy is doing well too.  Labor took about 10 hours and pushing 1 hour.  whew... We feel so amazingly blessed to have another healthy baby.  Thank you God! Love, Greg, Amanda, Emily, and Andy Fisher! VIEW MORE PICTURES HERE.

Cross posted on http://amandacarroll.wordpress.com/.

TOP TEN BABY ESSENTIALS (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)

1) CAR SEAT(S): Obviously, one must have a car seat purchased and properly installed prior to leaving the hospital with your new bundle of joy. You will most likely purchase an infant, bucket type seat, which you will use from birth until your baby is about 5-7 months old (depending on your baby's size). You will then need a convertible type car seat that can face backwards (until at least one year old and/or 20 pounds) and then forwards.

2) STROLLER(S): Again, you probably won't get by with purchasing only one stroller. The strollers out on the market are limitless. You should choose a stroller based on your lifestyle and budget. I recommend a snap-n-go type stroller frame in which the infant seat easily fits right in. Once your baby outgrows the infant seat, this combo will be obsolete! You will then need another stroller whether it's a jogger, umbrella or hybrid-type model. I recommend taking them out of the store to push on the sidewalks, practice folding and unfolding and placing in and out of the trunk if applicable to see how cumbersome it might be. When you have a wriggling, crying baby the last thing you need is a 40 pound stroller to collapse and try to shove in your trunk.

3) A PLACE FOR BABY TO SLEEP: You need to think about your home set up before you make any purchases. Some prefer baby to sleep in a crib from the get-go in a separate room while others want their little ones as close to them as possible. Again, you have many choices between a crib, mini-crib, pack-n-play, bassinet, arms reach co-sleeper or your own bed!

4) A DIAPER BAG OR SOMETHING FOR YOU TO SCHLEP ALL THE NEW THINGS YOU MUST CARRY FOR AN OUTING WITH BABY: You can go crazy as well with diaper bags. I've been known to splurge in this area but one doesn't have to. Again, consider your lifestyle and budget. They make fabulous bags that your husband/partner won't be embarrassed to carry that don't break the bank. Others may choose to use a backpack or their own larger purse. It is helpful from the beginning to have a place with several separate compartments. You will be lugging a lot of stuff initially but as your little one grows along with your confidence, you'll be able to get by with bringing less.

I was remembering the other day what it was like when I brought my first child Amelia home from the hospital that first day. I was tired, excited, nervous, in love and engorged. Man, was I uncomfortable and my little Amelia just did not want to cooperate in relieving the pain. I recall gingerly trying to sit on the floor to read the directions on how to use my breast pump. Not the easiest thing to do while recovering from a c-section with breasts the size of melons. Where am I going with all of this.......some tips on things to have ready when you come home.

1) Even if you don't plan on nursing, educate yourself ahead of time on methods to relieve engorgement. Things like pumping, using cabbage leaves, taking a hot shower, etc. can all be helpful in this situation. When you are in the midst of big, leaky, hurting breasts and a hungry newborn it is best to know how to deal with the situation instead of looking in an instruction manual and/or the papers you had somewhere from your class.

2) If you have a breast pump purchased or rented at your home ahead of time, peruse the directions before your due date. I didn't even know what went where or how to put the parts together.

3) Have plenty of Lansinoh on hand to put on your nipples after feedings.

4) Have a supply of breast pads, milk storage bags, already sterilized or washed bottles and nipples for pumping and/or feeding ready for use when you arrive home. You just never know how nursing will work out, you may be exhausted and need your spouse or partner to give the wee one a bottle. Last thing you want to do is rush to boil bottle parts. By the way, most babies do not have nipple confusion and can easily go from bottle to breast. A couple of bottles here and there or supplementation with formula will not destroy you nursing.

5) Have some kind of breastfeeding pillow (boppy, my breastfriend, extra pillows) and bring it to the hospital if you plan on nursing. I found it really useful to have my own gear there to use.

6) Take a breastfeeding class through a hospital, birthing center, or private teacher to educate yourself on all things nursing. Make your husband or partner attend as well. Even though I felt like smacking my husband while he was trying to help me get my daughter in the right position for nursing, he was actually very helpful. I was still quite drugged up from the surgery and could barely believe I just had a baby. It helped to have someone who wasn't on morphine and percocet who could retain the information because I retained nothing.

7) Stock up on trashy magazines that you can read while nursing. You will become a nursing pro in no time and I loved passing the time with some good old celebrity gossip. You will feel like you are doing nothing but feeding but that's because you are. Before long, the frequency will decrease and the baby becomes fidgety and you won't have the luxury to read your US Weekly anymore.

Cross posted on http://www.nurseryknowitall.com/blog.php.

The Babe is now 6 weeks old! Crazy how time flies. In that time he has truly become his own little person with a little personality and everything. Oh and then there's the colic. Not as bad as Giggles had it, but colic nonetheless. In our furious state of denial we tried solutions for a dairy allergy and acid reflux, but alas it turned out to be the "c" word. Even having been through this before, it isn't easier this time. The worst part is the "10-minute treatment" that pediatricians recommend where you put the baby in a quiet, dark room by themselves for 10 minutes at a time so that they can calm themselves down. It still breaks my heart! The good news is that the worst of it should be over.

Because the little guy is so irritable, he hates being put down. At all. I mean, he cried in his swing, in the bouncy seat, in his crib - everywhere. My arms are about to fall off from carrying him all day. Thank goodness for the harness (but oh my poor back!) I ended up borrowing a baby papasan chair from a friend and he at least will sit in that for up to 12 minutes.

Other than those two things, he is dreamy. Cute and chubby and precious. The girls are doing great with him, even though Giggles can get superjealous and meltdown at times. But they love their little brother and I can tell they have already forgotten life before him!

And so have I :)

Cross posted on http://mamalaw.blogspot.com/.

Ok, I have to tell y'all about the cutest online gift boutique: Ginger Snaps Baby. What's unique about this boutique is that its products are inspired by children of color, which is so great, because chic baby items made especially for brown babies are rare! No matter what the color of your bambino though, you are sure to find something precious at Ginger Snaps Baby. The owner, Michele Duger, was gracious enough to send me some samples of her products, and they.are.adorable! Really. I'm in love with the Bag ID tags personalized with my girls' names. They are just darling. And, I'm a sucker for stationery, so I was tickled pink to receive some personalized notecards in a pretty and stylish print. With matching, round, address labels. So cute!

So during your next Windows shopping trip, make sure to check out Ginger Snaps Baby! MamaLaw readers can get 20% off their purchase by entering the coupon code JUSTICE20 at checkout. And, for a limited time, you'll receive free address labels with the purchase of personal note cards.
Enjoy!

Cross posted on http://mamalaw.blogspot.com/.