Which is heavier... a seven pound newborn or a fifteen pound infant? It's a trick question, and it depends on the Mama. For many mothers, carrying a new baby 24/7 can be a huge strain. To help prepare for baby, it's a good idea to do pregnancy-safe exercises with weights in the second and third trimesters. Lindsay Brin has a great series of fitness videos for mothers in every stage. If your physician clears you for exercise, I highly recommend walking as much as possible and following the Moms Into Fitness prenatal DVD series at least three times per week.
Lindsay is an enthusiastic fitness expert with three kids of her own. She'll coax you through the workouts with inspiration about your baby. There is a cardio and toning segment or a yoga routine for each trimester. You will need two sets of weights in the 2-8 pound range depending on your pre-pregnancy fitness level. Post-pregnancy, Lindsay kicks up the challenge with the Moms Into Fitness Bootcamp. This DVD is awesome because it allows you to customize different mini-clips so your workout can always change. You'll tone in different ways each week so you won't get bored with your workout.
Working out at home has many benefits. It's much cheaper and more convenient than the gym, plus you don't need to worry about child care. When you're pregnant, your baby needs you to exercise, particularly in the second and third trimesters. After you've recovered from the birth, you need strong muscles to carry around the baby and all her gear! By the time she's a toddler, you'll want to run around with her. There are a million reasons why working out will improve your life, but the most important reason to work out is for your children. Set a positive example and be the energetic and strong Mom kids will choose to look up to!
You can buy these DVDs and your weights on Amazon or at some Target stores.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
22 Weeks Old!
Hannah is in the middle of a growth spurt and is constantly hungry right
now. At first I thought she was going through another sleepless phase,
but her cues that she's hungry have been strong during the day, too. I
was going to try feeding her an extra meal of solids in the afternoon
and instead settled on figuring out ways to increase my milk supply.
I've been pumping between meals in the morning, eating oatmeal, drinking
TONS of water and clustering Hannah's feeds at the end of the day. We
also took an extra long nap together so that she could have some sleepy
meals. Both of us woke up with lots of energy and had a great afternoon
together!
At five months old, she is much more observant of the world and interacts by putting everything into her mouth. She can pull her toys toward her with her whole hand and is starting to develop the pincher grasp using her fingers. I love that she puts her legs into the air and rocks back and forth. This is called "Happy Baby" pose in yoga, and it's easy to see why! We can even play "airplane" with her now because she can hold her head and legs. Belly time is a blast! She's talkative and playful. Her smiles are captivating and her eyes are bright. Everywhere she goes, she draws a crowd of admirers. They love her hair, her smiles, and especially her socks. Hannah rocks Trumpette shoe socks with bows and everyone loves them.
We spent most of the week getting back into the swing of things. Unpacking was almost as complicated as packing since she grew out of more clothes that needed to be stored! Hannah is growing so quickly in so many ways. She's sharpening her skills using her hands and feet. We play peakaboo a lot and I regularly find her pulling her blanket over her face when she wakes herself up. I think she is playing peakaboo without me!
At five months old, she is much more observant of the world and interacts by putting everything into her mouth. She can pull her toys toward her with her whole hand and is starting to develop the pincher grasp using her fingers. I love that she puts her legs into the air and rocks back and forth. This is called "Happy Baby" pose in yoga, and it's easy to see why! We can even play "airplane" with her now because she can hold her head and legs. Belly time is a blast! She's talkative and playful. Her smiles are captivating and her eyes are bright. Everywhere she goes, she draws a crowd of admirers. They love her hair, her smiles, and especially her socks. Hannah rocks Trumpette shoe socks with bows and everyone loves them.
We spent most of the week getting back into the swing of things. Unpacking was almost as complicated as packing since she grew out of more clothes that needed to be stored! Hannah is growing so quickly in so many ways. She's sharpening her skills using her hands and feet. We play peakaboo a lot and I regularly find her pulling her blanket over her face when she wakes herself up. I think she is playing peakaboo without me!
Hannah is sporting an adorable hat my Aunt Trina made her!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Fun in the Sun
Hannah and I had a wonderful vacation visiting family last week. We were in town to celebrate my Grandma's 94th birthday! I was so impressed at the impact having a baby around my Grandmother made since she has an advanced case of Alzheimer's. She asked questions about Baby Hannah, smiled with her, and answered our questions about her own babies. I really treasured the time with her being so present and am happy that she enjoyed seeing her 12th Great Grandbaby.
We stayed with my Aunt Jeannette and got to visit with a lot of our family. I've always enjoyed spending time with my namesake. She is like a mother to so many people (including myself) that I value the chance to learn from her. It would be hard to call her a "Stay at Home Mom," because she rarely spends a day at home. In fact, when I used to stay with her during the summers in my younger days, we called it Camp! Her home is always a home to more kids than her own. She reaches out to others through volunteer work in the community and at her church. Nearly every day, she visits her Mother to keep her company with her sisters, brothers, and in-laws. Most notably, she has a generous nature, especially with kids.
Now, more than ever, I think to myself "What would Aunt Jeannette do?" as I raise my own baby. I'm so appreciative to have her in my life and hope that I can take what I've learned from her and pay it forward to the next generation. I know that if I do I will have a fulfilling life, rich in love.
I love you Aunt J!
We stayed with my Aunt Jeannette and got to visit with a lot of our family. I've always enjoyed spending time with my namesake. She is like a mother to so many people (including myself) that I value the chance to learn from her. It would be hard to call her a "Stay at Home Mom," because she rarely spends a day at home. In fact, when I used to stay with her during the summers in my younger days, we called it Camp! Her home is always a home to more kids than her own. She reaches out to others through volunteer work in the community and at her church. Nearly every day, she visits her Mother to keep her company with her sisters, brothers, and in-laws. Most notably, she has a generous nature, especially with kids.
Now, more than ever, I think to myself "What would Aunt Jeannette do?" as I raise my own baby. I'm so appreciative to have her in my life and hope that I can take what I've learned from her and pay it forward to the next generation. I know that if I do I will have a fulfilling life, rich in love.
I love you Aunt J!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
21 Weeks Old!
I'm celebrating Hannah's 21st Week with a beer. I need it and my Aunt says one beer is good for my milk supply anyway. This 25 hour day has been one of the longest since Hannah was born. It started yesterday with a too-long nap in the afternoon. This led to delayed naps and meals for the rest of the night and a late bedtime. Fast forward to 4 am and Hannah was ready to wake up.
At this point utter confusion ensued because she woke an hour earlier than usual, plus daylight savings added an extra hour to dawn. I spent the day trying to figure out when she might like to eat and what time she thought it was for her nap. I'm pretty sure I didn't get a single time right. See, the difficult thing about falling behind is that you're late to meet baby's needs and that rarely goes over well.
Even though it was a hard day, I'm glad to have a baby like Hannah. She helped get me back on track for her needs by voicing her opinion. Plus, she really is a dream when she gets good naps. It's funny how having children can turn your life upside down. For the first time since I can remember, I'm looking forward to losing an hour in the spring. I've had plenty of practice losing sleep, so I'll be a seasoned pro by the time the clocks roll again.
At this point utter confusion ensued because she woke an hour earlier than usual, plus daylight savings added an extra hour to dawn. I spent the day trying to figure out when she might like to eat and what time she thought it was for her nap. I'm pretty sure I didn't get a single time right. See, the difficult thing about falling behind is that you're late to meet baby's needs and that rarely goes over well.
Even though it was a hard day, I'm glad to have a baby like Hannah. She helped get me back on track for her needs by voicing her opinion. Plus, she really is a dream when she gets good naps. It's funny how having children can turn your life upside down. For the first time since I can remember, I'm looking forward to losing an hour in the spring. I've had plenty of practice losing sleep, so I'll be a seasoned pro by the time the clocks roll again.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
First Flight for Baby Hannah
I haven't had a pleasant flight in over a year, so I was very nervous the trend would continue for Hannah's first flight. Even with morning sickness last year, I remember thinking it would still be easier than flying with an infant. Happily that isn't the case at all! Hannah slept soundly in my arms and I can't think of a better travel companion.
We got to the airport plenty early so that there was no rush. The extra time allowed me to change her diaper before getting in line to keep her content. I have a bag hook on the stroller that I love using because it makes it easier to access the bag and keeps the basin empty so that it's simple to fold the stroller. (A must for sailing through the security checkpoint and boarding!)
I wrestled with the decision to take the stroller in the first place, but I'm happy I did! I had a chance to grab a bite while she sat in her carrier and I haven't had to haul around the stuffed diaper bag. Speaking of diapers, you're probably wondering how that's going to work on this trip- right?
We're using G Diapers, a hybrid system. There are two parts; a flushable insert and a reusable, washable cover. The G's are chemical free and compostable so they're better than standard disposables. However, they generally cost more. I try to avoid things that are Eco friendly and not economical, but I found a half-off offer online, bringing the cost for the inserts down to $7/40. All the covers can also be used with cloth inserts*, so even at $9 each (also half off) they are a justified expense. Plus, the pink garden Gpant may just be her cutest diaper to date!
Our diaper bag has a handy clip-off pack that was ready for an inflight change. It holds 5 inserts, a pack of wipes, spare cover, changing pad, and a small wet bag.
The midday flight allowed Hannah to keep her regular schedule without interruptions. She nursed shortly after boarding, took a break to look out the window, and then finished during take off. We played a little, then she laid down for a snooze in my arms. There were extra seats on the flight so I was able to bring the carrier and let her sleep next to me part of the way, too. I realized too late that I should have warned the person in front that she wouldn't be able to recline with the carrier. At least I'll know that next time.
I think new parent apprehension could have made the flight really difficult. The best thing about having a regular schedule for Hannah is that I didn't have to misinterpret any cries as distress from the new experience. I just responded to her needs at familiar times and she didn't mind the change in scenery at all.
She endeared the surrounding passengers. A few commented that she was such a good baby and I have to agree. The grandmother in the seat next to us told me to have five more. It's crazy, but it doesn't sound like a bad idea!
*If you're thinking of trying Gcloth, think again. Even after just a few wears it irritated Hannah so I would recommend a prefold or flat from a different brand instead.
We got to the airport plenty early so that there was no rush. The extra time allowed me to change her diaper before getting in line to keep her content. I have a bag hook on the stroller that I love using because it makes it easier to access the bag and keeps the basin empty so that it's simple to fold the stroller. (A must for sailing through the security checkpoint and boarding!)
I wrestled with the decision to take the stroller in the first place, but I'm happy I did! I had a chance to grab a bite while she sat in her carrier and I haven't had to haul around the stuffed diaper bag. Speaking of diapers, you're probably wondering how that's going to work on this trip- right?
We're using G Diapers, a hybrid system. There are two parts; a flushable insert and a reusable, washable cover. The G's are chemical free and compostable so they're better than standard disposables. However, they generally cost more. I try to avoid things that are Eco friendly and not economical, but I found a half-off offer online, bringing the cost for the inserts down to $7/40. All the covers can also be used with cloth inserts*, so even at $9 each (also half off) they are a justified expense. Plus, the pink garden Gpant may just be her cutest diaper to date!
Our diaper bag has a handy clip-off pack that was ready for an inflight change. It holds 5 inserts, a pack of wipes, spare cover, changing pad, and a small wet bag.
The midday flight allowed Hannah to keep her regular schedule without interruptions. She nursed shortly after boarding, took a break to look out the window, and then finished during take off. We played a little, then she laid down for a snooze in my arms. There were extra seats on the flight so I was able to bring the carrier and let her sleep next to me part of the way, too. I realized too late that I should have warned the person in front that she wouldn't be able to recline with the carrier. At least I'll know that next time.
I think new parent apprehension could have made the flight really difficult. The best thing about having a regular schedule for Hannah is that I didn't have to misinterpret any cries as distress from the new experience. I just responded to her needs at familiar times and she didn't mind the change in scenery at all.
She endeared the surrounding passengers. A few commented that she was such a good baby and I have to agree. The grandmother in the seat next to us told me to have five more. It's crazy, but it doesn't sound like a bad idea!
*If you're thinking of trying Gcloth, think again. Even after just a few wears it irritated Hannah so I would recommend a prefold or flat from a different brand instead.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Breaking the Baby Language Barrier
If you've ever spent time in a foreign country you know how exhausting
it feels at the end of a long day hearing only another language. The
toll it takes on your brain can be maddening. While you try to process
the new words, your body fights your brain to allow you to sleep. I
imagine that this is how babies feel on some level during the first
three months. It probably continues beyond that, but it's clear that
babies have greater understanding than they let on early in life. Even
the act of mimicking shows that they are beginning to understand our
words and why we say them.
I like to keep things simple for Hannah during this early stage. Often I'll slow down my sentences or repeat words that she responds to. We also have one favorite nighttime lullaby. It's a helpful cue that it's time for bed and it keeps her from straining to understand a new song each night. Last month I started to learn and distinguish her cries. Often I find myself saying, "she told me she needs a new diaper" or "she says she's tired." When you start to think of cries as baby language, it's much easier to remedy what they need. Because she anticipates that I will respond, she trusts me. It amazes me how easy it is to calm her or ease her into a new situation. During her cold she even let me aspirate her nose without the slightest fuss!
Everyone tells you to speak, sing, and read to your baby. It's a joy to do this and it's important to listen to her, too. She can be so talkative when she plays independently with a toy or when we talk while I change her diaper. I have no doubt that this little girl will be a delightful chatterbox.
I like to keep things simple for Hannah during this early stage. Often I'll slow down my sentences or repeat words that she responds to. We also have one favorite nighttime lullaby. It's a helpful cue that it's time for bed and it keeps her from straining to understand a new song each night. Last month I started to learn and distinguish her cries. Often I find myself saying, "she told me she needs a new diaper" or "she says she's tired." When you start to think of cries as baby language, it's much easier to remedy what they need. Because she anticipates that I will respond, she trusts me. It amazes me how easy it is to calm her or ease her into a new situation. During her cold she even let me aspirate her nose without the slightest fuss!
Everyone tells you to speak, sing, and read to your baby. It's a joy to do this and it's important to listen to her, too. She can be so talkative when she plays independently with a toy or when we talk while I change her diaper. I have no doubt that this little girl will be a delightful chatterbox.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Mama's Reading List
Recently, I've been fortunate to be on a roll of selecting great books. Maybe it's because pregnancy, motherhood, and raising children are topics to which I can easily relate and I'm finding wonderful authors about the subjects. It's easy to find a wealth of information on the internet in this genre, but it's so relaxing to absorb an entire book.
If you haven't read a book in a while, but would like a suggestion, leave me a comment about what stage of motherhood you're in and I'll help you find a great one! Before you buy your next book, think about borrowing it from the library. Their online resources for finding and reserving books are fantastic these days. You can even borrow electronic books.
What's up next on my reading list? I'm in the middle of Mother Shock: Loving Every (Other) Minute of It. After that, I'll start on Changing Diapers: The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapers. I'll try posting reviews of books regularly on this site. Near the comments section there will be a link labeled "Books" to help you find all of these posts.
If you haven't read a book in a while, but would like a suggestion, leave me a comment about what stage of motherhood you're in and I'll help you find a great one! Before you buy your next book, think about borrowing it from the library. Their online resources for finding and reserving books are fantastic these days. You can even borrow electronic books.
What's up next on my reading list? I'm in the middle of Mother Shock: Loving Every (Other) Minute of It. After that, I'll start on Changing Diapers: The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapers. I'll try posting reviews of books regularly on this site. Near the comments section there will be a link labeled "Books" to help you find all of these posts.
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