Ooooh

Target has so many lights.

3 Month Faves

Here's what we're diggin' in the third month...

Wubba Nub

Somewhere along the way, he got more in to the paci. I notice certain times when I can tell he just wants the comfort of the ol' sucking reflex, but doesn't want to eat. It's usually before a little nap, and it seems to help him focus enough just to fall asleep. So we are not highly dependent on it, and I hope we don't become so (I was anti-pacifier back before I was a parent when I knew everything but it just seems like so many people have trouble parting with it eventually). Overall I am ok with it, because it also seems to have given him enough practice with a faux nipple to get better at the bottle.

But the Wubba Nub in particular is great (I prefer the lamb) because the Soothie pacifier tends to pop out and bounce on to the floor, but the lambie part has enough weight to kind of keep it right there. He isn't dextrous enough yet to grab it and put it back in his mouth, but it at least keeps it corralled. We use it almost exclusively in the car to get through those tough red-light moments.

Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?

When looking at Light Fixture from the nursery floor gets a little tiresome (for me, not him), this is a fave. I think the pictures are just right for little eyes at this point. He likes to talk to all the animals. Also, lying side-by-side on the floor is the best way to look at a book at this point, for those who were wondering. I felt guilty that I wasn't reading to him because everyone is like READ TO YOUR BABY  OR THEIR BRAINS WILL FALL OUT but we couldn't really finagle the logistics (you know, him not being able to sit up but me needing my hands to hold the book). But then I did this and le voila. Y'all should have told me.

BONUS: contains Macaroni Penguin.

Monkey Seat

Well, Fisher-Price calls it the "Deluxe Monkey Bouncer" but we call it Monkey Seat. It may or may not have songs about it. Much like the swing, it's not a miracle worker, but it vibrates and has lights and sounds and--if he's in the mood--he'll look at it for quite a while so I can get some things done. Or at least go to the bathroom. On one magical day, he chilled therein for FORTY minutes.

It also has a weight limit of 25 lbs, as opposed to the Newborn Napper from the Pack N Play (15 lbs), so I got it in anticipation of outgrowing that. He was also ready for something more inter/active. Also, it's light enough to carry it one-handed around to where I'll need it--helpful. People also rave about the Rainforest one. I'm sure he'd love that--he likes Rainforest Mat at Doc & Jules's house and has Rainforest bouncer over there but has yet to break it in--but honestly I just got the monkey because it was cheaper.

Pottery Barn Kids gingham hooded towels

Whoever told me that these were the best (I think it was more than one person) was right. They're pretty plain, but really soft. We also have lots of other cute hooded towels that will be great for when little man is a bigger little man, but these are perfect for babies. The hood stays on right for Jedi master impersonations and they don't swallow him up.

Kissy Kissy gowns jammies

We have a nice little bedtime routine, but I still find it easier when we can use the jammies that just snap up the front--everything just goes more smoothly. We only have two of these, and I basically do laundry all the time so we can have one at bedtime. He's not in the newborn size anymore, but I also like that these still have the cuffs that can fold over little hands. We're weaning from the swaddle, so he sleeps with one arm out and I feel like the cuff keeps his little hand warm. It also keeps him from poking himself in the eye, which is a real day-ruiner for him. He likes his hands by his face, and rubs his eyes when he's tired, but isn't quiiiiite coordinated enough to not gauge himself from time to time, and then he doesn't understand what happened. So what I'm saying is the cuffs are good for sleeping. I convert these to leggies during the day because I hate the gown riding up, but it's nice to have the gown option for middle-of-the-night diaper changes. Which I don't do. 

Blueberry Crisp Clif Bars

Afternoon snack.

Leveret onesies

Actually...did you know...Gerber technically owns the term "onesie," so all other companies have to use another term. So these are bodysuits. But really they're onesies. These are our replacement for the Gerber kimono side-snap shirts. They're just standard onesies, but they're better quality cotton and seem roomier. They come in a 5 pack, which is great because they're our go-to on especially spitty days. They're also stretchy enough that they can come down (rather than over the head) in the event of a blowout situation. Just a nice basic. 

Baby Bjorn

As the weather warmed up, I started to worry that baby C got a little too roasty toasty in the Moby, so we got out the Bjorn (he's less pressed up against my body in it). I like that it's easier to put on while out and about, and also easier for others (e.g., dad) to wear. I think C is also a little too big for the Moby's newborn hug hold but doesn't have the head control for the other holds. So we may be on a little Moby hiatus. Basically, the Bjorn is my friend right now. 

{* some people have concerns about babies' hips in these "crotch dangler" style carriers. I discussed this with multiple pediatricians and they all agreed that they're fine, as long as baby is only spending a reasonable amount of time in the carriers and still gets plenty of time to move freely on back and belly. So if you gasped in horror when I mentioned the Bjorn, that's what I have to say about that. There are lots of different carriers out there, so you can find one you feel good about. }

A Little Chat

Hi friends! Sorry we've been MIA. We all had a cold and it has been snot city around here. We are all feeling better and will be good as new once Booger Canyon is no more.

Since it has been a little while, C has some things he would like to say to you.

(One of these days I will remember that I should record video on my phone horizontally. Today is not that day.)

(Also, the quality I get is totally decent; it's when I upload it through Blogger that it starts to look like an early-90s atrocity. So let me know if you'd like a better version or have a tip for addressing this.)

Outtakes

No! Over here!

For my next act, I will make my mouth disappear. Oh and also my hair.

 

Callin' the square dance. It'll be a hot time in the ol' town toniiiight!

Swing yer partner round and round...grand right and left!

I'm bubbling over.

Sneezes.

2 fast 2 furious

A Special Day

Mr C would like to give two birthday shout outs today to some very special ladies!

To Miss Mags, his favorite second cousin who is a girl and reads this blog--you are awesome and we can't wait until your next visit! You are a hip, hip lady and I heard from FB that you were a pretty cute baby, too. Looking forward to tantrum lessons in a couple years.

To Buff: I've been around for 2 whole months and I can tell you that 30 is a pretty great age. I know some pretttty cool 30-year-olds and you are going to rock it. I am looking forward to showing you my lobster jammies.

We hope to see you both in Nantucket, if not sooner! Have wonderful days full of sparkles and rainbows and sunshine.

Two Months

He's showing you 2. Baby genius.

Dearest Mr. Man,

You (and we) have made it two months already. Everyone says the first three months are the hardest, so we are well on our way. You are growing and eating well--still about every 2-3 hours during the day, but stretching it out at night.

For a while, you were sleeping a 4-hour stretch at first, and then were up every 2-3 hours after that. I don't want to jinx anything, so I'm not going to spend a lot of time on this, but you started to stretch that out right around the 8-week mark. The first stretch will be about 6 hours, and then you'll be up again about 2-3 hours after that. That puts us at about 7:15 am, which is totally reasonable. This is a significant improvement in my book, and you seem happy too. The pediatrician says this is right on. Twelve pounds is considered a magic number. I'm supposed to work on weaning the swaddle now, as well as putting you down drowsy so you learn to put yourself to sleep and don't depend on eating to sleep.

The next sleep task is to figure out naps. Sometimes you are in to them, and sometimes not so much. I am trying to figure out your rhythm and intervals (not really a schedule as it's more about the sequence of things than it is what time the clock says) so that I can predict them. I'm told you should be taking about 3 naps a day and my job is to anticipate them and provide a quiet, comfortable place for them. Don't be mad--sometimes that's the car seat. This ends up looking like "the baby putting himself on a schedule" and will hopefully settle out in the next several weeks.

You are chunkin' up and look more like a baby and less like a spankin' new newborn. You also look more like a little old man, as you've lost all the hair off the top of your head. It might be starting to come back in, and looks pretty blond there on top.

I feel like this looks like an old-timey portrait sitting.

Also, the weather has started to get nice, so we have been going on more walks and outings. You most definitely enjoy being outside and even coo at a nice breeze.

Likes:

• Music. I'll put on the Pandora "lullaby" station on my computer, phone, or the tv (another yay for technology) and you'll get still and look around for the music. Favorites seem to include piano pieces and songs with male voices (e.g., Raffi; Jeff Buckley's or Rufus Wainwright's version of "Hallelujah"). I try to fight the instinct to keep everything pretty silent when you're sleeping, hoping that this means you'll tolerate background noise while you sleep as you get older. Music seems like a good way to do this.
• The swing (My Little Snugabunny). I mean, it's not a miracle worker--if you're hungry or have another need, it won't solve that problem. But if you're happily awake or sleeping soundly, you'll chill in there for a while. We have it in our kitchen, so it allows me to get things done in the downstairs area, which is a huge bonus.

• The Moby.
• High-contrast visuals: windows, lights, ugly baby toys, the pillow with the birdies on it, the lamp in the living room

• Bathtime
• The mirror above your changing table
• This song. I have no idea why.

Dislikes:

• Stoplights. One thing that works fairly well is to turn on an AM station that is just static and turn it up. I suppose it's just white noise, but it makes me feel like I should be wearing an aluminum foil hat.
• The hours from 6-9pm
• Waking up sometimes

Milestones:

• Meeting the upstate grandparents, Uncle Trev, and Miss Victoria! 
• First St. Patrick's Day
• First Easter
• You are full-on social smiling! This started intermittently around 4 weeks and was reliable by 6 weeks. You're still happiest in the morning but can be counted on for a great big gummy smile, which makes all the rough nights worth it.
• We have caught some little laughs in your sleep
• You have rolled front to back several times

Stats:

• 12 lbs, 7 oz (this is only 53rd percentile...who are you people with the monster babies?)
• 24" long...TWO FEET TALL! (89th percentile...tall boy)
• Head circumference 15" (28th percentile)
• Overall, great growth trajectory
• SHOTS...oh noes! You got all the standard 2-month vaccines. This was one oral (rotovirus) and 3 injections. You were such a brave little toaster. The nurse was great and so fast--by the time you realized you were upset, it was over. You only cried for about 5 seconds and mommy did not cry at all. Great success, plus two Scooby Doo band-aids. 

All tuckered out. Not pictured: Scooby Doo

We love you, little man. You are a happy addition to our little home. 

And now to complete the photo dump...

Have you seen...?

Reasons My Son Is Crying?

http://reasonsmysoniscrying.tumblr.com/

Hayden and I have discussed starting our own...a list of random shit moms Amazon because its easier and cheaper than trying to get to the store. I shopped from the couch today while holding a sleeping baby. We live in marvelous times.

Today's collective list:
Monkey bouncer
Nursing tanks
Batteries
A bra
Flip flops
a tub of A&D
Collar stays

Seriously, the UPS guy is here almost every day. And he knows we have a baby, so he just waves and tiptoes away without ringing the doorbell now. Love.

Boots's Favorite Things: Newborn Edition

This is not an exhaustive review of our registry, though I'll gladly discuss the finer points of car seats and strollers with you over coffee or wine. Probably wine. Rather, I wanted to spotlight those things that were most useful in the first two months. This could be due to frequency of use, sheer utility, or lifesaver status.

1. Aden + Anais blankets and burpy bibs

online at Amazon or at adenandanais.com

in stores at Nordstrom

For magical reasons I cannot explain, these are just the best. The blankets are thin but warm and can be used for a range of needs: swaddling baby, covering car seat, makeshift burp cloth, rolling up under car seat or mattress, grabbing a cat nap...the list goes on. I have used a lot of the other blankets we received to cover the play mat on the floor, etc., but these are the ones I grab every day for the basics. They get even softer over time. I would say you probably can't have enough (I received 2 of the 4-packs of the muslin swaddler blankets). If you are in the phase of your life where you're a frequent baby-shower-goer, these should be on your short list of go-to gifts. 

The burpy bibs are also great. They're a little unusual looking but do basically what it says on the box. Their shape lets you tuck it over baby more easily, and you can snap it in the back if you want it to work as an actual bib. For now, I drape it over him and under his chin while he eats--he gets the dribbles for realz and I'm not in to changing my shirt after every feeding--and then it moves quickly up on to the shoulder like a standard burp cloth. I was gifted a 2-pack plus a bamboo one, which is even softer, so I bought another. I'd also say you can't have enough burp cloths (and many of ours are just the basic, cheap, prefold cloth diaper thing, so it's not like I shelled out for all the fancies). I think they're now stashed all over the house in any spot we might settle. 

2. Pack n' Play

I chose this one before we knew the sex of the baby partly because I liked the color and found the "design" to be less offensive to my home decor than a lot of the others. But I stuck with the choice because of the features. Generally, such items are called playards and are great if you'll travel with baby. But, like Kleenex, the brand name has become the generic term, so people talk of their Pack n' Plays...but there are like 48 models. I'm here to help. Specifically, ours is the Graco Pack n' Play Playard with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat in Winslet (phew!). Because our bedroom and the nursery are upstairs, but we spend most of our day downstairs, this is our main downstairs baby station. This was the right choice for that use because of these features:

• changing station on top with storage bin on side for diapers and other baby accoutrements (snot sucker, alcohol wipes for cord stub, etc.)
• the Newborn Napper Rocking Seat (that cozy-looking thing). A total life saver. It snaps securely into the top frame, like it is in the image, but that bad boy also comes out and can move around the house with you. Like, say, right outside the shower door. It rocks like a little cradle, but also connects to the little vibrating battery pack--which later can be hooked up to the bassinet pad, brilliant!--so it also vibrates. On 2 settings! He loves it. 
• If you take those 2 items off the top, it can be used as a bassinet up to a certain weight. Lots of people opt to use this as their bedside bassinet before baby moves into his own room, and they swear by it. It's nice for that because not only does the bassinet pad hook up to the vibrating pack as mentioned, but you don't have to bend over as far to lift baby as you would if you were just using it as a regular playard
• Finally, the standard use: a portable crib for travel, grandparents' houses, etc. 

Basically, what I'm saying is that this is your all-around workhorse, and they can be used in lots of different ways. Poke around and find the combo that works best for you (compact? no bells and whistles? twins?). My parents also have one at their house, and it's great because we have everything we need while we're over there (mostly a changing table) but my mom can fold it up easily or wheel it out of sight when we aren't around. 

3. Snap shirts

Not a ton to say here, other than it's what they use in the hospital, so it must be good for the itty bitties. The kimono style is easy in the new new phase because a) it goes around baby, rather than over the head (SCARY) and b) unlike a onesie, doesn't cover the cord stump. Once the cord falls off, the onesies/bodysuits are good too. The cuffs also flip over into little mitts to cover baby fingernails. They're really ok in this, a diaper, and wrapped in a blanket for the first little while. You've got enough to figure out without adding complicated wardrobe tasks to the list. Baby C started in the newborn size (5-8 lbs) and quickly moved up to the next size. Also good for when they're just having a spitty day and you're tired of changing "good" outfits. 

4. Magnolia Baby snap-front gowns 

(except BA has declared we must refer to them as "jammies")

Reasoning as follows:

• They snap down the front. It is way too scary to pull anything over baby's bobblehead at the very beginning
• They have cuffs to cover the baby talons if you have a little face-scratcher
• Easy access to diaper--but are convertible if you want them to have leggies
• I enjoy thinking of the ridiculous items a baby might need to keep in that tiny breast pocket

Available locally at Plaid Rabbit and Helen's.

5. baby washcloths

You need a bunch of these for bath time and wipe downs. Get as many as you think you'll need, and then get more. The cheapies are fine. If you have a boy, you REALLY need a bunch because they're the best option for stopping the geyser during diaper changes. You think they pee on you if you don't cover it, right? Wrong. The physics are such that they pee on their own little faces and it's the saddest thing because they can't figure out WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?!?! But you're laughing. But it's sad. 

6. Baby Connect app

in iTunes store

At the beginning, you have to track every diaper to be able to report to the docs. This was especially important for us so we could make sure C was getting enough milk to clear out the jaundice. I still track almost every feeding--even though he's growing well and that's all going fine, I sometimes forget when he last ate. I have just started tracking daytime sleep to see if I can uncover his natural nap schedule. Since the iPhone is always in hand when feeding, I found it much easier to track everything on the phone rather than with paper and pencil. There's also an option to sync across caregivers, if that's helpful for you. It's $4.99 on iTunes, which is pricey for an app but very cheap for an essential item used multiple times a day. I especially like the different ways to look at the data, which I won't bore anyone with here but suffice it to say it is nifty and helpful. 

7. My Brest Friend

Why, oh why the terrible name? Obviously I get the (terrible) pun, but must you spell it so, Mr. or Ms. inventor and CEO of Brest Friend, Inc.? Worst-named best product ever. Just get one if you are intending on breast feeding. And probably pretty great for bottle feeding as well. For the record, we do also have the beloved Boppy, staple of baby showers everywhere. I still recommend that--almost all guests prefer it just for holding baby. But when we are talking feeding, and the long hours it requires, the shape and support of the MBF is the way to go.

8. Moby Wrap

If this list were ranked, this might be my #1 choice for 3 reasons: 

1.  He pops right in it (still in the "newborn hug hold" but probably about to outgrow that) and I suddenly have use of two hands. There is only a short list of things I cannot do with baby in the Moby, including but not limited to: shower, cook hot foods, drive, sleep. This lets you regain your productivity. Or, let's be honest, just your basic ability to eat something and go to the bathroom. If you CSI'd the Moby, you'd know everything I ate in the last two weeks.
2. It keeps baby close and builds a force field that repels grabby strangers with their germ hands. I was pretty bold about taking baby out in to the world at the beginning (with the pediatrician's ok) because I thought it was best for both of us and for maintaining some normal people things. So if BA and I wanted to walk down to 12th for a quick meal, into the Moby C would go. And I didn't have to worry about people touching him or anything because there's something about wearing the baby on your body that keeps them away. So it's a sanitary sanity saver for the early weeks and probably beyond.
3. He just likes it. He'll usually fall asleep on the walk down to 12th. For a couple weeks, he took a 3-hour afternoon nap in it while I puttered around the house. During the 6-week fussfest growth spurt, it was the only thing that calmed him. To him, it's just like being held. To me, it's a lot easier. 

Only caveat is that it gets warm, so don't overdress baby. Don't be terrified by the mystical wrapping process--videos on the website and YouTube guide you through it and you get proficient quickly. I think other carriers are fine and people love them...Bjorn, Ergo, whatever floats your boat. But I liked that I could use this one from day one, whereas others require baby to be able to hold his head up pretty well (or the purchase of an infant insert). We'll add additional carriers to the repertoire soon.

9. Naked (brand) smoothies

Quick and substantive sustenance you can manage with one hand. 

10. Reese's eggs

Because mommy needs a treat, and it's probably better than day drinking. It has to be the eggs, though, because the chocolate and peanut butter are in a perfect ratio, and you can be satisfied with just one. Most days. I was fortunate enough to have a newborn in the Easter-candy season (which starts the day after Valentine's Day now, apparently), but I will be stockpiling them.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Aden + Anais Serenity Star and/or tap lights

The 5 S's from The Happiest Baby on the Block

A&D ointment

My Little Snugabunny swing

Good Morning, Birdies!

I've missed you! Let me tell you about how I just threw up down mommy's back! Gotta stay on my game.

Early Morning Math

shower, real pants, makeup, and coffee.

The up side to an unfortunately early wakeup call. 

Baby's First Easter

Happy Easter, friends! 

On Saturday we walked over to a neighbor's house for an egg hunt and crawfish boil. Obviously C is too little to hunt eggs, but we watched/were overwhelmed by all the other littles running around. 

fresh from NOLA

Then on Sunday...

[I wish there were a way to edit out my voice but leave his]

First we woke up and had a happy time in the bed (with coffee). Then we went downstairs to see what the Easter Bunny brought...

                           

After we put on our Easter best (thanks Colleen! Promise it didn't get pooped on later...), we headed over to Doc and Jules's house to continue the festivities. We had baskets there and lots of family and friends.

It was very special to get this picture of all 4 generations--baby C, me, my mom, and her mom--on the side of the family for which he's named.