Ok, I get it

I recall a conversation way back when with my cousins about how our cool aunt was no longer cool.  She had a baby and suddenly she was no fun.  At the time this is how it appeared to us pre-teens.  It was that simple.  Well I am here to say "I get it now."

After having Jayson I've realized a few things.  It is no longer fun to host events at our house.  It means I have to find time between the numerous diaper changes, tub times, feedings and my own FT work schedule to clean my house to a point that I feel is presentable.  It also means that because of the numerous aforementioned diaper changes, tubbies, and feedings I cannot really concentrate on enjoying my time visiting when all I can seem to concentrate on is keeping my child from fussing and my chest from bursting at the seems (breast feeding mothers know my pain).  I've also come to realize the importance of the routine my child and I have come to follow because any deviation from it seems to result in a reduction of sleep for an already sleep deprived mom.  Because I'm also someone who's emotions are fairly transparent, I know that everyone can see right through me as a new mom trying to entertain with finesse while in reality I'm a frazzled mess.

So yes, I get it now.  I can totally understand how someone who was relaxed and fun can become high strung and frazzled just by adding a baby to the mix.  The shoe is on the other foot and I am now the aunt/sister/cousin/friend who is "no fun."

On a lighter note, I have found that HaHas for HooHas is fun and you should check them out!

Operation Binky Drop

The husband and I have coined a new term known as "binky drop."  A "binky drop" by definition is the loss of suction on a pacifier leading to its eventual drop from an infant's mouth.  Much like we hear in a Dyson commercial, this loss of suction can prove to be problematic.  The end result is usually detrimental to the sleep pattern of all who reside in the home.  Commence Operation Binky Drop. 

The goal of this covert operation is to replace the pacifier in such a fashion that sleep resumes for all involved.   However this requires a high degree of stealth and precision timing.  At the first sign of trouble on the monitor we must move out quickly.   Too much time spent passing the baton from mom to dad or vice versa could foil the whole operation.   Please also note that this operation does not come free of external complications.   On occasion there is a soiled diaper at play, a squeaky door hinge, or an ill placed dog toy which wreaks havoc.  Not to mention your target is cute and will try to engage you in playful babble sessions.

This mission, which you have no choice but to accept, will need to be repeated several times over the course of an evening and into the wee hours of the morning.  Welcome to Operation Binky Drop.

Tips & Tricks

For those of you tuning in and not looking for posts about babies, sorry to disappoint.  My life right now revolves around a ten pound peanut and so I find my topics tend to center around him as well.  Any who,  with that impromptu disclaimer out of the way let's continue on to "Tips & Tricks."

★  When getting up to nurse (or bottle feed) at some ungodly hour it's helpful to change the diaper first.   The benefit here is two-fold: I found that Jayson will feed more productively when not concentrating on what's in his pants and if he falls asleep while eating I can put him back into the crib without worry of a dirty diaper leading to diaper rash.

★  If you have a male child it's advisable to keep a small wash cloth handy at the changing table.  My husband and I use it as a "pee-pee teepee."  Essentially a urine deflector.   Your floors,  face, and furniture will thank you.

★  This tip is exclusively for breast feeding mothers (sorry).  Tuck a burp cloth into the drop down portion of your nursing bra to catch his chin dribbles and avoid a saturated midsection or soggy bra when feeding time is over. 

★  Small mesh laundry bags are a must to keep from losing his tiny socks,  mitts,  and anything else miniature in the washer and dryer.

★  If your child has relatively slim legs, go with Pampers diapers.  We found that Huggies should be synonymous with husky so if you want to avoid blowouts Pampers are the way to go.

★  If you are breast feeding you may find a nipple shield makes for better latching and easier transition to a bottle later on.  Having two shields in rotation also limits the number of times you have to visit a sink following late night feedings... those moments add up when you are already sleep deprived and just wanting to crawl back in bed.  Plus your lady bits will be less painful.

★  You can tell your baby is eating enough by the number of dirty diapers you go through each day.

★  Babies cry.  Sounds more like a fact than a tip, but its helpful to remind yourself of this when you are feeling guilty about taking a ten minute shower even though your little bundle of joy won't go down for a nap.  He/she will live and actually its good for the lungs.

★  One of the nurses actually said this to me and it sort of piggy backs off the prior tip: "The safest place for your baby is always the crib."  That goes for sleeping and for any moment you just need a break.  Again, babies cry and it won't hurt them.

★  If you choose to pump don't be discouraged if you get only an ounce from each side in the first few tries.  Pump sessions are better if they are short and frequent  (10 minutes long, whenever you can squirrel away the time). They will become more productive over time.

★  No one tells you this but just about every two weeks your baby will go through a growth spurt where it feels like he is feeding every hour.  If you are nursing your chest will go through that whole engorged state again.  Don't give up on feeding though, the milk is there.  If you need to it is ok to supplement during his every hour feeding stage with formula until your milk production catches up.

★  This last one I will share today I learned the hard way.  Don't hold your baby or allow your baby to be held through every nap,  etc.  Yes, babies are meant to be cuddled and loved but if you ever want to have two hands for a task again he/she has to learn to self soothe at times. Especially true if he/she is going to daycare eventually... the daycare provider won't be able to hold your baby 24/7.

Any tips I've forgotten or that you'd like to share feel free to comment below.