Road Trip with Baby

As if traveling last month with my baby on his first plan trip wasn’t enough, we decided to make a big road trip last week to the beautiful Lake Tahoe for a family member’s wedding. I knew my older two children would be easily entertained in the car with movies and my iPod, but was really worried about how my 9 month old would do. The only other car trip that we went on with him since he was born, was about a 4 hour trip. This one was much longer (closer to 9 hours), but on that 4 hour … Continue reading

The Farmer’s Market Part I

This summer has brought wonderful opportunities to spend time outside enjoying some of the things make the Midwest a great place to live. Because of the early start of the growing season, our local farmer’s market boasted fresh homegrown produce early in the season as well. I have always been a huge fan of the farmer’s market. Being able to get high quality produce and other goods that are produced locally improves my outlook on life in general. Needless to say, I have been taking full advantage of our Saturday morning farmer’s market this summer. Unlike my typical errand running, … Continue reading

Watching Baby Sleep

Do you ever watch your baby sleep? I do. I’m sure most moms do. If you don’t, then you are missing out! I can’t help but have my heart melt when I look at his little cherub face asleep. I love watching his face expressions, and listening to him breathe. I especially love watching him suck in his sleep. When babies are sleeping, it seems as if all the problems go away. It is a time that you can sit there and enjoy your baby’s calmness (if you are not trying to get some sleep yourself). This past week has … Continue reading

Could Too Much Milk Cause Colic-Like Symptoms In Your Baby?-Part II

While I’m no expert on this subject of overactive letdown and oversupply of milk, I’m excited to share this information with other Moms! I’m still trying to figure this all out myself, because my hope is that my baby who is suffering from the same symptoms I spoke about in Part I of this article, is actually having a problem with my supply, and NOT a problem with the foods I eat. However, in my case, I am currently cutting out dairy, soy, chocolate, corn, eggs, and nuts. I also have a prescription for an acid reflux medication if dietary … Continue reading

Could Too Much Milk Cause Colic-Like Symptoms In Your Baby?-Part I

Although I am now breastfeeding my third child, I am just now looking into oversupply, and overactive letdown as reasons for why my baby is so fussy. I have always known that I had no problem producing enough milk for my babies. My first two kids were nice, chubby babies, and I have never been able to relate to women that don’t have enough. Although, I am fully aware that this is a real problem for many Moms. But, did you know that too much milk can also be a serious problem too? I didn’t, until recently, and honestly, it … Continue reading

Swaddle Your Baby

For me, a swaddling blanket was a lifesaver with my first child. My brother and his wife gave us the Miracle Blanket when we had our first child, and it did work like a miracle!! I would recommend that baby product to anyone. I tried swaddling with just your run of the mill receiving blanket, and never really got the hang of it. The Miracle Blanket, and other blankets like it worked perfectly to take all the guess work out of swaddling. Sometimes, I worried that I was swaddling her too tight, but my doctor told me that there was … Continue reading

How to Help Relieve Your Baby’s Gas

When my son was first born, and even for several months after, his gas was a constant source of entertainment. Typically his gassiest moments would be while he was nursing. His little bottom was often being supported by my hand, which meant I not only heard his gas, but I also felt the vibrations. He passed so much gas while he nursed, it was ridiculous. I am not exaggerating when I say he probably farted at least once every thirty seconds. I started calling him “farty-pa-tootie.” It was hilarious for both me and anyone else who happened to be in … Continue reading

Day with Dad (Part II)

If you missed Part I of this two-part blog you can read that here. For those of you already caught up we’ll start at the beginning: My son and I just looked out the door, staring blankly for a moment. Neither of us could believe she was gone… but she was. If memory serves I looked at my son who was still staring out of the front door before looking over at the clock. The clock itself told a somewhat terrifying story: We’d both be without mom for the next twelve hours or so. That’s a long time. Now, it’s … Continue reading

Part 2: What Are the Five Tools of Attachment Parenting

Attachment parenting is a wonderful practice for both baby and his or her parents. Forming a close bond now can set you up to be a close family through many years. In Part 1 of this discussion, we talked about the first two tools of attachment parenting. Now let us continue. 3. “Breastfeed Your Baby” We all know that the benefits of breastfeeding are enormous, for the baby and for the mother. Beside all of those great physical benefits, there are actually emotional ones, too. Now I am not saying that parents who bottle feed don’t bond with their babies, … Continue reading

The Constantly “Fussy” Child

Different children have different temperaments. Most of us parents discover quickly that our children do not arrive as cherubic blank slates after all, but come with at least the basics of their own unique personalities. Some children are easy going and pleasant, while others seem to be continually in a bad mood. For the parent of the constantly “fussy” child, the fussiness does not end when the diapers do. Coping with that child who seems to be forever unsettled, grumbly and frustrated can be a big challenge. For a child whose temperament is just “fussy” and you have determined there … Continue reading