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This blog is about life with a baby. It's not always what you expect and there is definitely no job description. Every baby is different and unique which is why motherhood can be so scary, fun, terrifying, exciting, and rewarding all at the same time.

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We encourage you to share your experiences - by sharing your experiences and commenting on other posts, you may be helping other moms.


  • Thursday, October 23, 2008 11:22 AM | Deleted user

    I often have dreams where something happens to my son in daycare, while I'm at work. It's hard to explain the level of paranoia that I am experiencing the second I wake up. My husband and I have selected a wonderful daycare, which has been praised by my two friends, and I have seen their kids happy there. It's just the idea that someone else will be taking care of my child.. and it just doesn't settle in my head yet..

  • Monday, October 20, 2008 2:18 PM | Marina

    by Tracy Hogg, author of Secrets of the Baby Whisperer for Toddlers

    Angel Toddler

    The Angel Toddler was "good as gold" when she was a baby. Usually very social, this child is immediately comfortable in groups and can fit into most situations. She often develops language earlier than her peers or at least is clearer when making her needs known. When she wants something she can't have, it's fairly easy to distract her before her emotions escalate. And when she's really out of sorts, it's fairly easy to calm her before she gets to the tantrum stage. At play, she has a lot of staying power at a single task. This is a child who's easy and highly portable. Even when traveling, she can go with the flow and shift gears easily.

    Textbook Toddler

    As in infancy, the Textbook Toddler is right on time with developmental milestones. You could say she does everything by the book. She's generally pleasant in social situations but can be shy at first with strangers. She's most comfortable in her own environment, but if outings are planned well, and you give her sufficient time and preparation, she won't have much trouble adapting to new surroundings. This is a child who loves routine and likes to know what's coming next.

    Touchy Toddler

    True to her baby self, the Touchy Toddler is sensitive and typically slow to adapt to new situations. She likes the world ordered and knowable. She hates to be interrupted when engrossed. For instance, if she's deeply involved with a toy or a puzzle and you ask her to stop, she gets upset and is likely to cry. It's this toddler who is often labeled "shy." It's true that a Touchy toddler may not do well in social gatherings, especially if she feels pushed, and she often has difficulty sharing. But if she's left to do things at her own pace, she can mature into a thoughtful, sensitive thinker, a child who weighs situations carefully and likes to ponder problems.

    Spirited Toddler

    The Spirited Toddler is extremely active physically, often willful, and may be prone to temper tantrums. She is very social and curious and will point to objects and reach out for them and for other kids early on. This child is the consummate adventurer; she will have a go at anything and is very determined. She displays a great sense of achievement when she accomplishes something. At the same time, she needs very clear boundaries so that she doesn't act like a steamroller, trampling anyone or anything in her path. Once they start crying, Spirited Toddlers have stamina and staying power, so you're in for a long haul if you don't have a good routine going. Given good guidance and an outlet for her energy, however, a Spirited Toddler can become a leader and very accomplished in whatever area interests her.

    Grumpy Toddler

    The Grumpy Toddler is angry, obstinate and needs things to be her way. If you force yourself on her before she's ready to be picked up, expect major squirming action. If you try to show her how to do something, she'll push your hand away. Because she likes her own company best, she's great at independent play. However, she may lack the staying power needed to learn or complete a task and is therefore easily frustrated. When upset, she's prone to crying as if it's the end of the world. Because this toddler often finds it hard to express herself, she also may become a biter or pusher. Grumpy Toddlers have to do things on their own schedule. The pushier you are, the more stubborn they'll be. At the same time, grumpy children are "old souls" -- they tend to be insightful, resourceful and creative, and sometimes even wise, acting as if they've been here before.

  • Friday, October 17, 2008 3:07 AM | Claire (Administrator)

    I am really tired, but I can't sleep... why?  Well, because I'm a bubble head who had coffee at 10pm.  Every Thursday night is my girls night out and usually I go for dinner or a movie with my friends.  Today however, I had a lot of work to do and didn't get it all done in time for dinner or a movie so I decided to go out with my friend to Second cup. On my way there, I told myself I was going to have herbal tea... but I walked in, looked up at the menu and decided on a medium vanilla bean latte AND chocolate brownie cheesecake - Yikes.  

    I got home at 11, took a nice long shower and got into bed... 11:30 I was still not asleep, I started thinking of all the things I didn't get done, things I have to do tomorrow and became even more awake. 12am - I'm still awake so I decide to read a book to calm myself and try to fall asleep - I couldn't concentrate on the book because my mind kept going over the things that didn't get done and tomorrow is Friday, so if  I want to be able to have a calm weekend with Denys and Katelyn I have to do it ALL tomorrow.  I know I will not be able to do it all on Friday (which is actually today - now), so I decided to do some a few things - since I'm awake anyways... so I managed to get most of things that don't require making too much noise done (because the last thing I want to do is wake up Katelyn)

    Hopefully now I will be able to go upstairs and get some sleep - and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Katelyn won't wake up until atleast 7am.

    The moral to the story - don't drink coffee at in the evening... 

    Why is it that when I'm really, really tired and had an exhausting day that I can't fall asleep? 

  • Wednesday, October 15, 2008 1:33 PM | Claire (Administrator)
    There are certain things that are a must when taking a baby camping,

    1. First aid kit - even if you think you won't need it, you should bring it with you. Why? Well, if for some reason you think the baby feels warm, you want to be able to check the temperature and go back to enjoying yourself instead of wondering if it is a fever and worry or end your trip unnecessarily only to get home and find out it was nothing.

    2. Extra food - seriously, you may think your baby doesn't eat that much so you should bring the the same amount that she would eat at home - Bring more... because you do not want a hungry baby and no food around (especially if your baby is not yet eating table food)

    3. Infant Carrier - if you have an infant carrier take it with you, if you don't have one invest in one. You will want to walk around and enjoy the scenery and it will be much easier for you to do so with a carrier - it will also come in handy if you want to do a hiking trip but your baby is tired. This way they can sleep easily snuggled to you.

    4. Very warm clothes - Even if it's summer, remember to bring atleast one item that is very warm for your baby, you never know how cool it will get when the sun goes down, so it's better to be prepared.


    5. If you are camping in "bear country" make sure to have bear pepper spray or a long arm axe, and a whistle.

    I know it may seem like a lot of things to bring for two or three night trip, but it will ease your mind and you can fully enjoy your trip. When it comes to a baby, it is always better to bring too much, than too little.

    We have camped with Katelyn many times and I'm always glad that I have these items handy.
    DSC_0317.jpg DSC_0231.jpg

    If you think of anything else that is a must for camping with a baby, I would love to hear about it.
  • Thursday, October 09, 2008 2:49 PM | Marina

    by Jackie Needleman

     

    Reading to Your Child

    Babies love to listen to the human voice -- reading, singing and expressive talking are ideal activities. Take your cue from the baby as to how much stimulation to provide.

    1. Start out by singing lullabies and folk songs to your baby. When your baby is about six months old, choose books with brightly-colored, simple pictures and lots of rhythm in the text.

    2. Select books are made of cardboard or cloth with flaps to lift and holes to peek through.

    3. Hold your baby in your lap so she can see the colorful pages of the book. Include books that show pictures and names of familiar objects.

    4. As you read with your baby, point out objects in the pictures. Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt is a classic touch-and-feel book for babies.

    5. Vary the tone of your voice with different characters in the stories, sing nursery rhymes and make funny faces. Do whatever special effects you can to stimulate your baby's interest.

    6. As you read to your baby, your child is forming an association between books and what is most loved -- your voice and closeness. Allowing your baby to handle books will help deepen their attachment.

    7. When reading to your baby, keep the sessions brief, but read each day and often.

     8. Take time to be with your baby. Take walks, playing in the park and simply explore the great outdoors. Talk to your baby      naming trees, flowers, bugs, butterflies, dogs, cats, etc. when you see them.
     
     9. As you play with your infant/baby, name the toy you are playing with and tell him/her about it's characteristics such as, the toy's color, shape and size.

    10. Have soft toys (with no sharp edges or small parts/pieces) for your baby. Try to get toys that wash easily.

    11. Stack items, such as blocks, plastic kitchen bowls, plastic bottles, shoe boxes, margarine containers or Tupperware.

    12. Teach your baby how to sort, starting with colored wooden blocks.

    13. Help your baby learn to put puzzles together, making sure they are age-appropriate and safe.

    14. Increase your baby's eye/hand coordination by rolling a ball.

    15. Encourage your child to work along with you as you complete household chores. Play together by putting toys, clothes and plastic containers in drawers or cupboards.

    16. Play soft music that has a steady beat.

    17. Sing your favorite lullabies and other songs to your baby.

    18. Give verbal praise. This is very important to your baby.

    Do you have more ideas?
    Would love to hear from you.
    Thanks,

    Marina



  • AWW

    Sunday, October 05, 2008 8:54 PM | Deleted user

    It was a very special (and surprising) moment when my husband and I sat our baby boy on the couch next to us. Our son was sitting up on his own watching television with my husband and I - while having the most interested look in the movie that was playing on tv. Ever since then, we realized that whenever the tv is on, his attention turns to what is playing, and he starts to smile and talk. Our son is only 3.5 months old right now...

  • Saturday, October 04, 2008 1:34 PM | Claire (Administrator)

    is there any chance these could be done in the mornings on either Saturday or Sunday?  Afternoons are difficult due to babies' nap times.

    Is there anyone else interested in a morning playdate on the weekends?  If so please post the time and location that works best for you.   Now that it's getting cooler we will be holding some of our playdates indoors

    Thanks
    Alexia

  • Saturday, October 04, 2008 1:00 PM | Claire (Administrator)

    Hi,

    One of our members have a family friend who is 16 years old and pregnant.  If you have any unisex clothing, toys or other baby items that you do not need and would like to donate please post a message here. 

    Thanks,
    Alexia

  • Saturday, October 04, 2008 12:58 PM | Claire (Administrator)

    Hello, I have a variety of 0 - 6 months baby girl clothing that I would like to donate. I also have a Papasan Cradle Swing that I would like to donate.

    Please advise if  these items are needed.

    Thanks to Chandra for this wonderful donation. If you know anyone who is in need of these items please let us know.

     

  • Friday, October 03, 2008 6:59 AM | Deleted user
    My daughter is now 14 months, and was born at 4 lbs 13 oz.  When we brought her home in the car seat, she was tiny.  I thought she'd never outgrow it since there was so much room to grow!  Well, the other day as I was putting her in the SUV, I realize that she's grown so much that her legs can no longer be outstretched in the car seat and her feet are on the back seat even with her knees bent.  It just brought back memories of how much she's grown so far, and how proud I am of this little kid.  Now for some shopping for new toddler car seats... :) 

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