Another Son

It has been so long since I have written and a lot has happened. As my profile shows, I have had another son since I wrote last. My youngest just turned 1yrs old. We thought we were done with two but the fun of having our third is just as special and wonderful as when we had our first and second.

I just wanted to catch up and update my blog profile to include my third son. I hope to add more soon.

I am no longer a new mom but I still have a lot to learn and am so thankful for my boys who keep teaching me about new things every day.

Until then I wish you all a very happy upcoming holiday season and hope you are having as much fun with your little ones as we are.

Second Son - 9mo

My second son decided to arrive early on May 29, 2011. He turns 9mo today. He has added so much to our little family.

He is sitting up well and getting around by scooting his bottom and pulling with his arms so we know crawling is just around the corner. Walking may not be too far off since he is able to pull himself to standing even though it's not for long periods of time.

His first word was Daddy at around 6mo but now he says Mom and Mommy too. He eats well and started taking sips from a sippy cup. Every new thing he does brings us such joy but I also feel a tinge of sadness since he will be my last baby and that time is passing faster than I ever imagined it would.

I will post more pics and provide more updates soon but just wanted to share a new update since it's been far overdue.

Another Boy On The Way!

I am so thrilled to share that we are having another boy scheduled to arrive via C-section on May 31, 2011.

Time has flown by quickly and I have so much to share from the last year. My first son is now 2yrs old and so much fun to be around. This year has been the reveal of quite a sense of humor and hunger for learning.

I hope you are all well and would love for you to share anything new in your lives. Please also let me know if there is any specific topic you would like to discuss.

Take care for now and I promise there is more to come soon.

Spray Parks

This year we discovered what a spray park is and I wanted to share this information with you in case you too were missing out.

A spray park is an aquatic playground with interactive sprinklers which come in many shapes, sizes, and themes. The large variety of different types of spray patterns and water pressure make the spray park a perfect play environment for toddlers and big kids. The parks in our area have sections of soft material on the ground in areas where children are most likely to sit or slide around on. There are drains located around the spray park to assure the water is drained properly preventing any unwanted collections of water.

Spray parks tend to be in locations of state parks and sometimes pool areas. You can google "Spray Park" in your local area and I am sure will find one or more close to your home.

Even if it takes a short drive to get there, I know you and your children will find it well worth the drive. A day at the spray park is a fantastic way for the family to beat the heat and also a great place for the summertime birthday parties where you want people to be easily entertained without much effort on your part.

For people in Washington State here are some great Spray Parks in the Seattle area.

Tukwila Aquatic Playground - Tukwila, WA


Crossroads Park - Water Playground - Bellevue, WA

Grass Lawn Community Spray Park - Redmond, WA

Willis D. Tucker Community Spray Park - Snohomish, WA

Rotary Centennial Water Playground  - Everett, WA

18 Month and counting

Hello Blog, I am sorry to have been away for so long. The past few months have been spent having fun..fun...and more fun. Once my son was walking he was soon running and that meant instantly that he was ready and eager for more activities and outings.

My upcoming blogs will be on topics of how to entertain toddlers and I will be doing some reviews on new products we invested in to keep up with our son's transformation from baby to little man.

My Son is Walking!

My son is walking now. He started taking first steps right near his first birthday but didn't actually start walking well until the day he turned 14 months old. I worried a little thinking he was behind but I found from talking to other mothers and reading some articles that the walking age varies.

My son had a very bad cold for three weeks right before he started walking so I believe this may have caused him to lack the energy he needed to start walking well sooner. Once he was feeling better he was standing and taking steps on his own very quickly. 2 steps turned into 10 or more in just a couple of days, now he is very comfortable walking but if he is tired he does have a few tumbles but just shakes them off as if nothing happened and starts walking again immediately.

The best part about seeing my son walking is the smile of complete joy and satisfaction he has on his face. Without anyone even telling him, he knows this is a great accomplishment and worthy of much praise and pride.

Baby Center has an informative article regarding milestones and walking that is definitely worth reading.

Developmental Milestone: Walking

I would love to hear your first walking stories or anything you feel like sharing so please post a comment.

Thank you and happy walking to all you precious first steppers!

Please support me in raising money for March of Dimes

Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. I'm walking in March for Babies because I want to do something about this. And I need your help.

Please support my walk. Making a secure donation is easy: just click the 'donate now' button on my personal page that can be viewed using the link below. Thank you for helping me give all babies a healthy start!

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

March of Dimes - My Personal Page

When Breastfeeding Ends

I started weaning my son about a month before his first birthday. I first cut back to only one feeding a day and pumping only once at work. This routine really helped lesson the pain of drying up. It was actually much easier than I thought it would be. He was ready and so was I. The last time I breastfed was the day before his first birthday and he never acted as if he noticed anything had changed the day after or since then.

I worried that our relationship would change and that he might not need me as much after being weaned but I was wrong. Our relationship continues to grow even more now than before because he can express his love by hugs, saying mama, and smiling at me like I am candy or a puppy, which is truly the best.

Breastfeeding is an amazing experience but there is much more joy and growing to come so enjoy your moments now and just know that you will always have moments like this even after your child is weaned.

I would love your feedback so please share any input or opinions you might have about breastfeeding, weaning, or anything you feel like talking about. Thank you!

Hello Blog

Time has flown by so quickly. My son turns 11 months old tomorrow. This last year has been a wonderful blur. I wouldn't change one minute of it other than wishing I had a little more time for my blog.

I don't have a particular topic but just some off the top tips.

Watch out for your jeans top button when breast feeding. Once I picked my son up after he finished feeding and I saw a pretty deep indent from where my button dug into his rib. I felt horrible so I hope to save another mom from the same agonizing moment.

Keep your diaper bag packed at all times. You learn from experience when you don't pre-pack the diaper bag with the essentials you are bound to forget one of them. Keep the diapers, wipes, extra socks, blanket, bib, sippy, and washclothes stocked and prefill after each time out. It may sound like extra effort but you are going to see it pay off when you are in a rush to make it somewhere on time which is a miracle in itself for anyone who has a child.

I hope to share more with you soon. Until then I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Review of Infantino Noodle Teether - Best Teether Toy

My son loves the Infantino Noodle Teether. He touches and chews on each little arm with the biggest smile on his face. He often pokes his finger through the center playfully and puts it up to his eye to look through. Even if he has a lot of other teether toys within his grasp, the Infantino Noodle Teether is always the preferred choice. You will enjoy seeing your child use the Infantino Noodle Teether as much as he/she enjoys playing with it.

The Infantino Noodle Teether can be purchased at many stores but the best prices I saw advertised for this item were from Amazon and BabyAge.

Amazon

BabyAge

My Review of Fisher-Price Rumble and Learn Driver

Originally submitted at Toys R Us

The Rumble & Learn Driver by Fisher-Price is an interactive learning driver that encourages & rewards babys learning through play!  The steering wheel and gear shift rumble as baby turns the wheel and changes gears, while the puppy character moves back and forth on the dashboard. ...

Fisher-Price Rumble and Learn Driver

Wonderful Toy

By New Mom to Mom from Bothell, WA on 9/25/2009

5out of 5

Pros: Promotes Learning, Durable, Fun, Engaging, Interactive
Cons: Tips over easily
Best Uses: Imaginative Play, Indoor, Creative Development
Describe Yourself: Education Oriented, First Time Parent, Working Parent

This is such a wonderful toy. It has three different sound modes and they are all entertaining and educational. It has been so fun to see my son learn how to turn the wheel, pull the shifter, and recognize different songs and sounds without any instruction. If he's in a bad mood, I can sit or lay him beside the Rumble and Learn Driver and he can't help but be distracted and quickly absorbed by the sounds and lights. The best part about this toy is that the songs and sounds do not get annoying, even though we hear them over and over again. There are some toys you want to put away after two days but this is not one of them.

Having Fun with Fisher Price Rumble & Learn Driver

Tags: Picture of Product, Using Product

(legalese)

Nursing Strike

Recently my son suddenly stopped wanting to nurse. The first day I didn't think too much of it and just thought it must be due to teething pain or the cold that he was having at the time. It wasn't until the third day I started to think, "Did my baby just decide to wean himself?".

My son's nursing strike lasted three days. I considered taking the opportunity of the break to wean him but my heart was just not in it so I continued to nurse once he indicated he wanted to again.

Nursing is a very special bonding experience for mother and baby so when it abruptly stops unexpectedly, it can actually be very hard emotionally to accept. Even though my son's nursing strike only lasted three days, I actually experienced a real feeling of sadness and rejection. I was even amazed and surprised at myself by how hard I was taking it.

The sites below provided great information about nursing strikes. Reading these made me feel good to know that this is a common experience for babies between three and eight months old and that it is most often temporary. I hope my sharing this information may help another mom who may be wondering why their baby stopped nursing.

La Leche League - My Baby Is Suddenly Refusing to Nurse

Baby Center - Nursing Strike

Stork Net - Nursing Strike

Disney Family Parenting - What Experts Say

Regalo Easy Diner Portable Hook-On High Chair

I just wanted to share a review I recently posted on Amazon for this item. I would love your feedback or recommendations on other travel high chairs if you would like to share with me. Thank you!

Amazon Review

I gave this item 3 out of 5 stars

Title of review: Nice but does not recline.

The Regalo Easy Diner is very compact and easy to take with you anywhere. My son is 8 months old, around 21lbs and he is able to sit in the chair well but when he is tired he slouches since the chair does not have a reclining option. I like everything about the chair except for that the back of the chair is very upright and does not recline. I still think a portable chair is nice to have for a family on the go but if you can find one that reclines I recommend that one over this one.

Here is my son enjoying a cold beverage in the Regalo Easy Diner while in a hotel room on vacation. It sure was easier packing this seat instead of a large high chair.

Radio Flyer Retro Rocket Review

I recently purchased the Radio Flyer Retro Rocket for my son. The pictures of the Retro Rocket are nicer than it is. My main complaint is that the white stripes are stickers that just won't stay on. When I first got this item I had to literally go around the entire rocket and press the stickers back on, unfortunately they have not stayed on. My son did enjoy looking at the rocket but the seat was a little wide for him so he had a hard time balancing and slid off easily.

I know sticker stripes may not seem like something to worry over when you buy a toy that eventually will see some serious wear and tear but since it is made by Radio Flyer and costs between $49- $59 I expected better.

My search for a push/riding toy continues since this one is on it's way back to the store I bought it from.

Below is the one pictures I did get of my son while first trying out the toy. The nicest thing I can say about this item is that it is cute and does look great in photos.

Picture Perfect

My son turned 8 Months old today. Time flies by too quickly and that is why I take pictures and record video of my son as often as possible. There are so many fantastic ways to treasure the picture perfect moments you have captured.

Here are the best picture management/memory keeping sites I have found so far.

Shutterfly - The Shutterfly albums are the best quality albums with so many customizing options. The only downside is that the albums and personalized items can be costly. Just be sure to check out the current Special Offers before processing an order.

Kodak Gallery - Kodak Gallery is a less expensive way to get your prints, customized products, and picture albums. These are definitely not the quality of the Shutterfly products but they are nice enough for the price. As with the Shutterfly site, be sure to look at the current promotions before making an order.

Costco Photo Center - The most economical option for getting prints, picture Cd's, and other customized items such as invites, cards, calendars, and cups. The downside is that you have to be a member.

Hope this gives you new ways to save those picture perfect moments of your own.

First Hair Cut

First Meal

My Review of Fisher-Price Rainforest Waterfall Peek-a-Boo Soother

Toys R Us

Lull little ones to sleep with soothing waterfall actions and sounds with the Rainforest™ Waterfall Peek-a-Boo Soother™ from Fisher-Price®. A glowing blue waterfall with mesmerizing motion, leading down to a pool of real bubbling water, attaches right to your baby's crib! A cute ...

Fisher-Price Rainforest Waterfall Peek-a-Boo Soother

Best Crib Toy

New Mom Bothell, WA 8/19/2009

4 5

Pros: Colorful and Fun, Great Features, Easy to Assemble

Best Uses: Newborn, Infants

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

This item is so highly recommended by experienced moms, I received two of these at my baby shower and I had not even registered for it. My friends sure knew what they were doing because this item has helped my son fall to sleep soundly and keep him interested when he isn't fully ready for bed many nights. It also was a great learning tool because the first thing he knew how to do on his own was push the on/off button on the soother. I have and will continue to buy this for my new mom friends because I know they will appreciate it as much as I have.

My Review of Fisher-Price Rainforest Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym

Toys R Us

The Rainforest Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym from Fisher-Price brings the magic of the rainforest to Baby! Repositionable toys include a soft hanging monkey, a soft toucan with jingle, an elephant with soft ears and a spinner with beads, a parrot with a paddle spinner, and a frog character mirro...

Fisher-Price Rainforest Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym

Baby's Favorite

New Mom Bothell, WA 8/12/2009

5 5

Pros: Promotes Sensory Development, Holds Baby's Attention, Easy to Clean, Visually Stimulating, Entertaining, Easy to Assemble

Best Uses: Infants, Crawlers, Playtime, Tummy Time, Newborns

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

This item has been my son's favorite toy since he was born. He is now almost 8 months old and still loves it. I have so many wonderful pictures of him laughing, kicking, and squealing while playing on the Rainforest Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym. It is a must have item.

"Good Times on Rainforest Gym with Teddy"

: Picture of Product, Using Product

"Having Fun"

: Using Product, Picture of Product

Fisher-Price Rainforest Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym - Fisher-Price - Toys

Fisher-Price Rainforest Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym - Fisher-Price - Toys "R" Us

Shared via AddThis

My Review of Grey Two-Stage Seatsaver by Prince Lionheart

Toys R Us

Grey Two-Stage Seatsaver

Not for leather seats

New Mom Seattle, WA 8/4/2009

1 5

Cons: Poor Construction

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

This seat saver did the exact opposite for me. It melted to my leather car seat and I still have not found a cleaner that has been able to remove the sticky rubber from the seat without destroying the leather. Definitely do not buy this product if you have leather seats. If you do, be sure to put something between this item and your seat or you will be as frustrated as I am.

Pumping Tips For The Working Mom

I know for all moms it is very difficult to return to work when your maternity leave is over and having the added stress of wanting to continue breastfeeding and having to pump at work can be overwhelming. I hope these tips may help relieve some of the return to work stress you may be feeling.

Where to Pump

• I have learned that most offices accommodate for breast feeding mothers so before you return to work, be sure to contact an administrator you know and ask if they are aware of a designated pump room. If they are not, contact your local HR and ask them if they can arrange a private location for you.
• I do recommend getting a battery pack in case the location you are given does not have an available power outlet. The battery pack will also become very handy on those occasions when you might have to pump in the car.

Breast Pump Supplies Needed

• Breast pump - I use a Medela and love it so if you need one I highly recommend a Medela.
• 1-3 breastshields for single breast pump process. (Pumping half the bottle on one breast and the other half on the other breast) I take only 1 with me because I wash mine after each time.
• 2-4 breastshields for double breast pump process. (Pumping both breasts at the same time)
• 3 breast milk containers or breast milk freezer bags for single breast pump process. (I personally prefer containers with lids over the bags because I have had more spills when using the bags)
• 6 breast milk containers or breast milk freezer bags for double breast pump process.
• 6 disposable nursing pads
• 1 packet of sanitizing wipes - to wash your hands when you might not have quick access to a sink and/or to clean your pump area before or after if needed.
• 1 milk cooler (Usually comes with the purchase of a breast pump) to put your milk in the refrigerator or freezer at work when you are done pumping. I recommend putting your milk in the freezer if you have a long commute home or if you do not plan to go straight home after work.

Pump Supplies to purchase - Because Mothers are too busy to clean the breast feeding supplies every day I recommend getting the following quantities of accessories.

• 6-8 breast milk containers (4 usually comes with your pump)
• 1-2 boxes of the disposable nursing pads on hand
• 1 cooler is fine but if you have an additional one it helps
• 6-8 Breastshields and valves/membrane (2 usually come standard with the pump)
• 1 Battery pack (Sometimes comes with the pump)
• 1-2 pack of the freezer bags
• 2-3 packs of sanitizing wipes
• 1 Breastfeeding cover (Buy or make)

I wish you all the best on your return to work. Please let me know if you have any questions.