The Joy of Infant Play

Three Short Activities:

1. Alouette Mirror Play- He got a big kick out of sitting on my lap in front of our long mirror while I held his hands and placed them accordingly on body parts while singing the song.

2. "Football"- A great gift now that he is learning to grasp was our holy football.  He was actually able to hold it and look at it and bring it to his mouth.

3. "Reading" a Book- Kill two birds with one stone and get some tummy time in while looking at pictures. We propped ourselves on our favorite Boppy pillow and read our book twice!

One Long Activity:

1. Baby Massage - We haven't been doing this as consistently as I had first intended but it's still nice every once in a while.  I do incorporate some massage techniques with some natural oil (purchased at Whole Foods) during bath time. He LOVES having his legs massaged!

The Joy of Breastmilk

A little granola? Maybe. But hey you gotta try things in life...

During our birthing class it came up that breast milk is a magical substance that heals everything.  My little one got his first cold, which is obviously a little traumatic for the first time mom. We pulled out the stops; steamy showers, vaporizer with eucalyptus essential oil, natural chest rub, and then there was the stuffy nose to address. I had three options: 1) saline solution 2) homemade solution (I believe it was water, salt, and baking soda) or 3) breast milk.

We did try the homemade solution but in the end breast milk won out. Our stuffy nose got better and our cold went away. What as the cure? The time it took to naturally heal? All of the remedies together? Magical breast milk? Who knows. But we will probably use breast milk in the future. Besides it is the easiest of all three. I don't have to go anywhere. I don't have to buy anything. And I don't have to make anything, well not with my hands anyway.

~What are some of your favorite remedies?~

 

The Joy of Bainbridge Island

 

 

 

 

 

The Joy of Sunflowers

Upon returning from our trip, a cheery surprise greeted us on the kitchen counter...

~Thank You Husband~

 

The Joy of a Hot Day

While visiting New York I remembered why I don't like summers there.  The heat and humidity were deafening, especially for someone whose favorite season is winter.  I probably put my baby down and taught him to entertain himself more just because it was so sticky. My parents do not have AC in the house. However, they do have a pool but I was really hesitant to put my 10 week old into a chlorinated pool so we mad a make shift infant pool...

Materials:
Baby Tub
Towel
Small Boogie Board

He enjoyed it most of the time :)

The Joy of Infant Travel

Travelling with an infant can be quite overwhelming the first few times. The first time we spent the night away from our home what I missed most was my Boppy! Before you leave the house for a day trip or an overnight trip try to think of what makes you most comfortable in your day with nursing, entertaining, resting, etc. and don't forget it!

Our second trip required a plane ride. Flying solo with an infant... boy was I nervous! I felt pretty good until the moment my husband stepped away from us in the security line. At that moment I wanted to burst out crying but then I remembered that I'm a mom now and have to keep it together.

Some planes don't have changing tables, so be prepared to get inventive.  It was suggested to us to take the airplane blanket and put it over the toilet seat cover and do it there. Yuck. But we managed.

Things I forgot to bring on my trip that I wish I hadn't:
1. Sunblock (wish I had researched and bought some natural sunblock prior to trip).
2. Almond Glow Oil  (I really like this stuff and missed it)

Of course these things could have been purchased while visiting home (where I grew up), however, I didn't bother with stores and instead spent all my time soaking up the people I miss when I'm back home (where I live now).

~What tips do you have for travelling with an infant?~

The Joy of a Newbie Mom Gift

I never knew what would be a good gift for someone who just had a baby until I had one myself. For those of us who are typically late, unprepared, and a little unorganized, cooking meals ahead of time for when the baby comes is way too daunting of a thought, so my suggestion... FOOD. But then not everyone has the time to cook something for a friend, especially those of us who are late, unprepared, and a little unorganized.  So my suggestion...

Found at www.ediblearrangements.com



Edible fruit arrangements can be easily sent. Chocolate covered strawberries are the best snack for the nursing recovering mom!

Found at www.ediblearrangements.com

~What were some of your most helpful gifts as a newbie mom?~