Safer Alternative Bumper

Back in the day, we all had a bumper around the inside of our baby crib. It served a purpose... to keep those little arms and legs from getting caught between the rails. Then the trend grew and it became the center crib feature for decorating the baby's room! Well, today is a new day. The new cribs have closer rails. In fact, they say that if you come across a cute "older" bed that you wish to use, you should test it to see if a coke can could pass between the rails. Anyway - - if you took Lamaze or any baby care classes you most likely heard, as we did, that bumpers are out. They are not recommended by the SIDS foundation. So... while I wanted a really great Train bumper from Pottery Barn for my son's room, I decided that I would look to see what else was out there that might be a better option. I was looking for something safe and effective. I found a few items that are similar to the one pictured. These are mesh. The baby will not get stuck in the rails and the baby can get right up next to this material and still breath just fine. I found this CribShield on line (via Target.com) but did not see anything like these when I was registering IN the stores. There are a few other brands out there, so if you opt for one... just do a search for safer crib bumpers and you'll see a few choices. Now, I know it's not a cutie cutie, but it's functional and safe!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving (2007)

Our first Thanksgiving with our new BabyLove was a wonderful adventure!

The morning started off great. I was so excited. I woke up early, nursed the baby, he fell asleep again so I put in him in bed with Daddy and went down to start cooking. I put on some Christmas music… MY FAVORITE… and went to work. I started some veggies, made my breakfast, blogged about Sesame Street, and pumped a bottle for the car ride!! I was so on top of things.

Not too long later, they boys were awake. My husband decided to make a video of all of us to send to his family since we could not see them for the holiday (due to them being sick… yucky… so sad) which was all fine and good but I had not accounted for this side project in my planning and timing. I thought I would be freed up to tend to the food preparations and he would mostly play with our son.

Because we were now making a video, I had to stop and get my shower and get ready. By the time I finished, it was time for the baby to nurse again. I was worried about the time and pulled double duty while nursing – I’d apply my make up now too. Ok, video time. Captured. Now my husband was working on dumping the video; saving the video and uploading it to send it in an e-mail. This was a long process.

Meanwhile the baby was sleepy and fussy. I was trying to mix my pie filling and check on the veggies. He was just not content. I did not have time to sit and rock. Fussiness continued. Then… it hit me… I had bought this fabric while we were in Guatemala. The ladies there just strap the babies to themselves with this very colorful and strong fabric. (And they probably do this in many other countries… wrap up the baby and tie it tight so they are laying diagonally across your back… then sling it around to your front when the baby needs to nurse… simple enough & HANDS FREE!) So, I tied the fabric around me, a good double knot just to be sure it was safe, and figured out how to get the little one in there. He was secured across my chest! I gave him his paci & we went back to the kitchen to the ½ made pie filling and boiling green beans that were intended for a casserole.

I just want to strap a 17 lb. boiling ball to Rachael Ray & then we’ll see about that 30 minute thing!! Actually, a 17 lb. ball is really not comparable to a baby at all, because a 17 lb. ball does not have any felt needs. No not one. A 17 lb. ball does not need to be soothed, rocked, swayed, patted, sung to, entertained, or swaddled. A 17 lb. ball cannot pee, poop, spit up, choke, cough, fuss, cry, talk, or yell. While a 17 lb. ball may provide a fair handicap to my friend, Rach’s 30 minute challenge, its only interference is - in fact - its mass. I digress.

We finished the pie & it’s one of those things where you’re reading the directions as you go… so then I see, written at the very bottom, “chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours”. Well, Bloggers, What do you do when you don’t have 2 hours left? Yes, that’s right, you stick that sucker in the FREEZER! That’ll do.

The beans were doing their thing… cooking down. Time was running short.

In stopping to tend to the baby, I left everything going and never got to transition the beans to the casserole. I fed the baby again (his “lunch” meal); it was nearly time to go. I had gotten him a special “My First Thanksgiving” onesie, as seen in an earlier blog, and I was excited to finally see it on him, along with his navy Izod cargo’s! So cute! Time was running out. We still needed to get loaded and turn everything off. We were heading out to two family gatherings (one after the other) and needed wipes, diapers, the pumped bottle, extra clothes, burp clothes – etc… for the whole day. He finished nursing.

As I’m burping him… in true form… the spit up totally misses the burp cloth and douses my clean, ironed, only nice shirt that fits right now, black button-up. As I looked at the time… I stared to cry (a little). I would have to change shirts now and I would have to take to beans – as is. Not what I had planned. And now we were late!

On our way to stop #1 I realize that I left the bottle I pumped in our refrigerator. We’d have to go back later. The baby did ok at stop #1… just fought sleeping until my Grandmother (his Great-Grandmother) rocked him with just the right touch to help him get a cat nap. The food was great and we enjoyed seeing family!! He missed our family photo due to this nap - - which was not a big deal at the time, but later in the day I was regretting his absence in the picture.

Then we were off to stop # 2. (Except we had to swing by our house first, to get the pumped bottle. Ok, bottle ready.) We were on our way. It was about a 2 hr drive or so and he slept for a little while, then took the bottle, and then got fussy for about the last ½ hour or so – off & on. We were 15 mins away when my husband and I thought we smelled something. Hum?! Well, let’s just press on… we’re close.

We arrive at stop #2 with our little fussy bear. To the back bed room we go, to get him out and change that diaper. Tragically, a diaper failure had ensued. There was poopy all over his back side, almost all the way up to neck… Oh, my! No wonder he was a little fussy-bear, he was just trying to tell us he was feeling too WARM in that seat! The poopoo had even gotten on his Kiddapodamus positioner thing, Yuck! And this was his special “MY FIRST THANKSGIVING” onesie outfit!! You see he’d missed the family photo at Stop#1 and we only just arrived at Stop#2, so no one (but us) had really even seen it or enjoyed – AND I had not gotten any pictures!! We wanted to map out a plan of how to get him cleaned up, questioning the number of wipes we had with us, we borrowed a wash cloth.

We laid him on is changing mat and he was so happy… he’d been released from the binding car seat and he was thrilled. He was smiling and cooing to beat the band. Some of the other family members came in to see his cute outfit - - that still looked perfect on the FRONT SIDE. I even snapped a few pictures of him!! He’s such a great baby. He just carried on and entertained everyone with his joyful smile. Then, they all abandoned ship at the mention of beginning the clean up. Thanks!! Well, I can’t say I blame them.

The rest of our time at stop #2 was pretty good. He nursed well. He finally napped and that is always helpful. We headed home after that and he did must better on the return flight. He was resting most of the time and very content. He was probably worn out with such an eventful day! (We enjoyed listening to Christmas music on the radio too… I just love that!)

We were all so exhausted that we slept very well that night. It must be the turkey!!

All in all - - even when things don’t go as I plan - - I am always Thankful for all that God has blessed me with and my fantastic family! The Bible says, "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us Rejoice and be Glad in it." Let us always hold thanksgiving in our hearts, today and everyday. Thank You Lord.

Happy Thanksgiving from this AtlantaMama!!

Poll Results

And the Winner is...


Poll Question: What do you like MOST about being a Mom?

Most Voted Answer: Learning your Child's Personality

(vote in the NEW POLL at the bottom of this blog page)

Sesame Street; so PC

Sesame Street - Childhood Show

"Sesame Street: Old School" is adults-only

Virginia Heffernan has an article in the New York Times about the first seasons of Sesame Street being released on DVD. Interestingly, the DVDs come with a warning: “These early ‘Sesame Street’ episodes are intended for grown-ups, and may not suit the needs of today’s preschool child.”

Sunny days! The earliest episodes of "Sesame Street" are available on digital video! Break out some Keebler products, fire up the DVD player and prepare for the exquisite pleasure-pain of top-shelf reminiscence nostalgia.
Just don't bring the children. According to an earnest warning on Volumes 1 and 2, "Sesame Street: Old School" is adults-only: "These early 'Sesame Street' episodes are intended for grown-ups, and may not suit the needs of today's preschool child."

The old “Sesame Street” is not for the faint of heart, and certainly not for softies born since 1998, when the chipper “Elmo’s World” started. (- Taken from various web sites)

Here He is... with Wormy Worm
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Ok, Bloggers.... I'm sounding off... I am sick of all of this PC junk that is being forced on this generation! Being PC is such a double standard.... the great and mighty, would be, "THEY" of the "They Say" statements (Who are THEY anyway?) want to Push the movement of Political Correctness and yet freak at the mention of Moral Correctness. They shutter at the thought of those who desire their children to pursue purity and righteousness... or even more so, to say that we believe in ONE GOD. Oh, how close minded! Well, I'm sick of this. I will not be PC.

I believe that Sesame Street and the Family Shows of the 80's & early 90's are much more mild than most of what is out there now!! I believe in controlling what our kids watch when there is a REAL need... when there are sexually explicit things or profanity, etc... Can THEY put warring labels on the items that REALLY need one? Please?!

Bloggers.... Are you with me? Where do you stand?

The Cookie Monster! We Love You!

Diaper Failure - follow up

Today I nursed the baby... not knowing we had a BLOW OUT in the making.

I found out when I placed him up on my chest to burp him and pat, pat, pat... my hand is wet!?? Oh!!! Code Red. To the changing table, STAT!

Pants off. Careful getting the long-sleeve shirt off, (but I got it off) Place it in the dirty clothes pill with the pants. I begin to laugh with him and change the diaper. At first glance... it's really not that bad. New diaper is ready to go. I begin to wipe him. As I turn his body I see that the poop has moved... grown... and it's now somehow EVERYWHERE! It was all over his back and therefore all over the changing table now. I am trying to figure out how to clean him - and not lay him right back in it, when I look again... only to discover that it's actually now made it's way all the way up to his neck! We are way past a baby wipe mess. Ok.... we really just need a bath.

I look down and and see it's also on the front of my fleece jacket. I look beside me and Oh, yes, the Boppy has been tagged too... How did this happen? What seemed like a typical - I can handle it - "everyday blow out" had now exploded into quite a major mess.

So, I took off the poopy fleece. Picked up the poopy baby by placing a clean burp cloth on his back and carried him all the way up the stairs and to the bathroom saying, "Please don't pee on Mama" "Please, don't pee on your Mama" We made it up there, but still had to wait for the water to get warm. Rinsed off the poop successfully and the took a great bath. All's Well.

I was left with a very joyful, clean baby and a very dirty load of laundry... (add in the changing pad cover, the boppy cover, the burp cloth and the bath towel... and oh, the boppy pillow too because it went thru the cover) WOW!
Diaper Failure - strikes Again!!

The Things Mom's Say...

We Did It!

Well, there is a FRIST TIME for everything… and today was one of mine.

My child is 3 months old (exactly 12 weeks) and today was the First Time that I endeavored to go grocery shopping with my baby!

You see, for the past few weeks (exactly 12 weeks) I’ve been unable to even think about attempting this amazing feat. I was overwhelmed by all of the unknown’s:
- -What if he wakes up
- -What if he has a blow-out
- -What if I can’t carry everything
- -What about all the germs
- -What if he gets really fussy – not only will I NOT be able to comparison shop, but I’ll be driving everyone else crazy

I could not do it! How could I take care of the baby, get all of the groceries (including the few items I really needed – and therefore the purpose of the trip), try to save money in the process, pay at the check out line, get them loaded in the car, unloaded into the house, keeping the baby satisfied, and all of this before he needs to eat again… Could it be done? My husband’s words ring in my mind, “Well, honey, other people do it all he time.” There must be a way! There must be a way!

Ok, so dramatics aside… I mustered up the courage today, made preparations, and went!

So, I thought I had timed it so that they baby would be asleep. He slept on the way there. I temporarily debate on using the bijorn carrier and ended up just leaving him in the car seat because he was sleeping. I placed him in a shopping cart in the big part because I am afraid of the front thing where you set them up high. [It’s a long story, but I saw this TV show were a Dad was being interviewed about how his baby girl was in her car seat up on the shopping cart and it fell off. She landed upside down and had pretty severe head trauma… but did live. I know that’s probably 1 in a million, but it really freaked me out!!] So, I put the diaper bag in the shopping cart too and we head for the doors.

As we start to go in, I see a bus – yes a bus - from a senior citizen home... so once again, my timing was way off and the grocery store was not slow at that hour of the day, in the middle of the week. We roll past the “don’t steal anything or we’ll beep at you” devices near the doors and low and behold – HE WAKES UP!!

Abort. Abort. Abort Mission!! Turn back now!! NO! No, I should forge ahead… just see how it goes. I can do this!

None of my fears were realized today. Thank you Lord, for the blessing of having a happy and joyful child. He did great. Not only did he wake up, but he was very alert. He was enjoying my attention and looking around in the store. He was smiling away at me and very stimulated by all of the new things I was showing him as we went thru the store. He was really enjoying my eye contact. He was in a playful mood. This was great for my babylove and a good shopping time for me… however, I have no idea what all of the Seniors shopping near by thought of me.

I was talking away to a 3 month old who was, at times, doing his best to talk back. I was showing him the bright yellow banana’s, asking him what kind of ice cream to buy & then laughing with him, “Ice cream is not for babies!”. Oh, what other people think when I am talking to a 12 week old saying “We need cheese for Daddy, yes, we do!” “We don’t need any more Diapers, do we?!” “What are you doing?” “Oh, goodness!!” “You take this good Paci’!” “That’s a good Paci’ for a Baby!” "Let's get some green grapes"

Because he was in his car seat, down in the big part of the cart he was nearly surrounded by groceries… so toward the end of my journey the passers-by thought I was completely crazy, talking to my food in a very strange and over animated voice!! Oh, wait, there IS a baby in there. Then I would spot a vacant aisle; I would turn in and make the cart go faster while smiling really big and crying, “YEA” “Here we Go!” all the way down the aisle. Oh, what we do to make our babies laugh!

So, we finished. We paid. We got everything we needed. I had some help pushing everything out to the car and then I loaded it myself. There was a certain way I wanted to load them in the car.

My friend, Annie will appreciate the thought process here… check out her blog from my list of Blogger friends. I decided that it was nearing the end of my WINDOW, meaning it was almost time for the little one to eat again… And knowing this I should divide the groceries into the COLD items that would need to go in the house right away and then the non-refrigerated items like can goods or crackers those could be placed together in the back… just in case I could not get it all unloaded. My back up plan would be to ONLY unload the COLD items and the baby (of course) and allow my sweet husband to unload the rest when he got home. This may sound anal-retentive and I guess it might be.

Sidebar: I even have a certain way that I like to unload my shopping cart onto the check line – with like items near each other so that they will be bagged together and certain things like bread or eggs should be last so they will not get smashed. Cold things should go on the belt toward the end so that they will be re- placed toward the top of the shopping cart and I can place those bags in the car specifically. I also like to consolidate bags. I can’t stand it when a bagger only puts ONE item in a bag. What a waste. And I usually tie off all bags so that nothing sloshes or shifts on the drive home.

Ok, back to my story… When I got home, the baby had fallen asleep. A good car ride tends to do that. I brought him inside being very careful to stay quiet – even with my keys – so he would sleep for a few more mins. It was just long enough for me to make a few runs of unloading and get everything IN the house and IN the frig!! He woke up just as a finished. He grunted (letting me know he was working on something)! I changed him… he was smiling and happy. And then he nursed very well.

I’m here to say that you to can go grocery shopping with your baby and live to tell about it!!

Prayers for Rain

By AtlantaMama
November 13, 2007 10:58 PM
2 Chronicles 7:13-15 “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.
The Bible tells us that our Creator is in control of all things… even the rain. Maybe we don’t like to think that we are not totally in control, but it’s really a blessing that God runs things. He tells us that we can call on him and ask him for what we need. So, the Gov. of GA is doing just that.
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. - John 14:12-14

OTHER WEB INFO ON THIS TOPIC:
CNN’s Anderson Cooper – BLOG 360
Posted By CNNBLOG: 5:39 PM ET

The Power of Prayer
When it comes to the power of prayer, Americans have wide and varied views.Some believe prayer helps to forge a personal connection with God... Others use faith to become a better person, find happiness or give their lives meaning.Others use prayer to help with problems in their lives, or the lives of their citizens. This month, as the state of Georgia descends deeper into drought, Gov. Sonny Perdue has not only ordered water restrictions... he's called on a higher power. He joined lawmakers and ministers on the steps of the state Capitol to pray for rain. Alabama Gov. Bob Riley issued a proclamation declaring a week in July as "Days of Prayer for Rain" to "humbly ask for His blessings and to hold us steady in times of difficulty."

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ajc.com > Metro By JAMES SALZER The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 11/07/07
Governor seeks divine intervention
to get some rain
Invitations going out for prayer service at Capitol on Tuesday
With no rain in sight, Gov. Sonny Perdue is looking for a little spiritual help to get North Georgia out of its drought.
Perdue's office has begun sending out invitations to a prayer service for rain at the Capitol next week.
The service is scheduled for Tuesday at 11:45 a.m. on the Washington Street side of the statehouse.
Heather Teilhet, his spokeswoman, said the governor began talking about wanting to host a service to pray for rain on his way back from Washington D.C. last week. He was in D.C. meeting with federal officials and the governors of Alabama and Florida to discuss the region's water crisis.
Perdue, whose son is a Baptist preacher, has had similar prayer services in the past.
"Georgia needs rain. The issue at the heart of our drought problems is a lack of rain," Teilhet said. "And there is nothing the government can do to make that happen.
"The governor recognizes that the request has got to be made to a higher power."

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http://www.gov.state.ga.us/ 11/13/2007
Governor Perdue Hosts Prayer Vigil to Pray for Rain Streaming Audio : MP3
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Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2007
Will prayer help Georgia’s drought?
By AJC Monday, November 12, 2007, 02:26 PM

--> By Connie
November 13, 2007 11:34 AM
“In God We Trust”… Georgia was admitted into the United States of America on Jan. 2, 1788…that has not changed. Also - it is interesting that on Nov. 13, (today is the 13th of Nov.) in 1861 the Treasury felt that the religious sentiment brought about in the time of the Civil War warranted the motto to be on our currency. Southerners (transplanted or native) have relied on God and with the true heart of those who care…”in God we CONTINUE to trust”. Rain, prosperity, and all else. He cares for us all.

__________________________

SO...... BLOGGERS...... What do YOU think?

Before I was a Mom...

So, I got this FWD e-mail that was actually pretty good...

Before I was a Mom
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom
I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something s o small could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night (sometimes every 10 minutes) to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache,the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

______________

I came up with a few of my own...

Mine: BEFORE I WAS A MOM I…
I didn’t know how fast I could take a complete shower, while singing at the top of my lungs – with the shower door OPEN for full baby entertainment
Could do the dishes – uninterrupted –or complete all steps of doing the laundry in one afternoon I never had Big boobies
Didn’t know That I could type with one hand
Didn't disinfect EVERYTHING
Never nursed a baby in the back seat of a car or standing up in a restaurant restroom because there was no chair or nursing where ever I am
Never learned to eat with my LEFT hand (I’m right-handed)
Didn’t know How many song I could make up about poopoo & peepee
Ate warm green beans, hot pizza, & un-melted ice cream
Didn't even worry about if there was a drive thru or not
Never knew How much my body could change
Never went to church smelling like spit-up
Didn't think about loud vs quiet restaurants
Could finish checking my e-mail in one sitting
Didn't fully understand some parts of the Bible (understanding the Father to Child heart of God)
Didn't know I could LOVE so much

So, Mommy's..... Hit comments and share some of yours...

(P.S.- Happy Veterans Day )

___________________________________

Comment from AtlantaMama's MOM:

Before I was a MOM...

I thought couples slept WITHOUT a child between them
I didn't know what "purple snapper shoes" were (velcro tennis shoes - and purple is hard to find!)
I didn't realize every child's show that comes to town - like Sesame Street on Ice - MUST be attended
Music was to enjoy - without Salty the Singing Songbook
I didn't know what it felt like to be hugged by your child
I didn't know the grief a mom feels when her child leaves for college
I didn't know my child would end up being my friend
I never knew I could love so much

Posted by Kaye to AtlantaMama'sExpressions at November 16, 2007 11:32 PM

Pregnancy in Retro

Sonogram at 19wks. (2D profile)
36 wk Baby Belly

A look back at my pregnancy...

I feel that I was blessed with a pretty great first pregnancy. I did have a little heart burn at the start, but over all I was healthy and happy. Never having to take any meds or antibiotics (which would not have been the end of the world, but it was an answered prayer for me). Taking prenatal vitamins, drinking A LOT of water, resting, and doing my best to avoid carcinogens, MSG, and even toxins like pumping Gas. (Though it's hard to do these things completely and still live in the U.S.)

I even traveled to Guatemala at 20 weeks (my husband and I signed up to lead a mission team before we knew we were pregnant) and we did fine. His first flight!! And there were so many folks prayin' and I acutally felt better that week then some of the weeks prior when I was home. It was a great trip!

I liked being pregnant. Not really the getting big part and certainly not the icky stretch marks... but I loved carrying a baby. This is hardly the time for middle-school self esteem issues; this is about being healthy. I loved the freedom of that. I loved praying for "it" inside of me. Wondering if it was a Boy or a Girl?!! I loved how much I was learning both spiritually, physically and intellectually (reading and taking classes). I loved finding out it was boy. The long road to choosing his name with my husband & deciding to drive my Mother a little crazy by not sharing the name until he was born!! (We did not finally decided until like the last month!) I especially enjoyed our 3D/4D sonogram! I had a great Doctor. And I felt so joyful knowing there was literally (and in other ways) LIFE growing inside of me!!
I loved loved loved feeling him move inside of me. It was amazing. And then as he grew it became more intentional movements... like responding to Daddy, reacting to music on his ipod playlist, or moving - almost seemingly to the beat - during our worship services at church (at times) And the coolest was when I would give or receive prayer (for him or even just for me) and he would REALLY move. WOW!! God's spirit was ministering to his spirit from Day 1 and that's just amazing to me. I know that the baby's spirit was fully intact at the moment of conception. And the sweet presence of God was with him as we continually invited Him to come and minister.

Have you seen God's manifested answers to your specific prayers in your kids? I have seen some already and look forward to seeing more as he grows. However, the Bible says that Mary hide the things God had shown her about Jesus in her heart. So, I wonder if God has given us MOM's incite into our kids (calling, purpose, destiny, etc...) if we are also called to hold those revealed mysteries of the Kingdom in our hearts?!

Anyway, back to being prego... I loved finding out (after the months of finding out you've started and your not) It was such a surreal joy to see that little stick line!! We found out on the day of my cousin's wedding. (I'll blog about that wedding sometime because it was very cool - she married a guy from Fiji.)
I really liked pregnancy and learned so much. It was hard to find a comfortable way to sleep. I did use about 18 pillows!! I'd finally get set up in a way that was not totally uncomfortable and then I'd have to Pee --> again! Been there?? So funny.
Toward the end I was on bed rest. There was nothing wrong. I just had a lot of swelling and the doctor was being especially careful. But my BP was always fine - thank the Lord!! The major swelling could have had a little to do with the fact that it was 103 degrees the week before my babylove was born here in the ATL. HOTlanta was HOT!! For a while I was board on bed rest but everyone, and I mean E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E, kept telling me to enjoy it and really rest up before the baby. I did my best to listen (although my Mother and Husband might say otherwise "we told you to stay off your feet" "stop doing those dishes" "remember was the Dr. said?" "you should be resting") and rest even though I did NOT fully know what I would feel like in the first few weeks after having the Baby. Those who were giving that advice DID know. I kept thinking... I'm FINE.
I wanted to Nest. I was cleaning and putting away gifts from 7 showers - YES 7 for 1 child is CRAZY - and getting everything ready!! I even put the window blinds in the bath tub. But I am glad now that I did both nesting and resting BEFORE bringing home baby!! WOW!

I studied a lot and read a lot and took several classes while pregnant. My husband went with me to some of the classes too! I also kept an on-line pregnancy journal through BabyZone.com that made the journey even more fun because I was tracking the process and sharing it with close friends and family. And because I'm a scrapbooker and pretty crazy about taking a lot of photos, we did take baby-belly pictures along the way of my tummy getting HUGE. This one posted here is G rated (no skin on the blog).
If you are pregnant and have questions, please e-mail me at atlantamamasexpressions@gmail.com I don't by any means have ALL the answers, but I might have gone thru something similar, know someone who has, or I may be able to research your case for you and help you figure out if certain things are "normal" or help you know what to expect. (Of course if it's something serious you may want to skip the Mama Blogger and just call your OB)
To those who are pregnant: Do enjoy it. This is the start of your child's life. They will know they are wanted and loved. They will receive your prayers and blessings and healthy lifestyle. I strongly recommend the book: "Praying for Your Unborn Child" Prayer is powerful!

Pregnancy it is just SO bonding. I could hardly believe how bonded I felt to my son before he was even born. Nothing compares. We were practically ONE for 9 months and we will always have that. Try not to rush it and always just look ahead to next phase... enjoy each day - each week - each memory. Try not to worry. Pregnancy is not easy like a pleasure cruise, but it is an adventure more like a long hike in an unknown place. You'll experience many new things along the way, take in the interesting sites, and you may even discover new depths in your own heart. Embrace the journey!

3D/4D Sonogram Picture

Holidays Ahead...

The holidays are one of my favorite times of the year. I really enjoy setting and keeping family traditions. This is, of course, our first holiday season with our own little one... so it's neat to think about and plan our own new traditions. I found these cute outfits (pictured) and thought I'd share my shopping finds with all of you! What are you looking forward to about the holidays?

Another aspect of Christmas planning I really enjoy, involves letting my inner scrapbooker - creative brain - art & crafter - Martha Stewart wanna-be self develop, design, create and send my own Christmas Cards!! It can (and usually does) become quite an undertaking. But it's fun and I really enjoy creative forms of communication! It's an excuse to keep in touch, once a year, with friends & distant family that you wish you could see more often! I have a couple of fun ideas I'm working on for this year's Christmas card.

My husband requests that this years plan does not entail stamp embossing... which requires the use of a very hot dryer (kinda like a hair dryer)... you see there is a place in our living room were the carpet is melted together (YES! In two lines!) as a constant reminder that you should really do your embossing on a table!! Oops! I'm sure this year's card will have to be simple since I've got my little guy. And I'm sure his cute picture will be featured!! We'll see...

What do you do for your cards? I like the idea of cards that support a cause... like missions, or AIDS in Africa with the RED campaign, or others...

Well, I could not resist these cutie cute outfits for our first, very special holidays with our baby love!!! I guess that is why the retailers make SO many "Baby's First..." items.... for suckers like me!

For the Love of Feet

OK, in all honesty, I HATE FEET. Feet are usually gross and completely icky.

But Baby Feet - on the other foot - are totally adorable and wonderful and tiny and cute and kissable and sweet!! I love to look at my baby's feet. Do you enjoy things that are tiny like I do? My husband thinks it's ridiculous that I would buy (or WANT to buy) almost anything that has been miniaturized. But, it's cute!!

As you have seen... I used a picture of my little Love's feet for my blog logo. The picture was taken while we were still at the hospital & I cherish it.


If you have some cute feet pictures, please send them to me via e-mail atlantamamasexpressions@gmail.com and I will put together a cute slide show or post them in some way as I receive them. Let's see those tiny feet!!

Ride for Sleep

Have you ever gone for a drive just so your little one would fall asleep?

Have you ever driven around longer (with no clear destination site) just because they did fall asleep and wanted them to sleep longer? Today, I did this!

It's funny... the things you do as a Mom, that if someone told you you'd be doing them even 2 years ago you would have build a great argument. Me, waste gas for 30 mins? No way! Well, what is a good nap worth? Sometimes a good nap really does = a happier child who is fun, joyful, and ready to learn while awake. Sleep is so important. I've read some of "Healthy Sleep Habits..." some of "Baby Wise"... and others. And I try to do what is RIGHT in each situation. But, isn't it funny how you just do what works?? Sometime, you think "If anyone saw this they would freak cause it's not in the books." Ha!! I think we've all been there. Every child is different and not ONE is just exactly by the book - huh!?! So, sometimes we have to do what works... even if it feels crazy to JUST DRIVE!

Renewed Strength

28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
- - Isaiah 40:28-31

Diaper Failure

This past Sunday, one of our pastors (Daddy of 3) told a very funny store about what he termed a Diaper Failure. He so matter-a-factly stated that a diaper has one job… to hold in the stuff. A diaper failure occurs when the diaper fails to do that which it was created to do. This is also known, in our house, as a Blow-Out! These are so disappointing.

Oh, the messes! There was a night, a couple of weeks ago, when I had been spit up on - all over my shirt, so I took it off. I changed the baby into something clean, changed his diaper, and returned to my room for his feeding to finish up. Then he had a BLOW-OUT! Mind you, this was all happening in the middle of the night of course. So, we go back into his room to clean up the messy mess. Poopy onesie – Off. Poopy diaper – Off. And as every careful Mama of a baby Boy does, I took covering precautions to prevent the unpredictable PeePee thing. Despite these efforts, we had PeePee break thru that made a new mess and somehow not only got on the changing table, but made a wet stream down the back of my PJ’s on the left thigh. So I had to take those off too. Now I’m in only my under garments with a naked, and now fully awake baby lying on the changing table… at 4AM!! Been there?

And perhaps at 4AM when you’ve experienced a Diaper Failure in the worst way and you are now changing the baby’s clothes for the 3rd time and your own for the 2nd…. You will just have to laugh and thank God for this precious child and this blessing of being the best and only Mom that child has been given.

Comments & Feedback: What band or store brand of diapers are the BEST??

All Hours

All Hours
Isn’t it amazing that we are up being Mommy at all hours of the night (& day)?!! It seems that just a few short years ago, I was a college student. While I did pull the occasional all-nighter, the built in benefit of being a college student is that you can sleep in or take a nap after classes the following day. My, my… how those flexible time luxuries vanish with Mother-hood! No more long baths, no more long shopping days, no more 10 hours of sleep… or even 8 hours in a row… just because it’s Saturday! No more long – anything!!

With a new Babylove needing us every 3 hours (or sooner) for feedings, diaper changing, and comforting help to fall asleep for their little nap just before the whole cycle repeats itself, our new role is All Hours.

I remember a certain point within the first two or three weeks of my sons birth that it hit me… “This isn’t going to stop.” The realization that this baby needed me 24/7. The understanding that my new job had no built in luxurious breaks, no days off for weekends, no planned vacation time, and no sick days. WOW! Overwhelming, huh?

While to some extent these things are true that I was feelings 2 months ago… I was also Overwhelmed with Love for my child. Did you ever know you could love someone So much!?! In addition to being amazed & was also in this surreal funk… I was so astonished & down right flabbergasted that this large baby had just been inside of my tummy kicking & moving, and now, HERE in my arms & in my LIFE! (Not that he wasn’t in my life in the womb – But you know what I mean.) I would just stare at him in Awe. I kept having to reminded my sleep-deprived brain that this was all REAL. Really Real. I’m a Mom now!! So many things we’d prayed for had come to be in this child. Amazing!

I guess I just want to offer an encouragement to any Mom’s who are stuck in that place of feeling Overwhelmed by all of the changes and new responsibilities that came with your Baby. I totally know!! You will shower again. You will sleep more. Breastfeeding gets easier (I’ll blog more on this topic). Emotions will level. You’ll figure out how to leave the house with the baby, all the gear, and go to TARGET and live to tell about it. (Although that whole “outing” thing took me a while!) And you won’t always smell like spit-up!!

And as far as the other things in life passed this 24/7 –Mommy deal…
like trying to keep up w/ dishes, dinners, laundry, bills, friends, church, play-groups, e-mail, this blog, the Gymboree outfit you want on e-bay, your holiday to-do list, etc…
I say, just do what you can. If you feel overwhelmed – don’t bit off more than you can chew. Say “NO” to things that don’t have to be done today or this week & allow yourself to focus on what you feel like you need to do most. If you complete a load of laundry in one day, that is a big accomplishment. I say, GOOD JOB Mama!! Pat your self on the back. For me, it’s having typed most of this blog w/ one hand!! Don’t sit there and beat yourself up that you should have done more today. You and I both know that the Baby is priority. You hang in there. You are doing GREAT!!

Our babies are growing up fast… mine is not quit 3 months yet & he’s already huge! I desire to cherish each moment, each phase, each smile, each memory!! Let’s take time to enjoy them each day. Sometimes, for me, that means dressing up my little man in a cute outfit and taking LOTS of fun photos to e-mail to his grandparents. I really enjoy taking pictures!! So, for my new born who can’t really “Play” that is our creative play time! Plan something fun for you to look forward to each day.

So, while being a Mom is perpetual – there’s the word I am looking for – it often feels perpetual in an overwhelming or exhausting way… Being a Mom is continuously, everlastingly rewarding. We have the privilege of raising the next generation. So, my you be continually blessed in your Mommy-hood endeavors. Enjoy today- at ALL HOURS!!

Expressions

EXPRESSIONS:
There are 7 dictionary explanations for this noun.
1.) look on somebody’s face
2.) word or phrase
3.) conveying of thoughts or feelings
- the communication of thoughts or feelings, e.g. directly to another person or through a work of art
- a heart-rending expression of elation
4.) way of communicating something
5.) inflection in voice
6.) interpretive element of music
7.) mathematical representation

This BLOG - as you may have guessed - is a form a art. Art by words.
Communication through creative expression.

I, the Atlanta based author, hope that you find my blog
Intriguing

Inspiring

Thought provoking

Stimulation

And Entertaining!