CO-SLEEPING CONTROVERSIES

​Ok, sorry folks...I can't take this anymore. If you would like, you can blame OR thank Rick for this one. Either way - this is not a touchy subject per say, just bothersomely taboo.

Yes, we co-slept. When Soren was roughly 8 months he moved to his crib and at his first nightly nosh he stays with us - most nights until morning (when he seems restless, Rick puts him back to bed - we need a bigger bed...). And yes, I loved and still love it. Yes - it is challenging, but in the best ways. No - I NEVER came remotely close to crushing him, because here are a few things I did and DID NOT do while co-sleeping:

1. I didn't drink before bed (nor did I drink much at all while nursing until Soren was about 5-6 months. One very small glass of wine or even half a beer - my son's health is more important...)

2. We stripped the bed of everything but the necessary sheets.

3. I slept in the traditional, natural, instinctual position - on my side with my arm at an angle above my head, my legs curled up and my other arm around him.  This is a natural protective instinct for mom. Crazy how that happens?!

4. My partner (Rick) NEVER consumed alcohol before bed.

5. Here's a biggie - I am breastfeeding. And I use the present because we still are at almost 16 months. This allows baby to wake up periodically - not keeping him satiating for unnaturally long periods of time thus preventing SIDS which startles mom for his feeding. You rarely ever fall into REM sleep, which could make harming yourself or baby more of a risk when getting up to retrieve them from an independent sleeping space.

So there are a few things we really thought out before we made this decision. Which, by the way - was not made until after we were home from the hospital. We more or less fell into it. Soren was a nurse 45 minutes, sleep 20 minutes type of newborn and I wasn't getting ANY sleep. This way - I was able to get some rest, my nipples started healing (sorry if that's TMI, but shoot - it happens...nipples chap people), my milk production leveled out so the engorging would STOP and Soren and I have an amazing relationship. I truly feel as if I have a sixth sense about him. More than that - Rick does too. This wasn't just for me, and the links that Rick sent me that resulted in this post go to show how much it means to him. I still catch him waking up at night to listen for Soren, bringing our babe into the bed to cuddle if it seems like he is having a hard time sleeping. This dad gets it. You should really see it for yourselves.

This is a father that isn't afraid of doing anything with his son - alone. I have to say, it is most endearing when you hear from other people how impressed they are with his confidence about handling his baby, especially - alone. Why? I guess to me it's obvious - but in today's society, I don't think it is. Co-sleeping has made Rick's sixth sense stronger. I do really believe that this necessary step in our attached parenting really paid off - for us both. 

Rick has also worn Soren. Admittedly, he tried the sling which he couldn't get the hang of, but he did become an avid user of the baby Bjorn and our ERGObaby carrier. Now on to the back pack! This is a pop that refuses to push his child.

Can't believe it? - neither did I, but I love this about him.

Below are a couple links that inspired this rant. Again - you can thank Rick for them. It's nice to know I am not the only parent in this family that feels so passionately about this very, unnecessarily sore subject. When it comes to pregnancy, birth and parenting - knowing is really half the battle. The other is experience. Do what is right for your family and be smart about it.

1. Mayim Bilalik's Book Beyond the Sling
2. Mayim Bilalik's ABC interview (if you are anything like me, you will end up screaming at the screen - awful anchors...awful)

With the internet and an open line of communication between yourself and your partner - everyone is capable of making decisions that are right for their families.

Don't be afraid just because it might seem taboo. It's ok, it's actually recommended you nurse and for at least up to 2 years - not just for baby, but for yourself. It's ok to co-sleep, just be sure to take necessary pre-cautions. It's also ok for your baby to sleep independently if that is right for you - again though, be sure to take the necessary pre-cautions. They exist for that situation as well. My apologies if this seems slanted, but let's face it - it is. I have received more criticisms, furrowed brows and judgements for our natural birth, nursing, co- sleeping and wearing to put me on the defense...

But when it comes down to it - parenting is a blast, on any path you choose. They are precious and really do rely on us as parents to make their decisions for quite some time. Let us all do the best we can in that moment for our babes - they are looking to us for just that. 

FLYING BABIES

So the past couple days - it seems this topic has come up more than usual, flying with a babe. First (totally embarassing, but I love) in the sitcom Up All
Night where the leading couple decides to embark on a flight with their infant baby girl. And then, not even 24 hours later with two amazing CSO mom's. Now granted they are planning trans-atlantic flights and mine have been just to Chicago and the Lou, but none the less - I did do them alone, both of them. And that presents enough stresses in and of itself.

But stresses aside, because really - I hate to burst bubbles, it's not so bad. In fact, put your psyche in the right perspective and you will have a ball watching your little one discover a plane for the first time or 'people watching' with you as you wait to board. OR my ultimate favorite - falling asleep before the plane takes off giving me the aboslute pleasure of cuddling for just over an hour - LOVE!

So, the reason I am writing this tid-bit - is to relieve any pre-flight stresses. Here are some checklist do's before the flight day:

1 - purchase tickets (duh) and be sure to either look on the website or check with the airline for infant flight restrictions.

2 - call your airline (if you decide to lap baby instead of buying a seperate seat) and let them know you will be flying with a lap infant. They can only place you in specific aisles and they will conveniently flag your ticket so if a seat opens up, they will put you in an aisle with just you, baby and open seat for a bit more room.

3 - after getting a list of your airlines restrictions, it's time to go through the necessities baby will need while traveling.

This is always the tough part, because as mom's have it - we tend to over-pack. But this can be done, in an organized fashion that simply fits into one single

diaper bag. For most airlines, the diaper bag becomes one of your carry-ons, but once you add the babe, you realize quickly anymore baggage (i.e. purse) that you would normally bring, becomes too much. So I packed my necessities - wallet, phone, gum, and snack - this is very important, I will address that later - into the diaper bag. Since we have been wearing Soren, I carried him with our ERGObaby Carrier (absolutely the MOST comfortable carrier I have yet to find), and didn't have a problem. It even has a super convenient pouch in the front for your wallet, gum, phone and ticket.

How to dress. This one is probably pretty obvious - comfortable. You are going to be running around with your little one and stand the possibility of being spit up on, grabbed (so no shirt that tears easily), food spilled on, breast milk leaking and/or formula spilled. So nothing you care too much about and that will match the shirt you SHOULD be carrying in the diaper bag in case this happens. Now if you are traveling with two parents - all the better. That gives you an extra set of arms to hold your loved one AND an extra bag for packing things you will need.

But to prevent from over packing, I would try to keep baby's things to baby's bag.

So what do I put in that bag and how? Here you go:

Bathing Supplies (all supplies are travel size, 4oz or less) - pack into a 1-quart zip- lock
1. Baby All in one Shampoo

2. Baby Lotion
3. Anti-bacterial hand wash
4. a few cue-tips
5. a few cotton balls (put cue-tips and cotton balls in a seperate zip-lock to keep them dry)
6. Toothpaste & Toothbrush (for baby and parent(s))

First Aid - pack into a 1-quart zip-lock 1. Bandaids
2. Polysporin (or neosporin for some) 3. Baby Tylenol (Little Fevers)

4. Baby Saline (Little Noses) 5. Asperator
5. Thermometer

Diaper Supplies - pack diaper cream, Aquafor and powder into a 1-quart zip-lock. For the other items I had a slightly bigger bag than the 1 qaurts that came with

the diaper bag for Soren's covers and extra clothes.
1. Diapers for every 1-2 hours you travel depending on how your baby eliminates on a normal basis. This is tough - Soren slows down quite a bit when we travel, so I went through about 4 cloth diapers total when at the airport. If bringing cloth or even with disposables, I recommend using the scented or oder eater diaper bags for the dirty dipes.
2. Wipes (I know, duh - but I almost forgot mine since I make his at home!!)
3. Diaper cream we use badger balm - good for baby's bottom and small!
4. Aquafor
5. Powder (if you use it)
6. Diaper changing cloth we use JJ Cole which also holds our wipes
7. For cloth diapers - at least 2 extra covers

Making traveling comfortable
1. Change of shirt for parents (depending on how long the flight and if you have a partner and extra bag - maybe even an extra outfit)
2. at least 2 changes of clothes for baby
3. Baby's blanket (Soren does have a favorite)
4. As usual when packing for yourself and baby - think layers, you never know what temps your going to run into

Distractions/comforts
1. 2-3 of baby's favorite books/toys 2. Pacifier (if you are using)
3. Teething toys (Sophie, rings, etc...)

FOOD!!!
I highlight this one, because a well fed, rested babe is a happy one. Same with the parents.
1. Be sure to pack food (if baby is on solids) for at least every two hours with a variety of snacks. I used the Ella's and Peter Rabbits and Packed 3. They are super small and easy to carry. I also packed Soren's Munchie Mug, which is priceless. Sometimes it had oats, sometimes raisins or sometimes whole-wheat bunnies. Once even a peanut butter sandwhich!
2. Pack snacks for parents - you will get hungry and need your energy too! I packed at least two Cliff bars for myself and bought myself water once in side the gates. Oh! and gum - because bad breath and ears popping is never fun.
3. Drink for baby. I packed water for Soren. Between that and nursing - it was plenty of liquids. So one sippy cup, in an outside pocket - easy to grab.

So packing all of it up. The reason for the clear zip-locks: At security you have to

take out ALL the liquid items, which includes your first-aid, creams, etc.... So to make it easy on you, especially when traveling alone, all you have to do is take out your zip-locks, put them in a tray and stuff them back in when your done.

They DO test baby's liquids (in our case water). It's just a PH stick, so no worries. Then your security. Take off not just your metal items and shoes - but babies too. I don't feel comforatble about the x-rays, so Soren and I went through the

standard ones. And the second time traveling - he walked through on his own (ADORBS!!). Once your through security, just have fun with your baby - show them around, experience this together with levity, knowing you haven't forgotten anything and you are traveling with your most loved one - most likely getting ready to make new memories with other loved ones.

When on the plane - RELAX. Baby picks up on your vibes, so just have a good time. They want to tear apart the plane magazine - so be it! It's free anyway!

Read the couple books you brought along, break out a snack or offer some milk. I always bring Soren's two favorite books at the time and some teethers (sophie, teething ring, etc...). Below are a few links that made traveling a blast for us. I hope some of this helps. Enjoy your little ones - they don't stay that way for long!

Flying with Kids
TSA 3-1-1
Delta Children's Baggage Allowance with Links to other Infant flight Restrictions

♥

♥

Love. I have known this word to be true, but never did I know the true extent of it. My mother said to me this past weekend - 'now you know what it means to love so much it hurts... your heart gets so big it might burst!'

She is so right. I love my family, but I fall in love with my family - my guys and our pup - more everyday. And every night before I go to bed, I wonder - could they all be possibly any cooler? any more adorable? more lovable?

And again, as they do everyday - prove to be true - so much cooler, stinking adorable and more lovable than I ever thought possible.

so perfect

BABY FOOD

Baby Food, a very hot topic among parents. For our kiddo - I thought, what the heck, lets make some baby food. We were already 'granola-ing' it up with cloth diapers and breastfeeding, let's just take it that obnoxious step further?!

No, really though, kidding aside - after our experiences with nutrition, Rick and I both felt a sincere obligation to feed our budding son 'good' food. So, thus started the research, how can we do this to the furthest extent possible? First - our food.

During the pregnancy, we BOTH made some pretty big diet changes. We were already farmer's market fans, but we started using a grocery service here in town that really accessed local produced - Green BEAN Delivery. We started cutting more and more meat out of our diet (now vegetarian and bean/legume fanatics!) and began the search for the obscure, strange...vegetable. Well, some anyway. I soon became a huge collard green fan and Rick and I found ourselves bingeing on spinach and chopped carrots like potato chips!

Then Soren was born and the first five months of grocery shopping was easy, well almost, as some of you may know how much I loathe my pump. But I love nursing - and has been well worth the bouts of mastitis, plugged ducts, bite marks, pink milk and chapping. So worth it. Well - then came the drool and our first set of teeth. Soren was sitting upright and grabbing for food - it was time.

First up, bananas (well pureed!), then avocado, then sweet potato. From there, winter squashes, carrots, and so on. The list of vegetables this child has tried (steamed, baked and raw) is astounding! I have discovered new foods from just making baby food alone, an absolute win/win for this family.​

So making the food - that's a pretty simple task. Steam, bake or raw - puree to baby's ability to chew and water down to desired consistancy with either purified water, breast milk or in our case - water used in the steaming process (to preserve as much of the nutrition as possible). Then to storage - we found these AWESOME ice cube trays at Bed, Bath and Beyond with covers over top so I could label what was inside the trays and the date they were frozen. Then the cubes went from being a serving a piece to 6-8 cubes in a single meal! A great way to store food. Then we moved on to his breast milk containers from Avent for storage and at 15 months - he's on table food. I still make his applesauce though ;).

I aboslutely loved making baby food - and honestly miss a bit of it, but am delighted to see our little eater always up for trying something at least once and eating full servings of Kale and Whole-Wheat noodle Alfredo or asking me for another Portabello mushroom melt sandwich.

Not being an aboslute about the baby food, we have had our instances when we needed quick food on the go and food that would stay in any temperature scenario (like our visits to Coney Island). Here are few that worked wonders for us and Soren still eats to this day for snacks:

Ella's Kitchen
Peter Rabbit Organics
Plum Organics
Bebo Naturals (my favorite - but temperature sensative)

I also understand - sometimes breastfeeding doesn't work out with baby (there was a point with Soren I myself was prepared to make formula) and you need to supplement or use formula. Finicky stomachs, from what I understand like a few of these. I am not an expert on this, but just in case - these might be worth looking into:

Earth's Best Nature's One

These are just a couple - and I am no expert, so if anyone else has any other suggestions please note! Also, you can even make your own formula, there is even a recipe and how-to in the the Super Baby Food Book, which is
an absolute must!!! Even if you don't make your own baby food, this is a great guide into the toddler years and even healthy habits to start with your family (and it's never too late to start!). I even started making Soren's own baby wipes!

We move to gardening in the spring - so on with our foodie adventures! 

CHICO & RITA TONIGHT AND TOMORROW NIGHT! GO!

If you are wondering what I am talking about, no fear, I was in the dark too. So apparently there is this wonderful organization called Cincinnati World

Cinema. This is very cool! Here is a quick run down -

Cincinnati World Cinema is an organization bringing to you (greater Cincinnatians) - High-quality Cinema you won't see at other theaters in Cincinnati - first-run and classic, independent, international, documentaries and shorts.

Wow! Cool, huh? Where you might ask? Easy - at the Carnegie in Covington. Showings are Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Saturdays and Sundays. Times

vary - but for some, they do viewings throughout the day! For more information on what is next and times - visit their website

- http://www.cincyworldcinema.org/​

So now on to Chico & Rita. For Valentines - they are featuring this most excellent animated film. To make a night of it, catch dinner before the movie!! Anyway - tix are 12 bucks at the door and the film looks great, PLUS, I am reading the winning essay from Cincinnati World Cinema's 'tell us your love story...' contest.​

12 bucks, the Carnegie in Covington, KY @7:30pm. Be there and bring a date. It will be a wonderful evening!