Stop the World I Wanna get off

Things in my head have been spinning. I need some time to step back and evaluate. Hope to be back soon. K and O are doing great and are the light in my life.

I made it myself, O was Uniqua from Backyardigans for Halloween. She loves those guys.

Swimming and Stamping

A few weeks ago K and I went to his sister's house for a BBQ. They have a salt water pool that we have been dying to dive into for a while. Equipped with a new bathing suit and swim diaper for Miss O, we introduced her to the pool. K sat on the stairs with her and slowly eased her into the water. She was mesmerized by the sunlight dancing on the water.

Once she was used to the water, and we had enough pictures and video, K and I switched. He took the camera and I took Miss O. I twirled her around and made her jump up and down. It took no time for her big cousins to see that she was in the water. They all came over and were giggling with her trying to make her laugh. She couldn't take her eyes off of them. She watched as they swam and played.

It got a little cool for her so I took her out and wrapped her in a towel. The other kids were still playing so I sat pool side with the rest of the family watching the kids play. It was obvious that Miss O wanted to go back in. She was screeching and leaning towards the pool. If only she was a little bigger. I can't wait for the days when she is swimming with her cousins too.

You will notice that my pictures now have a watermark on them. I was going to use a third party site to add a test overlay to them. Then I thought to check and see if Apple had anything I could use. Just my luck, they have an application called iWatermark. There are tons of text and effects you can choose from. I did have to pay for it, however now I have the app on my computer that allows me to create a copy of the original with the watermark on it. I feel a bit safer having the photos saved on my computer.

That being said, I have another task at hand that involves my computer and pictures. I am trying to create an archive system on an external hard drive. I would like to sort them by year, month and event. I think it's important to have them all backed up in case something should happen to my computer. Do you sort and save your pictures? What is the best way you found to do it?

Enrich My Life

Four months ago I joined a club that I didn't know I was missing. I became a mom. Any parent will agree, the first time you are a bit of a wreck. You are unsure of what to do, your baby is unsure of the entire world around them and all the advice you get becomes so overwhelming (especially because some of it does not agree with the type of parent you want to be).

I knew I wanted to breastfeed even before I became pregnant. That was one thing I was sure of. Of course it all changed when I actually was doing it. The pain was almost unbearable. Timing feeds was crazy, having to remember at 2 am to right down what time you fed, what side and what you found in the diaper. There were times when I wasn't sure what side to feed on, I was engorged, cracked, bleeding and so sleep deprived. I'm so glad that I didn't give up. I was lucky to have a great support system. My husband, sweet Kenrick. He would sit up with me when I was crying and feeding Olivia and reassure me that I was doing a good job and I was a great mother.

My best friend Jennie would take my calls late in the night and suggest things to do to relieve the pain. There was one night when I called her and told her how engorged I was. She told me to get a pump and get one fast. I assured her that I was going to be borrowing one from a family member until I could go out and buy my own. When I told her that I had to wait a few days to get it she came to my rescue. She knew I couldn't continue feeding Olivia in the state I was in. Let's be honest, if I kept feeding in so much pain it might have changed my mind on breastfeeding all together. She got in her car, late that very same night and drove me her pump. God bless her. I was able to relieve some of the pain and continue feeding Olivia the way I wanted to.

That's when she told me about a group she had joined. The La Leche League. "To encourage, promote and provide mother-to-mother breastfeeding support and educational opportunities as an important contribution to the health of children, families and society". I was still struggling with breastfeeding and I was using a shield to help feed Olivia. I went to one meeting and met some wonderful women. They were so warm and full of knowledge. The other mothers were able to relate to what I was experiencing and the feeling of being alone began to vanish. At the end of the meeting one of the leaders, who is also a lactation consultant, came over to me

and asked if she could assist me in how I was feeding. I was so greatful. That was the main reason for going, to get help from someone who was a pro. With her help I stopped using the shield that night and never went back. Feeding became easier and I really felt I knew what I was doing. Once a month I would go back to the meeting. Not only to see the group and catch up, but to also offer my own suggestions to new moms. That's one of the best parts of the group. You feel like old friends getting together to talk about breastfeeding and all the trials and accomplishments. It was great to talk to new mothers and tell them what I had experienced. Just like myself you could see the sigh of relief in their eyes. At that moment they knew they came to the right place and they knew they were not alone.

Nikki, one of the leaders invited anyone who was interested to her house for group meetings called "Enrichment Meetings", and so began a weekly tradition. I would go to Nikki's house every Thursday for the next three months and bond with a remarkable group of women. We would talk about everything imaginable. Solid foods, good books, nursing bras, you name it. It was so wonderful to be able to ask a question and know that the answer was going to come from someone who shared my parenting views. There was no worry of judgement. I actually would write down questions during the week to bring them to our meetings. Everytime there was at least one other person who was going through the same thing, or had gone through the same thing and was able to offer advice. I have come to cherish the time I have spent at Nikki's house with the other moms. I know that I am a better mother because of them. When I felt lost they helped to guide me. When I found something I thought they would all like, I would share. When I just needed a good laugh and some company they were all there.

We are on a little summer break right now and I am missing them already. Sadly some of the mom's mat leave has come to an end and they will be going back to work. I wanted to salute all the mom's that I have met and thank them for welcoming me into their lives. I can't imagine what I would have done if they weren't there for me. I know I will keep in touch with these wonderful women and I already plan on going back whenever I have my next baby.

Mommy Jewlery

I usually like to accessorize my outfits. However now that my wardrobe has changed to capris and sundresses there usually isn't a need for jewellery. I have been thinking about getting a nursing necklace for Olivia. Not one that she wears, rather a safe one for me that she can play with while nursing. Many moms suffer from scratches, pinches and pulls while their little ones feed. Olivia hasn't begun to do this, well actually she has, but none of the above. No sir my sweet little girl likes to snap my bra strap as she drinks. It's really sweet at first, her little hand grabs on to the strap and holds on while drinking. Then she starts the famous feeding stroke. Next thing I know with every stroke comes a quick snap! So I'm in the market for a nursing necklace. Here's what I've found so far. I might get more than one kind, for variety.

1. The "Mommy Necklace"

Created by a nursing mother, the idea was born out of desperation when her daughter neared four months old. Tired of the daily wrestling match between baby and breast, along with her daughter’s constant twiddling, pinching, and distractibility, she knew breastfeeding did not have to be this hard and painful! Distracted babies nurse less during the day and more at night (tired mommy!) and fidgety babies love to pull their mother’s hair and leave pinch marks (poor mommy!). Mommy Necklaces™ were invented to occupy busy hands away from Mommy’s hairline while engaging baby in a way that results in longer nursing sessions.

2. Sonny & Reed

The only designer teething necklace made in the USA from non-toxic, FDA approved material that conforms to Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 16 CFR 1500. The beads are solid with nubs on one side, smooth on the other and will not pass through the choke tube.

3. Oh Plah

French for "Here You Go!" Oh Plah!™ is a bracelet for mom that baby or child can safely play with as a toy or teether. Constructed of medical grade thermoplastic- non-toxic, bacteria resistant, and free of lead, latex, PVC, BPA and phthalates. Meets or exceeds the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regulations, in addition to meeting or exceeding safety testing standards for Canada (C.R.C. c.931) and the European Union (EN-71). Click here to view our Certificate of Compliance. No small parts means its safe for even the tiniest babe. Extremely durable yet flexible, standing up to frequent chewing without looking worn or damaged. Easily cleaned with soap and water, and dries quickly so that it can be worn again right away. Great as a nursing reminder (switch wrists to remember which side comes next)

4. Teething Bling

Teething Bling® is the original patent-pending teething jewelry. Made from the same material as most teething toys, our pendants and bangles look great on the adult wearer but are safe for curious babies to handle and chew. Our products are non-toxic, phthalate, BPA, PVC and lead free and all pendants come with a breakaway clasp as an added safety measure.

I do love all of these designs. I probably wouldn't get one of the bracelets because standard bracelets are usually to big for my wrist. There are so many options, I love that they don't look like macaroni on a string. (However if one day Olivia brings home a necklace made out of pasta from school, you know I would rock it) I think I will have to take a look at my closet and see what works well with my clothes.

One item I did get, but isn't for teething is the charm below. From a company here in Canada called Dimples. They send you a mold and you press your babies finger in it (or anyone's). In a few days you have a beautiful charm with their finger print on it. You can get necklaces, bracelets, key chains, cuff links etc. I already have a link bracelet that I use as a Medic Alert bracelet. I asked for the charm for Mother's day. I intend on having one for each of my kids. The nice thing is that the back is engraved with Olivia's name and birth date.

*description from company websites.

Happy walking day

Happy Canada Day! K had to work so Olivia and I walked to my parents house. 6.8km away, 1 hour and 40 mins later. It was a beautiful day out. Thank goodness for the breeze. Boy am I tired, I'm sure my body will ache tomorrow.

And just because this made me laugh yesterday...

My cousin came over to use my printer. We had to connect my laptop to the printer. Simple enough, just plug the cord in...Which one? OMG I'm so ashamed.

4 Months....

Yes she is, my little girl is 4 months old. I can't believe it. Where has the time gone. She can "talk", well screech like a terradactyl. She can sit up in her Bumbo. She grabs and holds on to her toys. She knows who Mama and Daddy are and looks at us when we are talking. She has started to giggle when we play with her. She is now in her own crib in her room. That was a hard one for me, but I'm doing well with it. It's a good thing too, because now she is rolling over. She loves tummy time. When ever I go into her room to feed her she is perpendicular to how I lay her down and is usually on her stomach.

I did it...

I did it, yes I did. I traded in my Blackberry for an iPhone. I'm overwhelmed with all of the planner and organizing apps I can get to help keep me on top of things. I loaded a few games to keep my mind working while I am off work. I even have a few items for Olivia on it. Like the Olivia cartoon intro video, She loves it. If you have an iPhone and use an app that you think might be useful please let me know.

I will say there is one app I wanted to try. Intuition: for Mother's. It's a day planner, to do list and appointment book for the whole family. You can color coordinate appointments and such by person. Great for mom's who have multiple children. The only sad part is that the app is currently not available in Canada. Really? Not in Canada? Why not? I don't get it. Hopefully they will make it available soon. I love to have things color coordinated, especially my notes.

A side note:

I am truly embarrassed by the actions of the people in Downtown Toronto this past weekend. Unfortunately it only takes a few bad apples to ruin it for everyone. I don't even think the protesters were really heard over all the chaos people were causing. I will laugh at one quote from a relative "What kind of Canadian smashes a Tim Horton's?". It is so sad to see what small minded people are capable of.

Olivia meets Olivia

Today was one of those days where we weren't sure if it was going to rain or not. We were going to the zoo, but changed our mind when we saw how dark some of the clouds were. We went shopping instead. We needed to go to Toys R Us to get some new bibs. This was the first time Olivia really paid attention to all the toys around her, so I decided to take a walk down the aisle with her age appropriate toys. I saw this new little owl I fell in love with it, I just had to buy it, lets count the reasons why;

1. I love Lamaze toys

2. I love Owls

3. It was Pink

4. Her name is "Olivia the Owl"

5. I asked Olivia if she would like the toy and she smiled her gummy smile at me and drooled. I took that as a yes. I'm such a sucker for this kid.

I apologize for Olivia sticking her tongue out in this picture. I took 12 pictures of her and her new toy and she's sticking her tongue out in everyone.

Happy First Father's Day

Happy First Father's Day K. Just today I was thinking of the day we first kissed. Now here we are years later, married, in our own home and celebrating life with our child. It is amazing to see how far our love has taken us. I look at you with Olivia and I fall in love with you more and more each day. Thank you for being such a wonderful father to our daughter. She really is lucky to have a dad like you. I see how much you love her when the two of you are together. Now that Olivia is able to express her emotions, it's nice to see her get excited to see you. She knows you are her daddy and she loves you so much, and so do I. Happy Father's Day.

My Mama Must Haves

Katie over at Bower Power blogged about some must have since she had her son. It got me thinking about things that I use that make being a mom a little easier. Here's my list;

Ring Sling:

I can have Olivia close to me and still have my hands free to get something to eat, vacuum, or fold laundry. Olivia takes her best naps in here. Usually from 2 - 2.5 hours at a time.

Baby Bjorn Carrier:

Olivia always loved being upright and seeing what is going on. I've used this carrier at the zoo, at the mall, or just to quickly run into a shop. Again my hands are free, she can see what's going on, and if she falls asleep (which happens often) she just rests her head on my chest and goes to sleep.

Camilia:

A homeopathic liquid that helps with teething and fussy babies. It works similar to grip water, but it doesn't have alcohol in it. I've used this only a few times, but every time it calms Olivia down and helps her relax so that she can go to sleep.

The Baby Book:

What a great resource. If your thinking of attachment parenting, breast feeding, baby wearing or co-sleeping this book is great. Written by a doctor and nurse who are parents as well. They talk about their own experiences, research results and even things they have recommended to their patients. I wish I had read this book before I had Olivia, it reassures me on the basic instincts that I have been feeling and allows me to parent free of judgement and coaching.

Cardinal Digital Watch:

When you are breast feeding you start to live life in 3-4 hour intervals instead of days or weeks. You also calculate approximately how much your baby is getting based on how long they feed for. Sometimes I would find myself feeding in someone's home and not have a clock or watch around anywhere. Being able to quickly glance at my watch helps a lot. Not to mention since it has very little snaps, Velcro or buttons it doesn't scratch my little girl.

Bed Liners:

These are great for changing diapers on our bed or laying under Olivia when she sleeps. Weather it is pee from a diaper or spit up, these water proof mats save our bed.

Live Clean:

All natural, Canadian products that are safe for Olivia and keep her clean and smelling so sweet. We don't use the diaper cream or petroleum jelly, but the cream and soap/shampoo are great.

Tank tops:

These are great for under my shirts when breast feeding. I am able to lift my top shirt up and pull the neckline of the tank down to feed. Best part, I don't end up baring my entire post c-section body to everyone.

Soothie:

This pacifier is said to avoid nipple confusion when breast feeding. Olivia only uses hers when she is tired and fussy. As soon as she falls asleep she spits it out and goes back to sleep.

AppleCheeks Cloth Diapers:

I won't go into all the detail and benefits of cloth diapers. I love the easy snaps on these. Plus all the cute colours that they are available in make diapers seem so chic. Olivia has never had a diaper rash. Plus on the days when she goes 2-3 times in an hour my wallet is thanking my for not using disposables.

Druide Protecting Balm:

When you use cloth diapers you can't use a regular diaper cream that contains zinc oxide. They coat the diaper and make them less absorbent. I'm actually glad we aren't using zinc oxide based creams. They seem to coat the bottom and are hard to clean off. This cream is natural and smells fantastic, and it moisturizes.

J&J disposable nursing pads:

I was using reusable nursing pads, but I seem to leak through them. Even when I double up on them. I have an excessive supply of milk and always seem to be leaking or dripping. I was turn onto these disposables and love them. They don't leak and keep me feeling dry. I still go through 4-6 a day, and when I'm home I use the cloth ones.

Who's a big Girl??

Yesterday Olivia and I went for walk. She has now graduated from her bassinet to the big girl seat. She loves to be up right and look around at everything. She "talked" the whole time.

Olivia Likes Her Theme Song

Which way to the pool?

Olivia got her first bathing suit today. Toys R Us had a sale today. We got a cute bathing suit, matching hat and a floating tube with a canopy. Now if we only had a pool. As you can see from the photo, Olivia loves the suit.

Milo thought it would be neat to check her out. Olivia gave him a cute look that said "and who are you?"

Here's Olivia with the hat.

Full portrait, check out those sweet thighs. The hats a little big, but better big than small, more sun protection.

More Etsy Finds

So I've been on Etsy again buying a few patterns for my aunt. She is amazingly talented and crocheted numerous blankets and booties for Olivia and her cousins. I just love having hand made items for Olivia. At the same time I am trying to learn and make her some sweet items of my own. Thanks Etsy!

On a sweeter note, there's nothing better than a lazy afternoon lying on the floor starring into your daughter's eyes and making her smile.

I love this new sling

Olivia seems so comfortable in it. It also allows me to get a lot done while she sleeps. Plus I know she's safe.