Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Cute daddy to be :)

Jacob has finally started talking to my belly/the baby, as of about a week ago. in the past I would ask him to tell the baby he loves him, but he would just roll his eyes. now he talks to the baby all on his own :)

Jacob loves to put his head on my belly and get kicked in the face by our sweet baby boy!

Earlier today he had his hand on the side of my belly and got really excited. Jacob thought he had the baby's foot and he kept trying to tickle it while he kicked Jacob. lol.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Date nights at home

"At Home" Date Nights
 
1.  Play a Board Game
2.  Video Record the Story of How You Met & Fell in Love
3.  Cook a Late Night Dinner Together
4.  Rent a Red Box Movie
5.  Write a Prayer List & Pray Together
6.  Make Smoothies or Milkshakes
7.  Share 5 Goals Over a Late Night Snack
8.  Do a Puzzle Together
9.  Play a Card Game
10.  Have a Chip & Dip Night - Add Conversation
11.  Set up a Practical Joke for the Kids
12.  Make Calzones Together
13.  Give Each Other a Foot Rub
14.  Play a Game with High Stakes - Make a Bet!
15.  Record Each Other Sharing a Recent Memory
16.  Tackle a FUN Project
17.  Write a Gratitude List Together
18.  Have an Ice Cream Sundae Night
19.  Play a Video Game Together
20.  Search for Funny YouTube Videos
21.  Grab Take Out & Eat By Candlelight
22.  Give Each Other a Back Rub
23.  Share Where You Want to be in 5 or 10 Years.
24.  Play a Prank on Someone
25.  Set up a Scavenger Hunt for the Kids
26.  Watch a Home Video Together
27.  Write a Story Together - Mad Libs Style
28.  Make a Dessert Together
29.  Read Something Together
30.  Write Your Bucket List and Share
 
 
http://www.celebrateeverydaywithme.com/2012/09/30-ideas-for-date-nights-at-home.html

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Teach Your Baby to Sleep (In Just 7 Days)


http://www.parents.com/baby/sleep/issues/teach-baby-to-sleep-in-7-days/

Day 1: Start a Regular Routine
Many babies get their days and nights mixed up, napping for long periods in the afternoon and waking up to play at bedtime. But today you're going to fix that. "The latest research shows that infants can be taught the difference between night and day from the get-go," says John Herman, Ph.D., clinical director of the Sleep Disorders Center at the Children's Medical Center of Dallas. You simply need to provide the cues that will allow this to happen.
Wake your baby up early tomorrow, and get into the routine of always rising at the same time every day. Position her crib near a window and keep the blinds up. "The natural light helps babies organize their circadian rhythms," says Dr. Herman. Letting her nap with the blinds up also promotes this process. "If they wake from a nap in the daylight, they understand it's time to get up. If they wake at night in the dark, they'll learn to go back to sleep," he explains.
At nighttime, begin some quiet rituals. "Decide on a specific bedtime routine," says Claire Lerner, M.S.W., a child-development specialist at Zero To Three: The National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families, in Washington, D.C. Dress your child in her pajamas and put her down in her crib for the night with the lights out. Just prior to tucking her in, you may want to read a story or sing a song, which helps your baby's motor and sensory system slow down.

Day 2: Practice Makes Perfect

Today you're going to build on the consistent routine you began yesterday. If your child still requires nighttime feedings, that can be a good time to accentuate the difference between day and night, says Robert Ballard, M.D., director of the Sleep Health Center at National Jewish Medical Center, in Denver. "Keep night feedings very relaxing, with the lights low. Do everything you can to avoid stimulating your baby," he says. "And during the day, make feedings a time of high activity, when you tickle her feet or sing songs, so she begins to perceive the difference."
Continue to pay careful attention to what soothes your baby in the evening too. "A bath may be calming for one child and invigorating for another," Lerner says. You might also want to try adding white noise, says Carl Johnson, Ph.D., a psychologist and pediatric sleep researcher at Central Michigan University, in Mount Pleasant. "The hum of a fan or air conditioner or a radio set on static works well for many infants. The good thing about white noise is that you can fade it out over time, once your baby begins to sleep more predictably."

Day 3: The Crying Begins

Steel yourself: Tonight you start putting your child down in his crib while he's still awake. "It's the single most important thing you can do," says Dr. Schaefer. "If he falls asleep at your breast during his bedtime feeding, for example, arouse him enough that his eyes are open when you place him in the crib." Of course, a little -- or a lot of -- crying may ensue. But rest assured, it will be tougher on you than on your baby. Parents naturally find crying agonizing to listen to, but just keep reminding yourself that the end result -- sleep! -- will be good for the whole family. "Get over the worry that ignoring your baby while he cries will do psychological harm," emphasizes Dr. Schaefer. If you've been meeting his every need in other ways, this situation certainly won't lessen his sense of security.
Nor should you worry about letting a very young baby cry. In fact, the younger the infant, the easier the process will be. "Babies older than 5 or 6 months are naturally going to be more upset because you've changed the rules on them," Dr. Schaefer says. A 3-month-old, on the other hand, knows only the routine that you create. "With younger babies, parents always think the crying is going to go on longer than it usually does," agrees Pamela High, M.D., medical director of the infant development unit at Women & Infants' Hospital, in Providence. "Infants under 5 months often last only for 15 or 20 minutes."
If a battle royal does ensue, go in periodically to check on your baby and reassure him that you're there -- aim for every five minutes the first night. But keep your visits brief: Don't turn on the light, remove him from the crib, or offer him a pacifier or a bottle. "If he falls asleep with one of these crutches, he'll cry for it again if he wakes up or at bedtime tomorrow night," Lerner says.

Day 4: Tough It Out

So last night was a long one. Expect an improvement tonight. Your baby will remember a little sooner that crying doesn't produce results. When she protests, lengthen your response time to every ten minutes. And whatever happens, don't give in. "If you're inconsistent, the baby learns to hold out -- she'll just up the ante and cry twice as long tomorrow night," says Deborah Givan, M.D., director of the Children's Sleep Disorders Center at Riley Hospital for Children, in Indianapolis.

Day 5: Baby Settles In

Most babies get with the program in three to five days, so tonight could be your lucky night. If your child is still holding her own, lengthen your response time to 15 minutes. "Some babies need the frequent reassurance that you're checking on them, but others find it a tease," Lerner says.
"Checking on the baby is really for the parents' benefit," says Dr. High. "If you notice that you're fueling your child's reaction every time you go in and you can tolerate staying away, it's fine to do so. Just peek at him through a crack in the door instead so he doesn't actually see you."
The other frequent problem at this point is night feedings. At about 12 pounds or 3 to 4 months, most infants are ready to give them up. Obviously, you can't just decide to cut them out with a younger infant. But you can keep them as brief and quiet as possible: Cuddle your baby but don't sing to her, keep the lights out even during diaper changes, and settle her in the crib as soon as she's done. Don't fall for the myth that bigger babies wake up because they're hungry. Heavier babies actually have less need for night feedings if they weigh more than about 12 pounds, so they're likely to be waking up out of habit. Bigger babies are sometimes night owls precisely because they're being overfed, Dr. Givan points out. "Overfeeding means they'll have wet diapers, which makes them wake up again."

Day 6: Baby Sleeps Through

Sounds like bliss, doesn't it? But chances are you'll be wandering the halls a little anyway. You may find yourself getting up to check on the baby. Relax. Dress him in warm PJs so you don't need to worry about kicked-off covers, and turn the monitor down so that you hear him only if he's really in distress. Now that you've made so much progress, don't wreck it by rushing in too quickly. Let your child soothe himself. You also need to relax so that you can fall asleep.

Day 7: You Sleep Soundly Too

Give yourself a big pat on the back. You've not only regained your sleep but given your baby an important gift: Good sleep habits are as critical as good hygiene to a child's well-being. Of course, there will be setbacks, such as an illness, a new sibling, or an unfamiliar hotel room. "Even children who are good sleepers will have problems now and then," says Dr. Givan. But fall back on our foolproof plan whenever you need to. Your child will respond with even less difficulty the second time around because she already knows the drill.

Unsolicited New Baby Advice (maternity and baby)


http://www.getsnazzy.com/2011/09/baby/

Hospital
  • Plan for something to not go according to plan. If you are ready for that possibility, it will be better.
  • Ask friends that have babies to tell you what labor, delivery and the first weeks (months) are really like. People don’t talk about the craziness because they want to be “Super Parents” Ask for help!
  • Meeting your new baby is the coolest thing!
  • Give your camera to your hubby to take first moment pictures, get some as a new family too.
  • After delivery, stay on top of your medication schedule, don’t try to be a hero and skip pain medicine doses.
  • Ask the nurses about every medicine that you are being given. Ask them to come back if you aren’t sure about something so you can research it. For example, I was itching and they wanted to give me Benadryl, I really didn’t want to take it because my milk hadn’t come in yet. They were able to find something else that I could take. Ask about other options, be your own patient advocate!!
  • Get up and walk as soon as you can. Even if it’s just around your room. Then make it a point to walk a little more each day. It will help in the long run.
  • Ask about taking a stool softener.
  • Send baby to the nursery at night! The nurses will bring them back as often as you want.
  • Spend time cuddling skin-to-skin like a kangaroo
  • Bring a thank you for the nurses (we baked cookies and bought some mini-candy bars) We kept them in our room and everyone that came in got to enjoy a treat. I think we got some extra blankets because of it :) Trail mix or fruit would be good too.
  • Bring an empty folder to put all of your important forms and paperwork that you get at the hospital.

Hospital Bag

I packed pretty well this time- http://www.getsnazzy.com/2011/08/hospital-bag/ I still had too much stuff, but better too much than not enough. Remember to show Dad were a few of your things are that you might need on the first day; you won’t feel like getting out of bed.
Car
Car seat (already installed)
Box to carry any gifts home when you leave
Backpack
Insurance Card and Driver’s License + Hospital Registration Paperwork
Cord Blood Banking Kit (if applicable)
Camera (with video or a separate video camera too)
Phone
Chargers (small extension cord with extra plugs might be helpful)
Socks
Chapstick
Glasses and Contacts with Solution
Music (with iPod or something to play it on)
Smell good lotion or calming scent and focal point object
Pillow or at least pillow case (bright color so it doesn’t get washed with the hospital laundry)
Small Suitcase (the room gets crowded quick! Leave it in the car until after delivery)
Toiletries bag with deodorant, lotion, more chapstick, toothbrush and toothpaste, hair brush and hair ties, shampoo, make up/face wipes to stay fresh when you can’t shower, extra contacts and solution
Hand sanitizer
Loose clothing – I packed a couple of button down sleep shirts that are great for nursing and made me feel better than the hospital gown.
Gaucho pants and extra-large silk pj pants/shorts were great too.
Flip flops (or slippers if you’d rather)
Socks
Nursing bras and big undies (I didn’t ever buy special maternity underwear, I just bought some cheap ones in a few sizes larger) The hospital usually provides fancy mesh undies, you might use them instead.
Nursing cover (I didn’t pack a nursing pillow, but you might want one)
Baby book or scrapbook page for guests to sign! I made this one for my daughter and add the birth announcement later. I will make you one too – visit http://livinglifedesigns.com/designs/ and send me a message!
Thank you notes and a pen or two
Small gift for the nurses (My friend that’s a nurse said food is a nice treat! Just baked goods or a fruit basket and don’t forget to designate one for the night shift and day shift)
Going home outfit (I wore what I wore to the hospital when I had my daughter- you will still need maternity clothes) A dress or something loose will be especially important if you have a C-Section.
Baby (I put these things in a big Ziploc inside my bag so they wouldn’t get lost)
Going home outfit with socks and a hat. Scratch mittens are a plus. The hospital usually provides diapers and a pacifier. Baby doesn’t need much.
Dad Bag
Clothes, comfy shoes, socks, toiletries, Tylenol (the hospital chair/guest bed isn’t too comfy), playing cards or other entertainment, a few favorite snacks
Happy Baby Birth Day!
If all else fails bring the car seat!
p.s. If you have other kiddos make plans for them early and pack their bag now! It will be too crazy the day of delivery to worry about them too!

To Buy

  • In addition to normal baby stuff, these things will be useful during your hospital stay and the first week or so
  • Snacks (for the hospital and at home) I was starving at the hospital in between meals, luckily the nurses had a lot of snacks!
  • Newborn diapers
  • Vaseline in a squeeze tube and gauze (boys only)
  • Stool Softener
  • Pads (buy these early so hubby doesn’t have to run to the store for you!)

Other Kids

  • Arrange for their care well before you go to the hospital
  • Have them come for short visits
  • Spend special 1-on-1 time with dad
  • We gave big sister a baby doll at the hospital from her new brother. She loves taking care of it.
  • Teach them about being gentle and touching baby’s feet and not face

Breastfeeding

  • Meet with a lactation consultant at the hospital, ask lots of questions and take notes!
  • Breastfeeding can be hard, but you can do it! I nursed our daughter for a year and so far so good with our little guy
  • Tips: Ask for help from someone that had a successful time breastfeeding, try different holds (cross-cradle is a good one at first), feed the baby naked (diaper only), stroke their face with a wet wash cloth if they are too sleepy, practice getting a good wide latch (or it will hurt!)
  • It will take a few days for your milk to come in, be patient and continue to nurse
  • When your milk first comes in it can hurt. Put a warm towel on you for 5 minutes before you nurse to help.
  • Medela has an app- iBreastfeed It is a good way to keep track of which side you were on and how many minutes on each. Another simple way is the wear a bracelet or rubberband on your wrist and switch it when you switch sides. I was taught to feed on one side (main dish) for about 20 minutes, then burp and switch to the other side (dessert) for as long as they will eat (usually under 20 minutes). Then next feeding start with the dessert side, so you are always rotating where you start for the “main dish” Eventually I switched to just using one side per feeding (no dessert side), but that’s a few months later.
  • Eat snacks that are high in protein at every feeding and drink plenty of water! Peanut butter, cheese, yogurt, protein bars, etc. A lot of ladies are in baby weight loss mode immediately, but you will feel AWFUL if you are breastfeeding and not getting enough protein.

Books/DVDs

I read a lot of books with our first kiddo and have taken bits and pieces of advice from them. You have to do what works for you and each child. Here are a few of my favorites.
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child
The book is a little overwhelming and more like a textbook, so I read it in sections and come back to refresh as needed.
The review from Amazon customer H. Grable is a good summary: “What it teaches you is this: 1. watch your child [and learn from them]. 2. put him/her down to sleep when you first see the signs of tiredness 3. most children under 6 months do not stay awake for longer than 2-3 hours at a time without needing a nap. 4. DO NOT just put your child down to nap when you feel like it – that’s just letting him/her cry, not TEACHING them to sleep. 5. Most children need to go to sleep at night earlier than you’d think. 6. Going to bed earlier promotes later sleeping (weird, but true. As the author says, it’s not logical. It’s biological – sleep promotes sleep) There’s a lot more too.”
The Happiest Baby on the Block (I watched the DVD, but there is a book too)
The 5 S’s
There are 5 components to this method which, when used together, work amazingly well to calm your crying baby and in many cases help your baby go to sleep with no fuss.
  • Swaddling – Tight swaddling provides the continuous touching and support the fetus experienced while still in Mom’s womb.
    • (We like the Miracle Blanket- it makes swaddling easy, but a large receiving blanket works too)
  • Side/stomach position – You place your baby, while holding him, either on his left side to assist in digestion, or on her stomach to provide reassuring support. Once your baby is happily asleep, you can safely put her in her crib, on his back.
  • Shushing Sounds – These sounds imitate the continual whooshing sound made by the blood flowing through arteries near the womb. This white noise can be in the form of a vacuum cleaner, a hair dryer, a fan, white noise CD, etc.
  • Swinging – Newborns are used to the swinging motions that were present when they were still in Mom’s womb. Every step mom took, every movement caused a swinging motion for your baby. After your baby is born, this calming motion, which was so comforting and familiar, is abruptly taken away. Your baby misses the motion and has a difficult time getting used to it not being there. “It’s disorienting and unnatural,” says Karp. Rocking, car rides, and other swinging movements all can help.
  • Sucking – “Sucking has its effects deep within the nervous system,” notes Karp, “and triggers the calming reflex and releases natural chemicals within the brain.” This “S” can be accomplished with breast, bottle, pacifier or even a finger.

Other

  • ASK for HELP! You can’t lift anything heavier than your baby for the first 2 weeks and won’t feel like doing a lot. Ask someone to bring a couple of meals or have some take out menus handy!
  • Freeze some meals so you have something good to eat with little prep!
  • Usually you aren’t supposed to drive until 2 weeks after delivery, so make arrangements to get to doctor’s appointments, have someone go to the grocery store, etc.
  • Schedule newborn pictures (or take your own) within the first 2 weeks before baby gets too active. Wear simple colors, no bold patterns. Look up some favorite poses before your session.
  • Keep a list of all of the follow up appointments you need to make (OB- 2 week check, Pediatrician- 2 week check, 2nd PKU, etc.)
  • Add baby to your health insurance
  • Send in paperwork for baby’s social security number (should be done at the hospital)
  • Request baby’s birth certificate (you will get Vital Statistics form at the hospital, but you will have to request a birth certificate from the city or county- request at least 2!)
  • A baby swing is a great investment (consider borrowing from a friend)
  • Kid’s consignment shops often have great deals on clothes that are almost new!
  • Buy gender neutral big ticket items (car seat, stroller, high chair, pack n play, etc.) These things are expensive! Buy some extra pink or blue clothes or blankets with the money you save from not having to buy new big items.
  • Check out Amazon Mom- you can subscribe and save and get a 30% discount! It’s free to sign up with FREE shipping too. It is awesome not to have to haul boxes of diapers, toilet paper, detergent, etc.
  • Take lots of pictures and videos too. (back up your photos)
  • Enjoy every moment, it goes by FAST.

Monday, September 24, 2012

Free date ideas!

shape.com has a lot of really good date ideas! here are a few of the free ones :)

1. Local Art Shows
Many cities have local art shows or photography exhibitions that are free to visit. Some even offer complimentary wine and cheese. Look in your local newspaper or city's website for listings near you. The cultural benefits are a nice bonus!
 
2. Free Outdoor Concerts

This is an ideal summertime date. There are hundreds of free outdoor concerts during the warmer months, and you can even turn it into a fun dinner by bringing a picnic!
 
3. Have a Game Night
Everyone has a favorite childhood (or adulthood) game, whether it's Monopoly, Clue, or Catch Phrase, so settle in for the night and enjoy a little friendly competition. Or you might try one of the new, more complex games that are sweeping the country like "Settlers of Canaan."
 
4. Go Stargazing
Urbanites, toss a blanket and bottle of wine in the car and then drive until you find a scenic location far from the city lights. If you want to make an entire night of it, bring a picnic and dine by the sunset. What's more romantic than that?
 
5. Have a Movie Night
Instead of spending tons of money at the movie theater, stay home and watch one of your favorite films together. Take turns picking the movie. You'd be surprised how much you can learn about someone from their movie selection.Not a fan of films? Watch a marathon of your favorite TV show or one that you've missed but always wanted to catch up on
 
6. Go to the Beach
Many beaches and lakes are free to visit, which makes them an ideal spot for a romantic rendezvous. You can take a long walk along the shore, have a stone-skipping contest, or simply gaze at the waves while you get to know each other better.
 
7. Go on a Bike Ride
This is a great way to get in some exercise while having fun. Look for cool paths around your town and explore new areas—in tandem!
 
8. Take a Hike
Head for the hills! Pack lots of water and your favorite healthy snacks and dress in layers so you're prepared for sudden weather changes. This is a great way to enjoy nature and each other's company.
 
9. Be a Good Sport
Get sweaty! Whether it's playing catch with a Frisbee, kicking the hacky sack, or shooting some hoops, you're sure to have some fun. If you have a whole day, you can play a lot of different sports and take breaks for snacks in between.
 
10. Give Back to Your Community

If you share a passion for animals, volunteer at a local pet shelter. If you're more interested in hefting a hammer, look into Habitat for Humanity. There are volunteer opportunities for all passions, so just find the one that best suits you both and have fun!
 
11. Go to a Playground
Playgrounds aren't just for mommies and kids. Relive your childhoods and have contests to see who can swing the highest or who can do the monkey bars the most times in a row. Bonus: You'll torch some extra calories. 
 
12. Free Zoo Days
Zoos aren't just for grade school field trips. Most zoos offer a few free days throughout the year. This is a great time to take advantage of the awesome exhibits without having to pay for entrance.
 
13. Attend a Farmers Market
Many cities now host farmers markets on the weekends. The food on offer is usually healthier and fresher than store-bought versions, and it's always interesting to check out the work of local artisans!
 
14. Go for a Test Drive
Have fun going for a spin in your dream car or any car that looks like fun. Just beware: You may have to pretend you're looking to buy, so you'll want to prepare a cover story. 
 
15. Go Sledding

If you're in an area with lots of snow, hit the hills on a downward slope. You could even turn it into a contest to see who comes up with the most successful makeshift sled!
 
16. Photoshoot
Everyone loves having pictures of their special someone, whether for your wallet, on your desk at work, or just for your home. Have fun with your photoshoot and come up with interesting costumes, backdrops, and angles. (We'll watch for them on Facebook.)
 
17. Enjoy a Scenic Drive

Weather-permitting, a relaxing drive does wondrous things for the soul, and offers a great opportunity for couples to catch up in a quiet, relaxed environment. Bring good tunes and snacks to round out the moment.
 
18. Check Out Local Yard Sales
One person's trash is another person's treasure. Checking out local yard or garage sales can be a fun way to bond over random things that get you excited. Make it a competition to see who snag the coolest stuff for the lowest price. 
 
19. Watch Fireworks
Check to see when local sporting teams are going to be having a fireworks show. Take a blanket and cuddle up while you watch the sparks fly.
 
20. Cloud Watching
Lie in the grass and watch the clouds go by. Compete to see who can find the most unusual critters in the cloud formations.
 
21. Go Fly a Kite

Fly the kite that's been gathering dust in your garage or make a new one. Then head to the park on a windy day.
 
22. Couples' Charades
While a quiet evening of Scrabble and Pinot is not a bad idea, consider amping up the festivities and hosting a couple's game night of charades and Pictionary. All you need is paper, a marker, and some creativity to develop fun categories that all will enjoy.
 
23. Organize a "Progressive Potluck Dinner"

The concept of a progressive potluck dinner is fun and frugal! Start at one person's house for appetizers, then go to the next house for the main course, and end up at another house for dessert. Best of all, the clean up gets split between everyone.
 
24. Visit a Farm
Some farms offer free tours or visiting hours. Visit the animals and learn about how a farm actually operates (it's super interesting) and then set up a romantic picnic to enjoy afterwards!
 
25. Learn Something New

Bond over your brilliance by learning something new together. Take a cooking class, head over to the local library for a Western-European history session, or test out your foreign language skills by borrowing a beginner's guide to Italian on CD. You can also tap into the Internet for infinite learning possibilities on culture, history, art, politics, and more.
 
26. Leap into Leaves

If you don't have a yard of your own, borrow a local park's leaves to create your pile and dive in! Or, go 'leaf-peeping' during peak season and view all the beautiful changing colors.
 
27. Rock Skipping
Find a smooth lake surface and start skipping. The peaceful surrounding is perfect for picnics, so pack a meal and enjoy the water all day!
 
28. Have a Picnic
Instead of eating sandwiches at home for lunch, pack up and head out to a local park or lake. It's a great way to spend quality time without the distractions at home! (Try to ditch your cell phones.)
 
29. Bake a Sweet Treat
Baking doesn't require many ingredients—sugar, flour, butter, and a few eggs can create a tasty treat for you and your sweetheart. Find recipes online for slimmed-down cupcakes or cookies and whip up a batch together. Then enjoy the fruits of your labor!
 
30. Re-arrange Your Home
Ever been curious to see what your apartment would look like if it was feng shui'd? Or wanted to see what a crazy floral arrangement would do to liven up the space? This is a great way to enjoy each other and have fun with your creativity! Even if it just means rearranging furniture!
 
31. Create a Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts aren't just for little kids—they're experiencing a major comeback among the grown-up crowd. Create your own scavenger hunt and explore a nearby town with your significant other. Even if you know the destinations, watching your date discover them is the best part.
 
 
 
 <3