March 8, 2010 Okay- so many of you may have guessed by the passing comments of Daisy and Luke that we are having a baby girl! We just couldn't hold out any longer and caved. I know it is wonderful to wait and be surprised, but I guess X and I are planners deep down and we felt knowing the gender would help us a little in the preparations. I can't imagine how my mom had her babies without knowing anything!!! I'm pretty sure when I was born they did not schedule C-sections too often, or provide 3 dimensional images on a sonogram. Or did they even have a lot of sonograms? Maybe that is why babies years ago were born at 8-10 pounds...you had to wait for labor to give birth. What a concept!
Toddler Time Daisy is growing up so incredibly fast. And just when you think the hard work of carrying and hand feeding a child is over, more challenges pop up! 1. The Big Girl bed- Daisy moved into a twin bed at age 2. Daisy was not sleeping well in her crib and would try to get out during the night. It was then we decided to try a big bed. And since she is restless sleeper and needs tons of space- this worked out perfectly. Plus she loves the freedom to get out of bed, get a book, and climb back in. There really isn't any set age for moving a child out of a crib. If they sleep well in a crib, why disrupt them. As someone once said, girls can remain in their cribs until college if they wished! 2. Potty Training - Now I'm surprised they don't have professional potty trainers yet. Wouldn't that be ideal? They saunter in for a few days and, ta-dah, no more pampers! There are many different schools of thought on when to train your little one. But, the consensus I'm hearing is anywhere from 2.5-3 years old. Some people simply suggest letting your child go without diapers and see how long they enjoy being wet and dirty. While others, who hate to clean up carpets and floors, support putting our child on the potty every morning, afternoon, and evening. Ultimately, I've heard, when the child is ready, they will ditch the diapers!!!	Unique Gifts For Babies and children We have received so many wonderful and thoughtful gifts for our children. I wanted to share some of the gift ideas just in case you are looking for a gift that is a little bit different and unique. "I see me" books - Luke Paul received this book from Kyle & Kaitlyn and it is really touching. The pictures are vivid and the story line is perfect for your little bundle to feel completely unique and special. All books and items are made individually for your child's name. Olive Street Studios- Of course I must mention this company because my children are constantly draped in these handmade Bibs, Onesies, blankets, and Fire Island Wagon shirts. Plus, they offer "memory quilts". You can turn your old baby cloths into a beautiful quilt to give to your daughter or son for their children. You have so many cute baby cloths that bring on so many memories- make them into something special! Nowali Footwear- I love these! You can shop online. They offer baby and adult moccassins as well as slipper socks. All are made with warm materials and are of excellent quality. I always shop the clearance section, because its just the older prints and style- but the same great items!!! Handmade Sweaters- we received two very specialy sweaters from Mrs. Blumberg that will always remain in our children's wardrobe. Daisy's sweater and hat set is so tiny that I can't imagine her ever fitting into this. And to imagine it was once too big. also we received a handmade sweater from France- so incredibly beautiful. And there are many more to be listed...coming soon!
Doctors visits We have had way too many of these so we have learned a few things. First of all, the doctors are the first people to tell you that some kids may come in with the sniffles and leave with a whole new illness. So look around your doctors office. Many don't even put toys in the waiting room- this helps prevent spread of infections. Always try and get the first appointment of the day or the first one after lunch. Wait an extra week if you have to. These appointments will change your life. Especially if you have more than one child. Who wants to be waiting in the waiting room for an hour with kids everywhere. Get there 15 minutes early and you will be the first one called in. Never ever be afraid to ask the doctor to wash their hands if they forgot to do so. It helps prevent infections and is the best defense for your baby. I was even balsy enough to carry little alcohol wipes and have them wipe down the stethoscope before using it in Daisy. But that was in her 5-6 pound days. I let that one go now. When looking for a pediatrician, you must feel comfortable with the staff- and I mean everyone- the admin. assistant, billing, etc. Because you will be seeing them very very often.	Diapering, bathing, washing, and caring for colds and sniffles... We all know that Diaper rash cream can stick to anything and you try desparately to wipe it off your own finger before closing the diaper- well simply put the diaper rash cream or vaseline on your middle finger instead of index finger, and you can prevent rashes and diaper all in one step! (Try this- it makes a huge difference) Diapers just don't smell so fresh unless they are coming out of the bag and not off your babies little bum. We have a diaper genie but never buy the refill bags (the cost adds up so quickly). But the dollars stores sell these disposable diapers bags that are a small size with tabs to tie. They have a fresh scent and keep odors away. Plus for $1 you get 100 bags!!! Snots anyone??? Those hospital bulb syringes are awful. We have used the NoseFrida (recommended from Aunt Zuzia) and love this! It is a safer way to literally "suck" the snots out, but gently of course. Simply saline for Baby- they makes a baby mist spray that really works. Typical saline drops/spray give you the standard bottles which I find never really mist. But Simply Saline has this aerosol can that is so easy and gentle. Much better than pouring drops down a baby nose.