Review Wednesday: SWAG Booties

Blake reached the stage where pulling off his socks is cool. (He doesn't realize it's not really THAT cool...)

Maybe his socks come off easier because they're getting too small or maybe he just likes his little piggies to breathe. Maybe he doesn't like the feeling of socks at all?

I've been looking for an alternative and found some pricey moccasins and... SWAG booties. The SWAG booties price point definitely won me over! At $28 a pair, it was definitely a fraction of the cost of the other moccasin type, soft-sole infant shoes that I found. There are pairs that are even a little lower than that!

I'm so glad I found trendybaby on Etsy! The SWAG in the name SWAG booties means Slippers With a Grip. So clever!

just a few of the huge selection of trendybaby SWAG booties available

The SWAG booties are super adorable, and soft to the touch. The insides are made of no-pill microchamois fleece and the pair that we purchased had an outer layer of beautiful brown faux leather. It feels so buttery and comfortable. Blake absolutely loves his! He hasn't tried to pull it off once. I'd say it's like a second skin for him!

The best part, unlike the socks he has, is that the booties don't leave red marks around his ankles. They are snug to the fit and elasticized but even after hours of wearing them, not a single mark is to be found. To be honest, I let him wear the booties around the house as slippers just to keep his little toesies warm. They don't have to be just going-out shoes because they really are THAT comfortable!

Blake isn't walking yet, but he is learning to pull himself up so he can stand. The SWAG booties have a no-slip bottom and they're waterproof, too! I actually can't wait to see Blake walk in them!

Blake is 8 1/2 months now and I ordered the 9-12 month size because I knew it would take some time to get here. His foot measures about 4.5 inches from his heel to the tip of his big toe. We could have purchased the 6-9 month size which would have been more fitted but I wanted something with room for him to grow. Babies and their growth spurts!

trendybaby is a one-mom show! Not only does she make these gorgeous SWAG booties, she also offers bibs, carseat covers, and maryjanes. I was able to get in contact with Rachel, the owner and founder of trendybaby, and she really is a wonderful woman. She has four little ones and still manages to find time to please so many other babies and moms that stop by her Etsy shop. trendybaby has been in business for five years, and it doesn't look like she'll be slowing down any time soon. At least, not with such awesome handicraft and design! YOU GO, RACHEL! She's a super mom if I ever knew one! (Not only does she care and provide for four beautiful kids, she was also a cloth diaper addict, attachment parent, deal finder, and breastfeeding mama! I love this woman's values!) ;-)

The Weather Can't Stop Us

It's been a very cold and now rainy Tuesday. I was off from work today so I wanted to take Blake out and play. I could have used the time to stay home and rest or even catch up on some school work and chores around the house. But I like keeping Blake active. We try to stay away from TV as much as possible so I like him to visit places, play, use his senses, experience the outdoors.

I called some mommy friends to see if we could get together at the Westfield Annapolis Mall play place. Blake and I met two of his friends there and we had some mommy time. The play place was pretty packed this morning but I guess it's because other mommies wanted the kids out and about before the rain came.

Blake ended up napping soon after we left the play place so one mommy friend and I ended up doing lunch at La Madeline's. Mmmm mmm delish! I ordered the chicken friand and a French onion soup. I would definitely get it again!

Then it was time for Blake to drink milk so a trip to the Nordstrom mother's lounge was in order. Breastfeeding at it's finest. Comfy couch, beautiful music, and no worrying about people give you stankkkkk looks for feeding your baby. :P Ray LaMontagne's "You are the Best Thing" was playing and it was just such a peaceful moment with my son. I felt a surge of love and satisfaction through my heart.

After he was satisfied, I was able to pull out my breast pump, plug it in, and go to town with it. Lol! 5 oz pumped to save for a little girl in PA. ;)

Our day didn't stop there. After all that, I managed to take him to the MVA and help his dad out by renewing his registration. :) BD's been such a huge help since my parents have been gone so it's the least I could do to help him out.

Blake cooperated the whole time. And I knew he was tired...

Got him back in his carseat and he passed out almost immediately. But we were in the area for Trader Joe's and I've really been wanting to get some goodies from there.

When I took him back out of the car he was still asleep and stayed asleep throughout my whole trip at Trader Joe's. He is such a light sleeper so he must have been really pooped! Grabbed some tasty apple snack sticks, veggies, and other snacks including my most favoritest thing in the world... CHOCOLATE COVERED POTATO CHIPS!! For years, I've been in love with choc covered potato chips and to find out they sell them there was amazing! I've been ordering them online through a potato chip distributor. Now I don't have to wait! Instant satisfaction!

Ok ok enough about the chips... So Blake was still asleep and is STILL sleeping in the car now. Instead of going home, I drove straight to MyGym so he could rest without me taking him out of the car again.

I skipped his MyGym class before so I rescheduled to make it up this afternoon at 4. While he naps, I can blog, catch up on messages and emails, and eat these yummy apple snack sticks! :P

The weather makes me want to nap but sleep can wait... Again. Making the most of my day off with my boy!

It's Time - Part I

It was time to meet my son... or at least, it was about to be time to meet my son.

2:30 am on June 4th, 2012.

I felt a funny type of pressure in my tummy and thought it was time to use the bathroom. I tried. Nothing happened.

I went downstairs to eat something instead. Maybe it was hunger pains? I didn't really feel hungry but why not? It was an excuse to just eat something tasty.

The funny pressure kept coming and going.

Hmmm... this must be how pressure waves feel?!

I called BabyDaddy and woke him up. I told him about the funny feeling and he asked if he needed to come over. I told him I just wanted to give him a heads up but I didn't want to sit in the hospital so I wanted to wait it out. (I had one false alarm and it was no fun waiting in Labor & Delivery so I didn't want to go back unless I absolutely had to.) He started practicing the Hypnobabies scripts and breathing exercises with me over the phone. It helped calm me down and definitely helped calm the pressure wave sensations.

I ended up going back to sleep soon after. But woke up to my phone ringing about an hour later. It was BD. Yes, I still feel it but it's not consistent so I'm going back to sleep. Oops... guess he couldn't go back to sleep after my call to him so he was up worrying.

6:30 am.
I woke up again and tried using the bathroom. (TMI? Well, you're a mommy blog so get used to it.) It worked but I still felt that funny pressure. Back to listening to my Hypnobabies script recordings on my phone.

I'm staying with my parents and my dad woke up to get ready for work. He saw me coming down the stairs and pausing to breathe. He looked at me and said, "Nooooooooooo! Not today! It's not time! Go eat!" Apparently, eating is the solution to everything around here. LOL!

Went downstairs to make some breakfast, feed the pup and let him out for his morning potty break. My mom walked in the kitchen and saw me pausing to breathe again, and her eyes lit up. She knew it was the day! I kept closing my eyes and repeating the Hypnobabies scripts and verses in my head. I was ok. I knew I was going to be ok.

7:30 am.
BD stopped by on his way to work to see how I was feeling. He was prepared to call out and take me to the hospital but I told him to just go to work and I'd call him when it was time.

There was no way I was going to go to the hospital without a memory card for my camera and maybe even some cute slippers. Slippers would be nice, I thought. So...

8:00 am.
I went to Target with my huge belly and my mom. I could still feel the pressure waves but it wasn't bothering me. I just kept breathing through them. No biggie! An older gentleman was following me around the store and finally stopped me to say, "You're going to have the baby here. Were you planning on a Target baby?! I'm going to stay near you just in case!" What a sweet man. My mom and I laughed and I assured him I was fine.

Got my memory card, slippers for the hospital, and a few other things... because you can never leave Target without getting things you don't need. ;-)

Arrived back at my house and took a nap. When I woke up, the pressure waves were closer together. I decided to take a walk and call my doula to tell her the baby was coming soon. She invited me to watch a movie instead of wasting time at the hospital. As I was getting ready, BD came back to the house. He brought lunch and told me to eat and then we started timing the pressure waves.

3 minutes apart. 45 seconds each.

Well...

I finished my lunch, or all that I could actually stomach, and then we took our time getting ready to leave. I called my parents and told them we were going but my dad was confident that we weren't going to meet my son yet. Come to find out, he was in denial because he was extremely nervous for me. His baby was having a baby...

We arrived at the hospital around 4 pm or so. I was 5 centimeters dilated already. Guess I was staying!

...

...

...

To Be Continued...

My Experience with Childbirth Hypnosis

I wanted a natural birth. Yes... A natural birth with my first child.

You can't even imagine how many looks of amusement, shock, and are-you-crazies I got.

You see... I hate medicine. I don't take it unless I absolutely need it... Which isn't too often. I honestly believe my body can heal itself (in most situations) and that it knows what to do. I feel like medicine leads to more medicine and that leads to even more medicine.

I looked into support groups and classes that would encourage a natural birth. And then I found birthing hypnosis. I chose Hypnobabies because it was the only childbirth hypnosis class in my area and my doula was familiar with the practice.

(I'll get into my doula search story later.)

So the next step was to talk to Baby Daddy about supporting me in this decision. We have plenty of friends that have given birth and some even experienced issues during birthing. Naturally, he was hesitant. He may have even thought I was crazy but he never said it (at least, not to my face). He was always very supportive of my birthing decisions even if he didn't have the same vision. BUT... He did express that he was nervous for me. When I said I wasn't... He seemed to have accepted it and just went with the flow of things.

Hypnobabies is a practice for childbirth hypnosis. (Get the image of someone standing in front of you with a wrist watch swinging back and forth out of your head... get that thought out now!) It is a self-hypnosis technique that allows a mother to remove any misconceptions or fear about childbirth. You are NEVER under the influence of someone else, so you won't give up your secrets or bank account information. Don't worry! You have total control over yourself and can snap out of the hypnotic state any time you feel the need.

I signed up for a 6 week course, 3 hours a week. I think I was maybe 27-28 weeks along when we started, because I wanted to make sure I had time to accept and practice Hypnobabies before Blake made his appearance. There were three lovely couples in my group and I'm so thankful we were with them through the final stages of my pregnancy! Anyway, we met once a week with a wonderful hypnotherapist. At first it seemed kind of sketchy because it was in her home and she played what I thought were silly scripts. But it turned out to be a wonderful experience because her home gave me a certain level of comfort... like I felt welcomed and relaxed. And the scripts...

Well, the scripts were cheesy. That's pretty much it. She would practice relaxation breathing with us and play background music and nature sounds. I couldn't really focus at first because I kept thinking if it was worth it (and how nuts BD thought it was), but I ended up just going with the flow. Hypnobabies also provides CDs to allow you to continue listening to the scripts at home and a workbook to practice birthing partner scripts. The workbook also gave us information on how our body is just absolutely amazing when it comes to growing a child and giving that baby all that he needs. It was actually pretty cool to see, you know... compared to watching videos on the baby websites and freaking out about how a baby comes out!

I listened to the scripts at home as directed and for the most part, BD helped me with the birthing partner scripts which were supposed to be rehearsed every other day. When he wasn't able to help me, I asked my cousin to record her voice reading the scripts... butttttttt... that didn't work out the way I planned. We couldn't stop giggling because every time she had to read "our baby" it was just weird!

As the weeks went on, still practicing scripts and attending the sessions with our hypnotherapist, I found that I was able to actually sleep through the night. My body and my thoughts were RELAXED! During my second trimester, I started to lose sleep and wake up every two hours. My body felt uncomfortable and my mind was racing with questions and thoughts about when AND HOW my son would be born. But Hypnobabies CHANGED THAT! I think there were maybe two times (during the time we were in Hypnobabies) that I had nervous feelings and started to break down but BD helped relax my thoughts with the birthing partner scripts. We had a few giggled over some of the lines, but overall, it (and he) was very helpful.

To be honest, paying for the childbirth classes with Hypnobabies was totally worth it just for SLEEP itself! SLEEP! MY HUGE PREGNANT @SS NEEDED SLEEP!!! I would complain to BD about my lack of sleep and get mad at him because he was able to sleep a full night... Man... But Hypnobabies finally helped me get my sleep back on track. I even started having a handful of nights where I was in such a deep sleep that I would drool! LOL!

It was such a great experience. All of our Hypnobabies classes were enjoyable because the wonderful mommies (and daddies)! Our hypnotherapist was just awesome! If you're interested in it, check out the Hypnobabies website at www.hypnobabies.com. If you're in Maryland, contact me or leave a comment and I'll share my hypnotherapist's contact information.

I'll save my experience during our birthing time for another day... so stay tuned!

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Don't forget to enter Overtime Mama's Kleynimals GIVEAWAY! Click to visit the post http://overtimemama.blogspot.com/2013/02/kleynimals-giveaway.html and get your entries in before 9:00 am on February 26, 2013!

Kleynimals Giveaway

*super awesome game show theme music playing*

The time has come for Overtime Mama's very first giveaway! You've read how much I... I mean, how much Blake loooooooves his Kleynimals (and if you haven't read it, click here and READ NOW)! Now you can fall in love with Kleynimals!

There are plenty of ways to enter the giveaway and win a set of Kleynimals!

• Like Overtime Mama on Facebook (mandatory)
• Follow @overtimemama on Twitter
• Leave a comment on this post
• Tweet about the giveaway - Feel free to get more entries to the giveaway by tweeting once a day!
• Like Kleynimals on Facebook
• Share the giveaway on Facebook - You can do this once a day until the giveaway ends!

All entries must be submitted by 9:00 am EST on Tuesday, February 26th, 2013. The winner will be announced here on the blog. The winner must be able to provide a mailing address. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT

We're hosting our very first giveaway!!!!!

The founder and maker of Kleynimals, Kirsten Chapman, read our review on Kleynimals and has offered to team up with Overtime Mama for an awesome giveaway!

We love that Kleynimals was founded by a super mom and is a family-owned company based out of Maryland. Ms. Chapman works with The Providence Center in Anne Arundel County to provide job opportunities to adults with development disabilities. What a great way to stay local! Ms. Chapman, we adore you!

The giveaway will start on Friday, February 22nd, 2013 at 9:00 am EST. Mark your calendars and set your alarms!

You can enter several ways. You can enter via Facebook, Twitter, and just by leaving a comment on this blog! Rafflecopter makes it easy to track all entries and pick a winner at random.

The giveaway will end at 9:00 am EST on Tuesday, February 26th, 2013. The winner will be announced here on the blog so make sure you keep checking back! It could be YOU!

We Love Elephants... And a Good Deal!

I have a little bit of an obsession when it comes to all things elephant. At least I admit it. Yes, I even have an elephant tattoo...

The obsession stems from the love I have for my mom's mom. She was a very wise, supportive, and inspiring woman. I grew up around her so I felt very close to her. She passed when I was 10 but her words will forever stay in my heart.

She loved elephants...

And so do I.

Elephants are known to symbolize strength, happiness, patience, and luck. The elephant is considered a symbol of responsibility because it takes great care of its offspring as well as their elders. My grandmother had 10 children and she still had the energy and enough love to share with her grandchildren. ;-) What a woman!

Now... I have my own child that is my responsibility. When I was pregnant, I wanted to make it a point to include my grandmother in Blake's life. She is such a huge influence on me and I want him to know that.

With that being said, I chose to decorate his room with elephants. From his pillows to toys to his mobile and even some of his clothes... elephants are around.

I saw this elephant rocker at Pottery Barn and in my heart, I wanted to buy it but the sensible part of me screamed, "NOOOOOO STINKIN' WAY!" There's no need for it and especially for $149! Blake probably wouldn't even use it (at least not any time soon) and I'd probably be more paranoid of it rocking on his little fingers instead of actually letting him enjoy it. So I snapped a picture of it and walked away...

And then a few weeks later, I saw this post from a consignment shop around the way.

There doesn't look like there's much to it or that it was even special at all, but I had to have it!

I called 5 minutes after the owner posted it and asked her to hold it for me. Picked it up the next day for... wait for it... waaaaaaaaaait for it...

$19.95!

(No joke!)

Drove home with a smile on my face and a baby sleeping in the backseat. Got home and gave it a good scrub down. Not that it was in bad condition or visibly dirty, but you know... just to make sure.

Put it in Blake's room the next day and sat him down in front of it. He looked at the tip of the elephant's trunk and followed it all the way up to its eyes. Then a huge smile spread across his face and his eyes lit up! He leaned forward towards it and tried to reach up and touch the trunk. I helped him stand up and feel it and he played with the hair on the top of the elephant's head. The body of the elephant is sturdy enough for him to grab onto for support when he's standing. It's weighted enough for him to sit on top, too! Man... there were giggles galore!

Just look at how happy this kid is! Langston, our pup, likes to lay next to it too but he's camera shy so I wasn't able to snap a picture of him. :-P

It's just nice to know that I can spoil my son... even on a single-mom-budget! :-)

Peace out, folks!

Review Wednesday: Kleynimals

Sometimes Blake gets in meltdown mode and he can't snap out of it.At least, he wouldn't snap out of it until... I introduced Kleynimals to him!

He loves the sound of jingling and jangling and rattling and shaking. But he seems to have outgrown his baby toys. Rattles and plastic keys just don't cut it anymore. Over it, mom!

Blake and I went to visit a local shop a few weeks ago in Annapolis and found Kleynimals (pronounced as Clean-Ih-Mahls). Clean Key Animals. Food-grade stainless steel, non-toxic KEYS for BABIES (over 6 months old)!

(image: http://www.kleynimals.com)

Maybe I get a little more excited than he does when it comes to his Kleynimals. But maaaaan, these things are awesome. So awesome that they're freeeeeeaking awesome! The sound they make when they rattle sound just like real keys. Gets Blake's attention instantly!

The nice smooth, round shape of his Kleynimals are perfect for him to hold. No sharp ends poking him and I don't have to worry about his little tiny fingers getting sliced by real keys. On top of that, it's non-toxic stainless steel. Some car keys have lead in them, but these Kleynimals give you peace of mind because they have been tested and proven to have no lead, phthalates, BPA or cadmium! Go ahead, Blake, try and chew them!

And since my little one is teething, the slight coldness of the stainless steel can ease his teething pains. It's easy to wash so if he gets his mushy food, milk, or drool on it, I can just throw it in the dishwasher or wash it by hand real quick. No fuss!

(image: http://www.kleynimals.com)

There are three Kleynimals on each ring. And they have names. :-) Eli the Elephant (if you know my obsession with elephants, you already know he's our favorite over here), Gus the Giraffe, and Leo the Lion! Blake likes to hold each Kleynimal on its own and just run his fingers over their faces. He really looks like he's studying their characteristics. By far one of the cutest things ever!

The Kleynimals come in a cute, little pouch so you can store it in your diaper bag without worrying about little crumbies getting all over it. I like to keep it in the pouch when Blake isn't using it so it's easier to find in my bag and it's also like opening a present every time I take it out for him!

Wait, I'm not done raaaaaaving about it yet! Kleynimals was first founded and made, and still based in ANNAPOLIS! Hold up. Whaaaaaat?! Yup, they're local, too! *dyingggggg* A family-owned company. I'm absolutely loving that!

If I had known about these any earlier, I would have gifted them for a couple baby showers I attended. Moms need this! Babies need this! Sanity saver at its finest. :-)

OTMama Rating (lowest 1 - highest 10): 10!

It Finally Hit Me Yesterday...

This blog was made to share a little piece of our world with you. Maybe hopefully give you some insight on things... And possibly help you learn new things?

It's not always going to be glamorous, happy, and light though...

Because moms have their days, too...

And yesterday was one of those days.

You never really realize how helpful 10 minutes a day to yourself can be... Until you don't get it. Yesterday started off wonderfully. Well, besides not getting any sleep again because I had to study, pump, and nurse my son back to sleep. (That's pretty much how every night goes.)

Blake and I went to Stroller Strides, enjoyed some mommy and baby time at Starbucks then ran some errands. Blake napped in the car for most of our ride but when he woke up, he kept reaching out and tried to arch his back to get out of his carseat restraint.

I decided to make a stop at the park since we were passing it anyway. We had a wonderful stroll around the little lake and then swung at the playground for a bit. Boy, does he love swinging!

Soaked in some sunshine, met new friends, and nursed on one of the benches. He was so happy!

Then we got home and that's when all hell broke loose. -_-

He wouldn't go down for a nap. Wouldn't eat food. Wouldn't play with toys. Wouldn't let me put him down! I couldn't even pee without him on my lap.

4 hours later, he was still fussy. My back hurt from carrying him, my head hurt from his whining, and my stomach hurt because I was so hungry. I had plans to see a show last night and couldn't even get ready. I had to put Blake down in his room and let him cry... While I sat on my bed and cried. I needed a release... I needed help. Where's Mary Poppins when you need her?!! I need a direct line!

I don't know how other mommies do it. Two, three, four kids in tow... And they still have time to bake cookies, attend playgroups, shower, put make up on, and cook dinner.

I texted my cousin that lives around the way and told her I was thinking of canceling my one night to go out. I didn't want to leave Blake crying with her and I couldn't get ready anyway. But her positivity really reached out to me through her response. And she said she was up for the challenge, even with her own two kids at home. She was so calm and encouraging and said I could just drop him off and get ready in peace. Thank goodness for family...

I packed his bag and dropped him off.

Then came home, shut the front door, called Langston and plopped down with him right at the entryway. And cried...

I was emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted. Worn down. And it's just the end of week one with no help during the day.

Two more weeks to go...

The life of a single mom has officially hit me...

I'm no super mom.

The Best Valentine's Day!

I didn't sleep well last night, if you call 2 hours sleeping... but I woke up super excited and giddy because it's my first Valentine's Day with Blake!

To be quite honest with ya, I never really got the giddy feeling over Valentine's Day before. It was moreso anxiety because I had to think of what to get, what to do, and where to go. I guess I still had to do it but this time around, it was special because I spent it with my son.

There's just something about holidays, even Hallmark holidays, and children. I just can't wait to start traditions with Blake and maybe this'll end up being one of them.

We had a bit of a rough start because his schedule was a little off last night. We went to bed later and didn't go through his bedtime routine, so he was just all outta sorts. I had to pump, study, and eat so I didn't sleep much either. Oh yeah, and update the blog for ya... 'cause you know... it's just another excuse not to do homework. :-P

We finally made it out the door and met with two hot mamas and Blake's BFFs for some Valentine's crafts at a baby boutique in Baltimore. It was a mommy and son date day! The boys played in the store and they made handprint cards. Maybe I'm weird, but I love seeing Blake's little handprints. haha! And I love doing crafts with him. Letting him feel new textures and play with colors. It's pretty cool if you ask me! My hot mommy friend, Stefani Chung, actually captured some really beautiful shots of us making his handprint art.

of course i had to get a picture of him with my iPhone!

Then it was lunch time. Blake sat up in his high chair and tried to use his manners but how gentleman-like can you really be if you're eating cheerios with your fingers? ;-) It was so nice to just be able to sit down and eat and have conversations with some wonderful, wonderful ladies! We went to a cafe called Golden West Cafe. Pretty good! I'd go back again!

Afterwards, Blake and I took a little stroll around Hampden (since I upped my parking time). It was peaceful and cool to see the thrift stores, boutiques, and all that Hampden has to offer.

Once we got back to the car and I buckled him in, he passed out. So nice to see a happy, fed, and tired out kid. :-) Seeing him just made my heart melt. He's such a good kid... and I am so lucky I got to spend the whole day with him!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Strayed Off Schedule

Yesterday, Blake and I had a nonstop kind of day. We woke up a little earlier than usual to get ready to head out the door. I totally forgot that it was his Valentine's exchange with the other kids in our Stroller Strides class... so I had to grab some before class.

But before I could do that, I dropped off Langston, our pup, to the groomers. 7:30 am. :-/ With a child in tow. Egad...

Took a little longer than usual to get him settled but once we dropped him off, we kept moving. Next stop... our second home... TARGET! Blake was still sleepy so instead of sitting in the cart, I brought his stroller down. Grabbed some Valentine's goodies and cards and breakfast at the Starbucks. Out the door we go. And straaaaaaight to Stroller Strides!

Got his Valentine's goodie bags ready in the car and then loaded up the stroller to meet the other mamas and kiddies. An hour work out. Then Valentine's exchange! Yaaaaay! It was absolutely adorable!

Anyway, I decided to skip Blake's MyGym class so I could study for an exam while he napped instead. That went great! He took an hour and a half nap. I ate lunch, studied, and found time to just sit back. When he woke up, I dropped him off at a friend's house to I could take a class exam. I am just so thankful to have great mommy friends in the area!

Picked up Blake, went to the grocery store, picked up Langston, fed Blake some dinner, made dinner for myself (cheesesteak stuffed peppers), ate real quick, and then out the door we went again! Made it to 7:00 pm mass for Ash Wednesday and Blake got his first ashes! I missed taking a picture of it because quite honestly, I was just tired and so was he. Once we got home I changed him into jammies and he went night night...

Mommy go night night, too.

Take Your Son to Work Day

While my parents are unable to help me with childcare for Blake, some friends and family have offered to help. Three days in and I've already had to accept help.

Tuesday was a work day for me so a close family friend, my god sister, came over to watch Blake. But when she arrived at my house I was already running around trying to get things done. Instead of leaving her alone with Blake and making it so sudden, I brought them both to work with me.

Thankfully I have a fairly lax job when it comes to that!

My "office" has a little play area for kids so Blake was able to roll around and hang out. And during nap time, he made it pretty easy to put him to sleep. All we had to do was out him in his stroller, lean him back, and he was out.

After work, we had a nice lunch to celebrate my brother's birthday. His family, my godsister, and Blake and me. It was a fun outing and just really nice to be with my brother's family and catch up!

Three Weeks

Blake and I have to try and survive the next three weeks without any help...

Oy...

Tired just thinking of it.

My parents have been such a huge help with Blake. My mom is on disability due to a car accident late last year so she's been home. Thankfully, Blake is pretty well mannered and not too much of a problem child. So he doesn't need to be carried a lot. My mom was able to watch and entertain him for ten minutes at a time so I could eat, shower, pump, and use the bathroom.

All those things never seemed like such a luxury until Blake was born. (I mean except the pumping... that didn't happen until after Blake was born.)

On the days where I am 110% sleep deprived and running on E, my dad would come home a little early from work to hang out with little man while I napped for 30 minutes.

Now... those days are put on hold.

And mommy is going to have to pull all-nighters to study after hours.

*super super long sigh here*

But Blake and I are INCREDIBLY LUCKY to have such an amazing support system and wonderful friends. A couple mommy friends have offered to help while my parents are unable to for three weeks. I just always feel bad for asking for help because I feel like it's a burden. Especially to those that already have kids! I mean... one kid is enough, but two or three is a lot! I absolutely BOW DOWN to those of you with young ones running around. Sheesh...

Yesterday was the first day without any help and I was pooped by 8 pm.

I finally cooked a meal for myself, did two loads of laundry, studied and took an exam at school. All while Blake was basically awake. (You know how I wished for the long nap trend to stay... well, it didn't.) Blake doesn't watch T.V. so I am always trying to find things to keep him entertained. That, in itself, is exhausting.

I might have to invest in a bottle of wine this evening... you know... after he's asleep and all.

Any advice on juggling work, school, survival skills, and a baby would be greatly appreciated!

Wish us luck...

My Yummy Valentine

Blake's friends at MyGym had a Valentine's Party on Friday afternoon. And it was probably the cutest little party I've seen so far!

There were kids of all ages there. I think Blake may have been the youngest by a few months but he was so interested in the other kids. They were running, tumbling, dancing, and jumping. He couldn't help but giggle and smile at all of them.

We all introduced ourselves and then we sang songs together as a group. Sweet, little Valentine's songs. :-) Then the bigger kids were grouped together to do some activities while Blake and the other little ones were doing other activities.

First up was cupcake decorating! (I was screaming and jumping for joy... quietly, to myself!)

It was Blake's first time smushing a cake. I let him play with food at home so he could get familiar with the textures and all, but this was his first time with sugary sweets. He didn't eat any of it, but he definitely played with it. Actually, taking a look at the pictures... it looks like he did get a little taste of it! Silly boy! ;-) He was more curious and intrigued by the feeling of the icing. He was so quiet, just pushing the icing with his little pointer finger and then finally putting his entire hand on it.

He kept reaching back and patting me, getting icing all over my shirt and pants. But it was just too adorable, I really didn't care.

The final cupcake design!

After cupcake decorating, we made his first Valentine's card. I unstuck some stickers and gave it to him to put onto his heart card. I squirted some glittery goo onto the card and tried to get him to play with it. But once he put his hand on the goo, he wasn't having it. I guess the slimy feeling between his fingers didn't fly for him.

After cupcake decorating and card making, the little ones gathered in a circle and sang more songs. And played with bubbles!

That was Blake's first up close and personal experience with bubbles. He was nervous and shaking at first but kept looking at the other babies playing with them. He started to reach out and catch them, but every time they disappeared he had this blank look on his face. lol!

Where did the bubbles go?

Ahhhh... it was just too much cuteness in one afternoon!

Is it weird that I keep passing his Valentine's card and getting a little emotional? I'm not sure what emotion it is that sweeps over me but there's some feeling there. Like I'll never let go of it! (Uh oh... is this the start of mommy hoarding?!)

8 Months

My little blakeybee turned 8 months the other day. February 5th. I'm a little late in posting it because I haven't had a chance to take his picture.

He is pulling himself up now, and gets in the crawling stance but he's not quiet there yet. He rocks back and forth and then falls on his belly or face plants. And boy, does he hate that!

I've noticed that during the past 3 days he has also been taking long naps in the afternoon! 3 days in a row... Is this a dream? A teaser?! Or is this trend here to stay?!! :)

Busy Wednesdays

I had my workout this morning and then Blake had his. Our busy, busy Wednesdays! I love it!

Timing works out perfect. My workout is from 9-10:15ish. Blake's MyGym class starts at 11:45 so he gets to nap in the car. I usually get to MyGym a little earlier so while he's napping, I get about 15-20 minutes to read my textbooks while we wait in the car.

We go into his class a little early so we can get settled. Make sure his diaper is changed, shoes and socks off, take off his winter layers, and then let him get situated and familiar with where he is.

By the time class is over, he's worn out. So back in the car we go...

Except this time, we stopped by Cupcake Blvd. since it's in the same plaza. And mommies always deserve cupcakes! ;)

Before he could nap again, we stopped and looked at the delicious options and picked a few up for later.

Time to head home!

He napped for a bit in the car but the drive is only 10 minutes, if that. Once we got home, I brought him up to his crib and my little munchkin has been sleeping since!

... Going on two hours of naptime now...

I've finished a load of laundry and put more in, finished another chapter for one of my classes, ate lunch without rushing, and now... Here I am... With time to update the blog!

Man... I love long naps for this kid! I'll take a 2 hour nap versus mini 30 minute naps every 2-3 hours.