Whooping Cough - Baby killer - It can happen

That's not a very happy title for a blog but you really need to read this.

My sisters reminded me that I needed to get vaccinated for whooping cough and so did my husband. I had heard of it by thought it was an ancient disease that no one ever got anymore. Boy was I wrong. I did some research on it and came across this blog of a someone who lost their 27 day old baby. As I hold my one month old baby I can't help think about that family and the tragedy they went through. Please read and make sure mom and dad both get vaccinated (according to my OB you can't get vaccinated while pregnant but they do it in the hospital and i made my husband go to his doc to get that and a flu shot before we came home) It could save your baby's life.


http://kennethaskorner.weebly.com/1/post/2011/12/first-post.html

Sick Kids - When it rains, it pours

I'm writing this entry from the waiting room at Children's Hospital. The middle bean is having her tonsils and adenoids out. I've been through this exact surgery before with the older one but it doesn't really get any easier. I know she will be fine but as a mom you never really stop worrying about them. Over the past few months this child has had several ear infections, croup, and two rounds of strep throat. We have been on several different kinds of antibiotics and the doc says it's time to get the tonsils out. They are just a breeding ground for bacteria. I'm sure the surgery will be quick but I can't wait for it to be over. Middle Bean is just two years old so once again I have to spend the night in the hospital. I had to do the same with my older one who was three when she had hers taken out. I swear that my children should come out of the womb with no tonsils, adenoids and a set of tubes in their ears.

It's kind of a crap-shoot on whether or not your child will have ear infections. Must be the way my children's ears are shaped because we get them all the time. Some say kids who bottle feed get more ear infections but I don't buy it because I know PLENTY of breast-fed children who get them all the time too. My oldest one had 6 double ear infections under the age of six months. I remember taking her outside in the cool Omaha air to get her to stop crying. I couldn't wait until she was 6 months old so I could give her Tylenol. I remember going into the pediatrician's office with a screaming child and I looked like I hadn't slept in days. Well, I really hadn't. I would give her Tylenol every 4 hours and alternate with Motrin every 6. We ended up at Children's at 6 months old to get her a set of tubes. Best decision we ever made. I was completely beside myself with worry when she went in. Now I know, its pretty routine, and it's "no big deal".

My second child was a little better, not having that many early in life although we had to deal with massive reflux issues. Her ear infections started around 8 months and we had tubes in at a year. This is why I want my third child to come OUT with tubes but unfortunately that doesn't happen. I'm sure we will go through this again. Middle Bean has had her tubes in for two years and about a month ago had one removed and replaced to hopefully stop the current ear infections. If this doesn't work, we need another set and I'm okay with that. These tonsils HAVE to come out though because she doesn't sleep well and sounds like Darth Vader. We just need to get through the next few weeks. Juggling a newborn baby and a two year old who just had throat surgery will be hard but definitely worth it.

I guess my whole point is being a new mom you never know what God is going throw at you. With my two oldest, it was ear infections. With my second it was severe reflux. She would projectile vomit her entire bottle across the room. Scream for hours... usually from 1-5, then 7-2am. We were on a few different medications but nothing really helped until one day finally when she turned 4 months old it miraculously stopped. If your baby has an issue, just know that you are not alone. I guarantee you that if you talk to your friends and neighbors, someone has been through what you are going through. I learn all of my tricks and tips from my friends, sisters and sometimes strangers.

After all, we are all in this together.

Happy Baby Thoughts
:)R

TODDLER TIPS - MY HOUDINI CHILD TRIES TO GET OUT OF THE CARSEAT

Does your toddler attempt to get out of their carseat??? My second child is a "wanna-be Houdini". When she was about 18 months - 2 she started to try and get out of her carseat. It was horrifying. I would look in the rear view mirror and she would have pulled the chest-bar on the carseat down and she actually yanked on it so hard that she was able to get both arms out of the chest strap. I swear I tightened it enough so she couldn't move the bar, but for some reason she always was able to pull the bar down. I told her and her older sister that the bar needs to be at armpit level and I always made sure that it was there before I started the car. Little bean learned how to unbuckle the bar. I was beside myself one time when I looked in the mirror and both arms were completely out of the car seat. I pulled over and told her not to go it again but she just laughed. I then cranked down on the car seat harness to make sure she was not doing it again. Of course, she got out again. I think I was driving home to my parents house one time and she did it on the highway. I freaked. Then I started to look online for solutions.

I came across something on a website called a "Houdini Band". It really is great. It is a piece of fabric with two buttons and you wrap it around the straps and hook the strap over the button and the child can literally NOT get out of the car seat straps. My little bean didn't mind it at first but when she realized what it was, she freaked out. She got so frustrated trying to get out of it, she gave up. Now (she is now 3), we don't have to use it anymore but I keep it in the car and if she tries, I just show it to her and ask if she wants it on or not, and the temptation to get out of the seat magically disappears!!! I have a HOUDINI NO MORE!! I owe it all to the Houdini Band.

Getting out of the house

I remember when I had my first child 5 years ago, it was a complete chore to get out of the house. When my mom left after being with me for the first week and a half of my little bean's life, I felt so helpless and not able to function. I was so tired. I have never been up that much in the night before in my life. In college I just never went to bed but going to sleep, waking up, going to sleep, waking up was a lot different. And I wasn't 19 anymore and there was no alcohol involved. Now, I was responsible for another little human being. I had to get her dressed, feed her, change her, make sure she didn't fall off things. The responsibility was a little overwhelming. My sisters who all are older than me and who already had a few kids by then told me, "Just try and take a shower every day and get dressed". Then they said, "Just try and get out of the house at least once a day". That is what I did. I just tried to get out of the house. I remember the first time I tried it on my own, I got her all dressed and bundled up for that cold November weather in Nebraska... got her in her car seat and she threw up everywhere and had a blow out diaper all at the same time. I started to cry. But I powered through, got out of the house and things got better. My daily trip was to the drive thru Starbucks down the street. I remember pulling up and not remembering why I was there or what I wanted to order. The lady at the window just kind of chuckled and gave me a free latte on the house. And I started to cry again. It's amazing what people will say to you when they know you have a new baby:

"Oh Honey.... you look so tired" - REALLY??? THANKS FOR POINTING THAT OUT. I DIDN'T NOTICE WHEN I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR THIS MORNING.

"Make sure to sleep when she sleeps" - REALLY???? I DIDN'T THINK OF THAT. USUALLY I JUST RUN AROUND THE HOUSE DOING JUMPING JACKS WHEN I GET THE KID TO FINALLY SETTLE DOWN.

"It will get better" - REALLY??? WHEN??? CAUSE IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT WILL

It does get better. The fog of new motherhood fades after a few weeks. Sometimes your baby doesn't sleep through the night (as my second one didn't sleep through the night until she was ONE), but you get used to getting up and going back to bed for a few minutes and getting up again. You discover that caffeine is your friend. You learn to really nap when the baby naps and you settle into a routine. You get her dressed and get into the carseat and into the car and you make it out the door. You get your Starbucks and you get on with your day. I used to take my little bean INTO Starbucks with me and enjoy a cup of coffee in an actual MUG and get a scone and sit there for an hour or so. You don't have to do much, but just get out of the house. I went out to lunch and dinner a lot with my running buddy since my husband was traveling for work a lot. We took the baby with us in the carrier. This kept my sanity. In addition, I offered to let her new puppy out everyday at lunch and feed her. This forced me to leave the house. I also committed to getting a shower and putting on some makeup (well tinted moisturizer) every day (seems like a simple task but for me with my first one it was always a chore). If I didn't do that I would literally stay in the same clothes for days on end and look like I got hit by a mack truck. That is when the crazy people at the grocery store stop and ask you if you need some help because you look like hell on wheels.

As for the second and third child, well things get a little tricky. The world does not stop when you have a baby. The oldest child still has to go to school, you still have to get all the kids up, dressed, fed and in the car by a certain time. I guess I'm not as tired with this child as I was with the first one. I also DAYDREAM about only having one child and how easy it would be to only have one child who was in the little infant carrier to take care of. Truth is, grass is always greener on the other side. The hardest time of day for me is the 5am-8am time period. It's the time when you just stopped feeding the third child when the first and second child start to wake up and need to get dressed, brush their teeth and hair and get out the door in one piece. THEN you still have to go back upstairs and get the baby dressed etc. But I'm assuming I'll get into a grove in a few weeks and I'll forget how frustrating I was at first. 

Bottom line is, don't get discouraged in the first couple weeks. It's not going to be easy but you will survive.  Just have one goal per day. One day it might be: Okay, today I'll get dressed. The next day: Today, I'll blow dry my hair. Tomorrow, I'm going to put on some makeup and go to the grocery store. Baby steps to getting your life back on track. All of a sudden it will all come together and you will be back before you know it!

Happy Baby Thoughts:)

R

What to bring to the hospital and what to leave at home

For my first baby, I think I packed my hospital bag at 30 weeks. I was super excited and couldn't wait for the little bean to get here. I packed everything I thought I needed and more. Slippers, ipod with calming music, a book, a robe, lotion... everything they tell you in that little class and I didn't listen to the things NOT to take. We ended up going into the hospital at 38.5 weeks with our first one. I remember telling my husband at around 6pm that I thought I was in labor. He came home from work and we went for a long walk. We "hung out" at home until around 11pm and I couldn't take it anymore so we called the doc on call. I didn't really want to have the baby that early but of course she said, "I think it's time. I know you don't want to hear this, but get to the hospital". I have been telling my husband for weeks to pack a bag... of course he didn't do it. I told him the doc said go to the hospital and he didn't actually REALIZE that we were not coming back without a baby. He had heard that sometimes you go into false labor and there was a chance we could come home. I told him.... um... I think this is for real so get your butt upstairs and pack of bag. He had to of course take a shower and get his bag all ready. We left and go to Methodist Hospital in Omaha at midnight. I remember eating two granola bars in the car on the way to the hospital because they tell you to make sure to eat because once you get there, they give you nothing to eat.. and just clear liquids.

When we got there, I was only 1cm but my contractions were close. We literally walked around the hospital for 3 hours to see if I progressed. Then I was at 2cm. Walked some more but I couldn't take it. I was really happy I packed my robe and my slippers because the gown they gave me was pretty thin. I put one open in the front and on top of that one open in the back so it actually closed. They broke my water at 6am.

What I DID NOT NEED, was my ipod. I don't know how some people are but the LAST thing I wanted to do was put on headphones and meditate to music. I didn't want to talk to anyone or listen to anything or read. There was NO READING going on. Husband watched ESPN and I just sat there waiting, trying not to freak out. I finally got some sleep. Pushed for THREE HOURS and baby was born at 1pm.

My other two births were a little different. I KNEW when I was going to have the baby so we had someone to watch the other child(ren). I left my good pjs, robe, books, ipod, lotions all at home. I brought a sweatshirt, sock slippers, a small makeup bag (the good thing about being induced is I actually got to shower that morning and put on a little makeup), shampoo, SHOWER FLIP FLOPS. Some of my friends suggested you can bring some of your own maxi pads because the ones they give you are like Depends Old Lady Maxi Pads. Giant. I actually liked them. The bigger the better I say. I didn't bring ANY good bottoms or clothes. Had to be gross but you may bleed all over them. I brought a comfy bra to put on after the birth. That really helped so I wasn't hanging out. Since I was not breastfeeding, I brought an Ace Bandage to bind my chest. Also brought some Miralax (no joke - had an issue with the first one so I thought I might need it asap before the on call doc could write my a script - ended up using it, Thank Goodness). Pony Tail holders are a must. Maybe some body spritz because you don't smell too fresh while you are in there. They say you can bring suckers to suck on during labor. Yeah whatever, the less things I had to deal with the better. I brought my laptop since they had WiFi. That was nice. I could upload pictures of the little one onto my hard drive. Cameras, cameras and more cameras. We brought them all with extra batteries. I brought the cords to connect to the computer. And my phone charger. And finally I made sure to wear my velour maternity jogging suit on the way to the hospital so I could wear it home. As for underwear, well, they give you some nice stretchy ones in the hospital so I knew I didn't need any extra pair. Again, don't bring anything you don't want to get ruined!!!!

As for the baby, I didn't bring a "take home outfit" right away because we didn't know if it was a boy or girl. My mom ended up bringing the right one once we knew. All washed and ready to go. Remember, baby will be small so probably Newborn size. And a hat.. no matter what the weather. Another thing that I really needed to bring was the Boppy Pillow for feeding the baby. Made it so much easier. And I knew it didn't have hospital germs on it (well at least when it got there it didn't)

Just remember, when in doubt, leave it at home. They have tons of stuff at the hospital for you including a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, slippers, really cute granny panties, pads and yummy hospital food. Well, maybe not. But your significant other can always run to the store. My husband ran out and got something for HIM to eat and picked us up a Redbox DVD to watch the night that our last baby was born. Came in handy watching something else besides ESPN.

Just some thoughts. Again, just my opinion!!

Happy Baby Thoughts:)
R

Mom4Life.com and the best investment so far

One of my favorite websites so far is Mom4Life.com. It has some really great products and they are all "mom-invented". A few great things about this website is that it has free shipping, awesome customer service and pretty good prices. Since I subscribe to their newsletter I get 10% off all orders. I do shop around but I love that I'm supporting a small business that has an owner who is very helpful in making product decisions etc.

My most recent purchase from them is a Belly Bandit Abdominal Compression Binder. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE. I was a little worried because they are $44. I did buy TWO of them because I read the reviews that as you wear them post partum to suck in your traumatized stomach... your stomach/uterus actually shrink and it only fits for a little bit before you need a smaller size. I decided to take the plunge. I bought a small and medium (after much discussion with Angela at Customer Service) because I didn't want to have to send it back and get a new one and wait... meanwhile my stomach would be not supported. I remember with my first two kids... it was very uncomfortable to sit and stand, climb up the stairs etc. I did not have a c-section but I hear it makes it a little easier with the incision.

AGAIN - I HIGHLY recommend this product and the place to get it is mom4life.com. Not only am I now (10 days post partum) moving up to the small from the medium band.... I feel like I should wear it for a year. Love Love Love this product. I'm going to give my medium to a friend who just had a c-section. So glad I got two.

According to the Mom4Life.com website - here is the info on the BellyBandit:

Not only does the Belly Bandit help reduce uncomfortable uterine swelling, it also aids in decreasing bloating caused by water retention, and gives additional support for Mommy’s weary legs and back. If you are breastfeeding, there’s a bonus… the Belly Bandit will help you with your posture during feedings, and may help to reduce the all too common back and shoulder pain associated with breastfeeding.

Ultimately, the Belly Bandit wrap will aid in getting you back to your pre-pregnancy hotness faster than ever!

Stretch marks – urgh! Although everybody knows what can cause them ie: stomach growth and the stretching of skin, we really have never thought about the post period and what may be another factor. The excess skin that is pulled and stretched after birth may continue to cause unsightly markings by “hanging around”. Greater support of this loose skin may actually decrease tension which in turn may decrease stretch marks in the post period.

• Helps Loose Inches Faster
• Doctor Recommended (check out our FAQ'S Tab for more info) 
• Helps Minimize Stretch Marks
• Reduces Discomfort
• Speeds up the Healing Process
• Improves Posture
• Reduces Pressure on Back and Legs
• Helps Minimize Swelling
• Restores Confidence
• Provides Support for Breast Feeding
• Adds Abdominal Support and Comfort After C-section
• Made in the USA
• Featured on Ellen & Rachel Ray

Bringing Home Baby

Well it's been 10 days since we had our third little girl. I have not had time to even shower every day let alone do any sort of blogging. Today is my first afternoon home alone with all three girls. The house has not burned down yet. I'm pretty sure there will be a lot of cartoons watched when I am home alone. Little One is upstairs in her crib and the other girls are down here watching Barbie. My mom went home today. Sad.

I have learned a lot in the past 10 days. Lot of juggling of the kids. Feeding the baby with one hand and hugging the other children with the other. The older ones need lots of attention or they will melt down. I'm sure it's a pretty difficult adjustment for them but they seem to be handling it well.

As for gear, clothes etc, I have a few things that I realized. My kids have way too much stuff. Too much gear and too many clothes. With the third girl, there isn't much that I needed with this one. I even ended up returning all the clothes I bought for this one because I realized we need nothing. Here are my thoughts when it comes to new stuff that I bought that I wanted to try out.

Fisher-Price Newborn Rock 'n Play Sleeper

Perhaps the best thing ever. We received this a new present and we love it. It's a little bit angled but the baby is so snuggled in there. We love it. A MUST for all new moms. No matter if its your first or third!!!!

Boppy Lounger

I can live without this. We bought this since we thought we would need another seat. Not really needed if you have bouncy seats, swings and regular Boppys. Save the money. We returned it.

aden + anais Cotton 4 Pack Muslin Swaddle Blanket

Love these. My little one loves to be swaddled. This was recommended to me from a friend. Love them. A little $$ but great!

Halo Sleepsack Swaddle

These are better than the previous Halo Sleepsacks that we received with our other kids. They have kind of like a cape that goes on the back of a regular sleep sack that can be velcroed together to swaddle the infant. If you are going to get some sleep sacks, these are great. We started off with the fleece ones since it's freezing here, but now I'm switching to cotton because I don't want her to get overheated and it's better for burping. Get some of these.. they are great. I don't swaddle her arms, she hates that. It depends on your child!!!

Jolly Jumper Sneak a Peek Infant Car Seat Cover

We have a JJ Cole Bundle Me (well a similar one from LLbean). We love it. Its more of a blanket that goes under and over the baby to keep her warm but it doesn't go all around the head. I wanted to get something that was not like a blanket... to keep her warm on all sides. We tried this. I like it! Fits nice with our Graco Snugride however it makes it more difficult to clip in the car seat but you just have to make sure it snaps right.

So that is what I have learned in the past 10 days. I'm just trying to survive with all three kids. I've only been alone for a few hours, so far so good. I have bills, paperwork etc pilled high on my desk and laundry all over the place. That is going to be the hard part... staying on top of that.

You forget how much work little babies are. We have been back to the doctor about 4 times for billrubin and weight checks. Don't have to go back until Little One's two week checkup, thank Goodness. Now... for me to just enjoy all three of my kids and try and stay afloat.... remember to take a shower every day and get one load of laundry done. That's my goal. 

Happy Baby Thoughts

R:)