I used to think days were long but now that I have a 9-5 job and a daughter (oh ya and a husband) days seem to fly by and I never have time for myself. If I even think about painting my nails, or dying my hair something else gets my attention like laundry emptying the recycles, ordering photos, reviewing the budget. There is always something more important that just myself and I cannot seem to fight it. I rarely workout and feel like I am going crazy or growing old fast! I love being a Mom so I know it comes with the territory but does anyone else feel like they just do do do go go go?

So I think I have reached the point where I feel like one of those parents I hear about - you know the ones that are running on empty, no sleep etc. My daughter has had a fever two nights and now the running nose oh and hives before the fever. It's amazing how worried I got, didn't even think about sleeping just wanted to make sure her fever wasn't too high, she was comfortable etc. Now after day 4 of not much sleep and way too many things shoved into 1 day I am really tired. I am looking at Gabby jump up and down with the ball and am thinking I just don't see it happening today. But you never know. The day is early and I just might get inspired to push a little extra today.

My husband and I were invited to the Laker game last night. I was torn because it's really hard leaving my daughter with a baby sitter. I know that may sound odd but she is only 1 and she can't talk. So she wouldn't be able to tell me anything that happened while we were gone. Paranoia I know but we did go and had a great time. We haven't spent much alone time together in the past year so it was nice to be together dressed up having fun. I was really happy to go back home though. I got excited when she woke up around 12 so I could say hi and help her back to sleep. Normally I wouldn't be so enthused about that ;)

Nicholas Ryan comes home from the hospital today!! He wasn't due until February 14!!

I am at the age where having children isn't so easy. My friends and I often laugh about how we spent the majority of our lives trying NOT to get pregnant and now that we are married we are like - ok we're ready - ok we're ready - why isn't it happening? The panic, tears, frustration sets in. It's no longer about hmmm I feel weird 2 months in and getting a surprise. It's now about Honey be home at 2:00 cause we need to try today, and tomorrow, the next day, and just in case the next day. Talk about a job and not an experience. The passion can be taken right out of the equation after a few months of trying. Not being able to have kids (if you want them) can be the scariest, helpless, heartbreaking experience ever. It took my husband and I 8 months and trust me those were the hardest 8 months ever. BUT thank fully we have a daughter and every second of every day trying was worth it. I can't explain how much love she provides every day. It's unexplainable. Our world is completely different. Enough about me. My friend just called and is pregnant. 2 years of trying naturally and just a month ago - invetro (sp?). They decided not to wait any longer. Their daughter turns three this month and they really want 1 more child for her, for them etc. She told me a little about the intensive process, shots, acupuncture, visit after visit, implementation, laying on her back for three days straight, deciding how many eggs to insert (she had 2 good ones that took) She could have had twins but she has one precious heart beat she said. I am so happy for her, just so happy. She has been positive, strong and thankful either way. Thankful she has a daughter and just hoped for another. Congrats my friend. Stay positive.

My sister wrote a book.. its all about spending time with your child.. http://withmychildseries.com/Yoga_Book.html is her website.. its hands on parenting..

It's a Beautiful Day for Yoga is a great book for parents who want a shared, family activity that will exercise the whole family's mind, body and spirit. Even if you've never practiced yoga before you and your child will learn to do simple yoga poses together. The poem and the pictures are designed to show the simplicity of the poses and the strength of togetherness.


Thanks Wendee

My daughter cried when I left the room today for the first time! I was so happy she cried it was actually funny! My Nanny came at her usual time and I kissed my girl goodbye (I work at home so I was going 10 feet away) and she cried when I was out of her site! It was so cool, I feel so loved. I know she loves me but by her crying cause she couldn't be with me made me feel so good. (you know what I mean) I ran back and gave her tons more kisses and put her in a fun jumper so all is good!

I just came across this info, I had no idea?

All solid food: The AAP recommends feeding your baby only breast milk or formula for the first four to six months.
Foods to avoid: 4 to 12 months

Honey: Honey can harbor spores of Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism. An adult's intestinal tract can prevent the growth of these spores, but in a baby the spores can grow and produce life-threatening toxins.

Peanut butter: The sticky consistency of peanut butter and other nut butters can make it tough for a young child to swallow safely.

Cow's milk: Stick with breast milk or formula until your child's first birthday. Why? Your baby can't digest the protein in cow's milk for the first year, it doesn't have all the nutrients he needs, and it contains minerals in amounts that can damage his kidneys.

Choking hazards to watch for

Large chunks: Pea-size pieces of food are safest — they won't get stuck in your child's throat. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and green beans should be diced, shredded, or cooked and cut up. Cut fruits like grapes, cherry tomatoes, and melon balls into quarters before serving. Cut meats and cheeses into very small pieces or shred them.

Small, hard foods: Nuts, popcorn, cough drops, hard candies, raisins, and other small dried fruit and seeds are potential choking hazards.

Soft foods: Soft foods like marshmallows and jelly candies can get lodged in your child's throat.

More choking prevention:
• Avoid letting your child eat in the car. It's too hard to supervise while driving.
• If you're using a rub-on teething medication, keep a close eye on your baby as it can numb his throat and interfere with swallowing.

I just saw a segment on the Today show that talked about how to get your baby to sleep better. Two Experts Conner Herman and Kira Ryan, followed a couple Julie and Alex Sarly who were having trouble getting their baby to sleep more than two hours at a time. They rocked their baby back to sleep every two hours. They were very sleep deprived needless to say!

Their Tips:
1. Have a Sleep Schedule (set time for naps and bedtime so they know what's coming) Bath, Story, then Bed between 6:00 - 8:00 They need 11-12 hours of nighttime sleep
2. Clear the crib: No toys, Stuffed Animals - anything that's stimulating
3. White Noise - Can be a sleep que - Have it on all night log - Don't use something that turns off after 45 minutes so if your baby wakes up and doesn't here it he she might get scared or confused.
4. Make the room very dark!

The Challenge: Teach your baby how to fall asleep when she arouses - let her fall back asleep by herself:
"The right environment, right technique, and a little persistence"

So here is the tactic - When your baby wakes up don't run over pick he/she up. They will never learn how to get themselves back to sleep. (Let them Cry :( Sounds harsh, but they say after 3-4 nights they sleep through the night because they have learned how to fall back asleep by themselves. Babies need to learn. Now the two experts were in the room monitoring the baby when she cried. They didn't just shut the door and walk away. They recommend monitoring your baby but don't help them.
At 4 months babies should be able to sleep through the night.
I would follow up on this more as I'm sure there is a lot more info out there to back this up and give more helpful tips!

Yay! Finally my daughter drank from a bottle today. She just turned 16 weeks and I was beginning to think I would never be able to leave for more than 2 hours! Now I can go to the movies, out with friends but most importantly go up to my office for the day. Whew!! I just kept trying and trying. Now that she likes to grab on to things I think the bottle intrigues her.

Some of my friends joined Mommy and Me classes. I don't really want to, is that bad? I work and when I spend time with my baby I just want to be alone with her. I sing songs and talk to her as much as I can. Am I depriving her of some really fun activities? Can anybody fill me in on what goes on in a Mommy and Me class? And could I do those things on my own? Thanks for your help!

A good way to get your baby to sleep is to bounce on an exercise ball. It's cheap, and they love the motion!

My Baby still won't take a bottle. I try a little every other day or when I remember to. She now lets me put it in her mouth but she gnaws on it and doesn't suck. When my Nanny tries she cries. I then wait a few minutes and feed her myself. I am going to need to be away for more than 2 hours soon. My goal this week is to try everyday. I usually stop when she starts crying. I try to sing and distract her to prevent the crying but it eventually starts. Any advice?

I have kinda got the night time down but the day time naps are not fun. My baby screams everytime she needs a nap. I try to catch her before she is too tired and rock her down to sleep but it always turns into screaming!! She hates the pacifier and bottle and only wants my boob. I don't let her fall asleep on it during the day but unfortunately she does fall asleep in the evening and the middle of the night feeding because she is so sleepy she can't seem to stay awake. So she has that comfort and falls asleep peacefully. I feel bad for my Nanny and my Mom who help out while I work. I am dreading today's naps. I hope it gets better??

My baby just doesn't want to take a bottle! She just turned 10 weeks and I need to be able to leave the house for more than 2 hours. Her eyes fill with tears and she really seems hurt to the thought of it. It crushes me! Today I decided to prop her on a pillow and make really funny faces and sing loud songs while I slyly put the bottle to her lips. This helped as she at least let me put the bottle in her mouth but she just kinda chewed on it there was no sucking. I made some progress so I am happy with that. I will try again tomorrow!

So I just decided to let my baby sleep without being swaddled. She absolutely loved it up until a couple of days ago. She is 9 1/2 weeks and likes to chew on her hands that she just discovered. Being swaddled doesn't allow her to do this so now she screams, I mean screams! Soo no swaddle and now not much sleep. Every time her hands or legs fall to the mattress she jerks them back up, wakes up, and cries. This goes on and on. I feel terrible. BUT I just put a bunch of rolled of blankets on the sides so her legs and hands don't hit the mattress. She is sleeping good finally. Let's hope this works!!!

I can't seem to lose 15 lbs. I only gained 30 lbs during my pregnancy so I didn't think it would be hard to get back. BUT since I have had my bundle of joy I have been so busy and EXHAUSTED I haven't had time to exercise and I am finding myself eating a lot of carbs and sugar? I need to get back to my normal diet! To be continued...