Just a super quick post to let you guys know that I’m excited to be a member of the Schoolhouse Review Crew this year and will, from time to time, have the opportunity to try out homeschool related thingiemabobbers and let you all know what I think.
The reviews will always be my honest opinion and will be in addition to my normal (or abnormal) posts. 😉
Hope 2016 is off to a great start for you all!
So I was reading an “essential baby items” list the other day, and about half the items on it are things I rarely, if ever, actually used. I wouldn’t call myself a minimalist, but I guess maybe when it comes to baby stuff I’m a bit more “less is more” than some. However, when we were preparing for baby number one, nine years ago, I was most definitely NOT. I mean, at the time I didn’t think I was getting a bunch of unnecessary stuff, but we had a swing and a bouncer and a jumper and a playpen…and the only place Artist wanted to be was in my arms. So…yeah. The one thing I didn’t have was a good carrier for when she was tiny…and that’s now number one on my list. Which I shall proceed to write. 😀
1. A newborn baby carrier. By which I mean a wrap, such as a Boba or Moby wrap. I promise you they’re not as difficult to use as they first appear, and there are step by step youtube videos showing you what to do. Once you get the hang of them, wraps are comfy and cozy and your baby can snuggle you all the livelong day while you take your older kids to the park and have both hands free to hold their hands when you cross the street. Or you can write blog posts, or make dinner, or whatever! Seriously, my Boba wrap was such a lifesaver! I’d even recommend getting two, so you almost always have one clean. (Unless your baby is a projectile vomiter like Smiles was, then you might need five.) 😉
2. A good breastfeeding pillow. This last time around, I used an extra thick pillow from Boppy, with both soft and firm sides. It was the best nursing pillow I’ve tried. My only complaint is that it doesn’t have a removable cover; you have to wash the whole thing every time it gets dirty…which can be pretty often. I may try to find another pillow this time…or get a second one to have on hand. Either way, some sort of breastfeeding pillow is a necessity…the thicker and more supportive the better!
3. LOTS of waterproof pads. Both for changing diapers and putting under your baby at night. I suppose a 3.5 here is a contoured changing pad, to which you can add a lovely, soft cover and keep on a dresser to function as a nice changing table. However, I only actually used the contoured pad for the first six weeks or so, and then I started keeping a couple waterproof pads in a basket with diapers and wipes and I just grabbed that and changed my wiggly baby on the floor where I didn’t have to move her to somewhere safe while I washed my hands afterward.
4. A few sleepsack/swaddle blankets. I love the combo ones because they work whether your baby loves being swaddled or, like two of my three, can’t stand to have their arms restrained. Either way, it helps keep baby nice and warm, without having to master swaddling your squirmy baby with a regular blanket at four in the morning, when you’re going on three hours of sleep and just. can’t. even. (Seriously, save your sanity…I bet you can find these at a consignment store so you don’t have to spend too much, and then one of these days, in the wee hours when you’re trying to put your newborn back in bed after the ten millionth poop of the night, you’ll thank me.)
5. A compact infant bath for sinks. With Artist we had one of those plastic baby bath tubs that you set inside your big bathtub and knelt beside uncomfortably to bathe your baby. Spare yourself. With Smiles we used a Puj Flyte and it was so much better! We got to bathe her standing beside the sink…our knees thanked us. Plus, when we were done it folded up and fit under the sink. And we could easily take it with us when we went out of town, too. 🙂
6. A good carrier for older babies. I LOVE my Beco Butterfly. It’s pretty, super comfortable, and has an awesome pouchy-ish thing (you love my descriptions, right?) that you can put your baby in before putting her on your back, which made back carries a million times easier for me. Unfortunately, it’s not made anymore. 🙁 The Beco Gemini looks pretty awesome with it’s forward facing and hip carry options. In doing research to see what’s out there these days as far as a good structured soft carrier, I found at least four new carriers that are so awesome I’m tempted to buy another, even though we already have two…so I’m going to stop looking, because I really don’t need any more carriers. (Side note, the pic is of Misteris wearing Boo…how sweet is that? Babywearing Daddies are just the best!)
7. A comfortable glider and ottoman. This would be my one recommended big splurge, if you have the money. If you’re anything like me, you’ll spend a lot more time rocking your baby than staring at fancy crib bedding with a fancy mobile and matching fancy curtains plus nursery walls painted to match, of course. I mean, well, if you’re like me, you’ll co-sleep and not even have a crib…or a nursery, but that’s beside the point. Just this past year, in anticipation of baby four, we finally decided to indulge in our first truly comfortable glider. I actually still rock Smiles to sleep most nights, so I’ve already used it a lot, and my only complaint is that we didn’t get it sooner!
8. An inexpensive exersaucer. I mean, we never really used this a ton, so don’t spend $100 on one, but once your baby is mobile, sometimes you just really need her to not be able to go anywhere for a few minutes. An exersaucer did the trick for us. You could use one of those little jumpers that hang from your door frame if you want, they’re even cheaper, and technically take up less space, but I didn’t want the annoyance of not being able to close the door. So, yeah.
9. A padded high chair/cart cover. For sanitary purposes of course, but mostly so you can put your baby in the high chair at a restaurant before they’re technically sitting up so awesomely on their own that they wouldn’t ever fling their head back suddenly and bash it on the hard wood. Or maybe that’s just me. I mean, wait, not that I would ever do that? Hmm. Anyway, it was a worthwhile purchase for me, but it’s obviously not at the top of my list.
10. A stroller with tall handles. I have no idea why, but our first stroller’s handles were too low for me to push comfortably, and I’m 5’3. Since I mostly wear my babies, I didn’t rectify the situation until our third baby decided she’d rather see the sights than just my face, as beautiful as my face is. 😉 However, I’d been using the stroller for years, if not for my baby then to at least hold her diaper bag (and anything we purchased) during trips to the mall. I’ll probably try to pretend my “baby” is small enough to need a stroller so I can use it to haul my stuff until the youngest is a teenager. Anyway, after literally hours and hours of research, we finally found a stroller that looked worthy of upgrading to. Yes it’s a jogging stroller. No, I’ve not ever jogged with it. I also wear yoga pants every day and never do yoga. Whatever.
BONUS TIP! Buy stock in Hylands Teething Tabs, and invest in a really good vacuum. Also, get a white noise machine. Thank me later. 😀
Obviously there are other basic items you’ll need that I’m not bothering to list, like clothing, diapers, a diaper bag (or large purse, or backpack, or whatever) with plenty of pockets, Infants’ MOTRIN, extra thick burp cloths, some form of simple high chair, waterproof bibs, and lots and lots and lots of coffee.
One more quick tip, try to resist the urge to buy too many adorable baby outfits.Your baby will inevitably immediately spit up on your favorite outfit every time you put it on her…until she finally has a giant poop blowout with it on instead, staining it forever. Plus, super cute, super tiny outfits your baby will outgrow in exactly 3.625 weeks are people’s favorite thing to give you. We finally got smart this fall and got Smiles a handful of short and long-sleeved onesies with coordinating pants and a couple neutral skirts. Add a jacket for when it’s especially cool out and BAM, clothes shopping done! They take up less than one drawer of space, and didn’t cost an arm and a leg. Of course for a newborn you’ll want plenty of warm, footed jammies, too, especially if you’re having a fall or winter baby. I used to add a jacket and some boots over Smiles’ jammies and take her out in public looking super cute and staying nice and toasty to boot (no pun intended). 😉
And now for some of the many things we were told we needed that, for us, were seriously not even worth the space they took up or the clutter they added: baby swings, bouncers, vibrating seats, activity gyms, play mats, Sophie the Giraffe, nursing covers, wipes warmers, taggies, receiving blankets, a Diaper Genie, playpens, a motion sensor monitor (oh the many near heart attacks it gave us for false alarms), baby powder, baby oil, newborn shoes, a carseat canopy, cheap socks that fall off in less than three seconds (if you must have socks, get good ones), hand mitts, diaper stackers, and parenting books. ESPECIALLY parenting books. Except The Baby Book by Dr. Sears. You should read that one…because my parenting philosophy (and this one particular book’s) is obviously the best. Or I guess you could do your own thing. Whatever. 😉
A joyous Christmas Eve, and very merry Christmas to you and yours!!!
During the advent season I feel like, for me anyway, there’s sometimes even more weariness than other times. There’s so much hustle and bustle and trying to fit in ALL THE MAGIC and fun times.
And as we look forward to celebrating special days, we especially miss those who are no longer with us. Our cherished memories are sometimes bittersweet as they include special moments with those we now miss. I know for me, one of my favorite Christmas songs is Sarah McLachlan’s Song for a Winter’s Night…but I get all teary eyed every time I hear it (yes, that happens about a million times a day when I’m pregnant, but give me a break). It was my favorite pointe dance that I did at Christmas time in high school with my good friend Alyson, who died tragically days before her high school graduation. Artist’s middle name is Alyson in memory of her. At Christmas, especially, I also remember the precious, beautiful, amazing little four year old girl whose final pictures I took in the hospital in December a few years ago, shortly before she passed away just after Christmas. I remember the Christmas morning when we announced to our family that Artist was going to be a big sister, and then lost the baby a few weeks later…my first of three miscarriages.
We all have losses, stresses, burdens…weariness. They weave in and out of our joy and celebration. There are seasons of life when some burdens can threaten to cloud out the light. But there’s always hope. And even in the midst of this year’s advent season that for me is marked by cheer and love and the miracle of life that I’m blessed to be carrying, there’s still the weariness (and pregnancy exhaustion…plus lack of being allowed to drink a dozen cups of coffee a day — what’s up with that? ).
But there’s something about Christmas Eve! I love pausing just before the long anticipated day, sitting down in a Christmas Eve service and putting my focus back on Emmanuel, God with us… letting His presence fill me again with His thrill of hope. And then we light candles and sing Silent Night, and for a moment all is calm (maybe just a split second, I mean, there are still the kids, and kids + candles isn’t exactly the most peaceful combination). 😉
But despite the necessary attention to your children’s hair and the toddler who wants to touch the flames and the hot wax threatening to spill everywhere…there’s just something about the candlelight and the singing. My heart overflows with Heavenly peace…and it’s glorious!
As I write this, I’m praying for each of you reading this that today and tomorrow will be filled with love and laughter and peace, and that whatever weariness you are burdened with this year you are able to rejoice…for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Hey guys! This morning I have the pleasure of introducing you guys to an awesome friend of mine. Years ago when our oldest kiddos were both less than a year old, we got them together for a playdate, and her little guy became Artist’s first friend! 🙂
Helen blogs over at The Family Fuel about homeschooling, and the craziness of life, and running, and stuff. She also created a great resource for DFW area families called DFW Parks & Playgrounds that has tons of reviews of parks with pics and in-depth descriptions!
Anyhoo…here’s a little about this fantastic lady!
1. Tell us a little about yourself in 140 characters or less (or whatever cause there’s no way I have time to count).
I’m married to my college love (we’ve been together 18 years!). I’m a mom to 2 silly boys (8 & 3), and 2 dogs (they’re 17 & 14(ish)!). I never planned to be a homeschool mom, but traditional school was not a good fit for my energetic 8 year old, so here we are. I lean more towards unschooling, partly because I’m lazy & partly because I just think it’s fabulous, but I take it all on a day-to-day basis & I’m totally open to changing when things quit working. I’m a Christ-follower & I’m trying my hardest to raise God-fearing boys who have a deep love for Jesus. Life is hard most days, but it’s a fabulous blessing every day.
2. What Hogwarts house do you belong in?
I may lose my homeschool mom card for this, but, I’ve never read Harry Potter or seen the movies. I know, I know, so awful, huh? I did find an online quiz (because those are always so accurate & all), and it said I belong in Ravenclaw. Don’t have a clue what that means, but it says “intelligent, witty, & capable” next to it, which is totally true of me.
3. What’s your fall back dinner when you can’t think of anything else to make?
We are really, really, really bad about dinner around here! I mean, by the time I get home from dragging kids all over the city the very last thing I want to do is make a dinner they’re just going to complain about anyway. So, we often eat beans & rice, beans & tortilla chips, peanut butter sandwiches, cereal…
4. What’s your favorite “educational field trip” to take? (Obviously anything can be educational) 😀
We love field trips! My favorite is probably camping, or just spending a day at the park/on the trails. Being outside is so peaceful & there is so much to learn through simple observation! Plus, there are no video games, less fighting, and some days we get to play in the mud.
5. What’s the hardest room in your house to keep clean?
My kitchen is never clean. Like, ever. We are ALL here (even the hubby, who works from home) for pretty much every meal & every snack, so there are always dirty dishes, dirty counters, fingerprints all over the fridge, and don’t even get me started on the floors.
6. What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?
My favorite Christmas tradition is having cake for breakfast. We make a birthday cake for Jesus & waste no time digging in! We sing “Happy Birthday” & sometimes we even add a candle to blow out. Starting Christmas morning remembering WHY we celebrate & not getting completely wrapped up in the presents & Santa is so important to me.
7. Most importantly, how do you like your coffee?
I like my coffee strong, hot, and plentiful! I usually start my first cup of coffee with a little coconut milk in it, then I finish off the pot black.
Isn’t she great?!? I love her Xmas morning cake idea! And my kitchen is a wreck right now, probably worse than hers, but I’m telling myself that I’m not alone in it’s messiness! Thanks so much, Helen! P.S. If your awesome “coffee” shirt disappears someday, don’t come looking here, I won’t have stolen it…really. 😉
I think sometimes, whether purposefully or not, we make our lives seem like this:
When it’s really more like this:
I know I can be guilty of this. On Facebook, especially, I tend to post just the good things. The sweet moments, or funny ones…things I want to remember. And honestly, I don’t plan to change that.
Next year, when my timehop app shows me what I posted today, I want to remember how sweetly my girls worked together to string cheerios on pipe cleaners for the birds, not the moment ten minutes later when Boo got mad and called me the worst Mom in the world.
And I know we’ve all heard that we shouldn’t compare our behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel. But I think we can always use a reminder that what we’re seeing of someone else’s life is never the whole story.
I also think it’s not a bad idea to occasionally be at least a little transparent and not just try to paint a flawless picture of ourselves.
Here’s a peek into my unglamorous life right now…
The floor of my room is covered in clean laundry I need to fold and put away. Every time I fix it, it happens again. I just can’t even.
Smiles is NOT always smiley.
Sometimes she screams and throws herself to the floor because I won’t let her eat food out of the trash, or I threw away her dirty pull-up, or I opened the door to let Misteris in when he got home, or we had the audacity to not leave her in the car when we got home, or I picked up the goldfish she spilled, or…well, you get the picture.
And for every moment where Artist and Boo are sitting shoulder-to-shoulder painting together as sweet as can be, there are probably a dozen moments where Boo is mad because Artist doesn’t want to play with her, or Artist used the crayon Boo wanted, or I was super mean and asked them to straighten their desks, so it’s the worst day ever.
My kids watch too much TV and eat too much junk and don’t brush their hair often enough.
Last night I was so NOT in the mood to hear them whine about dinner that I made each kid a separate meal I knew they’d like…and I haven’t washed last night’s dishes yet.
I have texts needing responses, phone calls to make, e-mails to send, school work to do with my kids, a bathroom to scrub and floors to sweep and vacuum before our small group meets here tonight, and of course dishes to do and dinner to cook…but the only thing I’m certain will get checked off my to-do list today is getting out of bed and drinking coffee. (Done and done on those two, by the way…I rock!)
This post is definitely not a pity party for me. It’s life. Life is always messy and crazy and imperfect…or at least mine is. Hopefully if yours is, too, this post has made you feel a bit better about yourself…or at least giggle at my expense. 😉