Pregnancy and New Mom Reads

Mom-To-Be-To-Dos:

• Register for a ton of baby stuff 
• Go to a ton of doctor appointments 
• Buy a ton cute maternity stuff. Elastic waistbands - wahoo!
• Freak out at the enormous responsibility that's literally growing inside of you. 
• Read a ton of books because you're now up in the middle of the night and you've got shit to learn. 

During my pregnancy, I inhaled pregnancy and new mom info. If someone recommended anything - I read it. Email newsletters - sign me up. I wanted to know every labor tip, new mom tip, registry tactics and then some. Last weekend, I retired Ingrid's 3-6 month clothes and these Mom-to-be-Classics to the attic. I thought I'd share some of my faves.

• What to Expect....
  Some of these questions were hilarious. I would laugh at these fictitious women and their insanely dumb fake questions - then a week later I would be frantically paging through this for any nuggets of info about Braxton-Hicks. I flagged the Dad chapters, which went unread. Which lead to a Knocked-Up-inspired dramatic monologue preformed by yours truly. The phrase "You didn't read the baby books! How can you not read the baaaabbbby books?" was exclaimed...more than once.
  
  
• Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth  I had a lot of people recommend "funny" books to which I rolled my eyes and even uttered out-loud, "Oh brother!" Baby Laughs was a another story, this was real, candid and Jenny had a wicked pregnancy. I counted my lucky stars I didn't experience half of the stuff she did. Now, I'm awaiting Baby Laughs to be returned to the Bay View Library (stop hoarding, whoever you are!)
  
  
• BabyWiseI know. How could I, right? BabyWise?! This book was so controversial, I had to know what all the fuss was about - I still don't know what all of the fuss was about. This is all about Parent Directed Feeding (aka, mom and dad tell you when to eat instead of baby). I read this when Ingrid was six or seven weeks old and at that time, it made some sense. I would say read this after having a baby otherwise your expectations will be out of whack. The biggest take away I had was this quote - it left my nodding my head in total agreement:
  
  "Time and experience are prerequisites for building any friendships. Children enter this world with neither. Wisdom, self-control, and the experiences earned over time must be trained into a child by those granted this unique privilege - the parents. Responsible parents are their children's teachers. The parents lead the children, as students, follow. Of course, fun times are welcome. Have fun along the way, but never at the expense of needed leadership."

• Then, the mother of all baby books...The Happiest Baby on the Block.
  I love the ease of this book. I love the DVD. Dan loved the DVD. I love the whole fourth-trimester idea. I love the 5S's. I'm like the Daily Affirmation girl. I love this book.
  

Everything. In hindsight, I can't even remember half of what I read (let's blame the dreaded new mom brain, shall we?), but in an effort to stay current with The Development of Babies - I'm asking for your recommendations. What books did you enjoy during this new mom stage? Ingrid is six months and anything from How to Raise a Normal Kid to comic relief is welcomed.

She's Already Six Months Old.

Ingrid turned six months old on October 10 - and since then I've been hemming and hawing over what to share and how I feel about her "half birthday." As I packed up her 3-6 month clothes today I fought back tears and told Dan that I felt like crying. To which I received a half-nod of acknowledgement as if to say, "Go for it, but please keep organizing, there are literally five bins of baby shit sprinkled around the apartment."

So, as I folded her little clothes and tucked little jeans, sweaters, sun hats and more into larger sized bins, I realized that she's still going to get bigger. Like 4T bigger.

She's never going to be this size again or this snuggably small again - and it's bittersweet. She's now incredibly expressive and babbles (and "grrrsss") nonstop all day (where did she get that from?). She can roll over, sit up (with some help) and it really just an awesome little person. But she'll probably never need to be swaddled again, won't wear her little strawberry hat and...countless other little, baby things. She won't look like this:

And now she looks like this:

Someone forgot to button me up!

Again, need to stop looking in the rear-view mirror, stop worrying what's around the corner and enjoy the present! At present, Ingrid is taking a nap, Harper is taking a nap, Kitty is taking a nap. Dan and I are enjoying a lazy Packer-game-victory Sunday and deciding what to order from Classic Slice.

Here's another month of memories and milestones:

Ingrid met her little cousin Audri this month (while attending her aunt's baby shower). Ingrid is unsure what to do as numerous ladies were snapping pictures at this time.

Ingrid. Loves. Cups. 

The rare Baby-and-Mom photo.

On neighborhood watch.

Back to school and loving it. Don't let the laptop fool you, his schedule is jam-packed with yoga, art history and sign language. 

Buds. 

Tonight we're featuring, carrots with oatmeal baby flake/food.

Ingrid loves the great outdoors.

Humbolt Park in late September

Fall Colors Tour 2011

Harper's loving the unseasonably warm temps.

Blown away by...

Apples!

And pumpkins - at Barthel's Fruit Farm.

I can now roll over and make crazy sounds, including DaDa!

Sophie - the "Woody" of toys.

Exosaucer time!

Time to go - we need to order that pizza!

Busy.

If you need something done, who should you ask?

A. A busy person.
B. A not-so busy person.

Ah, if you chose B you are oh-so wrong.

Case in point - me - a few months ago. Once I got the whole "new baby" thing under control and could go on a walk without my uterus hurting (oh, the C-section joys) - I tried to become a productive member of our household. As in - move beyond Ingrid and try to keep up with laundry, cook something (anything.), shower on a consistent basis and perhaps walk our squirrely dog.

That plus, find a job.

Today, I stumbled upon an old to-do list from my Job Notebook. It read:

• Walk Harper 
• Shower 
• Go to bank 
• Apply for two jobs. 

I think I showered that day.

Now I could easily play the New Mom Card here - but I'd be fooling myself.

It was that last little lingering bullet point.

• Apply for two jobs. 

That's it, just write two cover letters, tweak your resume and send.

But then what? Rejection letters? An awkward phone interview? Forget it.

Mustering up the effort everyday to check the websites, hold your breath while reading rejection letters/emails, prepping for interviews, networking, reading about job searching. It's exhausting. It's draining - it leaves you with such little energy - the thought of making dinner seems overwhelming.

So, as I now find time to work, run errands and make time for myself - the real catalyst to getting My Life Back was the freedom that came with the job. Dropping the Un and being Employed once again. I'm now in the driver seat of my checking account (vs. getting unemployment payments - awful feeling).

I have a new sense of sympathy for the long-term unemployed. I used to think it would be kick-ass to lounge around in yoga pants all day, go to the gym at 9 am, and have a flexible life. But after wearing those shoes for a few weeks, I wanted to be back in an office. Stat.

So, instead of envying the unemployed's ability to go to Target during off-peak hours, be thankful you are a productive member of society - drop them a random, positive email every now and again. Trust me, after sifting through the Application Confirmations and rejection emails - they'll appreciate a "busy person" taking time out of their "busy" day to catch up.

Go Crew.

Another Sunday, another round of Wisconsin sports.

Here's to another day of {hopefully} homeruns, touchdowns and beastmode.

Photo from Comet Cafe - Enjoying "The Stendler" at Comet Cafe with Lauren A. and Ingrid.

Saturday.

Let's get real. My Saturdays are less-than dreamy.

Dan's business is booming right now (good) - which means I'm "flying solo" with Ingrid Friday night and all Saturday. Honestly, it's really fun, it's just a little overwhelming at times. Cons include: Hauling the stroller/bags/Ingrid/Harper everywhere. Pros include: catching up on "my shows" and eating little no-fuss meals.

Today, I totally judged the cereal box by its cover - and bought this: 

 

I'm in love with this packaging.

And the little Honey Nut Toasty O's are awesomely perfect with some milk, a sleeping Ingrid, a tired Harper and a DVR full of Gossip Girl (Ugh, Charlie's back) and Project Runway (Starting to love Kimberly) and The Final Book of THE HUNGER GAMES (What happens with Katniss!? I'm dying). 


Cheers to a relaxing and uneventful Saturday night!

Go Be Productive!

 

Stole this from one of my faves. Time to turn off the blinking screens and enjoy all things fall.

Sidebar - are tweezers really that distracting?

On Baptism.

Ah, nothing like a good ol' religion reference to make you feel comfortable. But this baptism has been a lingering concern of mine since about this time last year and I have yet to take any really action.

I'll start by stating that I do want Ingrid to be raised with a religion, I don't want the term "god-parent" to be a meaningful role. After that, I don't really know what to do:

Issue #1 - We don't go to church. I don't want to be "those people" who show up to two or three services, get their baby baptized and then you never see them until Christmas Eve. It just feels so, part-time. Yes, I need to actively seek out a church - and religion - that fits. This, in my mind, is the easy part. The bigger elephant in the room...

Issue #2 - All of our parents would ideally be in the same room together for an hour, or two. I'll preface by saying that all of our parents are amazing and I couldn't ask for better in-laws.

Here's the problem, they are all divorced, most remarried and all of us together are painfully awkward. I have given up on my dreams of everyone just coming together for the greater good. I gave this up after failed attempts at joint college graduation parties, holidays - and even our engagement party.

It's a blessing and a curse that Dan and I both coming from divorced parents. We're in the same boat - but because of that, we're splitting even more time among even more people.

Once I had Ingrid, a whole new level of divorce-annoyance surfaced - she's coming along for the four-family ride. And the million dollar question - can everyone come together for her?

In attempting to plan this during my maternity leave/unemployment - I was a wreak. I wanted to have one of those non-denominational ceremonies in the park, but that didn't feel right. At this point, nothing does.  Looks like we'll have to do the dirty work and actually seek out a religion that fits. Stay tuned for more.

Shopping Smaller.

One of my old Birmingham co-workers is challenging herself to shop locally for an entire year - she blogs about her tales here. Although I don't reside in Birmingham, I love reading this blog. It gives you the "shopping local warm fuzzies" - you know, that feeling you get when you visit a local shop, purchase something unique and wonderful. You actually talk to the owner and get actual recommendations from real smiley faced people.

You feel happy. You feel like you did something good for your community. You get the shopping local warm fuzzies.

I'll admit, I stumbled upon the shopping local warm fuzzies (ok, last time I'll use that phrase) by trying to avoid the panic, sweaty, horrible feeling I get when shopping at Pick n' Save on a Saturday morning.

You know the feeling. You elbow your way through every aisle. You forget peas - or some other small yet critical item and have to navigate back through the store. Everyone is stone faced, not saying anything as they try to cross this item off of their to-do list and move on with the day. Pleasant, right?

I know, I'm being a big dramatic. But after signing up for our local co-op and actually shopping there (vs. grabbing those amazing dips and treats) I noticed that I left with a little pep in my step.

What's this rant all about? It's about wanting to create real change in my spending habits. By putting something "out there" (i.e. this rant) hopefully, I'll continue to purchase from local businesses rather than giving into the notion that bigger is better and more convenient.

So here's to mindful spending and putting my hard-earned dollars where they belong - back to our community!

In the Kitch: Baby Shower Treats

My sister-in-law will be expecting new little baby boy in November. I am so thrilled for Ingrid to have a little cousin the same age. I'm already anticipating them giggling at family functions and teaming up around the holidays.

For her baby shower, we served up a baseball-inspired menu - and it turned out cute - not silly. At one point in the shower, I sat their with a sassy Ingrid and felt a twinge of envy. Envy for the personal freedom she doesn't even know she enjoys. You know those annoying cliches people spout at you while you're pregnant...

Enjoy your freedom! Get plenty of sleep now! You're body will be gross! Let me tell you about my horrific birth story! 

Please, go on...

Well, some of these eye-roll-inducing phrases are true. You don't enjoy the same sort of grab-my-keys-and-go freedom. Now I carry the contents of her nursery on my shoulders. Formula/breastmilk? Check. Diapers? Check. Wipes? Check. Changing pad? Check. Burp cloths? Check. Another outfit? Check. Nuk? Check. You get it.

The whole 24/7 thing really doesn't hit home until you literally go home and this person is with you 24/7.

But instead of spewing new-mom-word-vomiting on my lovely sister-in-law - I just threw together some Texas Caviar (a crowd pleaser!) and these delicious, decadent little treats:

Glittering Lemon Sandwich Cookies




And prego's favorite - Rice Krispie Treats!

These little glittering cookies were awesomely addicting! I didn't do the neon-pink version, but for the holidays, why not?

In just a few months I hope to be cuddling with my new nephew while noshing on this little yummy sugary bites!

On My Playlist - That Daughter song at the end of Knocked Up

We're all getting into a routine - which feels nice. Dan's been etching or working at the shop in Fort Atkinson every Saturday - and I'm not going to lie - half of the time it sucks and the other half it's awesome.

On one hand, it's hard managing Ingrid by yourself and it's nice to have him around - and on the other hand, I'm free to run around and do whatever I want with Ingrid (usually involves friends, eating, coffee and shopping). Today, we enjoyed a quite morning at home, a visit from my friend (with four dozen farm fresh eggs - score!), a trip up to Shorewood to get a couch from another friend - and then a late boozy brunch with another friend. And to top it off, a trip to Target and a walk with Harper.

As I tuned into the end of the Brewer game, I caught the last few minutes of Knocked Up. This song is just so sweet.



Now, time to cheer on the Badgers!

The End. The Beginning. The Now.

I love fall. Who doesn't right? The colors, the Pumpkin Spice lattes, the boots, the sweaters, the comfort food. They are all welcomed changes. But yet, I always get a little bummed. No more flip flops, no more day-long sunshine, no more leisurely trips to the lake. Bummer. 

I wish I could say I loved change. Wouldn't that be lovely? To just roll along with the ups and downs with a smile on my face. 

The only thing that's constant in life is change. 

Ugh, it's so true and annoying! 

Truth is, I could stomach change if it didn't come with an "end." My marriage meant the end of Zache. My due date meant the end of being pregnant. My baby meant the end of limitless freedom that I didn't even understood I had. My job acceptance meant the end of my maternity leave/unemployment. 

I think that's why I'm drawn to multiple book sersis (Hunger Games? Anyone?) - the end is met with the anticipation of another wonderful beginning. 

I know, I know. My marriage means I jump from Z to A(tkinson). The end of my pregnancy meant actually having Ingrid. Ingrid now means everything (not in that annoying "I'm a mom now" way but in a "my heart is stretched and I can't believe anything can be so beautiful" way). My job means learning a new industry - in a good way.

This weekend I'll be packing up my summer clothes and happily bust out my sweaters, scarves and boots - while reminding myself to enjoy - and be in - the present moment rather than focusing on how lovey/awful the past was/how fun/scary the future will be.