I really appreciated these 2 articles for encouraging moms in their quest Hopefully in checking them out will encourage you too.
35 Clever Parenting Ideas
Motherhood: While "Good Enough" is the new "Great"
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Eat it up, Baby!
I started Zavier on Enfamil today, for many reasons. My aunt who is a pediatric nurse suggested that I make the change since Zavier's bowel movements were a bit limited. She also thought that there were more favorable nutrients in Enfamil than some other brands. Plus, with all of the samples and incentives that Enfamil provides, I thought that the choice was pretty clear.
So far it's working out well! Zavier has been more content and full after feedings today. He is less gassy and sleeping more soundly. He did spit up the first batch, but that was probably just due to the fact that it was the first batch. We've had no problems since, and I hope that it continues through the night.
So far it's working out well! Zavier has been more content and full after feedings today. He is less gassy and sleeping more soundly. He did spit up the first batch, but that was probably just due to the fact that it was the first batch. We've had no problems since, and I hope that it continues through the night.
My Moms Care
My mom just left me this morning after 2 days of helping out, and now my mother-in-law is here for the week to assist with the baby and other needs. I am so blessed to have them! They are my saving grace, aiding me in cooking, getting out of the house for a breather and to run errands, cleaning, feedings, changings and NAPS! I love these ladies because they love all 3 of us so much, and show it by taking such good care of us.
Mom Groups
Once my son was born, I decided to "abandon" my apartment for a "home life" with my boyfriend. Though my place will be housing my belongings until July when my lease expires and I make the final transition, I have been living life here in a new town. As you can probably imagine, aside from being a new mom, I need to get acclimated to having a social life with a child and in a new town at that.
I already have a friend from college who grew up in the area and still lives here. I see her frequently. Two of my boyfriend's co-worker's wives have reached out to me, and one in particular has made a point to really include me in her life as a mom and on the social front as well. I have really appreciated their reaching out, yet I know that it is also a good time for me to start meeting new people and making further connections.
So far, I have looked into joining La Leche League and a Meetup group for new moms. Now having problems breastfeeding, I feel a group such as La Leche would be the perfect avenue to identify with women going through the same struggle and meet/socialize with moms at the same time. The Meetup group which I joined hosts specific events for moms and kids on a regular basis. Once Zavier is a little older (and has a few more vaccines) I plan to frequent the group to again make connections with other moms.
Naturally I plan to keep in touch with my friends and family from my pre-mommy days. However, there's nothing wrong with mixing the old with a little bit of new, especially as you embark on a new journey, one that will truly never end. I think I could use a little bit of advice on how to do that well. ;-)
Pamper Me!
I have come to find that I do indeed have a preferred diaper. After trying both a generic and Huggies name brands, I have chosen Pampers as my diaper of desired use. My son wets through Huggies easily even down to his onesie. That makes for extremely frequent changes of diapers and clothing. Pampers tend to keep the bowels contained with a bit more ease, and he wakes less often for changes.
We were given several of both brands, thus I will be using them- Huggies during the day, and Pampers at night- until they run out. In using 10+ diapers a day, I am sure that we will end up with less of them sooner rather than later.
Pampers also has a rewards program that I really like. Each month you enter the code from a package of used products to receive points towards rewards for baby and family. There are also many coupons floating around out there for Pampers both online and in paper format. Check out your weekly paper and coupons.com as well as the Pampers website.
We were given several of both brands, thus I will be using them- Huggies during the day, and Pampers at night- until they run out. In using 10+ diapers a day, I am sure that we will end up with less of them sooner rather than later.
Pampers also has a rewards program that I really like. Each month you enter the code from a package of used products to receive points towards rewards for baby and family. There are also many coupons floating around out there for Pampers both online and in paper format. Check out your weekly paper and coupons.com as well as the Pampers website.
My Frugal Family Faves
For anyone who lives in the Central Pennsylvania region, a friend informed of $5.50 Fridays at Zoo America Hershey. I am not sure of the dates or how long the promotion will last, but there is a calendar of events posted on the site.
Mama Cheaps also has posted The Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express and the Kids Bowl Free activities. $1 movies on Summer Tuesdays and Wednesdays at participating theaters, and discount bowling at different lanes.
Dutch Wonderland is also offering this discount (also found via Mama Cheaps):
Mama Cheaps also has posted The Regal Cinemas Summer Movie Express and the Kids Bowl Free activities. $1 movies on Summer Tuesdays and Wednesdays at participating theaters, and discount bowling at different lanes.
Dutch Wonderland is also offering this discount (also found via Mama Cheaps):
Anyone heading to Lancaster, PA this summer with young kids – this Dutch Wonderland discount is AWESOME and super RARE!
Purchase four (4) full price Royalty One Day Admissions and receive one (1) complimentary Royalty One Day Admission FREE!
No further discounts apply and your tickets be purchased online between March 24 -30, 2014. You must purchase four (4) Royalty One Day Admissions at full price to qualify for the complimentary admission. One complimentary Royalty One Day Admission will be earned for every four (4) full price admissions purchased. Can be used any day of the 2014 summer season (expires October 12, 2014). Offer not valid on previously purchased tickets. All ticket purchases are nonrefundable.
Use coupon code PSHD2430 at checkout to get the free ticket.
Ends 3/30/14.
Hope you find time to have some frugal, family fun!
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Diaper Deals
Here's a diaper deal that I encountered on the Mama Cheaps website:
744 Pampers wipes for $19.49 via Amazon (a $.50 coupon should pop up on the page for you.) Shipping is free if you purchase this particular count through Amazon directly.
After purchasing these, I came across another Amazon deal that included MORE WIPES (896 count) for the same price. Thus, it is indeed worth it to shop Amazon for certain products.
I'm also planning on using Amazon Mom if possible. I have heard positive things, and often find great deals at a monthly discount as well.
744 Pampers wipes for $19.49 via Amazon (a $.50 coupon should pop up on the page for you.) Shipping is free if you purchase this particular count through Amazon directly.
After purchasing these, I came across another Amazon deal that included MORE WIPES (896 count) for the same price. Thus, it is indeed worth it to shop Amazon for certain products.
I'm also planning on using Amazon Mom if possible. I have heard positive things, and often find great deals at a monthly discount as well.
A New Formula
Okay. I think that I've officially decided that I need to switch to Enfamil and leave Similac behind. With doing research I've found that as long as the ingredients are the same, switching formula brands shouldn't be a huge problem. I'm still finishing this last bit of Similac, so this evening I should be able to start Zavier on the Enfamil samples.
My reasoning for doing so is based not only on nutritional levels, but also on price. Enfamil provided $35 in newborn formula samples by mail, and another $40 in coupons/rebates. Plus, Target has a deal where if you buy 3 tubs at a time, you they will provide you with a $10 gift card to the store! Similac did not have nearly as many incentives for buying their products.
I've also signed up my parents and boyfriend to get the samples by mail with the same offers! That, along with joining Amazon Mom should help me keep costs down on feeding baby boy for quite some time.
Now here's to praying that Enfamil is the brand for my son...
My reasoning for doing so is based not only on nutritional levels, but also on price. Enfamil provided $35 in newborn formula samples by mail, and another $40 in coupons/rebates. Plus, Target has a deal where if you buy 3 tubs at a time, you they will provide you with a $10 gift card to the store! Similac did not have nearly as many incentives for buying their products.
I've also signed up my parents and boyfriend to get the samples by mail with the same offers! That, along with joining Amazon Mom should help me keep costs down on feeding baby boy for quite some time.
Now here's to praying that Enfamil is the brand for my son...
Friday, March 28, 2014
State of Being
I witnessed the biggest thing that made my heart both jump and drop yesterday. I was taking my son on an outing. It was just he, myself and the pets here. Before dragging him out into the cold for the car, I needed to put the carseat base in. I strapped him in his seat, bundled him and securely sat him on a chair. I then headed outside to strap the base in, leaving him sit for no more than 5 minutes.
When I returned, he was wailing! I felt terrible watching his little red face streamed with tears as he screamed. Yet, as soon as I walked over to him and said, "Aw, Zavi! I'm so sorry! Mommy is here. I would NEVER leave you!" he quieted down and began to coo. I realized at that moment that he thought I left him, but that the mere sound of my voice soothed him. He recognized it- recognized ME- and immediately felt secure. Though my heart ached at having him think I'd left him, it did me good to see him realize that mommy will always be there when it counts. :-)
When I returned, he was wailing! I felt terrible watching his little red face streamed with tears as he screamed. Yet, as soon as I walked over to him and said, "Aw, Zavi! I'm so sorry! Mommy is here. I would NEVER leave you!" he quieted down and began to coo. I realized at that moment that he thought I left him, but that the mere sound of my voice soothed him. He recognized it- recognized ME- and immediately felt secure. Though my heart ached at having him think I'd left him, it did me good to see him realize that mommy will always be there when it counts. :-)
Cheap Fun!
I'm obsessed with the Mama Cheaps website. I live in a very central location here in Pennsylvania, being 3.5 hours from New York City, 1.5 hours from Baltimore, MD, less than 3 hours from Washington DC and 1.5 hours from Philadelphia. Thus this site is PERFECT for a new mom like me looking for frugal ways to entertain her child in the area. There are so many discounts, trip ideas and activities for families. Between this site and Pinterest, I have to hold myself back from being online 24/7.
I'm also a huge fan of the following discount pages:
I'm also a huge fan of the following discount pages:
- Tip Hero
- The Penny Hoarder
- Ebates
- Coupon Cactus
- Groupon
- Living Social
- Eversave
- 1sale.com
- Homerun
- KGB Deals
- Double Take Deals
- Tjoos
- Retail Me Not
- Restaurant.com
And these family blogs:
I've also stumbled across this site with lots of things to do in my area as my son gets older. And love the Mommy Nearest app on my phone. I'm really looking forward to the fun that is to come as my life moves forward with a family. :-)
Visiting Hours
Naturally, the people who love and care for you will want to come to see you and your precious little one postpartum. And naturally, you want to see them. However, it is a delicate balance in exactly how to go about that process. Some will suggest a specific date/time which leaves you open to saying "yes" or "no." That can be difficult either way, when as a new parent you are too tired to see anyone, but lonely enough to actually consider the company.
One friend actually wanted to bring the kids to meet the baby. Her oldest is my godchild. Yet, I needed to turn her down as I am still not comfortable with little ones being around the baby with his new, developing immune system. I was actually a little shocked that she asked, but I know that she had good intentions.
And then you have those who simply state that they would like to visit whenever you are up to it. Those are probably the ones that I most appreciate. One friend who actually lives in the area left it open to me suggesting when she should come by, and I invited her one "lull in visitor" evening for pizza, beer, a movie and adult conversation. Hers was the best visit by far.
This weekend will be family from out of town and my boyfriend's brother, grandmother and mother (she who I invited to stay for the week and help out) along with my mother, my grandmother and a friend from college. I am thankful for each and every person who wants to be a part of our lives, visit and take care of us. Nuestra casa es su casa, open for visiting hours...whenever.
One friend actually wanted to bring the kids to meet the baby. Her oldest is my godchild. Yet, I needed to turn her down as I am still not comfortable with little ones being around the baby with his new, developing immune system. I was actually a little shocked that she asked, but I know that she had good intentions.
And then you have those who simply state that they would like to visit whenever you are up to it. Those are probably the ones that I most appreciate. One friend who actually lives in the area left it open to me suggesting when she should come by, and I invited her one "lull in visitor" evening for pizza, beer, a movie and adult conversation. Hers was the best visit by far.
This weekend will be family from out of town and my boyfriend's brother, grandmother and mother (she who I invited to stay for the week and help out) along with my mother, my grandmother and a friend from college. I am thankful for each and every person who wants to be a part of our lives, visit and take care of us. Nuestra casa es su casa, open for visiting hours...whenever.
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Quiet Diet
None of us in this household are intentionally on a diet, but with my boyfriend's 12 hour, 6 day per week night schedule and my lack of desire to really eat anything, we might as well be on one. I have been pushing myself to eat, mostly to get in everything I must do in a day- feed, change and put my baby to sleep every 2-3 hours, sleep when he sleeps, pump breast milk [supposedly] 6-8 times per day, keep the house [somewhat] in order, blog (wink, wink), bills, etc. I really don't see food being a priority, but it is a necessity to make sure that I am healthy enough to produce all of this milk I'm pumping. I mean, I'm hungry now, but I am already nestled in my bed for the evening with my baby boy sleeping in his own cradle! It's okay. The mom and mom-in-law are returning (at separate times) in the coming days, so help with food and cleaning are forth coming, I'm looking forward to a long nap too, and one beside my boyfriend at that. :-P
Changing Time!
Many of our friends and family provided diapers (among other things) for our baby shower. The two main brands being Huggies and Pampers. I was using pampers from the hospital and the first pack here when Zavi came home. No issues. Huggies, however, are causing me strife; Zavier constantly leaks out of them, including while sleeping on my chest at night. Sigh. Guess I will be donating those.
Both brands do offer rewards points for purchase and use, as well as printable coupons. See their websites for further details. You may also want to visit Retail Me Not to get free codes for the Pampers points sites. Points go toward rewards that you can use for your future baby needs.
Both brands do offer rewards points for purchase and use, as well as printable coupons. See their websites for further details. You may also want to visit Retail Me Not to get free codes for the Pampers points sites. Points go toward rewards that you can use for your future baby needs.
The Formula
The hospital started me off with Similac, so I'd been using that to supplement for my little one. He's been a bit constipated recently though, so I think once this batch is up I will try the Enfamil samples that I have here to see how he does with those. Apparently, Enfamil has more of the necessary nutrients than Similac, though I did read that on their own website, so I can't take that without prejudice. Shrug. We shall see...
Formula is expensive too! I need to find ways to obtain discounts and coupons. Similac did send $15 in the sample pack, and after purchasing $30 more worth of formula, I received another $8 off in the package. I believe that the Enfamil samples I have also contain coupons. By signing up through the websites I can obtain more discounts. I will be having my boyfriend and parents do the same so that they also receive coupons for discounts that they can pass along to me too. We shall see...
Formula is expensive too! I need to find ways to obtain discounts and coupons. Similac did send $15 in the sample pack, and after purchasing $30 more worth of formula, I received another $8 off in the package. I believe that the Enfamil samples I have also contain coupons. By signing up through the websites I can obtain more discounts. I will be having my boyfriend and parents do the same so that they also receive coupons for discounts that they can pass along to me too. We shall see...
My personal new mom challenges
I know that pretty much every new mom suffers from sleep deprivation and develops a strong ear for crying. Yes, those are 2 of my issues right now too. If only those were, well, the only ones. Beyond a lack of sleep, I have experienced a lack of appetite, a lack of breast milk, which have all led to a lack of happiness. More so, my boyfriend has been working 12 hour nights for the past 1.5 weeks, and may have another 2 to go. Thus it has been baby boy and I bonding pretty much exclusively for the past few weeks.
My mom, boyfriend and friends have been great supporters though! They have listened and encouraged me through all of my struggles. They encouraged me not to give up on anything, and not to be so hard on myself. They are right. My child has made it almost 3 weeks with me exclusively as the caretaker, and has grown over a pound in that time frame. We're good to go.
Yet though I have gotten rid of 2 mother/grandmothers in my presence with a new baby AT THE SAME TIME (imagine THAT struggle!) my other issues are what they are, and still continue to creep in.
1) Breast feeding. I have no idea how moms made it for centuries without lactation consultants. I had to see one from day one as my son was dehydrated at the hospital upon birth. I had to supplement with formula, something that I had not intended to ever have to do. The hunger and dehydration continued even after bringing him home, when my milk wasn't coming in fully. He latched and would give up almost immediately, and to the (extremely expensive!) formula in the bottle we went.
I finally did see a specialist who helped tremendously. However, the formula will still be a constant go-to as eating, sleeping, using the breast pump and feeding 8-10 times a day is virtually impossible. I have instead decided to focus on what I can give him directly from me for the first 4-6 weeks as I have heard those are the most important for helping build immune system antibodies. And that has made me feel like less of a failure, and more of a mother!
2) Sleeping in his own bed at night. Zavier was doing this just fine at the hospital and for his first week at home. Somewhere during his second week he decided that his bassinet was inhabitable. I thus have been holding him all night, laying on my back with him on my chest or cradled in my arms against a pillow to keep him asleep because upon putting him in his own space, he cries and screams! I am trying everything I have researched and can think of- noise machine, putting my scented clothing in the sleeper, cushioning it with a pillow, etc.- to get him to sleep in there. I will keep at it, but for now if I want any sleep, he is sleeping with me! I really don't want this to start a bad habit as I want our bed to be for me and my boyfriend, but right now he is a newborn and I feel survival mode is in effect...at least until I get some more help. :-)
3) Being "house bound". I finally got up the nerve to take Zavier out alone to some doctor's appointments. That was part of the reason that I remained at home- that I was afraid of taking my little one out on my own. :-( Today I even took him to see a friend of mine, feeling like I just had to get out! We did just fine. I'm also soliciting help from my mother-in-law next week so that I can get out and run some errands or even just sleep a bit more during the day...and next to my boyfriend at that! :-P
I'm sure so many deal with these things as new moms. I'm no new case nor am I anything special. I'm just glad that I'm learning to deal with them...
My mom, boyfriend and friends have been great supporters though! They have listened and encouraged me through all of my struggles. They encouraged me not to give up on anything, and not to be so hard on myself. They are right. My child has made it almost 3 weeks with me exclusively as the caretaker, and has grown over a pound in that time frame. We're good to go.
Yet though I have gotten rid of 2 mother/grandmothers in my presence with a new baby AT THE SAME TIME (imagine THAT struggle!) my other issues are what they are, and still continue to creep in.
1) Breast feeding. I have no idea how moms made it for centuries without lactation consultants. I had to see one from day one as my son was dehydrated at the hospital upon birth. I had to supplement with formula, something that I had not intended to ever have to do. The hunger and dehydration continued even after bringing him home, when my milk wasn't coming in fully. He latched and would give up almost immediately, and to the (extremely expensive!) formula in the bottle we went.
I finally did see a specialist who helped tremendously. However, the formula will still be a constant go-to as eating, sleeping, using the breast pump and feeding 8-10 times a day is virtually impossible. I have instead decided to focus on what I can give him directly from me for the first 4-6 weeks as I have heard those are the most important for helping build immune system antibodies. And that has made me feel like less of a failure, and more of a mother!
2) Sleeping in his own bed at night. Zavier was doing this just fine at the hospital and for his first week at home. Somewhere during his second week he decided that his bassinet was inhabitable. I thus have been holding him all night, laying on my back with him on my chest or cradled in my arms against a pillow to keep him asleep because upon putting him in his own space, he cries and screams! I am trying everything I have researched and can think of- noise machine, putting my scented clothing in the sleeper, cushioning it with a pillow, etc.- to get him to sleep in there. I will keep at it, but for now if I want any sleep, he is sleeping with me! I really don't want this to start a bad habit as I want our bed to be for me and my boyfriend, but right now he is a newborn and I feel survival mode is in effect...at least until I get some more help. :-)
3) Being "house bound". I finally got up the nerve to take Zavier out alone to some doctor's appointments. That was part of the reason that I remained at home- that I was afraid of taking my little one out on my own. :-( Today I even took him to see a friend of mine, feeling like I just had to get out! We did just fine. I'm also soliciting help from my mother-in-law next week so that I can get out and run some errands or even just sleep a bit more during the day...and next to my boyfriend at that! :-P
I'm sure so many deal with these things as new moms. I'm no new case nor am I anything special. I'm just glad that I'm learning to deal with them...
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Welcoming Zavier!
My son, Zavier Alexander, was born at 11:20 am on Monday, March 10, 2014. After 41 weeks of pregnancy, he arrived happy and healthy weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz. and at 23" in length. He is a lot of work, but he is indeed my pride and joy!
Let me tell you this: Zavier was not a planned pregnancy. His father and I had only been dating a few short months when I found out that I was pregnant via grocery store test. It was even more of a shock having had taken the Plan B contraceptive pill and being on other birth control medication. Yet, baby boy still ended up gracing our presence, so I know that he is meant to be here and will do amazing things in this world!
May I also tell you that pregnancy was NOT my thing. I was not the type of person whose biological clock was ticking. I didn't need to have children (at least not yet) and I was content in my little apartment, traveling the world on teacher grants while dating back at home. Thus, carrying a child was a bit daunting for me. It drove me crazy to hear people say, "I loved being pregnant," and began to understand even less the women who said that they were "trying." I was trying not to. And all of the "perks" that went along with being pregnant did not become me easily. For example, I had a full blown period for the first trimester which landed me in the ER at 12 weeks. Morning sickness became me, my feet did indeed swell, I was always tired, could mostly stomach only fruit so became iron deficient and carried my son an extra week while working until my due date during one of the snowiest winters in 15 years...So, no. Pregnancy was not my thing.
Labor, though, was a different story. I managed to stay at home until I was almost 7 cm. dilated, mostly because my pain didn't seem that severe. In my opinion I was merely having bad cramps that came on frequently- nothing different that what I'd experienced during my adolescent years once per month. In fact, my boyfriend didn't even realize how far along I was until I my wailing every 2 minutes sent him into a mad dash across the apartment to get us to the hospital. I received my epidural immediately upon reaching the room. I didn't feel nay a contraction afterward, and pushed baby boy out at the command of the doctor's view of the monitor. Beautiful, beautiful 6 hour labor...but the only reason I would do that pregnancy again is for THIS baby boy who obviously has a purpose on this Earth. I may just be a "one (kid) and done" chick if I can get the birth control thing right this time...and I will.
Let me tell you this: Zavier was not a planned pregnancy. His father and I had only been dating a few short months when I found out that I was pregnant via grocery store test. It was even more of a shock having had taken the Plan B contraceptive pill and being on other birth control medication. Yet, baby boy still ended up gracing our presence, so I know that he is meant to be here and will do amazing things in this world!
May I also tell you that pregnancy was NOT my thing. I was not the type of person whose biological clock was ticking. I didn't need to have children (at least not yet) and I was content in my little apartment, traveling the world on teacher grants while dating back at home. Thus, carrying a child was a bit daunting for me. It drove me crazy to hear people say, "I loved being pregnant," and began to understand even less the women who said that they were "trying." I was trying not to. And all of the "perks" that went along with being pregnant did not become me easily. For example, I had a full blown period for the first trimester which landed me in the ER at 12 weeks. Morning sickness became me, my feet did indeed swell, I was always tired, could mostly stomach only fruit so became iron deficient and carried my son an extra week while working until my due date during one of the snowiest winters in 15 years...So, no. Pregnancy was not my thing.
Labor, though, was a different story. I managed to stay at home until I was almost 7 cm. dilated, mostly because my pain didn't seem that severe. In my opinion I was merely having bad cramps that came on frequently- nothing different that what I'd experienced during my adolescent years once per month. In fact, my boyfriend didn't even realize how far along I was until I my wailing every 2 minutes sent him into a mad dash across the apartment to get us to the hospital. I received my epidural immediately upon reaching the room. I didn't feel nay a contraction afterward, and pushed baby boy out at the command of the doctor's view of the monitor. Beautiful, beautiful 6 hour labor...but the only reason I would do that pregnancy again is for THIS baby boy who obviously has a purpose on this Earth. I may just be a "one (kid) and done" chick if I can get the birth control thing right this time...and I will.
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