Family

The Baby Whisperer

If you haven’t heard of Tracy Hogg and you’re a parent you totally need to check out her books.

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When I was pregnant I read a LOT of books and articles. Ask Merfman. I read mostly because I found baby/pregnancy/parenting stuff interesting. And I still do. I still read all the books, and I pulled out one of hers last week when I wanted to see how I could help Merfbaby sleep better. He’s been waking himself up because he wiggles and squirms at night and hits the side of his crib. She suggested to make a little barrier on either side of him (with rolled up towels (taped) or small pillows) after you swaddle him. He’s also been breaking out of his swaddle so it might be time to leave one of his arms out…anyway…. I tried the barrier for the first time on Wednesday night – and he slept until 5:00am. Win!

Of course there’s TONS of advice on how to parent, and whatever is working for you go with it. The Baby Whisperer’s ideas have worked well for us, and Merfbaby. I feel more confident as a Mama and less helpless when I re-read something she suggests, realizing that I am doing it, and it’s working. Sometimes you get all foggy and sleep deprived so you can’t see beyond the little things. But in the big picture we’re doing well, and Merfbaby is a happy, healthy, growing baby.

So I’m thankful for The Baby Whisperer and her advice. And all the wonderful other Mama’s that recommended her books :)

 

 

Family

Grandma Cheryl

I have a pretty awesome Mom. She takes her job as a Mother, and now a Grandmother very seriously :) She’s fun, and warm and kind. She’s an amazing cook and has the gift of hospitality unlike anyone I’ve ever seen. I’ve inherited her independent streak and her role as a peacemaker.

Seeing her with Merfbaby makes me so thankful that he has a Grandma Cheryl.

She lights up each and every time she sees him, I only wish they could get more time together.

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daniella & kelly

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Family

Meds

We’ve entered the Teething Zone. It’s just as wonderful as I thought it would be. The funny part (can it be funny?) is that between cries and grunts and tears…Merfbaby is fighting to be “himself.” He’s normally a happy, easy-going dude. So you’ll catch these glimpses of the real him when he stops to take a breath or try to settle himself.

I gave him his first does of Tylenol on Monday. I called the Pediatrician to confirm his dose, grabbed some Orajel swabs from CVS and we had a fun game of cry/squirt/swab/spit/wipe. Awesome.

I’m not a huge fan of meds, but I’m not anti-med either. I’ll take something if I need to. But I’m not running to the Doctor for antibiotics when I have the first signs of a cold. I did birth drug free, because I knew my body could do it – that’s what it was made for, right?

But I’m so thankful for modern medicine.

Especially when I see the tiny human in pain. A little pain relief goes a long way in keeping him comfortable.