I’ve got this theory — Soothing your baby is like troubleshooting your computer.
Go with me for a second….
“Honey, the computer is acting up again.” // “Babe, the baby’s fussing.”
Is it low on power?
Charge it // Feed it
Out of free space?
Overloaded Harddrive // Overloaded Diaper
Call Tech Support?
Manufacturer // Grandma
Acting buggy?
Visit to the Geek Squad // Visit to the Pediatrician
Need a Hard Reset?
Control + Alt + Delete // Swaddle + Shush + Suck
Nothing’s Working?
Google it // Google it
Merfman and I have found that parenting is a lot of trial and error. You keep trying different things until the issue is resolved. You begin to recognize the signs sooner, and know what combination of solutions will achieve success = calm and happy baby.
Now, only if baby’s came with a handy instruction manual…
Wanted: Late-twenty’s married new Mama seeking Mama friends. Enjoys coffee, baby-wearing walks and baby-talk.
Any takers?
I’m currently in this relationship gap. I’m the first of my close friends to have a baby, and most of Merfman’s friends are out of the baby stage, and raising legit children. Like high schoolers.
Merfbaby has so many awesome Auntie’s and Uncles (hi, friends!) but, I find myself longing for a few relationships where we can swap stories about breastfeeding and baby behavior. IRL Friends: I LOVE you, and you are amazing. Seriously, Merfbaby has such a rockin’ extended family.
Merfman and I recently hosted a get-together with the couples from our Bradley Method class. It was so fun to meet the new babies all born within days of each other, two of them the day after Merfbaby! It was like 4 hours of, “does your baby do X?” and “how are you doing on Y?” And endless diaper changes, feedings and little crying fits. A pretty awesome Saturday afternoon <– Seriously, never thought I’d be thinking that a few years ago. Who am I?
When I was preggo I never thought I’d be one for Mommy Groups, or playdates. But I get it now. In a few more months Merfbaby will need some friends to play with. I’ll maybe need a book group, minus the book and + wine. Right?!
Merfman and I have always held the theory that Merfbaby was becoming a part of our lives, so within reason we would continue life as before. Social engagements, birthday parties and adventures out of the house. Anywhere Merfbaby is welcome we bring him along. It helps greatly that he’s such a mellow dude, but it’s refreshing to be in the company of other new parents who are running on equal amount of sleep and showers.
So, I’m putting it out there…wanna be MFFs?
I won’t judge you for your 3 day hairstyle if you don’t comment on the baby drool on my shoulder, mmmkay?
I’ve never been much of a fashion gal. I just didn’t get that gene you know?
Part of the reason could be because I’m not your “average” sized lady…5’12”, size 11 shoe, manshoulders…see what I’m working with?
I’ve always thought it funny that most supermodels are tall, right? So they probably have size 10+ feet, riiighhht? So where are all the things for tall girls?! I realize that if you’re on the other end of the measuring stick it’s equally frustrating. I think the world was made for a girl that’s 5’8″ with a size 6 shoe. Sigh. More power to you if you’re that girl. Wear it proud.
So I’ve always struggled in the fashion department. Merfman is a wayyy better shopper than me, and he’s happy to tag along when I’m on a clothing quest. I get easily frustrated and discouraged. So I give up. Quick. One pair of jeans is too short? A top that doesn’t make it over my shoulders and chest. Game over. I’m out.
He’s encouraging and gently suggests other options. So I face the dressing room again and eventually leave feeling successful.
5 weeks post baby I hit the fashion wall. I was sick of my maternity clothes. I was still too big for my pre-prego stuff so I was upset. We’ve all been there, right Mama’s? I’m not a fan of spending money, especially on myself, and especially on clothing. But I was on the verge of tears. I so badly wanted to feel good about myself. I didn’t want to be hard on my body or wish it was different, I just wanted to wear a pair of jeans with a zipper. Too much to ask?
So with Merfbaby in tow, Merfman and I ventured out to the stores. I braved the dressing room with his encouragement and found 2 pairs of jeans and a few v-neck tee’s that fit. Did I look like the version of me from a year ago, before pregnancy? Nope. But I felt like a million bucks. It was a huge confidence boost. Ignore the size on the tag, and focus on how you feel.
Jeans. WITH zipper. Winning.
Shortly after my confidence boost I did something maybe a little crazy. I cleaned out my closet. Like major. It might sound nuts but it was cleansing and a little therapeutic. It was long overdue. I wanted to free myself of anything that I felt was staring me in the face, taunting “you’ll never look good in this again…you’ll never fit in these” so I donated 6 bags of things I’d had since pre-college. Things that I wasn’t even wearing pre-prego. It felt good. Really good.
But now I’m going to say that thing every girl says…I’ve really got nothing to wear. Ha!
I’m going to focus on being more intentional with my clothing. Making purchases that will last and make me feel good.
Something else I’m trying out: StitchFix. I know. Everyone in lady blogland drank the Kool-Aid. But it’s awesome, really. I’ve always dreamed that when I “make it” someday I’m going to hire a personal shopper. Heck, I’ll pay you in baked goods right this second if you can help me find a dress for a bridal shower high tea I’m attending later this month. Please Jesus help me with that one.
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Keeping it real: If you click through my StitchFix link and get yourself a “fix” I get a credit for the referral. But you can get one too if you refer people. Clothing. Fun. Moneyz. Everyone wins!
The Merfett 