baby – Page 19 – The Merfett

Day 10 – Fashion Genes

October 10, 2013October 9, 2013 The Merfett

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.

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.

I’m following The Tiny Twig’s No Brainer Wardrobe series and it’s so encouraging. Seriously.

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!

Family

Day 9 – Tools of the Trade

October 9, 2013October 7, 2013 The Merfett

Confession: I hate shopping.

But I love seeing pretty, fun and useful things that other people find. I like that they do the leg work and then I can just mull over the price (I also hate spending $$) and pull the trigger. No retail hunting involved. Perfection.

Since becoming a Mama the things I get excited about buying has shifted. Target baby clothes anyone?!

Here are some things I’ve found make my Mama job a little easier:

Bamboobies

Nursing pads. Kind of gross. Kind of wasteful. I like these because they do the job and you can toss them in the wash with that daily load of baby laundry. I have 2 overnight pairs and 10 day pairs so I always feel like I have enough. Sometimes I have to grab a fresh one if it’s been one of those days, but overall they’re just perfect. They also sit well under your underthings. I’ve never had one fall out or scream “hey! look what I’ve got going on under here!”

Charlie Banana 2 – in – 1 Reusable Cloth Diapers, One Size

Cloth diapers. Yep. I’m one of those Mama’s. I’ll do a post on our Cloth diaper experience, but the gist is this – do not fear the cloth. We have some Bum Genius All in Ones and some Inserts, but I really love how soft the Charlie Banana’s are, and the snaps really snap. I’ve told Merfman if I’m ever going to be diapered I request to have my hiney encased in the soft delight that is Charlie Banana’s diapers.

Ergobaby Original Carrier

I know, I’m totally on the hippie train…first cloth diapers and now babywearing?! I registered for the Baby Bjorn when I was preggo because that’s the one I’d heard so much about. Now, there’s lots of opinions on hip placement in carries for babies so some people prefer the Ergo over the Bjorn. I personally use both. The Bjorn is easy to throw on for short trips, like when I carry Merfbaby onto the Paramount Lot each morning for work. He doesn’t spend much time in it so I don’t worry about his hips. For longer trips, I love the Ergo. Target. Grocery shopping. Walks. It’s always the Ergo. We received it as a gift, and I’m SO thankful we did. Merfbaby has just about outgrown the infant insert, but I know we’ll be using the Ergo for a long time.

Baby K’tan

ANOTHER carrier? Yes. But hear me out. I was looking at getting a Moby Wrap, which lots of people love and I went into the baby store (Mia and The Dragonfly if you’re a Burbank Local!) and she had me try on the K’tan and it was so easy. Yes, there’s still some assembly required but it’s not half as intimidating as the Moby. So why do I suggest another carrier? Well, for me I wanted something that was a little less “serious” looking. You know, for when you’re at a birthday party or a wedding and you don’t want to be fronting the baby in the backpack. The K’tan also rolls up into a little ball that I stuff in my diaper bag, so I can pull it on if we’re out to dinner or over at a friend’s house.

Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier + Sound Spa

This is another item we were gifted and I’m so thankful for. I didn’t even think to register for one. We use it almost every night, and I love that it has the sound machine. It runs all evening, no shutting off after 30 min. Merfman and I love that the white noise covers up the dog’s snoring :)

SwaddleMe – Cotton – Large

When Merfbaby was fresh from the hospital I would swaddle him in receiving blankets, but he quickly outgrew those. I started using the SwaddleMe when he was about 5 weeks for nighttime sleeping. For napping I still wrap him in the aden + anais blankets because they are lightweight. The SwaddleMe helps him sleep longer since his hands don’t fly around and wake him up.

California Baby Calendula Cream

I found this through internet searching for something that would help with baby acne. It didn’t cure his acne but it helped soothe his face and it smells AMAZING. Now that his acne is cleared up I still use it on his face for dry spots. His skin gets super dry and flaky around hie eyebrows, strange? Merfbaby loves the smell too, he gets the biggest grin when I put it on his face.

So, those are the items I’m loving and using right now. Merfbaby is only 2 months, so I’m sure we’ll find some new things to love too!

Family

Day 8 – Be THAT Mama

October 8, 2013October 7, 2013 The Merfett

I’m sure we’ve all played that never ending head game – why can’t I be THAT Mom?

I’m still very new to this Mama thing, but the temptation to measure yourself against the yardstick of Pinterest Perfection is everywhere. It seems especially potent in this land of the interwebs and blogs.

I was having a conversation recently about this very concept and how social media and the internet have magnified our perception of that Mom. Back in the days when our Mama’s were raising babies the bar was set at the PTA Meeting, or the neighborhood block party, or by the room Mom in 3rd grade. You could retreat home and the comparisons could pause.

Not anymore.

You browse Facebook and see your girlfriend taking her family on an adorable weekend outing, complete with magazine worthy photographs. Instagram highlights only the best of times, making it hard to realized that there’s “real” life behind those retro filters. Pinterest. Oh, the holy grail of all that is Mommy guilt. Can we take a side trip for a second? Birthday parties…for a 1 year old. When did they become formal affairs?! Like, whoa.

There’s nothing wrong with the internet and social media, I just think it’s distorting our view of parenting and being Mama’s. I LOVE the encouragement I can find through blogs, and the stories from more experienced Mama’s. But honestly, my favorite posts are about the hard days. When Mama’s keep it real and share about rough stuff. Being that Mom.

I want to know that I’m not the only one that hasn’t washed my hair in 3 days, and the only thing I’ve cooked this week it instant oatmeal. I also want to know that all my days as a Mama won’t look like this, but tell me it’s ok if that’s the season I’m in right now.

We can be selective in sharing our good side, I know I’ve done that. But I think it’s powerful to keep it real too.

Let’s be THAT Mom.