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We celebrate the very first Christmas with our baby. He’s 7 month and it will be a very precious moment for us he won’t remember a thing 🙂 but we’ll take plenty of pictures so he can see how we celebrated it.  We’ve bought a couple of toys for him but we’d like to concentrate on choosing our Christmas tradition. I think it’s pretty important. I read about it on parenting.com:

Do you love how your family always throws a kitschy Christmas sweater party, or how your husband’s spends Christmas Eve playing board games? Now you have your own little family, and you can hand-pick the traditions that you like best to form your own set.

It’s also good time to start our own family tradition, why not? We need to start somewhere:

As much as you’ll be influenced by how you grew up, it’s also fun to come up with something that’s all your own. Make it a ritual to read the same special holiday book each year, watch retro holiday specials like Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, or be inspired by our favorite traditions from readers.

I love Christmas ornaments, they so cute. I usually prefer the unique ones. I have these tiny Christmas ornaments and I really adore them:

Ornaments are all about the memories associated with them, and this first Christmas is a biggie. So commemorate it with a sweet ornament you’ll love pulling out year after year. Create a photo ornament with your fave snapshot of the year, or personalize one with baby’s name.

We take hundreds of photos of our son, we love every moment we can spend with him. He loves it when we take a picture of him. These pictures will be our precious memories:

You may not realize it, but your babe’s at an ideal age to get some great snaps. She can’t run out of the frame, and although it might be hard to get her into it, she can’t pull off that sweet holiday outfit you bought for her. Shoot when you get as much natural light as possible, and use your tree or stocking-filled mantel as a background. Be sure to take a lot of photos to get just the right shot.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, I hope you’ll join me in 2013 too 🙂

Moms are usually concerned what their baby will do when. It’s actually not a competition and babies are different. My seven-month-old can crawl however it’s not perfect but we’re getting there, he smiles a lot, he sleeps through the night (thanks god). He rolls over and sits unsupported but he can’t sit up on his own yet.

It’s so fascinating to see how he develops day-by-day. I just love it. I read about baby milestones on thebump site and I want to share with you.

We know, we know: Every kid hits milestones at his own pace — so, no, you shouldn’t freak out if yours doesn’t follow this guide to a tee. But it might be worth a talk with the doc if you’re worried or if baby misses a few biggies. “If it’s just one milestone that your child is a little behind on, mention it to your pediatrician,” says Tanya R. Altmann, MD, author of Mommy Calls(American Academy of Pediatrics, 2008). “But chances are, everything’s probably fine. However, if your child isn’t hitting multiple milestones across the board — not smiling and not rolling over, for example — then I would be a little more concerned.” Otherwise, be prepared for the following milestones to happen.

Sleeping Through the Night

When it’s likely to happen: Generally, after four months of age, an infant should be able to sleep at least six to eight hours straight without feeding, says Altmann. And by six months of age, they should be able to go at least 8 to 10 hours without a feeding.

How to encourage it: Let baby sleep! Slowly start extending the time between nighttime feedings until you get there. And don’t rush to pick up baby the moment she cries at night. She needs to learn that if she wakes in the night, she doesn’t need you to help her fall back asleep again.

What if baby misses the mark: If she’s not sleeping through the night by six to eight months, it might just be because you’re hitting the nursery too often at night, says Altmann, and you may want to consider backing off. But you may still want to mention it to your pediatrician — if baby keeps crying and can’t fall asleep, that can be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Crawling

When it’s likely to happen: Baby should start crawling between six and nine months.

How to encourage it: Give baby plenty of tummy time and free playtime on the ground. “Get down on the ground with him and show him a bright-colored toy, move the toy a foot away from him and then coax him to move toward the object,” suggests Altmann.

What if baby misses the mark: Don’t stress — he may be right on track anyhow. “Many experts don’t consider crawling a milestone, because a lot of infants won’t crawl at all,” says Altmann. She usually tells parents her definition of crawling is simply the method baby uses to get from one place to another. He could be wriggling on his tummy, rolling, scooting — it doesn’t have to be the typical hand-and-knees crawl most parents visualize.

You can check out the rest here:
http://pregnant.thebump.com/new-mom-new-dad/baby-basics/articles/baby-milestones.aspx

I love secondhand baby clothes. I have my first child and I absolutely don’t mind buying secondhand clothes for the little one. Before he was born I was pretty snob and skeptical about it. To let my little angel to wear hand-me-downs, no way.

But many things had been changed since he was born. My mother-in-law has a really good eye for secondhand children clothing.  She started to buy us secondhand baby clothes and Fisher price stuff too. She found amazing stuff and they were all of good quality. Little smart jeans and trousers, cool tees etc. I really love them. She changed my mind about secondhand clothing in general. Why to buy way to expensive baby clothes while you can spend your money on smarter and more useful things?

Everything costs a lot and you really don’t want to throw away your money. Now I visit thrift stores because they’re full of goodies. One of my friends who is much older than me also an expert thrift store shopper who taught me how to find quality clothing for my baby and for myself too. A completely new world has open to me and I love it.

Recently I came across an article written by Stacie Lewis: Is your baby too good for secondhand?  I really like her post and the comments as well. Here are a couple of example what moms think about secondhand children clothing:

No way, probably about half of my kids clothes are hand me downs. Kids grow so fast, I just can’t see spending that much on clothes. The other 1/4 is clothes bought for us as gifts from family members and the last 1/4 are clothes we have purchased. Even though my kids wear hand me downs I am still very picky about what they wear. I want them to look current and coordinated with no stains, etc.

Nope! I will admit that most of my older daughter’s clothing is bought new, but she is the first grand daughter in the family and I cannot stop the grandmas (and great aunts) from buying her clothing. I’ve tried! On the other hand, the younger daughter gets almost nothing but hand-me-downs. All of our baby furniture was either given to us second hand or bought off of Craigslist. Now that some of my friends are having little girls (all of their first born children are boys), I am happy to let them look through our baby stuff and take what they want. Better to share around than throw away so long as the clothing is not stained or torn.

I’m a kids consignment sale junkie, so most definitely not. It’s better for the environment and cheaper, so of course I’m all for used clothes. I also buy used clothes for myself, though I’m a bit pickier about what I wear. My kids stain up whatever they wear, so it really doesn’t matter if it comes pre-stained. Part of the reason I buy only used (or items on mega-sale) for my kids is so that I don’t worry about them being messy eaters or playing in the mud. I let my daughter play in the muddy sandbox in her 100% silk laura ashley party dress, because I got it on consignment for $8 and she loves it.

I’m all about consignment shops, outgrown sales and hand-me-downs. I’d rather save money to use on things like vacations or good quality food. But I am pretty picky about what I get or use from these places. If there are pills all over the item or it is faded beyond recognition, then I’m going to pass it up. But, like others have said, babies are in clothes for such a short time that they are sometimes barely worn second-hand! You can tell pretty easily just how worn clothing is AND sometimes at a consignment shop, you hit the jackpot and find something you like with the tags already on it! I just always make sure I wash everything before my family wears it. If it’s washed and looks to be in good condition, how is that different than using washed dishes at a restaurant that potentially thousands of other people have used before you?? I’m the same with previously used toys or books – if it still looks almost new, then I will take it home and wash it with no qualms about letting my family use it. Plus, it’s “green” to follow such practices.

I agree with these parents 100%, it’s really smart to use secondhand clothes, toys or books. It’s also good for the environment and this way we can also teach our kids that everything costs money and you don’t have to buy brand new stuff to feel good in them.

My son is 6 month old, he already has 3 teeth and he’s teething at the moment. It quite painful for him, he’s a bit cranky, he has running nose which is also related to teething. I really want to help him that’s why I try to find as much information as I can online.

There’re a couple of great tips on KidsHealth site which can make teething a bit easier:

• Because babies love to chew on things when they’re teething it’s a good idea to give your child something to chew on. You can buy rubber teething ring or cooling teethers, they are pretty good.
• It’s important to choose something that’s not too hard because hard things can bruise the gums. Choose something that won’t break into smaller pieces. They have to be big enough so your baby won’t swallow them.
• Rubbing your baby’s gums is also a good solution, just wash your hands thoroughly before.
• Some babies like cool food when they’re teething.
• If your baby is extremely cranky then you should consult with your doctor if it’s ok to give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to your baby (only if he/she’s older than 6 month).
• Babies immune system can weaken when they’re teething so running nose, fewer are pretty common.

Maybe it’s the texture of her “skin,” or the feel of her nubby horns on sore gums. Perhaps she’s extra-alluring because she comes from the French Alps. Whatever the reason, babies loooove Sophie. And, since this giraffe teether is made of natural rubber, food paint and no toxic gunk whatsoever, we moms are pretty much nuts about her too. Plus, there are chewable appendages sticking out every which way, a squeaker in the body to keep baby amused, and she’s just the right size for a baby’s grip. Now, you won’t find Sophie in the $0.99 (or $10) bins, but trust us, the moment of silence is worth the twenty bucks.

I did fly with my baby (luckily my husband was there too) and it was only a 2,5 hours flight but it’s still very tiring to get on the plane with your baby boy who is only 5 month old. I don’t complain because he was an angel on the plane apart from pooping twice but that’s normal when you have a baby 🙂 Everything went pretty well, he was sleeping during takeoff and landing too so he was a good boy. He didn’t cry at all so all in all our first flight went really well.

I came across this great and very enjoyable article about flying with babies –  it’s hilarious, you should read it too:

Barf. Poop.Pee. Fly.

Those four words about sum up my latest airplane excursion with my two babes. I should clarify: my SOLO airplane excursion. As in, no Phil to help me.

I took Fia and Emmett to New Orleans to visit my Aunt Nancy.  It’s a 4-hour flight. I bought two seats, toddler headphones and an Ipad.

This is the first time I’ve flown with them by myself. In Fia’s first year, we went on about 20 flights. I had it pretty down, but I would never say it was fun. I did think my experience as a veteran would help. But it didn’t. Because I’m not a veteran of flying with two kids.

I got to LAX. I check the boards: Flight Delayed. Of course. It said by 20 minutes. At least we were in the terminal and not on the plane for the delay.

We get breakfast. I am slow moving and calm. A picture of peace and tranquility. We sit down to eat. They are both doing great. I have a moment of clarity. Wow, we are off to a stellar start. I kid you not: at that exact moment, Emmett projectile vomits. I hear a collective gasp. I look over to see a table full of young, single, European men staring at me slack-jawed. I look at Em. As the world’s happiest baby, he is giggling. And covered in goo.

You can read the rest here:

http://www.parents.com/blogs/fearless-feisty-mama/2012/11/21/have-baby-will-travel/does-flying-with-babies-ever-get-easy/ 

These sayings will make you definitely laugh 🙂

“You write checks in crayon ’cause that’s all you can find.” — Shelly G.

“Amazon shows my ‘recommended for you’ products as toys and diapers — not shoes and handbags.” — Alicia A.

“You’re proud of someone for burping.” — Lyningram V.

“You say ‘I slept all night!’ and it was only for three hours.” — JoAnna G

“You don’t own a purse anymore because a diaper bag carries all you need.” — Mary S.

“You care more about the consistency of poop than other things that seemed important before.” — Hailey R.

“You’ve got bags under your eyes and your hair’s a mess, but you don’t mind, because you’re in love with your baby.” — Laura J.

“You hear your mother’s voice…coming out of your mouth!” — Cat P.

“You trade sexy tops for nursing shirts, cute skinny jeans for maternity pants, and nights out for rocking your baby to sleep.” — Shannon G.

“You can put on makeup one-handed while baby sleeps on your shoulder.” — Adrienne

“TheBump.com is your homepage instead of Net-a-Porter.” — Aisha A.

“Your Google search history is baby-related searches, like ‘best baby onesies’ and ‘is it normal when baby does…’” — Nadia M.

“Your bottle discussions aren’t about wine.” — Krista U.

Source: http://pregnant.thebump.com/new-mom-new-dad/your-life/articles/you-know-youre-a-mom-when.aspx

I was always afraid of SIDS Sudden infant death syndrome that’s why I never let my baby to sleep on his little tummy. Now Babycenter’s pediatric sleep expert tells us what’s the best way to have a nap:

Is it okay for my baby to sleep on her tummy for naps in daycare if she sleeps on her back at night?

No, to greatly reduce the risk of SIDS, you should always place your baby to sleep on her back — whether it’s for an afternoon nap or in the middle of the night, and whether she’s at daycare, at Grandma’s, or at home. In fact, babies who usually sleep on their back but are placed on their stomach occasionally (during a nap, for example) are at especially high risk for SIDS. So make sure that everyone who puts your baby down to sleep knows that she should be placed on her back.

A side-sleeping position used to be considered an acceptable alternative for babies who don’t like sleeping on their back, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) no longer recommends it as a safe option. It may be tempting to place your baby on her tummy or side if she finds it soothing and she’s fussing, but the increased risk of SIDS is not worth it, especially in the first six months of life. The peak age for SIDS is between 2 and 4 months, and 90 percent of SIDS cases are in infants under 6 months of age.

source: http://www.babycenter.com/404_how-can-i-stop-worrying-about-my-sleeping-baby_2209.bc

 I have a baby boy and as a new mom I have to buy awful lot of diapers and of course every mom wants to save money on them because they cost a fortune. Babies need also baby wipes, diaper creams because we have to keep our baby’s bottom clean and dry.  My favourite site – babble.com – gave me some great money saving tips:

Buying in bulk: The diapers we use are not available at the big warehouse stores, but someday when he’s a little bigger and his skin hopefully toughens up a bit, that’s going to be a big money saver. Definitely check if your diapers and wipes are carried in bulk, it seems expensive but it’s cost saving in the long run.

Shop around: Unless your stores are so far apart that the cost of gas is going to make it not worth it, check a couple different stores in your area. I’ve found that Target sells our diapers a few dollars cheaper than Babies R Us does, though they don’t sell them in as big a package. Doing the math makes Babies R Us diapers slightly more reasonably priced, but I’m always watching for sales at Target, Walmart and other local stores.

If you want to get more tips on how to save money on disposable diapers then you can check this out:

http://blogs.babble.com/babys-first-year-blog/2012/08/01/ways-to-save-on-disposable-diapers/

Check out the comments too because they also give you some great tips.

Babies do cry, sometimes a lot. There’re babies who cry more than others. There’re many confused moms who don’t know what to do when their babies cry a lot. Why do they cry? It’s pretty simple, they can’t talk so that’s why they cry because this is the way of communication in their world.  Babies cry because:

• they are bores
• they are hungry
• they are scared
• they need a new and clean diaper
• they just want to be held

When your baby cries you’ll need to respond quickly, don’t worry you won’t spoil your baby, he/she needs to be comforted.

If your baby cries, try the following:

• Check to make sure he isn’t hungry.
• Check to make sure he has a clean diaper. If not, change it.
• Look for signs of illnessor pain. Check if he has a fever over 100.4 degrees, swollen gums or an ear infection.
• Rock the baby or walk with him.
• Sing or talk to the baby.
• Offer him a pacifier or a toy.
• Take him for a ride in a stroller.
• Take him for a ride in the car. Be sure baby is secured in the car seat.
• Swaddle the baby by wrapping her snugly in a receiving blanket.
• Play soft music or turn on TV. Be sure the sound is low and soothing.
• Run the vacuum cleaner, put on the clothes dryer or run water in the bathtub or sink. Some babies like these rhythmic noises.
• Hold the baby close to your body. Breathe calmly and slowly.
• If nothing else works, put the baby in his crib on his back, close the door and check on him in 10 minutes.

If your baby cries much more than usual call your doctor to check whether there’s a medical reason. You can also check for the following signs: if the baby pulls up his legs or passes gas often then he/she may have colic.

The most important rule: never ever shake your baby. If you need help call a friend or a family member that can also help to soothe your baby or just give you a break.

Source: http://www.marchofdimes.com/baby/care_crying.html

Toddlers sometimes can drive parents mad, they’re cute and adorable but we’ll always need a bit of time off. You don’t want to use TV as baby sitter (sometimes we all do) but it’s not the best way to entertain your toddler.

I camre across some great tips and tricks that helps your toddler keep busy. Let’s check them out together:

Pipe Cleaners + Colander = happy baby. For a good amount of time. Oh, and it’s also a great way for them to practice their fine motor skills and colours. Your welcome.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom I hadn’t heard of this book until I found this activity, now…I must find. Until then, I’m pretty sure this DIY magnetic borad will keep them entertained for at least 10 minutes or so. Both of my kids are heavy into magnets, as most at this age are. Find out about the book and get the (easy) step-by-step instructions

You can check the rest here: http://blogs.babble.com/toddler-times/2012/09/17/5-genius-ways-to-keep-toddlers-busy/#chicka-chicka-boom-boom