Soothing and Must-have "Oh My"

Hello everyone!!


I have had some requests for important things to know and what I've learned as a new mom. If you know me, you know I love to make lists. During my pregnancy, I had a list for my hospital bag, list for diaper bag, list for going to daycare, even a list forgoing to the doctors. It keeps me organized and in control of things; especially with a baby you can not control lol. So here are some of my list that I use on a daily basis:


To sooth a crying/fussing baby:
Every baby is different, so a lot of thing people told me to try Riva did not like. I finally found thing that worked for the both of us.

• Sitting on a medicine ball to rock her to sleep. the consistent bouncing was easy on my back and soothing for us both.
• whispering in her ear. Riva definitely loves hearing my voice especially since I know all she heard was my voice during pregnancy. I often hold her close and whisper "I love you", "I will be here when you wake up", "Everything is ok." Find what is important to you and say it to you little one.
• Create noise. I love my crib aquarium!! You can attach to the crib and it has ocean sounds music and little fishes and things. I  think purchasing a soother or noise maker is worth the money. I sometimes run the dishwasher or washer machine and the loud noise really relaxes her.
• Lights please. In the hospital it is extremely bright, so when you bring your little one home try having a night light on or the hall light on. sometimes the complete darkness keeps Riva awake, I think it reminds her of the womb too much and how she used to be awake in the dark. Once she is asleep, I turn the lights out

Must have baby items:
There are thing I cannot live without, especially with a growing baby.

• Side snap tee-shirts. They are so easy to put on and I don't have to fuss with pulling something over her head. I just snap the undershirt on and we are good to go
• A good purse. Diaper bags are cool when you are dropping the baby off at daycare or at your in-laws. It keeps her stuff together and away from every one's things, but who wants to carry 2 bags everywhere they go. I bought an awesome purse from Ross for $16. Its has straps long enough to pull over my shoulder, 2 side pockets that can be used as bottle holders, easy clean-up liner inside, and a front pocket for easy access to my cell phone and keys. Not to mention stylish, so I can wear it everywhere with everything.
• Document folder. You will be getting a lot of paperwork, so get an accordion folder. keeps shot records, doctor visits, coupons, and receipts all in the same place. Trust me your memory is officially gone now lol. I like to bring the folder with me to her appoints because its hand when the doctor ask questions about the last visit, or handing you paperwork you don't want to loose.
• Play mat. Riva is starting to grab a lot now, so her play mat is great. I can just lay her down and let her talk to herself while I do dishes or fold clothes. The hang toys give her something to play with and practice with. It is also good for tummy time. The fabric is easy to clean so she can spit up on it and its fine.
• The 3-B's. Bibs, Burp cloths, and Blankets. Babies spit up a lot even longer after feeding, so the bib keeps their clothes dry. Burp clothes are easy to carry around the house, especially when burping over the knee; using it under the chin keeps you and the baby dry lol. Blankets. receiving blankets are a must. I use them when we go outside to cover her, in her bouncer chair, to lay her down on the floor, to keep her warm when undressing her. I mean the list goes on. I have about 12 to 15. but they go everywhere.
• My nursing pillow. I have "My Breast-Friend" nursing pillow and I love it!! It makes nursing so much easier. When I don't have it, may back hurts, I can't get Riva latched on properly, and I have to burp her more.

Again, all babies are different and something will not work for you.( Riva HATES being swaddled). So tell me what your little one likes, and tell me if you tried any of my tricks!


See you soon and happy soothing,
Sabrina

Happy 2 Months

Hello everyone!!


Life as a busy mom has truly taking over!! People don't really tell you that you will love and hate motherhood both at the same time. Now, that does not mean my child, it just means the motherhood part.

But first, let me tell you about my Baby Doll!! Riva smiles when you smile at her, she tries to talk all the time, she loves story time, she can grab thing, and SHE LOVES HERSELF SOME BIG HEAD. I have to say, I am a little jealous the way they look at each other, but I am so glad that they love each other; and I know they will have a great relationship as she gets older. Today, We had her 2 month visit. At this visit, she got her immunizations, and let me tell you I was a wreck. The nurse was extremely nice, but I still was not prepared for her scream. My fiancé (Big Head) had to hold her arms. I couldn't even watch. As soon as we got home, I was spoiling her. Don't judge lol. So I held her for a good 2......ok 3 hours straight. But I felt so bad and I hate seeing her not being her normal smiley self. All is great. She is now 12 pounds 13 ounces and 22.64 inches long. And that is all breastfeeding and not eating meat!! She is in the 80 percentile :-) (proud mama).

She is still not sleeping through the nigh, but instead of me trying to get her on a schedule....we lets just say we have given up lol.... I am getting used to sleeping late and catching sesame street on PBS lol I am normally not a coffee drinker, but boy do I love me some coffee. My twin sis gave me the idea to use hot chocolate and pour fresh coffee over the mix. mmmhhhmmmm its so good. But because Riva is having dry skin I have to give up caffeine and chocolate for a while (sad day) So, I have decided, my day in the office I will have coffee, but that's it.

This month we have...Riva has...experienced the bubble guts lol. We have had to change some EXPLOSION of a diaper and once it was back to back. You would have thought I was sneaking steak juice in her bottle lol. The one thing that is hard to get used to is having time to yourself. I am a girl that loves make up and nail salons, but I haven't had the time for a pedicure. I have had to re-arrange my work schedule so that Riva is watched while I am at work, I have been late to almost...noo not almost...I have been late to EVERYTHING! I am surprised I have clocked into work on time. I have been having to pump in a bathroom stall at work, so I have been late to all my breaks when I am in the office. lol  But all day long, all I can think about is my Baby Doll and how much I miss her lol. Crazy how a person that cant talk to you has all you love and attention, not to mention you money lol. But I cant imagine anyone more perfect. I know she is truly my soul mate.

I have to be honest, I have had some great friends and family that have given me great advise. Making me feel less crazy lol.

So happy 2 months to me!!

See everyone soon

Sabrina

Vampire Diaries

Hello Everyone!!

I am writing this at 12:21 AM in the morning. My little girl is a big night owl, and we are hitting the sack at 4 am almost every night. I am not going to lie, we have had some rough nights. So I decided to start a night time ritual that allows us to kind of condition us to get ready for bed. So when I feed her at about 6 to 7 pm. I put her down and start setting the mood. Mood lighting, lullaby music (courtesy of Pandora), and the temperature in the room is just right. Then at 10 pm I feed her, and try to take a nap with her before her 1 or 2 am feeding. 

I did take her to the pediatrician to make sure she was ok. Everything is good, but I was told that it loos like I have been over feeding her. The pediatrician thought I was formula feeding her. NOPE she is chuncky of breast milk lol. She is now....almost 12 pounds and is about 6 weeks old :-) So my baby likes to eat, who am I to unlatch her early lol Clearly the doctor hasn't seen Big Head. He was a big baby as well.

Good news!! Riva does sleep in her crib. Yay!! I great friend sent me a handmade baby pod and it helps to cover her at night. She does not like to be swaddled, so this is an awesome alternative. I have been cheating and sitting on my medicine ball to bounce her to sleep lol. I have to say standing up to rock her is not comfortable. I do sing to her everyday and we listen to music all the time. I am getting nervous about going back to work. The cost of daycare is no joke, and I have like NOT working lol, but I will be ready to see my normal paycheck again lol.

Here is a random experience. The car seat thingy that allows you to just click in the car seat is annoying. I'd rather buckle and unbuckle her in and out its so much faster. My sister-in-law also graduated culinary school, and I was able to use the moby wrap which was awesome for the small space and I didn't have to lug the stroller. I have considered purchasing a stroller frame, but I don't know if I want to cough up that kind of money. Decisions Decisions.

Now I don't know if its the baby throwing me off, but I have not purchased 1 Christmas gift. HELP AMAZON!!! wish me luck lol

I hope everyone has a great Holiday and New Year.
See you next year

Sabrina

My Little Jet Setter

Hello Everyone!!!

So while my little angel take a nap, I am going to tell you all about our trip to Orlando.

Going to Orlando was slightly easier because Big Head was there to carry the baby while I handled other items through customs. I also had my moby wrap and wore that the entire time at the airport, even on the plane. Riva was asleep the entire time in that thing. Probably one of the best things I have ever purchased (thanks Craig's List lol). I was able to grab my luggage and get her in the car seat just fine. I did decide to check the car seat and stroller at the ticker counter. But with all that being said, her feeding schedule was turned upside down and we were all out of whack, which made for a very difficult evening at my mother's house. By the second day, I was able to get her back on schedule. The funny thing is, I really think Riva knew we were not at home. She just could never get comfortable. For two nights she slept in her car seat. My mother also spoiled her by picking her up even when she was just a little fussy, something that does not happen at home. I don't pick her up that much. Because of the C-section, I can't comfortably hold her throughout the night.

On the way back from Orlando, I decided that I was going to check the car seat and stroller at the gate. BAD IDEA when you are by yourself. I did not know you actually had to put both through the conveyor belt. That was crazy. So picture me holding Riva, collapsing the stroller, putting both the stroller and car seat on the conveyor belt, taking off my shoes. Then grabbing all that stuff, WHILE STILL HOLDING A NEWBORN!!! OMG and no one helped. Some women that also had babies helped be, but that's because their significant other had their stuff lol. Its all a learning experience though. By the end of customs, me and Riva were both sweating lol. This time, I feed her at her normal feeding time, changed her diaper, burped her and she was great. Because my flight was low occupancy, I was able to bring the car seat on board at no additional charge, That was Amazing!! me and the baby got a really good nap. I even nursed her on the plane. There was no one near me so I was self conscious or anything.

Overall, It was a good trip and I am glad my baby got to meet my amazing mother!! I definitely can't wait to do another trip.

Happy Two Weeks!!

Hello Everyone!

So Riva is officially 2 weeks old!  I can't believe I've been a mom for two weeks eek. I wish I could say I am getting the hang of it, but everyday seems to be a new experience lol. She used to eat every 3 hours, but now she wants to eat every 2 hours. Breastfeeding is definitely hard work, but I still like doing it. I have been able to pump often. I read somewhere that if you pump after nursing, then your  body will make more milk. I have at least 2 days worth in my freezer :-) I am trying to get ready for her daycare days in January. Co-workers at my job gave me a gift card to Babies R Us, so I used some of the money to purchase milk storage bags and bottles. The hospital gave me some as well, but not enoungh for what I am pumping lol.

On Monday I will be going to Orlando to visit my mother. I am so excited for her to see and meet Riva. I know they are going to love each other instantly. I am a little nervous about traveling on a plan with a newborn, so ant suggestion will be greatly appreciated. I read a blog saying that you should breastfeed or bottle feed during taking off to help with ear pressure. Normally, Riva is pretty 'gansta' when it comes to shots and uncomfortable visits  to the  doctor, so I don't doubt she will be fine. She is a tough sleeper. The other day she slept thorough the blender crushing ice. pretty crazy lol.

I have so much stuff to get together to travel her clothes, my clothes, diapers, wipes blankets, and more and more and more stuff lol. Should I bring the stroller? More stuff I never had to think about before. I will be flying Southwest airlines, so I am hoping they allow people with small children on first lol never noticed if southwest allows that. I did read that I should get an aisle seat so that I can walk up and down during the flight.

Well that is all for now. See you soon!
Sabrina

She is finally here!!

Hello everyone!

As some of you may know, I gave gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on November 7, 2013 at 7:04 pm.

On Wednesday, I was feeling contractions about 10 minutes apart the whole day. When I decided to go to bed early. Around 2:00 am, I was awakened out of my sleep with some intense contractions that were about 5 to 7 minutes apart. That when I decided to time them. By 3:00 am, my contractions were 5 minutes apart and lasting about 90 seconds. That when I decided to go to the hospital.

Its a little after 4:00 am, and I packed up my car checked  my listed and loaded the car seat. The drive to the hospital wasn't bad, but it did  feel like I was catching every single red light on my way there. I entered the emergency entrance and was sent to triage in the maternity wing. After about  an hour of observation, they said I was going to have my baby today and that it was time to move to my delivery room!! Yikes! I was scared and excited. That's when I decided to call my fiance, sister, mom and mother-in-law.

My water was broken about half way through labor, and that when labor got intense!! I mean like out of body intense. My fiance ended up showing up right at 10 centimeters and ready to push. After about 2 hours of pushing and no progress, my midwife and doctor said I had to have a C-section.

Oh I went HAM on them lol. There were a lot of tears. After handling labor that long, I felt defeated that I had to get a C-section. My doctor let try to go vaginal for another hour. Where We tried a bunch of different positions, but nothing worked :-( The anesthetist was called in and before you knew it I was getting wheeled into the operating room. I even had 2 nurses that stayed after their shift to be in the operating room. Big Head was also in the room. I don't remember all the details, all I remember is hearing her cay as soon as they pulled her out and seeing her face for the first time. They called out 7:04 pm. They handed her to Big Head and he went with her to the nursery as I was getting stitched together.

The doctors and nurses were amazed at how well I was doing and sent me home after 2 days. The baby passed all her test with flying colors. I know everyone wants to know her name and stats so here you go:

Riva Symiah
Born 7:04pm November 7, 2013
7 pounds 12 ounces
21 inches long

We are both now home and getting the hang of everything. She cries a lot and the first 2 nights were rough, but we are definitely getting into a routine that I can handle lol. Sometimes I find myself just watching her. I have made the decision to breastfeed and it was a little hard at first, but I am definitely enjoying that bounding time with her. I get to see my mom soon, and I can't wait for her to meet my daughter (OMG I have a daughter).

I hope to update you all on how motherhood is going so please stay tuned
See you soon,
Sabrina

Don't Judge Me!!!

Hello everyone!!

Well with only 16 days left till my due date, I have been off the vegan wagon. My amazing mom came into town and made me Haitian style oatmeal. It has carnation milk and tons and tons of butter lol. It was sooo yummy!! I also took my mom to Cheesecake Factory. She had never been, so my fiance sent me some extra money to treat her. I had a salad, but we did share a pumpkin pecan cheesecake. Man it was amazing. I almost snapped at the waitress for trying to remove the plate with one more bite left on the plate. Doesn't she know don't mess with a pregnant women and her plate lol. I also went to Popeye's, because I had a craving for biscuits. OMG so freaking good lol.

I promise, I am going to get back on the wagon. It was a minor slip. Had a great week seeing my mom, brother and twin sis!! Those kids are crazy lol. My mom did get to come to my appointment. Still just 1 cm dilated. Ugh!! Sometimes I just want her here already lol. My sister even got to see my stomach move lol It was pretty creepy looking lol. I also got to teach my sis some baking skills lol. We got to make banana bread, sticky buns, and sugar cookies from scratch.

I have been feeling some contractions, but very dull ones. It kind of feels like a menstrual cramp that grows in intensity, but then goes away. With 16 days left, she can come at anytime. I had a friend say there is a full moon next week, so you never know.

I am getting really nervous now. My stomach is definitely getting in the way, and I am definitely feeling slower and tried. It is getting harder to get out of the bed too and I have to say sitting on the toilet is so comfortable lol. My mother-in-law let me borrow her medicine ball and I love that thing. I just watch TV and sit on it, do homework, and even talk on the phone lol.

Hope everyone has a good week. See you soon.
Sabrina