April 2014 Update

Brynlee is, 90 percent of the time, a happy baby. Occasionally she gets a little fussy, but for the most part, we got lucky.

Look at this photo I got of her yesterday, while she was playing with a toy. With how often I am taking pictures of her, we know that she won't be afraid of cameras when she is older.

She gets so excited. Especially when she is pulling on your hooded sweatshirt's strings. She just loves that.

I think I am enjoying this stage of her life a little more than when she was first born. She has a personality now, and she recognizes me. She is more fun to interact with. I can play with her and she will respond with sounds, or smiles, or laughs. Kind of like a puppy, but a human version.

She eats puree'd foods now. She really likes mangos. Rice cereal works to fill her up, too. Still loves her bottles though. She knows when it's time, and she will start kicking with joy when she notices the bottle in your hand.

Her Grandma, and her Great Aunt help us babysit when we are at work. Sometimes I think that she is more excited to see them, than she is to see us. She really enjoys her time with them. It's safe to say by the look on her face when she makes eye contact with them both. We are very grateful.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood is her very favorite television show. We try to limit her time in front of the TV, because studies show that it isn't great for children under 2. But, how can you keep her completely away? You never will. When the Daniel Tiger theme song comes on, she knows it. She will freeze whatever she is doing, and turn to watch. It's pretty amazing. Her memory is fantastic.

Image from PBS.org

6 Months Photo Update

Can you believe it? I feel like it was yesterday, at 10 weeks pregnant, that I started writing this blog. Brynlee is a few days past 6 months old. Let our family be proof that so much can change in a year's time.

Here are a few recent pictures, because she changes so much, and so quickly.

Four Months Photo Update

I think it's time for some more pictures from the last month. She was four months old on January 15th. She is almost five months old now... I guess I am a little late...

Two Months Old Photos

Well, Bryn is a little over two months old now. If you haven't noticed, the blog hasn't been update for a while. That goes to show you how much work it is to have an infant. She is a lot of fun, though! Here's some pictures from around two months. 

Her favorite burping position - 

Mommy's new "mommy-mobile" - 

And of course, her two-month picture - 

Day 7 - Baby Model

3:21pm

Little B got a bath last night. Well, she was washed. Until her umbilical cord falls off, she can't be submerged in water. So she has to be sponge bathed. I love when her hair is clean because it's so soft and silky. 

We really buckled down and sorted the whole house last night. We had purchased a few storage bins the day before she went into labor. So they have been sitting around and we finally filled them up last night and stacked them in the garage. Brynlee came outside in her stroller and watched me reorganize our storage in the garage. It was pretty chilly out last night. She had lots of blankets on. 

The real reason we got the house sparkling clean is because Brynlee was a baby model this morning. A photographer was looking for a newborn to model a company's baby headbands. I'm sure you can guess who was chosen to do so....

The lady came to our house this morning to get the photos of Brynlee modeling the headbands and outfits. We get free professional pictures out of the deal, which most people know, are NOT cheap. 

My wife's family is over right now. Her aunt and grandma haven't met B yet. I guess her grandma didn't want to pass Brynlee off for someone else to hold. Too funny!

Here's a few pictures from yesterday. 

Week 36 Day 3 - Car Seat Safety

2:37pm

I posted a picture of our Britax car seat on Instagram. It has a head support/positioner insert (or whatever they are called, to support newborns) already strapped in it for the ride home from the hospital. They are made to keep newborns snug in the carseat, because they are simply too small when they are first born. 

However, I had a couple comments left right away. Apparently, they are not approved by any carseat manufacturers and will void the warranty. In other words, they can be very unsafe. I never even thought twice about that, but it does make sense. Whenever you tamper with anything made for safety, it usually isn't a great idea. The carseat manufacturers design the seats so that try are safe as possible. 

If you mess with the airbag of a car, chances are it won't be as effective in the even of an accident. Same situation here. So we will really have to look into that. I'm glad they said something. 

Something to keep in mind!

2:57pm

Update-

Some info I found from www.safercar.gov

• Babies need support to keep their airway open. As your child grows the angle may be adjusted, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Most car seats have built in angle indicators or adjustors to assist you.

 

Extra Support

• If your baby needs support, fill the empty spaces with small, rolled blankets on each side of the baby’s shoulders and head.
• If there is a gap between the buckle and your child’s groin (common for young infants), try placing a rolled washcloth or diaper in the space for a more secure fit.
• Thick padding must not be put under or behind the baby unless it is recommended for use by the manufacturer.

Week 34 Day 5 - Why This Baby Registry Scared The Crap Out Of Me

8:50am




While sitting down last night, relaxing, and skimming through a baby registry, my wife steadily passed a description that I had never seen. Lost in the mix of diapers, onesies, rattles, and bottles, there it was. There was the item that made me think, wait a minute...

Scroll back up. Did I just see what I think? This can't be right.


But I was right. I hadn't been seeing things. My mind was perfectly clear. The dreaded two words that I have never seen in combination before. The two words that can scare the crap out of someone. Literally.

Rectal Thermometer

Rectal thermometer? I'm sorry, but did that just say RECTAL THERMOMETER?!

As in like, goes in your butt, rectal?

Oh no, there is no way I am going to be able to put anything inside my child's butt. What happened to the ear ones? I remember those from when I was little. Or how about the simple one that you put under your tongue? Why do we need to put anything inside an innocent behind? Someone, please explain!

I figured the best, most responsible thing for me to do, would be to do a little research. Maybe there is a reason that people find the need to stick metal objects up there instead of simply using an ear, or mouth, for the exam. Let's see what I can find.


Apparently, rectal is THE MOST accurate. It is the only way recommended to take temperatures of babies up to 3 years old. The ear version, is the least accurate. That's what I used when I was little. Maybe that explains why I turned out like I did...


Still, no matter how accurate it is, it still is very unappealing. I know I wouldn't want to have a rectal temperature taken. I mean, look how comfortable it looks - 

They forgot to tell you, that once you insert, just let it dangle for a while. Can you imagine being that poor child during this photoshoot? 

"Sorry, we didn't like the way that picture turned out. Let's try again. Ready for attempt #7."


It's nice to know that they have "themed" thermometers for the kids now. What's better than having SpongeBob up your butt? I bet these children never look at that TV show the same again.

I am a dad, not a doctor. I can surface heal, but internally? No. And please don't ask me to. 

Good thing we registered for an ear thermometer! 

(Realistically, I will probably be taking rectal temperatures. Damn.)

Did you take your child's temperature rectally? Were you uncomfortable about it? Let me know!

Week 31 Day 1 - Sorry, You're Going To Have To Wait

10:27pm



I promised pictures of the crib. I lied. It's late and we just got home from my parent's house. Sorry, but you're going to have to wait until tomorrow. I am off and will write up a good post with lots of pictures! We had another "re-do" for our original 3d ultrasound today, because the first time she was hiding her little face. This time wasn't much better, unfortunately. She is very stubborn, like her mother. (Shhh....)  Tomorrow I will put up some pictures.


Our crib turned out awesome! I love it. We both love it. She will love it. If she even remembers it. I was thinking about that earlier. I don't remember my crib from when I was little. Does anyone?


Here's a little preview!

Setting up the crib

Week 30 Day 1 - Stocking Up On Baby Gear

2:34pm

Skipping my lunch today at work so I don't have much time to write. Eating some leftover Chinese food. There's not many things I like leftover, but Chinese food, Taco Bell, and pizza, I can handle. 

We went to my mom's house a couple days ago. And it's crazy how much baby gear she already has stockpiled up throughout the house. Remember, my stepsister is having twins a couple months after we are due. So she needs extra gear in case she ever has all three at the same time. We walked into the garage to this "small" amount of stuff... 

She already has carseats, toys, clothes, diapers, bassinet, etc. Almost more than we have!!

Tomorrow I will be showing you our newest addition to the baby related stuff. Thanks to TheCraftyVixen.com. 

Week 28 Day 7 - Happy Sunday

12:20pm

Was up late last night putting the baby shower invitations together. Actually I fell asleep, and my wife finished them. They were actually quite a project, glad they are finished. Just have to get them in the mail. 

I worked 11 hours straight yesterday. I'm a little worn out today, but back at work. I don't pass up overtime. 

I am off work Tuesday. We have an ultrasound in the morning, which is always exciting to see! My dad will be in town also so maybe if the weather holds up we can get a round of golf in. Got a brand new set of clubs for Xmas that I haven't even taken out of the box yet. 

I thought I was finally going to be off of work this year for the 4th of July but it turns out I am working. 12-9pm actually. Pretty bad hours for that holiday but it should be pretty easy later in the day. Everyone will be out enjoying their fireworks. I'm off Friday so that's not so bad. My wife was a little upset that we can't spend the 4th together. But on the positive side, it's double time and a half pay. Nice. 

Little baby has been kicking a lot lately. It's almost scary now how hard she kicks. Especially when your not thinking about it. Like last night I was sorta laying on my wife on the couch. Next thing you know my head is being kicked off of her lap. I guess I was hogging her space!

Week 26 Day 1 - Hungry Globetrotter Subscription Box Review

8:56am


I want to share how great of an idea that I think this whole "subscription box" trend is. You pay monthly and recieve a box of just about anything, each month. There are so many different companies out there doing this now. It's pretty cool. Look it up sometime. Remember Mama Lana?

The Hungry Globetrotter is a great idea because they put together a hand-picked box of recipe ingredients, for different cultures. The boxes come quarterly (4x a year) and cost $34.95 per quarter.

For example: I received their "World Dinner Club" box and it is inspired by the country of Peru.

Customized Boxes

8x8x4, not a huge box

Recipe cards

Recipe card, grocery list, information about the included products

A little history of the country. In this case, Peru

The contents safely packaged

Kaniwa Whole Grain, a crunchier cousin to the popular Quinoa

Zocalo Aji Amarillo Chili Paste, a staple in Peru

Spicely Organic Ground Cumin

Spicely Organic Oregano

Everything laid out

The recipe that these ingredients are intended to create is a very popular Peruvian dish: "Pollo a la Brasa". In English that translates to Peruvian Roast Chicken with Spiced Kaniwa. The recipe sounds great, and I can't wait to make it(well, my wife will most likely make it). The secret of Peruvian food is that it blends ancient grains with Japanese and Chinese zest to produce wonderfully distinct flavors.

The ingredients that they supply are high quality, and looks like mostly organic. If you have ever checked out organic spices at the grocery store, and even quinoa, they are extremely expensive. Which is what makes the cost of 34.95 for this box, a big DEAL. Plus, you experience flavors that you won't find in your area unless you vacation to the country itself. I remember going to Costa Rica and LOVING the food there, only to find that there is nothing that can recreate that flavor around here. And I am in Chicago, one of the most diverse food cities in the United States. Also, would you go to the store and think to yourself - "I think I am going to make a Peruvian dish tonight for dinner." Probably not, but these kits give you inspiration to try something new, and different. Just remember, each quarter is something new, not just Peruvian food. I think it's a great idea. Thanks Hungry Globetrotter.

They also have a new Heat Seekers Club, which is a monthly subscription service for hot sauces from around the world. Not burn-your-face-off hot sauces, but medium heat that represents different flavors. I am really interested in this club as well. I love a little heat! $14.95 per month.

The Hungry Globetrotter
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