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

Italio - Orland Park, IL - FREE FOOD DAY Jan 28th!

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% true and my own!

Alright, this almost sounds too good to be true... But, it's not!

Think of if Subway and Chipotle combined to an Italian theme. That's what Italio is like. 

Walk in and down the line to form your own Italian creation.

Begin by choosing a Pasta Bowl, a Piadina (Italian wrap), or a Salad Bowl.

Then add your entree, sauce, toppings, and extras. (Don't forget to try an order of their famous Cannoli chips!)

Here's a sample of their menu - 

They have been very successful at their few locations currently in Florida. But that isn't enough. Chicagoland is getting their share! Italio is opening it's first location outside of Florida, in Orland Park, Illinois. Which just happens to be about 25 minutes from me! I am extremely excited, because I love the concept, and who doesn't like quick Italian food?

They will be giving out FREE FOOD to anyone and everyone on Tuesday January 28th, beginning at 10:45am! One complimentary entree per person will be given free. No gimmicks, just free food. It's their "welcome to the neighborhood". 

15139 S LaGrange Rd. Orland Park, IL is the location, and they will be open every day until 10pm. I hope everyone can make it out to the FREE FOOD day, but if not be sure to stop by any time! The prices are low, and the food is fresh!

Thanks to Italio Kitchen for allowing me to be a part of this special Grand Opening!

Mangiamo!

image via UrbanSpoon.com

Day 30 - Why Does A Baby Spit Up And Ways To Prevent It

10:33pm



Freshly squeezed milk, straight from the boob.


Fill up an Anti-Colic Tommee Tippee bottle, with around 5 ounces. Her normal feeding amount.

Sit up, give her the bottle, and wait.

She drinks it quickly at first, but slows down towards the end. A few squirms in between.

A little milk spills down her chin, as she enjoys every second.

Milk is gone. Her eyes closed, and calm. She's at peace now, satisfied.

She needs to be burped. Sit her straight up, and pat her back until she does.

BURRRRRPPPPPP. Stronger than a grown man.

Wait? What's that? SPIT UP! It never fails.

She spits up about 90% of the time. Why is this? I did a little research to find out.



Why does a baby spit up? And how can you prevent it?

Babies naturally spit up because of air that is trapped in their stomach. While they eat, some air will be forced down with their milk. The air can't stay there so eventually it has to come out. Usually, most of it will be with a burp, but if there is food on top of the air, it tends to come out as well. This is pretty normal, more than half of babies spit up regularly.

It seems like the Anti-Colic bottles help a little, but she still will spit up.

Some ways to prevent spit up include sitting the baby upright while you feed. This allows the food to flow in a straighter, less obstructed path, avoiding trapping any air. Also if you are overfeeding, this could cause the excess food to come up. Brynlee is always hungry. She eats, spits some up, and then is hungry again. It gets frustrating, but what can you do? Try feeding them a little less, and see if they are satisfied after a burp. This could help.

Also make sure that the hole in the nipple of the bottle is the correct size. If it is too small, the baby could be getting frustrated, and sucking too hard, causing air to be mixed in. But if the hole is too large, too much milk could be forced into the baby's mouth, which isn't good either.


Most babies stop spitting up around 6 to 7 months old. This is when the muscles fully develop in the stomach, that allow the food to stay controlled. Although, some may go past their first birthday.


Have you found any routines, or practices, that have helped your baby prevent spitting up? I would love to know, and will include the tips in a future blog post! Email, or comment me!

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