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

Empower Your Child's Future with Cord Blood Registry

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Dad Central for the Cord Blood Registry. I received promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

When we were preparing for Brynlee, we had a lot of choices to make. One of those choices included Cord Blood Banking. Did we want to do it, or skip? What do we even know about it? Is it beneficial? Is it worth it? Luckily, we had all the information at our fingertips.

Cord Blood stem cells are used to treat many life-threatening diseases. Leukemia, anemia, and other types of cancers for example. They also have the potential to help heal serious conditions like brain damage. 

As you can see, the benefits are extremely powerful. But the downside is that it is quite expensive. However, no price tag can outweigh the health benefits that they can provide, now or in the future. 

CORD BLOOD REGISTRY is giving my readers a $200 discount when you visit cordbankingbasics.com and complete an information request. Do NOT miss this FREE opportunity!

Even with all of this life-saving information, we were unable to have her cord blood banked. We just simply would not be able to afford it.  (They do have payment plan options, though)

They are currently trying to put into legislation a Family Cord Blood Banking Act, which would allow the services to be recognized as a qualified medical expense allowing families to apply tax-advantaged health funds for the collection, processing, and storage of these life-saving cells. This would, without a doubt, empower many more families to be able to use these services, potentially saving lives in the future. 

Cord blood is easy to collect. The doctor will do it for you, they just save some from the umbilical cord, after it is cut. It is put into a special container that is supplied, and you send it off. There is no harm to the baby to collect it, and is recognized by just about every doctor out there. Hopefully, insurance will realize how important this precious blood is, and help parents collect it without breaking their wallets.

Maybe by the time we have another child, the Act will be recognized, and we can save our next child's cord blood. My wife, nor I, would ever hesitate to do it.

You can find more information on Cord Blood Banking at www.cordblood.com.

How To Get Rid Of Poop Stains in 3 Easy Steps

I don't know about any other baby, but Brynlee seems to get poop out of the back of her diaper. We have tried putting them tighter. We have tried different brands. Bigger sizes. Nothing helps. A few times a week, we are cleaning the stains out of her onesies.

Luckily, my wife showed me an easy technique for cleaning all of those stained onesies. As long as you do this while the stain is pretty fresh, it will take it right out.

Step 1.

Get the clothes off of the baby, and bring it over to your sink. Run some warm water over the stain for a few seconds. Just enough to wet.



Step 2.

Put some dishwashing liquid on the stain. We use Dawn dish soap just because it's what we have handy. Any of them work. Add another splash of warm water to the spot, to allow the soap to foam and spread a little better over the stained area.

Step 3.

Fold the stain over into itself like a book. Vigorously rub back and forth, so you are scrubbing cotton against cotton. Add more warm water as needed. You might have to add more dish soap, and scrub again, but eventually it will fade away. Then just add them to your regular laundry with the rest of the baby clothes, and you will never even know it was stained.

Hopefully that helps. No need for expensive stain removers, or to brush it with special tools. I wanted a better photo of the process of rubbing the stain against itself, but I couldn't get a picture and do it at the same time! So if you have any questions, please ask.



A clean baby, is a happy baby!

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...

A Little Girl's Smile

A sperm meets an egg. 

They fertilize.

Nine months pass. 

A gift from God arrives. 

This gift doesn't know how welcomed she is to the world. 

Seven weeks later, the gift smiles at her dad, and he happens to catch it on camera. 

And this little girl's smile is worth more than all the money in the world to him. 

B's First Babysitter

8:21am

My stepsister gave birth to twins on Friday! So we decided to go visit them yesterday(Saturday) at the hospital. 

Like most hospitals that we have encountered, no small children are allowed in the maternity suites. Except for the babies, obviously. So Brynlee couldn't go. 

My wife is very attached to our daughter, which I assume is pretty normal for a mom and her infant. But at some point you have to let other people watch her. This was the perfect opportunity. A small amount of time, to get our feet wet with being away from her. She is going to have to do it when she goes back to work, anyways. 

So we dropped her off at my wife's sister's house. They have two dogs, which sometimes makes us nervous, but these two are so protective of Brynlee. It's actually kind of funny. I almost feel like we could leave her with just the two dogs! (Kidding)

After my wife explained where everything was in the diaper bag, and basic care instructions, we were on our way. We made it about ten minutes down the street when she said "ok, I miss her already".  She hasn't been without her since she was born. Not even for five minutes. 

When we got to the hospital, our thoughts were occupied by the new twins. They are so small compared to Brynlee. The boy is much smaller than the girl, which isn't surprising, since women seem to take men for everything they've got. They are adorable and I'm very excited for their family. 

After a couple of hours, it was time to get back to our little one. There was a missed phone call to my wife from her sister, so natural instinct made her worry. But nothing was wrong, just a simple feeding question. 

When we got there, she had just christened the couch, and her aunt with spit-up. She seems to do that a lot. We are pretty sure that she over-eats. But everyone has told us that if she is hungry, let her eat. She can down about 6-7 ounces each feeding, though some of it usually comes back up. 

All-in-all, I think she did fine being away from her mom and dad. I'm sure we will have a few people watch her here and there to get used to it. Plus, it's good to socialize her so that she isn't shy and too attached to us. 

Just another milestone in her book. 

Day 32 - Changes To PregoForMen Blog

11:14pm

As you might already know, I have blogged every day since the 10th week of pregnancy. But I think that is going to change. I want to focus more on writing quality posts, rather than quantity. They will still include updates on Brynlee, and the family. But I will probably use social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, more often, for updates like that. 

I have decided to slow down, not only because this blog takes up A LOT of time, but also because I don't want to write posts just because I feel that I have to. That isn't quality. And I'm not ok with that. 

So make sure you follow on Facebook to keep up with new blog posts. I always link to them via all of my social media accounts (which you can find at the top of this blog). 

Day 18 - How To Get A Newborn Baby To Smile

4:10pm

I think we figured it out. We have seen her smile quite a few times. Though we couldn't really figure out what exactly she was smiling about. Other than a relief-fueled smile after a nice long bowel movement, it's hard to get her to smile on demand. Or a kiss from her dad usually works too, but that might just be coincidence. 

This morning, before going to work, my wife called me into the bedroom to show me that when you rub her face with the silky part of a blanket, she almost always smiles. She loves it. What's funny, is that I used to love the same thing when I was little. I'm going to go ahead and make the assumption that all babies must love this action, so go ahead and try it with yours. If it doesn't work, let me know. Not that I will really care. 

Dont forget to add me on Facebook and Twitter! I always interact with social media friends! 

Day 17 - Sleepy With Her Dad

4:13pm

Working a lot this week. Until 10pm tonight and tomorrow. So my wife has been great by making us breakfast and lunch earlier today so that I could get some rest. Me and little B slept until about noon today, only waking up to eat. 

Day 14 - Breaking Bad Halloween

6:43pm




We are preparing for the season finale of Breaking Bad. They have been playing the whole series, marathon-style, for the last couple days, leading up to the finale. So these last few episodes have really been tense. Can't wait to see what happens at the end!! So instead of spending time on the blog, I will leave you with a few photos of our Halloween decorations so far...

 

Getting excited for our first trick-or-treaters ever. (This is our first place, for any new readers. And if you are new, why not start from the beginning? Week 10 Day 1) 

Some little baby feet I seen peeking out.

 

Day 4 - Changing A Diaper In 60 Seconds Flat

10:17pm



I was up with B from about 4:00am to 5:30am last night, or should I say this morning? Her poor mom was pooped, so I figured I would help out and feed her. It took her about an hour and a half to relax and finally get back to sleep. I'm thinking that if I would have swaddled her, she would have fallen asleep faster. She seems to like that. She is swaddled right now, and not a peep out of her.


She spent some time with her grandpa this morning, before going out on her maiden voyage into the outside world. A pit-stop at my wife's work was first, because everyone was just dying to see her. She also had to fill out some paperwork for the maternity leave. Even though there were about 10 people hovered over her car seat, she never opened an eye.

Next stop.... Pediatrician.

Her first check-up. She loved her new doctor. A very nice person, I think we found a good one. My wife's OB/GYN actually recommended her, and we can see why. The doctor is all about organic and natural, but very down-to-earth and friendly as well. Brynlee passed everything with flying colors. As a matter of fact, I believe she was considered "perfect".

They even mentioned about a newborn little boy who was in the office earlier. Him and Brynlee would make a perfect couple, according to the staff. I had to step in and say "Hey, wait a minute, here. Let's slow down a bit!" She's already a daddy's girl, for sure.

A few more errands to Walgreens, and Babies-R-Us, and she did great. She slept about 98% of the time, with no real fusses. I guess we can't ask for much more than that, out of a newborn. She's a great baby so far, although when she wants something, you know. She happens to have quite the set of lungs.

Dad is getting more comfortable changing diapers. Not to brag or anything, but I can change a diaper in about 60 seconds flat. Not bad for a rookie.


She attracts all kinds of attention, wherever we go. Mostly because of her hair. Everyone can't seem to get enough of her full head of hair!

I got a small taste of fatherhood today, when I realized that Brynlee had eating and pooped a few times during the day, and that my wife and I hadn't eaten since dinner, the night before. It's crazy how you put your own needs off to make sure your children are taken care of. (Don't worry, we ate a good dinner tonight)


Check out this little kid's Chicago Bears jersey. I think we need to get her one!

Day 1 - Welcoming Baby!

10:51pm

My wife pushed for about 45 minutes. They actually turned off the epidural because they needed her to get the baby out quickly, and the epidural tends to slow down the process. The complications with preeclampsia cause the health risks to be higher, so the sooner she is out the better. 

She did great throughout the whole labor. I was able to be a part of it by holding one of her legs and keeping close to her side. I now have an incredible amount of respect for any mother after witnessing what they go through. 

Our beautiful baby girl was born at 12:46pm yesterday (Sept 15, 2013). She was 8lbs 10oz, and 19.5 inches long. My wife is recovering very quickly and the baby is doing great. 

This journey has been such an experience and I wouldn't have it any other way. Other dads always tell me that there is no other love like the love you will have for your children and I can already see what they mean. 

The best part is that the real journey has just begun. And I am really looking forward to every day from here on out. 

Introducing Brynlee Rose....

And check out the amount of hair on this girl's head! (Coming out of the back of her little hat!)

Week 38 Day 3 - Who Crapped In The Yard?

8:29pm




It's been a great day so far, minus the stinky feet that found there way into my lap as I'm writing this. My wife seems to think that because her feet are swollen, that they can be rubbed constantly. By me. Yeah, no.


We went to the doctor yesterday, and he said that she is still about a half centimeter dilated. The baby's head is very low in the birthing canal, and she is about 80% effaced.

What effaced means - for people like me -

He also seemed to think that she will make it to her due date. We were concerned about going early, because the baby was measuring larger than normal. But from what he felt, he said she is right on track, and should make it to her due date, September 17th. He is even going to have her schedule a date, the week after, in case she goes past. They won't let her go a week past. She will be induced before that.



Now, let's get serious for a minute. Who does this?

This was the beautiful welcome home I received when I walked up to our front door today.

Why are there still people out there, who walk their dogs, and let them crap all over, and don't pick it up? Is it really that difficult? Why do you even have a dog if you can't clean up after it?

At least I am really hoping that it was from a dog. I guess I shouldn't stereotype.


Why my day was awesome -

Got to spend a little time on the bike today. I followed my wife to the bank and then to dinner. And by dinner I mean a really bad choice. 

I feel sorry for my body, tomorrow. 

If you have never been to a White Castle, don't. It is too delicious to stop eating, and your colon will hate you. 

Try out Plink for a free 10 dollar gift card to your choice of tons of merchants! Link your account and make a purchase at any CVS, and get 1000 points added to your Plink account! Talk about a DEAL!

*Disclaimer - This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Week 38 Day 2 - Passed Out Dad

1:23pm



I could probably write a whole story about the dangers of eating three hot dogs for lunch, like I just did. But I really don't care, because they were delicious. Actually, they were expired. Almost a month, expired. But I ate them anyways. Why? Because I am a MAN. And that's what we do. 


Although, we usually don't do this....


Last night, after I wrote yesterday's post, we continued to organize the baby's room. I had been up at 5:30am that morning, followed by an exhausting day at work. Then a family party.

Reallly, I was pretty darn tired.

Most of the following I do not remember....

My wife said that I fell asleep. On the floor. Against the baby's crib. With my iPad underneath my head, like a pillow, and my iPhone still in my hand.

Anyone that knows me, knows that this is not that hard to believe. I am glued to my phone. Then again, who isn't these days?

I wish she had a picture.

Here I was, sleeping on her new pink shaggy carpet. It looks really comfortable, so I don't really blame myself. But how did I end up on the floor in the first place? I must have been so tired that I don't even remember sitting down? Apparently, I wasn't helping organize too much.

I have a feeling that once she is here, this type of situation will happen quite a few more times. Long, late nights feeding, and comforting the baby. I know that many parents find that sleep is not as prevalent as before-baby. There are loads of stories about parents falling asleep in the nurseries, and other odd places.

I will remember last night as the FIRST of many future awkward sleeping locations.

(Also, if I don't write for a few days, assume that I am in the hospital for hotdog food poisoning.)




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*Some links on my blog may contain affiliate links. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Week 35 Day 4 - Love With Food

7:24pm

Love With Food

www.lovewithfood.com

$12 per month

Woohoo, another subscription box. I'm sure you are all getting sick of these by now. Either that, or you are so interested, and bought one of each. Yes? No?

Either way, this box is a good one. It's only 12 dollars per month, if you buy it on a montly basis. It differs if you buy a longer "plan". Like an annual subscription, turns out to be only 10 dollars per month. I can barely buy anything at the grocery store for 10 dollars. So to get a box full, and then shipped to my door, is pretty impressive. Oh, and did I mention that for every sale, they donate a meal to a hungry child? Read more on their website....

Here is what was in my box -

Nice packaging

List of everything included.

Yumm!

Organic candies

Even comes with a $50 gift card, to nakedwines.com

Full box!

This box is definitly worth every penny. The contents are nutritious, and pure. The price can't be beat. And the fact that they donate as well, makes it a great choice for yourself, or for a gift. Try one out, you'll look forward to the next!

Love With Food

www.lovewithfood.com

Facebook - www.facebook.com/lovewithfood

Twitter - www.twitter.com/lovewithfood

Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/lovewithfood

*See Disclaimer

Not much news on the baby front. Same old, same. We did get a couple more gifts, but instead of spoiling them on here, we will share them at the baby shower. Or at least I think that is what my wife has planned. I let her decide all of that stuff. It's easier that way.

I picked up about 5 pounds of Salt Water Taffy today at work. Apparently it wasn't selling, so they discounted it huge, for the employees. As you can see, I paid $1 per bag. And with my employee discount, my total came out to $1.93. Not bad huh?

 

*Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, the products reviewed have been provided to me at no charge. All opinions are my own. I will never recommend a product that I do not believe in. This is not a paid review.