Sleeping like a Baby.

     I've had a few momma's ask me about Connor's sleep schedule, so I'm going to go through our daily routine, including nap schedules. It's really tough when you have a baby/toddler who doesn't sleep, and I've been there. Connor was a fussy newborn/infant, and I am grateful for the friend, Sarah Fahed:), who recommended that I read a book called "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child." I never wanted to listen to Connor "cry it out," and frankly, I'm not sure that he could self-soothe himself at all. When he was 8 months, I was at my wits end, so I bought that book, and it changed everything. Who knew sleep could change a baby's entire mood? I honestly did not know the importance of a schedule, and I wish that I had known sooner how well Connor thrives on one. This is what works for US. You may need to tweak things to fit your baby's habits and schedule. Connor sleeps at night from 7 am - 7 pm. (Sometimes, he even goes to bed before 7 pm.)
     Connor wakes up in the morning at 7 a.m., almost on the dot. Some days it is a little earlier, and some days it is a little later, but we still form our days around him waking up at 7 a.m. When he wakes up, we eat breakfast, he gets milk, and he plays. He is now on a 1 nap/day schedule, so he doesn't go down for a nap until 11 or 11:30. So, we run any errands or do anything that we need to do that morning. Most mornings he just plays until nap time. I feed him lunch before I lay him down, so that he doesn't wake up hungry an hour after he falls asleep. He will usually sleep from 11 - 12:30 or 1:00. Some days, he goes down for a nap around 11:30 and will sleep until 1 or 1:30. I'm not super anal about the time, whether it is 11 or 11:30, but I don't like to wait much longer than that. If I wait too long, Connor gets over-tired and then that is a nightmare. After he wakes up from his nap, he gets a snack, then we usually do something fun. We'll go to the park, pool, or anything that will help him burn off some of that energy! He gets dinner between 4:30 and 5:30, and then he gets a bath. Lately, I've been doing a bath every other night because of his skin, but he at least gets a wipe down and is changed into his pajamas. By the time, we are done with everything, it is usually close to 6. Around 6:30 he will get some milk, and then at 7 I lay him down for bedtime. Some days, he goes down at 6:30. It honestly depends on how tired he is acting. Since he is down to 1 nap a day, he is usually awake 6 hours before bedtime, so he's pretty tired. I discovered he was ready for 1 nap a day when he started protesting his 2nd nap, and when he wouldn't go to sleep at night.
    When he was on a 2 nap/day schedule, he would wake up at 7, nap from 9-10 and nap from 1-2. He woke up around 2 in the afternoon, and he was awake for 5 hours before bedtime. If Connor is acting really tired and fussy, I won't hesitate to put him to bed at 5:30. It sounds crazy, but sometimes babies just get tired. Some nights you go to bed earlier than normal, right? Same idea applies for your baby. Babies need a lot of sleep, and even if they aren't acting really tired, it's important to put them to bed anyway.
     It took a few weeks to get Connor on a great schedule, but my persistence paid off. He is much happier, he sleeps well, and I also get that time from 7 until I go to bed to myself and with my husband. You have to get used to the idea of your world revolving around theirs. If Connor's nap time is at 11, I make sure I get to the grocery store early in the morning, so we are back before his nap. (Same applied when he napped at 9, I got to the grocery store before 8am on many different occasions).

    When it comes to getting Connor to sleep, he will usually just roll over and go to sleep. Sometimes he protests, and he goes through phases from time to time where he really doesn't want to go to bed. I give him 5 minutes, go in his room and make sure he has his paci, lay him down, and walk out. I do it a few times before he just falls asleep. Before he turned 1, I rocked him. I never let him cry it out. I would let him cry for about 5 minutes, and then I would go get him and rock him until he fell asleep. I didn't let him "cry it out" and the week he turned 1, he wouldn't let me rock him anymore.

Traveling with a baby.

     It's travel season for the Hill folk, ya'll. In a few short weeks, my little family will be flying to upstate NY to visit my husband's family for a week. This includes my 14 month old son. Since Connor was born, I have flown with him over FIVE times ALONE, and that is only one way. So including trips back, we have suffered through security at least TEN times. We are quite the little professional flyers. I traveled with him for the first time when he was 2 months old, and the last time we flew, he was almost 1 year old and walking. So, I've experienced all stages of baby through toddler on a plane. Not something I recommend people trying out for fun :) Let me take a moment, however, to praise my sweet boy for his great flying efforts. He really does a magnificent job for the most part... he has let out a few squeals that  led to some deathly stares, but what can you do?! I thought, since I am obviously a professional at traveling with a baby, I would share a few tips that could save people from the stress, embarrassment, and emotional breakdowns that I wish someone could have saved me from!

     -When you travel with an infant, be sure that your flight itinerary shows that you are, in fact, traveling with an infant. If you have already purchased a ticket and forgot to add your baby, simply call the airline and they will add your baby for you. Simple. It takes about 5 minutes, and it saves you stress at the airport. (I've actually never forgotten to add him before arriving to the airport, but I have had to call the airline to have him added as a lap infant).
     - Car seats. I've had to check Connor's car seat twice, and the airline ticket counter provided the plastic bag to keep your car seat clean and checking the car seat is free. Now, both times I checked Connor's car seat, it got lost. IF and when your car seat gets lost, don't panic too much. It sucks, but the airline will provide you with a safe car seat for your child. They give you the car seat, take down your information, and they bring you the car seat to your home when it is found and you swap out the car seat that you borrowed. It's annoying, but you won't have to drive down the road with your baby in your lap (not that ANYONE would do that..)
    - Wrap or stroller. I have done both. When Connor was 2 months old and still in his travel system, I pushed him in that right up to the gate. It was also great to do that because I didn't have to check the car seat since it was attached to the stroller :) The travel system also held all my bags. When Connor got older, I used the moby wrap, and it was great for the non-stop flights. If you have a non-stop flight or a longer layover, the wrap will be great. One time I had a very quick layover, and I literally had to run from gate A to E. For those flights, I recommend the umbrella stroller (when your child is big enough). The umbrella strollers are quick to fold and unfold and they're very lightweight. Just make sure, whatever method you use to carry around your child, that you are comfortable. If you are uncomfortable, you are going to be absolutely miserable.
     - Formula, BM, food, etc. You can take however much formula, BM, food, etc. that you need for your baby through security. If your baby is on formula, I HIGHLY recommend that you buy the 6 pack of 8 oz ready to feed formula. It will make your life MUCH easier. I did carry empty dr. brown bottles because Connor had bad gas as a baby, but if your baby doesn't have those problems, you can screw a nipple right onto the ready to feed bottle. It's awesome. The first time I traveled, I took powder formula and water in his bottles. Disaster. The water spilled in my carry on, and I kept spilling the powder formula. If you breastfeed, you can take your breastmilk in the bottles through security. If it were me, I would just use a cover up and feed your baby on the plane (definitely during take off and landing)! For take off and landing, make sure you are either giving your baby a bottle or a pacifier. It helps keep their ears from popping.
    - TSA. When you get to the front of the line, just let them know you have formula, water, or BM in bottles. They have to "check" it but it isn't a big deal. (They will not open sealed ready to eat formula). Also, everything you have to take off of yourself, you also have to take off of baby. Save yourself the trouble and don't put shoes on your baby before you go through security. TSA will take your stroller and help you through. Take your time and don't stress about the people behind you. Especially if you are traveling alone.
    - Toys. I take a few toys, but Connor is never very interested in toys on the plane. But, do you know what he IS interested in? Everything else that nasty germ-y people touch. So, have PLENTY of anti-bacterial hand gel! If your baby does take a pacifier, use a shirt clip, so if your baby spits out their pacifier, it won't land on that nasty plane floor. I won't even tell you how I learned that one...
    - Diapers. I use cloth diapers, and I have used cloth diapers when I have traveled on an airplane. Honestly, it is do-able, but I have only done it once. When you are rushed to change your baby ON the airplane, right before you board, or on the floor of the airport because some lady let her CAT pee on the changing table, you will switch to disposables while traveling. :) I've changed Connor on the toilet lid of an airplane when he was 1 year old and obviously too big to be on the lid of that toilet seat... but you do what you have to do. Don't stress about it because it is beyond your control. When you gotta go, you gotta go, right?!
      - Don't forget a blanket. When Connor was really small, I even took his boppy to lay him on in my lap. It was great! :) I always, always take a blanket. Planes get cold, and it is more cozy for him.

Most of all, try not to stress. If your baby is cranky, that is just the way life goes. If you have any questions just leave a comment :) Happy travels!

Thoughts??

I have a few blog posts in mind, and before I go and type a freakin novel, I want to know what you think, and if ANYONE is actually even reading my blog. haha.

- I have had a few momma's ask me questions about flying/traveling with a baby. Lord knows, I've done it TOO many times, so I am considering a post giving tips to an easy (as easy as can be, anyway) trip with a baby?

-  I've also been battling Connor's keratosis pilaris lately. It is driving me bonkers trying to find something that works. I've tried a few different things, and found a routine that seems to work best, but doesn't get rid of it completely.

- Sleeping. A lot of mommas have asked me about Connor's sleep schedule. He sleeps 12+ hours at night, and I may type out our entire day to give some people an idea of how our schedule/routine works.

Thoughts?

Pain Relief and Plain Relief

       I've been really terrible about blogging. I constantly think about things I "need" to blog about, and then I just forget. Connor keeps me so busy. He's in to everything, and if I try to get on the computer while he is awake, he walks over to me and shuts the laptop.

Pain Relief
      Anyway... a couple of weeks ago Connor started to get really fussy. He still only has the 6 teeth that he has had since 10 months, so I assumed he was teething. I mean, when I say really fussy, we're talking crying all day long. When Connor first started teething, a friend of mine suggested I get him an Amber teething necklace. I forgot about it, and then a couple of weeks ago, I decided to research the Amber teething necklace. When a friend of mine recommended I get one for Connor, I thought it was like a "crystal" type thing. You know, that "promotes relief" or something. I had no idea that it actually contains succinic acid. The amber rubs against the childs skin (the necklace is short enough so Connor doesn't even notice it), and it releases a natural oil into their skin that enters their blood stream, and it relieves pain. I read reviews that raved about these necklaces, so I thought, "what the hell?! It can't hurt..." So, I ordered it for Connor, I got it in the mail in 2 days, and automatically put it on him. It's a miracle.. He is so happy and hardly whines at all. I highly recommend any mom who is pulling her hair out because of teething to look into it. It worked for us, and nothing was working for us! I tried ibuprofen, teething tablets, orajel, teethers, popsicles, etc. Look into it! Knowledge is power people!

Plain Relief
     Also, Adam and I have been discussing the future. We know we want more children but have avoided the topic since we had Connor because, obviously, he is still really little, and having Connor wasn't exactly easy on us. I decided to go ahead and research new OBs, and a friend recommended an OB to me. I went last Friday to have a consultation and talk to him about everything. I told him what happened with Connor, and he was not impressed with the hospital's/doctor's decisions. He told me that I am healthy, and there is no greater chance of me getting pre-eclampsia and developing the same problems. He checked my blood work, and everything came back completely normal. So, that is a HUGE relief. He is very confident that I won't have the same problems, but assured me he would take care of me. We are so relieved!! Don't expect any sort of announcement anytime soon. We were just seeing if the possibility is there.. and it is! =)

updated bumGenius review for a friend!

bumGenius 4.0 one size pocket review

Closures

   The diapers I ordered have snaps. I also have a few that are Velcro (hooks&loops). You can decide between snaps or hooks&loops. I prefer the snaps, but both work really well. The diapers are one size and will very much fit a newborn - toddler. The snaps adjust down and across, so that as your baby grows, your diaper grows too. The snaps are secure on the diaper and have not budged since I've had them for over 10 months. I read that the hooks&loops are easier for a squirmy baby, but Connor is very, very squirmy and the snaps are just as easy. Way easier than disposables. That was quite the challenge.

Colors

     There are plenty of colors to choose from, and they are adorable. The good thing about the bumGenius diapers is that you don't have to buy diaper covers. They are pocket diapers, so the shell is waterproof (PUL) fabric. Connor has every boy color they have, and the pictures online are pretty exact to what you see when you open your diapers. I was really impressed. I've also noticed that the colors have not faded at all after washing them A LOT and bleaching  them once a month!

Fit

    From the time we got the diapers until now, the diapers have fit Connor very well. We started cloth when he was 4 months old, and he is 14 months old and still in the same diapers with the same great fit. Obviously, the diapers have grown with him (snap setting) over time. They are a little “bulky” but not so much that I am bothered by it. The diaper is also elastic so that as your baby grows, the diaper stretches!

The inner layer

     The microfiber inserts are incredibly soft and absorbent. It's amazing to me how much these pieces of fabric can absorb. Each diaper comes with 2 inserts (one big insert and one newborn sized insert). Connor is 14 months and can usually use 1 big and 1 small during the day, and 1 big, 1 small, and 1big hemp insert at night. (He sleeps 12+ hours and doesn’t usually leak).

Durability

      The bumGenius diapers are very durable. I have about 25 bumGenius diapers, and I haven't seen a flaw in any of my diapers since I've had them. I was them about every other day and they are all very much intact. I plan on using these same diapers with the next baby, too. They recommend 24 or more diapers especially in the newborn stage. I would agree and recommend collecting that many or more just to save you the washes.

Leakage

    When I used disposables, we had a lot of trouble with leaks. I know the diapers were on securely, but Connor is a heavy wetter and he would pee through disposables. It is rare that Connor leaks in his cloth diapers, and if he does it is because I haven’t stuffed his diapers well, haven’t put enough inserts in his diaper, or I have gone too long without changing him. At night, it was an experiment until recently. I use 1 big, 1 small, and 1 big hemp insert, and he can go 12+ hours with no diaper change and no leaks.

Washing 

Go ahead and get a cloth diaper friendly detergent. If you don’t, you will regret it because your diapers will start to build up detergent and leak. I ordered the bumGenius detergent for $11.95, no tax, & free shipping on cottonbabies.com. 66 loads too! I advise to just buy the correct detergent. Saves you a lot of time & money! Besides, what is the difference if there is no tax, and shipping is free? Also, The Dreft has ingredients that can cause your diapers to break down. I would prefer my diapers to last me as long as possible. Washing is easy. I do a Cold Rinse, Hot Wash, and another Cold Rinse.(Sometimes I do 2 cold rinses if they still smell stingy afer 1 rinse) I, then, hang up the diapers and throw the inserts into the dryer, and the diapers dry really quickly.

Smell

If your diapers start to smell, it is time for a bleach treatment! You can wash your diapers like normal, and just throw in ¾ cup of bleach! It should take care of the smell. If you continue having problems, I would strip your diapers using 1tbsp of blue dawn dish soap or RLR. IF you strip your diaper MAKE SURE your diapers are CLEAN before stripping them. 

Price

    bumGenius 4.0 are $17.95 a diaper. It seems a little expensive, but to put in perspective, I have 25 diapers equaling out to about $450. I did get mine on sale and saved money, So look for a sale. Over the course of your child's diaper days, you spend at least $4,000. The average family with a baby spends about $2,000 a year in diapers. So, I'm saving at least over $3000. It seems like a lot because it is money up front, but in the long run, you are saving sooo much money. Besides, you are doing something wonderful for the environment. It's win-win.

Convenience

    Go ahead and say it, "ewww gross" you touch your baby's poop. All I have to say to that is, "Did you give birth? Because it doesn't get more ' eww gross ' than that." It is really NOT that bad. Poop rinses off the diaper very easily. These diapers do not inconvenience me at all. I am a stay at home mom, so I am the one who is usually dealing with the poop diapers, but my husband has cleaned one or two poop diapers and it does not bother him. I did order flushable diaper liners. They are so wonderful! The liners make going out in public so easy. You place them in your diaper and it catches the poop. So, when you are out in public, cleanup is not a hassle at all.. and they flush! Talk about easy. I do recommend the flushable liners for "outings." It was $12 for 200, and I only use them when I go out. I fully expect them to last me at least 6 months.

Rash

    Connor has sensitive skin, and he hasn't had a rash at all with these diapers. If he does get a rash, I put CJ’s butter on his butt. It is cloth diaper friendly. I order that from sweetbottomsbaby.com It's great!! He's happy, I'm happy, my husband's happy :) It's a beautiful thing.

I do have other brands of diapers that I do like, such as blueberry and several WAHM diapers. I suggest that you research what is best for you and have a “main stash” and then “wild cards” of different brands. I prefer the bumGenius 4.0s, but some people have other preferences. My  bumGenius  have definitely held up the best!

bring it on home to me..

  

    I have tried not to complain too much on my blog about recruiting duty. You all know that my husband and I live in Texas with our son, Connor. 1200 + miles away from our family and friends. I have been truly blessed to have gotten to know several friends in Texas, so that I am not constantly conversing with a one year old.. but it still gets lonely. My husband works so much. It can be 12 or more hours a day, and most weekends he AT LEAST works 1 day. It gets hard, and often times I find myself getting frustrated that I'm here.. alone. But, I'm trying so hard to be a great wife and mother. My husband busts his ass for us, and he is constantly feeling the pressure from work. I have been through a deployment where I only talked to Adam MAYBE 10 times in 8 months. We could email, but not "chat" on the phone or skype often at all. I am an artillery wife, so I have done weeks in the field.. but none of it compares to this. Before we left for recruiting duty, we were told by many people that this would be the hardest job for Adam in the Marine Corps, and it would be a huge test to our marriage. On top of that, I had Connor 1 month after being here and 1 month before Adam went on production. It's been tough. We have definitely had our ups and down, but I am so happy to say that we are almost halfway through recruiting duty! I think it's harder because when he deploys, he's just gone, and I miss him, but it is a different kind of stress. I am so sick of hearing "well, at least he comes home at night..." because most nights we are either in bed or I've barely made it, waiting up for him. Yes, I am thankful that our son knows daddy, and Adam gets to spend time with him, but the stress is outrageous. We only have each other here, so we've really had to concentrate on our marriage, and we have realized that communication is key. Recruiting duty means that Adam is on domestic soil, but it doesn't make it any easier on our family. I don't think a family can truly understand the stress of recruiting duty until they've been on it. I am grateful for the wives and families I have met out here who have stuck it out and lend an ear and shoulder when it is needed. Tonight has just been one of those nights...

How do we do it?

       This past week, Connor has had some really great days and some really "not so great" days. We've been working on 1 nap a days. He's not feelin the 2 naps a day since he sleeps all night (over 12 hours most nights). So, I'm down with it, but really just need him to get the hang of it asap. Adam has been working non stop.. Needless to say, tonight I am drinking some bud light lime and watching sex and the city 2. This scene came up an I almost died laughing. I didn't have Connor when I saw this movie for the first time, but now it is so hilarious and makes more sense. "HOW DO WOMEN WITHOUT HELP DO IT?" Some days I have no idea! But today, I've done it through the giggles, smiles, kisses, and at night...beer :) Cheers to us ladies without help!