Recalls

It seems lately that everything made for babies is being recalled.  First it was the sling (had one), then it was a toy car (Grammy had one), now our crib.  Luckily, no children have died in these cribs, but it is still a safety concern.

Does anyone make anything safe anymore?  Or is everything cheaply made and manufactured by people making $0.10 an hour?

I went online and requested a repair kit.  Until it is received, in 6-8 weeks, Evenflo suggests I find alternative sleeping arrangments for my child.  Obviously, people at Evenflo don't have children!  Otherwise they would know that kids sleep better in their own crib/bed.  And that putting a toddler in a pack and play for 6-8 weeks is not the best sleep solution.  Maybe they assume that people have spare cribs laying around.  In case you were wondering, I do not.

25 weeks down!

Today we went to the OB for a growth ultrasound and our regular exam.  FHR was 166 - faster than it has ever been.  Baby was VERY active this morning!  Baby is measuring about 1 lb 9 oz.  This puts Baby Webb #2 in the 61st percentile.  This is slightly larger than the average baby, but for us this is huge!  Melia has never been above the 15th percentile.

Mommy is doing well.  Blood pressure looks good and I have been feeling great.  I feel huge, but that is to be expected.  We go for my glucose test in 3 weeks and back for another US and OB visit in 4 weeks.  Then we move to appointments every 2 weeks.  Things finally feel like they are moving along!

Mommy of 2 Confession

I have a confession to make: I keep forgetting I’m pregnant. No, I’m not kidding. Yes, that probably makes me a front runner in the competition for Worst Pregnant Mom Ever.


With Melia, I knew exactly how far along I was at any given moment, right down to the day, hour and minute. I knew which food to compare her approximate size to (sesame seed, walnut, peach, grapefruit, etc.) I spent my days on the internet, looking up pregnancy and parenting websites, shopping for diapers, researching strollers and car seats and swaddling blankets.

This time, I only know how pregnant I am when the doctor reminds me at our monthly appointment. I’m usually too busy to pay attention to the physical changes, and yes that includes the exhaustion, and the fact that my bras don’t fit anymore. I’m breaking rules left and right, like blue cheese in my salads and brie on my crackers. My first pregnancy was all baby, all the time. This one is just as important, but Baby Webb #1 still occupies my mind and thoughts 99% of the day.

Poor Baby Webb #2. I promise to try harder and make you feel special, too. You are doing a really good job at giving me an occasional jab to remind me that I really am pregnant.  Especially when your big sister is sitting on top of you.

Pregnancy is always a blessing and a miracle, even if I need to be reminded of that more often this time around.

How to deal with the sight of a baby eating

Came across this blog post the other day and thought it was great! 

http://thestir.cafemom.com/baby/104478/public_breastfeeding_naysayers_your_guide

Babywearing

I am a huge fan of babywearing.  It is an easy way for me to hold Melia and still be somewhat productive.  I love the convenience babywearing has given me when traveling by not having to deal with a stroller.  Babywearing has also been a convenient way to nurse when we are out in public.

Before Melia was born we got a Baby Bjorn carrier and an Infantino Sling Rider.
I have definitely gotten a lot of use out of the Baby Bjorn.  In fact, we are still using it when we are out and about.  It has been great to wear her when she needs a nap (she rarely falls asleep in the stroller).  It also puts her at a good level to see things when we are visiting places like the aquarium and zoo.  The carrier was great to use even as a newborn because of the extra head/neck support (although I did have to wait awhile until she weighed 8lbs to start using it).  It was tricky to learn how to nurse in this carrier and I wouldn't have been able to nurse her as a newborn in it.  The Baby Bjorn also doesn't give you the option of wearing her on your back.  Not that I have done a lot of this yet, but it still would be a nice option.





The Infantino Sling Rider was a favorite before Melia became really active.  It was really easy to discreetly nurse when she was an infant and it was easy for her to sleep in.  I also learned how to use it as she got bigger as a "seat".  I always felt like I needed to support her with one arm, so it wasn't completely hands free like the Baby Bjorn.  The Sling Rider was actually recalled a few months ago, so Baby #2 will not be using this carrier.

As part of the Sling Rider recall, Infantino provided a replacement of their new carrier the Wrap and Tie.
I just used the Wrap and Tie for the first time last week.  At first it was a little weird, but I have to say I really like it.  The instructions say you can use it up to 35lbs, so Melia still has plenty of opportunities.  The Wrap and Tie even has an option for back-wearing (although Melia wasn't really happy in this position).  I don't think it provides enough support for a newborn, so Baby #2 may have to wait a while for this carrier.  Mine came in their "khaki" color.  Chris isn't a fan, but I don't think any carriers really make a fashion statement.







We also have a Moby Wrap.  This carrier seams to be a favorite among babywearing parents and has been highly recommended by one of my friends.  Moby Wrap claims it can hold up to 35lbs, but the fabric is really stretchy, so I don't feel like it will give enough support to a toddler.  I haven't actually tried it yet with Melia.  I think I am holding out for the new baby.  From all the research I have done (between books and the internet I may be worse than Carol!) the wrap seems like it will be great for kangaroo care, nursing and babywearing while chasing around a very active toddler.  Plus there are a TON of different ways to hold the baby in the carrier.  Another perk, this wrap has UV protection in the fabric (I am a crazy helicopter mom when it comes to sun safety).

So that's my 2 cents on baby carriers.  I am going to use mine with both my kids as long as I can.  I won't be able to carry them forever, so I need to take what I can while I still have the chance!

Huggies Overnights vs Pampers Extra Protection

When Melia finally started sleeping through the night, I thought a switch to "nighttime" diapers would be beneficial.  Her diapers were getting so full at night and the regular diapers just were not keeping all the wetness off of her skin. 

I started to look for nighttime diapers and had a hard time finding a store that carried the Pampers Extra Protection.  I had a coupon (I love coupons!) for Huggies Overnights, and despite my previous post about Huggies I decided to give them a try. 

I love Huggies Overnights.  They do a great job keeping wetness away and don't feel like a big soggy mess when Melia gets up in the morning.  We have been using them consistently at night and I really think it has helped keep the rashes away.












I finally got a coupon for Pampers Extra Protection and found them at Target.  I brought them home yesterday and decided to give them a try.  At first glance, they were much lighter weight than the Huggies Overnights.  Side by side they looked and felt just like her Pampers Cruisers but the characters on the design were wearing pajamas.  I assumed there had to be a difference I just couldn't see.

I was wrong.  When she woke up this morning her diaper was drooping to her knees and she felt wet.  I honestly think they packaged the Pampers Cruisers in a Pampers Extra Protection box and expected me not to notice!

We will give it one more try tonight, but I think I may just owe an apology to Huggies!

Memorial Day Weekend in Michigan

Melia and I took a trip to visit the family in Michigan over Memorial Day Weekend.  It was a short visit, but we had a great time.

On Saturday, Nonna and Grandpa took us to the Detroit Zoo.  Melia loves animals and really enjoyed all of the birds.  She had a great time chasing a duck around where we ate lunch!  (She also learned very quicly that Grandpa is a sucker for her smile and will pick her up so she doesn't have to ride in the stroller.)

On Sunday, we went with Grandma, Great Papa, Uncle Mike, Aunt JJ and Uncle Ian to the Detroit Tigers game.  It was a beautiful day and we had great seats.  Uncle Mike and I took Melia on the ferris wheel - she loved it! 

Monday we went to the Dearborn Memorial Day Parade.  Aunt JJ and Uncle Mike were both in the parade.  Melia really enjoyed the parade.  She loved the flyovers, the music from the marching bands and just waving to people passing by.

We also got to spend some time visiting with Great Grandma Marge and Great Papa Ed.  I am so happy that they are still around to watch her grow.  She didn't have enough time to really warm up to Grandma, but she really loved playing with all of her stuffed animals!

The weekend went by so quickly and we are both still tired.  But the exhaustion was well worth the memories of spending time with grandparents, aunts and uncles in Michigan.  We will be back again (hopefully for a little longer) over Thanksgiving!