Wear All the Babies

I mentioned in a previous post I have become a "Baby Wearer", yes thats a term.  I carry my baby on me as opposed to using a stroller 90% of the time.  She's happy being held and I'm happy to have free hands and not have to push a stroller around all the time.

It's become somewhat of a hobby.  I started out basic with a Moby wrap, then expanded my horizons.   I have three ring slings, a K'Tan, a Mai Tai, a Tula (buckle carrier), and looking into trying out woven wraps.  It's becoming a collection.

We're outgrowing the Moby & K'Tan as they're very stretchy and she's getting heavier.  But I loved the K'Tan up until she hit 10lbs.  Easy on & off, kept her warm and close for  those chilly soccer practices and waiting at the bus stop.  Was also great for food shopping, could have a full cart and she slept through it all.

I've yet to use the Tula because the little is too small for its 15lb minimum and I just started trying out the Mai Tai.  She's a little small for that too.  Slings have been what I reach for most when we're out & about,  It did take some practice and coaching but once you get that hang of it its so quick and convenient.

Having a little one in the summer poses a challenge when you have two old ones who love the pool.  I did not want to miss out on the summer fun so I purchased a water ring sling on Amazon two days before I knew we would be going to a pool (thank you Prime).  It wasn't love but it was better than a slippery infant in the pool and that plus a floppy hat kept her mostly covered from sun.

If you're interested in learning more about "babywearing", there are local groups out there, search for Babywearing International to find a local chapter and get connected with other mommas and experts.  I''ll also add it doesn't have to cost a ton of money either there are lots of "buy/sell/trade" groups on Facebook, you can also find affordable wraps, slings, etc on ebay and even local retailers.

So with that being said I am very proud to share that I've become a brand ambassador for a new water sling/wrap that has just arrived on my doorstep.  Post & review coming soon!

So here's what I've been wearing: 

Sakura Bloom Ring Sling

Soul Slings:  Mai Tai & Ring Sling

  

***Stock Images used from Brand Sites***

Third Time's a Charm

We always knew we wanted kids, we discussed it early on in our relationship.  When our first came along we were pretty easy going parents, we didn't stress over much, didn't read the books, she was also an easy baby, we just went with the flow.  When our son came along things changed... he was not an easy baby.  Had to look a little more into the "how to's" to to get baby to stop crying, how to get him to sleep, how to function as a human with no sleep.  I gave away all our baby girl stuff and gave away his clothes as he outgrew them.  This was it, we have one of each lets stop there.  We used whatever diapers/formula/foods that were on sale and got along just fine.  Well beside the fact that little man was a lot more work than his big sister.

We got to the point where he was almost 2 and thought well maybe one more.   Logical brain kept making excuses why we shouldn't... money... space.. time... I was a miserable pregnant woman at the top of the list.  So we just tried to get over it, but every few months I thought "what if."

Finally we decided let's see what happens... and sure enough we got pregnant (you know how  the story went so I won't elaborate).   I was nervous & excited   Was it too big of an age gap?  Did we miss the perfect window?  Are we too old for this?  How will the kids handle this?

Well since we essentially started over this time around with our rainbow baby girl we have done just about everything different.  We decided we'd use cloth diapers instead of disposables, I've continued breastfeeding even after I went back to work, and instead of lugging carseats and strollers everywhere I've gotten really into babywearing.  I've embraced a healthier lifestyle. and have kinda transformed from a no cares  parents to more of a crunchy mom.  Third time really was a charm... I finally got this parenting thing down.  Can get 3 kids fed, dressed, and out the door and still make it to work on time (or at least close to on time).

Oh and as far as the age gap, it's actually been a blessing, the big kids love her and are so helpful.

Ooops... it's been a while!

Well a whole lot has changed since my last post!

I am now the proud mommy of THREE beautiful healthy children.  My youngest born on Leap Day, February 29th, 2016.  She's our rainbow and we are all in love with her!

The pregnancy was a very scary time though, after a previous loss you try not to get too excited, try to keep the pregnancy a secret as long as possible.   Over analyze every feeling, every twinge felt.  Each doctor's visit I would hold my breath until we heard a heartbeat, one visit when the whole family was in the room, it took the doctor a little longer to find and it took everything in me not to start bawling in front of the big kids.

We had a few scares and had to go for extra testing, genetic counseling, added ultrasounds.  I would always think, "will this be my take home baby?"  Even after we hit major milestones, even when we were on our way to the hospital on her due date.  Being pregnant after a loss is nerve racking, but now that she is here all is good in our world.

I am so overjoyed to have her here. I snuggle her tons, I hold her lots, and just am thankful she's ours.

AND this time, with my third take home baby I really was able to enjoy my maternity leave, maybe because all the struggles it took to get to this point, maybe because I know she's my last baby, but spending time with her and my big kids was such a great time and it was a sad day when I had to return to work.