Hopefully you will settle for this instead:
Up next...the fearsome "Bottle Weaning."
Monday, February 10, 2014
A New Post
Hopefully you will settle for this instead:
Up next...the fearsome "Bottle Weaning."
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
If there was no puke in my life...
...I'd be a much happier lady.
Dylan has had reflux forever and that may be a factor in the puke, but I don't think it's necessarily the answer.
There are two main pukes:
1) Immediately After Bedtime Bottle Puke
2) Middle of the Night Puke
The Immediately After Bedtime Bottle Puke consists of mostly "milk" (Pediasure or formula at the moment) but also has nice little chunky bits of dinner. It's really convenient that it happens immediately before bed...right when Dylan is super sleepy. Usually when I'm transferring from the rocker to the crib. When I'm lucky, I get all of the puke on me so I can just strip off my clothes, get another bottle (he always eats after and has never thrown up a second time) and we move on. The lights stay off...not too bad.
But on other nights Dylan pukes all over the rug. Or on one night, all the way from the rug in his room to the kitchen sink. On those nights, lights come on, I have to find a spot for Dylan to chill in while I clean puke off the rug or strip his bed, etc. Then we repeat the bottle and bedtime is just pushed back a half an hour or so. (Or the carseat pukes....those are probably even worse.)
The MOTN Puke is the more worrisome and baffling. Google says it could be low blood sugar, or a brain tumor....or reflux. Don't worry; I'm not going off the deep end, I'm sticking with reflux as the most plausible answer for now. Dr. S (The Ped) thinks that his ear infection caused most of the MOTN puking. (This puke is orangey-yellow, full of bile, with some partially digested food sometimes.) D has only woken up crying during one of the MOTN pukes and so in the morning we find him, with his hair plastered to his head and a pukey bed. (So sad and upsetting as a parent!)
But then last weekend he puked in the middle of the day! It was after a bottle as I was putting him down for a nap, but come on! That wasn't part of the routine.
I'm finding that my mood is set by whether or not Dylan has puked that day or not. It's horrible to spend so much time making sure he's getting enough calories and then see them all come right back up. (And even more horrible to know that your baby is sick in the MOTN : (.)
So I took him back in yesterday and this is the new plan:
1) Up his Prevacid dose. Most babies outgrow reflux by 6 months, then the rest by 1 year. I guess we are part of the lucky few where it persists. But we're hoping he grows out of it by 18 months.
2) We are switching from Pediasure to Whole Milk with added whole milk powder. The puking really started with the Pediasure. It may just be an ingredient in it. Or it may be that he can't process the 30 calories an ounce. I don't know. But it's artificial and expensive so we are going to see if whole milk works.
3) We are adding a probiotic. Maybe the Amoxicillin wiped out too much bacteria in his gut (but the puking started before the Amox.) Can't hurt to try.
* * * * *
The hardest thing for me is working through all of the different variables to figure out how to fix the problem! Is it what he's eating? When he's eating? How he's eating? And how am I supposed to switch to a sippy from a bottle when we are so concerned about his overall calories (I'm working on it!)? It drives me bonkers and brings me back to the days when we were trying to get out of the NICU.
But Dylan is slowly gaining weight (he's at 17 1/2 pounds now - 12 months adjusted, 15 1/2 actual). That's still not on the growth chart but we're getting closer and closer. He eats lots of different foods, just not huge volumes. Recent favorites are casseroles and cottage cheese. And the best, best thing is that he has no lung issues. If we can just get through this flu season (which just exploded in CA), we will be in a really good place. The doc would just like to get him to 20 pounds and then maintain that weight. Then we can relax a little.
It's amazing in the wide world of the internet how it can sometimes feel like you're the only person dealing with a particular issue. Anyone else have a problem of the puking variety?
When he's not pukey, he's really happy!
Enjoying his Adjusted Birthday Celebration cake. He knows what to do with it now!
Dylan has had reflux forever and that may be a factor in the puke, but I don't think it's necessarily the answer.
There are two main pukes:
1) Immediately After Bedtime Bottle Puke
2) Middle of the Night Puke
The Immediately After Bedtime Bottle Puke consists of mostly "milk" (Pediasure or formula at the moment) but also has nice little chunky bits of dinner. It's really convenient that it happens immediately before bed...right when Dylan is super sleepy. Usually when I'm transferring from the rocker to the crib. When I'm lucky, I get all of the puke on me so I can just strip off my clothes, get another bottle (he always eats after and has never thrown up a second time) and we move on. The lights stay off...not too bad.
But on other nights Dylan pukes all over the rug. Or on one night, all the way from the rug in his room to the kitchen sink. On those nights, lights come on, I have to find a spot for Dylan to chill in while I clean puke off the rug or strip his bed, etc. Then we repeat the bottle and bedtime is just pushed back a half an hour or so. (Or the carseat pukes....those are probably even worse.)
The MOTN Puke is the more worrisome and baffling. Google says it could be low blood sugar, or a brain tumor....or reflux. Don't worry; I'm not going off the deep end, I'm sticking with reflux as the most plausible answer for now. Dr. S (The Ped) thinks that his ear infection caused most of the MOTN puking. (This puke is orangey-yellow, full of bile, with some partially digested food sometimes.) D has only woken up crying during one of the MOTN pukes and so in the morning we find him, with his hair plastered to his head and a pukey bed. (So sad and upsetting as a parent!)
But then last weekend he puked in the middle of the day! It was after a bottle as I was putting him down for a nap, but come on! That wasn't part of the routine.
I'm finding that my mood is set by whether or not Dylan has puked that day or not. It's horrible to spend so much time making sure he's getting enough calories and then see them all come right back up. (And even more horrible to know that your baby is sick in the MOTN : (.)
So I took him back in yesterday and this is the new plan:
1) Up his Prevacid dose. Most babies outgrow reflux by 6 months, then the rest by 1 year. I guess we are part of the lucky few where it persists. But we're hoping he grows out of it by 18 months.
2) We are switching from Pediasure to Whole Milk with added whole milk powder. The puking really started with the Pediasure. It may just be an ingredient in it. Or it may be that he can't process the 30 calories an ounce. I don't know. But it's artificial and expensive so we are going to see if whole milk works.
3) We are adding a probiotic. Maybe the Amoxicillin wiped out too much bacteria in his gut (but the puking started before the Amox.) Can't hurt to try.
* * * * *
The hardest thing for me is working through all of the different variables to figure out how to fix the problem! Is it what he's eating? When he's eating? How he's eating? And how am I supposed to switch to a sippy from a bottle when we are so concerned about his overall calories (I'm working on it!)? It drives me bonkers and brings me back to the days when we were trying to get out of the NICU.
But Dylan is slowly gaining weight (he's at 17 1/2 pounds now - 12 months adjusted, 15 1/2 actual). That's still not on the growth chart but we're getting closer and closer. He eats lots of different foods, just not huge volumes. Recent favorites are casseroles and cottage cheese. And the best, best thing is that he has no lung issues. If we can just get through this flu season (which just exploded in CA), we will be in a really good place. The doc would just like to get him to 20 pounds and then maintain that weight. Then we can relax a little.
It's amazing in the wide world of the internet how it can sometimes feel like you're the only person dealing with a particular issue. Anyone else have a problem of the puking variety?
When he's not pukey, he's really happy!
Enjoying his Adjusted Birthday Celebration cake. He knows what to do with it now!
Friday, January 17, 2014
Officially a Toddler!
Remember way back 3 1/2 months ago when Dylan turned 1? Well today is finally the day that he is supposed to be 1...so he's now a toddler no matter how I decide to count.
And he's doing big things!
Milestones
Speech:
Dylan has his first word. It's not "mama," not "dada"...it's "da" for dog. He very clearly looks for and talks about the dog. I guess it's a good first word - prevents competition between mom and dad. : ) Although I'm sure "dada" will be next because Dylan LOVES his dad, prefers the "d" sound over "m" and has a father who says "dada" to him over and over and over all day long. Hah.
Dylan is definitely not ahead of the curve on language, but he's in a fine place. Before the last couple of weeks he had three syllables, "ma," "da," "ba," but in a very short time he's added his first word as well as a variety of new consonants and vowels. It's kind of fascinating to watch how language develops!
Gross Motor:
Last night Dylan stood on his own for a good 10 seconds. He doesn't think about doing it himself, I have to get him away from things and then let go, but he has excellent balance. He stands up on his with no hands, he just doesn't realize walking is a possibility. I have a feeling once he does, it'll all happen very quickly.
Fine Motor:
Dylan can use a pincer grasp and do fine activities, but he's still not great at it and still results to scooping at times.
Other:
He's had 8 teeth for ages now and nothing else has popped through. I think they'll come soon though (based on ridiculous amounts of drool.)
Health
I think our only major health issue is reflux and it's definitely still interfering. I have a separate post planned, loosely titled "vomit." He throws up his nightly bottle A LOT, but he's also starting throwing up in the middle of the night, often without really waking or crying. (He sleeps on his tummy so not a huge choking risk, but still scary!) Google says it could be a brain tumor...or low blood sugar, but reflux is also a culprit and that seems most likely in our situation. Otherwise, general health is good.
D is gaining weight like a champ too! We switched from formula to Pediasure a month or two ago (30 calories an ounce versus 24). He's also doing pretty well with solids. He'll try most things, it's just hard to get him to eat much volume. He averages between 6 and 9 ounces of solids a day and about 18 ounces of Pediasure.
Sleep
D is still an excellent sleeper, thank goodness. he sleeps through the night, about 12 hours (6:30 pm - 6:30 am) and takes around a 2 hour nap.
Fun!
Dylan LOVES to read which makes this English major and English teacher very happy. I'll write a favorite books post soon, but he pretty much likes ALL OF THE BOOKS and can happily sit on my lap and read books for a half an hour or more.
D still loves to be outside. He got a wagon for his birthday and it's so cute to watch him ride in it! Have I mentioned his car on here? I better post a video of that too.
All in all, it's been a fantastic year plus...even though at this time last year, Dylan was still in the NICU. It feels much, much longer than that though.
I love this little boy : ).
And he's doing big things!
Milestones
Speech:
Dylan has his first word. It's not "mama," not "dada"...it's "da" for dog. He very clearly looks for and talks about the dog. I guess it's a good first word - prevents competition between mom and dad. : ) Although I'm sure "dada" will be next because Dylan LOVES his dad, prefers the "d" sound over "m" and has a father who says "dada" to him over and over and over all day long. Hah.
Dylan is definitely not ahead of the curve on language, but he's in a fine place. Before the last couple of weeks he had three syllables, "ma," "da," "ba," but in a very short time he's added his first word as well as a variety of new consonants and vowels. It's kind of fascinating to watch how language develops!
Gross Motor:
Last night Dylan stood on his own for a good 10 seconds. He doesn't think about doing it himself, I have to get him away from things and then let go, but he has excellent balance. He stands up on his with no hands, he just doesn't realize walking is a possibility. I have a feeling once he does, it'll all happen very quickly.
Fine Motor:
Dylan can use a pincer grasp and do fine activities, but he's still not great at it and still results to scooping at times.
Other:
He's had 8 teeth for ages now and nothing else has popped through. I think they'll come soon though (based on ridiculous amounts of drool.)
Health
I think our only major health issue is reflux and it's definitely still interfering. I have a separate post planned, loosely titled "vomit." He throws up his nightly bottle A LOT, but he's also starting throwing up in the middle of the night, often without really waking or crying. (He sleeps on his tummy so not a huge choking risk, but still scary!) Google says it could be a brain tumor...or low blood sugar, but reflux is also a culprit and that seems most likely in our situation. Otherwise, general health is good.
D is gaining weight like a champ too! We switched from formula to Pediasure a month or two ago (30 calories an ounce versus 24). He's also doing pretty well with solids. He'll try most things, it's just hard to get him to eat much volume. He averages between 6 and 9 ounces of solids a day and about 18 ounces of Pediasure.
Sleep
D is still an excellent sleeper, thank goodness. he sleeps through the night, about 12 hours (6:30 pm - 6:30 am) and takes around a 2 hour nap.
Fun!
Dylan LOVES to read which makes this English major and English teacher very happy. I'll write a favorite books post soon, but he pretty much likes ALL OF THE BOOKS and can happily sit on my lap and read books for a half an hour or more.
D still loves to be outside. He got a wagon for his birthday and it's so cute to watch him ride in it! Have I mentioned his car on here? I better post a video of that too.
All in all, it's been a fantastic year plus...even though at this time last year, Dylan was still in the NICU. It feels much, much longer than that though.
I love this little boy : ).
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
When to go to the doctor.
I see so many posts on parenting forums asking whether or not they should take their little one to the doctor. (And also many asking if contractions are normal at a certain point - just go get it checked, pleeeeeeeease!) I am not a doctor, so please always consult your pediatrician, but I would like to share our doctor experiences.
Dylan has had lots and lots of doctor's appointments since he is a 25-weeker. When he first got out of the NICU, we went weekly, then bi-weekly, then monthly and now we go every couple of months, mostly to check his weight.
Over the course of the last 10 1/2 months (Dylan was still in the NICU this time last year), I have taken him in twice for non-scheduled visits. Both times, I debated with myself about when to go and both times he required a prescription.
Visit 1: Diaper Rash
Dylan developed his very first diaper rash on a Saturday morning. His entire bum was bright red and spotted. My internet research gave me all kinds of home remedies and I tried many of them including baking soda baths, diaper free time, and liberal amounts of maximum strength Desitin (don't even bother with the regular stuff...get the purple box). Dylan also had diarrhea and was going through about 1 diaper every two hours almost round the clock.
Life was beyond horrible for all three of us. Dylan screamed and cried for diaper changes and it was nearly impossible to accomplish without two of us. He seemed a little comforted by the baths, so we did them a couple of times a day and then let him air-dry. Diaper free time resulted in poop on two separate rugs, one pile of which was eaten by my dog as I chased down Dylan as he tracked poop across the room. Absolutely disgusting.
We didn't take him in until either Tuesday or Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. He had one spot that was turning into more of an open wound and it very suddenly seemed to get worse. After-hours care was a complete debacle, but it ended with a confirmation that it had become a yeast rash and needed a Nystatin cream. I am so glad that I decided to go in when I did!
Visit 2: Ear Infection
Dylan got a little bit of a cold after Christmas. It mainly consisted of a runny nose, but I was still slightly terrified that it would turn into RSV or something else in his lungs (and had emailed the Ped about when to come in for a cold without fever or change in eating/sleeping habits). But then on Saturday and Sunday night, Dylan threw up in the middle of the night. He throws up his night-time bottle all the time, but has only ever thrown up in the middle of the night once before. My little angel is a fantastic sleeper. But on Sunday night, he woke up at 2am and we could barely settle him. He finally fell asleep close to 4am (in our bed which means I was barely sleeping). I had to go back to work Monday morning, but I called the nurse line and told the nanny what the night was like. Eventually I got an appointment for yesterday evening, but he was happy all day so I wasn't too sure I needed it...I just kind of wanted the Ped to confirm that everything was okay.
Lo and behold, Dylan has his first ear infection! I guess it can cause kids to throw up although that's not the most common symptom. Poor baby! His lungs are perfectly clear and he's on Amoxicillin to clear up the ear infection. Again...so glad I went in.
So the moral of my story is to trust your gut. If you are not sure what your gut is saying, go in! The worst that will happen is that your lo's schedule will be thrown off for a day, but you'll get the piece of mind that everything is fine.
Here's my new favorite picture:
And this one's pretty cute too : )
Dylan has had lots and lots of doctor's appointments since he is a 25-weeker. When he first got out of the NICU, we went weekly, then bi-weekly, then monthly and now we go every couple of months, mostly to check his weight.
Over the course of the last 10 1/2 months (Dylan was still in the NICU this time last year), I have taken him in twice for non-scheduled visits. Both times, I debated with myself about when to go and both times he required a prescription.
Visit 1: Diaper Rash
Dylan developed his very first diaper rash on a Saturday morning. His entire bum was bright red and spotted. My internet research gave me all kinds of home remedies and I tried many of them including baking soda baths, diaper free time, and liberal amounts of maximum strength Desitin (don't even bother with the regular stuff...get the purple box). Dylan also had diarrhea and was going through about 1 diaper every two hours almost round the clock.
Life was beyond horrible for all three of us. Dylan screamed and cried for diaper changes and it was nearly impossible to accomplish without two of us. He seemed a little comforted by the baths, so we did them a couple of times a day and then let him air-dry. Diaper free time resulted in poop on two separate rugs, one pile of which was eaten by my dog as I chased down Dylan as he tracked poop across the room. Absolutely disgusting.
We didn't take him in until either Tuesday or Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. He had one spot that was turning into more of an open wound and it very suddenly seemed to get worse. After-hours care was a complete debacle, but it ended with a confirmation that it had become a yeast rash and needed a Nystatin cream. I am so glad that I decided to go in when I did!
Visit 2: Ear Infection
Dylan got a little bit of a cold after Christmas. It mainly consisted of a runny nose, but I was still slightly terrified that it would turn into RSV or something else in his lungs (and had emailed the Ped about when to come in for a cold without fever or change in eating/sleeping habits). But then on Saturday and Sunday night, Dylan threw up in the middle of the night. He throws up his night-time bottle all the time, but has only ever thrown up in the middle of the night once before. My little angel is a fantastic sleeper. But on Sunday night, he woke up at 2am and we could barely settle him. He finally fell asleep close to 4am (in our bed which means I was barely sleeping). I had to go back to work Monday morning, but I called the nurse line and told the nanny what the night was like. Eventually I got an appointment for yesterday evening, but he was happy all day so I wasn't too sure I needed it...I just kind of wanted the Ped to confirm that everything was okay.
Lo and behold, Dylan has his first ear infection! I guess it can cause kids to throw up although that's not the most common symptom. Poor baby! His lungs are perfectly clear and he's on Amoxicillin to clear up the ear infection. Again...so glad I went in.
So the moral of my story is to trust your gut. If you are not sure what your gut is saying, go in! The worst that will happen is that your lo's schedule will be thrown off for a day, but you'll get the piece of mind that everything is fine.
Here's my new favorite picture:
And this one's pretty cute too : )
Monday, December 16, 2013
The Sweetest Time
I really want to get back to posting more often, so here's a quickie for practice.
My favorite time of night is actually bedtime, and not because Dylan goes to sleep. It's how it all goes down.
We go into the nursery with a low light on. We sit in the rocker/recliner, Dylan in my lap. I hold the bottle with one hand and he holds onto my fingers while I turn the pages of Llama, Llama NightyNight or Goodnight Moon with my other hand.
After a few read-throughs, I turn off the light so only the night light is on (stars on the ceiling). I sing a lullaby, currently Christmas songs, while Dylan finishes eating.
At some point he decides he's done and turns himself over and snuggles in to go to sleep. This is my favorite part. I know I need to transfer him to his crib soon, but I delay, smelling his hair. Thinking about how long he's getting, as he keeps turning his head to get a better position. It's the sweetest most innocent time ever!
Sometimes he cries when I put him down, often not. And then he's off to dream-land!
My favorite time of night is actually bedtime, and not because Dylan goes to sleep. It's how it all goes down.
We go into the nursery with a low light on. We sit in the rocker/recliner, Dylan in my lap. I hold the bottle with one hand and he holds onto my fingers while I turn the pages of Llama, Llama NightyNight or Goodnight Moon with my other hand.
After a few read-throughs, I turn off the light so only the night light is on (stars on the ceiling). I sing a lullaby, currently Christmas songs, while Dylan finishes eating.
At some point he decides he's done and turns himself over and snuggles in to go to sleep. This is my favorite part. I know I need to transfer him to his crib soon, but I delay, smelling his hair. Thinking about how long he's getting, as he keeps turning his head to get a better position. It's the sweetest most innocent time ever!
Sometimes he cries when I put him down, often not. And then he's off to dream-land!
Friday, December 13, 2013
Baby Gear Review: After the First Year - Big Ticket Items
It's easy to get excited about products that you've just purchased or started using, but you need some time to truly give a solid review.
I'll give you the low-down on my bigger-ticket items after a year of use.
1) Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller - Rating: LOVE!
I was so scared to commit to a stroller, but I love the City Mini and see myself using it well through Dylan's childhood. The number one reason I chose it over the BOB is the ease of collapsing it and putting in the back of the car. There is a strap in the back of the seat that you grab with one hand. I grab it with my left, have my right on the handlebar and push it straight into the back of my RAV4. Very easy! But there is no way I could do it while holding Dylan unless he was in a carrier. I doubt you could collapse any stroller while holding a baby.
Opening it is a little less awesome. Sometimes it catches and I have to pry it open. I'm not sure if it was maybe damaged somehow, but it's not a frequent issue and doesn't change my overall love.
The control is the next best feature. I can easily control it one-handed with a dog leash in the other. I think the front swivel wheel is key (the wheel also locks with the push of a button). The canopy is also very large. The only time the sun gets in Dylan's eyes is right at sunset. There are 3 different levels to open the canopy so you can get as much or as little shade as you want. Last, the back of the seat drops to just about flat for naps. We don't use this often, but it will be great for long stroller days like amusement parks.
The stroller is a big long which makes it hard to navigate in stores with small aisles, but I don't mind. My least favorite part is the basket underneath. You can fit a lot of small or squishy things in it, but my PPB diaper bag doesn't really fit. I usually hang it which works, but is a tipping hazard.
We bought the infant seat adapter (which I used for a very long time), snack tray, and cup console.
2) Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack - Rating: Dislike
I wanted to love this so much, but the only thing I really love is the wipe clean fabric and the pattern. It's tall and skinny which makes it hard to get to the things you need and it doesn't have very many pockets. It also has a huge velcro closure which is very loud next to a sleeping baby. There are no outside pockets for quick access of anything, so you always have to open the flap. I still used this until very recently, but I bought a Skip Hop Bag at Costco and I keep choosing it instead. If you still have to have a PPB Bag, buy it during Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale or at Nordstrom Rack. I got mine for $85.
3) Chicco Keyfit 30 - Rating: LOVE
It seems that most people like their car seats, but I'm honestly going to be sad when we switch to a convertible. Dylan has spent so much time in this seat and I think he truly feels safe and comfortable in it. The primary reason I bought it as that it's one of the lighter models on the market and that has been huge! I still carry Dylan in and out in his seat 80% of the time. He's currently about 16 pounds and 29 inches and I just switched the straps to the third level. He fits very well with room to grow, but we will probably switch within the next month or so.
The other excellent thing about the Chicco seat is the base. It's has a bubble level built in and easily attaches to the LATCH system. The seat just click in and you pull one lever to get it out. So easy!
Dylan has also thrown up (very large volume - inside Toys R Us) in this seat and it wasn't bad getting the fabric off to wash. I highly recommend this seat.
4) Graco Blossom 4 in 1 High Chair - Rating: Meh.
I wouldn't buy this again. But I'll start with the pros. The top tray is removable which makes washing it easy. Also, the tray pulls out and tightens really easily. But that's about it. I don't know if other high chairs would be better or not, but these are my issues.
First, Dylan is small and there is a lot of space all around him which means tons of dropped food on the seat. The fabric has a lots of grooves in it which makes it hard to clean. I think a one-piece seat like IKEA's would be the only better option. I guess my advice is just not to spend a lot of money on a high chair or find one used.
5) Best Chair Glider Recliner - Rating: Happy
This was probably the purchase that stressed me out the most. It was the most expensive and the most "permanent." I knew that I needed my glider to be cushy and to have a high back so I could rest my head (and I'm just 5'4). I tried out so many chairs, but this was the most reasonably-priced while having the features I wanted. I'm very happy with it. It's extremely comfortable. We chose a dark gray microfiber that is holding up well and I can easily wipe spills. I don't have a footstool, but I can rock easily enough with a foot on the ground. But most often I sit in the chair reclined.
Feel free to ask me more about any of these products!
Next up: the small stuff.
I'll give you the low-down on my bigger-ticket items after a year of use.
1) Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller - Rating: LOVE!
I was so scared to commit to a stroller, but I love the City Mini and see myself using it well through Dylan's childhood. The number one reason I chose it over the BOB is the ease of collapsing it and putting in the back of the car. There is a strap in the back of the seat that you grab with one hand. I grab it with my left, have my right on the handlebar and push it straight into the back of my RAV4. Very easy! But there is no way I could do it while holding Dylan unless he was in a carrier. I doubt you could collapse any stroller while holding a baby.
Opening it is a little less awesome. Sometimes it catches and I have to pry it open. I'm not sure if it was maybe damaged somehow, but it's not a frequent issue and doesn't change my overall love.
The control is the next best feature. I can easily control it one-handed with a dog leash in the other. I think the front swivel wheel is key (the wheel also locks with the push of a button). The canopy is also very large. The only time the sun gets in Dylan's eyes is right at sunset. There are 3 different levels to open the canopy so you can get as much or as little shade as you want. Last, the back of the seat drops to just about flat for naps. We don't use this often, but it will be great for long stroller days like amusement parks.
The stroller is a big long which makes it hard to navigate in stores with small aisles, but I don't mind. My least favorite part is the basket underneath. You can fit a lot of small or squishy things in it, but my PPB diaper bag doesn't really fit. I usually hang it which works, but is a tipping hazard.
We bought the infant seat adapter (which I used for a very long time), snack tray, and cup console.
2) Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack - Rating: Dislike
I wanted to love this so much, but the only thing I really love is the wipe clean fabric and the pattern. It's tall and skinny which makes it hard to get to the things you need and it doesn't have very many pockets. It also has a huge velcro closure which is very loud next to a sleeping baby. There are no outside pockets for quick access of anything, so you always have to open the flap. I still used this until very recently, but I bought a Skip Hop Bag at Costco and I keep choosing it instead. If you still have to have a PPB Bag, buy it during Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale or at Nordstrom Rack. I got mine for $85.
3) Chicco Keyfit 30 - Rating: LOVE
It seems that most people like their car seats, but I'm honestly going to be sad when we switch to a convertible. Dylan has spent so much time in this seat and I think he truly feels safe and comfortable in it. The primary reason I bought it as that it's one of the lighter models on the market and that has been huge! I still carry Dylan in and out in his seat 80% of the time. He's currently about 16 pounds and 29 inches and I just switched the straps to the third level. He fits very well with room to grow, but we will probably switch within the next month or so.
The other excellent thing about the Chicco seat is the base. It's has a bubble level built in and easily attaches to the LATCH system. The seat just click in and you pull one lever to get it out. So easy!
Dylan has also thrown up (very large volume - inside Toys R Us) in this seat and it wasn't bad getting the fabric off to wash. I highly recommend this seat.
4) Graco Blossom 4 in 1 High Chair - Rating: Meh.
I wouldn't buy this again. But I'll start with the pros. The top tray is removable which makes washing it easy. Also, the tray pulls out and tightens really easily. But that's about it. I don't know if other high chairs would be better or not, but these are my issues.
First, Dylan is small and there is a lot of space all around him which means tons of dropped food on the seat. The fabric has a lots of grooves in it which makes it hard to clean. I think a one-piece seat like IKEA's would be the only better option. I guess my advice is just not to spend a lot of money on a high chair or find one used.
5) Best Chair Glider Recliner - Rating: Happy
This was probably the purchase that stressed me out the most. It was the most expensive and the most "permanent." I knew that I needed my glider to be cushy and to have a high back so I could rest my head (and I'm just 5'4). I tried out so many chairs, but this was the most reasonably-priced while having the features I wanted. I'm very happy with it. It's extremely comfortable. We chose a dark gray microfiber that is holding up well and I can easily wipe spills. I don't have a footstool, but I can rock easily enough with a foot on the ground. But most often I sit in the chair reclined.
Feel free to ask me more about any of these products!
Next up: the small stuff.
Friday, December 6, 2013
Part-time Animal Wrangler
That's what I feel like most days lately.
Diaper changes work best when I let Dylan stand on the changing while I try to maneuver around him. But if Butt Paste or another cream must be applied, laying down is a necessity unless there is a second adult around. (During our recent bout of severe diaper rash, it was a two-person job for many of the first days...)
The next step is to make sure you have a really engaging toy handy. But this usually backfires as Dylan prefers things he should not chew on like diaper cream tubes, wipes cases, and lotion bottles. So I usually give in and just give him one of those instead...right at the moment just before I'm ready to apply the cream (often it's already on my finger).
But the second his back touches the table, he twists out of reach to try to grab for something else. I hold one leg, preventing him from fully turning as he yells in protest. If I can get both legs bent, he's stuck and I can quickly apply the cream that is now on his legs and clothes.
But at this point the diaper is still not on. And the cream is applied. It's a very delicate stage. I need to get diaper on the booty ASAP before cream is transferred from booty to changing table. usually getting him standing again works best, but attaching a diaper to a wiggly child while standing is not easy work. Eventually it happens.
And we move on to clothing....
Diaper changes work best when I let Dylan stand on the changing while I try to maneuver around him. But if Butt Paste or another cream must be applied, laying down is a necessity unless there is a second adult around. (During our recent bout of severe diaper rash, it was a two-person job for many of the first days...)
The next step is to make sure you have a really engaging toy handy. But this usually backfires as Dylan prefers things he should not chew on like diaper cream tubes, wipes cases, and lotion bottles. So I usually give in and just give him one of those instead...right at the moment just before I'm ready to apply the cream (often it's already on my finger).
But the second his back touches the table, he twists out of reach to try to grab for something else. I hold one leg, preventing him from fully turning as he yells in protest. If I can get both legs bent, he's stuck and I can quickly apply the cream that is now on his legs and clothes.
But at this point the diaper is still not on. And the cream is applied. It's a very delicate stage. I need to get diaper on the booty ASAP before cream is transferred from booty to changing table. usually getting him standing again works best, but attaching a diaper to a wiggly child while standing is not easy work. Eventually it happens.
And we move on to clothing....
* * * * *
Like I always say, I've really been wanting to blog, but I just haven't been able to make it happen. When i do get on my computer, I usually try to start a post about feeding, but it gets complicated way too fast and I give up.
On that front, Dylan is doing pretty well with solids and we add extra calories through butter or coconut oil or olive oil or cereal or cheese to everything he eats. He still doesn't eat a ton of volume so we need every bit to count. Oh and he LOVED turkey dinner!
Dylan stood up on his own for the briefest second last night. He's super strong and pretty well balanced. I don't know if we'll see walking by Christmas, but he's close!
Our new nanny is a life-saver! She cooks all kinds of amazing high calorie food for Dylan and even for us sometimes. She's personable and diligent and I love her!
I'm leaving Dylan for 3 nights this weekend to attend a memorial. his dad is awesome with him so I know he'll be fine, but it's still super hard! He would barely look at me this morning before I left : (. Hopefully FaceTime will work.
There's probably tons more to say, but I'm boarding soon...
Here's our super fabulous Thanksgiving picture that I'm in love with!
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