Kat's Playbook: baby

Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts

Now it's Mommy

It's official. My little baby isn't a baby any more. I know he's been a toddler for some time now and he will celebrate his 2nd birthday in a matter of weeks. But yesterday he called me Mommy and it just broke my heart. To him, I was always Mama. And every time he said Mama, it just melted my heart. (Even when it was repeated over and over and over and over.)

Why is this such a heartbreaker?? Because Mommy is just one step closer to Mom. And then closer to Mother. And then he will soon be a teenager and calling me by my real name or what ever word comes to mind, or maybe even nothing at all. Whoa....slow down time. Please!!! Because I just can't handle my little baby to grow up so fast!!!

Posted in: baby, Only a Mother Would Say, Toddler on Friday, February 25, 2011 at 5 comments

On a day like this....

It's little laugh from Mr. T and Gator Guy that just make my day.

Posted in: baby, Between a Kat and a Gator on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 0 comments

Mirror Mirror on the wall...

Who's the cutest of them all:

Posted in: baby on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 0 comments

Kat's Public Service Announcement:

I am NOT pregnant. I repeat....I am NOT Pregnant.

Leave it up to my love for Jacob to send the wrong message. Ok...it had nothing to do with Jacob (or as Gator Guy now calls him as I gaze at my calendar, "Gaycob"). But in my last post, I wrote:

"And so, I am devoting April to taking down those horse sized vitamins and pills in hopes of being healthier, stronger, and waiting on Mr. T's little sister."

Now I read this and see nothing wrong with it. Because I know that I am talking about birth control pills, and WAITING on Mr. T's little sister. As in WAITING until pulling the goalie and therefore his little sister is no where near in the picture. But then again, my writing makes sense to me...And apparently not my family. My late night texts:

From the Super Mom Sister-in-law, "still up?"

And from my Dearest Niece, Kay, "You're pregnant?!?!"

WAIT, WHAT?? I'm Pregnant??? After reading the first text at 3am and calming myself down out of all the possibilities as to why my SIL is texting me in the middle of night (oh how my mind wonders when I'm half asleep), I finally comprehend my niece's text. I'm pregnant??? How did this happen? Oh wait...its my body, and I am NOT pregnant. Whew...that was a close one.

So after clearing up the misunderstanding this morning, I have decided to clear it up in the blog world too.

So please note, that for my Goooals, I am devoting April to taking vitamins to become healthier and stronger (not for a baby because I am NOT pregnant, but for my Marathon Training and my overall health). I will also get better at taking birth control pills to WAIT, to PAUSE, to DELAY, to NOT HAVE another baby, because I am NOT pregnant.

Ps...to my family and friends, please know that I would NEVER post a BFP on my blog before Spreading the word properly.

Posted in: baby, Things that make you go Hmmm on Sunday, April 4, 2010 at 1 comments

The Big ONE

I was a little nervous about throwing my first 1st Birthday Party. I'm not going to lie, Gator Guy and I can throw a mean Ugly Christmas Sweater Party or beer pong tourney in the burbs. And I have learned from the Best-Mom-in-the-World about the traditions of the Family birthday and just how important it is to think about everyone. But a First Birthday Party was new. And something that I only get ONE chance at.

Must Haves for the Party:

1. Balls - Lots and Lots of balls. Mr. T is so excited about any kind of ball at the moment that we thought it was just perfect for a sports themed party for our little Champ.

2. Timing - I love parties where people feel they can hang out all day. But a First Birthday is different....the Guest of Honor is on a tight schedule and when it is nap time, the laughter quickly turns to Whines. 11am was perfect. Just after nap #1, but before nap #2, and gave everyone the rest of their day to do....well anything.

3. Friends & Family - I have to say that Mr. T is one spoiled little boy and the loved ones that came (even in the snow) to his bash really showed their love and support.

4. HomeMade Ice Cream - That's right, we made ice cream for over 30 people. The-Dad and The-Best-Mom-In-The-World make HomeMade Ice Cream for every birthday party in our family (which turns out to be about 13 times a year, and has even perfected the Vegan Ice Cream for my sister). So Gator Guy and I learned from the best and it was a hit.

5. Good Jams - I think the key to any successful party is having the appropriate music. Just because the word Baby is in the title doesn't mean it makes the playlist for a First Birthday Party. Sir Mix a Lot definitely gets the boot with his "Baby Got Back." However, I also didn't want to play Barney over and over when the Guest of Honor doesn't really know the song himself. And so, I kept it simple and classic. Songs like: "L-O-V-E", "My Guy", "It Must Be Love", and "You Make My Dreams Come True". Stay tuned for the full playlist.

6. Keepsake Memory - I had all guests sign Mr. T's "Oh The Places You'll Go" book. He now has a classic book that he can read along with everyone's wishes on each page.

7. Cake - a First Birthday Party could not be complete without a CAKE. Lots and Lots of cake.

8. An eager One Year Old to chow down.

All of these Must Haves together = One Successful Par-Tay.....Yay!

Posted in: baby, Bashes, Must Haves on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 7 comments

Must Have for the Babe: Months 9-12

1. Ritz Crackers - Mr. T. loves puttin on his Ritz...a definite must have at home, in the diaper bag, and at Grandmas.

2. Night Time Diapers - So we got to the point that Mr. T was leaking through every night. Reminded us of the beginning days of endless laundry. So instead, we upped it with the special night time diapers...works like a charm.

3. Ball Popper Toy - Seriously, this toy is so much fun for everyone!!

4. Long Sleeved White Onesies - I absolutely love having just plain white onesies. But during the winter, I wanted Mr. T. to still wear the short sleeved T's that he was quickly out growing. So throw them on top of a white onesies, and you've got yourself one stylin' little boy!

5. Refrigerator Toy - This one is absolutely great! Sings a little song once a match is made, and even when you make a "Horse-Pig"...That's Silly.

6. Books, Books, Books - I want Mr. T. to just be Oh So Smart. Can never have enough books!

Posted in: baby, Must Haves on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 1 comments

I'm Ditching Team Baby Powder

Seriously...We are closing in on One Year, and I have yet to use Baby Powder. And so, Johnson & Johnson, I am adding your traditional Must Have to my Overrated list. However, I will still keep it close by...just in case. Just in case for what, I ask??? I'm sure The Greatest Mom in the World used it on me and my siblings, but I feel like wipes & butt cream cover the job so far. Anyone on Team Baby Powder that could convince me otherwise??

Posted in: baby, Overrated on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 0 comments

Namaste

Mr. T. is now teaching yoga poses for anyone who is interested:
Downward Facing Dog:

and Plank:

And yes...we are aware that the two are very similar. But he assures his future clients that the moves will be perfected. I will keep everyone posted about future sessions, along with his hourly rate.

Posted in: baby, Gifted and Talented on Monday, March 8, 2010 at 5 comments

Must Haves for the Babe: 3-9 Months

1. Exercise Saucer - I can't tell you enough how great this is. It not only keeps Mr. T's attention, but gives us a chance to do whatever the heck us Moms and Dads do to keep things moving smoothly. Oh you know...dishes, vacuum, cook, grill outside, turbo jam, and blog ;)

2. Lots of bibs - I remember after the baby shower thinking, what the heck are we going to do with 30 plus bibs??? Not only are they nice to have just about everywhere, but I can tell you that I have "bibs" on my shopping list for today. I know, 40 plus bibs are really crazy, but its about time some of those retire.

3. Cookie Jar - This little toy is one of Mr. T's favorites. Its easy to bring to over to friend's houses and the songs will soon be stuck in everyone's head. "Shapes are in my cookie jar, Triangle, Heart and Star. There's a cookie over there, here's a square."

4. Sun Hat - Gotta keep his skin so baby soft and sunburn free.

5. Jogger - My Bob Ironman Jogger was a key player in The Shed.

6. Baby Carrier - We opted not to go for the Baby Bjorn. Even though most rave about it. Frankly, we are cheap. And we figured the $30 carrier was just as good as the $80 one. Either way, I would say a carrier is a Must. Gives you a chance to hike, walk, and explore the world with the little one.

6. SLR Camera - Yes I know, I have mentioned this before in my Must Haves Months 0-3. But I can't tell you enough just how glad I am that we made the splurg. I do love my small and sleek point & shoot. But when it comes to photographing babies, the SLR is the way to go! And don't be too scared if you don't consider yourself the next Ansel Adams. Leaving it on auto still takes great pictures!!

How could you not love these pictures??

Posted in: baby, Must Haves on Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 4 comments

Roll 'em Up

Wanna know why I loved having so many receiving blankets??? Roll-Ups. My Sister-in-Law (Super Mom and Nurse) showed me how you can roll up the receiving blankets and use them everywhere. Best spots were on both sides of Mr. T when he laid in the bouncer or swing, since he didn't quite have the stability to hold himself up.

See, like this:

We also used the roll ups to put on one side while Mr. T slept to prevent him from turning on his right. Go figure, but with the "Back is Best" sleep movement, now you have to watch out for Flat Head. T's dome started to flatten a little on his left, and since some day he might either shave his head or become bald (full circle), it was the Roll-Up to the rescue again. Some

Posted in: baby, Must Haves on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 1 comments

Tally Up the Sharts...

When Mr. T was first born, Gator Guy and I would track everything down on paper. Everything. As most new moms do, with their new breastfeeding worksheet from the hospital in hand, I realized what a handy little way it was to track what the heck is going on and continued this for weeks. Of course using a simple piece of paper and pen (rather than the much overrated Itzbeen), we would track each time Mr. T would eat, how long he would breastfeed on each side, and what his diaper was like:

Wet, Poopy, and Sharts. Yes...Sharts

Gator Guy and Along Came Polly describe it best: "You know when you fart and a little shit comes out? This is called a shart."

And in my postpartum-little-sleep-daze-of-a-mind-set, tallying it up and tracking Mr. T's Sharts seemed like a perfectly normal thing to do!

Posted in: baby, Between a Kat and a Gator, Only a Mother Would Say on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 1 comments

Overrated

IMO, the following items are so Overrated:

Bottle Sanitizer. We live in the burbs with good, clean water. I think with a little hot water, soap, and boiling pot from time to time is just fine. Save the cash.
Wipe Warmer. First of all, it freakin dries out the package of wipes, even if you put a little water in the bottom. And second of all, I was not going to take the chance of Mr. T getting used to the luke warm comfortness, just to be shocked and pee himself (or me) in the cold air the first chance we were away from the Wipe Warmer.
Shopping Cart Cover. Pre-motherhood, pre-pregnancy, and even during the babies-on-the-brain phase, I thought these shopping cart covers were the cutest thing I had ever seen. I could not wait to get one. Wanna know how many times it made the trip to the Grocery?? TWICE. Once. Twice. That's it. With everything else you have to remember, gather, and get together, it was just yet another thing to the list. But in the wise words of my hair stylist, "Every kid needs to chew on a little shopping cart".
Two of everything. Now I totatly agree that you need lots of burp rags and bibs. But two bobbys, two changing pad stations, two bumbos. Unless you have two babies, two of freaking everything is just a waste of TOO much money! I once read on The Bump to have duplicates of everything downstairs. But I am against that for two reasons. One, I don't want my house infested with baby everything and look like isle 12 at Babies R Us. And Two, The Shed worked off those 50 pounds because I got my fat butt off the couch and walked upstairs for changings.
Bassinet. Ok, I'm ready to get flamed for this one, but let me just start by saying I know that everyone is different. Everyone has different parenting styles and we all turn out just fine. But when the best NICU nurse, a.k.a. my sister-in-law, told me that she had all 3 of her girls sleeping through the night in 6 weeks, I quickly took notes! And so, we did not use a Bassinet. In fact, aside from a couple of snuggling naps, Mr. T. never slept in our room. He slept in his crib, in his room, from day one. Again, I know everyone is different, but my logic told me why would I want to phase him into the crib months later when it can be done all in one step.
Itzbeen. I remember reading that other Bumpies had raved about the Itzbeen. A little device that shows you how long Itz Been since you last changed his diaper, fed him, etc. I thought it was great and added it to my must have. But after coming up to that grand total of just how much and expensive babies are...the cheap thirfy side of me that Gator Guy has tried in engrain said, wanna know what the best Itzbeen is...A Piece of Paper and a Pen. Imagine that!! here

Posted in: baby, Overrated on Monday, February 15, 2010 at 4 comments

Must Haves for Mama: 0-3 Months

Last week I posted what my Must Haves for the babe months 0-3 were. Looking back there are definitely some must haves that I had to have for myself:

1. Comfortable clothes - non maternity: I was definitely sick of all the maternity clothes, especially the pants. The Greatest Mom in the World ran to Target and Old Navy right after we got home to pick me up some Lg sweat pants and underwear. Yes, I needed larger underwear!

2. Breast pads: I remember looking at the box and thinking, wow, these come in packs from 36-100, can I just get 10? I don't think I will go though all 100. Umm....I now know the answer is Yes. At least all 36! Get em and use them!

3. Rocking Chair - with a high head: Not sure the best way to describe this, but while shopping for rocking chairs, we chose this one mostly because of the size. Mr. T's room was small and the cute sofa chairs would be way too overpowering. However, hindsight 20/20...Loved my chair because I could rest my head back during those many many late night feedings.

4. Lanolin Breast Cream - This cream is a definite Must Have. And is completely safe for the babe to feed just after application. My suggestion - buy two. One for home and one for the diaper bag. This brand is good too. I had both and liked both.

5. Lotion: Yes the stretch mark zone was gone, but my skin definitely needed some additional lotion. I loved this Milk lotion from Ulta.

6. Medela Sleep Bra: I was not a fan at all of the breast feeding bras or tank tops. Seems like the holes or slits always seemed to be in the wrong place or rub. I stuck with just normal bras, sports bras, and built in bra tank tops. However, this sleep breastfeeding bra was very comfortable (ps...just don't put it in the dryer...will definitely shrink!)

7. Breast Pump: Definitely a must have, but my advice - Wait until you know breastfeeding is going to work before making the big purchase. Sometimes it just doesn't work out and it is definitely worth sending out Grandma or the Hubby to pick this one up after wards. I know this is very hard to wait for some of us control-planning freaks!

8. Cooling Breast Pads: I know it sounds crazy, but if you can find a gel pack for heat and cold that would be great!! I used both!

9. A good Camera: Because let's face it...the babe will be the cutest-most-precious-thing you will ever lay your eyes on and instantly love. And you will quickly take hundreds and hundreds of pics!