Yesterday Avery, Abby (our Golden Retriever), and I went for an afternoon walk after Avery’s morning nap. It was pretty cold, but I had Avery snug in my giant winter coat wearing her in the Baby Bjorn. I really want to try the Ergo, by the way, I’ve heard it’s much better for long distance stuff!
Not from our walk, but a recent store trip where I was taking time to avoid waking her in the sling.
Anyway, it was in the 30’s but the wind-chill made it more in the teens. My face and ears can attest to that! Although I’m not a boot wearin’ cattle drivin kind of Texan, I still choose heat over cold any day!
I didn’t expect her to fall asleep since I planned on putting her in the crib for nap two of the day, but of course, she was out. I have no clue how since the blistering wind was reeking havoc on my extremities!
Every time we’ve gone on a walk in the past, Avery always wakes up when we go back inside, so, being happy to just have her resting, I decided to keep walking until she awoke. A little over 3 miles and more snot rockets than I can remember, and she was awake. Surprisingly, she stayed asleep as the town tested their tornado sirens……very annoying.
I have heard from many other parents to enjoy this time since we won’t always be able to hold our dear babies forever, and this walk, albeit not in ideal weather, is something I will always cherish. I hope I’m able to go on many more before it’s too late.
Oh, and an update to my Just Go Poop!! post; she went, and then kept going! I asked for it and got a lot of it. Is it sad this makes me happy? Meh, whatev….
Parents, do you have any special memories of when your baby was a baby, or maybe still is? Please share if you care, I’d like to know.
Is it sad that I anxiously wait in anticipation for Avery to have her poop of the day? That’s a rhetorical question, so don’t answer.
Most parents must have similar feelings towards the “poop of the day” for their babies, right? I mean, once that poop’s out, it just seems like Avery is more relaxed (therefore sleeps better) and happier, just like us adults. No one wants a bunch of crap they can’t get rid of, literally.
Avery has been eating really good, but I just don’t see the poop as much as I would expect. I guess it’s mostly pee or something. Makes sense being only liquid she’s having right now. And when she does poop, oh man, it can be massive! But she gives us about 20 million phantom poops all day with her farts. Seriously, some can be pretty wet sounding, and we when check, nothing. Throws Kelley and me through a loop every day!
Well, another night in crib has passed, but not without its issues. She woke up fussy several times, and Kelley calmed her a few, but then as it got later she broke out of the swaddle and I needed to go in there. I mentioned before about the husband and wife having differences on certain aspects of raising a child, and last night we ran into those. Nothing big, but differences nonetheless.
First off, I am more accepting of letting Avery cry for several minutes after being laid down. If she’s not opening her eyes, I consider her just being very restless and it will subside. Kelley, being the very attentive and wonderful mother she is, can’t stand this and wants to soothe her. When it’s late, Kelley needs to sleep, but she got up since I was waiting too long.
Who’s wrong or right? I have no clue, but figure it’s just our different styles. I wouldn’t let Avery sit and scream for 30 minutes or anything, but who knows maybe I am doing things wrong. If so, sorry Kelley….and Avery. Right now I’m watching Avery take her morning nap and she’s been pretty good so far; wish the nights were the same.
Looks happy here!
The other little thing is swaddling. Kelley thought I made it too tight and that her arms shouldn’t be by her side and should be folded up near her chest. I prefer to make a snug swaddle she can’t mover her arms all over and hit herself or suck her hands. I never knew the exact placement the arms should be, so I looked it up.
As you’d expect, the internet has sources saying to do both of those ways. Here’s a link I found that’s pretty informative from Troublesome Tots. Scroll down a little to “Swaddling Houdini Babies”. Avery is great at breaking her arms free, so I would label her a Houdini Baby. This says to place arms at her side snugly, but allow for the feet to move. So, that’s what I do, but other places say you can do arms up. The FAQ section on The Happiest Baby on the Block also says arms down is good. The question was “Can swaddling a baby with arms down be bad?”
Where does that get us? No where, really, but we can try both and see what works best for Avery. The most important thing, is that Kelley and I can not work against each other and make sure we are both happy. I miss seeing her during the day, so I’d like to enjoy our time when she is home.
All you baby swaddlers out there, how do you swaddle your baby? Anything work better for your little ones?
Imagine someone holding their baby in one arm, not able to put down for whatever reason (we all have our reasons!), and really having to pee. Also, imagine this is a guy.
Now, lets assume this guy had left the toilet seat up from a previous pee and went back there expecting to have an easy “release” this time. But, much to his surprise, the seat’s down! WTF!?
Okay, I give, this guy is me, at least several times a day. I’m sure there are many other men who experience this same phenomenon. I understand that the general population considers lowering the seat the proper thing to do. I say, WRONG!
If anything, the seat should be left however the last person used it, but it’s very helpful to be able to not deal with a toilet seat while holding Avery. Yeah, yeah, somebody call the Whaaambulance, you say, but it’s difficult enough trying to pee with a squirmy baby.
It’s the only fair way…..
I understand women have to set the baby down to do anything potty related, but, well, I’m being selfish and talking about us men only. Sorry, I still respect all ladies. I love you, Kelley! : )
Just felt like ranting on this topic while it was fresh in my mind. I feel better now. Oops, maybe that’s because of pee……no, I’m good.
In other news, Avery’s 3rd night in the crib wasn’t so great. We tried a new swaddle thing called the Woombie but all she did was get her arms close to her face and stuck in some uncomfortable position. #fail
I eventually just swaddled her tightly in what we had and she slept better the rest of the night. So, I think we’ll try Woombie once she’s bigger and can’t move her arms so much.
Today will be my first time going to the store with Avery as a SAHD, wish me luck!
What are your thoughts on toilet seats?
Every try a Woombie? Success or a bust?
An at-home dad on a mission to keep it real when it comes to food, fun, and raising a healthy, happy family.
