The mysterious tooth

Once upon a time, in a little lakefront village, in central Ontario, lived a little girl who was toothless. For many weeks already, she had been feeling the pressure of growing teeth. Yet, day after day, there was nothing to show. Burning red cheeks, drooling like a waterfall, chewing like a chipmunks, the little girl was slowly turning into a cranky little monster. When night time came, she would wriggle in pain and only find comfort in mommy's arms. Mom became so sleep deprived that one morning, after a long sleepless night, she backed up her husband's car right into her own car. Still no teeth came.

Until one day, as she strolled around the neighborhood and ran into her next door neighbor. They started chating and before mom could say anything, the neighbor noticed that the little girl was cutting two teeth. Mom was perplex. Even though she checked every morning, she could no see anything. So she rushed home, washed her hand and once more looked for the teeth. She could see nothing.

Perhaps her neighbor had been wrong...

Later that day, still bothered by the mysterious tooth, she made her way to the neighbor and kindly asked her to show her the tooth! The neighbor who had 5 kids, gladly pointed out to the two little bumps. There they were! Not visible yet, but on their way! Mom had a sight of relief! Perhaps, soon she would be able to sleep again! Just as she was hit by that wave of hope, her neighbor explained that unfortunately, there was no sure way of knowing how soon they would fully appear. Mom was heart broken!

And so the story ends.... for now... 

In other news, I would like to welcome all my new friends who are joining us through the blog hop!  If you would like to join and gain new follower, visit :

      

First Time Mom

A few years back I was writing a post about FTO, now here's one about FTM ;-)

In less than 2 weeks, Tuna will be 6 months. I just can't beleive it. She's grown so much is so little time. But let's keep that for another post. Today I wanted to go over a quick little list of First time mom expectations, decisions and plans. You know, the : I would never do that with my child! So in all honesty, here it is!

I would never!

I would never use a pacifier! Well on the second night, still at the hospital, I caved in and asked for a pacifier for Tuna. She refused it. 5 months later, I am still trying to convinced her to use one. She won't! I really wished she did! It would make my life so much easier. Instead she uses me as a pacifier. Yep! Karma!

I would never bedshare! It is way too dangerous. Well it is. But somedays it's the only way I get any sleep at all. So we do.

   

I really don't need!

I really don't need a stroller. Well Hudson is 5 months, she doubled her birth weight and we still don't have a stroller. We are babywearing 100% of the time. She loves it. I love it. And it makes my life so much easier. We have a nice hiking type back pack for her and a Boba. Although some days I will admit, I wished I had a jogging stroller so I can go run with her. But that's about it.

I really don't need help at home. I didn't need help. A newborn sleeps a lot so I had enough time to do everything. Breastfeeding is efficient but makes any over night help useless. Cloth diaper take a big 5 minutes of my time 4 times a week. The rest is just the normal housework. Everything doesn't always get done. My husband has to help, but at the end of the day all is good. I was also expecting the worst since I had a c-section, but there too, my recovery was as fast as that of a normal delivery.

I plan to!

I plan to speak french to my daughter! I did. I do! And I plan on keeping doing it! But unfortunately, Daddy is not as eager to speak Tagalog to Tuna ;-(

I plan to get back in shape as quickly as possible after the baby is born. Well I did go back to the gym at 4 weeks after birth (c-section) and I am happy to say I have diligently been working out and I am down 72 lbs already! So many people had told me I would not be able to find the time...... well.... 

I plan on moving the baby to her own room when she is 2 months old. Wow! Did I really think that??? Because, in my mind, all babies sleep through the night by the time they are 2 months. Sure! So here we are. Tuna will be 6 months soon, she still sleeps in our room and some nights in our bed. So when are we planning to make that move? Well, as of now we are thinking, maybe close to a year. Maybe later. Who knows. 

I plan on bringing the baby swimming as soon as possible. Well we did not end up going "as soon as possible" but we surely made up for it by going "as much as possible".

I plan on cloth diapering my baby. I said it. I am, doing it. And I love it. My only regret was to be talked out of cloth diapering a newborn as to avoid the extra work. Well turns out cloth diapering is less work (I know weird isn't it!) and a lot more fun.   

I could go on and on about all the misconception I encountered as I was pregnant. Off course these would be different for anyone.

One last thing, before I go. We are now on facebook! So follow us at The Things I find On the way

Let's get physical!

Tuna is 5 months! She can sit on her own! She still face plants once in a while but she is getting more sturdy every day! Tuna is 5 months! And teething! Not fun! Not fun at all! And to make matter worst, Tuna has a stomach bug. Not fun x 2! I have never changed so many diapers in a day. My cloth diapers are being tested to the max! So far we have to clear winners.... Applecheeks and Motherease! We've also had casualties...... and we've had bullseye hit (Me being the bullseye).

Tuna is miserable... poor little thing. But she still enjoys her tri-weekly trip to the pool. She loves the water, and I think she also loves the extra attention she gets there from mommy, from daddy... and from the staff. ;-)

But I have to admit, mommy feels a little awkward on Sundays... Tuna's swimming lesson is currently being taught by a student of mine a few years back. I have to say, he is doing a great job! And I am really proud of him. But does it ever feel awkward to be in the pool... in your bathing suit... with one of your grade 9 student... So for the last two weeks, grand-ma and daddy took turn to go. Next week, I shall overcome the awkwardness and go myself!

This week, we added to our schedule, mommy and baby fitness class+ parenting workshop at the local YMCA. This morning was our first class. It was great. Against all odds I really enjoyed myself! We started with a little fitness assessment, then a workout and some playtime for the kiddos. I think this type of play-dates fit my lifestyle better. I am not much of a let's sit down and drink coffee type of girl. Working out with my daughter is a lot more fun ;-) And I think it's a great way to introduce physical activity from an early age! Good habits should start early! 

Another great giveaway

There is another great giveaway going on right now! Check it out! It is opened to Canadians and will end soon! Click on the picture to go over to dailymothering.

Big News

Yes I promise, by the end of this post, I will announce a big news! But first a I have a few things to write about! As some of you might know (but probably don't), today is March 9! It doesn't mean much here but over in Japan, March is the end of the school year! So I share with you this great song titled 3月9日( 9 of March)

Second, since we are talking about Japan, spring and March, let's not forget that in 3 days, they will be celebrating the one year anniversary of the triple tragedy Earthquake-Tsunami-Nuclear leak. Still to this day, over 25000 people are unaccounted for. The earth still rambles on a daily basis and many people are still living in unsafe condition or in shelters.

Third, to keep in line with the March theme, I realized today that a year ago, I was in HELL! I woke up this morning thinking "Wow hasn't my life changed in a year". One year ago, I was in and out of the emergency room. I was bleeding. I was out of work. I was on bed rest. I had to cancel my march break plans. I had to cancel my summer plans. I was in physical pain while being an emotional wreck. But looking back, I have to admit : "Wow, a year ago feels like ages".

This time, I am at home with my sweet little girl. I am sleep deprived. I am exhausted. I am trying to pack for a trip, while holding a baby who has a fever. I haven't had a good night of sleep in months, yet I am in heaven. I really am. I don't know how often I will have to write it. I am sorry if I am repeating myself. But I met the love of my life. And everyday she makes hardship seem like a walk in the park!

And now, finally, for our big announcement. Drum rolls please. And no I am not pregnant! This morning we bought our plane tickets! Yes sir!    

Baby Gizmo

Do you know Baby Gizmo? If you don't you should! Baby Gizmo is a great baby review site! A "must-consult" before making any purchases! And this month, they are having a great giveaway-a-day! You have to keep checking their website, not every giveaway is open to canadian. Today,is day 7 of the giveaway! And once more Canadians are able to win a Bumbleride flyer!

Right here

KAMsnaps giveaway

For anyone interested in snaps! Visit Kamsnaps. They are currently hosting a giveaway for a 80$ snap press!

Kamsnaps giveaway

Tuna's Saga

Little Miss is 4 months old today!

It's so hard to believe she is already 4 months old. Although it feels like an eternity, I still can't believe how far she has come since she was born! She went from 18 inches long to just about 24 inches. And more than double her birth weight!! She can almost sit on her own, she's teething and has develop somewhat of a strong minded attitude (I wonder where she gets that from!) She loves going to watch basketball games, and can spend all day playing with her Minie-fée. She makes mommy and daddy really happy!

This month, we started going to the swimming pool! Little Miss lives up to her nickname of Tuna as she is already a great little swimmer who doesn't mind putting her head underwater! We go two or three times a week. Little Miss still doesn't want to roll over or laugh, but she is showing herself to be very strong on her legs!

On their side, mommy and daddy are doing well. The lack of sleep is starting to get to us, and the teething experience proves itself to be more challenging than thought, but we still LOVE our new job ;-)

Now let's talk picture! Funny isn't it! Unexpected from us, isn't it! I know! ;-) This morning as I woke up and looked at her clothing, I realized that she was indeed missing the classic little girl picture with the headband and tutu! Personally I am not a fan, but hey! What the heck! It will always remains as a funny picture to look at ;-) There's nothing wrong in being traditional once in a while.

Giveaway at the Fluff and Stuff shop!

Just a heads up! There is a contest going on at the Fluff and Stuff shop! You could win a 50$ give certificate! This is the store I ordered my Snuza from. The Snuza can be hard to find in Canada and I know they have some in stock right now!

Mamaroo review!

Hudson at 15 weeks in her Mamaroo.

Having spent way too many hours on babycenter during my pregnancy, I was bound to discover frivolous new products! But when I faced a 2 weeks old baby with severe reflux, I quickly jump on the internet to find a WAY so that my baby could get any sleep! That's when I found out about the Mamaroo. You know that expensive space ship looking swing that "Moves like you do". I have to admit, it was a budget breaker but I needed some sleep bad and so did the baby. So in a heartbeat I put all of my hopes in the modern looking swing and willingly shelled out the 230$ needed. I thought... if baby doesn't like it I could always returned it. It took less than 2 days for me to have a verdict on the pricy swing!

I went back to the store but not to return my Mamaroo! Instead I went to buy a second one! Yes! One for my house and one for grand-ma's house (ok I have to admit, grand-ma paid the second one). From the day the mamaroo entered our house, my baby started sleeping.

4 weeks old Hudson in Grand-ma's mamaroo

You will only imagine how much distress I was in when after 3 weeks of use my mamaroo's base started doing a weird hiccup motion. Suddenly I was stuck with an expensive non working swing and a very tired and cranky baby. And to make matter worst, the retailer we got it from was of no support because we could not find our receipt. So I called the customer service in the US. I must have been on the phone for a big total of 5 minutes! Even better, 3 days later a new base arrived at our home! The customer service was stellar! (Other companies should learn from them!!) Not only was the Mamaroo a great product but the company that makes it is equally great!

My daughter is now 15 weeks, and even though she now sleeps in her crib, her naps are still in her mamaroo!

But let's get down to business! Here is a more objective review!

Pros:

• I love the design! I am not much into baby looking items. The sleek look of the mamaroo looks great even in my dinning room!
• It takes less than 5 minutes to assemble. Only 1 screw needed.
• Very easy to operate. (I actually use my foot, so no need to bend all the time).
• Has built in speakers with white noises or the possibility to plug your MP3
• Takes very little place in a room.
• Easy to adjust the inclination even when the baby is sitting in.
• The customer service was amazing!!!! 

Cons

• I wished it was a bit more quiet. The swing itself is a white noise provider.
• I don't have the new mamaroo plush... so the fabric on mine was actually very cold in winter and very stiff. I ended up sewing some mamaroo microfleece covers for it.
• The quality from the speaker is not the best
• Some people complained that it was not fast enough to entertain their baby. (Personally I though it was just fine)
• I wished there was an option to turn the LCD light off at night. The blue light is strong and can get a bit annoying. 
• I wished the seat could go into a completely flat position. 
• When changing the seat incline, the noise of the clasp is enough to wake up a baby.

In all, I absolutely love my Mamaroo! I do recommend it to everyone I know. It's a great product backed up by a great company.

Note : In the top picture, I removed the over head mobile. Although I love the actual design of it, we never used it as our daughter did not seem to care for it. In the top picture, the mamaroo is also covered by the microfleece cover I sewed.

***Up-date*** I just thought I would provide an up-date on this review since apparently it is my most popular post!

We used the Mamaroo all the way until my daughter was 13 months. Yes I know it says not to put in a baby that can sit on her own, but even at 13 months, my daughter loved her mamaroo (especially for nap time). My daughter at that point was 19 lbs and 27 inches so well under the recommended size. After being used extensively (pretty much every day) both Mamaroo are still working great! They are now being store waiting for baby number 2.

After writing this review, I was provided with the new plush covers. What a difference!! They are soft, come in beautiful pattern and best of all... they do not get cold or stiff in winter time!

I have been really busy with life, but I will try in the next couple months, to include a tutorial on how to sew your own cover (which is very handy with a reflux baby)