Put em in a sling

I had to post this you tube clip on my blog - it makes me and the kids laugh and smile every time. If you haven't seen heard the song Single Ladies (Put a Ring On it) by Beyonce then do - you'll appreciate it even more! I've been meaning to write about the whole Infantino recall too and the baby death because of it. I've been thinking about it a lot because I wear Brennan all the time now and either get comments about it or I over heard people saying things after they pass us. However, I have had no extra time so like most things stirring in my mind for posting, it will have to wait or not get posted!

Babywearing Daddy

I haven't been much into posting my thoughts on here lately. I kind of got bombarded with review things that needed to be done last week and this week so trying to keep up with that has been the extent of my computer time.

Brennan is so much better this week with his teething. Still no teeth but I can tell they are ready to pop -his little gums are white. We ended up using baby oral gel once his temperature was gone and we weren't using Tylenol every four hours. That really helped a lot! It was a really, really long last week. Is seriously did nothing but hold him and sit on the couch. He still wants to be held a lot but I can deal with that because he'll be in the carriers and hang out in his highchair and things.

During the hectic time of him needing to be held and being upset Kurt had to take over with wearing him in the carrier. I got some pictures, because I never get pictures of him wearing the kids and I love it when he does. He's a goof!
I am hoping to post about the school appointment later today if I at all can. We're off to LLL and Brennan is needing mommy so I'm off.

Family Babywearing!

Whoever said babywearing was just for momma's? I feel bad I haven't gotten any pictures of Kurt wearing Brennan - he does and it's so cute. Nothing cuter than a guy babywearing, really! Baby Ruth has been getting a lot of love today, she's been "sad" according to Amelia & Landen so the "daddy" had to wear her. Adorable!

Wear Your Baby!

It's International Baby-wearing week, how can I not post pictures??! You can read my other baby-wearing post here. Get on the Baby-wearing Blog Roll and meet other baby-wearers like you, it's more common than you think!
This photo is different with the shadows, I like it. Brennan was so peaceful, how can you not just keep kissing that little head.


Babywearing is even for the Auntees in my childrens lives! Amelia with Mikyla in the Ergo.
We seriously need a child's baby-carrier! Amelia loves wearing her babies and bears. Big girl undies!!!!
Mommy and Brennan, this is how we live during the week. These were all taken this past week. Daddy wears the babies too, I just never get a picture - darn me.

Baby: Doesn't Get Any Better Than This

I broke out my sleepy wrap today for Brennan. What was I thinking not getting this out sooner? I've been using my pouch carriers and as much as I like them, they don't even compare to the wraps. Brennan loves it, fell asleep right away. He feels like nothing on me and my back doesn't hurt. I think I've been straining when I sleep and when I hold him up to nurse because my back has really been bothering me lately, so the pouch hasn't been helping. However, this is amazing!

I'm sure if Brennan could talk he'd tell me he loved it. He's so comfortable looking; I'd like to look that comfortable right now. Amelia has quickly informed me though that these are her carriers - every single one. She had a hard time Sunday when she wasn't going to get to be in the pouch. I'll have to get the Beco or Ergo out for Kurt to wear her around in - she needs some cuddle time. =)

Lastly, if you don't have a wrap - you should invest in one. The Sleepy Wraps aren't that expensive and you can even make them easily yourself (from what I've seen a few of my friends doing - I've never personally made one.) I never had a carrier with Landen - I was way to freaked out about him not breathing and things, but I can't imagine not having them now.

Babywearing Week & Guest Post

As you may have read below it's International Babywearing Week and I love babywearing! I have a guest post up over at my friend Ellen's fabulous blog - Thrifty & Chic Mom. Don't forget to enter her contest for a Beco Butterfly Carrier either.

She's my baby pack!

It's International Babywearing Week and jumping in on the babywearing posts. To start off Steph at Adventures in Babywearing has a really fun Mr. Linky that you can see all kinds of babywearing posts from different babywearing moms. You can also enter for the chance to win a Pop Nest Sling or a Sparrow Hatchling Sling from Nonny & Boo! Don't forget to join the Babywearing Blog Roll while you're at it.

I've been babywearing since Amelia was born and she's 15 months now. I remember wanting to babywear when Landen was born, but it was so intimidating to me. My mom gave me a Snuggli and a hotsling, but they didn't fit correctly and I easily gave up. Before Amelia was born I was determined to try it again, as I had met my friend Teri who was a babywearer and had really gotten into reading blogs from Stephanie and Sharon who were babywearing and it looked amazing. Now I know so many great momma's that babywear!!! Anyway, Amelia was born and I still didn't have any type of carrier. Thankfully the midwife that was at my birth gave me a Moby type wrap (that her daughter made - thanks again Becca.) I was still intimidated but I tried it. I was so scared, I thought Amelia was going to fall out, or that she quit breathing and yes I had her off instantly. After that day it was history, I wore her all the time. She loved it, my son got attention, she wasn't left on the ground or in her seat and we were all happy. Enjoy my pictures of my different carriers!

This is the first day I ever wore my baby! I look back on this and a few other photos when I was first starting out and don't know how I ever wore her like that. I didn't have it on correctly. Oh well! this is the moby like wrap my friend made. Gotta love the pink.

This is my Cuddling Baby Mei Tai I bought once I new she could fit easily in one- by far one of my favorite carriers when the child is a bit older. It's so easy to tuck away and bring everywhere!

My Rockin' Baby Hotsling. I love the fabric and how it's reversible to be red on the other side. It's absolutely gorgeous! I like this carrier for quick things, but with how big Amelia is now my shoulder starts to hurt after awhile. I can't wait to try it on an infant!

My sleepy wrap. Once again I don't use this that often with Amelia being older, however it's really nice and stretchy and for me easy to nurse in! It's so comfy. Amelia is actually nursing in this photo.

The Beco Butterfly I'm all about wearing on the back. It's so easy to put on and if you're going to wear a bigger child for a long time it's really nice, just like a backpack - a baby pack! It's really pretty too!

So, that's all of them. I have heard so many great things about ring slings I would like to try one eventually! I really have no idea what I would do if I didn't babywear. It's a blessing to be able to keep your child next to you all the time, they love it and it really makes your life easier. Read all my babywearing posts here and thanks for stopping by!

Babywearing Quotes To Share

We did some great shopping today; got some amazing deals and of course Amelia was riding in style in the Beco baby carrier. I just have to add two funny quotes I heard from people, along with the regular "look at that" and stares from people that have obviously never seen a child being carried in a carrier before. If you don't want to get noticed, don't wear your baby in the mall! =)

"Look at that monkey" - from a little girl. Her parents had to tell us sorry for staring and as they were walking away - "It's a monkey." Ha ha!

"It's a backpack... it's a babypack" - a family thought it was quite neat to see a baby on your back! It was like they wanted to come up and try her on for themselves!

These made me laugh today so I thought I'd share!

A Beautiful Gift

Saturday Amelia and I helped out at the booth our La Leche League group had at a baby fair. I liked it and it seemed like we got a lot of information out to a lot of moms who were interested as well as some that weren't so interested. I really like doing things with La Leche League, I feel like it's something I love, and want mothers to know that it's a beautiful gift to breastfeed your child. Breastfeeding is so not portrayed as beautiful to so many, and two comments at the fair were rather interesting that I must share. One would be the girl/lady that actually said 'disgusting' to breastfeeding. I don't know how anyone could think breastfeeding was disgusting. I honestly wanted to say "you're disgusting" but I would never ever do that. You know those immediate thoughts that go in your head? The second was at the very beginning when a couple asked what LLL was and when told the husband goes "that's not what those are for" completely serious and they both walked away. Plleeeaaaseee... that made me want to gag. Other than that it was good and I really hope we are able to do it again next year. I'd love for our LLL to be a bit more known. I too had fun getting some cool freebies and signing up for some great prizes (none of which I won). I also entered Amelia into the diaper derby which she lost big time.. she didn't even want to move. I think we had an unfair advantage as pretty much every other person had someone at the starting line and the finish line. Oh well, it was fun!

I'm excited that we are actually working at getting enrichment night meetings started for our LLL. I think they will be good for those moms that can't make it to the day meetings for whatever reason. I have so many ideas that I'd love to get going for the enrichments. I'm still in the hunt for a coffee shop type place, yet there is nothing in our town or in the near towns it seems like. Argh! I have actually been staying on top of it and called a few places today. The one I'm really excited to try would be a baby carrier enrichment, where moms bring their carriers and then you can try on different kinds to see what suits you best. Or for mom's that would like to baby wear but don't know where to begin. I have five different kinds and between my friends that I know we would have a great selection. Does anyone do this? Do you have any ideas for enrichment we could add to the list?

Amazing Wins!

I've been wanting to post some pictures of two things I won to share! I just haven't taken the time to take pictures, even though we've been using them like crazy!

I finally got a pouch sling from Rockin' Baby Slings and can someone please tell me why I didn't get one of these sooner? Amelia and I love it and we use it all the time. It's so easy to just slide on my hip and away we go. Not to mention I LOVE the fabric, it's reversible and it zips at the shoulder depending on what size you want it to be at. I actually won this from entering a blogging contest. Kurt took this picture of Amelia and I - don't mind my ugly hair. Bad hair day. Ugh!

This is old news because it's been like a month, but you know when you sign up for those giveaways of a car that are in the mall, or some place like that. I honestly always think nobody ever wins (no I didn't win a car).. well I just happened to be looking at car seats on line (I think) and entered the raffle at Recaro to win a toddler seat. Well I was gone and when I came home there was a message on my answering machine saying I won something. I was like "yeah right... stupid telemarketers" but since the lady actually had my mailing info I thought I better call it back. Sure enough I won a car seat for Landen. Now we have one in the truck and he uses it gets used all the time. Landen loves going places with his dad. I was supier excited!!

Breastfeeding Babywearers

Have you seen this article from Along for the Ride? It shows all kinds of ways to nurse your baby in different baby carriers. I was so glad to find something like this - I love nursing in my different carriers. I wanted to share it with all you nursing, baby wearing mommas!

Some hesitation before

I'm sitting here with Amelia - she finally fell asleep. She's just not herself - and from reading a few other people's blogs, I'm not the only one with a teething baby. Anyway, I was sorting pictures, putting some in their correct folder (which I'm trying to stay up on) and I came across this picture again. There's something about it I really like. I've hesitated to post it because of cleavage (yikes), sun burn, and Amelia's little sore (which is fully healed thanks to the Golden Salve), but I like it - so ignore that. I really love wearing my sweet little girl.

Uh Hiking We Shall Go

Could it really be spring? Oh is sure does feel like it this weekend.. it's been in the high 60's and absolutely gorgeous. I actually went outside barefoot a couple of times, maybe not the smartest thing but my little piggies were aching to be set free outdoors. Ha ha! I love shoes, but when it comes to summer, I'm a barefoot diva!

We went hiking Saturday.. it was so much fun! We haven't been hiking in a really, really long time. Landen did great, climbing big hills, dodging fallen tree's, jumping from stone to stone to cross the water, he was made for these sort of things. We happened to be crossing a bridge when someone was catching a fish, he thought that was pretty cool. We found a huge snow pile, that I'm sure will be gone by the end of today and Landen and I had a bit of a snow ball fight. Daddy ran away in fear of our throwing abilities. Hee, hee!

Amelia got a wonderful ride in the Mei Tei! Oh and we have pretty much mastered nursing on the go in it.. as far as I could tell, nobody would have guessed she was having a late lunch while mommy was jumping stones across a fast running creak!

We saw some cabins that might be fun to try out. I'm not sure about the whole camping out thing, but maybe if we have a cabin I'd consider it. A tent, with these two little ones I think would be a bit much for me at this point. Plus, I just don't know if I'm that much of an outdoorsy kind of girl. We'll just have to wait and see. =)

Here are some of the pictures we took. There were lots of stone areas. The first one the huge steep hill we had to climb at the very beginning, Landen hardly had to have any help. Then us under a fallen tree... it was really cool standing under it, the picture doesn't do it justice. Daddy and Landen on the stones we had to cross. Some were all tipped over at one of the crossing, so Kurt had to fix them, or we would have been doing some barefoot wading across the water! Landen on a big stump next to a big rock that was huge. Then lastly is us in front of this huge fireplace from an old house.. Landen wouldn't get in the fireplace. Ha ha.. can't blame him.

We've already decided on some other places we'd like to go for some hikes. Luckily we have quite a few right around us and since Landen did so well and we have the carriers for Amelia.. it's going to be a lot easier.

Oh, and Kurt had Amelia on his back in the carrier. It didn't work all that well, it was almost like the mei tei didn't fit him correctly and she was squished in it. I'm going to look into some other kinds that might be better for a guy to do carrying in. Any suggestions? I hope everyone else who had wonderful weather had a beautiful weekend. The boys are back from jogging so I should see how that went. =)

A Prayerful Week

I'm learning that my Mei Tei carrier is useful pretty much everywhere I go. I thought I'd give it a try today at Children's Adoration. While I'm trying to keep Landen from ringing the bells, Amelia is usually sitting there eating something she shouldn't, grabbing at someone, or not happy. I put her on after FAMILIA and it worked great. She stayed in there all happy as can be and played with whatever I gave her. I really don't know what I would do if I didn't baby wear! Sorry that I still haven't taken any pictures of Amelia on my back. I will try this weekend, I promise!

I have to mention too that Landen was so wonderful at Adoration today. He said his prayer intention (for his grandma's and grandpa's) on his own and sat on my lap almost the entire time. He's been listening really well lately.

We had some nice talks today in my FAMILIA, it's nice to be able to talk about things that aren't just related to the content of that weeks lesson. A discussion about having dry times during our prayer life got brought up. I don't know if I have dry times lately as much as it's just that I don't want to take the time to pray. I've slowly been getting back into the groove of things though after I went to confession and talked to our priest about it. After about 1/2 way through lent I really, really struggled with keeping my Lenten resolution of doing a decade of the Rosary a day and even saying a Rosary a week with Kurt. It seems to have been down hill from there. It's getting better though - getting back to were I want to pray. Maybe this has been a dry time?

There was also discussion about hearing God talk to you. I know for me, I always look at the simple things in life and how God hears my prayers. How if I have been really struggling with patience with my children, as an example and I pray about it. Then the next time I am getting ready to be impatient and I stop and I don't, that's a way of God listening to me, hearing my prayers, talking to me, and helping me get through those times. Maybe it's not supposed to be so complicated? Also, not getting so caught up in "why didn't God answer my prayers" because maybe what your praying for isn't what he has intended for us.

I really just need to continue to ask for guidance from him and look to our Blessed Mother as an example of how to draw closer to Christ. Today was a great day in helping me do that. This entire week has been really great for that actually. I had a great confession for Divine Mercy Sunday, Kurt and I did the chaplet together, getting quite a bit of prayer in this week, and then FAMILIA and Adoration today.

I'm looking forward to a wonderful weekend. It's supposed to be warm and we have some fun things planned. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Baby wearing 101

... I think it would be a good class for me to take.

I got Amelia on my back with the Mei Tei, it was a little work, but well worth it. She fell asleep fairly quick and I was able to get a lot done. However - for you experienced baby wearers... how do you adjust the straps while wearing the baby on your back? It crosses across my chest and really accentuates the boobies. Believe me, not a pretty sight - no pictures because of that reason. I can't wear it out in public when I have this tight material wrapped all around them. Not good, not good at all. Any suggestions? Until I figure something else out, she will only be worn on my front in public.

The pictures are my sweet Landen learning to be a baby wearer. He brought Amelia's glow worm and the Mei Tei to me and wanted to wear "his baby". He did for a long time too! I love how kids copy things that are so sweet.

Mei Tei

I finally got my Mei Tei and I love it! It's so much quicker to get on than the Moby wrap - I do still like my Moby wrap a lot though, especially for little babies. Amelia however is definitely ready for something else, now that she has (has had for sometime) good control over her head and body. =)

I wore Amelia shopping today - facing out and facing in. She enjoyed both, and loved being out of that darn seat. It was really quick to get on too - first store I actually had to put the entire thing on once we got in and the second store I had it already on and just had to put her in and tie.

I think the padded straps would be really nice, so if I were to get another one I would probably get the padded straps. Especially for times when she's going to be in it a lot longer.

Mine is also reversible - which I really like. Mostly so if Kurt wanted to wear it, he wouldn't have to have the quilted pattern showing, if he didn't want too. It's completely khaki colored on the inside.

I'm also glad I didn't get the longer straps, I was debating whether not I should so I could wrap it around front and then tie in the back. I think they would just get in the way though, and drag on the floor when putting it on somewhere else - and that's gross if you think about it. They're plenty long enough to wrap around my back and tie in the front with extra hanging.

Also, I mastered the whole nursing while wearing baby in the carrier. Something I had watched and read a lot about, but haven't been able to do it. I had a lower cut shirt (not that low, but not like a winter turtle neck) on today and a different type bra (so that might have helped). Anyway, nursing while carrying was great and helpful. Before, I always had to get her out to nurse and then she'd fall asleep, I'd lay her down and she'd wake up, vicious cycle. This way I can just put her in, do our thing, nurse her, let her fall asleep and continue going. Yay!

As you can see I posted some pictures - courtesy of the honey. I think it's cute! I'm looking forward to using this carrier a lot! I purchased this from Cuddling Baby. She sells these at her eBay store. You can bid or purchase now!

What's New...

.... A whole lot of nothing. We're doing laundry, and playing today while the wind is about to blow our house down. Brrr!

Saturday we went to my parents house to see my sister Sara (who was home from school) and Jake (Sara's boyfriend and Amelia's Godfather), and the rest of the family. Adam was around and getting ready to leave for a few days for a job training in another state. We played some interesting games and overall had a good time.

We went to Church while we were down. It was so nice. I have been feeling really ... I don't know what the right word is .. but I haven't been wanting to go to church here at all lately. Nothing against our church, it's just been really hard. All I feel like Kurt and I do (the entire Mass) is attempt to keep Landen and Amelia quiet. With trips to the bathroom because Landen is going on the potty now and usually a trip to the back because Amelia thinks she's going to die without nursing. It's very exhausting. I know this is terrible to even admit, but I'd like to have an excuse to skip out.. which is not what I want. So, it was really nice to go somewhere different, just to change it up a bit. Hopefully this overwhelming, exhausted feeling will subside soon. =)

Oooh.. I'm totally excited because I ordered a Mei Tai wrap last night. So cute, from a WAHM eBay store - Cuddling Baby. They had so many different fabrics to choose from it was hard - but awhile back I saw this quilt looking Mei Tai and I fell in love with it - sure enough she had one just like it. I ordered it for... $28. Shipping, tax, everything. I thought it was a pretty good deal. So good, if I want another one for style purposes I could always order another. Yay! I think the the price was anywhere from $15.99-$21.99 with a few a little higher (depending on the type of fabric you want) and then she does padded straps and different things for more. I hope it works really great!!!

Baby Wearing in style!

One more thing for today! I finally braved it to get Amelia on my back in the Moby wrap the other day. Thanks to Drea's wonderful demonstration video on her blog, I got Amelia in while she got her little guy in!

Amelia loves riding on my back. She didn't like facing me on my chest in the Moby anymore, and when I faced her outwards and tried to do anything, she's get it. This is great, it just takes awhile to get her on. =(
*Note my cool purple shirt with blue sweat pants. Ha ha ha! Do not make fun of me!! Oh and the fake smile. *blah* A typical day look - I'm cool!!! *

Baby Wearing

I heard about this Babywearing Conference awhile ago, but thought I would share the link with everyone else, since that's what they're asking everyone to do. Chicago isn't that far and it'd be fun to meet up with some other Babywearing Mom's that I have met. Click here to enter the site and read more about it! Enter here for the page with banners for your blog or e-mail. I'll let people know if I decide to go. It is scheduled for around my birthday... maybe some birthday fun!?? Will see!

Baby, Baby Wearer

Hahaha - Okay, so I forgot about this until I looked at my camera. If people don't believe they are always watched by their children. I've only been "baby wearing" Amelia for less than a week and here's Landen "baby wearing" his little Farmer. He's been wearing his Little Bear around too!
"I've learned that children's eyes observe more than there ears ever hear and the example we set for them determines their actions." Author Unknown