life, parenting

Look out! It’s a lateral incisor!

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That’s right, folks, we have more teeth arriving! I should have known that’s what was going on with Baby J this last week. He’s been unusually fussy and clingy. But when his first four teeth came (in a 2-week period), he was drooling gobs of spit everywhere, and I didn’t notice anything excessive this week. So I thought maybe it was just another baby stage. He’s been letting go and standing by himself more and more every day, and I’d read that when babies start to walk, many of them become clingy and their sleep patterns are off. I’d assumed that’s what was happening at first.

I continue to impress myself with my amazing artistic ability.
I continue to impress myself with my amazing artistic ability.

 

Yesterday morning, he seemed to have a very mild fever, so I thought he was coming down with something. FINALLY, about half way through the day, I noticed Baby J had an incisor on the top cutting through his skin. Ohhhhhhhh. Poor thing. I immediately put his teething necklace back on and pulled out his teething tablets. He spent almost the entire day yesterday being held or snuggling with his giant monkey on the couch.

The last couple of nights, I’ve gotten only a few (like 3) hours of sleep, but I’m hopeful for tonight. This morning started a little rough, but we got out of the house, dropped off something for Daddy at his ship, and browsed the NEX for a while. We just got back home, and Baby J has actually been crawling around and playing with toys. I’m hoping this means the worst has passed (at least until the next tooth).

Baby J got his first four teeth at 9 months, and now the fifth tooth at 11 months. How old was your baby when teeth started arriving?
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parenting

Labor & Delivery Packing List

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A couple days ago, I came across the original packing list I made for the hospital when Baby J was born. I thought it might help someone to share, so that’s what I’m doing! I did end up changing some things last minute, so I’ve added that info next to specific items in the list. When it comes down to it though, something that may be a necessity for me will not be for another woman, and vice versa.

Newborn Baby J

For me

  • Two bed pillows with favorite cases *Ended up packing one king-size pillow with a plush case. Would take it again.
  • Lotion or massage oil *Took lotion
  • Warm socks *The hospital had socks that I ended up wearing. They’re going to get nasty, so if you bring your own, bring several pairs.
  • Toothpaste, toothbrush, and mouthwash
  • Lollipops for dry mouth *Didn’t pack them. They gave me ice chips at the hospital, which worked fine.
  • Chapstick or lip gloss
  • Paper fan *Didn’t pack. Not sure it would’ve helped anyway.
  • Wooden back massager *Never used it.
  • Nightgown(s) that opens in the front for nursing *Very helpful!
  • Robe and slippers *Hospital provided a robe, but my slippers came in handy.
  • Nursing cover *Not needed
  • Panties and nursing bras *I wore the hospital mesh panties the first day, then switched to my own large granny panties.
  • Comfortable maternity clothes and shoes to wear home *I wore the same pants, top, and shoes that I wore to the hospital.
  • Jacket or hoodie
  • Toiletries and cosmetics
  • dry shampoo *To touch up my roots before taking post-labor photos!
  • pads *The hospital ones aren’t that great. Buy some giant overnight, super absorbent maxi pads

For Hubby 

  • Snacks for labor *You probably won’t want him leaving your side and heading to the food court, so bring food!
  • Phone numbers and change or a phone card or cell phone
  • Change of clothing
  • Toiletries 
  • Air mattress *Hubby didn’t need it. They had a pull out couch/chair in the delivery room.

For All of Us

  • iPod with speakers and charger *Never used it.
  • Cameras for birth / baby photos 
  • Cell phone chargers
  • Boppy *I ended up leaving the Boppy in the car and using a regular pillow to nurse. After going home and nursing with a Boppy, I regretted my original decision. A nursing pillow is very helpful and makes things easier!
  • batteries or chargers for cameras

For Baby 

  • Going home clothes (2 sets), including a hat, and blanket, and mittens or socks for his hands *Next time I’ll bring some sleep sacks and onesies. I never could figure out how to swaddle Baby J in the hospital blankets.
  • Car seat already installed in the back seat of the car 
  • Newborn diapers *Next time, we’re bringing cloth diapers! Also, the hospital provided us with plenty of disposable diapers while we were there and sent some home with us. However, they were Size 1, and Baby J fit newborn for several weeks.

Additionally, we packed pens and a notepad for filling out paperwork and taking notes. Don’t forget your wallet and IDs!

Have any comments for me? Questions? What did you pack or what do you plan on packing?
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life, parenting

An almost disappointing Farmers Market trip

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I’m glad that the local farmer’s markets in Hampton Roads are opened year round. I am. But it would be nice if the business hours were either updated on all the signs and Web site or the stand owners actually followed said hours.

VA Beach Farmers Market button

Baby J, myself, and my friend Nicole with her two kids headed to the Virginia Beach Farmers Market yesterday for some produce shopping and a little fun. We ate breakfast at the Princess Anne County Grill, located inside the market. Every time I’ve visited the market, the restaurant looked packed for breakfast, so I figured it had to be tasty. Well, it was delicious, but my omelette was also what Nicole called a “calorie bomb.” It would be good if they’d add fruit, granola, or yogurt to their menu…or just some lower fat options. I’m not saying I’d actually buy the lower fat options- but it’d be nice if they were available. =D Anyway, I chose the seafood omelette with shrimp, Chesapeake crab, cheddar cheese, and topped with Hollandaise sauce. I was impressed with the crab. It definitely tasted fresh, so I’d like to come back in an afternoon or evening and try their crab cakes.

Web site screen shot
Web site screen shot

After breakfast we intended on browsing the produce stands that open at 10am, but when we left at 10:30, none of them had opened. We were, however, able to visit a couple of the bakery shops and an organic grocery store. That’s why I titled this post an “almost disappointing” trip- because we still had fun together and did do a little “green” shopping.

Farmers Market Collage

There are two bakeries there. One of them is also connected to an Amish furniture store, and it sells different baking items and snacks. I was pleased to read the labels on many of their snack mixes, like chocolate covered pretzels. There weren’t that many ingredients, especially compared to your standard grocery store brands. If there’s anything I’ve learned while trying to make healthy choices, it’s that fewer ingredients generally equals healthier foods.

The Virginia Garden Organic Grocery is also located at the market. They have a wonderful selection of local organic produce, meats, and eggs, including those from the renowned Polyface Farm. Shelves are also stocked with organic snacks, drinks, cereals, grains, personal products, vitamins, and more. I’ll definitely be visiting them again.

I’m looking forward to warmer weather, so we can actually peruse the in-season, local produce stands!

Do you visit famers markets? What’s your favorite thing to purchase there?
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