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10.26.2011

review & giveaway: the peanut shell

I never used a sling during Toddler S' infant days (though I eyed others from afar), so decided on this go around I'd like to try one out with Baby Sister. The Peanut Shell graciously sent me one of their adjustable slings, and they're also providing one lucky reader with one of her own (see bottom for details). Hurrah! 
                                                

First, the details:

The adjustable sling is recommended for babies 8 to 26 pounds, and as your baby grows, the ways to wear your little dahlin' will change. Right now, Baby Sister is in what I like to call the "womb" stage at nearly 10 pounds. When I put her in the sling she is nice and cozy... kind of how I imagine she was in my tummy. I've worn the sling now several times, mostly in the apartment and to the doctor's office a few blocks away. I will admit to feeling a bit nervous at first about getting her into the sling itself, as she cries almost every time. BUT- once she is in there she almost immediately falls asleep. It's like a magic trick, honestly.


The sling is comfortable to wear, though I'm not sure I would choose it for trekking around all day. I do, however, think it's perfect for keeping your baby close while doing things around the house, or for short errands in your neighborhood. Your partner can wear it as well - Husband tried it out on the subway and really liked how it felt (see pic below). And yes, Baby Sister took her first trip on the subway in her sling! I like that there is enough material to cover her up on both sides, yet I don't feel like she is drowning in fabric, either (something I thought might concern me initially).


The Peanut Shell slings are an easy way to keep baby comfy and cozy when you need to have your arms free, something I think moms will really appreciate, especially in the early days of your infant's life. Additionally, I look forward to wearing it on my side as Baby Sister grows and can sit upright. Thus, I'm excited to partner with The Peanut Shell on a giveaway! One lucky reader will get to choose an adjustable sling in the pattern of her choice (and there are some cute ones, let me tell ya). See sling details here.

3 easy ways to enter:

1 - Follow Baby Meets City via Google Friend Connect in the top left corner and leave a comment here (if you are already a follower, please let me know with a comment).

2 - "Like" The Peanut Shell's Facebook page and leave a comment here.

3 - Follow The Peanut Shell on Twitter and leave a comment here.

You have 2 weeks to enter and I'll announce a winner on Wednesday, November 9th at 12pm EST via Random.org. The contest is open to US residents only. Good luck!

Baby Sister comfy & cozy

As mentioned, The Peanut Shell provided me with an adjustable sling for this review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

10.25.2011

notes from the sleep-deprived

So it's possible now might not be the BEST time to be writing a post, but despite being bleary-eyed, I'm high on caffeine. It's a strange combination. What you'll find within this rambling is the very best job that 4 hours of sleep will get ya, so... you're welcome in advance! 

Lets see, where to start, where to start... ah yes, THE BIRTH. I'll keep it short and sweet. 

*!&$#*!!

That about sums it up. I am not one of these women that believes childbirth is a beautiful experience. With the exception of the 1 hour my epidural actually worked, I'd wager it's about the toughest thing I've ever had to do. I will mention it was a BIT easier this time around since I've been through the process once before. I had 2nd degree tearing as opposed to 3rd degree. I didn't have to push for as long (30 minutes) and I did a much better job with my breathing (could be because the doctor wasn't yelling at me, but that's a story for another time). As for the aforementioned epidural, I seem to have some type of strange resistance to the pain killer working when I really need it. 

At my first delivery, I had to have the epidural administered twice because it failed to work the first time. That was fun. Then when it came time to push, my doctor insisted on turning it down so I could feel the contractions. I've since taken a poll of friends with kids and no one has had that happen to them. In other words, I feel like I got the raw end of the deal. Literally.

This time, the epidural worked for the initial contractions, yet when it came down to crunch time, I was feeling every last one of them. Turns out I was 9 inches dilated by that point, but STILL. I wanted the drugs, dang it! Nurse's response to my plea for help: "let's use this pain" (to start pushing). And to think I'd thought she was such a nice woman up until that point.

*** Going to stop here. Mamas love to talk about their birth experiences, but even I realize this is dragging on... ***

Oh fine. Long story even longer? OF COURSE the end result was worth every bit of that pain. Baby Sister sleeps beside me as I write this, and it's hard to even concentrate because I just want to stare at her and listen to her cute little breathing. Another sign of a new mama? One who thinks her child's breathing is cute. Good grief.

Moving on...

The best advice I received with my first child was "sleep when the baby sleeps." SUCH great advice. If only I used it. There are just too many other things I could be doing while she snoozes away... showering, for example. Writing thank you notes. Watching The Rosie Show (she's back!!). Making lists of things I should be doing yet don't have the energy to accomplish. Sleeping seems like a wonderful thing that's also complete waste of time. I basically realize how ridiculous this is, yet here I am typing away...

We've been pleasantly surprised how Toddler S has reacted to Baby Sister. First it was almost complete indifference, which was fine with us as it seemed better than trying to smother her with a blankie. As the days went by, however, she has become much more aware of the little munchkin... alerting us when she's crying ("Baby crying! Baby crying!"), tickling her toes, bringing her stuffed animals, and even holding her a few times (always the same response: "She's heavy.") Honestly, it's such a joy seeing them together, and I can hardly wait to watch their relationship grow as the years go by (fighting over clothes and boys excluded).

Since I know this time at home has an end date, I'm trying to soak up and enjoy every minute I have with the little ones. If only I could bottle up every perfect moment and save it for a day in the future when I'm back to sitting behind a desk again.

Misty-eyed. I think I'll end now and perhaps... get some sleep?

10.11.2011

it's a SITS kind of day

When I began Baby Meets City just over 2 years ago, SITS was one of the first websites I landed on. Basically, I wasn't sure what the heck I was doing, but I was intrigued by the new community I had discovered online and excited to be a part of it. These days, I suppose I'm yet another "mommy blogger," but the truth is, while the definition varies, I'm more than happy to own up to it.  The reason is simple -- this blog has given me a creative outlet that I was craving. I don't have the opportunity to write in my full-time job, so in a sense, blogging helped save my creative side. Writing again on a regular basis has given me a renewed sense of purpose and a motivation I was lacking.

... and for that I am IMMENSELY grateful.

In a way, to finally have my "SITS Day" means I've come full circle. I remember signing up for this special recognition and then totally forgetting about it as I became more involved with my own blogging, reading other great blogs and attending events for bloggers here in NYC (that's me below at the Madame Alexander doll factory- so fun!). To receive an email last week saying my SITS Day was finally here, well, that's like icing on the cake. I so appreciate this recognition, and it only inspires me to keep moving forward.  Thank you, ladies of SITS!


Last, but certainly not least, I'll save the biggest thank you of all for the 2 little ladies you see below. Baby Meets City began as a way of sharing my adventures in urban parenting in NYC, so if not for Toddler S I would probably still be spending my downtime twiddling my thumbs. Thanks to this sweet gal (naturally I'm biased), I no longer have any downtime at all. BUT- I also have an endless amount of things to write about. We all know life changes in an instant when you have children, and mine is no different. I am endlessly grateful for the blessings I've been given... my babies are happy and healthy, I have a supportive and generous partner in Husband, and I've enjoyed the experience of living 10+ years in the best city in the world... which happens to be more kid-friendly that you might expect!


Now that Baby Sister has arrived, our lives have changed even more. The adventure continues, and I do hope you come back again to join the ride!


10.09.2011

she's here!

I am very pleased to announce the arrival of one Baby Sister, born on what is apparently the most popular birthday of the year -- October 5th.  Who knew?! We welcomed her into our arms at 7:37am -- all 9 pounds, 1 ounce of her (a matter I will discuss in more detail later -- YOWZA) and the world hasn't been the same since. 

I must admit there were times during the pregnancy when I honestly wondered if it would be possible to love another child as much as I love my first born. 

What I discovered in a matter of moments is that the heart only expands even more. 

The heart knows no bounds. I'm in love.


I expect future posts in the next few months to take place during 3am feedings as I re-learn how to type while breastfeeding. TMI?
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