Snuggles

Just some moments that I'd like to hang on to...

Ignore the laundry on the couch and the unmade bed. We live here.

A Bearwearer

Yesterday, Nanno gave Levi his very own, special bear with "cowboy pants" (otherwise known as overalls). When we got home he insisted that we find his baby carrier. You might remember that from here.

Have I ever mentioned what a big and gentle heart he has? He so does. He makes mine bigger and gentler too.

All Mine

I do love a babywearin' daddy...most especially when he's all mine.  :)

We splurged on an Ergo with Sophia.  I'm so glad we did.  It's worth every penny.  I have a few carriers that I love for different reasons, but this is the only one that Stephan really enjoys as well.  Sophia likes it because she can watch whats going on.  She's especially captivated by her daddy doing the dishes.  Can't say that I blame her.  A dish washin', baby wearin' daddy is impressive indeed.

What We've Been Up To...Part II...The State Fair

Thanks for the sweet comments on yesterday's post.  I'm feeling much better about things....possibly because Levi isn't here this weekend.  The break from parenting two combined with missing him have changed my perspective a bit.  Some weeks might be harder than others, but I'm really a very lucky gal.  I'll try to remember that upon his likely dramatic return when I get the honor of listening to more whining and tantrums.  I'd rather have those than the silence of him being gone.  Like a lot of life, I'll take the bad so that I can have the good.  Because when it's good, it's really very good...

*I made the sling Sophia is snoozing in.  We love it.  It's a self-lined version of Levi's sling.

Close To My Heart

I wear my babies to keep them safe, content, and close to my heart...

Slings and wraps fast become their favorite spots.  From this height they can see and interact with the world while staying safely tucked in with Mama. 
I wore Levi so he could explore the world.  I wore him to comfort him when he was sick or in a foul mood.   I wore him just because we loved being close.  I wore him so that his sweet head was always within kissing distance...soft baby hair is like a magnet for my lips.

I wear Sophia for the same reasons with a newly added benefit...she's safe up here from all that exuberant brotherly love.  Levi's "I wuv her!" is often accompanied by an attempt to grab her, pinch her cute toes, or "kiss her to pieces" because...ahem...that's exactly what his mama does.
Oh, and, the fact that I can knit and still keep an eye on two kiddos....well, now that's just priceless. ;)

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In light of the CPSC's recent attacks on ALL types of baby carriers, Steph from Adventures in Babywearing is encouraging mamas to answer the BCIA's call to action by posting our babywearing photos, stories, etc. Really, what babywearing mama would turn down the opportunity to post cute pics of her cozily wrapped up kiddos?  And, as if that's not enough incentive Steph's also giving away a Sakura Bloom sling.  So, come join us! 

Babywearing Outdoors

I'm sure it's possible to raise children without slings and wraps.  I just don't know how it's done.

By the way, Sophia is bundled up in a Moby wrap...snug as a bug in a rug. Out of the wrap style carriers that I own, this is my favorite for itty bitty babies.  It's got just the right amount of stretch.  If you can only buy one carrier, though, a stretchy wrap should not be it.  The stretch gets uncomfortable once the baby gets to be around 20 pounds.  And, no, I'm not getting paid to tell you my opinion...unfortunately.

Babywearing Daddy

I don't know if I can handle all the cuteness happening around here.

Stephan and baby Sophia sporting a Sleepy Wrap.

His Own Sling

Levi took care of his baby all afternoon...except for handing her off to me to nurse.  But, finally he just had to have his own sling, so I made him one using the instructions in this book. 

P.S. The baby doll's name is "Brother Sister".  While I was pregnant we seem to have made a little too big a deal about the baby being a brother or a sister.  Levi has actually introduced Sophia as "my brother and my sister." :)

 

My New Favorite Carrier

Y'all I have found my new favorite carrier. Recently I was given the opportunity to review a Bundleboo wrap carrier. This carrier caught my eye in the past, and I debated for weeks about whether or not I really need-needed another carrier.
What sets this apart from other wrap style carriers, you might ask? Well, the Bundleboo company prides themselves on their very nifty patented safety seat. According to the company's website the safety seat "features roomy and comfortable legs holes built into the center panel. We have blended this exclusive feature within the traditional wrap carrier design, adding security, simplicity of use, and peace of mind while learning to babywear. " Although I consider myself an experienced babywearer, I still found the safety seat to be a wonderful, useful, and important feature of this carrier. Back carries have always made me a little nervous, but the added stability of the safety seat really makes back carries so much easier.
Your Bundleboo wrap will come with a wonderful instruction video to help you maximize your use of the carrier. I thought I had seen just about every possible way to use a wrap carrier, and, honestly, I nearly skipped the video because I thought for sure it couldn't have anything to teach me. Boy was I wrong! I learned so many useful tips and tricks

from that video that really make babywearing that much easier.

Unlike a lot of the wraps out there, the Bundleboo is made of a 100% natural, woven, non-stretch fabric. This makes it perfect for carrying babies of ALL sizes. I thought I had to give up using wrap carriers once Levi hit about 20 pounds. My previous wrap carrier (a stretchy one) started to sag within 15 minutes of wearing him. Needless to say that became very uncomfortable, and I was forced to retire what had become my favorite method of babywearing. I was overjoyed when I put Levi in the Bundleboo and realized it kept him securely and comfortably in position for indefinite periods of time. You really can't beat a wrap carrier for coziness and comfort, and I am so glad to be able to use one once again.

The Bundleboo is not only safe and comfortable, it's also pretty dang cute. This carrier comes in an array of fabric choices. You can choose between a solid color or a carrier with a contrasting fabric panel like the ones shown in the pics on this post. Like I mentioned before, these carriers are made of a very high quality 100% cotton fabric. It is sturdy yet comfortable.

Here's what the creator of the Bundleboo says about the benefits of her wrap carrier:

--Patented safety seat secures your child’s placement in your carrier.
--Over 10 different carrying positions.
--Promotes breastfeeding by offering 2 discrete, hands-free nursing positions
--Promotes nurturing and bonding by holding baby close.
--Carries children size preemie to pre-school, up to 40 pounds.
--Provides superior head, neck, spine, and hip support for your child.
--Distributes weight evenly across your shoulders, hips, and back.
--Completely adjustable without belts, buckles or rings.
--Fabric is light-weight, sturdy, breathable, and 100% all natural.
--Machine washable.
--Instructional DVD is included.
--Made in the USA.
--Supports a world-wide non-profit charity.
--Mom invented.

Whether you are a veteran babywearer or a newbie or maybe you know someone who is expecting, the Bundleboo should certainly be on your Christmas list this year. Bundleboo has generously offered all of y'all a 15% discount!!! Just go to the Bundleboo website, pick out your favorite carrier and type in the promotional code Ad_special during checkout.

Winding Down

A few final partying photos:Grandpa faux babywearing-The weather was a bit chilly, so Levi had to get bundled up for the walk home.:

Favorite Babywearing Moments

Steph over at Adventures in Babywearing is promoting International Babywearing Week, and part of the fun involves a fabulous chance to win a Pop Nest Sling or a Sparrow Hatchling Sling from Nonny & Boo. How fabulous is that!?! So head on over to link up to your own babywearing post and get a chance to win a fabulous sling.

I could go on and on about the wonderful aspects of babywearing. Unfortunately work and my bambino are ready to steal my attention, so I'll just leave you with some of my favorite babywearing pics from the past year.Aunt Annie's even a babywearer!

I can't wait to see all your fabulous babywearing posts. Happy Babywearing!

Punkin' Pickin' Part I

Yesterday's punkin' pickin adventures were fabulous. We went with a group of church friends to the Mississippi Agriculture Museum. This time of the year they have a hayride, petting zoo, and pumpkin picking excursion available to kids of all ages. I got so many cute pictures that I'll have to divide it into two posts. Beware: picture overload is coming your way! I'll try to restrain myself from posting all of the pictures. Once we plopped Levi in the middle of those cute pumpkins we nearly burned the camera up!

Of course, Levi spent most of this adventure in a carrier. For outings like this I love slings. They're super easy to use, and they allow him optimum viewing abilities. Here are a couple of babywearing pics taken while waiting on the hayride.




Aunt Annie took most of the pics, and she's obsessed with the color feature on my camera. Although, I can't say that I don't have fun with it on occasion. ;)The short wait for the hayride was worth it.Levi was very interested in the hay.
First stop--petting zoo. Levi did a lot of pointing and "chatting." No touching though. I was too afraid the animals might think his little fingers were perfect snacking size!My personal childhood fave--the General Store. I relived my childhood for a few moments and splurged on a glass bottle coke and ice cream sandwich. Yummy!
Levi has a thing for bottles. He throws a fit if he doesn't get to hold them.

Final destination--pumpkin patch. Yippee! Aunt Annie took a turn wearingLevi:

Mommy and baby pick a pumpkin.More pics to come. Yes, there really are more, and, yes, I will be posting them soon. :)

The Joys of Motherhood

Levi has taken to crawling into the shower with me and insisting that I hold him. I have a walk in shower with a shower curtain instead of a door--no bathtub. :( It's pretty easy for him to crawl right in now that he's so mobile. He did this for the first time a few days ago. When I have to shower while he's awake, I keep the curtain cracked enough so that he can see me, and, more importantly, I can see him. Well, the other day, he decided just to crawl right on in with me. It was all I could do to pull his clothes off before they got too wet. He is terrified of the water and clings to me for dear life. Every time the water hits him he ducks and cringes. It's really quite pitiful. The difficulties encountered while trying to shower with an extra 25 pounds are definitely interesting. I only thought reaching my toes was hard to do while I was pregnant. Despite all this it absolutely melts my heart. He'd rather be clinging to me in a terribly scary place (i.e. the shower stall) than sitting out in the dry safety without me. How much better could it possibly get?

Pining Away

Levi loves going outside. I usually take him out in a baby carrier, and we look at all the plants and check out the horses and chickens. However, we've been stuck indoors lately because of the rain. This morning we were at my parents and Levi noticed the window in their door. He made a beeline for it and started "communing" with nature. Hopefully the sun will start shining again soon, and we'll be able to get out and about again. Here he is pining away for the great outdoors:

Solving Reflux

When Levi was a little over 4 months old I got the scare of my life. It was late in the evening. I remember almost going home earlier but deciding to stay at my parents' instead. It must have been God telling me to stay because I sure didn't have any other reason. I'm so glad I listened.
Levi had been a tad fussy, but nothing out of the ordinary. We tried a few things, and he seemed happiest in his bouncy seat. I was on the couch across from him, and my dad was in a chair next to him when Levi began violently throwing up--far worse than anything I'd ever seen. I dashed over to him, sat him upright, and began unbuckling him. As I was unbuckling him, he stopped throwing up and started turning blue. My dad grabbed Levi, put him over his knees and popped him on the back until he started crying. Levi's birth was the only other time I can say that I've been so grateful to hear him cry.
He was still gray and lethargic afterwards, so we took him to the emergency room to make sure his lungs were clear. After an x-ray and a few tests, Levi was cleared to go home. The doctor said that Levi probably had a reflux problem and gave us some tips on preventing future occurrences. One of those tips was to ditch the bouncy seat for something that would keep Levi completely upright. He also said to feed him more frequently but for shorter lengths of time. I followed all the advice--new infant seat (for the rare occasion that he actually sat in one), different nursing schedule--and started wearing him more frequently as well. I was already very into babywearing, but I became more convinced of it's benefits at this point. He still spit up with frequency, but nothing so alarming as almost dying.
Until...fast forward to 6 months old. I started him on food. I even made the food myself--nothing boxed or jarred for my babe. I should have guessed that he wasn't ready. He just didn't seem interested. I never forced him to eat, but I kept offering. Finally he would open his mouth and take a few bites. Nana even commented once that he didn't eat like we did when we were babies. She said she couldn't shovel it in fast enough to make us happy. I still kept trying. Finally he got up to eating a tablespoon or two in a sitting. Yay!--I thought. But when he finally got up to that tablespoon or two he started violently throwing up again--no turning blue thank the heavens. Still terrifying though. Once you've seen your kid turn blue, anything that reminds you of it will make your heart clench in fear.
I'd read that food would help a babies reflux, not so in my sweet angel's case. It just irritated the heck out of his poor little tummy. So, thanks to some advice from my mom and the Marvelous Kiddo's Grandma mixed in with some internet research, I decided no more food. Don't worry, it's just for a while. I'm not starving my baby. I had some vague feeling that maybe 6 months was just some arbitrary number and not a set in stone by God kind of rule. And what do you know, babies can still flourish on strictly breast milk after 6 months.
Levi will be a very chunky, healthy 9 month old soon, and he's usually reflux free. He has occasional bouts, but nothing like the volcanic puking that food brought on. For those of you, who are like me and had no idea it was possible not to introduce food at six month, it is. Babies can go a full year without introducing food (provided of course that you're willing and able to breastfeed frequently). I don't know what I thought mothers did in countries where babyfood isn't readily available. My out of the box thinking skills aren't always plugged in.
I do know that Levi and I have a very special situation that enables us to do this. I am terribly grateful to my momma for being willing to put her own life on hold to be Levi's travelling babysitter. She knows this is what's best for Levi, and she has enabled me to do this for him. A special and heartfelt thank you to her.

My Babywearing Stash

So Stephanie at adventuresinbabywearing.com wanted to see people's sling stashes. Here's mine--well most of it. You'll notice I went a little bananas making slings, but a girl's gotta have one for every outfit!

From top left green eyelet homemade ring sling, blue eyelet homemade ring sling, black homemade wrap carrier, blue homemade wrap carrier, black Moby Wrap.

From bottom left black and silver homemade ring sling, Apricot homemade ring sling, brown homemade ring sling, and the Peanut Shell (which was retired by the time Levi was a couple of months old--he hated it). Missing is the Chicco carrier which is similar to the Baby Bjorn. Levi loved it, my back not so much. It's since been retired and apparently lost. Oh, and that's Stella, Levi's favorite kitty cat.

So here's Levi in the blue ring sling:

And here we are sporting the oh, so comfy Moby Wrap

Awake:

And asleep:

I have two lovely mei tais on the way. They should get here sometime in the next few days. I'm soooo excited. I'll post pics once they get here. So, that will bring my stash to 12. Is that excessive?
If I could only have one (I haven't tried the mei tais yet, so I might change my mind) I'd say the moby wrap. It's super comfy, although a little warm for the summer months, and very versatile. Once you get the hang of wrapping it up, it's a cinch.
If you have a baby and you haven't tried wearing the little munchkin, I highly recommend it. Not only does it create a much happier baby, it creates a much happier momma too. It's like having an extra pair of arms, and it quickly calms a baby whose decided to have a fussfest. It's also way easier on your back than carrying the kiddo in your arms.