Pooplet at 22.5 Months

~ Strawberry Pants Forever ~

Childbirth Connection Study

The overall picture is of recent mothers engaged in a juggling act, carrying
multiple and sometimes conflicting responsibilities while experiencing high
levels of social, physical and emotional health challenges.

I have to say, it's disheartening to read the results of the new Childbirth Connection study summarized here and have to agree that they are right on par with what I experienced as a new mom. That leads me to wonder if there's really any effective way to prepare young, pregnant, starry-eyed moms-to-be for their new role as parent of a newborn if their heads are filled with visions of cute nurseries, easy breastfeeding and 50/50 division of newborn duties with their significant other. Truly, it may not be possible for the message to really sink in at that time. But if it could, I think we may see moms better able to cope with the demands of a new baby and better able to advocate for themselves and what they need at home and from medical professionals.

If anyone has a recommendation for a book or video that properly prepares pregnant couples for new parenthood, I'd love to hear about it. And I'm not talking about a "What to Expect" book. I'm talking about a realistic portrayal of modern parenthood in America, especially when it comes to the first few weeks of caring for a newborn.

Perhaps even reading about preparing for the change wouldn't do any real good but if there's a good one out there, I could at least recommend it to my pregnant friends and save them from having to figure it all out from square one.

Pics of the Day

Smiley, smiley Isabella!



Another of little cupcake in her carseat.



More fun under the sea.

Baby Gear of the Week

When I started shopping for travel systems (combo carseat/stroller packages) for Isabella, I felt the need to pick a gender neutral print and found myself wondering if the parents choosing pink prints (they do exist, I've seen such parents pushing pink strollers at the mall) could

a) afford to buy a whole new travel system if and when they someday have a boy
b) have confidence in their future son's unwaivering sense of boyhood and aren't worried about putting him in a pink stroller
or
c) perhaps be too short-sighted to think of any of this in the fog of future parenthood and pregnancy.

Well I read some useful info today on Graco's blog. They're willing to work with parents and sell them a new set of coverings for their system to make the boy to girl or girl to boy transition. Neat!

Would this have changed my choice of travel system? Nope. I think my Kasbah pattern is perfectly gender neutral and fun without being too kiddish. But let's not forget what really matters. Ease of use and safety. I'm equally happy with it, function and fashionwise.

Pics of the Day

Naps have officially replaced full nights of sleep. She's gotta start sleeping through the night soon--Mommy exhausted!


Still fitting into most of her newborn clothes but definitely not for long!

Pic of the Day

Isabella @ 8 weeks old (she turned 10 weeks today!)

Pic of the Day

Your girls miss you, MT.


I fell asleep amid the flowers on a beautiful day.


9 weeks old!


Under da seeeea!

Pic of the Day

Anyone for enchiladas?

Pic of the Day

I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught.

- Winston Churchill

Strollin'

With a full belly and a cozy ride...


I snooze the afternoon away.

Enter Jacques Peacock

Who's this new and colorful visitor to my crib?

Daddy's Little Pibber

Sweet dreams, little one.

NOW It's Official

Surprise! Little Isabella's here!

Born May 22 at 5:02 am at 36 weeks and 5 days gestation, she was just over 3 weeks early! She weighed 5 lbs and 6 oz. and is wonderfully healthy.

Labor and delivery took all of 4 hours!

She and I are doing great. Thanks everyone for all the well wishes and congrats!