Nursery Blog

It's a Girl!

Our very own Baby's Dream mom blogger, Michelle, had her baby on Friday, July 9, 2010, 4 days after her due date.

Momma and baby Savannah are doing great. Big brother seems to be adjusting well and has already started sharing.  Also, I applaud Michelle, the baby was born with no meds!  

Congratulations and welcome to the world Miss Savannah!

Tips to Beautiful Maternity Photos

 

• Get an Extra Hand

--If you don't want to spend money, ask a friend to take pictures of you or use a tripod.

--If you aren't happy with what you (or your friend) took, seek professional help from a photographer.

• Research Poses

--Search for pictures online or ask friends to send pictures of their favorite poses. Then try to recreate them.

--Be creative and if one pose doesn't look good, keep experimenting with others.

• Go Simple

--Keep the background clutter free and simple.

--Use a background that means something to you... like taking the photos in the nursery you spent hours working on.

--Wear a solid color shirt or dress that is tight fitting, the point is to show off the belly. You may need to go into your non-maternity wear for this one.

• Make Use of Lighting

--Turn off the flash and stand in front of a window.

--Use natural light outside, but avoid the bright light of mid-day. Instead, take pictures early in the morning or a couple hours before sunset.

--Picking a cloudy day will help avoid squinting.

• Take Lots of Pictures

--Don't delete any until you try editing them.

• Play with Photo Editing Software

--A free site like http://www.fotoflexer.com/ is easy to use and you can play with the photos you took to get a professional look.

--If you have a picture where the lighting is nice, but you're not a fan of your facial expression, crop the picture to just the belly.

--Try making it black and white and adding in pops of color from the background.

New Baby Furniture...Sneak Peak

We're very excited about the new crib designs that we have coming soon. 

Renaissance Collection--NEW Coming Soon!
Renaissance Crib, Vanilla finish	3-Drawer Changer/Chest
Renaissance Crib, Espresso finish	Renaissance Double Dresser and Hutch

 

Renaissance Bookcase

Renaissance 5-Drawer Chest

The Renaissance collection features a curved tulip design.  It brings elegance to the nursery with the detailed posts and slight sleigh curves on the matching pieces.  Dressers feature dovetail drawers with metal side mounted glides for smooth operation. Available in Snowdrift (rubbed white) or rich Espresso finish.

Enclave Collection--NEW Coming Soon!

Enclave collection in Vanilla finish	Enclave Single Dresser
Enclave Collection in Espresso	Enclave Double Dresser

The Enclave collection features a picture frame design.  Every drawer is encased in a detailed molding.  This blend between traditonal and modern styles creates a great transitional concept perfect for boy or girl.  Available in Vanilla (rubbed white) or Espresso. 

Estimated arrival is early fall 2010.  Ask your local Baby's Dream retailer for more information. 

Last Week in Pregnancy Do's and Don'ts

The last few weeks of pregnancy become a waiting game. While you're waiting, here are some things to do... and some not to do.

Do...

• Keep your gas tank above ¼ at all times
• Make sure the car seat is properly installed
• For places to get it checked: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/Index.cfm
• Keep accessible a list of phone numbers for people that can take you to the hospital
• Plan meals for the first week (or two) at home.

o http://health.discovery.com/tv/baby-week/make-ahead-meals.html  o Purchase "throw away" containers to cut down on extra dishes

 

• Make sure your hospital bag is packed
• Go to sleep at a reasonable hour every night to be well rested for labor
• Prepare the baby changing area with wipes and diapers
• Make sure the crib mattress support is at the highest level and dress it with a waterproof pad and a sheet.
• Pack a diaper bag to keep in the car.
• Put a waterproof mattress pad on your bed, just in case your water breaks at night.
• Keep a towel and a change of clothes in your car, again just in case your water breaks.
• Make sure all necessary maintenance for your vehicle is done
• Oil Change, Break Pads, Tires, etc are so much easier to do without a newborn
• Get a pedicure

• Prepare a postpartum "first aid" kit
• Nursing Pads, Lanolin, Peri Bottle, Tucks Pads, Stool Softener, Super Absorbency Pads, Tylenol
• Keep your feet up as much as possible to help with swelling
• Fill in as much as the baby book as you can now

Don't...

• Put off quality time with your husband
• Once the baby is born, a spontaneous night out just won't happen
• Skip any doctor's appointments
• Stop counting fetal kicks
• Ignore signs for labor
• Quit exercising (But, don't overdo it!)
• Lifting small weights will help prepare your arms for constantly holding a newborn
• Try to drive yourself to the hospital if you think you're in labor
• Listen to negative comments about your size/weight
• Feel free to also ignore the "You look like you're about to pop!" comment from strangers
• Forget to take pictures of yourself
• Forget to set up a list of addresses for birth announcements
• Even better... pre-address the envelopes

"Dad-To-Be" Father's Day Gift Ideas

Let's be honest. Pregnant women get most of the attention and pampering. But, we shouldn't forget about the men that have to deal with our hormonal rants, midnight cravings, and nesting. So, take this Father's Day (June 20, 2010) to show your husband that you appreciate all that he has put up with during your pregnancy by getting, or doing, something special this year.

If you are low on inspiration or creativity, here are some ideas that might work for the soon-to-be dad in your life:

 

• New daddy mug for the coffee he'll need to help get through the sleepy days to come
• Personalized picture frame with an ultrasound picture in it and a promise to update it with a picture of Daddy and Baby
• A fun "Dad" tee-shirt, CafePress has all sorts of designs... you could even design your own!
• Onesies for the baby with phrases such as "I love my Dad" or "My dad rocks"
• Homemade coupon book including coupons such as "Get out of a Diaper Change" (He'll love it for those nasty blow outs you will try to pawn off) "Get out of a night feeding" "Good for one boys night out"
• If he loves to keep his car clean, make him a car cleaning toolkit
• Set up a round of Golf for him and his friends
• A trip to an Arcade, Mini-Golf course, or Movie of his choice before the baby comes
• If he has a gun, get him a gun safe... it will help keep baby safe too
• A new camera or camcorder to capture all the special moments coming up
• A new watch... just make sure it has a second-hand so he can time your contractions
• A new wallet with pictures already inside, including an ultrasound picture
• A new grill if he needs one, or new grill tools
• A manly diaper bag filled with everything he'll need, one he can keep in his car

There are so many ways to show him that you care. Try to think of any hints that he may have dropped. If he's been commenting that he's craving seafood, take him out to dinner. Does he complain about his car being dirty? Surprise him by taking it to get cleaned when he's at work. It's all about the little things in life. You don't have to spend a fortune to honor the daddy-to-be.

Tips for Common Mom-to-Be Frustrations

Deciding on registry items

With so many choices in every area of the baby store, it is very frustrating to decide what to register for. When we created our registry, we were so overwhelmed. I have now learned what is necessary and what is not. Read the Baby Shopping Checklist I prepared. What I found most helpful was talking to my friends that have young children. I also stopped being shy when talking to strangers. If I saw something that looked neat or if I saw a mom pushing her stroller with ease, I had to stop and ask what brand it was and how she liked it. Most moms are more than willing to share their experience with new moms.

Installing the Car Seat

I remember the first time my husband and I installed the infant car seat. We felt like complete idiots. We must have read the instruction manual 5 times in a row and with a confused look on both our faces attempted to properly install the seat. After lots of sweat, we decided to get help. I found a website called seatcheck.org where you can get information on installing car seats as well as finding a place to get inspected. Most hospitals will have a car seat check, as well as some police stations and fire departments. When we took our car (and car seat) to the inspection, we gained so much knowledge and were able to feel confident installing the car seat on our own after we left. Not only did they show us how to install the seat, but also how to position the belts and clips around the baby and how tight they should be. If the car seat is one of your frustrations, take it to a professional. I felt a million times better about the safety of my son once I knew how it all worked.

Breastfeeding

While breastfeeding is natural, it is not easy! I knew that I wanted to breastfeed, but no amount of reading or research prepared me for the actual experience. I asked for help my second day in the hospital, but the lactation consultant couldn't make it to my room before I was discharged. We managed for the first couple days, but my second day home my son had spit up with blood in it. I freaked out, we went to the ER and after they couldn't tell us what was wrong I followed up with the pediatrician. Without getting into grave detail, let's just say that I needed to use Lanolin. The next few weeks weren't any easier. Breastfeeding is very frustrating and lots of learning went on for the first few months. Many calls were made to friends who successfully breastfed and much more time was spent researching and "practicing". Experience was by far the best asset, and by the time my son was 3 months old, we finally had the hang of breastfeeding and it was smooth sailing for the next 9 months.

Figuring out Fact from Fiction

The hardest, and most frustrating, part of a new parent is deciding what is fact and fiction. So, when a family member told me to make a crib bumper really thick so the baby would be protected from hitting her head, I consulted with my pediatrician. When it comes to myths or changes in generational beliefs, your best resource is your pediatrician. There is no one more educated on keeping your baby safe than your pediatrician. Even if you don't agree with your pediatrician 100% of the time, they will tell you straight up what you should do. Then, the hard part, as a parent you have to decide for yourself what you believe.

Adjusting to Changes

With all the changes of a new baby, it is easy to get overwhelmed quickly. So, what is a new mom to do? Well, this mom asked for help! This is very difficult for most new moms; they want to do everything on their own. However, not asking for or accepting help will wear you down so take it when you can. If you have a friend come over to see the baby, ask if she'll stay with him for a few minutes so you can get a refreshing shower. Sometimes you also need to let go of control. This was very difficult for me, my family wanted to help, but I am a slight control freak. The dishwasher must be filled the way that I do it. Well, I had to let some of the control go so I could get help and take care of myself and the baby. Adjusting to all the changes is very frustrating, take a deep breath, ask for and accept help.

Pregnancy Keepsakes

Capturing the Moment

For 40 weeks (give or take) you are carrying a precious life. It is amazing how the body works to create life, but what are some ways to capture that time? No matter how many children you have, each one is special. When you are done having children, or even after you child is born, you will love to have something to look back on and be in awe of the process that took place to give you this beautiful gift of life.

Belly Casting

There are kits you can buy, or you can even find directions online, and create a mold of your belly. If you choose to do this, think of where you will put the mold once it's done. If you want to incorporate it into your nursery design, consider painting the mold with the paint you used in the nursery and hang it on the wall. You could also paint it to match the theme of the room. One fun idea is to use it as a prop when you take baby pictures. Another way to use the belly cast is to decoupage the first year of baby photos onto it.

 

 

 

Maternity Photography

Probably one of the most common methods of documenting pregnancy is photography. There are a couple ways you can do this. I like to take pictures after every doctor's appointment. I write on a chalkboard how many weeks I am and take a picture. At the end, I will put all the pictures together of just my belly and create a timeline photo collage.

Another special way to use photography is to get maternity pictures done professionally. Or, if you have a friend with a good camera, ask them to take pictures too. Depending on your personal preference, you can get pictures done in a studio or opt for a more natural setting like a park or even your back yard.

 

Blogging

Blogging has become a "growing" trend with new moms. (Pun intended) It takes the days of writing in a diary or journal to today's technological standards. Blogging also allows you to share your experiences with others. When I had our son, we lived about 1000 miles away from our family. So, I started blogging as a way to keep everyone up to date. Even now that we live 30 minutes away from our family, I still keep a blog going to update everyone on the happenings in our life. Sometimes we get so busy that it is difficult to call everyone, including aunts and uncles, to share the newest development in our family. But, blogging has created a way to share with everyone at the same time. My cell phone bill has also become a fan of blogging.

 

Scrapbooking

If you love looking at photo albums, scrapbooking takes that to the next level. While you may not put as many pictures in a scrapbook, you get to add in details and your own memories that you can't in just a photo album. You can include information about how you found out you were pregnant and how you shared the news with friends and family. Add pictures and memories about the baby shower and gifts the baby was given. There are so many ways to decorate a scrapbook. If you don't think you are very creative, take the time while you still have it to attend a scrapbooking class.  

 

3D/4D Ultrasounds

In most pregnancies, you will have at least one medical ultrasound done. These are done in 2D. If you are lucky, you will get a lot of pictures from the sonographer. With my first, I only got one. With my second, I got at least 10. If you want to have more pictures of the baby, you can look for a place that does 3D/4D ultrasounds. It is an elective procedure, so most insurance companies won't cover it. But, you will get to see your baby's features before he's born. Most places will also give you a video of the ultrasound as well as pictures on CD, depending on the package you buy. You can then add the pictures to any of the other pregnancy documenting methods.

 

Video Diary

Creating a video diary is a perfect way to combine blogging, scrapbooking, and photography in one. You can talk to the baby and share what you are experiencing that week. If you get lucky, you may even be able to catch the baby moving on video tape. If you only document a few minutes each week, you will still end up with an hour long video to show your baby when he's older, so don't feel like you need to make each entry long.

No matter which method you choose, try to find a way to document the pregnancy that you enjoy. It is a very special time in your life and you will want to have something to look back on and remember. You will forget how large your belly got. You will forget all the amazing feelings of the baby kicking you... or having hiccups. Take the time to capture these moments... pregnancy doesn't last forever.

Summer as a Pregnant Woman

This will be my second time being pregnant during the summer. The only major difference is where I live. With my son I lived in Maine and then Connecticut (Yep, moved while 6 months pregnant). The summer in Maine was wonderful for a pregnant lady... not to mention we lived on the water so there was always a cool breeze coming my way. Connecticut was a bit warmer and we didn't have air conditioning; so I had to figure out ways to stay comfy while growing a human. Now I am in Kentucky, where it is warm and humid and I have a toddler that just wants to be outside playing. So, how have I learned to beat the heat?

Location, location, location

If you live in a cooler climate, consider yourself lucky. Pregnant and hot is not a fun combo. For everyone else, stay in the shade. While the actual air temperature may not differ, staying out of the sun will keep a lot of heat off your body. Even if you love being active and outside, remember to take breaks and sit down to rest for a bit. If you don't have air conditioning, you can always go for a trip to the mall on an especially hot day and "people watch" so you don't spend any money. I have a membership to a local science museum that has a water play area and is air conditioned. So, on the crazy hot and humid days, we will probably make a trip there to stay out of the heat and keep my son entertained!

If you have a little space, also consider a baby pool. I have one for my son and I'll sit under the umbrella with my feet in the water and feel so much cooler without getting all in. I also will be making a few trips to my dad's pool this summer for some cooling off time.  There is no doubt that there are also some water-gun fights in my future! Just remember, if you're outside... slather on the sunscreen! I will also try to go to the splash park at my local Zoo with my husband and son to cool off.

Clothing

Since I just mentioned the great outdoors, let's talk about what to wear. (#1 Sunscreen, I can't say that enough... maybe one day my mom and sister will listen to me.) Shopping for swimsuits is not normally a fun experience for most women. At least, it has never been for me. However, when shopping for a maternity swimsuit, I felt a lot more confident because I knew the reason for my shape was a baby on the way. A few summers ago, I bought two swimsuits that were in the Juniors Dept and I felt great in them. Yes, they were bikinis so I was showing off my big pregnant belly, but I loved it. I was, and still am, very proud of my baby belly and was not afraid to show it off. I did buy a maternity swimsuit too (it was on clearance due to buying late in the season). This one covered my baby belly, but I didn't feel like I was hiding it due to the cut and cling factor. The key to finding a swimsuit is a mindset change. No matter what, your body is beautiful because you are carrying a life inside! You still need to find one you are comfortable in, but don't be afraid to show off that baby belly. Other than swimsuits, find what you're comfortable in during the summer. For me, it's tank tops and Soffe shorts. If you haven't ever worn a pair, they're just cotton shorts (meant for athletes or exercising) and are oh so comfy. Now, before I end up on an episode of What Not To Wear I must add, the Soffes don't leave my tiny, country subdivision. When it's time to venture into the real world, I'll slip on a light summer dress. It's lightweight and will help keep me cool while running around.

 

Treats

There are a few frozen treats that will help you feel cool without the guilt of eating a bowl of ice cream. For the right portion size (and portability) try frozen Go-Gurt (or other brand of yogurt in a tube). Just pop the yogurt out of the freezer and enjoy! My son is also a huge fan of this treat. You can also just freeze juice into molds for a healthy treat. Then, you have wonderful Fla-Vor-Ice popsicles. They come in a few flavors (and there are other brands you can try as well, but I love Fla-Vor-Ice specifically) and are 25 calories or less. The light variety is only 5 calories per pop. They're a yummy, very cooling treat. Since it is summer, there are also lots of fresh and juicy watermelons. There's nothing like sinking into a slice of watermelon to cool you off and keep you hydrated!

Drinks

I remember lying on a hammock while pregnant with my son drinking a smoothie. It's been a few years, so I have perfected my hammock lounging/smoothie drinking capabilities. (The hammock is optional, but I highly recommend it.) The smoothie concoction I've come up with over the years only uses a few ingredients. A few scoops of sherbet, a cup of frozen fruit, and juice. I vary the flavors of everything depending on what I am in the mood for. My favorite is a Raspberry Limeade smoothie. I use raspberry (or lime if you can't find raspberry) sherbet, frozen raspberries, and Simply Limeade juice. The result is a sweet and tangy smoothie that is oh-so-refreshing! You can also blend a lot of juices with ice for a quick frozen drink (Try V-8 V-Fusion, nutritious and yummy). The most important part of being pregnant during the summer is staying hydrated! Always have a glass full of ice-water nearby and you will feel a million times cooler with every sip. Don't forget the straws! I drink so much more water by using a straw.

The best part about the summer is the Fresh air, so go out and enjoy it! But, remember to relax, drink fluids, and stay cool!!

Michelle's Completed Nursery Design

I always thought I would decorate my daughter's room with lots of pink and purple... a very girly room. But, once I started looking online for inspiration I found out that I loved rooms with a little more modern appeal. (My personal favorite is the folks at Young House Love) When I started looking for bedding I found one that I really liked. But, I didn't want to spend too much for bedding, especially when I wouldn't use the bumper and the blanket would probably be too heavy to use for a year. So, I decided I would make the bedding. Off to Jo-Ann Fabrics I went with a print out of my inspiration bedding and fell in love with the fabrics that I would use throughout the room.

In the meantime, my husband was working over 60 hrs a week and also went back to college full-time, so that left no time for any progress to be made on the nursery.  A fairly easy decision was the nursery furniture. We have a "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" mentality, so we went back to Baby's Dream for our furniture. (We love our son's Kathryn Crib and Generation Next Dresser.) There were a few choices we were between, but when we found out we were having a girl, we decided on the Cocoon 4000 Series Crib and 6 drawer dresser in Vanilla. I loved the soft lines of the furniture and the soft white finish. It was shipped so quickly that we had the furniture sitting in the soon to be nursery for a couple months before we were able to put the crib together.

While my husband was still working like crazy, we were able to pick out the low-VOC paint colors for the room. I also made the blankets for the baby. It was my first time ever using blanket binding, but I figured it out pretty quickly. I made two identical blankets because I learned with my first how important it is to have a backup. (They will be rotated frequently for even wear.)

 

Over the next few months, if I found something that went perfectly with the room, I bought it. Thankfully, all for a pretty good price or on sale! Also, thankfully, I don't shop much.

It was finally May. My husband was out of school and finally had a day off! I also had a baby "sprinkle" shower; where the guests wrote a message to the baby and folded the scrapbook paper into origami cranes. I then painted twigs from the back yard and hung the cranes with some fishing line to make a baby mobile!

The week after my "sprinkle" (aka second shower), we painted the nursery. My husband and I accomplished it in a day and I must say the results are better than I expected. The most difficult part was the stripe we painted around the room, we're both perfectionists. Once the room was painted, we assembled the crib (easy peasy!) and then I went to work on the rest of the bedding. First was the bed skirt, all I had to do was measure and hem the fabric. I wanted the stripes to run vertically, but the fabric wasn't long enough to do that on the front side. So, I took some scrap polka dot fabric and added a section to each end to make it work. I then took some hook-and-loop tape that I've had for a few years and attached the bed skirt panels to each side of the crib mattress base. (No-sew directions from Young House Love).

The curtains were just as easy. I showed my husband different ways we could hang the curtains (with clips, tabs, or a pocket). He said he liked the look of the pocket best. Score, no extra hardware needed! So, I measured and hemmed all sides of the curtain panels so they would hang a few inches below the ceiling to the floor. I was able to whip those out in less than 45 minutes!

The only major glitch we hit was when we brought up the desk I had planned on using for a changing table. I now hated it. So, I listed it on Craigslist (sold it within a day to a lady that was ecstatic to buy it) and spent a few hours looking for other possibilities. With no luck online, I went to the Peddlers Mall and struck out again. Then, off to Lowe's we went where we found what would work amazingly. We bought two 9-cube storage units and put them back to back. This created a perfect space for the changing pad with storage galore! We can also pull them apart later once the baby is done using the changing pad. Since there are two, I can keep one in her room and put one in the playroom. Call it serendipity, but there were also fabric bins that matched PERFECTLY to the paper flowers I bought months ago to hang over the changing table.

After almost everything was in the room, I decided we needed some task lighting. With a stroke of genius, I remembered I had two lamps that I had tried (and failed) to sell at a garage sale. So, they came upstairs and at 1am I painted them and covered the lamp shades with leftover fabric using a hot glue gun. (One got dressed in Paisley the other in Polka Dots.) As you can see, it added new life to the plain lamps.

 

 

 

 

 

I also wanted to sprinkle the room with a little pink, just so there was no confusion about who this room was for. I found a bouquet of gerbera daisies at Jo-Anns for a dollar! I painted the inside of a clear glass vase (who doesn't have 50 of those lying around?) and added a little detailing to the outside. I also used more of the room paint to take a cold black frame to an adorable place to put some ultrasound pictures.

My DIYing didn't stop there! I took an old frame, covered it with fabric and hung some ribbon from it to create a place to hold clips and bows near the changing table.

 

Once we decide on a name, the baby's initials will go inside the frame... for now a picture of my husband and I from 10 yrs ago hold its spot.

One of my favorite and most laborious additions to the room is a puzzle my husband and I put together a few months before I became pregnant.  We were hopeful for a girl and had decided it would go in our daughter's room when we had one. I was going to frame the puzzle myself, but puzzles are a very odd size and I could not find a frame that looked as nice as the room. So, I took it to Jo-Ann's (my new favorite place to be) and it was ready in less than a week.

Ahhh, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The room is done... almost. The only thing we're waiting on is a name. Once we figure that out, a friend of mine is going to make letters for the nursery. Other than that, we'll just need the baby! Until then, everyone is starting to investigate the room. The cats and dogs are checking it out; our son brings some toys in there from time to time and plays on the floor. And I just sit in there and take it all in. I am so proud of how the room came together... it is better than I ever could have imagined. I didn't get to decorate a room for my son since we were living in Military Housing, so this has been a very special experience for me. I know this is a room will grow with our little girl.

 

Here's a breakdown of the room: Paint: 1 Gallon Low-VOC Olympic "Lettuce Alone" $15 1 Gallon Low-VOC Olympic "Sarsaparilla" $15 White paint for stripe already owned from previous projects. Storage Table: 2-$49 9-Cube Storage Units from Lowe's, $2.50 for hardware to secure them together Storage Bins: $15 Metal Bin from Tuesday Morning, $6.50 Aqua Basket from Jo-Ann Fabrics, 3 at $8 each Fabric Bins from Lowe's Baby Mobile: $5 for scrapbook paper, wood and fishing line already owned Lamps: Free! Just needed to be painted with already owned paint and shades covered with leftover fabric Mosaic side table: Already owned Glider/Rocker: Already owned Pillow for Rocker: Already owned, just recovered with leftover fabric Throw for Rocker: Baby Shower gift from my mom Curtains: $20 for Fabric (Generously gifted from my mom), $15 for Curtain Rod at Lowe's Bedding: $30... with lots of leftover fabrics too! (Generously gifted from my mom) Crib Sheet: Baby shower gift (Bought 2 more for $6 each) Changing Pad and Cover: $30 from baby store Paper Flowers: 3 at $8.50 each from Jo-Ann Fabrics Bow Holder: Free using items already owned Framed Puzzle: $120 + lots of labor hours

Life After Baby Comes Home

In the previous post I shared with you my birth story of my first born son.  He is now nearly 2 years old, and I'm here to share with you what life is like after the baby arrives in those first few months. You spend nine months thinking about what you need for a baby. However, you will need to also think about how life will change after the baby is home. What once were simple everyday tasks will require a little more time and preparation.

 

Everyday Chores

Once the baby came, I went from being able to take a day to clean the entire house, to having to clean constantly. I wasn't able to take a few hours to do all the laundry. It had to be done in stages, sometimes leaving clean clothes in a pile to fold the next day. Dusting, forget about it. I adopted a "if I don't see it, it's clean" mentality. Between constant feedings, diaper changes, and trying to get some sleep... there wasn't much time to keep my house perfect. I did accept help (grudgingly) when family stayed with us. While I like my dishes to be done a certain way, I had to forfeit my control to be able to get things done. I wasn't the only one who had to adjust though. My husband had to get used to pitching in more when I asked. We had our moments where he just wanted to relax, but as a new mom... you're on 24/7. So, I had to constantly ask for help in the beginning, but eventually he picked up on what needed to be done. (Communication is key) As a new mom, your #1 priority is to take care of the baby. If you need your husband to pitch in more with chores, it's not selfish. You have a big job on your hands that is physically and mentally demanding.

Shopping

I'm not much of a shopper to begin with, so this was a huge adjustment for me. I am an in-and-out kind of girl. But, with a baby you need to plan for a little bit longer of a trip. Even if you fed the baby before you left, by the time you are halfway through the mall or the grocery store it's time to feed again. Or change a diaper. Or soothe the baby. What's that mean? Break time! At the mall I would either go into my car and breastfeed (I'm pretty shy about that) or I would go into the maternity store. They are very pro-breastfeeding and will allow you to have some privacy and use one of their dressing rooms. The best thing you can do when shopping is have a buddy. Whether it's your sister, friend, or spouse you will need someone there to help with the baby so you can shop. Unless you have a miracle baby that really likes shopping and not getting any attention for an hour or more.

Car Rides

What once was enjoyable became very difficult. My husband and I would crank up the music and roll down the windows and just enjoy the drive to where we were going. That ended the day we brought the baby home. Music changed to things our son liked at a much lower volume. Thankfully, I still got to listen to some of my music; our son really liked Paul Simon and Jason Mraz. The windows were rolled up so the car could be kept at the proper temperature. However, the biggest change and the hardest part of car rides, was not being able to DO anything to take care of my baby for 20 minutes. If he was crying, all I could do was sing to try and soothe him. Sometimes it worked, sometimes not. It was very difficult to listen to him cry and not be able to touch him. This is where it also helps to have a buddy. If you can, have your husband or friend drive so you can sit in the back seat and play with the baby or distract him.

Eating Out (or In)

Our "eating out" consisted of going to a restaurant for food... and eating it at home. I would put the baby in the bouncer and rock him with my foot so I could have a few minutes to shovel in food. Having enough time to make food was also a big change. Forget dinners that took many steps or required me to watch something on the stovetop. Meals changed to a lot of pasta dishes and even Hamburger Helpers. The best thing you could do is make food in bulk and freeze some of it. Or, make more than you need and save it for leftovers. What we had for dinner became our lunch for the next day. Eventually, I got back to actual cooking but it took a few months.

Date Night

My husband and I used to watch new movies all the time when they came out. It was one of our favorite things to do together. We watched out last "spontaneous" movie a week before our son came. It took two years before we had another spontaneous date; thanks to my mom who is very flexible and told us to go watch a movie and she'd keep our son. Our ritual of watching movies when they were in theaters was gone and we were lucky if we were able to catch a movie before it went to DVD. I'm sure most new parents are wistful of the days when they could just go away for a weekend or do an impromptu trip somewhere. Some are lucky and have a baby that goes with the flow. But, most kiddos thrive on a schedule... so you will probably adopt one too. Eventually, my husband and I started having date nights in. We would rent a movie, get take out, and have a date at home. If we were lucky, our son would sleep through the entire movie, but if not we could pause the movie and start again once his needs were met. The important thing to remember here is you will need a date night. Fit it in wherever you can, but make time for you and your spouse.

Sleeping

I'm sure most of you heard this already, but you won't get much sleep after the baby is born. Even if you are lucky and your baby is a great sleeper as soon as he comes out, it can change. What most people don't tell you is that as a mom, you will be able to survive on very little sleep. It is amazing and you will only believe it when it happens. While the "sleep when your baby sleeps" method works for most people, I felt like I had no schedule. So, after a few weeks of trying that method I started going to sleep early. I would feed my son and if he wasn't tired, my husband would stay with him for a few hours so I could start sleeping. Then, when it was time for him to eat again, my husband would wake me up; I'd feed him and put him down for the night. Every time he woke up in the middle of the night, I would feed him and put him back down and go back to sleep myself. I would continue doing that until 9 or 10 in the morning. That way I got enough sleep at night and was able to stay up during the day while he took naps; which also helped me accomplish other tasks listed above.

Start thinking about what your rituals are now and prepare for them to change. You will need to figure out how to simplify many tasks, and be prepared to just drop some things all together. Eventually, you will adopt a new "normal", be prepared... nothing will ever be the same again. But, that's a good thing.