Life hacks- four month old edition

Tater tot is having a tough time with naps lately. Life is just to fun to observe.  Today's afternoon nap success is brought to you by a stretchy wrap and a wubbanub. The morning nap was brought on by a LONG walk to the Starbucks and back. 

Here's to you, fellow teacher moms.

To the women who go back to teaching after baby:

Pumping during your precious plan periods

Thinking of your LO while you see their faces in the children of others

Maintaining your composure with THAT KID even though you were up at 3 and 5 am. 

Crying with the other teacher who was there last year. 

We've got this. We teach because we have all those other kids. That class who gives us those same feelings as our own babies. 

Life savers

It is no secret I love things that save me time and/or money.  I have discovered two things that make being a working mom/grad student a little easier. 

Who likes cutting baby's nails? Anyone? Anyone? 

Yeah didn't think so. That tiny plastic surrounded baby nail trimmer never seems effective and big trimmers won't do. I have discovered that my cuticle trimmer works wonderful. I can see what I am doing and the sideways approach is a little less awkward. 

Bumble and bumble hair powder

This product has saved me so many times. I can skip washing my hair and still look like a professional at work. It is a little pricier than the spray dry shampo but it lasts forever and smells super good. Bonus for summer travel- not an aerosol to worry about on airplanes

End of Leave

Today was the last day of my maternity leave. 

First, I am ashamed with our country for not having paid maternity leave the way EVERYWHERE ELSE does. But, that is a different rant for a different day. 

I am incredibly lucky because I am a teacher and was able to bank sick days to help pay for leave and will have the summer free. 

I go back to work for 12 days. 12 days then summer break. (Autocorrect just changed summer to dumber. Totally perfect for all the forgetting students do)

To prepare myself, DH, and Tater Tot, I set up a Blue Apron delivery to take care of a few dinner preps and stocked up on dry shampoo powder.  I am partial to the one from Bumble and Bumble. It makes me feel a little cleaner and smells nice. My clothes are hanging in outfits to lessen the morning scramble to get dressed. 

Wish me luck. 

Why the baby needs a bath

Today marks the beginning of the end of my maternity leave. I am excited to go back to work and also terrified to leave Tater Tot during the day. She has fabulous caretakers. There is no logical reason to worry. 

Why do I worry? #1 because it is my nature #2 my nephew. 5 years ago, we lost my nephew to SIDS just mere hours after I babysat him. There is a deep, ingrained fear that if I stop watching her, she will stop breathing and that will be it. 

Other mamas, have you dealt with this? Being practically unable to look away out of fear? 

I have one final week left before I head back to the classroom for the final three weeks of school. I keep reminding myself that I will have all summer break (minus grad school) to have our long snuggles and babble sessions. 

Now to wash the baby. Tater Tot got some lukewarm vanilla latte on her head. Nursing and drinking coffee simultaneously is not for the uncoordinated. 

Introducing Tater Tot

Here she is! Our little Tater Tot made her arrival on March 9th. We are healthy and mostly happy. After getting ourselves established, Mommy is getting back to walking and running with our new trusty jog stroller. 

Excited to blog our new adventures  in running, cooking, babywearing, and singing out loud!

Road trip with baby

A road trip is always an adventure. Occasionally stressful and always full of unexpected turns. Being a type A person, I packed everything I thought Tater Tot would need for the six days away from home and Daddy. 

One of my cousins is getting married in Savannah, Georgia. It is a 15 hour drive from Chicago so we needed to be prepared. DH couldn't take time off of work so, we rode in a 2 car caravan with my parents, brother, and sister-in-law. 

Because we cloth diaper at home, I had to estimate the amount of disposable diapers we would need. One bag packed was just diapers and wipes. Sorry fluff lovers, I am not taking those with on a road trip with family. With no sure way to wash them and carrying around dirties while out and about, it was too much to manage. I ended up with a a package and a half of Honest company dipes and a package of disposable inserts for the Flip covers we have. 

Other essentials included lots of sleepers and the trusty Wubbanub. Tater Tot is EBF.  Minus the 1-2 bottles she gets when I'm at grad school on Thursday nights, she also doesn't have much time on a fake nipple. The Wubbanub keeps her just satisfied enough during elevation changes to feel better because she can't get out of the car seat. 

So far, 13 of our 15 hours driving is done and Tater Tot is ok with the drive. Here we come wedding in Savannah, GA!

why yes, I am avoiding you.

As a third trimester pregnant lady, the holidays are not the best. People want to take your picture, ask you questions, and you just want to eat all the food. After trolling the internet for all the other lists, here is my list of living through holiday time while huge.

1. I don't want to talk to you. 

I have answered the same four questions so many times. Yes, it is a girl. No, we haven't finalized a name. Yes, I am carrying very low. Please do not tell me "Oh, just wait until the baby gets here."

2. Please don't take my picture.

I am the largest I have ever been. I do not think I am cute, pretty, glowing, or anything else positive.  My self-image right now is one of a truck with the WIDE LOAD sign. 

3. I am hungry

Please feed me. That holiday spread waiting for guests to share, it is mine, all mine.  

4. I have heartburn

TUMS are my best friend. That odd face I am making. It is probably reflux again. 

5. I'm tired

Just excuse me while I take a nap. 

6. If I am not liking how I feel, please don't tell me how much worse it could be.

Yes, lots of people have been through what I am going through. They are not me, until I can jump in their brains and feel their feelings I can't compare. 

7. Yes, I can smell you. You smell bad. 

It doesn't matter if you are freshly showered and brushed your teeth a minute ago.  Body odor makes me feel sick. Too much cologne or perfume makes me feel sick. 

8. Maternity coats should be free

When I surpassed squeezing in my husband's coat I started to layer light coats because I didn't want to spend over $100 for a coat that will be worn for two months.