Prenatal Yoga Classes Starting Sept. 10th!

I am happy to announce that I will be teaching a weekly prenatal yoga class at Spirithouse Yoga Studio, Oklahoma City.  Prenatal yoga was a game-changer in my pregnancy--it truly helped my muscles and joints, and offered an emotional release.  After studying under my prenatal teacher, Holly Bray, gaining knowledge through my Yoga as Therapy program & teaching prenatal classes at Chesapeake Energy, I am grateful for the opportunity to teach on ongoing class that will hopefully provide a good experience for other women during their pregnancy.

"Prenatal yoga was, hands down, the most important preparation I did for childbirth.  

The practice in focusing on my breath and becoming more aware of

tension in my muscles was extremely helpful in managing contractions during

labor. It was also a nice way to focus each week on slowing down and

attending to my body and my growing baby, I always left session feeling more

connected to my baby. Attending class with other pregnant women is also a

way to connect with other mothers and provides an additional layer of

support during pregnancy."

-Dr. Elizabeth Risch

Pre-natal Yoga provides a supportive and relaxed environment where you can nurture your body, mind and spirit during pregnancy. The yoga postures, breathing techniques, and camaraderie with others can greatly impact the quality of your pregnancy and birth. The class is designed to help strengthen the pelvic muscles, support alignment within the changing body, and encourage a sense of calmness and relaxation.  Spirithouse is offering a weekly class starting Tuesday, Sept. 10th, 11:45-12:45p.  For anyone who is interested in this class, feel free to visit:  www.spirithouseyoga.com

Cheers To A Year!

We have just surpassed a year with our beloved Lelu, and I feel like our year marker really brought on a whole new level of joy.  She's crawling, pulling up, she has four teeth and more coming, she loves books, and she is jabbering more than ever.  Her personality is coming through, she is quite opinionated, smiley and snuggly. She loves waving and blowing kisses.  Her appetite is enormous, and she is quite picky on food.  We started Gymboree, and although she's still in the independent play stage, she is noticing other kids.  She loves songs and hand motions, she is quite animated at her play class.

The best way I have described our last few months is like Winter moving to Spring.  Our newborn phase we "hibernated" in a sense, my body recovered, her body was small and sleepy.  We took things slow, moving through many adjustments, she was learning our house, our smells, our voices, our routines. Now we are in a colorful place--we do more out-of-the-house activities, I am back to more vigorous workouts, she is learning more about new places, family and friends.  It feels like a new energy has taken over, and we are truly enjoying our time with this sweet babe more than ever.  I know people say it only gets better, I truly love this motherhood journey, and thank my lucky stars every day for my amazing daughter.

Four-month Reflection

Lelu just had her four-month doctor's appointment on Friday, and I feel like our visits always serve as a mark of some sort.  Our doctor always goes over what's "normal" for her age, and what phases to anticipate next.  It's amazing how time can fly so fast with a child.  They change so quickly, and just when you feel like you have one stage down, the next one sweeps in.  But these are all words from my last entry, I suppose I just can't completely wrap my head around the growth process.

So here we are at four months, and I thought I'd blog about what stands out the most as I look back on our time...

• Cloth diapering is the easiest thing, and if you are considering it, REGISTER for diapers!  I cannot express how amazing it has been to not have to pay for diapers.  I watch my friends go through stacks of disposables, and I know they aren't cheap.  It is estimated that cloth diapering is one-tenth the cost from start to finish...that is a huge chunk of change! Spend it on education, books, travel...all the areas that extra money could go.  Many moms worry about the laundry factor--I'm guessing most moms do a load per day, or every couple days...why not throw in some diapers?  The hardest (most overwhelming) part is getting started, but there are a million resources to help.  Once you get past the legwork, it's all downhill from there. 

• Co-sleeping is nothing to be shamed out of.  It is indeed a luxury to have homes with separate rooms, carefully decorated nurseries, cribs, bassinets, swings.  At the beginning of time, where do you think babies slept?  Definitely not in the cave next door for the Saber Tooth Tiger to find! In fact, most of the world population sleeps with their babies.  But when it's mentioned in our society, it is frowned upon.  It is worth reading Dr. Sears' take on the issue, he encourages co-sleeping up until around 2 years and elaborates how it is good in regulating baby's breathing, heart rate, and even temperature.  *It's also worth noting that most sober moms will not roll onto their babies.  Although early co-sleeping may not be for all parents, know that you're validated if it is for you, and there is some good research supporting snuggling up with your baby at night.

• I keep having this reoccurring thought that we're humans--not machines.  You hear so often how babies "ought to" be, what schedule they should be on, what stage they should move into.  It is always helpful to have an idea of what phase your child is in, but I think it is also important to remember that we are organic beings.  Learning to listen & tune into to Lelu has been extremely helfpul--understanding her hunger cues, tired behavior, or signs of discomfort help me navigate on how to help care for her.  Granted, it can often be a guessing game, but loosing the expectations of where we "ought to" as a mom and baby is liberating.  We are continuously moving into a new phase--whether it's sleeping in her room or solid foods, but we're taking it at a steady and natural pace, giving space and breathing room to transition.  Through all of our amazing advice, resources, tools, and support--we ultimately have to find the right routine and groove for us.

• Babies are amazing because they literally are the basics of life.  They don't know if they're wearing Goodwill clothes verses designer, riding in an Escalade verses an old beat-up truck, or playing with an old toy verses new.  Babies respond to the most important things we have--our smiles, soft voices, and the time we spend with them.  Quoting the Beatles, "All you need is love," along with some milk and a bit of warmth--a baby is genuinely happy.  How much we can learn from these little creatures, we get so caught up in "stuff" so often, it is a reminder that we actually need very little to survive.  Stuff isn't the happiness of life--connecting with others is, and we are born into this world knowing it.

Just a few thoughts and reflections to take or leave, but wishing everyone a wonderful Fall as we move into the holiday season.  One of my favorite anticipations--Lelu's first Christmas!

 

Cloth Diapering Vlogs

I am proud to say I have become more familiar with my video editing and was able to improve my first Vlog...hopefully it's not as boring!  If you are interested in cloth diapering, there are three Vlogs below that give insight to how we got started.  Enjoy!

New Seasons...

“Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.” –Ray Lindquist

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, but I must say time takes on a whole different meaning once you have a child.  Lelu is 15-weeks old today, and I’m not sure where that time has gone.  People say it only continues to go faster the older they get.  I’m not feeling sad or nostalgic just just quite yet, but it’s as if I’m just about to catch my breath…and then she reaches a new stage.  It’s when I think teething or solid foods are worlds away, the time creeps up on you…as if someone startled you from around the corner saying, “You weren’t ready for chew toys or the Baby Bullet yet, huh! Well, ha!  Joke’s on you, they don’t stay newborns forever.”

I know they can’t stay small, and I have come to the understanding that time moves so quickly because babies are constantly changing…reflecting the true reality of aging.  But I will say it’s amazing to watch Lelu begin to discover her toes, find herself in the mirror, and let out small giggles.  It’s okay that she’s not a newborn forever, each stage is priceless in it’s own essence.

My husband has been teasing me about being ultra-sensitive to violent movies or TV.  And it’s true, I can’t quite stomach the twisted acts of Dexter’s Doomsday Killer like I would have been able to pre-Lelu.  I do feel ultra-sensitive to life in general--reflecting on a daily basis the science behind babies, & watching in amazement as this miraculous little creature moves and operates.  It may be I’m a bit more sensitive to life because I just gave life 15-weeks ago, and it’s the most precious one I’ve ever witnessed.

So as the Fall weather moves in, and summer has expired, Lelu moves into a baby stage from being a newborn.  A new season of life for this little one who is just beginning.  Meanwhile, I am in an uncharted motherhood role learning to embrace the new and cherishing what has passed, as this beautiful baby grows into her own person each day.

Cheers,

Jenn

Little Lelu Photo & Film

We are so blessed to have talented and gracious artists as our close friends and family.  I am thrilled to show off our newborn photos, taken by Laren Easley, and keepsake video done by Ashley Grinols.   Both of these ladies are amazing in their craft and are loving spirits to be around and work with.  They are can be found on Facebook and available to shoot pictures and/or videos separately or together.  I hope you enjoy!

Newborn: These are a few of my favorite things...

Previously on my blog, I listed some registry items that other moms had recommended.  Now it's time for me to post my favorite things and what we have been using most during the newborn phase.  The pricing/store isn't necessarily a recommendation of where to buy these things, I just included the information to give a general price.  Also, I look forward to posting more of my favorite things as we continue to move through new stages, here's where we are at 6-weeks!

The Boppy Newborn Lounger

(Target $29)

This has been one of our very favorite items when it comes to baby gear.  It is easy to move around the house, I've used it in the kitchen while I'm fixing lunch, or the bathroom while I'm running bath water.  For all of you co-sleepers, we were able to put it in our bed during the first week to set her above us.  I continue to set it in her bassinet to add some extra cushion.

The Boppy Nursing Pillow

($26.99 Babies R Us / $10.99 Slipcover)

A friend of mine passed hers onto me a few weeks after Lelu was born, and it has made a world of difference with nursing.  It supports your back and arms, while giving baby a bit more comfort too!

Hooter Hider

(Amazon.com $24.34)

This has been a must-have when it comes to nursing in public. It allows air to flow while keeping the privacy.  I found mine at a baby consignment store for $10 (Upsie Daizy, OKC), but it's definitely worth the full price if you are a mom that is out and about.

Summer Infant Deluxe Baby Bather

($15.99 Target)

I nabbed this seat just last week right before Lelu reached five weeks.  It folds up (with a little difficulty) but is easy to transport and store.  I have used it in the bathtub, shower, and poolside. Very versatile!

Aden and Anais (Bamboo) Swaddles

($39.95 for three at Amazon)

Several moms recommended these swaddle blankets, and there is a huge difference between the regular ones and the bamboo.  We like both, but if you are able to spend a little extra, the bamboo material is ultra soft for baby!

Kiddopotamus Snuzzler

($11.90 Amazon)

This is a bit of a luxury item, but has been really nice with our 6 lb. baby.  It gives her head and entire body extra support in her infant seat.

Cloud B Sleep Sheep

($26.69 Target)

I've talked to other moms who concur that sleep sounds is a helpful way to soothe a baby.  We love our sleep sheep because it can snuggle close and has a few different sounds to choose from.

One a side note:  The Sleep Stream 2 Iphone app has been a good one to use on the bedside table!

Fisher Price Nature's Touch Swing

By the third week, Lelu loved her swing.  It continues to keep her occupied for a few hours, a nice break!  My sister-in-law passed ours onto us, and if possible, I think it's a good option to borrow a swing, buy a used one (Upsie Daizy), or get it handed down.  It's a short-lived phase, but a good one at that!

Hotsling Baby Sling

A friend of mine gave me this sling, and we use it all of the time.  However, I'm not sure the differences in brands, this one works just fine for us.  Slings are another item that I would recommend borrowing, getting a hand-me-down, or buying used--only because not all moms and babies don't prefer them.

Okkatots Backpack Diaper Bag

($79.99 Amazon)

One of my mom friends recommended a back pack diaper back, and I second her recommendation!  We registered for this one, and absolutely love the hands-free aspect and compartments.  It comes with a travel fold-out diaper changing pad, which I have used frequently.  I would say you could probably use any back pack, it wouldn't have all of the organizational pockets, but would work just the same!

Hygeia Breast Pump

($229.95 Amazon)

I registered for this at the Green Bambino, and it has worked very well for me.  I was informed that it has less mold issues than some other breast pump brands and is more conducive to passing along to another person.  After talking to another mom who breastfed her baby for a year, she said she wishes she would have invested in a new pump.  Other moms I've visited with who breastfeed for a shorter amount of time were fine with borrowing or buying used.

Munchkin Bottle Warmer

(Amazon $29.99)

This bottle warmer has worked great for us, here's a tidbit of information to consider:

"When you're ready to feed your baby, you can warm a bottle in a bowl of warm - not hot or boiling - water, or by running it under the tap. You can also buy a bottle warmer designed for this purpose.  Never use a microwave to heat a bottle of breast milk or formula. Since a microwave oven heats unevenly, it can create hot pockets, leading to burns. It can also cause nutrients to break down." -BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board

Gilligan & O'Malley Nursing Bra

($22.00 for two at Target)

If you're nursing, it is extremely beneficial to have nursing tanks and bras available to wear.  These are some of my favorite items I found at Target, they have been great for the summer and come in various colors.

Breast Feeding Bra

($26.21-$33.99 Amazon)

So it looks really strange, and feels just as freaky, but this bra is worth every awkward moment in it.  It is really hard to double pump while holding the bottles, and this bra works wonders.