August 23, 2012

Next Time

I've debated writing this post for weeks now because I don't want to send out the wrong impression, this is NOT a pregnancy announcement post.  I can assure you of that.  Hopefully such a post will come very soon.
Now that that's out of the way....these are a few things I think about when it comes to Baby Dew #2.  
  • I think I'll give breastfeeding a try.  If you've been a long time reader you may remember my bottle vs. breast post when I was pregnant with Kendall.  In that post I had said that if I were a SAHM I might have tried it, well fast forward 2 years. I'm a SAHM now and really there's no reason not to try it out and see if I like it. If not, no biggie, we'll proceed with formula just like we did with KP.  I do not regret my decision to formula feed Kendall one bit, don't get me wrong.  She was a great eater, never, ever spit up, ate on a pretty decent schedule and the late night feedings would be just that, she'd eat and immediately go back to bed.  So we'll see, just something I'd like to do next time around.
  • Two words, aden+anais.  I know these swaddle blankets existed when Kendall was born but there was no way you were going to convince me that $40 for receiving/swaddle blankets was justifiable.  Well, my friends, I have witnessed far too many blog moms brag about these adorable, lightweight and super cute blankets long enough.  I had the pleasure of trying them out with my BFF's new baby girl and I was instantly sold.  Even Jimmy commented on how huge and soft they were.  Definitely investing in at least one pack next time around.  You're welcome Baby Dew #2.
  • Baby wearing will return.  We used the Moby wrap with Kendall because it was the popular carrier in 2010.  She seemed so snug and secure in it, I loved that she was so close to me, and once I tied it one time it was a breeze every time after.  I noticed that the Ergo seems to be the carrier of choice these days but I don't think we'll stray from our Moby.  It treated us good the first time, so why mess with a perfectly good thing.
  • Double strollers.  I mean are they really necessary?  Kendall pretty much hates strollers, carts, wagons, or any other contraption that confines her. She's never been a huge stroller lover, even when she was in her infant seat.  I think IF we'd get anything it'd be one of those sit & stand thingys. I think I could convince KP that the stand part is cool!big!girl!fun! no?
  •  I will elect for a c-section again.  When I was discharged after KP was born the doctor informed me that VBAC would be possible next time.  I remember being all, "hell to the no!" then and I still feel that way now.  I had an amazing experience with a c-section when Kendall was born and if we're being honest {which we always are in these parts} the thought of a VBAC scares the bejesus out of me.  True story.
  • The return of Tummy Tuesday.  I'll do the weekly {or so I say now} posts but this time there will be NO bare belly pics.  I look back at my Tummy Tuesday posts with KP and cringe, why did I think the bare belly look was acceptable?  I also blame Pinterest for providing such cute ideas for updating that don't involve lifting up your shirt.
  • I will snuggle and soak up the babiness as much as possible because I know how fast it goes. I wish I would have listened to that age old saying, "The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
    for children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.  So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.  I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep" a little bit closer when Kendall was smaller.
So yeah.  Baby Dew #2, that's the plan.  Subject to change, of course.

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39 comments:

  1. My daughter hates to be confined to a stroller/wagon (anything) too. We have fell in love with the Joovy Ultralight sit and stand. It is probably the 15th stroller we have purchased and it will be the last.

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  2. Hurry up and get Dew baby #2 in the oven so that we can have some play dates next summer because Sommer baby #2 is due in March! This is not FB news yet, so shhhh!!

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  3. you don't like my bare belly photos? since now I have a belly w/a shirt, I dont think I will expose mine either. I'm so stinkin excited. Go make a baby.

    double strollers...the only one I had (sold it b/c neither will ride now) was my BOB. I needed to run; they were little, it worked. this time we will get a sit/stand and. I have to have something...I can't have 2 kids running and me pushing a stroller. I LOVE my moby and will use it a gain. I had an ergo...sold it. give me the moby.

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  4. Cant wait to hear the BIG news, have fun!

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  5. My one year old hates strollers too so usually we just let him push the stroller/cart/etc... because it keeps him entertained and he'll literally push the thing around for an hour before he'll get bored. Unless I'm in a hurry - then it's usually a full-force fit, but whatevs.

    Breastfeeding is fun - or so I hear. I will say that pumping exclusively because your son won't take to the breast is NOT fun. Still, I think I'll try again with our 2nd.

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  6. Eek! So excited for Baby Dew # 2!

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  7. This is sweet...you need to get Baby #2 cookin'!

    I think belly photos vary per person.

    I actually love to see them documented because it's fun to see how totally different women can look. It's also a reality slap of BUMP IN YO' FACE, ps this is what happens to your body, instead of zillions of maxi dresses and belts over bumps. So, rock it if you got it girl.

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  8. Squee. I hope this happens so soon for you friend! also? double strollers SUCK when you have a gargantuan toddler. I think we're going to add the baby trend sit and stand to the rotation. I'm pretty sure we can convince the kids that STANDING and RIDING! is SUPER COOL! Right? RIGHT?!!!

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  9. I have all these grand ideas of what I'm going to do when Connor arrives. In the end, I just want to have a happy, healthy baby and my sanity. I've been torn on breastfeeding for a while now but have decided to give it a shot. If it's not for us, then so be it. It won't make me less of a Mom, you know?

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  10. No double stroller for us either. I think we used our umbrella stroller a total of 2 times, both for vacations when Connor was 1. The BOB was our go to from the beginning using the infant seat adapter. Connor HATES the stroller now too and would rather walk. He doesn't even want to ride in our wagon on walks at night!

    Glad to hear you will give breastfeeding a try. I am not for one side or another but it was just so easy and convenient with Connor. Hopefully the same goes with this one but every baby is different so who knows! Once he was diagnosed with his milk sensitivity, we couldn't afford the Alimentum formula. $27 for 3 day supply? Sheesh. Once he was on solid foods and eating less formula then I switched to it and we ordered it off eBay of all places.

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  11. When I was home on maternity leave, I pumped as much as I could. Once I went back to work, forget about it. Getting 2 10 minute breaks a day= no way. I was so upset when I only made it 3.5 months, but you know what- my daughter is perfectly fine now. I know if I were a SAHM it's something I would have put more time into, being that I have the time.

    Def not a fan of bare belly pics. I just think people look better with clothes on, lol.

    And I have heard so much about those swaddle blankets. My daughter hated swaddling, so we didn't buy any. Hopefully baby #2 will.

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  12. Aw how exciting on baby number two!!!! I am still on the fence about having one kid, I can't imagine what my life would be like!!

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  13. I had no idea until my fourth child about the swaddle blankets. So glad I had some.. Love them!

    I would say a double stroller would be great if Kendall would willing sit in it. :) Otherwise not worth it.

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  14. Hopefully you'll get to announce some exciting baby news soon!

    I do both...breastfeed and bottle/formula feed. I personally prefer breastfeeing, yes it hurts like mutha at first but for me at least that didn't last long so I think if you're up for it give it a shot and see how it goes. Obviously if it doesn't work out or you don't like it you know formula will work just as well. You may be surprised and end up loving it.

    I had a csection with my first (horrible experience for me)and I have no idea what I will do next time. I really dread another Csection but VBACS also scare me. Can't they come up with a third way to get the baby out???

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  15. The only double stroller we got was the sit and stand. My oldest refused to be strapped in by the time the baby was born, so this was really our only choice!

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  16. Alright. There's something about the beach that gets the dads on board for baby #2. Last August, I went on a beach vaycay with HSBF, her hubby and son. He'd been staunch on the only child game until he saw the fun that his son would have with siblings and family. Now? Baby #2 is due next month. BOOM. BEACH BABY.

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  17. Good luck! Can't wait for the announcement. Word to the wise- Buy Buy Baby carries the Aden swaddlers. I just bought some for my SIL and they were $34 for 4 and I got $12 off in coupons!! Holla ;-)

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  18. I have been debating on a post very similar! And I agree 100% on the csection, I was very against it while I was pregnant but after 26 hours of labor & some issues it became a must, my recovery was amazing & I would do it again without batting an eye.

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  19. I can't wait. That is all. :)

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  20. I love reading your thoughts! I hope you can offer these wise words and products when I get preggos haahah which will NOT be for a while. so yes please remember. ;)

    KP is just adorable.

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  21. I am scared half to death of a vbac and a c-section doesnt sound much more appealing either :/

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  22. I hope we are pregnant at the same time!!! I've been wondering the same thing about double strollers. My friend is spending like $400 on some nice double because she swears she uses her stroller all the time.

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  23. Awwww! How fun :-) About the breastfeeding...I'm gonna be straight with you because I was clueless & therefore I gave up within 6 weeks with my first and didn't even try with my 2nd...it hurts...A LOT. I stuck with it with babies #3 & #4, and I can now testify that if you can get through those first couple SUPER painful months, it gets better & is so much easier than bottles. My advice would be to: take Motrin in the beginning, use Lansinoh religiously, and DO NOT fret about how much milk the baby is getting. Plus there is always the chance that you'll be lucky & it won't be painful for you!

    You'll have so much fun with 2 babies :-)

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  24. I love this. KP is a doll. Y'all clearly make BEAUTIFUL babies!

    Xo,
    Kenz

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  25. Always exciting adding to your family!! I'm due with baby #2 in October and as far as double strollers go....I'm considering the sit and stand option too. All the other ones my daughter (4) wouldn't last weight wise for very long much less the cost. I breast feed my first daughter till she turned 1. It's definitely a process for both mom and baby but for us it worked out pretty well. I will also be breast feeding my second baby :-) swaddling blankets, my daughter never took to them o I gave up. I've heard it does wonders so I'm going to try again with this baby :-)

    Overall wishing you the best!!!!!

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  26. Those aden+anais wraps are the absolute greatest thing since sliced bread. I'm also a huge fan of the Moby.

    Gawd I love living vicariously through others who are planning and getting pregnant. :)

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  27. I love this post Shannon! And I agree with the a+a - I had one little sleep sack and loved it. I too wish I had just splurged for the swaddling blankets because I loved to swaddle Rhys and the majority of those sucked.

    Sending nothing but positive baby #2 wishes and vibes your way. I hope that for you (and me?!?) that we can hit the lottery twice! :)

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  28. This is a great list! And yeah the A&A stuff is ridiculously priced but omg it's amazing!!

    On a completely unrelated note...So, I remember when you left work and weren't sure how things would pan out. Well, I'm wondering how you and Jimmy have made it work. I'd love to stay home but as it stands our finances don't seem to support that idea. I'd love your insight on how y'all made it work :)

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  29. eeep! well, breastfeeding is the hardest easiest thing ever. If that makes sense. Seriously. There is nothing easier than popping your boob out when your kid is hungry, versus going to the kitchen, getting a bottle, mixing it, etc. Serrrriously. (And I did do formula for one month with Em.) I hope it works for you and I actually hope you end up really liking the ease of it. But no pressure.

    Also, the reason I feel like a double of SOME KIND is necessary is because when you are out alone? And responsible for two bodies? Holy canoli--you want your kids strapped in, somehow, someway, where you know no one getting hit by a car. Even if its just to get IN THE DOOR at the zoo, etc. You know?

    So the cheap sit n stands may be a good option for you.

    and AA blankets...obsessed, all we use, really! there is nothing softer than the bamboo ones, either. holy crap, everyone comments on the softness!

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  30. One last thing. Washing bottles sucks hardcore. It's so annoying. I think I have washed one bottle in almost 4 weeks, so there's another breastfeeding perk. (But I loathe dishes...hehe)

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  31. I still can't believe that you are really trying for baby Dew #2!!! But I am so excited for you and I can't wait to read that post!!! Maybe one day A and I will follow suit, but for now, we're pretty content! Have fun trying!!! Hopefully Aunt Flo calls and says she can't make it next month!!

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  32. Prayers that these baby #2 "to-do's" happen soon for your family!

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  33. I love my sit & stand. I have an attachment to my Bugaboo, so I didn't even need to buy a new stroller!

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  34. AHHH! Your post a while back about only wanting one baby made me feel vindicated about only having one. Of course, I have been torn about the whole issue as well and, coming from a larger family, can't imagine Annie not having siblings. Husband is not so much on board yet. If I could stay home and we wouldn't be bankrupt, that would be ideal! Good luck and have fun trying!

    As for the breastfeeding, I loved it. Annie was a natural and I had almost no pain. As someone else said, you can't use enough lansinoh and just be patient. If you can get through the first week, you should be golden. I will say that while I loved BF-ing, I HATED pumping. If we could have removed pumping from the equation, I would have done it much longer.

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  35. Ooooooh I can't wait for a Baby Dew #2....hopefully sooner rather than later, it will have a blog cousin for this Little Home :)

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  36. I'm on baby #2 and was wanting to give breast feeding a try this time too.. I was also a working mom and now a sahm so I thought time to give it a try. Well I've had so many issues I'm about ready to give up. Good for you for being one of the moms out there who don't get judgmental when it comes to bottle feeding! There's so much mommy judgy-ness out there that it's hard to not let it get to you.

    Oh and I have the Moby wrap but can't figure the dang thing out!

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  37. I used the moby almost daily with Eva, and loved it too. I did buy an ergo this time and just last week I put on the moby again, just for a change and WHOA - I thought I loved the moby? It's like I didn't know what i was missing. I seriously recommend trying the ergo if you have a chance ... when you have a toddler AND newborn, it just seems SO much better to me.

    Also, I have used my double stroller like .. 4 times in 2 months. So, I'm not sure how much I'll be needing it. Truth it, now with 2 kids (plus moving farther away from the city), things like going to the mall to kill time etcc just don't happen. But then I think, if I didn't have it, what would I do when we go to the zoo or petting zoo or something? I am happy that my double can be a true double OR a sit and stand, though.

    Also, if you do try breastfeeding next time around, I solemnly swear to be your personal boobie cheerleader.

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  38. well this is exciting! I cant wait for a 2nd. I miss the baby stage, but I also know 2 is it, so I like knowing I have that to look forward to :) Whatever you decide, but if you ever have any bf'ing questions- feel free to ask :) I have gathered a lot of info over the past 17 months and we are still going strong. I have a moby and ergo..they both are complicated for me to get on! But no one else seems to have any issues with them.

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