7 Months

Today my son is 7 months old. The time has flown by but at the same time, the nights drag. He's a little monster crawling and pulling himself up on everything. He's also become very whiny and clingy, is that normal? He's with me 24/7 so I figure that's normal considering the circumstances but I'm hoping he outgrows it very soon! I have a hard time getting used to the new Graig. He's mobile, stays up longer hours, whines, throws tantrums, etc. He was the happiest baby always laughing and smiling. Now it's like a short window of the day he'll be like that. Well for me that is, he's a flirt with all the ladies. He's also really uneasy about new people. Some of the people aren't even "new". He stares at his grandparents like they have 10 heads. He's very different. I'm a first time mom though and from talking to friends who have babies around the same age they're all going through it now. For people who have kids, when did your child grow out of this stage? How long does it last? And how much worse are the terrible twos?

Infants being potty trained?!

I came across a womans blog where she was sharing how shes trying to get her 7 month old to use one of those portable potty training toilets. Is it just me or is that the craziest thing you've ever heard?! I don't know when Graigs about to go to the bathroom and when I do it's too late! And there's no way in hell he'd sit there until he went. Did you try this or have you heard of it before?

Binkies AKA Pacifiers

How the hell do you go from 100 binkies to 2? I just bought 2 packs (2 per pack) and am down to 1 pacifier. I don't know what my son does with his pacifiers! The last 3 I've given him are when he's been laying down in his playpen and I can't find them in there. I know when he's in his crib he spits/throws them over the side but I can't find them anywhere near the playpen! Anyone else have that problem? Also does your kid like to bend the nipple and put like half the pacifier in their mouth and chew on it? Drives me nuts..

Teen Mom 2

I know I’m not the only sucker for reality TV but do you watch watch Teen Mom 2? First off I still want to see what happens with the original teen moms! Are they getting their own show or what?! But I feel AWFUL for Leah and Corey. Watching all the medical problems their daughter is having breaks my heart. And Chelsea just pisses me off, she truly acts her age. You’d think her daughter would make her grow up but nope. And Jenelle is always stoned and I’m pretty sure her boyfriend is a creeper. But anyways, back to what I was saying.. I couldn’t imagine having a baby with any medical needs. I cry watching Leah cry and I can’t even fathom anything happening to Graig or if he was born with any problems. That’s gotta be the hardest thing ever sitting there watching your child not be able to speak or do anything and not know what’s going on and you just want to save her from any pain yet you can’t. I think I’m pretty strong but that takes a whole other level of strength and I think she is an amazing mom and an amazing woman.

Babyproofing

What did you do for baby-proofing? I am CLUELESS about baby-proofing! I think I do one thing right and he finds another thing to pull on or play with! I never thought the day would come this soon but I’m beginning to learn you cant have enough baby proofing items. I know a lot of kids climb out of their cribs but is there anyway to prevent it? His crib is lowered and he still is trying to climb out and one of these days he’s going to get it. I’m considering buying a “crib tent” that goes up over the crib so they cant climb out but I’m not sure how they work and how you even put the baby IN the crib with that thing up! So please please pleaseeeeee share stories, thoughts and advice because the last thing I want is for him to climb out and get hurt!

"The End Justifies the Mean"

I was watching Dr Phil on Thursday and there were 3 guys my age having as much sex as they could with whatever girls let them and having unprotected sex. It was disgusting! But Dr Phil put them in a house and made them realize what it’d be like to be a father and how expensive it is. He also made them watch a birthing video and all. It changed their outlook and one even said he couldn’t imagine doing that to a girl and ruining her future. It was amazing to me that a guy even said that. A 21 year old guy realized he was being irresponsible and realized what the outcome could be. It made me wonder how my ex looks at the situation. He’s been out having unprotected sex with all these girls and doesn’t care about the outcome. He got me pregnant a year before he got me pregnant for a second time. He got his current girlfriend pregnant twice also. She’s gotten an abortion both times, I decided not to after having one prior. I faced my actions and accepted the responsibility. As much as it did put a damper on things for the future, It’s given me more drive than ever. I worked up until I was 9 months pregnant and am currently trying to figure out my situation baby sitting wise and what days work best before I go back to work. I was lucky enough to get to stay home for the last 7 months but I can’t wait to go back to work, even part time. I want to go back to school either for teaching or meteorology. I just want to do so much and I want to accomplish things before Graig’s old enough to realize. His father doesn’t work and hasn’t a day in his life, is a college dropout, and just has NO drive. And I don’t think he’ll ever even think twice about what he’s done to my life. I learned a lot spending 2 years in a mentally and physically abusive relationship, and being cheated on and just being drawn to that dysfunction. It took me getting pregnant and deciding to keep the baby that made me leave and get on with my life. It took me being in charge of another life to work up the nerve to leave and never look back. I will always hate my ex as a person, but I’m grateful for the life lessons and obviously grateful for my son. I’m stronger now than I ever could be and he can’t take anything away from me. He can never take away the bond my son and I have, the lessons I’ve learned, and the happiness I have found. I’ll never be caught up on sleep or be able to do whatever I want like him, and he will never know what its like to be a parent or to have responsibility like me. He gives me a measly $300 a month. I don’t think he realizes how expensive a baby is.
    I went to family court and filed for sole custody and an order of protection and I’m yet to hear anything. I dread going to court because I’m afraid some judge will give him any sort of rights! I filed now while he’s all drugged up and just got in trouble for his 2nd DWI and drug possession charge and head butted a state trooper. Hopefully things work to my benefit and then I will go for child support to get more money. It just bothers me here I am without a car, an education, a job and he gets EVERYTHING handed to him and has no worries in the world. Life is just one big party to him. While I have to bust my butt and save every penny to get the things I have. I believe in karma but it seems good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people. I’ll never get it but I’m doing my best at remaining optimistic and to give my son everything I never had. I needed to vent a little (sorry!) and I just wish more young guys would realize what the outcome is to their actions. It’s all fun and games to them but someone ultimately pays for their actions. Some girls don’t believe in abortion or maybe some have been there and done that and never want to do it again and are left to face their responsibilities. That’s why there are so many teen pregnancies and single moms out there. But we’re those people who make the world a better place! We just gotta hope and pray our kids learn from our mistakes and realize how hard we work and how much we love them and we want better for them.

Sleeping through the night

I need help!! My son is about to be 7 months old and wakes up throughout the night still! Some nights he'll sleep through the night but a lot of the time he's waking up crying and sitting up in his crib just screaming. Usually I'll turn on the tv and let him fall back asleep to one of his movies, or give him a bottle or just rub his back to try and get him back to sleep. He slept through the night at 3 months then stopped a couple of months ago. I know when his teeth came in he pretty much wouldn't sleep at all, but why is he waking up? And some nights he'll just sit in his crib and occupy himself for a couple of hours. I'm open to hear all suggestions. I've tried baths, stuffing him with a big dinner, calming music, everything.

Breastfeeding

     When I found out I was pregnant I had NO clue about breastfeeding. I knew maybe two people who breastfed their children. I knew I wanted to breastfeed because of how healthy it is for the baby, but I didn't know who to ask questions. I thankfully signed up for classes at my local hospital and knew breastfeeding was the only option. I had Graig and breastfeeding went well... except he went through a massive growth spurt! I couldn't keep up so I was forced to breastfeed and bottle feed. I did this for about 4 months until my milk just stopped coming in (I think it was because of the mini pill). I never breastfed in public, only in my own privacy. Breastfeeding is such a bonding experience, I don't know how some women do it in public, I give them a lot of props because I tried it once and couldn't handle it. I also remember the reactions I'd get when I told people I'm breastfeeding... I've learned breastfeeding or bottle feeding people will judge. So all I have to say to moms out there who are expecting; Do whatever you choose. People judge no matter what and people always want to give their parenting advice but it's your child and you know/do what's best. And I promise it doesn't hurt as much as people will tell you! You get used to it after like two weeks. It's truly an amazing experience that's worth a try.

Virgin Mobile Kickbacks

    If you get a Virgin Mobile phone and go to register it online, there will be a promotion code and a kickback code to put in. When I registered I couldn’t find a promotion code but I do have a kickback code! My code is 8Y4YQ9q7  if you enter that and put at least 20$ on your phone you and I will both get 60 minutes free! For every person that uses your kickback code you get bonus minutes, free ring tones, and credit the more your code gets used! So once you register and use my code, sign yourself up for kickbacks and pass your code along!

Would You Call CPS?

   The girl who had this baby was considering adoption for the first few months, she even met with a family and all. Once she saw ultrasounds and found out the gender she decided to keep it. She smoked weed and cigarettes throughout her pregnancy I was told. This picture was on Facebook of a cigarette in her 2 month old daughters mouth as she’s holding the baby kissing it. I don’t find this funny. I’ve spoke with a few people who said they just want to call CPS. I don’t know if your call is anonymous or anything. Leave your comments and thoughts.

You are not alone!

 How many of you out there are completely alone? I don’t have parents who live close to help, I have one friend I trust with my son, and the father isn’t involved. I just want everyone to know you can feel free to vent and express your feelings! Every mom needs to talk things out because otherwise you’ll just have a breakdown and get depressed. At times it’s overwhelming but it is one of the most rewarding experiences. Just think we will have the most amazing bond with our child. I know what it’s like to wish you had someone to get up in the middle of the night, or someone to wake up with the baby so you can get a little more sleep since you got up so many times at night. I know what it’s like to barely eat or find time to take care of yourself because you’re so busy taking care of your child. You would think it gets easier as they get older... NOPE! They just become mobile and nap less and they become miserable gremlins when they teeth! A man will never understand the strength a single mom has. We not only carried our child for 10 months, delivered the baby, we now get no sleep and function every day taking care of someone else all by ourselves. Not to mention we clean the house a million times and it still manages to get messy! We never have time for ourselves. It’s not always fair that we change our lives and deadbeats are out doing whatever they want, but our child will realize the way things are as they get older. My concern is if I stay dating my boyfriend (we started dating when I was pregnant) my son will think he’s daddy. Graig has only seen his father a few times and thats because his parents forced him to be at their house when I took Graig to visit. Never has he on his own asked to see his son. For Christmas he didn’t even buy his son anything, his mom bought everything and put his name on it. Pathetic. I am a strong believer that there is a difference between a father and a dad. Everyone has a biological father but it takes a special man to be a dad. I would love for my son to have a good role model like my boyfriend to look up too. I never want my son to be like his father. I just dread having to explain everything later on. I need advice from you guys! Help me out here! I know the time hasn’t come but soon he will be saying “dada” and I don’t know who he’ll be calling dada and I don’t know if I’m supposed to correct him until later on.

Things I've Learned

•  When it comes to diapers, generic brand diapers do not make good overnight diapers!

•  If you tear during delivery and are sore and sensitive down there, pads will stick to your stitches and hurt! I used some of Graig’s Pampers Sensitive diapers as a pad! I just laid it in my undies and it was gentle and padded so I wasn’t in so much pain. Plus it did an awesome job at absorbing unlike a pad where it just rests on top. (I know TMI).

•  Cloth diapers and receiving blankets make the best burp cloths!

•  Dry baby blankets on low heat setting otherwise they will burn and no longer be soft.

•  Tummy Drops, Gripe Water, and Tylenol are a must have in your medicine cabinet!

• It’s better for your child to come from a broken home than to grow up in one! If you’re relationship isn’t working there’s no need to stay with a man because of a baby. Your child feeds off your energy; when you’re sad the child is sad.

Finding Out

    I was in a really bad relationship and we were on and off all the time. I knew I wasn’t in love and I knew I deserved more than someone who was physically/mentally abusive and cheated all the time. He was so good at lying though and twisting stories that you’d get sucked back in and regret it instantly. We were broken up for a few months and we got back together for ONE WEEK. That week he seemed like a decent person and that he did change. It was the last week of October and I had plans of going out of town with my friend for Halloween. Sure enough while I was gone for one night, he told me the next night he did ecstasy and cheated on me. A week goes bye and I’m feeling weird and I have a cramping feeling like I’m about to get my period. But a week went buy and no period, which was weird because I only got that crampy feeling an hour or two before I get my period so I knew something was up. I kept telling myself if I’m pregnant I’m not telling him, I don’t want to deal with him ever again. Sure enough I find out I’m pregnant and of course he was one of the first people I told. I had every single emotion you could ever imagine. Mostly it was an “oh shit” feeling. I was nowhere near ready to have a baby. And I knew I didn’t want to bring a child into a shitty family situation. Never in a million years would I think that 11/12/09 would forever change my life. Obviously finding out you’re pregnant is a life changing moment, but there is so much more too it. Finding out I was pregnant gave me the strength to not get back together with my ex. I knew if I had to I was going to do this on my own. When I told my dad he wanted me to reconsider keeping the baby. My mom accepted it as is and seemed excited. When I was 3 months pregnant I went to Cleveland and stayed with my mom for a bit to get away and clear my head. It was the hardest and greatest life changing period of time. While I was gone I learned to take a step back and look at everything from an outsiders view. I learned my ex’s true colors. He was dating multiple girls at once, playing us all, and still hadn’t told his parents I was pregnant. I emailed his parents and told them myself at 4 months pregnant. My mom didn’t want me to go back home because she was afraid for me with all the drama back home. I went against her wishes and one of my best friends and I planned the next few months of my life. My mom laughed at the thought of me finding a job and everything else while pregnant. I proved her wrong though! I moved in with my best friend and her family, and they took me in with open arms. I got a job at 5 months pregnant (I wasn’t showing, if anything it looked like a gut). And thank god I found a job because within the month I started to get my little bump. Everyone at work was so amazing and understanding and it felt so nice to finally be myself. I was back to my happy me. I came back home and was doing me. I didn’t tell anyone where I’d be or what I was doing and it felt so good! I ended up meeting the man I’m head over heels in love with while I was pregnant at work. I just want it to be known to women everywhere that a baby will change you in so many ways. You will have a newfound strength. For some women it doesn’t happen until the baby is born, and for some they never grow a backbone. My life is an open book, I will share everything anyone wants to know. I’m not ashamed of anything. Everyone makes mistakes, and everyones gotten caught up in some bad times before. I learned from my experience and yea it was a waste of 2 years, I got the most beautiful baby boy out of a horrible situation.

Baby Registry

    I remember making my registry and putting things on it that I didn’t even know what their purpose was. Plus after my son was born I bought things that were so unnecessary! A lot of things I learned the hard way after, so here are some amazing life savers:
 My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow- It’s firm, clips around your waist, removable case, and has a little storage pocket for your nipple balm and whatever else! I brought it to the hospital and it was a life saver! It made breast feeding simpler by not having to always reposition a pillow. I used it to position my son on the couch when he was first born.
 Convertible Car Seat- I didn’t put this on my registry and I wish I did! I got the travel system that comes with the carry car seat and a stroller (definitely a must! Make sure you put a travel system on your registry)! I had a big baby that seems to be growing like a weed so within 4 months he outgrew the carry car seat.
A High Chair that clips to the table- I received one of these from my moms friend. I have a normal high chair that can also be taken apart and be strapped to a chair as a booster seat, but the table clipping high chair is so convenient! I keep it at my boyfriends (I have a glass dining room table so I cant clip it to my table). The cover is washable and it comes with a carrying case (it folds up) so you can take it to restaurants and it’s perfect for travel!
Dreft detergent- You and babies things need to be washed in a special detergent (in case baby is allergic to dyes) so make sure to put some on your registry! I received a huge thing of it from my babies r us registry and it was a life saver!
 Diapers- Put diapers of all sizes! One value box a size. You’ll be thankful!
 Avent bottles- I have literally every brand of bottle. Everything leaks or is just a pain in the @$$ and has a million pieces to it! Dr Brown leaks, Born Free leaks, and not to mention they both have a bunch of pieces to them. Even the Avent plastic ones have this little piece to it. Make sure to put the Avent glass looking ones (they’re really just a hard plastic). They are simple and are amazing! Well worth the money! It took me 5 months to finally realize which bottle works the best.
 Bottle Brush- Make sure it has a nipple brush with it! I use this Munchkin brand one from Target that has the nipple brush hidden at the bottom. I made the mistake of buying ones that suction to the counter and they dont even fit inside the bottle! So be sure they’ll fit.
 Bottle Drying Rack- Get the largest one you can find, seriously. I still have no idea how mine gets so full every day. And seriously you’ll never have enough bottles.
Pacifiers- I breastfed my son and didn’t plan on using a “binky” but night one at the hospital I caved. Infants have a need to suck, and don’t take it away too soon or they’ll suck their thumb (I learned that! I have him back on the binky now)! You can never have enough... you will lose almost all of them. My favorites are Avent brand because they have little caps that cover the nipples so you dont have to worry about it getting gross in your diaper bag.
Diaper Sacks- You will be amazed how handy these are! When you’re out in public and have a stinky diaper but don’t want to throw it in someones trash.. put it in these nice smelling mini garbage bags! I have an Arm&Hammer one that clips onto my diaper bag (from Target).
Baby Safe Q-Tips- I’m glad my mom got me these because I didn’t even know about them and they are great. You don’t have to worry about hurting your baby because there is a small part that goes in the ear and the rest is fat so you don’t have to be afraid you’re putting the Q-Tip too far in.
Bibs- YOU WILL NEVER HAVE ENOUGH! At first they will seem pointless, but when they start drooling, teething, eating, etc you will go through a million a day. Don’t get the plastic backed ones, mine melted in the dryer. Try to put a lot of bibs on and put feeding ones on there too! Try Tommee Tippee rubber ones. They come in a 2 pack from Babies R Us and they last! I couldn’t stand those wipe-able plastic ones, the more you wipe them down the more they thin. All you need is one pack of these thick feeding bibs and you’ll be set for a while! And put as many normal bibs as you want! You’ll get a ton no matter what.
Bumbo Seat- This seat is AMAZING. It not only is perfect to set your kid in with toys (add the play tray too) but it strengthens their backs and necks and helps them learn to sit on their own.
Thermometer- I suggest a pacifier one (works great!) or one that rubs across the forehead or a laser type one that you hold from a distance and it gets the temperature. I use the pacifier one and the laser one and they both work great. The typical thermometer is a pain in the butt, no baby wants to sit still with that under their armpit (and I’m not putting it in his rear).
Gripe Water- Works for colic, hiccups, teething, everything. It will make your nights a little easier.
Wipes- Try to put Value pack wipes on there, you will go through SO many.
Receiving blankets- I used these for burp cloths, they did the job better than burp cloths did.
Infant tub seat- My son was too long for the baby tub that goes in a tub (22 inches) so I used it for a few baths before I bought the seat. It has two settings to sit up or lay back and you can get a lot more use out of it.
Monitor- Even if you live in a small apartment like myself it will get used! I take a shower when my sons taking a nap and I bring the monitor in with me so if he wakes up I’ll hear it.
Baby Clothes- ALL SIZES! Your little one might be born too big for newborn sizes. My son was in 6-9 month clothing at 6 weeks! I was glad I myself bought 6-9 months because I figured everyone else would buy me 0-3 months and 3-6 months (which I was right). And I promise you will never have enough onesies or the same ones. Also a little advice; Gerbers onesies and jammies run small.
Swing- This swing will be your lifesaver at night. I didn’t have a bouncer, I don’t see the point when you have a swing. There are swings that can do anything and everything!
Crib bedding- Make sure you choose one that comes with the bumper and everything! Also try to put on your registry an extra set of sheets.
Bottle Warmer- My water takes FOREVER to get warm, so this was great to warm up my breast milk or formula.
Breast Pump (if breast feeding)- Aim for a double electronic one. Mine came with a cooler bag for my bottles when traveling, if yours doesn’t add one to your registry. You will need it! Don’t want that milk getting warm on ya..
Baby nail clippers- I promise you’ll never have enough. I got about 5 of them and am constantly searching for them.
Nasal Aspirator- I took a few from the hospital but I did get a few as part of gifts. They’re another thing you can never have enough of.
Crib & Mattress- I don’t think I needed to mention it, but you might forget! I didn’t use the bassinet much because my son liked to sprawl out from day one. He hated being swaddled and was too big for the bassinet. Bassinets can be pretty pricey, so figure out if it’s worth it to you.
Clorox wipes- Trust me. I thought this was strange as one of my gifts but I learned real quick how handy they were. You’ll go through so many because your little one will put everything in his mouth!
Baby Proofing Items- They’re pricey and it’s never too early to get them before your little one is moving around!
Blankets- I only put a few blankets on my registry and got a ton! I’m glad I did because my son is obsessed with his blankets.
Shopping Cart Cover- Not only does it keep your kid from chewing on the nasty handles on the shopping cart, but certain covers allow you to attach toys to them! So your child won’t drop toys on the ground. PERFECT!
Links- You’re kid will probably love the links just as is! But they’re perfect to attach toys to anything. They’re cheap (which is perfect for your registry.. you want items for all types of budgets).
Diaper Rash Ointment
Baby Wash
Mobile
Jumper
Diaper Caddy
Baby Lotion- I use baby oil gel by Johnson and Johnson. It’s baby oil in a gel form. I highly recommend it.
Diaper Bag
Breast Pads- You’ll be thankful when you’re leaking. Breast feeding or not you’re boobs will fill up with milk and it will get all over the place. For the breast feeding I suggest disposable pads. The babies R Us ‘for mom’ brand ones were my favorite. They were thick and big. They didn’t have any weird spots where you had to position the nipple or anything.
Nipple Cream- I used Gerber NUK balm. It’s a stick that you just rub on. I didn’t like the creams.
Breast Milk Storage
Spoons- I had a ton and I feel like I lost almost all of them! You will never have enough.
Baby Carrier- This is perfect for travel but I tend to use it around the house when my son wants to be held and walked around the house to fall asleep. I didn’t go crazy and ask for the $80 Baby Bjorn I got the $20 one from Target and it does the job.
Baskets/Storage Bins
Play Pen- Perfect for travel. I keep mine at my boyfriends because we stay the weekends there. But it’s nice to have for when you are taking the baby somewhere like family or a sitter and they have something for him to sleep in.
Teether
Rattle
Brush/Comb
Diaper Pail and Refills- Helps keep your house from smelling like stinky diapers! You’ll be surprised what will come out of your little one!
Hooded Towels and baby washcloths (if you don’t want to use your normal towels and washcloths)
Car Window Sunshade
Formula
Waterproof pads for mattress
Toy Box
DVDs
Books
Photo Albums
Baby Book
Plastic Baggies- If you’re registering at Wal Mart or Target, be sure to add these on there! You will be really surprised how much you use them to put medicines in to keep in your diaper bag, to put binkys, everything.
Camera- If you don’t have one try to add one to your registry! You don’t want to miss your little ones precious moments! They only happen once.
Night Light
Teething Mesh Feeder- It’s a mesh net with a holder, it allows you to put food inside it so the baby can chew on it without choking! I got a 2 pack from Babies R Us. It’s also sold at Target. My son eats bananas, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, and other fruits from it. It’s a great invention! You’ll be amazed how much those little gums can gnaw on!


    If you’re like me and like to pick out everything you’ll have you’ll pick out things like DVDs, CDs, books, toys, etc. I’m picky and people knew that and respected that. I didn’t put many baby clothes on there just basic packaged ones. And I can guarantee you will never have too many sleep and plays. Your baby will practically live in them when you’re not leaving the house. People love to buy baby clothes so you’ll get all of that no matter what. I didn’t find a play mat necessary. I bought an $80 Baby Einstein one and my son pretty much just used the mat for tummy time. He didn’t care about the dangling toys.
Babies R Us gives you a bag full of information on items you should put on your registry, coupons, and samples. Plus whatever you don’t get off your registry you will receive a 10% off coupon to get everything off your registry for 10% off!
Target gives you a tote bag full of samples and coupons. My favorite part about it was the shutterfly gift card! Make sure you go to the customer service counter and say you want your registry welcome bag! All you gotta do is print out a copy of your registry which you can do at a machine right next to the customer service desk.