Apartment Living - Baby Gear for Small Spaces

The Fisher Price Space Saver Collection is a match made in heaven for all of us who live in tiny apartments in urban cities and don't want our entire house to be covered in baby items. My sister in law has the cutest high chair for her son that hooks right onto one of her table chairs. It is cute, looks comfortable and turns into a booster seat when the baby is old enough. It makes so much sense to get this chair especially if you live in tight quarters. They have cute designs and are fairly inexpensive. The high chair we have now is so bulky and gets food stuck in all the crevices.

You can get this online or at the Toys R Us here on Northern Blvd!

The Bounce Spin entertainer looks amazing. My son was too old for this when they came out with it and we had a hand-me-down jumper but I would surely get this item for a friend who lives in small quarters and has a small child. I know one of my friends would love it! I am totally getting it for them for Christmas. It spins and bounces and the reviews look great on Toys R Us .com.
  
You can get this online or at the Toys R Us here on Northern Blvd!

They also have a swing  that doubles as a seat but reviews have said that it isn't worth it because it is cheaply made and doesn't swing or vibrate as good as separate items. I would recommend a portable swing because it is great to bring to grandmas house and moves from room to room with ease. We have this one below and it has gone through two children and is still functioning. When your child gets heavier it doesn't swing as much but I suppose it happens with all portable swings. Definitely don't get the bulky swings. They are bulky and your baby will be grown out of it in a couple of months.

 You can get this online or at the Toys R Us here on Northern Blvd! 

Fall is here and so is Football

Every fall I look forward to the leaves turning colors, family birthday parties and the fashion of hooded sweatshirts, boots and comfy hats. Another fall tradition is football. From picking a fantasy football squad to getting football gear and lining up the games we must watch, football has become part of our schedule like church on Sundays. It is amazing how I have gotten to learn the language of football because my husband is so into it. I can't imagine being so involved in something without it being directly related to my life. He and his friends can have hour long conversations about football and yet not even remember to mention or ask about each other spouses, kids etc... It amazes me (and used to enrage me) to see the extent of the obsession but I have learned that unfortunately, like church, you just have to deal with it because it isn't going anywhere. I have tried to get involved but the most interesting football stats to me are; who is dating who and who the cutest quarterback is. While channel surfing I found a show on FX called "The League". It is about a group of guy friends who are in a football fantasy league together. It is one show both my husband and I can agree to watch. It is a hilarious show because not only do the friends rag on each other about their fantasy teams, they make fun of each others lives and their families are involved in the show as well. It reminds us of the crew of friends we have here in Queens. I would recommend it for any couple trying to connect during football season or giving it to your guy after you "accidentally" let his computer fall in the sink.
The League: The Complete First Season

The Grumpy Monster Downstairs; Living in an apartment with a Toddler

When we had our son so many things changed and one of them was the relationship with our downstairs neighbor. There is no way to avoid the noise that comes with a toddler learning to walk, playing and throwing his toys, and shrieking at the top of his lungs when he can't reach his binky (or just out of boredom). Majority of city dwellers live in apartments with people living above and or below them and sometimes frustrations rise when the people above you have visitors until midnight and you have work the next morning. I think we can all relate to grabbing the broom and banging on the ceiling to give a gentle reminder that there are people living under you. I have sometimes knocked on the door in my PJs with my hair a mess and sleep in my eye to scare the neighbors into being quiet, here is our story of the scary monster neighbor downstairs.
It began on a quiet Sunday afternoon, our son was on his usual rounds of taking a few steps them plopping heavily on his butt after he lost his balance and all of a sudden we heard a loud "thump, thump, thump" coming from downstairs. I actually felt the thump because I was sitting on the floor playing with him. I was a bit confused but I put away a heavy toy that our son was playing with and gave him some softer toys. After hearing (and feeling) the thump twice more I asked my husband to go downstairs and see what the problem was. Our neighbor complained of running and loud crashing sounds. At first we were concerned and tried to keep it quiet but there is no way to control a baby who is just learning how to walk. We did as much as we could to keep quiet (or so I thought) we got a rug and play mat, we made sure he played quietly in the living room in the morning and we took walks on the weekends or went out when we knew our grumpy neighbor would be home to complain but as soon as we'd get back from our long walk we would hear an obnoxious thump again.
I've lived in every borough of New York City and know about loud neighbors. In one apartment I had neighbors that played music loudly on Sundays at ten am when I was recovering from the late night out before, in one apartment I could smell cigarette smoke when I woke up in the morning, in another I smelled pancakes in the morning and heard feet getting ready for school and work and in another I heard a couple get into raging arguments and throw each others things out the windows at two am. The point is that when you live in a city, in a building, with other people around you are going to hear, and even smell things that have nothing to do with you. They may annoy you but that is what comes with the territory and you have to learn to live with it. Of course, there were some days that I screamed "smoke outside!" or got my broom when I couldn't handle the noise but most of the time you just had to deal. I had to learn the common courtesy rules like everyone else.
Monday night I had my music on in the living room while cooking in the kitchen. It was a bit loud but no one was home just yet at six and I was moving and shaking while making my meatballs. I heard my neighbor come home and a few minutes later I turned my music down. All of a sudden I felt vibrations and when I walked into the living room the whole room was shaking. Our monster had a bad day at work and was retaliating tenfold. I turned my music off and let it go but when my husband got home I complained. He said to just let it slide but when it went on through the time I was putting my son to bed I hit my boiling point. I went downstairs, knocked on the door, and let him have it. We have tried our best to accommodate this guy, even brought him a peacemaking treat and still he was a stubborn little monster (I used more choice words). My husband came down to diffuse the argument. We left it at having a conversation with the landlord about putting carpeting down but until then I am putting on my tap shoes at six pm when I hear him come in and inviting my three nephews over for a play date every Sunday at five pm. Who wants to play ball?
: P

Creamery Bakery on Steinway and Broadway

I recently went to "Creamery", a new bakery on Steinway and Broadway, and tried one of their cupcakes with a mommy friend of mine. The decor is cute but the cupcakes were dry and spongelike. They were not tasty and we were sorely disappointed. The worst was that they charge you the same price for cupcakes as "Crumbs" minis but they are not even close in the yummy factor. The are having a promotion on Wednesday's this fall where cupcakes are only one dollar so I may stop in and see if they have changed their recipe and sit in their comfy couches and sip coffee but unless they have improved I will not be paying full price. To be fair I haven't tried the red velvet which is supposed to be their featured flavor and I haven't tasted their tarts which look good so I will next and let you all know.

CD's for Children, Lullabies and Spanish Dance Tunes

"Dreamland" by Putumayo is  a musical collection of lullabies from around the world that was given to me by my fabulous Aunt (who is a very cool NYC lady) and boy did she hit the nail on the head with this one. I read a review about the CD in "Parenting" magazine but I rarely go out and buy what they post because I believe they get get paid to promote a lot of the items they "recommend". Anyway I played it for my son and not only did it calm and soothe him, it soothed me too. I already uploaded this to my Ipod and play it in the car but I think I will bring it to all my mommy friends houses to upload to their Ipods too. I love it!!!!

Dreamland: World Lullabies & Soothing Songs

 
I have been trying to speak Spanish to my son but I am not fluent so it is really hard to keep it going. "A Bailar! - Let's Dance! Spanish Learning Songs" is a great option for this. This CD helps me have songs to sing with him so we can both learn and have fun. The songs are musical, fun and melodic with lots if instruments to keep him and I both interested and happy. I tried a few CD's but this one is my favorite and we have a blast when we dance and sing (he doesn't sing quite yet but hopefully soon). Even Daddy gets involved in singing in Spanish and it is always hilarious.  A Bailar! Let's Dance! -- Spanish Learning Songs Canciones Infantiles


If you don't have a friend who has these then you can purchase them on
amazon.com. Have fun dancing!!

baby Shane walking steady at 9 months

Product Review: JJ Cole Urban Bundleme Infant

Urban Bundleme shown in Ice Blue

The JJ Cole Urban Bundleme is so cute and so perfect for the fall and winter seasons. It fits right into the car seat and can transfer to the stroller. Instead of taking your baby in and out of a snowsuit each time you go out, you can unzip this portable blanket and not worry. It keeps the draft out when you enter the cold car or outdoors. The color options are really bright, fun and cute. I think it is extremely useful for the new and busy mom because it saves time and energy. I know my son hated when we took his coat on and off and I was also worried I was hurting him. This Bundleme makes it much easier and is one less thing to worry about while also keeping you baby stylish and cute. I totally recommend it as a shower gift. It is a bit expensive but they have a year warranty so keep the packaging. We had a problem with the elastic and the company was very helpful in sending a replacement.

Original Bundle Me Infant - Navy

Spider Baby

Sometimes babies skip the whole crawling thing altogether. In my son's case he crawls on his feet, it is the weirdest, cutest thing to see. I call him my spider baby. He loves to pull himself up on anything and everything including his bouncy seat which he almost always falls off of, we have to put that away now. He now likes to bounce and dance while standing. It is so amazing to watch him play and grow. I can't believe he is almost nine months old. I've heard that this is the most fun time and I cn't help but agree. I already know how boys will be boys and he is an active little baby boy. He loves to go to the park and on the swings. He is my sweetie pumpkin pie and I can't wait until he can say Mommy!

Shane pulling up on his tip toes at 6 months...here we go!

My son Shane is pulling up and trying to climb and 6 months old! We have put up the gate that blocks the stairs but we need another one to keep him contained in the playroom. Boys will be boys and I have a feeling that the bouncy chair we have for him added to his leg strength and is partially to blame for all of this.
Sometimes I wish he would be like the other babies and just sit and play. It would make life easier for me so I could get things done. I guess I have to get used to it because I'll soon be running after him at the playground. I am just so glad that he is so happy and curious about everything. An bonus is that running after him will keep me trim.

Product Review : RaZbaby Teether Rocks!

My son has officially starting teething. This milestone has come full throttle at 6 months old and now begins the drooling, cranky crying and pulling on my nipple. This RaZberry teethers are great for him. His is able to hold onto it, suck on it, chew all around it and teeth it. I picked it up and Duane Reade here in Astoria but you can probably get it cheaper at La Casa Del Bebe ($5) or online. It is BPA free and he likes it in his teething rotation. I put it in the fridge or freezer or dip into a cup of ice cubes and water with other pacifiers and he loves to chew on it. It comes in blue and red with green leaves or I have also seen an all pink one as well, I like the red with green leaves. I highly recommend it for your teething baby.

Say No to Spirit Airlines!

Here is a letter I wrote to the customer service department and below a response from them. What a joke!! Never Ever fly Spirit Air if you can help it. There are other airlines that offer better customer service and actually can help you when you call for help. This cheap flight cost us a lot of headache!

To whom it may concern,

I just wish to bring to your attention the horrific experience my family and I endured on a recent trip to Ft. Lauderdale Florida when flying on your airline. We were flying with our infant and had made a note in our reservation that we had a baby. When arriving to La Guardia airport we waited in a line for at least an hour to check our 1 bag. Preiviously we were told we could not choose seats prior to boarding and so when we finally got onto the flight we were sat in the last row near the bathrooms. The area smelled like urine and our seats were soiled with spilt coffee (it seems) as well as the tray table. My son was fidgeting his arms and kept touching the dirty surface. When we politely asked if there were any other seats available that perhaps reclined so my son and I would be more comfortable, the attendant told us that our seats did recline (which they did not!) and ignored our discomfort. We then asked if they could perhaps give us something to wipe the seats with we received a roll of the eyes and a wet paper towel. I could barely reach my diaper bag to even get wipes or supplies needed for my baby. My husband is 6 1" and his knees were bruised from rubbing against the seat in front of us. It was the worst flight I have ever been on in my life. Thank god my son was good and did not get too fussy. As he fell asleep the attendant rudely asked me to lift the sunshade which actually was between my seat and the man in front of me and I was holding my sleeping son who was bothered by the heat.

On the way back we called ahead to try and make sure our seats were not in the back and were told we had to pay a reserved seat fee of 16 dollars per person. We explained the ordeal and asked to speak to a manager at which point the woman told us there was no one to talk to and nothing to be done, we just had to speak to someone at the airport. She then asked us if we wanted to get 3 free flights- we told her there was no need since we were never flying spirit again! We arrived hours early because we knew what we were in for. After waiting in line for an hour a lady told us that if were checking in with kids that is a different line and we had to move. There was no sign indicting this on the way in. Luckily we were able to get seats other than the back row on the way back after talking to the desk. Our flight was delayed an hour and a half so we were in the airport all day and our seats were still dirty on the way back.

I realize that we did get the seats at discounted rate but at what cost to you throw away customer service??? Plus we had to pay for our luggage to be checked and even water and soda on the flight. A friend flew Delta - paid even less and didnt have this experience so it can be done.

Perhaps your flight attendants should be a bit more courteous to guests in need. I work in the hospitality industry and a little goes a long way, this was by far the worst experience I have had on a flight ever.

Sincerely,

XXXX


Dear Ms. Landowne,

Thank you for your correspondence with Spirit Airlines. We welcome an opportunity to assist our valued customers whenever possible.

On behalf of Spirit Airlines, let me apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced. I would like to assure you that what you described in your email is not the normal customer service provided by Spirit Airlines.

We are committed to offering quality customer service and ensuring that your flight experiences are both positive and memorable. I am sorry that you feel your experience with us did not measure up to the standards we strive to achieve.

As for the substandard conditions of our aircraft. All of our aircrafts receive a thorough cleaning after the last flight of the day, and a quick turn around cleaning in-between flights. I apologize if you feel that the cleaning crew was not as diligent as they should have been. Please rest assured that your feedback has been taken seriously. I have copied your letter and have shared it with our In-Flight Director.

Thank you for contacting Spirit Airlines. We strive to provide you the best service coupled with the lowest fares possible.


Sincerely,

Michael Ferrante
Corporate Consumer Relations
Spirit Airlines

( What a crock of you know what!!!)

Product Review : Cloub B Gentle Giraffe and Twilight Turtle

I love my son's Cloud B Gentle Giraffe that plays safari sounds and a white noise waterfall sound that helps him fall asleep at night. We received both both the mini one for travel and the large one at the baby shower. The mini one is just fine in the bedroom and on the go. It is soft and cuddly and easy to move from swing to car seat to stroller and back to crib. It is great for the Jungle theme we did in the nursery! I give it an A+.
The Cloud B Twilight Turtle was given to him recently and it is so perfect for wind down time just before bed. He is amazed at the glow and the starts on the ceiling (or on my hand). My son is too young to be afraid of the dark but I think this would definitely help when he gets a bit older. The shell is a hard plastic and the body is soft. It glows in green, blue and amber. The only thing I wish is that it played some soothing twinkle little star music but all in all it is very cute. I think it is a great addition to complete a child's bedroom.

Tips for Traveling with an Infant

Our first family trip was to Hollywood Florida this March . . . What a trip! We had a great time and our son had a great first swim in the pool.

Here are some tips for traveling with an infant:
1. Most airlines allow strollers and car seats to be checked for free and many right at the gate.
2. Declare any milk for the baby when going through the security check. Check out the TSA website for more info.
3. A diaper bag is not included as a carry on, it may be a lot so a back pack is a good carry on bag so you have full use of both arms.
4. Feeding the baby by breast or bottle during take off and landing can help with ears popping when adjusting. (If the baby has a cold it is especially annoying for them when adjusting to altitude so try to aspirate their nose before boarding)
5. When packing remember that wipes and diapers can be purchased at most locations so try not to over pack those items. Wipes can also be heavy so try not to pack to many in the checked baggage.
6. Keep your baby in the shade or wearing a wide brim hat when going to a sunny destination, babies can't wear sunscreen until 6 months old.
7. Try an overnight diaper on the flight so you don't have to make too many diaper changes. (An airplane bathroom is tiny and smelly and if there is turbulence it can be dangerous and messy.)
8. Make sure to bring Benadryl and Tylenol with you on the flight in case your baggage is lost.
9. Try to choose a seat in advance near the front so you can get off the plane and not have to wait for all the passengers to get off.
10. Boarding the plane early assures overhead space for carry on baggage and gives extra time to get organized and comfy for the flight.

Please feel free to add anything you have come to learn, we can all use tips and tricks to make parenting a little easier.

Thank you! : )

First Foods ... Get Ready for a Mess!

My son having his first bite of Squash (I used Earth's Best / First Squash). He seems to not like it much by the face he is making but it is all new to him. He makes the funniest face and then chats with me about his experience.

Make sure to only feed baby one type of food at a time to watch for any food allergies. Over the past weekend we introduced cereal and my son loved it. I think it was because it was mixed with my breast milk. Have fun with it, baby may not seem to like the food but after a few tries he may love it. I have been told to start with vegetables first so he can grow to like them before the sweet fruits although there are many different thoughts on what to feed baby first. A book I read called "Real Food for Mother and Baby" recommends eggs or liver - I'm not sure I'm there yet though. For now I'll stick with organic brown rice and Earth's Best foods for baby.

Turning Over - 11 Week Milestone

Here is a video of my son turning over at 11 weeks. He actually rolled over when he was 8 days old but then his body changed and he had to build up the strength to learn to do it again. After he rolled over he bumped his head and made the cutest sad puppy face with a curled bottom lip. He has been on his belly since he was a week old and it is important in the physical development of a baby to put them on their belly so they can get used to it and explore their surroundings. My son didn't like it at first but we just did it for 5 minutes a day or until he cried.

Baby it's cold outside... and I'm trapped in.

When the temperatures drop as they did today, new moms often get trapped inside their homes in fear of taking their young infants out where they can get sick in the cold. Not having a car, a city mom may feel trapped inside the four walls of the home when staying home to care of her infant and this feeling is heightened when the weather gets cold and the temperature drops into the twenties. There are only so many movies on lifetime and reality shows on MTV to watch and only so much internet surfing one can do when this happens. Being caught in the twilight zone of dirty diapers, spit up, clothes changing, that annoying music on the play gym, the 37th time to you watch Baby Einstein you become unsteady and like me have laughing fits with your baby who looks at you like your nuts but then hopefully laughs along with you. I constantly am looking at the clock waiting for daddy to come home so I can step outside and get some fresh air while I get the mail or take my "Zumba" class so I can exert some energy that the poopy apartment air has been stifling. I can't wait until spring when I can step outside more often and take my little one to the park or at least just a walk around the block to meet up with other moms in the neighborhood for some coffee and conversation.

Laundry in NYC

To some wives and mothers laundry is just a pesky task that needs to be done daily. For a mom in NYC laundry is avoided like the plague. If you cannot afford to just drop off and have the launderers do it for 50 cents a pound (what we usually did before our baby) then you have to do it yourself. Living in an apartment in NYC has its perks but a washer and dryer isn't one of them. With a baby that has explosive poops, drools like a waterfall and spits up like the exorcist, laundry needs to be done regularly.
I have put off this load for a week and a half and still can't get the motivation to do it. Living on the third floor of a walk up isn't helping anything. I have to bring the stroller down then the packed laundry bag. Of course I then realize I don't have any quarters for the machines, go back up to dig through the change jar (tip: make sure baby is sleeping while attempting all of this) get the detergent and the diaper bag - bring that down, hopefully no one has stolen my stroller, lug everything to the laundromat and pray that the good washer is available. After taking a walk while it's washing you have to make sure you get back in time because if not someone may have taken your clothes out. Set the dryer to hot because if not you will be there for 3 hours trying to dry your load and prepare to shrink everything. If you have taken non-dryable clothes place them damp over the stroller and wait around for the dryer to stop spinning. I sometimes fold at the laundromat so the clothes don't get wrinkled but if I have had enough of hanging out with the laundry staff I throw the clothes in the bag and head home to fold while watching Gossip Girl and dream of a day when I will have a washer dryer in my apartment. I thank the apartment gods that we found one with a dishwasher!

A Little Beauty Pick-Me-Up

A Little Beauty Pick-Me-Up

Cooing, 2 month milestone.

My son at 2 months vocalizing! I talk to him all the time. It is very important to talk to your baby and just tell them what you are doing even though they may not understand. The more you talk to them the more they will vocalize and make connections.

"Breast is best... but it ain't easy."

Being a breast feeding mother isn't easy.

It is the best thing for the baby and has benefits for mom but it isn't as easy as you think or as the advocates would like to say. It takes a lot of dedication, organization and time but is well worth the sacrifice. I am strictly breast feeding my son and am reaping the benefits. It is a wonderful feeling when you are nourishing your child from your breast. I was very worried when I was pregnant about how it would be and if my baby would latch on but I was fortunate enough to have it go pretty smoothly from the beginning. I was given the book "The Womanly Art of Breast Feeding" written by La Leche League at 4 months and was able to get familiar with some of the terms and possible problems that may occur when breast feeding. The hospital that delivered my son (Lenox Hill Hospital) is very breast feeding friendly and had an on call nurse available to help with any questions or issues who was available 24 hours a day at the push of a button. My milk came in 2 days later while I was still in the hospital and was engorged and a nurse showed me how to use a pump. It took patience from both my son and I to get comfortable with breast feeding but we are going 10 weeks strong now.

The other night I went out with a few girlfriends for dinner and left pumped milk for daddy to help with feedings. I've learned a few things on this journey that I'd like to share:

1. It is important to take breaks for yourself - Invest in a good breast pump.

2. Drink plenty of fluids, it helps with milk production.

3. Be patient, it may take a few minutes for baby to latch on properly. Don't get frustrated.

4. Keep trying and read up on more tips online if you are still having trouble.

Check out La Leche League for more helpful tips.