Thinking of Crowing About Your "Just Relax" advice?

Have you seen the hubbub about the IF/stress link study? Thinking about gloating? Read this (and the comments) first. So well said.

Safety First Complete Air Review

A month or so ago, I managed to get the Safety First Complete Air car seat for $99 at BRU. It had been on my list of possible "good" car seats, but the amazing deal sealed it.

We've been using it for about a week and so far so good! I had heard it was difficult to install, but I didn't find it so. The main issues are to make sure it fits in your car and to be sure you are installing it following the instructions. It fits in both of our cars (Civic and Focus), but surprisingly it fits in the Civic better. It fits best in the middle in the Civic and either the middle or the passenger side in the Focus if the seat is pushed pretty far up. There is a groove on one side of the seat that needs to be aligned with the level ground. Once that is attained, it's pretty simple, (if using the latch system) to push down on the groove in the seat (not the seat itself or you'll mess up the alignment) while pulling on the belt to tighten. The instructions say you can use a swim noodle or rolled up towel to prop the seat while you tighten it to maintain the proper tilt. This confused me until I actually did it. Basically, if you have the flat part of the car seat aligned completely with the backseat of your car, it's not tilted properly. There will be some open air between the seat bottom and the back seat. That's where the swim noodle could go if you need it. Just remember to remove it once the seat is tight. - CORRECTION: You can leave the swim noodle or towel under the seat to give it something to rest on.

I find the belts for restraining baby much easier than in our old infant seat. They also seem more comfortable for E. The seat itself seems very plush, padded, comfy and safe. E reclines in it like he's ready to watch a movie. We worried that the head padding on either side would hinder E's vision and annoy him, but so far he doesn't seem to care. We haven't used the cup holder yet, but I'll let you know how it works when we do. It doesn't seem too sturdy, but since the whole seat is a win, I think we can live with that.

So far the main drawbacks I've found have been how large it is (but since it's convertible and can be rear facing to 40 lbs, I don't mind), and that it is a little trickier to install tightly and properly than an infant base. However, I feel far more comfortable with him in that seat.

Play Date

E had a play date today with the wonderful SoBee from Down But Not Out. They're both finally at the age where they can appreciate one another almost equally. There were lots of hugs and kisses from SoBee and lots of besotted smiling and flirting from E. E even seemed to try to curry favor with SoBee's Dad (despite his strong anti-man stance), probably thinking that if he did, his bid for her hand might not be denied. Ah babies.

A Hub and Baby Story

Not long after E was born, Hub was gazing adoringly at his sweet face. He turned to me and said something to the effect of, "Isn't this amazing? I mean, I was ok if we didn't have kids, but now I'm so glad you really wanted them and kept trying. It's awesome!"

I said, "Mommies are programmed to know that it's going to be awesome sweetie. That way Daddies get to experience it and the human race goes on."

And P.S. Baby says "Mama." Melt.

It's What Your Knockers Are For

I enjoy this video and like that they talk about the strange dynamic of how difficult it is mixed with how awesome it is. I myself am a little bipolar about breast feeding. Sometimes I love it, sometimes I hate it, but I'm always glad I was able to try and do it.

He Speaks

This has been one of the only ways to get him on camera babbling. Of course this is more complaining as he tries to fall asleep, but you get the idea. He did fall asleep a few minutes later too in case you were wondering - no crying. And oh yes, I did jinx us with my previous post. Last night's sleep was terrible as were today's naps. I'm sorry universe okay?? I really mean it this time! I'm really sorry already!



I think I might put up a photo or two of us soon. Just some of my favorites.

Cute Baby Story

E is playing in his bouncer - er... working in his office. Suddenly he stills. Apple is on the floor! What is Apple doing on the FLOOR?! (Apple is large and red with a big smiling face, so clearly he is a friend.) E says, "APPLE, get up here with me RIGHT NOW!"

In baby talk, this is E leaning as far as his body can go, staring at Apple intently and rasping in his Godfather voice, "Duuuuuuuuuuuuuhhh!! DA DA DAAAaaahh!!!" over and over. It is a mystery why Apple just never listens.

The end.