*blush*

Just wanted to apologize if anyone happened to look at all my flickr photos and see the one of J AND MY NIPPLE! I totally didn't notice my nipple until Bryan pointed it out in the corner of the photo and then it was clear as day. So yeah, that one is gone now but sorry if you were unfortunate enough to catch a glimpse before I removed it.

Ask and ye shall receive

Wow, I must say ask for a little advice and you guys sure do deliver. It was all great and extremely appreciated. The problem is, it ALL sounded good so now I'm more confused than ever. I'd read one comment and think "yeah that sounds good" and then go to the next comment which is completely opposite of the other one and think "well this one sounds good too." So I'm just gonna go down the list and stop at the one that works. Plus it sounds like I have some books to be buying!

Actually the last 2 nights we've slept pretty well. I swaddled him up in a thin, soft cotton swaddle blanket thing but he seems to get a little sweaty so not sure about this but he does seem to like it. I keep his arms out half of the time if he seems too hot. And he slept in the bed with us next to me. I really like sleeping with him and will like it even better once the paranoia goes away. I know I kept feeling around all night making sure he wasn't face planted into a pillow or anything. I remove all the "fluff" around him though but now I'm afraid he'll suffocate in my cleavage when we're snuggled up. I'm trying to nurse when lying down, it doesn't seem to work very well for us, the angle is off or something. I just can't seem to get him on right laying like that in our bed but I can do it on our couch which is angled differently. I'm not sure how to remedy this and I've been reading up on it.

I've never felt so conflicted about things before this motherhood. I just don't know what is best for him, what does HE want?? Does he want to sleep in our bed or should I get him to sleep next to us in his co-sleeper? Is that really safer? Do I even want him somewhere other than right next to me? If not, am I only satisfying my happiness or his too?? I want to set him down during the day but can't stand to hear a peep from him and I miss him terribly if he's in another room. I want him with me 27/7 but then I want a break...can't have it all woman! Such conflictions. I just want him to tell me what he wants, as I'm sure all moms do when their child is unable to effectively communicate.

I hope I didn't make it sound like he's a terror when we try to sleep. He rarely actually cries, if anything it's more of an uncomfortable whine/moan type thing that just lets me know he isn't that pleased with the current situation. If he cries then I just stick a boob in his face or hold him upright and he's happy. I'm sure if I were to let him go much longer he'd eventually get to the crying. But lately he WAKES up crying, before he'd wake up and root around and I'd feed him before he got to the crying. Now he wakes up crying but we can calm him very quickly. He really seems uncomfortable with the gas and pooping. I feel really bad, I wish I could scrunch him up and push it all out for him. He'll act like he wants to eat but won't latch on because he's still trying to get all the poop out and it seems like when I hold him in the nursing position that helps him get it out. I guess this is normal for it to go on almost all day??

I do plan on pumping someday to allow Bryan to participate in the feedings but I'm going to wait a little before I start that. My plan was to wait until at least 6 weeks since I was going to have to go back to work a couple of days. But since I'm not going back and don't HAVE to pump, I haven't quite decided when to start it. I do love nursing him but also feel Bryan should get to experience the pleasure of feeding him as well. And he'll still be getting the benefits of breast milk anyway.

It's just heart breaking to hear them cry, it really is. Yesterday his Grandfather was holding him and he started to really cry suddenly. When that happens I want him back, I want to know if I can feed him or change him or do anything that will calm him. But the Grandfather said "he's OK." Umm, no, he's not OK. Do you cry when you are OK? Sure he's not in danger but I'm sure there is something he doesn't like even if it's something simple like he's bored. Point is, don't tell me my child is OK when he's crying, he's not even 3 weeks old yet, I'LL DECIDE IF HE'S OK. I'm not into the whole "you'll spoil him if you affectionately respond to him when he's upset." At 3 weeks old, I have a funny feeling he isn't capable of that kind of manipulation to just cry for the sake of crying. As a parent, it's my job to determine what is upsetting him until he can tell me himself. /End rant.

I did get a really good nap in yesterday and today so I feel much more refreshed. We met a friend at a Baby Wearing play group yesterday so I got hooked up with more baby carrying apparatuses. There are endless kinds out there, who woulda thought. And then we had a friend and her step-daughter stop by which the daughter kept Bryan entertained for a couple hours making him do a puppet show and other things I didn't know Bryan would be so willing to do. And then a visit with the Grandparents who came bearing dinner, my favorite.

Well I have more to say but before this gets too long (guess it's too late for that) and random, I shall retreat. Thanks again for the tips guys, all will be taken into consideration.

Here is your chance

It won't happen often but right now I'm actually asking for advice. The boy won't sleep solo anymore. It is getting more and more difficult putting him in his co-sleeper or anywhere else for that matter and having him sleep, day or night. The ONLY place he seems able to sleep is laying on my chest curled up in a little bean ball, tummy to tummy (like right now). While so very precious and makes me feel so loved and needed, I can't sleep like this! I try to lay him down to sleep and he won't. So I pick him up and put him on my chest and he'll fall asleep. I wait until it seems like he's in a deep sleep and I carefully move him to his co-sleeper and within seconds he's awake.

He wouldn't even sleep laying next to us in our bed anymore (but I decided I don't want to do that anyway). Nope, because it's NOT ON MY CHEST. The only other place I got him to sleep was laying him on his back on a pillow in our bed. I'd never let him actually sleep like that I just needed to take a break for a minute and that actually worked. So I thought hey, he's sleeping on his back alone right now, I'm sure I can move him to his co-sleeper and he'll be fine but I was wrong! WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.

So what I've been doing to keep peace in the house at night is holding him on my chest and trying to stay awake. This isn't working not only because I'll have to sleep myself at some point but there was once or twice I've dozed off holding him like this and woke up with him around my waist. I didn't notice he slipped down and this scared me so I don't like to do it. There are a couple hours out of the night where I do get him to sleep on his own but it's like pulling teeth and it doesn't last nearly long enough.

He seems a little gassy or poopy which may be why he likes to be more upright and curled up. Because when I put him on his back he sounds like he's really struggling to push something out. And sometimes when he's fussy and is acting like he wants to eat, he won't because he's squirmmy and "pushing" whatever out. And his poop is like pure liquid so you'd think it'd come out fairly easily but I guess it still has a long way to travel and no help from gravity when laying down.

So let's have it, any advice on how to get him to sleep safely somewhere other than on my chest or is this the life of a babe?

I'm just gonna get this out in the open

I'm TIRED. Ain't that a surprise, a new mom is tired. It's just you really don't get a break, especially when breastfeeding. During the day he wants to be held whether he's awake or sleeping. I put him in the sling for a bit but I need more help getting it just right. Plus he gets a little fussy if I am sitting still with him in it. SORRY, I was only trying to eat to keep my self somewhat nourished so I can FEED YOU and TAKE CARE OF YOU!

So when Bryan gets home, I don't hesitate to do the hand off. But that gives me about 30 minutes to run around and try to do everything I've been wanting to do all day because before you know it "I think he's hungry!" comes from the other room. I instantly turn into the sour milk demon and shoot back "NO HE'S NOT, IT'S IMPOSSIBLE!" So my "breaks" are hardly breaks at all. A break means I get to do laundry, straighten up or some other crap I don't really want to do. I know it sounds like Bryan doesn't help out but he does. He's been coming home and making dinner and other stuff. It's also that he only gets a couple hours a night to spend time with his son so I'm not going to make him clean the house during those hours. And as bad as this sounds, I would like to get the feeling back in my left arm and not hold a baby for a few minutes. So if Bryan is cleaning then that means I'm holding the baby. I know I could let the house stuff go but you see clutter and mess really stresses me out. I can't stand looking at it. So while letting that stuff go may seem like a break for most people, it actually makes me more tense. See my dilemma? I left the house baby-less to go pick up our Thai dinner and it felt weird, almost refreshing to be alone and out. But as soon as I get home and sit down to actually eat the dinner, whaddya know, the baby is hungry. So much for a hot meal.

It'll get better, at some point he won't eat every second. The first 6 weeks are the hardest, that's what I heard and it's now my motto. And I feel bad for even complaining because I just love being home with him. I could stare at him all day and kiss him all over a trillion times. It just gets tiring is all I'm saying. And it's not like you get a good nights sleep to refuel, no, it's more like cat naps at night and a walking zombie during the day.

With that said, I could not live without my co-sleeper. You know the 3 sided crib thing that goes up against your bed. I'd cry if I had to walk into the nursery and get him from the crib every time he needed me during the night. The co-sleeper is even better than a bassinet or anything that would require me to actually stand up and pick him up. It's great just reaching over and getting him. And the whole co-sleeping in our bed happens on occasion but really I don't like it. Clarification, I love him sleeping with us but I guess because I'm so sleep deprived that I'm not as in tune to him and could totally see me smothering him to which if it were to happen I would have to die. It's really not safe for US to be doing that right NOW. It works for some people, but not us.

We did have fun today though, we took a nice walk to the new playground where I got to show him where he'll play someday as soon as he can hold his head up and has some limb control. Speaking of which, this kid is strong. He has amazing head control and has since the day we brought him home. He's such a tough little man already. Yesterday we made the obligatory appearance at my office with the babe. Fortunately my boss wasn't there so I didn't have to get all squirmy when she asks me what day I'm coming back.

And guess what, Bryan has been working really hard coming up with a plan, moving money around (not that we have much to move) to work it out so I can stay home FULL-TIME with the boy. Isn't that awesome? I'm so happy, it's not official but it looks like it'll work out. And I know it sounds like an odd decision after my previous complaints but I would like nothing more in the world to stay home with J every day. I do have internal battles with it though. I worry that we won't ever have play money, no vacations, no dinners out, that sort of thing. And I worry that I'll feel like I didn't "earn" any money to spend on myself. That's my own hang up, Bryan wouldn't make me feel like that. But I'm quickly learning, although it's so cliche but couldn't be more true, that staying home with kids is the hardest job you'll ever have and most rewarding. So I'm sure I'll get over that not earning any money hang up real quick.

Unrelated news, a plumber came out to check out a leak we had and I was told up front there would be a diagnostic charge and possibly more if he had to cut a hole in our ceiling. So I was prepared to dish out the dough but within 5 minutes he told me it looks like it's water coming out of the shower and leaking through a tiny crack in the floor which can be resolved by getting those little corner guards for the shower. He left without charging me anything and when I questioned him not charging me he did offer to cut a hole in our ceiling anyway if I really wanted him to still. To which I obviously replied I'll try the $5 fix before he does that. Crazy when there are honest people out there, he could have easily scammed me. Like you care about my leaks.

I'm finally c-section pain free. It can still be a little tender if J is kicking the incision area. I took off my bandages the other day and the scar is soooo low, it won't be poking out of any bikini or low-rise pants I'd ever where. My (currently unruly) pubes cover it anyway. But the kicker is that I was apparently allergic to the tape they put on the area that they cut through (I think that's how it works) so I have scars that are like big brackets around "that area" so they go up on my stomach and down on my legs a little. Now that will show in a bikini and it's such an odd scar it'll be a little embarrassing. They look like they'll fade over time. Well I couldn't come out completely stretch-mark/scar free huh? I'm still bleeding though, will this ever stop? I HATE pads, I feel like I'm the one in the diaper and I HATE full-butt underwear that I have to wear to hold the pad in place. That's my biggest complaint right now. Aside from still being fat. I still wake up sweating so I know some fluid is still trying to escape which I'm hoping is the reason my wedding rings still don't fit.

Alright, this is way too long, that's what happens when you can't post every day.

Too precious! And hey, nice cleavage!

He told me he likes it like this.

"I wanna see you slingin' it, just a little bit"

(sung to tune of that lame song, whatever it is)

Couldn't you just eat this?!

And this gets fun when???

When does breastfeeding become fun? Well maybe fun isn't even the right word...when does it become tolerable? I am STILL having latching issues on one side and now my good side, or former good side, is starting to hurt again! Not nearly as bad as the other side though. That one did get a little better too but it's far from correct. He's a frigin peranah, how am I ever going to continue this when the teeth actually come in! I should be better at enforcing a perfect latch but I could spend an hour or more unlatching and trying again, the boy would never eat and he gets bored of it and just refuses to latch at all if I unlatch him. And believe me at 2am that's the last thing I feel like dealing with..and at 3am, 4 am, 5 am, 6 am, and whenever else he decides he needs the milk maid.

And now we have this new trick called the lazy latch where he won't even latch on, he just kind of opens his mouth and lets the milk pour in. Why work for it if you don't have to! He smacks his lips as if to say "Bitch bring me my milk" and then lays there like I'm feeding him grapes by hand. My let-down is pretty strong so I don't blame him for not wanting to choke to death on it but it can get pretty frustrating. Oh and the clicking sound now on both sides, why did this just start?! I feel like we take 1 step forward and 100 back when it comes to the proper latch.

And I love when he falls asleep nursing but he slipped most of the way off so he just has the nipple, you know the most painful part. And he's not really eating anymore just kind of hanging on testing my pain threshold. I'm trying to break the frigin suction as I'm wincing in pain but as soon as I break it, he sucks me back in. We go through this about 10 times before I'm finally free.

I'm still scared to leave the house for fear I'll have to nurse him in public. I won't have a problem with it once we're a little more efficient. Just with our clumsiness right now I'll have my boob flopping all over the place for an hour and that's a little more exposure than I would feel comfortable with and more than the innocent bystander should have to encounter.

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to give up and I am happy to be doing this for him but man cut me a break and let my nipples heal. Puuulleeeeeze!

(And for those who are considering nursing, don't let this discourage you because there are plenty of times when it's "just right" and it's priceless to look down with him snuggled so closely and see how happy you are making him. And it will get easier, so I'm told. If nothing else, the milk drunk look on his face when it's over is worth all the pain and hard work in the world.)

After a good meal

Buy one now!

My beautiful, talented friend made me a Mei Tai carrier which kicks ass (I totally need to get a better picture and a pic of it in action). So you all need to check out her new shop BellaLina Bambina and buy one...or 10.

(And Jen, I love the one your hot hubby is wearing on the home page and love the pink tattoo flash! Pink?! Tattoo?! Love, love, love)

Other news...

Nothing really. I miss catching up on everyone but my hands are a bit full right now. I still have to find the balance thing. I actually read up a lot but can't comment when I'm holding a sleeping babe in one arm. Just want you all to know I do read up on you guys as much as I can!!

KelliBelly should be coming over today to meet my new man. She's doing very well by the way, since she hasn't posted in many years. Her husband has been taking the laptop to work and she's kind of relieved since it's allowing her to be more productive like she wants. And probably gives her more Starbucks time. But I do miss her posts!

I also wanted to publically thank Carol from Chaotic Harmony . She has been a priceless resource for all of my breastfeeding concerns. Extremely patient and extremely helpful. Julian and I thank you!!! (And I'm done holding his poop up to a color chart, by the way!)

I've also been contemplating moving to a more private blog. That seems to be the trend these days and thought some extra precautions with my boy may be a good idea. I'll let you know if and when that happens so I can find out who wants to follow along.

Father and Son or what?!

I always stare at them when they nap to make sure the baby doesn't get smothered!

Boy parts anyone?

What's up with the leaky diapers! We have a boy, obviously, so I know to put his wee-wee down so he doesn't pee out the top of his diaper but now he has started to leak out the back and/or side! We use Pampers Swaddlers (I know cloth may be better, but not ready for that yet!) We finally went up to size 1, even though the Newborns we're still in his weight range, once we realized baby's butt cracks shouldn't show. Ahhh, like father like son. We thought that would help it from coming out the back. But the size 1 seem almost too big but what do we know.

Everyone I asked recommended the Pampers Swaddlers and we were really happy with them at first. And I don't think it's the diaper because the pediatrician gave us some other brands like Huggies and I had some others but they all did it. So maybe it's us?? Putting a diaper on correctly doesn't seem that hard, there are only so many ways to do it.

Do any boy mamas have any tips?

The happy family

The most stylin' babe on the block

I'll be in the mental hospital if anyone needs me

So when does all this obsessive worrying end? It doesn't does it? I'm going to lose my mind.

When do you stop sifting through their poop to make sure it's the proper seedy consistancy?

When do you stop obsessing if they are getting enough breast milk despite them already gaining their birth weight back?

When do you stop thinking that every other car on the road is going to slam into you and you no longer want to drive on the shoulder with your hazards on going 5 mph? (don't worry we don't do this)

When do you stop worrying that the bumps in the road are too much and will cause some sort of damage to him?

When do you no longer want to rip the limbs of the lab person off when she does a heel prick and make your son cry?

When do you stop standing over him as he sleeps?

When do you stop hovering over anyone who holds him ready to grab him out of their hands at the first sign of his discomfort?

When do you stop changing his clothes a million times a day because you think he's too hot...no now he's too cold, hot, cold, hot, cold...

When do you stop calling the pediatrician a million times to make sure his cord is healing OK?

When do you stop getting mad at your husband because he isn't as high strung about all these things as you are?

With that said...

His first pediatrician appointment went very well. He's healthy, normal and average in everything (high average for height and weight, no surprise there). He was 8lb and 15oz and 21 inches when he was born and is now 9lbs 2oz and 21 3/4 inches.

We went through about 100 diapers at the one appointment because they kept taking a rectal temp and it would be instant explosion (his temp was a little high when we got there).

But man, this is all worth it.

Birth Story

More like a novel so click here if you dare. And I had no time to be poetic about it, it's strictly facts man.

Hmmm, what to wear, what to wear...

Pre-pregnancy clothes? Ha, good one. Maternity clothes? How disgustingly unflattering w/out the baby belly. Alrighty then, guess it's the SAME VELOUR SWEAT PANTS EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!

This. Sucks.

We had our first pediatrician appointment today (it ended up being rescheduled for tomorrow, don't ask. Grrrrr) so I was looking forward to having a reason to get out of my pajama pants and into an "outfit" with makeup and everything. UNTIL I TRIED ON EVERYTHING IN MY CLOSET. It's so horrible, I thought I'd be able to wear some maternity clothes still and look decent. I don't, I look like a big egg when I put them on when they just hang off my belly. They might look a little better if I could wear them lower but that irritates my incision. I can't/shouldn't wear any fitted tops because my stomach shakes uncontrolably with every step I take and makes Bryan giggle (hurts my incision too!). I was trying to think about what pregnant month I still look like but then I realized I don't look like any of my pregnant months. I look like I've binged for 10 years. Pregnant belly = nice, hard round shape. Post Pregnant belly = Blubbery, saggy, very bouncy fat rolls.

I know I was warned, I know it'll get better. So until then, I hope these sweat pants work for any occasion.

Putting my feelings into words

I've been really good mentally the last 2 days. I feel 100 times better about everything but I thought I'd share some of the thoughts I had when I first got home. I thought it may help any other pregnant gals out there incase they experience any of the same feelings so they know they aren't alone.

1. I felt I would fail him. Like he deserved a better mother
2. I was still very upset, scared and sad for his little heart rate scare during labor. All I could think about is how he must of been scared or upset and that breaks my heart.
3. I felt guilty for not being able to nurse him or even hold him immediately after he was born
4. I was already sad about the fact he would get older
5. When I looked at him there is such an innocence about him that is so beautiful. I would think about how someday somebody would hurt him. Even if it was an injury during a game or a girlfriend breaking up with him, at some point he would get hurt. I knew then I would be unable to always protect him from all physical, emotional or mental pain.
6. I was already, and still am, extremely sad about going back to work, even if it is part time. I do not want to leave him...ever, especially when he's still so young. The thought is so upsetting.
7. I was sad the pregnancy was over. Once my innerds started working again there would be kind of a jerking feeling which very closely resembled his kicks. It reminded me that I wouldn't feel them anymore.
8. I feel guilty about all the medication I did, had to, or still take during the pregnancy, labor and now. I don't like the thought of some if it going to him.
9. The c-section recovery pain as previously mentioned

I think those were some of my big feelings that kept coming into my head which would instantly kick off a breakdown. Like I said though, I am feeling much better about most of them. #6 and 8 still upset me but it's better than all 9. We're making progress!

Once again

You guys have come to my rescue. So many of you are the most supportive people I know (or kind of don't know). So thank you to each and every one of you. See how sappy this mom thing made me already! But seriously, it's been a big help knowing about everyone else's experience and knowing that I'm not alone. (Molly I thought you were going to have to move back here, I could never have made it through my first breakdown without you!!) But I feel a little better today, a light at the end of the tunnel. After all I went all day yesterday without crying!

For those who don't know I have a history of depression. I've been on Wellbutrin throughout my entire pregnancy. I did have to stop another medication I was on before trying to conceive because it was not safe. I did OK without that one though. So I am just extra paranoid whenever some depressed like feelings emerge.

I think a lot of the sadness is pain related too as some have mentioned as well as mourning the end of the pregnancy and some aspects of the birth. I won't go into those details yet, would hate to ruin the Birth Story!! The c-section recovery is pretty rough and limiting to what I can do. I really need to be able to run up and down the stairs a million times a day!! It is also mind consuming that was getting in the way of a lot of happier thoughts. I noticed that when I keep up on my percocets and the pain is not as noticeable things are a little more tolerable. Plus I feel like I may be getting a UTI or some other kind of bladder issue so that made it all even worse. And then there are the boobs, the huge sometimes aching boobs along with their pleading nipples to spare them from another feeding. And my back from poor breast feeding posture and under developed baby carrying muscles. So yeah, a lot of pain going on here!

Hey some good news, my appetite has actually decreased from it's pregnancy state by a good 75%. I'm hoping it isn't depression related so I kind of wish I had a LITTLE more of an appetite right now. I'm still taking the prenatal vitamins incase. It's weird to have 1 bowl of cereal instead of a box. 3 meals a day instead of 24. You still wouldn't know it if you looked at me though with the big ol jello like stomach and the thighs...oh the thighs that didn't look as big compared to a 9 month pregnant stomach.

Well on that note, I leave you with some pics...

His first day home, July 15th, and already in Orioles gear. At least the bird is covered up. It's OK he rocks anything he wears.

Thanks Aunt Mollipesto!!

First sponge bath. He loved getting his hair washed. Maybe it was our timing or it was as relaxing as it is for me when I go to the salon. All in all it wasn't too bad, Bryan did a lot of it, even remained calm when the yellow-seedy pooh squirted out and onto him as we were cleaning his little behind.

Help

I am beside myself with love for my baby. When I look at him I see perfection and he's more than I could ever have asked for. So why have I been crying my eyes out since we got home yesterday? Bawling even. I have no disappointment with him what so ever and can't imagine not being with him. I feel such an unexplainable bond with him so why am I so sad?

My question is when is the Baby Blues no longer the baby blues but Post Partum Depression? For those who have had it, when did you realize it was beyond the normal adjustment? For those who haven't had it, were your "Baby Blues" this bad and when did it get better?

The hardest part is not knowing what is upsetting me and it makes it even harder on Bryan who just wants to help and make everything better.

A whole new world

I'm back home but now trying to adjust to this crazy new wonderful life. I'm probably going to take a little break, hopefully very little. I'm just in a lot of pain now from the C-section. Wednesday I thought I was in the clear because I was totally fine, up and about but then they removed the epidural and it's been downhill since. I have some percocets which help some. Plus it's been a big mental adjustment, even just from leaving the hospital and being on our own. After 5 days of nurses tending to our every need, I suddenly feel a little overwhelmed.

I also wanted to thank everyone for thinking of us, such love! And thank you for all the compliments on my handsome man. I couldn't believe how many of you were thinking about us, it really means a lot. Not to mention so many new commenters! I'm glad Bryan got to post some pics although I would NOT have chosen that one of myself to show the world. But that's probably as good as it gets for now! We have a thousand more pics and can't wait to show them all. The pics don't do him justice.

I'm really looking forward to writing my birth story but it'll take me a couple days! It was a long, crazy day but wonderful in every way (easy to say that now!)

J IS HERE!

J is:

8 lbs 15 oz...21 inches long

On:

July 11, 2005 at 6:47 pm

Mom and baby are amazing and doing great. She will be home tomorrow with all of the details. I printed out all 53 comments from the last post to take to her tonight.

J and Mama C-ta

All things baby!

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If you know of new links to add to the list or have any feedback on any of the sites, please leave it in the comments below.


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Baby-Tease
Glamajama
Go Goose Go
Goo Goo Wear
Ktrix
Lil Hell Raisers - punk rock for toddlers
Campy Kids
Baby Anarchy
Sugar Freckle- clothes, gifts and accessories
Ella Bee Baby
Rockit Baby
Peek-a-boo-baby - baby cover-up with multiple uses
Vitamins Baby
Candy Lane- girls only
Shilav
Baby CZ
Trumpette - funky socks
Tale of a Baby Human
Repeatz Clothes Ebay Shop - new and used name brand clothes for infants, children
Fridge Door - temporary tattoos for baby
Baby Play Room
Honey for the Bear
Infantile
Textile Fetish - handmade
My Baby Sadie
Modern Seed
Dishy Duds
My Retro Baby
Grometville
Urban Baby Designs - Small selection
Baby Legs - baby leg warmers, so cute!!
Robeez - Shoes
Trendy Kid - Sells Star-child shoes
Shooshoos - Shoes
Pip Squeakers - Shoes
Kids Walk - Shoes
Little Dragon Flies - Shoes
Bobux - Shoes
Cute Baby Shoes
Preschoolians - Shoes
Livie & Luca - Shoes
Zappos - Shoes
Aster - Shoes
Pitter Patter - Shoes
Me In Mind - Shoes, love the styles
angryolive - very cute handmade and custom hats
Golden Stork
Posh Tots
Buy Buy Baby
Baby Bella USA
Los Gatos Baby
Nack Boutique
Jolies Online
Zutano
Baby Outfitters
Bare Babies
Baby Mine - Preemie too
Tangerine Turtle
Baby Depot
The Baby Marketplace
Baby Universe
One Step Ahead
Inky Dink Tees
My Uber Baby
Lulu and Claire
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Mom & Mom-To-Be Attire

Mimi Maternity
Pokkadots
Belly Dance Maternity - pricey
Babystyle - nice but pricey
Naissance Maternity - cool but pricey
Due Maternity - Cool Maternity Clothes/Diaper bags
Motherhood - Great pricing
Lands End
A Pea in the Pod - nice but pricey
iMaternity - decent pricing
One Hot Mama - small selection, so/so
Funky Momma - decent but pricey
Nicole Maternity
Maya Maternity - lingerie
The Gap
Old Navy
The Magic Closet
Japanese Weekend
Motherwear - Nursing clothes - Size XS to 2X
One Hot Mama - Nursing clothes
Moms in Mind - Nursing clothes - prices in Signapore $, there is a converter on the site - the clothes end up being pretty cheap with US$. however, the sizes run much smaller - their "XL" is closer to a US medium/large.
Sleeping Baby - how to convert shirts into nursing
Sleeping Baby - how to convert regular bra into nursing
Nursing clothes patters
Nursing Moms Sewing List
Active Baby Care
Blissful Babes
Breakout Bras
Breastfeeding Moms
Breast Is Best
California Babe Stuff
Eco Baby - organic nursing tops
Expressiva
Glamour Mom - Nursing clothes
Jake and Me - Nursing clothes - wide range of sizes
Maternity and Nursing -Nursing clothes
Milkface - Nursing clothes
Milk n Wild Honey
Mommygear
Motherhood Nursing
Mother’s Milk Boutique
Nursing Baby
Nuture Center
Snuggle Town
Twinkle Little Star
Mommy’s Thinkin
Mob Town Mama
Textile Fetish - handmade
Baby Bella USA
Jolies Online
Bare Babies
Baby Mine
Baby Depot
One Step Ahead
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Play

Zebra Hall - cute toys, anna banana rattle
Craftsbury Kids - handmade
Maukilo
Evenflo
Fisher Price
The First Years
Graco
Kids II
Lamaze Baby
Tiny Love
Bumbo Baby Seat
Pokkadots - cute toys
Baby Oliver Boutique
Grometville
Oliebollen
Babygeared
Sparkability
Modern Seed – funky and Mod
Babystyle
Baby Play Room
Baby Crazy
Petite Tresor
My Retro Baby
Golden Stork
Posh Tots
Polka Dots & Moonbeams
Buy Buy Baby
Baby Bella USA
Los Gatos Baby
Jolies Online
Zutano
Baby Outfitters
Burdick Baby
Bare Babies
Baby Mine - Preemie too
Angelina’s Unique Baby Things
Ciao Bella Baby
Tangerine Turtle
Baby Depot
The Baby Marketplace
Baby Universe
One Step Ahead
A Baby
MiYim - organic toys
My Uber Baby
Lulu and Claire
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Eat

Baby Björn
Chicco
The First Years
Graco
Peg Perego - recommend the Prima Papa highchair
Stokke
Medela
Playtex Baby
Sassy Baby
Tommee Tippee
Babygeared - funky and Mod
Baby Oliver Boutique
Sparkability
Oliebollen
Sozo
Babystyle
Modern Seed – funky and Mod
The First Years
Baby Björn
Gerber
Prince Lion Heart
Baby Safe Feeder - mesh bag to prevent choking
Munchkin Inc
Kipiis
Bib Clips
My Retro Baby
Atomic Mama - handmade bibs
Craftsbury Kids - handmade
Baby Fairies - handmade
Dishy Duds - handmade bibs
Textile Fetish - handmade bibs
Grometville
Baby Crazy
Avent
Umix
Dr. Brown's (800/778-9001)
Clean Shopper - Shopping Cart/Highchair Covers
Shopping Cart Cover Store - Shopping Cart/Highchair Covers
Golden Stork
Polka Dots & Moonbeams
Buy Buy Baby
Baby Bella USA
Jolies Online
Zutano
Baby Outfitters
Burdick Baby
Bare Babies
Baby Mine - Preemie too
Angelina’s Unique Baby Things
Ciao Bella Baby
Tangerine Turtle
Baby Depot
Baby Universe
One Step Ahead
A Baby
My Uber Baby
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Gear

Strollers 4 Less
Aprica
Baby Jogger
Bob Strollers
Chicco
Combi
Dreamer Design
Evenflo
Graco
Bugaboo
Inglesina
KidCo. Inc
Kolcraft
Maclaren
Moutain Buggy
Peg Perego
Bertini Strollers
Zoopers Strollers
Safety 1st - stroller frame/ Safety 1st Carry n' Stroll
Babygeared
Oliebollen
Baby Oliver Boutique
Grometville
Babygeared - funky and Mod
Babystyle
My Retro Baby
Pokkadots
Modern Seed – funky and Mod
Sparkability
Craftsbury Kids - handmade
Jack Sack - for car seats and carriers, bunting bags
Baby Play Room
Specialty Baby - great deals
Ciao Bella Baby
Bare Babies
Britax
Graco
Peg Perego
Snug Seat
Cosco
Baby Center Store
Prince Lion Heart
Baby Super Mall - Car Seat Locking Clips
Baby Proofing Plus - Car Seat Locking Clips
Baby Age - Car Seat Locking Clips
Clean Shopper - Shopping Cart/Highchair Covers
Mommy Shop - Shopping Cart/Highchair Covers
Burdick Baby - Shopping Cart Covers
Shopping Cart Cover Store - Shopping Cart/Highchair Covers
Baby Emporio- Shopping Cart/Highchair Covers
Baby Ala Cart - Shopping Cart Covers
Posh Tots
Polka Dots & Moonbeams
Buy Buy Baby
Baby Bella USA
Baby Outfitters
Bare Babies
Baby Mine - Preemie too
Angelina’s Unique Baby Things
Ciao Bella Baby
Tangerine Turtle
Baby Depot
The Baby Marketplace
Baby Universe
One Step Ahead
A Baby
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Bath & Body

Burt’s Bees Baby
Baby Magic
Disney Baby
Sassy Baby (800/323-6336)
Evenflo (800/233-5921)
Johnson’s Baby
Aveeno
Gerber
Mustela
The First Years
Pokkadots
Babygeared - funky and Mod
Sparkability
Oliebollen
Babystyle
Grometville
Boon Inc. - bath supply frog holder
Baby Play Room
Baby Crazy
Munchkin
Safety 1st
Little Tikes
Golden Stork
Polka Dots & Moonbeams
Buy Buy Baby
Los Gatos Baby
Jolies Online
Baby Outfitters
Bare Babies
Baby Mine - Preemie too
Angelina’s Unique Baby Things
Ciao Bella Baby
Tangerine Turtle
Baby Depot
The Baby Marketplace
Baby Universe
One Step Ahead
A Baby
Warm Biscuit
Kinder Cashmere
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Nursery

Arms Reach (co-sleepers)
Atomic Mama - handmade blankets, quilts (Funky, Retro and Punk)
Textile Fetish - handmade
Craftsbury Kids - handmade
Baby Fairies - handmade
Dishy Duds - handmade blankets
Thea Starr - baby blankets
Amy Coe
Lulu Bedding
Modern Seed – funky and Mod
Baby Oliver Boutique
Sozo - love the crib sets
Grometville
Oliebollen
My Retro Baby
Bebe Chic
Land of Nod
Baby Crazy
Pokkadots
Bratt Decor - Baltimore locals they have an annual warehouse sale late summer/fall
ABC Moon (decorations)
Specialty Baby (great stroller/seat deals)
Baby Bedding Town (name says it)
One Fine Baby (accessories and cute diaper bags)
Baby Bungalow (lots of stuff)
Decorate Today (decorations)
Winterthur Gifts
Room and Board
IKEA
Ciao Bella Baby (good car seats and strollers)
Bare Babies (good car seats and strollers)
Nursery Depot (lots of bedding)
Sears
The First Years
Prince Lion Heart
Nava Designs
Jacadi
Pottery Barn Kids (Great but, a little expensive)
Olive Kids
Baby Universe
Baby Center (go to SHOP)
Target
Babies R Us
Kids Decor
Koo Koo Bear Kids
Dreamtime Baby (same as babystyle but, cheaper)
Babystyle (expensive)
Babygeared - funky and Mod
Sparkability
Bambino Paradise
Kid Surplus
Morigeau
Posh Tots
Yummy Baby (Wendy Bee)
Bebe Chic
Stella Beans
Wall Art Designs
Wallies
USA Wallpaper
Wallpaper Inc.
Designer Stencils
Dressler Stencils
Wall to Wall Stencils
Free Stencils to print
Baby Playroom
Petite Tresor
Ethan Allen
Bellini
Bonavita Cribs
JCPenny
Ragazzo
Golden Stork
Posh Tots
Polka Dots & Moonbeams
Buy Buy Baby
Baby Bella USA
Los Gatos Baby
Nack Boutique
Jolies Online
Zutano
Baby Outfitters
Burdick Baby
Bare Babies
Baby Mine - Preemie too
Angelina’s Unique Baby Things
Ciao Bella Baby
Tangerine Turtle
Baby Depot
The Baby Marketplace
Baby Universe
One Step Ahead
A Baby
Warm Biscuit
Kiki
My Uber Baby
Lulu and Claire
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Baby Bums

Tutti Bella
Patemn - Portable changing pad/diaper bag. Love this!
Sozo - Adorable Weeblocks for baby boys
My Retro Baby
Oliebollen
Pokkadots
Bella Blue Maternity
Craftsbury Kids - handmade
A Baby
BabyAnt
Skip * Hop
Baby Oliver Boutique
Tippee Toes
Diaperbags.com
Blueberry Babies
Baby Box
One Fine Baby
Baby Shower Mall
ABC & 123
Kate Spade
I’m Still Me
Baby Oliver (Do a search for Diaper bag)
Textile Fetish - handmade totes
Coach
Lands End
Target
The First Years
Oi Oi
Missy Blue - diaper bags
BabyGeared
Baby Fairies - handmade
Due Maternity
Anagram Fine Art - tattoo inspired
Nippaz With Attitude
Babygeared - funky and Mod
Modern Seed – funky and Mod
Babystyle
Diaper Dude
Baby Play Room
Honey for the Bear
A+D
Aveeno
Baby Spa
Balmex
Boudreaux’s Butt Paste
Burt’s Bees Baby
Desitin
Huggies
Johnson Baby
Gerber
Kushies
Mustela
Pampers
Petkin
Playtex Baby
Price Lion Heart
Safety 1st
Urban Baby Designs - Peepee Teepee, diaper cover
Ellas Diapers - cloth
Kustom Cool Cats - cloth soakers
Kelly’s Closet - cloth
Rousers Trousers - cloth
Sweetbunz - cloth
Cotton Babies - cloth
Zannadu - cloth
Muttagin Baby - cloth
Snooty Botty Diapers - cloth
Very Baby - sew your own cloth
DiaperWare - cloth
Diaper Congo - cloth
Babies in the Sun - cloth
Cloth Diaper Exchange
Earth Baby - cloth
Monster Baby Diapers - cloth
Tiny Tush - cloth
Fuzzi Bunz - cloth
One Stop Diaper Shop - cloth
Diaper Hyena - cloth
DIAPERAPS - cloth
Diaper Co.- cloth
Diaper Pin- cloth
Lukes Drawers - cloth
Mini-shower - to spray off cloth diapers
National Association of Diaper Services - cloth diaper service locator
Posh Tots
Buy Buy Baby
Los Gatos Baby
Jolies Online
Baby Outfitters
Burdick Baby
Bare Babies
Baby Mine - Preemie too
Angelina’s Unique Baby Things
Ciao Bella Baby
Tangerine Turtle
Baby Depot
The Baby Marketplace
Baby Universe
One Step Ahead
A Baby
Daddy Belt
The Mustard Sprout Diaper bags for dads
My Uber Baby
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Health & Safety

Pedia Pals - cute elephant nose aspirator and other supplies
The Natural Newborn - natural products
The First Years
Prince Lion Heart
Gerber
Baby Play Room
Mommy’s Thinkin
Baby Proofing Plus
Baby Age
Babystyle
Golden Stork
Buy Buy Baby
Burdick Baby
Bare Babies
Baby Mine - Preemie too
Ciao Bella Baby
Tangerine Turtle
Baby Depot
Baby Universe
One Step Ahead
A Baby
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Baby Wearing

Kangaroo Korner
BellaLina Bambina - handmade
Planet Zebes - handmade
Baby Fairies - handmade
Craftsbury Kids - handmade
Zolo Wear
Kozy Carrier - nice Mei Tai style
Hotslings - good pricing and fabrics
Baby Bjorn
Infantino
Rockin’ Baby Slings
Maya Wrap
Heart 2 Heart
Fancy Baby Sling
Parenting Concepts
Wear Your Babe - great info
Baby Space Slings
Wise Woman Sling
Baby Fairies
Annabear Babywear
Grometville
Babygeared
Babystyle
The Baby Wearer
Peppermint
Nine In Nine Out (NINO) - Babywearing Organization
Baby Bundlers - site looks dated
Attached To Baby - baby wearing community
Yahoo Baby Wearing Group
Sling tying tricks
Jen Rose Info and sling how-to
Taylor Made Slings - sling tying instructions
No-Sew Baby Carrier
Sewing/improvising baby carriers
make a Maya Wrap
Sling Rings - sling patterns
Beth’s Mei Tai - Mei Tai pattern
Franken Kozy pattern
Burdick Baby
Bare Babies
Baby Mine - Preemie too
Ciao Bella Baby
One Step Ahead
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Learn
Pokkadots - books for baby
Babystyle - books
Oliebollen - books
Abrakadoodle - Art education
Learning Treasures
Itsy Bitsy Yoga
Sesame Workshop - online games and more
Montessori Organization – good FAQ page
ABC Home Preschool
Buy Buy Baby
Bare Babies
Baby Mine - Preemie too
Tangerine Turtle
Baby Universe
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Behavior

Nuture Center - Colic
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Breastfeed

Ameda
Avent
Boppy
Babystyle
Gerber
Lansinoh - La Leche League recommended nipple cream
Medela
Pumpmate
Breastfeeding.com
Breastfeeding.com Forums
Hooter Hiders
kellymom.com - great info
iVillage Message boards - great forums with LC support
Breastfeed.com
Militant Breastfeeding Cult
La Leche League
International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners
Infact Canada - Infant Feeding Action Coalition
Natural Attachments
Safe Fetus - Info on medications and drugs
Baby Outfitters
Bare Babies
Baby Mine - Preemie too
Tangerine Turtle
One Step Ahead
Allergy Info for kids with allergies and breastfeeding moms:
Food Allergy Network/
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Parenting Styles

Dr. Jay Gordon
Ask Dr. Sears
Kellymom
Mothering
Attachment Parenting International
Natural Attachments
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Pregnancy & TTC

About Pregnancy
Parents Place l
Baby Center
Fertility Friend - Ovulation Tracker
Mommy’s Thinkin
Safe Fetus - Info on medications and drugs
Mothering
Pink Confection - maternity gifts
GlamourBelly - belly cast
Pokkadots
Burdick Baby - Adoption gifts
Bare Babies
Book: "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" by Toni Weschler
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Birthing

Maternitywise
Midwifery Today
Birth Psychology
Henci Goer
Gentle Birth
Midwife Info
Childbirth
Natural Attachments
ICAN Organization - Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
Doula.com
Birth Assistant
DONA International - Doulas
Birth Savvy - Doulas
Mothering - Doulas
Water Birth Info
Water Birth Organization
Aqua Natal- Water birth
Birth Balance - Water birth
Birth Planning - Birth Plan
Childbirth - Birth Plan
Earth Mama Angel Baby - Birth Plan
Baby Center - Birth Plan
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Mementos

Our Media
Snapfish
Shutterfly
My Publisher
JussPress
GlamourBelly - belly cast
Craftsbury Kids - handmade
Pokkadots
Babystyle
Baby Oliver Boutique
Babygeared - funky and Mod
Golden Stork
Posh Tots
Polka Dots & Moonbeams
Buy Buy Baby
Jolies Online
Burdick Baby
Willow Creek Baby
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Stationary

Invited With Style
Paper Style
Lookie Me
Sweet & Personal
Amazing Baby Announcements
Bella Baby
Baby Birth Announcements
Classy Announcements
Stork Avenue
Jolie Vie
Pokkadots
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Support & Resources
Mama Zine
Punky Moms - check out their shop too
MotheringDotCommune
Matching Moms
Kellymom
Urban Baby
Hip Mama
Imperfect Parent
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Baltimore

Red Canoe - Children’s books and Coffee house
Rock n Romp - Outdoor summer rock concert for kids and adults (D.C. also)
EI EI O- Children’s resale (no online shopping)
Raw Sugar
Bratt Decor - they have an annual warehouse sale late summer/fall
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