Wednesday, November 28, 2007

(Un)solicited Advice for New Parents


It seems we know lots of folks who are pregnant right now, and several have asked for our advice.  There is so much information out there (e.g., we now own over 50 books now on pregnancy, childcare, and children) that it can be overwhelming.  Here are the top 5 recommendations that have been the most helpful to us (in no particular order):
1) You know your baby: you may not know anyone else's baby, but you will know your own.  Don't let other's advice side-track what you know to be true.
2) Don't criticize your partner's parenting:  It is critical that both parents be involved and bonded with baby; your spouse won't do everything the way you would do it- be open to the possibility that their way is just as good as yours, or that they need to learn from experience.
3) Newborns cry out of need, not want:  For the first three months, babies know nothing of manipulation (much less cause and effect).  Educate yourself about their needs and how to fill them; nothing is more important or more satisfying as a parent.  Toward that end...
...4) Learn about the "5 S'es": When the need of your baby is to calm a new, raw nervous system, there is a science to soothing that many parents swear by.  Read "The Happiest 
Baby on The Block" by Harvy Karp, or watch the video, to learn how.  This is especially 
critical for colicy babies.  We used his techniques starting in the hospital to wonderful effect.
5) Learn about the importance of sleep (for you and baby) and how to get into a good rhythm 
to promote it.  We found the EASY (eat, awake/activity, sleep, you) approach worked well- "Babywise" (another popular book) also promotes the idea of eating upon waking, rather than before sleep.  We liked the book "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" for advice on sleep and how to promote it. A well-rested baby is a happy baby!

Good luck to all those new parents out there! Taking care of a baby is simple, although not easy. It's a lot of work, but for us, nothing has been more satisfying or rewarding.

Turkey on the East Coast



We have just returned from our trip back East to see Mommy's family, including Grandma and Grandpa Simon (he misses them already!), and meeting Cousin Sarala, Uncle Evan, Aunt Janice and cousin Julianne, as well as Great-uncle Gary, Great-aunt Chris and Second Cousin Marissa for the first time. Other highlights included a visit to Fran's Matron-of-honor and her family, and Fran's old sports buddies, Nancy and Jeanne.  As usual, Jeremy was happy baby on the flight, although on the way out he thought he'd share his new-found shreeking voice a few times.  
Developmental news includes that he is now passing items from hand to hand, and seems on the verge of crawling; he's rolling onto his tummy, then pulling his knees up and rocking on all fours.  Please G-d, let him not be mobile so soon- his mommies are far from ready...

Click here for a video of Jeremy from this trip: http://ourmedia.org/node/369381

Friday, November 16, 2007

JB celebrates Papa's birthday


Well, our little traveller has done it again. His second trip to California to surprise his Papa Monty for his 70th birthday went even better than expected; Dad loved seeing his kids and grandson, and the party the following night was a huge hit, with 50+ folks all there to heap love on him. Jeremy also enjoyed being with his Uncles David and Isaac; it was his first time meeting
Uncle Isaac and Aunt Gretchen, who gave him some very nice books!

Click here for a video taken that weekend: http://ourmedia.org/node/367847
And here for a video of Dad's sister Barbara singing a birthday song she wrote to him: http://ourmedia.org/node/367956

Monday, November 5, 2007

Jeremy is 4 months old


Here is a little video of our boy, now 4 months old.  Developmental news:  He is now taking regular naps- short ones (usually about 40 min), but up to 4 a day.  He is more coordinated each day; now he can reliably find his fingers and thumb to suck on as well as bring objects with both hands to his mouth.

Click here: http://ourmedia.org/node/365891