One little boy, so many big smiles.

To say that I headed into my second maternity leave with my wildly idealistic hat on, would be a massive understatement. While I understand that every baby is different, I very much had the memories of my daughter in mind. She was very easy baby. As such, I made great plans for myself to do things like building my blog, working a few hours for the office, finishing up areas of the house I’ve been neglecting for nearly 2 years and overall enjoy my summer off with the kids. One word tossed a major wrench into my best laid plans.

Colic.

Let me preface this entire post by saying that I have a very happy baby. Colton has an incredible smile. Just see the photo above for evidence. When he’s having a good day, I get a lot of these smiles. Thank God for that. Thinking about his smiles is what has gotten me through some of the worst colic fits we’ve faced.

Baby smiles equal sanity.

I remember when I was pregnant with Lilly, so many people had warned with stories of their colicky babies. I was terrified. During our birth classes, when they asked what scared us most about becoming parents, the top of my list was having a colicky baby. With Lilly turning out to be such as easy baby, I was very ill prepared for Cole.

The first 3-4 weeks were ok. We had what felt like the typical new baby. He was definitely a fussier newborn than Lilly, but hey, every baby is different. I do recall my mom saying that she thought he had a “touch of colic” but I completely didn’t see it…yet.

By 5-6 weeks, we were living in a very different household. The crying fits completely outweighed the content or sleeping times. He would scream for hours at a time, no matter what we did. We would have to trade off as much as possible to keep calm. On days when Lilly was home from preschool, she watched much more TV than we normally allow, so I could focus on keeping Cole as happy as possible.

Eventually, Cole and I seemed to come to an agreement to establish some peace. All he asked for was that I didn’t dare sit down. Or stop moving. Or stop singing. Or stop bouncing as I walked. I had days where I literally walked around my living room for 6-7 hours over the course of the day. It was exhausting.

I actually remember forming an ad in my head:

Free to lend to a good home, one baby treadmill/trainer. This trainer is sure to whip you into shape with undeniable motivation. Better than any personal trainer, you will find yourself walking further than you ever thought before. Rather than motivational cheering, this baby trainer uses a high pitched screeching sound to make you move. At times, simple walking will no longer cut it and you will have to add a bounce to every step, to make your workout more challenging!

Between Cole’s mood swings and my rigorous exclusive pumping schedule, I basically felt like a shut-in. I even had close friends comment when they saw me that I didn’t seem like myself. I wasn’t. I felt like a worn out prisoner of my own home. I became an even more terrible friend – because lets face it, all parents are – and a non-existent blogger. My laundry fell behind, my house was a bigger disaster than usual and I honestly don’t even remember how food got on the table most days.

I wanted to go out more, but felt guilty. I wanted to go running, but couldn’t find the strength. I wanted to drink, but…oh wait, I did pour a sanity-saving weak bourbon once in a while.

Yesterday, Colton turned 5 months old. While it has gotten significantly better, we are not out of the woods completely. He still has days where he fights sleep and acts like a bear. He has also started to put up a big fight at bedtime. But generally, we can make it through most days with very few tears. It very much feels like we have one toe into the light at the end of the tunnel.

I am far from an expert on colic. We are only JUST coming through the other side of it and I know our baby was mild compared to many cases. However, I thought I would share a few tips that helped us survive with (some) sanity intact.

Tips for Surviving Colic

1. Let people know what’s going on. The first step is to let your supports know that it’s a bit tougher than expected. When you have a colicky baby, the phrase “it takes a village” has never been more true. Baby may not settle for anyone else, but it’s amazing what a little adult conversation can do for your mental well being when you are pacing for an hour with a fussy baby. Friends and family can do everything from bringing you coffee, to helping your 3 year old wash her hands while you deal with baby.
2. Take turns with the baby. If possible, trade off with your partner or someone else every 15-20 minutes during a bad fit. There is only so much high pitched screaming you can take and a small breather can help recharge you for round two. I know as moms we can have a hard time delegating when it comes to a new baby, but don’t be afraid to tag a fellow team mate into the ring to fight the good fight. This is one I had to remind myself constantly and sometimes still do. It might seem easier to do it all myself, but if I get worked up more, so will the baby. Take a break, keep your cool and everyone will benefit.
3. Find what works and keep doing it. Warning: what “works” might change. Every. Single. Day. Like much of parenting, it is complete trial and error. However, you just might strike gold and be rewarded with peace and quiet. For us, it was the above mentioned walking. Cole would remain pretty content, as long as I walked/bounced and sang. Sometimes all at once. For 2 hours straight. It was tiring at times, but it was manageable and it was much better than hours of screaming.
4. Sleep, sleep and more sleep. This sounds nearly impossible when you have a newborn, and I will be honest that I don’t always heed my own words on this one. In the early weeks, I did nap or at least rest, a bit during the day. You have to turn off the guilt that reminds you of unfolded laundry and just take a break. A bit of extra rest or shut eye can help so much with your stress level, not to mention your breast milk production (another common new baby stress) and overall health.
5. Take care of you, so you can take care of baby. This is true for all parents and goes hand in hand with #4. Hydrate, rest, eat well, snack often and when possible, soak in a hot tub for 15 minutes. These little things help you to feel human again at a time when nothing else does.
6. Try to get out of the house. This one is one of the hardest tips on this list. When things were at their worst, the idea of leaving the house and being away from everything I might need was terrifying. However, you can’t live afraid to leave your home. Even if it is simply to run an errand to the grocery store, stepping out of the house can be a very relieving feeling. If you happen to have a baby that loves to sleep in the car, this can be a big win-win tactic.

Again, I am no expert, but we have managed to get through the worst of it with the lessons learned above. Have you survived a baby with colic? Currently living through it? Share what has worked/is working for you in the comments below.

Ideally speaking, babies would have evolved passed this crying nonsense and colic would be a thing of the past

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Anyone who knows me personally, knows that I am a total Disney addict. I get just as excited to see a new movie as my daughter does. Maybe even more… As part of the Mom Ambassador program, Disney will provide me with some tips and information each month, that I can then share with all of you. I will occasionally get some goodies to review as well So here goes, my first official Disney post.

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When we first discovered we were pregnant with our son, a couple wonderful thoughts went through my mind. One of them was the fact that thanks to maternity leave, I would have my first full summer off since I was 15 years old. Although our daughter was born in early August, I really didn’t get out at all that summer. I was a first time mom with a brand new baby…I barely left the house until fall.

However, this time, with Colton being born in March, I had planned on making the most of summer 2014.

Enjoying the nice shade of the stroller while big sis Lilly plays at the park.

Our little guy turned out to be a pretty a colicky baby, so that has limited our outings a little bit. Let’s just say that my hopes haven’t been the reality, as is often the case with motherhood…we tend to dream big That being said, we have a park around the corner and plenty of family friends also off. As Cole gets a little older, he’s having less frequent fussy days and we are starting to plan out the second half of our summer.

With plans for the zoo, the beach and picnics in the park, I was a little stumped on how to deal with a tiny baby in the summer sun. By the time we really enjoyed sunny outdoor time with Lilly, she was nearly a year old. She could wear baby sunscreen, sit up with a hat on, etc. The rules are different when you are headed outdoors with a little one under 6 months old.

Luckily for me, Disney Baby provided some great tips for how to enjoy the summer weather, while staying safe and cool.

EIGHT WAYS:

TO KEEP BABY COOL ON HOT SUMMER DAYS

Summer with a baby can be a lot of fun. There are plenty of outdoor activities you can enjoy together and lots of new spaces for baby to explore. But if you’re not properly prepared, it can also be hot, sticky and downright unpleasant. When you’re outside with your baby in the summer heat, comfort and safety are key. Here are some tips from Disney Baby on how to keep your little one cool, so you can get back to having fun in the sun.

1. Embrace Layering – Make sure you don’t overdress your baby. Loose-fitting, lightweight clothes are best, and light layers mean you can add and remove clothes as necessary.
2. Choose Cotton – Dress your baby in natural fibres. Cotton breathes and absorbs sweat more effectively than synthetic fabrics. Disney Baby offers lots of adorable summer options, like this Layette Set or this Minnie Mouse Skirted Creeper.
3. Stick to the Shade – Stay in the shade when you can find it and create some when you can’t. Buying an umbrella stroller is a great way to ensure that your little one is always protected from the sun.
4. Keep Baby Hydrated – If you’re spending a lot of time in the heat, you need to spend a lot of time nursing as well. Like you, your baby gets dehydrated and needs to replenish fluids. If your baby is older, make sure you always have Sippy Cups ready at hand.
5. Find Some Air-Conditioning – Malls, movie theatres and libraries all have air conditioning, and offer a great place to take a break from the heat. Not to mention, they’re a great place for both you and your baby to find entertainment.
6. Buy a Hat – Protect your baby’s head and neck with a cotton summer hat. This Winnie the Pooh Hat features a chin strap so it will stay firmly in place.
7. Have a Splash – Letting your baby play in a paddling pool or on a splash pad is a fun and easy way to cool them down. If you don’t have access to one of these, try a cool bath, or simply sprinkle some water on your baby’s hair.
8. Be Strategic – Avoid spending too much time outside in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest. When you can, it’s better for you and your baby to go out in the morning or evening.

Disclosure: I am part of the Disney Baby Mom Ambassador program & as such I have received special perks as part of the campaign. As always, the thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

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My handsome little man is growing so fast!

This week, I have had my best friend in the whole wide world up to visit. Anyone who reads the blog regularly has met Colleen a few times She snapped some wonderful photos of the kids and I on her phone.

Love his little smiles.

The loves of my life.

Last night Colleen and I made some gluten free scones. She plopped in front of the stove to watch them bake. I saw an adorable photo opp

Watching delicious scones turn to golden brown. Yum.

Colleen brought with her a pair of beautiful moccasin boots that her uncle had handmade for me. I am in love with them. To check out his amazing native arts and pieces, visit his Bear Den Native Art Etsy store.

Handmade moccasin boots. Love them!

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Such a big girl already!

Ready for his close up…and maybe for a fight ;)

My monkeys.

Two months already!

We received this lovely set of monthly onesies as a gift from Lil’ Bugs. I plan on printing each of these monthly photos to place with the onesies in the keepsake box that they came with. Adorable

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Today I am playing a bit of catch up. Here are some of the great moments I have managed to capture over the past few weeks.

A photo with Nana before she had to go home.

The Easter Bunny brought Lilly a Frozen dress!

Lilly & Cole have matching PJs. Too cute.

Mama & Cole have matching PJs too :)

We officially have baby smiles! Best. Thing. Ever.

Colton’s 1 month stats!

My babies <3

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It’s no secret that the Toronto BabyTime Show is one of my favourite parenting events to attend. I first attended in the Spring of 2010, when I was expecting Lilly and have headed back down (a 2 hour drive – totally worth it!) many times since.

This past fall, I took my family with me to the BabyTime Show for the first time. Lilly had a complete blast at all the fantastic interactive booths that vendors had set up. Unfortunately, with my hubby working next weekend, I will be leaving her at preschool. However, I will be heading down with my newborn son, Cole. I am very excited to be one of the many cute baby-wearing Mamas walking around the show floor

Lilly and Daddy having fun at Sony Canada booth at Fall 2013 BabyTime Show in Toronto.

Looking through the exhibitor list for the show, it is easy to see that you have the opportunity to connect with many major brands at this event. The BabyTime Show gives you a unique chance to really see, touch and try products for you and your family, as well as allow you to ask questions and get information directly from the brands.

One aspect of this experience that I love the most is finding great innovative products and meeting up and coming companies that you can support. In many cases, you can discover amazing and unique products that you would never find at a big box store, and they are created by fellow parents who saw a need and got creative. I truly love the chance to get to know and support these parenting entrepreneurs.

When I attended the show in the Fall, I was on the lookout for a few products specifically for pregnancy. Now that I am the proud owner of a shiny and adorable newborn, I am looking for some innovative baby gear and a few unique items that will be distinctly Cole’s, just as I did after Lilly was born. Many of the products I discovered for her are still ones I recommend to fellow new mamas now.

This gorgeous organic Sleep Bag from Wee Urban is one of the innovative must-haves I discovered at the Fall 2010 BabyTime Show, after Lilly was born.

At this year’s show, there are a few specific vendors and key new products that I have my eye on. Being a busy mom of two, I am looking for products that can make my life a little easier!

Bug In A Rug will be offering a very sweet Sleep Belt that is designed specifically for skin-to-skin support. My new little man definitely loves his time napping on Mama, so I love the idea of being able to hold him while still having my hands free.

Cub’s Quarters makes a very innovative product called QuickZip crib sheets. These sheets include a zipper base and top sheets that simply zip into place. While Cole is not yet sleeping in his crib, I can imagine how nice it would be to not have to lift a mattress to change sheets in the middle of the night…

Lil Bugs is a new company that has launched an adorable way to celebrate your baby’s first year. The offer monthly onsies that can be later stored into a keepsake box, complete with cards to capture all the milestones accomplished that month. This is one I am definitely excited to try out.

About the BabyTime Show

The 16th Annual Spring BabyTime Show – The Ultimate Event For Pregnancy, Birth, Baby and Toddler
Show, Learn and Have Fun all Within One Vibrant Place Celebrating Parenthood

• SHOP! TRY & BUY from over 250 Manufacturers, Retailers and Artisans.
• REGISTER for all your baby needs with Babies “R”Us.
• TALK TO THE EXPERTS behind your favourite brands and take advantage of great show specials.
• LEARN from Top Pregnancy and Parenting Experts. Click on the Speakers tab to read up on the experts.
• MEET AND GREET your favourite characters. This year, the show’s celebrity line up includes Dora, Wonder Pets, Guess with Jess, Olivia and Blue’s Clues.

Want to get in on the excitement and goodies for FREE? Enter to win 1 of 2 pairs of tickets I am giving away!

Increase your chances to WIN!
Head on over to visit Multi-testing Mommy and Little Miss Kate to enter to win Prize Packs and Tickets!

Disclosure: I am a media partner of the Toronto BabyTime Show and received tickets to attend the event. All opinions in this post & related marketing for the event are my own.

The post Innovative Finds at the BabyTime Show Toronto – Giveaway appeared first on Ideally speaking....

I still have that cradle, which Lilly now uses for her dolls. With both of my babies being born early, I decided to try to recreate that photo with each one.

I’ll admit that it’s a good thing I did thins now with Cole, since unlike his sister & I, he barely made it!

If the floral couch isn’t a dead giveaway, this is me in the cradle in 1984.

Lilly slept quite comfortably in this cradle during the photos in 2010.

2014. Cole doesn’t quite fit in the way Lilly and I did!

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In a few weeks I will write his official birth story, but here is the cole’s notes (pun intended!) This little guy was supposed to come on Monday through a scheduled induction, but apparently Cole had his own agenda in mind. My water broke at 2am on Saturday morning and we were on a fast paced ride from then.

He was born just before noon on Saturday, weighing 7lbs, 5 oz and 20.5 inches long.

Both Mama and Baby Boy are doing very well. After a few days, I am starting to feel like myself a bit

Welcome to the world Cole :)

Mama’s New Man!

Cole meeting her little brother for the first time.

Some early morning snuggles with Daddy.

Seriously one of the best moments thus far. So precious that she wants to copy Mama.

Lilly loves giving her little brother kisses <3

The post #WordlessWednesday with linky: Meet Our Baby Boy!!! appeared first on Ideally speaking....

Note, this is about the only organized area in the nursery so far… lots to do!

My dairy farming father-in-law will be proud ;)

On Saturday, we had up our amazingly talented friend Jill, to shoot some official maternity shots. Jill was the one who had taken the beautiful photos of our family at the park last year and I knew she was perfect to capture some great belly shots. While I don’t have those shots to share just yet, I do have a little selfie I felt inclined to take…I just felt so dolled up

Just about 35 weeks pregnant.

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Rocking both my babies.

Some Mama love from my kissy face little lady.

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