Have 5 mos., will carry...

Okay, so I have been promising you that I would post about what carriers I find most helpful for a newborn. When GB was born in August, he lived in my Simple Sling (http://www.cobaltcarriers.com/spiritedslings.htm) any time we were out in public. It was nice being able to nurse in the sling and the fabric is a nice cool cotton (think bed sheet material). As he got a little bigger (3 mos) I found myself grabbing my Mei Tai Baby more often (http://www.cobaltcarriers.com/mei-tai-baby-carrier.htm). The ability to carry GB tight against me was great for when I had to run after NJ (2.5 yrs.). Plus, it distributed the weight better than the ring sling. I find doing powerwalks is easier and more comfortable when using the Mei Tai. I still carry him in the ring sling when I need to be able to take him out and put him back in quickly (Pediatrician appointments, Picking up NJ at preschool, or just a quick walk outside to get the mail.) However, yesterday I picked NJ up at preschool, but I knew that we were going to have to make a potty stop before we left school. So, I put GB on my back in the Mei Tai Baby (after shortening the crotch on the carrier using the adjustable snaps). He was up high so he could see, but out of the way so I could help NJ sit on the potty (and not fall in ;-). It worked great having him on my back. I should add that normally I don't recommend putting a baby on your back until they are 6 mos. old. And even then you should use extreme caution when getting them on and off. I used what is called a "Santa Claus toss" to get him up there. You can see video clips here: http://www.thebabywearer.com/images/video/alisonmettaiflip2.mov or here: http://www.mamatoto.org/videos/StrapCarry1.MPG. Sorry about the video quality.

If you are really interested in learning how to use your carrier to its full potential, I highly recommend the Tummy 2 Tummy DVD (http://www.cobaltcarriers.com/tummy2tummy.htm). I've been watching this DVD a lot lately as I learn how to use a woven wrap. Now that the winter weather is finally here, I've been experimenting with a Storchenwiege wrap. I have resisted wraps in the past because it involves so much fabric. I'm still not in love with it, but I do have to admit that they are VERY comfortable for carrying a bigger baby for long periods of time, and we both stay so warm and cozy wrapped in the woven wrap. I'm sure once GB hits the 20 lb. mark, I'll be reaching for my ERGO again. I used my ERGO with NJ from about 18 mos. - 2+ yrs. for weekly hikes. It was super easy & comfortable to use. I even used it once when NJ was sick, while 8 mos. pregnant by putting the waist strap under my belly. He was so sick that he wouldn't let me put him in the shopping cart while I picked up his prescription at the pharmacy. I could have tied a mei tai around my pregnant body easier than the ERGO, but it was all I had in the car at the time.

I hope some of this information helps you when shopping for a baby carrier.

By for now.

Toilet Training

We are officially kicking the toilet training into high gear this month. It might have something to do with New Year's Resolutions (lose weight, get fit, be more patient with my children & toilet train NJ!) Or maybe it is because having two kids in diapers is weighing on me. Whatever it is, I decided that I had been putting off trying to toilet train NJ for long enough.

NJ will be 3 in March. So, we ditched the diapers and went out to buy some "big boy" underwear. NJ picked one package of every character that Sears had (Bob the Builder, Cars, & Thomas) Day #1, he proudly picked out a pair of Bob the Builder, which has a cool construction vehicle (Travis) on the back, and a little Bob the Builder printed on the front. Halfway through the day, NJ went to the potty himself. He pulled his underwear down (actually, off completely), went pee and then put his underwear back on. He told me "Mommy, I put a leg in each hole and then put my underwear on so I could see Travis." I looked down and saw he had the pants on backwards so he could see the big picture of Travis. I nearly peed myself trying not to laugh. I did get a picture of it (see above). So, I was so proud of my little man and thought, "This toilet training is going to be a snap!"

Day #2, By 10am NJ had already peed in 3 pairs of underwear. By 12:30pm he had soiled another pair. I'm almost positive that he is capable of holding it (although the days that I'm scraping poop off his underwear, I think maybe not). He was doing pretty well with going pee in the potty (as long as I made sure to get him to sit there at least once every hour.)

It has been two weeks, and I'm not sure where we are now. NJ has a cold, so I put him back in diapers, but he really wants to be in underwear. I know he doesn't have the patience to use the potty while he's sick. So, I'm going to have to wait a few days now.

So here I am wondering – did I wait too long and miss his window – is it my fault, did I leave him in dirty diapers too long – I should have stuck with cloth diapering – I'm afraid that if I don't teach him correctly and with lots of patience, he will have serious psychological issues for the rest of his life!!! Man, talk about guilt! (That's what I get for taking Psych classes for my Minor in college.)

So, if you are reading this post, send me some good luck potty vibes. Oh, and if you have a moment, check out this Potty Train Chant I came across. Be sure to cross your legs, it will have you laughing out loud! http://www.pottytrainbook.com/PTChant/tabid/58/Default.aspx