3/16: Thoughts from the week
-We had some fun setting up the video monitor last night.
After making faces at each other over the little camera, I was upstairs brushing my teeth and I get a text from Tom saying “I’m watching you”
I walked back in the bedroom to see the camera following me around the room! Creeptastic.
-I kiss this face no less than a thousand times per day
She loves kisses from her daddy the most, but I’m not quite sure how she feels about his March Mustache…
-I found this onesie that I picked up when we thought she was a boy, and she slept in it last night:
We kept quite a few of the gender neutral outfits, and it’s been fun to see her in the clothes I bought when she was the size of a shrimp 🙂
-As you can see from the pic above, I’m shedding. Majorly. I just keep telling myself that when my super thick hair thins out, it will be “normal” instead of a mane, but everyday reminds me of that scene in The Craft.
-Over the past 10 weeks, I’ve probably watched more TV than I have in the past 2 years. Now, mama loves that DVR. I’d been missing out on a few gems, and then there are the shows that make me beg to have those hours of my life back.
The good: Ellen (LOVE), Bethenny and The Voice
The ok: The Revolution, Nate Berkus
I die: The Chew and Ice Loves Coco
Between the DVR and reading, there’s good couch time feeding/pumping entertainment.
-A few people have asked about my “get ready in the morning” routine now that I have my little sidekick. Answer: most of the time, I don’t. Some times there are places we need to be in the morning where I should look presentable (like the pediatrician’s office), but usually we stay in our jammies or casual most of the day. If it’s that kind of day, Liv will lay on her playmat and coo at the animals while I brush my teeth, put my contacts in and change clothes before we head downstairs, and
if we do have to get ready to go somewhere, I’ll put Liv in the babysitter balance in front of the shower while I shower (and poke my head out to say hi to let her know I’m still there).
She chills in the babysitter balance in the bathroom with me while I get dressed, put makeup on and do my hair. I’ll play music on my iPhone and dance around to keep her entertained 😉 The whole process usually takes about 25 minutes give or take the time in between to change her diaper or walk around with her for a little while.
-Since we knew a baby was on the way, I’ve thought about how much I want to be a good parent. I want to set a good example, give her the tools to succeed academically, and teach her how to be kind, loving, compassionate and independent. I want her to respect her parents, but at the same time, never be afraid to talk to us about anything.
There are so many different parenting styles out there, and I’m excited to see how we fall into our groove, particularly because both mine and Tom’s parents are divorced and remarried, and all had different parenting methods.
Growing up, if I was grounded at my mom’s house, that meant I was in big trouble.
If I was at dad’s house, I could still go over to friends’ houses and talk on the phone (aka not really grounded)
Tom and I make a pretty good team, and I think we’ll figure it out 🙂
Are there any awesome parenting books you recommend? Is there anything your parents did that you hope to replicate in your family?
What’s always on your DVR, or your fave show?
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I love that they now have video cameras for babies. That must be such a big comfort and relief.
And you’re going to be a great parent!
That onesie is SO cute! If I ever have a baby boy I totally want that – or a cute pink one for a girl!
I still have 10 episodes of last season’s So You Think You Can Dance on my DVR. And, the last 8 episodes of Glee. I’m thinking of switching back to watch-it-in-real-time-only mode!
She is so beautiful! No wonder you kiss that face so much! :). My DVR is filled with Bethany, bachelor, and jersey shore (it’s like a train wreck, I can’t turn away) for me, and then a whole lot of history channel documentaries for my husband. Opposites attract!
She is such a little dolly! I remember when you asked for breastfeeding tips, I suggested loading up your DVR! Lol! I got hooked on the housewives shows and Bethenny while nursing last year. And Ellen was always a must watch!
I’m preparing for baby #1 in April, and the parenting book I LOVED is called “Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids.” I teach elementary school, and I want to make this mandatory reading for all the parents at my school!
Some of the major points:
Streamlining the home environment: Reducing clutter, lights, sounds,sensory overload, and preventing “overchoice” by reducing the amount of toys and books immediately available.
Establishing rhythms and rituals: Creating predictable routines for the day that ease tension for both parents and children
Creating space in the schedule: Establishing periods of calm in a life full of constant doing
Scaling back on media and parental involvement: Limiting “screen time” to reduce the deluge of information and stimulation, giving the child space to discover and “be” without constant hovering.
It’s a great parenting book, but has points that are good for ANYONE trying to live a less stressful, more fulfilling life.
Love the sound of this – will be looking it up 🙂
That sounds amazing, I want to read it for myself now!
Look at that little face, just makes you want to gobble her right up!
*sidenote: Hated hated hated when my hair started to fall out. It just irked the OCD part of me that cannot stand seeing hair all over the place (barf). The next lovely stage is when you get the awesome short “baby bangs” along your hairline…you’ll know what I mean when the time comes 😉
I haven’t started it yet, but, The Five Love Languages of Children is downloaded on my Kindle.
DVR: Survivor (I’ve watched every season), Modern Family, Up All Night, Cougar Town, GCB and Big Brother (in the summer) are tops on my list.
Cougar Town rocks! (and it’s NOT about Cougars – worse title choice ever) It’s like Scrubs & Friends when they are older. LOVE
I am not the only one with a horses mane for a head of hair! It is so hard to take care of huh?! A lot of m friends say they have thick hair and they have thicker then normal hair but not like mine. It takes a good 30 min to blow it dry. Why were we cursed with this hair Gina?!
My DVR must haves are Revenge, The Voice and Criminal Minds. Though living with my parents and my older brother, those shows get deleted and the recordings stopped all the time. Not very fun.
I always wonder how I will rise my kids, because I grew up in a strict household. And I love how I turned out, but I did hate it at times.
My parents always presented a very united front as a parenting team. If they ever disagreed with the other’s decisions (parenting or otherwise), then they sure never let us know it! It’s amazing to me how many married couples will belittle each other in front of their kids and other people. How can a man expect his children to respect their mother if he clearly doesn’t (and vice versa)? What a terrible example to set!
My parents also never, ever, ever ever ever fought in front of us. Up until I was like 20 and my mom explained to me that they would simply save their disagreements and heated discussions for behind closed doors, I was convinced that my parents had never had a fight! Basically, nothing that they did was rocket science. They just made a happy, peaceful, low-tension home, and that’s what I’d like to provide for my children too <3
My parents taught me the value of eye contact! That sounds silly, but it is seriously important to me.
I got laid off back in January and I too discovered the DVR in the living room. Needless to say, I got so frustrated with all the TV I was watching (why did I waste so much time watching the Chew?!) that I cancelled our cable yesterday. Yep. I did that.
OMG, I did that a year ago. I have a TV antennae. Best decision I EVER made. Free TV is amazing. No DVR. Less TV to watch. Plus, so much is on Hulu you do not need cable.
We’re doing that! Now if I can only figure out the whole antennae setup before hubby gets home from deployment haha.
DVR = one show…..REVENGE!!!!!!!!!! <——– This show has my parents and I completely addicted! Oh, and you can never go wrong with *Modern Family* 🙂
I love Revenge too, and Ringer!
I thought I would hate Revenge based on the title alone, but I was so wrong. BEST show. I’m an addict. Modern Family is my other addiction-hilarious. I also love American Idol. This season is amazing-so much over the top talent, but my heart belongs to Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Philips. I got chills when Ms. Sanchez sang “I will always love you.” Sorry to hijack this…carry on 🙂
I have not read it but saw Goldie Hawn on some talk show and was really impressed. Check it out and see if it is something that might interest you. I know Livi is too young, but might want to add it to your list of books to read someday. If anybody has read this book I would be interested in what they think.
10 Mindful Minutes: Giving Our Children–and Ourselves–the Social and Emotional Skills to Reduce Stress and Anxiety for Healthier, Happy Lives
That pic is adorable!! Olivia is really starting to grow into her features…I can really see the two of you in her now!!! And what a cute little onsie!! Baby clothes are the CUTEST!!!
My mom has always been very trustworthy and has always made an effort to make me know that I can come to her if I have anything to talk about. She also lets me do mostly what I want as long as I tell her the truth: where I’m going, who I’ll be with, what we’ll be doing, etc. I think it has worked very well- I have never wanted/felt the need to hide anything from her (except for birthday and Christmas presents :D) and trust her very much!
Oh my goodness this cracks me up! When Emmie was still sleeping in our room we had the video monitor set up in there. I told Chris one day how it creeped me out to nurse on the bed because people try to hack the cameras. Low and behold he started playing with the camera from downstairs haha.
I do the same thing to get ready on days I need to. And the shedding does die down at some point!
While I still have my DVR: Greys and Private Practice!!
Go sign up for Hulu as it is as good as a DVR, You just have to watch it online. I have an HDMI cable so I can see it on my TV. Hulu automatically puts the new episode in my queue to watch anytime AND it is FREEEEEEEEEEE!
Always on my DVR: Revenge & New Girl. I could watch the episodes of New Girl like 5 or more times each…oh wait I have 🙂
I love Bethenny and a total sucker for the Housewives!!!
I can’t believe how big she is getting. Check out Parenting the QBQ Way: How to be an Outstanding Parent and Raise Great Kids Using the Power of Personal Accountability
Bethenny and all of those awful real housewives shows always sucker me in and drive my husband insane lol.
Watch out for your hair getting wrapped around that sweet little girls fingers and toes! That used to happen to my daughter all the time when she was younger.
“Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline” by Dr. Becky Bailey, when she’s a little older. That was my fav parenting book and I read a lot of them. I should read it again but I swear my daughter needs no discipline! She’s a perfectionist, so I’m always telling her, “Who cares! It’s a C! (Or it’s a broken plate!) It’s fine, you’re allowed to mess up!”
If you’re like me, you’ll get so sick of your fallen hairs tickling your arms, when they’re stuck to your back! So annoying!
She is too freaking cute. This would be more applicable to when she’s old enough, but I really appreciate that my parents made me do chores and emphasized good manners. I’d have a list every Saturday to do. And it wasn’t even for allowance, but simply part of normal life. I think it instilled good habits in me. It’s always made me more conscious of the space I’m in and even though I complained, I think I have way better manners and habits because of it. Good manners will get you far in life, I believe.
LOVE BEthenny but the fighting on this week’s episode hurts my heart. I feel like Jason needs therapy too. And I want to wear every single outfit she wears.
I also love Top Chef, Real Housewives, and Watch What Happens Live.
i know, that made me sad too 🙁
She is so adorable Gina!
No worries, you and Tom will find your groove with parenting! Everyone does have their own style 😉
Just so sweet she is!!
Hi Gina and Livi! I always record DR. OZ, House wives of Orange County, Today show, and Univision spanish novela!
She looks tall already!
she is getting long! maybe she’ll be tall like her daddy 🙂
Every birthday when we were growing up, my parents would let my siblings and I open all our presents, choose our 5 favourites, and then take us to the children’s hospital to give the rest away. It’s a small thing but it really taught me to appreciate what I had and to be generous. I’ll definitely be doing it with my kids!
I love this idea! I’m going to do this with my kids for sure…if I have any!
Re:Parenting. My mother is probably the most empathetic person I know and she taught us to always try to imagine what it is like to be in the other person’s shoes even if the person was mean.
I learned from my parents to have date nights. They had date nights sometimes more than once a week-played tennis together, saw a movie or went out to dinner. We try to go on a date at least once a month. (Sitters are a lot more expensive these days and back then you could even hire a 10/11/12 year old from the neighborhood if it was just a brief date.)
Growing up I often complained that my parents were too “over-protective” and “old-fashioned” and now I am 10 times worse, but in my defense the world is different today or perhaps we know too much. At the same time, I assumed my husband would be the push over, but I am!
My husband is such an AMAZING and involved father which is pretty incredible considering his parents divorced when he was young and his father remarried, moved away and didn’t see him very often.
Love the ‘Locally Produced’ onesie. Too cute!
And that picture, mid-yawn, mid-smile…awwww, priceless. She’s adorable, Gina!
HA! This sounds exactly like how it is over here @ our casa. Most of the day, I spend time in the family room w/my 6 week old son watching TV in my jammies & hanging out w/him, singing, dancing & “exploring the house & backyard – telling him what everything is that I see”. LOVE Ellen, Bethenny and The Voice as well…and even hate to admit too that I’ve watched numerous episodes of Ice Loves Coco…that show ALWAYS seems to be on on E! doesn’t it, LOL. And if I have to look presentable, I prop him in his snug-a-bunny bouncer on the bathroom floor & peek my head out of the shower every few mins to make funny faces @ him…although the other day, he had a complete meltdown mid-shower so I only got to shave ONE leg before I had to get out, oops.
I think you & your hubs make a great team thus far, from what you’ve shared on your blog. You both seem so loving, towards each other and that precious beautiful little girl of yours. 🙂
Project Runway and ANTM. I’m ashamed to admit it, but these are my guilty pleasures. Total escapism, no brain power required.
She is sooo cute I can’t even handle it! haha. I know you and Tom are going to be amazing parents…..wait you already are! 🙂
I highly recommend the book ” you are your child’s first teacher”. It has definitely shaped my parenting philosophy 🙂
Scream Free Parenting = the best ever. It’s all about leadership, compassion while being firm with boundaries, guidance for parents who are really frustrated but don’t want a loud house with door slamming and screaming, teaching through experiences, not speaking down (which you can’t imagine now but wait until 3 yrs old or 9 or teens!) Must read IMO!
http://www.screamfree.com/site/PageServer?pagename=201006_Parenting
I am LOVING Modern Family! We started ordering it from Netflix and are catching up with past seasons… The scenarios and family relations are hilarious 😀
I would highly recommend Parentung with Love and Logic!
The main parenting tip my husband and I have it to always back each other up in front of the kids.
Also to lover one another first, showing our kids what a healthy relationship is 🙂
We have ditched cable and have hulu plus and netflix…right now I’m obsessed with The River. That show is downright insane.
One book that I cannot recommend enough is “How to talk so kids will listen, and how to listen so kids will talk” by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish. It is the most sensible and informative book I have ever read on parenting. I have used it with all of my aupair children and it worked magically, and my friend also had a major success with her son, who would not want to listen nor talk.
Love And Logic for Early Childhood. Hands-down, awesome! Once you start to hit those trickier toddler phases, this book becomes a lifesaver. So practical and with such a great long-term view of things. The gist is that if kids get lots of experience making littler choices (when appropriate) early on, they’ll do better at making the higher-stakes choices as they get into their teen years and beyond. So, so solid. I promise you’ll love it!
A brand-new book that’s about to come out that I am dying to read: “Mean Moms Rule.” Love the concept and the author’s blog as well!
I have been thinking about “parenting styles” as well and then realized I think it will come natural, like why do we always have to label everything and have a plan? Just a random thought:-
Then I picked up this book “Bringing up Bebe'” and I absolutely love the book. It is about an American woman who lives in France and observed how well behaved most of the French children were compared to American children. It really is enlightening and comes down to simple discipline, in my opinion.
I am sure you will raise Livi in the best way for you and Tom:)
Oh man, Ice Loves Coco can definitely suck me in 🙂 I miss The Girls Next Door – did you ever watch that show? Right now I’m especially loving 2 Broke Girls, Hart of Dixie, and New Girl. Oh and Property Brothers – I could watch them all day!!
You and Tom are already fantastic parents, and I know you’ll continue to be wonderful 🙂 Just the fact that you’ve already put so much thought into how you want to raise Liv says a ton about your awesome parenting skills. One thing (of many) I’m really glad my parents did, and which I hope to eventually continue, was insisting on having family dinner every night – no distractions, just a home-cooked meal and conversation about our days or whatever. I think it was really important and definitely played a big part in how my sister and I grew up.
Everyday when I came home from school, and was starving, my parents would leave a bowl of cut up vegetables waiting for me in the refrigerator (usually some combo of cucumber, tomato, cabbage, red pepper, carrots, broccoli, etc.). I will definitely do that when I have kids because it taught me to LOVE vegetables and crave them when I am hungry – instead of junkie processed foods!!!
Your morning bathroom routine is exactly like mine! Down to the bouncer and contacts 🙂
If I ever decide to have kids, paying for their college is something I’d want to replicate from my parents. I didn’t realize at the time how blessed I was/am, but at 29 years old I now understand the sacrifices they went through to pay for my brother and me to go to our college of choice and am eternally grateful for them. 🙂
My mom and I “Awwwwww’d” so hard just now seeing that picture of Liv. So cute. Still so weird that you’re a mom now!
I lost so much hair after my daughter was born. The weird part is about 10 months after birth it is growing back and it is like I have two sets of hair. I had to get a bob hair cut while I wait for this new hair to grow a reach shoulder length. Crazy!!
My husband and I love the Big Bang Theory. It’s always on the DVR!