Daddies wear babies, too

We've found that Samson enjoys being held snugly in this wrap and it's a great way to keep him calm and happy while we're able to use our hands to do whatever needs doing. Typically, he goes right to sleep in the wrap and will remain content for a couple of hours, something he rarely does when sleeping in his bassinet.

We have the Ultimate Baby Wrap, but there are several other similar wraps out there including the Moby Wrap, Maman Kangourou, Ellaroo, Sassy Wrap, Hugabub, and Cuddly Wrap. You can even make your own with instructions online here.

We prefer this kind of carrier to a pouch or ring-sling because

• it's the most versatile in the number of different holds, including an upright position that works for babies with reflux,
• it's least physically stressful for both wearer and baby,
  
• a person of any size can use it so Mama and Daddy can share one, and
  
• it allows you to wear a baby from newborn size to pre-school aged.

The downside is that it takes a little more practice to learn how to use and it can get a a little warm if you're wearing cold weather clothes underneath.

For more info on the benefits of baby wearing, check out these links:
http://www.thebabywearer.com/
http://www.wearsthebaby.com/
http://www.wearyourbaby.org/
http://www.askdrsears.com
http://www.lalecheleague.org

I love my Paw-paw

Now we're mommies.

Horseshoe Lounge, 1999(?)









Ang's Baby Shower, 12/2006

Daddy and Me

12/10/2006

Party Animal

Samson impressed everyone with his stamina on Saturday by staying content and fuss-free for an amazing 4 whole hours while we attended Angela & Scott's baby shower. We weren't sure how he'd react to the situation, but to our relief, he pretty much napped in Mama's sling the whole time except during our two trips to the upstairs nursery for his feedings.

What a confidence booster for Mama & Daddy! Now we're thinking we might venture out in public more often for something more fun than doctor's visits. It would certainly help Mama's mental health to get dressed and leave the house from time-to-time, rejoining the "real" world.

This picture shows Mama & Samson with his pal Annabelle, her Aunt Kelsey, and Mama Jen. The Webb girls have each had new babies in the past year and they shared lots of encouraging tales of their experiences with colicky newborns and baby blues. The common theme we kept hearing throughout the party was, "Yes, this time is absolutely soul-crushing, but it goes by quickly and your life will become more manageable soon. Hang in there!"

And then there was that one lady, I'm guessing she was in her mid-fifties, who talked about how her 4 kids (all full term and formula fed, of course) all slept through the night as soon as they came home from the hospital, and babies who don't sleep just need to get some solid food in their bellies. Um, thanks for sharing....