thaoie Posts

My belated reflection on 2013:

Through the first half of the year I was prepping our lives for an addition to our family. Little did I know I was in for quite a rude awakening. Being pregnant, gaining weight, avoiding alcohol, giving up sushi+oysters and waddling around was the easiest part. I truly was not prepared for the 2nd half of 2013 when Nolan made his debut. For the first 2 months I felt as if he was the rudest thing to happen to me. In an instant this tiny little person demanded my attention (and my husband’s) nearly 24/7. Didn’t he know I had other priorities that were also quite pressing that don’t just disappear when he appeared? And that mommy likes to sleep probably just as much as he does? How rude! It took me forever to grasp that my old life was gone for good, my old routine and lifestyle a thing WAY in the past. Only when he started to show that he recognized me and my voice did I start to grow a true attachment to him. It was an instantaneous moment of realization that I so truly loved him with all my heart and being; that nothing else in the world mattered more than he did. Of course with that realization, complications arose. I had to adjust my priorities and make some very hard decisions for his sake. I’m taking on A LOT less photography gigs to ensure that I have plenty of quality time with him. I do not want to look back with regrets on missing out on the most important parts of his life. He’s only a baby for so long, so pure and innocent and completely honest that I’m just basking and soaking it all up now for as long as I can.

We’re still getting used to this new lifestyle. It’s funny that when we think we’ve found a good routine something new with Nolan happens and we find ourselves adjusting again. Everyday still brings on challenges; with that new things to learn and more things to share as first time parents.  I’m still agitated that our rooms are in a constant state of disorganization.  I want so badly to have a day or 2 or 3 to organize everything. I still really miss getting lost in a book for hours on end for days at a time.  I used to come and go as I please but now every thing we do revolves around the little dude. I still don’t get how one little person can demand so much of 2 grown people but I guess something that brings us so much joy and love deserves that kind of attention.

Nothing can take the place of the love this little guy has taken up in my heart.
On a side note: can you see all the hair regrowing sticking up on my head? Such an eyesore but all for that little cutie.

Just me and my little guy.

Auto Awesome video!! Watch how Nolan spends his day on his 7 month birthday riding in his new rear facing big boy seat, falling asleep in it, going to the office with mommy, having his photoshoot there and chilling with Aunt Anh and Uncle Ken.

So what’s new in parenthood? Baby food making and a convertible car seat.

We started making baby food for Nolan a couple weeks ago. The Baby Brezza was what we first purchased since it seemed to be the better of the 2 baby food makers that was available at our local Target. It cooks and blends all in one step which made it super convenient for this busy momma. After a few tries with butternut squash and apples we found that the food was inconsistent and chunky which made Nolan gag. Quite odd to us since he loves apples. Rob took the foods and blended them further with our own Magic Bullet which made a huge difference! The food came out a lot more smooth and consistent, no chunks. Nolan enjoyed it much more after the Magic Bullet did it’s “magic”. Needless to say we will be returning the Baby Brezza and just sticking to our own Magic Bullet. Plus, the Baby Brezza cost twice as much as a Magic Bullet. No brainer! I may have to boil the foods separately before blending but that’s ok. As long as Nolan’s happily eating what we make him, it saves us money and it’s healthier for the guy–both a win win in our books. How often does Nolan eat solids? We feed him 3x a day and he eats about 3-4oz in each sitting. The first 2 meals is exclusively food that we’ve made for him. His last meal of the day is a mix of oatmeal baby cereal with home made food.

We’ve been looking into the “perfect” convertible car seat for Nolan. What does “convertible” mean? A top-down sort of deal? No. It means the car seat can be used rear facing or front facing. It’s recommended that children are rear faced for as long as possible (up to 2 years if you can get your child to do so). It is the safest position they can be in if involved in any kind of accident. We were juggling between the Radian Diono RXT and the Clek Foonf. We didn’t get to test both out so we relied heavily on reviews. We liked them primarily for their high safety ratings, narrow design to fit 3 across in a standard size car, high weight capacity and cup holder add-on. We ended up getting an Amazon Warehouse deal on the Clek Foonf. It may have been an open box item, but it was pretty much brand new and untouched, plus we got it for about $80 less than retail. We were sold on the Clek Foonf since it is one of the newest and safest car seats on the market. With the anti-rebound bar and REACT safety system I am completely assured that Nolan will be as safe as can be in an accident. Plus it looks like a tank. Did I mention that every part of it is recyclable?? Nolan seems to like it since he can see out the window a lot easier now. We’re still in need of a 2nd one for my car so we might test out other seats or get a 2nd Foonf. I admit that it’s on the pricier end so please do your own research and see what fits best for your car, your child and lifestyle.