Month: May 2016

Parenting Phrases I Hate: “You think that’s hard, just wait until…”

~ newbiemomsite ~ 10 Comments

Welcome to the second instalment in the series: “Parenting Phrases I Hate.” This week’s phrases is one I have heard a lot since my son was born: “You think this is hard? Just wait until…”

First, I think I have said this, along with almost everyone else I know. Veteran parents are the worst culprits. Most of the time, it is not a bad phrase in and of itself. I will say that 98% of the time this is said in a friendly, joking manner. It is said in camaraderie. But those other 2% of times,  it is meant with malicious intent.

Again, most of the time, it is innocent, but when it isn’t – I hate that phrase.

Let me give you four examples:  Continue reading →

Look at me, I’m a writer!

~ newbiemomsite ~ Leave a comment

My first article was published on Her View From Home yesterday and I am very proud of it. Actually, I think it is one of the best things I have ever written.

If you have a moment, please check it out! It’s about that crazy, emotional roller coaster that is the first year of parenting. You know what I mean, because you are reading this blog.

Here is a short teaser: 

You have a baby and you are immediately overwhelmed. You are overwhelmed by the indecipherable crying, by the lack of sleep, by the extreme neediness. You are overwhelmed by your love for this new tiny human and by the responsibility of keeping said adorable baby alive and well. You feel exhausted, useless and anxious. Everything you do is so hard. It won’t always be like this, others tell you. It will get better.

Want to read more? Check it out on the link below.

http://herviewfromhome.com/it-wont-always-be-like-this/

 

Baby Yoga is Not Zen

~ newbiemomsite ~ 6 Comments

Before my son was born, I enjoyed going to yoga classes. It was a place for me to unwind, relax and stretch. When my son was born, I looked forward to attending baby yoga classes as a way to relax. Ha! Well, I still love yoga, but when you bring baby along – relaxing it ain’t!

Sure, it starts out well. The baby is momentarily dazzled by all the natural light and wood beams. They stare in open fascination at the yoga poses. If it is your first class, they may even drift off into a short nap. “This is amazing”, you think. “So relaxing. We will have to come back.” But don’t be fooled. This will not last.

Oh no, this sense of peace cannot last because you are not at yoga – you are at baby yoga. I know what you are thinking: “Newbie Mom, how can I tell the difference?” Well, aside from the babies all over the floor, there are several key differences between yoga and baby yoga: Continue reading →

5 Thing NOT to say to Pregnant Women with Severe Nausea

~ newbiemomsite ~ 7 Comments

Most women I know experienced some type of morning sickness during their pregnancies. For many, this means aversions to favourite foods and vomiting for a few weeks. For me, pregnancy meant 41 weeks of IV fluids, anti-nausea pills, dehydration and barfing discretely at work.

Why? I had a condition called Hyperemesis Gravidarum. You may have heard this term in connection with Princess Kate of England’s recent pregnancies. For those who haven’t, hyperemesis is extremely severe nausea during pregnancy which results in significant weight loss and dehydration. It is rare, happening in under 2% of pregnancies. (Yay! Lucky me!)

CAM00365
Me on my IV fluids during week 8 of my pregnancy. Happy New Years to me!

Though most people were very supportive during this time, I heard quite a few ridiculous comments ranging from simply uninformed to downright rude. These are a few of my favourites and the things I wish I had said in response: Continue reading →

Worst. Flight. Ever.

~ newbiemomsite ~ 7 Comments

First, this story is not for the squeamish. Also, if you are about to fly for the first time with a baby, you may want to pretend you didn’t see this one and then read it when you get home.

Well, we just got back from a great trip to Sedona, Arizona, where we all had a blast hiking, swimming and sightseeing. Baby MB had a blast making friends with any nice looking strangers at restaurants and learning to crawl. Yes, the trip was amazing. Just the right amount of fun and relaxation and no major problems on the plane over. Our son slept very well in the provided crib. We even began thinking of taking another short trip before I head back to work in September.

20160513_185711_HDR.jpg
Another beautiful day in Sedona.

“We’re so glad we did this!” We said as we packed the car to head home. We congratulated ourselves on our excellent planning skills, our packing ability and even our choice of restaurants. Yes, we got cocky. And as always, when you get a bit too full of yourself, life has a way of putting you back in your place.  Continue reading →

A Salute to Hazel!

~ newbiemomsite ~ 4 Comments

Today is Hazel’s 4th birthday, so it seems like a perfect time to dedicate a post to my favourite fur baby. Here are 10 things Hazel would like you to know about her:

We brought Hazel home in July of 2012. Her Dad’s name was Parker, which is my last name. She has one brother, and I also have one brother. We felt like she was meant to come home with us.

CAM00602.jpg
Mommy, the dog is trying to steal my pillow.

I don’t know why I didn’t realize this, but I didn’t know that dogs have to be trained to walk on a leash. I expected to just clip on the leash and go on a walk, but Hazel was not having that at all. The minute I clipped on her leash, she would glare at me and flop down, refusing to move. Eventually I got a long wooden spoon, covered it in peanut butter and carried it with me on walks. Suddenly the leash was much more appealing and after a week, I could leave the spoon behind.  Continue reading →

Why You Can’t Get Mad at your Facebook Friends for Posting yet another Baby Picture.

~ newbiemomsite ~ 4 Comments

You’re scrolling through your Facebook news feed, and you see them: Pictures of your friend’s babies or toddlers with captions like, “Trying carrots!” or “Happy 6 Months baby Bob!”. We have all been there. Quick – what is your reaction to this?

Chances are you fall into one of two camps: 1) Great, I love babies. That is cute! 2) Oh my God, another stupid picture of their kid. Why don’t they post about anything else?

I will tell you why I don’t think people should get mad at new parents for posting about their babies. (I know, you didn’t ask. Deal with it.): Continue reading →

10 Steps to Shopping as a New Mom

~ newbiemomsite ~ 14 Comments

Going shopping used to mean a fun day out with friends. You would leisurely stroll through the shops, spending time trying on new clothes, debating the purchase while twirling in the mirror. Then you would probably stop for coffee. Or a snack. Or both! Why not, you’ve got time.

Yeah, not so much of that any more! A little while back, I posted about my first shopping trip post baby. Now, due to popular demand, I will give you some insight into how I shop for clothes, now that I am a new mom. Okay, fine. No one asked. Too bad, suckers! Here we go. Continue reading →

Things I Really Want on my First Mother’s Day

~ newbiemomsite ~ 24 Comments

You know those commercials where people get their mom expensive jewellery?

Let me set the stage for you: they are playing in a meadow wearing their most formal attire and the little kid pulls out a box. The mom opens it, discovers a pair of diamond earrings that the kid could not possibly have the credit score to purchase, and gasps in delight. The commercial ends with her hugging her angelic little ones as the camera swirls around them.

This may be what the commercials show us, but that’s not what new moms like me really want.

What do new moms really want? Here are my suggestions:

Continue reading →