That Sweater She Won't Like

Thank you to Meridith at Like Merchant Ships for pointing me to this video.

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Closer Than They Appear

I accidentally took this photo with my phone yesterday after our big family Thanksgiving meal.

The randomness of this picture is so appropriate, such a nice thing to find I didn't know I had. A single image that like a lasso pulls every feeling from that moment into one neat pile.

Ivy on my mom's lap, my dad's feet while he naps full-bellied in the chair, the peacefulness surrounding my new daughter and the hint of promise ahead of us...

On the way home last night, just before the sunset I looked out my window and could feel the bigness of this life. In that instant I felt that if this was it, if this was all there was to it- nothing more and nothing less- I am happy. I will take this. I am content.

Chew Steph, Chew

It's finally caught up with me and I sit here on Thanksgiving Day so very thankful for so many things. But I have been feeling the pressure more & more of all that I have on this great big plate of mine.

I'm going to admit it now. I think my eyes have been bigger than my stomach. So to speak...

But I'm making my way through it all and continuing to maintain my focus on my family first, then work. It's so hard. Never ever imagined how hard this could be.

I am proud of what I've accomplished and the company in which I keep.




And I will say, looking back on it, that all this busyness has definitely been good for me. Today has previously been the anniversary that I dreaded and couldn't wait to be over so it could be just another milestone. But it's come so fast, almost unexpectedly, and I appreciate it. I feel really good today. I feel really good about tomorrow.

Wherever this is, I'm so glad to be here right now.

With a full plate, full arms, and full heart.




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Photo by Beth of Beth Fletcher Photography.

Wait'll You See This Turkey...

Warning- I am overcome by the very high pitched happy Mom voice and I will not apologize for it!!

Be sure to enter my giveaway here!

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Where I Been

Hangin with the girlz. Find out more & win here!

Pictured: Donya from Crooked Eyebrow, Arianne from To Think Is To Create, Me, & Maria Bailey.

The Time

I had to go through some old photos on my computer yesterday and felt my heart quicken as I neared The Time- as in The Time when I might come across a photo of Noah when he was at his worst.

We didn’t take many pictures then, but it was during Christmas of 2003 and a family wedding, so pictures are going to be taken. I was nervous to look. Like, I was pretty sure I hadn’t saved any bad reminders of him in his helmet or all drugged up. But there they were- photos of him at his birthday party. Dancing at the wedding. On his first airplane ride. All during The Time.



I don’t know what I really feel. Not really a sadness. Maybe a numbness. And confusion. Like that child in the photos isn’t Noah. That was probably the most heartbreaking thing about his Epilepsy, that it wasn’t him. You would look in his eyes and wonder where he went. And would he ever come back? No one could give us that answer. Especially not him.

So, I look at these photos of him in a helmet and remember the stares we’d get at the grocery store and how I was too tired and grieved to even care. And how much I hated looking at that blue thing with the rainbow strap, period.

I remember after he started the diet and we finally felt ok to let him go more & more without it. Like taking the training wheels off, we stepped out in faith hoping an attack wouldn’t sneak in and make us put it back on. And I remember wanting to burn it when we knew he was all better. But it had protected him. And we wanted it to help someone else, so we gave it to another family that couldn’t afford one.

There are days I don’t want to have to tell his story anymore. It’s not him. He’s a regular boy now, seizures far, far, very far behind him, I pray. We could so easily block out The Time and move on with our lives. But hearing our story, for some parents, is the only hope they have to hold on to. To know it is possible to get your child back.

And we want our story, like that dang helmet, to help someone else. We share it for free to anyone that will hear. We lived That Time. Can’t take it back. But we can go on living and enjoying The Now, the time we now create with every new day.

Noah’s story is featured in the May issue of NWIparent: "Gut Reactions " and you can also read more of the story here .

Looks Like Cute

Gray says she looks like cute. I must agree.


Ivy LaRue 10 weeks old

I Think I Wrote This To Myself

Dear Mother,

There will be days that feel like Christmas morning- when you wake up and look at your sweet child and feel so incredibly blessed and lucky. Amazed that you get to be their Mom. Like opening a new package each time.

There will be nights when you check on them while they are sleeping and you'll want to wake them and kiss them and tell them you're sorry. For how the day went, for how you snapped or didn't have patience or pay enough attention.

There will be heartaches that will only draw you closer. There will be hard times that make the good times shine so bright.

And there will be love. Lots and lots of love.

There will be so many times you feel like you've failed. But in the eyes, heart, and mind of your child you ARE Super Mom. You are their world. And you are doing a fabulous job.

Love,
Stephanie Precourt

Submitted to the Mother Letter Project.

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Yes They're All Mine

and it's the best.

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Word.

I peeked in on Noah & Carter as they were supposed to be napping. I found Noah sitting in the rocking chair with his little Bible opened.

"I'm reading the Bible to Carter."

"Oh which story?" I asked.

"God."


Originally published March 25, 2007.

A Little Birdy

Have you ever met someone and instantly felt a bond, like you've known each other forever? Like you are closer than family. Like maybe you are really related deep within your souls?


That's how it was when I met Ashlee. And that's how it's been ever since.

She is such an incredibly special person.

And today is her birthday!

Won't you stop by and send happy wishes her way?


Pictured: A couple of my favorite photos from our adventures!

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Mother I Hope You Like This Letter

My friend Shannon from Rocks In My Dryer alerted me to the sa-weet-est thing. A loving hubby has put a call out to us (that means you) all the mothers out there - whether you're a new mom or old pro- to write a letter to his wife as his Christmas present to her.

He's collecting a series of “open letters” from mothers, to mothers. You can submit yours here.

And then he promises to share a copy of all of the letters he receives with us.

I can not wait to write.

And definitely can not wait to read.

This is totally something I think my hubby would do because he's that crazy about me, so I'm including a fun pic of us from last Christmas. Just 'cause.


Spread the word! Let me know if you send a letter and/or write about it!

Isn't this worthy to pass along? So precious.


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Cradle Re-Cap

I haven't done a tag in a while and one of my favorite bloggers- Leigh from Marvelous Kiddo (you should subscribe to her because seriously, she's great) tagged me for one of those random things memes which I've done many times before but I am usually good with random so here goes.

1. I don't really like chocolate chip cookies much

2. or ice cream.

3. Thanks to the Motrin thing I was sent this organic pouch & footed blanket (which is absolutely awesome) from New Native Baby Carrier to compliment to my video response. How nice is that?

4. It was kinda fun getting emails and calls from people that saw me on the news.

5. Twitter is quite helpful if you have a question (see below.)

6. I think Ivy needs the Sno Flugan Hoodie by tea.

7. Speaking of tea, I have a new post up at the tea collection blog here.

I think Ivy might be getting some cradle cap, so I went straight to Twitter to find out what really works. Here's the responses!

Adriennevh @babysteph steel wool. I kid!

MeaganFrancis @babysteph ugh, for me nothing but patience! And sometimes a little olive oil and a soft brush. :)

elainea @babysteph I used to put baby oil in their hair. It's a little well, "oily" ; ) but it works!

mamarussell @babysteph Selsun Blue (sp?)

Adriennevh @babysteph Oh yeah, nevermind that's my cure for diaper rash.

thelemons @babysteph I have to say that Arbonne baby oil worked for Z. I put it on his head after every bath, after washing his hair w/ a brush.

dizzyparenting @babysteph We used to gently massage olive oil into our babys' heads when they had it. Morning and night. It takes a few days, but works.

thelemons @babysteph Did that make any sense? 140 char not a lot of blabbing room.

FriedOkra @babysteph Baby oil will get it off that sweet little head, but there's nothing I know of that "cures" it. Matthew's is still bad, too.

laurathemum @babysteph olive oil & a fine tooth comb. good luck. cradle cap always grossed me out!

MelissaKellas @babysteph I have used vaseline and comb through - seemed to do it for us

naturalmommy @babysteph let olive oil sit on head (maybe inside a cap) for a while. brush out flakes.

summerinfl @babysteph doctor told us to use baby oil. However, my daughter is almost 2 and still has some

Selkie1970 @babysteph olive oil. massage oil into scalp. nice warm bath, get all steamy. scrape out crusts w/ fingernails or brush. wash hair.

prairiemama1 @babysteph you and me both! Rub some olive oil on her head and let it sit for a while. Then, comb through, it will get most of it off.

prairiemama1 @babysteph oh yeah, then wash it ;)

mom2kchmw2001 @babysteph baby oil. rub it in and let it soak. next time you shampoo hair it should go.

caseyplusthree @babysteph I dealt with cradle cap with every kid, zach just got some, I used a brush when washing his hair and it's gone already

thebkwyrm @babysteph Rub olive oil on the little noggin, and use a very soft old toothbrush to loosen and slough off the dead skin. Worked for me!

togetherbe @babysteph not sure you still need cradle cap suggestions, but we like olive oil. Leave in a couple minutes, comb with little comb, shampoo

ParentopiaDevra @babysteph Just saw your tweet, so u might have this one. But in case not. Olive oil works awesome.

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Oprah's Favorite Things

Originally published November 20, 2007

Oh O

I've recapped Oprah's Favorite Things here, if you want to see my take on it. I found this year's episode hard to watch, to be honest.

The way the audience gets so unbelievably excited and on fire (or "on far" as Oprah would have said it in her Macon accent today) for these things, these things like bath-sized forty-dollar soaps and $190 lounge pants and a fridge that can tell you the weather forecast.

But how excited are we in our hearts about our spiritual life. Or our love life? You know, the things that, like, really matter?


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Honeys In The Hizzouse

Oh, the joys of life with a two-year-old.

You hear many, many people say “never let the baby run the house” and that’s just so much easier said than done, people. Especially when your toddler is like a peanut-sized trained pit bull ready to attack at any given moment- especially if you, say, look at him. Or offer him the wrong kind of cereal (which used to be his very favorite until this very second and HOW DARE YOU, MOTHER, YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN!)

Or, if you touch the favored cereal box without his permission first… he may never forgive you.

Currently that would be Honey Bunches of Oats, which he calls “his Honeys” and I try not to laugh because that only sends him into a bloody tailspin of teeth and tears and blood (mostly mine).

Ah, anyway. This cuddly ball-of-fright of a child likes to sleep with me more often than not. Maybe he’s guarding me? I think that’s more it. Talking in his sleep last night he cried out, “Daddy, don’t touch my honeys! Never touch my honeys!”

After I removed his toe from my mouth, I consoled him promising that no one is going to touch his honeys. They are his honeys. His beloved honeys, which, upon preparing breakfast this morning, I offered so kindly and delicately, and then his hair stood up from his head and his eyes turned red and the pitch of his voice rattled the windows next door.

He doesn’t like the honeys anymore.

Originally posted March 10, 2008 at Close To Home.

Snow Suit

Noah woke me up much too early this morning telling me I had to Come Look At The Snow!

I went to bed very late last night and it hadn't been snowing then, so I thought he was just looking at frost on the neighbor's roof.

Uh, no.

There was snow. Lots of it. Enough for a two-hour school delay.


I quickly woke Jeff up so he could get the driveway cleared in time for work and garbage day!

Then I bundled all the kids up and took a picture, of course.

You're A Winner

Today International Babywearing week comes to a close. I am making my way through all the fabulous babywearing photos & posts. You can still link up if you'd like! But the contest has now ended.

Ashlee is offering 22% off at the nonny & boo etsy shop - just use coupon code nb22 at checkout!

And now the winners...

The winner of the Nest Pop Sling is Hyperactive Lu! See her babywearing post: Babywearing Week 08.

The winner of the Nest Hatchling sling is Mom Most Traveled! Read her babywearing post: A Devout Babywearer.


Happy Babywearing!

Find me at the Chicago Moms Blog today talking about some Spare Change.

It's also the last day to enter my contest here at Close To Home.


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Next Time I'll At Least Shower...

*Updated to add news footage!

When I posted my video response to the whole Motrin vs. Babywearers controversy the other morning, I was mainly excited to turn it into something positive regarding how to wear your baby properly.

I had no idea that the Today Show would be tuning in, as well as pretty much everyone else. The Chicago Tribune called me yesterday- you can see what we talked about in today's paper here.

NBC Chicago News aired a piece including a clip from my video here.

This is definitely a great example of how important a Mom's voice is. But with this great power comes great responsibility. I hope we continue to use it only for good!


Stay tuned- later today I'll reveal the winner of the Nest & Hatchling slings!


Pictured- the last time I wore Gray.

Try It On

Join in the International Babywearing Week celebrations by sharing your babywearing photos- link up in the Mr. Linky here... and you could win!


I often hear from readers wishing there was a way to try out all the baby carriers before committing to buy- especially when you're spending $50-$100 or more. I wouldn't buy a pair of jeans online unless I'd tried them on before, and a good baby carrier is worth just as much as a good pair of jeans. You also have to consider if your baby will even like it, too!

Here's some suggestions:

1. Seek out babywearers near you- check online at places like TheBabywearer.com and Mothering.com- they have forums for finding local babywearers. You might have to register to view the forums, but it's worth it! Most babywearers own more than one (sometimes several!) slings. Meet up somewhere and try 'em on!

2. Find your local La Leche League and/or Natural Parenting group in your area- most often they will at least sell ring slings and are more likely to have babywearing Mamas with slings you can ask to try out.

3. Call around to local baby and maternity boutiques to see if they sell baby carriers you can try on. You might be surprised where slings are sold (ahem, I think even Target is selling some good ones now!)- and if you don't find any close to you, maybe you can suggest they start selling them!

4. Check out helpful resources like the Tummy 2 Tummy DVD, a babywearing instructional video, or the awesome Sling Comparison Chart at Mom4Life.

5. Know the return policies for the online sites you are interested in purchasing from. Many sites are flexible with returns if it's not what you had expected.

Have a sling just collecting dust? I wanted to tell you about SlingCycle, an awesome program that recycles and repairs used slings and distributes them to orphanages, NICU’s and adoptive parents.


Get in on the big Babywearing Bloggers blogroll and check out all the other awesome babywearing bloggers out there.

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Pictured- one of my very favorite mei tai moments with Gray taken summer '07.

Portions of this post originally published October 19, 2007.

Bright Eyed And Bed Headed

I've certainly not been in want for things to write about this week. Check me out and all my beauty first thing in the morning in the video below, talking about some babywearing hot topics.

And I'm discussing a general rule of thumb for babywearing here at Chicago Moms Blog today, too.

Soon the excitement will simmer and we'll think it wasn't worth much of the fuss... but I'm a writer and a babywearer and I feel like I'm just reportin' the news here, folks.

Join in the International Babywearing Week celebrations by sharing your babywearing photos- link up in the Mr. Linky here... and you could win!

Get in on the big Babywearing Bloggers blogroll and check out all the other awesome babywearing bloggers out there.

Subscribe to my blog here- I'll be posting more pics and chatting about babywearing all this week!

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Don't Mess With The Babywearers!

You know it's International Babywearing Week, right?

I was out last night and missed the hullabaloo. But Amy from Crunchy Domestic Goddess has a great recap if you haven't already heard about Motrin vs. Babywearers of 2008...

(As of this morning the little commercial about babywearing was still up at Motrin.com or you can see it here if not.)

And Katja has even put together a video of it all going down!

The only thing I'll say about the ad that is a very good tip for everyone- if wearing your baby hurts your back, you are probably not wearing them correctly! You should not have to "put up with the pain" and need to take any medication when babywearing.

I've also posted a video response at NewBaby.com here.

Thoughts?

Fight back and share your babywearing photos or posts- link up in the Mr. Linky here... and you could win!


Get in on the big Babywearing Bloggers blogroll and check out all the other awesome babywearing bloggers out there.

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Pictured here- one of my favorite babywearing photos of Gray & me.

Wearever

Join in the International Babywearing Week celebrations by sharing your babywearing photos- link up in the Mr. Linky here... and you could win!

The other day I was recalling one of my "most embarassing" breastfeeding experiences. When Gray was just a newborn, hubby and I were at a wedding in a very large, old Catholic church. During the ceremony I needed to feed the baby, and since you could hear every little rustle or shoe click in that place, I thought I should take him in the back just in case he made too much noise. I walked into the first open room I found with a chair, sat down, and began nursing right away. I looked up, and to my horror- I was in the confessional! Now, I am not Catholic and have only seen these things in the movies, but I knew what it was and was afraid I would get thrown out of there if someone found out! I hopped up so quickly and searched for a less sacrilegious nursing area. When I got back to my seat I tried to whisper to hubby what had happened, but I got the church giggles and was laughing too hard! (This story originally published June 29, 2006)

Since having Ivy some of the wildest places I've nursed her is in the sling in the dentist's chair, sitting in the Star Wars aisle at Target, and while getting my hair colored, cut, and styled. I nursed Gray in the sling everywhere- even once while trying on jeans at the Gap!

See this post I wrote a while back for tips on how to breastfeed while babywearing.

What's your most embarrassing nursing moment or the strangest place you've nursed or wore your baby in the sling?


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209,312 Calories

You burn an average of 211 calories per hour just carrying your baby around.

That's over 200,000 calories I've burned since Ivy was born. (I took off 8 hours per day when she's sleeping at night -she's an awesome night sleeper!) And yeah- I don't necessarily carry or hold her all day long... but close to it!

Would you want to put this sweet thing down? She's so irresistible!

Join in the International Babywearing Week celebrations by sharing your babywearing photos- link up in the Mr. Linky here... and you could win!

Get in on the big Babywearing Bloggers blogroll and check out all the other awesome babywearing bloggers out there.

Subscribe to my blog here- I'll be posting more pics and chatting about babywearing all this week!

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Brrrrrrr...abywearing

Join in the International Babywearing Week celebrations by sharing your babywearing photos- link up in the Mr. Linky here... and you could win!

So, how do you wear your baby when it is cold outside?

Amber from Our Love Story wrote in: We are in WI and last winter I had a heck of a time figuring out how to get the sling or carrier and the baby in the store and then baby in the carrier w/o having to set her on the floor while taking off my snow gear! I felt bad un-bundle-ing (is that a word :-) her in the car in the freezing cold plus I really didn't like having my coat off either.... any tips would be great!


Check out this piece of outerwear that I am drooling over... the new M Coat that you can wear as a maternity coat or while wearing baby underneath, then transform it into a regular fitted coat when it's just you!

And I found out about the awesome Babywearing Down Coat thanks to Marvelous Kiddo.




Right now with the autumn chill, I can wear Ivy in the Peekaru and keep all warm & toasty. And this one works for a back carry, too!


It's been a while since I've had a newborn in the winter. What I usually do if I have to wear them out of the car is to climb in the backseat if I can and put baby in the sling before opening the car doors and letting the cold in. Then we bundle up. I'll usually put my coat back on (but can't button up) and then bundle with blankets and the tail of my sling if I'm wearing the ring sling. The Secure2Me blanket is also a great way to keep a blanket on without having to hold it in place.

Sometimes you might just have to do the stroller thing until you get inside wherever you are going- so you can bundle up the stroller as well. We have the JJ Cole Urban BundleMe for the infant car seat. Other options are the Secure2Me blanket, Stroller Suspenders to help keep blankets on, or the Winter Stroller Coat (I actually have this and can't wait to use it!) Just don't forget to take your sling with you!

I'd love to hear more tips on wearing your baby in the cold- so chilly weather Moms, let us know how you do it!

Join the Babywearing Bloggers blogroll and check out all the other awesome babywearing bloggers out there.

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Wish And Wear

Join in the International Babywearing Week celebrations by sharing your babywearing photos- link up in the Mr. Linky here... and you could win!

In December of 2003 our oldest son Noah (2 yrs old at the time) was diagnosed with a rare seizure disorder called Doose Syndrome. It was probably the hardest time we've ever faced in our lives, but through much prayer and research and faith we were able to see Noah healed. He's been seizure-free over 4 years now.

During this time, Noah was granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His wish was "to go to the zoo and pet a whale".

So, they sent us on a fabulous family vacation to San Diego, California where Noah could see his favorite animal - the polar bear - at the San Diego Zoo and pet a whale (or rather it would be a dolphin but anyway!) at Sea World.

Wish trips take about a year to be granted, so we had a lot of time to be excited about the vacation. We also found out we were pregnant with Gray! I'm wearing him in the mei tai in the photo above. I wore him pretty much the entire trip- everywhere we went.


Make-A-Wish is as amazing as you'd dream it to be. Their mission is to grant wishes to children with life-threatening diseases.

Although Noah wasn't terminally ill, his syndrome was definitely life-threatening as is any seizure disorder.




For two and a half years Noah was on the Ketogenic Diet to treat his seizures. We were provided all accommodations to assist us with preparing his meals at our hotel as well as while we were out and about. We just had to take this picture of Noah by some birds at Sea World that were also on a special diet like him!



We had backstage access at Sea World, and our own private dolphin show- complete with high jumping and splashing tricks! (I'm wearing Gray in the ring sling here.)






This holiday season, Macy’s is collecting letters from Santa in a special Santa letterbox at all Macy’s stores. For each letter received, Macy’s will donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

I believe in the magic and miracles of Christmas.

And I definitely have seen the power of a wish.

Anonymouse

Join in the International Babywearing Week celebrations by sharing your babywearing photos- link up in the Mr. Linky here... and you could win!

Last night at the Adventures By Disney press event in Chicago- Amy & I show our signature pose.

The shiny purple hemp silk ring sling was a gift made for me by someone who wishes to remain anonymous. Email me privately and I might just whisper it if you must know!



Join the Babywearing Bloggers blogroll and check out all the other awesome babywearing bloggers out there.

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Photo by the one & only Dad on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel, Bret Caldwell.

Hobnobbing & Babywearing

Join in the International Babywearing Week celebrations by sharing your babywearing photos- link up in the Mr. Linky here... and you could win!

Last night I was hanging out with Dawn Aulet of Cafe Aulet and Dawn Meehan from Because I Said So at an awesome Adventures By Disney press event in Chicago. We had a blast and...

little did I know that in a few short hours around, oh, 3 AM I'd also be chatting it up with the ER doctor in the hospital while Gray had a bout of croup.

Will return to your regular babywearing blogging after I get some sleep!

Join the Babywearing Bloggers blogroll and check out all the other awesome babywearing bloggers out there.

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We Go Together

Join in the International Babywearing Week celebrations by sharing your babywearing photos- link up in the Mr. Linky here... and you could win!

I've written quite a lot about babywearing over the years, but do still get asked the same questions over and over again. So, here's a little refresher!

If you are just starting out and have a new baby, I always suggest a ring sling. It was my first sling and I found it to be the easiest when starting out. Any ring sling will do- you can shop online, check ebay, La Leche League meetings, or visit a local Mom's group.

If you can, try out a couple different types of carriers to see what works best for you! If not, I recommend buying a carrier that you can easily exchange in case it is too big or too small, or just not the right fit for you.

Wraps are great, too. Just remember that stretchy wraps are best for smaller babies and woven wraps are better for both smaller and heavier children.

If you are going to do a lot of walking or wearing baby for a long period of time, a mei tai (pronounced MAY-tie) is definitely worth the investment. The only mei tais I've had experience with are the FreeHand and Baby Hawk, but there are many out there to choose from. Don't get intimidated by the straps- it is very easy to learn the best ways to tie and wear baby in both a front & back carry!

I've never tried an ERGO Baby Carrier, but would love to. Don't you think Ivy & I would look great with this!?

If you are a larger Mom, you might find that a ring sling with a longer tail will give you a better fit. Just ask the person making the sling to make it a little longer for you. Same with mei tais and wraps- just ask for a little extra and it shouldn't be difficult to have a custom carrier made for you.

Some tips if you find that the sling is not comfortable for you or baby- often the "cradle hold" is not the baby's favorite position, so try carrying them with their tummy to your chest and the rings up high if being worn in a ring sling. You should be able to smooch their little head when wearing them- this is Ivy's favorite way to be worn (as shown in the photo above)!

Make sure your sling is spread evenly across your back and that the rings are up high in the area where a corsage would be worn. No matter what baby carrier you are wearing, baby should be in a position that would resemble how you would hold them in your arms. They should not hang too low to the front or side.

This past summer I was able to attend the Babywearing Conference in Chicago. Jennifer Norton, founder of TheBabywearer.com was the keynote speaker, and I was moved by her babywearing journey: One important note that she expressed with her heart was- that because a Mother's need for support is so very necessary in feeling like she is doing a good job as a Mom- we mustn't ever criticize someone for not wearing their baby.

We should never make another Mother feel less-than or that what she is doing is wrong. If it works for her, that is what is most important. The findings about the benefits of babywearing that Jennifer was sharing is what has been found through her extensive research, and while I hope that every Mom could experience the bliss of babywearing that I've known in my own life, I can not expect every Mom to be just like me. I want the "every Mom" to be just who she needs to be.

You can go on to read more about Jennifer Norton's presentation here.

What's your best babywearing tip? Have a babywearing question? Please leave your comments below!

Join the Babywearing Bloggers blogroll and check out all the other awesome babywearing bloggers out there.

Subscribe to my blog here- I'll be posting more pics and chatting about babywearing all this week!

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Photo by Beth of Beth Fletcher Photography.

Veteran

I call him Poppal. He calls me Ceedy Kooker.

Join in the International Babywearing Week celebrations by sharing your babywearing photos- link up in the Mr. Linky here... and you could win!

Today is also my very wonderful friend Jen's birthday. Please stop by to wish her a happy one- she's a babywearer, too!

I'm The Kanga To Her Roo

International Babywearing Week is November 12-18 and I'd love to see you all posting your favorite babywearing photos letting everyone know about it!

If you don't have any pictures to share, then talk about why you love babywearing, share your tips, or gush about your favorite carrier. If you aren't a babywearer yet and plan on babywearing- tell us about it!

Link up your post in the Mr. Linky below and you will be entered to win a Pop Nest Sling or a Sparrow Hatchling Sling from Nonny & Boo!

Here's the guidelines you must follow in order to be eligible to win:

1. Please be sure to include a link back to this post so others can join in.
2. Also link to Nonny & Boo.
3. Enter your post's link in the Mr. Linky below (be sure to link directly to your babywearing post and not just to your blog).

Anyone can enter as long as you've linked up as requested above! You don't have to be a babywearer!

The winners will be chosen at random from the Mr. Linky below sometime after 11:59 pm Monday November 17. Contest has now ended.

See the winners here!

I can't wait to see your great photos & posts! And if you get a moment, be sure to check out everyone in the Mr. Linky and comment to let them know you stopped by.

Join the Babywearing Bloggers blogroll and check out all the other awesome babywearing bloggers out there.

Subscribe to my blog here- I'll be posting more pics and chatting about babywearing all this week!

Twitter me- I'm babysteph


Photo by Beth of Beth Fletcher Photography.

This Will Give You A Toothache

Ivy LaRue, 8 weeks tomorrow. She couldn't be sweeter.

And be ready to link up your babywearing photos & posts for a fun contest tomorrow morning!

What She's Wearing

Hey! Next week is International Babywearing Week and Monday morning I'll be hosting a Mr. Linky for you to link up to- I'd love to see your babywearing photos, or you can share a tip or just write a post about babywearing.

Link up and you could win a Nest Sling or Nest Hatchling sling from Nonny & Boo!

In the meantime, see what everyone was raving about at the baby shower we went to today...

p i n n e d

She writes! So, this hasn't become just a photo blog after all!

The other night I was traveling along a highway not far from our house headed somewhere that should have taken me about fifteen minutes. Long story short: it took me over an hour and a half.

I'd never experienced traffic on this highway- it is not normally busy and even when they are doing construction you won't run into problems. So when I approached two lanes of brake lights as far as I could see, I knew there must have been something not good happening.

I felt trapped. We were stopped, cars and semi trucks all around me, with no way out. I was frustrated that I needed to be somewhere by a certain time and would now be late. I was scared for what might be ahead. Certainly tragic? Someone I know? A hostage situation?

I locked my doors and called my hubby. Ivy stirred from her seat behind me and rocked it gently to get her back to sleep.

I hate that feeling of helplessness.

I soon learned that there has been a horrible accident due to someone driving on the wrong side of the highway. I needed to turn around as soon as possible or I would be there for hours.

Down into a grassy ravine I drove and prayed I could make it over to the other side. I headed back towards home to find a different way to get where I needed to go.

I ended up making it- albeit 1 1/2 hours late- and all is well.

Although incredibly frustrating, sometimes turning around is the only way to get back on track, to get where you need to go.

I'm still figuring it all out, so you might have lots more pictures instead of posts in the coming days, as I crawl out from under my to-do list. I am still having fun with the fabulous perks of this job and being able to just be myself and share who I am in real life with you.

And with me.


Photo by Beth of Beth Fletcher Photography.

Sitting In A Tree

Ivy and Asher...

Photo by Beth of Beth Fletcher Photography.

Cap-puccino

Photo by Beth of Beth Fletcher Photography.

Protected

Photo by Beth of Beth Fletcher Photography.

Catch

It's ironic- funny how accurate the photo I posted yesterday of Ivy's cheeks spoke for much of what I've been feeling lately.

Do you see that precious life that I get to call mine?

This work at home Mom dealio is such an incredible blessing, but it is taking some time to figure out. When I have cheeks like those to kiss all day and eyes so blue in them I get lost... and a little-voiced dinosaur three-year old with the best hugs and head-resting-on-my-shoulder ever- just what is the balance I am longing for?

A catch twenty-two, being able to work so that I can stay home with them, but I just want to be with them.

I catch myself lost in Ivy's eyes, thinking about the weights and measures and frailty of life, the gift it is. The meaning of it all. Am I drawing myself near to that which I should...

or only making it even harder to reach?

There are just too many little bits of too many little things that are occupying my time and I end up getting to the end of my day and...

find that what it really adds up to isn't much at all.

In this moment, for however long I might need, please excuse me. I must catch my breath.

I have some cheeks to kiss and eyes to get lost in.

And life to live.


Photo by Beth of Beth Fletcher Photography.