Best Baby Book Ever

One book that has kept me grounded and thinking practically about how to approach the raising of a child is Brain Rules for Baby. Dr. John Medina, a developmental molecular biologist, does a fantastic job of grounding the subject of how to raise a happy and healthy child. From managing temper tantrums to the value of instilling empathy, this research-based book is a must read for new parents.  My takeaway: while it would be awesome for my lil peanut to get accepted into an Ivy League, making sure he's happy, safe and healthy is the first best step.

My Lil Peanut

FINALLY!

He arrived with a big grin on his face on
September 30, 2012, weighing 7 lbs 1oz, 21" long

Of course there's an app for that...

Still pregnant and officially one week past the due date. I'm becoming hyper-sensitive to every tinge or movement that may resemble the onset of labor. With that said, I think I have a pretty good grasp on what a contraction feels like and how to track thanks to a simple and FREE app Full Term - Labor Contraction Timer.

Full Term - Labor Contraction Timer

Some features I found to be super useful:

• Tracks contraction history
• Allows you to specify contraction details
• Ability to email contraction activity
• Quick reference guide to stage of labor
• Undo feature in case you fat finger the Start/End button

Although the app was specifically designed to track contractions, I can definitely see it repurposed for other motherly interval tracking needs. Breastfeed or diaper change timing maybe?

Summer of Zoku

Due date of September 20th  has come and gone and the arrival of Peanut is now four-days looong overdue. While the extra time to "nest" is certainly helpful, the crazy heatwave in So Cal is starting to take its toll.

I will forever remember this as the the summer of Zoku. If you don't have one, get it! Simply pour or place your juice and fixin's into the pre-frozen popsicle mold and voila! An instant cool down treat.

www.zokuhome.com

Nesting

Peanut's room is starting to come together. Sadly, the lighting and layout of the room was not conducive for a "photoshoot." So I share with you a  montage of the cute stuff I've curated. You'll just have to use your imagination or come and visit if you want to see it in person.

Dwell Studio Skyline Nursery Collection // www.dwellstudio.com

Eames - I Like to Rock // www.etsy.com/shop/handz

Love Print Vintage Typewriter // www.etsy.com/shop/handz

Hot Air Balloon Crib Mobile // www.etsy.com/shop/BabyBrightEyes

Little Castle Tuscany Glider // www.littlecastleinc.com

Kinda gross but a must share...

At about 37 weeks, I developed a benign pregnancy-induced rash called PUPP or pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy. The topical rash started in my abdomen area and spread to my thighs and arms. I spent three unbearable sleepless nights itching and scratching until my skin burned from the irritation. 

Hoping there was a wonder pill that I could take to make it go away, I consulted with my doctor for a remedy. Sadly according to doc, there is no clinical explanation as to the cause of the condition and there's really no bullseye cure other than giving birth - the rash usually goes away after childbirth. Ugh!

So began my quest for some sort of relief. Blog after blog, I came across a home remedy that claimed to magically cure the rash for many women - Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap! Simply work up a good lather with a loofah and rinse with cool water. After the first use, I noticed an immediate difference and after about four days of use, my rash had subsided significantly.  While I don't claim this is the end-all-be-all cure, it worked for me!

smells a lot like a rustic woody campfire...

Pink or Blue?

No clue whether we're having a boy or girl so we're calling the tiny tater tot "Peanut" for now (hence the blog title). Contrary to what many may think, shopping for gender-neutral baby items has been a cake walk. Here are some cute finds I came across that involve neither pink or blue...