New York Nanny Center » baby

Allergies and Lil’ Ones

Lindsay Bell — Thu, 29 May 2014 03:40:48 +0000

Having toddlers that are just learning how to talk makes it difficult to understand when something is wrong; I ran into this very situation this weekend while in Ohio visiting family. One of my twins broke out into hives that looked like large welts.

Being in a new environment and around tons of new people sometimes is bittersweet. Baby skin is super sensitive so you never know when it might not agree with newness. I particularly worry about allergies when it comes to introducing new foods, so I have a tendency to stick with something that works.

I don’t want to shelter them per say, but I am trying to keep my sanity in check. I am half tempted to ask the doctor for a prescription for an epipen just in case…or as discussed at my routine twin mommy lunch today- just sit in your car at the ER and try peanut butter for the first time. That’s normal, right?

-Courtney Bell is a Sitter2Mom, sister of BFC President, Lindsay Bell, and mama of two beautiful twin girls.

Don’t Eat the Crayon!

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 21 May 2014 16:57:08 +0000

“Don’t eat the crayon!”

“That’s HOT! Don’t touch!”

“Henry, don’t share all your dinner with the dog!”

“Put the iPad DOWN!”

“No, you can’t have the knife!”

“Stop licking the floor”

“Please keep your diaper on!”

Welcome to Toddlerville! That pretty much sums up my recent conversations with my 19 month old. I should have seen it coming when we went to the doctor and they labeled their milestone sheet as “Mr. No.”—On the one hand the days are busier, crazier, messier, and keep you on your toes, but on the other hand seeing your kid “get it” and explore on their own and navigate their way (with supervision, of course) is pretty awesome. Having a baby is great and there are certainly amazing milestones they hit, but I wasn’t prepared for how fantastic it would be to hear your kid speaking to you (I didn’t say I could understand it all!), learn their animal sounds, sort their toys by color (rare, but it happened!), or run up to you with a huge smile and say, “Mama!” I can’t get enough of the hugs, funny faces, or dance parties.

What I notice the most about this age is Henry’s need for independence. He will walk into his bedroom, sit down on the floor, and read a book or zoom his cars. If an adult walks in there, he will get up and walk away! What a stinker! Luckily we live in a small condo in Chicago, so we can easily watch him on the monitor so he doesn’t end up climbing his bookshelf (also a favorite activity!). I love this side of him. I love watching as he tries to “read” a book aloud in his classic Henry gibberish. You can see the wheels inside his head turning and his desire to figure it all out on his own. It hit me the other day that I have a little boy, not a baby. Caring for an infant is challenging because they are completely dependent on you for almost all of their needs. Having a toddler brings its own challenges. You can’t reason with a child who isn’t old enough to get the dangers that surround them. How can I explain to Henry that a fireplace lighter is not a safe toy. Well, you can’t. I have to weather the tantrums that are sprouting up far more often lately, and try to redirect him. Somehow the blocks aren’t as fun as the knife I just used to cut his sandwich. Add in the fact that he can move and stack furniture to get on the counters! I’m half horrified and half proud that he figured that out!

Sure, I miss having a little baby to snuggle with, who naps frequently during the day, and that baby smell–I’ll get enough. However, my Henry is a pretty cool kid now and he wants to be my friend. What is better than that?

-Maureen is a Sitter2Mom, our Chicago City Coordinator, and mother of Henry!

Spring: A Season of Change

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 17:04:32 +0000

With the changing of the seasons in Chicago comes many new milestones in our lives. Henry has hit the year and a half mark and with that comes many changes to his appearance, personality, physical abilities, and his language skills. He has sprouted like the flowers in the ground and now all his pants look like he’s ready to endure a massive flood at any moment. My baby has disappeared and in his place comes an independent, opinionated, goofball toddler.

We were never worried about Henry’s mobility, as he walked at 8 1/2 months, but for the longest time he just babbled to himself and didn’t say any “real” words. I wasn’t worried, per say, but I yearned for him to say, “mama.” Well….he hasn’t mastered that word yet, unless he’s crying, but all of the sudden he is throwing out new words, animal sounds, and phrases like, “Uh-oh!” This is by far the best age because he’s very curious, responsive, and adventurous. He can stay up for longer periods of time and is engaged in music, zooming cars and airplanes around the house, and enjoys free time at the park. He loves to explore, finds himself to be very, very funny, and loves giving hugs to his family and the dog. It’s amazing how you can give him directions or show him how to do something and he immediately mimics you. With that, however, comes the urgency to watch what we say and do so we don’t have a kid running around repeating all the “grown up” words we use! We are loving life with our little boy.

The other big change in our life is….a new address! (Nope, not a baby!!!!)—As our child grew bigger, our condo started to shrink! Our super chic, urban condo in the sky has been replaced by a bigger, kid-friendly condo in a much more family friendly neighborhood. While we are beyond excited for this change, surviving a move with a toddler was a tad chaotic (that’s putting it nicely!). My husband and I spent hours packing up all our belongings only to turn around and see that Henry had unpacked two boxes while we weren’t looking! Henry just loved climbing all over the boxes marked, “Fragile–crystal wine glasses”—Luckily both sets of grandparents helped entertain him while we packed without interruption.

We already love our new neighborhood! The North Center area is full of activities for kids! Change is good!

-Maureen is a sitter2mom, our Chicago City Coordinator, and proud mother of Henry!

From Farm to Baby

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 17:35:06 +0000

I have always considered myself a healthy eater by moderate standards; I never eat fast food, I eat my fruits and vegetables, I buy whole grain pasta etc… However, ever since having my daughter and entering the world of solid foods 2 months ago, it is amazing how quick the tables have turned and I am now all about buying and feeding her organic products (at least for now). I’ll be totally honest, I do not even really know what organic means, but I do know it is more expensive! And yet, I continue to buy only organic fruits and vegetables, organic jarred food – all the very best for my first born!

Enjoying her organic meal!

By the time she is eating more finger foods I have a feeling I will be ready and willing to throw some mac and cheese her way but in the meantime, I guess it makes me feel slightly better knowing I am doing the best I can at feeding her nutritious breakfasts and lunches; I mean I am pretty sure I was not eating organic mango as an 8 month old, but my how times have changed! I also have a feeling that when baby #2 and #3 eventually come along, the organic days will long be over. Being a 3rd child myself, I can now see one of the benefits of being a first born!

-Samantha

A Year of Thanks

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:18:13 +0000

There are so many things I am thankful for. Life is pretty good, but I’m especially grateful for all the people in my life who help me be a great mom (it takes a village!).

I have a great husband who is present, physically and mentally, in our son’s life. He gives me the breaks I need to recharge the batteries! He’s a great dad and is teaching my son how to be a nice, strong, thoughtful boy. I’m thankful for that.

My husband reading to our son and his friend, Joey

I’m thankful for our nanny who takes care of Henry and his friend James throughout the week so I can work. Henry loves the trips to the Lincoln Park Zoo and the long walks around the neighborhood. I’m thankful that we found someone who will love Henry while my husband and I are at work.

Nanny, Heidi, with Henry and James

I’m thankful for our friends and family who come to visit and find humor in our crazy, energetic life with a dog and baby. For the non-stop encouragement and advice we get. We feel like we’re doing a pretty good job with your help.

I’m thankful for my mommy friends who constantly remind me that no two kids are alike and to stop listening to the know-it-alls. To trust that you’re a great mom and doing your best! I’m especially grateful to this group for our monthly dinners out without kids! Your support is amazing!

Finally, I’m thankful for all other LLD sitters, dog walkers, online grocery shopping, and carry out places that allow me those few minutes of relaxation so I can play with my son instead of running errands all the time. It takes a village, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the group of people around me!

-Maureen is a Sitter2Mom and is LLD’s Chicago City Coordinator as well. Her and her husband are loving parents of Henry.

Our Ultimate LLD Baby Names List!

Lindsay Bell — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 04:56:13 +0000

We’ve been hard at work at LLD compiling a list of some of our favorite baby names. Don’t see one you like? Feel free to add it to our comments section below!

Girls:

1. Avery
2. Madeleine
3. Rosie
4. Olivia
5. Maggie
6. Brooke
7. Scarlett
8. Eva
9. Milly
10. Clementine
11. Hayden
12. Lily
13. Cece
14. Wilhelmina
15. Constantine
16. Evelyn
17. Helena
18. Bryn
19. Athena
20. Adelaide
21. Liliana
22. Nola
23. Elle
24. Quinn
25. Violet

Babysitter Ilana with a lil’ princess

Boys:

1. Anderson
2. Benjamin
3. Charlie
4. Gavin
5. Jeremy
6. Ryland
7. Noah
8. Elliott
9. Oliver
10. Wes
11. Fletcher
12. Blake
13. Riley
14. Royce
15. Phoenix
16. Maximilian
17. Henry
18. Peyton
19. Harlow
20. Presley
21. Liam
22. Eli
23. Cameron
24. Logan
25. Teddy

-Ivana has been babysitting since she was young and she’s a new addition to the LLD office team as well! Welcome Ivana!

Attack of the Growing Babies

Alison Gore — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 17:43:11 +0000

Being a newbie mommy, I find myself constantly adapting to my babies’ ever-changing ways. This (and the lack of sleep) have been the most challenging part of mommy-hood thus far. I was starting to get used to the girls sleeping a good 6-7 hours a night, now they’re up every 4 hours again frantically searching for that bottle. I’m pretty sure I increased the amount of formula by 2 oz in the past 2 weeks! Must be some sort of growth spurt!

Hey mom, I’m ready for some more food

The next chapter is rice cereal, followed by other solids- this should be fun! Although, I have to admit I’m not looking forward to the girls eating actual food- is it acceptable to puree chicken nuggets and hot dogs? I packed up all of their 3 month clothes the other day too…it was really sad, I think I even wiped a couple tears away. The twins are almost 6 months old! I cannot believe how fast time flies! My next blog will most likely be about coping with two crawling babies…

-Courtney has been a part of LLD since nearly the beginning, she has babysat for over 5 years with our troupe & is a new mom. Courtney is the sister of the President of LLD & lives in New Jersey with her husband.

Summer Vacation (Post-Baby)

Alison Gore — Wed, 31 Jul 2013 19:56:46 +0000

The two words teachers love the most are “Summer Vacation.” In fact, one of the reasons that I became a teacher was so I could enjoy two months of vacation from work. Every summer for the past 18 years I have gone to Harbor Springs, Michigan and had the best time. I could sleep in late, go play tennis, lounge at the beach and read fluffy books, and stay up with friends to the early morning hours. Well….things are a little different now with baby Henry joining me!

I wake up every morning by 6:30am, give Henry a bottle, take out the dog, play with the baby, feed the baby breakfast, change him and put him down for a nap. All before 9am! Then I have to make the decision if I’m going to go play tennis (while my saint of a mother watches the baby), take a nap, or be productive. Nine times out of 10, I choose to go back to sleep! Hey… It’s vacation after all!

When Henry wakes up I usually spend the next 45 minutes getting him ready to go to the beach. Swim diaper (please don’t poop!), sunscreen, rash guard-check! Beach toys, beach blanket, water, sun hat-check! Long gone are the days of meandering down the path with a magazine, beach towel, and sun screen. I feel like Mary Poppins. You’d be amazed at the things I’ve pulled out of my beach bag this summer!

FINALLY we make it down to the beach. It takes an army of at least 3 to get all the chairs, umbrellas, bags, coolers, baby, and other junk down to the beach. It’s quite an event! We are in walking distance to the beach, but the thought of having to trek back up to the house because I forgot something is unimaginable!

Me and Henry soaking up the sun

We sit down, Henry plays on the beach blanket for about 5 minutes before deciding he wants to crawl down to the water. Up I go! Following him around and wiping his face every time he decides the sand looks “good enough to eat!” Wipe, rinse, repeat! An hour later (if we make it that long) it’s time to take all the baby stuff back up so he can take his afternoon nap. At this point I’m exhausted and so very thankful I have my family there to help! I laugh at my unopened book laying in my beach bag. It leers at me like, “Ha! You thought you’d actually get to read me today?!”

Oh well…one look at my smiling baby’s face and I know all the hassle of packing and getting to and from the beach is worth it! Happy baby means a happy mommy!

Beach baby

(I really must give a shout out to my family, especially “Granny” for helping me all summer—I’ve managed to read a couple books and have some uninterrupted time at the beach!)

-Maureen is the LLD Chicago City Coordinator and a new mommy!

Vacation Crashers

Alison Gore — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 16:55:32 +0000

My husband and I are referring to ourselves as “vacation crashers” as we just left one daughter’s family in Cape Cod and are about to join another in DC. We are accompanying her to the Chesapeake Bay Hilton resort for a business retreat. As teachers we surely never had such an opportunity before. The resort was beautiful (even though the trip there was misguided by a GPS shouting out ridiculous commands and a hubby grumbling about I- 95 being the most miserable stretch of highway in America).

Our beautiful vacation spot

Our weekend was hot ,but we still enjoyed walks, miniature golf, swimming, breathtaking scenery and some vicious ping pong games. Of course I can’t forget to mention the delicious array of food and drink. This vacation was especially fun to crash because it ended with outlet mall shopping; It made the heat a little more bearable. We enjoyed all of the memories made and special time spent with loved ones. Let the crashing continue.

Just relaxin’ on vacation

-Mama Bell

Henry Takes Flight

Alison Gore — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:39:12 +0000

I’ve heard about it. I’ve seen people do it many times. I feared it to be honest, but the time had come. It was unavoidable. We were taking our first flight with a baby. I quickly sent out an S.O.S. memo to my “Baby Mamas” asking them for any travel tips they had, what to do about food/formula/gear for Henry, and how to get through security in the quickest and most efficient way—if that’s even possible for parents with young kids. Most of them had traveled and offered me a lot of great advice. I took their advice and packed a bottle for take off and landing, got some new toys that would entertain a 7 month old, had an extra change of clothes in case he had an explosion in his diaper (please, God, no!), and had everything strategically placed so I could unload it quickly while going through security.

I was still a tad nervous about how Henry would do on the plane. He doesn’t like to be held still for long periods of time, would be traveling during his fussiest time, and doesn’t fall asleep easily while being held. The kid likes to eat, move, poop, and move some more. None of those things are easy to deal with on a plane, let me tell you!

Henry looking out of our hotel room window

Surprisingly we got through security pretty quickly and painlessly. I was in charge of all the carry-on bags, and Bob was in charge of getting Henry, the stroller, and car seat through. We only had to wait about 25 minutes before we boarded the plane. Once we were on, Henry seemed happy and ready for his first flight. I laughed inwardly when I noticed no one making eye contact with us as we walked down the aisle. I knew what they were thinking, as I had thought it before myself, “please do not let them be sitting by me!” We made it to our very cramped and small seats and got settled in on our United Airlines flight.

Needless to say, Bob spent the majority of the flight in the back rocking Henry to sleep. Every time he got him asleep, an announcement would come on and Henry would wake up! Oh well, we survived! We even survived the flight back!

Our first ride on the NYC subway!

I was so confident in Henry’s abilities that I traveled by myself only a few weeks later to see my family in Detroit. This time I flew Southwest, which meant I could fly out of Midway instead of O’Hare (always a better choice…) I don’t know if it’s just because it was Southwest or because I was traveling alone, but everyone bent over backwards for me! The flight to Detroit wasn’t full so they let me bring the carseat on! Then the flight attendant told me how to place my bags so no one would sit with me and therefore i’d have a row to myself. I’m not sure if this was for my benefit or she felt sorry for anyone who would have to sit next to a mother and child! Either way, I wasn’t going to argue. Henry did pretty well. It wasn’t as stressful as I thought, and people actually smiled and commented on my “well-behaved child!” I didn’t get a row to myself on the way back, but Henry was in a super good mood, had the people around him enamored with his giggling and smiling, and a nice gentleman helped me with all my bags. (Thanks, stranger!)

Like all things in parenthood, you learn as you go. We’ve checked off flying with a baby off our list and look forward to the next adventure Bob and I take with Henry! Let’s keep our fingers crossed that our trip to Hawaii in December goes as well!

-Maureen is the Chicago city coordinator for LLD and a new mommy!