New York Nanny Center » courtney

Baby Proofing: The Vicious Cycle

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 13:25:04 +0000

I’ve finally figured out the ultimate baby-proofing technique: full body armor, equipped with helmets and kneepads.

Kidding (sort of). Baby-proofing is extremely tricky. Once you think you have it figured out, those little explorers beat the system again and again. The climbing is the worst. What are you supposed to do? Remove all of your furniture and turn your house into kiddie playland? My toddler twins love climbing on the couch and waving out the window to people passing by; of course it’s accompanied by the sweetest sounding “hi.” Because of this, I’ve had to take the cushions off and line the floor with them. This helps, but then the jumping on the cushions begins. Sigh. Then I thought, what about a major distraction? Insert ball tent with tunnel that takes up my entire living room.

Oh well, I’ll just have to accept the fact that this is what it is until they move out.

-Courtney is a Sitter2mom, mother of the most adorable twins, and sister of BFC President, Lindsay.

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.

Built In Best-Buddies

Lindsay Bell — Fri, 02 May 2014 19:16:12 +0000

Watching the relationship between my twins evolve as they grow is truly remarkable. I’ve been thinking about how lucky they are to have each other and to never feel alone. It makes me comforted to know that they will (hopefully) have each other’s backs, to have a friend to laugh with, to cry with, always. I was lucky to have a similar experience growing up with 4 sisters. We all span within an 8 year time frame so we were all very close in age. I had a wonderful childhood and hope nothing but the same for my children.

The past few weeks have been notably fun to watch. The girls follow each other around, find little cubbies to giggle in together and more and more frequently embrace each other. I love each and every moment I have to watch them learn, grow, and smile, and look forward to guiding them through this journey, together!

-Courtney is a Sitter2Mom, sister of the President, Lindsay Bell, and mother of Ava and Amelia!

Time flies when you’re having…babies!

Lindsay Bell — Wed, 26 Feb 2014 16:49:41 +0000

I cannot believe my girls are 1 year old! The last year pretty much feels like a blur with glimpses of sleepless nights, giggles, dirty diapers, and cuddles. People have always told me that this happens and to cherish every moment. I could not stress this advice more. Things aren’t always easy when you have your first baby(s). You put a lot of stress on yourself to do everything right because you don’t know any better. I’ve been a perfectionist throughout this past year and have gotten down on myself a lot when things go a-rye. I’m slowly starting embrace the imperfections of motherhood, because honestly it’s the only way that you’ll make it out alive.

Enjoying their first birthday celebration

This has also given me a chance to sit back and let my babies by babies. It’s not time to plan for their college education, but to let them explore and make a mess. Watch them get sooo exited to play with the pots and the pans and make noise. These are the things that matter. So mommy’s: live in the moment and hold onto this time when you can still rock your baby(s) to sleep.

-Courtney is a mother of twins, former sitter2mom, and an original LLD sitter!

Sick Baby: 1, Mommy: 0

Lindsay Bell — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 16:11:09 +0000

Life has been quite the whirlwind lately. The girls have been so out of whack with their sleep schedules; on top of it, one of them came down with an ear infection, teething, and I’m pretty sure roseola all at the same time. I have never felt so helpless. As a mom, you try night and day to make sure your child receives the utmost best care possible. So when your kiddo comes down with something, you panic (at least I did) because you don’t know what’s wrong since they can’t tell you.

Now, on to the sleepless nights. I’ve attempted sleep training and the cry it out method- but none seem to be working very well. I have found it challenging, especially having both girls in the same room, and sure enough they wake each other up. I’ve read countless articles and advice on getting your baby(s) to sleep through the night. Last night, I finally tried a little something new and luckily enough it worked and they slept 10 hours! Hopefully it wasn’t a fluke- will let you know next posting!

-Courtney is a mother of twins, former sitter2mom, and an original LLD sitter!