Besties!

Dear Junebug,

I want you to know that in life, having good girlfriends is very important. Your girlfriends will be with you through thick and thin and you will have all kinds of fabulous adventures with them. You are very lucky to call little Miss Ruby your first girlfriend. She is 9 months older than you and I'm sure you are going to be having a lot of fun together soon... right now she just wants to grab you and squeeze you (a little too hard)... whenever we pull you away from her she starts to shake (it's very cute). Ruby is such a lovebug who is always full of smiles and big smushy, yummy cheeks... she's a big bundle of energy too. Did I mention she's quite a little baby fashion maven? I mean... who can rock rainbow striped leggings and a purple zebra print baby doll top like this?! Someday I'm sure you'll be raiding her closet... Ruby's Mommy let's me raid hers on special occasions.

XO

Mommy

Bunnyhead!

Big thanks to our friend Nichole for the bunny beenie... we loves it. we cute. uh huh.

Mommy Tips: 45 at 450...Who knew?!

So I'm in breast feeding support group and the topic of easy meals comes up... turns out all you have to do to make a roast chicken is put the chicken in a casserole dish... put your choice of seasoning (I like Lawry's Seasoned Salt) all over it and cook it for 45 minutes at 450 degrees (I did not pre-heat the oven).  No one ever told me that before! I tried it and it was amazing!  We had a great dinner for two and had leftover chicken for quesadillas the next day.  Try it!  P.S. Remember to pull out the bag inside full of chicken "stuff".  I'm sure you knew that but I'm the kind of dummy that needs to be told. 

And she was all yellow...

Dear Junebug,

We still haven't talked about that horrible incident of jaundice you experienced when you were first born.  It's usually normal but if not careful, it can lead to some pretty serious stuff (see web md posting below from www.webmd.com).  Daddy did not like that x-files looking blue box you had to sleep in for 2 days... you gave us a pretty good scare, especially when the hospital wouldn't let you go home but DID want to send Mommy home.  Your Daddy and I slept in the hospital nursery because we did not want to leave your side.  Luckily that only lasted one night because your bilirubin levels began to decrease (I think the doctors felt sorry for us after this and let us go home).  There is a longer version of this story which involves a nosy Nigerian nurse who couldn't speak english that stared at me all night long, a scary little man-baby drinking formula that looked like yoo-hoo, the Tom Hanks movie "The Terminal", a gourmet dinner delivery gone wrong, intruders displaying bad flower arrangements, Mommy crying, threatening to make a run for it and a Mr. Toad's wild ride out of the hospital.  But we won't "go there".  What does all that matter?   Your skin is a nice shade of olive now.  Bye bye yellow.

XO

Mommy

  

What is jaundice in newborns?

Jaundice is a condition that makes a newborn’s skin and the white part of the eyes look yellow. It happens because there is too much bilirubin in the baby’s blood (hyperbilirubinemia). Bilirubin is a substance that is made when the body breaks down old red blood cells.

Jaundice usually is not a problem. But in rare cases, too much bilirubin in the blood can cause brain damage (kernicterus). This can lead to hearing loss, mental retardation, and behavior problems.

In healthy babies, some jaundice almost always appears by 2 to 4 days of age. It usually gets better or goes away on its own within a week or two without causing problems.

In breast-fed babies, mild jaundice sometimes lasts until 10 to 14 days after birth. In some breast-fed babies, it goes away and then comes back. Jaundice may last throughout breast-feeding. This isn't usually a problem as long as the baby gets enough milk by being fed at regular times.

Your doctor probably will ask you to keep checking your baby at home to make sure the jaundice is going away. Your baby will need a follow-up exam within the first 5 days after birth. Call your doctor if the yellow color gets brighter after your baby is 3 days old.

What causes jaundice in newborns?

Jaundice occurs because your baby’s body has more bilirubin than it can get rid of. Bilirubin is made when the body breaks down old red blood cells. It leaves the body through urine and stool. During pregnancy, your body removes bilirubin from your baby through the placenta. After birth, your baby’s body must get rid of the bilirubin on its own.

Breast-fed newborns can become dehydrated easily if feedings are spaced too far apart. This lack of enough milk in the body makes it harder for your baby to get rid of wastes such as bilirubin. Also, some of the things that make up breast milk can change the way the body removes bilirubin.

In rare cases, too much bilirubin may be caused by infections, a problem with the baby’s digestive system, or a problem with the mom’s and baby’s blood types (Rh incompatibility). Your baby may have one of these problems if jaundice appears less than a day after birth.

What are the symptoms?

Jaundice can make your baby’s skin and the white part of the baby’s eyes look yellow. You may see the yellow color between 1 and 4 days after birth. It shows up first in the baby’s face and chest. Babies who have bilirubin levels that are too high may have a high-pitched cry. They also may be sluggish and cranky.

Obsessed! Bonpoint

ANISHALI JUMPSUIT - STRIPED TURTLEDOVE

Strapped jumpsuit in striped crepe cotton, with lurex thread

Material : 100% cotton

CANDY ROMPER SUIT - TURTLEDOVE

Romper in embroidered cotton voile, with lace lining, and back opening

Dear Junebug,

I've said it before but I'll say it again... we've got some A-mazingly generous friends with exquisite taste!  Our friend Edna sent over this amazing little boho chic jumpsuit from Bonpoint... and Addie got us this little romper which is straight out of the closet of a French chateau.  We are obsessed with Bonpoint, it's the cutest baby line from France (www.bonpoint-boutique.com)! Thanks friends!

XO

Mommy

Psychedelic Party Dog on its way!

Description Do you think he is having a good one? I think he is having a good one. Are you having a good one? I'm sure having a good one. (handmade plush dog by Odelia Lavie www.odeliala.etsy.com)

Mommy Tips: I'm a 34 WHAT?!

Two weeks before I gave birth to June I went nursing bra shopping because it was time to put together the "hospital suitcase" and nursing bras were on the list.  As I browsed the boutique at the Pump Station I steered clear of the sports bra looking bras and went straight for the underwire.  I explained to the sales woman that I'm the maniac that wore an underwire bra throughout my entire pregnancy (I live support! it makes your waist look smaller).  But she wouldn't hear of it.  She said that she could only recommend the sports bra types that come in S, M and L because I would have no idea what my bra size would be until after June was born.  Okay.  I trust them, so off I went with an L black one and an L nude one.  I realized recently that I was in dire need of some structure, the milk's been in for awhile, so I headed back this time determined to get me an underwire!  First of all, I was shocked by the prices of an underwire nursing bra but whatever, it's worth it.  After the lovely sales woman measured me she sent me into a dressing room with a bra which was easily too small.  She said "no problem let me get you the next size up"... "here you go, here's a 34G"... WHA WHA WHA WHAT?! 34G?! I quickly checked the tag inside. yup.  When I called my Mom in tears, her consolation was "people PAY to have boobs that big! no reason to cry".  I think she was crying too (tears of laughter!)  I guess I've officially graduated from boobs to JUGS.  I wonder if my daughter will ever appreciate that I walked around with these ridiculous melons coming out of my chest for her!  Somehow I doubt it...

We love the Daddy!

Dear Junebug,

Yesterday was our first Father's Day and we got the chance to celebrate and honor your Daddy.  We had a BBQ and you enjoyed the breeze outside.  I hope you never take your Daddy for granted because he is one of the greatest men walking the earth.  He loves you so much... remember that for the moments when he seems to be working against you.  Daddy is a cool guy who will support you in whatever makes you happy but you can probably expect him to hold you to cleaning your dishes and not dating until you are 18. That's a ways off... for now just enjoy all the things he does for you.  He wakes up in the middle of the night to feed you and cuddle you; changes your diapers; plays with you; sings to you and most important - he loves, cherishes and takes care of your Mommy which gives her the inspiration and energy to take good care of you.

XO

Me

Welcome to the Unibrow Club!

Dear Junebug,

Most people who meet you think you are the spitting image of your Father.  Sure... but there are a few things that make you unmistakenly your Mother's daughter.  For one - you don't have eyebrows... you have AN eyebrow.  I'm sorry to be the one to welcome you to the Unibrow Club!

There is some good news though.  Throughout history unibrowed people have risen to great heights... even the Presidency.  Of course men really have no problem sporting a unibrow.  Women haven't had it as easy.  Case in point - when your Mommy was in grade school they used to call her "Bert" like from Sesame Street.  But don't worry.  I have hope for your generation.  Recently, Madonna's daughter Lourdes (or Lola as they call her) has been rocking her unibrow in all its glory and it's marvelous.  At 12 years old she is already being hailed a major trendsetter and by the time you are 10 years old she'll hopefully be some kind of superstar either ruling the pop charts or on her way to curing cancer... I mean, she IS Madonna's spawn.  I'll make you a deal - we'll use tweezers (sparingly) at 12 and I'll take you for your first wax at 17 but if you want to go au natural we're in... after all, Mommy's most favorite style icon of a woman in life is Mexican painter Frida Kahlo who wore her unibrow with pride and it was beautiful.

XO

Mommy

Bunnies, Lambs, Cherries and Sushi?!

Dear Junebug,

Your stylist, Katy, dropped us a line... I think she's concerned about our wardrobe choices.  Maybe our post about Radiohead tees got her thinking we've ditched our bunnies and lambs for indie rock.  I think until she gets back from being on tour and has a chance to survey the closet we have to put her mind at ease.  We've re-arranged your everyday clothing drawer so that your cherry onesies are back up top.  That should do the trick!

XO

Mommy

P.S. Check out Katy's latest fashion statement... maybe this means you'll be a california roll soon! 

hungry???? specially made for this evenings MTV JAPAN VMA’S. It was a hit! (made by the Blondes!)

(www.katyperryblog.com)

The Happiest Place on Earth

Dear Junebug,

Mommy thinks its important to create spaces in the home that make you feel good.  Mommy and Daddy's bedroom is probably my favorite place in the whole world.  When I'm there I feel like I'm on vacation and I never want to leave.  The room was inspired by a hotel we stayed at in Florence, Italy which had baby blue walls, soft, comfy hotel linens, a TV, great artwork and a small reading chair.  It took me a long time to get this room just right... now the only thing  missing is a view of the Ponte Vecchio (someday I'll take you there, it's gorgeous).  Your Daddy brings me a latte in bed every morning (decaf of course!) which reminds me of the great room service in Florence.  The only thing I can't get him to do is leave a piece of chocolate on my pillow (rats!).  When you were born I was in the hospital for a total of 8 days and when I came home and crawled into bed I cried tears of joy because I was so comfortable!  

I noticed that the Starz channel is running "Sense and Sensibility", I suggest we cuddle up in bed and watch it together... Oh! and we just got the whole first season of "Gossip Girl" on DVD... let's watch that too!

XO

Mommy

Credits:

Bed and Nightstand - Bliss Linens (www.blissstudio.com)

Bed Linens - Comforter cover, sheets, pillow cases and shams at Restoration Hardware (www.restorationhardware.com); Ikat accent pillow from Z Gallerie (www.zgallerie.com); Vintage Blanket (www.ebay.com); Bed Skirt from Shabby Chic.

Lamp - Crate & Barrel (www.crateandbarrel.com)

Rug - ABC Carpet and Home by Madeline Weinrib (www.madelineweinrib.com)

French Painting prints - Bare Walls (www.barewalls.com)

WWII French Poster - Keep Calm Gallery (www.keepcalmgallery.com)

Armchair - HD Buttercup (www.hdbuttercup.com)

Throw Blanket - Missoni from Fred Segal (www.fredsegal.com)

Tiny Antique Cabinet - First Dibs (www.firstdibs.com)

Curtains - Restoration Hardware (www.restorationhardware.com)

This week's Save vs. Splurge

Dear Junebug,

I love it when magazines feature two products up against eachother; one cheap and one expensive.  I think it's important to have a balance in life.  You can't always splurge on expensive things but every once in awhile it's good to invest in a great piece for either your closet or the home.  In this case I bought you a Missoni cashmere throw for your nursery because I think you'll have it forever.  My friend Susan got me a Missoni blanket a couple of years ago and it hasn't left my side.  It was with me even in the hospital when you were born - I love it! I hope you love yours too because it's yummy.  On the other hand, you can find a great throw for cheap.  I found this one at Target for $12.99 and couldn't resist!  I keep it on your glider and when I get cold while nursing you, I throw it over my shoulders, it's been very useful.

XO

Mommy

Missoni cashmere throw blanket - Lost and Found (323/856-0921) or www.Missonihome.it

Indian silk throw - Target (www.target.com)

Mommy Tips: It's like cats painting!

So I was at breastfeeding support group yesterday at the Pump Station and the topic came up about this new "thing".  The "thing" is babies reading.  That's right, ladies and gentlemen, you can teach your infant how to read now.  Well, I gotta throw a flag down on this one.  Can't babies just be babies? Do they really need to read??? Do they need to show up to pre-school already having read "War and Peace"?  Babies reading kind of reminds me of the notion that cats can paint.  I think I'm gonna pass on this one.

Dave!

Dear Junebug,

We love our cousins.  When you were two weeks old you got to meet Josue David who is your four year old second cousin.  He loves you... he always says "she's adorable" when he sees you.  Well, last weekend he came to visit again but he's changed his name.  He's informed everyone that he now goes by "Dave".  We like this kid's chutzpah!  When Mommy first heard the news of this she was in the middle of drinking a glass of iced tea and it started to come out of her nose!  Thanks for the laughs, Dave! We love you and your big saucer eyes.

XO

Mommy 

We're Featured!

Thanks to New Parent Magazine online for featuring us as one of their "great Mommy blogs around the web"... we are so flattered! (click on the title of this blog to go straight to it and to see the other great blogs they picked)

(photo attached completely unrelated to the topic at hand... just darned cute!)

So fresh and so clean, clean...

Dear Junebug,

Now that your umbilical cord fell off we get to bathe!  The doctor says that until that happens babies are only allowed to be sponge bathed.  She also told us that most babies don't like being put in tubs but you seem to love it.  Although the tub we were using seemed a bit large so I decided to transfer bath time to the little sink in the guest bathroom.  We found this great turtle shaped sponge at Babies R Us for only $6 and it transformed the sink into a great tub alternative!  Daddy thinks the sink is too small so I guess we'll have to try the master bathroom sink next time.

XO,

Mommy

P.S.

Here are my bathing tips for new Mommies:

- You don't need to bathe your baby more than 2 or 3 times a week but it's recommended that you sponge them daily.  I usually take a wet cloth in the morning and clean Junebug's face, etc.

- The best bath products are Burt's Bees or California Baby.  People talk a lot about the Mustela products but I personally think the scent is too strong for an infant.

- Use a hair dryer to dry them after a bath (on low!)  The white noise soothes the baby and it gets into those little folds and between the fingers and toes where moisture can get trapped (you don't want fungus to grow in there, do you?)  Be sure to cover their eyes and of course don't store the dryer anywhere near the bath water.

- If you are using an infant bath tub, bring the baby into the tub in a seated position, not a horizontal position which scares them.

- Always test the water to make sure it's not too hot.  There is this great rubber ducky that has a temperature gauge on its bottom which I recommend.  You can also test the water with your elbow which is the best way to make sure it's not hot.  Never use your hand to test water as hands have a higher tolerance for heat than the rest of the body.

Inquiring minds wanna know...

Dear Junebug,

We always look forward to Wednesdays because my assistant Nik sends over all my magazines for the week.  You are lucky that your Grandma likes to read the weeklies to you.  Now you know that Melissa Joan Hart lost 42 lbs. and you are up to date on whether Jon and Kate plus 8's marriage is going to survive!  Do you think it's true that Brangelina are fighting? Hmmm...

XO

Mommy

P.S. note to new Mommies - I learned in my child development class that it is true that you are supposed to read to your babies from day one but it doesn't mean read them baby books.  It means they need to hear language as much as possible so go ahead and read your favorite summertime, beach blanket novel or the morning paper out loud.  They will benefit greatly and you won't lose your mind ready "Goodnight Moon" to a baby who doesn't even know what the heck you are talking about!

(www.People.com)

Under Pressure...

Dear Junebug,

My commitment to you is that you have Mommy's milk as long as humanly possible.  We're 6 weeks in and so far so good.  My goal is to feed you this liquid gold for 6 months to a year.  This will be difficult when I go back to work but hardly impossible (nothing is).  The key will be to freeze as much milk as possible and I think I'm finally making some progress.  We've got 6 more weeks to do it.  I've also been going to breast feeding support group at the Pump Station which has been great.  It's nice to be around other women who are experiencing some of the same frustrations that I am.  I wish I could say that feeding you is easy but it's not.  For starters, you refuse to open your mouth!  It is cute when you purse your lips together as tight as can be BUT at 4 in the  morning when you are screaming hungry it's not so cute.  You also flail your arms and legs around ALOT.  Your Grandfather thinks you are happy to be free and should be left to be but I'm more inclined to swaddle you so that you and I can feed in peace.  I'm doing the best I can, I promise.  One thing I plan on teaching you is that patience is a virtue so I will be continue to practice what I preach.

XO

Mommy

We've got work to do!

Dear Junebug,

I saw this photo on one our new favorite blogs, spearmint baby, and I got a little jealous.  The organization in this changing table drawer is amazing and I'm afraid our changing table is a little left behind at the moment.  I think we'll have to work on this.  This will require a trip to the Container Store (hooray!).  Although I think we've done well with the closet.

XO

Mommy

(www.thecontainerstore.com ; www.spearmintbaby.blogspot.com)