Mommy and Me Classes - a must do

The first few months - really first 6 weeks with Riley were interesting. I did not leave the house much as I was really getting use to this new being and everything that she brought to us.

Now that she is a bit older, I am finding I am able to get out of the house more and more, at least for a few hours at a time.

I joined a Mommy and Me class called Babygroup (www.babygroup.me) located in Santa Monica. It is a mommy support group/learning opportunity run by family and child therapists. The concept is great - bring new moms together with babies around the same age so they can learn new things about the baby's development, they can network and bond with other new moms and they have a place to bring issues and concerns. The group is in high demand, and I got really lucky that a space opened up last minute so I was able to join. The classes cost money, but from the two I have been to so far, I think it is definitely worth it!

I highly recommend it for any new moms and for women looking to make new mommy friends.

Two Months Shot!

Baby Riley is 11 weeks this week....just crazy how fast it has gone already. I will say, I am enjoying EVERY MOMENT!

Here is Riley's two month birthday shot, on Christmas Day!

Traveling with Baby

We took Riley on her first trip for the Holidays...we flew from LA to Denver, Denver to Chicago and then Chicago to LA. The first leg was tough...we chose not to buy her a seat so I wore her in a Bjorn through the airport and my back was killing me...even though I have traveled most of my life, I still overpack so even my carry-on bag was overloaded and heavy! Add a baby, a winter coat and a dog, and getting through security and the airport was kind of a pain. Then, while waiting at the gate, Riley started crying and that was tough. I tried feeding, changing her diaper and walking around to calm her. Once we got on the plane - which was a very tiny little jet so it was cramped and tight - I started to feed her. But we had to get up and change planes because there was a problem with the tire...super fun! Finally, we got on the plane and started for the takeoff and Riley was a gem from there on out. I fed her during lift-off, when she got fussy and as we started our descent. She stopped feeding and actually was laughing and joking during our landing....this girl was born to fly!

By the second leg, it got a lot better, I think just getting the first time out of the way was the hard part. And the final leg was the best....we upgraded ourselves so it was like heaven having all of the room to hold her and feed her and still feel some privacy.

Some things I learned during the experience -

1. Buy a seat if you can, it just gives you freedom to move around and get comfortable.
2. Upgrade if you can, first class is so much better...definitely worth it
3. Bring your Snap and Go stroller or a stroller to get through the airport...so much easier then carrying the baby with other bags hanging from your shoulder. Check it at the gate.
4. DO NOT STRESS - otherwise it will make the whole experience just a big pain and frustrating, plus the baby will feel it and get fussy
5. Take your time...who cares of people get frustrated in security
6. Feed during take-off and landing and whenever they get fussy, it does help. Riley did not cry once and other passengers hardly knew she was there
7. Flight attendants love babies...and want to hold them. Fine with me!
8. Babies enjoy flying...or at least mine does (hopefully this will last)
9. I love flying, but I am a 1000 times more nervous and sensitive to little bumps and noises with the baby traveling with me. I just don't want anything to happen to her...kind of confirms buying a seat will make me feel more comfortable, I hope.
10. Pack light, but make sure to have everything you need for baby!

Traveling is definitely a whole new ballgame with the baby, but I am so glad I am doing it!!! Up next, Hawaii at the end of the month!

Pix - Riley and dad in the Admirals Club in Denver!

Getting on a Schedule

Well, it is now January 11th, I am finally getting back to writing about my life as a mom...as you can see it is tough to get on a schedule when you are watching after a small baby!!! Oh someday!

TLC's A Baby Story...

I am in love with TLC's A Baby Story. I actually only caught a few episodes before I had Riley, but now I DVR it and watch it daily. I cry at EVERY birth....the experience of having a baby never changes, it is always amazing. I think I cry also as I see these women go through all the pain and frustration. Ugh, childbirth is HARD! But oh so amazing!

I cried at every birth I watched before giving birth, and now after. But was is interesting, I did not cry when I gave birth. I cried a lot during the labor from the excruciating pain of the contractions....but I did not cry when I had Riley. I think it was so surreal I was just in awe! I like to think I was just taking it all in without losing it emotionally.

Whatever the reason for my tears or no tears, I get it now. I had a baby and I understand what women go through to give birth. It is crazy...Women Rock!

Smiling = Breathtaking!

Your baby's smile is like nothing in the World.

Enough said!

Body after Baby!

Ok, I know I just gave birth 7 weeks ago, and I am quite content with where my body has transgressed since then not to mention pregnancy. Nursing has definitely helped drop the weight, and now that I have clearance to start working out again, the new year will bring a new focus on getting back in shape.

All of that being said, I am still surprised at a few things on my post baby body!

Number 1: My chest has grown astronomically with nursing. I will just say this, I had to buy yet more bras after baby. I should have invested in a bra company or the Pump Station.

Number 2: I like leggings...I never wore leggings before pregnancy and now they are all I live in. They are comfortable and since I am top heavy, they are slimming for now. And I can wear them with a lot of things. Another thing I should have invested in.

Number 3: My hips have moved...surprise, surprise. I am not sure why I thought this would not happen. I finally broke down and bought a new pair of jeans...I cannot live in leggings forever. My main frustration, I spent a ton of money on jeans right before I got pregnant..and I will get back into them one day!

Number 4: I have become a fan of Tunics...do you have any good recos for places I can buy them?

Number 5: Nothing from before fits...so I keep shelling out money for clothes...oh well, I do love to buy new stuff!!!

Pix...my new Hard Tail soft as can be sweatshirt...American Apparel, Michael Stars, Victoria Secret and Planet Blue are helping me find a new wardrobe.