Melificent

Life with Luna: 5 Months

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I can hardly believe that we are standing on the edge of a half birthday. Luna is 5 months old, and although Mommy is very , very tired (I have a newfound hate for daylight savings time), she could not be happier. Every day little Luna’s smile lights up my life. She continues to be the happiest baby and is learning new things every day! She is getting her helmet off this week, is rolling both front/back and back/front and trying to shuffle her way around when in her play pen area. She squeals like strangled dolphin when she laughs and is obsessed with her dogs – often reaching out to touch their fur and giggling when they run around the house.

She has discovered her feet, and cannot keep them still. Most of the time, she is working on a way to fit them into her mouth. Speaking of her mouth, Luna has just started the teething process. Everything goes straight into her mouth, including many of my body parts. However, one of the cutest new developments is that Luna will reach her hands out for either myself or her dad so that we can place it in her palms.  She will then caress our faces (she loves her dad’s beard!) and pull them towards her own so she can give us open mouthed kisses. I absolutely melt.

Now that her helmet is coming off, I have to transition her into a bassinet instead of the Rock ‘n Play she’s been sleeping in since birth (it is a main culprit for flat head). I am totally tormented because, being a new mom, I am terrified she will die in her sleep and I often spend sleepless nights in bed just staring at her breathing. I will no longer be able to do this obsessive staring since I cannot see her when she’s in the bassinet (it’s higher than our bed). This would require me to physically get up and peer over it in order to check on her. Mommy is not cool with this new situation. So I could use some encouragement and a reminder to stop being so neurotic. Or at least to try. 😉

Here’s hoping I’ll be victorious at our next update!

The Barre Code: Miami

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As you all know, I’m on my fitness journey to lose the baby weight gained during my pregnancy. I managed to tack on 41 lbs during those 9 months, and although I’ve managed to lose 27 of those pounds, I’m hitting the hardest wall to climb. The closer I get to my pre-baby weight, the harder it is to shed those pesky pounds. I have to be more strict with my diet (which I hate), and of course, exercise more. That’s why I jumped at the chance to try out Miami’s newest Barre class, The Barre Code, thanks to The Blogger Union.

I used to dance ballet, and was really passionate about it. I even wanted to pursue it professionally at one point! It wasn’t until I hit high school and thought I was “over it,” that I quit. It’s one of the few regrets I have, so the opportunity to stand at a barre again was way too tempting. Granted, I think I totally underestimated the level of butt-kicking I would experience at a Barre class. I haven’t taken a fitness class led by an instructor in years, much less to this degree. Guys, it’s 3 days since my class at the time I’m writing this post and I still can’t walk properly, sit down without holding on to something, and I can’t even think of bending down. This was some serious stuff. But it was amazing!

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The Barre Code has a beautiful and zen-inducing space in Biscayne that includes a gorgeous (and spacious) LED-lit studio, lockers, and even post-workout freshening stations. It is so inviting and relaxing in there, plus staff is a complete joy. Our instructor, Jo, was amazing. She is the kind of instructor that I enjoy when I’m taking a class – supportive, encouraging and energetic. I personally cannot stand attending fitness classes where you are being shouted at and made to feel inferior – I go to these classes not only to workout, but also to disconnect from the daily stress of my life. Jo was the complete opposite. She was constantly praising our abilities and how hard we were working. The encouragement only made me want to push myself harder (even though it was really, really tough for this out of shape mama).

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Life with Luna: 4 months

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Time feels like it is racing by. I recently visited my bestie who just had her daughter, and when holding little Zelda, I could not believe that just 4 months ago, I had someone even tinier in my arms. It really put things into perspective. Before I know it, my baby girl will be a year old and hobbling around like a tiny drunk human and these precious moments will be only memories. Luna only gets more amazing with every day.

She has finally decided to start rolling over from tummy to back consistently, but she will only grace me with one performance a day (which is apparently normal at this stage). She is also getting very vocal – sometimes screaming with joy or determination (I will stick you in my mouth, toy!), and can sit up with some proper propping (definitely not the case with this photo). Lu is a pro at tummy time now, even with her helmet, although she much rather be on her back having dance parties with mom and dad.

Luna started this journey barely scratching the growth charts at the 3rd percentile and is now in the 50th for weight and 25th for length. It’s amazing how far she has come in such a short period of time. She’s such a tough little girl that is laid back and goes with the flow. She has easily adjusted into our lifestyle and schedules, and seriously makes our lives so much happier on a daily basis. All mommy and daddy ask for is for a better sleep pattern (sleep regression sucks)!

Until next month, moon of my life!

Life with Luna: DocBand Baby

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Over the past few weeks, my husband and I have been deciding how we should tackle Luna’s flat spot. We were referred to Cranial Technologies by our pediatrician, and their report suggested that Lu’s little noggin’ was on the severe end of moderate. Should we get her a helmet or just hope it rounds over time? People out there have a lot of opinions about this topic, and seem to be either vehemently against it or tout it as the best thing they have ever done for their child. Ultimately though, I knew it was our decision to make.

And we went with the helmet.

I couldn’t stomach the idea that if it didn’t round out on its own down the line, that there was something that could have helped her, but I decided to pass on it. I haven’t cried yet, which is nothing short of a miracle. I think I’m the only one with the problem though. Luna has not taken issue with it at all. She sleeps just as well, and although wasn’t as smiley the first couple of days, is now her usual happy self. One thing I have noticed is that she is really struggling with tummy time. The extra weight on her head (how ever light weight the helmet advertises to be) is really doing a number on her, and she is barely lifting her head up – often just laying down in total defeat with or without crying.

I asked multiple times if the helmet would stunt or stand in the way of her development, and I was assured it would not, so I’m hoping she is just adjusting to the new weight on the top of her head and will be raising it up higher and with better control in no time (at the time I wrote this post, we were only on day 3). We are scheduled for a 7 week treatment window, and I cross all my body parts that that was an accurate estimate. Although I’m looking forward to decorating this new accessory (look out for it on social media), I can’t wait for it to be retired. I soothe my mommy emoness by reminding myself that I am doing what’s best for my child, no matter what that may mean. And also by telling myself that if this is the worst I have to battle, then I’m the luckiest mommy on this planet.

 

Have any of your kiddos had to use the DocBand (or a similar cranial helmet)? Any advice to offer this newcomer?

Nerdy Must Haves

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1. Sherlock Crop; While we mourn the long and torturous wait that is the newest season of BBC’s Sherlock, we can at least look cute. This frilly cameo-style design makes it perfect to pair with high waisted jeans and a pair of Chucks for an understated fangirl look. For those of us rocking some new mom pooches, you can also layer it on top of a long tank or maxi dress.

2. Chibi Moon Skater Skirt; Something that will never go out of style in my mind is the high waisted skater skirt. I’m obsessed with them. In fact, it’s my go to when I’m putting together a geek chic outfit (the ones in my closet are *almost* fitting again), so if they already have a fun fangirl print, it is a no brainer when deciding whether it should be mine or not. This one is celebrating my newest favorite scout, Chibi Moon. Move over, Jupiter. Ever since becoming a mom, I love the sassy and adventurous spirit of Chibiusa!

3. I’m Your Mother Tee; Sure, everyone has seen plenty of merchandise, jokes and hashtags for “I am your father,” but how about giving the moms the love??? This tee does exactly that, and I am loving it! As both a Star Wars fan and new mommy, I couldn’t think of a better style staple to cover in spit up.

4. Star Wars Earrings Set; More Star Wars, I know. I promise I’ll stop…someday. But seriously, this set of little Star Wars themed stud earrings are too much! I think they are a little on the steep side coming in at almost $20, but I have to admit they are all sorts of adorbs and a subtle way to rock your love of the force on an every day basis.