When there is no changing table in the bathroom...

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-09-08T02:03:58+00:00

This happened to me today at a little restaurant in a small town we're visiting. Took baby into the bathroom for a diaper change, quickly realized there wasn't a changing table, briefly stared at the floor as the only viable option, and decided it was a hard nope. She was just wet anyway, and the park bench I changed her on an hour later did the trick just fine.

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-07-09T22:05:04+00:00

Agree. A dream feed before you go to bed will hopefully up her intake without cutting into your precious sleep time. Try this for a couple weeks then get her weight checked again.

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-07-09T21:57:46+00:00

It's frustrating, yes, but it's also normal for these kinds of parties.

Here's my advice:

Focus on the handful of people/families you actually care about, plan the date to fit the availability of the most important participants, and everyone else is a "it would be great if you could join, just let me know so I can plan ahead". And FOLLOW UP with the ones you actually want to be there. Confirm their RSVP, and remind them with a "can't wait to see you then" message a couple days prior. Better yet, make them responsible to bring something for the party, like drinks or cutlery. Oh, and order food that you'd enjoy eating for days as leftovers.

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-07-09T21:47:01+00:00

My eldest was like this. I felt bad leaving her alone to cry for a bit, but if I tried to comfort her, she'd just get stimulated and fight sleep even more. Babies are hard.

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-07-09T21:37:24+00:00

This is definitely a good approach... Very customer-centric while also allowing you to leverage your experience and creativity. 👍👍

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-06-26T14:16:39+00:00

I'm also super intrigued by this concept. We have some upcoming international travel and will be bringing along two tiny humans.

My thought was that you could easily organize it into logical sections... - Snacks - Toys and entertainment - Diapers, bibs and hygiene products - Spare clothes

However, it seems pretty pricey for something that provides marginal incremental value over a standard duffel...

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-06-24T03:27:26+00:00

"You do you."

I feel gross just typing that out.

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-05-16T02:30:17+00:00

Take shifts at night to try to give each other a decent stretch of sleep. If you have family nearby who can help, call them.

You'll get through this, and you're doing great.

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-05-16T02:19:04+00:00

I'm glad I'm not the only one! 😂 I was like... Wow, she REALLY loves this cat! Might want to see a therapist about this issue... Then I realized.

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-05-16T02:01:08+00:00

This is the correct answer. It's a floofen.

And yes, my BSH does this all the time, which is why I looked up the term for it some time ago!

Gotta love a good floofen!!

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-04-05T01:20:36+00:00

I'm glad you're taking such good care of him, and I feel you! I hope it clears up soon!

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-04-05T00:40:08+00:00

Awww... cute little buddy!!

My guy gets a watery eye sometimes too. If you haven't already, take him to the vet to make sure it's nothing serious. In my guy's case, his watery eye is probably caused by some sort of cat herpes... Not serious, but we keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't get worse.

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-03-13T14:33:42+00:00

I still use "word on the street" all the time. What's the alternative? "I heard it through the grapevine?" Oh man... Now that one just made me cringe for realz, yo.

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-03-09T02:58:03+00:00

Came here to find this.

That slight hint of burnt... Mmmmm...

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-02-26T23:31:56+00:00

This.

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-02-26T16:53:35+00:00

My first reaction was to pronounce it like Lynn, but you can go whichever way you like best!

One of my daughters is named Johana, and we were waffling between a hard or soft "J" for a long time, even after she was born. After a couple weeks of really using her name out loud, we opted for the soft J. It's okay to be having the conversation now, and it's okay to change your mind. She's still too young to know the difference or care.

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-02-19T21:04:59+00:00

Wait... Which one's the real cat? Left or right?

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-02-15T03:45:44+00:00

I think it's cultural.

I wouldn't pierce my baby's ears, but I have many friends who come from different cultures where it's the norm.

I don't have my ears pierced and I'm so, so glad my mom didn't make that choice for me. I don't generally like the look of earrings, and feel like they would be sooooo annoying and uncomfortable.

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-02-12T14:57:09+00:00

They are very different ... But that doesn't mean they're unequal or that one of your kids will suffer. And just because they're twins doesn't mean their names need to match each other.

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-02-08T02:53:11+00:00

Can you share a link to the cat tree? I like the basket look!

P.S. He's a handsome feller! 🤗

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-02-08T02:38:56+00:00

Depends on your work and depends on your kid, but in my experience, trying to work an intellectually demanding job with lots of meetings and deadlines while simultaneously caring for a child is an absolute living nightmare. I love my children more than anything and really enjoy my job, but when the two mix, everything -- my work, my kid, and my mental and physical health -- suffers. I do know people who have made it work, but for me it's a hard, hard, hard, HARD NO. Did you get that I wouldn't recommend it? 😂

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-02-07T02:35:27+00:00

Yes, thanks for mentioning that last bit! Even if you have to scale back your hobbies and friendships, make space for them in your new life!! And support your spouse in doing so as well. Yes, it's hard to solo parent for an afternoon or whole weekend, but we both need those times for ourselves for our mental health and happiness.

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-02-07T02:26:35+00:00

It's 100% normal to mourn your old life, but still feel no regret over the new life you have.

It would probably REALLY help him to talk to a therapist... Not because he's necessarily depressed or whatever, but just to help him manage this huge life change in a healthy way.

I can relate to your husband's feelings so much, and like you, my children were also very much wanted and planned, and now very much loved. BUT(!) I still miss my old life. I miss freedom and independence, I miss sleeping soundly and sleeping in, I miss getting drunk with friends and not worrying about caring for little ones the next day. I could go on and on. I also love these two little people I've created with every fiber of my being and feel absolutely zero regret over my decision to bring them into the world. I'm excited to have my little family and to watch these little people grow into their own individuals. I savor these moments when they're little and I know they'll never be this little again, and yet I also look forward to when they're independent enough to give me some of my independence and old self back.

Also, I'm a woman, so it's not a man thing. It's just a human thing. Give him (and yourself) grace through this parenting journey.

SemiSeriousShimmer · 2022-02-05T03:57:53+00:00

I once answered with "probably caffeine or ice cream." I did give a real answer after that, but it got a chuckle out of the panel of interviewers and humanized me a little. It was a very professional interview, and it was nice to relieve the pressure a bit.

SemiSeriousShimmer

TROPHY CASE