At 6.5 months into Marina’s life and being parents, it’s funny the things that become conversation topics these days. As any parent knows, entire dinner parties can revolve around what your child’s favorite food is, or how much screen time is too much. Mr. R and I are not immune to the constant chatter about our baby, so I figured better we share our newfound ‘wisdom’ with you all, incase you have similar conversations in your house! I’ve asked Mr. R a few questions about favorite products, moments with Marina and tips he has, and compared them to mine. Here we go!
Favorite Task
Mom: Nursing. At first I felt a little confined to be in the house or wear something breastfeeding friendly, but as I am getting closer to Marina eating solids for most of her meals, I am realizing how little time left I have with her nursing, and I already miss it! Plus, the smile she gives me after she’s full cannot be replicated.
Dad: Bathtime. Marina loves splashing around in her little tub, and smiles whenever we squirt her with a bath toy. Plus, she comes out smelling clean which I can’t complain about.
Least Favorite Task
Mom: Pumping right before bed. Since Marina has her last feed at 7:15, I try to pump around 9:30 every night to keep my supply up. However I am so sick of watching a show, then getting up in the middle to pump, cleaning bottles etc. Thinking of trying the Willow breast pump and would be interested in hearing your thoughts if you’ve tried it!
Dad: Getting up at 5:30 every morning to give her a pacifier so she can go back to sleep. It’s getting old…
Favorite Baby Product
Mom: UPPAbaby MINU. You’ve heard me talk about it here, but honestly I really love it, and use it as our main stroller 90% of the time. It handles so well. Now I just need a cup-holder attachment for it!
Dad: Beaba babycook. Cooking is my job anyway so what’s adding another steaming and puree layer into the mix? It’s so easy to make fresh food and freeze it for later, and we feel good that we can control the ingredients!
Favorite Baby Carrier
Mom: Wildbird Ring Sling. I had more complicated wraps and literally just never got around to learning how to use them. But in general I love how lightweight the fabric slings are and that you can easily stuff them in your diaper bag for when you need to wear her!
Dad: Lille Baby complete carrier. (From Stefanie: He had nothing to add here, but I think he likes it because she’s fully supported and he can feel confident carrying her, and still, you know… like a man)
Favorite Outfit So Far
Mom: Miles Baby paint splatter jumpsuit.
Dad: Leopard Print H&M Organic Cotton sweatsuit (similar here, here and here)
Stage Most Looking Forward To
Mom: None. Stop growing. You’re fine the way you are.
Dad: Talking
Favorite Tool For Traveling
Mom: Does my MINU stroller count? If not, then probably her MAM pacifiers and pacifier clips. Nothing says be quiet on the plane better than a pacifier to plug them up!
Dad: White Noise App.
Hardest Part of having a baby so far
Mom: Balancing each other’s needs. I try to prioritize her as much as I can, making sure she gets in 2 good naps a day, gets to bed at the right time, eats enough, gets enough time outside, with other kids, and is read to/sang to etc. BUT- somedays I put her I have to put her in the car and go about my errands, make her sleep in the car, drag her to client meetings, make her wait to eat, skip a bath, and put her in her crib to play while I work. The only person judging every day is me… but still I feel bad with those ‘shitty mom’ days. I know it’s part of the job, but it’s still hard!
Dad: The first 48 hours when you get home and you have no idea what to do. Thank goodness Stefanie’s mom made a huge pot of soup for us because otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to eat!
If I could give any advice, it would be…
Mom: 1. “It’s ok if the baby cries a little. Finish taking care of yourself, the laundry, eating or whatever you need, then care for the baby. Stay calm and talk to the baby as you’re finishing up – I swear they understand!” and 2.”Relax and enjoy yourself, because it only gets harder from here. Next time you complain about not being able to get in a workout, go out to dinner or go on a trip, ask yourself will it be easier when they aren’t napping, throwing food all over the restaurant and running up and down the aisle of the plane? Because it won’t.”
Dad: “If you make a plan, you can still do whatever you want. It’s about executing the plan and DOING YOUR JOB”
