Too much baby stuff

As a first time mom I had it all. We had a crib, a bassinet, a swing, a bouncer, a walker, an exersaucer, a pack-n-play, a carseat, a stroller, johnny jumper, and a baby bjorn. I had this tiny precious human and I just moved him from device to device because that seemed like that was the purpose. You have all these items, that were suggested from any baby registry. I would still hold him, but I also played pass the baby when others were around. That was just what was expected of me. Zayden and Zavier also were cared for basically the same way. Mainstream and sheepish.

When we moved to Germany in 2008, I eliminated all the baby gear to make less to move. When we had Zander in 2010 we had 2 bouncers, a boppy, a jumperoo, a playmat, and a crib. I also started practicing baby wearing to be close to him. I wasn't as dedicated to it as I am now, but it was a beginning. With Abbie, we got rid of the jumperoo and added a swing. Tony deployed when she was less than 4 weeks old and I knew that I would need to put her down to care for the others sometimes.

This time with Mason we have 1 bouncer, a boppy, a playmat, a walker, and a bed. But he spends so much time just being held by me. I'm amazed he's so mobile and pulls up so much already as he wasn't put down any more than he had to be. I still hold him just to go to sleep. He sleeps with me (which many of the kids have). He loves being next to me. I know so much more now as a mom that I wish I would have been encouraged from the beginning to just enjoy them as babies. Hold them, carry them, rock them to sleep. You can't get these first few months back.

Do what comes naturally to you and just comfort and sooth your little baby. Love them as much as you can as they really do grow so fast and that chapter of your life is over. I would sleep with all my kids now if they didn't wake each other up off and on all night long, and the bigger 2 maybe 3 are too cool for that.

One more thing, just talk to your baby like it's a real person. It is a real person. Right after Mason was born and as traumatic as it was for me (actual delivery), some of the first things I said to him were that I loved him and was so glad he was here, but I also recognized to him the pain he was likely in. Birth has got to be painful to be squished out. I told him I knew and I felt the pain too and just cuddled him.

Now when they become toddlers and up, that's a different sort of problems. But while they are little just hold them, show them the world while safely snuggled up against you.

First ER visit in over 16 months

Finally had our first required ER visit since we moved to El Paso. It has been our first visit of any sort actually. I must say it went well and the fear I had of a quick and easily handling of the situation was not necessary. Zavier has been having trouble with his breathing after long outdoor exposures. He has a tree and grass allergy, and who knows what else wasn't tested for. He had 2 breathing treatments and an x-ray too make sure it was just allergy related. He was given a few more treatments for the next few days hopefully to strengthen his body enough to not be on med permanently.

Now to decide if I eventually want to follow up with an on post appointment. Which right now would mean dragging all 6 kids into the dr. so that's still up in the air.