crossrhodes

Testing, testing, 1-2-3.

I just upgraded WordPress to version 2.6.1.  I caught some plugins that are incompatible with the new version and other things that need tweaking, but I’m short on free time these days. So, I’ll just leave it as is for now. Let me know if/when you see anything funky while you’re here. I will try to fix it in between Layla’s feeding, sleeping, and pooping routine =) Sorry for the inconvenience.

I try not to read the news but a headline caught my attention this afternoon on my Yahoo! Mail tab. Steven Curtis Chapman’s 5 year old daughter died tragically in their home.

I was just listening to his new release, Cinderella, while putting Layla to sleep. It’s on mommy’s lullaby playlist. It’s a beautiful song. Listen to it and say a prayer for the Chapmans as they grieve the loss of their Cinderella.

While my in-laws were visiting, my MIL suggested I register for a bouncer or swing. She said nothing else soothed my colicky nephew. My other nephew was colicky, too, but his mom said the carseat was enough to soothe him. I was going to pass on them altogether and stick with a $20 baby sling, especially since the cost of the better swings do not justify the short amount of time the baby will use it.

But someone on Craigslist was selling a Fisher-Price Papasan Cradle Swing for 50% OFF the retail price!!! I can’t pass up a deal like that. Besides the 4.5/5 stars given by 800+ reviewers on Amazon, my sister swears by this specific model. That’s good enough for me! Again, it’s one of those things I can re-sell if I don’t end up using it.

I am weary about using swings. I don’t want it to become a mother-alternative. Newborns are soothed by motion because its what they experienced in the womb and the attached mobiles are great for visual stimulation. But carrying baby in a sling while mom goes about her business does the same thing, doesn’t it? Plus, there are bonding and sensory benefits to babywearing that can’t be found in a bouncer or swing.

Well, I grabbed a good deal on a swing and will hold on to it until the baby arrives. We’ll see how it goes from there. I’m hoping I won’t have to use it at all because I’m positive I’m having a low-maintenance, unfussy, non-colicky baby. *LOL* Yeah, right!

If you’re new to the centuries-old concept of babywearing as I am, check out these links to learn more:

• Great things about babywearing and what it looks like cross-culturally.
• The benefits of babywearing by Dr. Eckhard Bonnet.
• Fussy babies and babywearing by Dr. William Sears.
• Hotslings Wearing Instructions - a YouTube video.
• For animal lovers, pictures of Baby Carriers of the Animal Kingdom.

If you have experience with babywearing, which type of carrier did you like best??? Just from looking at these pics online, I think I prefer the ring slings and pouches over buckle carriers, wraps, and Mei Tais. I like the adjustability of ring slings, but the pouches look to be the least cumbersome and come in a light mesh material for hot summer days and dipping in the pool with baby. I found adjustable pouches by Kangaroo Korner but they’re kinda pricey at $60+ Then again, they’re good for up to a 1-2 year old kid. Tell me what you know and think about these different types of carriers! Thank you!

• Lots of stuff going on here… in real life. Not so much on the blog =)
• It’s way time for James to go back to school coz he’s driving me crazy being girl-crazy!
• I went to my school orientation today.  Eight hours reviewing hospital policies, yada, yada, yada, after only 3 hours of sleep last night.
• Something big is brewing but I can’t tell you yet.

Cool. I’ve been tagged by the crazy coconut Cynthia, whose scrapbook studio I envy and who thinks I’m a

And now I tag Malou and Kelly. You girls rock!