**This post contains affiliate links which means that if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission. All profits will go towards Evelyn's education fund.**

Hello Everybody!

This last weekend Tyler, Evelyn, and I took a trip to Waco, Texas. It's about 2 1/2 hours from Houston so it was a nice little getaway. The big reason for the trip was to go see Magnolia Market from the HGTV show Fixer Upper. If you haven't seen Fixer Upper it's awesome. Watch it, love it, dream of being on the show, cry a little because you don't live in Waco, then keep watching. You'll get addicted. 

Anyways, as we were getting ready to leave and I was packing Evelyn's things I was thinking, 'Dang, this baby needs more stuff than I do'. And then it got me thinking about this blog post. I learned a lot about travelling with a baby those two days. Keep in mind this is not Evelyn's first rodeo. We have taken several trips with her. When she was about 4 months, we took her to Fort Worth for two days. And then there was the whole move from Maryland to Texas, but that's a whole 'nother blog post. 

However, now that Evelyn is mobile, like crawling and trying to stand, this road trip seemed more complicated than the other ones, so here's what I learned in two days with a very mobile, happy sometimes cranky infant. 

 Get A Crib at the Hotel

Tyler and I were going cheap this trip, so we stayed at a Super8 since it was only one night. When Tyler booked the reservation online, I told him to request a crib. Now most hotels have this. It's pretty nice especially so you don't have to carry a pack and play with you. You just need to make sure you let the hotel know in advance and this is where I screwed up. 

Check in time is 2:00 and we arrived at 2:30. Upon arrival, we asked about the crib and here was the response. "Sorry, we don't have any cribs left..." Um, what? How can you lose all your cribs 30 minutes after check in? We specifically requested one. At this point I was thinking 'Oh well, we will just make it work. Good thing we got a king sized bed.' Well, long story short, I didn't sleep. Evelyn decided to kick me all...night...long...*sigh* 

So, here's what I learned. Next time we get a hotel, we will request a crib and then call the day of our reservation to make sure we get one. Because Mama needs her sleep. Or I'll just use this next time.

This thing is pretty cool. It's the Summer Infant Travel Bed. It's super compact and light and folds up. Way easier to use than a pack and play. It has a really nice little mattress in it which comes with a sheet that can be washed. Easy Peasy.

This way I won't have Evelyn kicking me all night and I won't worry about crushing her every time I roll over. Plus, now that she's crawling, I can sleep soundly knowing she won't roll or crawl off the edge of the bed.

 Find A Way To Carry Baby

I don't know about your baby but my baby is big. At 8 months old she is close to 25 pounds and wears 12 months clothes. Carrying her in my arms for a long period or even a decent amount of time makes me tired. I knew we'd be walking around Downtown Waco for a couple hours and I did not want to be carrying her. 

If a stroller is more your thing then this is the one I have and I love it! It's the Graco FastAction 2.0 Travel System. I'll warn you, it's pricey, but it's totally worth it. 

This thing rides so smooth. Evelyn always falls asleep when we put her in it. The car seat is built to last and can hold up a baby up to 35 pounds. The stroller is nice because the car seat fits right inside. It is also really light but sturdy and it can fold with just one hand. Awesome!

However for this trip we decided not to take the stroller and instead took our carrier. We have the Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier. 

I've used this since Evelyn was born and it hasn't failed me yet. It's nice because you can carry four different ways. You can carry baby facing towards you in a narrow seat, baby facing towards you in a wide seat (which is more ergonomic and better for baby's hips), baby facing outward, and baby on your back. It will carry children from 4-32 pounds but I've seen people use it with their toddlers on their back. It's also pretty comfortable which is nice if you are wearing it for a long time. Your comfortable, baby is secure. Everyone wins!

Here's Tyler with her outside of Magnolia Market

And here we are outside of the Texas Rangers Museum (the law enforcement not the team)

We decided to take the carrier because Magnolia Market is usually packed with people. Plus we didn't want to have to worry about maneuvering a stroller with a ton of people around. With this we just popped her in and carried her around on our back. Evelyn also liked being able to look around and see what was happening around her. And it fits both me and Tyler, which is nice since we are different sizes. 

Be Extra Prepared

When packing for Evelyn for this trip, I ended up over packing. I figured I would rather have a few extra things and be okay, then forget something and have to run to the store for something. So here was my thinking. When packing diapers, I thought about how many diapers I use in a day which is about 5. So 5 time 2 for 2 days is 10. Then I added 4 extra diapers. Just in case. 

Same thing with clothes. Two outfits for two days so I packed 4. Just in case she wets her pants or spits up I have back ups. Same goes with formula or whatever else you use on a daily basis for your baby. Even though I didn't use all my clothes and diapers that I brought, I'm glad I had them because it would have been a pain and a dent in our getaway if we had to run to the store. 

I also ended up bringing extra bottles, diaper rash cream, extra formula, extra baby food, bibs, burp cloths, toys, and teething gel. Again, I didn't use everything I brought but I'm glad I did, just in case. 

Also don't forget sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for your baby. With our baby being so fair, I am a little OCD about sun protection. Her skin is so new and perfect I would hate for her to have to get a sunburn, plus have to deal with the pain of one. 

I use Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection. I like how it is specifically meant for babies and it is tear free. I can slather this all over Evelyn and she hasn't been burned once. Don't forget to put sunscreen on even when it's cloudy. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Especially for my ginger baby. 

Slapped on some sunscreen with a hat and look how adorable she is!

 Do What Works For You

There were times during our trip where Evelyn would get frustrated because she was tired of being in her car seat or wanted to stretch her legs and crawl around. It was times like these where we would either go back to the hotel for an hour to let her be mobile or find a place where she could move around, with supervision of course. 

Honestly, the hardest part about travelling with a baby is being flexible. Things aren't always going to work out as planned but you can still enjoy your trip. It might be better to do only a couple things each day instead of cramming your day with events. That way if baby needs an hour nap, it's not a big deal. Vacations can still be fun even when travelling with baby. It's all about thinking smart, planning right, and doing what's best for your family.

Now I can say I'm fully prepared for another road trip, which is next month to Baton Rouge to one of my best friend's wedding. Happy trails!

Love,

Karlie

How To Survive A Teething Baby

**This post contains affiliate links which means that if you click on one of the product links, I'll receive a small commission. All profits will go towards Evelyn's education fund.**

The dreaded teething stage. I don't know why but for some reason I thought that Evelyn wouldn't go through it. Of course I knew she would have to get teeth but I didn't expect the fussiness, the waking up at night, and horrifying diaper rash. I guess I just thought that she would breeze through it. So when all of this started happening, I went through my resources and found the best products and techniques that worked for Evelyn and me during this difficult period. I hope this helps you and your little one too.

1. Get A Really Good Rash Cream

Not all babies are prone to diaper rash when teething but I know that when Evelyn's first tooth started cutting she got the diaper rash of a life time. Ignorant me had a rude wake up call when one day I went to change Evelyn's diaper and found the worst diaper rash I have ever seen. Even pictures of terrible diaper rash couldn't compare to this. She had giant red welts all over her bum and it was hot to the touch. My heart just melted as I considered how much pain she was in not only from the rash but from the bottom tooth trying to emerge. So I went to the store and picked up this.

Desitin Rapid Relief Cream, Diaper Rash Ointment, 6 oz x 2 Tubes - $12.99

Retail Price: $14.98

You Save: $1.99

This stuff is amazing! Not only does it help with the pain but those giant red welts were gone within two days! It was amazing how much better Evelyn felt after the first application. It also goes a long way so one big tube will last me forever.

2. Teething Gel For The Win!

When Evelyn was fussing and I did everything I could to make her happy, my mom suggested picking up a teething gel. She said that teething gel helps to numb the gum and make the initial pain of cutting teeth a little easier for little ones. So this is the one that I picked up.

Children's Teething Gel, 0.33 oz, Hylands (Hyland's) - $6.42

Retail Price: $8.42

You Save: $2.00

I really like it because it is homeopathic and it is made of all natural ingredients. I don't want Evelyn to have any sugar and I like this kind because there are not artificial flavors or any sweeteners in it to make it taste good and Evelyn doesn't seem to mind the taste. I just take a pea size drop on my finger and rub it on the gums where the tooth is starting to come in. And presto! No more crying baby! I also like how its small enough where I can put it in my diaper bag in case of emergencies.

3. Infant Tylenol

I know by now it seems like I drug my child a lot but trust me I don't. Infant Tylenol is a life saver when the teething gel is just not cutting it. I use it very sparingly and only for emergencies but it really helps to keep me sane and helps Evelyn not to feel so cruddy on those especially hard days.

Infants' Tylenol Acetaminophen Oral Suspension, Cherry Flavor, 60 ml x 2 Bottles - $17.49

This is the actual Tylenol brand, which I trust. Plus it comes with a handy measuring syringe perfect for babies and young children. The measurement for children's Tylenol is very different, so to help I've included a table showing how much a child should get dependent on their weight.

4. Fun Teething Toys

Teething toys are not only a distraction to baby but can help to relieve the pressure of the incoming teeth. Here are a few of Evelyn's favorites.

I like how this owl from Taggies has the soft plush of the owl and the teething leaves at the bottom. It gives Evelyn a lot of different textures to play with and it keeps her entertained for long periods of time. Plus it's a little bigger than most baby toys, so as she gets older and bigger she won't outgrow it.

Taggies wHoo Loves You Teether, Owl

 Sophie the Giraffe has been a popular toy for teething and now I know why. Sophie is different than most teething rings. She is made from soft rubber and her spots are raised and she makes a little noise when squeezed which is nice for sensory. Also very good for the gums and raised teeth.

Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether, Brown/White 

Last but not least is a very good teething ring. I love this one from Nuby because it is round so Evelyn can easily grasp it. It's kind of hard to tell from the picture but each of the little nubs coming from the circle has a different raised pattern so whenever Evelyn chews on a different part, she gets a little different feel. You can freeze them if you like but I decide not to since it's a little softer on Evelyn's gums. These are also super durable. My dog has gotten a hold of it and chewed on it for a while with his sharp teeth and he didn't even make a dent in the rubber. I bought several of these and I keep them around the house and in my diaper bag so I can have one whenever. 

Nuby Natural Touch Step 3 Teether - Colors May Vary

5. Patience, Patience, Patience

This last one is the hardest for me. I am by nature not a very patient person and it is honestly the hardest part of being a mother for me. I have had to teach my brain that Evelyn is a little baby who cannot yet communicate her needs and as her mom it is my responsibility to take care of her no matter what. I know what it's like when you have a screaming baby and you're exhausted and mentally drained. You get frustrated and don't understand what you can do to help. But it is important to close your eyes, take a deep breath, and remain calm. Have patience with your child and with yourself. Things will get better and before you know it, your baby won't be a baby anymore. So enjoy these times, even though they are hard. 

I hope this helps make the teething process a little easier for you and your babe. It's not easy but it can be managed. Happiness and health to you and your little ones!

Love, Karlie

My Experience with Sharing Breast Milk

 

So milk sharing... what the heck is that? And why would I even want to share my breast milk or have my baby drink some one else's breast milk? Well, today I wanted to share my personal experience with shared breast milk and why I needed it for my baby. Hopefully this will help some of the stigma out there about sharing breast milk.

 

 

 

 

So first things first, why did I decide to use another women's breast milk for my baby. So Evelyn was born two weeks early and her GI system wasn't quite fully developed. When she was born I fully intended to exclusively breastfeed for at least six months. I only lasted three weeks. Evelyn had a hard time eating and so my milk supply diminished significantly in a short period of time. I was devastated. I had all these good intentions for my daughter but the fact was I couldn't sustain her needs on my own. After talking with a wonderful lactation consultant, we tried all different kinds of formulas but poor Evelyn had a hard time keeping anything down and she was losing quite a bit of weight.

 

At this point I was stressed, sleep deprived, and desperate for anything that would help my baby gain weight. I was talking to a friend about my issues who had an older infant and she told me how she had tons of breast milk stored in her freezer but she was unable to use it because her son refused to wean. So she gave me all of it! I was and still am totally grateful to this friend. I believe the total milk supply she gave us lasted for about a month and half  and once it was depleted, Evelyn's GI system had matured to the point where she could better handle formula.

 

Before I had decided to do this though, I did a lot of research. I looked at a lot of accredited websites and I realized that there is a lot of controversy about sharing milk. I believe the biggest concern is that the milk may be "contaminated" because the mother is taking prescriptions, has diseases, smokes, etc. In the end, I called my lactation consultant and asked for her opinion. She told me that because I personally knew the person the milk was coming from and because she didn't smoke, drink, take drugs, etc., then she would be comfortable about me taking the milk from her.

 

Now, if you are considering taking someone's breast milk, here are a couple things to consider. First things first, you are the parent. You ultimately have the decision to take someone's milk and give it to your baby. If you feel confident and comfortable, then wonderful. If something feels off, then listen to your gut.

Secondly, I would talk to the person who is giving you their milk. Ask them the important questions, do they smoke, drink, are they on prescriptions, do they have any diseases you should know about. I would definitely recommend sharing with someone you really know and trust, but again it is a personal decision.

 

What if you would like to share breast milk but you don't know anyone who lives around you that would be willing to share? What if you have an excess supply and would like to share your milk with others? There are a couple websites that I found that could be helpful to you.

 

If you are willing to share your breast milk, the Human Milk Banking Association of North America is always looking for donors. They have quite a few donor centers around the country and in Canada. The milk donated mostly goes to those babies who are preterm or sick in hospitals. If interested, check out their website and find a location near you.

 

If you are interested in sharing milk or receiving milk for a baby at any age, then I would check out Milkshare. This website has all kinds of information about sharing milk, how to store breast milk, how to help your milk supply, and much more. It also helps you connect with other mothers who either need or are willing to share their milk.

 

Again as I have said throughout this post, please do your homework and then do what you are most comfortable with or what you feel is best for your baby. I hope that my experience helps you and that you have happy and healthy babies of your own!

 

Love, Karlie

 

 



Welcome!

Welcome to my Ginger House! I just wanted to write a little intro to my blog. My name is Karlie and I recently moved to Texas from Maryland. It's definitely been a change and sometimes a struggle, but an adventure. I have a beautiful baby girl who is 6 months old and she keeps me very busy. I wouldn't trade her for the world. My husband, Tyler, is currently working on his teacher's certification so that he can be a high school teacher for the state of Texas. He recently finished his Masters when we were living in Maryland. I'm so proud of him.

Everyday is always an adventure. We are currently living with my in-laws, which means we downsized from a two story house to a small bedroom. However, it's nice to have the help with Baby E.

I've never really done a blog before. I think the purpose of this blog is to share my experiences as mom and why life is precious and should be enjoyed, not dreaded. Come along with me as we go on this crazy but wondrous adventure I call life.