Planes, trains and strollers

I've been researching strollers for at least a year. I always knew I didn't want a travel system -- they're just too big for my short legs and wimpy arms. So, after much research, I registered for (and received) a Snap 'N Go. It's been great. But it didn't stop me from stressing over what to get once the Snap 'N Go no longer meets our needs.

That time has finally arrived. The weather is warming up, and we're spending more time outside. The Snap 'N Go's wheels are starting to totter; it isn't made for concrete sidewalks. Miss M likes facing forward and gets hot in her carseat, but she's too heavy for me to carry her for long in the Baby Bjorn. Plus, we're going overseas next month, and she'll need to see the sights from something comfortable (for both of us!).

My dream stroller had to be lightweight or I wouldn't use it. It also needed to be durable because I didn't want to waste money on something that would break in six months. It needed to be comfortable for Miss M, with a big canopy and cushy seat. And (this is obvious, right?), it had to be cute -- meaning simple and streamlined. Basically, I wanted something built like a MACK truck and designed like a Miata that would ride like a Buick.

Champagne Taste meet Beer Budget.

After months of my whining and indecisiveness and scouring Craigslist for something used (read: cheap), Chris said I should just get whatever I want. I told him it might be $400, if my dream stroller even existed. He said he'd pitch in $200.

So I described my dream stroller to my fellow WTE September 2010 mommies, who recommended the Baby Jogger City Mini. There were a few other recommendations thrown in, which I appreciated, but the City Mini seemed the most popular. After reading all the online reviews I could get my hands on, I agreed it sounded pretty darn good!

I ordered it in black, thinking that was the more sensible choice to hide dirt and stains. But I actually prefer the stone/black. And now I'm worried the black will be too hot. But it's too late to change my mind. The stroller's been shipped!

Six months

Six months ago, I met my beautiful baby girl, who returned my looks of awe and adoration with an expression that asked, "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" I don't, but I sure do love her. Happy half-birthday, Miss M!

Splurge

Today wasn't all bad. I splurged on this today. And in case the link doesn't work, here's a picture.

Gymboree Tiered Hooded Jacket

It's so stinking cute, and Miss M is adorable in it. Maybe it will motivate me to take her for walks this spring!

(Dear god, what has happened to me!? It was only a year ago that "splurge" referred to something at a salon ... or Banana Republic.)

306

That's how many ounces of frozen milk I threw away tonight. Miss M won't drink it, and after tasting it myself, I don't blame her. Apparently, my milk has high levels of lipase, which causes it to turn rancid quickly. Unfortunately, I didn't figure this out until my freezer was full. And even then, I held onto it thinking maybe, just maybe it could be saved. I tried mixing it with cereal tonight, and as soon as the spoon touched her lips, she wrinkled her face up like I was trying to feed her bananas again.

What a bummer.

Of feet and (lack of) sleep

I've been too tired to blog, and I am too tired to do this entry justice. But it's been too long, and I feel like I need to post something to document this time in our lives.

Miss M is no longer sleeping through the night. I miss my good sleeper. I suck at about everything without sleep.

On the fun side: Miss M has discovered her feet, and it's pretty hilarious. Except when she supposed to be nursing. Then it's a little annoying.

Feeding in general has become more difficult as she's so easily distracted these days. We introduced cereal a couple of weeks ago. That was about the time the whole sleeping business went down the crapper. She had upped her milk intake 50% at daycare. She went from drinking 8-10 ounces to 14-16 between two bottles. On top of that, she was waking up early. I thought it might be time to try solids. But cereal + Miss M only exacerbated the middle of the night wake-ups. We gave it a break for a few days; still no improvement. Then she dropped her third nap. We've tried putting her to bed earlier; we've tried letting her stay up later. We've tried long baths and no baths. We are still trying to figure out the best evening routine. It's trial and error; so far, a lot of error. As I type this, she has been grizzling in her bed for 30 minutes

People always ask how the baby sleeps, and I used to tell them she fights going to sleep, but once she's out, she stays that way. I wish that were still true!