Judging Another Mother

I am not sure when, how or why it started. People, women in general, seem to have a natural instinct to judge one another on a regular basis. My theory is that it all began with Eve. Some woman probably said " I would like to be in the garden right now, but that damn Eve had to listen to that stupid snake!" Another woman agreed, and so began a long history of gossip. Shouldn't we know better by the time we have kids? I mean honestly, haven't we all been dealing with this since elementary school?

Am I guilty of this nasty attribute? Absolutely! I watch, and criticize how other women parent all of the time. One of my biggest pet peeves is when mothers put their children on leashes, but maybe instead of giving her a nasty look, I could consider something. Maybe she has a horrible temper, and by putting her child on that silly thing, she is more likely to stay calm and relaxed. Putting yourself in someones shoes is a very difficult task to say the least, but it would feel so much better than being angry or bitter.

I believe that mothers have to learn to be honest with themselves and with other moms. Why do we try so hard to look like we are doing everything right. Its not possible, or realistic and we all know that motherhood is no walk in the park. One of my favorite movie scenes is from "Sex and the City 2", when Charlotte finally admits that being a mother is challenging and far from what she imagined it would be. That scene is so real, and while watching it at the theatre, several women laugh right out loud. I feel like if we all admitted to ourselves that not every moment of motherhood will leave you feeling accomplished and fulfilled, we could connect with one another and find more common ground.

Haven't you ever gone to a grocery store alone, and heard another mother struggling with her child? Not that I necessarily take joy in this, but it always makes me smile a little. I try to give her a look like "I feel ya sister!" I know how awful it can be to try and run an errand with an upset kid.

We are constantly comparing our children to others, picking apart another woman's techniques, and essentially pretending like those bad days don't exist for everyone. Most mothers are doing the best that they can, and trust me we could all use a little more support and encouragement.

The Amazing Baby Bullet

With my first child, I never in a million years would have thought about making my own baby food. I thought it would take up too much time, and energy. Then when I had my second child, my mother-in-law bought me the Baby Bullet. It is wonderful. I typically make all of D's food myself, and it is so easy. I love it!

The Baby Bullet costs about $80 dollars, but it is worth it. I can make more than double the amount of baby food for the same price as I would pay in the store. Plus, making your own organic food is even cheaper. Check it out on http://www.thebabybullet.com/ . Also, when I run out of baby food, I can make some more at home without running to the store.

This is what I made today, in less than 30 minutes. Pretty awesome! It stays good in the fridge for up to three days, and in the freezer for up to thirty.  

Some Dos and Don'ts

In my opinion these are a few things to do, and not to do when planning for a new baby :)

Don't stock up on items like diapers, pacifiers, and bottles. These things are all based on preference. You may have to try out a few kinds to find out what works for you and your baby.
Do stock up on items like shampoo, lotion,laundry soap and medicine. Although all babies are different, most of these products are for sensitive skin anyways.

Don't spend the big bucks on a pack n play. Unless you are picky about color and size, they are all basically the same.
Do spend the big bucks on a good monitor. There are so many cheap monitors that don't work the way you need them to.

Don't buy a fancy bassinet or moses basket. Really your baby will only sleep in these for a short period of time. As long as they are clean and safe, they will work just fine. Some babies end up sleeping in bouncy chairs anyways.
Do take your time when buying the crib, and nursery furniture. These items will be moved, passed down, chewed, and take a beating during your child raising years. Quality is very important.

Do buy a large bottle of hand sanitizer if you are concerned with germs, and people holding your new baby. I was always embarrassed to ask people to wash their hands. I found that most people noticed the bottle, and used it immediately. That way I didn't have to ask as often.

Don't go overboard on the tiny cutesy outfits. I know, they are fun to buy and look at before your baby is born. In the first few months you will rarely leave the house, and they will grow out of those pricey outfits before they see the light of day. Seriously, they will never wear shoes.
Do buy lots of onesies, sleepers, and changing table pads. This will pretty much be your child's wardrobe for a long time, and it is nice to have lots of spares. Who wants to do laundry when you could be sleeping?

Don't be afraid to take any help offered, or ask for it when you need it. Let your mom take care of your baby for an hour so you can sleep. You will need it.
Do try to enjoy those middle of the night moments as much as possible. Although you are exhausted, that alone time with your baby is precious.

That's all for now. Please feel free to add your own items in the comments :)