Daniel 365 : Day 31
Babies at Work Pilot Programs
Babies-at-Work Pilot Programs
The Parenting in the Workplace Institute is currently launching an initiative to set up pilot baby programs in organizations. The program is free to participating businesses. According to Babies in the Workplace, the program has proved successful for every organization that has taken it on, including law firms, credit unions, government agencies, and management consulting firms.
Businesses that sign up for the program will receive the following resources free of charge: a detailed baby program policy and legal waiver forms for participants; free copies of their books about babies-at-work programs; template documents for disseminating information about the program to personnel; and assistance in promoting the program to the public and the media.
The first several mothers to participate in each company's pilot will receive a high-end lactation program provided by LifeCare.
To find out more, please visit www.babiesatwork.org or contact Carla Moquin of the Parenting in the Workplace Institute at (801) 897-8702 or carla@babiesatwork.org.
Daniel 365 : Day 25
Today I took Daniel to the Lunar New Year Celebration at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. We visted one of the Pavillions where Daniel enjoyed seeing, smelling and touching some of the plants and flowers.
Understanding Unsolicited Advice
Daniel with YoungMi (korean), who felt Daniel shouldn't be carried in the back position because it's not good for him. He needs to be in the front so I can comfort and protect him. Plus point: She felt he has sexy lips. She didn't say "black" lips but I knew she meant that. LOL
Daniel with Thomas (korean), who asked me why I dress Daniel like a big boy...with shoes and all. Then he wanted to know if Daniel can walk and proceeded to try and see. Plus point: Offered the use of the Hanbok again for when Daniel turns 1 year.
Daniel with Sue (chinese), who felt Daniel might be cold and needed to rest instead of running around town with me. Plus point: Said Daniel looks more like me now and loves his bright shiny eyes...and of course his hair (which is still wavy ).
I spent most my time defending and explaining why this and why that. But I've learned to take all the co-paranting in stride with a smile. I use to wonder why people can't see that I'm a good mom and stop giving advice. I secretly worried that they saw some deficiency in me I couldn't see.
But I came to understand that really they just care and want to help. Plus no matter if I had a baby or not my Asian friends will always give input on something. It's their culture...sorta like how west indians and most "black" cultures always want to feed people.
Obama : Black Man Only or Multi-Racial Icon?
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Daniel 365 : Day 19
Learning to give baby space
I've been with Daniel from day one. I never let Daniel travel without me no matter what. There has been a few times, when I was going thru the HRA back to work programs, he's had to travel with Gabby cause she was babysitting him but I called her all day and made sure she brought him home ASAP.
But today when Addy asked to take him with her while visiting Essense ( her friend who's son is also Daniel's age) I took a deep breath and said OK. It took a moment for her to realize I said yes and she kept asking...really?, really? LOL
I decided to trust my instinct as a mother that Daniel can start having time away from me again. Also I know Essence and her son Darryl so I know he'll be relatively safe. So, I allowed my sister to take charge of Daniel. I kept my fussing under control as she took out his clothes and got him ready. I think she was a bit nervous about making sure I felt he was warm enough cause she over dressed him a bit. LOL. I packed the diaper bag, added some food and bottles for later and then stepped back...sorta. I did follow them to the bus stop but only because it was snowing. My sister used the Snuggle to carry Daniel in but still I wanted to be there in case...this is her first time ya know.
Later I called Addy to check in...give me some credit, I held off as long as I could...and received a favorable report. Daniel eat his food, drank both his bottles, gave her a poop present and fell asleep. He was fussing a little bit but I'm confident Addy will figure it out.
Now what did I do with all my free time you ask? Duh, I blogged...while waiting for my son's return :)
Daniel 365 : Day 18
For the Love of Fruit
Pete (Daniel's Dad) is allergic to apples, peaches and some other types of fruit. I'm not allergic to any fruit. I hoped that Daniel would take after me but wasn't sure...so I exposed him to little taste test of fruit here and there to see. For the most part he was ok...well except that he hated peaches for some reason. *shrug*
Anyway, I think while a little amount of single fruit is fine having something with mixed fruit in it caused a strong reaction. I remember that Pete said eating fruit would cause him to have breathing problems also, so after seeing Daniel I immediately threw out the remaining jars of fruit and vowed to stick to veggies until he's older and I can figure out if he's allergic to all fruits or just certain ones.
I didn't want to call his ped cause she would probably recommend Benadryl and I didn't want to medicate him if it wasn't serious. I watched Daniel for the rest of the day to see if he was going to get worse but by afternoon his face cleared up and by nightime his eyes were less puffy. I feel bad he won't be able to enjoy some fruit.
Daniel 365 : Day 17
Today Elmo was teaching kids how to use a camera and was taking photos of Big Bird. It was funny cause I was taking photos of Daniel learning to take photos.
Daniel 365 : Day 16
It's our special moment to enjoy being with each other. We look into each others eyes and smile.
Daniel 365 : Day 15
Daniel 365 : Day 11
Uncle Pete checked Daniel for all sorts of things to make sure he was growing well (It's a guyanese thing). Then Uncle Pete gave his extensive advice on what mommy can do better.
Sometimes boobies win
*sigh*
OK, so a little activity isn't bad if he needs it to go to sleep right? Well after about 10 minutes I noticed this activity wasn't getting him any closer to sleep...if anything I was the one getting sleepy. So I picked him up and started a second round of nursing. This time I just let him fall asleep fully before I put him back in the playard. I have too many things to try and do today to wait the 45 minutes for him to sleep when I can knock him out in 10 minutes with boobie. I guess we're back to only night time "crying it out" training for now.
Confession : Cracker Bribe
I'm having bottle issues
Now if this is the way he wants to eat...whatever...except that every now and then he loses hold of the bottle and then starts fretting...you know that not really crying type of cry. After a few round of this I start to get frustrated because this is taking more time then if I would just feed him myself. I take a deep breathe and hand him the bottle for the umpteen time so he can start the in and out game yet again. I try to remember this is all part of building his independence...and besides that bottle will only last so long during each feeding.
Daniel 365 : Day 4 spiritual path
For the New Year I decided to get back on my spiritual path. But, since I doubt Daniel can sit quietly in a Zen Center right now, we went to a local hall in our neighborhood.
Daniel did very well...even offering commentary during the main sermon/talk. He also "sang" along during the songs. Good thing they have a baby room.