Crying Over Spilled Milk

I think I'm entitled to shed a few tears over this.

Oh the irony, I tilted back the valves of my pump to get those last few drops that were sitting on the rim. Next thing I know I got a warm, sticky mess on my lap.

Now I know the following:

Wordless Wednesday: My Brest (Party) Friend

The Essential Scarf

From H&M, only $7ish

Let me tell you why I can't live without this accessory. I have used my scarf to:

• Look put-together, without the effort.
  It may seem impossible to look stylish when you have a child consuming all your time and energy, but adding something as simple as a scarf really does wonders to make an outfit.
• Cover myself during public breastfeeding.
  I have the standard shield, but in summer it gets unbearably hot under there. I discovered this use when I was in a parked car trying to feed my boy and my scarf, still around my neck, fell perfectly into place. It's very light and Philippe got a lot less sweaty during the feed.
• Hide nipple leakage.
  This was my initial reason for buying scarves.
• Block out smoke.
  A bonus! When I pass by cigarette smokers I hold my scarf to my face. Do you think that's rude of me? I don't, in fact when people have said something about my conspicuous dislike for tobacco smoke I say "Sorry, but I'm allergic to cancer."

This post is part of my follow-up to The Resident Mommy Makeover.

Aden & Anais Swaddling Blankets

Best summertime blankets EVER.

My son decided to come home from the hospital during the hottest time of the year. We received all sorts of cute receiving blankets, but they were way too heavy for swaddling in the summer. Then we discovered the Aden and Anais muslin blankets from Australia. They are super cute, soft, durable, and provide enough protection from the elements while remaining breathable. They also do the job of mosquito net or nursing cover.

I'm told they're popular among celebs, and were previously pricey but A&A now have a line with Target. YES!

First Outing

Just the two of us.

I took Philippe out in his stroller today. I only walked a few blocks, but it was quite an adventure for me. Everything seemed different after being inside most of the day for the past few weeks. The first thing to surprise me was how weak I've become. I was told not to lift anything heavier than my baby until cleared by my OB, which happened only recently. So when I went to pick up the carrier it wasn't easy. Also, I didn't have practice using the stroller because of my restrictions so I'm sure it was very entertaining for my neighbors to watch me fiddling with this 'newfangled contraption.'

I felt really accomplished by the end. The best part is, I made a buddy! I spotted her down the block pushing her little boy in the same stroller and immediately I knew she was a new mom like me. We both had that what-the-#$%!-just-happened-to-my-life look in our eyes and uptight shoulders to disclose our status. As soon as we got within earshot of each other we started chatting. You could tell we were voracious for adult conversation and an understanding ear. In just seconds we discussed how our lives had been turned upside down, the anxiety that comes with breastfeeding, and the fear that we might never like our bodies again. The subject matter might not have been uplifting, but I felt so much better after that.

It's really funny to go from being a cool and confident woman in the face of things like a cardiac arrest and then nearly fall apart before leaving the house with a newborn. I know it's just a phase, though. What's more permanent, I believe, is this awesome sisterhood of which I am now privileged to be a part. Exciting.