Will My House Ever Be Clean Again?

Before my child was born I was a bit of a clean freak. Some would say I was anal about cleanliness. I would clean the entire house at least once a week and the kitchen would be cleaned everyday. Even one spec of dust would bother me. After my daughter was born I wasn't able to do any cleaning due to my c-section. By the time I felt well enough to clean, my house was a complete disaster and I didn't know where to begin. Since I worked full time the only free time I had left was weekends and that wasn't exactly open all the time. It seemed that every weekend would get booked up weeks in advance and I never got around to cleaning. Weeks turned into months and my house really needed to be cleaned thoroughly. I felt horrible when guests would come over to the house since it was in such shambles. I finally decided to get a housekeeper. I don't know why but I felt a little bothered by the idea. I mean I really needed the help and I just didn't have the time to do it myself but I couldn't help feeling like a failure. I had always pictured myself doing it all: working, cleaning, cooking, being a mother and wife. When I realized I couldn't possibly keep up with everything it bothered me. The more I thought about it the more I realized I couldn't do it all, not if I wanted to be a good wife, mother, and sane woman. I would much rather spend my weekends with my daughter and husband than stuck in my house cleaning all day. I decided that the best thing for my family would be to get the help I needed. I still am getting use to the idea of having someone come over to clean my house but it has lifted the stress I felt about the house off my shoulders. I am a much happier person now, it is the best gift that I have given to myself!

Product Review - My Hands Are Clean Sign

I ordered the My Hands Are Clean sign because they used non-toxic and eco-friendly ink and plastic.

I was a little worried that the sign might be to large, based on the product description, but I was pleased it wasn't. I ordered the Red Stop design and it arrived in the mail very promptly. I was a little disappointed that the bright red color was more of a cranberry but this is probably due to the image resolution. I was afraid that the sign wouldn't be as visible because it wasn't as bright but since the sign is large it's not an issue. Another huge benefit of this sign is that it entertains my daughter. Since it hangs above her head she is always looking at it and sometimes she tries to stick it in her mouth, thankfully non-toxic ink is used. There are some areas were I think this product could improve. First they don't include instructions for the strap. I wasn't sure how to attach it and I attached it wrong and it fell off. Thank goodness we were still at home when it fell. I am pretty sure I have it on right now. My second issue is that the strap isn't adjustable. Since the opening is so large it is constantly sliding down the car seat handle. I have to move it up all the time or else it can't be seen and the sign is useless. They aren't very expensive around $9.99 and shipping is free. Overall I am very happy with this product, not one stranger has touched my daughter since I put the sign on her car seat!

Should My Baby Watch TV?

I never really gave my baby watching television much thought when I was pregnant. I grew up with a TV in my room and I had my husband move the TV into our bedroom when I was put on bed rest. I often had my daughter in the same room while the TV was on and I didn't think much of it. I mentioned that my daughter tried watching the TV to my pediatrician and she informed me that it was bad for her eyesight. She recommended that I not let her watch it. Soon after that this was a topic of discussion at my support group and I was stunned to learn that a recent study shows that children who watch TV have problems concentrating. Even having the TV on in the background can be harmful, even if your child is not paying attention, the sound can be distracting to a young mind. It's not recommended that any child under 2 watch TV. My husband and I discussed this and we decided not to let our baby watch TV until she is 2. I want her to enjoy the outdoors and other hobbies and not be addicted to the TV. Even when she is 2 I only plan on letting her watch a movie as a reward for good behavior. This was hard at first because it meant we couldn't watch TV either but now I realize all the wonderful hobbies I have been missing out on. It is a bit of a challenge enforcing this rule when we are visting family but we try our hardest. Not everyone is on board with our decision, I have heard lots of Why won't you let her watch TV?, but I know this is the best thing for her so I try to not let it bother me. I hope this decision lets her creative mind soar!

Tip of The Day

My husband bought the Playskool Lullaby Gloworm for our daughter when she was first born.

She absolutely has loved this toy since the first day we brought it home and she is now 6 months old. She loves the music, it helps soother her when she is cranky and puts her to sleep. She loves watching the glow worm's face light up. It has three settings: demo, light only, and music/light mode. I only wish their was a fourth setting that kept the music/lights playing for at least 10 minutes. You can take the control out and wash the toy in your washing machine. It's very durable, I have dropped it many times and my daughter is constantly eating it, and it still looks brand new. It's very reasonably priced $9.99 - $12.99 and it comes in both pink and blue. Some of my friends have the same toy and they all have had the same positive response from their children. The suggested age is birth to18 months but my friend's 2 year old still plays with this toy! It's a must have toy!

Product Review - Blush Your Topless Undershirt

I bought the Blush topless undershirt because based on the description it was exactly what I needed. It's a topless undershirt, think tube top, with lace trim.

It goes under your shirt right below your chest and is long enough to cover your mid section. It reaches the top of your butt. It cost $20 but I bought it at Baby Half Off for $10. I hated showing my stomach when I would pump or breastfeed so I really loved this idea. It 's also great when your pants are to low and you want to hide the little section of skin that is showing. The website says that this shirt also can be used when your pregnant to cover your growing belly. I ordered a medium because based on their sizing chart it fits sizes 6-14. I am a size 10 and the shirt fits me very snug. Their is no way this shirt would stretch enough to cover a pregnant women's belly. You could try a large but I still don't think it would stretch enough. It does fit snug enough that it keeps my loose pants up without a belt. Since their is no elastic at the top of the shirt after its been worn once it has stretched out. The top part of the shirt kept falling down when I tried wearing it on the second day. I am sure it will go back to normal after I wash it but I don't do laundry every day. Overall I like the shirt because its great for breastfeeding mothers but I wouldn't buy this shirt if I was pregnant or not breastfeeding.