Super Mammy Diaries

Parent hood (and actually every day of my life) is more stressful when I haven't gotten my 10 hours of rest. However, as a parent, all that's left of those glory days of sleep are memories. Baby sleep is as enigmatic but is also the key to feeling like you can make it through the day (along with those baby smiles, and giggles ofcourse). My goal from the beginning has been to get my baby to try and sleep continuously, and trust me on this one, it is not easy! Fortunately or not, I am an obsessive data junkie, and have spent almost 11 months now graphing everything in my child's life. Yes, that actually means that when he wakes up I turn off my timer while running to his room to get him (and yes, I started in hospital on the day he was born). I have now reached a point where I can pretty much predict how my night is going to go, based on the kind of day my baby has had. Below is a list of some factors affecting baby sleep  (these are all universal - if I made a list of the th...

It has to be fun to raise a really naughty kid, who's able to keep you perpetually entertained. Of course, I say that without only 9 months of first hand experience but with the knowledge that I was naughty as hell as a kid (I can't vouch that I grew out of it.) However, my mother must have really wished this on me as it's payback time. My baby is one of those that is just born naughty and so far, it's been one giggle of a ride... (Though I can only anticipate how terrible the terrible twos, and probably ones and threes will be!) Here are some ways I know I'm in big trouble, and that could help give you a headsup too. 17 Ways You know Your Baby is Naughty as Anything When: 1. Your baby gets a giggle out of blowing raspberries, endlessly. Note: He is the one blowing them on me! 2. You find yourself covered in suspicious hickeys, that your spouse didn't give you. 3. Your little one giggles at his own farts, cause ofcourse he knows it's bad ! (note, I say His c...

It's likely my age, but I know a lot of people who are expecting. For some, it is a wonderful journey filled with glowing skin, the ability to sleep and shiny hair. For others, it's a path you have to endure to get to hold your baby. And then there are those like me, who may likely be the majority. I had several days that I enjoyed the journey and embraced the bursts of energy by nesting and doing baby laundry, but even more days when I just wanted to sleep, throw up, sleep, eat, sleep, work, sleep, read, sleep. Did I mention I really wanted to sleep? There were times I was awake though.. (all my amazing maternity shots have been taken by Namita Azad Photography ) I did manage to work (and drive myself to work) till the day I delivered (in the crazy New York polar vortex with a 20-mile commute daily), so growing a baby doesn't mean the rest of your life has to go on hold or that you cannot be as productive or efficient as you like. But be prepared to take things at a pace t...

New moms have to deal with enough - the lack of sleep, along with the recovering body, the pain of nursing (for some), and the hormonal fluctuations are enough to have anyone's head spinning. On top of that, we are constantly fielding unsolicited advice, strangers trying to touch our children (seriously, why!!), and statements from people who may be well meaning, but are definitely not putting themselves in our position before they open their mouths. Below are the 12 most annoying things that I've had to hear as a new mom. 12 Things New Moms Don't Want to Hear: 1. "Normal labor can't be that bad." Pain is subjective, as is what defines "normal" labor. How bad it is or was depends on how long you were in labor, how quickly your child descended, when you took medications (if any), if you got an episiotomy or tore, along with a bunch of other things including your own stress level. Just because you didn't have a c-section doesn't mean you got of...

Here are some more tips and tricks for new parents (or seasoned ones who are just getting back in the game), the list is truly endless. This list also includes tips on traveling with a  baby (we have just done a domestic flight and an endless international one with a layover), and dealing with your infants' jet lag.  What can make or break your day - Baby sleep: 1. The first two days after birth, your baby will likely catch up on sleep. Take that opportunity to do so yourself you're gonna need it. No, you won't lose if you snooze in this case. 2. Wonder what that noise is that your waking up to? Yes, your child, but it could also be your sleeping child. Babies are noisy sleepers so wait before you pick them up or you just may be the reason you both (or all) are awake. 3. A baby pillow may not be safe in the crib but it is an amazing prop to lie down and nurse so that you and baby can both doze off in the middle of the night. (As long as your bed is baby safe ofcourse.) Ba...