Organic Clothing

You've probably noticed that in almost all of Maks' photos he is wearing only a cloth diaper.  We don't have many clothes for him, as we live in the heat of the deep south.  However, the fabric items that he does have (onesies, sleep gowns, blankets, etc.) are all organic.  We realize that this isn't possible to carry out for Maks' life.  However, during the early months while he's still developing so rapidly, we plan to keep things as organic and natural as we possibly can.

I've had a close friend from MN jokingly scold, "Put some clothes on that kid!"  Well, the 20+ degree difference in temperature between MN and LA just didn't warrant making Maksim get dressed when it was 100 degrees out in September.  However, our recent trip to Oregon and Washington forced us to finally purchase some "real" clothes for our little one.

It's difficult to find organic clothing in Shreveport.  Actually, it's impossible.  We're forced to do the majority of our shopping for Maksim (both clothes and other items) online.  Lucky for me, another good friend of mine gave me the heads up just as organic baby and toddler clothing store, Positively Organic, was closing it's doors.  The discounted prices were outrageous!  However, styles, colors and sizes were limited.  I quickly snatched up what was left in Maks' size and hoped it arrived before our flight to Portland departed.

The box arrived just in time.  I got busy removing tags and washing everything prior to packing our bags.

Here are Maks' duds.  Not a whole lot, but it's a start!  My next hurdle was convincing Maksim that it was a good idea to put shirts/pants on his body for an extended period of time...

No trouble with that challenge; Maks thinks clothes are hilarious!  (Sorry for the blurry photo.  He is such a wiggle worm!)

It's honestly a shame that stores such as Positively Organic wind up being forced to shut down.  True, some of their prices are a bit higher than their non-organic competitors'.  But, come on, people!  You're investing in your child's health (not just in his/her fashionable wardrobe)!  My husband always reminds me that I vote with my pocketbook.  In order to encourage production and availability, I (WE ALL) need to keep buying!  If WE ALL start to buy more organic products made with low impact chemical dyes, pretty soon we'll find a whole lot more of what we desire show up on our local stores' shelves!  (Wait a minute...buying the things we want, IN LOCAL STORES?  Sounds convenient and downright lovely, right?  My fingers are forever crossed!)

In the meantime, check out another one of my favorite brands for organic onesies/bodysuits, Hudson Baby!

*Fair warning...Maksim and I have been traveling light with only 1 carry on to hold all of our stuff for weeks at a time.  Additionally, a second order of clothing that I'd purchased for Maks didn't show up in enough time for me to bring it with us.  So, you'll be seeing the same outfit(s) being worn repetitively in the upcoming posts!*

Tips for Air Travel with Infants

I've now boarded 4 different planes with a 5 month old baby.  Some flights were better than others, but all in all, Maks has been a pretty darn good travel companion.  Here are some of the tips that I'd recommend when traveling via aircraft with an infant:

• Arrive at the airport early.  Don't get stuck thinking that if your baby has fallen asleep in the car on the way to the airport that s/he'll be able to continue sleeping all the way through security and onto the plane.  At security you'll be required to remove your baby from the car seat and carry them in your arms through the detectors.  Arriving early can give you some extra time to soothe your baby to sleep once you arrive at the gate prior to boarding.

• Arrive at the terminal early (hopefully this will already be a consequence of arriving at the airport early).  Ask the attendant at the gate if there are any empty seats on the flight.  If there happen to be any seats available, I've always had luck with getting my seat switched so that I'm seated next the the empty spot.  This will provide room for a car seat to be carried on board and your child to sit in it, or just extra space/nobody seated next to you.  It's especially helpful if you end up needing to nurse while on board.

• Bring a carrier/wrap.  You may not be able to bring a car seat on board if the flight is full.  If this is the case, a carrier will allow for both of your hands to be free while on board.  We tried the Ergo on our first trip, but Maks didn't care for it much since he likes to be carried in a hip hold while in that carrier (not conducive to sitting on the plane).  The next time around, I put Maksim in a BabyBjorn carrier ($4 steal at a yard sale!) facing out.  He much prefers to be able to see whats going on around him.  This worked like a charm, and even though our flights were scheduled in the middle of the day, as soon as the engines hummed, he fell right asleep.

• Try to travel with a companion.  It's loads easier to travel with 4 arms as opposed to 2.  Especially when you have a car seat, stroller, carry-on/checked bag and diaper bag.  If you travel solo, make sure to research the airline's "traveling with infants" policy.  See next.

• Do your research.  Most airlines allow you to gate check a car seat and a stroller (although some restrict jogging strollers such as our BOB Revolution SE from being gate checked).  If your airline doesn't allow a jogging stroller to be gate checked, I'd recommend skipping that stroller altogether and bringing a collapsable unit that your car seat can adapt to (we use an infant car seat stroller frame for our Graco SnugRide 35...if you've invested in a travel system, that should cover all of your bases).  Unless you have a travel bag for your stroller that will keep it safe amongst the forceful arms of the baggage clerks, it's not worth risking ruining your expensive stroller.  Additionally, diaper bags are commonly free carry-on items and do not count towards your allotted carry-on and personal item allowance.

• Stock your diaper bag.  We've been lucky to have direct flights and/or short layovers on connecting flights.  Pack an extra set of clothes, a blanket (flights tend to get chilly), diapers, wipes (also good for disinfecting your baby's area on the plane - right now everything ends up in Maksim's mouth!), and an entertaining toy or two.

• Be prepared to nurse, if necessary.  This will help equalize the pressure in your baby's ears.  Another suitable option would be to allow your baby to suck on your finger or a pacifier.  I was planning to nurse Maks as our first flight departed in order to help keep his ears open and minimize any pain.  However, he seemed to have no problem with the altitude changes during takeoff or landing.  Maks appears to enjoy the pressure and engine hum during both ends of the flight, so I now rely on that to keep him happy (and most times it'll put him right to sleep).  Nonetheless, nursing is a great way to soothe your baby if s/he becomes fussy at any point during the trip!

• Wait as long as possible to bring your baby on a plane.  I wholeheartedly believe in allowing as much time as possible for your baby's immune system to develop.  Additionally, as your baby nears 6 months, s/he will nap more regularly, be more easily entertained, and be a bit more predictable behavior-wise.

**Just a small bit of advice for nighttime flights: If you are planning to travel on board with your baby in a car seat, make sure it has a sun shade.  If you're using a carrier, one with a hood is ideal.  These covers will help keep the baby's face dark and maximize the chances of them staying sound asleep as the cabin lights pop on and off throughout the flight.**

Happy travels!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

We've been busy traveling.  Maksim experienced his very first adventure via airplane.  We took red eye flights both to and from Portland, OR.  The first flight was a bit trying.  Maks woke up in his Ergo carrier (which he isn't very fond of being carried in, let alone sleeping in) and cried a bit.  The less than 5 minute episode seemed like forever to me, as I was the one who stood up with him and bounced him back to sleep in the aisle.  However, by the kind compliment received by the middle aged man two rows ahead of us as I stood up to get off the plane, "You did an amazing job with that baby.", it was clear that I took Maks' brief cry to be more bothersome than any other passenger on the aircraft.

On our flight back, Maks fell asleep on the car ride to the airport.  Unfortunately, we had to wake him up and take him out of his car seat as we went through security.  Additionally, the guards thought it would be appropriate to interact with him and further wake him up so that it was impossible to put him directly back to sleep as soon as we made our way through their path.  On a positive note, we were able to keep Maksim reclined in his carseat on our return trip.  He put himself to sleep beautifully about 15 minutes after we took off, and he slept the entire 3.5 hour flight!

We've all caught colds and are thoroughly exhausted, but Bryon just found out that he's busy with work and off to Vegas over the next 2-3 weeks.  So, I booked a last minute flight back to the Midwest so that Maks and I can visit family and friends.  Less than 48 hours home and we're leaving on a jet plane...again!  This time I'm flying solo with my little man!

It was difficult to remember to take photos during our trip, but here is a sneak peek.  I'll blog more about our adventures as soon as we land in the Midwest. 

Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes

Oh, it's been one of those weeks.  I feel as though I'm frantically running around, grabbing at strings, trying to pull together loose ends.  On the plus side:

1. I managed to find a steal of a deal on some plane tickets to Portland, OR.  $230 for 2 roundtrip tickets...yes, please!  We'll be flying out this weekend and staying there for a week.  It'll be Maks' first plane ride, and we've kept our vacation calendar entirely empty throughout the trip so that we can work around our 5 month old's schedule.  The timing couldn't be more perfect; I can't wait to soak in all of the beautiful Fall scenery. 
2. Speaking of scenery, our house was beginning to feel cluttered (I know, I know.  Neither Bryon nor myself are sentimental, and we don't hold on to things for very long if they're not getting used.  But, IT'S FALL Y'ALL!  And with the change in seasons, we needed to purge.  Instead of boxing up all of our unused miscellaneous items (clothes, household goods, etc.) and dropping them off at Goodwill, I posted them on a virtual yard-sale and managed to collect $261 in just 1 day.  Score!
3. In the spirit of doing all things backwards, we enjoyed breakfast for dinner.  (Note to self: Must. Do. More. Often.)  These Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes are so delicious that I'm getting hungry just thinking about sharing the recipe with you!

Ingredients:

2 cups flour (I always use some form of whole wheat/whole wheat pastry/whole wheat white)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/3 cup natural sugar cane

pinch of fine sea salt

1/3 cup poppy seeds

zest of 4 lemons

2 tablespoons lemon juice + enough original almond milk to equal a total of 2 cups of liquid

2 egg replacer equivalents (I use EnerG Egg Replacer)

2 tablespoons melted butter (I use Earth Balance) + more for the frying pan and serving

optional: strawberries and maple syrup (for serving)

First, combine the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with enough original almond milk to equal a total of 2 cups.  Let this sit for 5 minutes (it may look curdled), and set aside.  

Next, combine the first 5 ingredients in mixing bowl.  In a separate bowl, combine the lemon-milk, egg replacer, butter, lemon zest and poppy seeds.  Once well mixed, add the wet to the dry. Whisk until just combined.

Heat a frying pan on medium-high.  Coat the pan with some butter.  Use approximately 1/3 cup for each pancake.  

I've found that it works best to fry for about 3 minutes on the first side, then flip with a spatula and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.  You'll know it's time to flip when the batter is golden.  I also turn my oven to about 200 degrees F and store the pancakes there while I'm frying the next round.  This way they all stay warm until I'm finished frying the last batch and we're ready to eat (makes about 10 pancakes).

I highly recommend serving with fresh strawberries and maple syrup!

Heck, we went all out and had fresh orange juice for dinner, too!

Ok, so my husband gets really excited about having this meal for dinner.  I mean, we typically don't serve our meals on the cutting board.  Bryon just didn't want to waste a single second plating the food onto serving dishes.  And, let's face it - I couldn't argue!

Yum!  This one is tasty down to the very last bite!

*I apologize, but I don't have the source for this original recipe.  All I could fine was chicken-scratch (outlined above) detailing how I've made the recipe vegan and as tasty/healthy as possible.*

Golfing

The weather has been cooling just off a bit, so the other weekend was the perfect time to take a quick stroll down the street and visit the driving range.  We're not big golfers, but Maks gave Bryon some certificates to the golf course earlier in the summer for his first Father's Day.  Bryon's been busy improving his game over the past few months, and this time Maksim and I tagged along to play around in the shade.

Somebody couldn't take his eyes off of his daddy.  Fore!

It's nice to be able to simply play with Maks and not worry about the quality of my strokes...especially since I've only been golfing on a whopping 2 different occasions in my lifetime.  Does anybody else see how good this little one is doing?  Maybe some day Maksim will be a more skilled golfer than his mama.  Let's hope so.  

I realize that not all patrons at the golf course have the same nonchalant attitude towards the sport as I do.  So, I encourage those individuals to view Maks' presence at the driving range as a free service to help improve their game.  Distractions galore:

• Can't-take-your-eyes-off-him adorable.  
• Known to throw random items (toys, etc.) onto the green (and possibly even at a golfer...or two).
• Exceptionally good at producing unexpected, loud noises.

We stayed until Maks got too excited to refrain from disturbing those who take the driving range just a tad too seriously.  Come on people - a baby...playing on the golf course...now that's cute. 

Busy Body

The past few weeks have included a bunch of developmental accomplishments for Maksim.  Some of the pictures/videos are almost a month old now, but I'm just going to compile them all together in this one post.

He's discovered his feet.  One morning, we simply woke up to see him grabbing on tightly to his feet - one foot in each hand!  Before we know it, I'm sure they'll make their way into his mouth!

He's a maniac in his doorway jumper.  I'm quite certain that this toy does absolutely nothing to help Maksim learn to be upright/balance.  It does, however, provide a wonderful opportunity for Maks to release as much energy as he possibly can!

He's focusing his attention on sitting up.  The BjornBabysitter Balancer is restricting Maksim more than he likes right now.  As soon as we place him in it, he tries to sit up on his own and get out.  The same goes for his car seat.  I never thought that my 4 month old child would sit up out of his car seat on his own when I unbuckle the straps to take him out.  He never fails to surprise me!  This boy just doesn't like to be tied down!

He's a wiggle worm.  Swaddles are continually falling apart in our home.  Arms and toes are flailing about during nap time.  Over the past month, he has become an expert at rolling over while swaddled in his swing.  The other day while Bryon was watching him, he managed to slide out (he didn't even mind his journey to the floor below!), so our trusty swaddle-and-swing routine has been retired...now he's always securely strapped in.

He's ready to crawl.  Rolling over is no big deal to him anymore, but he'd rather be able to crawl than have to perform multiple rolls to get from one side of the room to the other.  Here is a rather dated video of Maks at 3.5 months old just learning to get his booty up in the air:

And 2 weeks later, just days after he turned 4 months old:

I don't have anything from the last few weeks, but he'll be 5 months old in a week, so you can imagine how much he's improved over the past 3+ weeks!  He's well on his way - a few weeks ago I placed him on the bed and he managed to scoot forward on his belly until he'd made it to the foot of the bed.  Clearly, this raises a concern for Maks' sleeping situation as we just use a regular queen size bed.  We've decided that it's now time to take the bed apart and just place the mattress on the floor.  Given Maks' 10 hour stretch of continuous sleep, quick break to eat, and then 3 more hours of sleep last night...I'm thinking that he likes the "new" bed just fine!

Fancy Feet

Unfortunately, story time at our Barnes & Noble has been cancelled for the entire past month.  What's even worse is that I found this out the hard way.  I'd timed Maksim's nap just right, piled him into the car (which is probably his least favorite place to be) and managed to show up at B&N exactly ten minutes before 11AM a couple of Thursdays back.  Go figure, we waited patiently for 25 minutes before I finally asked a lady at Customer Service when the weekly story time would begin (I could barely believe that there was only one other mama waiting for story time with her child!  For a city that has absolutely no libraries with story time, you'd think that Barnes and Noble would be packed.  Apparently I am mistaken.).  At the Customer Service desk, the representative informed me, "I used to be in charge of that, but I got a promotion.  I don't think anybody has been hired to fill that spot."  Then she turned around and started helping the next customer.  No concern for me at all!  Hello!  Aren't you going to see if someone can just sit back there and read a story to us quickly?  Or can you at least tell me if there will be someone present for story time next week?  Or the week after that?  Oh, and thanks for updating your website and/or posting the announcement to give the heads up to all of us who travel across town to participate in your "weekly event."  I was frustrated to say the least, but at this point so was Maks.  Back into the car I crawled, crying baby and all.

Luckily, Barnes and Noble kept their painting event that was to be held one month later.  The book to be read was written by an artist and Louisiana native.  Anyhow, I'd had it marked on my calendar because I thought it would be a fun event for us to attend, especially since it was on the weekend when Bryon could come with me and Maksim.  As it turned out, there were only 4 other children present besides Maks, and Maks was definitely the only one young enough to still be in diapers.  Was the chosen story interesting for preschool age kids?  No.  So, we grabbed a drink from Starbucks and wandered around the children's section until it was time to paint.

Of course, Maksim was far too young to use the paintbrushes (I was actually under the false impression that this was going to be a finger painting event.) that were provided for the children.  Additionally, seemingly everything that we hand over to Maks ends up in his mouth; finger painting might have been a complete disaster!  So, we chose to strip Maks of his clothes, throw on a disposable diaper and let him stomp around in the paint with his feet.



It didn't take Maksim long at all to get the hang of things!

Woo-hoo for Maks' very first painting!

What's better than a good old John Hancock?  Foot prints, of course!