Costume Change

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Henry would like everyone to know that he has gone through eight nine diapers and three four outfits since midnight. <— In the time it took to write this post, he required another costume change.

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On the other hand, I am still in my pajamas, haven’t showered, and haven’t brushed my teeth.  I think this is called Mommyhood.

 

Breakfast for the adults:

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Eggs, toast, and fruit.

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With a little spot of tea.

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Three Years of Beautiful Winners

 

Thanks for helping me celebrate Operation Beautiful’s Three Year Anniversary!  The winners are:

 

Liz, who admires her aunt.

Seema, who admires her boss.

Aimee, who also admires her boss. <—Great to hear about nice, not evil, bosses!

 

The winners will receive either the original adult Operation Beautiful book or the upcoming tween/teen Operation Beautiful book. Congrats!

230739849 OperationBea_CV - Copy 

Question of the Day…

 

I’m hoping you all can help the Husband and me out… I didn’t know this before having Henry, but apparently, many doctors don’t recommend taking a newborn out to enclosed public places like restaurants, the grocery store, or the mall because their immune system is so new.  I know people choose to do it all the time, but our pediatrician recommended really limiting such outings for a few weeks.  We could go to outdoor restaurants, but it’s incredibly hot here in Charlotte (92 yesterday!).  In fact, it’s so hot that even walks or trips to the park are limited to the early morning or late evening.

 

As a result, the Husband and I are both going a little stir-crazy.  We’ve watched a million movies in the last week, but we’d like to do something a little more intellectually stimulating when Henry is sleeping.  Any house-bound activity suggestions?  I’m thinking a 1,000 piece puzzle!  Any help is greatly appreciated.

{ 108 comments }

 

  • Sara June 23, 2012, 11:11 am

    Board games! My hubby and I are always having board game nights. Our favorites are scrabble, yahtzee, hoopla, and monopoly. It’s nice to start a family game night early before the kiddos are even old enough. Now that our boys are 3 and 6, we’ve added hi-ho cherry-o, doggie doo, and candyland to the mix.

    • Evan June 23, 2012, 11:35 am

      I agree with Sara. My wife and I love a game called Ticket to Ride. It’s perfect for your family because they have both American and European versions.

      • Laura June 23, 2012, 12:16 pm

        Ticket To Ride is excellent! And quasi-educational even 🙂

      • Laura June 23, 2012, 12:27 pm

        Video games (do you have a wii or a Nintendo DS? There are so many mild activity games, or even puzzle/RPG games. And it’s nice because you can play typically “group” games solo). Art or home improvement projects are nice, too, because so many of them require more elbow grease than expensive materials. Puzzle books are fun, too–I love Logic Problems, and Sudoku and crosswords are popular. And even just listening to CDs or getting up and dancing to them are fun. I’ve heard babies like “dancing”, too (holding them while you dance). There’s also taking a drive–evidently that’s the way my In-Laws used to get my husband to sleep, the movement of the car soothed him and calmed him down.

    • Vikki June 23, 2012, 5:32 pm

      I agree. You could probably also do card games. Gin is an excellent game for two people.

  • Presley (@runpretty) June 23, 2012, 11:12 am

    At least he’s cute, right? 🙂 Seeing Henry makes me so excited for this week… mine will be here by Thursday! I guess I better have all the laundry done!

    • Caitlin June 23, 2012, 11:12 am

      Awww so exciting.

    • Presley (@runpretty) June 23, 2012, 11:14 am

      Oh and I have no ideas for boredom busters… Netflix is my best friend right now. Sad.

  • Adrienne J June 23, 2012, 11:12 am

    If you weren’t being sarcastic about the puzzle, I would totally do that! Bananagrams is always good too because it’s still fun with just two people.

    • Caitlin June 23, 2012, 11:13 am

      Haha no I was serious.

  • jameil June 23, 2012, 11:21 am

    I had a similar SOMEBODY GIVE ME SOMETHING TO DO issue earlier this week and my bf gave me some great ideas! There’s also a list of 100 things to do this summer and some of them are definitely things you could do in the house/yard. Catch fireflies, use sidewalk chalk, throw a frisbee, make a cereal necklace, do an art project, hopscotch (twofer w/the chalk!), treasure hunt, finger paint, blow bubbles, write a book (you have a few more in you!), relays (fold the baby’s clothes the fastest?? LOL), pillow fort, make a movie, play post office.

  • Jessie @ Graze With Me June 23, 2012, 11:25 am

    I know the feeling! I bought my husband an Xbox for Father’s Day last year (preemptive strike – we became parents in September). We bought a bunch of Kinect games for it and we used to do a lot of the sports games and a ton of Fruit Ninja. The exercise helped us feel like we were accomplishing something and enhanced our mood as well. Plus, our baby actually got a kick out of watching us – it was like a free show for her. 🙂

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats June 23, 2012, 11:31 am

    Build a fort. Hahaha that’s what I did during finals in December when I was going insane. it was like I had a whole new room to study. Although it was another mess to clean up…

  • kate June 23, 2012, 11:38 am

    Try huggies!!!! I have 3 boys and my boys always went through pampers, huggies were the only diapers that contained the messes.

    Seriously try it 🙂 Good luck!

    • Nina June 23, 2012, 12:59 pm

      I have the exact opposite problem. My little guy pees out of all huggies, which is sad because we have soooooo many huggies!

  • Pam June 23, 2012, 11:44 am

    Henry is so adorable – I love his onesey 🙂

    I think the puzzle is a great idea.

  • Karen June 23, 2012, 11:44 am

    Try a nap. I’m serious, Caitlin. I’m speaking as a mom of four. When the baby is napping, take a nap or just rest. Now is not the time to worry about your brain turning to mush; it will do that anyway thanks to sleep deprivation.

    However, if you are like me and cannot nap during the day (truth), what I did was literally lay on the couch with a book and watch TV. Sometimes I’d fall asleep, without realizing it, which was great. Or I used the time when baby was napping to catch up on quiet house chores that I couldn’t do while the baby was up. I really enjoyed watching Foyle’s War during my last postpartum recovery period.

    • Jessica June 23, 2012, 12:02 pm

      I’d second this – the newborn sleepy period is so, so short, enjoy it and soak it up! All I did for the first six weeks of my baby’s life was sleep (in very small quantities, ha!), nurse, and read books while my baby slept on top of me. It was wonderful.

  • Emma June 23, 2012, 11:46 am

    Read nonfiction literature, watch documentaries, do brain puzzles online, write a story, play a boardgame, listen to a podcast or some music- whatever speaks to you!

  • Hannah June 23, 2012, 11:47 am

    I just wanna say that I’m glad you won’t be taking Henry out soon. It always makes me nervous to see teeny tiny babies out & about. I’m sure there are different schools of thought on this though, and I know there are a lot of situations that make staying home with baby impossible (like single parents, etc.) I hope you find ways to entertain yourself soon though!

    • Janelle June 23, 2012, 5:09 pm

      He’s so adorable. And that breakfast looks perfect. My husband and I already watch way too many movies, and we don’t have a baby! 🙂 I like the puzzle idea, though. Or coloring books maybe – never too old for those.

      • Janelle June 23, 2012, 5:10 pm

        Oops. Didn’t mean to post a reply!

  • Abby June 23, 2012, 11:48 am

    1000 piece puzzle! Put on some Pandora and get to work : )

  • jane June 23, 2012, 11:48 am

    hmm…maybe a decorating/building project in the house? i know you just moved in so there must be something that needs getting done 🙂

  • Hillary June 23, 2012, 11:50 am

    Scrabble. Definitely Scrabble!

  • Ashley m. [at] (never home)maker June 23, 2012, 11:53 am

    I was way too mentally and physically drained the first month to care much about intellectual stimulation. But we took Ada to nearby parks and our families’ homes for small get togethers. Otherwise, I tried to catch up on sleep and just take that time to nurture myself.

  • Tricia June 23, 2012, 11:53 am

    yes this is true about waiting a few weeks. But I know people who haven’t, and there babies were just fine. I would just avoid super crowded places. Other couples I know have just taken turns going out for an hr or two. But then you miss out on the company.

  • Laura June 23, 2012, 11:56 am

    I love trivial pursuit, so I like to think everyone else does too.

  • Lauren June 23, 2012, 11:57 am

    Board games are a good idea. I’d suggest Apples to Apples and my personal favorite, Quelf. No one has ever heard of it, but it’s the most epic game ever. You have to do crazy challenges sometimes and stick to ridiculous rules, like saying, “Hear me, for I have spoken!” after every sentence you say.
    Oh..and take a nap. 🙂

    • Alina June 23, 2012, 3:20 pm

      Quelf and Apples to Apples are awesome! Although you need more people to play, Settlers of Catan is also super-fun!

  • Kailey June 23, 2012, 12:00 pm

    Henry is too adorable!! Love his shirt 🙂
    Sounds like you are enjoying motherhood!

  • Michelle June 23, 2012, 12:01 pm

    Maybe you should take turns getting out for a few hours (harder for you because of the feedings). I was ok with taking my kids out when they were newborns, but completely understand your doctor’s advice.
    Trivial pursuit? Monopoly? Are you planning on a baby book for Henry? If so, start it now. Don’t wait, thinking that you will remember everything and catch up. My daughter is 7 and I’m still “catching up”. 🙂

  • Katie June 23, 2012, 12:04 pm

    Can I just tell you how much I love that picture of Henry in the bouncer on the dining room table? I have so many of that same picture of my boys when they were that age. That picture is like a flashback. AND he is SO adorable.

  • Veronica June 23, 2012, 12:04 pm

    Do you have any of those pop-up canopies – like the ones vendors use at farmers markets? If not, buy one. Set it up in the backyard so you have ample shade and just get outside. Strip Henry to just a diaper and give him 5 minutes of mottled sunshine. Fill a dishpan, tub, or bucket with cold water and soak your feet.
    Fresh air, change of scenery, it does the soul good. Plus, all the nature noises are like white noise to a baby and they sleep so well.

    That’s my only advice for the next 3 weeks or so. I really feel ya. Its not any better here in F’ville.

  • Anna D June 23, 2012, 12:10 pm

    Why not an audio book?! Oh, how I do adore a good audio book! The best one I’ve heard was The Help by Kathryn Stockett–love actually hearing the accents, you know?? And that way, you can do other things too!

  • brandalyn June 23, 2012, 12:13 pm

    We took our daughter out, but everyone has a different preference. It’s great thought because they sleep all the time. I like the puzzle idea or cards. When my daughter was first born i could barely keep up with dirty bottles, chores, sleep sounds like your doing very well.

  • Ali June 23, 2012, 12:16 pm

    This is more of a one-person activity, but…knitting! It’s not the granny activity that it used to be, and you can make some really amazing things. It’s fun and hands-on and productive, and you can custom make things you would buy anyway, like throw-blankets for the living room in the exact colour you want!

  • Kath June 23, 2012, 12:19 pm

    But he’s sooooo cute anyways!

  • Jennifer S. June 23, 2012, 12:25 pm

    Hey Caitlin!
    Congratulations on being a new mother!!! I’m twenty-two years old and have been chatting a lot with my own Mother about the incredible job of being a Mom and how hard it is, especially in the beginning. She shared with me feeling very lonely and stir-crazy while I was an infant and some things that helped her were; games like Apples to Apples, bananagrams etc.
    knitting
    trying new recipes, ones from past generations she hadn’t made in a while. AND most importantly reaching out to other new Moms and forming “Mom breaks” when possible for tea and girl time. Good luck, you are doing great!

  • Ali June 23, 2012, 12:36 pm

    Get the Home Depot 1-2-3 Projects book and tackle a home-related project or two?
    I know what you mean about being housebound and needing stimulation – I ended up taking a couple of university courses when my daughter was an infant so I’d always have something to look forward to that I needed to do when she is sleeping. However, that isn’t really a couple-ish activity….are there any personal or professional development courses you two would want to do together?
    Side note: Henry is so cute I am going to burst!!!!

  • Ashlyn June 23, 2012, 12:41 pm

    Bananagrams! Or puzzles! And my husband and I like to download This American Life podcasts and listen to them around the house. Maybe you could leave Henry in his swing just inside the door to the deck (do you have a screen door?) and you and Kristien could sit on the deck with a beverage, a game/puzzle, and some TAL playing…not a wild night on the town, but personally I think this sounds pretty close to heaven. 🙂

  • Karen June 23, 2012, 12:47 pm

    My pediatrician recommended more against letting people touch my newborns than just having them in public places. If it were flu season and there was a higher risk of airborne illnesses, I might worry more. But I think just being out in a store or restaurant is okay. (My word is certainly no better than anyone elses’s, but I’m a nurse and a mom of healthy 8 & 10 yr old boys)

    That being said, there’s always board games and puzzles! Invite friends over.

    Sometimes, there’s no easy answer. Stir crazy is occasionally part of parenting.

    • Nina June 23, 2012, 1:04 pm

      Yeah my pediatrician said we can take our newborn to church and whatnot as long as we don’t let people get up in his face. Since it’s not flu season, he’s not as worried about it.

      • Caitlin June 23, 2012, 5:50 pm

        But so many illnesses are airborne?

        • Lindsay June 25, 2012, 9:38 pm

          Few illnesses are airborne in the sense of anyone sick in the target will get you sick. I wore my daughter in stores and was more cautious of touching/breathing on her–hard for them to do when she’s tucked between my boobs. But my husband is military–pseudo single parenthood makes for doing what you gotta do! Next baby is due late October, I might limit my trips to necessity only because of cold/flu season and a germ catcher/toddler in the house.

  • Mary C June 23, 2012, 12:49 pm

    We delivered our 1st (also a boy) on the same day as you, and being in TX are sad we can’t enjoy the sunshine due to the heat. We do have our puzzle set up, subscribed to the newspaper to do the crosswords, and have bought way too many magazines and books on the ipad….a godsend for feeding time! Starting to get the confidence to invite friends to visit too, which helps and forces us to clean!

    We were having some trouble with outfits getting wet up the back. We learned that if you ensure everything is “pointed south” as you finish up a change, it prevents that. Now if we could just tackle the new spitup issue….

  • Katie June 23, 2012, 12:50 pm

    Do some crafts! Check out pinterest for fun ideas – make some art for your walls, knit, make a pillow – you can make some easy but useful pieces for your house! i think you read YHL so check out their page – http://www.younghouselove.com/how-to/crafts/

    i’m sure you can’t paint with the baby around but theres some fun paper/fabric crafts you could work on 🙂

  • Marissa June 23, 2012, 12:51 pm

    this is not an idea of something the 3 of you could do all together, but it might help. why don’t you & the hus each take an hour or so (separately) to leave the house. go get coffee or treat yourself to a mani/pedi. just getting some fresh (hot!) air may be nice.

  • Bec June 23, 2012, 12:53 pm

    Hop on pinterest and find any projects on there you might want to do in your own home (a new recipe, a simple DIY project, craft, etc.) Send the hubs out to get supplies and work on it together. Throw in some take out while you’re working on it. It’ll feel like a date night AND you’ll be using your brains to create something new for your house! We just got our first house and Pinterest is a lifesaved when it comes to simple/affordable projects. Maybe print some photos of Henry and create a family wall collage?

  • Kim @ girlevolving June 23, 2012, 1:00 pm

    I think after a week or 2 you’re okay to go out, but wear Henry on your chest and keep people from touching him. Even a walk around the library or through Target… and wash your hands before you touch him again.

    I took Leo out within the first few weeks but kept him close to me and didn’t let people touch him.

  • Sara June 23, 2012, 1:08 pm

    hey caitlin,
    i don’t know if this is really up your alley, but a lot of university alumni associations have online courses (mine has a huge one, try “Open Yale” at oyc.yale.edu) it’s like being back in college, but without the reading, tests, and papers! maybe you’ll find some topic that suits your interests —

    I also like art projects — maybe some kind of beading or knitting project? (it might be fun to make something for henry?)

    in any case, i applaud you for putting your son’s health above your own personal desires — that’s excellent mommyhood right there!

    • Caitlin June 23, 2012, 5:50 pm

      This is a good idea!!

  • Jennie June 23, 2012, 1:11 pm

    Hi! Keep Henry in for 40 days. Our Indian doctor insisted on it perhis traditions from his roots and we were happy we did. Anyway for inside (sorry if these are repeats): google photo techniques for baby shoots and pretend to be a professional and practice yourself! Indoor picnics, Scrabble, make up your own board game by combining games you already own, make DIY gifts for upcoming events, buy Crayola magic mold and mold Henry’s cute feet and hands for his Grandmas! And I know you are but snuggle snuggle snuggle! My 1 year old only cuddles with me when she is exhausted and I miss it! Enjoy!

    • Vicky (Little Baby, Big City) June 23, 2012, 5:13 pm

      I disagree with keeping Henry in! I think both new moms and newborns need to get out! I took my boy out at 3days… We would wander around NYC!

      • Jennie June 24, 2012, 5:02 am

        I know it definitely doesn’t work for everyone! It just is an old religion/family thing! My wording was terrible there come and go with Henry as you feel is right of course!!!!! Thank you, Vicky! I needed that! 🙂

  • Stacey June 23, 2012, 1:12 pm

    I’ve read your blog for a couple years now and never commented. But I absolutely must break the silence to tell you how friggin adorable Henry is…I can’t get over it. Ha – is that weird to say?

  • Kelley June 23, 2012, 1:31 pm

    He is so cute! How does he like that bouncer seat? My baby doesn’t like to put down when she’s awake, so I’m impressed at how content he looks in all those pictures!

    Even though we probably shouldn’t be going out a lot, we’ve still gone out to eat three times, gone grocery shopping, made two trips to Target and even went to the movie theater one night this week. (Baby is only 2 weeks old!) We just cover the carseat with a blanket and cross our fingers. I’d go stir crazy at home. Good luck!

    • Caitlin June 23, 2012, 5:50 pm

      I don’t have batteries for it so he just chills in it 🙂

  • Casey June 23, 2012, 1:36 pm

    Board games! My husband and I love those, we can get pretty competitive. Maybe one of you could go out and stock up on a few that are fun for kids and adults. That way you’ll have them around for when Henry gets a little older.

  • Lee June 23, 2012, 1:43 pm

    I am going to echo the other comments that say board games. Or card games too.

  • Alexandra June 23, 2012, 2:01 pm

    I flew to England (from MN) when I was 2 weeks old! Maybe they were less concerned/knowledgable about the risks then? But it was fine! I’m sure little Henry could handle a walk around the neighborhood, perhaps? Maybe a fun art or craft project? Time to one of those million pinterest crafts!

  • Lauren June 23, 2012, 2:07 pm

    The husband should start writing a blog on being a Dr. of Oriental Medicine…and you can join in and help 🙂 Come up with a name, design, topics…That would keep you very stimulated! Plus, I would love to read it haha 😉

  • Leslie June 23, 2012, 2:07 pm

    Why not a drive in the country. Henry could get some practice using his car seat. Everyone would be able to get out of the house together. An hour or so to see the scenery , maybe go through a drive thru for ice cream. You could pack a few snacks etc. If Henry needs to nurse find a shading spot to stop and feed him in the back seat, change him and be on your way. Might be fun to drive someplace you gave not seen. You could also go to grandparents for a visit , maybe stay for a meal. They would love to see little Henry.

    • Christie June 24, 2012, 7:58 am

      Oh we did this on maternity/paternity leave! Drove to a state park and walked around some. I also wore her in a wrap if we went anywhere or put her in her carseat covered completely up if she was asleep.

  • Annette@FitnessPerks June 23, 2012, 2:09 pm

    Ahhh yes, I could see how that would be ‘stir crazy’! Board games, cool podcasts? A nice drive? And def puzzles! Baking too 🙂

  • Elizabeth June 23, 2012, 2:13 pm

    I did a million crossword puzzles on my phone for the first 2 months. They’re good to do while nursing and it’s something 2 people can easily work on together.

  • Kara June 23, 2012, 2:24 pm

    Beginning of post: I haven’t had time to even brush my teeth!

    End of post: I’m so bored, should I do a puzzle to stimulate my mind?

    Answer: You are obviously sleep deprived. Take a nap. Not one, lots of them. Go to bed early. Sleep is your friend.

    • Caitlin June 23, 2012, 5:51 pm

      hahahah i love you.

    • Kristen June 23, 2012, 5:54 pm

      LOL – good observation!

      Maybe brushing of the teeth should be the first activity on your list ; )

  • Claire June 23, 2012, 2:29 pm

    Have the hus give you a mani/pedi! You deserve it!!

  • Brenda June 23, 2012, 2:43 pm

    On maternity leave, I watched a lot of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. While the show may not fit in the definition of ‘mentally stimulating,’ it is highly entertaining. My husband and I also liked having a real show to watch to- Dexter, How I Met Your Mother, 30 Rock…. Netflix instant is amazing.

  • Moni Meals June 23, 2012, 2:43 pm

    Hang in there!
    what about a Harry Potter marathon or a competitve game of chess?
    that’s what my husband and I would do, hee hee 🙂 or bake!

  • Heather@YSP June 23, 2012, 2:47 pm

    We took Evi all over the place and had zero issues. When I was a newborn (TINY and extra fragile because I was born three months early) my mom did the same thing. Her doctor told her (and ours told us the same) that while having strangers hold the new baby would be a bad idea, a general introduction to germs is a GOOD thing that helps build the baby’s immune system.

  • Amber K June 23, 2012, 3:00 pm

    I like the suggestions above, but especially think a nap is in order!

  • Megan June 23, 2012, 3:18 pm

    I took my daughter to the grocery store at less than a week old. She’s now a happy & healthy 7 week old. We’ve also been out to eat a lot. I say get out and just use blankets so people don’t touch him and wash your hands well.

  • Cindi June 23, 2012, 3:20 pm

    I took Molly to Costco a couple times because I was SO stir-crazy! The carts & aisles are huge & for the most part, people leave you alone there. I covered her in a muslin blanket while she passed out & I’d wander the store. I also went through the starbucks drive-thru & would drive aimlessly. Found some crazy, quirky spots around here!

  • laura June 23, 2012, 4:21 pm

    My lil guy is 14 weeks and when he came home we did take him out pretty soon after, within the first week. We made sure to keep his carrier covered and everyone was respectful. I would go to a Starbucks and bring my laptop. And since we own a business I needed to be there as well and just did the same thing with keeping him covered,he slept a ton! As for things to do close to home, maybe an evening or early morning walk when the weather is cooler, an in-home mani pedi (check online) and also sleep as much as you can

  • Anne Weber-Falk June 23, 2012, 4:26 pm

    I took my children out within a week of being born. The first went with us to our final Lamaze class and then to the grocery store at 7 days old. I’ve heard about this too but I don’t know of anyone that has had their child become any sort of ill as a result of going out in public as a newborn. Of course I would not recommend letting every one touch the babies. Admire them from a distance should be fine.

  • Regina June 23, 2012, 4:28 pm

    Send the hubs out to get some new boardgames! We personally love monopoly, bezzerwizzer (it’s a trivia game), risk, etc. Read some books separately together or even just together.

  • Vicky (Little Baby, Big City) June 23, 2012, 4:32 pm

    Crossword puzzles…. Real puzzles…. Read a book

    • Vicky (Little Baby, Big City) June 23, 2012, 5:20 pm

      Remember your little one is being breastfeed and has a great immune system! I live in NYC and took my baby out as soon as we were home from the hospital. Milo Is breastfeed and we went a million places…. He’s 5 months old now and has never been sick.mi think just remembering to wash y.our hands and trying not to let people touch him. Seriously, now is the best time to eat dinner out!

      • olivia June 23, 2012, 8:50 pm

        Agreed. For the first two months our little guy slept through our dinners out. Now one of us is usually bouncing a little fussbutt up and down the aisle while the other desperately tries to flag the server for the check!

      • Laura June 24, 2012, 10:25 am

        agreed! we took our daughter out on the way home from the hospital to go to the grocery store. Both my kids were breastfed (to 18 months & my son still at 2+ years) & my daughter never had more than a sniffle until she went to preschool. with a newborn, you can basically do anything because they sleep!! once they get a little older, things become more and more impossible, lol!

  • Abby June 23, 2012, 4:54 pm

    We’d go out to eat during off times, like lunch at 2 or 3pm on a weekday. We’d hardly run into anyone, which was great from a germs perspective — but also nice for when I needed to nurse 🙂

  • Amy Q June 23, 2012, 5:20 pm

    We actually had my husband’s brother pass away while I was in the hospital with our first child being born- so his first outing was a crowded wake and funeral– during flu season– and he was fine. Those nursing antibodies are the best! Like others, I would play it smart and make outings brief and easy (no rock concerts, Henry!)— but the heat does sound brutal!

  • Amy Q June 23, 2012, 5:21 pm

    You could also meal plan/freezer cook for busier days ahead!

  • Kate June 23, 2012, 5:30 pm

    I’m planning on getting to the Rosetta Stone that I’ve been putting off. Maybe y’all have a language you’d like to pick up?

  • Marci June 23, 2012, 5:48 pm

    Take turns leaving. Go for a ride in the car. Walgreens by yourself is like a vacation!

  • Kristen June 23, 2012, 5:50 pm

    This is a good time to: 1) Get caught up on thank you notes (hopefully lots of friends and family have been doting on you and Henry with gifts and meals; and 2) Work on Henry’s baby book. My daughter is nine and I still haven’t finished her’s! Before you know it you will be so busy you won’t be able to find the time for jotting down little things in that book so this is a good opportunity; 3) REST, REST, REST. You seem like me, having a hard time relaxing and sitting still, but staying in your PJ’s and veggin’ out is really good for your body right you. After all, no matter how good you think you feeling, you are still recovering.

  • Liz A June 23, 2012, 6:19 pm

    I think a jigsaw puzzle is an awesome idea, as well as scrabble and sudoku. maybe you could find a new-to-you show to watch on hulu or netflix – some suggestions are Parks & Recreation, New Girl, Big Bang Theory, Hell’s Kitchen… (or an oldie like The Wonder Years!)

  • Regina June 23, 2012, 6:53 pm

    I don’t have children so this is purely intellectual, but taking new babies places like the grocery store can also be hyper-stimulating. I know the grocery store doesn’t seem like a crazy place, but when you’re brand new, the bright lights, noises, etc can be overwhelming.

    Best wishes to you.

  • Jen June 23, 2012, 6:55 pm

    Boggle is a really fun and addicting game. My fiance and I are really competitive with it! A round can be played in 3 minutes also, so it can be super short or very long depending how many times you play!

  • Jojo June 23, 2012, 7:16 pm

    Take on a time consuming cooking project? Make hand-made pasta, dumplings, a layer cake and decorate it, etc.

  • Elise June 23, 2012, 8:01 pm

    I think time-consuming board games like scrabble, monopoly, or chess (if you both know how to play) could be fun in this situation. This is still in the watching-something realm, but you and the husband might like watching some Ted Talks online if you’re looking for something more intellectual.

    When I’m stuck at home sick (VERY different from having a baby, but relevant to things to do when you can’t leave the house) I like to read cookbooks and make recipe cards. I’m especially fond of community cookbooks because they’re sociologically interesting (telling you something about the way people lived in the time and place they were written)- Half Price Books is a good source for them.

    I’m not sure how intellectual this is, but you might enjoy getting a book of mad-libs to play with the husband and visitors!

  • Jillian @ Reshape Your Life June 23, 2012, 8:52 pm

    skip-bo and phase 10, best games ever.

    • Jen June 23, 2012, 11:26 pm

      Yes – SKIP BO! I thought I was the only one who loved that game 🙂

      Also, going through shelves/books/drawers to “clean out/declutter” can take up time quickly and be productive.

      OhmyGod…Henry is the CUTEST little thing ever!! He looks SO different from his birth picture/post!

  • Elisabeth June 23, 2012, 9:11 pm

    Hnry looks just like Kristien in that first pic!

  • Sara June 23, 2012, 9:44 pm

    I read that about babies and public spaces too and I am always so surprised when I see newborns in public places. Can’t be good! Puzzles sound fun, board games? If you have a game system, maybe buy a dance game (like Just Dance–though not sure if you can do that yet?) Hopefully it will cool down a bit and you can do an outdoor picnic!

  • erin June 23, 2012, 11:25 pm

    The most important lesson I have learned with a two year old is..only you know what’s best so don’t let peoples opinions sway you..that added more unnecessary stress than anything for me! Take the time to organize your house/bills/read..starbucks drive thru really is a gift from God! I did not take my daughter out too much in the beginning.. at all!! Take life slow for a while..I am glad I did!

  • lindsay owen June 24, 2012, 8:19 am

    Hey Caitlin

    Just a reminder that although Henry’s immunity isn’t super charged yet, you are flooding his system with your antibodies, both from his time in utero via your placenta, and even more so now via your breastmilk. You are literally giving him the benefit of your immune system.

    As a midwife in the UK, my colleagues and I would encourage a family to go out as soon as they felt ready. Fresh air does a baby and his parents lots of good, and I really wouldn’t worry too much about going to places where there are other people around, as like I said, his immunity is provided by you at every feed.

    Lindsay x

  • Amanda June 24, 2012, 10:55 am

    I was also concerned about this. My doctor who has 3 children of his own said that we can take baby anywhere we go. You are giving him immunity through your breast milk. Just wash your hands when you get home and make other people wash their hands if you are concerned.

  • Laurie June 24, 2012, 6:15 pm

    Why don’t you create a whole new blog about parenthood! You’re so good at this one! I love the idea of having game night at home. Start early while Henry is young and continue the tradition as he gets older. Can you take Henry in the stroller and go to an indoor mall just to get out and walk? I love that photo of him on the table, with all that beautiful light coming in. This is all making me miss mommyhood, mine are 17 and 19 🙁 Enjoy every scrumptious moment with him!!!

  • Lexi @ You, Me, & A World to See June 24, 2012, 8:30 pm

    Ahhh. Need watermelon ASAP! That looks delish 🙂

  • Elyse June 25, 2012, 2:02 am

    I wouldn’t be too concerned if you took him out to eat with you etc…. at 6 days old I had already flown to San Francisco and been to the mall. I’m alive today & haven’t had any problems 🙂 however, I do see why your pediatrician would recommend that! It’s all up to what you & Kristien feel comfortable with 🙂

  • stephs June 25, 2012, 7:49 am

    Henry is SOOOO cute!

  • Debbie June 25, 2012, 11:23 am

    That papasan was the best baby item I ever owned! I wish they sold them in adult size!

  • Jessica June 25, 2012, 5:32 pm

    My husband and I love board games. We keep a “change” jar and one friday night (about 5 years ago now) we had a case of the “theres nothing to do in Austin”-which isn’t true because there is SO much to do. Anyway, the husband, just boyfriend at the time, came up with a awesome idea. He said “lets go”. I didn’t know where but he grabbed the change jar and we got in the car. we headed to the grocery store and he traded in the change, which ended up being $64.27. After he cashed it in, I said “now what?”. We got back in the car and he drove to Walmart. He leaned over and said “We are going to take this $64.27 and buy as many board games that we can get for this amount and then go home and play them, every single one.” And we did! It was so much fun. We still play them today and since we are both competitive(ok, I’m more competitive than he but thats besides the point) we write on the inside of the boxes the date(s) we played, who we played with(if friends join in with us) and also who won(I mean, thats most important, right? ha! j/k)

    I highly recommend board games and or card games. We also LOVE Skipbo!

    Enjoy! 🙂
    ~Jess

  • Kathy June 28, 2012, 2:32 pm

    When I had my children, we never worried about taking a baby out. We took them everywhere, just not around anyone that was sick or hospitals or places where the germ levels would be higher than normal. I breastfed and I heard when little like that, they aren’t prone to getting sick. So we never worried and never had a problem.

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