Here in the Southern hemisphere, or “Sunny South Africa”, we aren’t quite used to the colder weather. Yet this week saw snow fall throughout the country.
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- Snow in my back yard
The last time snow fell in Joburg was 2007 (correct me if I am wrong). And for us, it isn’t quite the white surroundings you guys up North have, but we really do get excited about the snow falling down, even if it is so briefly. There were parts of the country where the snow did fall more heavily.
We did stay inside as much as possible with the heater on. When we had to go out I bundled Nicky up in his polar fleece baby grows (which he pretty much has been wearing most of the time this winter). He also has some really cute socks I could put underneath, as well as his warm knitted hat and warm jacket. Two more blankets over the car seat and we were good to go!
By Thursday it was started to get warmer. It is a long weekend due to a public holiday (Woman’s Day on Thurs) so we decided to go to the mall. We often used to go to the Spur buffet breakfast before little Nic Nac came along, so we thought we’d give it a try.
I tanked him up with two good feeds before we left. I was so glad that it did the trick and he was fast asleep while we had breakfast. He normally gets so jealous if I eat or pump in front of him I have gotten to the point where I eat when he eats! And I hardly pump anymore!
In any case, after breakfast we wandered around the mall. There was a book sale in the middle. I was initially cautious because it was an open space and would let in the colder air, but eventually I couldn’t resist having a peek and got what looks like an excellent book “How to not F*** them up” which I will review later when I get a chance. (How’s that for a hilarious title!)
So far it looks really good because it accepts the kind of personality you are (whether you work with shedules or feed on demand, or work on a combination of both) and gives advice to work within the kind of person you are.
We then went off to the Woolworths sale and used the elevator for the first time. Yes, we had pulled out the stroller for the first time. He is still so small, he is like a little bundle in this huge thing, but boy it helps so much in a mall situation (for eating and getting around, as the car seat would be too heavy to tote around (I have been using that a lot for the mom’s groups), and the wrap wouldn’t work when I needed to eat (still using that for a lot of shopping).
Nicky’s leather jacket
We went to Woolworths. B needed to get new clothes. He has been losing weight (Whoop! Whoop!) and needed new pants and clothes for work. Getting around a clothes store with a stroller was not really a good idea for me, so I drifted on the edges and sat and waited for him. I also found the cutest leather jacket for Nicky for next winter. I also spent probably at least half an hour in the bathrooms feeding him as he at last woke up and was hungry. All in all we managed very well!
On Friday we went to the optometrist for B and sat in the car and fed (thank you “Cover Me” strap – I found out about this at the Thursday morning meeting of my lactation consultant where I met Sasha, who put together a nice site with baby stuff on it) while he was there and then did Pick n Pay in the wrap. I notice that as long as you are moving in the wrap he is pretty happy, but as soon as you come to a halt at the till, he gets restless. I tried to move up and down to sooth him.
Something incredible: It feels so amazing to be wheeling him around or soothing him in public. I really feel like I have finally “arrived” after looking at all those strollers jealously for so many years. I am just so happy to finally have my little miracle. Yes, he is a handful and you really have to plan everything in two hour intervals before he gets hungry again (and count your blessings if it’s longer), but such an adorable, smily baby, and I am so unbelieveably blessed.
What a smart baby !
I didn’t read all your posts… I came many years ago for EFT… and I’m too old for having a baby…
But I am quite happy for you !
Thanks, Bibiane!
Oh well done!!! I haven’t been out like yet. I’m still dreading it. Just to get the stroller out will be a challenge, because it doesn’t fit open into the lift. So I will need to fold it up, with the baby in the carrycot and unfold it and snap on the carrycot when I get out of the apartment building. I guess I will not go out alone the first time, it stresses me out just thinking about it. Plus the carrycot with the baby in it, is not a light thing to carry. And bfeeding in public spaces freaks me out too. I need to get that cover me thingy 😉
That really sucks that your stroller doesn’t fit into your lift! Yes, I would think going with someone would be best, it certainly helped me to have B around.
Bfeeding in public also freeks me out, don’t worry, but there are private places like feeding rooms in the restrooms, and in the car not many people are looking especially if you park far away.
We’ve been hearing about all the snow – so crazy! I wish we had some here. That leather jacket is so adorable and I’m thrilled to hear that you don’t need to pump much anymore. Sounds like you are doing beautifully. I’m so happy for you.
Thanks, Mama!
What a cutie!!! So lovely to picture you soothing him in public – yes, you’ve arrived! 🙂
What lovely photos! I have downloaded and saved, hope I can get them onto my phone.
You are really doing wonderfully in your mothering – that first outing to the mall is a milestone. Strollers are very useful, especially for stuff accumulated on an expedition. They do take up space though. Nick is growing! He will fill that stroller soon, and even outgrow it one day, sooner than you can imagine. Just think what has happened in the past year.
Wow, thanks Mommy 🙂
Goodness! That was a shocker I am sure! Such a cutie baby!
So glad it’s all going so much more smoothly! Well done for persevering! Nic has a gorgeous smile 🙂 Enjoy every minute xxx