Winter Uniform

EN: It feels like this winter has lasted forever. So much has happened in the last three months and yet, my days seem to resemble one another. I go through the same cycle of feeding, cleaning, shopping, cooking, bath time, play time, nap time and so on. Every minute of each day I feel like someone needs my attention. And although I seem to do a million things every day, I still have a million more that never gets done. 

Very often, I find myself wearing the same thing. I call it "the uniform" - heavy knit or cashmere sweater, skinny jeans, my Timberland or Sorel boots, Eugenia Kim wool head wrap, and either my light packable Calvin Klein jacket or a heavier down coat. I don't get to be too creative with my outfit since it has been bitterly cold for what feels like forever.

I desperately need something new in my life, or at least some warmer weather. I'm hoping to learn to multitask better and not get too overwhelmed. I'm trying to enjoy every minute with Nicky because he's growing so fast. And I'm waiting for spring, so I can finally put my winter uniform away!!!

RU: Такое чувство, что эта зима длится бесконечно. Столько всего случилось за последние три месяца, и, в тоже время, мои дни сейчас очень похожи друг на друга. Подняться, покормить, убрать, помыть, опять покормить, работать, играть, гулять, кормить... И вроде я делаю миллион вещей в день, а список невыполненных дел все равно растет. 

За это время у меня появилась "униформа мамы." Ребенок дает мне всего пару минут чтобы собраться и вывести его на улицу, а минусовая температура особо не дает экспериментировать с нарядами. Поэтому я постоянно ношу свитера крупной вязки или кофточки из кашемира, "неубиваемые" сапоги Timberland или Sorel, тюрбан Eugenie Kim и легкую, но теплую куртку Calvin Klein или пальто. 

Очень хочется разнообразия. И тепла. Надеюсь, я скоро научусь совмещать все что мне нужно выполнять за день и при этом не сходить с ума. Надеюсь, с приходом весны я смогу спрятать эти так надоевшие зимние вещи и сменить их на что-то светлое и яркое. А пока остается только ждать.

Breastfeeding Inspirations

EN: Feeding baby is a hot topic with all moms. It's a personal choice, but whatever you do, someone will always criticize your decisions. You are bound to hear different things from different people and they will contradict each other so much it will make your head spin:

• Babies should only drink momma's milk.
• Babies sleep better on formula. 

• You should breastfeed for a year or longer.
• You shouldn't breastfeed for more than a year. 

• You should introduce the bottle early so that the baby can learn to take it.
• Don't introduce the bottle too soon; it will create nipple confusion. 

• You shouldn't have [dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, broccoli, almonds, peppermint, cabbage, beans, citrus and a hundred other things.]
• You should eat a balanced diet so baby can have plenty of nutrients. 

• Pump!
• But don't start pumping too early! 

• Create an oversupply so you can build a stash.
• Be careful not to create an oversupply because it can lead to clogged ducts and mastitis.  

• Put the baby on the boob as much as possible. 
• Make sure you don't get the baby too attached to the breast.

Holy hair

EN: I've heard that hair may start thinning and falling out a few months after giving birth  (as if not enough dramatic changes have happened already!) So, before that starts to happen, I wanted to write a post on how I take care of my locks on daily basis.

First, it's totally normal to loose hair postpartum. During pregnancy your body makes more estrogen so hair and nails grow faster. After you have the baby, estrogen levels drop and you are shedding more until the hormone levels even out (sometime by baby's first birthday.)

However, if you want to counteract this, here are a few things you can do:

Keeping Baby Warm: Snowsuit Review

EN: Nicky really enjoys being outdoors and I love taking him out in out Combi Catalyst transformer stroller. He falls fast asleep, I find a nice secluded bench and get an hour of uninterrupted much-needed work time. Win-win. But to be outside in the cold for an hour baby must be well dressed in order to stay warm and be able to sleep. With my years of experience as a personal shopper and two months worth of mommy knowledge I wrote a review of the best snowsuits to keep your baby cozy and happy during the winter months. 

RU: Зимой холодно. Но маме надо работать,  а ребенку нужно гулять,  поэтому мы совмещаем приятное с полезным и пока Николай Степанович сладко дремлет на свежем воздухе в нашей коляске Combi Catalyst, я, сидя на лавочке ,обновляю свой сайт. Так мы проводим около часа, когда погода позволяет. И не смотря на мороз ребенок у меня всегда в тепле благодаря этим зимним комбенизонам:

What we have / Что мы носим:

7 A.M. Enfant Baby Shield Bunting Bag

Favorite Brands: Clothes

EN: Nicky turned two months old a week ago and he measured almost two feet and over twelve pounds at his last doctor's appointment! My little man is growing up!! And growing out of his clothes. So last week after the doctor's visit I went through his closet and started putting away his newborn and 0-3 mo outfits and ordered him some new onesies, shirts and sweaters in size 3-6 month. Now I am ready to review some of the brands that Nicky wears and recommend what's best to buy for newborn. 

• Onesies are most convenient for us since we don't swaddle (free spirit here wants to have his arms out and up at all times!) 
• Onesies with zippers are easiest to put on, however, they have to be completely unzipped in order to do a diaper check. For that reason, I prefer snaps.
• Anything that goes over the baby's head is a pain for everyone to put on. But once it's on, it's very easy for diaper changes. Until it has to come off again.
• Babies have a hard time controlling their body temperature when they are little so keep them warm. Put on a plain side snap shirt (these Little Me shirts are my favorite) underneath  their outfit and socks for extra coziness.
• Your child is likely to grow out of size Newborn in the first two weeks of life. Best to buy sizes 0 to 3 month. When in doubt, always get a bigger size - baby can always grow into it and bigger is easier to put on!

Below are some of our favorite brands and outfits: