new MOMs group

i joined a "new MOMs (meeting other mothers)" group with tribeca parenting and the 4-week program started this week.  they're doing a promotion so it's free (usually $180 for 6 weeks).  we meet every tuesdays for two hours.  maki and i were 15 min late because it's not easy to just leave the apt!  i changed him then he spit up all over himself and as we were about to go, he peed so i had to change his diaper.  he just started doing this shake when he pees sometimes.  it's about a mile away so we just walked.  there were 7 moms there with babies ranging from 3 weeks old to 4 months.  we did introductions and talked about the things that surprised us the most about having a baby.  we talked about our deliveries, experience with nanny search, how to not feel guilty about some things, how to deal with lack of sleep, getting your partner to help with childcare and another topics.

the facilitator said that most of us talked about hardships after the baby is born and not really labor & delivery.  i said it's because with labor & delivery, at least it's over within 24 hours.  child caring is harder because it's 24 hours for 18 years.  ha!  then she said that most people pay so much money on labor & delivery classes but not as many are willing to pay for mommy groups.  i sense that she's trying to sell us on these mommy classes but she's right.  it was nice to hear other mommy experiences and meet them.  they all seemed very nice!  she said that her goal with the program is to have mommies bond together and be comfortable enough to baby each other's kids.  i wanted to say "so who wants to take maki tonight?"  haha!  there's a british woman there with a 9-week old baby girl who slept through the entire 2 hours.  um... maki, she's the same age as you!  how come you spent most of the time fussing/crying?!!!  she mentioned that fussiness peaks at weeks 6-9 so i'm glad things are going to get easier after this week!  anyway, depending on how the 4-week program goes, i may sign up for the ongoing MOMs or working mommy program.  a friend also told me metropolitan hospital in harlem has an excellent working mom program but it's far from my apt.

here are some recent photos of malakai lucas:

with his 3 binky friends.  maki is a dragon but his fave is the monkey!

 

"hello?  can i talk to mama?"

field trip with my favorite RL hoodie on

"mama always tries to burp me but i would rather fart."

maki and ninang kaye in central park

ninang kaye's last night with us.  waaaaaah!

look at my orquiza chin

first time on the ergo carrier

my cute hat is from maelleski

mik is sooooo happy to be hands free.  freedom!!!

"gym time so i can lose weight in my cheeks"

"mama, jamba juice again?!!  i'm so bored, i could fall asleep!"

i prefer the velcro swaddle.  easier to use esp at night!

"lift my head up like this, mama?"

cheeks too big... can't turn head... all... the... way...!

first day napping in the crib!