Newborn Questions and Answers

Here's a few answers to some newborn questions from Yahoo!:

How many times a day did you feed your newborn?


Roughly every 2 - 3 hours per day for the first 4 months at least. 


How many times a day did/do you change their outfits?


Between drool, puke, and poop... probably 6 times a day. Now, if you it doesn't bother you to keep your child in crusty, smelly clothes all day, then by all means change him/her as often as you like; its your judgement call. 


How often do they sleep and how long for?


Newborns usually are awake for 15 - 30 minutes of playtime (Mommy-time, tummy-time), a diaper change, a good feeding, then they go back to sleep for couple hours. This is typical in the first few months.


How often did/do you bathe them?


In the first week just keep a warm, soft towel wrapped around them while you uncover and bathe one area (chest, leg, arm) at a time... mix warm water and baby soap in a bowl and use a washcloth to wipe down his/her body (remember to pay special attention to the cracks and crevices). You can washcloth bathe the baby for the first week or until you feel comfortable to wash him/her in the sink, tub, or shower. No matter what, continue to clean the important areas everyday (i.e. the face, behind the ears, hands, armpits, tushy, and pee pee). Also, keeping the belly button clean is very important. 


How often did/do you change them in a day?


Anticipate changing the diaper at least eight (8) times a day. I know it sounds like a lot, but in all honesty 8x/day isn't half bad. 

Infused-Vodka

Infusing Vodka is a unique talent in the world of mixology. Vodka is clear liquor perfect for infusion, as any concoction of ingredients can permeate with clarity. Infusing a few batches around the holidays creates the perfect adult-friendly gift. The infused vodka can be mixed into cocktails or served over ice.

What you'll need:

Brewing Jar with Spigot

Vodka

Fruit, Vegetable, and/or Herbs

Cheese Cloth

Small Funnel

Cork-topped Glass Bottles

What you'll do:

       1.    Clean all glass containers with hot, soapy water

       2.    Utilizing tongs sterilize the glass bottles in boiling water and let air dry

       3.    Slice the fruits/vegetables into large chunks and poke with a fork several times in   order to allow maximum juice expulsion; fresh herbs can be left whole.

       4.    Stock the brewing jar with fruits, vegetables, and/or herbs, then top off with vodka of your choice.

       5.    Strong-flavored mixtures need only 2 – 3 days to steep, but less intense flavors (cantaloupes, melons) could take up to 7 – 10 days. Storage is best in a cool dark place; it is your preference store on the countertop, in the pantry, or in the refrigerator. Remember to shake the mixture at least once a day.  

       6.    After steeping, strain the concoction through the cheese cloth 3 – 4 times; the goal is to removal as much sediment possible. However, herbs can be reused in the glass bottles for aesthetic purposes.

       7.    Funnel into the glass bottles, seal with a cork, tack on a personalized label, and you’re done!

What you'll create:

Basil and Pomegranate,

Pear and Raspberry,

Cucumber and Lemon,

Apple and Cinnamon,

Pineapple and Honey,

and anything else... be creative!!!

Cleaning Laminate Wood Flooring

Okay, cleaning wood floors is a pain in the tushy. But cleaning laminate wood floors could drive a person mad! At least it did for me until several trial and errors later I found the perfect solution. All you need is a mop with disposable sponge pad, spray bottle, dish soap, and clean water. Assemble the mop and pad and set aside. Next, fill the spray bottle with water, add 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap, then shake vigorously for 5 -10 seconds. Now, I prefer soaking a medium size rag in hot soapy water, wringing out the excess water, then wrapping the rag around the base of the mop; it gives more of a shine this way. Back on track... mist the soapy solution onto the pad and spray a 3' x 3' section of flooring... mop back and forth the direction the floor boards lay (with the grain). I suggest not using vinegar, it tends to dry ugly streaks onto the floor seen only under certain lighting.

Perfect Party Favor

Old-fashioned and retro candy, the kind you get at Cracker Barrel, is what I will be serving to the guests at the next party I host!!!