How To Survive The First Month of Parenthood

Figuring out this parenting thing has been quite a trip! Rick and I are a good team and we have had a tremendous amount of help from our families and friends as we have settled into our new roles. But what we have learned about surviving these first few weeks of parenting came from trial and error -- accidentally stumbling upon tricks and tips that somehow make Cam a little happier and a little more peaceful.

So to those of you new parents or soon-to-be new parents, take note. Here are some of our favorite gadgets, tricks and tips!

The Blow Dryer: we were told to play white noise when Cam is sleeping to help soothe him (it's supposed to mimic the sounds of the womb and help him feel comforted). Well, a few nights ago when Rick was trying to calm our little fussy pants down and I was attempting to dry my hair in the bathroom, Rick shouted "turn that back on!" Apparently, the blow dryer was an instant soother and Cam was instantly asleep at the sound of it. Needless to say, my blow dryer is about to blow from the amount of use it has gotten in the last few days!

Note -- I have since downloaded an app on my phone which plays a constant blow dryer noise. Only problem is as soon as someone texts or calls me, the app is interrupted and Cam starts screaming, right on cue. So, if you try to reach me and I don't answer my phone... assume the blow dryer is to blame!

The Miracle Blanket: this thing is like crack. It looks like torture but makes Cam melt like butter. As soon as we started using it, Cam has been sleeping better. And so have we!

The NoseFrida (aka Snot Sucker): This thing totally grossed Rick out when I first told him about it. But it's amazing! Poor Cam has been congested and it has made eating and sleeping rather challenging for him. So we took out the snot sucker, hopped in a steam shower with him and sucked away. It's strangely satisfying to watch how much you can get out of such a tiny nose! It's amazing what you'll do for your kids.

Indian DancingI: It's a very special, sacred dance that involves a precise heel-toe motion. Rick's boss pulled him aside a few weeks ago to show him this magical baby dance, and ever since we have been Indian Dancing Campbell to sleep when he's fussy or wide awake. I'll have to post a video soon to show you Rick in action.


Most of all, the best way to survive the newborn weeks is to take a look at the little peanut and remember how helpless he is and how his every need is being met by you. It's an overwhelming feeling and gets me through the brief moments of frustration. It just doesn't get much cuter than this: