Thursday, October 11, 2012

We have moved location!

Hi everyone! Sometimes things begin, sometimes they come to an end (luckily not today), and sometimes things change. I am a big believer in making sure information is properly categorized and easily accessible - I was a librarian at one point. So, due to not being able to really do what I want to with Blogger.com I have moved over to Weebly. Our new location is:

Monday, October 1, 2012

Playtime Solutions

Floor Time
 1) Floor time
Fold a nice soft rug in half or thirds and place it on the ground between the drivers seats. String a mobile off of the seat belts. Circle other toys and interesting objects around the child.

 2) Car seat time
-Giver the baby a receiving blanket to play peek-a-boo with. It is useful for other things, cleaning messes feeding, etc.
- Raise the arms of the chair slightly and string a mobile between them. You can use hair ties to add extensions.
-If you have a coat slinging of the back of the passenger chair. Use hairties to attach a small colorful blanket or quilt to it.
-Ipads (I love these sooo much!) leaning against the back of the chair with a photo slide show or a picture book (you can get ones with audio and page turning)

 3) Bedtime
-Velcro a picture, blanket or quilt to the wall of the truck for baby to look at.
-Use the vent peg to hold a set of plastic keys or other toy with a ring.
- Use a bunjie cord to hang a mobile from the top bunk when the truck isn't moving.

Finding "Personal" time on the truck with your trucker spouse

This is a topic I have been debating on whether to post or not, but I think for the purpose of this blog - to help out those in similar situations to ours; it is of incredible importance to do so.
I mentioned earlier within this blog the importance of being nice to each other in the truck, letting certain things slide that otherwise might annoy or frustrate you, your love life is not one of these (and yes ladies I know it's hard to feel sexy when you have so many demands on your time, but it is of utmost importance). So the question you probably have at this point is, How do I find the time? and the other would be a big massive general How do you (coughs) do it in such a small space? so here we go.

Finding the time
This is a huge problem.
Time is incredibly limited on any any truck, it is funny to think that the average people think we truckers sit around all day and do - well - nothing. Working in a truck, especially a team truck is akin to working in a hospital. Early morning, late nights, you can't always eat whenever and you can't always just go to the rest room. Sometimes you sit around all day, sometimes your so busy you don't know which is left or right and sometimes you get the call or message saying ,"get there now."  This is more so with a little one and sooner or later you might think to yourself, has it really been a week? So what do you do?
It is all about taking the opportunity when it comes no matter how tired you are. Our little one, as I have mentioned before sleeps consistantly and solidly from about 9pm until 6am or 7am, which gives as a small opportunity there. He also takes occasional naps throughout the day - these are not as solid so he can be easily woken. Then there are also the days off and those are self explanatory. So, you really need to observe your little ones sleep patterns and make use of them.

How to utilize your space
When our little one was in his first 3-4 months he would sleep through a roller coaster when he passed out and things went fairly smoothly and it was wonderful. However, as those months rolled by suddenly the little one started sleeping more and more lightly and doing anything without waking him up suddenly became a difficult game which kind of deteriorates from the mood.
The good news it last night we finally found a wonderful and simple solution which, honestly, I don't know why I hadn't thought of it already. I present:

Exibit A: Divider curtain
Already made of a thick leather to help team drivers sleep quietly in the back without the loud noises of the road waking them, this wonderful item can also be used to block out tantrums and keep babies asleep on the other side of it.

For time off I recommend hiring a babysitter or a willing relative. Some baby sitters are willing to do hotel runs if your staying in a hotel for repairs or relaxation time. It really depends on whats available in that area and how your little one handles strangers.
So as always, I hope that I have help at least someone out there. Have a safe drive!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Teething

So our little one hasn't got teeth just yet, but he has definitely started the process so I figured this might be a good time to post up my own solutions that work in the truck. Everyone has their own ideas about this and every baby is different. For example - our little one extremely dislikes the regular teething rings with water in them, he also dislikes the cold rag, so for the longest time I was very much at my wits end. I have found some stuff that works for him though and thats all that counts. In this post I will put down your options from basic to medication.

1) Apple slices
Truck stops with McDonalds or fruit stands and Walmart
.50C - $1.50
Who would have thought this would be as amazing as it is? I was chopping an apple up, looked at the slices and thought, "I bet the little one would love to chew on this!" And I was right. He'll suck on and chew on it and though you might think it would break up after 30 minutes of abuse you would be wrong.

2) Beef Jerky
 Walmart and truck stops
$10 - $20 per bag
Like the apple slices it's a flavored chew. Be Careful to select a fairly solid piece though.

3)Pizza Crusts
Flying J's carry pizza
2 slices for $3
Like the beef jerky be careful - make sure its solid. I have not had any issues with there still being a little pizza sauce or garlic butter on it.

4) Ice cubes
Available at most truck stops 
Free unless they are prats (im looking at you Love's  - if they hassle you shine your beautiful baby at them)
Not so practical in the truck, but I have seen that walmart carries covered ice trays (if you have a freezer). Of course there is always truck stop ice.

5) Wet rag
Dip a receiving blanket in some ice water (or warm water, or apple juice  - whatever the little one likes). Give as is or keep cool in a fridge or cooler.

6) Teething rings
Walmart and other stores
$2-$8
Straight forward

7) Silicon teething rings
$5-$8
Walmart and other stores 
These are a little softer and I have found work better.\

8)Distractions
Priceless
Nothing beats a good distraction - a walk, playing out in the grass watching the vehicles go by, a good cartoon movie, a story book or maybe just playtime on the bed. 9 times out of 10 this works, even though it is difficult to keep the energy going if you are one buggered parent.

9) Orajel/Bonjella
Available at most truck stops walmarts
$3 - $10 depending on state, taxes, greedy stores. 
I would recommend to use this only on the worst occasions. It is a little strong and not recommended for those under 1 year without doctors approval. However (and I say this not being a doctor so be aware), I have given our little one on a number of really really really bad days a tiny little bit the size of a ball point pens point on his gums, just so that he can sleep from being so tired.

My only recommendation is to do what works for you with what you have available and that there will be good days and bad days, but you will get through it.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Solids

I know it has been awhile, but our little one had not made any milestones in awhile. Of course the funny thing is that now a bunch have happened all at once so I have plenty to write about again.

A little info about baby food

Baby food comes in three different levels these days:

  1. Formula or breast milk
  2. Pureed veges, fruit and now even mac n cheese
  3. Toddler bites

Formula is recommended to be fed up until the end of the babies first year, however occasionally (although most people I have spoken to have experienced otherwise) the little one will be ready a little earlier for solids. According to www.babycenter.com/ these are the signs that your little one is ready:

  1. Head control. Your baby needs to be able to keep his head in a steady, upright position.
  2. Losing the "extrusion reflex." To keep solid food in his mouth and then swallow it, your baby needs to stop using his tongue to push food out of his mouth.
  3. Sitting well when supported. Even if he's not quite ready for a highchair, your baby needs to be able to sit upright to swallow well.
  4. Chewing motions. Your baby's mouth and tongue develop in sync with his digestive system. To start solids, he should be able to move food to the back of his mouth and swallow. As he learns to swallow efficiently, you may notice less drooling – though if your baby's teething, you might still see a lot of drool.
  5. Significant weight gain. Most babies are ready to eat solids when they've doubled their birth weight (or weigh about 15 pounds) and are at least 4 months old.
  6. Growing appetite. He seems hungry – even with eight to ten feedings of breast milk or formula a day.
  7. Curiosity about what you're eating. Your baby may begin eyeing your bowl of rice or reaching for a forkful of fettuccine as it travels from your plate to your mouth.
Our little guy had started or well and truly shown all of these except 3. He had also attempted to lunge at and steal food from my husband and I. I can assure you that babies might like grape soda, but their tummies don't.

On the truck?

Well, as with everything there are a couple of different options, all have their pros and cons.
1) Food Mill
    cost: $12.47 at walmart
     Very cost effective long term, great for on the road.

2) Plastic food Containers
    cost: $.75 - .95
     These are great. They are not as cost effective as the food mill, however they are cheaper compared to formula which runs $20 for 64 3 oz bottles. They have a lot of different flavors, and are easily stored.

3) Baby oatmeal
    The original greatest product that all grandma's swear by. It is a little over priced in my opinion for what it is, there are very few flavors and you also have to add in either formula or breast milk. It is there if you decide to go for it though.

What else will I need?

This depends entirely on which road you take.
With a food mill you will need to carry a couple of baby bowls, a spoon (clean after each use), and cleaning supplies for dishes if you do not have them already.
With the plastic food containers all you need is a spoon and something to wipe it down with. I store mine in a refrigerator between uses, but a cooler would also be adequate.
I believe - having never tried it, that baby oatmeal is a make as you go kind of thing so a couple of bowls and spoon and a bottle for mixing formula. You may also need access to a microwave.

A side note:

Remember, start slow with the adjustments and use the solids at your babies major feedings. During the minor feedings continue to feed him/her with formula.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Feeding the baby on the truck

I know this will be a fairly mundane subject for most of you, but I imagine it will be useful for someone. I know that I was almost completely clueless on this subject and ended up on going on a very long couple of weeks of extreme self discovery.

Most of you will also know that there are 3 different ways to feed a baby.

 1) Breast feeding only
The natural way and in our current society it is heavily advocated (if not overly so) as the proper way to feed a baby. It provides the best nutrition for the baby and a few added protections passed on from the mother. It is time consuming, but wonderful and helps the mother bond more quickly with the baby. However, sometimes, due to either genetics, health problems, allergies or a busy lifestyle; a mother may not be able to accomplish this task.

2)Breast Feeding, supplemented with Formula
This is what a lot of Mums I have talked to do. They will breast feed as much as possible so the baby gets the nutrients and added benefits. By supplementing with formula, it helps ensure that the baby gets a full stomach and may help him/her feed less often.

3) Formula
Sometimes you do what you have to for the life you have been given and don't condemn yourself for it. I have met so many people that have absolutely condemned and accused me of abusing my child for taking this route. They are wrong, out of line and don't know anything (particularly you mayor of new york).
Anyway, back to business. Modern formula, provides almost all the same nutrition that breast milk does, it has all the vitamins and nutrients. There are different brands, types, some are designed for gassy children and some with allergies. There should be at least one that you can get your child on that will work. Just a side note, be aware that when you switch brands or types your child may have a little constipation, but it is nothing to worry about.
So what about the added protections from the mother? Well, I spoke to my sons doc and shes says that the little bit of breast milk I was able to add into his formula during the first 2 weeks will have passed those on anyway (something to consider). Downsides? There is a double edged sword though. Your baby will feed less, however there can be occasional digestion problems early on which can be fixed by half a teaspoon of prune or apple juice and occasional bottle of water.

So whats the best route for truckers?

It is entirely up to you, but here are some things to consider.
Breastfeeding alone is incredibly time consuming and you may have trouble maintaining the necessary level of nutrition and rest needed to maintain it alone. That being said, your baby also needs to have the ability to latch on despite the vibrations and truck movement.
Supplemented Breastfeeding would be easier, but also difficult for the same reasons as breastfeeding alone.. I am sure it can be done though.
I would love to be able to give your more advice on breast feeding, but to be honest I was stuck using formula from the get go so I don't exactly know the full details.
Formula is incredibly practical, however you lose a lot of space in doing so. My husband and I have had to increase our water capacity in the truck from 2 gallons for drinking and cooking to four gallons. We have 4-5 large bottles and then two small ones that i use now for a little water for the baby. I always keep a can of formula readily accessible (on the floor :( ) and then at least one in reserve under the bunk just in case we get stuck somewhere (like california - where they hate truckers and you can't access a walmart for the life of you).

Making Formula in the truck

With formula you also need the ability to heat it.
Now, one of the latest popular opinions and for that I say that I have proven it wrong - is that you cannot microwave formula. You can, but carefully.  Place a bottle of formula - with the lid removed in the microwave and cook for 20 - 25 seconds. Test for heat, if it is too hot and you really don't have time to wait, add in a little water so it reaches the desired temperature. This will not harm your child and maybe help by giving them a little added water in their system. Then your ready to go.
If you are totally against microwaving there are electric bottle warmers that you can purchase. They require a regular electrical outlet (not much use unless you have one in your truck) and a lot of patience. You cannot run these while the truck is moving, because they require heated water and the last thing you want is boiling water over yourself and you especially over your baby.

 Storing Formula 

 I am incredibly lucky. I have a fridge in my truck so I can store formula and only I keep a bottle for each day of the week.
So what do you do if you don't have a fridge? 
Well, you can keep a cooler on your truck they come in different sizes and you can even get coolers that are designed for bottle of drink. They are readily available at most truck stops, reasonably priced and plug into the cigarette lighter spots.
Alternatively you could clean your bottles every time you make a bottle in which case they only keep for about 2-3 hours depending on the temperature. You can increase the length of these bottle by placing them next to the truck air conditioner vents in warm weather and outside in the side box in cold weather.


Bottle Cleaning

I absolutely recommend purchasing a bottle cleaner. They are so useful and when your done using it, shake it off and place it under the baby support frame in your bath tub so that it can drip dry without getting anything else wet. Also, keep plenty of paper towels in your truck to help with drying them (which you probably do already for other things). You'll want to make doubly sure you separate out the teats each time and give them an extra good dry  - I have noticed they like to pick up residue and it doesn't always come off with the bottle cleaner.

So as always, do what works for you and your baby and drive safely!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

A Brief update

I am currently on vacation and resting up from our last outing in the truck so I will try and keep this brief. I think it would be best to update you guys at these times on our current personal situation.  So whenever we are in town I think I will do this from now on.
On our last adventure out in the truck we discovered a number of things. This was the first time that we were out longer than two weeks and it was very hard on all of us physically and emotionally. I have come to the conclusion that it would be best to take a small two day break every two weeks, because that is what it took both of us to recover physically from the strain. Emotionally it has taken both of us about 4 - 5 days.
This time we also made the mistake of taking a number of full team loads. This resulted in myself being fatigued and my husband getting sick with a cold or something like that. Being workaholics I have the highest maybe overly optimistic hopes that we won't make that mistake again.
We have had to alter our shifts slightly, for a couple of  reasons. James has a company to run and has major issues with being woken up in the middle of the night to tale care of the baby. As a result we switched our shifts around. He now runs a full 600 miles and I only run 300 miles. I grab sleep between 8 and 9 pm and have between midnight and 9am to complete my shift. In my spare time I grab a nap when I can. I have a feeling that this might work a lot better in general for other trucking couples than my previous shift suggestions.
Our son is doing well. I have been keeping track of his development through the baby center website, and making sure that living on the truck isn't affecting his development. On this front I have good news for all you people with trucks and babies, he is currently on the spot for development at 3 months, he is gurgling (trying to say Mum and Hello and Uh oh), downing a good amount of formula and starting to play by himself (which to my enjoyment allows me to nap a little bit). He has opted for trying to walk instead of crawl, which I have been told is not uncommon - I did it myself apparently. So that is interesting. I will do a follow up post on that.
The cats have had quite an issue adjusting to the smaller space in the truck, but seem to have altered their territories to include the baby. There has been a slight issue with the two male cats when adjusting to the home environment, but this can be easily solved with an extra litter box.
All in all, we're rested and prepped to head out for another hard month. I leave you with this:

Nothing easy in life is worth having. You have to work hard for what is important.
Kirsty