It’s so much easier to make your baby’s first year scrapbook a little at a time, rather than waiting for the year’s end. Shutterfly allows you to do just that and spares you the hassle of having to paste each individual picture to a page. What’s even better is that you can order copies for all those family members who will want their own instead of having to make a separate book for each of them.

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There’s no denying it mamas: While you love your baby more than life itself, there are times when the tedium of caring for her just gets to you. mamas who have gone before you may have warned you about it (or they may have kept this dirty little secret to themselves), but there’s nothing anyone can say to adequately prepare you for life with a baby. Especially if you’re an at-home-mama, you’re now measuring your days in diaper changes, feedings, and hours of sleep.

The adult stimulation you crave is becoming a rare commodity. Your husband comes home from work and wants to hear about the baby’s day. Family members call to hear about the baby. Friends (if you can manage to see them at all) start asking about you but the conversation quickly turns to the baby. One of the hardest things about becoming a mama is the sense that overnight, the world begins to see you as just a mama. No one seems to remember you as the complex, interesting person you once were – one who’s just added to her list of interests and identities.

At a time when you need to feel connected more than ever, this attitude from friends and family unfortunately only adds to your sense of isolation. This is the time to have an honest conversation with them about how you’re feeling. And if they cannot change, be good to yourself and limit your exposure to them for a little while. It’s also a great time to reach out to other new mamas, who will totally get where you’re coming from. There’s strength in numbers and you’ll find they can be a great resource and support system. Why not have a new mama friend over for a cup of Bag Ladies' Oh Baby Tea? Each tea bag has a witty and insightful message (like "Show me a mother who doesn't feel guilty and I'll show you a man" and "People who say they sleep like a baby usually don't have one") which will get the conversation rolling - not that you need that, of course!

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Now that your baby is still the well-behaved angel you always knew you’d have, it’s a good time to have some candid discussions with your husband about setting boundaries with your child. You may discover that the topic is moot because you’re two peas in a pod. Or you may find out that you’re on opposite ends of the spectrum. Here are some questions to get the conversation started:

	How does he feel about spanking?
	What does he think about picking up the baby everytime he cries?
	Is it a good idea to use ‘no’ frequently or should ‘no’ be reserved for truly dangerous or bad behavior?
	Is he in favor of ‘tough love’ and how does he define it?
	How would he handle the two of you disagreeing on the boundaries you want to set?
	Does he think it's important to show a united front?

Your baby is racing toward toddlerhood. Before you know it, you’ll be faced with having to start setting boundaries for him. It will go much more smoothly if each of you knows where the other’s coming from. Try to learn from these conversations, and for now, enjoy the calm before the storm.

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Keep a moist washcloth in the fridge and let your baby chew on it when she’s in pain from teething. The cold will numb her gums and reduce the swelling. For an extra special treat, get her a Kammi Teething Doll as an alternative to the washcloth.

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