Bethenny Frankel's Blog: My Lessons Learned

Here is the lastest installment in Bethenney Frankel's Blog on People.com


























Brian Doben

Thanks to Bethenny Frankel — best-selling author, creator of the Skinnygirl Margarita and star of both The Real Housewives of New York City and Bethenny Getting Married? — for sharing the highs and lows of motherhood with us this month.

In her final blog for PEOPLE Moms & Babies, the reality star – who is mom to 11-week-old daughter Bryn Casey with husband Jason Hoppy – tells us what she’s learned in her first few months as a parent.

Click below to read Bethenny’s last blog!



Hey PEOPLE people!

Thanks so much for taking the time to read about the daily moments in my life. Marriage and motherhood have been such incredible gifts that it has been so easy to share with you. Plus, I learn so much from your questions, comments and opinions and value every minute of it all.

Truthfully, Jason and I had absolutely no clue about what to do with our daughter Bryn when we brought her home. The baby nurse was a godsend because she really taught us everything we needed to know.

Every day there are new things to learn, but the “Dos and Don’ts” have changed since we were babies, i.e. putting a baby on their stomach and safety pins in diapers. Still, for all you new moms, here are a few lessons I did learn…

THE ESSENTIALS: At first Bryn’s nursery was bare, but little did I know that a baby could sleep in a shoebox if necessary. They do nothing but poop and sleep! So a bassinet was all we needed at first. (You don’t need a crib for several weeks.) Eventually, the nursery was all put together and is so beautiful (thanks to Bellini — they were so helpful!!).

The only essential thing a new parent needs is a place to change the baby’s diapers. We used a shelf to change her for a few weeks. Don’t stress on that.

BREASTFEEDING: Bryn now sleeps for 4-hour intervals (6 if we’re lucky), and I have been breastfeeding. That has been the greatest challenge and reward. It is something you don’t have to be extreme about and don’t need to be pressured about either. However, it’s very healthy and a gift that only you can give your baby. I would have regretted not doing it.

PETS: The idea of integrating our dog Cookie into Bryn’s life and vice versa was overwhelming and anxiety-producing even just to think about. I had a feeling Cookie would be good about it, and indeed she has been great. She has been so calm and gentle with Bryn. However, she has been hyper vigilant with everyone else though, which presents a new problem. It never ends does it?

All in all, I’ve never been happier. Jason and I love our little family and are grateful for that every day. It really made us the people we were meant to be yet didn’t know we could be.

Xo,

– Bethenny Frankel

Make sure you follow me on Twitter @Bethenny, check out my site Bethenny.com and tune into my new show on Bravo, Bethenny Getting Married? Thursdays at 10 p.m.


I swear she really has some good things to say. I think that when someone has a child their whole way of thinking changes.

Happy Planning,

Cleaning the stroller...

So I was getting the old stroller out to take Broady for a walk and I noticed that it looked horrible so I thought to myself, "I need to clean this thing" but then I started thinking how exactly do I do it because what can and cannot be be removed.

So here is a great article by Ellie and Melissa, The Baby Planners to help

How do I clean my stroller?

A: Any new parent can tell you how their brand new stroller went from bright, shiny newness to sticky, icky, and gross—in the blink of an eye. Now, cleaning a stroller is actually getting easier thanks to manufacturers, who are using easily removable parts and fabrics.

Our method of turning it upside down and shaking out those errant Cheerios may not be as effective as simply taking your stroller outside with a few clean rags and a bucket of soapy water. But first, remove all the fabric. On some strollers, this is everything from the seat itself to the basket underneath. Throw them in the wash, using cold water and the delicate cycle to avoid shrinkage, and use a mild detergent. Also, be sure to air dry for the same reason.

As for the frame and wheels, soap 'em up and hose 'em down—it's that simple. Follow this with a generous swipe of disinfectant wipes and you're good to stroll!

Wipes are also great to have handy for more immediate cleanings. While your stroller may never be as fresh as when first purchased, a thorough cleaning every now and then will remove the yuck factor and have you paying more attention to Baby than the blech.

One of our favorite splurge items for the stroller that addresses this very issue are stroller liners. These funky and fashionable liners not only pimp your ride, but also provide an easy way to clean the inside of your stroller. Simply remove and put in the wash with no hassle. Booyah Baby makes some groovy liners that are compatible with most major brands including Graco, Maclaren, and Peg Perego.
Ellie & Melissa, The Baby Planners


Happy Planning,

Celebrity Pregnancies

Both Christina Applegate and Ali Larter are expecting children.

Christina Applegate is best know for her long stint on Married with Children. I also remember her in Don't tell Mom the babysitters Dead. (definitely a great movie)






















Ali Larter is best know by her role in the hit movie Varsity Blues as well as her role with Beyonce in Obsessed.


Congrates Christina and Ali,

I just love Bethenny Frankel's new blog on People.com.

I fell in love with her and her personality on Real Housewives of New York and have really come to appreciate how she balances her career and family on Bethenny Getting Married.

I find such inspiration in her posts, especially being a working mom and wife.

Here is her newest post:

Bethenny Frankel's Blog