What did I do to my mop this weekend? Nada. I’m still rocking the same twist-out I wore during labor, LOL! Sad, I know. It’s now in a very frizz, very tangled bun. I’ve got the itch to get out of the house, so I’m thinking of leaving baby with hubby and making a run to Walgreens to re-up my Herbal Essence stockpile and maybe pick up something new… probably a gel or curl cream of some sort, since styling my hair more than once a week is looking HIGHLY unlikely.
We’re flying solo for the first time with baby. My parents (the last fam we had left in town) left on Friday (I cried and cried) after a month long stay, and with them went the stolen away free time, home cooked meals and much needed advice on caring for an infant. I have to say that hubby and I did pretty good this weekend. I managed to get some much needed sleep, do the (over flowing) laundry and developed a few fool proof ways to get her to calm down when she’s acting a donkey for no discernible reason. I still feel like I’m playing house though… like I’m an impostor.
Thankfully, G Baby loves the Maya wrap and breastfeeding is still going great. I’m pumping and my fridge and freezer resembles a well stocked dairy farm. There’s milk everywhere. EVERYWHERE! And it really must be full of fat because baby girl is way over 8 pounds now!
Y’all warned me about time management… I can see that as always, I definitely underestimated the beast. Gia is all consuming! She’s laying in my arms as I type this short post, LOL… She’s such a diva and knows exactly what she wants and demands it. I love her more than I ever could’ve imagined! But I’m definitely going to have to do some schedule re-working to juggle all of my responsibilities. I am thankful that hubby is so good with her. She’s a daddy’s girl already!
As far as my health, hair and body post-partum, I’m doing better. I’m pretty sure I experienced a bout of the Baby Blues last week. I was on the verge of tears every second of the day. I never felt overwhelmed in my new role as a mother, I was just very sensitive, very emotional. I believe it is finally passing… hubby must be so excited 🙂 It was very real and very intense… even worse than my pregnancy mood swings. I had to draw on my clinical training to therapize myself! Damn hormones.
On the hair front, I’m shedding again, but nothing drastic. My hair is still thick, shiny and while a little dry from playing it to the left, it’s fairing okay. I gained 38 pounds during the pregnancy and so far I’ve lost 23! I think it’s due to the breastfeeding, and the fact that many of those pounds were from fluid. Thankfully, my ‘sam sausage toes’ or ‘thick feet’ are back to normal, but sadly, my thicker, sexier legs went with them. I was hoping I could hang on to the thickness in the right places, but alas, chicken legs it is. My boobs, however, are FABULOUS and I will definitely enjoy them while I’ve got ’em! You know what’s not sexy though… the milk that leaks from them uncontrollably. I guess we can’t have it all.
Health wise, I feel great. I stopped taking pain meds days ago and I think I’m well on my way to being back to myself. I have yet to lay eyes on my C-Section scar (it’s covered in tape)… I don’t know if I’m mentally ready, LOL, but the doc said she made it very small (6 inches) and it’s on my panty line. Somehow, it’s still numb! But yeah, no pain here. Very blessed!
So I think that’s about it… I owe you guys some hair pics! I plan to get up in the next 20 and make my Walgreens run, do my hair, do the mom thing, and take pics and post tomorrow. We’ll see if things go to plan 🙂
Later Gators,
Nik
What did you do to your hair this weekend?
What product should I buy from Walgreens?
**Edited to Add**:
Thanks to the following divas for the gifts for Baby G!
Gaye (Sweetdrk1)
Z. Williams
MissCurly
MelMelBee
Jasmine K (Summerbreeze76)in
DestiniWilliams
Sadly, Friday night I fell asleep on a friend’s cotton pillow case (I normally sleep on a satin/silk) and woke up w-severe bedhead. Saturday morning, I did a quick braid-down in 4 sections to help my hair recover for my long day ahead and tied down my hair w-a satin scarf for like 6 hours, I was working out and didn’t want to rock my fro. Home for some TLC, found out I can pre-braid & condition my hair before washing (too geeked), more conditioner than shampoo (hair washing ratio) and I let it air dry in braids with the front tied. My hair loves to be free on the weekends, so for church I just let it "do what it do baby" with a couple bobby pins on the side for some control.
Products I love on Super Hair Wash Day (not Co-Wash Days): Crème of Nature (Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo & the Detangling Shampoo), Infusium 23 (Leave-In & Regular Conditioner for Dry Hair), Taaliah Wajied (Curly Curl Cream) & of course Bobby Pins!!! Cheers to the wknd & Wknd hair!
Sidenote: Love the baby pics, I had/have a big head too! Congrats on the new little one!
omg It's nice to see that you had no hair as a child and then all this hair now, because that's what i hope occurs with me! lol.
your head was not massive you just had a lot on your mind lol
Glad that you and baby are doing well! Motherhood is the greatest gift. The numbness is normal, and it will last for a little while. Now that the pregnancy and pain are over, you will begin to realize that it was all worth it. Your hair looks great (as usual), and Babygirl is BEAUTIFUL. Best wishes!
It's funny you mentioned your c-section scar – I just looked at mine yesterday. I had my DS#2 two years ago. I'd never had any surgery before and I was a little freaked out too! I bought Vitamin A & Vitamin E gel caps to use on my scar. I punctured the gels and smoothed it over the scar every day. My scar is totally flat and just looks like someone drew on me with a black magic marker. It takes a while for the nerve endings to reconnect, so it will be numb for a while. Hope this helps!
As for my hair, the temps dropping here, so I did a roller set under my bonnet dryer to keep my ends stretched and I'll wear it in buns for the rest of the week.
I did a much needed Henna treatment this weekend. I'm rocking my Kinky Curly Custard twist out now. And by the way, while I am not a mom, I had surgery that required the exact same incision as a c-section in 1999. My scar is right at my panty line and really isn't visible unless you are looking for it. I did have the numbness in the area for months after though so get used to it; It's normal.
Your baby pic is adorable. Your delivery brings back so many memories. I was so excited to gain some boobs when I was pregnant. I was sad when they went back to normal size 🙁 but I did keep some hips. I was in the military when I had my daughter and lost the weight quickly too. I owe it to walking everyday and doing my step aerobics and kickboxing. As far the scar, you can't even see my scar. I don't even think mine is about 4 inches long. You can't see my scar but I'm a couple shades darker than you so it blends in.
This weekend I did a much needed conditioner wash with a tea tree conditioner mixed with my boiled hibiscus. I styled my hair with aloe vera gel, grapeseed oil and was ready to go. I received a lot of compliments and my hair was real simple.
Thanks so much for your "after delivery" updates. I'm truly enjoying what's it's like to be a new mom. Awww…your baby pics are 2 cute! As far as my hair goes, I wore a puff all weekend. lol I'm planning to style my hair in dry 2 strand twists this evening so we'll see how that goes. ~KF519
Did an Aphogee protein treatment as it's time to touch up the gray roots!
Ah, the infant stage. Enjoy every minute of it because it will be over in a flash. And I promise you that it gets easier. Just be sure to make time for yourself.
Nikki, you are hilarious. I rolled with laughter as I read YOUR comments about your baby picture. As for me, I'm in the process of doing a hot oil treatment, Henna, and into a head full of individual twists for the next three weeks as a protective style. I'll see how it goes.
Lots of love to you and baby G.
Allnatural1 (Michelle in TX)
Well it seems that you had a full day as well. I came home this evening and shampoo/condish my hair with some samples of Pantene Curly hiar series(just something to try out)I will not buy full sizes since I only use organic products anywayz, I twist my hair in samll/medium twist for a twist out tomorrow.
I'm glad everything is working out for you and hubby with the baby, remember to use pure shea butter on your tummy for the any scars it works wonders or you can use Bio-Oil from Walgreens. Good luck..be blessed
I washed and conditioned my hair..bought pure shea butter for the first time, applied it and then two strand flat twisted my hair…don't know what it will look like in morn for work but the beauty of my twa is that I can hop in shower if it looks a mess…lol (TexasNat43)
You are hilarious but I love, love, love your sense of humor! Take one day at a time and try to get some Nikki time in whenever you can.
Usual wash and go, w/two big twist going from front then around to the back. Used HH, Coconut oil, Ecostyler w/Olive Oil mixed w/Aloe Vera Gel. The leave-in I used was Cantu Shea Butter. Received a few compliments on that style and it was pretty darn easy.
I am so glad things are going well for you and your family. ITA, take one day at a time. Do not push yourself!!! You are still in the healing stage. Breastfeeding is wonderful!!! It provides your Gia with greater immunity against illnesses, increases bonding, as well as increasing your weight loss by revving up the metabolism and contracting the uterus. There are other benefits as well which I am sure you know. 🙂 I am glad you are producing so much.
I hennaed Friday and did not complete the process until Saturday (11a). Unfortunately my hair was still damp when I took it down (braid N curl). Upon returning home from church, I rebraided and applied shea butter to the ends. My hair takes so long to dry,
Any way, Nikki keep your head up. We are continually praying for you and your family. I know your husband is estatic!!! 🙂 Blessings!!!
I am over here rolling, lol!
I went to Walgreen's, too – my FAVORITE drugstore! Decided to to try Yes to Cucumbers for the first time, so this morning I co-washed w/it & did a wet braid out. The verdict will be in tomorrow.
Have a great week~ <3
candice – naturaldancer
I got yarn braids in . I washed and moisturized them and twisted little mama'a hair. I hope the situation isn't the same with you but my little one is two and I'm still numb at my incision(sp?) My OB said sometimes the nerves reconnect and you will regain feeling and other times it won't.
You might keep the boobs! I went from a 34B to a 36C after having my baby.I thought they would disappear after I finished breast feeding but 10 years later, I'm still in the 36C.
Rocked finger coils for Fri and Sat. It's in a puff today.
I actually felt the same way regarding the weight gain. I gained 40-50 pounds with both of my children. I was so excited about the little weight gain that I went out and bought new clothes thinking the weight would stay. LOL. Um, yeah a few months later I was literally back to my pre-pregnancy weight still thin as a rail. Glad to hear you are doing well with the baby. : )
This weekend, I threw on a wig and kept it moving LOL LOL. Even went house hunting with the wig. Tomorrow I plan to henna my hair.
CurlyNikki…take your time girl!!! We understand the new role of Mommy is no joke. Stay blessed! 🙂
i attending my first hair event. i went to the 9-1-1 what's your hair emergency event in greenville,sc. so for the event i attemtped a twisted fro hawk. i also won a couple of prizes.
oh my word! I heave never heard the "acting a donkey" phase LOL!!!
Washed and conditioned my hair with Paul MItchell, The Conditioner, on Friday night. I did a two strand twist out, but didn"t like the results.:( So last night I dry braided my hair and sprayed each braid with my mixture of olive oil, leave in, water, and aloe vera gel. The braids were dry this morning, very defined and super shiny.
I loved your pregnancy updates and I see I'm going to enjoy the "baby/new" mommy updates as much or move!
I finally did a trim this weekend (its been at least 6 months). My ends were terrible. Lesson learned not to wait that long again.
I used some distilled water and aloe vera gel on my hair and my hair loved it. It got rid of the frizz and made my hair look cool. I would probably buy some Giovanni from Walgreens if I were you. Maybe the tingling shampoo and conditioner and if they have it get the leave in.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the changes your body is going through! It helps me to really think about whether I'm ready to have a baby myself… Besides the baby, of course 🙂 As for what you should get at Walgreens: I think you should go with a good conditioner that will double as a leave in.
Don't forget to take a breather for your sake as well as Gia's.
I DC'ed on Saturday and set a braid out using flexi rods. Today (Sunday) I'm rocking my full braid out, which I moisturized with Oyin Handmade's Whipped Pudding and my oil mix of avocado, coconut, and EVOO. Tonight I will reset them.
At the last minute, I decided to henna this weekend, and I picked up some Karishma Herbal Henna at my local Indian grocer on Friday. Per the instructions, I mixed it with coffee and black tea for a more brown tint, primarily for my grays. Right now, I'm DCing with coconut oil, olive oil, and honey, with some SheaMoisture Deep Treatment Masque to hold it all together. After I wash this out, my plan is to do some medium twist with my new Afroveda products!
Your pics are adorable!! The overwhelming feeling will get better as you settle into a routine. I've been anxious to try the BioInfusion products at Walgreens…
Aww Nikki, your pics are adorable. that head was massive. I had a huge noggin back in my day. The rest of my body finally caught up to it. Hair is looking a mess, nothing a hat can't cover up. I'll DC and wash tonight… uhh maybe
Hey nikki! Congrats and welcome to motherhood! Your labor was FREAKISHLY similar to mine btw lol. I'm five months out and my c section incision still has some numbness. This week I washed with shea moisture balancing poo, applied KCKT as a leave in, plat to stretch and air dry, applied CD healthy bair butter, unplat, picked out and cornrowed the front to crown my 'fro.
Love they pics! Take it one day at a time…enjoy each and every moment! I am gonna do a deep conditioner while I watch the games!
Congrats again on the baby! I laughed all the way through your story remembering those days and thinking the same things. This weekend I did my first henna treatment and it turned out great, I was a lil scared. Anywhoo, I DC and styled in mini twists.
I did a 2 strand flat twist & celebrated my first year relaxer free! Remember that Walgreens will let you return a product if you're not happy with it, as long as you keep the receipt.
I'm about to do an ACV rinse and a deep condition with my favourite product+ some honey and olive oil added. At the moment, I'm typing a paper.
Hey Nikki,
I found this Bioinfusion Olive Oil Deep Conditioner supposedly "exclusive at Walgreens" and to my surprise I really like it! Give it a try!
My mom used to tell me and my two sisters, "A big head means a big brain." I carried that mantra through my childhood and teenage years whenever anyone attempted to make fun of me=). I even had a HS friend nickname me "forehead," "head," for short. Writing that, I realize that those days were filled with such innocence!!! Anyway, I just laughed and rested assured that my large chrome directly correlated with my intellect;).
As to the hair, haven't done a thing with it yet. Trying to figure out if I will or won't. I have an about 5 day old dry braid and curl-out in a pineapple right now. Guess I'll take it down at some point to see if it can make it another couple of days or if I should do a wash, deep condition and twist and curl.
Congratulations again on Gia Nikki. She's gorgeous! Hope your day went according to plan, if not, plan schman, live on the edge!!! LOL!!
Shelli
Hi Nikki! You are fortunate to have had your family there with you. Take one moment and one day at a time chica ;o), and you, hubby and Gia will be fine.
I clarified with Curls brand. Applied Jamila 2010 henna (prepared with green tea) and did an overnight treatment (Saturday). I rinsed it out this morning (Sunday) and applied indigo. I plan to wash it out after two hours. Plan is to wear an updo WnG with curls pushed to front of head.
To Rania: molasses makes a great deep-conditioner. It's a humectant, like honey. Very moisturizing.
This weekend I did an ACV rinse to cleanse and then deep conditioned with a mixture of rhassoul clay, olive oil, sunflower oil and coconut milk. I have to say, rhassoul clay is the business! After I rinsed it out it had my curls popping and my hair feeling light, fluffy, moisturised and tangle free (even though I hadn't detangled before cleansing/conditioning). It was amazing! I highly recommend it. Now my hair is in box braids, which I plan to keep in for the next two or three weeks.
You are one multi-tasking mama! I can't make any more excuses for my over-flowing laundry now. Lol! Glad to hear that your energy is up and your hormones are leveling out.
On the hair front, I plan to wash and deep condition today. Getting some color on Friday! 🙂
This weekend I pre-pooed with shea butter, washed and conditioned with Giovanni 50/50 Balancing line, slapped on some Direct Leave-in and a little bit of Herbal Essence Set Me Up gel for a nice fluffy wash-n-go.
Nikki, I feel you about loosing the "sexy" weight after childbirth! I'm naturally very thin, and I was so excited when I gained 40 (yes, 40) lbs during pregnancy. My butt and thighs and boobs were OFF THE CHAIN! LOL! I went from a tiny 32A/B to a sultry 34D. No joke! My son is 4 now and I still miss the big booby days. *sigh* Breastfeeding caused me to lose weight much faster than I wanted. And with my metabolism, I have no hope of gaining it back any time soon. Darn it!!
I also had and still do have a big forehead xD! My siblings always teased me because of it!
Congrats on your baby again and I wish you good luck in raising her and everything!
I did my regular regimen: pre-poo, wash, acv rinse, deep condition and then put in braid extensions which I'll probably keep in for the next 2 weeks!
Wow, I don't think I've ever heard of conditioning with molasses. Sounds intriguing!
Great baby pics, Nikki and good luck on the time management thing. I think a lot of new moms think it won't be as consuming as others say but it really is. I thought the same with my first child and was eating my words the first 6 months. hahah But you'll get the hang of it. The family help is VERY NICE, too! And you're lucky to have had that available. 🙂 My mom could only come for a week but she helped a lot in that one week. I wish she could have stayed longer especially with my first (my husband and I were looking at each other like – um…what do we do with this child when he's crying?? LOL)
my mom had two C-sections (me and my lil bro &&& the scar isn't bad at all!) i'm sure you'll realize that once you see it 🙂
I just washed and DCed with mollasses yesterday.
You sound like you are doing well and adjusting to mommyhood. Watch the baby blues, they can turn into PPD pretty quickly. Be open and honest with your OB! A light med will help immensely if you start feeling yourself slipping or getting overwhelmed with anxiety, etc. (I am a therapist, too…my current position specializes in PPD).
I finally took my braid extensions out, did a bentonite wash followed by an oil rinse+cowash and finally ACV rinse. It all went so smoothly until it got to the styling!I spent so much time figuring out what to do and fiddling with my hair that I all my detangling efforts went down the drain. I finally opted for a 'nun' up do with a twisted bun at the back. Sigh I've missed my hair. COngrats nikki on ur baby! Ur massive forehead is cute x