Teething Inspiration: Inspired by Finn (Giveaway)

We've been teething at the Connected house, and like most moms I am not a fan of this stage.  Poor Sydney decided to get her teeth in sets of three and with sore gums, even nursing made her howl at times.  I'd heard of amber teething necklaces, but to be honest, I didn't really understand how they worked.  So after one particularly rough night I checked out Inspired by Finn for more information.

Inspired by Finn is the first name you'll hear if you mention amber teething necklaces to a natural parent, so I knew they would have all the info and I was right.  Amber teething necklaces are not, as you might assume, something for your child to chew on, but rather fossilized tree resins that contain natural oils that release when laid against warm skin.  These oils, including succinic acid - a natural component of plant and animal tissues, are a natural form of pain relief.

Inspired by Finn offers hand-knotted amber necklaces with screw or magnetic clasps.  Necklaces should be worn next to baby's skin for maximum benefit and should not be teethed on.  I was very concerned that Syd would constantly have hers in her mouth, but I've only had to take it out of her mouth twice in the last month.  I usually just tuck it under her shirt, and for some reason, she isn't interested in mouthing it.

So does it work?  I have to give this a big YES!  I'll admit I wasn't convinced when I ordered, but after a semi-scientific experiment, I'm a believer.  When we received the necklace Syd had cut 3 teeth already and was getting ready for the next set.  I put on the necklace and her discomfort seemed to go away.  After a few days I removed it and left it off for a few days, the fussy discomfort returned.  We put it back on and repeated the experiment.  The last time we put it on, we left it on and a few days later, there were three new teeth, her top two and one incisor, poking through one morning.  I was surprised because she hadn't seemed uncomfortable at all and those are some big teeth!

Inspired by Finn has offered to give away one item from their shop (any 16 inch or under in-stock Baltic Amber necklace) to one lucky reader.  Can't wait?  You can follow this link to get up to 20% off your order!  Giveaway will close at Dec. 29 at 11:59 pm CST. (U.S. Only)

Mandatory Entry:  Go to Inspired by Finn and tell us what your favorite product is.

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Disclaimer: Inspired by Finn provided a sample for my review.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

Blame It On The Sleep Deprivation

I feel kind of guilty that I don't have a great post to share today. Things have been exhausting around here. Holliday is teething, and we haven't had normal, or even close to normal sleep in 2 weeks. We have been up with him about 5-8 times per night after he retires at about 11. Lastnight was the best yet. With a midnight bedtime he slept until 8. I felt slightly refreshed this morning, but found myself selfishly wanting more.

Tolliver woke with a cold. A girl in his gymnastics class showed up sick on Tuesday, and voila! here we are with a sick, snuggly toddler.

Times have definitely been trying as of late. I have found myself in tears, frustrated, exhausted and amazed at all the dips and dives of parenthood. In all of this, my husband has been nothing short of amazing. He may not have the right words to calm me when I am in tears, but his actions are definitely making up for it. He has been up with Holliday almost as much as I have. Generally I try to be the one to wake with Hobby in the night, since Shane has to wake for work. Lately my exhaustion is showing, and without complaints, Shane is springing up to soothe our pained boy.

I really am lucky to have such a supportive and involved husband. I know there are so many mamas out there that aren't as lucky. Shane is so hands on, and takes on just as much weight as I do. He doesn't think twice about staying up until midnight with Holliday so that I can try to get an hour or two in before the nightly battle begins. He really does get it. We didn't create a family for me to raise, it's a joint effort. I am amazed by my mama friends who do it all. Most are so used to it that they don't even complain. I'd complain. I rely on the help and boosts of sanity from my husband; I couldn't imagine doing it all myself.

Sorry for the disappointing post, readers. My hope is that things return to normal and I can get back on track for next week.

Tammy, Connected Mom