My beautiful Emma is blessed with some hair. While the color is obviously all Daddy, I do like to think she gets some of her luscious locks from me. Either way, I have major hair envy. Her hair has gotten so long that I am really enjoying styling it, and spend a lot of time on Pinterest looking at different do's for my girl. Here are some of the styles she's been rocking lately.
Do you do your child's hair? Where do you find styles to inspire you?
I breastfed Emma for nearly two years, and it was one of the hardest but best things I did as a mother. We had many struggles early on, and pushed through to have a really wonderful breastfeeding relationship and journey. Those struggles and the following joys of nursing actually inspired me to become a CLEC - certified lactation educator and counselor. This time around, I felt more prepared to breastfeed Audrey, but even so, there have been hurdles. We are pushing through though, and we will see how long breastfeeding works for both Audrey and myself. I compiled my breastfeeding must-haves for you today!
These are my favorite disposable nursing pads. Disposable pads are a necessity for me, as the washable ones do not absorb enough for me. In the far later months of nursing, I am able to use the washable ones, but for now - disposable it is, and this mama goes through these like crazy. Note: the last time I needed to buy these, Amazon did not seem to have any available for Prime shipping, so I bought these, but I have yet to try them.
Double Electric Breast Pump
This is a necessity for me because pumping is a part of my breastfeeding journey. Both when I return to work, but also before, as I like to establish a frozen stash of milk. Even without establishing a stash of milk, some kind of pump is almost required if you'd like to give your baby bottles (I suppose you could hand express for bottles but my hand hurts just thinking of that much hand expression). I am currently using a Spectra S2, which is available at a fantastic price via Amazon. If you are pregnant and would like to nurse, please check with your insurance company before purchasing a pump, because almost all plans cover them, so you can receive a breast pump free! For those that do not need to pump as much, or in addition to double electric pumps, these silicone hands-free pumps are raved about in the breastfeeding and lactation community. I'll be honest and say it hasn't been awesome for myself (I don't think they are the best for larger chested women), but it might be awesome for you!
Nipple Butter or Cream
I have had great luck with everything I have used for this - the idea is moist healing. Keeping your nipples lubricated will promote the best healing, and therefore the least pain for you as a nursing mama! I have tried this in past, and am currently using this. Lanolin is very popular, but I found it a bit too thick and sticky. Coconut oil is also very popular, but I have yet to try it myself.
Burp Cloths
I actually use Gerber cloth diaper prefolds and they are so absorbent. I own one legit marketed burp cloth and ironically it is my least favorite. Like, it's the last one used when it's been way too long since we've done laundry (so all the time). We are still using the same set of Gerber refolds that I purchased over three years ago when I was pregnant with Emma, and they have held up so amazingly. My mom and I actually sewed pretty fabric on a handful of them years ago for decoration, but to be honest I prefer the completely plain ones, as the decorated ones are not as absorbent.
Blankets
I love to use muslin swaddle blankets as nursing covers - I don't actually own a legit nursing cover. I also use swaddle or receiving blankets during the engorgement OMG THERE IS SO MUCH MILK phase to keep between baby and myself to protect my clothes and/or baby's clothes. As I discussed in my baby must-haves post, I also use swaddle and receiving blankets as incredibly ineffective burp cloths when I have none available (likely because they are all dirty, see above re: always being behind on laundry).
Water Bottle or Tumbler with a Straw
I have many tumblers and and water bottles that I use, but the ones I use most frequently were actually given to me in the hospital while giving birth. They are very very large, and I actually keep two filled on my nightstand at night, because when the clock hits 10pm, I turn into a camel. I think I drink more overnight than I do the majority of the day. Funny story about the hospital water cups - I was given one when I had Emma, and I used it nearly every night after coming home. Like, every night for three years. Shane was always jealous of it, because it's so big, has a straw and a handle, and it's just a really great water cup (how #marriage is this story of my husband being jealous of a water cup by the way). So, when we were in the hospital having Audrey, Shane made friends with one of our pre-op nursing telling her how much he hoped we could get an extra water cup this time around, and this was the nurse to befriend because what do you know - we left the hospital with a total of four hospital tumblers. If your hospital isn't as generous as ours (bummer for you), you can find a cute large tumbler on Amazon (what can't you find on Amazon?).
Nursing Bras
The BEST ever comfy nursing bras are from Cake Lingerie, and I wore them even between pregnancies/nursing. They are supportive enough, and so comfortable. I also have a few sleep bras from Target but hardly reach for them because they are not quite supportive enough for me. I am currently looking for a molded cup, supportive, likely underwire (though the use of underwire while lactating is not for everyone) nursing bra - do you have one you love?
Nursing Tanks
I have so many nursing tanks in so many brands. A handful of them were a very generous gift from a very generous friend (thank you, Melissa!). I basically live in nursing tanks for months after having a baby, and even down the line, they are wonderful for layering and nursing in public with the two-third method (if you are nursing and haven't heard of this, do yourself a favor and google it now). Target ones are good (I have many of these, one of these, and a couple of these - all of which I wear for different occasions/needs). I also love these slimming ones from Amazon for under tops or around the house - they are very supportive and come with removable pads for more structure if you're into that kinda thang.
I cannot live without this for the first few months of nursing. I actually made sure I had two for our new house, so I could have one in bedroom and one in living room. When baby gets older, this becomes less necessary, but for little tiny babies, a Boppy or other breastfeeding positional pillow is a must for me. You can get yourself super cute covers from Etsy, and Boppy makes some cute ones themselves. I actually have just the plain white waterproof one on one of my boppys because this mama is cheap AF (do I sound hip when I say "AF"?).
What's new? Audrey is smiling at us on purpose (a lot!), and really starting to stare at toys that hang on her activity gym.
Stats: Audrey is hanging out right on track on her growth curve. She weighs 11 lb, 2 1/2 ounces; and is 22 3/4 inches long. She weighs less than her big sister did at two months, which I think is funny since she was born two pounds heavier!
Hair: Audrey's hair is very dark brown, quite long (she has a bit of a mullet), and curly when it gets wet or damp. I swear I can see a hint of red under the brown, so I am not convinced she is a brunette for life just yet!
Eyes: They are a very pretty brown with kind of a green undertone.
Clothes: Audrey is in all 3-month clothes. She was only in newborn clothes for about six weeks. I am having a lot of nostalgia going through her clothes, as 99% of them were Emma's. I especially like dressing her in the same outfits Emma wore three years on the same occasions - like the birth Emma wore on my birthday, and the outfit she wore on St. Patrick's Day.
Sleep: We are enjoying a nice long stretch of sleep at the beginning of the night, but often times it takes a lot of work (thank you, Shane, for being the one to rock this little one to sleep almost every night!) to get her there. Once down, she will usually sleep for 4-5 hours, which is great. Most nights I am still going to sleep right when she does, or even before while Shane gets her down, which has me feeling pretty rested. After her first stretch, sleep for the rest of the night/morning is hit or miss, but pretty great most nights. Sadly, if she is anything like her older sister (she is very much like her so far), this sleep pattern won't last long - only time will tell! Daytime sleep depends on the days - sometimes she still sleeps practically all day, and sometimes she will fight sleep almost all day long.
Feeding: Audrey eats anywhere from every 2-4 hours throughout the day, and once or twice overnight. We had to use a nipple shield for a few weeks around the clock, and are still using it overnight. I have an overactive letdown and oversupply, which is the worst overnight and early morning, so the nipple shield is less for latching and more to manage the flow for her and not get her worked up in the middle of the night. Audrey is fussy when eating often, and has a hard time staying latched. I have to use both hands during most feedings which is very frustrating. I will continue to work with her on her latch, but I am much more confident this time (having been here before) that breastfeeding will improve with time almost as much as anything else.
Likes: Ceiling fans of all kinds, smiling at just about anyone, looking at
Big Sister Emma
Big Sister Emma
Dislikes: The hours from 8-11pm generally
Mama Update: I am feeling much more settled, and so much more confident in general as a second time mom. I still get very anxious when I have both girls alone for an extended period (Emma's childcare has remained the same for consistency and my sanity) - I really don't know how stay-at-home moms of multiple children do it! I am struggling to find the time in the day to feed the baby, do the laundry, get any grocery shopping/cooking done, clean the house, engage with Emma, and you know, breathe. I feel overwhelmed most days, which worries me for when I go back to work, as the hours in the day will compress even more.
Mommy Calls Audrey: Audrella, Little Sister, Cunkamunk, Goog-larones
Daddy Calls Audrey: Pop Lobster, Audrey Belle
Emma Calls Audrey: Auuuudrey, Baby Sister, Baby Girl
Dear Friend,
Well, you're officially more pregnant than I've ever been - a trophy I'm certain you weren't dying to win. But here you are - days away from meeting your little Peanut, and I couldn't be more excited for you.
No one can prepare you for what is to come. Everyone says that, and you're like "yeah yeah", but I'm serious. No one can possibly prepare for you for the next days, weeks, months, even years of your life and all the love, joy, stress, exhaustion, laughs, happiness, guilt, anger, pride and straight up madness about to smack you right in the face.
First, you'll give birth. Oh, birth can go so many ways. Maybe you have a plan and things will go perfect (you lucky bitch). The more likely scenario, however, is that something, even if it's something minor, will go a different way than planned. But the fact of the matter is, every birth is an accomplishment. Doesn't matter if you go med-free, if you deliver vaginally or via c-section, or the baby burst out of your damn ears (I mean, that would be insanely impressive) - every mother deserves to be told "You are amazing and you did such a good job".
Your baby, your new son, will make your heart burst wide open. He will make you love someone more than you ever thought possible, and it will forever change you. Just be prepared - it might not happen the very moment you see him. Sure, that moment will be amazing regardless, but the time to come - that's the real beginning of you and your baby's love story. You'll grow and learn with another and when you think your whole heart is consumed with love for your child, your heart will somehow expand to love him even more. And this will happen over, and over, and over again.
Things at home with baby will be harder than you imagined. I guarantee it. I tend to imagine the worst possible scenario, and things were harder than even I imagined. But it will be worth it, it will get easier, amnesia will hit you at some point, and you might even consider hopping on the crazy train again and growing your family by another little one.
Feeding a baby is hard. It's hard if you have to buy and prepare formula, try different brands that work for your baby, wash bottles, and always ensure you have enough formula on you when you leave the house. It's hard if you have to learn - along with a brand new baby - how to latch a newborn, care for sore and cracked nipples, pump and store breastmilk, and feel forever attached to a baby's mouth. It's hard either way, and neither is the wrong choice. Know that I am here, and I will support you no matter what you choose.
You might struggle with your relationship with your husband. Hell, you might struggle with your relationship with everyone, but that one, that sacred relationship, goes through a damn battlefield during these newborn stages. Sleep deprivation does a number on your sanity, and your patience, and quite frankly - your marriage. Remember that you married this man for a reason, and that after the storm has passed, he is the one you want to be looking at the rainbow with. Soak in the little moments you can enjoy just the two of you, even if it's late at night, whispering while you listen to white noise with your baby asleep three feet away. Find the time for date nights, and leave your baby overnight before 21 months (trust me on that one).
Becoming a mother changes you, and after the hormonal rush that is the postpartum weeks, you'll begin to feel like yourself, but different. Be prepared because when you least expect it, you might miss the old you. You might miss the you that you were before this little person. Even now, three years into my motherhood journey, every so often I get a wave of nostalgia of the life I once had. It doesn't mean I don't love my girls with everything I have, but there is a me that's gone - the Me Before Them. The new you will have more love, more laughs, and undoubtably more laundry.
I hope our children grow up together. I hope they are like cousins more than friends, celebrating holidays and birthdays as the years go by. I will love your children like I love you - a lot. I am here if you want advice, even if you don't take it. I am here if you want to vent, and I promise to not bring up the really dark things ever again unless you do. I am here if you need to say out loud "I just really hate life right now", and I am here if you need someone to show the 47th picture you took of your child that day.
Love Always,
Your Best Friend
Last week I shared an older 101 in 1001 list, and today I am sharing a brand new one, with the 1001 days starting NOW! There are some things that appear here that were also on my previous list because I may not have completed them the first time, I'd like to do them again, or they are things I'd like to do continually (like purposefully dating my husband).
The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past – frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
The Start Date: 3/20/17
The End Date: 12/15/19
Goals in progress are in italics.Goals completed are bolded.
Love
1. Go on 15 dinner dates with Shane (0/15)
2. Take Shane on surprise date with no warning
3. Do the 40 day Love Dare (0/40)
4. Make Shane romantic candle-lit dinner
5. Surprise Shane with a weekend away, completely planned without his knowledge
6. Go to the movies 3 times, husband’s choice (0/3)
7. Surprise Shane at work
8. Send something to Shane at work for no reason
Kids
9. Have professional photos taken twice (0/2)
10. Take girls on a picnic in a park
11. Go on a family trip just us four, overnight
12. Roast marshmallows in our backyard
13. Have another baby
14. Take Emma to Disneyland
15. Take girls to San Diego Zoo
16. Teach Emma to ride a bike (or watch Shane do so)
17. Host a party for Emma's friends for an occasion other than her birthday
18. Take Emma on 3 Mommy and Me dates (0/3)
19. Enroll Audrey in some kind of class - dance, gymnastics, etc
20. Take monthly photos for Audrey, and compile in book like Emma's
Family
21. Take sisters on overnight trip
22. Send parents on an trip
23. Have professional family photos done with both Shane and my side of the family
24. Host a dinner party for the M Family Ladies
House
25. Install crown moulding
26. Repaint downstairs bathroom
27. Add tile backsplash in kitchen
28. Complete Audrey's nursery
29. Decorate downstairs bathroom
30. Decorate upstairs bathroom
31. Remove wallpaper in master bath and repaint
Friends
32. Treat 3 friends to lunch or dinner for no reason (0/3)
33. Go on 3 double dates (0/3)
34. Go on a girls only overnight trip
35. Start a Supper Club
36. Throw a themed party
37. Go on a trip with another couple or family
38. Host a fancy dinner party
39. Bring home cooked meals to 3 friends (0/3)
40. Reconnect with an old friend
41. Make a new friend
42. Host a party in someone's honor (birthday, engagement, graduation, etc)
43. Arrange 5 playdates for 2017 Babies group (0/5)
Blogging
44. Publish 300 blog posts
45. Guest blog for someone I do not know personally
46. Have a blog post or article I've written published somewhere outside my blog
47. Have blog professional designed
48. Blog about every room in our house
49. Collaborate with a brand
50. Reach 1v000 likes on This Season of Life Facebook page
Cooking
51. Attend a cooking class
52. Pack Shane lunch for work every work day, two weeks in a row (0/10)
53. Make and bring Christmas cookies for 5 families/people 12/2011
54. Cook breakfast 5 Saturday mornings (0/5)
55. Make sushi at home
56. Try 5 new restaurants (0/5)
57. Grow a vegetable at home
58. Make homemade pizza
Finances
59. Stay under budget in personal spending category for 2 months straight (0/2)
60. Stay under budget in eating out category for 2 months straight (0/2)
61. Be “over budget” in Savings category 3 months in a row (0/3)
62. Pay off my car
Health
63. Goal weight: 135 lbs
64. Start and complete C25K again
65. Run a 5K without stopping
66. Don’t go through a drive-thru for 3 weeks (0/3)
67. Work out at least three times a week, 2 weeks in a row (0/2)
68. Don't drink any soda for a month
69. Take a Zumba class
Organization
70. Write advance directives, and get Shane to do so to
71. Create memory boxes for both girls
Kindness
72. Send flowers 3 times (0/3)
73. Mail someone a surprise package
74. "Pay it forward" by paying for person behind me in Starbucks drive-thru
75. Donate blood
76. Make and gift 5 gifts (0/5)
77. Pay for someone's meal who is eating out alone
Nursing/Work
78. Graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
79. Join professional organization for nurses
80. Work inpatient at a hospital
81. Receive a raise at work
82. Teach 3 breastfeeding classes (0/3)
83. Become certified to teach CPR
84. Attend a work-related conference
85. Decorate my personal office/desk
86. Chair a committee at work
87. Obtain RN license
Personal
88. Have boudoir photos taken
89. Take photos (engagements, family, maternity, etc) for 3 recipients (0/3)
90. Watch 5 documentaries (0/5)
91. Write thorough reviews of 7 businesses (0/7)
92. Own a designer brand purse
93. Own designer brand jeans
94. Get 2 facials (0/2)
95. Go to a music festival
96. Re-do 2 pieces of furniture (0/2)
97. See a drive-in movie
98. Visit Bubby’s grave
99. Go wine tasting
100. Get 5 massages (0/5)
101. Read 10 books (0/10)
Back in March of 2011, I compiled a list of 101 things I wanted to attempt to do in 1001 days. Before the end of the 1001 days, I stopped blogging, and sadly stopped checking my progress on my list. Below is the original post from Stress Case, updated with all the things that have been complete since then (some likely after the 1001 days were over, of course). Check back next week when I share a new 101 in 1001 list!
The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past – frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
The Start Date: 3/30/11
The End Date: 12/26/13
Goals completed are bolded.
Love
1. Go on 15 dinner dates with husband (15/15)
2. Take husband on surprise date with no warning
3. Do the 40 day Love Dare (0/40)
4. Have a photo shoot done with the 2 of us 11/6/11
5. Make husband romantic candle-lit dinner
6. Go to the movies 3 times, husband’s choice (0/3)
7. Take HH to Washington DC 3/1/138. Take HH to New York City 2/25/139. Surprise Handsome Husband at work 6 times (3/6) 8/16/11, 9/29/11, 5/17/1210. Send something to HH’s office for no reason
Family
11. Take sisters on overnight trip
12. Send parents on an trip
13. Have professional family photos done with both sides of family (1/2) HH's family 11/24/1214. Mail a letter to 5 extended family members for no reason (0/5)
15. Surprise MIL with visits 3 times (0/3)
16. Visit Godmother in her home
17. Visit HH’s Dad’s family in Oregon 9/11
Friends
18. Plan a surprise party 6/24/12 Sisters' Graduation Party19. Treat a friend to lunch or dinner for no reason - 3/31/11, lunch with Nurse Sarcasm20. Go on 5 double dates (5/5) - 4/16/11, 4/17/11, 8/14/11, 12/17/11, 1/28/1221. Go on a girl’s only trip to somewhere overnight 1/12 Arizona22. Go on a trip with another couple 12/11 Las Vegas 23. Throw a themed party 3/16/1324. Host a murder mystery party
25. Host 3 dinner parties (0/3)
26. Bring someone a home-cooked meal to their home
27. Send flowers 5 times (5/5)
28. Bake and bring someone dessert for no reason
29. Set someone up on a date
Blogging
30. Publish at least 1 post daily for 30 days straight (30/30) - 4/29/1131. Publish at least 200 blog posts (200/200) 9/1132. Make money in some way from blogging 5/2012 Google Adsense33. Gain 50 followers - 4/15/11 54 followers
34. Write about something that makes me anxious to write about
35. Have my blog written about on someone else’s blog - 4/5/11 Hunnel Happenings
Cooking
36. Attend a cooking class
37. Add 10 recipes to Family Favorites (0/10)
38. Try 30 new recipes (30/30)
39. Make dinner at least 3 times a week, two weeks in a row (2/6) Weeks of 1/14 and 1/21
40. Pack Handsome Husband lunch for work/school every work day, two weeks in a row (0/10)
41. Make and bring Christmas cookies for 5 families/people 12/201142. Cook breakfast 5 Saturday mornings (0/5)
43. Make sushi at home
44. Bake bread
45. Try 5 new restaurants (5/5) - 4/17/11 Beachwood, 11/12/11 Genghis Kahn Mongolian BBQ, 12/17/11 Carnevino, 12/28/11 Savannah's Chop House, 1/2/12 Xi'an 9021046. Eat vegetarian for 1 week
47. Make a Family Favorites Recipe Book for 2 families
48. Make ice cream from scratch
Finances
51. Get free credit report and take care of any issues 11/14/11
We no longer budget in this manner - these would be impossible to complete!
Wedding
53. Order wedding album
54. Complete wedding scrapbooks for parents and MIL
55. Make scrapbook for wedding cards, bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal
56. Sell or store wedding supplies 9/1257. Get wedding dress cleaned and stored - 4/30/11 courtesy of Gardening Mom58. Write reviews of all wedding vendors (DOC, photographer, venue, videographer, florist)
Culture
59. See a live musical
60. Attend a concert of a famous person I’ve never yet seen perform
61. Visit 2 museums (2/2)
62. Try 5 foods I have never tried
63. Visit a state I’ve never been to
Health
64. Get to ultimate goal weight (for me to know - readers to wonder!)
65. Run 1 mile without walking - April/May 201166. Eat a fruit and a vegetable every day for 1 week
67. Don’t go through a drive-thru for 3 weeks
68. Work out at least three times a week, 2 weeks in a row - Weeks of 4/11/11 & 4/18/11 C25K
69. Go 1 month without drinking any alcohol
Organization
70. Legally change my name - June 2011
71. Change name on all documents – credit/bank cards, driver’s license, SS card - 7/6/11
72. Write advance directives, and get husband to do so to
73. Buy and use jewelry organizer that works for me
74. Get engagement and wedding rings insured
75. Make Family binder for organization of all important info
Kindness
76. Volunteer 3 times (3/3)
77. Send 10 cards/letters for no reason (0/10)
78. Serve food at soup kitchen/homeless shelter
79. Gift someone an experience (vacation, day outing, etc) Massage for MIL 12/25/11
80. Put change in someone’s expired meter
School
82. Obtain RN licensure
Nursing
83. Renew CPR certification 11/5/11
84. Take at least 3 CE classes/units (3/3)
85. Join professional organization for nurses
86. Obtain personal malpractice insurance
Personal
87. Read 20 books (6/20) - A Stolen Life, The Immortal Life of Henreitta Lacks, Is Everyone Hanging out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), One Pink Line, Defending Casey Anthony, Drinking&Tweeting
88. Donate my hair 5/2012
89. Re-do 2 pieces of furniture (0/2)
90. Wear my hair down for 7 consecutive days
91. Go fruit picking
92. Inspire someone to start and publish (somewhere) a 101 in 1001 list - Tutor Girl @ Hunnel Happenings
93. Alter tattoo on my back to reflect the date husband and I started dating
94. Go skinny dipping in a public place
95. Don’t log-in to Facebook for an entire weekend (Friday 6pm-Monday 8am)
96. See a movie in 3D
97. Watch an entire TV series on DVD that I’ve never seen - How I Met Your Mother
98. See a drive-in movie
99. Visit Bubby’s grave
100. Visit Grandpa’s grave 2/28/13
101. Go wine tasting 1/2013
When Emma met Audrey, she was excited to see Mommy and couldn't quite understand why she had to be careful near Mommy's tummy.
When Emma met Audrey, she instantly knew it was the same "Baby Audrey" we had been referring to for months, the one who would kick her hand sometimes when she touched Mommy's belly.
When Emma met Audrey, she was enamored with her from first look. She wanted to kiss her, to hug her, to hold her - and she hasn't stopped.
When Emma met Audrey, she instantly knew it was the same "Baby Audrey" we had been referring to for months, the one who would kick her hand sometimes when she touched Mommy's belly.
When Emma met Audrey, she was interested in seeing her hair, and (like everyone else) was surprised by how much she had!
When Emma met Audrey, she was enamored with her from first look. She wanted to kiss her, to hug her, to hold her - and she hasn't stopped.
When Emma met Audrey, she all of the sudden went from baby to big girl to me - she seemed to grow up so much from the minute she walked into our room at the hospital.
When Emma met Audrey, my heart expanded again in a way I never knew possible. I love watching Emma love on her baby sister, and can't wait to watch their relationship grow together.
Since this isn't my first newborn rodeo, I did have somewhat of an idea of what to expect with the first few sleepless weeks of newborn life. Here are my "must-haves" for the first six weeks of baby life (Note on "must-haves" - let's be real, a baby needs something appropriate to eat and somewhere safe to sleep, the rest are luxuries that we are lucky to have. Moving on.):
This is where Audrey sleeps at night, every night. I try very hard to abide by the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for sleep which include the ABCs for baby: alone, on their back, in a crib (or other appropriate firm surface). We have the same pack and play (or PNP, as we refer to them in mom groups and message boards on the interwebs) that we had with Emma, and it is in great condition. It is a good investment for travel as well - our PNP has spent many a mile in our trunk for a weekend getaway. We used the newborn lounger portion of our deluxe PNP very briefly with Emma, but have not used it or the "changing station" portion ever with Audrey. A standard pack and play with the hanging bassinet portion would be more than sufficient to meet basic needs.
Just like her big sister Emma, Audrey is not a huge pacifier fan, though she does take to it a bit more than Emma did. There are often times the pacifier does help to soothe Audrey, and these are our favorites. I like to keep them scattered around the house so I don't lose my shit while I searching frantically for one (I save the losing my shit for other annoyances).
Audrey spends much of her time in a footed sleeper (ironically, she does not sleep in one at night). They are a great way to make sure baby stays warm, since their feet are covered, and so easy to put on and for quick diaper changes. I just packed up a box of newborn size clothes, 80% of Audrey never even wore, because she spends far more time in sleepers than her older sister ever did. #secondchildproblems
Audrey likes to spends her days snuggled up close to a boob, but when the boob needs to wash dishes or do a load of laundry (or the person attached to it), she has a variety of places to lounge. The bouncer is one of her favorites. The vibration really helps to soothe her, and I'd love to meet the jackass who thought it should go off automatically after 20 minutes, because no it shouldn't.
This is a new item for us with this baby, and it was a hand-me-down from a dear friend from work - thank you, Melissa! This is lovingly used many times a day, and it was from this very lounger pillow where Audrey first found (love at first sight) the ceiling fan. Audrey gets a lot of attention from her big sister when lounging in this pillow, and Emma has even taken to sitting in it when Audrey isn't using it. It is a favorite in our house.
Like the PNP, if you're hip in the online mom circuits, you know we call these "RNP"s, and they are a cult favorite among young moms. Many moms use the RNP for overnight sleep, and the newer ones automatically rock. Ours vibrates, but we are stuck in the stone-ages of having to rock it ourselves - sigh. Audrey takes at least one nap a day in here. It is great because it is so light so it's easy to move all around the house, and the genius who invented the automatic vibration turn-off on the bouncer was clearly fired before the RNP was debuted, because the vibration is ongoing.
Audrey currently sleeps in a long-sleeve onesie, swaddled in a muslin swaddle blankets. The aden + anais ones really are the best, as much as I hate to say that because they ain't cheap. We were lucky to get many as gifts when I was pregnant with Emma, and just received another pack as a sweet gift after Audrey was born. There are now quite a few different variants of the a+a swaddles, and my favorite for actual swaddling is the classic muslin. There is an incredibly soft silky version, which are awesome for snuggling blankets, but after one cursing-filled incident at 3am, I've realized they are not my favorite for actual swaddling. If you're interested in learning how to swaddle, please let me know, as my husband truly believes he is God's gift to the swaddle (he's not totally off base, my swaddling skills need some work). I also use muslin blankets as nursing covers, and incredibly ineffective burping cloths in a pinch.
I did not include any feeding-related items in this post, as we all know there are different ways to feed a baby (#fedisbest). I will follow up with a Breastfeeding Must-Haves post soon!
This is where Audrey sleeps at night, every night. I try very hard to abide by the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for sleep which include the ABCs for baby: alone, on their back, in a crib (or other appropriate firm surface). We have the same pack and play (or PNP, as we refer to them in mom groups and message boards on the interwebs) that we had with Emma, and it is in great condition. It is a good investment for travel as well - our PNP has spent many a mile in our trunk for a weekend getaway. We used the newborn lounger portion of our deluxe PNP very briefly with Emma, but have not used it or the "changing station" portion ever with Audrey. A standard pack and play with the hanging bassinet portion would be more than sufficient to meet basic needs.
Just like her big sister Emma, Audrey is not a huge pacifier fan, though she does take to it a bit more than Emma did. There are often times the pacifier does help to soothe Audrey, and these are our favorites. I like to keep them scattered around the house so I don't lose my shit while I searching frantically for one (I save the losing my shit for other annoyances).
Audrey spends much of her time in a footed sleeper (ironically, she does not sleep in one at night). They are a great way to make sure baby stays warm, since their feet are covered, and so easy to put on and for quick diaper changes. I just packed up a box of newborn size clothes, 80% of Audrey never even wore, because she spends far more time in sleepers than her older sister ever did. #secondchildproblems
Audrey likes to spends her days snuggled up close to a boob, but when the boob needs to wash dishes or do a load of laundry (or the person attached to it), she has a variety of places to lounge. The bouncer is one of her favorites. The vibration really helps to soothe her, and I'd love to meet the jackass who thought it should go off automatically after 20 minutes, because no it shouldn't.
This is a new item for us with this baby, and it was a hand-me-down from a dear friend from work - thank you, Melissa! This is lovingly used many times a day, and it was from this very lounger pillow where Audrey first found (love at first sight) the ceiling fan. Audrey gets a lot of attention from her big sister when lounging in this pillow, and Emma has even taken to sitting in it when Audrey isn't using it. It is a favorite in our house.
Like the PNP, if you're hip in the online mom circuits, you know we call these "RNP"s, and they are a cult favorite among young moms. Many moms use the RNP for overnight sleep, and the newer ones automatically rock. Ours vibrates, but we are stuck in the stone-ages of having to rock it ourselves - sigh. Audrey takes at least one nap a day in here. It is great because it is so light so it's easy to move all around the house, and the genius who invented the automatic vibration turn-off on the bouncer was clearly fired before the RNP was debuted, because the vibration is ongoing.
Audrey currently sleeps in a long-sleeve onesie, swaddled in a muslin swaddle blankets. The aden + anais ones really are the best, as much as I hate to say that because they ain't cheap. We were lucky to get many as gifts when I was pregnant with Emma, and just received another pack as a sweet gift after Audrey was born. There are now quite a few different variants of the a+a swaddles, and my favorite for actual swaddling is the classic muslin. There is an incredibly soft silky version, which are awesome for snuggling blankets, but after one cursing-filled incident at 3am, I've realized they are not my favorite for actual swaddling. If you're interested in learning how to swaddle, please let me know, as my husband truly believes he is God's gift to the swaddle (he's not totally off base, my swaddling skills need some work). I also use muslin blankets as nursing covers, and incredibly ineffective burping cloths in a pinch.
I did not include any feeding-related items in this post, as we all know there are different ways to feed a baby (#fedisbest). I will follow up with a Breastfeeding Must-Haves post soon!
What are your Must-Haves for a little one?
This post includes affiliate links. All opinions are mine alone.
Audrey joined our family on January 19, 2017 - exactly one month after her older sister turned three. She was born via scheduled repeat c-section, and her birth was relatively uneventful, except that it was, of course, life changing.
My c-section was scheduled for 12pm, and we were instructed to check in at 10am. Around 9am, we brought Emma to my parents' house, where she would be staying for a few days. I gave Emma her last kiss as my only child, she couldn't have cared less because everything is awesome at Grandpa's House, and we were off the the hospital.
A scheduled c-section is a lot of hurry up and wait. There is no emergency (Emma's birth was an emergency c-section), so there is really no rush. Shane and I spent a lot of time in our pre-op room chatting, and I spent a lot of time chattering my teeth nervous for the spinal that was waiting for me in the operating room.
I had been dilated for over three weeks, and had been very anxious about going into labor unexpectedly before my scheduled surgery, so you'll imagine my surprise when the nurses told me I was in labor as they were monitoring me prior to the cesarean. I was glad to know Audrey seemed to agree with us on the date we picked for her to come.
It is so funny to me how the OBs chit chat about sports while they are performing surgery on you - not like funny ha-ha, but more like funny in like a stop talking about baseball and focus on cutting my uterus properly kinda way. Anywho, they don't like baseball, but they are soccer fans, for anyone wondering.
Audrey was born, and the best way I've ever heard a birth described happened again - a new person was in the room without the door even opening. She hardly cried, and actually made an alarming breathing squeaking noise. She was fine, but needed a little bit of extra care before I could meet her. Luckily things didn't take long, and I got my first hug from my second-born quickly.
Our first feed was a dud of epic proportions, and I wondered if nursing would somehow be harder this time around (considering I almost lost a nipple nursing my older daughter, this would quite the feat). Luckily, by our next feed, we were more comfortable and more successful. Not to say that nursing has been easy with Audrey, because it has definitely had it's challenges. I want to meet the women who think that nursing is so super easy and didn't have challenges - the breastfeeding unicorns, if you will.
We spent quite some time in recovery, and then got to move to our postpartum room. We got our baby cuddles on, both of us blissed out (Shane on baby vibes and me on pain meds), and waited anxiously for Emma to arrive with my parents to meet her baby sister.
My c-section was scheduled for 12pm, and we were instructed to check in at 10am. Around 9am, we brought Emma to my parents' house, where she would be staying for a few days. I gave Emma her last kiss as my only child, she couldn't have cared less because everything is awesome at Grandpa's House, and we were off the the hospital.
A scheduled c-section is a lot of hurry up and wait. There is no emergency (Emma's birth was an emergency c-section), so there is really no rush. Shane and I spent a lot of time in our pre-op room chatting, and I spent a lot of time chattering my teeth nervous for the spinal that was waiting for me in the operating room.
I had been dilated for over three weeks, and had been very anxious about going into labor unexpectedly before my scheduled surgery, so you'll imagine my surprise when the nurses told me I was in labor as they were monitoring me prior to the cesarean. I was glad to know Audrey seemed to agree with us on the date we picked for her to come.
When it was time, the nurse walked me to the operating room (Side Note: Why do you have to walk yourself to your own c-section? Shane didn't walk himself into his appendectomy. Is this a woman thing? Just saying. #InternationalWomensDay2017), and made Shane stay in the designated "Daddy Chair". The spinal was just about as bad as I had imagined it to be, not horribly painful but scary as shit, and I experienced a pretty big deal of nausea immediately afterwards and throughout the surgery. Luckily I had an awesome anesthesiologist, who also happened to be really pretty and pregnant herself (useless details). After I was sufficiently paralyzed, Shane was allowed in the room, and the surgery got underway relatively quickly.
Audrey was born, and the best way I've ever heard a birth described happened again - a new person was in the room without the door even opening. She hardly cried, and actually made an alarming breathing squeaking noise. She was fine, but needed a little bit of extra care before I could meet her. Luckily things didn't take long, and I got my first hug from my second-born quickly.
Things had changed from my c-section in 2013, and I was given Audrey to hold (a nurse also held her with me) for a lot of the remainder of the surgery. I know this is supposed to help with bonding, but if I'm being honest, it was really hard for me to see her from this angle, and since I had the whole "my organs are outside my body" feeling going on - it wasn't a great bonding moment for me. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.
Audrey was taken to get checked up a bit more, I was put back together, and off the recovery we went. Shane was missing the skin-to-skin he hadn't yet gotten to have this time around, so he got some time as I prepared for our first feed.
We spent quite some time in recovery, and then got to move to our postpartum room. We got our baby cuddles on, both of us blissed out (Shane on baby vibes and me on pain meds), and waited anxiously for Emma to arrive with my parents to meet her baby sister.
Well, I'm doing it. I'm starting a new blog. I've been wanting to return to blogging for years, but coming up with a name kept stumping me so I kept putting off. Sure, there were other reasons starting a blog was delayed, being that I hardly find time to shower most days, but the name really really kept me at a standstill.
So, how did I finally decide on This Season of Life? I have said it so many times over the past six weeks, it finally clicked while folding laundry (something I've been doing a lot lately). Here's what's going on in this season of my life:
My husband, Shane, and I recently celebrated six years of marriage. Which is like a long time when you're twenty-eight years old, and your friends are really just starting to get married. So here we are, marriage experts (sarcasm will be spoken here frequently, for the record), navigating something we are still relative newbies at: parenthood.
Our older daughter, Emma, is three years old, sassy as hell, seriously beautiful, and seems to frequently experience exorcisms (we usually call them tantrums). She is smart and thoughtful, and becoming the best big sister I could have imagined (as long as she is not left alone with her sister and necklaces - don't ask). Emma is a joy in our lives, even if she is, sometimes, a thorn in our sides. I had never known what it felt like to love someone so much it actually hurt my heart until Emma was born. I may have been known to say that I legitimately believe the sun shines out of Emma's behind.
And the newest member of our family, Audrey, was born this January. She is six weeks old, and, well, a newborn. She likes to nurse, fuss, and always seems to be looking for her big sister. She has an ongoing love affair with the ceiling fan (she actually doesn't seem to like one over the other, but don't tell the living room fan that), and just started really smiling. As I write this, I'm currently listening to Shane doing some hardcore smiling training with her in the kitchen - "Ready?! Try again! You're doing it! She's smiling! Case, she's smiling!".
I came to name this blog This Season of Life because I've said that exact phrase so many times the past six weeks. This Season of Life, this one filled with carrying babies, birthing babies, and raising babies, all while trying to nurture your marriage, oh yeah and your career, is hard. There is so much love but so much work that goes into every single day. No, scratch that, every single minute. This Season of Life is short, I know. Everyone tells you you'll look back and it will be like you blinked and your kids grew up. I believe it, but that doesn't make the day to day any less challenging. So here, on this blog, I will share the details of this season of our lives - the ups and downs, the good and the bad, the uncensored and unapologetic thoughts of a twenty-something (for another year or so) wife, mother, woman navigating this path. I'll probably share a recipe or craft project here or there too, so hopefully you won't get too bored.
If you'd like to read some former musings of mine, you can find them at Stress Case.
So, how did I finally decide on This Season of Life? I have said it so many times over the past six weeks, it finally clicked while folding laundry (something I've been doing a lot lately). Here's what's going on in this season of my life:
My husband, Shane, and I recently celebrated six years of marriage. Which is like a long time when you're twenty-eight years old, and your friends are really just starting to get married. So here we are, marriage experts (sarcasm will be spoken here frequently, for the record), navigating something we are still relative newbies at: parenthood.
Our older daughter, Emma, is three years old, sassy as hell, seriously beautiful, and seems to frequently experience exorcisms (we usually call them tantrums). She is smart and thoughtful, and becoming the best big sister I could have imagined (as long as she is not left alone with her sister and necklaces - don't ask). Emma is a joy in our lives, even if she is, sometimes, a thorn in our sides. I had never known what it felt like to love someone so much it actually hurt my heart until Emma was born. I may have been known to say that I legitimately believe the sun shines out of Emma's behind.
And the newest member of our family, Audrey, was born this January. She is six weeks old, and, well, a newborn. She likes to nurse, fuss, and always seems to be looking for her big sister. She has an ongoing love affair with the ceiling fan (she actually doesn't seem to like one over the other, but don't tell the living room fan that), and just started really smiling. As I write this, I'm currently listening to Shane doing some hardcore smiling training with her in the kitchen - "Ready?! Try again! You're doing it! She's smiling! Case, she's smiling!".
I came to name this blog This Season of Life because I've said that exact phrase so many times the past six weeks. This Season of Life, this one filled with carrying babies, birthing babies, and raising babies, all while trying to nurture your marriage, oh yeah and your career, is hard. There is so much love but so much work that goes into every single day. No, scratch that, every single minute. This Season of Life is short, I know. Everyone tells you you'll look back and it will be like you blinked and your kids grew up. I believe it, but that doesn't make the day to day any less challenging. So here, on this blog, I will share the details of this season of our lives - the ups and downs, the good and the bad, the uncensored and unapologetic thoughts of a twenty-something (for another year or so) wife, mother, woman navigating this path. I'll probably share a recipe or craft project here or there too, so hopefully you won't get too bored.
If you'd like to read some former musings of mine, you can find them at Stress Case.
