the bare necessities at 5 weeks

just a quick update on a saturday night, (well now its sunday).
i forgot to link this blog up to my blog... little over a month ago i was asked by Beth Ridings to write in a feature "Why I Blog" in the blog "Until only love remains." She is currently fundraising for Walk for Life... you can read more about it here. Pretty great stuff. My feature was posted back on my due date - so i was so wrapped up in that that i forgot to mention it in my blog.
here is the link if you'd like to read it.

anyhow, the last post I posted cause quite a stir, and I just want to say that we have all made our own choices in our lives and we chose to live with them. this isn't a competition between the dad and i of who has done better or who is worse off. i can speak for myself that i am very happy with my choices and i don't wish anything bad upon him - only good things.

another thing... i appreciate all the awesome and positive feedback i do get on my blog, i write to kind of let other women know that they aren't alone. i want people to be able to see themselves in my blog, because blogging is not only about me, but its about the reader as well.

ok, i wanted to post this at the month mark, but...... i've been in austin and then have been busy spending time with loved ones. tonight i had a baby sitter (my momma) so i could go enjoy a night on the town, but i ended up staying in and putting this together. these are the things that have gotten laken and i through these past 5 weeks and 3 days.



avent soothies - laken didn't get a pacifier for a while. i was trying to make sure that he didn't get nipple confusion. i threw a fit when they wheeled laken back into my room after being in the nursery at the hospital for a check up. however, i tried all kinds... i tried the tommy tippie ones, too big. i tried the gumdrop ones, too hard. i tried the nuk, he used them but they were alot different than the nipples on his bottles. the soothies were the only pacifiers that i didn't buy, and they work great. thanks celeste. :)
swaddle-me blankets - i am officially the worse swaddler in the world. i need to practice more of have a bigger blanket, or rubber bands to finish up the job. these swaddle me's get the job done in a snap (or well a placement of the velcro). i was so relieved once laken finally grew into them. he doesn't like waking up in them, but they do keep him asleep. his flailing arms are his worse enemy.
munchkins pacifier wipes - these are great for pacifiers or bottles when you're out and need to wash 'em and really can't. i don't like to, but if you're somewhere where you have to just rinse your bottle these are great to help clean 'em.
sleep sheep - this has become a great thing for laken when he is sleeping. i am starting to only use it when its time for him to go to bed for his long night of rest. the noise drowns out everything else and helps calm him to his happy sleeping place.
gumdrop bottles - the night that laken had to have an actual bottle with formula i grabbed one of these little guys off the shelf for him. i have spent money on tons of different and EXPENSIVE bottles. the nipple flow of all the others are just too much for him to handle. these are just perfect for him.
medline remedy foaming soap cleaner - this is probably one of my most favorite things ever. i use this on laken when he really needs to be cleaned up and there isn't time for a bath, and i used to use this on me all the time when i was out and smelling of breastmilk or spit up. it smells so great and really leaves you feeling clean.
medelda hydrogels - these really help your cracked/soar nipples. let me just tell you... i loved these things. i'm sure there are stuff out there that are better, and i'd love to know more tricks so that my next attempt at breastfeeding is more successful. there was just so many things i'd love to of known before it was too late and so many things i wish i could change and do again.
burp rags - do not even get me started unless i have one of these. i have them everywhere, and they are a MUST. don't ever leave anywhere without one. everytime i see a kid with a messy face i wanna clean it, and now that i have my own... his face is always clean.
twilight turtle - i'm sure laken will appreciate this guy a little later. it projects stars onto the wall. i love this little guy so i can check up on my sugar plum while he is sleeping. it comes in different colors and it is just too awesome! love, love, love.

its already two in the morning! time flew... gotta go to bed, church in the morning. good night!

guest post, from my cousin tiffany

this almost made me cry last night when she sent it to me, and this almost made me cry again today re-reading it!
my cousin (she is my age - 25 days less than I) and just had a baby boy feb 21st of this year. our boys will roughly be 2 months apart. she has been my best friend forever! and the first definition i've ever had a of a friend.

I know I should of asked permission before posting this, but I am gonna do it anyway!
I admire my cousin so much, and i am so proud of the women/mother she has become!

So this is my first "guest post" and she isn't even a blogger herself. she wrote me this in an email as if she had a blog.
And here goes...



Things I have learned from being a mom for 2 months:

1. It is the most rewarding thing in the world when you figure out what your baby wants. It can be frustrating and confusing when the only communication you have between you and your babe is a cry or a whine. You will go through that list of things he needs and it will be the very last thing you try. But its all worth it when he looks at you with this face of relief that you figured it out.

2. Everyone is different. Not only will your parenting style be different but your baby will be different from other babies. No one is "right", just different. I was told by a mom that it was crazy to her that I don't have Sid on a schedule. My belief is that Sid will do what he wants when he wants and that makes a happy baby. Hers was different and said her baby was cranky when he wasn't on a schedule. That doesn't make either of us wrong or that we didn't respect each others opinions... just different.

3. It can be scary. I cried when I thought my baby had a fever. Turns out he just didn't need such a big blanket with long pajamas. I rode in the car with him not wearing a seatbelt! He was in his carseat but didn't have it buckled. I panicked when I found out! Now I'm very watchful, but I can't turn back the clock and by the grace of God we were okay.

4. Not everyone is helpful. Luckily, most are and most want to be. Even strangers. The lady who waxed my eyebrows did it while he was crying and fussy the whole time without caring and even carried his carseat out to the car for me so I could feed him. But some people get really annoyed by newborns and just don't care. People will want to hold and coddle your baby but then the second they cry its back to you. Others will expect you to treat them like a guest and make sure you take care of them while taking care of a helpless newborn. Others will get offended when you don't take their advice or when they don't want to listen to how you want your baby to be taken care of.

5. You may not like your body. You will feel like you are thin but the mirror will tell you something else. People may be harsh. It is unfortunate that people are not more sensitive about this issue. You will be very proud about what you have done and keep that in mind. I was super pale and felt like I had no color in my skin for weeks. I smelled bad no matter how many showers I took. Hot breast milk plus sweat is not a pleasant perfume. Not to mention baby poop smell too!

6. If things aren't working for you... change it! We went through a million different nighttime routines before we were able to find one that worked. And I'm hoping within the next month we can change it again. You are in control. Well laken will be calling the shots but you play a huge part too. If he hates his crib that only means coming up with creative ways for him to like it or completly changing his sleep situation.

7. Remember you have mom instinct too. It is cool to have this extra little sense you never used before. It's like you just gained a super power. Don't stress yourself out, but If you don't think something isn't right, it probably isn't. If you think laken is uncomfortable, he probably is. Go with your instinct. We were programmed for this.

8. Lastly, love as much as possible. Love laken, love everyone around you, and love yourself. I could say cliche things like get enough sleep, nap when he does, get all the help you can, blah blah blah... but EVERYONE will tell you that. The reason they tell you is because they love you. It always feels good so love them back. Smile, take a deep breath and just say "yeah, I'll do that, thanks!" But the truth is, you'll sleep when you can, your not dumb. But being a new mother means you have just met one of the greatest loves of your life and like every new exciting relationship you break all those rules and stay up late, get drunk off the look of his eyes, and fall madly in love like nothing else in the world matters.

I love you dearly and seriously could not send more love and positive feelings your way. If you are anything like me you will soon be in that hospital bed thanking God imensly for the joy of life that he just given you. You are going to be such an amazing mother.

Love Tiffany aka Taz

BIGGEST STRESS::

I have been putting this off and putting this off. I have no signs of labor - nothing! but it would be a smart thing at 36 weeks and 3 days to get things on the ball. I've always been a speedy packer, so I guess I assume that while I am going into labor I can pack a bag too! now THAT is some great ambition if you ask me. Today I told myself was going to be THE DAY. well... this is all that I have accomplished:

-stuffed about 7 outfits in my diaper bag... FAIL. (I should only probably take about 2 or 3)
-threw a swaddle me in there for good measures
-I have transfered all of the toiletries i have boughten from the sack i got from the store to a make-shift shower bag (which hopefully i find a real one before)... I could of done that 4 weeks ago when i bought the stuff.
-I put my boppy pillow on the car-seat. yep, I moved a pillow all of 5 feet! and NO, the car-seat isn't already buckled up in the car!

I also posted about how i haven't packed my bag in this pregnancy facebook group i'm in, and i made the type face for when i DO actually get the darn thing packed. (see above)

maybe i'm just thinking if i don't pack the bag then i won't have to go to the hospital any time soon. and i have my fingers crossed i make it passed the 13th.

xo

Pregnancy Must Haves

So I am sure if you have been on pintrest you have seen "Little Baby Garvin's" popular blog about the chalkboard tutorial. It so happens that the girl writing the blog has been expecting, well she recently had her baby. My friend Tori asked me if i had read it lately.. I hadn't read it ever! She told me i should because its actually pretty funny. So i skimmed through and read things here and there while it work today. She has a blog about her Pregnancy Must Haves... and I just had to do one of my own! So here is Mine:


Oil Blot Sheets and Aveeno Positively Ageless: Your skin changes while you’re pregnant. Mine started out to be the best skin I had ever had, I even considered to be a face model, until the middle when the double chin kicked in as well as the acne and the oil! I know the Oil Blot sheets are so junior high, and you might feel that way when you’re caught blotting your face in through the tint-less windows of your 2003 corolla, but you will still love the results. The Aveeno Positively Ageless isn’t harsh on your skin, has a light scent, and leaves your face feeling clean and refreshed without feeling torn up by a harsh face wash.
Water Tumbler: Definitely will have to agree with Jessica Garvin with the tumblers! I have religiously been a water tumbler user since I have become pregnant! I used to use the water canteens, but once I started to realize that they were hard to clean and I was drinking out of one with mildew at the bottom I was relieved to find out how much I love tumblers! They don’t sweat and they keep your beverage (water) cold! I have one for the office, one for trips, and one for at home. I even bought one for the girl that works with me… I couldn’t be the only one saving the planet and looking cute at the water jug!
Burt’s Bees Mama Bee: I had stretch marks on my tummy before I was even pregnant. I figured, wow, I can say that I have them for a reason now! I was going to go through the whole thing with just the pump lotion by my bed. (I think I had St. Ives) I started getting the belly itch and decided that it was time to get something for Mama. I love that Burt’s Bees is natural and eco-friendly. This belly balm is fragrance free which is great for all us stuffy-itchy-nose Mommas to be! It also locks in a moister all day. Seriously, last night before I was going to put on my nightly rub I felt my stomach and wasn’t sure if I had put some on already or not because my skin still felt great from my morning application!
Fiber One/Breakfast on the Go: These were a life saver throughout my entire pregnancy. I was too sick to eat my first trimester and these little treats would hit the spot when I felt like I would pass out. They still live up to their prestige title I’ve given them. They’re GREAT for giving you that extra burst of energy to last you to your next small meal, or to get your day started if you’re not a huge breakfast person like myself.
Mrs. Meyer’s dish washing soap: I am not big on house work, and definitely not now when sometimes me feet and hands feel like they have been beaten with sticks! I have started to buy things that I like to make jobs easier or a little more enjoyable. If you like the stuff you’re using, I think that you’ll be more “excited” to use it. I love my lavender scented dish soap… it makes the whole house smell great when I am done, and I love it! But please, don’t think that I will come over to your house and do your dishes, count me out!
“Element: Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga” DVD: I am not a huge work out person, but I do have my spurts of energy from time to time. I am never consistent, but when I notice how inactive I have been I’ll start moving! I love this DVD because it helps you work up a mild sweat, while strengthening your muscles, and helping you not feel like the lump you think you look like. I am not consistent on this, but at least once a week before I take my shower for bed. I haven’t checked out the postnatal section yet, but I plan on starting it after 6 weeks of birth.

Body Pillows: I have two. My dad was sick and my G-Ma sent him a really nice one, but he is the kind of guy that uses 4 pillows to sleep with and with my expanding self I thought I should steal it. I LOVE MY PILLOW!! I loved it so much, my mom gave me another one so that I could give my dad back his, but my dad wouldn’t take it back which was fine with me because I didn’t want to give it back! I sleep between two and make a hotdog. They’re great for giving your tummy support and not letting yourself roll on your tummy and also give you the incentive to not lay on your back (which is a pregnancy no-no).
TUMS: These are basically like snacks! I get heartburn/reflux all of the time, and these little bad boys do the trick. However, when I first started taking them they wouldn’t. I learned you’re not supposed to drink water with them because that just helps keep the reflux-a-fluxing!
Online Shopping: When you work full time, and shopping places are either far away or fighting with traffic and crowds isn’t appealing and when you have a ton of preparing to do on your plate… shopping is on your list, yes, but definitely not something you want to jump right on. I have found that online shopping has really saved me tons of stress. Couple clicks, a few keys pressed and then you just wait for whatever it is. Total life saver!
Last but not Least…
Baby 411: Probably the best book I have read for preparing for pregnancy. It is written by a pediatrician from Austin. She gives the facts, pro & cons, and her professional opinion and opinions for other mothers. She lays everything out there so that you will feel comfortable with making the right choice for your baby. Its very up-to –date, and will definitely be my go-to book when Laken is here. To me it works like his user-manual. Its great! I highly recommend it, as it was recommended to me by my cousin Tiffany, who just delivered her first baby a couple weeks ago.

Nana's Survival Kit

I was wracking my brain for what to get my mother for my baby shower last week. I wanted to make sure that she felt special as well because as a single mom, i will be needing my mom to help me! she is sort of "expecting" too. I was looking up all kinds of survival kits and i mixed ideas together and came up with this...

i bought a storage box from target. it was real cheap, under $5.
i attached a card to explain the contents. i was running out of time so i used a template off of word that was for a thank you card or something. instead of making it a folding card i glued the front and back together, punched a hole and tied ribbon through it to the gift bag. (not shown)
anyway, it reads:
"we are in for a ride and i know you'll be there by my side. this kit will help you help me, because we all know how difficult i can be. in here you'll find some marbles in case we lose any of our own, a candle so you can be my guide, rubber bands to help you stay flexible, tissues for cleaning up those little messes, tooties rolls to remind you of the important "roll" you play, 2 pennies so you'll have enough "cents" to realize how valuable you are. when those things wont get your through a baby sitting session, i have also included 2 pacifiers, 2 handmade burp clothes, extra change of clothes, baby bath, nana's special baby powder, wipes, band-aids, adult ibuprofen, and a tide stain-remover pen. get ready nana... laken is coming!"

i used scrapbook stickers to label the kit: "nana's survival kit" $1 @ walmart.
everything was fairly inexpensive and found in the travel section, baby isles, and just around walmart.





the burp clothes are home made. i used gerbers 3-ply cloth diapers. and followed suit to the ones you will find on google image search "handmade burp clothes." pretty simple.
i found the onesie at walmart for next to nothing and used iron on letters my mom had in her sewing kit.
other than that i didn't go crazy on the pacifiers because babies are a little particular when it comes to those sort of things and i didn't want to spend alot if he isn't even going to use them.



i'm overall satisfied with the gift. i had to read the card to her because she started crying on the first sentence. (wimp..) then i got to the last sentence and balled my eyes out in front of my whole shower! here is that little mother daughter moment.