Baby Essentials for the First 3 Months

I'm back for another "Mommy Monday" post! Grayson turns 3 months old this week (cue the crying!) and I read that he is no longer a "newborn". After 3 months, he is now considered an infant. With that in mind, I wanted to share what got us through the newborn stage. It's a wonderful, but also really difficult stage where you are adjusting to parenthood and clueless as to what works. It's all trial and error. At least that's how it was for us! Anything that gets you through the sleepless nights, crying, and overwhelming moments of being a new parent, you are ready to hear about! When I was registering for baby items while I was pregnant, it was easy to get overwhelmed by all the different options. I didn't know what I would ACTUALLY need and use out of the sea of baby things at Babies R Us. I made a list of 10 baby essentials for the first 3 months that worked well for our baby and hope something on this list will be helpful for you and your newborn as well:

1. Swing -- Our swing was a lifesaver for the first 3 months, but especially the first 2 months. Newborns love constant movement and the swing provides that for your baby without you having to sway back and forth for hours. Grayson would be very unhappy and once you stuck him in the swing, he was content and/or he would fall asleep. It was a nice break for those fussy days!

http://www.target.com/p/graco-glider-petite-lx-gliding-swing/-/A-14777247#prodSlot=medium_1_17&term=swing


2. Play mat -- Once Grayson hit the 1 month mark, he wanted more stimulation. The play mat was perfect for that! It's bright and colorful and gives him plenty to occupy himself with. He loves to kick around on the play mat and swat at the different objects. I can lay him on his play mat and he is content for a long period of time. This has been really helpful when I want to get things done around the house!

http://www.target.com/p/skip-hop-activity-gym-woodland-friends/-/A-14929688#prodSlot=_1_1

3. Sleep Sack -- A friend recently let us borrow a few of these and they are quickly becoming a favorite. The sleep sacks are perfect for preventing something bad happening to your baby with his/her blanket. Babies, especially Grayson, tend to pull a blanket over their heads and faces which is definitely a safety hazard. These sleep sacks act like blankets but are more form fitting and keep the baby warm and safe. 

4. Gas drops -- I never knew how much gas affects a baby until I had a gassy newborn who was miserable. The gas drops were especially helpful for us the first month when Grayson was extremely uncomfortable due to gas. I believe that they helped provide him some relief and he loved the taste. (He would stop crying every time I gave him the gas drops!)

http://www.target.com/p/hyland-s-baby-gas-drops-1-oz/-/A-15730951#prodSlot=medium_1_2&term=gas+drops

5. Vaseline -- Because I had a winter baby, he suffered badly from chapped lips. His poor little lips would get ridiculously chapped the first 2 months and gobs of straight up Vaseline was the only thing that really helped. Also, if you have a little boy, you need a bunch of this stuff for about a month following his circumcision.

http://www.target.com/p/vaseline-100-pure-petroleum-jelly-baby-13-oz/-/A-10993905#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=baby+vaseline

6. Rock 'N' Play -- This is one of my top baby essentials for newborns. My mother-in-law gave us a Rock 'N' Play that she already had just in case we were interested in it and little did I realize how much Grayson would use it. He has slept in this thing almost every night since he was born minus the nights he refused to be put down and slept in my arms. Grayson loves that it is enclosed and isn't as wide open as a crib or bassinet (giving him that swaddle feel). The Rock 'N' Play fits right next to our bed and doesn't take up much room. You can rock it back and forth, hence the name, to calm your baby while still being half asleep (which I consider a perk!). It's also portable, so you can bring it on-the-go. I love it and so does Grayson!

http://www.target.com/p/fisher-price-newborn-rock-n-play-sleeper/-/A-15263603?lnk=Rec|pdp|top_sellers|plph1


7. Sleepers -- I had always heard that onesies were a baby staple, but being that Grayson was born in January, most onesies still required pants and socks. Do you have any idea how hard it is to put 3 different clothing items on a newborn?! Grayson hated and I mean hated to have his clothes changed. I soon discovered that I loved sleepers and especially sleepers that had zippers instead of buttons. They are quick, easy, one piece, warm, and don't upset your baby as much as pulling a onesie over his/her head does. Grayson wore mostly sleepers for his first 2 months!

http://www.target.com/p/just-one-you-made-by-carter-s-newborn-boys-striped-bunny-sleep-n-play/-/A-16729804#prodSlot=_1_15

8. Burp clothes -- Boy, does my child know how to spit up! The pediatrician even called him a "happy spitter-upper" because he spits up so much, but still gains weight and doesn't have acid reflux (thankfully). Burp clothes are an essential in our house. They are stationed everywhere throughout the house and in the diaper bag. You just can't have enough especially if your child is anything like mine.

http://www.target.com/p/burp-cloth-set-just-one-you/-/A-16639733#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=burp+cloths

9. Pacifier -- I was one of those parents who was kind of anti-pacifier before my child was actually born. It took less than a week for me to go back on that! One of the only skills that newborns actually have straight out of the womb is sucking. They suck for comfort and stimulation. It's actually good for newborns to practice that skill. A pacifier is great to do just that -- pacify your child. Grayson is not dependent on a pacifier, but it sure is nice to have sometimes! We use the pacifier to comfort him, hold him off if he's hungry and I can't quite feed him yet, help him sleep, and keep him content if he's getting fussy. If he starts to cry in a public place, I pull that paci out and it quickly soothes him. The pacifier is something I always check to make sure I have before I leave the house. Grayson also prefers the soothie pacifiers which I found out this weekend are actually more safe, so that's a perk!

http://www.target.com/p/philips-avent-bpa-free-soothie-pacifier-0-3-months-green-2-pack/-/A-13956486#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=pacifier

10. Britax stroller and car seat -- This travel system is a big ticket item (thankfully we received it as a gift), but I believe it's worth the money. It is one of the safest travel systems out there and it is so convenient and easy to use. I prefer the travel system, so that you can pop the infant carrier in the stroller quickly without having to disturb your child. The stroller is light and easy to transport. It folds up in one quick movement. The car seat is also excellent and very good quality. This travel system is perfect for a mother on-the-go. I can get Grayson in and out of the car by myself without a lot of stress and struggle.

http://www.target.com/p/2014-britax-b-agile-travel-system/-/A-15067950#prodSlot=medium_1_2

Having a newborn is tough and requires a lot of adjusting. I hope this list helps any mothers who currently have a newborn or who are currently expecting and overwhelmed by all the options out there. And if it doesn't, find whatever works best for you and your child! At the end of the day, if you have a healthy and happy baby, you are doing something right! :)

Blogging Challenge -- Days 28-31

I did it! This is my last installment of the blogging challenge, which means I have successfully completed it! It's always nice to finish something you start :) Here are the answers to the last few questions of the challenge. I've enjoyed writing more often and getting the wheels in my head turning again. I have a few blog posts already written that I will be slowly publishing over the next few weeks and I am excited to share them with you all. This challenge has given me new ideas for my blog and I'm thankful for that!

28.What's your guilty pleasure? The first guilty pleasure that comes to mind is reality t.v. and corny television shows. I enjoy reality television and shows/movies that are light hearted and fun. I view watching t.v. as a way to relax and I don't want to have to think while relaxing. The things I watch may not be challenging for my brain, but they put me in a good mood! (Teen Mom, Four Weddings, Hart of Dixie, Gilmore Girls, and The Fosters all make the list.)

29. What's your favorite time of year and why? Summer. Yep, I said it. Almost everyone I know would say fall is their favorite season and while I do enjoy changing leaves, scarves, and boots, I am a summer girl at heart. I absolutely hate the cold weather (except this year since my son was born in January!) and I am a huge fan of the sun. Being a red head, my skin doesn't do well in the heat, but I still love summer nonetheless. Shorts, long days, swimming, windows down, summer nights, and the beach are my favorites. Plus, I am a complete wimp when it comes to the cold!

30. What's your favorite flavor of ice cream? This is a tough one! Ice cream is my favorite dessert, so I am not at all picky. My favorites are birthday cake and Moose Tracks. Yum!

31. Explain what you liked most about this challenge. I basically answered this question in the introduction, but I enjoyed this challenge because certain questions really made me think and pushed me to write about things that weren't always in my comfort zone. It was fun to try something different to help get my creative juices flowing again!

19 Week Pregnancy Blog

Written on Monday August 18, 2014

How far along? 19 weeks 4 days

Baby: The baby weighs about 8.5 ounces  (half a pound!) and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of an heirloom tomato or a mango. The hair on the scalp is growing. Many of the baby's senses are developing as specialized areas in the brain are being designated for smell, taste, hearing, vision and touch. Millions of motor neurons are continuing to develop in Peanut's brain allowing more controlled and conscious movement.  
             
Total Weight Gain: This week I am fluctuating between a 8-9 lb. weight gain, the weight was creeping on this week! It's not easy to see the scale increase, but this upcoming week I am getting back on the eating healthy train. I've still been doing fairly well, but I went out to eat multiple times this week which meant eating more and getting more full than I usually do. I'm trying my best to make this weight "baby weight" as opposed to just me eating more weight! Haha. Either way, it seems like Peanut is growing which makes me happy!

Maternity Clothes: I still use my belly band very often, but a lot of my clothes are still fitting. Depending on where they cut me and how lose they already were, I can even button some of my shorts! Maternity clothes are still kind of big for the most part, but wearing my regular clothes allows my little bump to be shown more. Most people still don't realize I'm pregnant, so I'm still waiting for my belly to really "pop".

Stretch Marks: I'm still applying my stretch mark cream at least once a day, if not each morning and night. I'm in a good routine with it and so far, no stretch marks have appeared. Fingers crossed!

Sleep: I wake up much more often during the night which is a new change. I'm still exhausted and needing lots of sleep!

Miss Anything? I mostly just miss having energy and having caffeine! These two kind of correlate :)

Best Moment of the Week: I got to see a lot of friends this past week and was able to catch up with everyone. I also got to go to a baby shower which was a lot of fun (especially because I am also pregnant)!

Movement: I THINK I've felt movement, but still nothing for sure. I feel like once I realize what it is, I'll realize I've been feeling it for a while now.

Food Cravings: Still loving sweets!

Anything making you queasy or sick? No.

Gender: Last night I had a dream that it was a girl! My instinct is still boy though.

Symptoms: This week I noticed more pressure on my stomach, kind of feels like someone is sitting on it sometimes! I can't sleep directly on my lower stomach or else it doesn't feel too nice. I've had a lot of thrush in my mouth this week and am also producing colostrum! Besides that I am still dealing with exhaustion, acne, and round ligament pain when I move or change positions quickly.

Happy or moody: Emotional!

Looking forward to: The anatomy scan TOMORROW! I feel like we have been counting down to this day for months and I just can't wait to see Peanut!!

18 Week Pregnancy Blog

Written on Monday August 11, 2014

Wow, I can't believe I am almost half way done with this pregnancy! It went by slowly at first, but now it is flying by. I'm SO excited to meet our sweet baby. I can't even put it into words, but I long for the day when we meet face-to-face :) I've honestly felt great so far and consider myself very lucky. If all my pregnancies are like this, then I may have 4 kids after all. ;) I'm definitely nervous thinking about all that is to come and how my life is going to change so drastically, but I know it will be so fulfilling and rewarding.

How far along? 18 weeks 4 days

Baby:  Head to rump, the baby is about 5.5 inches long and weighs almost 7 ounces (the size of a bell pepper or sweet potato). Peanut is busy flexing its arms and legs— movements that I'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. If I'm having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If I'm having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now.                  
Total Weight Gain: This week I am fluctuating between a 6-8 lb. weight gain . I'm kind of all over the board and it all depends on what I eat from day to day and how late I eat as to what my weight is the next morning. I'm still eating healthy for the most part, but I have my splurge days. I'm definitely not going crazy with the eating though and am trying to eat proportionally even if it's not as healthy.

Maternity Clothes: My bump is growing and the maternity clothes are becoming more common in my wardrobe. I can't wear everything I used to and have to take the time to find outfits that fit my correctly. My bump is still small, but is growing!

Stretch Marks: I have been doing well at using my stretch mark creams and oils in the mornings and at night. I feel very moisturized, so I hope this is helping with prevention! I have developed quite a collection of creams, lotions, and oils that will hopefully last me a long time!

Sleep: Last week was rough. I wasn't getting enough sleep and was somewhat miserable. I am tired much more often and really have to make sure I'm getting enough sleep. I caught up on some sleep this weekend and am hoping to get to bed on time all week, so that I will be a happier pregnant lady! I tend to get emotional and cranky when I'm exhausted.

Miss Anything? I'm still enjoying pregnancy a lot, but I do miss having energy. I'm always so sleepy!

Best Moment of the Week: Making more progress on the baby furniture and enjoying time together before Josh started school. Josh and I also had the opportunity to watch a friend's 1 year old son this week and I really enjoyed it. I was tired by the end because he was constantly on the move, but it was so fun for me to see Josh and I spending the evening together with a baby. Kind of like a preview of what is to come :) Plus Josh is awesome with kids and really helped out while the baby was over which made me excited to see him as a daddy!

Movement: I'm still dying to feel movement and don't think it's happened yet for me. I know it can take some women longer than others to feel it especially being a first-time mom. I am very excited for the day when I can feel the baby!

Food Cravings: Still nothing specific. I am LOVING sweets again, but I have always had a sweet tooth so this isn't too out of the ordinary. I do find myself craving sweets though. I am still liking savory food too and found myself loving a hamburger I had for dinner last night. For some reason, I found it to be delicious! I think I just like food in general :) Still no food aversions.

Anything making you queasy or sick? No.

Gender: I am very up in the air. The first trimester, I felt like it was definitely a boy. But now, I'm torn. It could definitely go either way!

Symptoms: This week my symptoms were mild but included acne, tiredness, and a growing belly! I'm still moody and emotional. Boobs have been slightly hurting again and I had some mild round ligament pain this week. The only other new symptom is that I've actually started feeling pregnant recently. My tummy is growing and I can feel more and more pressure down there. It's a little harder to move around, get up, and bend over. Obviously it's nothing as of yet, but I am noticing the belly more and more as I go about my day.

Happy or moody: Moody but also having happy moments!

Looking forward to: The anatomy scan in 1 week! Can't wait to see how the baby has grown and if its on track with its due date. Also, picking out the nursery room color soon!