9 Months!!

I am not sure how my baby turned 9 months old. 

It feels like it was almost just yesterday & he was born and then in a blink of an eye he turned 9 months old.

Man... I got to stop blinking. 

I have such a cool little man.

I know I am biased because he is mine, but seriously he is so cool!!

Weight:  20lbs 15oz

Height: 28 inches

Eating: You continue to eat 6-8oz bottles every 4 hours, and occasionally three hours if you get super hungry. 
You get solids for breakfast, lunch and dinner and then have started to really get into finger foods which is awesome. You LOVE spaghetti, toast, blue berries, apples and peaches. 

Sleep: You sleep great still! From about 7:30pm to 6pm. You have a bottle and then fall back asleep for about an hr. On Valentine's day you burned your hand on a gate guarding your babysitter's pellet stove and developed some separation anxiety at night. From now you are rocked to sleep which daddy and I are ecstatic!! You are so cuddly now before bed, it makes me so sad it took burning your hand for this to happen, but I love the cuddles. 

Clothes: CHUNK!! You are growing out of your 6-12 month clothes and are mostly in 12 month and some 12-18month clothes!

Likes: You loveeeee mama's smoothies that she makes for breakfast! You yell at me until I give you some. You are really into toy cars and try to make this adorable vroom vroom sound. You love being tickled and cruising around on furniture. You are also very fond of kitchen utensils like our big plastic spoons or spatulas!

Dislikes: Falling over, not being walked around, burns no mom or dad:(

8-9 month accomplishments:

Can Say Hi!
Can Wave
Can Clap
Cruise on furniture

Happy February!!

We had a wonderful Valentine's day photo shoot over the weekend

to celebrate G's first Valentine's day :)

We are pretty good at taking pictures at home however we don't have the most wonderful editing products. Even without the editor, the pictures came out quite amazingly. 
I can't wait until this little man's first Valentine's day!!
He is so loved and although we tell this to him everyday, there is something so fun about Valentine's, but then again, I'm a sucker for holidays!

Baby Routines

I can not stress enough how important routines are in our house. 

Yes babies at times causes things to be chaotic and not everything always happens when it was planned to, but the overall routine still needs to be the same. 

About two months ago, G was about 6 months and nap time was atrocious. 

We took away his pacifier, since he has a big mouth and could fit the entire thing inside of it to the point where it became a safety issue, and after that we couldn't get a nap to save our lives!

At that time G would only go down for maybe a 15- 20 minute nap 3x a day.

We had a great evening routine, but that is when I really came to the realization that the whole day needed to be routined.

Kids crave routines. They like to know what they are doing and they like to be scheduled. 

Now I am not talking about doing the same boring thing everyday. 

No, that is not what I mean, but I am talking about doing the important things near to the same time. Eat, sleep, play, learn, bath etc. 

Once I realized that it was most likely our erratic nap schedule causing the issues. We got to planning. 

We now have a set time for when we wake, eat, nap, play, run errands, take a bath and go to bed. 

Little man went from 15- 20 minutes naps to 1 - 2 hour naps!!

So to any mama's out there struggling with naps, eating, bed time etc, if you are not trying a routine, give it a shot!!

Momma Guilt

Some of you already know by reading {G's} birth story, I didn't exactly have the easiest delivery. 

Once the little man was out of my belly, I began to hemorrhage causing me to get super dizzy and nauseated. 

So when my sweet little man was brought up to me although I was beyond words happy to see him safe and healthy, I was really concentrating on trying to NOT throw up on him. 

As soon as my husband had to tae him out of the room, I told the anesthesiologist, I felt guilty for not being happier when I saw him. 

That was Momma Guilt Number 1.

Momma Guilt Number 2: 

I was discharged from the hospital WAY to soon. My hemoglobin levels were only 7 and although I felt fine when I left the walk to the car and rest of the day was spent with me trying to not trip or pass out from dizziness and cue horrible migraine that started that night. 

For 3 days I was SO SICK in bed, and had his daddy change his diaper and do a lot of the talking care of things while I laid helpless only being able to nurse him. After my blood transfusion i FINALLY felt better and could take care of him, but I look back on those 3 days and feel so guilty for not being able to take care of him the way I felt I needed too and that his daddy had to do most of the work. 

& now we are on to 

Momma Guilt Number 3:

I got back to work tomorrow.... That means that I go from being with him almost every single second of the day (minus going to the store a few times and once to the movies) to him having to be without me for 40 (plus drive time) hours a week. Thankfully he will be with his daddy most of the time, but come on he needs his momma. He gets sad when he is away from me for a few minutes let alone a few hours. I am dreading so much that fact that I have to go back to work tomorrow. I just want to stay home and cuddle, play and teach him everything he has to know. I don't want him to have to bee mostly bottle fed now. I LOVE breastfeeding and I am so sad that it will be reduced to just evenings. I can imagine that these next 4 days back at work are going to be tremendously hard, and I am thankful my husband will be sending me lots of sweet little pictures of my little man, but it is not the same as me being there. I am so sad that he will not get to wake up and see me :( So sad that he will be looking for me and wondering why I am not there as much. So much guilt. But at the same time I do know that this is good for him and I will teach him that working is important, and I do LOVE my job. But I love my baby more. 

SO today my sweet 12 weeks old baby and I are spending quality time snuggiling with lotts of hugs and kisses!!

I know in his life I am going to have more guilty moments, but right now he is too little. Three is enough. 

Postpartum Me.

I've been trying to write this post for a while now, but just couldn't get myself to do so. 

After {G} emotionally postpartum me was and is still great. 

I love my little man, I am happy as can be, energetic (although tired) and good. 

My body however, not so much. 

I wish wish wish that I could be like some of the other awesome bloggers that I follow and look amazing after baby!!

I would love to wear a bikini again, but that will never happen. 

Before baby I was TINY!

I loved it!

Here I am at 7 weeks pregnant with just a little belly forming. 

I know I will never have the same stomach back. Will I get back to being super tiny.

Maybe not. 

Although I weight less than I did before I got pregnant (thank you gestational diabetes)

My stomach will probably never look the same. 

I currently can not work out as much as I am use to due to an AWESOME (not) hernia that I have to have repaired. 

But on top of that, I am like most of society and have these awesome stretch marks to deal with. 

I mean come on how could I not being THIS HUGE:

Omg, I laugh just seeing that giant belly. 

Thankfully my stretch marks are ONLY right by my belly button so I can get away with a pretty hot one piece, but I will miss the old me!

However, I wouldn't trade it for anything!!

My little man is def. worth the stretch marks, the hernia surgery and the intense work outs I will be getting too. 

This little man is too cute for anything else.

But the new postpartum me, will need sometime to be truly happy with itself. 

& that is okay. I am not going to sit there and say I love my stomach. 

Because I don't. DO I hate it?

No. 

Am I happy about it?

No.

But was it worth it?

WITH OUT A DOUBT!

So this is the postpartum me. 

Stretch marks, belly pudge, huge boobs & all

& that is okay :)

Our Breastfeeding Experience

Most momma-to-be's know what they want to do when it comes to breastfeeding. 

Some will choose right away to breastfeeding, knowing that it is what they want

& others will know that it is not for them and formula is. Either choice for a momma

is the right choice for them, but none truly know FOR SURE until baby is here. 

With me, I knew I wanted to breastfeed way before I even got pregnant. It had always been something I had known I wanted to do and I was excited but nervous for it to happen. 

I had everything ready for when he got here. 

Nursing pads, nipple cream, my pump for when I go back to work, nursing bras and shirts and had done a ton of research. 

I was bummed I had a c-section because I knew this meant I wouldn't be able to have my little man put on me right away 

So we had to wait about an hour before we could begin our breastfeeding experience. 

We began perfectly the nurse didn't really tell us too much but {G} had no problem latching and ate for about 10 minutes on each side. 

He kept falling asleep at first which I was reassured that this was normal. 

While we were in the hospital we were breastfeeding champs. 

Things began to get difficult when we got home. 

The night of day 3 is when I got my massive migraine from low hemoglobin levels, so I had to nurse in positions where my head was lying. 

The morning after my nipples began to get really sore, but I was persistent to power through. 

At this time my milk had STILL not come in yet, so my little man was nursing about every hour to two hours. 

This is probably why they were SO SORE. 

That night, I caved. 

I told my hubby and my mom that I couldn't do it anymore. 

It felt like glass was on my nipples and I was crying every time it was time for him to nurse. 

From there I caved and began to pump, but since I didn't have any milk yet, I hardly produced an ounce. 

From here I decided I would give my baby, dun dun dun, Formula....

I couldn't keep him full and it made me so sad to know that he was not getting anything and was starving. 

We had a small sample of formula from the doctor, and we opened it to have him ready. 

This would be {G}'s first time with a bottle and with formula so I was nervous and feeling guilty, but he took it with no problem and gulped down every last ounce. 

For the rest of the night/next morning he was given formula. 

At about 11am the next day my milk FINALLY came in and I cut back on the formula and gave him expressed milk. 

I still was too sore to attempt to breastfeed and this was the time I was re-hospitalized for my blood transplant. 

Once out of the hospital we continued with expressed breast milk and about 3 bottles of formula at night, we progressed to two bottles of formula, then one bottle of formula and then to none. At this point since he was only getting one breast milk I began to breastfeed him again. 

It continued to hurt so I started out slow, only breastfeeding him once a day. We progressed to two, and it continued to be sore and hurt. 

Finally I called up a lactation consultant to make sure he was latching correctly. 

Our consultant told us some tips and reassured us we were doing well. 

FINALLY, it stopped hurting and we began breastfeeding exclusively!

We still give 2 bottles at night of breast milk only to keep {G} use to the bottle for when I go back to work and also because he takes 30 to 45 minutes to nurse and I need sleep!

But otherwise I have FINALLY started loving breastfeeding

Things I have learned while breastfeeding:

1) Breastfeeding can be difficult and takes work. I kind of thought it would just come natural and everything would be easy. Well no, I was wrong. It takes work to get the babe to latch on and get use to things, and it is more difficult in the beginning before your milk comes in. 

2) Engorgement when your milk comes in is NO JOKE. This was probably one of the most painful parts of having a baby. My breasts were HARD as rocks, as much as I pumped they hardly emptied. They were sore and I could hardly sleep this night, but after about a day they started to get better. They became engorged a few times if I went too long without pumping at first and I have found nursing is so much better at unclogging ducts and getting rid of engorgement then pumping is. 

3) Formula is not the enemy. It took my milk 5 days to come in and had I not had formula on hand, my poor baby would have been MISERABLE. It saved us!

4) Calling a lactation consultant is a life saver. This def. reassured me that I wasn't a failure and that I was a good momma. It also was super helpful with little tips and tricks that made things much easier. 

5) Nipple shields should be used with caution and temporarily. 

6) Breastfeeding can be PAINFUL in the beginning. I was told numerous times my babies latch was good, I was checked for thrush, and was doing it correctly, but something sucking on the same thing that hard, all day is going to hurt. HOWEVER, if you can make if threw the first few weeks, it gets better!!

7) Breastfeeding is one of the most amazing bonding experiences ever. I love this time that I have with my little man. Where I stare at him, stroke his hair and listen to him contently eating. I love that I am able to provide him with that. Even with all the pain I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

So if you are a momma-to-be or new momma and are breastfeeding stick with it, it gets better. But know formula is not failing at all!! 

Our One Month Favorites

Now that G is one month 

{I don't get how this happened}

We are developing a list of favorite things that we use with him. 

1. Luvs diapers. We tried pampers and huggies before we tried Luvs and had significant leaks with both. Although I prefer pampers to huggies at this point, Luvs have had less leaks over all and seem to hold a lot and still keep the peanut dry!! The only negative is I like the wetness indicators on pampers and huggies which Luvs do not have. 

2. Summer Infant: SwaddleMe's-  G can not sleep for long without being swaddled. These swaddles on simple to use and a lighter weight so when it is hot out he doesn't get too hot! Plus they come in very cute deigns. 

3. Snuza- Our Snuza is still my biggest piece of mind. Since G is still sleeping in our room in his pack and play, he can not use his Angel Care Monitor. We clip this little diddy on his diaper and I know it will tell me if he stops breathing. NOTE: we have already had TWO false alarms. One because he wiggled his way and and it was not reading him well and two because he wiggled so much it fell of. I have a VERY wiggly baby. However, both times I JUMPED out of bed saw he was breathing and put it back on. He did not wake up, although he rustled a little bit. I would also rather this false alarm, that way I know it works well!!

4. Chicco Keyfit Car Seat and Stroller- G loves his walks and car rides and I love this stroller. I rides so smooth, and is able to be run with well. Only downfalls: its pretty heavy to get in and out of the car. The covers to keep the sun out suck there are little corners everywhere that let sun in. I often just throw a light weigh blanket over part of it to help with that. 

5. Avent Freeflow Pacifiers-  For som reason these pacifiers are the ones G prefers!

6. Halo Swaddle Sleep Sac- Since we swaddle every night we need a variety. These are even SIMPLER to use than the summer infant. They do take a bit extra work to get his arms in them however which sometimes wakes the babe up a bit. These have a bit more fabric so they are perfect in chillier weather. 

I am sure there are more that I am not thinking of but for right now these are our life savers :)

How Motherhood Has Changed Me (So Far)

With my little man just about to turn 6 weeks old 

(really? 6 weeks? how did this happen)

I have already noticed the motherhood had changed me a lot. 

1) Privacy is no longer something I require. 

Although it is something that I enjoy, after having 15 nurses and doctors stare at my, as my niece calls it, hoho & having to whip out the boob to feed the babe, I am not longer as embarrassed for my body parts to be seen in public. Now don't get me wrong I am not whipping out my hoho everywhere. But I have gotten to the point where I don't care if you are around if baby needs to eat, baby needs to eat. Granted I have a nursing cover, but before I would be even be embarrassed to do that. 

2) Bodily fluids don't gross me out. 

At least, Squishy's bodily fluids don't gross me out. 

I use to be the type of person who would gag at the smell of spit up or puke. Who would not be a fan of changing diapers & who would become embarrassed about farts. Remember Vince Vaughn on Four Christmas'?

Hahah, that was me. 

Now. I have been puked on, spit up on, peed on and pooped on, and I don't bat and eyelash. 

3) Naps are a must. 

I use to not be able to nap. If I napped I couldn't sleep at night and would be up all night. 

Now I nap at every single chance I can get. 

I probably would die if I didn't nap because I would get like 3 hours of sleep every night. 

I however have also found that I can function quite well on about 5 hours of sleep a night where I use to NEED 8. 

4) Eating while sitting is a happy memory. 

Most of my meals recently have been inhaled while the baby is in the sling and I am walking around our kitchen. I will occasionally get to eat while he is sleeping, but I am usually taking advantage of that time to NAP (see above). 

5) I am extremely LOW maintenance. 

I use to require a pretty lengthy routine of getting ready in the morning. Showering, blow drying my hair, straightening my hair, makeup, cute outfit. Now unless hubby is home I am lucky if I get a shower and my hair gets thrown up into a messy bun. My outfits. Yoga pants, leggings and tank tops. 

6) My shopping habits have changed drastically. 

I can't remember the last time I bought stuff for me other than nursing bras and tops. My shopping cart has become overflown with cute onesies, slings & toys.

7) My whole wide world had changed. 

I no longer think about myself first. It doesn't matter if I am exhausted, starving and unshowered. If my cute little love bug is snuggly, happy, fed and clean. I am as happy as can be. I stare at his little face and wondered how did we make something so perfect. It truly is a miracle. I can't remember what it was like not having him here and I am already preparing my speeches to his future girlfriends. This little man is the most important person to me ever. It is a love like no other. 

My Road to C-Section Recovery

Similarly to little man's birth story, 

my C-section recovery was quite rough & less than desirable by far. 

As I mentioned previously in Grey's birth story Part II (click here to read).

I lost quite a lot of blood during surgery. 

The doctor still blames it on me being a red head reporting there was no other reason why I should have bled so much. 

With that being said... on to the road to recovery. 

Day 1.

The day of the c-section, I was pretty okay. I was quite drugged up on Dilaudid, due to just having a major surgery, but I was awake enough to talk, nurse, visit and hold my baby. 

After a bunch of times where they came in and painfully pushed on my stomach, they took out my catheter, and asked me to try and get up and walk and attempt to go to the bathroom. 

I was thinking "I have an 7 inch incision and  you want me to walk already."

They report it is the best think for you. 

So off I went. 

They didn't want me to walk far. Just get up and out of bed. 

That part was not bad. 

It was difficult getting out of bed, as you don't realize how much you use your lower abs to sit up and stand. 

But once up and standing up straight, other than the dizziness from the Dilaudid was not bad.

So off I went to go to the bathroom.

They need to make sure that you are able to pee & that something didn't go wrong. 

Well, as I sat in there for 10 minutes trying to go, I couldn't. 

So back in bed. 

They came back every few hours for the next 24 hours to try and make me pee. 

No luck.

The doctor came by the next day. 

He threatened (nicely, my doctor is amazing) that if I didn't pee in the next two hours we would have to put the catheter back in.

20 minutes later I thankfully peed!!

Day 2. 

Day 2 in the hospital was a bit harder. I was very drowsy, and had a splitting headache. THe nurses and doctor said this was most likely a reaction to the anesthesia and pain meds. I started declining the remainder of the Dilaudid, so they switched me to Percocet. 

Still my head was pounding but they were sure with time it would get better. 

I had a more difficult time getting up more this day, as every time I got up my head was sure to explode. So squishy and I had lots of skin to skin time in bed!

My appetite was very poor in the morning and at lunch and I couldn't really eat until dinner. 

The doctor came in later that evening and reported that my blood levels and more particularly my hemoglobin were not where they should be. 

He attributes this to the loss of blood in surgery.

"Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen."

The normal range for hemoglobin for men is 13.5 - 17.5

& for women 12 to 15.5.

Mine were at a 7.

He reports this will most likely increase itself.

Day 3.

I woke up feeling much better.

I was able to get up and move around better, my appetite had increased and I even got up to look somewhat presentable.

The doctor came in around early morning and reported my blood levels were still not where they should be, but since I was feeling better he was going to discharge me.

I was okay with this. 

I had more energy, only a light headache and was starved!

At around 1pm, we were able to leave!

For the rest of the day I felt pretty okay. 

My brother and sister-in-law to be came up and visited and I went to the store with hubby and shopped for food. 

Around 9pm, I started to get a horrible headache. 

Around 10pm it was so excruciating I couldn't stand up straight or stay in bright lights. 

I was also getting a horrible throbbing pain in my back. 

 I had hubby call the doctor due to not even being able to hold the phone to my ear. 

Our doctor reported that it could just be a side effect from the meds and surgery.

I felt so guilty that I couldn't even change my babies diaper. I had to nurse him lying down. 

At midnight, we called hubbies dad to come over and help because poor hubby was so sleep deprived and I was so useless. 

Day 4. 

Day four was just as bad as the night of Day 3. 

My headache was horrible, I couldn't get out of bed. 

Having to get up to pee was a chore. 

Hubby continued to do most of the work as I laid in bed. 

Squishy hung out with me in bed mostly & I continued to nurse him lying down.

My headache was NOT NEARLY as bad when I was lying, although it was still there. 

I thought to myself if it wasn't better by the weekend I would call the doctor back. 

Day 5. 

I woke up early this morning to get ready for Squishy's first doctor appointment. 

I got into the shower and immediately felt so weak and was in so much pain I had to sit on the shower floor just to get through it. 

I wasn't hungry but forced myself to eat muffin bites. 

Finally we got to his doctors appointment

(which he was doing awesome)

I could barely stand the entire time I was there. 

I again felt so useless. I sucked it up and made it through the appointment.

Next we had to go to the OB to drop off my disability paperwork. 

When I got to the doctors, I asked to speak with a nurse. 

I broke down crying. 

I told the nurse that I felt awful. 

That I felt so sick I couldn't even take care of my baby.

She had me come in a room and the doctor came to see me.

He reported that I looked awful and that he wanted to re-admit me back to the hospital. 

He told me he would readmit me to the maternity floor so Squishy and Husband could be with me!

I asked what he thought was wrong. 

He reported that it could be two things. 

1) A spinal headache. A headache caused by leaking spinal fluid from the spinal block

or 2) My hemoglobin levels. 

I headed over to the hospital. I walked there (remember my doctors is RIGHT next to the hospital) as I sent husband home to get some things. 

I almost passed out on the walk over. 

I was admitted to maternity and they took a bunch of new blood tests. 

I waited and waited. 

The doctor had to head in for an emergency c-section. 

The anesthesiologist came to visit while I waited.

He reported that he did not think I had a spinal headache and that I didn't present as the typical case. He reports he would due a blood patch (where they re-do the spinal block and inject some of your blood into you to clot it. Therefore no leaking fluid and no more headache)

He reported that he would not be able to do it today because I had taken Advil that morning. 

So more waiting. 

Our doctor finally came back. 

He reported that my hemoglobin levels were STILL at 7.

He reports that he was quite surprised that I made it as long as I did without calling him. He reported that he thought it could be my anemia that was causing my levels not to increase. 

He reported that I would need a blood transfusion. 

He explained the risks. 

I didn't care, I just wanted to be able to hold my baby and be a good momma. 

He reports that I would need at least two bags of blood meaning I would be there overnight. 

Awesome. 

They finally hooked up the first bag of blood. I couldn't even look at the IV it was grossing me out so bad. 

We did this for the next 8 hours. 

Day 6.

I woke up that am early. 

I wanted to try and stand up as much as I could and move around as much as I could to see if the transfusion worked. 

If it didn't, I would have the blood patch that day. 

Two hours went by and I felt okay. 

At 3 hours (around 7am) I started to get a dull headache. 

The doctor came by at 8. 

He reported that my hemoglobin levels were now at 10.5. 

He reports that they weren't at the 12.5 they were before my surgery but they had improved. 

He reports that some times they can take some time for the "blood to thicken in your body" (Gross)

He told me he would like me to stay until noon.

At around noon, he came back. 

I had a dull headache. 

He discharged me. 

Squishy had his newborn photos that day at 3pm so I was going to be there for them!

I told myself if it wasn't better by tomorrow I would go back to the ER. 

I got home and got ready as best I could. 

My headache got really bad when I got home.

I was instructed to drink soda (caffeine) and lots of it.

I tried. 

No improvement. 

I couldn't get myself into the shower (hence why I look awful in the Newborn photos, but hey at least I was able to be in them!!)

His photographer came. 

I tried so hard to be present but my head hurt so bad. I had to sit and lay my head. 

1/2 through the photos, I said screw this and sucked up the pain and watched my cute little baby be photographed and took pictures with him. 

I had to keep laying my head down throughout the pictures, but I was there!!

About two hours after his photographer left, I FINALLY started to feel better.

My headache became less painful.

I told myself. 

If I can make it through a shower tomorrow then I am good. 

Day 7.

I finally woke up and felt okay.

Not great.

But not bed ridden. 

I took a shower. 

I stood!

I drank a soda.

It helped. 

I changed my babies diaper. 

I cried. 

I finally felt like a good momma!!

Throughout the day I started feeling better and better. 

I went to bed that night feeling near to 90%!

I thanked God. 

I can't explain to you all how guilty and how terrible of a mother I felt.

It was one of the worst feelings ever not being able to take care of your baby.

I am SO thankful that I am now better and able to enjoy my time with my baby.

I will NEVER take him for granted or my health for granted!

Newborn Essentials

Wow, over two weeks have gone by since I had my little man!

TWO WEEKS!

Actually 15 days to be precise. 

While he sleeps in his rocker right now I decided to put together a little list of everything that has been a life save for us!!

1. Aden + Anais SwaddlePlus Wraps: I purchased these after getting NO receiving blankets or anything from my shower & heard a lot of good things about them online & lord am I happy that I did. They are perfect to swaddle the little man in, and also perfect to use as a light blanket in the carseat or stroller!! They are a bit expensive {$34.99} but totally worth it for us, as our baby doesn't sleep well if he is not swaddled. 

2. Angel Care Monitor: So I am "that mom" who is completely paranoid and way too nervous to be letting my baby sleep with no sort of reassurance that he is okay. This was a recommendation from a fellow blogger (Becky at from Mrs. to Mama). The blue pad sits under neat the mattress and will detect if you baby stops moving/breathing for more than 20 seconds. It detects the SLIGHTEST movements. I'm talking put my finger on the wooden part of his crib and it detected it, so false alarms should be super scarce! As of right now he only uses his cribs for napping, but this is still an everyday need. 

3. Snuza: This too was a recommendation from Becky at from Mrs. to Mama. It is a small, and I am talking quite tiny device that you clip on your babies diaper and it measures the breath movements of baby. If baby stops breathing for more than 15 seconds it gently vibrates to try and get them to move/breathe. If nothing for 5 more seconds it alarms. This we use currently as he sleeps in his pack and play. 

4.  Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump: Ugh, 10 weeks from today I have to go back to work. Woof. This means that in 10 weeks, daddy will be home with the little man all day and he will need some food to eat. Therefore I pump on a daily basis. One this is to increase my supply and two, this is get daddy ready for feeding the baby while I am away. I love this pump. It a cute bag, easy to use and has the storages spots so when I go back to work I don't have to worry about the milk going bad. 

5.  Graco Pack 'n Play with Cuddle Cove LX Rocking Seat Play Yard: This wonderful invention is sitting in our room next to our bed. This is wear little man sleeps. Mostly in the pack and play overnight, but in the rocking seat while we are nursing. The changer (although slightly e left) is nice so we don't have to get up to change him in his room. 

6. Medela Tender Care Lanolin Gel: I call in a gel because its not a cream. Breasfeeding momma's.... At first nursing hurts!!! I am not sure I would have gotten by if I hadn't loaded up on these while in the hospital. It makes them much less enflamed and easier at the next feeding!!

So these are my newborn essentials. Not much too it currently, as 98% of the time he is eating, sleeping, or pooping.

My Registry Must Haves

About two weeks ago, hubs and I headed the 4 hours home to register for our baby gifts. 

We don't have too many stores where we live & I really wanted to get to some stores like babies-r-us and buy buy baby. 

We personally registered at babies-r-us & target, but we bought all of our nursery furniture at buy buy baby!

Our nursery showing will be tomorrow so come back and check out how amazing it is!!

I am in love!

I had done a lot of research into things that I had wanted prior to registering and these were a few that I NEEDED to get. 

1.  Angelcare Movement Sensor with Sound Monitor: 

"The Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor combines a quality sound and movement baby monitor in the same system. Whether your baby is awake or asleep, the under-the-mattress sensor pad will detect all of your child's movements. An alarm sounds after 20 seconds if no movement is detected, and an optional 'tic' sound keeps you aware of the baby's movement. Two channels minimize interference, and the AC-powered monitor automatically converts to battery power in case of a power failure. The monitor lights up with your child's sound level and also has a low battery indicator. Let the monitor system do its work to grant you the rest you need." 

I am a person who tends to worry. So when thinking about my sweet baby boy, I get nervous thinking anything would ever happen to him. So after a few recommendations from some amazing bloggers I decided to register for the Angel Care monitor. A little over protection is a lot better than the alternative. 

2. Snuza - Hero Basic Baby Movement Monitor: 

"Yes, it is good to know when your baby is awake, moving & wants your attention, but isn't it even more important to know when they are completely still? This is where Snuza can help. Snuza monitors your baby's movements. If there is no movement sensed for 15 seconds, Snuza will gently vibrate to stimulate your baby. If no further movement is sensed within 5 seconds, an alarm will alert you to act. Snuza Hero is a small, light Baby Movement Monitor that can be used anywhere your baby sleeps. Traditional Movement Monitors that utilize pads are useful if you only have one child who only sleeps in their crib, but if you have multiples, or your baby sleeps somewhere other than a crib, such as a Moses Basket or Pram, then these monitors may not be suitable. Because Snuza Hero clips over the waistband of baby's diaper, it doesn't matter where they sleep. Perfect for at home, when travelling or when visiting friends and family. Your Snuza Hero Monitor comes with a molded, plastic travel case, and includes an instruction manual in five languages You can be assured that Snuza Hero is safe. There are no wires or cords that could potentially harm baby; your Snuza is made with hypo-allergenic, medical grade plastics; and importantly, does not send or receive radiofrequency signals. " 

I know what you are thinking... TWO movement monitors?! Yes two. One is under the mattress where this one sits gently on the baby and even slightly vibrates the baby if no movement is felt.

 3. Vulli Sophie The Giraffe Teether:
"Vulli's Sophie the Giraffe has been amusing babies for 50 years. Made of 100% natural rubber and food paint, the BPA- and phthalate-free Sophie is soothing and safe for your teething baby. Sophie’s unique design, pattern and texture stimulate all of your baby’s senses during playtime. She makes a happy sound when squeezed, stimulating hearing and helping your baby understand the link between cause and effect."

I have a ton of friends who have bought this for their babies and loved it. Its adorable and perfect for tiny little hands and teething gums!

 4. Motorola Digital Baby Monitor Video: 

" Rest easy while Baby sleeps with this digital video baby monitor from Motorola. It features a 2.8-inch color LCD screen, infrared night vision and sound indicator lights. This baby monitor has a range of 600 feet and includes an out-of-range indicator."

We had new we wanted a video baby monitor when we were heading out to register & after looking at quite a few online we settled with the motorola. It sleek looking & had really good reviews of quality and use. Also the fact that it has night vision is comforting to know so we can see the babe sleeping safely. 

 5. Graco Sweet Slumber Sound Machine: 

"Lull your little one into a peaceful sleep with this Graco Baby Sweet Slumber Sound Machine. The 12 high-quality soothing sounds, including lullabies, nature sounds and white noise, help your baby fall asleep and stay asleep. You can even use the MP3 plug-in port to attach an MP3 player and soothe your baby with your favorite songs. Set the automatic timer to shut the Sweet Slumber off after your little one has fallen asleep, and check in without disturbing him or her thanks to the soft-glow night-light. The easy-to-use controls let you get started right away, and the machine's compact size and optional battery operation make it great for travel."

As some of you momma's know, a sound machine can be quite useful. Babies need some soothing music to fall asleep at times & if things are TOO quiet they can often get use to that, and then not be able to fall asleep if there is noise. This Graco machine has lots of options, a plug in for our iPods & a small little nightlight which we loved!!

6. Graco Pack 'N Play with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat Play Yard:

"This Graco Pack n Play Playard with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat is designed to grow with your little one from newborn to infant to toddler. The Cuddle Cove rocking seat is removable with carrying handles for convenient mobility. Machine-washable, luxuriously styled, soft fabrics offer comfort, while the canopy shields your baby from bright light. The changing table with a cushioned, quilted rim provides a comfortable and convenient place for diapering, and the adjacent organizer stores baby essentials, such as diapers and wipes, close at hand. The electronics module plays five classical songs and five soothing nature sounds and features a look light that lets you keep an eye on your baby. The module also controls vibration for the bassinet and seat to help calm your baby. The handy wheels offer simple mobility, while the convenient carrying bag offers no-fuss travel and storage."

We knew we wanted a pack & play with the option of using it as our bassinet when the baby is first here. We don't plan on having out baby sleep in our room for too long, we prefer to put him in the crib after a couple of months so it seemed like a waste to get a bassinet. This worked perfectly. This way we have a changer, a bassinet and the moveable pack and play for trips to grandma and grampys. 

7. Chicco Cortina Travel System Stroller:

"The Chicco Cortina Travel System Stroller in Azura features the #1 Rated Infant Car Seat - Greater than 22lb capacity infant seats! Stay Safer Longer with the KeyFit 30 infant car seat accomodating infants from 4 to 30 lbs. The car seat harness has one-pull tightening & loosening for quick harness fitting.  The thickly-padded infant insert gives extra support for a smaller baby around the head, neck, back & bottom.  The carrier shell is lined with energy absorbing foam. It features an innovative LATCH management system, easy belt routing and a spring-loaded leveling foot to make the infant car seat installation easy. The "one-pull", centrally located tightening strap has made securing the LATCH attachment simple.  The KeyFit base also has wide belt routing loops with a built in belt locking system for vehicles without LATCH.  Leveling the base is easy with a spring-loaded leveling foot and easy to read liquid, bubble level guides on both sides of the base.  The enclosed underside of base protects vehicle seats from damage. Conforms to "NEW" FMVSS 213. Usage: from 4-30lbs, newborn insert from 4-11lbs.

The aluminum frame Cortina stroller with one-hand fold comes loaded with extra features you and baby will enjoy. Mutliple position, fully-reclining seat and adjustable leg support provides comfort for your baby. The seat has "memory" recline for your convenience - it remembers the position you last left it in before folding. The adjustable, removable canopy is water repellent. Large basket accessible when the backrest is fully reclined providing plenty of storage for all the things your baby needs. Linked rear brakes and a 5-pt harness provide safety and all-wheel suspension gives just the right ride to baby. A height-adjustable handle make strolling comfortable for Mom or Dad. Usage: from birth to 50lbs. "

We spent the most time looking at strollers while registering for gifts. We wanted something aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and super safe. We finally saw this stroller and decided it is the one!! It works for babies and toddlers from 4- 50lbs, so we can use it for a long time & its a great color and really soft! 

8. Itzy Ritzy Shopping Cart & High Chair Cover:

"Keep your little one clean and comfortable with this shopping cart cover from Itzy Ritzy. Perfect for twins, this padded cover is made from a reversible animal print fabric. Two toy loops and pockets keep toys and teethers from dropping to the ground. This versatile cover can also be used as a high chair cover."

9. Comfort & Harmony Shopping Cart Cover:
"The Kids II Bright Starts Comfort & Harmony Cozy Cart Cover offers supreme comfort for your little one while safeguarding against germs. The cover provides 360-degree germ protection, and generously sized plush fabrics offer full coverage of shopping carts and restaurant high chairs. Three storage pockets are conveniently located on the back of the cover, so you will always have your baby essentials on hand. A clip in the front offers stability once it is in the high chair or shopping cart, so you won’t have to worry about your little one’s safety once he or she is sitting in the seat. This stylish cart cover is sure to provide ultimate comfort in any seat and protects your little one from harmful germs."

As a little bit of a germaphobe, I knew I wanted the car seat covers. I cringe when I see babies putting their mouths on the nasty shopping cart handle. UGH! Thinking about it grosses me out. We registered for two, obviously because one will be in the wash from time to time especially when using it as a highchair cover at restaurants. Both of these looked adorable and soft & just needed to keep the babes healthy!

10. Vicks Starry Night Cool Mist Humidifier:

"The Kaz Vicks Starry Night Cool Moisture Humidifier produces cool, invisible moisture while transforming the room into a starry night sky that will soothe and comfort your little one. Cool moisture ensures that your child will get a good night's sleep by being able to breathe easily during the night. A projector transforms the room into a starry night sky that will provide comfort for your child before falling asleep. The soothing vapors scent pad heater offers a comforting, non-medicated scent that is sure to soothe your little one, even when he or she is sick. Two speed settings allow you to set the speed of the humidifier to suit your child's comfort level, and the quiet operation ensures that it will not disturb his or her sleep. A run time of up to 24 hours ensures that the humidifier will work through the night, offering soothing comfort during sleep."

We needed a humidifier, in fact I wish we had this now because we would use it!! I loved the blue look to it, and the fact that you can put on the night light, and that it runs independently so you don;t have to have the night light on. I really like the ability to add the Vicks for it for when the little one gets sick & its a cool steam so no burns!

Overall, registering was so much fun!! I can not wait until its shower time so we can finally have it all!!