"Just a Mom"

I love this video.  It really helps you understand that giving up a career or lifestyle to be a mother isn't something you should be ashamed about.  You are not "just a mom", you are a mother.  Enjoy that privilege!

Retrieved from http://mormon.org/jane

The Big 5 (Baby's First Foods)

There is a lot of debate about when to start your baby on solids.  Current recommendations say that breast milk or formula should be your baby's main source of nutrition until 6 months of age.  The reasoning for this is because breast milk or formula has everything your baby needs to develop properly and if you start solids too early then your baby could lose out on important nutrients.  When you start your baby on solids, it helps to know what foods are best to start with.  Here are the top 5 best first foods for your baby:

1. Sweet Potatoes
Easy to make, easy to digest, easy on the tummy, and easy on the taste buds!  Not to mention, they are one of the most nutritious veggies on the planet.  These little beauties have huge amounts of dietary fiber and beta carotene, calcium, iron, Vitamin A and Vitamin C and even Vitamin E.  

2. Avocado
It is said that if you were stranded on an island you could survive on avocados because of all of the nutrients it contains: healthy fats, fiber, potassium, iron, folate and even Vitamin E.  The reason I love the avocado so much is because you don't have to cook it!  Less work for mom, faster food for baby!

3. Carrots
Fresh produce can be expensive sometimes but these little treasures are always cheap and available year round.  Beta carotene, Folate, Vitamin C and even Calcium mean better vision, growth, and development; the maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes; immune functions; and even aids reproductive functions for your baby.
* Note: if possible, do not use baby carrots.  For more info, read the bottom of this post.

4. Bananas
Probably one of the easiest foods for your baby to digest and one of the easiest to prepare!  Just peel, mash, and feed to that watering baby mouth.  Important nutrients in bananas include: Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin B2, Calcium, Folate, Potassium and Fiber.  Hard to believe that so many nutrients are in such a delicious, creamy food!

5. Oatmeal
High in fiber, calcium, protein, some B vitamins, and 2 mg of iron per cup.  Less constipating and easy to buy and prepare.  TIP: Choose steel cut or rolled oats (not quick oats).  The less cutting and processing of the oats means more nutrients in the tummy.

Information retrieved from Wholesome Baby Food.  See more information @ http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/

* Why should I not use baby carrots for my baby's food? 
“''Baby'' carrots are the product of modern technology and are specially formed by a machine that cuts them out from full sized older carrots. Some 'growers' add green food coloring at the 'stem' for further effect. One way to tell if a baby carrot is truly a baby carrot is to read its packaging. The common 'baby carrots' sold in the grocery store will actually say 'baby cut' carrots.
Baby cut carrots are cleansed in a solution that often contains chlorine so that they will not turn white while in the package. Skip these carrots and opt to peel and cut your own, especially if you will be making carrot baby food!"  

(http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/carrotsbabyfoodrecipes.html#.Ucj9vutrfgo)

 

Honest Perspective: Breastfeeding or Formula?

One of my best friends wrote the best post about breastfeeding, difficulties, and doing what is best for your baby.  I love her story and am so grateful for her honest and humble view about this hot topic.  Thanks for letting me share this!

“'Breastfeed, it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your baby.'  From my very first doctors visit this is what I was repeatedly told.  It felt like a lot of information to take in all at once, especially with all of the joy and excitement I was feeling about becoming a new mom.  But like any mom, I wanted to do what was best for my baby, so I had decided breastfeeding was the only way; formula wasn’t even an option in my mind. 

I proceeded to buy the pregnancy books (What to Expect When You’re Expecting, Your Pregnancy Week by Week, etc.), read the breastfeeding pamphlets from my OBGYN, read on the internet the ins and outs of breastfeeding, I even took a class on breastfeeding.  Honestly, I did everything I could imagine to understand how to make breastfeeding work for me and my baby.  I felt so prepared and ready for the day that I would get to share that first special moment with my new baby boy, when he would latch on and everything would workout smoothly.

The day finally came; my little guy was born and was absolutely perfect.  I have never felt so much love, joy, and happiness then that moment, when I gave birth to my son.  As I was holding him for the first time, having that first skin to skin moment, he latched onto me.  He seemed to be doing so well, everything was going as planned.  The next day, however, was a different story. 

When they brought him into my room to be fed he wouldn’t latch, he wanted nothing to do with it.  I remember feeling confused, 'Maybe he isn’t hungry? No, that can’t be right, it’s been three hours and he needs to eat.'  He started screaming and crying uncontrollably, the nurse tried to help but nothing she did worked.  They brought in a lactation specialist to help, but he still wouldn’t eat.  I was stressing out to the point of tears, this wasn’t supposed to happen, I did my homework and I wanted to give my baby the very best.  

They finally sent us home 48 hours later with my son “breastfeeding” but by supplementation of a syringe filled with formula.  I felt as if I had failed.  My baby was getting the majority of his milk supply from formula; I couldn’t fully give him the best.  The doctors and lactation specialist told me and my husband to take our son off of the syringe slowly, to ease him into pure breastfeeding.  My son was too smart, though, he figured out where the main supply of food was coming from and eventually stopped latching; he would go immediately to the syringe for his food. 

After many battles with my son, countless calls to the doctor/lactation specialist (who kept feeding me the same information over and over again), and too many minutes spent crying my eyes out when I should have been enjoying my new baby, my husband and I decided that maybe breastfeeding wasn’t the right decision for our son.  However, I still felt the need to give my son what I had been told was the best and decided to pump my milk for as long as I could.  But as circumstances would have it, I was only able to pump my milk for about a week and a half longer before my milk supply was completely gone.  What seemed like an awful and yet again depressing situation actually turned out to be the blessing and help I needed to move on.  My son needed his food and I needed to give him the nutrients to grow and develop properly, formula was the best solution for our problem.

As I sit here typing this today, reliving my whole experience with breastfeeding, I can’t help but be truly humbled and grateful for formula.  It not only fed my baby when I couldn’t, it gave him the chance to grow and develop into the perfect, active, and smart 2 year old boy he is today.  They say there are definite benefits to breastfeeding that make it the best choice for your baby and I don’t doubt for a second that those benefits are true, but my son was formula fed for 12 months and he has developed perfectly in every aspect of his young life.  When we take him in for his doctor appointments they are always amazed at how advanced he is for his age.  His doctor has said on numerous accounts, 'He is a smart one. I cannot believe he is already _____________ (fill in the blank). Most babies don’t do that for a few more months.'

 

If you are a mom struggling with breastfeeding or questioning if it’s right for you, my advice is to not feel pressured or guilty.  If you cannot breastfeed for one reason or another, or you choose not to breastfeed that is perfectly fine.  Formula is a great way to get your baby the essential nutrients he/she needs to grow and develop properly.  Formula was the best choice for me and my son, it might be the best choice for you and your baby." 

The Tired Mother's Creed - Lisa-Jo Baker

Please do yourself a favor.  READ THIS.  Then read it again.  Then print it off and hang it where you will see it everyday.  Then read it again.  This changed my perspective on what matters most and each day I read it, something great sticks out to me.  Lisa Jo Baker is such an incredible author and I love how real she is.  She really puts things into perspective.  I promise that you'll love this as much as I do.  

"For the days we are running on empty. For the days we just don't think we have it in us to read one more story, play one more game of Uno, wash one more round of sheets. For the days when we think everyone else has it together.  For the days we're sure anyone else would do this job better.  For those days. You know the ones.  Repeat after me:

1. I shall not judge my house, my kid's summer activities or my crafting skills by Pinterest's standards.

2. I shall not measure what I've accomplished today by the loads of unfolded laundry but by the assurance of deep love I've tickled into my kids.

3. I shall say “yes” to blanket forts and see past the chaos to the memories we're building.

4. I shall surprise my kids with trips to get ice cream when they're already in their pajamas.

5. I shall not compare myself to other mothers but find my identity in the God who trusted me with these kids in the first place.

6. I shall remember that a messy house at peace is better than an immaculate house tied up in knots.

7. I shall play music loudly and teach my kids the joy of wildly uncoordinated dance.

8. I shall remind myself that perfect is simply a street sign at the intersection of impossible and frustration in Never Never land.

9. I shall embrace the fact that in becoming a mom I traded perfect for a house full of real.

10. I shall promise to love this body that bore these children out loud, especially in front of my daughter.

11. I shall give my other mother friends the gift of guilt-free friendship.

12. I shall do my best to admit to my people my “unfine” moments.

13. I shall say “sorry” when sorry is necessary.

14. I pray God that I shall never be too proud, angry or stubborn to ask for my children's forgiveness.

15. I shall make space in my grown-up world for goofball moments with my kids.

16. I shall love their father and make sure they know I love him.

17. I shall model kind words to kids and grown-ups alike.

18. I shall not be intimidated by the inside of my minivan; this season of chip bags, goldfish crackers and discarded socks too shall pass.

19. I shall always make time to encourage new moms.

20. I shall not resent that last call for kisses and cups of water but remember instead that when I blink they'll all be in college. 

(From Lisa-Jo Baker @ http://lisajobaker.com/2012/06/encouragement-for-tired-moms/ - emphasis added)

Diaper Bag Life Saver

Blowouts are never convenient.  You can be at lunch with friends, out grocery shopping, or be out running errands and the blowout could strike at any minute.  When you are out and about, blowouts can be stressful, especially if you aren't prepared.  I'm going to introduce you to something that may change your life.  Well, maybe not change your life.  But this little item is such a life saver when you are out and have a dirty mess to keep under control.  Enter:



Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser.

These things will save your life!  When you have a poopy diaper and your baby blows out on their clothes, you take this little dispenser, get a scented bag, put everything in, tie it up, and TA-DAH!  You are free to keep eating lunch, shopping, or doing whatever you please while your diaper bag is stink and mess free.  AND it comes in 3 different colors: green, blue, and purple/pink.  So if you are weird like me and want your baby's stuff to match, buy the color your heart desires.  If you are a normal person and don't mind, then good luck trying to choose a color. ;)  I promise, this is worth every penny!  I think they are only $5, which makes them even better.  Buy it!  You won't regret it.

*GUEST POST* Vitamin D Drops

My friend is awesome.  Today I'm excited to share a guest post where I share something a friend has taught me about mothering.  Today's topic: Vitamin D. Some pediatricians suggest that if you are exclusively breastfeeding then vitamin D is needed for your baby because your breastmilk doesn't have vitamin D.  My friend's pediatrician suggested the Enfamil drops:

http://www.enfamil.com/app/iwp/enf12/product.do?dm=enf&id=/Consumer_Home3/Infants/EnfamilDViSol&iwpst=B2C&ls=0&csred=1&r=3546872790

But my friend said that these drops were impossible to give to their little girl.  "You have to squirt 1ml in her mouth, which isn't bad, but it smelled bad and tasted bad and it was a battle to get her to take it...I don't blame her, poor thing.  Then my aunt introduced me to Carlsons infants vitamin D drops. 

http://www.vine.com/p/carlson-labs-carlson-for-kids-liquid-vitamin-d3-drops-400-iu-365-drops-10ml-769632?site=CA&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc_v&utm_term=FPS-151635&utm_campaign=GoogleAW&CAWELAID=1707565685&utm_content=pla&adtype=pla&cagpspn=pla

Each bottle has 50ml and you give 1ml per day they are about $7-9 a bottle so for a year you would have to buy 7-8 bottles = 50-65$ per year.  There are 365 drops in one bottle and you can put a drop on yourself before nursing or drop it in her mouth or put it on a pacifier.  My friend loves it because "it is sweet and has no scent.  I love these drops you only have to buy it once a year and it is about $23-25 per bottle."  Thanks for the great advice!!

EASY Binky Clip Tutorial

I was so excited about finding this super easy tutorial to make binky clips that I went to Hobby Lobby the same day to get the materials so I could make them.  You can make these in 5 minutes, save money by making your own, and customize the clips to match your style!  You can make 4 different binky clips for less than the price of buying one at the store.  Binky clips are great because babies love to spit out their binkies and if you don't have a clip then you are constantly washing them off or losing them.  Here is the video: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch/?v=4g8Wc66xIw4

The lady in this video uses ribbon but if you want to get fancy fancy (or if you have a baby girl that you want to dress up) then get trim from a fabric store.  I loved the frilly, polka dot, and girly trims and thought they would make an adorable accessory for my baby girl.  

Experiment with different fabrics, ribbons, and trim to make cheap, cute binky clips that you'll be excited for your baby to wear!

Bumper Review

Bumper or no bumper?  Studies have gone from using bumpers to protect arms and legs from getting stuck to recent studies that say that bumpers can cause suffocation.  I read a bunch of different points of view and decided that I wanted some type of a bumper to keep baby girl's arms and legs from getting stuck but something that wasn't super thick that could be dangerous for breathing.  The solution?  Enter: mesh bumpers.

 I came across these mesh bumpers online and fell in love with them.  They provided that security for little arms and legs but the mesh aspect of the bumper makes it breathable and reduces a lot of stress on the worried mama's mind.  Not crazy about the look of them?  They come in different colors and even patterns.  Target had blue and white chevron mesh bumpers and the classic pink and light blue.  The brand we bought is BreathableBaby and I have no complaints.  Check them out and let me know what you think!

You are Mighty

This video came to me at the perfect time in my life.  It is so inspirational and makes me so grateful to be a mother.

http://lisajobaker.com/2013/05/a-mothers-day-video-you-are-mighty-because-you-mother/

Tips to Make Nursing Easier

Nursing isn't a walk in the park.  It takes patience, time, and determination to breastfeed your baby.  But I promise that it is worth it!  Breastfeeding protects your baby from a long list of sicknesses, can help your baby not develop allergies, lowers risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), reduces YOUR stress level and can help prevent breast cancer.  But the reason why I personally love breastfeeding is that it is a special time that you get to bond with your baby.  There is nothing better than having a squiggly baby snuggle up to you for 15 minutes while you feed them.  Even though that feeling helps out with the time and energy of breastfeeding, here are a few tips to make it easier on you.

1) Make your "nursing place" comfy and friendly!
You'll be spending A LOT of time nursing so you better make sure you are comfortable!  I love my glider but you can nurse on your bed with lots of pillows stuffed behind your back and sides or even sit crossed-legged on the floor.  But I promise you that nursing takes time and you can't rush it so you better be comfortable.  My friend calls her nursing place her "throne."  Make it comfy and you will find that nursing is a lot easier!

2) You can't expect to produce milk if you aren't drinking enough water! 
This finally hit me when my milk started to decrease and I've been trying to be better about drinking water.  Buy a cute water bottle or use the handy one that the hospital will give you and keep it by your "nursing place."  I love my CamelBak Eddy water bottle because it doesn't leak.



3) Nursing brings out a very hungry you!
If you are anything like me, you will feel STARVING if you breastfeed exclusively.  I felt like I was always hungry.  But remember, you are burning on average an extra 500 calories every day!  (You'll also like hearing that nursing mothers lose weight easier and faster than non-nursing mothers)  My advice to you is to find your favorite healthy snack to put by your "nursing place."  My favorite snacks were trail mix, granola bars, or carrots.  You will want to snack on those during late night feedings because you will feel starving!

4) Nursing Pillows and Creams help!
A nursing pillow is heaven sent.  When you are dead tired at 2am, you'll be grateful for a little pillow that you can stick under your arms to help support the baby while you nurse.  I personally love my Boppy (http://www.boppy.com/) that someone bought me from Target but you can get a free nursing pillow at https://www.nursingpillow.com/content/home when you use the promo code 50MOM.  Also, Lanolin cream really does help!  You get pretty sore the first couple weeks but the cream helps a ton.

Gender Reveal Idea

Looking for a cute way to tell family and friends what you are having?  I saw this idea on Facebook and thought it was such a cute and clever idea!
 

Thanks to Ally Best Johnson for the cute idea!

Encouraging Word of the Week

Baby's Ideal Diet

4 - 8 MONTHS OLD

In addition to 3-5 nursings or 24-32 oz add:

Breakfast:
2 Tbs. infant cereal

Lunch: 
1-2 Tbs. infant cereal
2 Tbs. pureed fruits or veggies

Dinner:
1-2 Tbs. infant cereal
1-2 Tbs. pureed fruits or veggies

Food ideas: applesauce, ripe mangoes, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, squash, bananas, ripe apricots.

8 - 11 MONTHS OLD

In addition to 3-5 nursings or 24-32 oz add:

Breakfast:

2-3 Tbs. infant cereal

1 Tbs. fruit

Lunch: 
2-3 Tbs. infant cereal
2 Tbs. pureed fruits
1 Tbs. finger food

Dinner:
2 Tbs. pureed veggies
1-2 Tbs. pureed meat
1 Tbs. finger food

Food ideas: finely diced kiwifruit, bananas, ripe peaches, watermelon, very ripe pears, cantaloupe, whole-grain cereal, avocado, cooked and finely diced squash, tiny pieces of pineapple, cooked sweet potatoes.

FOODS TO AVOID until baby is 1:
- Cow's milk: they can't digest it.
- Peanut butter: choking hazard.
- Honey: causes botulism.
- Round foods (like blackberries): can get stuck in baby's windpipe.
- Raw veggies and dried fruits: choking hazards.
- Stringy foods: choking hazards.

Source: American Baby

Baby Food 101

I had a hard time knowing when to start my baby on baby food/rice cereal and it was overwhelming to read all of the articles online.  After looking at different advice and tips, here is what I found out:

Can I add rice cereal to my baby's bottle?
No!  Your baby doesn't need the extra calories and a new study has come out saying that cereal-thickened formula can make babies gag and inhale the liquid into their lungs.

Should rice cereal be the first thing to introduce my baby to?
In the past people thought that babies should start with rice cereal but doctors say that it's fine to start your baby with pureed veggies or fruit.  

When should I start my baby on baby food?
For most babies you can start solids around 4 - 6 months old.  Make sure your baby can support his or her self and keep their head up independently before you start. (Ashely Hotle, pediatric dietitian at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital)

What should I do if my baby doesn't seem to like a certain food?
Keep trying!  Offer the food one bite every day for a week.  85% of babies eventually enjoy the taste of a new food. (Alan Greene, clinical professor of pediatrics at Stanford)

Should I feed my baby the veggies before the fruit?
Not necessarily.  In the past a lot of people thought that if you fed the baby fruit first then he/she wouldn't eat the veggies but there's no evidence to that theory.

When should I try new flavors of baby food for my baby?
Your baby can learn to like almost any food from 6 to 12 months (from the time he/she starts solids).  If you start introducing your baby to new foods at the beginning then they have a larger variety that they like when they get to the picky stage (around 2 or 3 years old).  You can even try some pureed seasoned ravioli to spice things up.  When your baby is 10 months old you can get even more adventurous!

How can I help reduce the risk of by baby spitting up the food?
When babies sit up at a 90º angle it will help strengthen the neck and head muscles, relieve pressure on the stomach, and help reduce spit up. 

What should and shouldn't I feed my baby if he/she is under 1 year old?
Fish is actually safe for babies 6 months and older!  Just make sure you mash it up really good and choose fish that is low in mercury (salmon or mahi mahi).  You probably already know this but you need to avoid feeding your baby honey.  Why? Clostridium bacteria can contaminate honey, especially, and cause infant botulism.  Infant botulism can cause muscle weakness, with signs like poor sucking, a weak cry, constipation, and an overall decreased muscle ton/floppiness (KidsHealth.org).  When kids get older they can handle the bacteria better.

Can my baby eat meat?
Yes!  As long as you puree your red meat or poultry to a thin consistency then go right ahead!  Studies actually show that children who eat meat earlier in life have higher intakes of zinc and iron which are essential nutrients for growth. 

* Final Tip:
Make sure that you are eating healthy foods so that your baby wants to eat what you are eating.  If you are eating greasy fries or ice cream then your baby will be fussy if you don't offer him/her some.  Your baby will be more interested in eating what's on his/her plate if it's the same as yours!  But don't let that stop you from your once or twice a month date with Ben & Jerry's ice cream when you have a craving!

HOW TO Pinch Your Pennies

Let's face it, having a baby is not cheap.  There are so many little (and big) expenses that really add up.  If you are like me, it can be a little overwhelming to think about everything you need to buy.  I wanted to have the perfect nursery that was decorated just right but we didn't have the money to buy everything I wanted.  Being a penny pincher motivated me to find whatever ways I could to save money but still get the cute nursery that I had dreamed of.  Here are my top 5 tips that helped me save money:

1) BUY USED & REDO! 
Buying something used and redoing it is a great way to have the perfect color/pattern/size for your baby's nursery but it also saves you a lot of money!  I had a white dresser pictured in my mind for the nursery but didn't have the money.  I couldn't find a dresser for less than $200 or $300 (and that's on the cheap end) on the internet or in stores.  After buying it used and redoing it, I had the perfect dresser for less than half the price.  (Click the link for my Buy Used & Redo post to see the dresser that my husband and I redid and to get tips on redoing your own dresser)  Another easy but cute thing to redo is an old lamp.  I bought an old lamp from my local thrift store (DI) and just added cute fabric and trim to the shade.  You can also spray paint the actual lamp to match your nursery.  Quick and easy but it adds a lot to a nursery!

2) DIY PROJECTS
Nursery decorations are really expensive and I had a hard time finding exactly what I pictured/what I wanted.  The great thing about DIY (do it yourself) projects is that you can customize the color/pattern/size of your decoration and it is WAY cheaper.  Here is a little project I did that I found on Pinterest.  It was really easy to do but added a cute little decoration.  (If anyone would like the tutorial then send me a message and I will send you the link) 

  
 If you haven't been on the famous Pinterest then allow me to introduce you to this amazing tool!  It has hundreds of DIY projects just waiting to be created.  You can just type "DIY nursery" in the search bar and it will come up with hundreds of ideas.  Have fun and be creative!

3) BUY USED/GENTLY USED
You can buy most things used for the nursery.  Dressers, lamps, bedding (wash really good), and even car seats and cribs.  The thing about car seats and cribs is that you need to be careful in buying used.
- Car seats have an expiration date (usually 5 to 10 years after the manufacture date) so if you buy used, make sure that it isn't expired or that it hasn't been in any accidents.  It is your child's safety on the line so be picky with the safety!
- Cribs.  Buying a used crib from a thrift store, yard sale, or neighbor can save you a lot a money.  Just make sure that the crib doesn't have any paint chips and doesn't have a drop down side.  There is a lot of controversy with this but from the research I did suggests that drop down side cribs are dangerous.  You can read more about it here: http://babyproducts.about.com/od/sleepbedding/a/drop_side_cribs_safety.htm
- Baby Clothes/Shoes.  Definitely ok to buy these used!  Babies go through clothes so fast so it's likely that the clothes you buy have only been used a couple times.  Just make sure you wash them really good.  It also helps to buy them from someone you know, if possible.

4) LOOK FOR DEALS/PROMOTIONS/COUPONS
I tried to find any possible way to save more money when I had to buy something for the nursery.  Most websites have promotion codes for 10% or 20% off or free shipping.  This can save you a lot of money!  I saved 20% on my diaper bag through a promo code.  I also signed up for a Target credit card to get 15% off my crib AND got free shipping.  Take the time to look for promo codes online because they could really help you save.  Another tip: always buy with a coupon!  Stores ALWAYS have coupons out and when you are making a big purchase, 10% or 20% off can make a big difference.

Click here to check out my post on FREE nursing covers, car seat covers, diaper bags, etc. for mothers.

5) STICK TO THE BASICS
Let's be honest, your baby won't remember the brand of clothes it is wearing or that you didn't buy the expensive furniture set for the nursery.  If you are struggling to buy all the things you want, stick to the basics and add more little things as you can.  Click here for a list of basic items for the baby.

Don't become overwhelmed, everything will work out.  Remember that the most important thing you can give your baby is your attention and love.

Encouraging Word of the Week

Stick to the Basics

(From the post HOW TO Pinch Your Pennies)

Let's be honest, your baby won't remember the brand of clothes it is wearing or that you didn't buy the expensive furniture set for the nursery.  If you are struggling to buy all the things you want, stick to the basics and add more little things as you can.  Here is a list of things that I put together that I think are the basics:

Clothes
- Onesies (at least 5)
- Sleepers (about 5)
- A few outfits
- Socks (at least 4 pairs)

Furniture/Bedding
- Crib
- Mattress
- Fitted sheets (at least 2)
- Dresser
- Changing pad (if you have a dresser) or changing table

Changing
- Diapers and wipes
- Desitin/baby powder
- Baby lotion/wash

Etc.
- Blankets (a couple to lay on and a couple to swaddle)
- Spit up rags (at least 5)
- Diaper bag or oversize purse

Buy Used & Redo

(From the post HOW TO Pinch Your Pennies)
 
I had my heart set on a white dresser but dressers are SO expensive!  I looked everywhere online and in stores but couldn't find one that didn't cost less than $200 - $300.  My plan was to buy a used dresser and redo it to be the white dresser that I pictured.  My husband was the one that redid it and he did a great job.  We definitely saved over half the price by redoing it ourselves!

Plan of Action:
Go to your local thrift store (ex: DI, Savers, KSL, or Craigslist) or plan time with the hubby to go yard sale shopping to find an old dresser (go get frozen yogurt or ice cream afterward and make it a date!).  The next step is to buy a can of spray paint in the color you want your dresser* (see note below) or buy stain if you want to spend a little extra for a nicer option.  Throw on some new handles for the dresser and VOILA...your "new" dresser that looks exactly the way you want it.  Another way to save money on your nursery furniture is to buy a changing pad to put on top of your dresser.  This way you don't need to buy a separate changing table.  (For more penny pinching tips, read my HOW TO Pinch Your Pennies post)  Have fun and be creative to make whatever dresser your heart desires!

*Make sure you have a mask or have your hubby/friend spray paint it so you don't inhale the fumes.  The fumes are dangerous for your baby.

Baby Monitor

I admit that baby monitors aren't absolutely essential, especially if you live in a small apartment like me.  But if you are a worry wort like me, they are very much needed for your peace of mind.  I am starting my baby girl's sleep training this week which means it's time to have her sleep in her crib.  Thinking about her not sleeping right next to me in the co-sleeper makes me nervous so a baby monitor was a must for us.  There are two types of monitors: sound and video.  My problem was that I wanted the price of a sound monitor but the qualities of a video monitor.  I didn't just want to hear when she started crying, I wanted to see WHY she was crying.  If it was just a binky that fell out of her tired mouth for the 5th time, then I wouldn't need to run in there.  But if the blanket was over her head or something like that, I could see the problem.  Sound monitors run anywhere from $40 - $75 while video monitors run from around $150 and up.  After doing quite a bit of research I found a video monitor with really good reviews that looked perfect for us.  It's called "Infant Optics DXR-5 2.4 GHz Digital Video Baby Monitor with Night Vision" - elaborate title, I know.

Let me assure you that the price tag was the selling point for me, not the fancy name.  It is usually $299 but Amazon has it for $99.  But that's not the best part.  If you sign up for Amazon Mom here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/mom/signup/info then you get free 2-day shipping!   The monitor has an 800-foot wireless range, night vision, easy set up, and 1 year warranty.

FREE SHIPPING + LOW PRICE + GREAT REVIEWS = Our perfect monitor with less stress for mom.  Good luck! 

Encouraging Word of the Week

I love this quote and hope it helps you feel more confident in your role to be a mother. Remember, this is what you are made for.

Diaper Bag Review

Finding a diaper bag is harder than you think!  After all, you need a bag that is cute enough to carry everywhere you go but one that is functional enough to actually use.  I looked at Target, Walmart, Babies R Us, JCPenney, and other stores in the mall but couldn't find one that I thought was cute.  After all, your diaper bag becomes your purse once you have a baby so you need a cute one!  Here is my criteria for a diaper bag:
- Stylish (so I'll want to carry it around everywhere)
- Doesn't cost an arm and a leg
- Lots of organizational pockets and space
- Includes a changing pad
- Comfortable to wear/carry everywhere

Unfortunately I didn't have the money to get one of the Petunia Pickle Bottom bags (see note at the bottom of this post).  I had my work cut out for me to find a cute diaper bag that didn't cost an arm and a leg.  I did a lot of research a found that I really like JJ Cole's diaper bags.  They aren't super popular so not everyone has it but they have way cute styles and the best part is the prices (prices range from $60 to $120).  But I was also able to find a promo code for 10% off AND free shipping.  The promo code is: JJBUNDLE and if you spend $49 or more on their site then you get free shipping.  Here is the link and some pictures of what they have to offer:

JJ Cole
http://jjcolecollections.com/diaper-bag
This is the diaper bag I ended up getting.  I love that it has a padded strap, stroller attachments, lots of organizational pockets, and a matching changing pad.  This bag is $60 without the discount.

Here is another one that I really like ($109):


This is another one of my favorites ($120):

Petunia Pickle Bottom
http://www.petunia.com/
My older sister and sister-in-law both have Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags and I would have LOVED to buy one of those but it was a little out of my price range (prices range from $130 to $760, w/out shipping).  They are expensive but they are so adorable and are the Lexus' of diaper bags.  If you have the money to buy a Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag then do it!  They are so cute, functional, and I haven't read one complaint about them.  They also come with a coordinating changing pad.

Satchel $130


Backpack $180


Carryall - $350 


Holdall - $760 (I know, right?)

FREE Mozart for Babies Download

My baby girl LOVES music.  I think it's because she had to listen to it everyday while she was in my belly because I was finishing my music degree while I was pregnant with her.  So when she was born I started looking for a CD with music designed especially for babies.  I was so happy to find tons of FREE Mozart mp3 downloads!  Here is the link:


http://www.munchkin.com/mozart-downloads

I know that not all of you will be interested but I love having music for play time, nap time, and even music for when she wakes up.  Hope you enjoy!

Favorite Websites for Updates & Tips

Nothing is more fun than signing into your email to see that you received an update about your baby.  While I was pregnant I loved reading about what was happening with my baby that week and ready what was normal for my pregnancy at that stage.  I put together a list of some of my favorite websites for tips for your stage of pregnancy, facts on baby's development, and answers to your most common questions and concerns.

http://www.thebump.com/
http://www.parents.com/
http://www.everydayfamily.com/
http://www.gerber.com/ 
http://www.similac.com/

These have everything from week-by-week development, breast feeding q&a's, baby names, gender prediction quizzes, tips for the mom, and answers to a lot of questions.  Sign up to receive the newsletters so that you can keep up with your baby's development.  They also have tips and updates for when you have your baby.  I still use these websites to see development stages and ideas for what I can do with my baby at each stage.  Enjoy!!

5 S's to Calm Your Baby

One of the hardest things about being a parent is hearing your baby cry.  You wish you knew why they were crying and what you could do to help them but I've discovered that it is hard to figure out what your baby needs.  While I was pregnant I watched a video clip on Oprah with Dr. Harvey Karp, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block.  Dr. Karp's famous 5 S's have helped hundreds of mothers calm their babies.  I didn't have time to read the book but I did learn about his famous "5 S's" to help calm your baby.  The first 3 S's are my favorite and I think they work the best.

1) Swaddling. 
My baby LOVES to be swaddled.  Now, at 3 months old, she won't go to bed without being swaddled.  I love the swaddle because then her hands don't knock the binky out so that she wakes up.  I also like that she can't scratch her face while in the swaddle.  Don't know how to swaddle?  I didn't either...Here is a click to show you how to swaddle:
 http://www.adenandanais.com/learn/howtoswaddle.aspx

I just use a normal, thin blanket to swaddle my baby but you can buy a special swaddle from Target, Walmart, or Babies R Us.  Dr. Karp says that swaddling provides warmth and security. "Babies are often calmed when they are wrapped tightly as this sort of mimics the way the baby felt in the womb. Swaddling is one of the most effective ways to calm and quiet your fussy baby."

2) Side/Stomach position. 
"You place your baby, while holding her, either on her left side to assist in digestion, or on her stomach to provide reassuring support. Once your baby is happily asleep, you can safely put her in her crib, on her back."

3) Swinging. 
Ok, I swear by this one too.  My baby's swing has been a life saver!  She falls asleep in it every night.  Babies love the swinging motion because it reminds them of the movement they felt while in your womb.  If you have to splurge on one thing to buy, buy a swing!

4) Shushing.
Dr. Karp says that babies feel calm and safe when they hear the shushing sounds because the noise mimics the noise in the womb.

5) Sucking. 
"Sucking often allows babies to work out their aggression so it is a great resource for parents that are trying to calm their agitated baby. Sucking can be done on a pacifier, bottle, or the breast."

* You won't always be able to stop the crying or figure out what's wrong but remember: you won't ever go through something that you can't handle.  Being a mother is in your nature, in your blood, and you have those motherly instincts.  Believe in yourself and know that you've got this!

Encouraging Word of the Week

Here is the encouraging word of the week:

Have a great week!!

FREE Things for Mothers

One thing you should know about me, I am ALL about free things.  I love coupons and getting good deals so when I was pregnant I realized that there are a lot of free items for expecting mothers!  Here is a list of my favorite free things:

FREE Nursing Pillow
https://www.nursingpillow.com/ 
 


Use the promo code: MOM30 to get the nursing pillow for free ($50 value).  You just have to pay shipping!  I personally didn't get one of these because I got a Boppy from a baby shower but this is a great deal and they have a lot of cute designs!

FREE Nursing Cover
http://www.uddercovers.com/



I got the purple "Maria" cover but they have a ton of new colors and patterns since I got mine.  I love the cover that is pictured above.  Just enter the promo code and it will take off $35.  You just have to pay for the shipping, which is $11.  I think the shipping is a little overpriced but the cover is free so I think it's a pretty good deal.  Here is the promo code: breastfeeding OR family2013.

FREE Car Seat Cover
https://www.carseatcanopy.com/



I still haven't bought my car seat cover because I've been using a winter cover because of the cold.  But I love the gray damask and the bright pink and green cover.  This is the same deal as the nursing cover, the promo code pays the $50 for the cover and you just have to pay shipping, which is $12 on this one.  The promo code that worked for me is: christmas.

FREE Diaper Bags, Bottles, Formula, and Coupons
Gerber has a certificate that you can print off for a free "mom backpack" with formula, health record, nutrition guide, breastfeeding book, and coupons.  Here is the link: http://www.gerber.com/birth/special_offers/backpack.aspx



Another great thing to sign up for is Similac Strong Moms.  You get coupons, free bottles, a free bag, and free formula samples.  Here is the link to register: https://similac.com/registration



You can also sign up with Enfamil to receive a free breast milk cooler bag and formula.  Just click on this link:
https://www.enfamil.com/app/iwp/ConsumerRegisterLoadConsentInfo.do?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&csred=1&r=3541857808

Ultimate Stain Remover

Nothing is worse than buying a brand new outfit for your baby only to find out that they have a huge blow out 5 minutes after putting the adorable outfit on.  Enter: 

I'm telling you, this thing is a miracle worker!  All you have to do is when your baby has a blow out or spits up, just throw it in a laundry basket.  Then when you do laundry 3 or 4 days later you just spray this little magic potion on the stain, give it a little rub, and throw it in the washer.  Ok, I admit that sometimes I wait 5 days to do laundry, but my baby's clothes don't have ONE stain on them because of this.  Again, just spray, rub, and throw in the washer and wash normally.  I promise you won't regret buying this $3 bottle!

MUST HAVE for Nursing Mothers

I have to share this because it was really the thing that helped me be able to breastfeed.  While I was pregnant I had the whole birth process planned out.  I would go into labor on December 16th, labor for most the day then have a perfect delivery followed by skin to skin contact.  Then I thought I would breastfeed my baby right away and everything would be picture perfect and I would have an overwhelming joy come over me just as the background music climaxed and everyone would be smiling.  Well, lets just say that it didn't go like that. 

Our sweet baby developed an infection after I was induced so they had to do an emergency C-section to get her out.  The nurses had to take the baby and attend to her and I did get to kind of hold her but I was so out of it from the stress of the emergency C-section.  I couldn't nurse my baby right away or even do skin to skin contact.  Nothing went as planned and I was a little disappointed.  But then when I did get to hold her and finally try to nurse her, my milk wasn't in.  The stress from the C-section took its toll on me.  My milk didn't come in for 5 days.  I was so sad to have to supplement my baby.  One doctor even said, "If it hasn't come in yet then it isn't going to come it."  I was so sad because nothing else had gone as planned and I just wanted to be able to nurse my baby.  Well my mom talked to all the nurses in the NICU and found a solution: More Milk Plus by Motherlove.  

These herbal liquid capsules are 100% vegetarian and all organic.  You can buy them at Good Earth for sure but also online.  The nurses swore by it and my mom was willing to try anything.  She went down to Good Earth and bought the $25 bottle of capsules, hoping it would help.  I really feel like this is what helped my milk come in and when it came in, it really came in!  I was blessed to have enough milk to feed my baby and put some in the freezer to store for future use.  I would definitely suggest that every mother that is looking to nurse get this!  Even though the birth didn't go as I had planned, it was special in its own way.  My advice to you expecting mothers: keep an open mind.  Things may not go as you had planned but the important thing is that you have a sweet, healthy baby.  They are worth every plan that doesn't work out.  You won't ever go through something that you can't handle.

Introduction

Thanks for visiting my blog!  I hope you can find useful tips and information to help you along your pregnancy or help you with the rewarding role of motherhood.  I started this blog because when I was pregnant with my first baby (just last year) I wish that there was someone or something that could help me know what to buy, different things to try, and just to have encouraging words.  My sister became pregnant and then a few more people that were close to me became pregnant.  I wanted them to know what I loved, what I didn't love, and I wanted to give them all the advice that I wish I would have know.  So that's why I started this blog!  Now believe me, I'm no pro.  I still have a ton to learn.  But I want to help every expecting mother or already full time mother with the little things that make life a little easier.  Let me just clarify, I am not advertising products for money or trying to sell something.  Everything I list on here is something that I have tried and that I love.  Feel free to comment and let me know what you think or if there is something you love that I should try. 

I hope that you can find something to help you know what to do when you are due! :)