My Mommy Arsenal {for the first month}

I have survived almost a full month of motherhood of two. I have a talkative and active toddler and a newborn that both require a lot of attention, which I am more than happy to give them! But it is made much easier by a few of my favorite items. I am quite sure I would either A) fail on the daily or B) go cookoo for cocoa puffs (yum) without them. So I compiled a list...for any of my friends who might want some suggestions on what to register for, buy, etc.

For Baby:

Arm's Reach Co-sleeper

For those first couple of months when you have to get up multiple times to feed the baby, this thing rocks! It attaches to the bed and puts your sweet bundle within "arm's reach". I love it for feedings, for paci fallouts, and for that moment of panic when you have to check if they're still breathing (which I do at least twice a night). It also has lots of pockets and storage for diapers, remotes, and other necessary items. They come in two sizes (big and small). We have the smaller size, and have no complaints.

Summer Infant Sleep Positioner

I like having this to prevent her from rolling over. It also has an incline which helps with her spitting up and gas.

Mylicon Drops

On Aiden's first night home, Jamie had to make a mad dash to Kroger in the middle of the night. We had tried everything, but he was still crying. These things are a Godsend. With Anna Scott, she takes a drop with every feeding because of her tummy troubles. They help her burp which cuts back dramatically on gassy fussies and spit ups! Love it. We buy store brands, and they work just fine!

Swaddlers

Most any of my friends and family will tell you that I am a HUGE advocate of the perfect swaddle. I watched tutorials when I was pregnant with Aiden and took lessons from the baby nurses while in the hospital with him. I learned the art of the swaddle, and think that all new moms should too. The trick is to tuck the arms, use lighter blankets (fleece would be too hot), and to double up. My favorites are made by Aden and Anais or the flannel ones made by Carter's. If you want to swaddle as they grow, or you have a long/tall baby, the Aden and Anais ones are much better. The Carter's ones are great for newborns, but my babies started kicking out of them at one month.

Swing and Bouncy Seat (with vibration!)

These are great for when I have to do things sans baby. Both of my babies found the vibrations soothing. It also helps if they have something to look at. I've noticed that Anna Scott needs to be repositioned every once in a while (she gets bored with the same view), and this swing allows me to rotate her seat, which I love. I also like the sound machine that comes with it. Aiden used the sound tower until just a couple of months ago! The heartbeat and music are my favorite settings to use.

Breastflow Bottles

These are harder to find than most brands, but are so worth it. They mimic the breast, and make it easier for baby to switch from one to the other. They also help with reflux, spitting up, etc. I have seen them at TJ Maxx, Kohls, and some Target and Babies R Us stores.

JJ Cole Bundle Me

We used the winter-y one for Aiden, and bought the Lite version for Anna Scott. I love it because it's soft, it's pretty, and it's much easier that keeping up with a blanket. Babies like to kick. And my babies like to kick blankets off, so this is perfect for us. Plus, they have lots of fun colors!

Onesies and Gowns

These are what I like to put her in most of the time. I love the onesies because you can buy them in bulk (usually five for around $10). I like the gowns for middle of the night diaper changes. You don't have to deal with zippers or snaps. These usually come in a two or three pack. Outfits are fun too (especially now that I have a girl), but these two things are what she is in most of the time (plus a pair of socks - My mom would get me if I didn't have her in socks!) Hi, Mom.

For Mommy:

Boppy

If you're breastfeeding, buy one. I would also invest in a higher quality cover. The regular ones are super rough. Aiden's was the organic cotton one, and Anna Scott's came from PB Kids (the chamois one) Both are super soft! Also, don't forget to take it with you to the hospital.

Lanolin, Lanolin, Lanolin

Another must if you're breastfeeding. I have the lotion/gel stuff as well as the gel pads. Both are absolutely necessary the first week. I like to store the pads in the fridge. I also made sure to have these in my hospital bag, but I think most nurses offer it.

Cotton Breast Pads

These work MUCH better than the disposables. MUCH better!

LOTS of Bottled Water

I go through about four bottles a day, especially at night. I think it's the nursing that keeps me so thirsty, but I could not get by without a super-cold guzzle of agua!

Mini-Fridge (for the lazies)

Our bedroom is upstairs, and we're slow moving in the middle of the night, so we bought a mini-fridge and keep the bottle warmer in the room with us so that we can prepare bottles more quickly. It's also nice to store Mom's bottled waters.

Twizzlers (or midnight snack of choice)

I have a bag of these in one of those handy Co-sleeper pockets. I love gnawing on these during middle of the night feedings. But with Aiden, my snack was Zebra Cakes...I'm hoping these are a little healthier...Now I want one.

TV Series (multiple seasons)

I suggest purchasing some seasons on DVD, renting some from Netflix, or simply accessing some on demand. Since she was born, I have gone through two seasons of Parenthood and almost four seasons of Friday Night Lights. They're all On Demand so I get to watch them without commercials (again - for the night feedings). The other night I dreamt I was practicing making tackles - a sign that I watch way too much, I'm sure.

A Good Nursing Bra

I live in my Bravado bra. I bought it when I was pregnant with Aiden. It's soft, supportive, and convenient. I freakin' love it.

Itzbeen Baby Timer

I buy this for my friends when they have babies (either this or the Aden and Anais swaddlers). It is an amazing invention. There's literally no way I would be able to remember the last time I fed her, especially when your days and nights start to run together. One night, I actually thought I had just fed her, but after looking at the timer, realized I must have dreamt it. Crazy what sleep deprivation will do to your brain. I think this is the number one thing to get. Hands down.

A Rockin' Diaper Bag

Alas, my Best Friend Forever...no that's really what it's called. My family all pitched in and bought me my dream diaper bag - the Ju-Ju-Be BFF! I had a navy Kate Spade with Aiden. It was stylish, yes, but did not have a lot of room, and only two pockets. If there's one thing I love, it's organizing things into containers, pockets, you get it. And this bag has TONS of little sections and pockets galore. It's a super cute print, It's insanely clever, I can fit my DSLR and lenses in it, I don't need a purse b/c of the brilliant mommy pocket, and it's pretty much my portable nursery. I kinda love it. Can you tell?

My First 2 Weeks {As A Mommy of Two}

Coming Home
When we came home that Friday afternoon, I was so excited to get settled in. After about an hour of unpacking, laundry, and last minute nesting of baby items, I simply couldn't wait to put her in all things soft and pink. Aiden couldn't wait to show her his toys and have her put on the floor to play with him. We had to explain that she wasn't quite ready for that. He was content with just giving her kisses. Later that evening, family came by to visit. The next couple of days all blur together - a mixture of visitors, photos, gifts, and lots and LOTS of food! Not to mention sleeping and feeding in two hour increments.

Aiden
We were so blessed to have so many family members help out with Aiden. It was good to have that quality alone time with Anna Scott, and I think equally good for him to have more attention those first couple of days. As much as I missed him, I knew it was important for me to give 100% to bonding with baby girl. I also didn't want him to feel left out or ignored amongst all of the craziness. The first day that we all woke up together (and I was all on my own) was not half as stressful as I thought it would be. Aiden was more than eager to help out with anything and everything, and did not seem the slightest bit phased by all of the baby holding going on. I still made him snuggle with me anyway. I have to say he has been such a great help, going to get diapers, throw things away, getting her her paci when needed, etc. When he does help out, he calls himself (super hero of the day) before dashing off to his destination. The current top three are Superman, Green Lantern, and Batman. I try hard everyday to give him one on one time during her morning snoozes. We play in his room (his favorite) with super heroes galore! He is even sure to get me a pillow to sit on each time because he knows that it hurts to sit on the floor - such a sweet, sweet son.

Survival
The nights have been fine. Those first few days were hard on me physically. Once the pain meds ran out and the milk came in, OUCH. (Sorry for the TMI) Add to that tiny naps in place of a straight 8 hour night's sleep and raging hormones, and you have a crazy woman on your hands. Poor Jamie. But after those first couple of weeks, I noticed the weepies going away. Anna Scott started taking a little more each feeding which gave me longer stretches of sleep, and I started napping when Aiden napped (whenever I could). Now, we have a nice little routine. And most importantly, it has wiggle room. Which keeps me sane. The only thing I'm still working toward is evening time with Jamie. When I put Aiden and Anna Scott to bed, I dive in as well. I'm usually dead to the world around 7 pm everyday. I'm hoping that as her nighttime feedings stretch out, I'll be able to swing some primetime TV or a movie night with the hubs.

Our Routine
Our typical day begins with a feeding around 6 am. I try to squeeze in a little extra sleep before Aiden crawls into bed with us around 7:30. When that happens, I get up, pump, and fix Anna Scott's bottle for later. I get Aiden dressed, make up his bed, and we head downstairs to make breakfast. We spend our time with Mickey Mouse, get some cuddle time, and Mommy gets her caffeine. When she gets up, I feed her while he plays and like I said earlier, she goes to sleep and we play together in his room. SOMETIMES, I sneak in a little of The View or Barefoot Contessa. Then we have lunch and naptime. Mommy's favorite! If I'm dead tired, I'll take a nap. If not, I'll stare at her, take photos, blog (like today), or watch some Friday Night Lights. When he gets up, we get a snack and play. Then we just sort of do whatever until Daddy gets home. Last night, I added a relaxing, candlelit bath to my routine before going to bed. That was a brilliant idea. Slept like a baby. In four to five hour intervals, of course.

Overall, this has been the best time of my life. I feel so complete. I wake up everyday eager and ready for what the day holds. I go to bed each night so thankful for the day I was given. Being a mommy of two has to be the most fulfilling and rewarding experience ever. Each day is the best day of my life.

Nursery/Big Boy Room Reveal

When we picked out this house, I was not even pregnant with Aiden yet. A baby was part of the plan, of course, but we didn't think about two babies. We just were thinking one step at a time, I guess. So, when the plan for baby number two came along, we looked at other houses, but never put ours on the market. I went through a few panic attacks, not gonna lie. Where will we store everything? How will I decorate? What if it's a girl? But, when we found out it was in fact a girl...I calmed down. Not sure what happened, but all of a sudden, I was content with where we are. I was bound and determined to make it work. I started gutting the walk-in closet, organizing storage bins for the attic, and making room for baby.

It worked! There is room for everything. A place for everything. Everything (most of the time) in its place. The next challenge was decor. I had always pictured white furniture for a girl. Problem #1. The manufacturer of Aiden's convertible crib/full size bed discontinued the conversion rails. Problem #2. Our solution? Use the espresso crib (until she has her own room-then I'll get the white) and purchase a headboard for Aiden. We still haven't done that by the way, but it'll get done. As for color scheme, I went through thousands of ideas, pinterest inspirations, and browsed the internet forever. Finally? I just decided to do what I wanted for him on "his side" and what I wanted to her on "her side". I didn't think about them blending well or whatever. I didn't want to compromise. And I think it worked out fine.

We did need something in the middle of the room to divide it in some way. That's where my contractor husband stepped in. He built a big deep-freezer-you-can-fit-a-dead-body-in-it-size toy box. We chose white instead of espresso so that it had that built-in look and became part of the room as opposed to another dark piece of furniture. And above that, we framed two baby stats printables. I got the layout from pinterest and just used word art in Microsoft Word to tweak the font sizes.

Aiden, obviously is in love with super heroes right now. So, around Christmas, when I came across these Batman sheets, I knew he had to have them! KiKi got them for him for Christmas, and Mommy and Daddy got him his big boy bed. Thankfully, Uncle B and G-Daddy and RaRa donated a super soft brown bedding set. That saved a lot of cash-o-la! Thanks, family. We moved his name down, which was super easy because we had originally "hung" them using 3M velcro strip thingies. But (lesson learned) when removing...be sure to pull down, not out. Or else, husband might get upset. Add a stuffed Spidey and Captain America? Done-zo.

The flipside (or actual side) or the quilt

As for Anna Scott's side, I went crazy with my mom in Pottery Barn Kids. After I had the bedding picked out, the rest was easy. If it was pink, I bought it. I added the pinterest pom pons hanging from the ceiling for extra fun! The same family friend that made Aiden's letters made some matching ones for Anna Scott, and that was that. We now have ourselves a fully decorated (minus Aiden's headboard and possibly a big shelf/ledge under the baby stats), fully functional nursery/big boy room, or as I like to call it the Bursery. It was a fun challenge, and I love the finished product. I can't wait to see them playing together on the floor!

Anna Scott's Baby Book - The Birth Story

Well, the "due date" had come and gone (two days earlier), and I was prepared to enjoy another day at home with Aiden as well as a family dinner out for my cousin, Blake's 30th birthday party that night. I had been to the doctor the day before and had made little progress, but some. But that didn't discourage me much because of my history with Aiden's labor and delivery. So we chilled around the house. I did make sure to get a shower that morning (just in case). I got very excited when I finally began feeling REAL contractions--I was beyond tired of those dadgum Braxton Hicks! They didn't become regular until around 2:30. I started timing them, and they were a half hour apart. I called Jamie and my mom because I just knew it was going down that night. By the time they got to be nice and uncomfortable, I noticed little man doing this...

When I asked him what was wrong, he said, "I'm having a contraction." So the human tape recorder caught me being a baby. Gotta love it. Right around that time, Jamie came home, and it was time to get ready to go celebrate Blake's birthday. By the time we got to the restaurant, contractions were about 13 minutes apart. The whole family was aware of what was going down, so they gave me my family push present early! It was my Ju-Ju-Be BFF diaper bag!!! I was so excited. Then, it got really fun. I placed my order during a contraction (the poor waiter had no clue). Also, I started noticing everyone noticing me and my beautiful contraction faces. We called my brother-in-law, who practices with my OB and he said not to head to the hospital until they were 8-10 minutes apart. And no joke...after we hung up with him, they jumped from 13 to 6 minutes apart. We decided to bounce. You should have seen the server's face when I asked for our food to go because I was in labor. CLASSIC. We said our "Happy Birthdays, Sorries, and I love yous" and got on the road. And WHOA...once we hit the interstate, those contractions were no longer playing nice. They were becoming more and more intense and closer together. FAST.

We got to the hospital very quickly (it seemed like to me), but I spent most of the time on the phone or sending texts to people. When we walked into the lobby, this is what we saw...

Yeah. So, I got redneck and yelled, "Hellooo?!" Kind of out of my comfort zone, but I mean at this point all that was on my mind was, "I'm going to have this baby as fast if not faster than I had Aiden, and I. Need. My. Epidural. before that goes down." So, the slowest moving woman in the history of humans came out from the back. Her excuse? "I was trying to finish my dinner." 

So after spending waaaay too long with Mrs. Slower than molasses, we were admitted, and I was checked. I had made no more progress since my appointment (no surprise), but I was sure to tell her about my previous experience, and she was happy to get me into my delivery room. Since I was only a 1, my doctor wanted me to wait for the Epidural, and ordered some Stadol to start with. 

WHAT??!?!?!

But. When my beautiful angel of a nurse, Jane, put that glorious drug into my drip...

I

Was

In

Heaven

                                      

Seriously? If your doc ever orders that stuff? Get excited. Shortly after my stint of flying over rainbows,  I got my epidural. It was finally time to have fun and have my baby! Around 11:00, I was only a 3-4, so I knew I wouldn't have her before midnight. But, then it hit me! I might have Thursday's Baby! Thursday's Baby is a special promotion that the hospital does for the first baby born each Thursday. My nurse and I were determined. She found out that there was another woman in labor that was ahead of me. At midnight, she told me that this other chick was already at a 6 and her water had broken. But did Anna Scott and I let that get us down? Nope. Too competitive. So, seconds later, my water broke. She checked me. 6-7. Take that, chick down the hall! 20 minutes later, I was complete. 15 minutes after that, my doctor arrived and it was time.

I pushed 3 times (just like with Aiden). She was born "Sunny side up" which explains the super intense contractions. Unlike with Aiden, she was laid right onto my chest after delivery. It was a perfect moment. Perfect.

We had some time together, took photos, and showed her off to all of the family. It was the wee hours of the morning before we got to our postpartum room. I had gotten one last slug of epidural before delivery, and it took its own sweet time to wear off. I got what seemed like three seconds of sleep and the sun was up. I was super excited for my first day with our beautiful baby girl. I posted photos onto facebook like a mad woman, scarfed down a wonderful breakfast, and began the day of cuddles, visitors, and (I'm not gonna lie) really good pain meds. 

That night was the best sleep I have ever had. Period. 

I have to say that labor and delivery and the hospital stay (everything about all of it) are two of the best memories of my life. Both babies were just the best experiences ever. But as much as I loved the bed, the sleep, the food, the nurses--OOOHHHH THE NURSES, I was ready to get home. Ready to start life as a mommy of two. 

Thank you, God, for blessing us with this baby. I know now why I had to go through the year I went through. If I had not gone through it, I would not be as close to you as I now am. If I had not gone through it, I wouldn't have this precious baby girl. Thank you for always knowing better. Thank you for always allowing things to work for the good of those who love you. Thank you for calling me to be Jamie's wife and Aiden and Anna Scott's mommy. Thank you.

The Nesting Post

We have made it to the fifteen day mark. FIFTEEN DAYS. Wow. I've finally been bitten by the nesting bug. I was kinda worried that it hadn't really happened yet. I think it's baby #2 syndrome. With Aiden, we were buying stuff, washing stuff, and setting up stuff left and right. With this one, we've just sort of coasted along. I am sure we feel more comfortable this time around. Well, that...and the fact that we have an almost 3 year old to keep us occupied.

We have all of the gear set up, bottles and clothes washed and ready, and arrangements made for Aiden when the big day comes. But? That's it. We I still have the nursery (Anna Scott's side of the room) to finish, the hospital bag to pack, Aiden's bag to pack, a house to clean (hopefully our housekeeper can come next week), and -MY FAVORITE- a shower to go to today!

For the nursery, I already have her bedding basics. My mom helped me pick out and purchase the cutest stuff at PB Kids last weekend! She also got lots of accent things that I will get this afternoon at my shower. I can't wait to put it all together. We went sans bumper this time around. Even though they are so stinkin' cute, my pediatrician freaked me out with Aiden.  His didn't last. I took that sucker out as soon as we got home from our first appointment. But I love what we have put together. It's girly without being frilly-froofy, which icks me out. 

crib skirt with pink trim

sheeting

quilt - We have it on the reverse side (a solid soft pink) for now.

obligatory sweet plush animal

I noticed that her corner of the room seemed bare. We have letters being made for above the crib, but I thought it still needed more PINK. I've seen the tissue poms and have always thought they were cute, but it never occurred to me to do them for her. And thanks to pinterest and Becky at From Mrs. to Mama I know how to do it! So that's my project for the week. We also need to go to Babies R Us (my favorite place right now) to pick up the changing pad cover and some sort of basket/caddy thing for the changing table.

Lots to do, lots to do. But first, off to the shower (which is at Jim 'N Nicks bbq-I know; you wish your friends were that cool) I am sooooo excited! I can't wait to post the finished product(s). Nursery and human. 

Coffee Confessions

I do not blog enough. I don't know why. I freaking love it. Really. But also? I am a major procrastinator, no matter what it is. Even things I enjoy. I'm weird and I know it. 

On that note, I believe I am officially "old". For several reasons: Every time I watch SNL, I know the host, but have no clue who the musical guest is. And when I watch the performance, I fast forward it because "Music just isn't good like it was in MY DAY." Seriously, though? That group LMFAO? They look like a couple of idiots. And while the songs are catchy, do they really have as much talent as R. Kelly, Boyz II Men, Nirvana, Dave Matthews? Negative. WOW. I sound like a parent. Oh, wait...

There are two huge plants on my patio that are so D E A D. But I do nothing but walk past them twice a day and think, "Dang. The plants are dead."

I butchered my dog's hair yesterday. I thought I could cut and clip him like the groomer and save $100. But he wasn't having it. He even bit me. So now he looks awful. Every time I look at him, I hear Sarah McLachlan singing. We're taking him to the groomer next week. And when I say "We" I mean Jamie. Because I'm too embarrassed. 

I am obsessed with two things right now. It's not healthy. One is the JuJuBe diaper bag that I am willing to almost do anything for. It is way too expensive. It is also way too awesome. So it's worth it. Right? The other is Tarte lip tints. I spent a gift card at ULTA a couple weeks ago and bought one for $24 which is ridiculous, but I justified it b/c of the gift card. But I LOVE IT! And now I want more. I found a set of 5 for $30, but everyone is sold out. This makes me sad.

In four weeks or so, I will be a mother of two. I will also be able to stay at home for almost five months. I am tearing up right now just thinking about it. To say I am thankful would be an understatement. SO blessed.

I came home Friday night around 10 and straight-up baked a chocolate cake. Then I ate like three pieces of it. Truth.

I lost a gift certificate for a mani-pedi. This upsets me to the core because I really want pink toes for Valentine's Week (silly, I know). Usually, I would do it myself. But? I'm pregnant, and I can't reach my dad-gum toes. I may have to ask the husband. Bless his heart. 

I wear the same pair of pants to work every. day. They are black Liz Lange pants from Target, and they feel like pajamas. I wash them on the weekend. So that makes it okay.

I absolutely adore my husband. He is still the hottest thing walking. He is kind and gentle with our son. He goes to the grocery store for me and gets gas for me. He comes to all of our doctor appointments. He even has tried to pick up after himself lately. I know he is making an effort for me, and that melts my heart. His smile is awesome. And so are his legs. 

I cannot wait until Valentine's Day! Everything is pink and red. I get to eat chocolate. I get to go out to dinner and get dressed up. It also means Spring is just around the corner! Bring it on.

K. I'm done.

Happy Valentine's Week!

Ahhh, the Beauty of a Snow Day!

Well, it's here. The first snow day of the year! After watching the radar all day yesterday, and obsessively tapping "refresh" on my phone last night waiting to see the magic words, I gave up and went to sleep, fully prepared to face the next day. Disappointed, but prepared. Then, the most wonderful thing happened. Jamie woke me up with the news. We were out! YES!!!

I love all days off, but there is just something extra special about a snow day. I think it's the fact that it's a surprise. Kind of like the gift you get that you NEVER EXPECTED. It makes it much more appreciated and cherished. What was going to be a day of being sick at work, counting down the hours until I could come home, pop some benadryl and collapse onto the bed has turned into a day packed with cuddles, Yo Gabba Gabba, coloring books, and playing with Batman toys! I am so thankful for this little blessing that came in the form of black ice. I think God knew we needed it.

Now if you'll excuse me, my baby boy is asking me to sit with him and "pay".