Life Lately

Can someone tell me what day it is?!  I blinked and August is almost over.
Our baby boy turns 8 weeks old today and that little sweetie has brought so much love to our lives.  I have never been one to wake up earlier than I needed to but knowing I am at work all day, I have been getting up 45 minutes or so early just to snuggle with that sweet thing.

We are so lucky to have a happy baby that only cries (so far) when he is hungry or a little over tired.  I haven't been as lucky as some ladies who breastfeed and have their baby weight just melt off so I am in the gym several times a week trying to get back to my old self.  I am back to work full-time and working to find balance and just do the best I can.

Soccer season has started back up so I can squeeze in some exercise with the girls.  We had a pre-season tournament over the weekend and although it was hot, hot, hot, I was happy to get some sun.  Since giving birth June 30th, I have been mostly inside and needed some Vitamin D.

 I hope y'all are having a super week.  We have NO plans this weekend and I am so excited to get some QT with my boys.  Cheers to Friday Eve. :)

Current fave facial products

I have been adjusting my products as my skin has changed during and after pregnancy.  I normally have oily skin but it went perfectly normal during pregnancy.  I was hopeful it would stick but...sigh...oily skin is back.  Luckily I don't get many breakouts and have almost no fine lines (yet) so it's not all bad but I miss the "normal" days already.

I just had a visit to the spa and got DermaPlaning done.  Have you heard of it? I wanted a little more than a typical facial and they happen to be running specials on a few procedures so I tried it.  It's quite simplistic actually, they use a straight blade to do a good exfoliation.  Sounds a little different but I loved it and had noticeable results lasting about a week after my visit.  It was definitely a great way for a little lightening and brightening of my complexion.

I was able to use heavier moisturizers before but have switched back to a lighter version.  I try to find products that are multi-function and quick absorbing.

I have used this for several years.  I was using a liquid serum version but have switched to a lotion style in a pump.  It's a great anti-aging moisturizer plus Vitamin C.  

This is a good mask.  I am a Florida kid with some brown spots and this helps lighten them.  It is easy to apply, dries quick without the skin tightness feeling and leaves skin smooth.  

Parenting: What we used most our first month

We made it our first month as new parents.  Luckily, our baby has been healthy and happy and with both of us home, we have really enjoyed these first weeks as a family.  I have a couple girlfriends with babies on the way and they have asked what we used most.

1. DockATot: We use this everyday. It is basically a portable bassinet but is small enough to put in your bed.  It is lightweight and is worth the investment.  

Save 10% with this code: http://dockatot.refr.cc/3NL2BBV

2. Aden & Anais swaddle blankets  We use these for everything.  They are excellent for swaddling, the perfect lightweight blanket, and good for proping up elbows and heads during feedings.

3. Fisher Price My Little Snugabear Cradle 'n Swing: We actually didn't have a swing purchased before the baby was born and got this as a gift and love it.  The seat is so comfy, there are multiple swinging positions, the owls turn around, and the music is on a timer.  We used this a it more than I anticipated.  It's perfect when you need a few minutes to get chores done.

Munchkin Deluxe Drying Rack: We also have the grass drying rack but found this to be the go-to.

Soothie Pacifier: I read online to not buy many pacifiers since each child can be different on what they prefer.  We got this brand from the hospital and he definitely prefers it.  It's a soft gummie style and we ended up with a couple cute pacifiers with a harder texture and he wouldn't take them (yet).

Baby Monitor:My husband was in charge of the baby monitor and this is what we ended up with.  I don't know pros/cons of other monitors but this has worked great for us.  You can also put an app on your phone to watch from there.  

Bath Tub: This was another item I found from blog recommendations.  It's great.  It holds the baby nice and snug at the perfect angle.  The water doesn't run out of the bottom of it so you can sponge bathe on the countertop or wherever you'd like.  It will also easily convert to tub use once we start giving more traditional baths.  One secret that has worked for us, we leave a warm washcloth on his belly to keep him warm while we wipe him down using a couple other warm-water washcloths.  

Hooded towels: My husband does the bathing and I scoop him up to get him redressed.  These hooded towels are the perfect size and work great to keep him warm after baths.

Honest Baby Wipes: We got lots of diapers and wipes as gifts and these are our faves.  Some brands are "thin" but these are nice and thick and are our current faves.

Baby Gown:  We have several of these and they are a must have.  I would leave him in a gown all day if we could.  We used them for his first doctor appointments since there is redressing required and they're excellent for sleeping.  Any little thing to make overnight diaper changes easier.  He likes his long sleeve footie jammies also but they are a lot more work for mom and dad during the night.  

Happy August!  I made it thru my first week back at work and am starting to feel like this little baby is actually ours.  I have barely left the house except for work, gym, and doctors appointments.  I have the best intentions to take him out to stroll the mall and we end up laying together on the couch most of the day.  We actually made our first outing together on Saturday and went to HomeGoods and he didn't make a peep.  We planned to go to Target also but ended up coming back home.  I'll try to make myself get out again this weekend.  :)

Cheers to a great week.