Monday, August 8, 2016

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. 

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

8 modern house updates

I work in home building so I am always interested in the latest and greatest home improvements.  I have a huge folder saved with ideas for our next house but really, most of these can be done to the place you live now to give you some modern updates.  Check 'em out

I have pull out drawers now and LOVE them.  They are really handy and a great investment.

I have a stand alone jewelry case with a mirror now but love this idea.

This is a definite DIY.  Our washer/dryer are on the floor and this would eliminate bending over grabbing those little socks and washcloths stuck in the top corners of the washer.  

I have pull outs in my cabinets but definitely not organized like this.  I love this. 

This is a 2-in-1.  We have a big dining room and have considered adding a wet bar for several years.  This is a great option and I love the pull-out drawers.

Ahhhh....a pocket door with mirror.  Love it.  

I love the idea of storage in the form of a pantry style cabinet about the countertop.  I have a KitchenAid mixer and it is SO heavy!  This would be perfect.

Another easy DIY.  It's simple and would eliminate all the chargers plugged in plus, give extra outlets. These are definitely on my to-do list.  Maybe my nesting is still in effect?  :)

Hope you're off to a great week.  Our little one turns a month old tomorrow and we almost can't believe it.  I am headed back to work next week so I am squeezing in all the moments I can these next few days.  Cheers! 



Monday, July 25, 2016

A baby is born

Hey y'all.  Big news 'round here....we are officially a family of three.

I was due July 10 but we got a little surprise and our son was born June 30th.  It definitely wasn't expected and I thought there'd be more "signs" I was close to labor.  I worked out Tuesday the 28th, I worked on the 29th and was at the office until about 6:30.  I skipped working out that night (thankfully) since I had a long day, had dinner, and was in bed about 10:30.

At 2:30am my water broke (although I wasn't sure at first), I researched "the signs" online until about 3:00am trying to be sure it was the real deal, and woke my husband up to let him know "not to panic, but my water might have broken"....eeek!

I had convinced myself I would stay home until the office opened at 8:00 but my husband was having none of it.  We left the house about 3:30 and I had the baby at 10:27am.

Meet Seth!


We were very lucky to have no health issues for either of us at delivery and it's been a great three weeks having our little guy around.  I spend half the day still unsure he is actually ours and the other half watching him sleep....and a few diapers in between,  :)

I hope y'all have a super week.  

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

4th of July Picture Tips


The holiday weekend is almost here and it couldn't come at a better time.  This is always a great holiday of everyone coming together and with all the news in Orlando, that patriotic feeling is sure to bring everyone together more than ever.
If you plan to get out with the fam, it's so fun to snap some photos but dang, they almost never come out right.  Mine were always blurry or terribly timed until I learned a little trick last year.....longer shutter speeds.  
It's really easy with a traditional camera and there are also some great cell phone apps for pics on the go.  Here are a few I had from last year that I made with a sparkler.  
I happen to get an email from ChatBooks on the subject and they give you a step-by-step here: https://chatbooks.com/take-fireworks-photos/
Get ready to rock some red, white, and blue and be thankful for the country we live in.  
Cheers, friends!



Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Weekend Rewind: Family Filled

Hey y'all!  I hope you had a super weekend.  We got to hang with the fam and it was great.  
My sweet little nieces are were in surf camp last week.  They are so brave.  I was raised just minutes from Cocoa Beach and I stay out of that water.  If I can't see the bottom, you'll find me on shore. 
Saturday we woke up early and headed to watch Payton at her wakeboard competition.  She is my hero.  She is one of the sweetest kids, has good grades in school and is so humble with all that she does.  I am nervous for her going out to compete but she handles it like a champ.
We also managed to pack it an evening get together with my soccer team and immediate family to celebrate our baby on the way.  Sadly, I didn't get any pictures but we had the best time visiting with everyone. 
I hope y'all are off to a great week!  



 

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Easy Summertime Food

Did summer come early this year or is it just me?  It has been near 100 already here in Central Florida.  We are pretty much with the fam every weekend and it's always nice to have some refreshing treats to melt the heat away.  Here are some of my fun faves.


 

Mojito recipe here
 





yogurt and fruit in waffle cup









Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Preparing for Baby - Travel Essentials

Oh my goodness....the time is almost here for this first-time mom.  I hit 37 weeks a few days ago and it finally set in, we are at the finish line.  I have been reading every.single.review for every product and wanted to share what we have so far.

My husband assembled the stroller and was amazed at how quickly he had it done.  He can tend to be impatient on projects like this but had it put together in no time.  We are trying to stick with just essentials, versus every possible item so for taking the new little one out and about, here's what we ended up getting.

Preparing for Baby - Travel Essentials