Weekend Rewind: Baby Overload

Alert! This update is little more than a baby picture overload.  We made it out to our soccer game on Saturday but spent the rest of the weekend at home, on the couch, kissing and cooing...the new norm for us.  Seth is now 10 weeks old and getting more fun by the day.

We went to my team's soccer game Saturday.  It is still SO HOT here.  My sis and Step Mom were kind enough to take care of the little guy for me.

Our friend Tiffany made some adorable personalized outfits and sent us these just in time for football season.  Rollllllll Tide!  

I wanted to get out Sunday but wasn't successful.  My sis made it out and sent me some pictures of them at the beach.  I never learned to surf and am so amazed my little nieces just pop right up.  

 

The highlight of my weekend had to be this sad scene.  He was so tired but wouldn't go down for a nap.  He doesn't have tears yet when he cries but figured out pouting and I'd say he gets extra points for this effort. 

 My husband is a stay-at-home Dad and he sends me pictures during the day.  He has a lot to learn about good photo angles.  I was cracking up when he sent me this one.  Those legs. haha

It's been raining for several days in a row here.  Hoping for some sunshine and definitely ready for some cooler temps.  Hope y'all are off to a great week.  Cheers! 

Baby Update: 2 months old

We made it eight weeks.  That seems like such a small milestone in print but dang, living it feels like a lifetime.  :)  Here's the latest...

Eight week appointment (8/31/16) stats:
Height: 22.25" (16%)     Weight: 11lbs 7.6oz (28%)     Head Circumference: 39cm (44%)

Sleep:  Typically you wake up twice a night but we had one night this week with just one wake up.  You LOVE to lay with Mom or Dad and snuggle up.

 

Eat: Eat, eat, eat, eat, eat.  You eat every 2.5-3 hours.  During the day you eat 4 ounces and at night you are good with just 2 ounces.  Mommy leaves 2-3 breastmilk bottles for the day and you have formula at night.  (Thank you Baby Brezza)

Mood: You are happy most of the time.  You give us about a 60 second warning you are ready for food and a second reminder shortly after that before sounding the alarm.  You try to mimic our facial expressions and love to hear yourself make noises.

Development: You can roll from your back to your side, follow objects with your eyes (you just discovered the TV) and are starting to show interest in a rattle toy.  You enjoy tummy time but get frustrated when you can't scoot around.  We just started to use your Boppy to give you a little more independence.  You started to put weight on your legs when we hold you up.

 

Social: You love everyone you meet.  Mommy has barely taken you anywhere but Daddy takes you out and about.  You came to Mom's work to meet her co-workers this week and cuddled with everyone that held you.  Your cousins see you often and you are always content when they hold you.

Stroller & Carseat: You like both but can get a little impatient when the car isn't rolling.  

Baths: Ahhhhhh, you love bath time.  It relaxes you and you go right to sleep after you are dressed. 

 

Mom and Dad have loved every minute of your existence.  We are so proud to call you our son.  xoxo

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. 

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! 

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.