Our Registry: Part 1 - The Gear

Some of you have asked about our registry so I thought I would share a few of the baby essentials we have picked and why we picked them.  Keep in mind these are only MY recommendations/opinions, based on research, time and advise from other mommies.

Any thoughts, suggestions or feedback is always welcome!!  So please feel free to share any thoughts with me on your "must have baby items."

Chico KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat. This infant car seat is the premier infant carrier for safety, comfort and convenience.  With the removable newborn insert, it will accommodate baby from 4-30 pounds.  Also, the KeyFit 30's thickly cushioned seat includes a five-point safety harness and is lined with energy-absorbing foam for increased safety and comfort.  And it is gender neutral for future brothers and sisters to come!

Pack'n Play Playard with Newborn Napper.  This pack and play grows with baby.  Includes the napper station, changing station and full-size placard for toddler to safely nap and play.  Super light weight for travel and easy to store away when not needed.

Baby Jogger - City Select.  When it came to researching a stroller I knew exactly what I wanted.  (My sister had a sweet baby girl last summer so I was well versed in strollers.)  The Baby Jogger City Select was the perfect fit for us with the 16 variations, room to grow in the future, light weight frame, and easy to maneuver steering.  Also, my sister has the same stroller so when we travel together, big family reunion trip this summer, we can just take one stroller with us for both babies!

Baby K'tan.  This baby carrier is an innovative soft cotton carrier that is ideal blend of a sling, wrap and carrier, providing the positions and benefits of all three.  There is no other carrier available like it out there.  It's ready to wear wrap is perfect for easy, fast and comfort for baby and parent.  This one came highly recommended for babies that just like to be held!  I can't wait to use this one!

Ergobaby.   This carrier has padded shoulder straps and a waist belt to comfortably distribute baby's weight between shoulders and hips.  It also has a head support flap for when little one wants to take a nap!  This one came highly recommended for when baby gets bigger and a great hands free way to forgo the stroller.

Summer Infant BabyTouch Color Video Monitor.  We splurged on this item and registered for one of the nicer monitors.  It has a color display, touch screen monitor, a pan/scan/zoom feature so when little man moves around the crib we can still see him, a 2-way talk back feature (for when he gets older), as well as a handy docking/charging station.  When I asked other mommies about monitors this one was always the BIG winner!

Boppy Pillow and Slipcovers.  Helpful with feeding, tummy time, lounger and helpful prop with learning to sit up this is a registry must for everyone with a little one on the way, or so I'm told.  Also, with the removable slipcovers it is super easy to wash for those little spit up incidents.

MamaRoo.  This item is rather new to the baby world, but those who have it swear by it!  It is made by moms for mom... they did extensive research in how babies are calmed when upset and mirrored the basic human movements to those found in the study.  And the sleek design and small foot print will save space in our living room for all the other things baby needs.

OXO Tot Sprout Chair.  The award-winning OXO Tot Sprout Chair balances baby's comfort and grown-up's design sensibility.  This high-chair will grow with baby from early development to five years old.  I just loved the look and versatility of this chair and the sleep wood/space-saving design that will complement our home decor.

I hope you enjoyed the first installment of the all exciting world of baby registries!!!  What are some of your baby must haves that you recommend?

Happy Almost Weekend!

30 Weeks and 1 Day Update! Only 69 days to go!!

How big is Benjamin this week? The size of an Cucumber!!  At 15.2-16.7 inches and 2.5-3.8 pounds, and will double and almost triple in weight by his birthday!
Due Date: April 9th, 2013

Weight Gain: 19 pounds... no weight gain this week!

Symptoms: Tired a lot these day... but I actually have had two good nights in a row so maybe I've turned a new corner!!

Cravings:  Nothing specific this week.

Food Aversions:  Anything mussy... I need crunch.

I am loving:  Working on a few more projects for Benjamin's nursery this week!  Can't wait to share the finished product!!!

I miss:  A nice cold beer with a lime!!

I am looking forward to: This weekend we are taking a breastfeeding class and celebrating my brother-in-laws 30th Birthday along with the SuperBowl!!!  And I have a feeling that the class will make everything so much more real and make us realize how quickly Ben will be here!  I'm so excited!  Can't wait!

I'm spazzing about:  Finding a pediatrician and child care for when Benjamin arrives and I go back to work... I will be taking 12 weeks maternity leave but will need childcare for mid July when I go back to work.  Any suggestions or advice is greatly appreciated!

Best thing about this week:  Celebrating one of my best friends baby shower!  She was showed with so many wonderful gifts and I can't wait to meet her baby boy in a few short weeks!!
Milestones: Ben's eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he is born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day.  When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision - which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face.

Movement: Oh yes!!  He is still breech so his precious little head, arms/elbows find there way into my ribs... and his cute little feet like to kick and stretch right on my bladder!

It's a...: BOY!!!!  Benjamin Lawrence Ingram!!!

Exercise: A little.

Diet: Umm...  nothing new here.

30 Weeks!

Nursery Update!

We have been busy getting Benjamin's room ready for his arrival, but still have a hand full of things to do.  It is all coming together just like I had dreamed!  Here is a quick update on his nursery!

Furniture – Crib, changing table and dresser chest are all from Baby's First Furniture, Liberty Collection

Bedding – Restoration Hardware Baby: European Flax Stripe Crib Collection

Bookshelves – Handiwork of my talented brother in law.  It will be painted next week!

Baskets in the changing table – Restoration Hardware Baby, Seagrass Shelf Basket, ash, with textured cotton seagrass shelf basket liner

Picture frames – Various places (Hobby Lobby, Joanna’s fabrics, and gifts)

Alphabet canvas – Restoration Hardware Baby, Vintage Alphabet art set of 3 - These will go above the crib.

White frames with blue mats – Aarons Brothers – These will go above the changing table with maternity/newborn photos.

Changing pad cover – Restoration Hardware Baby – Cuddle Plush changing pad cover, Cloud and Toast

Side Table – Pottery Barn Kids,  Windsor Side Table, simply white

Lamp on side table – Target

Bookends – Restoration Hardware Baby – Vintage Leather sportsball bookend – set of 2

Closet – The Container Store, White elfa drawer with mesh drawers (This will be perfect for blankets, burp cloths, extra sheets, etc.)  And yes, I know... he has quite the wardrobe already!!!  :)

Other goodies that are in the works!

Diaper Bag – Mia Bossi, Lyndsey Black Bean

Valance – Restoration Hardware Baby – Cotton Canvas Valance, Cloud

Rocking Chair – Pottery Barn Kids, Wingback Rocker, natural organic cotton basketweave and the stationary feet

Wall art – Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep and I ordered his name to also hang on the wall from Craft Cuts; they will be painted white connected letters.

And for those wondering how our 4D second ultrasound appointment went yesterday... Benjamin is still in the same position, Breech and facing my spine!  So we will try again in a few weeks.  Also, our prayers is that he will start moving head down.  Our Dr. is not worries since there is plenty of time for him to move, but we ask that you join us in praying that he moves head down sooner rather than later!

We did get a sweet photo of his shoulder, arm and cute chubby little fingers!!

Happy Thursday and almost weekend!

29 Week Update!

How big is Benjamin this week? The size of an Acorn Squash!!  At 15.2-16.7 inches and 2.5-3.8 pounds, and will double and almost triple in weight by his birthday!
Due Date: April 9th, 2013

Weight Gain: 19 pounds! WOW!  I think I swallowed a basketball!

Symptoms: I've been waking up about 2-3 times a night... not for any one reason specifically... just waking up and then have a hard time going back to sleep.  Guess this is Gods way of preparing me for those night feedings!

Cravings:  Anything crunchy!!!

Food Aversions:  A juicy steak... that sounds really gross right now...

I am loving:  This weekend is one of my best friends baby shower!  I'm super excited that our baby boys will be just 6+ weeks apart!  Can't wait to shower her and her baby boy!

I miss:  A Green Dragon roll from Chi!  Sushi is definitely on my must have list for soon after delivery!

I am looking forward to: Well since Benjamin was a little camera shy last week we go back tomorrow to try the  4D ultrasound again!  Say a little pray that he flips over so we can see his sweet face!

I'm spazzing about:  I can't believe January is almost over... I know there are 9 more days to go, but I feel like the month just started!  I have a LOT to do this month!  Momma better get moving!

Best thing about this week:  The best thing about last week was our 28 week Dr. Appt.  We were a little disapointed when Benjamin didn't want to show us his sweet face, but were so happy to see the rest of him and see that everything is right on track.  We also spent a good bit of time with our Dr. asking questions about preparing for Benjamin's arrival and left there so happy and pleased with our Dr. of choice.  She is very much like me with similar personalities and it is very comforting to know she will be there to guide and coach us through the delivery process!  If anyone is in need of a fabulous OBGYN I've got the Doc for you!
Milestones: At 29 weeks, he's not just moving a lot, he's also plumping up.  And as he continues to put pressure on my digestive systems, so they say I'm going to feel the following effects: heartburn, pelvic pain, and frequent urination!  Bring it on!!  I look forward to it all!  :)

Movement: Yes!  The other night was the first time I remember him waking me up in the middle of the night!  He didn't keep me up for too long!  Just needed to move positions I guess!

It's a...: BOY!!!!  Benjamin Lawrence Ingram!!!

Exercise: Nope.

Diet: Lots of H2O and milk!

29 Weeks!

A look back on the past 29 weeks!!!

4D Ultrasound...

So we went to our 28 week Dr. appointment yesterday in hopes to do a 4D ultrasound of our sweet baby boy and he was not in the right position to see anything... well... I take that back.  We did see the back of his perfect little head and back!!  Legs, feet and arms... but no face.  He is laying with is back facing out... so his face is looking inward... and wouldn't budge one bit to roll over.

The ultrasound tech was so sweet and tried everything, but Benjamin was just a little photo shy!  She did take a look at everything else and all is well!  She even said he has a little hair on his head and we did see his little fat rolls on his back!  She also said that he has a beautiful looking brain!  What more could a momma ask for!!!

With all that said... this is the only photo we got... of his perfect little arm!!

We will go back next week and try again!

Happy Friday!

28 Week Update!!! Officially in the 3rd Trimester!

How big is Benjamin this week? The size of a eggplant!!  At 13.6-14.8 inches and 1.5-2.2 pounds, he is a growing boy!
Due Date: April 9th, 2013, only 91 days left!

Weight Gain: 17 pounds... Slowly approaching the BIG 20 lbs. mark!

Symptoms: Leg cramps at night... not every night but sometimes... but not too bad.

Cravings:  Banana, peanut butter and chocolate chips!  YUMM!

Food Aversions: Grilled Chicken... just the look at it is yuck!

I am loving: More progress in the nursery this week!  I'll post a few photos later this week.  So happy with how it is coming together!  Still have a few big projects to complete but I'll share a little sneak peak!

I miss:  For the second week in a row... warmer weather... it was 30 something degrees this morning!!  We live in Texas people... I'm not made for this weather!!

I am looking forward to: Thursday we have our 28 week Dr. appt. and have a 4D ultrasound scheduled!!  SOO SOOO SOOO excited to see Benjamin and get a sneak preview of what he will look like!  Momma or Daddy!

I'm spazzing about:  I have been blown away the last week or so with our friends that have offered to give us  baby showers!  We are so blessed and can't wait to celebrate with everyone!  Benjamin is one loved baby boy!

Best thing about this week:  Getting to see our baby boy on Thursday.  It will be the best day this week!  4D ultrasound!!  I'll post photos after!!

Milestones: Today we are officially in the 3rd Trimester!!!  We are in the home stretch people!!

Movement: I read that I should start doing "kick counts" this week... well it is safe to say that Benjamin passes the "kick count" test in 5 minuets or less, most times.  This is one thing I'm going to really miss about not being prego after he arrives.

It's a...: BOY!!!!  Benjamin Lawrence Ingram!!!

Exercise: A little here a little there... but nothing to much.

Diet: Nothing new here... 

28 Weeks!

27 Week Update!!!

How big is Benjamin this week? The size of a rutabage!!  At 13.6-14.8 inches and 1.5-2.5 pounds, he is not just getting bigger, he is getting smarter!

Due Date: April 9th, 2013, only 91 days left!

Weight Gain: 15 pounds!

Symptoms: No new symptoms this week!

Cravings:  Ummm... Truffle Fries from Hubbell & Hudson!  YUMM!

Food Aversions: None

I am loving: We finished registering this past week!  It was so exciting researching and learning about all the new baby gadgets and gear!  Can't wait for Ben to arrive so we can put it to good use!!

I miss:  Warmer weather... Don't get me wrong... I know when the Texas summer heat arrives I'll be kicking myself, but I'm getting tired of this cold weather... 60's would be just perfect!

I am looking forward to: Working on a few nursery projects... I'll post more on these later... still in the planning process!

I'm spazzing about: Two of my bestest friends had huge announcements this last week... one got engaged and the other announced they are expecting a baby in August!  So excited and thrilled for both of them... 2013 is going to be a busy year filled with many celebrations!!

Best thing about this week:  The Texas A&M football game!!!  It was such a great game and so fun to see Johnny Football in action!!!

Milestones: Ben is sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers.  With more brain tissue developing, his brain is very active now.  While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning - with a lot of medical help - if he were to be born now.
Movement: I have definetly noticed Ben is very active in the morning and evening times... he will move and kick throughout the day but nothing compared to the morning and evening hours!

It's a...: BOY!!!!  Benjamin Lawrence Ingram!!!

Exercise: A little yoga and Pilates!  I really like the DVD's I purchased a few months back!!

Diet: Trying to drink more milk... I've never been a big milk fan, but it has really helped with my nightly heartburn, so I'm going to try and keep it up for momma and baby!

27 Weeks!

26 Week Update!!!

Hopefully this will be the last week I am late on posting my weekly updates...  

 How big is Benjamin this week? The length of a head of lettuce!!  Ben weighs about 2 pounds and is ~14.4 inches long, head to bottom.

Due Date: April 9th, 2013, only

Weight Gain: 15 pounds!

Symptoms: More Round ligament pains... I think Ben is going through a growth spirt!

Cravings:  Milk Chocolate Blue Bell Ice Cream!  Also the best medicine for heartburn!

Food Aversions: None.

I am loving: Celebrating my hubbies 30th Birthday!  Last Saturday night we celebrated with a special dinner party then hung out with friends Monday evening, his actual birthday, and rang in 2013!  It is going to be a wonderful year!

I miss:  Our Christmas decorations... we took them down the other day... until next year!

I am looking forward to: Happy this week was only a 3 day work week.  We have had a very busy last few weeks and I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend at home with nothing on the schedule but a prenatal message today!

I'm spazzing about: As of today we are 93 days away from our due date!  I feel like there is so much to do to prepare for Benjamin's arrival... better get going!

Best thing about this week:  Celebrating my hubbies birthday!  He is my best friend, soul mate, and love of my life.  If you missed his birthday post check it out here.

Milestones: The network of nerves in Ben's ears are better developed and more sensitive that before.  He may now be able to hear both mine and daddies voice as we chat with each other.  He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs.  These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he is born and takes that first gulp of air.  And he's continuing to put on baby fat!!!
Movement: More and more each day I'm convinced Ben is going to be a soccer star, just like his daddy, or a kicker for the NFL!  Our little boy know how to kick!  The other day my dad and my sister felt some BIG kicks!  It was really fun to see their face in amazement!!!

It's a...: BOY!!!!  Benjamin Lawrence Ingram!!!

Exercise: A little walking, but not much... need to bundle up and get some walks in!

Diet: Nothing new here...

26 Weeks!