One Month Favorites

These are a few of our "favorite" baby items we used Ben's 1st Month!

(Better late than never... right!)

(from top left to bottom right)

1. Baby K'tan - The perfect baby carrier for around the house or indoors... especially during these hot spring and summer months.  I did use it for a couple walks but now that it is getting warm I only use it inside.  It is cozy and Ben loves to snuggle in it when he wants to be held!

2. Puj Baby Tub - We have loved this tub!  It fits perfect in any sink and makes bath time fun and easy... and no back  pain or strain.  Ben has loved it too and really enjoys bath time!

3. Sleep Sheep - This is a MUST have for Benjamin... he loves the rain setting and it is a must for him to get into a deep sleep.  They have the sleep sheep in a travel size too... we have 2 of them!

4. Itzbeen - The perfect tracker for all things baby!  We used it to track time in-between diaper changes, feedings, sleep, and pumping!  This has been a life saver since I can't even remember what I did yesterday!

5. Momaroo - This compact swing like seat has been a much loved baby item for us!  You can recline or sit the seat up to suite babies needs and mood!  And it has a built in sound machine with Ben's favorite... rain!

6. Bouncy Seat - Without this little gem I would never have the ability to take a shower.  It is the perfect size for the bathroom and keeps baby entertained so momma can get a few things done!

7. Dreft Spray and Wash - This is another MUST have for all mothers.  Spit up, spills, and diaper explosions are very common and this must have keeps all things stain free.  Even if you don't have time to wash the soiled item right then... just spray it generously and then put it in the wash when you have a full load.

8. Summer Infant Swaddle Me - Ben LOVES to be swaddled and this is another sleep must have!  I believe we have 5 of them, thanks to a dear friend!  That is how much we love this item!

9. Hands free Medela double pumping bra - Another must have for the multitasking mom!  I don't know what I would do if I didn't have my hands free during pumping.  Another big must have!

10. Symphony Medela pump (rented from hospital) - This one has been a must have for us... I know most people purchase their own pump, but we opted to rent one from the hospital.  Since I wasn't sure how long I would be pumping for this was the best deal for us... and it is the industrial strength one... so it takes less time to pump.  I'll take all the extra minutes I can get these days!

11. Double pumping medela set and bottles - Again... just like the pump the double pumping set lets you pump both boobs at once... another time saving tool!  And the bottles attach right to the pump and they are very easy to clean!  We have 5 sets so it makes washing much more manageable when you only have to wash twice a day.  And the bottles have been great for Ben.  When we started bottle feeding we used the Calma nipples then switched to the regular slow flow and he has done great with both.

Again sorry this is super late... I promise I'll have our 2nd month favorites up in a more timely manner!

Happy Friday!

Family & Newborn Photos!

Here are a few of our favorites from our family photo session!  Jen McDonald with Jen Loves Photography is absolutely amazing!!!  I know I have said this before... but I have to say it again... she is so talented and has a gift for capturing special moments!  Check here out here if you are interested in her!

Also, we had Benjamin's newborn photos taken by Melissa Pickens.  She is fabulous and super talented at what she does.  Very patient and sweet with each pose!  Here are a few of my favorites!

Now the hard decisions... which ones to frame...  :)

Happy Thursday!

Baby Benjamin: 7 Weeks!

Weight: Not sure but thinking 10+ pounds.

Health: Still has a little stuffy noes, but getting better.

Sleep: Benjamin has officially moved into his room!!!  We started him in there at night on Friday when my mom came over and got up with him so we could sleep more than 3 hours at time and have keep it up!  He is doing great and last night went a little over 4 hours then 3.5 hours in between his night time feedings!  We are headed in the right direction!

Social: He is all smiles these days... when he is fed, clean and well rested!  We enjoyed our first event at Waterway Square for the Memorial Day Celebration and he did excellent!  Then Sunday headed to our friends house for a crawfish boil and he didn't do so well... it was 90 degrees plus and I think he got a little hot and over tired... but he is still very alert and loves to take in all sights.

Sweet Cousins!

Diet: Breast Milk and one formula bottle at noon feeding each day.  Our Pediatrician advised us to introduce formula into his diet to get him used to it... in case we are ever in a bind and for when I stop pumping.  And we bumped him up again to 4.25 oz each feeding.  And he takes 8 bottles a day.

Clothes: 0-3 Month clothes and size 1 diapers!  Loving putting him in a new outfit everyday!

Baby Gear Loves: This weekend I found the best invention ever... it is an online website that tracks everything... and since we are trying to be more on a schedule/routine it is SUPER helpful... check it out... http://www.trixietracker.com.  It is absolutely amazing and I'm obsessed!  We are using it to track Bottles, Sleep and Pumping.

Crying: Baby boy isn't happy when he is hungry, tired and the new one... too HOT!

Likes:  He enjoys being outside... but when it isn't to hot... We enjoyed an evening at Waterway Square Saturday and he did awesome!  And yesterday we enjoyed a Memorial Day cookout at my sister and brother-in-laws and he enjoyed hanging out on the patio!  And he loves it when Daddy reads to him before bed!

Postpartum:  I had my 6 week postpartum check up last week and I am not 100% cleared to work out just yet... She said I should wait a few more weeks... so I'm going to keep walking and in a few weeks turn up the working out game plan!

 40 weeks and 6 weeks old!

Milestones: Officially sleeping in his crib at night!  This is a BIG milestone and we are all adjusting really well.  Also, we are getting out and about more and more which has been really fun!  Lunch dates with friends, summer cook outs and fun out at Waterway Square... Look forward to many more events and outings!

Extra:  We finally got Ben's birth announcements in the mail last week and love how they turned out!!

Baby Benjamin: 6 Weeks!

Weight: 9 pounds 12 ounces!

Health: Baby boy has a stuffy noes... it started Sunday night and is getting better, but still bothering him when he sleeps.  We are giving him saline drops and suctioning out his nose and he HATES it... but it is the only thing that unclogs his congestion so he can breath... poor baby... it breaks my heart to see him cry in pain.

Sleep: About the same... 3-4 hours at night and 1-2 long naps during the day (~2 hours) and hour plus naps in between other feedings.  He is also taking his naps during the day in his crib!  Trying to get him used to his crib and room... I think we are making great steps in this process.  Not ready for him to sleep in his room overnight just yet... but getting closer!

Social: More interactive each day!  More smiles and his is trying to talk (coo/baby talk) more and more too!  Also, last week our good friends welcomed their baby boy into the world!!!  Benjamin is excited about his new buddy and looks forward to meeting him soon!

Diet: Mommas milk!  This weekend we bumped him up to 3.75oz and he gulps it right down... we have a growing boy!

Clothes: 0-3 Month clothes and size 1 diapers!

Baby Gear Loves: Ben is loving his activity mat more and more!  He really moves his arms and kicks his feet!

Crying: Since he is congested he is gets fussy when he can't breath.

Likes:  Loving tummy time!  He really enjoys getting up on his elbows and looking around!  He is so strong and moves his head side to side... such a big boy!!!  He also really likes to sit up, with support of course, and take in his surroundings!

Postpartum:  I have had a little head cold the last few days... haven't taken anything because I'm afraid of it effecting my milk supply.  I also go back for my 6 week postpartum check up... looking forward to being cleared so I can start exercising and shed these last few pounds of baby weight!  

Milestones: Baby boy has his first head cold/stuffy noes... don't like this milestone as ALL!  :(  On a happier note... Ben is starting to reach for his hanging toys on his play mat and bouncy seat!  I took this video the other night while we were having dinner... Love watching him learn new tricks!!!

What was in our Hospital Bag?

So, I've been working on this post for about 9 weeks now... and have finally found the time to finish it... and wanted to share!

Packing for the hospital started in early March... yes I know... an entire month before the big day, but for me I couldn't be too prepared.  So after much research and asking other mom's we came up with our packing list!  And here it is!

Ours stuff right before hubby loaded it in the car!!!

Items for Momma
- Nursing PJ's (4 different sets - 2 pant sets, and 2 night gowns.  Check out Motherhood and Target... they have really cute things)
- Bath robe (2)
- Slippers
- Nursing bras (2)
- Going home outfit (yoga pants and tank top)
- Tank tops/nursing tank tops with bra built in
- Regular underwear (I like the cotton hipsters from Gap)
- Make-up
- Sweater

Items for Daddy
- Jeans
- Shorts
- PJ pants
- T-shirts
- Button up shirt for photos
- Socks

Items for Baby
- Swaddle blankets
- Stocking hats
- Sleeper PJ's
- Going home outfit
(The hospital will give you everything else... diapers, socks, t-shirt, extra blankets, bath supplies, etc.)

Extras
- Phone chargers
- iPad and charger
- Pillows - 4 total (2 for momma and 2 for daddy)
- Daddy's glasses
- Camera and camera bag (with charger)
- Hair dryer/ Straightener
- Toiletries (travel size everything... this way you can use and leave everything and not have to worry about packing large containers - shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razor)
- Snacks
- Book
- Card stock for foot prints
- Shoes/flip flops
- Friends DVDs
- Nursing pads/hydro pads/ Medela lanolin cream
- Journal/note pad
- Insurance information and copy of hospital registration forms
- Birthing plan

Another thing to keep in mind is that if you do forget something you can always have a friend or family member swing by your house or the store and pick it up!  And also keep in mind you are only there for a short time... no need to pack tons of clothes... you will find you will change less often than you expect... only due to the lack of time!

Hope this is helpful to some of you expectant mothers!!!  Best of luck on your packing!!!

Baby Benjamin: 5 Weeks!

Weight: As of last Thursday Benjamin was 8 lbs 11 oz... so I'm we are thinking he is almost 9 pounds!

Health: Doing great!  Baby acne has cleared up and his clogged tear ducts are getting much better... only the left eye is still a little clogged.  And last weeks shots went ok... but it broke my heart when he cried.

Sleep: Same as last week... going 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 hours at night... looking for ideas to possibly get him to sleep longer stretches at night... any suggestions?

Social: Benjamin had his first play date with his little buddy Braddock, who was born just 26 hours after him!  We also ventured out to our first church service for Mother's Day and he did well... woke up mid service so daddy took him to the back before he started fussing.

Diet: Mommas milk!  Drinking 3.5 oz every 3-3.5 hours.

Clothes: 0-3 Month clothes and size 1 diapers!

Baby Gear Loves: Swaddle Me Sleep Sacks!  These are a must have for Benjamin... out little wiggle worm manages to get out of even the tightest swaddle wraps, but this one keeps him tucked in tight and snug!

Crying: Since we started giving him a bottle, (I'm pumping and bottle feeding him) he fusses when we stop to burp him... it is the saddest wimper ever... but once he lets out a little burp he stops... guess he doesn't like to give up his burps!

Likes:  Lately he really likes to have little conversations... we will hold him close to our face and babble back and forth... sometimes he joins in... sometimes he just listens, but this it the time when he gives the most smiles... I can't wait till he starts laughing!  

Postpartum:  Feeling the most like myself since Benjamin's arrival!  I made the decision to pump and give him a bottle... which was a decision that we didn't take lightly, but it is the best decision for us.  Before when I was exclusively breast-feeding I would only have 30 minutes to an hour to enjoy him, clean up, take care of myself before he went down for a nap before we did it all again... needless to say time and rest is very important so we made the change to pump and bottle feed breast milk.  I have been doing this for 4 days and have really liked the change.  I feel like I have more time to enjoy him and get the much needed rest I have been lacking.

Milestones: Friday night we went out for our first date night as a family of 3!  Ben slept the entire time and allowed momma and daddy to enjoy sushi and a nice relaxing evening out to dinner.  And on Sunday we celebrated my very first Mother's Day!  It was so special and exactly what I wanted.  We attended our first church service, then enjoyed a relaxing lunch at my sister and brother in laws house with my parents and grandmother.  Also, over the weekend I had a little night out for dinner with some girlfriends!  It was nice to enjoy a hot meal and wonderful company!

Happy Mother's Day!

Today I celebrated my very first Mother's Day and it was just perfect... we didn't do anything out of the ordinary or over the top, but spent it with those I love most in this world... family!  

It is amazing how becoming a mother has changed this day... but today I had a brand new appreciation for my mother, grandmothers, and all other mothers in this world!  Women are very special people and being a mom has opened my eyes to a new perspective of selflessness, sacrifices, joy and unconditional love.  So I thought it fitting to thank two of my favorite mothers!

Mom, I want to thank you for always being my biggest fan and cheerleader.  You have ALWAYS believed in me and encouraged me everyday.  Your love, kindness, strength, passion, wisdom, gentleness, and love have taught me to be the person, daughter, sister, wife, friend and now mom I am today.  Words can't thank you enough for everything you have done and given me over the last 29 years.  As we heard in church today... My prayer is to be twice the women, daughter, wife, sister, friend and mom you are!  I love you with all my heart and am so blessed to have you as my mom and Benjamin's Nana!

Jennifer, first of all Happy 1st Mother's Day to you!  Sometimes it is hard for me to believe we are both mothers!  Where did the time go and when did we all of a sudden become adults!!  Anyways... I want you to know that I wouldn't want anyone else next to me on this journey into motherhood than you.  You have been so amazing and so much more than just my sister.  You are my best friend, confidant, sound voice of advice, go to for all things baby and all things life!  Your "here to the rescue" spirit and ALWAYS helpful attitude have been a saving grace these last 4 weeks and I can't thank you enough.  I am so blessed that we live so close and have babies so close in age... I am so excited about the future and look forward to many memories together!  Love you so much!

I hope each of you had a wonderful day celebrating the women and mom's in your life!  Much love!

Happy 1 Month Benjamin!

 Sweet Benjamin,
Today you are one month old!  Where has the time gone?  It feels like yesterday we were driving home from the hospital with you... then it also feels like I have know you forever.  We love you so much and can't imagin, or remember, life without you.

A little about you:
Today we had your 1 month well baby doctor visit and you weighed it at 8 pounds 11 oz. or 25% and 22.5 inches long or 80%.   Which means you have gained 1 pound 14 ounces since we brought you home from the hospital.  You have officially outgrown your newborn clothes and are in 0-3 months... some fit perfect and some are still a little big, but momma is excited you have all new clothes to wear in the coming weeks/months!

As for your health, you are a strong, healthy, sweet baby boy!  Your umbilical cord feel off at about a week old and you have loved bath time ever since!  You have a little baby acne but it is getting better each day.   You have also found your voice and lungs and don't hesitate to use them to tell momma and daddy exactly what you need and want.  You typically don't cry unless you are hungry or tired.  And we are getting better at picking up on our "warning" cues to be more proactive in those times.

Speaking of sleep... you are a decent sleeper, and we hope that continues and you become more like your momma... who loves to sleep!  Your typical schedule is eat, mommas milk, play a little bit, then go down for an hour or two nap... then it is up again to eat, play and then sleep... you have put yourself on this schedule and we are enjoying it!  At night you have been going 3.5-4.5 hours in-between feedings (start to start), but last night you went almost 5.5 hours!  It was wonderful to get 4 hours of straight sleep!  Keep it up baby boy!

When it comes to play time you are one little alert boy!  You love to look around and love looking at fans, lights and the TV.  You have taken well to tummy time and are one strong boy!  You like to keep you head up and stretch out your legs... and have even rolled over a few times from tummy to back.  You love looking at your little moose and other toys on your activity mat and have enjoyed your afternoon naps and down time in your momaroo!  We love the little expressions you give us... you are quite expressive!  You sometimes look very serious or in deep thought... especially when your little forehead wrinkles!  But the best are the little smiles and coos you give... and when your sweet little dimple come out!

Benjamin, this month has been priceless... we love you  more than we could have ever expected!  You have brought so much joy and laughter to our lives that make the sleepless nights and long days much sweeter than we could have ever imagined.

Your first month has been filled with many firsts and lot of LOVE!  We have been incredibly blessed by our friends and family who have come to meet you, bring food, visit and spend time with us, and most importantly love and pray on our new family of 3!!!  We cannot thank them enough and look forward to another month of firsts and more love and laughter!

Happy One Month Birthday Benjamin!!