Baby Essentials.

Hi friends,  it seems like a lot of my friends are getting pregnant and I wanted to share a registry list that came from my friend Tara. Tara was so thorough in compiling this list that I felt selfish hoarding her insight. If you are expecting, I hope this helps! I have added my two cents in red.

1/2/3/4/5/6/7 


The following is a list of baby items that worked really well for me, or that came highly recommended. I keep adding to the list and passing it on as I learn new things. Registering is overwhelming, so it is always helpful to have a little guidance to get you through the rows of seemingly identical products.

FEEDING
1) First of all, my breastfeeding soap box. Breastfeeding is hard - especially for the first month. That's partially why everyone is so emphatic about it - because it is really, really hard for many people. IF you decide to breastfeed, please give yourself the freedom to decide at any point that it's not working for you. It DOES get easier, but it is exhausting. I dropped an F-bomb every time Hudson latched on for the first three weeks. Then, we both adjusted and we kept it up until 8 months. One day, he just decided he was done! He was too busy to slow down to nurse. That was another hard transition, but I've heard it's easier if they stop it on their own.
IF you decide to do it, here's what helped me:

• Occasionally attending a local "breastfeeding support group" (at A Woman's Place in Tallahassee) really helped. There's a lactation consultant on site, and you can see how much baby is getting at each feeding. And you feel like maybe your breasts aren't so weird after all because you see a lot of weird ones. :)
• On day 7, I had my first pump-and-bottlefeed day, and it was a glorious break. I incorporated them regularly. Plus, I really liked knowing exactly how much he was eating.
• Spring for a GOOD pump. I like the Medela Swing in Style. (Two months of bf will pay for the pump vs. formula feeding).
• If you don't get a hands-free pump, go for the pumping bustier so your hands can be free. It looks weird, but it's great. 
• Also - you should invest in a waterproof mattress for YOUR bed, if you don't have one already. Your breasts will leak, your baby will pee...a million things will try to defy the integrity of your mattress.
• Even if you exclusively BF, I was told to give your baby a bottle by the time they are 3 weeks old so they get used to eating from both. I loved this advice because other people could feed Reid and he was not exclusively dependent on me. Introduce it early so they learn to take it.

2) IKEA's Antilop High Chair - $20. It got great reviews, it's easy to clean, and it is easily disassembled. LOVE it. One of the best purchases I've made. Feeding is a mess and I suggest a high chair that does not have a stitch of fabric on it.
3) BOTTLES - I recommend maybe getting 1-2 of several different brands but NOT investing in anything until you see what kind the baby likes. Save some giftcards for this. We went with Dr. Brown's, and he likes them, but there are SO many pieces. I'm a little weary. :) Also, an assortment of pacifiers, if you can get your baby to try it. Also, a bottle warmer (especially one that sanitizes the pacifiers).
4) BOTTLE GEAR - Get a bottle cleaner that has a suction cup end so it stays up, and the Boon Grass Countertop Drying Rack which holds everything easily.

5) NURSING BRAS - I bought them at Target for $20, and they worked well for me. The one I paid $40 for, I never wore because it was kind of grandma-ish. Nursing camis - also at Target - are very helpful.

6) BREAST PADS -Use Lasinoh. Also, Soothies came highly recommended by another friend, especially for the first week. I am that friend! Soothies saved my life that first week. 

7) BOPPY - I like this over My BrestFriend because it can be used to prop him up before he can roll over, and I used it for a long time after he was done breastfeeding just to snuggle with him. However, I know many people who love My BrestFriend. Both are helpful for feeding.

8) BUMBO - We liked this, but my little linebacker pushed up out of this, so it had a short run at our house. I've seen others use it for a nice long time.
9) CLOTH DIAPERS - get the thin ones, and they dry easily and can be used to clean up messes in a pinch (This is not an endorsement for cloth diapers instead of disposable. Just to use the cloth diapers as easy clean-up cloths. Although cloth diapers are a much cheaper alternative over the long haul...I don't trust myself to stay on top of the laundry.)
10) Splat Mat - Our dining room table is over a big rug, and Hudson was ruining it when we started feeding him in the high chair. This has saved us. 
11.) Plastic Bib- easy for cleaning, just don't put them in the dryer like I did. They melt. 


SLEEPING/PLAYING
1) LAMB SWING - someone gave us this, and Hudson slept in it for the first 4 months. It was like a beautiful drug. We bought another one and took it to our babysitter's - that's how crucial we thought it was. You can usually find this, or a similar one, for $50-$60 on consignment.  Reid hated the swing. H-A-T-E-D it. We packed it up and hopefully the next child will like it.
2) GRACO JUMPER -This is the second jumper we bought him, and he LOVES it. Goes crazy in it. You can usually find it at baby consignment stores for $10-$15. NOTE: Pay attention to your door frames before purchasing. Thick, high molding will not work. (Right, Ash?) :) It sounds so pretentious, the molding on our house was too high for the jumper. Luckily, the molding on the addition upstairs was small enough.
3) MESH BUMPERS - I got paranoid about using real bumpers, so I bought some mesh ones. They're not as pretty, but they do the job, and I sleep better knowing he's less likely to suffocate.
4) Anything that will be an extra set of arms for you will be golden. The bumbo, the lamb swing, the jumper, a playmat, the pack n play - all are lifesavers. Hudson also liked this bouncer for about 2 months, and then he got too antsy for it. Still totally worth it because it gave me a break. :)
5) Let me say the Pack n Play again. It's what you will probably use until your baby is in a big kid bed. Crucial. We used the Arms Reach co-sleeper for the first 6 weeks. He was right by my bed and it seemed like a little luxury to not have to get up to feed him.
6) I am addicted to my video monitor - I just NEED to know that, if he's crying, that he's okay. It also helps to see whether he's laying down or standing up - which helps me see how long I need to be strong. It helps me not check on him incessantly. That being said, we got the Summer Infant video monitor ($170-ish) and it gets a lot of feedback from our wireless router and I couldn't sleep at night because of the static. We now use two monitors simultaneously - our video monitor and the Sony BabyCall (which we love because it has a "voice-activated" feature and is otherwise silent). I would recommend getting a video monitor that mentions that it doesn't interfere with wireless routers. In thinking about baby #2, I'd also recommend one that has an expandable system so you can add rooms. In total: video, low interference from wifi, expandable. (Samsung has a good one.). We have the Motorola monitor and I've loved it.
7) I have some friends who swear by the Nap Nanny. We didn't have one, but I've heard wonderful things about it! I kind of want to take on nap on that right now.
8) When Hudson got a little older, we got this (the other side is a mirror) and put it in his crib. He still loves it!
9) No great advice on cribs, but you'll need one. :)

10) Swaddle blankets and/or Velcro swaddle blankets.  The Velcro ones are much easier to secure and are great for keeping kids in lockdown so they don’t startle themselves awake.

11) Sound machine and blackout curtains

DIAPER BAG/TRAVEL
1) They sell these doggie bags for babies that clip on to your diaper bag - good for messy diapers when you're out and sectioning off messy clothes.
2) Waterproof pads - I use the fabric ones everywhere.
3) Car mirror - You will want to see baby's face when you're driving.
4) Ergobaby carrier - this is expensive, but it's amazing - and it goes up to 45 pounds. The Bjorn also comes highly recommended. I have the Bjorn and would recommend the Ergo. I also have the K'Tan, which was nice when Reid was small, but now it's too small for him.
5) To Go diaper changing pad - I do NOT recommend a cloth one of these. A vinyl one is fine, and it wipes clean. The cloth one ended up in the wash every other day. Terrible.
6) Aden & Anais blankets - thin and cute - LOVE THEM!
7) Robeez Shoes - when baby starts pulling off his or her socks, these are a must. They're soft, they keep the socks on, and baby can't get them off. The Target version seems to work well, too. In my opinion, shoes are wasted on babies until they're starting to walk. Their only purpose seemed to be keeping socks on during the colder months.
8) I also don't have great advice on a baby travel system. We have Chicco and we like it, but the mega-sized stroller was too much for our bitty cars. I love a removable infant carrier (vs. a stationary car seat like they get when they're older)...Lots of people I know love some higher-end strollers (BOBs, etc.) that they love! This one has done the trick for us. I might also look into some of the jogging stroller/infant carrier systems they have now. We use the Chicco KeyFit 30 with the caddy base. It's worked great for shopping trips or restaurants up until 6 months. Also, I love the Bob with this adapter for going on walks/runs (who am I kidding, I've ran once since I had him).

9) Diaper Champ lets you use any trash bag instead of purchasing refills for the Diaper Genie.

BOOKS
1) Happiest Baby on the Block
2) The Baby Whisperer
3) Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child

MISCELLANEOUS
1) Fels Naptha - This is a stain removal bar that looks like soap - you can get it at Publix. It has gotten out most of the early stains - even after I washed the clothes once. (More difficult once we got to messy solid food.)
2) SCHYLLING TOYS - At the moment, I am in love with almost anything by this brand. I also like Melissa and Doug and Manhattan Toy
3) Rattle Ball
4) Sophie the Giraffe - As much as I hate that he likes a $30 squeaky toy, it has earned its weight in gold. Look, they are down to $18. I wish I invented this toy. Reid is obsessed as well, totally worth the money. 
5.) OXO candela night light. This provides a dim light when you remove the white lantern piece from the wall. It helps when you are trying to change a diaper in the middle of the night but don't want to flick the overhead light on.

EXTRA ADVICE:
1) If you go for Babies R Us, ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE PROPERLY LINKED YOUR REWARDS CARD TO YOUR REGISTRY. Apparently you can get some credit for everything people get you. We didn't, because we didn't realize this wasn't linked until after our last shower.
2) If you happen to end up having a C-section (mine really wasn't bad), ask the hospital for an abdominal binder before you leave the hospital. Insurance covered mine. It will help you get up and moving a lot faster. The ones you can buy off the street are around $100 and they slip around a lot more.
3) Go for sleepers with zippers! Also, two-piece pjs work well. If you have to change them in the middle of the night, and they're screaming and squirming, getting a zillion of those snaps together is almost impossible. Agreed, agreed, agreed!
4) They're always coming up with new inventions. I got this rock n'play sleeper for a friend recently, and she swears by it: Who knows - this might also go on my must-buy list for baby #2! 

Thanks Tara, this made my life a lot easier and I hope others find it helpful. I also recommend checking out Lucie's List. What have we left out? Please share your favorite items. 

Instagram, it's so Instant!

Duh, right?!?

I forgot with instagram once you take a picture it's public. I haven't been on it in over a year because I forgot my password, but if I am friends with you on instagram, I see why these photos would lead you to believe it's go time.

I did appreciate the text messages. It makes me so pumped for his anticipated arrival. I went to triage today to make sure everything was in working order. The doctor check my cervix yesterday (1 cm dilated and 70% effaced) and she said blood would likely be a result, but there was a lot of blood today. I called and they said to come in to be safe. So, Reid is safe and sound and still in my body.

Sitting still in the room really made me get a solid to-do list written down. My friend Emily (very recent mom with an adorable son) texted me to get a pedicure after work, so I'm taking her advice.

I won't be so careless with my instagramming and I'll keep you updated with any baby news:)

Snippets.

Reid's nursery is still not completely done. I could show you what it looks like now, but then I'd have to re-post again as I add the finishing touches. Those little details at the end really make a difference in having it "complete". Of course, it will not be done until he's in it :) but you get my point.

Here's a sneak peek of his chandelier. It's leather and it makes the whole room smell amazing.

This is currently my favorite snack (when it's not ice cream):

I'm making a little bulletin board for his room

And here's my belly. My belly button popped out about week 28 and since then, I have never worn more black in my life in attempts to camouflage it.

I feel like there's no room left for him to grow, but at the last doctor's appointment I was told to be prepared to go to week 42. I politely suggested we reconsider my options after week 40. No need to be difficult when I have two weeks left.

37 weeks and 3 days but who's counting?

So I've missed some monthly updates. Reid is now the size of a watermelon. A watermelon! He weighs a little over 5 1/2 pounds and at our last ultrasound, he measured a week small. The thought of delivering a small baby kinda delights me. He's dropped low, as low as he can go without coming out. I think the prenatal yoga I've been doing might have something to do with this placement. It's nice because I can now take deep breaths, but he's on my bladder, so there's a trade off.

How do I feel?

The third trimester is a beast. The ease that I have experienced up to this point is long gone and the discomfort makes me incredibly eager to meet this little guy. It's comical how extreme I am with my feelings. Some days when asked how I feel, I will forget I am 9 months pregnant and think I can conquer to world, well at least clean my house. Other days, I feel like I have been pregnant for 2 years and I want nothing more than to lie in a hospital bed with an epidural hooked up to my back to relieve some pain, not necessarily induce labor.

I am also thankful that I do not have to be pregnant during the summer. It's already proving to be a warm March and I feel terrible for my friends that are due in August.

What surprises me?

I find myself growing quite sentimental about going from our family of three (Buster) to a family of four. We have our routine and I really enjoy the ease, carelessness and simpleness I've grown accustomed to over the past 5 years. It's too hard to grasp that I will not, ever, have this approach to life once Reid enters it. Of course it's exciting, but every normal activity we do I tend to point out to Tony, "this is the last time we are ever going to...(fill in the blank)".
We are going to be a parents and that means we are going to love someone more than ourselves- we are going to think of his needs first and respond accordingly. I've always thought motherhood will allow me to comprehend the love Christ has for me, the grace he lavishes upon me and the chance I have to experience this love for another excites me.

Any cravings?

Saltines. I have never eaten so many in my life. I love their blandness. I am making those oh-so-popular green smoothies so he gets some nutrients through the spinach, fruit and dairy.
I also love to make mint tea, but I think my teeth might need some white strips pretty soon.

What else?

Let's talk about this hospital bag I need to pack. I hear I need socks, slippers, a robe, a pillow or two, a going home outfit for Reid, what am I missing? We live a mile from the hospital and I can't imagine really needing much. (Again, I think all I need is that heavenly injection in my back). I still need to find a pediatrician and set up the car seat. Then we'll officially be ready. Ready to wait.

Pregnancy Products

I'll share my thoughts on pregnancy products and what I've really been enjoying so far. Here goes:

A. I attended a prenatal yoga class for the first time last night, and it was amazing. I regularly practice yoga and I must say there is a huge difference between going to a studio vs. doing a DVD in your home. Don't get me wrong, I have done several pregnancy yoga programs ON DEMAND during this pregnancy, but nothing compares to a classroom.

B. Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo. I thought that when you are pregnant, you glow, have thick hair and the best nails of your life. This hasn't been the case for me. A week ago the back of my head was so greasy (after my daily shampoo), I couldn't run my fingers through my hair. I was concerned I'd have to shave my head and start over, it was that bad. I went to my stylist and she gave me some of this shampoo to try... and she told me I was washing my hair wrong and that I'd have to wash it twice and focus on the back of the head instead of the top of my head. It's been a life saver.

C. The App for: What to expect when you're expecting. This app lets me read about what is happening to the baby and my body everyday. Apparently there is a movie coming out soon, can't wait:


D. So Delicious Almond Coconut Bars. I might have blogged about this one before. They are that good, they are portion controlled and they taste like a frozen almond joy.

E. The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy. This was loaned to me and I read it in two days. It's pretty humorous and a nice break from the scientific reading that the doctor gives you. This book addresses more of the questions you might have, but don't want to bring up with your friends that are not pregnant or maybe your doctor.

F. Fruit flavored water. It gets so boring drinking water all the time. I've been throwing anything in my glass to perk up the flavor.

Week 28.

I can hardly believe I am in my third trimester.

How do I feel?

It's harder to move around. Once I am on the couch after work, it takes alot of effort to get off of it. This past month has been my favorite in pregnancy so far. Little Reid is growing every day and strangers are asking me when I am due, which I love. I have not had a random person rub my belly yet, but when it happens I have every intention to rub theirs in return.

Apparently he is almost full grown in length, he will just fatten up considerably before his arrival.

I feel him move all the time and I love the assurance of his movements. His kicks and jabs feel like an inside joke between us, I just feel bonded to this little one and I can't wait to meet him.

What do I crave?

Blackberries and strawberries. I think my skin is clearing up just a bit and I wonder if it's from the increase in antioxidants? I'm just glad they've been on sale because I go though pints of them. Coffee makes me gag, this is a new development in the last month and I don't miss it one bit.

What surprises me?

This is going by fast! I use every weekend morning to sleep in, even when I'm ready to wake up because I think this is the last time in my life I will be able to sleep on my own schedule. I also take my sweet time running errands because I think, this is my last time I'll be able to keep my own schedule.

Other tidbits?

How much more can my face grow in the next 12 weeks? I'm frightened!

Week 24.

It's a boy and he has a name.

R is for:

Reid Anthony Cortese.

How do I feel?
Great. I'm enjoying this second trimester. I had a wave of sickness over the weekend, but I think that was flu oriented and not pregnancy driven. I feel him move so much now and I love that Tony can feel him as well.

What do I crave?
Sweets. This week I've been making ice cream sandwiches from Publix Chocolate chip cookies. De-lish!
[I think my phone is dying. That funky red tint is not on purpose, that's what my camera does to images].

What surprises me?
How fast this is going. Only 4 months left. Lots to do on the checklist. It's strange to be so aware of time these days [ex. I am 24 weeks and 3 days, not missing a day on the big count down-o-meter]. I feel like I've been pregnant for a while now, but when I hear I'm almost in my third trimester, it makes me anxious.

What am I looking forward to?
Being home and with family and friends for Christmas. Taking almost 2 weeks off from work.

Other tidbits:

I am so grateful for Joanna Goddard's blog. She has an extensive registry list that I am finding very helpful. I even read all the comments below to see what other recommendations were made for registry items. That brought me to her Motherhood Mondays section, which I read in its entirety.
I had to close my office door while I read her sweet husbands recap of their birth story. Seriously, I know I am weepy in this pregnancy, but this is a great read.

I also think this necklace or this ring makes for a sweet push present.

Week 20.

This pregnancy is flying by. My friend Emily is doing a pretty darn good job at documenting her weeks. I am going to be a copy cat and update this every 4 weeks.

How do I feel?

I am thankful, I have felt pretty good this pregnancy. My main symptom is fatigue (and acne like a teenager), but I know it could be worse. Well, I am a bit more hormonal than I am used to (impatient, prone to tears and stress) and other symptoms that I will withhold from the blog.
What do I crave?

For the first 17 weeks, carbs. Pizza, pasta with plain sauce, croissants, bagels, buffalo chicken and blackberries (not together). I finally feel like I can control my diet again and veggies sound really great again.
What surprises me?

For the most part, I haven't felt pregnant. This past week, there is a definite bump and I am beginning to feel faint kicks and the baby moving. I am at the half way mark and I'm starting to feel behind already. (No registry, no daycare plans, no reading on my part on sleeping methods). I am planning to get on the ball in the New Year.
What am I looking forward to?
This week we find out if this baby is a boy or a girl. I certainly have a feeling, so we'll see if this mother's intuition really exists.