Must Haves for Babies First Two Months

Okay so my picks are not earth shattering, but as a first time mom I really didn't know how much I would need these items until we started using them.  So far our little 2 month old has used these items the most:

1.  Swing, Swing, Swing!!! You must have a swing if you ever want to do anything other than sit on the couch with the baby all day (even though that is fun too).

2.  A cradle (I love this rock n play sleeper because it folds up and can be easily put out of sight, the sides come up around the baby so it is really comforting (almost like a swaddle), and it rocks.) My baby loves it! He sleeps in it every night next to our bed.  The reviews on Amazon say that this gave babies flat heads, but I haven't had that problem and I know another family that has the same model and their baby (who is 6 months older than mine) doesn't have a flat head.  So... I think maybe parents just left their babies laying on their back too long and want to blame the product.




3.  Newborn pacifier: the ones for older infants are too big for a newborn's mouth (at least it was for my lil guy) and they can't control it.  My lil guy liked these from Avent.


4.  Slimming nursing tank.  Before I had my baby I bought a couple nursing bras with padding and underwire:  I absolutely hate them b/c they aren't very flexible when it comes to nursing. These tanks are great because there is no underwire so it is way easier to breastfeed, I wear one almost everyday. 




5.  Car seat and stroller combo. We chose the Britax Chaperone Infant Carrier because it was recommended by my sister-in-law who had done a lot of research on car seats. She clued us into the anti-rebound bar that is offered for the base of this model.  You can learn more about anti-rebound bars here and here.  The only draw backs to this model is that it takes up more space than the other models and is a little more expensive.  However, I think the extra safety feature is worth it.



We also chose the B-Agile stroller.  I love this stroller and I use it almost every day: it is (1) light weight, (2) easy to fold, and while your baby is still an infant the car seat (3) easily clicks into the stroller.  If you get this stroller you will not need more than one stroller -- it does it all.

The Nursery Is Done

A few months ago I posted my ideas for the nursery - Our Baby Nursery.  So for many, many months I have been wanting to post these pictures of our nursery/office/guest room, but just haven't had the time. A few things have changed from the original plan, i.e. the baby changer, desk, and pillows, but the linens remain the same along with the general jive I was going for.  So here is the final product!

The nursery...it took us forever to get the set up right,

and I basically drove M nuts as he moved it around.

 

 

 

 

We purchased the crib from Amazon, and it was delivered to our door free of charge. 

It is a four-and-one crib so it will grow with our child as he gets older. 

The elephant is from Costco, it was a find by my husband, the banner was made by my sister-in-law for the baby's shower and I decided to put it to good use.  

The linens and curtains are from Land of Nod. 

 

 

 I got the baby changer from IKEA, but I really like it

because we can use it again some day for a night stand.

 Unfortunately, I think IKEA discontinued this model because I am

no longer able to find it on their website.

The cover for the changer is also from Land of Nod.

 

 

  The bookshelf was given to me as a little girl from my Grandma

 and it has always been special to me.  The blocks were M's idea,

 and I think it turned out particularly cute.

 

 

I found the pillow cases on Etsy: Leaf Pillows,  Elephant Pillow. 

We had the IKEA futon in the room before and decided to leave it. 

 

 

 

 I also received this mobile from Amazon. The only thing I don't like about it is that the elephants are hanging from a rather sharp object so we had to hang it extra high and not over the crib.

 

 

M's desk is also from IKEA, the picture frames are from Michael's,

and the lamp is from Land of Nod.  We plan to use it as our son's

desk later on when he is older and has his own room.

 

Hope you enjoyed the tour!

 

XOXO,

~A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hospital Gifts

I don't know about you, but before this last stint in the hospital, I had never been a patient in a hospital (except for when I was born) before.  I was always at a loss as to what to get people while they are in the hospital. 

After spending 13 days in the hospital, and receiving some really lovely and thoughtful gifts, I have some great ideas as to what people actually need in the hospital.

Food Basket With or Without Gift Card

The food in the hospital is terrible, and if the patient has a spouse that spouse will have to go to the cafeteria to by each of his or her meals because they don't deliver these items right to your room.  Also, leaving the hospital to go pick up food is challenging because you have to find your car, leave the hospital, drive somewhere, come back, re-park, and make your way back to the hospital room.

In a big city and big hospital, this can be a pain in the neck. So M and I loved it when people brought by food, but one of the things that worked really great for us was an LABite gift card.  The service is basically a delivery service.  You put in an order on the website to local restaurants for take out, and then they go and pick it up for you and deliver it to your room. The drivers are really good and professional.  They brought the food to our hospital room, not just to the hospital.  I know that in major cities across the United States they have other similar services. NOTE: before you buy this card you should check to see if the patient is allowed to eat outside food.  Although, it might still be a good gift for the family that is spending a round the clock time at the hospital.

A fruit basket, although conventional, is also really nice because as a patient you often want a snack during the day and don't necessarily want to be eating a lot of junk food as you are laying in a hospital bed all day (although baked items are also certainly appreciated).  The basket should have fruit of course that is not already cut as the patient may have no access to a refrigerator. 

Activities Basket

Games are awesome while your in the hospital.  You don't want the game to be too long or too complicated, remember these games will be played with hospital visitors who usually stay about an hour. Also, depending upon the reason the patient is in the hospital, you may want a game that does require the patient to move much.  I know for the first 3-4 days in the hospital, I really wasn't allowed to sit up except for meal time.  Two awesome games under this scenario are: cards, Monopoly Deal and Spot it.  Both of these games are easy to explain and take about 20 mins or less to play per round.

Magazines and Books.  So these of course are awesome, and I loved it when people stopped by with magazines.  I never actually got to a book because of the constant interruptions (can you say nurses, lab people, tech people, constantly in our room at random times during the day and night), I really couldn't get into one. 

However, one thing that kept happening is we would get a lot of repeat magazines. So an iTunes or Amazon gift card for this reason would be a really great idea if you know that the person has an iPad, Kindle or other such device.  Then you cut down on the possibility of repeats, and the gift recipient is going to be able to pick magazines that he or she doesn't already have.

Internet Hot spot.  Do you have an Internet hot spot just lying around?  Lend it to the person in the hospital for a couple of weeks.  Even if the hospital has wireless Internet, it is likely that the Internet will go down or not be reliable.  If you have a data limit though, make sure everyone understands this.

Hulu, Netflix, HBO Go.  If the hospital has Internet access, this is a great distraction.  In fact, if you already get these services you could let the patient use your account for a month or a couple of weeks, if they don't already have one.  The terms of service for these services often allows up to 5 devices to use the service.  If you don't want to do lending, then there is always an iTunes gift card.

Personal Gift Basket

Shower, Hair.  One of my friends purchased a really nice bath soap for me when I was in the hospital.  It was awesome. My shower in the morning was the best part of my day, and having a new scent to wash with was really nice.  Other ideas for this would be aromatherapy shampoo, conditioner and lotion.  If the patient can't get out of bed, nice dry shampoo etc. 

One friend also offered to have her mother (a hair stylist) come and do my hair one day, this was a great offer, I didn't take her up on the offer b/c I was released from the hospital shortly thereafter, but had I been in the hospital one day longer I would have!

Hand sanitizer, this is really needed when you are in the hospital.  I couldn't get up very often, but I often wanted to wash my hands. Having hand sanitizer close was really nice.

Manicure Set or Service.  I did my nails a lot while in the hospital so a little manicure set with fingernail polish would also be nice.  Even better would be to arrange to have someone you know that does nails to come to the hospital to do the patients nails.  This is definitely something I want to do for someone some day. 

P.J.'s, robe, slippers, and flip flops.  When I went to the hospital, I really wasn't thinking I would be spending the night let alone two weeks there.  My sister-in-law sent P.J.'s for me to wear while in the hospital.  Once I didn't have to wear the hospital gown anymore this was really nice to have.  It made me feel like a human again.

Flip flops and slippers.  I didn't do a lot of walking in the hospital, but flip flops for any shower that is not your own is an awesome idea!  I was surprised as to how little our bathroom was cleaned while we were in the hospital, and how dirty our hospital room floor was.  So these are always a good idea.

Other Gifts

Although conventional, flowers and plants are also really great. Hospitals are so sterile (even though I don't think they are all that clean), and when your in the hospital you really miss going outside.  I loved these gifts and your room is automatically brightened when you have plants and flowers around your room.

My sister-in-law also sent pictures that my nieces drew, and this was really nice to pin up in the hospital.  They made me smile often. 

So these are just some ideas.  Hope this helps!

Xoxo,
-A

Week 29: Bed Rest

Thursday, marked the end of my 29th week of pregnancy and one complete week being out of the hospital. :)   Since being released from the hospital, I have had three doctor's appointments and we have received nothing but good news from the doctor so that is a great comfort and relief.

Right now my biggest challenges range from normal third trimester complaints (i.e. Right now my tummy is so big that when Matt and I watch a movie together, he has to pause the movie so I can role over and not miss anything) to the challenges of bed rest.

This Thursday I will have been on bed rest for 1 month.  I thought my biggest bed rest challenge would be not being able to go anywhere, but now that I am at home, that is not really that bad.  I like being at home, and now I can do some work from home, shop from home, and visit with friends and family that come to visit without the interruptions that come with being in the hospital.

The most difficult thing for me so far is that there are so many things I want to get done at home -- decorating the baby's room, making items for the baby's room, child proofing the apartment, cleaning out under sinks, cleaning and downsizing the items we have stored under our bed etc. Its hard not to get discouraged when the things you want to do are starring you in the face everyday.  Its also hard not to feel guilty about feeling bad when you have so many things to be thankful for.

Xoxo,
-A

Baby Shower

Well before all of this bed rest started, Matt and I had just returned from visiting our family where my family through us a lovely shower.  Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the day.

My Sister-in-Law and I

I thought this was a good belly shot, since I haven't taken one for awhile

My sister and her youngest daughter

My niece

The Two Grandmas (i.e. my mom and M's mom)

Cute decorations courtesy of my sister-in-law

My Grandma and my youngest niece

My Great Aunt and my youngest niece

My Cousin and my Grandma

 

Xoxo,

 

-A

Week 2: 28 Weeks

On Wednesday, (my 13th day in the hospital) I was released from the hospital.  Although they are not completely sure if it ever ruptured, the official diagnosis was a ruptured membrane that healed.  Apparently, determining whether or not a pregnant woman's water broke is not an exact science, but either way M and I thank God that everything seems like all is well with Sam.

I am still on bed rest, but being at home has really been a huge and wonderful blessing: my own shower, bed, closet, TV, and Internet connection. I am in heaven.  The doctor said I could even make short meals in the kitchen, but I have yet to do that, as I have been too scared to stand for that long.  Maybe after a week I will feel more daring.

The doctor also informed us that we would go to the hospital every Friday so that they can listen to the baby's heart and put me on the contraction monitor for a half hour.  I also see my doctor on every Tuesday for the same tests. 

When we arrived home from the hospital, I went directly to the bedroom and laid down and looked out the window for like an hour. It felt good to be home.

That night was not so great.  I fell asleep quickly enough, but I had a nightmare in the early morning.  I dreamed that I was in labor and for some reason I knew the baby needed to be delivered by c-section.  My parents, Matt and I jumped into the car to drive to the hospital, but I couldn't convince any of them not to stop at every restaurant in town for take out, and for some reason we needed to run some errands for my baby brother.  Everyone kept on telling me I was concerned about nothing, and then I woke up.  Relieved of course. Sam furiously kicking me.  Apparently, he didn't like the dream either. 

Thursday (9/25) marked our 28th week.  To celebrate, M and my Dad were able to set up the crib:

Obviously, we still have some work to do in the nursery, but this is a start. :)




On Friday, we had our first appointment at the hospital.  Going back to the hospital was really hard. Just for the test, we had to go through admitting again, and there were a ton of people coming in who were in labor.  By the time we got back to where they were going to have the test I was really trying to fight back the tears, and was convinced I was going to go into labor any second.  Luckily, the RN that does the testing was so nice and calming.  The testing went well: plenty of fluid, Sam's heart rate was great, my blood pressure normal, and no contractions.

So today is Saturday, three days at home. We continue to pray for a safe and continued pregnancy as well as peace.  Peace is something I have struggled with throughout my life, and I am really praying that God will help me control my mind and thoughts in the upcoming weeks as we strive to create a new "normal" while I am on bed rest.

xoxo,
-A

Bed Rest: Week 1

Today marks the end of our first week in the hospital and my 27^th week of pregnancy. M, Sam and I are still here, and despite last week’s scare Sam is still snug in his little home. He is very active, I think he likes that I don’t move much – more swimming room for him.

As the days go on, every day gets a little better. Sam is doing just fine . . . so emotionally I am feeling better. Not to mention that I am not as heavily medicated anymore during the day, and getting a dose of Ambien each night doesn’t hurt. Nothing like sleep to make a person feel better.

Friday – Sunday – After 48 hours they took me off the magnesium sulfate (the drug that prevents contractions), and they changed my antibiotic from IV to oral.  No more IV! This meant that the IV machine wasn’t dinging every time I bent my arm (every 15 minutes) throughout the day and during the night. This also meant that the dreaded catheter came out, and then a day later – no more bed pan.

So the catheter ... pretty much feels like you have a bladder infection the entire time its in. If you don’t know that feeling, then good for you, I hope you never do.

Now about that bed pan. I have to say, if I had actually been in pain it would have probably been fine and preferable. However, the fact that I was perfectly coherent and in no pain made the experience borderline traumatizing. Not to mention, I am six, almost seven months pregnant, so balancing on a bed pan was not the easiest task: "Help me Jesus, help me Oprah, help me Tom Cruise." (Will Ferrell Reference) I say no more.

Onto happier topics.

Monday – like totally unbelievably amazing. The OBGYN came by to check in to see how I was doing. She was pleasantly surprised to hear that I have had no contractions, and inexplicably there had been no more leaking since I was admitted on Thursday. That is when she announced I could have one shower, and a bedside commode instead of the bed pan.

Tuesday – Came and went without event except the premier of "The New Girl" and "Mindy Project."

Wednesday – the OBGYN came back with the ultrasound. The ultrasound showed that baby was doing well and that the fluid was still in the normal range. That was the first mention of – I could be going home if things stayed the same. So now I had bathroom privileges, and was told to move from bed, to chair, to couch a couple times to see if the trend would stay the same. Sounds a little high school but what can I say five steps to the bathroom is welcome exercise, and so much more civilized.

Thursday – Started not so well . . . we had our first cranky nurse. She came in and woke me at 7:00 a.m., and then began to lecture us about how much personal stuff we had in our room, and if they had to deliver the baby, what a nuisance it would be. Notably, we were told to bring a lot of personal stuff and move right in by every other nurse and doctor that we had, had so far. Then she apparently didn’t like that after I went to the bathroom I put the baby monitor back on myself. It seemed like she felt like she was losing control, and how dare I put a strap around my stomach and find my baby’s heartbeat. Ugh. After she left my room that morning, I noticed I didn’t have a butter knife on my breakfast tray so I buzzed the nurses desk (which I rarely do) and I asked if they would bring a butter knife. Apparently this was all cranky nurse number 1 could handle.

At that point happy nurse from yesterday appeared with a butter knife and said she was taking over, and that some people were just really cranky today.

Later that morning, the OBGYN came and checked my condition around noon. Two thumbs up! She also mentioned that she wanted to send me home, but the parinatologist wouldn’t clear me to go home, and still insisted that I needed to stay until 34 weeks (7 weeks away). The Parinatologist is the high risk pregnancy specialist. Although she assured me she would get a second opinion, emotionally, I fell apart once again. The exit door seemed so close, just to slip through my fingers. I mentally imagined the trailer for that new Sandra Bullock movie "Gravity" where the spaceship is falling a part and Sandra is grasping with her fingertips to hold on, just to miss holding on to the ship by a centimeter. Let’s just say . . . no space travel is in my future.

Eventually, during the day a somewhat good attitude came back.

It’s a hard thing to realize that you are not in control of anything in your life, and as an adult, even harder to realize that you are never going to be. Throughout my life I have realized and taken note of that, but then of course, daily life and routine sets in again, and I am guessing for most of us we once again lose sight of this reality.

If this situation has taught me anything so far its how to be a blessing to people that are in the same situation. I think until you are here, its hard to understand how much little notes of encouragement, gifts, flowers and phone calls etc. are to someone that is in the hospital. Before, there was often times when I thought, oh if I visit I’ll just be a bother, or I don’t know them well enough for anything I would say to matter. Once you’re here, you realize that’s not true. And everything from the smallest gesture to the biggest gesture is much appreciated and helpful.

xoxo,

-A