Tidbits

-My kid is so freaking cute. I mean, I know everyone thinks their kid is cute...but really, this kid is darling. Is it bad to admit I was scared that he wasn't going to be cute?

-Life with a newborn is hard...but it has gotten much better. We enjoyed the safety of the hospital for 5 days and that first night home was insane. INSANE. Tears from everyone (and howling from the dog). Looking back at that night, it is kind of funny. Kind of. What were we thinking? We didn't really have a plan and just thought we were going to "go with the flow." Ethan said NO WAY to that flow. He had to be attached to this stupid bilirubin lamp all night so we couldn't walk around with him to calm him down. This caused a lot of frustration and a lot of screaming (from Ethan...not us). I think he sensed our fear (can't animals and newborns do this?).
-Ethan is now 7 weeks old (time is flying) and I can't believe I will be back at work in 5 weeks. Where has the summer gone?
-I hate when people ask me if I'm breastfeeding. Especially when it's a man. Or a stranger. It's weird to me. Mind your own business and stop looking at my chest.
-Mike took newborn pictures of my beautiful little man. You can see them all HERE. Clary also came over to take some family pictures. Love!





-How do you get your kid to sleep anywhere than your arms? He ROCKS at night (we are well rested parents...thanks Ethan) but the days are tough. He won't sleep flat so the bassinet and crib are out. He loves the Rock & Play at night but when I try to get him in it during the day, he wakes right up. I might have to start swaddling for naps. I love cuddling with him in my arms all day but it's not going to be possible when I go back to work.
-My kid is the spit-up champ. I date any baby to try to spit-up more than him...you can't. It really is crazy and I'm not sure what to do about it. The pediatrician isn't worried because he's gaining weight and isn't upset or in pain. She said that we can add rice cereal to his bottle but I think he is still too young for that. I guess he will just live in bibs. Hoping the spitting ends soon.
-His smiles melt my heart. We get to start each day with about 20 minutes of smiles for Mommy and Daddy in bed. Then I'll randomly get them throughout the day and a lot during playtime and diaper changes. He started really smiling at 4 weeks and they were definitely at us at 5 weeks. I can't wait till he starts to laugh.

Read more...

Ethan's Nursery

In February, I posted my nursery inspiration. It is so interesting to see what actually happened and what didn't (most of it didn't!).

Let's start with some pictures that Mike took and posted on his blog.


1. Babyletto Mercer Crib
2. Ikea Hemnes dresser
3. Rocker and Ottoman from Walmart
4. Ikea bookshelf and wall shelf
5. Rug from Garden Ridge
6. End table from Target
7. Art custom made by my hubby in Ikea frames
8. Chachkis on the shelves from Etsy, Target, World Market, Urban Outfitters, and books

Please remember that our nursery was started when I was 7 months pregnant! Crazy, I know! My husband did ALL of the work in this room. I told him what I liked and what I wanted, and he did it! He also designed and painted the beautiful mural above Ethan's bed. I'm a lucky, lucky lady. Again, I have vision but the man has talent.

Luckily it all came together in time for Ethan's arrival (we bought the rug the night before my water broke). We wanted a simple, calming room with a classic feel. I think we pulled it off.

Oh man...I have a screaming baby so I have to go. I don't know how so many of you blogger mommies blogged everyday with a newborn! Yikes!!!

Read more...

Baby Gear (at 3 weeks)

We are 3 weeks into this whole parenthood thing and we are finally starting to know what works and what doesn't. I really appreciated other mommies blogging about their favorite baby products so I am going to do the same. These items have helped save our sanity through the last few weeks. They are in no particular order.

Graco Swing- It vibrates, it swings, it makes wonderful noises like ocean waves, babbling brooks, and classical music. I love this thing and so does Ethan. Actually he is sleeping in it right now as I type this out.

Sleep Sheep On the Go- This little guy is another sound machine. He is only $2 cheaper than his full-sized friend but I like him because he can strap on to the car seat and stroller. I'm not sure if his white noise is more soothing to us or to Ethan but this guy is always nearby.
Itzbeen Baby Timer- This thing has helped us keep track of Ethan's feedings and diaper changes. It is especially helpful overnight when Mike and I change shifts and try to figure out when it's time for the next bottle. I know there are apps out there that do the same thing, but with 2 of us, it is just easier to keep the timer clipped to the side of the bassinet. Also, I feel like my phone has constantly been needing to be on the charger and I'm sure that using an app would drain my phone even faster.
Miracle Blanket- Oh "baby straight-jacket", I love you so. Mr. Ethan is a big boy and he is VERY strong. He can maneuver his way out of any swaddle. We have tried big muslin blankets, hospital blankets, and other special swaddlers with velcro, and the little man busted right through them all. The Miracle Blanket is our night time swaddler. The regular blankets will do during the day but this is the only thing that will keep him wrapped for hours so we use it at night. It really is a miracle! (I went back to buy another. I might go get a 3rd.)

Happiest Baby on the Block DVD- Oh. My. Goodness. This thing is a must! Watching this video, Mike and I couldn't help but think "yea right" as this man put babies into an almost hypnotic state by shushing and putting them on their sides. But the first time we tried the techniques with Ethan, they instantly put him into zombie-baby mode and it was AMAZING. The glazed and calm look in his eyes is just incredible as he receives ALL FIVE S's. Thank you, Dr. Karp!

Fisher Price Rock & Play Sleeper- For the first 2 weeks, Ethan did not like to sleep anywhere other than our arms or the swing. I didn't feel comfortable falling asleep with him in the swing, which means that we took turns sleeping on the couch, holding E. He WOULD NOT sleep flat in his bassinet. Thankfully, a wonderful friend let me borrow this product. Hallelujah! Ethan loves it, will nap in it, and has even allowed us to sleep in our bed this past week. YAY!

These are our MUST-HAVES for the first 3 weeks. I'm sure I will have a lot more items in the future but for now, these are what we could not live without!

Read more...