It's been a while since my last post.. I've been busy. So here's an update on the health issues..
My leg is 85% better! I can feel about 95% of it.. only numbness in parts now. I've seen so much improvement with the steroids and physical therapy. We haven't been very happy with our neuro surgeon. The last time we saw him, he prescribed an anti inflammatory, muscle relaxers, and more steroids. I opted not to take the anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxers because they can raise blood pressure. The steroids again helped.
Blood pressure. Those are the worst two words I've ever heard. All I think about is blood pressure. There is so much I just don't understand. I've decided and have been advised to not look up any more information about it. I don't understand how a healthy, thin person can have high blood pressure. In the past 12 weeks, I have completely, and I mean completely, changed my lifestyle. I don't remember the last time I worked out but I started riding the stationary bike 6 weeks ago and have only missed 2 days since I began. I've been eating foods recommended to lower blood pressure. I've been doing detox's and taking supplements. I've even been on the Candida diet. It's ridiculous.
I'm so sick of worrying about blood pressure. I've prayed and prayed and prayed. I've listened to sermons on fear and anxiety. I've prayed. I've quoted scripture over myself. and I've prayed. I know that God has given me authority to overcome and I've received it. But yet, I worry. God specifically commands me not to, yet I do. This sucks.
So for the title of the entry: Quinoa, lentils, edamame..oh my! These are just a few of the foods I've been eating SO much of lately. I feel so healthy. I've dropped my sugar consumption probably 75%. I still crave sugar but it's getting better. I haven't had soda in a couple of weeks and even so, not near as much as I was used to drinking it.
Needless to say, I'm doing what I need to do and God is faithful to do his part.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Saturday, January 11, 2014
A way of life..
I've never stuck to a New Year's Resolution. For that reason, I don't bother making them anymore. What I am doing is not making a resolution, but making a life-changing decision. I'm changing the way I eat. That probably doesn't seem like a lot, but to me, it's a really big deal. I'm a pizza loving, cheese dip indulging chocoholic. I've never actually been on a "diet".
I definitely wouldn't call this a diet, either. It can't be. It absolutely cannot be something I do for a little while and then go back to my old ways. It's life or death.
I know that sound harsh, but it really it's the truth. Let me explain.
My mom has high blood pressure. My mom's dad has congestive heart failure. My dad and his dad have both had heart attacks. The heart is attacked in my family.
I just had my second baby. With my first son, I had preeclampsia; high blood pressure during pregnancy. I had to go to a lot of extra appointments and ended up delivering at 37 weeks with magnesium IV after (it was like death). I was assured by a lot of people that I wouldn't have it again, that it was common for first pregnancies and that's it. This reasoning was not shared by my doctor. Well, second pregnancy was going fantastic until about week 34 and then BAM.. high blood pressure. I stopped working two weeks early and delivered at 38 weeks. Now, this could be a pregnancy related issue, but I can't afford to live like that's the case.
Hypertension and heart disease are 100% treatable and even reversible with food and exercise.. FOOD! I've watched a few documentaries since my son was born (just 3 weeks ago) and am still amazed that something so deadly is so treatable with better decisions. And there you have it.. it comes down to a way of life. My way of life has to change.
I'm what you would call "skinny fat". I'm thin. I'm not super stick thin, but you would probably think I work out and take care of my body. Wrong. I'm addicted to sugar. I don't say that lightly. There is no doubt in my mind that I have a severe problem with sweets. Today, I have had a dr. pepper, two sweet teas, a cupcake, and at least 6 small pieces of dark chocolate. At least it was dark. Dark chocolate helps lower blood pressure. Sugar is my biggest eating problem. In the past week I have already made huge advances in my eating choices and believe it or not, even my sugar intake is better.
Here are my goals.. 1) Plant based diet. I'm already a vegetarian so meat is not a problem. However, a true plant based diet also excludes dairy-- and I love dairy. I love a HUGE glass of skim milk with a cupcake or peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I love cheese and I enjoy eggs. Eggs have mainly been a source of protein, so they aren't as big of a challenge to give up, but it does limit my options. You see, I am probably the pickiest eater any one of my friends/family know. I don't like many vegetables or fruits (did I mention I'm a vegetarian?). I've been labeled a "carbatarian" and a "junkaholic". Those words don't even exist- they were made up just for me. This goal will take a lot of work and will power. 2) consistent exercise- most days of the week I must do 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise and strength training.
This blog will be used to update my progress on these goals as well as to add more goals. I will document new foods that I try and any roadblocks I may face. I also plan to use this as a way to document "Godstops" or ways that God shows up in this journey because I definitely can't do it without His help and He gets all the glory for any improvements made. Honestly, succeeding at all in this process will be a miracle.
My long-term goal besides perfect blood pressure and health is Baby #3. I know.. Woah.. hold your horses. I definitely am not taking away from the joy of our new baby by already planning the next. It's not like that. But there's nothing like feeling you may not get to have any more babies. I believe there is a third child in our future- another person that will be a part of our family. I need to be healthy enough to do my part in getting him/her here. You could say this journey is as much for me as for my husband/children.
Here goes..
I definitely wouldn't call this a diet, either. It can't be. It absolutely cannot be something I do for a little while and then go back to my old ways. It's life or death.
I know that sound harsh, but it really it's the truth. Let me explain.
My mom has high blood pressure. My mom's dad has congestive heart failure. My dad and his dad have both had heart attacks. The heart is attacked in my family.
I just had my second baby. With my first son, I had preeclampsia; high blood pressure during pregnancy. I had to go to a lot of extra appointments and ended up delivering at 37 weeks with magnesium IV after (it was like death). I was assured by a lot of people that I wouldn't have it again, that it was common for first pregnancies and that's it. This reasoning was not shared by my doctor. Well, second pregnancy was going fantastic until about week 34 and then BAM.. high blood pressure. I stopped working two weeks early and delivered at 38 weeks. Now, this could be a pregnancy related issue, but I can't afford to live like that's the case.
Hypertension and heart disease are 100% treatable and even reversible with food and exercise.. FOOD! I've watched a few documentaries since my son was born (just 3 weeks ago) and am still amazed that something so deadly is so treatable with better decisions. And there you have it.. it comes down to a way of life. My way of life has to change.
I'm what you would call "skinny fat". I'm thin. I'm not super stick thin, but you would probably think I work out and take care of my body. Wrong. I'm addicted to sugar. I don't say that lightly. There is no doubt in my mind that I have a severe problem with sweets. Today, I have had a dr. pepper, two sweet teas, a cupcake, and at least 6 small pieces of dark chocolate. At least it was dark. Dark chocolate helps lower blood pressure. Sugar is my biggest eating problem. In the past week I have already made huge advances in my eating choices and believe it or not, even my sugar intake is better.
Here are my goals.. 1) Plant based diet. I'm already a vegetarian so meat is not a problem. However, a true plant based diet also excludes dairy-- and I love dairy. I love a HUGE glass of skim milk with a cupcake or peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I love cheese and I enjoy eggs. Eggs have mainly been a source of protein, so they aren't as big of a challenge to give up, but it does limit my options. You see, I am probably the pickiest eater any one of my friends/family know. I don't like many vegetables or fruits (did I mention I'm a vegetarian?). I've been labeled a "carbatarian" and a "junkaholic". Those words don't even exist- they were made up just for me. This goal will take a lot of work and will power. 2) consistent exercise- most days of the week I must do 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise and strength training.
This blog will be used to update my progress on these goals as well as to add more goals. I will document new foods that I try and any roadblocks I may face. I also plan to use this as a way to document "Godstops" or ways that God shows up in this journey because I definitely can't do it without His help and He gets all the glory for any improvements made. Honestly, succeeding at all in this process will be a miracle.
My long-term goal besides perfect blood pressure and health is Baby #3. I know.. Woah.. hold your horses. I definitely am not taking away from the joy of our new baby by already planning the next. It's not like that. But there's nothing like feeling you may not get to have any more babies. I believe there is a third child in our future- another person that will be a part of our family. I need to be healthy enough to do my part in getting him/her here. You could say this journey is as much for me as for my husband/children.
Here goes..
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Biggest regret: Dear Canaan
2.20.2013
Dear Canaan,
Today is one of the saddest days of my life. My Papa, your Great Papa Jim, passed away.
One of the greatest sorrows of my life is that you won't remember him. And you have already loved him so much. Every time you've been around him, you have taken to him like he was your best friend.
And oh, how he loved you!! We always knew you gave him such joy because he would say "you're a dandy".. whatever that means. I don't think there were real words for how much he thought of you.
But you won't experience it again in this life.
I will always treasure the sacrifices he made to be near you/us this past year. He had every reason to stay home in his comfortable recliner and enormous big screen tv. But he made sure that he made it to everything possible.
The first trip was to your dedication. He had just recently been diagnosed and received chemo treatments. He was tired. But he was there! He was able to lay hands on you and pray for your future!
When we were able to go to OKC, he made sure that he could go to wherever the family was meeting. He would sit in his chair and he would watch you. You brought him so much joy!
I am so thankful that he came to your 1st birthday party. He didn't need to come. Medically, he should not have been there. But he made the decision and he wasn't backing down. We totally would have understood. In fact, it was completely unexpected. I am still, so thankful he shared in this day! He was so exhausted but he sat on the couch and just watched you enjoy your day.
If I would have known at Christmas that it would be the last time we would see him, I don't know what I would've done differently.. maybe never leave.
I remember growing up and my mom would mention her grand parents, my great grandparents. She loved them so much. I couldn't understand the pain behind the loss. I didn't know them like she did. I didn't understand the regret of not knowing them. But I do now..
You will always be your great-papa's "dandy". You held a very precious place in his heart.
I won't go in to how sad it makes me that he won't know your future sibling(s) or your future cousins. I do believe he is currently chasing after your older siblings (the ones you never got to play with here).
While I'm so sad that you won't remember him, I'm so thankful that he got to know you.
Dear Canaan,
Today is one of the saddest days of my life. My Papa, your Great Papa Jim, passed away.
One of the greatest sorrows of my life is that you won't remember him. And you have already loved him so much. Every time you've been around him, you have taken to him like he was your best friend.
And oh, how he loved you!! We always knew you gave him such joy because he would say "you're a dandy".. whatever that means. I don't think there were real words for how much he thought of you.
But you won't experience it again in this life.
I will always treasure the sacrifices he made to be near you/us this past year. He had every reason to stay home in his comfortable recliner and enormous big screen tv. But he made sure that he made it to everything possible.
The first trip was to your dedication. He had just recently been diagnosed and received chemo treatments. He was tired. But he was there! He was able to lay hands on you and pray for your future!
When we were able to go to OKC, he made sure that he could go to wherever the family was meeting. He would sit in his chair and he would watch you. You brought him so much joy!
I am so thankful that he came to your 1st birthday party. He didn't need to come. Medically, he should not have been there. But he made the decision and he wasn't backing down. We totally would have understood. In fact, it was completely unexpected. I am still, so thankful he shared in this day! He was so exhausted but he sat on the couch and just watched you enjoy your day.
If I would have known at Christmas that it would be the last time we would see him, I don't know what I would've done differently.. maybe never leave.
I remember growing up and my mom would mention her grand parents, my great grandparents. She loved them so much. I couldn't understand the pain behind the loss. I didn't know them like she did. I didn't understand the regret of not knowing them. But I do now..
You will always be your great-papa's "dandy". You held a very precious place in his heart.
I won't go in to how sad it makes me that he won't know your future sibling(s) or your future cousins. I do believe he is currently chasing after your older siblings (the ones you never got to play with here).
While I'm so sad that you won't remember him, I'm so thankful that he got to know you.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Thursday, April 12, 2012
April 12, 2011
One year ago today was a weird day. I would even say it was a bad day.. At least I thought it was at the time.
The day started normal. I was excited because I had lunch plans with my great friend, Megan. I was teaching at Oak Grove but had 2 free hours around lunch time because I technically wasn't full time, so I was really looking forward to getting away from the school. I hadn't been at work for very long when I felt something weird and knew something wasn't right. I immediately thought the worst, that something had ruptured because of the miscarriage and surgery I had in September. I called the doctor's office and they seemed stumped.. I thought surely they would have some sort of idea that would make me feel better. They said, "could you be pregnant?". I said "well, I guess I could but I really don't see how that's possible giving the circumstances at the moment". I should note that just a week earlier Levi and I went to the doctor to talk to him about why we hadn't got pregnant since the loss. Anyway, the nurse told me to go ahead and take a pregnancy test just to rule it out. She too was pretty certain that I wasn't pregnant but before they could move on to the next thing we needed to know for sure.
The only store between the school and lunch was Dollar General so I stopped there to pick up a cheap pregnancy test (I will never buy those ridiculously expensive ones again). I knew it would be negative so I didn't feel I needed the fancy ones.
Lunch was good. I don't remember any of the conversation.. I was a little mad at myself for my mind being preoccupied with something I couldn't control. The test was in my purse and it might as well have been burning a hole through it.. it seemed like a ticking time bomb.
We got back to the bank (where my friends worked.. I went to lunch with two great friends instead of one), and I used the restroom there. I told Megan about the situation and she knew I was sure it was negative so it was really just a precaution to take the test. However, it didn't take very long for all of that to change. I didn't save the test and I didn't take a picture so I don't remember if it was a + sign or two pink lines.. all I knew was that "it" was happening again. My worst nightmare.. I was gonna lose another baby. After a hug from my friend, I was shaking as I left and made the dreaded call to Levi.
To be honest, I don't remember the rest of the day. I know I stayed at work and taught the rest of the day. I called the doctor's office and made an appointment.. I called friends and they started praying for us.. That's all I remember. One of these days, I will look back at April 12th and will only remember that it was the day we realized our dream was coming true.. that Canaan had an interesting way of announcing he was here..
It took me several weeks to finally believe it was happening. At 5 weeks we saw/heard his heartbeat.. This was HUGE.. Our doctor, who was with us for the loss, was extremely encouraged but this. In fact, once he found the heartbeat he said "that's your baby. You're having a baby". It was amazing to hear him say that.. but for me, it wasn't enough. I had to see progress from there. It wasn't until week 14 when I felt confident that things were going to work out. Because we found out at 2 1/2 weeks, it was a LONG journey to 14 weeks.. lots of doctors visits, lots of monitoring, lots of praying, lots of being prayed over and for.. Words can't express how thankful we are for our friends and family who prayed for us and celebrated with us.. they knew what I couldn't quite know for myself.. that our promised child was on his way!
The day started normal. I was excited because I had lunch plans with my great friend, Megan. I was teaching at Oak Grove but had 2 free hours around lunch time because I technically wasn't full time, so I was really looking forward to getting away from the school. I hadn't been at work for very long when I felt something weird and knew something wasn't right. I immediately thought the worst, that something had ruptured because of the miscarriage and surgery I had in September. I called the doctor's office and they seemed stumped.. I thought surely they would have some sort of idea that would make me feel better. They said, "could you be pregnant?". I said "well, I guess I could but I really don't see how that's possible giving the circumstances at the moment". I should note that just a week earlier Levi and I went to the doctor to talk to him about why we hadn't got pregnant since the loss. Anyway, the nurse told me to go ahead and take a pregnancy test just to rule it out. She too was pretty certain that I wasn't pregnant but before they could move on to the next thing we needed to know for sure.
The only store between the school and lunch was Dollar General so I stopped there to pick up a cheap pregnancy test (I will never buy those ridiculously expensive ones again). I knew it would be negative so I didn't feel I needed the fancy ones.
Lunch was good. I don't remember any of the conversation.. I was a little mad at myself for my mind being preoccupied with something I couldn't control. The test was in my purse and it might as well have been burning a hole through it.. it seemed like a ticking time bomb.
We got back to the bank (where my friends worked.. I went to lunch with two great friends instead of one), and I used the restroom there. I told Megan about the situation and she knew I was sure it was negative so it was really just a precaution to take the test. However, it didn't take very long for all of that to change. I didn't save the test and I didn't take a picture so I don't remember if it was a + sign or two pink lines.. all I knew was that "it" was happening again. My worst nightmare.. I was gonna lose another baby. After a hug from my friend, I was shaking as I left and made the dreaded call to Levi.
To be honest, I don't remember the rest of the day. I know I stayed at work and taught the rest of the day. I called the doctor's office and made an appointment.. I called friends and they started praying for us.. That's all I remember. One of these days, I will look back at April 12th and will only remember that it was the day we realized our dream was coming true.. that Canaan had an interesting way of announcing he was here..
It took me several weeks to finally believe it was happening. At 5 weeks we saw/heard his heartbeat.. This was HUGE.. Our doctor, who was with us for the loss, was extremely encouraged but this. In fact, once he found the heartbeat he said "that's your baby. You're having a baby". It was amazing to hear him say that.. but for me, it wasn't enough. I had to see progress from there. It wasn't until week 14 when I felt confident that things were going to work out. Because we found out at 2 1/2 weeks, it was a LONG journey to 14 weeks.. lots of doctors visits, lots of monitoring, lots of praying, lots of being prayed over and for.. Words can't express how thankful we are for our friends and family who prayed for us and celebrated with us.. they knew what I couldn't quite know for myself.. that our promised child was on his way!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Canaan is FOUR months old!!
Crazy to think four months have gone by.. but then again, it's crazy to think of a time when you weren't here. - Mama
Weight: 12lbs (4th percentile)
Height: 24 3/4in ( 45th percentile)
Head: 16 1/4in (25th percentile)
I'm talking ALL the time.. I always have something to say
I started laughing out loud and squealing when I'm really happy
I love watching mom and dad.. I'll even stop playing with my toys to keep an eye on them
I've been rolling from tummy to back since 11 weeks, but I can now roll to my side
I love gripping hold of things, especially mama's hair :)
I still love being swaddled at night but my hands are now free for nap time
I love my playmat but have started using my exersaucer and I've found that I love it too.. especially because I get to bounce
Still sleeping through the night :)
I started eating rice cereal.. not quite sure what I think about it
I'm never still.. I am always moving
I'm just a happy boy!
FOUR Month Stats:
Weight: 12lbs (4th percentile)
Height: 24 3/4in ( 45th percentile)
Head: 16 1/4in (25th percentile)
Here's what I'm up to now..
I started laughing out loud and squealing when I'm really happy
I love watching mom and dad.. I'll even stop playing with my toys to keep an eye on them
I've been rolling from tummy to back since 11 weeks, but I can now roll to my side
I love gripping hold of things, especially mama's hair :)
I still love being swaddled at night but my hands are now free for nap time
I love my playmat but have started using my exersaucer and I've found that I love it too.. especially because I get to bounce
Still sleeping through the night :)
I started eating rice cereal.. not quite sure what I think about itI'm never still.. I am always moving
I'm just a happy boy!
Monday, March 19, 2012
New Mom Guide: Baby products I can't live without
Guide for new moms
I got this idea from another blogger to post products that as a mom you can't live without.. I mean, why spend tons of money on things that won't work. Granted, every baby is different and some things that work for me won't work for you.. But if you just go to the store and try to pick from all they have to offer, it can be intimidating. These products I haven't just used with Canaan, but with other kiddos as well. Before becoming a mom, I was quite the nanny.. Keeping all the new babies from our circle of friends at church.. And what did they all have in common.. These products all worked for them. In fact, a lot of these things get passed around when a new baby comes.. Here they are..
Boppy- This is a lifesaver while nursing, and is also wonderful even if you aren't. I use this during tummy time if baby is having a hard time being on his/her belly.
Boppy lounger- This is basically a boppy without the middle taken out.. This is wonderful especially in the first few months when baby isn't able to sit up.. it's comfy for them to sleep in or to just lounge in.. I can't explain it but every baby I've been around loves it!
Summer infant swaddle blankets- These are different than just regular swaddle blankets because there are velcro sections to easily swaddle baby. You can swaddle a baby for a long time and it allows them to sleep better.. however, if you just wrap them up in a regular blanket without velcro strips, it's much easier for them to wiggle out of the swaddle and then you're getting up in the middle of the night to fix it.. been there
done that.. trust me, get these blankets!
Halo Sleep sack- This was a God-send for the first two months of Canaan's life! The last baby I watched before having C would wear this at night over a Velcro swaddle.. TWO swaddles at once! I thought it was insane.. until I had Canaan.. Your Pediatrician should give you the whole SIDS talk.. you know, don't co-sleep, don't put blankets in the crib with baby.. Well, we had a problem.. it was winter and we were worried about him staying warm. I buckled and finally tried this double swaddle thing.. and it was AMAZING! He instantly slept so much better. He was sleeping through the night before most babies normally do. Basically the thickness of the Halo sleep sack is like having a blanket over baby. (We only double swaddle at night.)
Aden and Anais muslin blankets- these blankets are wonderful.. they're light weight and can be used in lots of different ways. They were the first blankets we used to swaddle C in as a newborn because there is a lot of fabric and they feel good..Once he was wiggling out of them and we went to the velcro swaddles, we would use them to put over him at nap time because the Pediatrician said they were light enough to put in the crib. Now, we use them underneath the velcro swaddle.. yep, another double swaddle.. He is snug as a bug and sleeps sound all night!
Dr. Brown's bottles- these were a given when we were registering because every baby I've watched for the past 3 years has used them and I've found them to be great.. They are designed to help prevent gas and colic.. I don't know what else to say other than they work well for us!
bottle warmer- It is so convenient to have a bottle warmer for the first few months. You should NEVER microwave a bottle (hot spots) and boiling water takes too much time, where as a bottle warmer works within a few minutes. Think, middle of the night, you already have a bottle in the fridge.. pop it in the warmer and just a few minutes and it's ready.. seriously, it's great. We bought an inexpensive one and it lasted until 3 1/2 months before it gave out.. however, we have friends with the same one and it's working after 8 months.. Bottle warmers warm more than just bottles.. you can also warm baby food jars in them. (Also, you should never microwave baby food jars because of hot spots.)
gowns- You cannot have too many gowns for baby.. He/She will go through 10+ diapers in the first several weeks and will probably be waking up every 3 or so hours at night so it's really convenient to not have to unzip or unsnap outfits.
Pampers Swaddlers- This was another given for us.. I'm used to squishing the diaper to see if it's wet, but these are great because you just look for the blue line and you know! They've been wonderful for us because he hasn't had a leak or diaper rash! I haven't heard good things about Pampers Drymax.. but only wonderful things about Swaddlers. Target usually has really good deals on Pampers where you buy two boxes and you get a gift card.
Also, I subscribed on Amazon.com and get one box delivered with free shipping for way cheaper than anywhere else.
Play yard- don't bother with bassinets.. I mean, they only sleep in them for a little bit and then you have a useless piece of furniture.. Get the play yard, or pack in play that has a bassinet function and then you have something you'll use for a long time. We set this up in our room where he slept for 2 months and it rolled so it was easy to move from room to room. Also, we just pack it up to take it on the road when we would go anywhere so he had a familiar place to sleep.
Video monitor- I will never go back to just audio monitors now. We have a handheld monitor with a small screen as well as a 7" screen that sits on my nightstand. it stays on all night (it isn't too bright) and at all times, I can hear and see what's going on. It's way better than hearing something and going in to check and possibly waking baby up. I recommend Summer Infant products.
Medela Pump in Style Advanced breast pump- definitely do electric instead of manual.
Simple Wishes hands free breast pump bra- instead of buying a handsfree Breast Pump which is usually $100+ more than the other electric pump, just get a handsfree bra.. it works wonders! (Amazon.com)
Babywise- do yourself a favor and buy this book.. It's a wonderful tool for nighttime sleep for both baby and mom/dad. This was one of those things where Baby needs to sleep well and they teach you the tools to great sleep! Some of their tips may seem radical, but they work. Instead of demand feeding and hyper scheduling, it teaches about a parent assessment method.. Canaan took to it immediately and it's been amazing!
Sound machine- we got the First Years Sounds for Silence Nursery Machine at Target.. it has several different options for noise. It's great because it allows us to make whatever noise we want while C is asleep and it won't wake him. In fact, if it isn't on and there's too much silence, he will wake.
Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Lullaby Soother- instead of a mobile, we opted for one of these.. it hooks onto the side of the crib and comes with a remote. That way, we can turn it back on from the door instead of going to the crib and risking making things worse by cranking a mobile. It either plays music or nature sounds w/or w/out light.
Sure hope this helps! Thankfully we had tons of friends with babies and I got to research quite a bit of these things without buying unnecessaries, however that isn't always the case.
All of the items above, unless specified, were purchased at Target.
Credentials:
Before becoming a mom I was a mom-in-training.. I started studying about babies and all things parenting in high school. I knew I wanted to study parenting in college and even teach about it, so I started taking classes in high school. I even started buying books.. I wanted to be a professional mom :).. I went on to study Family and Consumer Science with an emphasis on Child Development and Parenting at UCA and my first year of teaching was spent on these two classes.. I got to buy these products and test them out and say it was for "work".. So I've done a lot of research, so what.. That was all basically to say I'm passionate about it..
I got this idea from another blogger to post products that as a mom you can't live without.. I mean, why spend tons of money on things that won't work. Granted, every baby is different and some things that work for me won't work for you.. But if you just go to the store and try to pick from all they have to offer, it can be intimidating. These products I haven't just used with Canaan, but with other kiddos as well. Before becoming a mom, I was quite the nanny.. Keeping all the new babies from our circle of friends at church.. And what did they all have in common.. These products all worked for them. In fact, a lot of these things get passed around when a new baby comes.. Here they are..
Boppy- This is a lifesaver while nursing, and is also wonderful even if you aren't. I use this during tummy time if baby is having a hard time being on his/her belly.
Boppy lounger- This is basically a boppy without the middle taken out.. This is wonderful especially in the first few months when baby isn't able to sit up.. it's comfy for them to sleep in or to just lounge in.. I can't explain it but every baby I've been around loves it!
Summer infant swaddle blankets- These are different than just regular swaddle blankets because there are velcro sections to easily swaddle baby. You can swaddle a baby for a long time and it allows them to sleep better.. however, if you just wrap them up in a regular blanket without velcro strips, it's much easier for them to wiggle out of the swaddle and then you're getting up in the middle of the night to fix it.. been there
done that.. trust me, get these blankets!
Halo Sleep sack- This was a God-send for the first two months of Canaan's life! The last baby I watched before having C would wear this at night over a Velcro swaddle.. TWO swaddles at once! I thought it was insane.. until I had Canaan.. Your Pediatrician should give you the whole SIDS talk.. you know, don't co-sleep, don't put blankets in the crib with baby.. Well, we had a problem.. it was winter and we were worried about him staying warm. I buckled and finally tried this double swaddle thing.. and it was AMAZING! He instantly slept so much better. He was sleeping through the night before most babies normally do. Basically the thickness of the Halo sleep sack is like having a blanket over baby. (We only double swaddle at night.)
Aden and Anais muslin blankets- these blankets are wonderful.. they're light weight and can be used in lots of different ways. They were the first blankets we used to swaddle C in as a newborn because there is a lot of fabric and they feel good..Once he was wiggling out of them and we went to the velcro swaddles, we would use them to put over him at nap time because the Pediatrician said they were light enough to put in the crib. Now, we use them underneath the velcro swaddle.. yep, another double swaddle.. He is snug as a bug and sleeps sound all night!
Dr. Brown's bottles- these were a given when we were registering because every baby I've watched for the past 3 years has used them and I've found them to be great.. They are designed to help prevent gas and colic.. I don't know what else to say other than they work well for us!
bottle warmer- It is so convenient to have a bottle warmer for the first few months. You should NEVER microwave a bottle (hot spots) and boiling water takes too much time, where as a bottle warmer works within a few minutes. Think, middle of the night, you already have a bottle in the fridge.. pop it in the warmer and just a few minutes and it's ready.. seriously, it's great. We bought an inexpensive one and it lasted until 3 1/2 months before it gave out.. however, we have friends with the same one and it's working after 8 months.. Bottle warmers warm more than just bottles.. you can also warm baby food jars in them. (Also, you should never microwave baby food jars because of hot spots.)
gowns- You cannot have too many gowns for baby.. He/She will go through 10+ diapers in the first several weeks and will probably be waking up every 3 or so hours at night so it's really convenient to not have to unzip or unsnap outfits.
Pampers Swaddlers- This was another given for us.. I'm used to squishing the diaper to see if it's wet, but these are great because you just look for the blue line and you know! They've been wonderful for us because he hasn't had a leak or diaper rash! I haven't heard good things about Pampers Drymax.. but only wonderful things about Swaddlers. Target usually has really good deals on Pampers where you buy two boxes and you get a gift card.
Also, I subscribed on Amazon.com and get one box delivered with free shipping for way cheaper than anywhere else.
Play yard- don't bother with bassinets.. I mean, they only sleep in them for a little bit and then you have a useless piece of furniture.. Get the play yard, or pack in play that has a bassinet function and then you have something you'll use for a long time. We set this up in our room where he slept for 2 months and it rolled so it was easy to move from room to room. Also, we just pack it up to take it on the road when we would go anywhere so he had a familiar place to sleep.
Video monitor- I will never go back to just audio monitors now. We have a handheld monitor with a small screen as well as a 7" screen that sits on my nightstand. it stays on all night (it isn't too bright) and at all times, I can hear and see what's going on. It's way better than hearing something and going in to check and possibly waking baby up. I recommend Summer Infant products.
Medela Pump in Style Advanced breast pump- definitely do electric instead of manual.
Simple Wishes hands free breast pump bra- instead of buying a handsfree Breast Pump which is usually $100+ more than the other electric pump, just get a handsfree bra.. it works wonders! (Amazon.com)
Babywise- do yourself a favor and buy this book.. It's a wonderful tool for nighttime sleep for both baby and mom/dad. This was one of those things where Baby needs to sleep well and they teach you the tools to great sleep! Some of their tips may seem radical, but they work. Instead of demand feeding and hyper scheduling, it teaches about a parent assessment method.. Canaan took to it immediately and it's been amazing!
Sound machine- we got the First Years Sounds for Silence Nursery Machine at Target.. it has several different options for noise. It's great because it allows us to make whatever noise we want while C is asleep and it won't wake him. In fact, if it isn't on and there's too much silence, he will wake.
Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Lullaby Soother- instead of a mobile, we opted for one of these.. it hooks onto the side of the crib and comes with a remote. That way, we can turn it back on from the door instead of going to the crib and risking making things worse by cranking a mobile. It either plays music or nature sounds w/or w/out light.
Sure hope this helps! Thankfully we had tons of friends with babies and I got to research quite a bit of these things without buying unnecessaries, however that isn't always the case.
All of the items above, unless specified, were purchased at Target.
Credentials:
Before becoming a mom I was a mom-in-training.. I started studying about babies and all things parenting in high school. I knew I wanted to study parenting in college and even teach about it, so I started taking classes in high school. I even started buying books.. I wanted to be a professional mom :).. I went on to study Family and Consumer Science with an emphasis on Child Development and Parenting at UCA and my first year of teaching was spent on these two classes.. I got to buy these products and test them out and say it was for "work".. So I've done a lot of research, so what.. That was all basically to say I'm passionate about it..
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