Baby Bargains

Since I really haven't been able to blog about clothes right now, I thought I would comment on some things that I have found life savers or must haves throughout these last few weeks with a newborn.

1. Bottle sterilizer
Just rinse and pop in the microwave for 4 minutes.

2. Nap Nanny
I didn't register for this but had some credit at a store in Monroe that I needed to use so I decided to give it a try.  Aiden's digestive system had a tough time in the beginning and he really liked to sit upright for awhile after feedings so I bought it.  The lady at the store told me I wouldn't regret it and I haven't.  Almost every pic I take of him is while he is chillin' in the nanny.
3.Gowns
Just pull up and change.  No snaps involved. I can barely see at night I'm so sleepy.  The last thing I want to do is fool around with taking pants off and on. I especially love the Magnolia Baby gowns that can be converted into pants if you want.

4. 3 Martha's Burp Cloths

The material is so thick and soft.  Love them appliqued/monogrammed!

5. Little Tummy's Gas Relief Drops

I tasted these drops when some spilled on my finger because you can tell it tastes good by the way he licks his lips.  It did taste like cherries.  The pharmacist at Walgreens told me these were the best gas drops around and they have saved us.

6. Moms on Call
About a month before Aiden was born one of my mom's best friends told her about this.  Her daughter lives in Atlanta and had used this program with her first child.  It was created by 3 moms who are all R.N.'s and take call throughout the night to new mommy's who have newborn questions.  It is similar to Baby Wise from what I've been told.  We started it when he was 2-3 weeks old and immediately had him sleeping 5 hours when we put him down.  Now Aiden is sleeping on average 7-8 hours a night.  We are so blessed but I am also a big believer in Moms on Call.  You can take an online course or buy the DVD.  Apparently they have courses all the way up to toddler age as well.

7. Sleep Sheep-Giraffe by cloud b
Aiden loves music or noise period and part of the Moms on Call routine involved white noise.  The giraffe has slightly different sounds than the sheep, white noise being one of the options.  My mom does has the sheep and it has the heartbeat which is very similar and still seems to help him sleep.  Set the timer to 45 minutes and you are good to go.

8. Bottle Warmer
I just got one of these 2 weeks ago.  What was I thinking? Seriously, do you know how many minutes of my life I wasted standing by the sink waiting for the bottle to get warm.  These things are amazing.  I wasn't sure they actually worked and since I was planning on nursing I didn't think I needed one.  When Aiden got put into PICU, I had to quit nursing and pump exclusively.  This means everything had to be measured out and put into bottle form. I would encourage everyone to get one even if you don't think you will need it.  You never know!

What have been some of your favorite "must-have?"  Am I missing anything I need to get?

Aiden in the Nap Nanny

2 Months

Today my baby boy is 2 months.  I can't believe how fast time has flown.  This week will be my last on maternity leave and I don't know how I am going to leave him everyday.  I feel like everyday I'm with him I get to witness new milestones and I can't just don't want to miss anything.  I have to admit though, I have so much more respect now for stay at home moms than I ever did before.  It is a hard job.  I have double respect for working moms and moms with multiple kids.  To be able to juggle everything is a huge task.  I can see why women and the child bearers.  Men would give up.  It's way to difficult for them.  Even my husband admits it.  Not too long ago I left him with Aiden for a day and he was truly exhausted by the time I got home.  He said he could get nothing done while he was in charge of watching him.  Well, welcome to our world.

                                    Height and Weight: Unknown.  We go to the doctor on Tuesday.  Last weight   check 2 weeks ago was 9 lbs. 8oz. and 23 1/2 inches long. 
                                   Milestones:  Aiden has definitely found his voice.  He loves to coo and hear himself talk.  He can almost roll completely over. When he get to his side, he can't quite figure out how to get his arm out from underneath him.  His eyes are really focusing on things and he will turn his head to try and find you when he hears my voice.  He also loves to smile.
                                  Sleep Schedule: Around 7-8 hours a night.
                                  Clothing Size: Some 3 month outfits fit but we are still wearing our 0-3 month outfits quite well.  A couple we have grown out of because of length.
                                  Feedings: Have switched from 4 oz. of expressed breast milk to Enfamil Gentleease every 3-4 hours.  We are still adding a healthy teaspoon of neosure per bottle and teaspoon of rice to the bottle twice a day.  We have increased our Lasik medication from 0.3 to 0.4ml b.i.d. and Digoxin from 0.6 to 0.7ml b.i.d. because of your weight gain.

What are you Watching?

I love the fall because it's when all the new and old shows debut and there is no longer nothing to watch on TV.  Plus, the days are getting shorter so you can't stay out as long and need some entertainment.  Here is what I'll be watching.  What are you looking forward to?

Up All Night
Premiers tonight! Since I am a new mommy, the previews look hilarious to me.  Most of their lines are exactly how I feel!

Rachel Zoe Project
If you read my blog you know I love me some Zoe.  The show features her pregnant this season. And can she ever look chic with a belly!

Project Runway
Although this is the same ole stuff, I DVR then fast forward to the runway show if I don't feel like watching the whole thing.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
I am a huge reality junkie and can watch anything.  I watch all of the housewives series but love this one.  I think their reality is so far from my comprehension and that's why it intrigues me.

Grey's Anatomy
I don't think the show will be the same with Patrick Dempsey leaving.  ER was never the same when George Clooney left but I will still watch.

Desperate Housewives
I've followed from the beginning.  Heard a rumour this could be their last season. 

The Sing-Off
If you love singing competitions or appreciate music this is the show for you.  You truly have to be talented to put on an acapella performance and create your own background music.  It's phenomenal.

The X Factor
If Simon Cowell created it, it should be good.

Newborn Pics

It seems like yesterday and forever at the same time that we took Aiden's newborn pics.  He was 10 days old at the time and it is crazy how much he has changed. For one, he had more hair then than he does now.  We are losing our hair at a rapid rate.  Hopefully, it will still be the same color when the new hair grows back. Secondly, he looks chunkier there than he is now.  He was 8lbs 12 oz there and today weighs 9 lbs 8oz but has grown 2 and 1/2 inches.  Still, I think he was and is the most precious thing ever.  I am partially bias though. 

I have to sing the praise of the photographer.  The adorable and talented Brandi Smyth came to our house and took the pics.  It was great to have Aiden in a comfortable environment so I think she is a genious for setting the shoots up this way.  You can take your time and everyone feels more at ease.  She also has an assistant that is also fabulous.  She can just take those babies and mold them into the most amazing positions.  They never even wake up!  Check out Brandi's website here.  She truly does incredible work and it's all with natural lighting.  I wish I could post all the pics.  However, I tried just to pick a few of my favorites.  If your in the market for some family pics or even special ocassion pics, she is your girl.  Enjoy and everyone have a safe, happy labor day.