Baby Must Haves!

So, being that I have a ton of pregnant friends, I thought I would write a post on some of my must have items! I'm no expert, but here are the things that have been great so far in no particular order:

Snap button onesies and long sleeved-footed pajamas:
I typically put Fen in a onesie outfit during the day (with snap buttons) and long-sleeved footed pajamas at night. Here is my logic on this. I have a few onesies that have zippers instead of the little snap-buttons. I intentionally bought these zipper outfits thinking that this would make life easier, but it's actually more of a pain because if you just want to take a quick peek at your baby's diaper, you can't. You have to unzip their entire outfit to get down low to your baby's diaper. Also, I didn't think I would put Fen in anything long sleeved during summer, but since you aren't supposed to put a blanket in the crib with your newborn, these are basically a must have for keeping your little baby warm at night (if you are lucky enough to even put your baby in a crib without he or she screaming bloody murder...not that I know anything about this).

Here is an example of what I DON'T LIKE:

This particular onesie is a zip up. While this seemed convenient, it's a pain. If you click the image, it will take you directly to the Carter's website so you can look at it in more detail!

Here is an example of what I DO LIKE:

These are Carter's onesies that have the snap buttons at the bottom. Easy to check diaper and get on and off! If you click the image, it will take you to the Carter's link.

Long Sleeve with snaps at the feet/bottom crotch area. Click on the image for direct link.

Playtex Diaper Genie Elite Diaper Disposal System: Originally, I didn't really want a diaper genie. My house isn't huge, so I figured I would just take dirty diapers to the outside trash. Having this next to the changing table is SO convenient, and it truly keeps the stink out. I can't smell ANY poop out of it! I bought the Playtex Diaper Genie Elite Diaper Disposal System...not sure if that matters. Oh, and you will definitely need refill bags!

Kiinde Kozii Breastmilk Warmer and Bottle Warmer: Again, another product I didn't think I would need because I planned on breastfeeding. Long story short, I only nursed for 3 weeks and then went to formula, so this bottle warmer has been a godsend. My advice...even if you are breastfeeding, BUY ONE OF THESE to heat up your breast milk for when you pump. Yes, it does take a little long to heat, but it NEVER scalds and you don't have to worry like you would with a microwave or boiling your milk. Also, you can use this warmer to heat up baby food jars down the road. Worth every penny.

Diapers: You can NEVER have enough diapers. I suggest a case of newborn and then a bunch of size 1. You can always buy more newborn diapers, but more than likely your baby will move into size 1 faster than you think or maybe my baby is just a big eater. My favorite diapers so far: Huggies Pure & Natural and Pampers Swaddlers

Medela Tender Care Lanolin Nipple Cream: If you're breastfeeding, just trust me on this one. I bought the Lansinoh brand, but this brand was straight up BUTTER to my nips. No further detail needed.

Lansinoh disposable nursing pads: I feel like I am repeating myself here, but if you are breastfeeding, just trust me again. It's really fun leaking everywhere out in public...NOT! These are the bomb.

Diaper bag that fits in stroller: A diaper bag is absolutely necessary if you ever plan to leave your house. My suggestion BEFORE your baby arrives: make sure that whatever bag you choose fits in the compartment under your stroller WITH all of your necessary items IN your bag. The diaper bag I chose did not fit, and I ended up having to go out and buy another one.

Formula: I would buy 2 or 3 different formulas even if you plan to breastfeed. You never know if you might have to supplement or if something happens and you just have to make the switch. It was nice to have some stuff on hand instead of being in a panic and having to run to the store. Might I also suggest you buy a cows milk formula as well as a soy formula in the event your baby has trouble with one or the other.

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Wide Neck Bottles: I LOVE these bottles. Buy a few of the 4 oz and quite a few more of the 8 oz. These bottles do have a lot of parts, but these have been amazing for little Fen (very easy transition from breastfeeding to these bottles)!

Boppy Changing Pad Liners: These are awesome so you don't have to constantly wash your changing pad cover. If you have a girl, you may not have this problem. If you have a baby boy who pees all over things, these are heaven!

Changing table: I chose one with shelves and I have baskets to store diapers and wipes in. This is fine, but I think one with drawers would be nice as well so that you can hide all of your cluttered items.

Another must have for most people is either a swing or bassinet/pack n play of some sort. Fen refuses to be put down, so these haven't really been a "must-have" for me, but for some people, swings or bassinets do wonders, so it's probably good to have something like that on hand too if you are able to have it :)

Well, there you have it! My 2 cents from the first 5 weeks of being a mom. There are so many other things I love having, but these are things that I think were worthy of letting you know about! I hope this helps, and I will probably do these posts from time to time as our needs change and transition.

Baby Fen is ONE MONTH OLD!

Today, my sweet baby Fenwick, you are one month old!

It is hard for me to believe that a month has already come and gone. You are such a pleasure and joy. You are sweet and cuddly when you want to be, but you are also feisty as they come! I happen to love this about you...just not at night time :)

I have tried to get us in a routine, but it hasn't really happened yet, and I'm not forcing it. You love being on your tummy and sleeping on my chest or on your daddy's chest. I think this is part of the reason you don't like going in your crib on your back at night. You can't stand being on your back. Many people have tried to give me advice on how to get you to sleep that way, but you won't have it. You DO NOT like being swaddled. In fact, I won't even attempt swaddling you anymore because you love having your big boy hands as close as possible to your face!

I stopped nursing you last week. You are on a soy formula-Enfamil Prosobee. This is a long story for another day, but in the end, due to our circumstances, this is what I truly believe is best for you, so we are rolling with it.

We caught your smile on camera for the first time yesterday. You don't smile on demand, but I can tell that is going to happen soon, and I cannot wait. You, baby Fen, make me melt! Oh, and your Uncle Trey likes you too!! :)

I can't wait to see the type of man you will grow into--it is a daily process, and I pray that these sleepless nights of snuggling and rocking you in your glider are making you feel loved and taken care of. I pray over you most nights and mornings when I look at you in awe of the amazing gift that you are.

You have brought me joy. You have put a skip in my step. On the day you were born, I was also born as a mother, and I am not perfect. I am learning! I am so thankful! Your daddy and I love you so much. Your dad cannot wait until you are crawling and you can play more. He tells you that all of the time when he holds you and rocks you! We love you, sweetheart! Thank you for making my first Mother's Day so sweet!