Beach Baby (it's been a long time)

I know it has been a long time since I was on here. I had intentions of blogging about every adventure while we were at the beach last week, but ended up just not wanting to spend my time on the computer. This week, I've been busy with all the post-vacation stuff and enjoying my last few days before I go back to work.

We had a great week, despite Lily and I both having a cold. We didn't let it slow us down too much. We went to the beach every day and even took Lily Kayaking! She did great. She wasn't a huge fan of the big waves or of the sand, but she liked being on the beach with us. Luckily, because she didn't like the feel of the sand, she would stay on her blanket or in the pool. The inflatable pool which we filled with a bucket of sea water, was a huge hit. She would spend hours splashing in it. We ended up not even taking a pack n play to the beach for her.

The cabana we purchased got a bit of mixed reviews. It was really good to have the added shade, but it wasn't easy to put up, especially if it was windy. It took at least two people and at least five minutes. It was mostly too hot to actually be inside of it, but it was nice to put her pool and blanket in the shade of it for her to play. We used it several days, but also opted to leave it behind a few, especially since we mostly went to the beach late in the afternoon.

Other than the beach (where Josh caught lots of fish), a few trips around the village, and laying around the house, Kayaking was our only adventure. It was quite fun. We got a double Kayak and Josh did most of the paddling from the back seat. I sat in the front with Lily in the floor in front of me. She started out excited and talking, and ended up falling asleep. Adorable!

Overall it was a very fun and relaxing trip. I can't wait to do it again, but something tells me that, like most things, it will be very different as she gets older!

Beach Baby: Advice Needed

In two weeks we are headed to Ocracoke! I am super excited. If you haven't been to Ocracoke, you should go. It is by far our favorite beach. It's quite remote, you have to take a ferry to get there, and never very crowded. In fact, there is absolutely no development on the beach itself. All of the hotels and rental houses are in the roughly one square mile Ocracoke Village. There is beach access in walking distance, but we always preferred to drive down the island a few miles, park on the side of the road, and walk over the dunes to our own private beach access! It is heaven.

In years past, we had a good system. We took a cooler, two beach chairs, an umbrella, a book, and some fishing gear. There we would remain most of the day. Me with my feet in the water, a book in my hands, and a cool drink. Josh, with his feet in the water, a fishing rod in his hands, and a cool drink. It was heaven.

Something tells me that this year will be different. I need the help of those of you who have take your little ones to the beach! I'm not even sure exactly what to expect with a little one. I know that we will not be able to spend long stretches of time on the beach. I'm thinking about getting one of these tents for her to play in on the beach. Does anyone have experience with one (or one they would want to loan us!)? I also, at the suggestion of a friend, got a cheap inflatable pool we can put seawater in for her to play in on the beach. Does anyone have any other helpful hints from past experiences?

Hatley on Zulily!

Need some good jammies for your little one? Check out the Hatley sale on Zulily!

A few months ago, I posted about "Lily's" favorite Hatley pajamas. Someone gave us the adorable flamingo coverall. It is super cute, fits for a long time (she still wears the 3-6month one...barely!), and is made with ultra-soft cotton and chemical-free dyes. I love it and have wanted for a while to buy her some more, but they are really expensive. Normally they are $33. I just can't justify spending that on a pair of baby pj's.

BUT...today, Hatley showed up on Zulily! Remember Zulily, it's that bargain site I posted about a week ago. Hatley pajamas are on Zulily for only $13! This is bad....this is really bad...I currently have four pairs in my "shopping basket" (the four pictured). Granted, my total is less that what two pair would cost normally and they are in various sizes for her to grow into, and one is a gift (not for anyone specific, just to have as a gift for someone someday) but still, do I (or I should say, does Lily) really need four pair of pajamas?

What to buy...what to buy?!?! :)

Shopping - Online vs. In Store

When buying things, especially things for Lily, I always struggle with whether I should order online or go to the store. Josh loves ordering things online and would never go to stores if he could get away with it. I am also a bit of an Amazon junkie. It's nice to be able to read reviews and they usually have the best prices. I also love having things arrive at my door. Still, I frequently need to go see things in person before I can commit to buying them. I want to feel the fabric and see the exact colors. I also struggle a bit with the packaging waste that comes with online purchases. It's a tough choice. What do you prefer? Please vote in the poll on the right!

Deliveries!

Today was a big day at our house with two deliveries. We got packages from UPS and Fed-Ex!

The first delivery was Lily's big girl car seat. We decided to go with the Evenflo Triumph 65. It was the Consumer Report top pick, and I have a friend who uses it and really likes it. My two favorite features (aside from how safe it is) are the machine washable cover and the easy twist to tighten straps. It will also convert from rear to front facing and she can use it until she is 65 pounds! So far, in our living room, she seems to like it!

The other delivery was two new toys for Lily! We have recently realized that Lily is starting to get bored with her toys. My nanny suggested we get her some sort of shape sorter and maybe something that made music or taught numbers. After some searching, we decided we really loved the classic Tupperware sorter, so we ordered one of those.

At one point I'm pretty sure I said I really didn't want my baby to have toys that make sounds and have flashing lights. I'm not sure if I thought it was too much stimulation, just didn't want to have to hear it, or didn't like the waste...must not matter now. Well, it turns out that babies actually really like sounds and lights. So, we found a really cute baby piano that teaches numbers and makes sound. I must admit part of why I like it is that you can turn the volume low!

Have you heard of zulily?

Have you heard of zulily?

Can you say, awesome?! It's my newest obsession. They offer daily deals for moms, babies, and kids! Most of their offers are from small businesses, and they even have a bunch of great organic and handmade stuff! Like Groupon, you sign up your email (free membership) and they send you deals each morning. Some expire that day others are good for several days. This may be a dangerous website for me!

If you have kids, or kids you shop for, you really should check it out. CLICK HERE to sign up!

P.S. It doesn't hurt that Lily is in their name! :)

Car Seat Survey

Hey all you moms and dads out there. Lily is quickly outgrowing her carrier car seat. She is way too heavy to carry around in it, rarely falls asleep in the car anymore, and is just getting too big! It's time for us to look into a new seat for her. I'd like a convertible one so that she can still be rear facing for at least a year. We are going to have to have at least two, so I'd prefer them not be ridiculously expensive. Do you have any recommendations? What are your thoughts on new versus used? Anyone have one they are ready to move out of?

Time to Babyproof!

Well, it happened. We failed as parents. At least in part. Two nights ago, while we were cleaning the kitchen and cooking dinner, Lily was in her walker tooling around the family room. She found her way to the lamp by the couch, and, before Josh could get to her to stop her, she pulled it over. It shattered on the floor leaving her standing in a pile of broken glass. Yikes! Luckily there were no injuries, but it certainly was an eye opener.

It seems that our little girl is growing up. She is becoming strong and mobile quickly. A few weeks ago, she couldn't get around at all. Now, by rolling or scooting, she can get wherever she wants to go. She seems to know what she wants (usually things she shouldn't have: electrical cords, DVD's, fish food, etc) and goes after it! It's time for us to get started baby proofing.

At first Josh said he thought we didn't need locks and such, but could just teach what to do and not to do. I think there is a bit of truth in that. My nanny and I had a conversation today about telling her no and replacing the off limits item with something good for her to play with. Still, I think there are some things we need to do!

Last night we bought a new TV stand that has doors that keep all of our electronics away from her little hands. Our old one was pretty unsafe because it had a glass top that didn't attach which she could easily pull off when she starts pulling up, which she is already starting to do. We've put plug covers in all of the outlets she can reach. Tomorrow my nanny is bringing some cabinet locks and things that she has left over, but we'll still need a few more and gates for the stairs.

Anyone have any baby proofing advice? Does anyone have a cabinet lock or gate style that they like?

Outgrowing Her Toys

Well...it has finally happened...Lily has outgrown her bouncy seat. As you can see, she has learned to sit up and lean out of it to the point she can tip it over. It is no longer a safe baby containment device. This makes me sad for several reasons. The main one is that it is further evidence that she is growing up fast! Also, I'm sad, because it was the best way for me to get a shower, cook dinner, or any number of other things for which I needed baby free arms.

To cope with this bigger baby, we have recently set up her pack n' play downstairs full of toys for her to play with and she tolerates that fairly well. She also loves her exersaucer, and has recently learned how to really bounce in it! She's not quite mobile yet, but also not happy with being still. Today I had a discussion with Josh and my nanny about buying a walker or a doorway bouncer. Do any of you moms out there have thoughts on either? Any recommendations for other good toys or containment systems for this age.

Nursingwear

One of my friends who is expecting her second baby asked me about nursingwear today. She struggled with what to sleep in during the time she was nursing her first little one and wondered what I did to prevent the inevitable nighttime leakage. I thought I would take this opportunity to share what I think is a great find...Gillian O'Malley nursing bras and tanks from Target!

I got one tank to take to the hospital and wore it the entire five days we were there (gross I know, but desperate times...). I then went to Target and bought one in every available color. They are only $17, much less than at maternity specialty stores, and I love them! I sleep in them at night and even wear them under clothes many days. I'm not in need of a ton of support, but find they fit tightly enough to prevent any unsightly bouncing or leaking even when it's been a while since I've nursed or pumped. They are also nice to wear under another shirt because I can lift that shirt up to feed her and still have my midsection covered by the tank which has easy to open shoulder snaps for quick one handed access. Perfect!

I also purchased two of the nursing sleep bras. They are also only $17 and really nice.I find that I can wear these, not only at night, but also during the day time for many of the same reasons mentioned above about the tank. They are comfortable, provide good support, and make it easy to nurse. I actually have two expensive nursing bras from another store, but do not like them or wear it them much as the ones from Target. One of them has hook and eye shoulder clasps which are impossible to open with one hand making it quite frustrating when trying to feed and hold a hungry squirming baby. The other has a double layer design with a little padding sewn between that is always getting bunched up and needs to be smoothed out. The only thing I don't like about the Target on is that it comes up pretty high and isn't what you would call "sexy".

In an effort to have a nursing bra that was also a "sexy" bra, I did purchase one of the Gillian O'Malley soft cup nursing bras. Which sounds comfortable, but I've only worn it once, and it was not. Of course that may be because I got the wrong size. I think I was thinking of my size before nursing and bought it without trying it on. It could also be that I've gotten used to wearing the sleep bras and tanks and any normal bra would feel uncomfortable. I took the tags off and washed it before wearing it, so now I'm stuck with it. I may try to get another one in a better size and see how that goes. I do get a bit tired of only wearing full coverage sporty bras all the time!

Another great nursing find: Johnson and Johnson nursing pads. For someone like me without a huge chest they are perfect. I started out saying I was only going to use the fabric washable kind to eliminate waste and cost, but I found that early on they were rough and stayed damp and irritated where I was already irritated. They also don't have adhesive and managed to migrate to around my navel during the night! I found that the Lanisol ones were too big and bunch up under my bra leaving visable lines through my clothes. The others brands didn't have adhesive, see above comment. The Johnson and Johnson's are soft, a good size, and stay put! I only use one pair a day, and I do sometimes use the fabric ones now when I'm home during the day to ease my consience. :)

New Car Seat Guidelines

This morning on the Today show, a representative from the American Academy of Pediatrics went over the new car seat guidelines and I have to admit I was surprised. This is very different than what I have been told previously. Check it out!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Let's go for a Hike!

Whenever my backpacking loving father comes to visit, we must go to REI. Today was no different, except it was the annual Garage Sale. Unbeknownst to us, this yearly event, where they open up their back room and sell off all of the returned merchandise, is a pretty big deal. Apparently there was a line starting early this morning to get a number to get in, but, by the time we were there at 4pm, it was fairly cleaned out.

My dad still managed to find a pair of gently used Vasque hiking boots (which are supposedly pretty good) for $10. But the most amazing find of all was a Sherpani backpack child carrier for $35! These things usually retail for $150-$200, and the only reason it was returned is because the previous user thought it was uncomfortable. It looks like it was hardly used! It was posted at $70, but they agreed to give it to us for half price since the day was drawing to a close and apprently this was its second garage sale. We couldn't say no.

Josh and Dad have been trying for a while to convince me to go backpacking, but I have to admit I was less than interested. I would not have dreamed of paying full price for one of these packs and didn't really think we'd ever use one. After putting Lily in the pack and toting her around the store to her delight, however, I'm ready to go for a hike!

Advice

I have several friends who are expecting or recently had their first baby. Last night, while feeding Lily, I began thinking about what sort of things I would want them to know. I know from personal experience, however, that a lot of people offer a lot of different advice and it should all be taken with a grain of salt. So, rather than peppering my friends with it, here is my two cents. Take it or leave it!

1. You have no idea how much you will love your baby. You might have really wanted children, like I did. You might think you love your unborn baby. You may even question how much you love her the first few days or even weeks (I did...it's normal). But a month out, or five months out, you will love her way more than you ever imagined possible.

2. Natural birth is completely possible. I think that as a laboring mother, your body knows what to do not only physically, but also mentally. I honestly do not remember much of the pain of labor at all, even despite being induced. I'm glad I did it and would do it again.

3. Stick out nursing, but formula isn't evil. I really wanted to nurse Lily. It wasn't easy, but I stuck it out, and I am super glad I did. Still, at the same time, a little formula at the beginning was just what she needed and it still makes my life easier from time to time. It has not hurt her in any way.

4. It's good to have a plan, but expect it to change. I had not planned on being induced. I had not planned on Lily being in the NICU. I had not planned on her not nursing well. I like to plan, and was very upset when things went against my plan. But, and I can say this now in hindsight, none of it was really a big deal. I have a very healthy happy baby!

5. There is no "wrong" choice to make. I would get all caught up and afraid to make a decision about what to do for Lily (especially in the bedtime realm) for fear of making the wrong decision.

6. Don't read too much. The is related to #5. I read way too many books which frequently contradicted each other. At one point I was laying in bed debating whether or not I should let Lily cry herself to sleep, and reading both La Leche League and Babywise!This left me in a state of analysis paralysis. One of the best moms I know told me her secret what that she didn't read anything, but trusted her own instincts!

7. Things will change. I think that a lot of new parent stress is caused by feeling like the way your baby is now (especially if she is now fussy, or not sleeping, or not eating) is the way she will always be. Babies change moment to moment.

8. You don't need a ton of gear, but there are a few pieces that I love. I don't really think what type of diapers (although I'd avoid Babies R Us brand) or formula (although I like organic) you use matters. You'll get clothes. You'll get toys. These items, however, I don't think I could live without!

Moby Wrap - This has been magic for Lily. When she was little and fussy, she would sleep in it when nothing else would do. Now that she doesn't love sitting in her stoller, I can take her shopping or on other outings in it and she is totally happy! I dread the day when she doesn't fit in it anymore.

Swaddleme Swaddles - Sleep magic!

Snap N Go Stroller Frame - it is so easily portable!

Bouncy Seat - it's pretty easy to move around (in the kitchen when cooking, in the bathroom when showering, etc.) and Lily loves to sit in hers.

Washing Bottles*

This might sound strange, but I actually enjoy washing Lily's bottles. We have made it a bit of a ritual when I come home. After I nurse her, I sit her in her bouncy seat in the kitchen while I wash all of the day's bottles. Josh asked me one day why our nanny doesn't just wash them after she uses them, and I'm sure she would if I asked her to, but I don't really want her to.

It's not that I don't think she'll do it right or anything like that. It's just that I like doing it. I think it just seems like a normal "mommy" task to me. Plus, I think washing, along with fixing her bottles, sort of connects me to her feedings even though I'm not there for them. It's just one little way that I can take care of her even when I'm not taking care of her!

*An interesting note about bottles: We've tried several different kinds, and my nanny definitely prefers the Playtex Ventaire advanced. She says she takes it better and isn't as gassy. We have moved up to medium flow nipples because it was taking her too long to eat. When I'm giving her a bottle though, she does not like the Ventaire. She struggles against it and spits it out. With me, and Josh, she likes the plain Madela one with the slow flow nipple. It may make her more gassy, but she takes it easier. I have no idea why.

The Swaddle Dilemma

Since sometime during her first week home, when we discovered the magic, we have been swaddling Lily to sleep. It is amazing. She sleeps so well and I think much longer when she is in the swaddle. The time is coming, however, when we will not be able to swaddle her anymore. There is some disagreement in what I've read over how long you could/should swaddle. Some say you have to stop as soon as they can roll over so they'll have their hands out to push themselves back over if their face gets into the mattress. Others say swaddle them as long as they need it to feel comforted.

The thing is, I'm not sure how much she really needs it and how much of it is the whole me not wanting her to grow up thing. Her nanny doesn't swaddle her arms in when she puts her down for naps, and she seems to sleep pretty well. She sleeps well in the car seat or swing and isn't swaddled. Still, I'm sort of afraid to try it at night. I'm sort of in the "don't mess with a good thing" camp and she seems to be doing well in it. At night I see her sort of relax into it when I wrap her up and she is sleeping through the night almost all the time. Plus she makes a darn cute baby burrito!

Have any of you parents out there had experience with swaddling? How long did you wrap your little ones? I welcome your thoughts on the subject.

*Note the pink blanket under her head. That is there because Josh swears she told him she liked having a "pillow".

Wearing my Baby!

I have decided that I absolutely love my Moby Wrap. A few weeks ago, I posted that I didn't think Lily loved being in it, but that has certainly changed. I'm not sure if it's that I've switch her position from the cradle hold (seen here) to the hug hold (below), or just that she and I have gotten more used to it, but it is now her favorite place to be. If she is fussy, I can put her in it and walk around and she will almost instantly fall asleep. The other night we attended a Halloween Party at a friends house and as soon as she started fussing, I put her in the Moby and was able to socialize, eat (the wonder of having two free hands), and just generally enjoy myself all with her tucked up close and sleeping happily despite all the noise and everything. It was awesome.

Another wonderful thing about the Moby is that it reduces the number of people who want to hold and touch her. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not a huge germaphobe or overly concerned about others holding her, but with flu season on its way and lots of colds and such going around. I'd rather keep her as healthy as possible. I also think limiting the passing around also helps keep her happy, which is possibly the most important thing.

I'll admit that the Moby takes some time for both baby and mom to get used to, and it can be a bit warm in a warm room, but I would totally recommend it to anyone! Just give it some time, you'll love it!

Baby Poops!

I knew that babies poop a lot. I had heard that a newborn will go through as many as ten diapers a day. Still, I was not really prepared for the quantity of poop that Lily would generate. It is truly shocking. At this point, Lily is four weeks old and we have gone through at least 250 diapers*! That's not including all of the ones she used that first week in the hospital.

Granted, a few of those diapers were "wasted" because she peed or pooped as I was in the changing process. Which, is also shocking by the way. I've heard of baby boys spraying their parents, but never expected it from my little girl. Apparently, if she needs to go bad enough, she can get quite some spray. Needless to say, I've learned quickly to open the diaper and wait posed to recover!

The other shocking thing about Lily's poops is the sound. You definitely know when she has filled her diaper because you can hear it from across the room! It is hard to imagine that such a precious little one can generate the grossest squishy sound. Josh tends to turn his head and walk away every time he hears it (although he has changed a few). She also makes this really funny face! It is so funny that we decided to capture it on film! You can watch it here! Make sure to let it play all the way through to the end.

*A note about diapers - We've set up an Amazon Mom account to "subscribe" to diapers (and formula) which we found to be the best deal. We have now tried three different kinds and Pampers Baby Dry are the ones with the least amount of leaks. Lily's little legs are so small that the Target and Babies-R-Us brand diapers all had very leaky legs, which led to changes of clothes for Lily (and sometime me) every time she pooped.

Life with Lily!

Life with Lily is finally settling in. Once we started feeding her enough, we discovered that she is really a very good baby. She eats well, has some happy awake time, and then goes to sleep. We've been able to take her out quite a bit. Last Friday we went to Josh's DRT concert and she was great! She's been to Target, the mall, Parker and Otis, and even Weaver Street (which celebrated her first visit with a marching band!).

The fact that she is pretty easy to take out is absolutely wonderful for me. We go somewhere almost every day. While I love her more than words and do spend a large amount of time holding her and looking at her, I also get a bit bored. For me, going out to visit friends or shopping has been an essential part of feeling normal! Josh and I live a pretty active life and I'm so happy that Lily seems to be ready for it!

Now I'm just trying to decide what is the best vehicle for taking her out. She loves to be in her car seat in the car or a stroller, and most of the time I just leave her in there, but I'm debating other methods of carrying her. We've tried her in the Moby wrap some around the house and she likes it sometimes, but also gets upset fairly easily. A friend loaned me a Slingaroo sling to try, and while she was content in it, I thought it was a little uncomfortable for me. I also have a Jeep version of a baby bjorn a friend gave us, which I want to try. I've also heard wonderful things about the Ergo carrier and would like to try one of those. Any suggestions/ideas?

Grana's Quilt!

One of the gifts that baby girl Hall (I know...it would be easier if we shared her name, but it's fun to have a surprise) got this weekend at the shower was especially special. Her Grana, my mom, made her a special quilt. At some point in my life my mom began making quilts. I think it started with simple "lap quilts" for our long car rides to Florida so no one would complain about being cold.

But this latest quilt is different. It's special. It is made from beautiful fabrics and quilted with an amazing swirl pattern (thanks to a family friend with a fancy quilting machine). I love that mom chose colors that are girly without being baby. I know that this is more than just something that will keep our little girl warm. It is something she will treasure all her life because it was made by her Grana with love!

Shower the People you Love with Love!

This weekend Josh and I had our second baby shower for baby girl Hall! My sister, with the help of more family, planned a lovely event for all of our friends and family in Pulaski. It was wonderful to be "home" and surrounded by the people who have known and loved Josh and I for most if not all of our lives and celebrate our joy. I continue to be amazed and overwhelmed by how generous our friends and family are. I'm beginning to be a bit afraid that this little girl will be quite spoiled!

This is the stack of bags and boxes sitting in her room waiting to be sorted and put away!and this is her closet, already filled with adorable outfits. At this point I hope she really is a girl :)!And we still have two more showers scheduled! We really need to get a dresser and some more closet storage for all of her things.
Thank you so much to all of you who are helping us be very prepared for our little one!