New Baby Essentials

We’ve survived a full month. Hallelujah!  The first couple weeks were really challenging.  Sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, utter loss of control can take a real toll on your body, mind and spirit.  But I’m proud to report that we’re starting to get this baby thing…it does get easier by the day.  Can you believe Baby J is 5 weeks already?!  Now he’s started to look like a real baby {less alien newborn} and communicate with us with “coos” and voluntary smiles. 

As a new Mom – I read just about every single “product review” list there was pre and post baby.  Its funny though, just mere days outside the womb, babies already have clear preferences for specific things.  For example, Baby J likes Medela bottles/nipples over Avent, and he loves the 4Moms MamaRoo over the Fisher Price Rock N’ Play {apparently he’s already got expensive taste like his mama!}.  I’ve compiled a short lists of items that we love and used the most so far.  You'll see our favorite brands include 4Moms, Honest and Baby Brezza.  I am a self-proclaimed obsessive compulsive un-clutterer..err, whatever the exact opposite of a hoarder.  I can't stand random things on the floor or on table tops.  i love clean open spaces.  So it was especially important to have baby gear that was not only functional but with innovative clean design.  It was easy to find my preferences in brands these amazing brands.

Hope they will be helpful to some new and even experienced mommy out there. :)

1. Goumikids Mittens - These were the only mittens that actually stayed on!  And word of advice: get multiple pairs.  Like socks, magically one always goes missing in the wash.
2. 4Moms MamaRoo - Baby J will sleep in this for hours.  It has different types of movement in case baby gets bored with the side to side movement and prefers the "Ocean Wave".  Even has a build in plug and insert for an iPhone/iTouch for music.  Also, get the matching 4Moms newborn insert.  It kept his head from sliding down or to the sides.
3. Honest Diapers -  Honest has invaded my household even before the baby arrived {see my post on pregnancy essentials} and naturally when I wanted a non-toxic, natural and eco-friendly diapers, I turned to Honest.  It fits Baby J well and we have less what I call "side pee" accidents.  
4. Zip-front Onesies - Baby J hates pullover onesies with a passion.  He screams bloody murder at the sight of them.  Ok, so a little dramatic, but really pullovers are not so convenient. Zip-front onesies were our fave.  It's easy to put on and convenient for fast diaper changes, especially during the middle of the night when aforementioned "side pee" occurs.  Our favorite ones are these and these.
5. Aden + Anais Swaddle blankets - We tried a few different swaddle blankets and even Sleepsacks like these, but felt the regular Aden + Anais ones are definitely a staple.  Baby J is somewhat indifferent about being swaddled - sometimes he would sleep soundly and other times he would fight his way out.  He actually liked these probably because they are breathable and gives him enough comfort but easy enough he doesn't feel too restricted.  
6. 4Moms Tub - I'm sure the tub function works like any other.  The differentiator here is the thermometer.  I'm always second guessing...is too hot or too cold?  This tub takes the guesswork out and made bath time enjoyable for everyone!
7. Baby Brezza Sterilizer + Dryer - This is an all in one sterilizer and dryer and truly a must-have for all moms.  I use to spend probably a combined 2-3 hours each day drying bottles, nipples and pumping parts!  When this arrived at my doorstep, problem solved!  Imagine what you can do with a couple more hours in a day!
8. Aden + Anais Bibs - Like the swaddle blankets, we love the soft material since it constantly rubs his neck and face.  

XOXO,

Lydia

2nd Trimester - Done!

Again I say, where is the time going. Summer is going by in a flash and my second trimester went along without a hitch.  THANK GOD!  Glucose test - check!  Iron test - check! So here we are already in the last trimester, plump (up 16 lbs!) and healthy.  The belly has doubled in size, feet swelling is becoming a big giant reality (pun intended), and healthy eating has been slowly replaced by some serious "I only a couple more months left to eat whatever I want" cravings.  Its a real shame In-N-Out is on my way home every.single.day!

Aside from pregnancy health, the last couple months saw busy days of nursery prep - see my inspiration here -  and European Babymoon bliss....more on that fun stuff later!

Scroll down for the full outfit  and a {super late} 28 week baby bump update!

Dress: Tildon Nordstroms // Shoes: Vera Wang // Jacket: Old {similar here and here} // Sunglasses: Ray Ban 

How far along? 28 Weeks

Baby Size: Chinese cabbage!  He's about 15 inches long and weighs approximately 2  1/4 pound!! He's developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Total weight gain/loss: 14 pounds {I've gained a couple more since then!}

Maternity clothes? Jeans and a few tank tops

Stretch marks? Nope.  

Symptoms:  Nighttime leg cramps are the worse!

Sleep: Still getting a full night's sleep without interruption!

Best moment this week: Completing my second Tri!

Worst moment of the week: My feet starting to swell after long days at work.

Have you told family and friends: Yes!

Miss Anything? Eating salami and prosciutto 

Movement: YES, tons!  Sometimes it feels like he's gonna jump out of my belly.

Food cravings: Carbs!  white rice in particular.  So weird!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Have you started to show yet:  Definitely!

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? Peeking of out for sure!

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy.  Only a few months to go!!

Looking forward to: Starting maternity leave at 36 weeks!!


xoxo,
Lydia

Nursery Inspiration

Our little nursery is coming along pretty well. I get excited to see the progress each week.  We - and by we I mean my amazing hubbs JW - have done a pretty good job!   While we continue to put the finishing touches in our nursery, I wanted to share the inspiration behind my theme and designs. You'll notice crisp whites, modern greys and clean gender neutral patterns are the key elements of Baby Webb's new space.

I'll definitely share completed photos in the next couple weeks {hopefully!}.

Obsessed with Moroccan style Poufs!

{All images from Pinterest}

Thanks for reading!

Xoxo,

Lydia

Mommy community {guest post} By Suzanne Solomon

When Suzanne and Lydia first asked me to guest blog about my pregnancy I was a little nervous and wasn’t quit sure what I would write about. As you have read in my prior Q & A I have had a very uneventful and healthy pregnancy (yay!! currently 32 weeks) with no real issues except the occasional doughnut cravings.

Needless to say, at week 29 I received routine blood work results that diagnosed me with gestational diabetes. I was shocked! I felt great, maintained a healthy diet and was exercising regularly, and hadn’t put on much weight. I was so confused.

Scared and nervous, what had I done to cause this? Once I gained my composure and started educating myself on the disease; I soon realized it was nothing I did, per say, yet how my body was/is reacting to and breaking down of carbohydrates and sugars.

I met with my doctor to review a list of foods to eliminate from my diet. Juice, soda, fried food, sweets and FRUIT. Yes, fruit. My pregnancy had turned into a fruit maniac, eating about five to six servings a day. I thought we were supposed to eat 5 servings of fruits and veggies everyday. I was surprised to learn that fruits should be kept to a minimum, or thought of as a "treat” due to the high natural sugar content.  Who eat fruits as a “treat” unless its over ice cream?!  The conclusion is I was over indulging, I had to give up my daily banana, apple and pineapple, all which are the highest in natural sugars.

Overall, I haven't had to make too many changes in my diet. Due to an autoimmune disease triggered by food allergies, I already abstain from dairy, wheat, soy and artificial sweeteners. So, cutting out complex carbohydrates wasn’t too difficult.

I do have to test my blood four times a day and maintain a low carb, high protein, NO sugar diet. If I eat fruit it must consist of berries like blueberries or raspberries, which contain the least amount of sugar.  I am required to walk for at least 10 minutes after each meal with an additional 30 minutes of cardio a day. 

In all honesty, it has not been too bad. GD is not a death sentence; rather an opportunity to learn portion control and focus on eating super healthy. And its true, the less sugar you eat, the less you crave it.  Knowing I am doing this for my little man who is due October 8th has made the transition and process that much easier. And I plan on continuing this way of eating post birth.

baby on board 

My husband and I have been together for three years, health and fitness has always been a priority to us, and at times an obsession. I was very informed about the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy, but what I have learned the most in these 32 weeks is to go with the flow and listen to your body.  You may have your mindset and planned to do something one way but your little guy/or girl has something totally different planned out for you.  Pretty much the way life will be from now on.

30 week Q & A with Suzanne Solomon

We know how much everyone loves a good baby story.  We were so happy when our good friend Suzanne said she would contribute to our baby series updates.  She also agreed to write up a brief summary about her past 32 weeks, hope you enjoy it as much as we did. 

Active as ever throwing the football 

How far along? 30 weeks (7.5 months)

Baby Size: 16" from head to heel. 

Total weight gain/loss: 14lbs

Maternity clothes? Not a big fan. Since I'm not working right now, I'm sporting Pilate’s clothes and sundresses.

Stretch marks? Not yet, hopefully never. 

Symptoms:  The typical…

Sleep: Baby likes to sleep on my bladder, which causes frequent trips to the bathroom throughout the night. Naps are keeping me alive. 

Best moment this week:  Boxes and boxes of hand me downs.  

Worst moment of the week:  Restless legs syndrome during the night. 

Have you told family and friends:  I told family and friends right when I found out, I chose not to wait the full 12 weeks.  I had suffered a miscarriage a month before and could use all the prayers and support (of family and close friends) early on.  

Miss Anything?  Sushi, crown royal, allergy medicine and most of all RUNNING!!!  

Movement: Lots, love his kicks and turns. 

Food cravings: Anything with Vinegar, but I've always had a love for it. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really. 

Have you started to show yet: Yes

Labor Signs: Not yet

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, on a constant endorphin high. 

Looking forward to: A glass of champagne and a full platter of sushi finished off with a sprinkle donut.