Favorite things.

Over these past seven months, I have realized what is needed and really useful vs what is not! I took some pictures and will add links to where I found them at!

Hope this can be useful for others!

Nose Frida & Saline Spray - Seriously, it looks like some crazy contraption, but it is such a necessity! The bulbs never worked for us and when I heard about the Nose Frida I immediately ordered one. The end of the blue tube goes to the baby's nose,  then there is a filter between that and the clear tubing, and you suck out from the red mouth piece. This is a must!!

Infant Tylenol - A must have for teething and fevers. I don't know how we could make it through without this.

Gripe Water - Such a relief for gas and tummy troubles. The gas drops do nothing for us, but one dose of this and he is all clear!

Hazel- Amber Necklace - I ordered this because it A) Helps refulx and B) Helps with teething pain. I notice a significant difference in both when he is wearing the necklace. I also have the anklet/ bracelet for him.

Shea Moisture Shampoo and Lotion - Daniel is super sensitive, so he always got a rash with Johnson&Johnson, Aveeno, and other popular brands. We found these at Buy Buy Baby, and he's been great ever since! They smell wonderful as well.

Hooded Towel- We have a zillion of these towels, and they're awesome!

Babyganics Hand Wipes- Just for on the go.

The Honest Company Diapers- We have tried many diapers and all leave his diaper area red and irritated! Switched to these and his bum never looked better :)

Coconut Oil- I LOOVE this stuff. It is great for momma and baby. I use this to make his baby wipes. Recipe will be at the bottom of this post =)

**Not Shown**- 

Bath Cushion- We used this the first month while he fit on it for his sponge baths.

Infant Tub- Once I was comfortable and he was a bit bigger, we switched to this tub. I love it because it comes with a shower hose, which is so convenient!!

Crib and Furniture Set- Everyone needs a crib! I love this one because it grows with him. The crib converts all the way up to a full sized bed, I just have to buy the rails separately. I really liked this set because of the sturdiness and detail on the furniture. I also have the glider... Awesome!

Rock & Play- Since Daniel has had bad reflux since he was born, we needed something more upright than a bassinet or a bed. Once I found this, he slept so much better and I was not as worried with his spitting up. After he outgrew it for sleeping, I would just strap him in while I got things done.

aden + anais blankets- LOVE these blankets! They are so lightweight and soft. Great for swaddling and just as a regular blanket. I always have one with me.

Burp Cloths- Can never have enough of these!

Breast Pump- I got my pump through the insurance company! Definitely give them a call if you are breastfeeding. Saves a ton of money!

Breast Pads- Definitely a must in the first few months. Don't want a wet spot on your shirt!

Storage Bags- Pumping and freezing is a big thing in my home. I love these bags because they are very durable and hold a lot.

Travel System- I love this system because it folds very easily, and the car seat is very sturdy and easy to install. And it looks good =)

Convertible Car Seat- Daniel outgrew his infant carrier around 6 months old. Once I saw this one my husband and I both agreed that it was the one! It has impeccable safety ratings, rear faces to 40 pounds and then forward faces to 70 pounds. 

Video Monitor- Once DJ was in his room, I got this monitor to watch him. I love that it is clear, switches from day to night, zooms, has lullabies, and scans!

Sound Machine- This is great! I use the white noise sound and it zeros out any other noises so he can get a great nights rest. It has a nightlight, plays noises as well as lullabies, connects to your phone, and stays on all night!

I will do another post about making his food and all that other good stuff =) 

Hope this helps some people out.

Homemade Baby wipes

2 cups HOT water

2 TBSP Coconut Oil

1 drop TeaTree Oil (optional, but used for antibacterial purposes)

2 TBSP Baby Shampoo (Shea Moisture pictured above)

Gauze (This is the kind they use in the hospital, works great)

We use a wipe warmer to keep our wipes in, but any container with a lid will do.

Mix all ingredients until well combined.

Stack the gauze half way (we do two stacks side by side).

Pour half of the mixture.

Stack the other half until the top of the container.

Pour the rest.

All done! These smell great, and clean great too. The best part, they are all natural and not harmful to your little ones sensitive skin!!

First Halloween!

Hope everyone had a happy and safe Halloween! Daniel sure enjoyed it.

Attachment Parenting

I am a firm believer in babywearing, breastfeeding, all natural mothering and so on. Humans are the ONLY species that do not practice parenting the way it should naturally be. We are so quick to throw the baby in the stroller, let them cry it out in their crib, and shove formula down their throats. Does that sound like a natural parent to you? Didn't think so.

Yes I put it bluntly, but there is really no other way to say it. Do you see animals wheeling around a stroller, bottles and having a different place for their offspring to lay? NO! I believe that God intended for ALL species to pretty much parent their children the same. Did you know that only 2% of women are medically not able to breastfeed? Most women either choose not to, don't have the resources, or are misguided by their doctors and other friends. If God gave women breasts to nourish their children, than why wouldn't it work? Yes, Breastfeeding takes patience and it is a learning process on both ends. However that does not mean give up! The first 6 weeks or so were VERY tough on me. I have an oversupply now, but do you think I had that in the first place? NO! If you want something, you have to work at it.

On the topic of cribs. Daniel does sleep in his crib, however we also co-sleep if either A) It is nap time, B) He isn't digging the crib that night, or C) I just want to cuddle. Co-sleeping is NOT bad, you need to practice safety most importantly. I hear people, even doctors say, let you child cry in their crib, that is the only way they will get used to it. Um, nope. Obviously they are crying because they need love from their mother and their needs are not being met. Do you really think that because they stop crying that they are used to the crib? NO. They have stopped crying because they have realized that the person that is supposed to meet their needs has abandoned them. Sad, huh. I NEVER let Daniel cry it out. It is just inhumane to me.

Babywearing! Yes we use our stroller. And yes, I also have a sling or carrier with me at all times. I love babywearing and so does Daniel. It is much easier than pushing around a stroller and it gives baby a sense of security and comfort.

This is just my opinion and way of doing things. I understand each parent has different circumstances and what works for you is great! I, by no means, am aiming to judge anyone!

Thanks for reading :)

Insomnia

The days are starting to feel like such a drag. By the time night comes around I am exhausted and cannot wait until Daniel is asleep and I can go lay down. Well I wish it were that simple. As soon as I lay in bed, I can't fall asleep. It is so frustrating and I just want to sleep. 

Daniel has been a bit irritated about something and I'm not quite sure what's going on. He's been running low grade fevers as well so I think something is brewing. 

He has been such a pain to put him to sleep recently. Nap time and bed time are both horrible times of the day for him. It's really wearing me out.

I just want to sleep and not feel like a zombie anymore. 

:(

He is more than worth it though and I love him to pieces. Especially when he snuggles up on my chest and falls asleep that way. 

Check up!

We had Daniel's 6 month check up yesterday! He is:

16.12 pounds

27.5 inches

He got 5 shots, wah. 

The doctor said he is PERFECT, and that he is advanced and growing like a weed! 

He now sits on his own and is so interested in crawling! Any day now!! I can kind of wait on crawling because then I will have zero down time! But I am so excited for him, learning new things is fun!

House hunting

Why didn't anyone tell me that this process is soooooooo aggrevating and stressful? I am on the verge of ripping my hair out! Our apartment lease is up in January, and although we can rent month to month once it's up, we would much rather be in a home. 

We have found SO many homes, but there is always something. Higher offer, problems with the home, cash offer only, you name it.. We have dealt with it. 

We are looking at a home on Tuesday and I have my fingers crossed tight that this is the one! 

Tooth

His first tooth broke through on Monday October 7th! We are so happy!