Steppin' Out Saturday 1.28.12


On Momma
top: LC @ Kohls
tank: Motherhood
jeans: Old Navy

On Daddy
boring weekend bank clothes

On Sadie
(pre-party outfit)
sweater & jeans: Children's Place
bow: Target

(party outfit)
dress & bloomers: Janie & Jack
bow: Target


Ok so technically we didn't step out but I did host a baby shower at our house. And I may have forgotten to take a picture for steppin' out but this family photo works.

The shower was a lot fun and I will be sure share pictures from it later! For now, I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

Baby Gear!

When I was pregnant I read a million reviews online and asked every person I knew with a baby about baby products. I wasn't sure what we really needed and then of course there are so many options of each item that it gets a bit overwhelming. Now that our little nugget is here I am so extremely thankful for the insight of those who graciously shared their wisdom with us. In the spirit of paying it forward I am going to share some of the things we that have made the last 6 weeks a lot easier on us.

1. Fisher-Price My Little Snug-a-Bunny Cradle Swing
We would not have slept the first few nights without this lifesaver. Sadie had her days and nights a little confused in the beginning and the hubs and I were so exhausted that our brains were not functioning properly. It wasn't until 4am the first night home that we decided to try the swing ::cue angels singing:: that magic machine put our baby right to sleep! She likes being in it awake now too. The thing is like a baby silencer, awake or asleep she is so content in this swing. A definite must have in this house!


2. Summer Infant Muslin Swaddle Blankets
After trying several different swaddling blankets (I got a nice variety at my shower) these are the ONLY ones that kept Sadie swaddled. They are big and stretchy enough for her to stretch her legs but still allow you to pull it nice and tight so she can't escape.


3. Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat
Love this car seat! The transport team at the hospital I work at (who are certified in all things dealing with infant car seats) said this one was the best and I have to agree. The base is easy to install and the straps are easy to adjust.


4. Fisher-Price My Little Snug-a-Bunny Bouncer
Originally I thought that we didn't need both a bouncer and a swing but I take that back. The bouncer is perfect for Sadie to hang out in while I shower, get ready, clean, do dishes, do ANYTHING! If she falls asleep in it I can just pick it up and carry her in it to a different room. It makes life a lot easier for me during the day.


5. Chicco Ultrasoft Carrier
This was another thing I didn't really think we needed. I didn't register for or research any carriers but we got this one as a shower gift. I figured if we had it I would give it a try and I am so glad I did. If I need to go to the store by myself it is so much easier to carry her in this rather than lug around the car seat. I am surprised at how many bad reviews it has on the Babies R Us website! I think it is very easy to slide her in and out of by myself, the adjustments are simple and straight forward, she has plenty of support, and it doesn't hurt my back or bother my chest. It's also nice on her fussier days to be able to get things done around the house.


6. NUK Pacifiers
More lifesavers! Especially when we are out somewhere, if she starts getting fussy one of these beauties calms her right down. We also just started giving one to her to help her fall asleep at night the first time she goes down and it works like a charm.


7. Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump
Although the actual process of pumping is not my most favorite thing, it is very helpful. On the weekends I am able to pump and let the hubs take a feeding during the night. I also pump if we are going to be out for a while because I haven't quite gotten the nursing while covered thing down yet so it's nice to have the option of a bottle if that's what I feel most comfortable with. Plus this will be a major necessity when I head back to work.


There may be more things (in fact I am sure there are) but these are the main ones that come to mind. Of course, every baby and every family is different but this is what has been working for us. Hope it helps someone out the way all of the advice I received has helped me.

Steppin' Out Friday 01.20.12

On Momma
top: LC at Kohls
cardigan: Motherhood
jeans: Old Navy

(YAY!!! for fitting into normal clothes again)

On Sadie June
tank: target
cardigan: baby Gap
tiny little baby jeans: Children's Place (super clearance!)
headband: handmade by the lovely volunteers at the hospital

(YAY!!! for Sadie's first Steppin' Out)


We have finally been getting out of the house more lately. While I love our family time together snuggled in our home, a girl has got to get out sometimes! Last night we stepped out to dinner with one of our favorite couples. I got to rub her ever growing baby bump which got me even more excited for their baby girl to come! Sadie just loves being out and about. We are very blessed with a happy little girl.

Hopefully we will participating in more Steppin' Outs now :)



Wordless Wednesday: A day at the Park


Yesterday was our three year wedding anniversary and we started the celebration on Monday with a family day at the park and dinner at Sonny's (our fave!).

One Month

Where on Earth has the time gone? One month old already? How can this be? I swear I just brought her home yesterday. But as I look down at this sweet baby snoozing on my chest I can clearly see that she is not the same newborn I first held in the labor and delivery room. She is bigger, longer, has fuller cheeks (I didn't even think that was possible), and more hair. She makes fun new noises and toots even louder than her daddy (we are both very impressed by this).

I have never enjoyed anything as much as I enjoy being a Mommy. Sure getting up 3 times a night and cleaning someone else's poop off of yourself multiple times a day may not sound very glamorous but it is totally worth all of the smiles, snuggles, and "coo's" you get in return.

Here we will start the first of many monthly updates.

(ps- these are way more fun than the bump updates. just saying)



Farewell 2011

2011 was the year I had been dreaming about for a long time. The hubs and I started the year with fresh optimism and hopes high. On April 2nd we found out we were pregnant again and although we were nervous to get excited about it we just couldn't help ourselves. The first 12 weeks were spent on the edge of seats and overanalyzing every single feeling in my body but the next 9 months were like a dream.

Being pregnant was such an amazing experience. I loved every second of it, even when I was throwing up in my car and drained of energy just so ready to meet our little girl. Every kick, hiccup, tickling of my hip bone, and jab to the ribs made me fall in love with my belly even more. Every time we heard that little heart beating or saw a glimpse of that beautiful profile or those tiny fingers and toes made it all feel a little more real.

And finally, after three years of trying and hoping and praying, three heartbreaking losses, nine months of falling in love with a belly, and over 24 hours of labor... On December 14th we met our little girl. Our miracle. Our everything. And love doesn't even begin to describe the way we feel about her.

2011 healed my heart. It reminded me that this world can be such a beautiful place and that the people in it can do amazing things. It made me believe in miracles again. For the first time in a long time I am truly sad to see a year end. But at the same time I know that 2012 and beyond holds so many wonderful adventures for my family.

And for the first time in three years, my resolution is not to get pregnant :)

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