Things I Couldn't Live Without

I've been wanting to do this post for a while... Things I Couldn't Live Without (or things I've loved having or used a ton.) And of course this is baby related... for the first 9 weeks.

#1. Aden and Anais blankets- I know I have mentioned these before, but they are just THE perfect weight for summertime... and I use them for all kinds of things like swaddling, covering Milo in the swing, over the car seat to block sun, etc. I also love the two Aden and Anais burp cloths I have.

#2. Video Monitor- I know parents made it without video monitors for years, but I LOVE ours. Its just so great being able to see Milo. If he starts to cry I can see if his eyes are open or closed... if they're closed he'll likely fall asleep on his own. And since babies breathing changes while they sleep (which is distracting because every time it changes I think he's waking up) so this way I can turn the sound down, but still see him. It just gives me extra piece of mind when he's not by my side.

#3. Swing- You may remember Milo slept in his swing for the first five weeks of his life. And while he is no longer sleeping during the night in his swing, he still naps in it during the day. (He's actually napping right now.) Our friends let us borrow their swing which is what we used for those first weeks. Then on our trip Nathan's grandma bought us a swing of our own.

#4. Moby Wrap- But I think you already knew how I feel about the Moby!

#5. Exercise Ball- I used this things before conceiving and having Milo... but we have used the heck out of this things since he was born. It was great when he wanted to be held and moving... it allowed is to still sit down while keeping him moving. I still use it when he's in the swing and I have to hold the pacifier in his mouth for him while he falls asleep.

#6. Bamboo Cloth Wipes- I bought these with the intention of doing cloth wipes, but instead I have used them as wash cloths. They are soooo super soft... great for bath time or just wipe downs before bedtime. And I used them for myself when I had to wash my nipples before each feeding... they were nice and gentle on my 'wounds.' They haven't washed up as nicely as I would have liked... they're starting to fray... but I don't care... I still love them. And I may still end up using them as cloth wipes at some point. Disposable wipes are just easier at this point.

#7. BumGenius- Of course I have loved my cloth diapers.

#8. Lansinoh and Newman's Nipple Ointmet- The Lansinoh Lanolin was a must have, and when it got a bit more severe the Newman's was an absolute essential. I also found the Lansinoh brand nursing pads to be the best too. You'd be shocked at how much those things hold. I don't know how many times I've told Nathan to feel how heavy it was after a long night of leaking! I've never had to worry about leaking in public with those things.

I think that sums up the main things. I used some other things a lot too like the Boppy pillow, but in all honesty... a pillow works too. And I have so many other blankets that I also use a lot of (love the waffle material blankets, too.) And while Milo is still adjusting to his car seat and stroller... I'm super happy with my choice in those as well.

And one other thing I anticipate using a lot is Alice.com- Online grocery shopping. I don't think I'll be buying much food from alice.com, but things like paper towels, laundry detergent, soap, etc. I will be using this site a lot. The shipping is free (min. purchase of six items) and they display the price/unit on each item so you can make sure you are getting the best deal. I definitely recommend checking it out. And while we are still not sure whether or not we will be getting flu shots and Milo can't get a flu shot anyway until he is at least six months old... it will save many trips out in public during prime cold and flu season. While I was pregnant and did not get the flu shots... I tried to go to the store as little as often and would avoid the store during peak hours. This will definitely cut back on exposure to those germs from shopping trips. In fact, I am expecting my first order to arrive today.

And finally...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!