1 Month Reality Check

Baby Pears is six weeks which has gone by so fast! I have learned so much about being a mom and having a little baby. When I hear people say nothing can fully prepare you for being a parent they are right, 9 months you know he is coming but all of the sudden everything is put to the test.

*  How much you love this little person and how you'll do anything for them.
* Goodbye sleep, he's sleeping decent during the night and waking up only twice, but I'm still way exhausted and sleep is very unpredictable.
* He's being more engaging with us which is amazing. A few days ago he started smiling which is the happiest feeling in the world to see our baby do that!
* He loves cuddling and being held, which makes getting things done a little harder, but seeing that little face look up at me makes my heart melt. I love it.
* Our house is a mess, and I need to deal with it.  Yep, nothing else needs to be said to elaborate on that.
* Less time with just husband and I, but now we get to share our time with our little family.
* Holy diapers! We bought a pack of 96 exactly a week ago and we have less than 15 diapers left.
* I'm surprised how fast he's growing, he seems so much bigger at times like when he's holding up his neck or looking into our eyes and definitely recognizes us now.

Baby Cardigan Onesie

My little guy was my model for baby cardigan onesies I put on my Etsy shop.  He was so good and I'm definitely going to make him a few for this fall/winter.  I love the colors I found, here are some pictures!  If interested my Etsy is Stylish Baby Trends.

One Month Baby Photo Idea

 Little Baby Pears is here and is one month! I can't believe how fast it's gone and how much he's changed.  Week one was a little rough as we tried to figure out his needs like how long he should eat, what he wants, how to put him asleep etc.  He would wake up for feeding, diaper change about 7 times a night and eat about 20 minutes.  Week two it went down to about 3 times a night and eating about 30 minutes.  Before my husband went back to work, he helped me every times I woke up and changed many diapers after I fed him.

This last week was week three where he definitely went through a growth spurt feeding for about 50 minutes. I swear I'm still feeding him all of the time.  He has the cutest little faces especially after he eats, is very happy immediately after being changed and is so good during baths. He's already fitting into clothes much better and has a cute belly.

We love him so much! I am so darn tired (I was getting 10 hours of sleep most nights in my third trimester) and feel like I haven't slept in forever, but every time  I think or look at him I think he's the cutest, sweetest little baby and know it's all worth it!

Nursing Secrets from tanks, dresses, bras, and more

About two weeks ago I was introduced to nursing tanks! I had no idea these things existed but I'm so glad because before I would have to pull up or down my tank top to nurse (and stretch it out the wrong way... super annoying)but now with nursing tanks I can easy pull down the tabs (like in nursing bras) and feed my little guy.

Great idea right!  I got my tank from Glamourmom who has a variety of color and styles of nursing tanks, nursing bras, and other maternity and nursing clothing to make your nursing experience more comfortable. As you can see from the above picture, this tank provides full coverage while nursing in public and is extra long (hence it's name "Nursing bra long tank") to hide after baby tummy and back.  I love how it fits and easily comes down for me to feed my baby.  There is no bulk (like I have when I feed with regular tank tops) and the adjustable spaghetti straps help me adjust the tank to the right place.

Galmourmom also has other nursing tanks to suit your nursing needs.  Their nursing tanks include: 

Nursing Bra Tummy Control Long Tank (pictured above)

Nursing Bra Full Bust Long Top

Nursing Bra Long Tank

Nursing Bra Long Top with Adjustable Chest Band 

Nursing Bra Long Top

Nursing Bra Full Bust Slimming Long Top

Nursing Bra Top with Lace

Nursing Bra Tank

Glamourtank Bra Tank (Non-Nursing)

Maternity Bra Tank (Non-Nursing)

Beyond tanks, Glamourmom has cute clothing centered around your nursing needs.  I love this Long Sleeve with Detachable Nursing Bra that's so cute and allows you to detach the bra part which is brilliant.  

Another favorite is the Nursing Bra Dress that is so cute (I would love this in the fall with some tights and boots) and instead of awkwardly lifting my dress to nurse or pulling the collar down, this dress provides the perfect solution.

Another product Glamourmom offers is their nursing bras.  This is the Mpress Lace Microfiber which has cotton lined cups, back wing support for excess skin, one hand hooks, and inner lace.  Love all of these awesome nursing products from Glamourmom, check out more of what they offer on their website! 

Staying comfortable while feeding my newborn

Yay Baby Pears is three weeks and I can't believe how big he's getting!  I thought I was prepared for what it would be like having a baby, but the thing that has caught me most off-guard is the physical exhaustion I feel from the lack of sleep and discomfort from carrying, holding, and especially feeding him. 

  

My back and neck especially have been aching so I've been trying to figure out some ways to be more comfortable because he's been eating about 8 times a day averaging about 35-45 minutes each time. With feeding, burping, and rocking asleep I would say it comes up to about 7-9 hours a day.  That's so much strain on my back and neck and body I've tried a few things but what's worked the best is My Brest Friend nursing pillow which by far is the best nursing pillow out there because of it's designs and features.  Here are some of the benefits I have found through My Brest Friend and how it has helped my aching nursing body.

1) Back support
One thing missing from other nursing pillows is a back support.  I've tried different pillows which go just across the front of my body or somewhat go behind my back but leaning back is so uncomfortable and their just not built right.  My Brest Friend has one piece that wraps behind my back and snaps into place (adjustable to size) and is not too bulky or low on my back.  It feels so comfortable and does not get out of place like other pillows.

2) Flat cushion design
I love the flat cushion design from this nursing pillow.  Other nursing pillows are, well, just pillows and don't give equal balance and support like My Brest Friend.  The foam used with My Brest Friend is cushy but not swallowing up your baby or making him uncomfortable.  I love on top of My Brest Friend that there's two small mounds which are perfect to slightly lift the baby's head on each side you nurse.

3) Pocket
Another convenient feature for feeding my baby is a spot to put things in to keep it near. Once my baby starts eating, he's going to finish eating so taking even a short break if I need something is hard.  I love the idea for nursing pillows to have pockets so I can keep things near whether it be a bottle, paci, book etc.

4) Elbow rest - awesome for shoulder support
Once My Brest Friend is snapped into place, you have two comfortable places to rest your elbows.  When nursing I would get so uncomfortable because I would be crouched over and was in a bad posture with my arms. The elbow rest with this pillow really helps me keep a good posture.

5) Machine washable
When I hear noises from my baby's diaper when feeding my first instinct is oh no it's going to get all over me! Thank goodness for nursing pillows with fabric that easily comes off and that is machine washable.  You never know when your baby might have a destructive diaper that goes everywhere!

5 Ideas for getting sleep with your newborn

I'm writing this as a first time mom at a ridiculously early hour. Adjusting to being a parent has been so great but definitely can be draining especially from the lack of sleep. If I could give advice from my experience to new moms, here are some tips to get some sleep with newborns.

Sleep when baby sleeps. Everyone has given me this advice and they are right. Now having a newborn I can't plan when to nap or sleep (or do a lot of things) so napping at least once a day when he sleeps helps give me the extra energy especially at night when he is up. Many mothers will try to get things done when their baby sleeps (including me) during the day which can easily add up to a drained and exhausted mommy. So again, if you can squeeze in a once a day nap you will feel so much better in helping your little one.

Bonding time with baby in my arms or on my stomach gives me time to nap or at least relax. Even if he doesn't sleep and is looking around, I can engage with talking to him or singing which many times puts both of us to sleep but if not I can get a little relaxing time while bonding with baby.

A newborn doesn't know day from the night. Slowly developing patterns to show him day and night (for instance at night be less engaging, keeping lights lower, etc.) can help slowly teach him when bedtime should be. My husband and I have started to do this when our baby was about two weeks old. He definitely didn't sleep through the night, but he's sleeping longer strides at night and less during the day so hopefully it will continue like that.

A few hours before going to bed, we try to keep our baby awake so by the time he eats next, he is worn out and really wants to sleep.

Find out the things your baby enjoys to fall asleep. Our baby loves soothing music to fall asleep. Some like to be rocked, sang to, etc. I think our baby is starting to realize that after being fed and burped then turning on his little soundtrack, it's bedtime routine.

Fall in Love with Mommylicious

School has started and the temperature is dropping which means.... it's Fall where I live!  Trying to figure out how to dress your pregnant body, here are some cute maternity styles from Mommylicious Maternity.  I love Mommylicious Maternity's cute patterns, colors, and styles they have to make pregnant women feel great!  Here are some of my favorite outfits from their store that would be so cute this fall season.

This loose cut top has a cowl neck and comfy pockets which is a great look this fall.  With a pair of skinny jeans and boots this outfit is perfect to go out to the mall or date night.  This Room to Glow top is a must have and comes in plum, black, and heather gray.

Maxi dresses are perfect for all seasons, especially when you are pregnant.  I love how flowy and airy maxi dresses are and how they can hide my swollen legs... thank goodness! This is my favorite maxi from Mommylicious, love the colors and how flattering the black top is with the nude colored bottom.

Hide and Chic Top is super cute and flattering fit on top for any pregnant body.  I love this stylish top paired with leggings which is a popular style this cold season.  

Another favorite top is the Bow Leave it or Not.  Having a tie in the back of your maternity tops can help create a better look and fit. This top is long enough for 3rd trimester tummies and I love the lace design on top with two cute bows.   

Another favorite dress from Mommylicious is the Allison Hip Dress.  I love the trendy chevron pattern on bottom and black fitted 3/4 top.  Pairing this dress with boots and tights would be perfect to wear this fall and winter.  

So what are you going to wear this fall? Not only does Mommylicious Maternity have cute fall clothes, but maternity clothes for all year round.  Check out their nursing, active wear, plus size, sleep wear and more!