One Month Must Haves

   These are my one month must haves. I have been doing this whole mother thing for about a month now, and these are things I have personally used almost daily with my new baby. I know a few people having babies soon, so hopefully this will help you out a bit. I will also have to remember to look at this post when I have another baby way down the road!

1. Diapers

   I know this is kind of a "duh" thing to have on any baby list, but Ryder specifically uses pampers. So if anyone wants to get Ryder diapers.. ;) He can use Huggies as well, but we tried an off brand diaper and it caused a rash.:( 

2.Wipes

   Another "duh" item, but wipes are important. Ryder uses Pampers sensitive wipes. Huggies wipes are not good wipes to use, at least I don't think so. They are rough. I use baby wipes to take off my makeup, and if I wouldn't use the wipe on my face, why would I use it on my baby's bottom??

3.Mittens

   I used mittens every day the first two weeks. Ryder always had mittens on because I did not want him to scratch his face. I just stopped putting mittens on him all the time (and of course he scratched his face).

4. Pacifiers

   I am all for pacifiers. Like really, these things are great. Ryder likes the MAM pacis. He started on the paci when he was eight days old. Everywhere I read said to wait about a month before introducing a paci in case of nipple confusion (pshh, my baby hasn't been confused about that at all). Ryder's doctor also said that it was perfectly fine for him to have a paci that early as well since he was gaining weight and healthy. Doctors have recently stated that pacifiers help reduce the risk of SIDS as well (which helps me sleep better at night).

5. Ring Sling

   I adore my ring sling. I have three of them and am so pleased with them. First off, I can use them till Ryder is about 35 pounds. Right now I just use the newborn cradle hold and the belly to belly hold. As Ryder's neck gains more support, I will be able to use the kangaroo hold, and even wear him on my back. The ring sling is comfortable and so versatile. Not all babies and mommas will like the ring sling, but me and Ryder love it!

6. Water, Water, Water

   I cannot state enough that water is so good for you. Mommas need water. Water helps milk production and makes you feel so much better. My water intake is awesome. I have a huge cup that I just keep refilling, it is just so refreshing.

7. Lip Balm

   The two pictures are the exact ones I use. I have never had drier lips in my life. After giving birth, my lips were drier than the Sahara Desert, and lip balm was my best friend. I actually didn't have lip balm in my hospital bag, so thank goodness I have a mom who knew I would probably regret not having lip balm. 

8. Socks

   For you and baby, but mostly for baby. I love baby socks, and they are important too. Babies lose heat through their head and feet. Ryder almost always has his feet and head covered. I use a hat or beanie for his head. 

9. Reusable Nursing Pads

   They have disposable nurse pads, but the reusable ones are much more comfy. They are soft and don't feel as weird as the disposable ones. I am actually making a few nursing pads so I don't have to wash the two sets I have over and over. They are really easy to make, and when you make them, they are cheap, and really cute!

   One thing I don't have pictured that is important is food. Food in general! I forget to eat. I know you are probably wondering,"really, forget to eat?!". Yes, I will go about my day and lay in bed and be kinda hungry, then I will think about it, and I literally will have gone the whole day without eating anything. I drink a lot of water and other drinks, and I just don't get really hungry. I have to stop and make myself eat though because food is important! It keeps milk supply up and it is healthy to eat food. So take the time to eat something after having a baby.

   I am so thankful to not have to want for anything honestly. I am provided with what I need right when I need it. It's really and truly amazing. I have learned lately that there are amazing people in this world. It may seem like humanity is awful nowadays, but I have personally seen the kindness and love still in the world. Strangers have given help to me and Ryder when I least expected it. 

   These are one month necessities for me, and I have been very blessed to have all these things. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and remembers to be thankful for all the people and blessings in their life.

xx

One Month Update: Part 1

   With Thanksgiving coming up, and having family in town, life has been busy. I am gonna try to keep up with my blog posts though, I have quite a few in mind! Today I want to just give a little update, and hopefully put a part 2 up tomorrow! 

   Ryder is a month old! I cannot believe it really. It is weird to think about how I was in the hospital about to have him only a month ago. He has gotten so big. I look at pictures from just two weeks ago, and he seems like he has changed a lot! 

   

   Alright, one month post-partem, and I am 10 pounds below my starting weight. I have not been working out at all, but I've been breastfeeding. I also drink water and eat pretty good as well. Here is a comparison of a 37 week belly, and now (one month after baby). 

   Looking at my old pregnancy pictures makes me kind of miss my belly, but nothing beats actually having my baby in my arms right now!(:

   Well, this was a short post, but I just wanted to let y'all know that I am posting, and I also wanted to write things down so I could look back and remember how things were. Time is flying by, even on the days that seem like they will never end. I encourage you to write down your thoughts and feelings, whether in a blog where you can share with other people, or in a notebook where only your eyes can see it. You'll be thankful you did down the road.

xx

Baby Fun Fact: Clothing Edition

   Alright, in my last post I asked what you thought the purpose of the envelopes on the shoulders of onesies and baby shirts were for. 

   You probably thought the same thing I did at first, it is for babies with big heads. Wrong. Say what?? Yep, it is not made for babies with slightly larger craniums (although I'm sure it helps.) 

   They are there for those times when your baby aims anywhere but inside the diaper (a blowout). It happens, to the best of mothers, to the patriarchs of mothers, every single mother will deal with at least one or two blowouts. It is inevitable, a fact of motherhood. Well when your baby has a blowout, why would you chance getting it into their hair and onto their face? This is where the envelope shoulders come in. One can pull their baby's clothes downward and (hopefully) keep the mess (somewhat) contained.

   Ryder spit up a bit, and guess what! I pulled his onesie off without even unbuttoning it because of the envelope shoulders. I've honestly been undressing him without pulling it over his head since I learned about this fun fact. Hopefully you found this fact as cool as I did!(:

xx

Man Crushes and Crafts

   So if you know me at all (or read my blog or see my Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter) you know that my child is my whole world. I love him more than anything. I did not understand what love was till I became pregnant with Ryder.

   I also love to craft. I've realized I'm really good at starting crafts and not really finishing them though. I find a new project I wanna try before I finish the last (I know, it is awful). One day I hope to have a craft room, so I can keep all the crafts in one place.

   So in conclusion, I love my son and I love crafts. This means I make a lot of things for my baby. It really is nice actually having time to make things for Ryder. It is also nice because he pretty much likes everything I make him (mostly because I am his mom and he doesn't really have a choice anyway, haha).

   Well, in the last week, I have crocheted a blanket, sewn a boppy pillow cover, almost completed two burp rags, painted a onesie, got squares of a quilt sewn together, and found three or four more projects I'd like to start. Well, I'd like to share my boppy pillow cover project because a cover cost from $25-$60 if you buy one. It cost me maybe $8 to make one. (Fabric cost me $4, Thread cost $2, and a Zipper cost $2). I also shopped smart and used coupons.(:

   My sister has a sewing machine, which she so graciously allowed me to use (thank you, Sarah<3). My boppy pillow was the one my mom got when she was pregnant with my little sister a year ago. It is black and white, it didn't look bad at all, but I wanted something a little more boyish and grey. 

What You Need:

• fabric (1 yard of two different fabrics, or 2 yards of the same fabric. I used cotton fabric for the top side, and a soft minky fabric for the other.)

• thread and needle (or sewing machine)

• zipper (you can always make it with a flap, or use velcro, but I really like the zipper)

   First you trace out your pattern onto the fabric. You can either use a cover you already have, or just used the pillow (give an extra inch to the pattern when you trace the actual pillow). Cut the fabric out, and lay them on top of one another. You sew on the zipper next, I found a great way to do that here. 

   After the zipper is sewn on, sew your two pieces together. Make sure you leave the zipper a little unzipped so you can turn the case inside out after you are done sewing. Once you sew the two pieces together, you have a boppy case. I used this tutorial to make this (except for the zipper part).

   Talk about an easy project, my case didn't turn out perfect (partly because I'd never used a sewing machine before in my life), but it serves it's purpose and actually turned out really cute (at least I think so!). 

   I also want to add the picture of the onesie I made and ask a question before I end this post. 

   How cute is it?!(: I cannot wait to put him in it for Man Crush Monday (the onesie is 6mo. so it'll be a little while before he wears it)! And the question is, does anyone know what the envelope flaps on onesies are for?? I recently found out and will have to write a short post about it tomorrow, but if you think you know, I wanna hear y'all's answers!(:

xx

PS
   If you haven't checked out my last post about a small etsy shop, do it!! She was sweet enough to include a 30% off discount code for her shop.(:

   

Feature Friday! Shop Small(:

   Alright, I'm gonna make a gift guide of some things Ryder and I would like later on, but today I wanna feature a really sweet girl who has a small shop. I'm attempting to shop small this Christmas, and it is so nice knowing that you can help a specific person and family instead of just handing your money over  to some big corporation..

  

   My first feature is Chelsea Lernihan, you can find pictures of some of her products on her shop's instagram (@Lern2Live). You can actually go to her shop if you click here.(: My favorite thing in her shop are the coasters, which is a gift that can really always be used. (And if you get them customized, then they have that sentimental touch added to them!) She also was awesome enough to include a 30% off discount code to be used! When you check out, use the code "greatandsimple30"!!

Tell us a bit about yourself! I am a mom of one little 8 month old boy named Owen. I worked in the Online Marketing industry before having him and now I stay at home and spend my time feeding, changing and teaching this little boy. Aside from being a mom I love doing crafts and working out and making people smile!

Tell us a bit about your shop! My shop is all handmade items intended to put a smile on the faces of those who receive them. I enjoy making coasters with pictures or places that make people smile because I love having them around my house, the make every home unique and personalized. I also make picture frames, stationery, prints, and invitations. All

Where did you get the idea for your products and shop name?Lern2Live is a play on my last name Lernihan and Learning to Live Life with God being number one. Every time I look at my shop name I hope it is a reminder to let everything else in life fall into the number 2 spot with God being in charge. I love making things people can put in their homes that put a smile on their face which as lead me to make personalized coasters, signs for baby rooms, holiday products, and picture frames.

What inspires you? People. I think the most important thing is lifting one another up. I love living by the motto of "Be somebody who makes everybody feel like somebody."

What is one of your favorite holiday recipes? Carrot Cake! I will send you the recipe separately, it's delicious.

   Thank you Chelsea for reaching out to me, and for reading my blog! And I can't wait to try this carrot cake recipe!(:

xx

P.S. Here is that carrot cake recipe;)

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour 

2 teaspoons baking soda 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 

3 large eggs 

2 cups sugar 

3/4 cup vegetable oil 

3/4 cup buttermilk 

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

2 cups grated carrot 

1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained 

1 (3 1/2-ounce) can flaked coconut 

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts 

Prep:

Line 3 (9-inch) round cake pans with wax paper; lightly grease and flour wax paper. Set pans aside.
Stir together first 4 ingredients.
Beat eggs and next 4 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add flour mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Fold in carrot and next 3 ingredients. Pour batter into prepared cake pans.
Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Drizzle Buttermilk Glaze evenly over layers; cool in pans on wire racks 15 minutes. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks. Spread Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. I cut unto 3 sections and spread cream cheese frosting in between the two layers and on top.

Swaddling and Burritos

   Disclaimer: this post has nothing to do with burritos, except that when you swaddle a baby, they look like a burrito!(:

   I am about to lay down with Ryder and go to sleep. It is freezing tonight, and I knew that I needed to make sure Ryder was all snug and cozy. So I put on his sleeper and a hat, then I got his swaddle blanket out and wrapped him up. I laid him down to go get a glass of water and I heard very unhappy crying. I rushed back to Ryder and picked him up. He wouldn't stop crying. Finally I let his arms out of his swaddle blanket and he was instantly happy.

(He looks unhappy in this picture, but he wasn't for long. I freed his hands after taking the picture, and he was happy as a clam!)

  Babies love to be swaddled. That is what I read on every single website and blog anyway. I may or may not have looked up tutorials on the best ways to swaddle a baby. I was excited to have a little baby burrito.

   Guess what. My baby didn't get the memo about being swaddled. He let me swaddle him maybe a week or so after he was born. He likes to move his hands and arms around. He likes to be free, not bundled. Ryder crushed my dreams of having a baby burrito.

   One thing I've realized though is that my baby isn't just another baby. I can't go off of all the websites and books. Ryder is a little person who at one week old already had likes and dislikes. 

   Every now and again I'll think about how I can't wait for Ryder to get a little bit older. I can't wait to see his personality grow, but then I realize he already has a personality. Which I still can't wait to see him grow, but I am definitely taking him all in at the moment. 

   Not all babies are alike, and maybe my next baby will like being swaddled (because I have some mad swaddling skills, and I'd hate for them to go to waste!). So don't expect your baby to be one way or the other, because they are already little people that can prove you wrong. 

   And this is one of the blog posts telling future and current mothers that your baby may not like being swaddled. Hopefully you won't be as crushed as I was, ha.(:

xx

Foxes and Simple Blessings

   I'm sitting on my couch on this not so cool November day. In Florida, it can be freezing one day, and on the verge of sweltering hot the next. Nevertheless, my sister and I have the Christmas Jazz pandora station playing. There is a peppermint candle lit on the table, and we are sipping on our appointed drinks (for me, coffee, and hot tea for her).

   My baby is laying in my lap sleeping peacefully. I just can't stop looking at him as I sip on my coffee. He is so beautiful and perfect in my eyes. All I can think right now is how happy I am in this moment. 

   I have found myself on the slight verge of tears. Not of sadness, but of complete and utter joy. I hope I never see the day where I don't appreciate the simple things in life. The quiet simple joys that make life worth living.

   When you step outside, and the temperature is just right. When you take that sip of coffee, and it has exactly a spoonful and a half of sugar in it. When you walk into a room, and everything is where it is supposed to be. When I see my baby sleeping with a look of content on his face. When I hold my little boy, and his little hands reach out for me.

   My sisters had the opportunity to go to a  little concert last night. She texted me a picture of a shirt with a fox on it, and she stated that it reminded her of me (I adore foxes, if you haven't picked up on that in my posts already, ha). The shirt had this saying on it, "The foxes in the vineyard will not steal my joy."

   This line is in one of the songs the artist sings. It is based off a verse in the Bible, Song of Solomon 2:15, 

"Catch for us the foxes, 

the little foxes 

that ruin the vineyards, 

our vineyards that are in bloom." (NIV)

   It is safe to say, this has become my new favorite verse for the time being. The foxes are all the little things trying to steal our joy, our happiness. We must remember to catch those little annoyances and problems before they ruin our happiness. 

   

   I've never known a happiness such as this before, and I think I truly know what it means to be happy with the simple things in life now. I pray that I will remember to keep the little foxes at bay and to cherish these simple moments. My vineyard is in full bloom. 

   I challenge anyone who reads this to just pause. Pause and take in everything around you. Catch those little foxes and take the time to realize your vineyard is in bloom as well. Take the time to count your blessings, and remember the small, simple things that make life worth living. 

(Image via Pinterest) 

xx

Two Weeks Update!

   It has been 14 days since Ryder was born. It is so bittersweet because he is growing and doing so well, but I want him to stay little. I adore cuddling him and all his little squeaks. I like taking care of him and feeling so needed by him. 

   I love breastfeeding and holding him close. I actually enjoy changing diapers, they are small and aren't a huge deal (at least right now). I am a lucky momma, because Ryder loves to sleep, so it isn't too hard to get him to go to sleep. 

   As of this week, Ryder loves to eat. I'll write a post later about our breastfeeding journey, but it hasn't been long enough to be a journey yet. Right now it is just the beginning, but so far it is going really well. I am exclusively breastfeeding, and he is gaining weight. I personally love breastfeeding, but I can definitely understand how easy it would be to use formula instead. 

   Up until the other day, I was hurting if I didn't feed him every hour or two. I have not had as bad a problem though the last day or two. 

   Newborn diapers are awesome. I would have never said that before having my own baby! Newborn diapers are small. I only need one wipe usually. I have to change his diaper a lot, but it is so easy. (And it is nice to know I have little diapers compared to my little sister's diapers! I'll change my baby's diaper over hers any day, haha).

   I am a sleeper, like mother, like son. (And thank goodness for that!!). My baby loves to sleep, and I have to wake him up to feed him throughout the day. I'm sure people get baby fever from seeing my baby because he is so good (and because he is so cute, of course). 

   I am doing pretty well as well. I only slept on the couch for two weeks! Ryder and I decided it was time to sleep in our own room last night. We had been staying on the couch because I was hurting. It was hard to sit up and lay down, because giving birth takes a toll on your body. I am finally starting to feel myself again, which is wonderful because some people are in pain for up to four weeks or so. I am not to the point of no pain yet, but I'm getting there. I am also at pre-pregnancy weight!!! (I am super excited about that fact!)

   A picture two weeks post-partem!(:

   In all, Ryder and I are doing amazing at two weeks. We are bonding, and I love him more than anything in the world. God blessed me with such a handsome baby, and not only is he beautiful, but healthy as well. He is also already so well-behaved. This has been an amazing adventure so far, and I'm sure it's gonna only get better!(:

xx 

   

First Checkups

   Ryder went to his first checkup yesterday, and he did so well! I decided to circumcise my son, and that was done yesterday as well. I wasn't sure what to completely expect, but I was very pleased how everything went yesterday. 

   When I first got to the doctor, I was given paper work to fill out. I was so nervous about messing up because I'd never filled out paperwork for someone else before! It made me realize that I really am responsible for this little human. I honestly would let my mom fill out my paperwork for me still if I could! I checked the paper three or four times just to make sure everything was right. It is weird to think that it won't be long and filling out paper work for Ryder will be second nature.

   Ryder's doctor told me about the procedure and asked if I wanted to be in the room when it happened. I told her that I did, because I didn't wanna be away from my baby. I was scared I'd be sad because babies cry when they get circumcised because it obviously is not the most comfortable thing ever. 

   As they were getting him ready, he was just chilling. They gave a little shot to numb him, and he did his little whimper cry, and he didn't cry anymore after that. He was an amazing baby! The doctors were so surprised and said that he was the best baby they'd circumcised, it definitely made me proud. 

   I also am very proud because when they weighed Ryder, he weighed 9 lbs and 5 oz! Most babies lose a little bit of weight or are right at birth weight after the first week or two. I'm exclusively breastfeeding and was a little worried if he was getting everything he needed, and he ibviously is since he has gained a little over 2 lbs since birth weight! 

   Usually babies have a two week checkup, but the doctor told me that I didn't have to set up an appointment till his two month checkup. She said he seemed like he was doing super well, and to just call her if I felt like I needed too. 

   So after 11 days of having a baby and hearing that I'm doing really well with him, I'm happy. I've been told I'm a good mother, and that is honestly the best complements I've ever gotten!(:

xx 

Pregnancy Princess

   I absolutely adored being pregnant. I was a pregnancy goddess, or unicorn, or something magical! I didn't gain weight till I was about six months pregnant. I never got morning sickness or had nausea. I didn't show till I was almost six months pregnant, and when I did show, I was all belly. The only huge problem I had was heart burn, and even then, I was just popping tums like no other.

   Now I did get super antsy in the last month, and I (again) had heartburn, and I missed sleeping on my stomach. Other than that, I loved being pregnant. I felt like my body was meant for it. I felt beautiful, and I wanted to show my belly off. I enjoyed people coming up and asking me if I was pregnant. To be honest, I'd sometimes get a little offended when people wouldn't mention it! I enjoyed people (that I knew) coming up and rubbing and touching my belly too.

   I read a few blogs and articles about how hard pregnancy is and how some people don't like pregnancy. It is true, pregnancy is hard, I mean, you are growing another little human! A little, separate being. It is truly an amazing miracle, but it can be a difficult thing. 

   I am on the side of pregnancy that says it is amazing and to embrace every second of it. I miss being pregnant just a little bit (nothing beats actually holding your newborn baby!), but a little bit of me misses having a big belly. I miss being able to feel my little Ryder move and his hiccups. He will start hiccuping now and I remember how it felt when I was pregnant with him. 

   Pregnancy is different for everyone though. Don't feel bad if you don't like being pregnant. Especially if it is your first. I was very blessed by the way my first pregnancy went, but my next pregnancy might be very different. I'm not planning on having another baby anytime soon, but I do want a little sibling for Ryder someday. Hopefully my future pregnancies will be as amazing as this one, but it might not be.

   I want people to know that everyone is going to have their own experience when it comes to pregnancy. The thing about pregnancy is, no matter if you have an awful one or a great one, in the end, there is going to be a beautiful baby. A little soul that is going to make a you realize that it was worth it. Pregnancy is worth it.

   I was asked to post on Instagram a picture of where I felt beautiful, and all I could think about were my maternity photos. I felt beautiful. I don't think I ever felt more beautiful or empowering than when I was pregnant. I was at awe by how my body was building a baby. At my biggest, I felt beautiful. I thought I looked beautiful. I loved my belly. 

   I'm really happy Ryder is in my life now though!(:

xx

   

   

Motherhood Changes Things

   I was watching my mom change Ryder and noticed how easily she was doing it. She didn't skip a beat, even with him crying. I am getting to be that way with Ryder, and I realized it must me a mom thing. Then I remembered my dad had mentioned to me earlier this week that I'd be surprised by the things I didn't find disgusting anymore, so I decided to write this little post.

   When you've never had a baby, babies can seem fragile. They can also seem kind of smelly. Some people say that all babies do is poop, pee, and spit up.. And that is not entirely false. Haha, they do more than just that though, I promise! I do have first hand experience now!(:

   Before I had a baby, I loved babies. I wanted to be a mom when I grew up. I've changed my major in college three or four times since I've started, but I have always wanted to be a mom. I wrote a paper my senior year of highschool on being a stay at home mom. It was one of the biggest papers of the year, ha.

   If someone had a baby, I wasn't too far away from them. I wanted to be nearby in case they needed someone to hold their baby. Growing up in church, I always helped with the nursery when I could. I loved being able to hold the babies more than anything.

   When my mom found out she was pregnant with my baby sister, I was so excited. The idea of having a little baby in our house was so cool! There would always be a baby to hold or play with and  the baby would come home with us too! 

   Cherith was so little when she was born. Babies seem so fragile and little, especially at first! I didn't dress Cherith a lot because I didn't want to move her too much, and she would cry. Changing her diaper wasn't something I did either, because poop and pee isn't cute. (Baby poop smells more than it should, like, how can something so little be so stinky?!) It seemed hard to change her diaper too, because her legs would flail, and I didn't want to hold her legs down, what if I hurt her? It didn't help that she would cry and make you feel bad about the whole ordeal.

   It is funny how things change. I have my own baby now, and he is fragile. Even though he is fragile, I'm not scared I am going to hurt him. Before, I would just sit and hold a baby, and I'd be careful not to move too much as to not to disturb the baby. Now I am carrying Ryder while I straighten things up, or holding him while I'm eating. He cries when I change his diaper and change his clothes sometimes, but I know it is just because he is a baby and he is probably just cold.

   I also find his poop, pee, and spit up slightly adorable. Well, not adorable, but it isn't awful. I was scared before he was born that I might have issues dealing with diapers and spit up, but nope. Ryder is a little over a week old, and he has pooped on me once or twice, he has had one blow out, and he has peed on me two or three times. I didn't enjoy all that happened, but it wasn't the end of the world. It didn't bother me at all and I just cleaned my poor baby up. It happens!

   When a baby would spit up, I'd gag a little bit. I don't do well with spit up/throw up at all. I'm the kind of girl who will pat you with a broom across the room. I comfort people like that from afar. When Ryder spits up, it isn't so bad. It is just a little, and it really isn't a big deal at all.

   It's funny the things that happen when you become a mother. Things that used to be disgusting aren't anymore. I guess it is just one of the small super powers one acquires after giving birth. 

   With all this being said (well, written), don't mind me if you notice something on my shirt. Especially being a new mom, it is probably just a little spit up, or Breastmilk. It could even be a combination of the two. It happens. I absolutely love it to be honest. Taking care of my son is literally my greatest joy in life now.

Oh how motherhood has changed me!<3

xx