Christmas Lists

   Every year, my parents would ask us kids to write down a Christmas list. That is seriously one of the hardest lists to write for me. I never knew what to put down. I didn't want my parents to think I was selfish by asking for stuff too expensive or too much stuff, whereas on the other hand, I did want to make a small list and only get what was on my list! 

   Besides the fact that Christmas lists are hard for me to write, my parents always knew exactly what to get me. They've always gotten me the perfect gifts. My parents know me better than I know myself for sure. 

   Well, I made a list this year for Christmas. I made two, a list of things I really want right now, and a list of things that I'd like to have. I'd like to share these lists with y'all (partly because I know people will ask me what I want for myself and/or Ryder, and I can direct y'all to my handy dandy blog post, but mostly because my parents asked me for my list too)! 

1. (and 4.) Gift Cards

   They looked better not put together, but they are the same thing pretty much. Gift cards are the best gift in my opinion. It is better to get one item and a really nice gift card rather than get a lot of items. I love gift cards because I can buy exactly what I want or need, when I want or need it. And let's have some real talk, I hate when I get a gift that I don't really like (especially from someone I do like). It happens to all of us, but you can't go wrong with a gift card. I can say thank you and really mean it!(:

2. A TV Mount

   I'm asking for a TV mount this year because as of right now, my tv is being tilted to where I can see it without a glare with a pair of rolled up shorts. 

3. Hunter Boots

   I've always wanted a really good pair of rain boots, but never could find some that I truly liked. I've researched rain boots because I wanted to get the best rain boots. These hunter boots in grey are exactly that (the best rain boots). Everyone who has a pair, loves them, and they are simple and sleek. Grey is my color, it matches everything!(:

4. See number 1.

5. Diapers

   I need diapers. I thought I'd get a lot of diapers at my baby shower and as gifts, but, surprisingly, I was only given about four packs of diapers before Ryder was born. Any guesses on how long four packs of diapers lasts?? (Not long... At all, ha) 

6. Wipes

   Guess how many packs of wipes I got (half of the amount of diapers). Again, wipes are a necessity for babies!! 

   So, in conclusion, a pack of wipes or diapers and a gift card is literally the perfect gift! Hope this helps with my Christmas gifts!;) A second, more broad list of things I'd like for Ryder will be up in the next post! This second list will also be helpful with ideas for any babies!(: 

xx

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

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