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

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