My Baby Must Haves

This summer my mailbox has been filling up with invites...birthdays, bridal showers, weddings, and baby showers. And while I haven't been able to make most of them, I have been sending plenty of gifts...just ask my bank account. For weddings and bridal showers, I typically give money because it is easy and I'm pretty sure all newlyweds like money. For baby showers, I LOVE to give gifts though, but sometimes I have a really hard time sticking to the registry.  In my head, I have what I think are the essential, must have items. And here they are.

1. White short sleeve onesies- You can honestly never have too many. They are perfect under pajamas or outfits and by themselves. In Alessia's first few months of life, she pretty much lived in a white onesie...and mostly because she pooped up her back constantly.

What baby doesn't look cute in a white onesie?

2. Nosefrida- Nothing clears a baby's nose like a Nosefrida. Bulb aspirators are the worst and the battery operated ones aren't much better. With the Nosefrida, you do the sucking, but don't worry, there is no way for it to get in your mouth.

3. Cloud b Gentle Giraffe- This travel white noise maker is AMAZING! It comes in a few different animals (sheep, monkey, bunny, fox), but we think the giraffe is the cutest. Ours stays attached to Alessia's car seat most of the time and we turn it on whenever she falls asleep or when we are trying to get her to sleep. It is battery operated and we have had the same batteries in it for over a year and we use it a lot.

Alessia is even willing to share Mr. Giraffe.

4. Zipper footed pajamas- Whoever invented the button up ones did not have children because those things suck. I remember trying to match up the buttons at 4am in the dark when Alessia was a newborn. Then as she got older and started rolling, I had to fight her to get them all buttoned. DO NOT BUY THEM for yourself or for anyone else...no matter how cute they are.

5. Muslin blankets- I was lucky enough to get some hand me downs and some new ones. My favorite are the classic muslin swaddles by aden + anais. They are so soft and breathable. Alessia was never swaddled so I can't comment on how effective they perform as swaddles, but they make amazing blankets. The aden + anais classic issie blankets are great too. They are small security blankets that are perfect for throwing in the diaper bag or stroller. Whenever we going out of town, I always pack one.

6. Trumpette socks- I cannot tell you how much money I wasted buy socks that would not stay on. Luckily, a friend of mine recommended trumpette socks and that is all Alessia wore from about 6-12 months.

Socks that look like shoes are adorable.

Packing, Packing, and More Packing

When we decided to actually get a 'home' and stay in the States, I thought my packing days were over. But it seems like all I've done lately is pack, unpack, and repeat. In the last month I have done the following...
-packed for Cancun
-unpacked from Cancun
-packed Kevin to go to Colorado
-unpacked Kevin from Colorado
-packed Kevin to go to Colorado...AGAIN
-unpacked Kevin from Colorado
-packed to go to Chicago
-unpacked from Chicago
-packed Kevin to go to Buffalo...for 25 days
-and now I'm in the process of packing up for Alessia and I to go to Kevin's family's cottage next week.

And besides packing and unpacking suitcases, there is also the matter of unpacking the totes that we still haven't tackled since moving in this past September. After sitting in our garage for the last 9 months, I was really hoping they would unpack themselves...not likely.

Before Kevin left this past week, I asked him to move the totes downstairs and my goal is to have them sorted through before Kevin gets home in a few weeks. The big question is what to keep and what to throw away. As sad as it is to think about throwing away the paddles from my sorority, what am I going to do with them? And I am pretty sure we don't need to keep all the cheesy things Kevin and I made for each other over the years.

Truth be told, I should be in the basement now instead of blogging...so here I go.

Back to Reality

It's been a little over a week since we got back from Mexico...a whole 10 days since I drank mojitos all day, ate and slept when I wanted, and got pretty every night. I'm back to my reality of changing poop diapers, eating in record time, and drinking cold coffee (and I'm not talking about iced coffee). It is also safe to say that I haven't done my hair or put on makeup since we got back. I'm okay with all of this though because I love my reality.  

Our vacation was definitely much needed. Kevin needed some time away from the constant hustle and bustle at work, I needed some 'me' time, and Alessia needed some time away from me to learn that I can't always be with her. Spending time with our amazing friends and meeting new people only made the vacation better.

The memories we made on the trip will forever be with us and, of course, the pictures. Those will always be there too, even the questionable ones. I'll remember the crazy rain storm we tried to wait out, but instead got stuck running through.  And those raindrops felt like bullets when they hit you. I'll cherish the memory of helping Jana get ready for her wedding and watching her and Rob say 'I do". I'll unfortunately remember doing the Wobble dance more times than I can count...apparently the music in Mexico is a few years dated.

It is amazing how refreshed five days away can make you feel. I'm pretty sure it is the only way I have been able to deal with my ultra clingy girl (who obviously had a little separation anxiety while I was gone).

I'd love to make our 'vacation with friends' a trend. So, friends, start saving. And, until then, I'll have these to look at.

Even though we don't get to see each other that often, I am so lucky to call these two ladies my best friends. 

 

 

The love of my life

Five days of paradise

My Shows

Kevin is gone for three weeks so I have an hour or two of 'me' time every night.  When he is home, he refuses to watch my shows...which is completely understandable. But the last two nights, I have been catching up on Teen Moms 2, Basketball Wives LA, and Preachers' Daughters.  While my addiction to bad TV continues, I have branched out to bigger and better things.

I've watched a few episodes of The Mindy Project in the past, but never really got into it.  It is HILARIOUS! I am so mad that I haven't been watching it the past few years. All the character are great and I seriously laugh until I cry every time I watch it.

My newest addiction that I cannot wait to watch every week is Chicago PD. I love anything Law and Orderish...which I think this is. I loved Sophia Bush on One Tree Hill way back when and I apparently love her still. Plus, there is a little bit of eye candy to look at every week.  Thank goodness for hot cops.

When all else fails, I usually turn on the Food Network. I've been obsessed with Chopped for years, but now there is Chopped Canada and damn, if I'm not hooked on that too. Also add Cutthroat Kitchen and Guy's Grocery Games to the list.  I always pretend I am on the show and try to think of what I would make.  Let's me honest...I would definitely get cut first. 

Is One Enough?

When Kevin and I were dating, which was a long time, everyone constantly questioned us about when we were going to get engaged.  Then, we got engaged and people wanted to know immediately when the wedding was going to happen.  The wedding took place and you would think people would be content with that, but 'no' because they wanted to know when we were going to start having children.  One year after getting married, I got pregnant, and nine months later Alessia entered the world.  So, now everyone is happy...right?  Absolutely not!  For months now people have been asking us when we are going to have another kid.  I give up.  I have determined that people are just never going to be content.

To be honest, some days I think one child is enough for us.  I never wanted to have an only child, but I would be perfectly content if that was all we ever had.  In the same respect, I am not saying that we won't have more kids.

Being a mother is hard work and I will admit that it is a lot harder than I expected.  Alessia hasn't been a difficult child, but I wouldn't say she is an easy one.  She has never been much of a crier...AMEN to that.  She adjusted well to our hectic lifestyle (especially at the beginning of her life), she is an amazing eater, and she has never had attachment issues with anything (no pacifier, blankie, toy, bottle).  On the other hand, she won't take a bottle, didn't sleep well until she was about 11 months old, doesn't like to nap, and still dislikes the car.  Wonder if our second child has colic, never sleeps through the night, loves his/her pacifier, refuses to nurse, or is a picky eater?

While Kevin is a HUGE help when he is around, he works a lot and travels a great deal for his job (but because of that job, I am able to stay at home with her). Taking care of Alessia is left solely up to me when he is gone.  We don't have family around for assistance and she doesn't go to daycare or a babysitters. We seriously spend every waking moment together...even when I'm using the bathroom or taking a shower.  We have this unbelievable bond and I seriously am scared that I might not ever be able to have that with another child.

There are night when I go to bed thinking one may be enough.  But then there are times when I think maybe it's time for #2.  Only time will tell, but for now, I will laugh (and roll my eyes) every time someone asks when #2 is coming. 

One Year

I made it...one year of breastfeeding is under my belt. I feel like I should get some type of award for that.  Seriously! This post is strictly going to be about my experience breastfeeding so if you don't want to hear about it, STOP HERE.

I knew from the beginning that I wanted to try to breastfeed. I told myself that my goal was six months. And if things were going well, I would go until one year.  I swore to myself that I would wean her as soon as she turned one, yet here I am still nursing her everyday and not supplementing with any milk. I know the end is near though and the thought of that makes me a little sad.

Without a doubt, breastfeeding is one of the hardest things I have ever done.  It wasn't something that came naturally to me and there were days in the beginning when I felt like throwing in the towel and heading to the store for some formula.  My first few days of nursing were extremely difficult.  Alessia had a horrible latch, my nipples felt like someone was sticking needles into them, and every feeding started with me in tears.

I tried every trick and gadget out there. I slathered on the lanolin, I used shells, and I walked around the majority of the day without a shirt on to speed up the healing process. Another mom on my floor at the hospital recommended these silver cups to help with the pain and I immediately sent Kevin out to get me some. They helped, but I was still in so much pain. Since I wasn't ready to give up yet, I ordered some nipple shields and my parents brought them over when Alessia was about 2 weeks old.  AMAZING!  The healing started immediately, Alessia was eating like a champ, and I could finally put a shirt on.

So many people had mentioned what a bonding experience nursing was with their children and how they really enjoyed it.  At the beginning, I cursed every time Alessia needed fed and counted down the days until I could stop.  Being at her beck and call was exhausting and I was so sleep deprived. Once we got to the US, I started pumping and thought about exclusively pumping, but then I realized that sucked too.  Then one day, everything changed.  Alessia got on a schedule, she no longer needed the shield (she became attached to it), and ate so much quicker.  I found myself looking forward to our nursing sessions. It was the only time I could get her to slow down and snuggle up to me.

In a year, we went from 15 sessions to 4 sessions a day and I know in the next month or two we will go down to no sessions.  The decision to stop now isn't due to the fact that she has hit one year old.  In honesty, I would probably continue a little longer because she likes it and it is what's best for her. I am quitting because in May, Kevin and I are going on a trip to Mexico for 6 days and I will not be bringing a pump.  In addition to that, my little snob will not drink expressed breastmilk anyways (she stopped doing that at about 9 months old).

Without a doubt, I think the majority of my success with breastfeeding came from my strong desire to WANT to do it.  I fought through the tears, pain, and sleepless night.  I drank countless cups of mother's milk tea and had to take Fenugreek for months.  I planned my life around Alessia's feeding schedule for over a year, especially the last three months since she has refused a bottle.  My journey wasn't easy and I can't help but toot my own horn for the fact that I made it. 

With all that said, I am looking forward to real bras and not having to wear clothes that offer easy access for nursing.  I can't wait to enjoy more than one glass of wine (because I was never one to pump and dump).  But mostly, I am ready for my boobs to be mine! 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday!

It's been a few weeks, but with Alessia's party and birthday, there just wasn't any time for blogging. But the party has ended, everyone has gone home (a week ago), and now we have a one year old.

Despite a winter storm being in the forecast, everyone made it to the party safely and celebrated in style with Alessia. Our "Very Hungry Caterpillar" theme came across in both the decorations and the food. We dined on everything the caterpillar ate (for the most part) and had an amazing caterpillar banner (courtesy of Alessia's Godmother, Stephanie).

Our food table with labels.  Labels were downloaded for free from Polkadots and Puppies.

This cake was AMAZING and didn't last long. And a plus was it was all organic! The recipe can be found by clicking here. You won't be disappointed.

For our meal I made had Italian beef and balsamic beef. It was my first time making the balsamic beef, but it was really good. In case you are interested in trying it out, the recipe is here.

I am in love with the banner. 

Alessia had a blast and got some amazing gifts. I cannot wait for her to wear all her super cute clothes and she is already busy playing with her toys and books. Then once the weather gets warm, we can break out her water table and swing. 

The birthday girl!

You think she is excited?

Alessia loves cards. We are still reading her cards to her everyday...numerous times.

Mommy made a wish that Alessia would figure out her nap schedule. 

Our chalkboard with Alessia's stats.

Gluten free carrot cake cupcakes.  Alessia loved them even though I forgot to put the heavy cream in the icing.  The recipe can be found here.

Thanks to everyone who celebrated with us and sent birthday wishes and gifts!