Baby Registry Essentials

Let me start off by saying, I am by no means a baby expert but as a former nanny and long time babysitter I have quite a bit of experience with kids/babies. I have also been that girl, reading countless blog lists and safety reviews for months. So when we started our registries this weekend I had a pretty good idea of at least a few things I wanted to include.

 

If I could give any advice to my fellow Mom-to-be's it would be to do your research before you go to register. If you just walk into the black hole that is Babies R Us without doing any prep work you will most likely find yourself hiding in the middle of the cribs rocking back & forth in the fetal position. It is that overwhelming. I had so much fun registering for my wedding and I mistakenly thought this would be the same kind of experience. It wasn't until I was staring at the 392 different kinds of bottles and pacifiers that I realized this was not the case. Luckily, due to my obsessive pre-planning, I knew at least 6 things that I was 100% sure about!

 

 

1.Vera Bradley Baby Backpack: I knew from the beginning that I wanted a backpack as a diaper bag. I know first hand how hard it is to balance a big ol diaper bag and a baby/baby carrier on each arm all while trying to get in and out of somewhere. So when I saw my cousin using a backpack as a diaper bag I thought that was pure genius. It may look a little funny but I will take convenience over looks any day. I chose the Vera because it has plenty of compartments and a changing pad that folds right inside. I went with the simple black so my husband wouldn't feel like a total goob carrying it but you better believe it will have Miss Nora's pretty pink monogram on it!

 

2. Sophie the Giraffe: I have seen Sophie floating around blogs/pinterest for years now and always wondered what the hype was all about. Well when my youngest nephew started teething I decided to do a little research. I found no joke 100's of reviews of Mom's raving about the amazing Sophie! She has been one of the top rated teethers for 40 years! Babies love her easy to grip shape with all of the different places to gnaw and her spots and squeaker are great for sensory development. Plus she is just adorable!

 

3.Britax B-Agile Travel System: The travel system was by far my most researched item. I read reviews and compared brands for months before deciding on one. It was between this and the Graco Click Connect because they are pretty much neck & neck as far as reviews go. But when we put the two side by side at Babies R Us I personally felt that the Britax was a more solid, well built product than the Graco. Even though the Graco had more options, I loved the fact that the Britax is the only steel enforced baby carrier on the market, making it safer. The bottom line is that the Britax is better suited for what we will be using it for. We actually registered for the red one but I couldn't find a picture of it on Polyvore so the black is pictured.

 

4. Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets: The amount of options when it comes to swaddling blankets is truly unbelievable. These aden + anais blankets were another easy pick for me due to the amount of raves I have seen on other Mom blogs. Apparently the muslin material prevents overheating which reduces the risk as SIDS (my greatest fear btw) and they can be used for a number of things other than swaddling.

 

5. Samsung Babyview Digital Monitor: As I have mentioned before it was love at first sight when my husband discovered video monitors. At first I thought they might be a little unnecessary but with the only option for our nursery being upstairs (a floor away from us) being able to look over and actually see my little babe definitely eases my mind. Technology seriously amazes me!

 

6. Crane Drop Humidifier: Aside from my internet research I also asked pretty much every Mom I knew what their must-haves were. One of the only things that pretty much all of them said was a humidifier. So after a little googling I discovered that the Crane model dominated in the ratings department. Plus it is super cute!

 

It may not seem like much but just knowing for sure that I wanted these six items beforehand helped us immensely. That meant that there were at least six aisles that we weren't left standing and staring aimlessly at all of the options. Maybe my list can help someone like all of the others helped me! But I can pretty much guarantee that no matter how much you know, you will still leave the store wanting a milkshake and a fluffy pillow!



8 Week Bumpdate!!

This will be my last catch up post, I wrote this one last week after our Dr. appointment this week and I will start the weekly update this week.

How far along: 8 Weeks & 2 days!

Baby Size: Baby Stephens is the size of a raspberry!

We actually went to the doctor yesterday and our Little is measuring 1.34 inches! The doctor said that is absolutely perfect and even though it is early we both look so healthy he believes we are 95%+ in the clear so we can go ahead and announce it!  

 

Gender: Still no strong feelings either way! I am just so excited for when we can find out!

Weight gain: Actually lost 1 pound when the nurse weighed me yesterday. So that is 3 lbs. up from my pre pregnancy weight.
 

Maternity clothes: My belly band turned out to be kind of a bust maybe once I get more of a belly it will work better. I actually can't stop wearing my Old Navy Active pants. I can't find them on the website but I wear them as leggings. They are thicker than normal leggings, still have a skinny leg but also have a control top! They are amazing!  

Stretch marks: Only the preexisting ones :/

Belly button in or out: In

Sleep: Still waking up at 2 & 4 a.m. to pee! Having a hard time getting comfortable and staying asleep. Although I am constantly exhausted and got to bed no later than 9-10 p.m. which is crazy early for me!

Best moment this week: Hands down hearing/seeing the heartbeat yesterday! It was the most magical moment of my life!

Worst moment this week: I have caught a nasty sinus cold! Sore throat, throbbing sinuses and ever worse exhaustion. First trimesters & colds do not go together!

Miss anything: Still missing sub sandwiches! Also missing my energy I have been such a slack blogger, photographer, editor, friend & wife because I am SO exhausted!! They say that gets better though. Fingers crossed!  

Movement: No kicks or anything but seeing that heartbeat flutter was enough movement for me!!

Cravings: Still at the stage where nothing is appealing. I eat because I have to for my little! Although my Granny did make me her famous chicken casserole this weekend and it was amazing, the first thing that has went down without any nausea! I do notice I am leaning a lot more towards veggies, meat is still grossing me out.

 

Queasy or sick: No queasiness, just the "cold" sickness.

 

Looking forward to: Everyone's reactions!!

Mood: Sick & exhausted

Doctors Appointments: I am going to be adding this category because I want to remember every possible detail.

After a big insurance mix-up/disaster at my {supposed to be} first appointment {at my regular lady doctor} we decided to make a switch to another OB/GYN group. Honestly, one of the best decisions I have ever made! At my old doctor I was treated like a number. We walked in to our new office for our first appointment yesterday (11-4-13) and immediately I liked it. It was a lot warmer, smaller and welcoming than my previous place. After a short wait I was called back for the required preliminary pee test, blood pressure check and all that good stuff then we went to another waiting room. After a few more minutes we were taken to our Doctor's private office. A million things flew through my mind, something is wrong with me, I am not really pregnant, what is going on? After I calmed down and looked around the office and noticed our Doctor was an Army Doctor, UGA (among many other) graduate/fan (GO DAWGS!), a Christian (bible verses everywhere) and a family man (there was hardly any space for all the pictures!). I knew right away that this was the perfect fit for us! When the Doctor came in and started to ask questions getting to know us I was blown away, I had no idea there were still doctors who valued their patients like that anymore. He wanted to address all of our questions/concerns and get to know us a little before we even started the examination! He thoroughly addressed my concerns with my Mom's condition and assured me that even though there was no need to worry that for his & my peace of mind he would do certain tests in the third trimester and monitor my heart. I can not even tell you the weight that was lifted off my shoulders at that moment. I am thankful that he took us into his office beforehand because how awkward is it talking to someone with your feet in the stirrups. Needless to say once we started all the examinations I was completely at ease. After the initial prenatal work up I was sent to another waiting room to wait for our ultrasound! I was still nervous up to this point, preparing myself for the possibility that there wouldn't be a heartbeat but the moment she rubbed that little wand on my belly was the moment my life changed forever! All I saw was that little flicker on the screen and the tears were a rolling! Then when she turned the sound on and I heard that precious little heartbeat the flood gates opened! I have never felt such joy and relief! Then the Doctor came back in to take a luck and told us everything was absolutely PERFECT! That I was perfectly healthy the baby was measuring perfectly and that he normally wouldn't say this but we were doing so good that we were around 95%+ in the clear to go ahead and start telling people! Talk about ecstatic! All in all I couldn't have been more pleased with our appointment, I really feel like I am in the right place at this practice.

5/6 & 7 Week Bumpdate!

I have been writing these "bumpdate" posts and just saving them in my drafts. Idk if anyone will really be interested in these but they are more for my memory anyway! Here is a catch-up of the first few weeks!

 

How far along: 6 weeks! We just got our pregnancy "confirmed" even though after 6 home pregnancy tests I was pretty positive there was a little in there! (We thought we were 6 weeks when we found out but turns out we were only 5. So this is a combo of the two weeks)

Baby Size: A itty bitty sweet pea!

Weight gain: None that I know of maybe a pound or two. I just feel bloated all the time.  

Maternity clothes: None yet but my smaller pants are feeling a little snug.
Stretch marks: Well unfortunately I have a couple pre-existing stretch marks on my hips from my post wedding weight gain but no new ones yet. Although it seems inevitable :(
Sleep: For about 2 weeks now I have been waking up around 4 a.m. to use the bathroom and to gulp down about a gallon of water. Very very thirsty.
Best moment this week: Telling a few members of our close family! I know we technically shouldn't have told anyone yet but we had to! And having our announcment pictures taken!

Looking forward to: The end of the first trimester when we can tell EVERYONE!

What I miss: Sleep! But I know I have to get used to that!

Movement: Not yet...

Food cravings: Honestly nothing really. I am pretty much having to force myself to eat.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Any kind of meat! Especially chicken. The hubs and I were making some buffalo chicken dip to take to Cody & Lauren's house and when I was fixing the chicken I about lost it!

Gender: No idea really. I can't shake the feeling that it is a girl but that could be because everyone in our families wants a girl. I know everyone says this but I just want to have a happy, healthy baby!

Labor Signs: Definitely not!

Symptoms: Lots of trips to the bathroom, a few touches of nausea and mood swings. I had a full on meltdown when I dropped my camera and my husband was running late. I mean crazy crying, it was insane. (Sorry babe!)

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood: Exhausted but happy!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How far along: 7 Weeks  

Baby Size: Baby Stephens is the size of a blueberry!

Gender: Chinese gender chart & ring test say girl. No strong feelings yet either way but we will be happy either way!

Weight gain: 3 lbs. total. 

 

 

Maternity clothes: None yet but I did buy a belly band to go over the button of a few of my jeans that I can't button comfortably anymore. Yoga pants are my best friends right now.

 

 

Stretch marks: Only the preexisting ones :/

 

 

Belly button in or out: In

 

 

Sleep: Ooh that would be nice! I wake up twice to use the bathroom usually about 2 & 4:30 a.m.. I don't think this is really baby yet just a result of all the water I am drinking.

Best moment this week: Telling Paul's grandparents. We drove out to their house to tell them and after the squeals and hugs his Grandma squealed, "Go get them the thing!" They had bought us a stroller a few weeks back because they "had a feeling" this was coming. How sweet is that?!

Worst moment this week: Waking up (for the second time) at 4 a.m. to go to the bathroom and stepping in a pile of dog poop. Apparently Hank was not feeling well and left me a present beside my bed. Yuck!

Miss anything: Turkey subs!

Movement: Nope!

Cravings: None whatsoever. I don't want anything at all but I still make myself eat because I know my little needs it.

 

Queasy or sick: Goodness gracious this is the worst it has been. Eating, not eating, riding in the car, smelling onions, smelling meat, brushing my teeth. Pretty much I am constantly nauseated here lately. Hoping that passes soon!

 

Looking forward to: Hopefully hearing the heartbeat at our appointment Monday!

Mood: Still exhausted but happy!!

My New Home: The Hospital

Well at least it feels like hospitals have become my home since that is where I have spent the majority of the past three days!

Luckily this time I am not the patient. Monday night my sister-in-law Kaley had her beautiful baby boy after four days of labor!  Seriously y'all he is soooo beautiful!

Everyone meet Branson Todd Stephens all 9lb 15oz & 22in of him!! Boy is a hoss! 

I just love all those first day details the fuzzy hair & wrinkly hands get me everytime! 

He already has the best expressions!!!

I love you so much already (not so) little man!!  

Today on the other hand is not such a joyful visit. My little sister had to have a very extensive jaw surgery today so I have been camped out at Egleston since 6 a.m. needless to say I am exhausted!! Anyone who knows me knows that seeing my little in pain breaks every little piece of my heart but everything went great she is resting at the moment. It is definitely going to be a long night but hopefully she will get some sleep and I will too. 

So I am sorry for the poor quality of this post but it is coming from my iPhone and very very little sleep! I know I missed a link up in a series I was doing today but I'm just gonna have to do it when I can get back to normal! 

Later y'all!! 

Party Animal!

Here lately I have come to love throwing parties! Now I am not talking about raging keggers or anything like that I am talking baby showers, birthday parties, graduation parties, bridal showers and random themed dinner parties with friends.

 

Last month I had a baby shower and a graduation party to throw in one weeks time! It was fun but incredibly stressful. The first one was a baby shower for my sister-in-law Kaley thrown by myself & my other sister-in-law Heather! I really hate the cheesy, over the top themed, horrible decorations baby showers so we tried to stay away from that kind of thing. So we went with a simple "Mommy To Bee" theme. Now this could have easily went cheesy with cut-out bumble bees and the "dirty diaper" game but again, totally not our style. We kept it simple by only incorporating the theme in the colors and types of food. Also, it really fit perfectly because the baby's name is Branson and Kaley calls him her "little baby B". So cute!

 

The Menu

Chicken Fingers w/ Honey Mustard

Mixed Fruit & Veggies w/ Honey Cinnamon Fruit Dip

Coconut Chocolate Chip Banana Pudding Shooters

Black & White Frosted Cupcakes

Favors: Candy Dipped Pretzels & Flavored Honey Sticks

 How stinking cute are those shooters & they were super delicious! Good job Heather!

 

Instead of the "dirty diaper" or "who can chug a bottle" game we did something more simple. Heather & I wrote the names of famous Moms on paper and taped them on peoples back and throughout the evening they had to ask questions to figure out whose name they had on their back. We also had bibs that guests could decorate for little Baby"B''.

 

The Great-Grandmothers making their onesies.

Me & my sissy's! Look at that big ol' bump!

Overall it was a great day! Celebrating the "Mommy to Bee" and my newest nephew

Branson who could be here any day now! I cannot wait to meet you Branson Todd Stephens!

 

 

 I was going to write about Megan's graduation party but this post ended up being longer than I expected so I will save that for tomorrow!

 

To Be Continued.....