16 week baby bump (#2)

so here is my very much 16-weeks-pregnant baby bump, although this dress is magical, so you really can't tell that i already look way more pregnant compared to my first pregnancy. that's normal, i hear, but still alarming when suddenly all of your clothes don't fit anymore and you're barely out of first trimester! i bought very few maternity clothes last time, because it took forever for that baby to show, but this time i don't think that's going to fly. good thing i had this dress in the back of my closet. it didn't really fit pre-pregnancy size, but i couldn't get rid of it, because it's such a happy color. and turns out, it's magical, too, so that worked out.

technically i will be 17 weeks tomorrow, and this photo is from last saturday, so in all honesty, that bump has probably doubled in size. i'm choosing to see this as a good thing, because that means that i look legitimately pregnant and not just like i had one too many chicken biscuits (which is also true. neither of my babies have craved salads or quinoa in utero. what can i say, but darn, right?;).

so apparently we have only 5 months left of pregnancy. when i read that today on my pregnancy app, i was a little shocked, because it seems like it just happened. but then i remembered how sloooowwwllly that second half of pregnancy went by last time, so i'm not too worried.

i've been feeling a little bit back to normal recently, so emotionally, things are really looking up. i'm even excited to be a stay-at-home mom again! and this week, i've been treasuring up all the time i have left with my only child. only 5 more months with just him and me! although i've always, always wanted a big family, and i adore the thought of a huge brood, there is also something kind of sweet and magical about only children, don't you think? the one on one time they get with their parents and vice versa! it's my mission to fully enjoy these last five months of just my toddler and me. we really get a long swell together, so it shouldn't be too hard.

next year...

we are going to be a family of four! obviously, we're beyond thrilled, but i'm not going to lie, right now the thought of two kids is a bit daunting. two kids! that's like a legitimate family right there. but if this next baby is anything like the heart-stealer that that little boy up there is (and he/she will be! duh!), we are more than ready! mama, papa, and wilder can't wait to meet you, baby grace #2!

All My Favorite Baby Stuff for the First Three Months

a friend of mine asked me recently about my favorite baby products. i am by no means an expert on these things, and i firmly believe that everyone's ultimate baby list really depends on their family/situation/environment/baby/personal style, etc. but when i was pregnant i loved looking at other people's lists (this one and this one were great) to get an idea of what i might need.

so, i thought i'd put together my own list of the 50 (or so) baby products you might need for the first three months. i've broken it down to what i had to have, what was really nice to have and what i haven't really used (yet) but could be important. since it's only for the first three months, i haven't included things like high chairs, baby proofing apparatus, etc.



WHAT YOU HAVE TO HAVE (if you're like me):

Gear

1. obviously the one thing you have to have to take your baby home in a car is an infant carseat. we got the chicco keyfit 30 and it works fine (although my baby is not fond of being in it), but next time i would consider getting one that converts to forward facing for when baby gets bigger.

2. baby carrier. we have the moby and the baby bjorn. the bjorn is easier to put on, can be used longer and the husband likes it too.

3. baby swing/seat so you can get stuff done during baby's awake times! we bought a cheap one at target or you could get one used.

4. my stroller came with a bassinet that was perfect for having him with me in other parts of the house while i got something to eat or took a shower. the only thing about this stroller is that it doesn't turn easily enough***. if you're active, you might want to look into this stroller. also, get a stroller adaptor that fits your carseat. ***edit: we have since figured out how to unlock the wheels (head slap!) so actually we love this stroller and find that it turns wonderfully well when you have the wheels unlocked. ;) 

Clothing

5. infant long-sleeved shirts with fold over tops for tiny little fingernails. it was nice that the hospital provided a few of these because shirts are better than onesies since they don't irritate the cord stump as much. also, tiny little newborn pants. you might want 6-12 of these depending on how often you want to do laundry (babies are messy!). also: 8-12 onesies (0-3 months), 4-6 pants (0-3 months), socks, mittens.


Sleep

6. swaddles. i used SwaddleMe at first. you'll want two packs because there are numerous blowouts in the beginning. now i LOVE the truewomb swaddle, and i only need one because he doesn't blow out at night anymore.

7. a bassinet to keep baby near you at night. we like this one. (plus a mattress, mattress pad and sheets)

8. a sound machine. we got the travel sleep sheep which is perfectly sized for throwing into a bag; however i hate that it turns off after 45 minutes.

9. a fan. adds an extra noise buffer to the room and keeps air circulating which is linked to increased infant safety while sleeping.

10. an awesome baby monitor. probably the most important thing after the swaddle for baby's sleep/mom's peace of mind.

11. a nightlight. you'll want to be able to look over and check on baby during those first few weeks at home without waking him up. also, really handy for nighttime feedings when you want to keep things quiet and boring so he goes back to sleep easily.

Nursing

12. lanolin for sore nipples. the hospital might provide a tube. i went through at least four tubes before i stopped using it. i also really recommend Dr. Brown's All Purpose Nipple Ointment if breastfeeding continues to be painful after the first week or so. you need a prescription from your doctor or midwife and the pharmacy will have to prepare the compound for you.

13. a million disposable breast pads. even if you don't leak, the lanolin will stain your clothing so you need a pad for protection. i don't recommend the washable ones because you will go through literally a gazillion in the beginning so it's not worth it. and, if you're like me, you won't leak after the first month so you will eventually stop needing them at all. i went through maybe 15 boxes? you can buy lanolin and pads at target in a pinch but they are cheaper on amazon.

14. a breast pump. after a month of pain, i pumped every other feed for a whole weekend to give my nipples time to heal, and it worked like a charm. $200 well spent. and if you exclusively breastfeed, you'll want to send your baby with breastmilk if you ever need a babysitter, even if it's just for a few hours.

15. this nursing bra (you'll want three) is pretty comfy, though the removable pads are a little ill-fitting sometimes. a sleep bra is also nice to have.

16. burp cloths. these work great for us.

Postpartum Relief

17. pads or panty liners for the first 6-8 weeks of bleeding postpartum. it's just the name of the game. ibuprofen, witch's hazel, and epsom salt also help with healing.


Diapering

18. disposable newborn diapers with cut out for cord stump. (p.s. babies go through 10-15 diapers a day in the beginning!)

19. wipes

20. this diaper pail is great for disposable (keeps the odors in). but the opening is too small for cloth diapers. here's a pail i like for cloth, and more carbon filters. a pail liner, if you're going to cloth diaper. and while we're on the subject: cloth diapers. diaper sprayer. sprayer shield. diaper detergent.  drying rack. 

21. changing pad

22. changing pad cover

23. changing pad liners (trust me on this and get atleast two packs)


Health

24. baby tylenol/ibuprofen (ask your pediatrician. ours recommended ibuprofen versus tylenol)

25. thermometer

26. hand sanitizer


Bathing/Grooming

27. baby nail clippers

28. baby shampoo and lotion

29. baby bathtub

30. baby washcloths

31. infant hooded towel

32. baby brush


Soothing

33. we never bought a rocking chair and instead used an exercise ball to bounce baby during those first 6 weeks of evening fussiness. it also helped to put him back to sleep at night. 

WHAT IS REALLY NICE TO HAVE:

34. a breastfeeding pillow is really nice for the beginning when breastfeeding is difficult. My Brest Friend was better support but the Boppy was more convenient.

35. we love this travel crib. it's lighter and easier to assemble than a pack and play. it's great if you need to take him to a babysitter while you go out or if you want him to nap while you're visiting a friend.

36. wipes warmer. soothing for middle of the night changes. you'll need more inserts eventually.

37. these linen blankets are so, so nice and very handy. i use it as a sheet, a nursing cover, a car seat cover, a wrap, a blanket and a burp cloth!

38. a nice diaper bag. i love this one though it's really big. bonus: it comes with a changing pad. 

39. a wet bag to throw in your diaper bag for stashing dirty clothes or diapers. it's washable, but i wish it were larger.

40. sun shades for the car

41. books, soft rattles, colorful teething links, high contrast picture cards, and other toys for baby to look at and hold.

42. bibs to catch all that drool.



WHAT COULD BE IMPORTANT (though I haven't really used them much yet)

43. pacifiers. my baby generally doesn't take one, but every baby is different and sucking is an important calming reflex for a baby. you can also try different kinds.

44. diaper rash creme

45. snot sucker and saline drops for little stuffed noses

46. humidifier

47. bottles (you do at least need a nipple for the bottles that come with the ameda breast pump)

48. bottle brush cleaner

49. teething toys. this one is so cute and made of all natural material so it's safe for baby to chew on.

50. all-natural sunscreen. it's not recommended to use sunscreen on a baby before 6 months, but ask your pediatrician.

51. gripe water and/or gas drops. my pediatrician recommended this, but i haven't tried it.



well, that was fun. hope it's helpful! and i'd love to hear of anything i missed that you thought was useful in the comments!

while you were sleeping in my tummy

today one of our friends came to take these beautiful photos of us before this baby bump turns into a baby. i think it was one of the most fun mornings i've spent with loverboy, ever. we had so much fun being cheesy and in love and were blown away by the photos. these are just a few of my favorites. thank you, chelsea, most awesomest friend!

the last week (maybe)

 

at 39 weeks...

...my belly button hasn't popped out yet. loverboy says that's how we'll know it's "done." he also says the baby is in the bun, though, so i've stopped listening to his medical knowledge;)

...the laundry is done, the crib is put together, the car seat is installed and our bags are packed! i think that means we're ready?

...i had my last day of work yesterday. it feels amazing to be at home, but i dont have any nesting instinct because everything is already done. or as done as i'm going to get it for now.

...i'm still debating — to encapsulate the placenta or not? what did you do?

...these braces are not coming off in time, so i'm going to look like a teenage mom at the hospital :(

...i keep waking up in the middle of the night wondering if i'm in labor. or not being able to sleep and hoping i don't go into labor until i've had a full night's rest. you hear that baby?

...i also keep imagining horrible things happening to baby, myself or loverboy. i hope this isn't a preview of the rest of parenthood.

...i'm thinking i should probably get around to reading some of the parenting books that have been on my nightstand for the last 9 months. but for some reason, it's much easier to prepare for labor than parenting. i think there's less trepidation and potential guilt involved.

...i'm so glad i haven't been sitting around waiting at home for the last 9 months, even though working a new job while pregnant was super hard.

...i think about donuts and grapefruit juice constantly. i don't know why there aren't any in this house!

...everyone keeps asking if there are any signs that i'm about to go into labor. well, my belly has really started itching like crazy. but that's probably just a sign that i'm about to get stretch marks. :(

...also, there ain't NO more room in this body!

...i'm so excited! let's get this party started!