I have a lot to catch up on, but I've been thinking a lot about my favorite baby products-- and how much they have changed this go around.
I've had entirely different experiences with my two babies. They probably all revolve around the fact that I didn't really breastfeed the first go around, and this time, I am.
I'll just start with numero uno.
1. This magical little cream called All Purpose Nipple Ointment. Yup, I said it. Nipple Ointment. You're blushing, aren't ya? I won't go into details, but there were a few days there that I would just cry every time I fed Collier. Nursing hurts. People make you think that if you are doing it right, it doesn't hurt. That's not true. In extreme cases, like mine, it hurts reaaaaaaaaaal bad. And this stuff helps.
2. Nummmmero dos. The Medela Freestyle Hands Free Breast Pump.
Now... this little lady ain't cheap. BUT, it's hands free... AND rechargeable. I can't tell you how handy this thing is. It's about the size of a pop tart. I freaking love it.
I've actually stopped nursing-- I'm exclusively pumping... {btw, I hit 12 WEEKS YESTERDAY!!}
Can you tell I'm proud of myself?? I only made it 6 weeks with Chaps and I was supplementing after two weeks. I'd be lying if I told you that I enjoy pumping, but it's working and I'm not quitting anytime soon. This pump makes it as enjoyable as possible. I've pumped all over this dang city...
3. THE NAP NANNY.
Holy Moly. We think our little guy may have reflux because he will consistently sleep through the night (and has been for a little while) if he is sleeping on an incline. For the longest time we let him sleep in his carseat because he loved it, and slept so soundly there. Well, a couple weeks ago we tried to get him to sleep on his back. That didn't work out so well folks. He wakes up uncomfortable every 3 hours. No fun for anyone. MiMi bought this contraption for us and it works like a charm. It's not to be used in the crib, only on the floor. Little man currently sleeps about a foot from my face on the floor in his nap nanny and we are all sleeping. This makes for a happy fam. I'm dreading the day I have to break the habit and put him in the crib... but for now I'm just going to enjoy what we've got going. I keep telling myself that Chappell didn't sleep in her crib until her 4 month birthday, and she's a great sleeper-- so we have time, right? He won't be officially 3 months until April 11th.
4. Summer Infant Swaddlers!
We didn't swaddle Chappell. It made her mad and we just gave up. Boy were we dumb. Swaddling is the best thing ever. Once the baby gets used to it, I swear it buys you hours of sleep. They don't startle themselves. Nuff said.
5. Summer Infant Monitor-- This is the only thing that was on both of my "favorite" lists. I use this at nap time. This has been the best investment I've made thus far as a parent. It helped us through every stage with Chappell-- from infancy, to making the move to her big girl bed. Only now do I feel comfortable using a sound-only monitor with her. Kind of perfect timing-- the video monitor has been handed down to C-man. I thought about getting a new digital one, with multiple cameras... but this seems to be working just fine for now.
6. Double Jogger. Thank you Windsey for telling me which jogger to buy. At 133 bucks-- this baby is cheap. And works just dandy I might add. Reed and I have enjoyed a few booze strolls already with this monstrosity. Kiddddding... well, sort of. We actually do like to stroll while sipping on lovely Abita Strawberries this time of year...
The only con to this stroller is that it is ridiculously heavy. I don't know if all joggers are... but I was surprised.
7. Aden + Anais blankets. Love them.
8. Fenugreek --- Herb that helps you make more milk. Pretty sweet. Only con, you smell like syrup. But there are many worse things you could smell like...
I think that's it for now. My grammar is horrendous. Sorry bout that. No time to proof read :)
