New Mom Reading List

As a first time Mom, I felt inundated with reading materials, advice, and baby info!  I've narrowed down the best books/resources for New Moms to a list of FIVE.  Here are my favorites...

1.  The Happiest Baby on the Block

I started reading this book when I was about 35 weeks pregnant.  It helped me anticipate what was forthcoming, and I really felt prepared for Reed's "fussiness" because of this famous book!  Dr. Karp's book is easy to read and makes sense!  (No medical gibberish!)  Throughout the first few months of Reed's life, I found myself rereading portions of the book and looking things up to help my new baby.  This book has been called "the most important parenting book of the decade," and it is a MUST READ for all FTMs.  

2.  Baby 411

I love this book because it is divided into sections that are easy to navigate.  The question and answer format makes the book manageable and easy to digest in small bits.  When Reed was around two months, I sat down and read the "Sleep" section of the book in one sitting.  Baby boy made huge strides in his sleep patterns after I read the information in this book.  Bonus: The 6th edition of this book was just released!

3.  Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child

When I was in Labor & Delivery, the nurse that was taking care of me suggested reading this book.  My pediatrician also recommended this book at Reed's 3-month well visit.  I think the perfect time to read this book is when baby is 3 or 4 months old.  Most pediatricians and sleep experts don't recommend any kind of "sleep training" before this time.  The book is BIG and wordy.  In fact, I had to read it twice to really take it all in.  However, this book has contributed to Reed's healthy sleep patterns (10-13 hours per night).  Prepare yourself for an overwhelming amount of information, but I'm positive it will make a difference in baby's sleep habits.  

4.  The Wonder Weeks 

The Wonder Weeks is a book, but I would recommend the smart phone app!  The Wonder Weeks explains "mental leaps" that babies go through at certain periods in their development.  It's like a mental growth spurt.  The app explains these mental leaps in short snippets and helps new Moms know what to expect and anticipate.  Awesome app!  

5.  KellyMom website

KellyMom provides evidence-based research on breastfeeding and parenting.  The website and Facebook group have helped me successfully breastfeed baby boy for 6+ months (and still going!).  There are articles, Q&As, and most importantly, advice from experienced Mamas.  You can post questions to the secret Facebook group and get instant feedback from Moms, nurses, and lactation consultants around the world.  Free, fast, and convenient!  

I hope these five resources will help new Mamas out there!  

Happy 6 months to my baby bear!

Reed...The Sleep Expert!

What's New:  Last month I posted about the struggles we were having with Reed's sleep.  We were so blessed to meet Melissa from Newborn Nightingales.  Melissa is an RN, mommy to two, and sleep consultant.  I found Melissa around 3 a.m. on a particularly rough sleep night.  {Thanks, Google!}  Last week, Fox News came out to film a segment on infant sleep.  Fox filmed for almost 90 minutes, but the clip is pretty short.  Check it out below!

Melissa gave us lots of wonderful advice on helping Reed sleep more consistently at night and how to lengthen his cat naps.  She gave me a copy of a book called "Moms on Call" that has been a huge help.  Here is some of the advice I got from our consult...

--Close the blinds for naps.  

--Turn the white noise machine all the way up.  Use an adult white noise machine.  No waves or lullabies.  

--Lay baby down in crib drowsy but not asleep.  Otherwise, baby is relying on you to help fall asleep.  When they wake up , they expect to see you or be rocking/bouncing.  

--All of the aforementioned are helping baby develop sleep associations.  Babies like routine and consistency so the dark room, white noise, and crib are associated with sleep.

--Let baby stay in crib after they wake up from a nap to see if they will put themselves back to sleep.  (I'm guilty of running in to pick him up because he's so cute and happy after a nap.)   Let baby play in crib independently and/or put himself back to sleep.  

--The Moms on Call book has sample schedules for babies 4-6 months, 6-7 months, 8-10 months, 11 months, and 12-15 months.  It's helpful to see what a typical day should look like for most babes.  

I feel so blessed to have met Melissa from Newborn Nightingales.  God sent her to our family at just the right time!  If you need sleep advice, shoot Melissa an e-mail.  You won't regret it!  

Reed likes:  Playing at the park, being outside, going for jogs in the Bob, and practicing his rolls!

Happy Moment:  This week, cousins Greg and Rory were visiting from Wyoming, and Grandma is in town from Florida.  We took Reed to the Dallas World Aquarium, and he was in HEAVEN.  He didn't make a peep the whole two hours we were there.  He just enjoyed seeing all of the animals and exploring the rain forest and underwater adventure!

Struggles/Challenges:  Dare I say it...NONE.  We are totally in a sweet spot right now.  If you haven't read this blog post called "The Sweet Spot," please take a few minutes and read it.  Life is good.  Reed is so happy and so fun.  His days are filled with learning, love, milk, and hugs/kisses!  We are so very blessed.  I saw this on Pinterest the other day, and it really spoke to me...

Looking forward to:  Cooler weather...Seriously...Reed loves to be outside, but Mama hates the heat and humidity.  Come on fall!  I'm also looking forward to introducing solid foods to Reed sometime soon!  I'll post updates (and pictures) of the excitement!  :)  

Things You Didn't Know You Needed...

If you've read my last few posts, the theme is that babies need A LOT of stuff...Seriously...

There are a few essentials I never even knew I needed until I became a Mama!  Hopefully this post will help some new Mamas out there.  :)

1.  Changing Pad Covers/Liners

So everybody knows you need a changing pad and a cover for the changing pad.  But did you know that you need a COVER for the changing pad cover?  Well, YES you do.  It's super important.  I learned this on the first day home from the hospital.  We had just gotten home from the hospital, and I put Reed down on our brand new, darling, personalized Pottery Barn changing pad and he PEES all over it.  Needless to say, he has gone #1, #2, and #8 ALL OVER the changing pad cover on a regular basis.  So, yes, you NEED covers/liners for the changing pad covers.  Actually, go ahead and get 2 packs.

2.  Extra Long iPhone Charger
During the first 3 months of Reed's life, I spent an average of six hours per day in the glider nursing my sweet baby.  My phone went dead FAST playing Candy Crush and checking Facebook.  Invest in a nice, super long iPhone cord to keep your mobile device charged up!

3.  Burp Cloths...TONS of them

Fortunately, I got bunches of adorable, personalized burp cloths at my baby showers.  I remember thinking to myself, "why do I need so many of these 'little towels'?"  Well, it turns out that babies spit up A LOT.  Therefore, you need tons of burp cloths.  All shapes and sizes are a good idea!  Here are a few of my faves:
-Aden & Anais Bamboo Burpy Bibs
-Personalized Etsy burp cloths
-Homemade Burp cloths!

4.  Exercise Ball 

It's not for crunches anymore...Baby boy LOVES to bounce.  We bounce on the ball to calm him down or get him to fall asleep at night.  It works miracles!  Also, if I need to talk on the phone, I'll bounce while talking, and Reed is perfectly happy.  Nursing and bouncing is his all time favorite.  :)

5.  Desitin

We got lots of Desitin at the baby shower.  I never realized you use Desitin EVERY TIME you change baby's diaper.  Yep.  It's not to "cure" diaper rash...It's to PREVENT diaper rash.  Who knew?

This is a very random list, I know...However, I hope it helps you as you prepare for little one or buy a baby shower gift!  Happy shopping!

Please tell...what item didn't you know you needed?  I'd love to add it to my list?  Add a comment or e-mail me at lizpledger85@gmail.com, and let me know what surprising item needs to be added to this list! :)

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Top 5 Baby Essentials

Anyone that knows me knows that I LOVE to shop.  I particularly love to shop on AMAZON.  You can't beat FREE two-day shipping.  Half the time my purchases come overnight.  That makes my Mama heart happy!  {Please note: J.J. usually supports my Amazon habit.}  With all that being said, I buy A LOT of baby stuff on Amazon.  Since Reed has been born, I've bought at least one million baby things.  Anything that MIGHT work, I buy.  {Please note: J.J. does not like this so much...}  

I thought it would be fun to create a list of BABY ESSENTIALS for all of my girlfriends who are having babies in the near future.  These are the goodies you and your baby MUST have in my opinion.  I'll give a little commentary for each.  :)  

1. Fisher Price Rock and Play Sleeper

We've used this since Day 1.  It doesn't really DO anything, but it props Reed up at just the right angle, and he is content to sit in it.  In the very beginning, he also napped in it regularly.  At four months, he still hangs out in it every morning.  It collapses so it will be easy to store as well.  The price is just right, and there are lots of cute color options available.  

2.  Fisher Price Kick and Play Piano

Reed won't bounce or swing in those fancy swings that most babies like.  However, he LOVES his Kick 'n Play Piano like none other.  He is literally out of breath when he is done playing.  It's the toy that keeps his attention the longest.  Good exercise too!  Check out the little man in action...

Every baby is different, so my best advice is to BORROW a swing/bouncer/gym from a friend to see if your little one will enjoy it before spending a bunch of money.  :)  

3.  Medela Freestyle Pump 

If you plan to breastfeed, then you need a GREAT pump.  I think this breast pump has helped me continue to successfully breastfeed Reed.  I nurse Reed the majority of the time, but I pump every night when he goes to sleep.  It allows me to have milk in the fridge so we can have a babysitter, or I can have a few glasses of vino.  This pump is expensive but it's worth every penny.

4.  Swaddle Blankets

We probably have at least one swaddle blanket from every brand.  However, our two favorites are The Miracle Blanket and The Woombie.  In fact, we double swaddle Reed.  We get him all snugly in the Miracle Blanket and then zip him up in the Woombie!  No chance he can break free.  Swaddle blankets can get expensive so you may want to borrow various brands from a friend to see which kind/size your little one likes.  

5. White Noise

Reed's favorite soothing white noise is the sound of a HAIR DRYER.  We happen to find this CD from best selling author Dr. Harvey Karp.  The "hair dryer song" is the first track on the CD, and it is miraculous.  It INSTANTLY calms baby boy.  He generally still goes to sleep listening to the sound of the hair dryer.  We joke that he will be 18 years old listening to this hair dryer "song."   Do whatever works, right?  You can buy the CD or download it digitally.  

Baby stuff can get expensive so borrow and share what you can!  :)  

Well, hello again!

So the last time I posted was April 20th...That was two days before Baby Reed was born.  Needless to say, the past four+ months have been a WHIRLWIND.  It's hard to even fathom that my baby is so big already!

  

 

 

 

I've really missed blogging over the past four months, and I'm going to try to find a way to write each week.  It's a creative outlet and good for my mommy brain!  :)  

When I was preggers, I did weekly updates in a survey form.  I'm going to attempt something like that starting this week/month.  Hope you enjoy reading!

What's New:  At this point, every single day is new and different!  Reed is taking five naps a day (20-40 minutes each).  He is getting really good at reaching, grasping, and grabbing toys.  Rolling over is NBD for the Reedster.  His smile and laugh light up the room.  These moments bring Mommy and Daddy so much joy and excitement.  George Strait sings a song with the lyrics..."bright as the light in a baby's smile"...These words mean SO MUCH to me now that I have a baby of my own.  His smile is truly a gift from the Lord.  

Reed likes:  Mama's milk, smiling, kicking, checking himself out in the mirror

Happy Moment:  Back2School is the busiest time of year for my little business over at TheHappyTeacher.  I set a HUGE goal for August, and I met my goal today{barely}!  WooHoo!  I like being able to contribute to the family while staying at home with baby boy.   

Struggles/Challenges:  Sleep.  UGH.  The 4-month sleep regression is REALLY killing us.  Reed was sleeping 8-11 hours a night from 9 weeks-16 weeks and then suddenly he decided he'd rather wake up several times throughout the night.  J.J. and I have been reading, researching, and discussing the best way to help baby boy sleep through the night again.  On Monday, we are going to attempt the "extinction" method proposed by Dr. Weissbluth in his book, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child.  If you are reading this, please say a prayer for our little family.  It's going to be very hard, but hopefully it will help EVERYONE get a little more sleep.  

Looking forward to:  Cooler weather and Grandma Campbell's visit to Dallas in late September. 

So glad to be blogging again!  Promise to write again soon!  :)  

Creative Baby Announcements by Rachael McAdams

Please help me welcome guest blogger, Rachael McAdams!  

Rachael is new to the SAHM community, but she has been a writer for years. Rachael enjoys writing about various subjects, and especially enjoys providing advice to new moms. If you'd like to follow Rachael, you can find her at @livealittleNYC.  Check out Rachel's Pinterest boards here!

Creative Birth Announcements

We’ve all received birth announcements over the years from family and friends as they share their new baby with the world. When you receive them, you often use words like “cute” or “adorable,” but not often do you use the words “creative” or “unique” when you see them. Here are some ways to make your birth announcements truly worthy of the words “creative” and “unique.”

Use Icons

Thanks to the Internet and all things technology, we are all familiar with icons and infographics. Well, what about using icons for as part of your birth announcement? I know there are a lot of online stationery stores to choose from when purchasing a birth announcement, but I especially like Tiny Prints’ birth announcements that use icons to easily convey all the important information about your baby’s statistics. You can order a sample to ensure your card is easy to read and the photo is clear!

Get Ready for Close Ups!

Another creative way to show off your new baby is through the use of close-up photography. Take shots of your new baby’s fingers, toes, and earlobes to start. Use each close-up on the birth announcement as a way to introduce your baby to your family and friends. Finally, include one photo of your baby’s beautiful face.

Incorporate Your Geo-Location or your Alma Mater

How about you show off your love of your state, team, or college along with your new baby!  Take a photo of your newly expanded family in your local park or using the city skyline as a backdrop. For example, if you are from New York, you can put them in an “I love NY” onsie from the NYC Factory. Live near the ocean? Take announcement photos on the beach and accessorize your baby in sunglasses and a straw hat! You could even get one from your college and show off the love of your alma mater. Fanatics.com has official collegiate baby outfits from over 500 different colleges. If you want to share your dedication to your favorite team, check out the official league site for baby items.

Show Off the Generations

Do you have a special baby hat or blanket that has been passed down from generation to generation? Use that as part of your birth announcement! Take out an old photo of you as an infant with that special toy or blanket. Then take a photo of your new baby with that same item; perhaps in a similar pose. Then include both photos in your announcement! You will not only be passing something special down to your baby, but you will be starting a tradition your baby can carry on when that they have babies of their own!

Birthday + Holiday

Was your baby born close to a holiday? How about incorporating that holiday into your baby’s birth announcement? Was your baby born close to Independence Day? Osh Kosh B’gosh has adorable baby outfits for Independence Day. How about dressing up your baby like Uncle Sam? Was your baby born around Christmas? How about using a Santa hat in your photos? Think about the holiday that occurs near your baby’s birth date and see if there is a way to bring the two together.

These are just a few possibilities to make your baby announcements worthy of the words “unique” and “creative.” Remember that these will be kept and shared for decades to come so make sure your baby’s announcement will most of all show your love for your new little bundle. 

Motivational Posters

My sweet cousin, Abby, shared three bible verses with me to help me get through labor and delivery!  All three verses were so powerful that I decided I needed to bring them with me to the hospital.  I typed them up, added a cute border, and printed them on bright card stock.  I'm going to hang them in the L&D room where I can see them and be reminded of the Lord's love!

I've added them to my blog for all my friends who are pregnant and may need the same motivational words in their L&D room!  

Motivational Posters