My Top 10 Baby Product Picks (4 Kids Later)

8 and a half years ago, Nate and I were excitedly registering for our first baby. Scanning all of the cute items was super fun and we picturing our brand new baby using them was even more exciting. After 4 kids, I've learned what I love, completely simplified and thought I would share some of my favorite baby products with you all! I've never been one for baby accessories taking over the house, so most of what I use is a smaller version. Again, anything that simplifies clutter is right up my alley! I've included links to all products, so while they may not be exactly what I use they will be something similar.

1) My Solly Baby wrap
 Nate bought me this for Christmas this year and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Can't talk enough about it. I mostly used a piece of jersey knit material for the other boys, and this is just so much better. Pricey, yes, but worth it to me. It's super soft and stretchy yet strong. Plus I love all the of the color options! (He got a 20% off coupon on black Friday--just a tip!)

2) Snap and Go Stroller
 I don't actually own one, but have borrowed from other people and it's compact and light. This is perfect for popping the infant carseat in and going, rather than using a bulkier travel system. I mostly wear my infants now when we're out and about, but for the times you want them in the carseat, this is perfect!

3) The Bumbo Seat
 To be honest, I'm not totally sold on this yet, because at 6 months he totally dives out of it. However I'm sure if I purchase the tray (I got the seat at a thrift store) I will be sold, because it will keep him confined and allow him to sit and watch everyone.

4) Covered Goods Nursing Cover
 For years, nursing in public has always been a bit tricky. If there is a breeze, up flies the cover. If using a blanket, baby could just pull it off at anytime. No fun! I fell in love with this cover the first time I used it. Full coverage, thin, stretchy and super cute prints that blend right in with your clothes! Again, a little pricey, but if you're on the go like me a lot, worth it!

5) Chicco Umbrella Stroller
 I said goodbye to the travel system by baby 3. For me, it was just too bulky and too much to tote around and I don't plan on using the stroller/carseat combo ever again. I purchased this chicco stroller off craigslist and have used it since he was a few weeks old. I put a head support (from the carseat) in and reclined it and it made it soooo much easier to maneuver around shopping centers, and everywhere really, with 3 other kids in tow
 (I also LOVE my double jogger and would recommend to anyone with more than 1 kid. Even if you don't jog, anytime we go on walks we use it and it's almost effortless to push 2 kids around, and we've often stuck a third in there with no problems)

6) Portable Baby Swing
 I've never actually owned a full size swing, but in my opinion this works just as great as a big one except better because you can move it around. I can't tell you how many times I carried the swing into separate rooms around the house so I could get things done while baby played contentedly!

7) Homemade Pacifier Clips (he's wearing one above)
 A friend purchased some for me from the linked shop, and I LOVE them! We keep track of paci's so much better now. Not sure why I never used them before. Plus the prints are super cute!

8) Swaddling Blankets and here
 Total lifesaver! Nicolas was born in the dead of summer so it was hot. Light and airy swaddlers allowed him to be snuggled up tight without over heating. I purchased these at a thrift store as well, so keep your eye out! The second link are the velcro swaddlers which I love for when they are teeny tiny. After that, baby starts to break free. ;)

9) Mini Pac and Play
 My babies can easily sleep in a mini pac and play until they are 2 years old. So many times I've been so happy to have a mini one when we've stayed at people's homes or in a hotel, because they can usually fit in the closet, giving them the quietness they need to stay asleep. I love that it has the bassinet feature, so you can use it from the time they are born.

10) Portable Highchair
 Again--simplifying and less clutter! I had a normal sized high chair for Brooke and it always annoyed me because it was in the way. A mini one that sat on the chair at the table just worked so much better for us! I sold our other one before we moved so I'm planning on buying a new one soon because I think baby is ready for food. ;)

What are some of your favorite baby products?

Daily Moments ~ Late Summer Edition

Right now the kids are sitting at the table with my Mom, eating warm cookies and milk and doing crafts. She's here until after I have the baby, which could be any day, and I'm already so much more relaxed with her here. She took the kids for dates today and they each came home with a special gifts and stories of vanilla ice cream cones and french fries. Meanwhile, I took a nap, made dinner and straightened up the house a little. Just having her here makes my life a thousand times easier and more relaxing. (Mom, want to stay forever?!)

 This summer has been super. Honestly, we have done just the right amount of little things over the weeks and enjoyed it to the fullest. I am relishing this time with my babies who are at such precious, fun ages. We have a few weeks before school starts and I think by then I will be just about ready!

Summer Moments:

Ice cream picnic and movie night--the kids loved this!

Got a Groupon for our local Children's Museum. The kids could spend all day there!

Miniature Bowling...so much fun!

Ball: $2.00. Look on his face: Priceless.

"Mommy, I'm pregnant." Bounce bounce bounce. He's been watching Mommy a lot this month ;)

A much needed few hours out alone for last minute baby shopping

Patiently waiting for their bedtime story

Date night selfie gone wrong ;)

My diligent little helper sorting socks

Yogurt Lover

Yesterday I had my 39 week appointment. Pretty hard to believe--this pregnancy has flown by way too fast! I'm very ready to have this baby, but also relishing these weeks of our family of 5 and no 2am wake up calls. ;) My blood platelets dropped to a crazy low number at 36 weeks and I became a high risk patient, which was stressful. Visited a blood specialist, got a detailed u/s of our beautiful baby boy and talked about which OBGYN and hospital to switch to. However, thanks to many people praying for me, my counts came up drastically within a few days. It was truly a miracle and I will still be allowed to deliver at the birth center, which I am so relieved and excited about! God is so good! My counts, while still low, are within a safe range and have stayed stable for the last 2 weeks!

 I'm hoping that my next post will be a baby announcement (fingers crossed!) and I would really appreciate the prayers for a fast, safe, easy delivery with no complications. Yes, I said fast and easy--because what expectant Mom wouldn't want that? :)

 I hope you all are enjoying these last wonderful weeks of summer!

Baby #4, Week 17

The bathroom got a makeover this weekend!

How I'm feeling:
 Back pain at the end of busy days (or when I don't workout/stretch), headaches and generally no motivation to clean my house is how I'm feeling...but this is only some of the time and I am not complaining. 80% of the time I feel perfectly normal! I'm so blessed. I'm super excited to be so close to the halfway point!

Cravings?
 "No Fruit Left behind" policy still in affect. My Dr. has recommended a low carb/low sugar diet (which I'm sure I'll write about sometime soon) so I"m trying to be good. I ate 4 brownies yesterday, if that can tell you where I'm at with the whole "low sugar" thing. Yup. Calories don't count on the weekends though, right? Most days, though, I do "good".

 Belly News?
 I'm still waiting to pop, but enjoying slowly getting bigger each week. I've noticed a little more of a roundness this week!


What I'm looking forward to:
 Without a doubt, finding out if this is a boy or girl in the next few weeks. I'm guessing boy!

Baby #4, Week 15

 How I’m feeling:

 I am feeling awesome! It dawned on me yesterday—I’m not exhausted anymore! I think all pregnant women would agree—the second trimester is definitely the best! I had my appointment last week and I’m measuring 4 days ahead. Normally I measure behind at this point, but I’m sure that the fact that it’s my fourth baby explains the bigger measurements!  Headaches have started, but that’s all part of it!

Cravings?

Nothing new. Still loving fruit—especially green apples, which is a common theme in my pregnancies.

Belly News:

I haven’t changed much! Sometimes I feel like I won't ever get bigger, but I know I need to enjoy the time that I’m feeling good, getting out of bed without the help of a crane effort and bending down without grunting. My skin will be stretched to the max before I know it J

 What I’m looking forward to:

Nothing in particular this week—just loving and enjoying each day with my babies.

**I'm about a week behind right now--I'll be 16 weeks tomorrow! Time is flying!**

Full Hands and Full Heart

Nathan has had a few great nights, and a few not so great nights. I'm a lot more lenient now than I was with number one--holding more, snuggling more, and knowing that I probably won't spoil a newborn by holding him too much. Other than the few rough nights, he's been very easy and content. When he's awake he'll just lay there looking around and it's not long before I have to pick him up and kiss his cheeks! Nursing is going well, my easiest one yet! He eats every 2-3 hours and usually needs a little extra after he's done, just like Joey did. Something about those little boys--they are eating machines!

Nate was able to be home a lot for the first week, which he's not been able to do before. (I've always had help from my family so there was no need for him to take off, however this time, he was able to work home). It was so nice to have him around and I know it provided a little stability for Joey when he was being a little emotional about everything. He's taken the baby for me a few times at 4 or 5 am after a long night and calmed him down and at that point, I can't think of anything sweeter! :)

For the Sunday I was in the hospital, and next Sunday I was home, we were able to watch the services at my dad's church. It was such a blessing to be able to have church while resting at home, and Nathan loves hearing his Poppy preach. :)

My recovery is going well, simply because my Mom is here doing absolutely everything while I take care of me and the baby. I've said it over and over, but I don't know what I would do without her at this point in my life. Adjusting to three kids in the house has been easy so far because of her. I'll admit I'm a little nervous about her leaving and how I'll handle everything then, but hopefully we'll just ease into life that feels normal.

My weight has come off a lot faster than the others did which is surprising but awesome! By the end of week one, I only had 11 pounds left to lose! Apparently, having a big baby is the best weight loss program ever. :) I'm looking forward to when I can start working out again, taking the kids for walks and just generally be a little more active than I am right now. :)

Well, I think that's all the updates for now. We are doing really well, and every day I realize how truly blessed I am. My hands are full but so is my heart.

 I hope you all are having a great week!

Ten Days

In 10 days I'll be a mommy of 3. I already feel like a mommy of 3, because who can forget the enormous belly sticking out, but in 10 days my arms and heart will be filled with three precious children.

 My first labor was 6 hours, and my second an hour and a half. We live 40 minutes from the hospital, and that's without traffic. At most any given time here, you could sit in horrible traffic for a few hours--morning or evening rush hours last for 3-4 hours and accidents that back up the highway for miles are very common. That's just how it is here and there is no way around it.
 Because of this, my Dr., husband and I have decided that it would be best to be induced so that I do not risk having a baby in the car. My cervix is very favorable at this point (don't you love my medically advanced terms?) and has been since 36 weeks, so Lord willing my body will go right into active labor. Thankfully, they will break my water and not start with pitocin so I have the chance to go into labor on my own. This was done with Brooklynne and within a half hour I had started strong contractions.

 I've never actually experienced the long hours of the first stages of labor. Mine goes on over weeks and when I do actually go into labor, it's fast and furious right away. Because of this, I don't feel that my recoveries are the best (maybe the babies come too fast?) but I am prepared this time with no ministries or photo shoots for close to 2 months and, most important, my Mom being here for 3 weeks when the baby is born. This will be a huge help in letting me not only rest and recover, but just enjoy my baby without feeling the pressure and rush to get back into our very busy lifestyle.
 I cannot tell you how excited I am to have this time to cuddle with my new baby, spend time with my 2 older ones as well as they adjust to having a new little one in the house, as well as spend time with my Mom! Newborns grow SO fast and I don't want to miss that precious tiny stage.

 Because I've gone through labor before and I know what to expect, I am starting to get a little nervous about the whole process. I've done 2 completely natural, and really loved that I did it that way, but always had the option of pain meds in case I wanted it. This time, my platelets are very low so an epidural is pretty much out of the question. I know I can do it without it but not having the option makes it a little scarier. I am so thankful for youtube and the hundreds of videos that have helped refresh my memory of breathing techniques and helpful "counter pressure" that my husband can give me. Of course the fact that we've been hysterically laughing while we are trying to practice doesn't help-HA!-but I just hope we can remember what to do when the time comes! :)

 Anyway, this has turned into somewhat of a ramble, but I just wanted to give you all an update. Unless I go into labor on my own before February 28th, I will have my little boy in my arms sometime that day. I could not be more thrilled! Thanks for those who have offered to pray for me, and I'll do my best to keep you all posted when the time comes!

Baby #3, Month 9!

Wow. I really cannot believe that I am posting my last post for this pregnancy! It really has gone by very fast and even though I have 4 weeks until my due date, we are so busy and have a lot planned, I know it will go very fast!

I put these together to show comparison of being pregnant with Joe, and now this one...I think I'm a little bigger this time around! I don't know how big this baby is but I hope he's not huge! :) Brookie was 6.15, Joe was 7.8 and I hope this one isn't too much bigger than that.

Rolling over in bed is a monumental task, bathroom trips are every hour to 2 hours at night, my back aches, my feet ache and my shins ache (?--maybe from working out?) so I know that the end is very near and I won't have to feel like this too much longer! :) This week I've had some sort of flu, which I'm having a hard time getting over. I'm just glad to have it now and get it out of the way before the baby comes!

 I'm dilated to almost 3cm again, but not effaced at all. I'm not thinking that I will go 2 weeks early like I did last time, but hey if it does happen, I'll take it! :) My Mom comes right before I'm 39 weeks so anytime after that will be wonderful! She was there for Booklynne's birth and I loved having her support, knowledge and experience in the room with me, so I really hope it works out this time as well.

 Now that it's "countdown time", the "nesting" has set in and I'll be getting baby clothes ready, packing for the hospital, cleaning my house from top to bottom, etc over the next few weeks.

 I would appreciate your prayers for a safe, easy delivery and a healthy baby! :) Thank you!

Baby #3, Months 7 & 8!

Once again, I've gotten a little behind in pregnancy updates, so I'm posting 2 months in 1. :)

Month 7

28.5 weeks :)

At my 28 week glucose test I tested positive for gestational diabetes, but it's pretty common to get a false positive after the one hour test. I knew this was probably the case since I was only about 3 points over, but of course I had to test again. Since I was going out of town I had to prick my finger, read my sugar levels and record them 4 times a day for a week. This happened to be over Christmas week so I was eating more sugar than normal and I never once was high. Sometimes I was even a little lower than the "normal" range! Praise the Lord everything was normal! I grew a lot in month 7, and right around 30 weeks started noticing Braxton Hicks pretty often. I get so happy each time I have one because I know my body is preparing and practicing to get that baby out. :)

Month 8

32.5 weeks

I officially.feel.huge. :) Although I've measured 2 weeks behind for the last few months, I still feel like I'm a lot bigger than I usually am. I'm hoping that the fact that I'm measuring small might mean I'll have a small baby, but by the looks of me I can't be so sure. ;)

I'm still feeling great, besides the normal sore feet/tiredness. (I'm sure staying up until 1am doesn't help that). One thing I'm SO thankful for is that my back has not hurt more than it normally does. Two years ago at this time I was in excruciating pain with a herniated disk and the fact that I can still function like normal and even exercise on an almost daily basis at 8 months pregnant is truly a gift from God that I do not take for granted. 

Nothing else has changed much since last month, other than braxton hicks becoming occasionally crampy (which my Dr. said is fine, as long as it's not regular) and this also makes me happy to know that my body is preparing to get this baby out in a month and a half or so. The more prep it does now, the easier it will be later! :) Or at least I hope so!

Until next month...

Baby #3, Month 5 & 6!

Month 5 is always an exciting month for me--20 weeks is halfway and a big milestone! It's also the time that my belly really starts popping, I start wearing maternity almost full time and I actually LOOK pregnant! :)

20 Weeks

As you know from  this post, , we found out in a very fun way that we were having a boy! it was very unexpected as I thought for sure it was a girl--and had convinced everyone else of the same thing! :)

My whole family got to be here for it which was so special to me--and even though it took a little while, I am very excited about another little boy entering our family in a few months. :)

MONTH 6!

Now I am really starting to "feel" pregnant. My belly is getting in the way of everyday chores (like holding laundry baskets) :), it's harder to roll over in bed (although I'm still sleeping great!) and I have the "oh my word, I'm HUGE" days. However, I'm not complaining one bit! I love being pregnant, love feeling my baby move inside me, love fun maternity outfits and feel so blessed that God has chosen to give me yet another child to raise and nurture for his glory. Boys scare me, because I wonder how I'll know when I need to step out of my role as Mom and let them be men, but I'm thankful for a wonderful husband who is very wise. I have no doubt he'll be able to handle that when the time comes. :)

24.5 Weeks

Last week, Brookie really got to feel the baby move a lot. Usually she doesn't have the patience to sit and wait, but this time he was really moving a lot and she loved it. Joe is just way too impatient to try, although he does kiss my belly all the time. Sometimes I wonder how much the kids really grasp that there is really a baby in there, but soon it will be very real and they won't have to wonder any more!
 I'm 25 weeks tomorrow, so only 15 until my due date! I would, of course, love to go 2 weeks early again but I would never plan on it because you never know and I don't want to be disappointed. :) My Mom went anywhere from 8 days-3 weeks early, and one right on the due date, so all 9 of us were different and I'm sure I'll be the same way!
 Anyway, the weeks are just flying and I know it's going to get even faster with the holidays and how busy I'll be with photo shoots, travelling and shooting a wedding. So, until next time...!