Moms, In Need Of a Great Diaper Bag? The Skip Hop Versa Is on SALE!

Moms to be and moms looking for a GREAT diaper bag look no further because the Skip Hop Versa is it! I have this diaper bag and it trumps my 2 other diaper bags (one being an expensive Coach bag). Its super roomy, has lots of pockets and looks like a big purse which I love!

It also comes with a change pad and has a stroller attachment so you can hang it on your strollers handles. Its easy to clean and is also expandable.

Its regularly priced at about $84.00 but is on SALE right now at Amazon.ca for $59.99!!

Notes For First Time Moms To be From A First Time Mom Part 2

To read part 1 where I give you my notes on Pregnancy, Delivery & After the birth please click here or scroll down ;)

Part 2 is all about your first 3 months of mommyhood... again this is mainly based on my own findings, thoughts and experience.

ready? Here we go!

After you have the baby you may still be super swollen, have cankles, a pouch and your rings may not fit.... it will take a while but your body will even itself out. (in my case the swelling and weight went away after 1 week)

Getting discharged from the hospital at 10pm is NOT the best idea so try to see if you can leave earlier.

Its wise to install your car seat before you are even close to your due date just in case...

You will be slightly freaked out when placing your newborn in the car seat for the first time... Its totally different than the doll you practiced with.

Once you get home your first thoughts will be.... now what?!

All you will want to do is sleep but chances are you will spend all night (perhaps for the first week or 2) making sure your baby is breathing....

Before your baby arrives you may think getting up every 1-3hrs to feed will be the most annoying thing ever.... its annoying but you wont care because your motherly instinct to take care of your child will get you through it.

If your mother (or motherly figure, close friend or any family member for that matter) offers to come stay with you for the week say YES! Even if they are there to just hold the baby so you can eat or shower you will be SO thankful for the help.

SITS baths are helpful, needed and give you an excuse for some me time.

The Peri bottle they give you at the hospital will be your new best friend.

You may think your 7 pounder will fit newborn sized clothing because they are a good size... they will be swimming on them for a while to come.

The sleepers (or mittens) that cover the hands are a godsend for babies that love to scratch themselves

Have baby mittens so your baby wont scratch but they keep slipping off? Use baby socks instead ;)

You don't have to bath your newborn everyday at this stage

Newborn bedtime routine?... huh? 

If you plan on breastfeeding.. a good BF'ing pillow is a great thing!

Sometimes you wont know what the heck your baby wants or why they are fussing/crying and thats ok you are just getting used to each other

You and your baby WILL get to know each other in the first few weeks and things will seem a bit less foreign 

Having a few ready made or concentrate formula cans (go online for samples before your due date) at home even if you're planning to breast feed is a good idea because not all babies are BF'ing champs right away.

Same with bottles (make sure the nipples are stage 1) and newborn pacifiers don't hurt either if you want to introduce them.

Those freezer meals (or fresh cooked meals ppl bring over) really will come in handy in the first few weeks.

Everyone and their mom will want to come visit you and baby right away... pick and choose who will come visit and its ok if you need some time to adjust before you let the rest of the world in.

When you do get to take a shower.... take 2 minutes to yourself... breathe deep and smile because you were so brave and so strong to have brought a precious life into this world and its the most amazing feeling in the world!

Every time your baby grabs your finger it will melt your heart.

You will look down while holding baby and think WOW we made you... often

You will become a diaper changing pro because your baby WILL poop as soon as your put a fresh diaper on, do up all the buttons on their sleeper, take them downstairs, sit down and start to relax.

The first few times you bathe your baby you will be scared shitless even though they gave you that 5 minute demo in the hospital.

Every week your baby grows your will find yourself saying "I cant believe she's a week(2,3..etc) old already"

Getting newborn photos is such a great memory even if its a photoshoot at home.

Baby acne IS normal and will usually go away by itself

If you don't clean under your baby's neck properly it will have a funky smell so be sure to really get in there. (a bit of diaper rash cream can help too)

You will be told a 100 different things by a 100 different people on how to raise, bathe, feed, sleep train & parent your child... DO do whats best and what works for you and your baby.

The baby blues is totally normal for the first 2-3 weeks after baby.. any longer and it may be post partum so chat with your dr about it.

Crying for no reason what so ever means you are totally normal...

You may not think your baby is "fun" at first because all they do is sleep, eat & poop... just wait because one day soon they will become more than that and it will be wonderful.

Your bedtime may shift from midnight (pre-baby) to 8pm (post-baby) and thats ok :)

They grow so fast that by the time your baby is 3 months you will look at newborns as if they are SO tiny forgetting you were just there.

Now that you are on mat leave and home with the baby... your baby will be your best friend and you will find yourself having full conversations with them.

You will have a million questions everyday about your baby & parenting... Join an online forum such as babycenter.com (.ca) so you can chat with other moms who have babies the same age as you. Its been one of the best things ive done.

I'm sure I'm missing a lot but this is just some of the notes I could think of in my mommy brain!!

I want to end by saying be sure to enjoy your new miracle... they are the best little thing(s) in the world.

Notes For First Time Moms To be From A First Time Mom Part 1

Just a few notes for first time moms to be from a first time mom (based on my experience).......

Pregnancy, Delivery & After the birth..

Those adorable outfits you just have to have for your newborn will probably sit in your closet and never get worn because 99% of the time your baby will be in sleepers for the first 2-3 months so invest in cute outfits for 3+ months

The really expensive crib bedding you had custom made that came with the most luxurious bumpers will probably never get used because you WILL be slightly paranoid about the whole bumpers are dangerous for your baby debate.

Nothing can prepare you for what labour will feel like

If you are dead set against medication or an epidural and are telling everyone you think its horrible and wrong... shut your mouth because you may be the first one yelling for the DR to "give you the drugs"

Those "techniques" you will learn about in your pre-natal class that help with labour pains go right out the window once active labour actually starts... Breathing deep however helps so dont forget to breathe!

Counting how many minutes apart your contractions are may be hard when you are having contractions in the middle of the night and your partner is sleeping! We had no idea so my husband told the nurse on the phone a random #.. it happened to be 6 lol.

Labour at home as long as you can because when you get to the hospital begging for an epidural you wont be allowed to walk or even get out of bed.

EAT before you go to the hospital if you can because if you get an epidural they will not allow you to eat and you will be a starvin marvin.

The rumours of how much the epidural will hurt are true however you wont give 2 hoots because the pain of the contractions will override the fear of how much it will hurt.

Once you get said epidural, you will be a happy camper.

While in labour you will have no shame even if you think you will before hand.

Your "Birth Plan" will most likely go out the window as soon as you arrive at the hospital. Its ok because the pain, lack of focus & then joy will make you forget you ever had one.

Being shy is NOT an option when it comes time to push. Your plans of having just your partner and the DR in the room may end up being your partner, doula, midwife, 2 nurses, your DR, a resident DR & a whole NICU team... just saying...

Pushing out a baby can take a LONG time!

You may have to tell the nurses when you need to push because the monitor that is supposed to tell them when your contractions are may fail


The ring of fire is not a myth and is NO joke... be prepared

The minute you push the baby out is the best feeling in the world in that moment

Doing skin to skin is so worth it

Once things calm down and you have a moment to digest things you will notice your chin and neck hurt from pushing 

The "thing" you have been talking to for 9 months is actually a real live baby and they are yours

They WILL recognize mommys voice

You will realize what unconditional instant love is

Reality will set in after a few hours and you will realize you have no idea what to do now

Breast feeding looks easy but its anything but.... be patient.

If the hospital allows you to stay more than 24hrs... take them up on it

Mommy Moment of the Day! TGIF!

Going to pour your almond milk into your coffee but pouring it into your massive jar of peanut butter instead!

TGIF!

Happy Friday!

Mommy Talk: Presidents Choice Supreme VS Pampers Swaddlers Diapers

Baby Sienna is now 8 weeks old and since her birth I've tried 3 different brands of diapers. Since we got a few packs of Huggies newborns at a great deal ($5 per pack) from the hospital we only used these during the newborn stage and really liked them.

Since our princess has gained weight and we have had to move into size 1 diapers I've been between Pampers Swaddlers which seemed to be the standard for some of the moms I know and a new discovery, Presidents Choice Supreme Comfort Diapers which baby and I were introduced to thanks to the amazing PR people for the brand.

I don't feel there is much of need for me to go into detail about Pampers because we know it's been tried, tested and approved and I really have nothing bad to say about the brand, it's diapers or it's performance.

That being said I do want to open more mommies eyes to other comparable brands such as the Presidents Choice brand. After having used both Huggies and Pampers by the time I opened my pack of PC diapers I was beginning to think how any mom dealt with diapers that didn't have a wetness strip indicator because it was making my job of knowing when baby needed a change a lot easier. I was kind of worried that the PC brand wouldn't have this feature (being a most cost effective brand) but I was happy and I'll be honest totally relieved to see it did!

Shown below are two size 1 diapers, on the left the Pampers brand and on the right the PC diaper. The Pampers has the yellow line that turns blue when baby is wet and the PC has little blue images in circles that totally disappear when baby is wet. Both make it VERY easy and obvious to see when baby is wet.

My thoughts on PC Supreme Diapers:
These diapers were super soft and stretchy, fit Sienna really well and in fact were more snug on her than other brands. There were no leaks and it contained all blowouts well. I like that they are hypoallergenic, fragrance free and that It's infused with aloe and vitamin E so it kept her skin balanced and rash free.

My only issue with these diapers is that I found they ran a bit small, so while they fit my then 9lbs baby well and the package stated they would fit up to 14lbs I'm just not sure they would. I like the fact that they were snug a lot so my solution to this would be to move up a size a bit faster.

PC Supreme Comfort Diapers come in sizes 1-6 in packs of between 84-136 at approx. $24.99 which can save you a few bucks each time you purchase diapers which I'm starting to find out is a lot!

Mommies next time you are at Superstore/Loblaws doing groceries or getting your fashion fix in the Joe Fresh section head on over to the baby area and check out all the PC baby products such as their wipes and these true, tried and now tested Stretchy Fit diapers!

Mom Approved!!

Baby Talk: My Birth Story.....

(Photo was taken in Sienna's nursery as part of our maternity shoot by Strokes Photography)

I've been meaning to share my birth story but baby Sienna has been keeping me busy so it's been a bit delayed but here it is....

Late October at 38 weeks I went in for what would be my final Dr's appointment where I was told that I would be getting induced the following week. After checking my Dr's schedule we decided on Tuesday November 6th for the induction but I was told that I would need to go in on Monday to have the induction gel put in.

Monday I arrived at the hospital at 10am for my first dose of gel at 1cm dilated. I was monitored for about 30mins and sent home but told to come back around 4-5pm for another dose. I went about my day not feeling any different so I assumed it didn't work and I'd need the second dose for sure. Well I was right! I went back to the hospital and was reassessed at 5pm at still 1-2cm so they gave me the second dose and sent me home with instructions to come back at 8am the next morning for my scheduled induction.

We went home made sure our hospital bags were ready and then went to bed. Well I could hardly sleep because I started getting mild contractions. Nothing too unbearable, more like mild cramps which lasted all night. At 5:30am I was again woken up by a contraction but this time it hurt way more than the other ones so we called the hospital and they told us to come in.

When we arrived at 6:30am they agreed to keep me only because I was scheduled that morning anyways. I later found out that I got the last birthing room and all other ladies coming in after me would be sent to another hospital (I got lucky!). I was 4cm at this point and in a lot of pain so even though my birth plan was to go without an epidural I couldn't take it anymore and asked for one.

Around 9am the anesthesiologist came in and administered the epidural which hurt but not as much as I thought it would, probably because the contractions hurt more. After 20 minutes I could still feel intense pain and it was determined that the epidural would have to be reset. Lucky me! So I had the first epidural removed and another one put in. Thank god this one worked and I was feeling a lot better however this is when I started feeling nauseous... My poor husband, mom and doula Kristin really took care of me.

Around 4:45pm I began feeling a lot of pressure that began to get painful so I asked to be checked. The nurses words were "no wonder it's hurting the head is right there!" it was time to push.  Any thoughts of wanting just the Dr and my husband in the room went out the window as I didn't care at that point. I had my OB, the resident DR, my midwife, my doula, my husband and a few NICU nurses on standby in the corner.

I began pushing and felt the "ring of fire" (google it) for pretty much the entire time it was so painful and the worse part was the nurses couldn't tell me when I was having a contraction because the monitor wasn't picking them up so I had to tell them when they were coming. Anyway after 1 hour and 45 mins of pushing my baby was born!

She let out 1 yelp and was placed on my chest for me to see. I bawled like never before and was instantly in love. They cleaned her up and as I talked she stared up at me so awake and alert with her big grey eyes as if she knew my voice. It was such a surreal moment to go from feeling her in my tummy to seeing and feeling her.

(At the hospital)

Nothing can ever prepare a woman for what childbirth feels like. Since everyone's experience is so different there is no normal and though I felt prepared having heard stories from all my friends and having taken the prenatal classes I felt like that all went out the window once my labour started.

(Wide awake with daddy)

Looking back I wouldn't say my experience was horrible or even bad. Was it painful? Hell yes! Did it go as planned? No, but how can you really plan childbirth?! Would I do things differently? nope, I have no regrets!

(In daddy's arms)

My baby girl Sienna is now 5 weeks old, changing and growing every day into her own little cute personality. Ive had the same challenges as any new mom but we are getting through them together day by day.

(Happy 1 month to me!!)

It doesn't hurt that my mom helped out for 4 weeks though! Plus my husband has been really great with her and in helping to give me a break when I need it. I feel so very blessed :)

Baby Talk: Welcome Our Newest Family Member...

Sienna Noor born November 6th at 6:43pm weighing 7lbs 1oz

Its been over a week now and we are finally getting into a groove. Both Sienna and I are doing great! We could not be more in love with our little princess :)

Birth story to come but in the meantime I will be taking a short blogging break to fulfil my new role as a mommy!!

Thank you for all the well wishes I have never felt more blessed or been any happier :)

Baby Talk: Testing The Britax Stroller Organizer On Our New Stroller!

So we finally decided on a stroller that would fit all our present and future needs. We chose the Baby Jogger City Select and the Maxi Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat to go with it. Its been sitting in our hallway for a while now and every time I pass it I smile thinking that our baby will be here soon :)

For now though we have Lambie the Lamb strapped in and keeping the seat warm! This stroller has many many great qualities but ill admit the cup holder attachment (purchases separately) isn't one of them. I knew I had to have a cup holder but was a bit disappointed with the one made specifically for this stroller so there it sat in the packaging and will probably never be used.

Solution?
The Britax Stroller Organizer!

This organizer fits most strollers with handles 13"-21" wide which is a huge range. It comes with Two insulated beverage holders keep your cold drinks cold and warm drinks warm and big centre compartment that's magnetized where I will likely keep things like keys, pacifiers and my wallet and three outside pockets where you can keep your cell phone, keys or any other small nicknack you may need while out.

(can you spot Lambie the lamb strapped in?)

Love the magnetized compartment!

It holds my Starbucks Cool Lime drink quite well :)

The only down fall I had with the organizer was that because no matter how I strapped it on (perhaps I'm doing it wrong) it never sat perfectly up right so when I tried to place my very full Timmies cup in the cup holder some of it did spill out. It could just be the wide handles on the stroller or that I had it in the wrong spot but it wasn't a big deal after taking a few sips of my drink.

Since our stroller with organizer attached is sitting in our house we get asked about it quite often from my mommy friends. It seems that every mom is looking for something like this!

Well my mommy friends, look no more! no more reaching down to the basket of your stroller, no more pushing with 1 hand while you sip your coffee, no more fussing to find your cell when its ringing. The Britax Stroller Organized has got your covered!!

A Gift Basket For Baby From President's Choice!

This baby girl is spoiled already!

She and I received a lovely gift basket from Presidents Choice with some of their new baby products which included 2 cute Joe Fresh bibs, some fun PC feeding accessories for when shes on solids, a box of PC fragrance -free & hypoallergenic sensitive baby wipes and a some of their NEW supreme stretchy fit diapers.

I'm actually so excited to test out the diapers because they claim to be super absorbent and come with a wetness indicator everyone has been telling me is a must for my diaper choice.

More great things about these New! PC Supreme Diapers is that they are available in sizes 1 to 6, have a back waistband that helps prevent leakage, include a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free liner, have a size indicator on the diaper and are made of Soft and lightweight material that won’t slow baby down!

Did you know that Loblaw launched a Baby & You program across Canada to help make things easy and convenient.  The Baby & You program includes an active online forum and new parents are invited to join the Baby & You Facebook group as a venue for parents to talk and learn about new PC®  products. Such a great resource for all parents new and old ;)

Stay tuned after baby girl is born for a battle of the diapers post! I have a few different brands that Ill be putting to the test to see which ones hold up and which just don't cut it for my baby.

Moms I need your Help With A "Must Have" List for A First Time Mom!

Here is a list Ive taken from an online birth group Im in but Im wondering whats missing and what on here isnt or is a must?? Especially for a fall/winter baby...

(Image Via infantbabytoddlerandpregnancyadvicecenter.com)

Clothing

• 8 undershirts or onesies (mix of short-sleeve and long-sleeve)
• 5 nightgowns (for use until the cord falls off)
• 8 one-piece stretchy sleepers (go for ones with zippers; new moms swear by them!)
• 5 pairs of pants
• 2 newborn hats
• 8 pairs of socks or booties, to wear with nightgowns and outfits
• 2 pairs of scratch mittens, to keep baby from scratching his face
• 2 cardigans or jackets, more in winter
• Bunting bag or snowsuit for winter baby
• Laundry detergent for infants
• 4 outfits for dressing up (optional)

Blankets

• 3 large cotton blankets
• 8 receiving blankets (they also make handy burp cloths) or more if using for swaddling and major puking

Feeding

 If you’re breastfeeding, you don’t really need any equipment.

• Hooter hider

Some nursing mothers like to have these items:

• Lots of bibs
• Burp cloths (see also receiving blankets)
• Breast pump (I wouldnt reccomend buying this until you need it)
• Milk storage containers
• Nursing pillow
• Nursing bras (if buying before baby is born, buy one cup size larger than your pregnant bra size)
• Breast pads (disposable or washable)
• Lotion for sore nipples

If you are formula feeding:

• Lots of bibs
• Burp cloths
• 8 four-ounce bottles with nipples
• 6 eight-ounce bottles with nipples
• Bottle and nipple brush
• Formula (be sure to check expiry date and note the lot number in case of recalls)
• Thermal bottle carrier

Diapering

If you are using re-usable cloth diapers:

• Several dozen (4 or 5) cloth or re-usable diapers
• 8 waterproof covers
• 1 diaper pail
• Changing pad
• Baby ointment or other barrier cream to prevent rash
• Snaps, Velcro or safety pins to secure re-usable diapers
• Disposable wipes or a couple dozen washcloths for cleaning baby’s bottom

If you are using disposable diapers:

• Two boxes of newborn-size diapers (it’s better not to buy too many in advance in case your baby is large or grows quickly)
• 1 diaper pail
• Changing pad
• Baby ointment or barrier cream to prevent rash
• Disposable wipes or a couple dozen washcloths for cleaning baby’s bottom

Bathtime

• 1 plastic infant tub (or use a large dishpan in the sink, or take baby in the bath with you)
• 12 washcloths, not used on baby’s bottom
• Baby soap or cleanser
• Baby shampoo
• Baby soft-bristled hair brush
• 3 soft-hooded towels

Bedtime

If you are using a crib:

• Approved crib and crib mattress
• waterproof mattress covers
• 2 fitted cribsheets
• 4 light blankets that fit in the crib
• Sleep sack

If you are co-sleeping:

• Firm mattress (not a waterbed)
• 3 waterproof pads to place under baby
• Light comforter (keep away from baby's head)
• Sleep sack

Other necessities

• Approved infant safety seat for car
• Stroller that reclines so newborn can lie flat
• Nail clippers or scissors (or just bite off baby’s nails as needed)
• Bulb syringe for suctioning mucous
• Baby thermometer
• Eye dropper or medicine spoon
• Medication in case of fever

Nice-to-have items

• Change table (or just use change pad on top of dresser or bed)
• Rocking chair for feeding and swaddling
• Playpen
• Sling or baby carrier
• Diaper bag
• 1 or 2 change pads
• Plastic hangers for closet
• Sun shade for car windows
• 2 or 4 pacifiers (if you choose to use these)
• Rattles and other baby toys
• Mobiles
• Night light
• Fish Price Aquarium
• Swing
• Bouncy chair
• Bumbo Seat

Oh Baby Baby! Happy Mothers Day indeed!

The reason things have been so quiet the last few months on the blog.

:) 

 We are due ON our 1 year wedding anniversary! Hows that for timing ;)

I can not wait to share this journey (and oh what a journey its already been) here and look forward to all the advice, wisdom and help you mommies have to offer!

Happy Mothers day to all the Mommies (do I get to celebrate this day yet?). Have a wonderful day tomorrow.

Thank you So very much to our wonderful friend Jen O'neill who photographed us during this special time in our lives. She is the same talented woman who made our wedding cake 6 months ago!