BREASTFEEDING | THE CURE FOR NURSING IN PUBLIC

Each day I count my blessings to be given the opportunity to raise my sweet daughter. To smell her baby soft skin, see her beautiful smile, cuddle her cute little booty, and the cherry on top - to breastfeed. 

During my pregnancy many people asked if I planned on breastfeeding and naturally my answer was always, "Of course, if I can!" I was never fully determined to breastfeed because I knew realistically that it just might not work for me and I'm not one to get my hopes up. I am, however; VERY optimistic. I have the ability to make the best out of every situation, to take things slow, aim for patience, and to see that the grass is greener somewhere. 

Without giving much thought to it, breastfeeding came unbelievably natural to me AND my daughter and it's something that I look forward to everyday. It was undoubtedly one of the hardest and most time consuming learning experiences though and I'm still learning more each day. I say 'hard' because you don't know pain until you've gotten past the birthing experience only to bear through intense nipple cracking and engorgement for weeks that seem to never end. Hard because you're worried your baby isn't getting enough to eat, or too much to eat, or paranoia that your supply is about to dwindle down on empty. Finding nothing to wear to accommodate your needy feeder at a moments notice, leaky boobs, and I'll say it... timing it out perfectly so you can enjoy just one glass of wine. 

With all of the hurdles that breastfeeding comes with, feeling uncomfortable to feed your child is thee absolute last thing any mother should feel! I fully support to break the stigma of breastfeeding in public. When your child is hungry, they need to eat and mothers shouldn't have to fumble, hide or distance themselves for doing the most selfless and natural thing - feeding their baby! 

Nursing Poncho in Oatmeal  

I was on the hunt for a nursing cover so I could comfortably and proudly nurse my child in public and in the presence of others and upon researching many different shops I found the perfect one. Cover Me Ponchos, a shop I found on Etsy (NOW HAVE RECENTLY LAUNCHED THEIR STUNNING WEBSITE) immediately stood out to me and crossed all of the boxes I needed covered. Affordability (seriously, as low as $18) variety, versatility, simplistic yet fun designs, and lightweight material. I needed something cute and lightweight that I could throw in the diaper bag and whip over my head quickly and these ponchos have fully succeeded every expectation. 

Nursing Scarf in Grey and White Stripe

I love the layered option it gives to an outfit.

Nursing Scarf worn looped as an infinity scarf.

I can’t praise Mariah as a business owner and her shop ENOUGH. I am so happy to have found these ponchos she has created. She is a mother herself and fully understands the hassle nursing in public comes with. They have been such a life saver especially during the holiday’s being around countless family members. I have never felt more comfortable to nurse my little Z when she pleases. The fabric is breathable so I don’t feel like I’m sweating my child out. Not only can they stylishly be wrapped around your neck as a scarf (which I do often) they roll up seamlessly and take up little space in the diaper bag. I even use it to cover the car seat at times. The design of these ponchos is so simple and functional. You literally throw it over your head and feel secure that its not going to go anywhere. No knots to tie, buckles to loosen, or straps to fall off. 

Nursing Scarf | large enough to cover entire front and loops into infinity scarf

I am kicking myself for not getting the word out sooner because these make the perfect gifts for new moms. Had I received one of these as a Christmas present, baby shower gift, or another one for Mother’s Day… I would give that person a big ole smooch! Seriously, if you are a momma, or know a momma, check out Cover Me Ponchos! They are currently offering free shipping and an additional 10% off your entire order with the code WINTER 

I can see BIG things coming to this successful business within the new year and they deserve every bit of it! 

This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are that of my own. I hope to help get the word out for this awesome company! 

ZOEY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS

What a wonderful first Christmas for our darling Zoey! It was quite the success and went very smoothly. I was more at ease during Christmas than I was with Thanksgiving! I like that Christmas Eve is also considered a holiday-day so it gives more time for visiting and scheduling. With it being Zoey's first Christmas, I wanted her to see everyone.


On Christmas Eve we went over to Papa and JoJo's (my Dad and Joey) for prime rib dinner. It was absolutely delicious and Zoey kept busy in her new Jumper/Exersaucer while we all ate. I had full intentions of getting so many good pictures... but forgot the memory card to my camera. Luckily my brother got some with Zoey opening her very first present!

We then made our way over to Max's parents house. We decided it would be easier for us all to stay the night that way we wouldn't have to pack and get everything ready to head over in the morning - so Zoey experienced her first sleepover! I think Grandma was wayyyyy too excited about that fact and wouldn't let me put her to bed as early as I wanted too, but she ended up sleeping in! Since she was safely snuggled in to bed with the grandparents at home, Max and I went over to our friends to start a new Christmas Eve tradition over at their house. We have spent the last 5 Christmas Eve's together if not more so it's something we always look forward to! We definitely make it a point to be out later than Santa that's for sure.

I pawned Zoey off when she woke up to her Grandma and GREAT Grandma to get some extra snoozes in with Max and boy was it nice. We should stay the night at least once a week in that case... The whole day was spent in our pajamas. Coffee was sipped, cinnamon rolls were devoured, naps were taken throughout the entire house, and presents were opened! It was such a relaxing and special time. Zoey did such a good job with all of the attention and she still had one more house to go! 

We finally made our way over to my Mom's house. Zoey got another dose of her favorite Uncles (I think Uncle Jeremy is winning) he got us a baby sign language book and I can't wait to start practicing. She spent the remainder of the night in her elf diaper with her socks on her hands... let me tell you she was as happy as could be! Whatever works to keep the over-stimulation managed. 

I CANNOT GET OVER THESE POOP FACES!

















It truly turned out to be such a wonderful holiday and I am just sitting here on this relaxing Sunday evening looking back at how grateful I am to have Zoey and all of our family. I will never forget these moments and I can't wait to create even more special memories with this sweet girl.

A WISH LIST FOR ZOEY

With Black Friday approaching I thought it would be fun to think of some gifts for Zoey. Please note our BABY, I repeat - baby does not need anything for Christmas this year because, well she’s a baby! She is not going to remember it so I’m not too amped up on making a big deal of gifts and what not. Just having Zoey here with us for the holidays is the biggest blessing we could ever ask for, truly! She’s a spoiled little nut. I find myself researching about things that she will actually need in the future so I guess it wouldn’t hurt to pass this list on over to the grandparents, wink wink ;)

1. SOPHIE THE GIRAFFE // I can’t believe how expensive this toy is but I have a feeling Zoey is going to be a chewer. She already drools like crazy, I’m starting to call her Drooly which sounds like Julie. Julie shall be her new name. But really, I’ve heard the hype and I’m sure Zoey would love to carry a Sophie around everywhere.

2. CERTIFIED AMBER TEETHING NECKLACE // I think I am seriously petrified of having a fussy teether. I have heard nothing but praise for these necklaces and I would like to get one on her the sooner the better! The looks of them bothered me at first but now they are starting to wear on me, heh.

3. PAJAMAS // Zoey does not need anymore clothes, she has so many and I am not so sure what size she will actually stay and even out in, in the next few months but girlfriend definitely needs new and bigger pajamas. Size 3-6month would be an absolutely safe fit and heck, why not go for size 6month? It’s already so cold here and all I want her to feel this winter is coziness and warmth. 

4. HONEST DIAPERS AND ESSENTIALS BUNDLES // I’ve probably mentioned it like 9 times already that I am still on the fence about certain diapers but I have yet to try Honest Company. I’m somewhat frugal and although the cute designs of these diapers want to suck me in, I can’t justify the price. I’m about to venture to Target just to get a pack of these to test out because in the long run, the bundle program of these really prices out to be the same as any other diaper brand and they will get delivered to our door! I also want to throw out all of our chemicals and go the natural route and this greatly benefits Zoey!

This was all in good fun. Being her Momma I’ll probably end up getting these eventually if not more, c’mon now :)

TWO MONTHS

Our little girl aint so little anymore - she’s two freaking months already! I waited for this post until after her check up which was last night. We received excellent stats but there are a few things we need to watch out for such as reflux and giving her more tummy time. Big Z did good with her shots - I’ve never seen her so mad and shocked though! She’s currently down for her first nap which is so unusually early. I think its going to be a very rough, sleepy, and cuddly day for this sweetie after those baby thigh pinches. 

AGE// 2 months {9weeks on this post}

WEIGHT// 13.8 pounds holy chunks! 97th percentile bahaha I can’t get over it!

LENGTH// 23.5 inches long and in the 90th percentile.

HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE// 40cm and in the 90th percentile as well. She seems to be pretty proportionate! 

SIZE// Zoey has been in size 3 month for almost a month now! She’s almost starting to be too looonng for her sleepers… :/ not too excited about that because she practically lives in those but a lot of her onesies and pants fit her! Still in size 1 diapers as well. I tried the UpandUp Target brand and it is surprisingly bigger than Huggies. We’re still figuring out diaper favorites. She has a nasty rash I’ve been trying to beat so I’ve been trying every type of diaper and every cream!

EYES// The newborn blue has begun fading into hazel. Max and both of his parents have hazel eyes, myself and both of my parents have brown eyes so it’s a toss up as to what they will turn in to as she grows. They are absolutely beautiful in color right now though that’s for sure! 

HAIR// Girlfriend is rocking the old man bob. She has a ring around of ashy brown hair leaving the top of her head bald! I always knew our babe would not have those luscious newborn locks. 

SLEEPING// Thank the sleeping gods we have a dreamer! I’ve gotten her on an easy routine for getting to bed: I swaddle, boobie, and rock her to sleep in our dark room with the white noise machine on. We do this every night around 7:30pm and it has been working wonderfully. I look forward to nursing and rocking her to sleep. It is so easy to place her in the Rock n Play and creep out of the room to hang out with Max for a few hours. She usually wakes around 3-4am for the middle of the night feeding and wakes up for the day around 6am. She has also gotten into the habit of actually taking naps during the day but I think a lot of that has to do with me starting to pay attention to her cues and certain cries. Mommas still learning! 

EATING// She loves her ‘boobie’ as I like to call feeding time :) We are still exclusively breast feeding and both enjoying every second of it. I think I love nursing her more and more with each day. I still feed on demand and seeing her nudges for the boobie and hearing her gulps makes me feel so freaking proud! My freezer stash is growing but unfortunately we have a tough time getting her to take the bottle. I feel like I won’t get a date night out in awhile… but that’s okay - I do need my sushi fix here soon though… ehhemm Zoey. 

MILESTONES// Little lady has found her voice and boy does she love hearing it! We swear she’s a wolf trying to howl at the moon. She has the cutest curl of her lip when she’s on a roll and we are starting to get some giggles out too! She is happiest in the morning, especially when daddy is home for the weekend. I can’t get over her smiles and voice.

MEMORABLE OUTINGS// We haven’t taken Zoey anywhere crazy or exciting but I did venture her on in to Washington with Nichole and Harper! We went to Hobby Lobby. What a mistake to go on a Saturday! So many shoppers and tons of little old ladies itching to get their hands on my girl haha Most trips out of the house are for visiting Grandmas and Grandpas, grocery shopping and Target!

LOVES// The boobie hah had to say it. She LOVES being naked. It must feel good to be free and nakey, spreading those arms and kicking those crazy legs! I feel like she really enjoys the bath. We get lots of chats from her and she just seems soooo relaxed. Her monkey friends on the swing are a good part of her day too! 

HATES// I guess you could say she hates getting dressed and undressed and I’m probably the slowest mom when it comes to it too. Those damn button snaps take me forever, especially since she’s a manic kicker. She also gets rather unhappy if you aren’t bouncing or moving her while in your arms.

WORDS:SOUNDS// Hoowwwwling coos and silly little squeaks. I love the sound it makes when she finds her hands too. 

NICKNAMES// Boo Boo, Fart Pants, Baby Girl, Pumpkin, Zoey Bug, Sweet Girl…

FUNNY MOMENTS// When Max and I both gave her a night time bath for the first time. She was so happy and such a chatter box we couldn’t stop laughing! Max’s parents got some crazy laughs out of her too! We were all surrounding and laughing at her and she was just soaking it in being a goob.

We love this girl so much! I am so beyond excited to spend the holidays with her. Life is so much sweeter with Zoey.

 

SLEEP SWEET BABY | 7 WEEKS

When this precious child of mine sleeps, whether it be in my arms, on my chest, or safely nestled down, I can't help but pick up my phone and look at the camera roll filled with images of her. Pictures of her taken that day to pictures of her weeks ago. My how she grows. My how beautiful she is. I then stare back at her and just can't ever seem to look away. I am in love. So deeply in love with this precious child of mine.

ZOEY'S FIRST HALLOWEEN | 6 WEEKS

I HAD to get some fall photos of Zoey and it just wouldn't be right without some pumpkin gear! I crocheted the pumpkin hat just for her and I can't get enough of her head even though she totally looks like a little boy. My sister threw together an incredible gift(s) for the baby shower back in July. She had twelve boxes stacked high and Max and I opened them one by one to find out they were outfits for each holiday of the month. October was the first month on the list - Hello First Halloween! I love Halloween and I love my Pumpkin. I'm so excited to carry on the tradition of photographing each outfit as the months go by and to visually see her grow throughout the year. Oh my little heart.

This cutie patootie is 6 weeks! We have had to say goodbye to all of her adorable newborn outfits because she is now filling out size 3 month! We're also back on that growth spurt grind. Thank god I have a few bags of milk stashed in the freezer because one late night she completely emptied out my boobies and was not happy about it. I was shocked at how quickly frozen milk in the bags take to warm - 30 seconds! I was worried she wouldn't take the Avent bottles I had but I think she was just angry and hungry enough to suck. it. up. She loves her swing and looking up at the monkey mobile. I took her out of the newborn pose in the Solly Wrap and she seems much more content and comfortable.  She's so alert and aware and loves when daddy and I make funny noises. We're still trying to crack some smiles out! She sure does make us smile like crazy!

BABY MUST-HAVES | FIRST MONTH

I'm currently sitting in the tub getting some much needed momma time - however; this will probably not get posted until days later... Blogger problems! Or new-mom probz I should say. 

I just wanted to jot down a few goodies I have felt that have helped us newb parents along the way this month! It's so easy to forget these things and it will be fun to look back on especially if we ever decide to have a number 2! 

FLANNEL RECEIVING BLANKETS // I 'recieved' a lot of these blankets from my baby shower - like, "what am I going to do with all of these blankets?!" too many. Zoey was too big to actually be swaddled in them but they have turned out to be the best burp rags/spit-up catchers EVER. The flannel material really absorbs the spit-up without it running all over the back of your shoulder. I'm not lying when there is one in every room of the house and on all corners of the couches. 

ADEN & ANAIS SWADDLE BLANKETS // Zoey actually isn't the biggest fan of swaddling but there are times when she needs to be confined because her hands are constantly in her face and she just loves to flail. These are worth the hype! They are breathable, lightweight, come in many different cute designs, and are great to cover up in. I can see us getting use out of these for a long while.

COCONUT OIL // I put this on Zoey's bum after every change, in her tub for bath time, and have also started to use it for her cradle cap. It smells yummy and moisturizes so well. If lanolin oil didn't work so well I would also put this on my nipples!

WIPE WARMER // This really isn't necessary but it was handed down from my wonderful step-sister (I get to call her my sister now so exciting!) But I feel more comfortable wiping Zoey with warm wipes especially at night when she's half asleep. We could totally do without but it's been a nice luxury that we've gotten use out of! 

BOUNCER // The kid is a fan... for now. It has been nice to put her down and let her chill and look around for a few minutes while mom and dad can catch a break. I'm able to take showers and eat now since she hasn't exactly been napping during the day anymore. She loves to bounce! I also scored this for $5. I HIGHLY suggest online garage sale shopping. 

TOUCH-LAMP & NITE LITE // Ahh the freaking amazing convenience of simply 'touching' a lamp for night changings has been incredible! I wouldn't be able to tell you how awful it would be to turn on the bright overhead room light because we haven't needed to with this! I also got this star from my baby shower that hangs over her changing table. She loves looking at it and it's such a calm distraction. Both lights are soft and dimming/adjustable which is great for all of our sleepy eyes. 

SLEEPERS // September and October are still quite warm months here but I feel better knowing Zoey is warm rather than cold and that's where the sleepers come in handy. They are so easy to get her in and out of especially with how often we have to change her diaper and her sometimes. She has so many cute outfits but everytime I seem to put pants on her she insists on having a blow-out. It's jams all day for this little girl. Again - online garage sale shopping for clothes that have barely been warn is such a money saver, especially since my 5 week old is already wearing size 3mo! 

MITTENS // When this chick's hands are free she goes bizurk! They are such a distraction when she eats and the claws are always after my boobies and it hurts, man. Newborn outfits tend to have the cuffs built it which was so convenient but now that she's bigger I have to have gloves on her at all times. Once she gets a feel for her limbs and meninges I'll go easy on the mitten wearing but I'm so glad someone thought to put these on babies! 

THE BABY CENTER APP/BIRTH CLUB // Every single question, worry, or scare I've had I've been able to turn to this app for advice from BTDT (been there done that moms) and for those that are new moms like me! It's a great community and somewhat entertaining during those feeds where you're stranded on the couch.

There are some items we are still on the fence about that will quite possibly just take time to get used to. 

SOLLY BABY WRAP // I love the idea of baby wearing and I hope Zoey will enjoy it one day too. The times that I have actually got her to cooperate in the wrap have made for productive days. She's just too wiggly and I can't get her to stay in froggy-position in order to successfully and safely keep her in the wrap! Once she's a bit bigger I hope to wrap her everyday. Fingers crossed! 

SWING // I bought the Snug-a-monkey swing because everything else we needed was given to us and I wanted to make a nice and useful purchase for her. It also came with the rocknplay bassinet for free so I couldn't pass up the deal! She hangs out in it but it doesn't allow her to sleep for very long and she doesn't get the jist of the movement and noise. Once she's older it should be more useful! Hopefully - because this thing is an eyesore and a room hogger. 

Well that was quite a post and my bath water is officially cold! I may have to jot posts down on my phone more often! 

-- Side note: I was never able to post this after my bath - go figure! I'm thinking about that bath right now and how amazing it was... Ahh

ZOEY IS ONE MONTH!

Zoey is one month old! These weeks have truly flown by. Why oh why do they seem to do that to us parents?! The three of us have gotten to know so much from each other and our baby is growing so big and healthy! I find myself constantly looking back at pictures of her when she was fresh outta the womb and I just can’t even fathom that she is mine. 

Since I found out I was pregnant, I gravitated towards mom-blogs just so I could get an idea of what it was all about. So many admitted how tough motherhood was and I could never fully understand why. I always assumed that babies were easy and fun and what more could you ever want then to spend your entire day and nights cuddled with your newborn? That's when I learned that newborns don't always want to cuddle, let alone sleep all of the time, and it can sometimes take work to make them happy and content as can be. I guess what makes the newborn stage so rough is constantly wondering and worrying about what is wrong with your baby AND trying to get them to sleep. I find myself so tired throughout the day and can’t seem to get ANYTHING done, but at the end of it all when I’m lying in bed at night I think to myself what a pleasure it was to have spent an entire, wonderful day with Zoey. I can’t help but feel so lucky!  

We've learned that Zoey loves to be held at all times. Bouncing her to sleep on the yoga ball calls for much success. She falls asleep in the car and stroller rides making trips out of the house so worth it. She loves the boob and takes forever to burp. Changing isn't always fun but she's as snug as a bug when it's all said and done. I never thought we would have gone through so many diapers just within these 4 weeks and we're still trying to figure out if we like Huggies or Pampers more. Baths and laundry are almost starting to become a daily routine. Some days she could even use two or three baths… Spitting up is our least favorite thing but luckily we have burp rags in every room of the house. Zoey will sleep in the rock n’ play at night but absolutely hates it during the day. Overall, our babe is surprisingly content, it’s just a matter of figuring out which one of those different ways to soothe her works best! 

As for me, recovering and adjusting to motherhood has been pretty blissful. Zoey is my main focus throughout the day and she is the only thing that I have to worry about which is extremely nice. My days are spent to live for her and to help her grow and be happy. I couldn’t ask for a better job. I feel like I had a speedy recovery after labor and am thankful that I was able to get up and move around as fast as I did. My boobs are miraculous objects and I am so proud to be able to feed her every time she needs me. My nips are finally crack-free and healing very well. I still don’t exactly have a routine for pumping but I hope to in order to build her a freezer stash for safe keeping. My confidence for taking Zoey out alone has been building. I’ve managed to take her to doctor’s appointments, prescription pick-ups, a few grocery store trips, and even a getaway to Target all on my own, even though we wish Daddy could’ve been there! Momma is still trying to find her voice to sing to this little gal (I’m pretty rusty) so we might try story reading here soon instead. 

I’ll admit, I’ve had my fair share moments of breakdowns within this first month. I’ve ugly cried, thrown things out of frustration, and simply put Zoey down to regain composure. Having a baby is challenging but I am learning something new every day and that’s to be the best mommy I can be to this little girl! 

OH HAPPY DAYS ALL AROUND

Happy First day of October and to my little Pumpkin turning three weeks tomorrow!

ZOEY MADILYN DICKERSON | 2 WEEKS

She’s here, she’s here, she’s here! In fact, this little lady that stole our hearts has been here for 2 whole weeks already! The moment she was placed on my chest time absolutely stood still. I couldn’t believe that she was real and having Max stand by my side watching him become a daddy right before my eyes was one of the best moments we have ever experienced together.

You know your life has changed when your child makes you so damn happy that just the thought of them wells you up with tears. She is our world, our sweet darling girl, and the most happy and precious one at that. Being a mommy to her within these couple of weeks has been the greatest gift. It feels so right! I am absolutely astounded by her beauty and her tiny little body. This pip-squeak came out of me! She was certainly bigger than we expected but completely perfect in our eyes. She feels heavier by the day and it makes my heart burst. Part of me is so sad to see her grow but another part of me is rooting her on to become the healthiest little girl she can be! 

She loves to eat, sleep, and poop. Boy is she good at all three! She’s a lazy eater in a sense she takes FOR-EV-ER and just likes to hang on to mom but she certainly gets the job done and I don’t mind her snuggles one bit. I am not a fan of burping and she scares me to death with even the slightest cough/choke from spit up. Spit up is my enemy because I hate to see her uncomfortable and she gets the wrath of hiccups after every feeding. She’s a stinky thing and it is so hilarious discovering the little treasures she leaves for Daddy and I to clean up. ANOTHER poopy diaper? OH we just changed one of those like, 6 seconds ago… And sleep. For awhile there I was having to wake her up to eat. Two days ago I could have said that her naps followed 2 hours to a tee, or that she had been sleeping through almost every visitor we’ve had over; being passed back and forth through chatting and music… however, not so much anymore! We’ve discovered she has a bout of thrush that has had her extremely uncomfortable to the point of exhausting herself to sleep through the entire night since she now spends the majority of the day awake and crying :( I can only hope it passes soon because nothing feels worse than seeing your baby upset. The doctor has reassured us that she should start feeling back to normal in no time and that our girl is one tough cookie. She has surpassed her birth weight (go chubs!) and is as perfect as can be. 

Although its odd that I was only pregnant two weeks ago, I miss it, but I wouldn’t trade her for the universe. She is safe here with Max and I and loved by so many. She is my reason for living. She visits me in my dreams every night. She is my first thought when I wake up. She is everything I have ever wanted.