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 :)

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

OH PUMPKIN | FIRST TRIMESTER FAVORITES

I have arrived near the finish line of my first trimester! It was undeniably smooth, fast, but also hesitant. Because I found out so early and didn't get to meet my doctor for almost two months afterward I certainly felt lost and uncertain. This first trimester was a fairytale. Almost sort of make-believe. I was extremely blessed to not experience any of the deathly ill and horrible sickness that could have taken over most of my days. I was treated with inspiration, hope, and even motivation! As the weeks have gone by I've truly started to realize that this is for real and it is so amazing and wonderful. Telling our loved ones and opening about conversations of our soon to be little one makes everything so fun and we are very eager to meet them! I got all of the lucks with my first trimester! Here are some essentials that have become favorites of mine within these last few months to make pregnancy for me that much more special. Enjoy!

1// Nutribullet - I can truly say I feel like I'm getting some of the most healthiest nutrition I can (especially during pregnancy) with this handy machine. Odd as it may seem,  in the beginning I was craving salads like crazy but eating a salad still doesn't add up to how many fruits and veggies I throw in here on a daily basis. Kale, baby spinach, carrots, avocado, banana, pineapple, mango, and strawberries with some water is my go to magic smoothie! 

2// Infinity Scarf - During these winter months of my first trimester I have been so damn cold! Fafafafareeeezin'. We haven't even really had much of a winter until February but a scarf wrapped around my neck really helps keep the heat in, plus it's really cozy too. I wear my dark grey cowl everywhere, I don't even care if it doesn't match. But dark grey pretty much matches with anything so...

3// Fleece Lined Leggings - Speaking of keeping warm and cozy :: these leggings surely do the trick. Leggings are just about the only thing I wear but the fact that I stumbled upon the wonderful invention of a pair of leggings lined with incredibly soft and plush fleece has blown BOTH of my legs away. I bought these at the store but you can actually find them for so cheap on ebay or amazon!

4// Apple Cider and Hot Chocolate - I used to go to bed excited knowing that I would wake up to drink coffee. Strangely, my love and addiction for coffee has subsided. I can barely make it through one cup. Not to mention my Keurig has recently took a big fat poo poo. Weird timing! I love having something warm to drink and especially look forward to sip on something hot while I crochet or do homework. I LOVE apple cider, just the aroma alone is enough to satisfy me. Also, if you haven't tried the Candycane Cocoa PLEASE do. It tastes like there is bits of candy cane in there but it is so smooth and its just the right amount of peppermint. MMM. These both help cure my sweet tooth.

5// Palmers Cocoa Butter - Not gonna lie, I'm a lotion freak! I need it on me at all times. If you've been around me, you know how often I feel the need to apply lotion. It makes me feel good knowing that getting started on stretch mark control early won't be such a task because I actually enjoy doing it! I recently ran out of my favorite huge bottle of Suave Cocoa butter so I decided to give this brand a try. It is much thicker and moisturizing and is directed towards reducing stretch marks. I definitely recommend the pump rather than the tub. So convenient and less messy. It has a very strong scent of chocolate though. I'm not sure if I want to smell like a chocolate bar, I might start to lick myself. Okay, too far. 

6// Sour Candy - Not even ashamed to admit my whacked craving for all things sweet and sour! I will eat these until my tongue bleeds. Max would kill me if he knew I had these stocked in a drawer :/ Well now he probably does… My excuse is the craving! I look forward to Valentine's Day specifically for these Jolly Rancher sour heart chews. They come out every year and its the one time I get to enjoy them so…

7// Bobble Water Bottle - Drinking water is really important and I find that having a water bottle around me at all times really helps me to actually drink it! My best friend got me this and it's neat because it has a built in carbon filter. It doesn't help with my constant need to pee but that's okay. I've also noticed I've gone through a lot of toilet paper since being pregnant! 

8// Chapstick and Lip Scrub - You're looking at the number one Chapstick Nazi right here. The eos lip balms are cute and fun but they don't give me the moisture and hydration as much as the simple tube does. I have one of these everywhere :: in my bedside table drawer, desk drawer, bathroom, coat pocket, purse, car, you get the idea. The cake batter flavor is to die for! SO creamy and yummy. This cheap e.l.f. lip scrub is also really handy for getting rid of chapped lips, especially in the winter. 

9// Freeman Clay Mask - Every girl has got to love pampering herself right? I snagged a HUGE box of Freeman Beauty products for $20 this past October and have been finding myself really enjoying some of these products now! My skin decides to act up whenever it feels like it, especially if I get my grubby fingers on it. I haven't noticed any good or bad changes in my skin since becoming pregnant but I like to indulge in a face mask every so often, especially during a bath. Now this, I could lick the chocolate and strawberry mask off of my face! Samples in a few varieties are available at Walmart. It's so fun to try them out. 

10// Bubble Bath - Awww yeah. Just typing about this makes me want to get in a tub right now. I was certainly weary at first about taking baths. Like, first I have to give up alcohol and now my beloved bath time?! Fortunately, baths taken in moderation with warm (not scorching hot) water are fine. Have you ever gotten a gift set from Bath and Body Works that included shower gel? I never like getting shower gel, it's not like I was actually going to wash my body with it. I have quite a few gels that have piled up and decided to use it as bubble bath one day. Whoa was I missing out. These suds up like crazy and the smell is wonderful! Note the 'Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin'  :) Oh my pumpkin do I love this scent! If you find yourself with some unwanted Bath and Body Work shower gel, try this out in the bath or give them to me!