All the Essentials

Get ready for the longest post, ever.

 I thought I was going to be able to post more frequently about the things we have loved and/or not loved. But as all you moms know, and all you soon-to-be mom's are about to find out, time is limited. So when I'm at home and have a few spare minutes, I'm cleaning my house (cause I'm OCD), finding something to eat (cause I'm starving), closing my eyes for two minutes (cause I'm exhausted), or trying to catch up on all the TV shows I watch (cause I'm a TV junkie). 

I've been compiling this list since Lola was born and I've come up with some of the necessities we have loved. We use all of this stuff on a daily/weekly basis. So lets get started.

 Mobile- It totally doesn't match our flamingo nursery, but Lola LOVES this thing. It was a hand-me-down from my niece and it's been the best thing ever. When she wakes up from a nap or in the morning, I turn this thing on and she will play in her crib by herself for no joke, 20 minutes. Which means, mom gets a shower!

Night Light- Really any night light will do, but this one is THE CUTEST. I spent more then I should have on this night light, but I figure we will keep it for a long time, and it goes with every stage of decor. Night lights are a necessity for night feedings, for checking in to make sure they're breathing 500 times a night, and for tip toeing out of the nursery as quietly as possible after laying your little one down for the night.

Humidifier we actually use this every night. Not just when Lola is sick. It just has become part of our routine, and we have learned how much Lola loves her routine! Funny how this one always makes the list though when your little one is sick.

Sound Machine- This helps keep noise out of her room so we don't have to tip toe around our house while she naps or sleeps at night. She does not like sleeping in silence. Plus I've become accustomed to listening to it on the monitor while I sleep too

Monitor - We went with this monitor because of the wifi capabilities. It has a great picture, and is loud enough for us to hear her perfectly. We've even gotten notifications on our phones that the room is too warm for a baby (even though she wasn't in the room at the time) but I love that

Crib Mattress - We went overboard with this one, but I wouldn't change it. Organic cotton and top of the line. She deserves the best for sleeping!

Fan - Aside from being SO cute, a fan is necessary for circulating air in a nursery. And I know come summer time, I'll be glad we have a heavy duty one in there.

Crib - We shopped so many cribs before deciding on this one. Everything else just felt so cheaply made. So we went on the pricey side and love this crib. It converts to a toddler bed, and eventually a full size bed. So girlfriend is keeping this til she moves out!

Flamingo Toys - how cute are these? Lola got these as a Christmas gift and she loves filling the tub up with all twelve and chewing on every single one

Spout Cover - necessary for when baby sits up and bonks their head on the spout 15 times. Plus, its adorable

 Bath Tub- We love this bath tub. Its so easy, dries and cleans great, and Lola has no problem laying back and loving bath time in it. This is highly recommended for tubby time.

Rubber Duck Temp Gauge - Still use this thing to gauge whether the bath is too hot for our little peanut. Even though she likes it pretty warm, its great to use just in case you're not sure in the beginning.

Shampoo & Lotion - got this shampoo and lotion as a gift and will never use anything else. I know its more expensive, but it smells amazing and makes our girl so fresh and so clean. Plus its made of all things natural (and anyone who knows Chuck knows his crazy obsession with natural soap!)

Bath Squirites - I HAD to buy these for the cuteness, but Lola is just now getting into squirties in the tub. They make bath time so fun and keep her occupied for a while.

 Food Storage Containers- I haven't used these in the freezer quite yet, but when I make food I grab 3-4 to use for the next few days and they're the perfect size. The lid snaps on so no spills. Great especially for when I need to pack her food at day care!

Spoons - We have these spoons (and several more) and Lola seems to like the texture of these the best. She learned how to eat like a champ within a few days after we started, and often tries to grab the spoon and feed herself now

Baby Brezza - A friend told me about this, and I'm SO GLAD I bought it. It makes making my own baby food a breeze. You literally just have to chop food, stick it in here and hit the appropriate time. It steams AND blends it for you. Worth every penny

Bottle Brush  - We just picked this one cause it's pink, and cheap. Works great for those bottles we forget to put in the sink after bedtime!

Bibs - We have several cute, expensive bibs, but honestly I bought 2 packs of these cheap ones cause now that we're eating foods, they get MESSY and soaking wet. You can never have too many bibs in my opinion

Boon Grass Drying Rack- so stylish on your counter, but also so great for drying bottles and all the cute flower attachments work great for drying nipples

Avent Bottles - we lucked out with these bottles. We got the starter kit as a shower gift, and received TONS more Avent bottles as hand me downs from family, and Lola does great with these.

Baby Carrier - got this one cause it's versatile and so cute, Lola hasn't used it much, but we haven't had nice enough weather to use it outside, so I'm looking forward to it more. Its very comfy

Car Seat - Chicco Key Fit 30 is one of the highest rated infant seats and we did our major research on car seats! We have this convertible car seat for when she transitions

Diaper Bag - I really wanted a Kate Spade diaper bag, but I was shut down by the man who said he wouldn't carry one that looks like a purse with flamingo's on it. Dang! But this one works out great. It is HUGE and has a million compartments in it, and works for my obsession with having everything black.

On-the-Go Sound Machine - I've mentioned this one before, and everyone asks me about it when they see us out and hear it on. This thing has changed our life in the car or at a store. The soft noise puts her to sleep so fast, and if shes awake I turn the "melody" on and she just plays in the car seat no problem

Mirror - a must for all those times you think something is wrong and don't want to pull your car over on the side of the freeway again

Cart Cover - Is this not the cutest thing? SO FLUFFY AND SOFT. Perfect for those nasty high chairs at restaurants and germ filled carts in the grocery store. Lysol wipes just aren't enough when your baby wants to lick or chew on the handle!

Stroller - We debated this stroller just because of the price, but in the end, would not go back. This thing rides like a dream, and feels like it weighs nothing! It opens and closes so easily, and can have a second seat added when baby #2 comes along

 

Swaddle Blanket - Can't say enough amazing things about these swaddle blankets. Aside from being the cutest prints out there, they're just so soft and easy to wrap up a tall baby cause they're so big

Kick & Play Piano Gym -This thing is awesome for young babies who lay on their backs most of the day and want to kick, but the best thing is the piano folds up so when baby can sit up she can play the piano with her hands. Lola loves this thing and we've certainly got our Black Friday price use out of it

Baby Lit Books - I'm a sucker for all baby books. But these are just too cute. We have several of these and aside from having great photos, they're really thick cardboard, so no tearing pages!

Avent Pacifiers - We use these pacifiers (we have like 6 but usually can't find one when we need it most!) Lola really only gets a pacifier for going to sleep, and being in the car seat. Other then that we try not to use them. But these are the ones she likes the most

 

Vulli Chan Pie Teether - We have a Sophie, and a Fan Fan (cause they're cute) but Lola definitely takes to this one the most. She loves to grab it and gnaw on those little ears, or whatever they are, I've even caught her trying to shove the whole head in her mouth.

Bumbo Multi Seat - We decided to spend the extra money on this Bumbo (its not that much more) because the pink cushion comes out and can be used as she grows out of it. It also comes with a tray that slides into the back and snaps on the front. We use this for eating and hanging out on the counter when we cook or eat

Safari Exer Saucer - When Lola was ready to go in this at about four months old, I knew it would be a hit. She loves to bounce in this thing and grabs at everything on it, and puts it in her mouth. There's so many things to do on this thing to keep her entertained while Mama gets a few things, okay one thing, done around the house.

Hope this list helps any one in need. And of course, all of these products come in gender neutral colors for the little gents out there too! 

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! I have so many fun things to share today. Mostly because we had a good week with my pumpkin sleeping all night every night, I'm off work today, we're going shopping at Target, and I'm so ready for spring. Good vibes here.

This week we made this Thai beef recipe and it was pretty good. My favorite thing about this recipe is how quick and easy it was. I don't really cook much around here. I get home and just want to play with Lola all night til bed time, so Chuck does most of the cooking. And if I cook, I want it to be really easy. So this was perfect. 

While we're on the subject of comfort. Lets talk about the most comfortable undies ever. Chuck found this company around Christmas time, and when we got our first pair, we decided to subscribe monthly. Each month they will automatically send you their "monthly" design at a discounted rate if you subscribe. They're the softest undies I've ever worn. If you use this link, you'll receive 20% off your first order. 

Ok, now lets talk Lola Style. I had some Gap cash to spend and of course I'm going to spend it on Lola. We could probably afford for me to stay at home, if I could just cut my Baby Gap spending. We're all kinds of excited for spring over here, as if you couldn't tell by me mentioning it in every post since New Years. Can you even handle these baby skinny jeans in white? I mean, skinny jeans on a baby is ridiculous. And by ridiculous, I mean amazing. Now make them white, and holy smokes. I die. Those hopped into my cart faster then I remember. We also can't wait to receive this adorable tutu and these chambray bloomers that are going to go together with a custom chambray bow Isla Ann Inspirations is making for her! I really can't wait for spring!

Sunday I plan to try my hand at making my own baby food. Lola hasn't had anything but oatmeal yet, and I'm so excited to try some real baby foods. I just got this baby food processor recommended by a friend, and I'm pretty excited to use it. I'm all for making things as easy as possible around here lately. Her first oatmeal was a hit! She was squealing and bouncing up and down. I couldn't feed her fast enough. I just knew she would LOVE to eat. 

I've been doing a little bit of shopping for myself because I still can't fit into any of my pre pregnancy jeans. So I recently ordered these jeans in grey from Gap. And they are the stretchiest, softest jeans I've ever owned. I even ordered them in my pre pregnancy size and they fit amazing! Because I only have one pair of jeans that's fit me, I wear leggings every day. And I own like 10 pairs from all over the place. Target, Gap, Charlotte Russe, Forever21, Victoria Secret. They're all see-thru and I have to wear the longest shirts ever to cover my ass. But recently I bought these amazing leggings cause they were on sale and I thought I'd try them out. They're the best leggings I've ever had. So comfy and not see thru at all! And what a great price, right? Ordering more asap. 

Lastly, I just started working on Lola's first Easter Basket! Call me crazy, but I'm just too excited to finally have a baby to spoil every holiday! And Easter means Spring really is just around the corner! Told ya I can't wait. Hope everyone has a great weekend! Here's a few from the last week to enjoy. Isn't she so stinkin cute?

Cold Weather Favorites

When you live in Antartica Chardon, Ohio, you know there will be FREEZING cold weather for about four months a year. And you'll most likely get a snow day at some point even if you aren't a teacher or a student. So during my first winter with a baby, I thought I'd share some of my cold weather favorites for both mama and mini, after having our first snow day together this week.

For Mama:

Lush Charity Pot Lotion: Amazing for dry skin, and how awesome that 100% of the profits supports grassroots organizations working in the areas of environmental conservation, animal welfare, and human rights.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Night Cream: I just recently started using this Aveeno line, looking for something cheaper and more natural. This stuff soaks in and leaves my skin feeling so soft.

Eos Lip Balm: I own every flavor and have them all over my house, car, desk at work, etc. My favorite lip balm by far.

AEO Crew Socks: I haven't shopped at American Eagle since probably high school, but I can't deny how soft and cozy these crew socks are

LL Bean Boots: I wear these almost every day in the winter. Waterproof, warm, and comfy.

For Baby:

Crane Drop Humidifier: Lola had her first cold this winter, which was heartbreaking. But this humidifier seems to help with her congestion and sleeping at night.

Sweater Knit Hat: The hat we have is sold out, but really any adorable hat like this will do. Have to keep my little pumpkin's ear warm all winter long

Fleece Bear One Piece: Amazing for blistery cold days. We put Lola in this on her first walk this fall as well. I wasn't worried about her being cold at all. This thing is so soft, warm, and adorable

Dot & Stripe Stroller Blanket: We received this blanket as a gift, with Lola's name stitched on it. We use it to cover her up in her car seat and it is PERFECT.

Stay warm friends!

Surviving the Newborn Stage

1. MamaRoo this thing is the BEST for naps. Lola was not a fan of her crib or pack n play for naps in the beginning. Plug this sucker in, turn on the white noise, and she will nap for 3 hours! It's definitely pricey, and we got this one from Chuck's sister for free (Thanks Kelley!) and it's been amazing.

2. On-the-Go Sound Machine - we have this attached to Lola's car seat. We use the soft white noise the most. But it soothes her so fast in the car that she does so great now. Especially great for mama's weekly Target trips, when you want to spend an hour wandering the aisles and you don't have a crying baby in her car seat in the cart

3. Halo Sleepsack - the only way Lola will sleep at night. These are so great with the velcro to just zip her up and velcro her in so she can't wiggle her way out. Now that the winter is finally here, she wears the fleece ones and she is so snuggly and warm all night. She has given us several sleeps 8:30pm-7:00am and I think a lot has to do with how comfy she is

4. Sound Machine - Lola sleeps with the heartbeat sound on this machine, and it works wonders to drown out extra noise. With her room being right off our living room, we often find ourselves turning the TV so low we can't even hear it, and tip toeing around the house trying to be quiet so she naps good. But this machine definitely helps now that she naps in her room during the day

5. Old Navy Sleepers - these are the softest, lightest, comfiest, cutest sleepers ever. I wish they made these in adult sizes. They come in so many great colors (we have every single one) and they're the easiest for quick diaper changes because they zip right up no problem.

6. Swaddle Blankets - Lola naps swaddled in these blankets. We tried the Aden & Anais ones but they're too small for our tall girl. Little Unicorns has the CUTEST prints ever. We now own 5 ;-) And I've already pre-ordered this one, because I buy anything flamingo (duh)

7. Coffee - no need for explanation. You just need it. A lot of it.

And because no post is complete without a photo of my little pumpkin..