mom life

Momma Meg Loves: The GLOW, and other websites.

Inspired By Mrs. Brittany Driver over at Let’s Nest… to share some of my favorite Mommy Websites.

The Glow – I loved reading these short celebrity interviews while I was pregnant. When I was first referred by a friend I thought I would find these mommas to be too fashionable for even myself. Even moreso, I was worried that I would covet their uber expensive taste in toys, clothes and gear. I was pleasantly surprised that lots of these celebs are at least portrayed as normal Mommas… balancing work, love and kiddos. “The Glow is a glimpse into the world of inspiring and fashionable moms. Here you’ll find their styling ideas, go-to gear, multitasking secrets, and enviable decor.” Check it out. There are some gorgeous photos and great nursery inspiration!

The Bump – I frequented this website more often during pregnancy.  Loved the different list features (confessions of a list-a-holic). Lots of registry tips, lists of what to take to the hospital, message boards, etc.

Total Baby iPhone App – I lived and breathed through this iPhone app during the first few months of pregnancy. It makes tracking feedings, diapers, and sleeping SO much easier. Especially in those first few weeks when you’re probably so tired you can’t remember your own name, much less what side you started or finished on last time you fed the baby. I’ll admit, I was a little bit obsessive about timing EVERY SINGLE FEEDING, documenting EVERY SINGLE DIAPER, and celebrating EVERY SLEEP TIMER that reached the 4 hour mark! Great charts and graphs to help you see a pattern with feedings/sleep although slightly discouraging when that “pattern” you saw in week 4 completely disappears in week 5. I’m sure this is totally normal first-time-momma behavior but someone should have sat me down, at around 5 weeks… and told me that I was being just slightly neurotic and that the app was no longer necessary. $4.99 in the iTunes store. Definitely worth it. Just be aware of the possibility of addiction.

Green Baby Guide – Lots of great tips on ways for our little family to live a green-er lifesyle. Love the budget-friendly theme. Fun blog to follow for simple ideas on living a more organic lifestyle.

 

Tiny Choices – Similar to Green Baby Guide, I’ve found some great ideas on here for budget-friendly and green alternatives to traditional parenting methods.

 Are any of you mommas members of Holistic Moms Network? What are your thoughts on attachment parenting? Extended Breast Feeding? Cloth Diapering? Hot-topics among members of this network… I’m thinking it would be a great resource.

I’m very much comfortable in the gray. I believe that no method of parenting needs absolutes. I’ve adopted pieces of many styles that I’ve observed and read balancing with my own maternal intuition. 

Reflections: Live the Life You’ve Imagined

We all have things we say we’re going to do but know we’ll never get around to. When I was pregnant, I had high hopes for having more time to “DO” once I was a full-time stay at home momma. I even dreamed up a list of “Post Peanut Projects” that I hoped to accomplish in the first year. Who knew it would be so difficult balancing fun + entertaining activities for the baby with productivity + projects. No longer can I clean the entire house in one day. Liv will not allow it. She’ll sit patiently or hang in the exersaucer while I clean one room… maybe two. Never the entire house. I’m slowly figuring out how to “stay on top of it” and wiggle in one project at a time. I’m reminded of a quote that I first came across when reading, Mark Albion’s “Making a Life, Making a Living” in college.

The first step is to stop doing what is making (you) unhappy. Next (you) have to act on (your) desire for change. – Mark Albion

In no way am I unhappy. In fact, mommy-hood is the most amazing and wonderful experience of my life. I can truthfully say; I enjoy it more and more each day, even on the bad ones (and there are bad ones). That being said, I need to make a better effort (<—See, that’s me taking responsibility) at planning less and doing more. 

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I’ve mentioned before that I come from a long line of planners + calendar-a-holics. Most influentially, my mom. This past week left me with a whole new appreciation for her. Daniel was out of town for the better half of the week/weekend at a Microsoft conference in Seattle (Actually, Redmond, WA). To say I’m excited for him to be home this afternoon is an understatement. Just in case you don’t really know me or my family…. I’m the oldest of 4 – my brother Christopher (24) and sisters Bethany (21) Emily (19) and I are all between 18 mo. and 2 years apart. Growing up, I had NO idea what this meant for my mom. My dad is a top executive with a major retailer and has always traveled a lot (we’re talking 3 to 4 out of 5 nights a week) but still managed to coach little league on the weekends. My mom juggled 4 under 8 years old… multiple car seats… diapers…all of that laundry and grocery shopping. I just can’t fathom. And we were always doing fun + educational stuff (especially during the summer) – going to the beach, zoo, library, etc. She’s also one of the most creative do-ers I know. I could write an entire post about how amazing a mother my mom is but I’ll save that for Mother’s Day 2013 and just say “I don’t know how you did it mom – You’re my hero.”

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Momma Meg Loves: Summer Favorites

La Croix Coconut Sparkling Water

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La Croix Coconut Sparkling Water – I. AM. ADDICTED. This is SO much more than a flavored sparkling water… it’s like vacation… in a can. Like a pina colada with zero calories (and no artificial sweeteners). I guess I should emphasize – THIS IS NOT SODA. Daniel reaches for it every time I open a can, takes a swig, immediately makes the most disappointed/disgusted face + tells me it tastes like suntan lotion. I assure you, it does not. That being said, this beverage will not appeal to soda junkies. Would be fantastic in a mixed drink – Maybe Rum + Lime. Or skip the rum and just add lime. Totally refreshing and wonderful. Frequently on sale at Target but I hear they sell it at Costco.

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Frozen Grapes – My go-to, healthy, refreshing, summer snack. They’re like little mini grape-flavored popsicle bites- frozen and delicious. And EASY – it’s as simple as removing the grapes from the stem, tossing in a freezer bag, freeze overnight + enjoy. Perfect to take to the pool. Just eat ’em before they defrost. Which isn’t hard… because they’re so delicious you’ll gobble ’em up pretty darn fast.

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray

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Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray – Summer in Texas can be miserable. Just the thought of heat styling my hair makes me feel disgusting and sweaty. Plus, I’d rather imagine myself 18, driving down PCH, with a salty, stickiness in my air-dried hair only achieved by a good dunk in the pacific ocean. Luckily, with a few spritzes of B&B Surf Spray, I’m good to go – fresh out of the shower. No electricity needed. Well, except the A/C. $24 for 4oz Buy Here or in stores Here

Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 Moisturizer

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Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 Moisturizer – Really this is a year-round necessity, but Summer-time always heightens my awareness of the importance of protecting my skin against sun damage. This moisturizer is a bit of a splurge but is really great if you have acne prone skin or oily-tendencies. I usually mix with Laura Mercier Oil Free Supreme Foundation to create my own version of the tinted moisturizer. (Laura Mercier offers a tinted moisturizer, but it only offers SPF 20 and you can basically get the same effect by mixing foundation + moisturizer and even save a little bit!) That’s my 2 cents… Nice, lightweight coverage + protection. For Elta MD -Ask a dermatologist or Buy Here

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

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Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer – I have a secret love for creating my own concoctions and cocktails of products. I already mentioned a sort-of DIY tinted moisturizer recipe. I’ve also been known to purchase this Jergens lotion in the “tan to dark” shade (I’m pretty fairly complected) and mix with Aveeno Daily moisturizer with SPF. Again Protection + a hint of tint. and Cost effective. Buy Here or Here ($23/3pk)

Note: With a 5 month old baby – rare are the days that I actually put lotion on my legs… or makeup on my face for that matter.

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Olivia: 5 Months

5 Months

15.2 Pounds

25 Inches

Size: “6 month”, Size 2 Diapers

Nicknames: Sneekle Freetzie (AKA Snickle Fritz), Liv, LiverDude, Peanut, OKP

Loves…

The Skip Hop Tree Top Play Mat

The Baby Einstein Exersaucer (AKA “The Disc”)

Sophie the Giraffe and Sophie “Chewie”

The “Liv, Liv, Liv” Song

The Belly Button Song

Reading before bedtime, especially “Where’s Spot?”

Going to the Aquarium

Swimming

“Longtime Sunshine” Song

Bath Time, Baby Massage, Bed Time

Putting fingers, hands, and feet in her mouth.

Interested in food and drinks, wants to put everything in her mouth

The flying baby game

any type of baby wearing: Bjorn, peanut sling (finally!)

Pulling mom’s hair

Cranks…

getting in the carseat

being in the stroller for long enough for mom to shop

watching mom blog

watching dad study

staying up past 9:00pm

watching mom + dad eat dinner

Milestones:

Almost sitting up alone

Meeting cousins Rylie + Remie for the first time

First trip to the Lake with Bilbo/McElyea/Darley fam

Sleeping 5+ hour stretch at night, occasionally 8+

First Fourth of July

First Bubble Bath

Swim Diapers Size S/P finally fit!

Wore Vans tennies for the first time

Stuck tongue out and made a funny face

Getting a little furrier! More blondish red hair coming in…

Went to the nursery at Church for the first time

Daily Routine:

7:30 Wake Up, Nurse

10:00 Nurse

11:00 Nap (30 min – 1hr)

1:00 Nurse

3:00 Nap (1hr-2hrs)

4:00 Nurse

7:00 Nurse

8:00 Read books in bed with Mom + Dad

8:30  Bathtime, Lotion and Massage, “Jammies”

9:00 Nurse, Songs, Prayers*

*In the process of pushing the whole night-time routine up to 7:00 pm… slowly shaving a few minutes off every night

Momma Meg Loves: The Dallas World Aquarium

Daniel and I first visited the aquarium when I came to visit just a few months after we started dating. We’ve since celebrated a few Birthdays and even a Valentine’s day there. Most recently, we celebrated our first Mother’s Day at the Dallas World Aquarium – where Daniel (+ Olivia) gifted me an annual pass.

December 2005 at The Dallas World Aquarium

Mother’s Day 2012

The Dallas World Aquarium Individual Pass $95 + One Non-Designated Guest $80  = $175 allows either our family (Kids under 3 are free!) or I can invite a friend, mom, etc. We decided that it would be best to invest in the extra $80 knowing that Olivia and I would go more often if we could invite friends. Become a Member Here. No matter what, the annual pass is the way to go at the DWA – General Admission tickets for adults are $20.95, Kids 3-12 are $12.95. As fabulous as it is, $20.95 is outrageous to visit the DWA once. Even the Ft. Worth Zoo is cheaper! At an average of 2 visits/month, each trip would cost $7.29.

  • The DWA is open 9:00AM-5:00PM daily. I’ve found that the best time to go (especially during the summer) to avoid the field trip and summer camp crowds is first thing in the morning when they open, or towards the end of the day (after 3:30PM) You can definitely see it all in a few hours, especially if you have a pass and don’t feel pressured to get your 20 bucks worth.
  • It’s VERY difficult to maneuver strollers (and wheelchairs) through the DWA so I usually make sure to have Olivia freshly fed and diapered when we arrive to avoid having to nurse or change her. Highly recommend baby wearing for this adventure + a backpack!
  • The only downside with the DWA pass is that it does NOT include free parking. Parking downtown (in the touristy West End District) can be pricey. Liv and I usually opt to take DART (The West End Station is just a few blocks from the DWA) adding only a few dollars to our visit cost.
  • Also – They sell beer.

Watching the Waterfall at The Dallas World Aquarium

Most Recently, we visited the DWA while Gramma G + Auntie Em were in town. My sister in law, Tricia, her two girls, Rylie (5) and Remie (5 weeks) and my darling granddad joined us. Liv always loves the manatees and the pengiuns. Oh! and the waterfall – she could sit and stare at it all day.

This is Liv’s “I love Manatees” face

At the DWA with Cousin Rylie

Baby Wearing at the DWA

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Poop Stains

All moms swear by something to remove stains… This concoction works. Equal parts: Wisk, Shout and Oxi Clean. Applied directly to the stain, scrub then soak in warm water for a few hours and pop in with the rest of the load. And my mom had the genius idea of using an old spice bottle (one with larger holes works best) to store a smaller amount of Oxi Clean for easier pouring and quick access.

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Momma Meg Loves: Things to Register For

As a first time momma I was TOTALLY clueless when creating a baby registry. I had no idea what I would need and want… I really only knew what I thought was cute. And it’s ALL cute. Especially when you’re having a girl! Here’s a list of the products I found most essential in my arsenal. Also – a list of the things I registered for… and/or purchased that I probably should have skipped or waited on.

Momma Meg Loves…

Baby Bjorn Air Mesh Baby Carrier

 

Baby Bjorn – I took Liv out for walks starting around 3 weeks. It was not only great for her… but good for me to get out at least once a day to get some fresh air and a little exercise. In the first few months, I used it at least once a day… most days more like 3 or 4 times. Found it especially useful to calm her when she just wanted to be held. The “Bjorn” brand works wonderfully for me – although at 4 months… looking into the future… I might have looked into something that converted into a backpack type carrier. Also – I registered for the grey/white mesh carrier because it claimed to be more “breathable”… but I probably should have opted for the “stain-hiding” classic black. Buy Here with a 20% off coupon, or Buy Here in All black mesh! Image From Here (Note: I wanted Liv to Love this sling SO badly… but she HATES it. Maybe once she likes to sit on my hip we can try it again… I REALLY wish we could figure out the whole nursing-while-baby-wearing thing… )

Edit: Instead of deleting the above blurb about the Baby Bjorn, I thought I’d leave it so you might see (if anyone actually refers to/ reads back this far) what I did LOVE about this product in the earlier stages. I could have predicted at about 4 months (See above) that we were growing out of the Bjorn. Olivia was a pretty petite baby so it really did work wonderfully for me for the first few months… didn’t strain my back, was comfortable, she seemed comfortable, etc. The last time we tried to use it was around 6 months – on our trip to CA. Still petite, I can’t bear to carry Olivia in it for more than a few minutes – she’s squished in there, the straps dig in to my shoulders and after 5 minutes I can already feel the backache coming on. After lots of careful research polling all my momma friends and experts, I’ve decided to invest in an Ergo Baby Carrier. (Just waiting for one to pop up on sale on Zulily, Totsy, Amazon, etc.)

Ergo Baby Carrier

 

Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Glazed Diaper Bag

Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag – If I had to pick one thing to SPLURGE on… this would be it. Ours was gifted by my Godmother to whom I will be forever grateful… because this is truly a wonderful bag! The reasons I love it are endless… so here are the top 3. First, most diaper bags come with a changing pad cover that folds and stores INSIDE the bag… so when you encounter that questionable public changing table, you have to dig through the diaper bag… find the pad… the wipeys and the diapeys… PPB makes things SO MUCH easier. the pad unzips and folds out from the side of the bag revealing two pockets… perfectly sized for diapers… and for wipes. Oh.. and a tiny pocket for travel-sized diaper rash cream. Two Words… EASY ACCESS. Also a really nice feature for changing diapers when you DON’T have access to a changing table… like… on a picnic blanket… or at a friend’s house. And BONUS… because it’s access from the outside of the bag… no lost storage space on the INSIDE of the bag. Second, PPB is waterproof! and the fold-out changing pad is machine washable. I can already tell that this bag will wear REALLY well through as many kiddos as I want to have (and for the price tag… it should!) Third, convertible straps allow PPB to be worn cross-body, over-the-shoulder, or as a backpack! Also fits REALLY well hanging our stroller! and Duh…the cute factor is obvious… Buy Here (lots of matching accessories too!) or Buy Here (discontinued prints are a little bit less expensive) Image from Here

WubbaNub

WubbaNub – Obviously not something I had heard of pre-#momlife. This pacifier (A soothie) is attached to a small stuffed animal friend… awesome because a) the stuffed animal acts as a weight making it easier to find when the pacifier falls out. b) most of the stuffed creatures have perfectly sized arms/legs for little hands to hold on to. c) they’re easier to find for mommy too! Buy Here (best variety) or Buy Here (for convenience) Image from Here

Aiden + Anais Bamboo Swaddle Blankets

Aiden + Anais Swaddle Blankets – These were something I put on my registry purely because I thought they were pretty. Soft and sheer… I just loved the way they looked and felt. We have both the bamboo blend and regular muslin variety. The bamboo are definitely softer and easier to swaddle with but pricier and don’t hold up as well after several washes. The muslin are lightweight enough to use as a nursing cover (especially nice when it’s too hot out to use one of those heavy canvas “hooter hiders”). I keep one of these blankets in my diaper bag at all times! Also worth mentioning – Aiden + Anais makes great burp rags too! Same soft material and darling prints…. also feature a great curved shape that fits as perfectly as a burp rag can over your shoulder and BONUS… snaps into a “bib” … which is great to snap around a stroller handle or car seat for easy access. Buy Here  or Buy Here (best variety) or Buy Here (for convenience) Image From Here

Sophie The Giraffe

Sophie The Giraffe & Sophie The Teether – Definitely worth every penny! I had a hard time justifying this purchase… but as soon as Liv was old enough to enjoy “toys”… Sophie quickly became a favorite. The feet are just the right size for tiny hands to hold on to and the “PURE” rubber is safe for drool-y exploring. Liv is almost 4.5 months old and unfortunately (to be confirmed by the pediatrician) at the very beginning stages of teething…. so we also invested in the Sophie Teether (who is fondly referred to as “Chewie” as to not create any confusion)… This version of Sophie is harder rubber and has ridged rings… great for teething… but also great for little hands to hold. Buy Here (Cheaper) or Here (In Stores) Image from Here

Angel Dear Giraffe Lovie

Angel Dear Giraffe Lovie – Don’t REALLY understand why this is Liv’s fav… but I picked it up at Baby Bliss (in a weak pregnant moment – I had a thing for all things giraffe… and this super plush… darling little giraffe “lovie” was too much to pass up). It’s slowly becoming a diaper bag staple… actually… it never really makes it in the bag… because it pretty much goes everywhere with Liv. Bumbo to Car Seat… even as we speak… she’s snuggled up, paci in one hand, Lovie in the other. Buy Here (Cheapest! $13!!) or Buy Here (In Stores)

Products I would RE-Think

The stroller – I’m convinced now (Yep, that’s right mom! I’ll admit I was wrong) expensive strollers are just that… expensive. Don’t get me wrong. There are lots of things that I love about my Peg Perego Switch Four stroller… and I AM glad I talked myself out of the uber fancy Uppa Baby or Bugaboo. I love that the stroller base + car seat snapped in combo is super easy to snap-in, fold-up, navigate, etc. The base is REALLY light weight… I can successfully collapse AND load the base one-handed (with an iced coffee in the other hand, of course!). We do get tons of use out of the bassinet, (that will later flip to face forward as the stroller seat) Olivia LOVES to lay down… and it allows her more room to wiggle around (READ: less likely to develop a flat spot from leaning head in one direction). Occasionally, I’ll strap her in, like a big girl and let her sit up slightly… Only downsides a) the straps are still to big for her at 4 months and b)without fastening the straps, she scoots down so far that her legs end up hanging off the end of the stroller. Things I dislike: a) the cup holder falls off… ALL the time. and it’s tiny. Not big enough for a larger drink… basically only big enough for a small plastic water bottle – which is probably the only thing I should be drinking) b) the basket (on the bottom) is not easy to access from the back because of the frame of the stroller… that’s just poor design. c) I wish that I had looked at something that had a handle bar that went all the way across as opposed to two handles. Daniel says our stroller handles are also too short for him to push… that’s just his fault for not wanting to go stroller shopping.

I’m already finding myself wanting a jogging stroller of some sort to use when we’re out walking or outdoors. I think I like this Tike Tech City X3 Swivel the best! Would welcome other thoughts.

The Carseat – again… I have a love/hate relationship with our car seat. We opted for the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 which I was told was “the safest” option for baby. At 9 months pregnant – I probably would have believed ANYTHING the salesperson told me… especially concerning the necessity of at $250 Car Seat. I do believe that it is one of the safest on the market… and I am all for that. But this thing… WEIGHS A TON! Pro: Toned Arms Con:I probably won’t be able to carry it much longer. Even Daniel HATES carrying it for extended amounts of time… any further than car to restaurant, he insists that we bring the stroller.

The Crib Bedding – I should have listened… when my mother told me it was ridiculous to spend $300 on this crib bedding. Darling as it is… it a) doesn’t fit our crib well and b) the bumper (basically… the cute part) was safe for a whole 2 months before Liv started rolling over and smooshing her face up against the side of her crib. I should have just had fun with different printed sheets (like these from Dwell Studio)

The Bouncer Chair – I registered for a moderately priced… very muted… creamy color theme with precious little lambs and plush off-white cushioning. Not practical for MANY reasons…two of the biggest reasons being a) off-white and blowouts is a terrible combination and b)muted tones are NOT interesting for babies. pretty in your living room…but not entertaining for baby… and that’s really priority #1.

The Environmentally Friendly Diaper – As much as I REALLY wanted to make an effort at a more environmentally conscious diapering option… Seventh Generation diapers feel like paper bags… not to mention being the ugliest diapers you could possibly imagine. I registered and was gifted several packages…and after opening/using the first one.. I immediately packed ’em up and took them in to Babies R Us…. Exchanged for Pampers Swaddlers… which I love. And as guilty as I feel about the harsh chemicals on baby’s bottom and # of diapers I’m putting in a landfill somewhere… I hated those paper bags more. (Stay tuned for a review of these  eco-friendly diapers – We may go this route after we get through our gifted stash). Also – I would absolutely consider cloth diapering round 2. Or at least some sort of hybrid solution.

 

 

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