10 newborn must haves!

I know I haven't been a mom for very long, and I am certainty not an expert, but I have found a few favorite items during these last few weeks since bringing Kynli home. There are a lot of different baby products out there, but here is my list of must have's for a newborn! 

1) Swaddle sacks (via Target and Babies R Us)

Kynli loves to be cozy in her swaddles and it lets her know that it is time to sleep! Regular muslin blankets work great for swaddling as well, but these swaddle sacks are much simpler and easier for those middle of the night feedings! They even have a little slit to check on baby's diaper without unswaddling. Plus, we found that were were able to get the swaddle sacks tighter than using a regular muslin blanket, which minimizes those little arms trying to break free.

Unless you plan on doing laundry in the middle of the night, I recommend that you should have 3 or 4 of the small/medium sized sacks.

2) Sound machine (via Target)

 This is the exact Muchkin Nursery Projector Sound Machine that we have. There are many sound options and the nightlight is super helpful for being able to check on baby at night. I have even learned how to change diapers and feed using just this light.

 3) A basket with diapers, wipes, extra burp cloth, and any other essentials (idea via Two Twenty One)

 Keep the essentials close no matter which room you are in. I found this to be extremely important to have in our bedroom for night time. Right now, my stash includes diapers, wipes, and burp cloths. Other items you might need could be a pacifier, swaddle, diaper rash cream, Germ X, and a toy or two.

4) Zip up pajamas (via Carters)

When you are feeling sleep deprived, those little snaps on baby's PJs become even more difficult! Save yourself some trouble and get baby some PJ's that zip up. So much easier!

5) Carseat canopy (via carseatcanopy.com)

Help keep baby warm, dry and protected from curious onlookers by using a carseat canopy to cover them up when you are out. This is especially important if your baby is born during cold weather, like Kynli. Our doctor even commented on how they can help keep germs away!

I bought ours for a very reasonable price from carseatcanopy.com. This website offers coupons for "free" canopies and you only pay the shipping, making it much cheaper than any where else I looked.


6) Monitor

Laying your baby down and leaving the room is tough for first time parents! We didn't see a need to go overboard and use a video monitor, but it definitely helps to put our minds at ease to be able to hear her. Kynli has yet to sleep in her crib at night, but when she does we will be trying out the motion detection as well.

7) Bassinet, rocker, or co-sleeper (via Target, Babies R Us, Wal-Mart)

 

You will want baby close to you during those first few weeks before they move to their crib (or for much longer if Justin would let me!) Of course, everyone has their own opinion about infant sleep, but we knew we did not want Kynli in bed with us. We ended up using this Ingenuity Rock and Play and we love how easily portable it is! It is a cozy and soft bed that we can move to whatever room we are in.

8) Boppy and an extra cover (via Target, Babies R Us)

 

We have seriously considered toting the Boppy pillow around with us when we go out somewhere! The Boppy is a must to aid in nursing and feeding, as well as a place for baby to sit or have some tummy time. Your baby might be little, but your arms quickly become tired and need some support!

I recommend that you also have an extra cover for when baby spits up and you need to wash one.

9) Multiple changing pad covers (via Target, Babies R Us, Wal-Mart)

 

Accidents happen, and often! I recommend that you have 3 or 4 covers for when those accidents happen!

10) Plenty of laundry detergent and stain remover

I can't tell you how many times I have thought to myself over the last few weeks how such a tiny person could possibly generate so much laundry! Kynli usually goes through multiple outfits a day, burp cloths, blankets, and the list just goes on and on. Accidents happen, and they happen on you too, which means I go through multiple outfits as well. I do a lot of laundry these days.

 The type and brand of detergent that you use is completely up to you. I can't say that I personally use "baby" laundry detergent (have you seen how much it costs?!) and Kynli's skin seems just fine! 

 What else would you add to this list?

welcome to the world sweet baby girl!

"Before you were born

we dreamed of you, we imagined you,

& we prayed for you.

Now that you are here

we hope for you, we love you,

& we thank God for you."

To my sweet baby girl,

Today I sat rocking you to sleep in the chair in your room and I as I looked out the window I suddenly noticed that the leaves had completed their colorful journey through fall and the branches of the trees were bare. I remembered bringing you home from the hospital and how those same leaves had just began to turn hues of yellow and orange as I nursed and rocked you in that space for the first time. I thought about how even before that I had sat in that chair before you were born and wondered and prayed for you . Oh how time passes so quickly! The seasons change and come and go and before I know it you are almost a month old.

Your entrance into the world was fast and furious and took Daddy and I a bit by surprise. Everything happened very quickly, so quickly in fact that Mommy didn't have time for any pain medication! My entire labor was less than 4 hours and Daddy didn't even have time to move the car out of the unloading zone before I was taken back to the delivery room. The experience wasn't anything like we had expected, but when the doctor laid you on my chest for the first time it felt surreal. After 9 months of anxiously waiting you were suddenly here!

We were smitten with your tiny toes and fingers and those hands you love to have up by your face. I never imagined you would look like me, but there is no denying that you are mine. Our hearts were so full as we began this journey of watching you learn, grow and discover the world!

These newborn days can be hard and overwhelming. Daddy and I are tired and often feel helpless as to why you are crying. Our arms ache from holding and feeding you. But these days are precious too and I know they are fleeting. I've tried to etch the feel and look of your little body into my memory and your sweet little newborn grunts. I want to remember that fresh out of the bath baby smell and I what it is like to cuddle with you on my chest.

Oh Makynli Grace, you are a priceless gift and you fill our hearts and home with love and joy.  And as much as Daddy and I love you, God loves you more.We're so glad you are here- welcome to the world sweet baby girl!

Makynli Grace

10-25-15

11:53 am

5 lbs 14 oz

20 inches long

Ikea bookshelf + nightstand hack!

Hi friends,

I have more nursery projects to share with you today! Besides hanging some items on the wall, things are finished! (Which is a good thing as my due date is only 4 weeks away!)

Justin took a plain Ikea bookshelf (like the one below) and added a stained wooden top. It was an amazing before and after transformation!

 Once I saw how great the bookshelf turned out, I insisted that the nightstand needed the same wooden top!

Here is the plain white nightstand:



And here is how it turned out as well!

I adore the mix of the wooden tops and white bases. I think it really helps to break up all of the white and give the room a slightly more rustic look so that it isn't overly girly! Plus, Ikea furniture is budget friendly as well!

Sources:
Bookcase: Ikea Kallax series
Nightstand: Ikea Hemnes series
Stain: Rustoleum's Dark Walnut

You can also check out the DIY Blanket Ladder that is pictured here!

DIY blanket ladder + nursery peek

Hello friends & happy Fall! 

September .. where have you gone? I seem to be asking that question often ... we have been so busy the last few weeks. It has rained non stop for 2 days now, so that was a good excuse to stay home this weekend and get some things done! (like writing over 50 Thank you notes!)

The nursery is one thing we have been working hard on .. and it still needs a few finishing touches. I have a sneak peek to share with you and a DIY project that Justin completed this week.

 I just love how this monogram I ordered off Etsy turned out! We chose unfinished wood and then Justin spray painted it the correct color. A little bit of ribbon and this project was complete!

Justin also finished a blanket ladder this week. I came across this project on Pinterest from Shanty 2 Chic and knew it would be a perfect addition to the nursery. Follow the link for your own free plans!

We chose to stain the ladder in Rustoleum's Dark Walnut- except it was wiped off immediately because we didn't want it to be dark. This is the perfect way to display all of the sweet blankets we have received (several of which are handmade!). I also love the slightly rustic touch it adds to a mostly white room.

I have a few more small projects to share with you soon!

bump date! week 32

Hi friends,

Time flies when your pregnant! We've made it all the way to week 32 in what seems like a blink of the eye.

Since my last update at Week 26, we have been celebrating with baby showers, slowly working on the nursery, and trying to prepare for this new stage in life.

In August we traveled home to the mountains for a baby shower given by family and friends. I have to say that Makynli will the be the best dressed baby!

 Justin's cousin who actually just gave birth yesterday to her own little girl Piper!

 The most adorable bow holder. Read more about it here.

This past weekend we celebrated with another shower from our church family.

And like I said, the nursery is slowly, slowly, slowly coming together. I don't think I have ever ordered so many items off line before! The postman and my husband would probably like for me to finish!

The explosion that comes after a shower!

And of course you never know where you might find our cat!

We also had maternity pictures taken .. I have only seen a few previews to share with you. Check out April Larson Photography if you are local!

Week 32:

Symptoms: Some occasional mild swelling in my ankles, and I am pretty tired again! Going back to work was a little rough, particularly at the beginning. Every muscle in my body was sore! Braxton Hicks are also apart of my daily life.

Cravings: I am still wanting milk every night, and I insisted that I had to have a Cookout milkshake! (And I could totally go for another one!)

Clothing: I haven't been shopping since July. It might be some sort of record. And I don't really want to buy anything else if I can help it! 

Baby: Makynli has grown a lot to be about the size of a head of lettuce at 19 inches and around 4 pounds! She is practicing swallowing, sucking, and kicking. It is really crazy to literally see your stomach move. Everything has been looking great at our doctor's appointments so far!

Looking forward to: Getting things like our hospital bag and car seat ready to go! Also, we have a weekend class coming up where we will learn about labor, tour the hospital, and newborn care. Exciting and nerve racking! 

Until next time!