Helpful Hints For New Mamas

Happy Wednesday y'all!  "Oh Deer" is right!  This post is coming to you a bit later than intended thanks to technology 🙄.  I had the whole blog post written and when I hit publish it all disappeared.  Nothing is more infuriating to me than technology that doesn't work as intended.  Ok rant over....moving on!

We had a great weekend here and as promised Franco did indeed finish our basement.  We just have some cleaning up/organizing to do and then I will post very raw, undecorated pictures.  I am so excited for Franco to finally have an office space.  I know he has been very cramped working upstairs with all the hustle and bustle of daily life with a baby.  We will also have a den-like area for TV and then a play space for Frankie J./workout space for me.

I am super excited with the thought of a workout space.  That was something I really wanted to focus on for me in the new year.  I had initial thoughts of joining a gym, but quickly realized that in the season of life I am currently in that was not going to work schedule (or lack there of) wise.  I also cannot wait to design a fun play area for Frankie J.  I love the idea of a dedicated space to have for all of his toys so that upstairs can be less crowded and more of a living space.  If you know me, you know that I will now be on Pinterest non-stop until I figure out how I want to arrange his space.

I had a thought this weekend of all the things that I found helpful to make life more convenient upon the arrival of Frankie J. and thought I would share them with you all.

1.  Freezer Meals.  This was definitely one of the best things I did before Frankie arrived.  We survived off of these meals for at least two months if not more.  I made a whole bunch of pulled pork, chili, pasta al forno, chicken pot pies (thanks mom), zucchini pies (thanks to my aunt), and cannelloni courtesy of my mother-in-law.  We used the pulled pork for barbecue nights, tacos, and even nachos!

**For the chili recipe, I only brown the meat in the pan.  I throw the rest of the ingredients into the crock pot raw and let the crock pot do the work.**

2.  Duplicate loved items.  We have a two floor home and I knew that I would not want to be constantly going up and down the stairs for diaper changes and naps.  This ended up being so important because I had a c-section (unplanned) and was not allowed to be doing stairs.  I added a pack and play to my registry and used it as a changing/napping station for downstairs.  I made a basket of all necessary diapering items and also added some swaddles.  I found these SwaddleMe  to be super easy and functional.  Franco and I could not master the art of swaddling using the adorable muslin blankets we had.  We did not register for these and were gifted them and they were life-changing.  I also highly recommend the Sleepea 5-second swaddle.  It is the same swaddle that we use in the Snoo minus the tethers needed for the Snoo.  We were also given a travel white noise machine which I highly advise you keep in your second nap space as well.  We have the Cloud B Sleep Sheep, which I love, except that it turns off after 45 minutes.  If purchasing/registering for a travel one I would find one that does not turn off because that can cause your child to wake up.   

3.  Grocery Delivery Service.  This is actually something I started a few weeks before Frankie J. arrived because I found the task of grocery shopping daunting and uncomfortable.  We use Amazon Prime Now who partners with Whole Foods.  I know this may sound a bit pricey, however I feel that it ends up being comparable to going to the store because I avoid putting random items in my cart.  I also love that it saves me my time, which is something that is very scarce these days and I would much rather do it while Frankie is napping and spend our time playing together.  Delivery is free and you have the option to leave a tip.  

4.  Nursing Friendly Clothing.  This is only applicable if you are able/wish to nurse (and we all know that fed=happy no matter how you feed your child).  I spend a majority of my time in athleisure wear now and wanted to find the best nursing options.  I am pretty sure I have tried every nursing cami and bra out there.  I really like the Medela Slimming Nursing Cami for daytime use under workout tops and sweatshirts.  I find these to be awesome for nighttime wear and a more comfortable,   loose fit.  As far as nursing bras are concerned, this is where I had the most difficulty.  I was unable to use any of the wireless nursing bras because they were not supportive enough for me.  I find this bra to be my favorite for the times I decide to actually where real clothes and leave the house!

I hope that this was helpful and I would love to know things that you find save you time and energy in your parenting journey!  Here is to a smooth finish to the week, as it has been a bit of a rough start here with sleeping and technology!

Frankie's (and mama's) Friday Faves

HAPPY FRIDAY!  Oh my goodness this has been the longest week ever.  I can't even say it's been a particularly bad week or tough week....just long!  We have a quiet weekend ahead thankfully.  Franco is going to finish the basement (hopefully!) this weekend and then we will be able to set up Frankie J's play space.  The basement is a finished basement, however it had old, dirty carpeting down and we decided to replace with hardwood-esque laminate.  Franco did it all himself and it looks awesome.  The baseboards just need to be put back on and we are ready to roll.  I will post pictures once it is finished.  I wish I had taken "before" pictures, but think I may be able to scrounge some up.

There are so many things that Frankie and I are loving right now but I am going to share a few below with links!

1.  Teething bibs like these and these.  The first bibs I loved before teething was an issue just because they were super soft and I loved the designs.  I also love that the teethers are detachable which is convenient when you don't need the teether on there.  The snap closure makes these a great choice for staying on when your child decides/learns to pull them off.  The second bibs I found recently at target and fell in love with the muslin material and the adorable patterns.  The teethers are not removable on these bibs.  The Nuby bibs are Velcro which is super convenient for taking on and off, however beware they can snag your baby's clothing.

2.  Rothys shoes for mama!  I recently got the olive camo loafers and am obsessed.  They are a bit pricey however I received a 20 dollar off code from a fellow blogger on Instagram @mrscocowyse.  These are probably the most comfortable shoe I have owned to date (and they are made from recycled water bottles which is wild) and they are super stylish and come in tons of cute patterns.  For me the ease of sliding them on and the comfort factor were what sold me.  Rothys also offers a teacher discount page, where verified teachers receive 20% off certain styles.

3.  Freshly Picked Diaper Bag.  I recently purchased the Butterscotch Classic Diaper Bag.  I have received so many compliments from both mothers and women who are not mothers.  I love that it is a backpack style, but also one that I don't mind wearing while dressed up.  I had initially thought I would just use one of my oversized tote bags as both a purse for me and a diaper bag for Frankie J.  I quickly learned that was a nightmare and just not for me.  I like that I can be hands-free with the backpack style and the leather makes it a great option for going out and dressing up outfits.  There are several compartments on the inside of the bag, one of which is insulated for bottles if you need it or even a water bottle for mama.  There is a zippered compartment and it comes with a changing pad.

 


I'd love to hear from you below in the comments section if you too have tried any of these products and what your thoughts were.

Happy Weekend!

Teething Tuesday (Errr Wednesday)

Happy hump day everyone!  First off, my apologies...I had wanted to get this post up yesterday (thus the catchy title haha), however Frankie J. had other plans for me.  He wanted to be held and snuggle all day yesterday and that was totally ok with me.  Franco is traveling so that means I was the sole provider of snuggles!

Frankie is officially in the trenches of teething.  He is trying to stick anything he can in his mouth to find comfort.  It is so hard watching him go through this because there is really nothing I can do to make it better besides Tylenol, teethers, and snuggles.  Thankfully, overall his sleep has been solid so far.  I thought I would share some things I have tried along with some suggestions from others.

Teethers

1. Ryan and Rose Silicone Cutie Teether Rattle

• I know I have written about this teether before, but Frankie (and I) are OBSESSED.  He is able to hold it extremely well and he seems to get the most relief from this teether.  I did purchase a second one last night and also purchased their stage 2 pacifier as well because you can fold it in and use the handle as a teether as well.  Here is the link for that Cutie PAT (stage 2)

     2.  Comotomo Silicone Baby Teether

• This teether is extremely easy for Frankie to hold and also he is able to position the legs and chew exactly where the tooth is coming in, which provides him better comfort.

     3.  Munchkin Fun Ice Teethers

• Frankie really liked the cool sensation on his gums....but these were really tricky for him to maneuver into his mouth and get in the right spot.  I think as he gets older this will be more useful.  I did come across these which I think may be better for his age and those front teeth coming in.  

     4.  Nuby Ice Gel Teether Keys

• The cooling sensation on these is "key"....see what I did there!  They are much easier to maneuver/fit into the mouth for those first front teeth.  The only downside I found was that the keys do not come off of the ring...so it can be tricky for Frankie to figure out how to hold the keys vs. the giant ring.  

Other Suggestions 

1. Tylenol

• This is totally a personal preference if you choose to use medication or not.  We have used it a couple times daily.  The verdict is still out if I feel like it's really helping.  I think it is taking the edge off a bit, but it's not the best.  Frankie is too young for Motrin which I feel like would be a better option for older teething babes.  The Motrin helps relieve inflammation which I think would help his gums much more than the Tylenol.  I plan to ask the pediatrician at our 4 month appointment and see if he is able to take it based on his weight.

    2. Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder

• Several of you recommended these!  I went to Target and purchased them, and then saw the age on the package that said 6 months plus.....I'd love to hear from you if you used these at a younger age.  The suggestion was to place ice cubes/chips, frozen bananas, and frozen breast milk in there.  I am hoping to try this soon!

   3.  Boon Pulp Silicone Feeder

• I purchased this as an alternative/back up to the mesh feeders listed above.  Again, the age on it is 6 months plus, so I am waiting until I hear if others have tried it at a younger age.  You can put the same items in as listed above (frozen foods, ice cubes/chips, breast milk, etc.

   4.  Teething necklaces

• I have a silicone teether necklace similar to this that I can wear for him to chew on.  I have not tried this yet, although it may be something I try in the future.  As for the necklaces that the children can wear (many are made of amber), I recently have gotten many emails from parenting resources saying that the FDA warns against the use of them.  I believe they mention they pose a choking and strangulation hazard.  I do not know the specifics, but it is worth researching if this is something you are interested in.       

   5.  Frozen Washcloths

• Many of you recommended wetting your baby's face cloths and placing them in the freezer for your little one to chew on.  I have not tried this as of yet, but do see that in the future as something I will try.  

Please leave your teething hacks/suggestions in the comments section below!  I am sure there are many more!

Frankie's (and mama's) Friday Faves

Happy Friday y'all!  It has definitely been a long week.  Franco returned from a business trip last night and I couldn't be more excited to have him home.  I decided that each Friday I will be doing a post about things Frankie and I are enjoying/excited about.  My hope is that this is a helpful resource for mamas to-be and mamas currently in the trenches.  I remember when I was pregnant I would spend countless hours searching the internet and reading endless product reviews.  I felt overwhelmed and worried that I was going to pick the wrong stroller or the wrong car seat (which seems entirely silly now....darn hormones)!  I am here to tell you what is working for us in this season of life and it is 100% my opinion and it is what works for Frankie and I.  So let's do this!

Frankie's (and mama's) Friday Fave's

1.  Snoo Smart Sleeper

This is something that I didn't know much about when I was pregnant, but my husband was insistent we purchase.  It is a bit pricey, but I will say this was probably the most worth it splurge for us.  We both knew that lack of sleep was a huge worry for us and this has definitely helped us keep our sleep.  It is a bassinet that rocks and has built it white noise.  You can control it from your cell phone and it has various levels of rocking/white noise that is sensitive to your baby's cries.  I think Frankie J. would be a great sleeper without this, however this has given us extra hours for sure.  I will do a separate blog post on this, but this definitely tops the list for me (and Frankie J.'s sleep)!  

2.  Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Toy

This is probably one of Frankie's favorite toys.  The plastic tubes are easy for his small hands to grab and for fitting in his mouth.  The bright colors are fun and the winding of the tubes creates fun designs for him to stare at.    

**Please note he also has the cutie teether around his arm haha....he somehow always manages to wear it like an arm cuff**

3.  Ryan and Rose Silicone Cutie Teether Rattle

This is hands down Frankie's favorite toy right now!  The ring design is easy for him to grab and the silicone bumps must feel good on his gums (unsure but he may be teething....stop growing little boy).  I love it because it is super cute and one of the few toys we own that isn't a million bright colors!  It is also perfect for putting in the diaper bag for when we are on the go.

**Update** Since writing this post last night I made the decision to purchase a second one because he loves it so much to keep in the diaper bag.

4.  Uppababy Vista Stroller and Mesa Car Seat

I will do a separate blog post on just this stroller at a later time, but I couldn't do our favorite items without mentioning it!  I love that the car seat just clicks right into the stroller (no adapters needed).  The stroller is super light and easy to fold up.  It is also easy to steer and has a great turn radius.  I will mention that I do think the car seat is a bit heavier than others out there.  I chose to overlook that because of the ease of it fitting directly in the stroller.  I can honestly say that there really aren't many times that I am lugging the car seat around without the stroller (besides in and out of the car).

5.  Marpac Dohm Classic White Noise Sound Machine

This is a must-have for baby!  Right now his Snoo sleeper has the built in white noise, however when we transition him to the crib/rock him to sleep (drowsy) at night this is what we use in the nursery.  We also found this so helpful we recently packed it for our trip to Sarasota!  I really like that it doesn't have an auto shut off which was the case with another white noise machine we had.  We were left scrambling after 45 minutes when it turned off.  

I want to know what your favorite products for baby or mama are right now.  Leave a message in the comments...it's always so fun to see what else is out there that you may be missing!

Happy Weekend!

  

Nursery Tour

Happy Tuesday!  Am I the only one out there that feels like this is shaping up to be a very long week?  We are expecting some snow tonight into tomorrow and while I am excited at the thought of that, somehow being snowed in with a 3.5 month old is also a bit nerve-wracking!  I love the way the snow looks on the trees at our new house.  For those of you that don't know, over the summer we moved from the bustling city of Beverly, MA to a more quiet area north of Boston.  We are in love with our house and love watching the deer come to feed in our yard each morning and evening.  I can't imagine that will ever get old.

Since we moved into our house in August, and Frankie J. was due to arrive at the end of October, I felt super stressed and excited to get the nursery done.  My husband will tell you I was a bit crazy with the unpacking of the house and decorating I made him do.  I just knew that I needed the house done before the baby arrived because after that it would fall to the bottom of the priority list.  I can have some type A tendencies, especially around incomplete tasks.  The nursery came together pretty quickly, except for the furniture that failed to arrive on time.  Once the furniture did arrive, it completely tied the room together.  The nursery is hands down one of my favorite spaces in our home.  It is such a warm and calming space and I love sitting in the rocker with Frankie J.

 Menlo Galvanized Shelf

 Bookshelf

 Crib

Crib Skirt

Crib Sheet

 Lamp

Llama Rocker

 Rug

Side Table

Rocker/Recliner

Hamper

Dresser

I hope you enjoyed this look into Frankie J.'s nursery!  I'd love to see in the comments what you would like to read about in the blog!  I have some great ideas swirling around in my head, but it's always nice to see what is important to ya'll.  Here's to hoping this week is not as long as today feels! 

Introduction

Hi Ya'll.  I'm so excited to start this blogging journey with you all and thought I would start by telling you a little bit about myself.  My name is Melissa and I have been married to my husband Franco for a little over five years.  We met at Northeastern University in Boston (Go Huskies!) where he was an RA in my building.  We just had a baby boy Frankie J. at the end of October and we are over the moon smitten with him.  In addition to Frankie J., we have three fur babies (a cat named Lilo, a Shih Tzu Molly, and a Wheaton Terrier named Chloe).

I am a kindergarten teacher and am currently on maternity leave for the year.  I love my job and can't imagine doing anything else in the world.  I decided to start blogging because as I am beginning this journey of motherhood, I thought it would be a great way to connect with other moms and first time parents.  I remember what it was like trying to navigate which products I should register for as an expecting mother and I thought I could share what worked for Frankie J. and myself thus far.  I also love fashion and wanted a space to connect with others who are interested in mom and baby fashion.  Follow me on Instagram as Mrsbighouse.  

I'd love to learn a little bit about you guys.  Leave me a comment in the comments section and let me know a little bit about yourself!

And now....enjoy these amazing pictures taken by Cassie at Cassandra Lauren Photography.