Happy Thanksgiving!

Here are a few snapshots from our first Thanksgiving as a family of three.

Kendall had a great first Thanksgiving. She got to meet her uncle Dean for the first time, had lots and lots of snuggle time with her favorite Auntie Katie, and got to spend lots of time with her nana, nonni, and both papas! We are so blessed to have so many people in our lives who love our little girl as much as we do.

Wish us luck during our Black Friday shopping tomorrow!

Here are a few snapshots from our first Thanksgiving as a family of three.

Kendall had a great first Thanksgiving. She got to meet her uncle Dean for the first time, had lots and lots of snuggle time with her favorite Auntie Katie, and got to spend lots of time with her nana, nonni, and both papas! We are so blessed to have so many people in our lives who love our little girl as much as we do.

Wish us luck during our Black Friday shopping tomorrow!

Kendall's Christmas Wish List

We can't wait to celebrate Kendall's first Christmas! Here are a few things we hope Santa leaves under the tree for her.

Kendall and I in Tiburon at the hotel while Daddy was at the wedding

Wooden Walker- too cute to pass up! It will be a while before she needs it, but it is adorable!

Bean Bag Chairs - these bean bags from Pottery Barn are the best! We have great friends that have these for their daughters and they are great for lounging in, having baby give herself a bottle, etc. would be perfect in our upstairs loft.

Aden & Anais security blankets- A&A make the best swaddle blankets, so it's a safe bet that these would be great too! They are much smaller, and lined with a silky fabric that babies love to hold on too. I think this print is adorable too!

Baby Ugg Boots- Kendall will have these at some point in the next year :) she doesn't need them now, and I would rather her have them when she gets older, so these are probably better to go on a birthday wish list, but look at them! They are adorbs!

We can't wait to celebrate Kendall's first Christmas! Here are a few things we hope Santa leaves under the tree for her.

Kendall and I in Tiburon at the hotel while Daddy was at the wedding

Wooden Walker- too cute to pass up! It will be a while before she needs it, but it is adorable!

Bean Bag Chairs - these bean bags from Pottery Barn are the best! We have great friends that have these for their daughters and they are great for lounging in, having baby give herself a bottle, etc. would be perfect in our upstairs loft.

Aden & Anais security blankets- A&A make the best swaddle blankets, so it's a safe bet that these would be great too! They are much smaller, and lined with a silky fabric that babies love to hold on too. I think this print is adorable too!

Baby Ugg Boots- Kendall will have these at some point in the next year :) she doesn't need them now, and I would rather her have them when she gets older, so these are probably better to go on a birthday wish list, but look at them! They are adorbs!

Months 1 and 2 necessities continued

Last night as I was feeding little miss (at 5am!) I thought of a few more products that I HAD to add. So, here they are...

Boppy Pillow - great for breastfeeding. Use it to support the baby, so your arms get a break! Also great for when the baby is older to prop them up, for tummy time, etc.

Soothies - I was never an anti pacifier parent. Like I mentioned before, I would rather her take a pacifier then suck on her hand. These were the pacifiers they gave Kendall in the NICU, and luckily we got some as shower gifts because she LOVES them. Something about me being able to put my finger in it really calms her down. Plus, she looks adorable when she has one in!

Starbucks Tumbler - I have about three different tumblers at home that I constantly have full of water. I find that I drink more water if it is from a straw (weird I know), and it really helps with keeping my milk supply up (FYI - so does oatmeal and flax seed)

Last night as I was feeding little miss (at 5am!) I thought of a few more products that I HAD to add. So, here they are...

Boppy Pillow - great for breastfeeding. Use it to support the baby, so your arms get a break! Also great for when the baby is older to prop them up, for tummy time, etc.

Soothies - I was never an anti pacifier parent. Like I mentioned before, I would rather her take a pacifier then suck on her hand. These were the pacifiers they gave Kendall in the NICU, and luckily we got some as shower gifts because she LOVES them. Something about me being able to put my finger in it really calms her down. Plus, she looks adorable when she has one in!

Starbucks Tumbler - I have about three different tumblers at home that I constantly have full of water. I find that I drink more water if it is from a straw (weird I know), and it really helps with keeping my milk supply up (FYI - so does oatmeal and flax seed)

Months 1 and 2 Necessities

This is a list of all of my personal "must have items" for baby Kendall. These are all items that we have found to be extremely helpful and beneficial to Kendall (and Dave and I) over the last 7.5 weeks.

Dr Brown's bottless - we give Kendall one bottle every day (started at 2 weeks) of pumped breast milk (see below for my pump recommendation). She has never had a hard time taking a bottle, and I think it is largely due to the fact that we started her on one so young. She will even take a bottle from me :) Best part is, she doesnt care what temperature it is, as long as there is milk in it! These bottles have been great, because they reduce the amount of air flow, and thus prevent gas bubbles for your baby.

Coconut oil - this stuff has been amazing! Kendall had a moderate case of cradle cap, and per the recommendations of other moms, I started rubbing this on her scalp a few hours before bed time. We have been doing this for a week now, and it is really starting to clear up.

Burts Bees baby products - we love this stuff for bath time! Kendall loves her baths (after the first experience that is) and we give her one almost every nights as part of her nightly routine (we only use soap ever 2-3 days though). The soap is mild and smells great! the lotions do too.

Aiden and Anais - I can't say enough great things about these products. We have both the swaddle blankets and the burp cloths. The swaddle blankets have SO MANY uses. We use them to swaddle her, cover up her carseat from the eyes of prying strangers in the stores, keep her covered from the sun when out on walks, you name it! The burpy bibs are great too! Not only are they great burp cloths, but they also have a snap so you can use them as a bib as well. One less thing to pack in the diaper bag!

UppaBaby Vista - we LOVE our stroller. it is easy to use (like one, two clicks easy to use) and has the great feature of coming with a basinet as well for when you have an infant. I love taking Kendall for walks in the basinet, and the stroller has great storage for when you need to pop in to target, Buy Buy Baby, the grocery store, the Mall :)

Swaddle Sacks - if you have a baby Houdini like we do, you will soon find that he/she can break out of any swaddle, no matter how tight you might make it. Thats where these little gems come in handy. You put the baby in feet first, and then you pull one part ofth fabric over one shoulder, arm, etc, and then pull the other side over the opposite arm and velcro it down. Kendall sleeps in one of these every night- keeps her nice and snug and also keeps her crazy (batlike) reflexes from waking her up.

Nap Nanny - the famous nap nanny! We LOVE this product. It might be my number 1 baby recommended product to parents to be out there. The nap nanny puts your baby at a 30 degree angle, which is ideal for an infant. Kendall is a great sleeper, but didnt like to be flat on her back. I read in an article that babies feel like they are falling when they are flat (you will probably notice they flail their arms and look startled sometimes when you are changing them). They also dont like to be in wide open spaces like a pack n play. Kendall was no exception for any of these, so off I went to the baby store when she was two weeks old to try and find something that would make her feel more secure, and I came across the Nap Nanny. The first night we had it, she slept 6.5 hours straight (at two weeks old mind you!). Now she averages anywhere from 7-9 hours straight (knocking on wood...). We only use it for night time though. During the day, she is unswaddled and in her crib for naps.

Madela Breast Pump - I LOVE my pump! It is hands free, and pumps both sides at the same time, so cuts down the time by half. I knew I was going to need a good pump, and went ahead and purchased this bad boy when Kendall was a week old. I started pumping at two weeks to start building my supply up for when I have to go back to work. It has also been great because it allows for Dave to be able to feed her as well, and when we go to friends houses, out to dinner, etc, I can bring a bottle with us instead of a hooter hider :) I pump first thing in the morning when I wake up, but before she does, and then again at night after she goes to bed.

Little Lamb Sound Machine - this is the travel size. we use it in her crib for nap time, and then I use a white noise app on my iPhone for night time. Kendall LOVES the white noise. Just the other night she was super fussy in the car, so I put it on, and she calmed down and closed her eyes instantly. Highly recommend white noise of some sort! (PS- i just purhcased a humidifier/sound machine combo for when we move her in to her own room)

WubbaNub - great product for babies that like pacifiers. Kendall took a paci from day one. I would rather her have a paci then suck on her hand or fingers (which is where we were headed prior to the paci). However, they are a blessing and a curse! A blessing because it soothes them, a curse because they can't keep the dang things in their mouths! Thus, the wubbanub! Helps the baby keep the paci in their mouth :)

 

 

These are just a few of the products that we have come to love over the past few months. We use pampers swaddlers diapers and wipes and have lots of carters clothes (soft and dont shrink down). Message me if you have any questions or recommendations yourself! 

This is a list of all of my personal "must have items" for baby Kendall. These are all items that we have found to be extremely helpful and beneficial to Kendall (and Dave and I) over the last 7.5 weeks.

Dr Brown's bottless - we give Kendall one bottle every day (started at 2 weeks) of pumped breast milk (see below for my pump recommendation). She has never had a hard time taking a bottle, and I think it is largely due to the fact that we started her on one so young. She will even take a bottle from me :) Best part is, she doesnt care what temperature it is, as long as there is milk in it! These bottles have been great, because they reduce the amount of air flow, and thus prevent gas bubbles for your baby.

Coconut oil - this stuff has been amazing! Kendall had a moderate case of cradle cap, and per the recommendations of other moms, I started rubbing this on her scalp a few hours before bed time. We have been doing this for a week now, and it is really starting to clear up.

Burts Bees baby products - we love this stuff for bath time! Kendall loves her baths (after the first experience that is) and we give her one almost every nights as part of her nightly routine (we only use soap ever 2-3 days though). The soap is mild and smells great! the lotions do too.

Aiden and Anais - I can't say enough great things about these products. We have both the swaddle blankets and the burp cloths. The swaddle blankets have SO MANY uses. We use them to swaddle her, cover up her carseat from the eyes of prying strangers in the stores, keep her covered from the sun when out on walks, you name it! The burpy bibs are great too! Not only are they great burp cloths, but they also have a snap so you can use them as a bib as well. One less thing to pack in the diaper bag!

UppaBaby Vista - we LOVE our stroller. it is easy to use (like one, two clicks easy to use) and has the great feature of coming with a basinet as well for when you have an infant. I love taking Kendall for walks in the basinet, and the stroller has great storage for when you need to pop in to target, Buy Buy Baby, the grocery store, the Mall :)

Swaddle Sacks - if you have a baby Houdini like we do, you will soon find that he/she can break out of any swaddle, no matter how tight you might make it. Thats where these little gems come in handy. You put the baby in feet first, and then you pull one part ofth fabric over one shoulder, arm, etc, and then pull the other side over the opposite arm and velcro it down. Kendall sleeps in one of these every night- keeps her nice and snug and also keeps her crazy (batlike) reflexes from waking her up.

Nap Nanny - the famous nap nanny! We LOVE this product. It might be my number 1 baby recommended product to parents to be out there. The nap nanny puts your baby at a 30 degree angle, which is ideal for an infant. Kendall is a great sleeper, but didnt like to be flat on her back. I read in an article that babies feel like they are falling when they are flat (you will probably notice they flail their arms and look startled sometimes when you are changing them). They also dont like to be in wide open spaces like a pack n play. Kendall was no exception for any of these, so off I went to the baby store when she was two weeks old to try and find something that would make her feel more secure, and I came across the Nap Nanny. The first night we had it, she slept 6.5 hours straight (at two weeks old mind you!). Now she averages anywhere from 7-9 hours straight (knocking on wood...). We only use it for night time though. During the day, she is unswaddled and in her crib for naps.

Madela Breast Pump - I LOVE my pump! It is hands free, and pumps both sides at the same time, so cuts down the time by half. I knew I was going to need a good pump, and went ahead and purchased this bad boy when Kendall was a week old. I started pumping at two weeks to start building my supply up for when I have to go back to work. It has also been great because it allows for Dave to be able to feed her as well, and when we go to friends houses, out to dinner, etc, I can bring a bottle with us instead of a hooter hider :) I pump first thing in the morning when I wake up, but before she does, and then again at night after she goes to bed.

Little Lamb Sound Machine - this is the travel size. we use it in her crib for nap time, and then I use a white noise app on my iPhone for night time. Kendall LOVES the white noise. Just the other night she was super fussy in the car, so I put it on, and she calmed down and closed her eyes instantly. Highly recommend white noise of some sort! (PS- i just purhcased a humidifier/sound machine combo for when we move her in to her own room)

WubbaNub - great product for babies that like pacifiers. Kendall took a paci from day one. I would rather her have a paci then suck on her hand or fingers (which is where we were headed prior to the paci). However, they are a blessing and a curse! A blessing because it soothes them, a curse because they can't keep the dang things in their mouths! Thus, the wubbanub! Helps the baby keep the paci in their mouth :)

 

 

These are just a few of the products that we have come to love over the past few months. We use pampers swaddlers diapers and wipes and have lots of carters clothes (soft and dont shrink down). Message me if you have any questions or recommendations yourself! 

Life Lately, according to my iPhone photos

her favorite stretch after waking up in the morning

snuggles on the weekend

her first "real" (aka non gas related) smile

Halloween week

Our Lil' Pumpkin

At the Franklin vs Elk Grove football game

At the Franklin vs Laguna Game (notice the blinged out beanie? - thanks Johnson family!)

My shopping buddy

starting to smile more and more

Yet another GENIUS baby invention - wubbanub - why didnt I think of this?!

And there you have it, our life in iPhone photos as of lately :) 

her favorite stretch after waking up in the morning

snuggles on the weekend

her first "real" (aka non gas related) smile

Halloween week

Our Lil' Pumpkin

At the Franklin vs Elk Grove football game

At the Franklin vs Laguna Game (notice the blinged out beanie? - thanks Johnson family!)

My shopping buddy

starting to smile more and more

Yet another GENIUS baby invention - wubbanub - why didnt I think of this?!

And there you have it, our life in iPhone photos as of lately :) 

Life Lately

Happy November everyone! I can't believe it has already been 6 weeks since Kendall was born! The time is FLYING by. In six short weeks she is already smiling, celebrated her first holiday, and had her first over night trip to Nonni and Papa's house in Modesto.

Kendall and I have been having a great time together! At six weeks, we are starting to get in to more of a routine. She is a great sleeper- goes down at night around 8-8:30, wakes up for one feeding, the sleeps again till 8 or 9am (knocking on wood!). Once she eats, we get her ready for the day (I try to get things done for myself when she is still sleeping in the morning), and run any errands that need to be done. We get out of the house once a day or so. I think it is good for her to be used to her car seat, the car, etc.  After we run our errands, we come home where she eats again, we play (tummy time!), she goes down for a nap, and then we do it all over again until Daddy comes home after football. She loves watching him do his Insanity work out DVD's, and then while they play together, I get dinner going.  Sometimes she lets me eat in peace, other times I'm multitasking to keep her happy while I scarf down dinner. After dinner is her bath time which she LOVES, then we brush her hair, read a book and she gets a bottle of pumped milk, then she is down for the night. She has this great pillow that she sleeps on in our room called the Nap Nanny - ever since we got it, she has slept for at least 6 hours at night. The first night she slept 6 hours I felt like a new woman! It's a MUST HAVE for any new parents out there.

I will put up some pictures later :)

Happy November everyone! I can't believe it has already been 6 weeks since Kendall was born! The time is FLYING by. In six short weeks she is already smiling, celebrated her first holiday, and had her first over night trip to Nonni and Papa's house in Modesto.

Kendall and I have been having a great time together! At six weeks, we are starting to get in to more of a routine. She is a great sleeper- goes down at night around 8-8:30, wakes up for one feeding, the sleeps again till 8 or 9am (knocking on wood!). Once she eats, we get her ready for the day (I try to get things done for myself when she is still sleeping in the morning), and run any errands that need to be done. We get out of the house once a day or so. I think it is good for her to be used to her car seat, the car, etc.  After we run our errands, we come home where she eats again, we play (tummy time!), she goes down for a nap, and then we do it all over again until Daddy comes home after football. She loves watching him do his Insanity work out DVD's, and then while they play together, I get dinner going.  Sometimes she lets me eat in peace, other times I'm multitasking to keep her happy while I scarf down dinner. After dinner is her bath time which she LOVES, then we brush her hair, read a book and she gets a bottle of pumped milk, then she is down for the night. She has this great pillow that she sleeps on in our room called the Nap Nanny - ever since we got it, she has slept for at least 6 hours at night. The first night she slept 6 hours I felt like a new woman! It's a MUST HAVE for any new parents out there.

I will put up some pictures later :)