I am in no way claiming to know it all when it comes to babies. In fact, it seems like everyday Reagan throws me a curve ball. I'll be honest these past 3 months have been a complete roller coaster of emotions that range from confused to frustrated all the while you are so amazed and in love with this little human. It's very hard to explain. So I figured I would come up with a list of things that helped me.
1. ibabylog- In the beginning I logged all of her wet/dirty diapers. Now I use this app to help me remember which side Reagan needs to nurse on and to time each time she eats. It also tells you how long it has been since her last feed. This is very helpful for me because I try to get Reagan to eat every 2.5-3 hours.
2. Medela Pump- I pump at least once a day and I know I'm going to pump alot more when I go back to work. Medelea is the only brand I have ever used, but it seems to work great. Having expressed milk is so great because it gives Jerry the opportunity to bond with Reagan and me time to sleep/relax. Also, I've becoming somewhat of a hoarder collector of frozen breast milk. I don't know why, but I'm just worried once I go back to work breastfeeding is going to be very difficult. I'm trying to stock up on as much as I can. Below is the pump I have.
3. Hands Free Pumping Bra- This bad boy is a must. While I'm pumping I'm able to facebook, jot down to do lists, and entertain Reagan all that the same time. Sure I look like a complete idiot, but I love it!
4. Gel pads- Breastfeedind and pumping makes your nipples feel like they are on fire for the first couple of weeks. My friend gave me these gel pads and they saved me! Highly-HIGHLY recommend!
5. Lawn Drying Rack- I love this thing! I'm not going to lie, Jerry and I registred for it because we thought it was cool looking. However, this thing is a must for us. We use it everyday!
6. Soothies- At first we were going to try to not use the pacifier. Yeah... that lasted for about 1 week. Some babies just need a pacifier. At times I worry about weaning Reagan off of it, but then I realize she's only 3 months. However, then I think it's going to be easier to get rid of it when she's younger. I go back and forth. For now, the pacifier helps Reagan go to sleep. The past couple of weeks it has been incredibly helpful in cutting out her 3 AM feed. I'm hoping she will tell us when she's done with the pacifier and it won't be when she 10 years old ;)
7. Sound Machine- The sound of rain or waves in a constant in our house. One time our friend came over to pick something up and he asked, "What is that sound?" I had not idea what he was talking about, because I had become so used hearing it all the time. This thing helps block out sounds like dogs barking, lawn mowers, and door bells. I love it. Our sound machine also shoots a projection on to the wall that Reagan has just recently started to enjoy.
8. Angel Care Monitor- This little guy gives me peace of mind. An alarm goes off if there is no movement for a certain amount of time. Some may say it's a false sense of sercutiry, however I feel better knowing it's there.
9. Boppy- I love this thing! I use it to feed Reagan, for tummy time, and for pictures.
10. Zipper Sleepers- Let's be real sleepers with snaps are annoying at 3 am. I decided to buy zipper sleepers for Reagan and I kept asking myself, "Why did I wait so long to do this?" This particular sleeper is our good luck charm. Every time Reagan wears her Daddy's Little Cupcake sleeper she sleeps like a champ.
11. Aden and Anais Blankets- These things are so great to have in the summer. We don't swaddle Reagan any more, but they are great to have. I'm not going to lie, I've snuggled with one of them a couple of times. They are also fit for royalty :) I spoke with Kate and told her she had to get these blankets for Georgie.
12. Chocolate milk- At the end of the day when you have been dealing with a crying baby and are covered in spit up a nice little treat is the best. For me this treat is chocolate milk. Jerry knew that if I had a big glass of chocolate milk that was really dark that meant it was a pretty rough day.
Just so we are clear-- I'm in no way pretending like I've got it all figured out. I do not! These are just the things that have made my life easier.
