Modern Momma: What to Register for PART 3: The Essentials

The last part of our 3 Part 'What to Register for".... this time we are going over the essentials! If you missed Part 1 & Part 2, click HERE!

Registry part 3- the essentials

Teethers and pacifiers
I like a combo of both wood and rubber teethers. When Mac was super little he just wanted to bite his swaddles until he got bigger and ha more hand eye coordination for bigger things. As for pacifiers you never know which ones your baby will like so I tell people to register for all kinds. Better for other people to buy them at 7$ a pop rather than you...

Aden and Anais Swaddles
Everyone who knows me knows that I'm OBSESSED with them. Swaddles, a blankie to play on, breastfeeding cover. You name it, it can do it! And don't forget to buy a dream blanket while your at it!

First Aid kit
Essentials in an essential.

Blooming bath
I was so excited to get this for Mac! It's a huge spongy flower that fits in your sink. When your done with the bath just throw it in the dryer. Even my husband loved it and made him not scared to give Mac a bath in it.

Sound machine
I think any will work and this is more about what price point and look your going for. Mac had a bear that hooked on his crib but I found this one and liked it! Easy for on the go or just at home!

Crane humidifier
What a lifesaver! When baby's sick just throw some essential oils in it. And it comes in such fun colors! Happy little humidifier if you ask me.

Angelcare baby motion and sound monitor
I received just the sound monitor since they didn't have the motion one out yet when I had Mac. I feel like these are all about price points and how much of a spaz parent you are. I never really used mine. We live in a ranch style house so you can hear the baby from everywhere. Plus for me if it was gonna happen it was gonna happen.

Changing pad
I feel like for us it was mainly for looks in the nursery. Cheap ones will work just as good as the expensive ones. We have a diaper station in most of the rooms. No way in hell am I going to run to the opposite side of my house when my kid has a blow out to change a diaper. Wherever I am, that's where he's getting changed.

Water bottle nipple/sippy adapter
This could have gone with feeding but after I found this product a couple months ago I feel like everyone should have it!! It screw on to most water bottles. It's perfect for formula feeding while out and about. No need to bring extra bottles. Easy for taking to the beach or if you go to the mall and forget the sippy. I seriously can't get enough of this one!!

Modern Momma: What to register for: Feeding

The second blog post in our 'What to register for..." series! If you missed the 'GEAR' portion, part one, check it out HERE! Now our Modern Momma is bringing you part two, feeding! From bottles, to breast pumps; who knew there was so much that you would need?!?!

Baby Registry Part 2- Feeding

Medela Freestyle breast pump
Hands down my fave one! On the pump it has a clip to put on your pants while pumping. I used to pump and wash dishes all at the same time. Plus it's hospital grade so you know it's worth the money.

Simple wishes pumping bra
I liked this the best while pumping in stead of getting a normal looking bra for pumping or the straps that come with the pump.

Lansinoh breast pads and breast milk storage bags
Everyone has different pads that they like. These ones are cheap and good enough for what they do. As for the bags I liked these more than my Medela ones. These hold 7oz. When Mac started drinking more milk it was just easier to dump milk into these because the Medela bags only hold 5. I liked the Medela bags because you could clip them right on your pump and they were a harder plastic but the Lansinoh work just fine and lay really flat when freezing them.

Medela bottles
These were all Mac liked at the beginning. I think Mac took really good to bottles right off from the start because we introduced bottles within the first week we were home. I did register for Lifestyle glass bottles but he wouldn't drink out of them until he was around 6 months. You just never know what your baby will like.

Munchkin bottle cleaner
Cheap and no fuss! Enough said.

Boon lawn or grass drying rack with stem and twig
I had the grass with Mac and I absolutely loved it. I upgraded to the lawn for baby #2 for all the pump parts bottles and sippys that will be put on it. The stem and twig hold up the nipples an extra parts. So cute to look at on the counter

Aden and Anais Burpy Bibs
Once you have these regular bibs are a thing of the past. You can use these as burp cloths when your baby is tiny and it has a snap on the back so when they are sitting up eating regular food the use them a regular bibs. Love me a good multi purpose item!

Ikea Antilop highchair and tray
If you want to be able to wipe down without having to deal with set cushions an food getting stuck in crevasses this is your chair! I take Lysol wipes to it and it comes out sparkling clean each time! We also have a Chicco caddy hook on high chair. I used it when Mac first was able to sit up to eat and food got all over it. It's a pain to take off the seat to wash it so that's when we bought the ikea one.

Boppy Pillow
I really liked mine. Mac used to sleep in it when I curled it and and he would use it as a pillow when he was older. Don't forget to get a waterproof cover for it!

Modern Momma: What to register for...

After Lauren's WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG post, she had tons of request for what to register for! Because babies are needy;), we decided to break it up in 3 post for the sake of overwhelming you! Starting with the GEAR...

Modern Momma Gear Guide:
Just throwing it out there that I don't personally have these car seats and strollers but I do have them in different brands. I know a lot of people who have these car seats (both the infant and convertible) and love them. They are a bit pricier than some brands but personally I just hate how cheap Graco and Chicco brands look. But they are making them look a lot better now than they did two years ago.

As for strollers I knew I didn't want a travel system. I think they are the most hideous things to look at. Big and bulky no thanks! This Contours 4 in 1 is perfect and is in the perfect price range for all the pieces you get.
I also kinda hate umbrella strollers. Where do you put the baby's snacks and sippy?! This stroller is the next size up which I love. Comes with a shade and snack tray and extra storage! Perfect for get up and go. I don't know what I would do without ours!

The 4moms breeze play yard didn't get used a lot with Mac since we bought it later but I'm hoping with baby 2 it will be put to more use. It comes with a bassinet attachment and did I mention the one handed set up? #winning

 How do you choose between a bouncer a rocker or a swing?! Yeah. You don't. Your baby does! Most annoying thing ever. These things ARE NOT cheap and your baby will probably love your garage sale finds more than your straight off the line rocker. Ugh. But these are what worked for Mac so here's my insight.

4moms mommaroo
This was an I-had-to-have-this-because-Kourtney-Kardashian-has-it! purchase. Mac loved his when he was tiny up until 6 months. You can plug In your iPod and has tons of different swing/motion settings to it and you can have them sitting up or lying in it.

After Mac was siting up he wanted to sit 24/7. So we scored a vintage crank swing so his feet could dangle.  I searched everywhere for a new model like that but it seems they are far and few of them. The only one I found was this Graco one.

At around the same age Mac started using a Johnny Jumper at my parents. He loved it and would jump forever!! Well in our house we have a really open concept and no crown molding/doorways to hang it where we were at most of the day. I caved and ended up buying a jumperoo. Seriously. This kid would bounce the hell out of that thing. We had to cut off the little toys that hung above him because they would smack him in the face. (They were plastic. Who does that?!) Ryan and I would sit an laugh at him because he would laugh so hard bouncing away.

And the good ol' exersaucer. I never wanted one because they are huge and bulky and not my cup of tea. So instead of one of those I got a Go Pod instead. Best Thing Ever!! It's a mix between an exersaucer and a camping fold out chair. It has cup holders and little tabs you can hook toys on and has height adjustments. It's kind of pricey for what it really is but we used the hell out of it!! I seriously can't wait to get it out for the baby!

THE LINKS:

Strollers
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CBSMYWQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1402497306&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40#immersive_view?1402497333143
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0030EH8OO/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1402497679&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70
Car seats
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00G34TIDW/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1402497456&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008KCR7U6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1402497456&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40
Rocker
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007UK1CBY?vs=1
Play yard
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0088JRAFI/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1402497560&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40
Jumperoo
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000LXQVA4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1402497771&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40
Swing
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BHGXWQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1402497864&sr=8-1
Activity seat
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00477ND0Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1402497916&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40

...and of course some fun photos of Mac using his gear, I can't believe how little he is in some of these pictures! 

BABY TIME: What to pack in your hospital bag:

What to pack: Hospital Bag Edition

By: Lauren

Bag: Madewell 'The Transport Tote'... get yours HERE!

I've had a handful of friends ask me what I pack in my bag for delivery. It obviously is different for everyone but these are just the basics.

While on the way to the hospital I wear a little dress with flip flops. That way you can wear the dress after delivery and the flip flops around the hospital and to go home in. You could obviously wear a top and pants but a dress is less stuff to pack later. 

In my bag I take:
A robe and slippers
Another comfy stretch dress
Black panties
Nursing bra
My own pillow
I take everything in black bc there is blood everywhere and it doesn't matter if it gets ruined. No biggie.

As for toiletries our hospital has little Bath and Body works samples (holla) but it is nice to take your own stuff just in case. 

Here's what I'm taking but your def not limited to:
Shampoo and conditioner
Toothbrush and paste
Deodorant
Qtips
Chapstick
Pony tail holders
Soap
Body spray
Make up
Hair brush
Lotion
(You can always call ahead and ask what they provide you If you don't want to double pack stuff!)

For the baby: all I'm taking is a swaddle the Boppy and an outfit and hat.

For my husband: all he gets is a change of clothes snacks an an iPad.

Extras:
You can also choose to bring a memory book to get hand and footprints and cameras.
I also made padsicles. All they are is giant pads with whitch hazel on them and put in the fridge/freezer. These are for if you tear/have an episiotomy. It helps take away the pain and swelling. I didn't have to use mine so I don't know exactly how efficient they are but everyone raves about them. 

The hospital will provide a stilts bath or a squirt bottle to use instead of wiping when you pee. Please god don't try to wipe!! 

And last but so very important: DONT FORGET ABOUT YOUR NURSES!!! They are the people with you during the toughest part or your life. Be kind to them. They want to make this time special for you. The labor and delivery nurses truly love their job and are so excited for you! I made my mom go out and get them a little cake for helping us the whole time and making it a great experience.

I took a bunch more stuff with me when I had Mac but most of it I didn't even use. Plus you will be packing your car with so much stuff that they give you it's kinda overwhelming.

P. S. Don't forget to bring the car seat!!

Easter Basket Ideas for the Littles

Its almost Easter basket time, which means The Modern Momma and I have put together some super fun and unique Easter basket gift ideas for the littles! Follow the links below to get your own! 

1. Land of Nod Jute Chick Basket

2. Melissa & Doug Felt Taco Set

3.A Little Bundle Ms. Deer

4. Happy & Hectic Bear Claw Moccasins

5.Land of Nod Color a Crown Kit

6.Land of Nod Animal Building Blocks

7. Happy Easter Mouse Book

8.Land of Nod Happy Together Wooden Dolls

9.Fawn Shoppe Wood Bubble Making Kit

10. Bunny & Duck Crayons

Happy Sunday! XOX

FUN TOY STORAGE

I don't have kids, and I already don't know what to do with all of my excess xmas loot... lucky for you our Modern Momma has shared her top finds and picks for kids storage! 

Toy Storage
Everyone keeps asking me what I'm going with Mac's new toys and books from Christmas. Secretly I want to leave them in the trunk and never open it!! But how I first pick out what I'm looking for is determined by how much time I want to spend putting stuff away and how organized it needs to be. We'll for me I do a "walk through" when Mac goes to bed and at that point all I want to do is sleep so I want to spend ten seconds picking up toys. So for me that means large buckets and not book shelves with little cube cubbies or Ikea picture frame shelves that are perfectly lined up. Ain't NOBODY got time for that. If you do your a saint! I want to be able to toss toys four feet away from me and make it in the bin. So if it can't hold more 20 toys and Mac can't get them out easily you better stop reading and look elsewhere for advise! Here's what we have around the house. (You'll also be able to tell which ones are in Mac's room and which are in "adult" spaces.

1. Threshold Baskets Set of 2

2. Nate Berkus Woven Cotton Bin

3.Crocodile Wall Organizer

4. Racoon Storage Bin

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Kid Friendly New Years Ideas

This is per my friend Brandi's request;)... A kid friendly New Years Eve Party! 

Now, me being without kids, hmmmmm kid friendly NYE, yeah ok!;) 

After thinking and looking at various ideas, I came across the most adorable video on Daily Candy! If you don't have this Ap, or visit this website religiously, you are totally missing out! They have tons of awesome inspirations ranging from fashion to food to super cool kids ideas! 

They came up with some super cute NYE kids DIY's and even a kid friendly 'champagne punch'!

Check out the video HERE....and scroll down to see DIY instructions and punch recipe &&& a BONUS free printable!

Kid Friendly 'Champagne Toast' Punch:

1 Part Cranberry Juice

1 Part Pink Lemonade

Ginger Ale

Combine in a punch bowl & toast to a New Year!

DIY Confetti

Use Scrap Paper and hole punch! Or tear tiny pieces of tissue paper!

DIY Party Hats

Print out hat template HERE!

Glue together

Add any embellishments you like, pom poms, feather, sequin, ect.

Punch a hole in each side and add string!

DIY Party Poppers

Decorate a toilet paper roll

Cover top with a square of tissue paper

Fill it with your DIY confetti

Glue a paper straw to a plastic bottle cap

In a second toilet paper roll cut a slit down the side, and glue it around the cap

Decorate the second one with a piece of paper

Slide into the first roll and let it POP!

And just a little extra added fun.... Have your kids fill out these free printables about the awesome year they have had!!! 

DOWNLOAD HERE!!!

Hope everyone has THE BEST start to 2014, I know we will!!! XOX

Winter Baby Announcement Inspiration

If you haven't already heard, our Modern Momma is having BABY #2… I am seriously not sure if I can handle double the cuteness of Mac, but I guess I can try;)! I wanted to share her announcement photo because I think it is literally the cutest idea for this time of year! 

Who doesn't love a miniature snowman?!?! The classic, rustic, simplicity of the idea is just so breathtaking!!! LOVE IT…and as always Brandi from Balee Images nails it!!!!

Holiday: Rustic: Maternity Photos : Nichole Frank Photography

We had the honor of recently styling a maternity photo shoot for one of our favorite photographers, P&D Photo Video; Paulina and Dominik are expecting their second child this winter, a baby boy! We could not be more excited for them, and especially 'big sister' Amelia! Not only were we stoked for this shoot for obvious reasons, but also to work with Paulina's chosen photographer Nichole Frank Photography! 

When we all first discussed this shoot, I loved Paulina's simple and classic vision… I could not wait  to bring this shoot to life! We added simple little touches with a rustic wood 'Christmas Tree' and one special blue ornament representing their little guy on the way! The week prior to the shoot, I had asked Paulina if she would be willing to wear matching rustic holiday crowns with Amelia, she happily went along with my idea, and I could not love those photos more!!!! 

Paulina your are absolutely STUNNING &&& we are so excited for you and your growing family!! xo

Styling: Ashley Thunder Events

Photos: Nichole Frank Photography

Make-Up: Rock Me Mama Freelance Make-Up Artist

Hair: Generations Hair Salon

Location: LaPorte, IN