Baby K’Tan… a wrap without the wrap

I am slightly obsessed. 

Before my son was born I spent hours researching baby carriers.  Literally HOURS.  I would decide on one brand and style of carrier, but before purchasing, I would change my mind and decide on another one.  It was a constant back and forth and I still was not confident in my decision.  I read every review out there and, knowing I couldn’t justify the $200+ on a TULA or Lillebaby (My dream carrier: I would LOVE one, don’t get me wrong, but my new mommy budget didn’t account for such an expensive purchase), I decided to look into wrap style carriers as opposed to soft structured carriers.  I felt this was an especially good plan seeing as my little on was going to be just that, little! I didn’t want him in a soft structured carrier just yet.  I wanted him snuggled up with mama in the most comfortable way possible. 

I considered a BOBA wrap (I liked the colors, I liked the high rating on Amazon), I considered the Moby wrap (I was given one by a friend, but soon found I was not keen on wrapping the carrier myself), and I briefly considered a ring sling carrier (I may or may not have liked one, I never tried).  In my searches, I kept coming across the Baby K’Tan carrier.  It was a wrap style carrier that was pre-wrapped.  Pre-wrapped? Yes! As in, you do not have to wrap the carrier up, you put it on as you would a soft structured carrier. Though you put in on instead of wrapping it around you, it still provides all of the comfort and benefits of a wrap.  I was sold.  I did not make this decision until three days after my son was born since it was only then I realized the necessity of having a carrier for my precious little one who loved to cry and cry. I ordered the Heather Grey carrier on Amazon Prime so that it would arrive in two days.  This mama nearly wept with joy when the mail lady arrived with my carrier on a Sunday (I still feel kind of bad about that, but: I blame Amazon for offering Sunday deliveries). 

Straight out of the box, it was not difficult to figure out how it worked.  I did not even need to look at the directions for proper wear.  There is a beautiful instruction booklet that comes with the carrier that shows you proper wear, proper positioning of your baby depending on their age and weight, etc., as well as explaining the TICKS one should remember when babywearing.  I pulled the carrier out of its nifty little bag (the bag is actually the sash for the carrier that is flipped inside out and doubles as a nice little carrying bag), put it on, and in under five minutes I had my little guy in a newborn appropriate hold.  He fell asleep instantly.  He stayed that way for over an hour.  I was in heaven.

The comfortable material provided enough resistance so that I was not worried my little one would fall out.  It feels like a tshirt, with the added security of a sash that you can tie around your baby’s back (tighter for added support).  The carrier comes in a variety of sizes.  Sizing is based off of pre-pregnancy size.  I am 5’1” and I weight north of 100lbs. and south of 150lbs (HA!) and the K’Tan is a secure and comfortable fit.  It does loosen with a few wears and, right around the time I plan to throw it in the wash to get rid of the baby mess it collects, it needs a good washing to tighten it back up.

With many color and sizing options, the Baby K’Tan has something for everyone!  There are a number of different holds that one can carry their baby in, ranging from newborn to toddler (35lbs).  This is a carrier that can grow with you and grow with your baby!  I would highly recommend it.  Happy babywearing!!

XO

hospital bag: what did we REALLY need?!

I was totally one of those first time moms. You know the type! Obsessively researching on Pinterest and blogs, asking all of their mommy friends, researching some more: what am I going to need to pack for the hospital? I planned to pack one bag for my husband and me and one bag for baby! That was all I knew for sure! At 36 weeks 7 days I decided to just go for it! Here is what I packed:

Mommy:

2 pair black leggings 

1 black nursing tank

1 black nursing bra

2 pair black comfy panties 

2 pair socks

2 comfy oversized sweaters/cardigans

Water bottle (reusable: I use an EcoVessel)

Toiletries (for both of us):

Travel Toothbrushes (that fold in on themselves so they don't sit on the sink)

Toothpaste

Deoderant

Travel dry shampoo

Travel shampoo and conditioner

Travel hairspray

Travel handheld mirror

Makeup

Vaseline (my makeup remover of choice)

Comb

Hair ties 

Heavy flow pads

Daddy**:

2 boxers

1 undershirt

1 tee shirt

1 pair jeans

1 pair comfy pants

1 sweatshirt

** this was all he let me pack!

Miscellaneous:

Camera

Camera charger

Cell phone chargers

Granola bars and snacks (candy for hubby)

Pens

Large reusable shopping bag for bringing home gifts (we have a large one from TjMaxx)

Breast pump flanges and collection bottles (in case I needed; they had the pump at the hospital)

Baby:

2 short sleeve onesies

2 long sleeve onesies

2 pair mittens

2 pair socks

2 coming home outfits (one newborn, one 0-3 months: you never know!)

2 warm hats

2 receiving/swaddling/cover the car seat blankets

2 burp cloths

Car seat

I packed for my husband and myself and our misc stuff in a standard size duffle type travel bag.  I packed the baby's stuff in the backpack type diaper bag we received as a shower gift since it was larger than my regular diaper bag! 

So now, for what I actually used! 

I used one pair of leggings, the nursing tank, and one sweater for the day I went home.  The rest of the time I stayed in the hospital gown since it wasn't hideous and it was so easy for nursing! 

I used the incredibly attractive (not!!) mesh postpartum undies the hospital provided the entire time I was there and coming home.  They also sent me home with three packs of the undies! I used them for about a week after we got home! 

For the most part, I didn't use most of the clothing items I packed.  It is personal preference, but that's what worked for me! 

I did use my water bottle! The tiny cups and pitchers that are available to you just didn't cut it for me! 

Most of the toiletries were used, with the exception of the pads. Again, you will want to use the ones the hospital provides! They also sent me home with over a weeks worth of supplies! Take it! 

My husband barely used any of what I packed for him! He used the comfy pants for night time, that was it! Because we went to the hospital from the doctors, we didn't have the car seat, etc., so he was able to run home and gather what we needed and shower and change at home! 

Our sweet baby boy lived in the hospital onesies and their swaddling blankets. It was just easier! Also, I should mention, diapers and wipes were provided and sent home with us! We did use the mittens because those little nails are razor sharp and he loved to scratch his face! The only thing we used was a onesie, his newborn coming home outfit, a hat, and the blankets on the day we went home since it was barely 40 degrees outside! Aside from that, we didn't use anything else we packed for him! 

All of the miscellaneous items were used, with the exception of the breast pump because I didn't need it! 

And there you have it!  This was my experience at the hospital where I delivered.  I know each hospital is different and may provide more or less, depending. I recommend calling ahead of time if you are unsure of what will be provided! Looking back, I know I overpacked.  Next time I will pack lighter! I was happy I packed all I needed, however! 

Try not to stress :) Remember: if you forget something, there will be someone who can pick it up for you if the hospital doesn't already have it! Best of luck mommies and happy packing!!

...birth story...

 So Thursday, March 5th, after my afternoon workout, I was struck with a strong urge to pack up our hospital bags! The following day my husband and I were going in for our 37 week scan and doctors appointment.  I thought to myself: it could happen any day! I need to be ready. So... I got us ready :)! I will do a post later about what our hospital bags included, what we used, and what we totally didn't need.

Friday, March 6th I worked until 2:15, met my love at my work, and the two of us headed up to our doctors appointment! First we had an ultrasound, followed by a meeting with the doctor.  The ultrasound seemed normal and fine and we loved to see our little peanut on the screen!  They estimated he weighed somewhere around 6lbs even. We went into the exam room after that to wait for my fabulous doctor.  While we were waiting, the ultrasound tech came back in and told me that she missed a measurement and needed to rescan.  I wasn't too worried, but my husband looked a little concerned (he is the nervous nelly out of the two of us!).  I went into the room alone and the tech started to scan the cord.  While she was doing that, the radiologist who was reading the scans at another location called the tech.  I couldn't hear what he said, but he instructed the technician to take a few more measurements.  After that he asked to speak to my doctor! That's when I started to feel nervous. 

I was sent back to the exam room to wait on my doctor. We could hear him in the next room on the phone with the radiologist and he seemed pretty serious and matter of fact.  Hubby and I were feeling very anxious at that point and had to wait 35 minutes to be seen!! (We later found out the doctor took his final patient before us so that he wouldn't have to rush through our appointment). 

Finally he came in and we knew by his face and by the two nurses he brought with him that he had some kind of news for us.  The news was this: after a flawless, problem free pregnancy, my amniotic fluid level was dangerously low and no one knew why.  Based on the baby's projected weight, the fact that we were 37 weeks along, and the fact that we had no other issues, they were making the call to begin induction as soon as possible.  I was so terrified.  Thank goodness my sweet husband was there to ask the questions I couldn't think of!  The doctor assured us that this was the right move for mommy and baby and that a situation like this could result in a stillbirth in a matter of days.  He did a cervical sweep and determined I was dilated to a 2, 50% effaced, with a "favorable cervix".  We made the call and decided yes we must start the induction.  

My doctor was on call that evening at the hospital so he instructed us to head right over and he would meet us there. I was so nervous, so was my love. I called my mom (she was the other person I wanted in the delivery room with me besides my husband because I knew she would help keep us both calm) and she headed to my house to grab our hospital bags and head up to the hospital.  My love called his dad just so they were aware, but we didn't call anyone else.  We wanted to see what was gong to happen first. 

We arrived and were sent to triage in labor and delivery.  They hooked me up to the monitors and determined I was having irregular but consistent contractions! Mom arrived, my doctor arrived, and I was admitted and brought in to a delivery room. Here is how my induction happened:

My doctor explained he wanted to "ripen my cervix" overnight with a medication that is inserted in the cervix and would *hopefully* cause dialation and as a result, labor.  The medication (Cervidil) was inserted at 7pm. I began to have stronger contractions right away.  Mom, hubby, and I ordered dinner from a nearby restaurant, ate, then mom went home for the evening. 

My contractions were strong enough that sleeping was near impossible.  The overnight nurse offered a morphine shot to help me sleep. She told me I would need all of my strength tomorrow and so sleep was crucial.  I decided the pros outweighed the cons and I accepted the shot (ouch). I was able to sleep for a while, but by 5 am I was in active labor and sleep was elusive. 

7 am the Cervidil was removed and I was dialated to a 6.  I was hooked up to potocin, however the drip was not started.  They wanted to let me labor on my own for a while.  And labor I did, holy moly!  The on call doctor, whom I really liked, broke my water at about 830/9 (right about when mom came back!), and the contractions turned really painful.  I decided on an epidural at about 1130/12 and thank goodness I did. It took two tries to get it right, but it was heaven! I even napped a little bit! 

My contractions did this weird thing where they slowed down from every five minutes to more erratic.  They decided at 230/3 to start the lowest dose of potocin drip.  That's when we had a problem.  My little ones heart rate dropped too too low.  Before I even knew what was happening, my room was full of nurses. One was strapping on an oxygen mask, the others were moving me in crazy positions trying to get the baby's heart rate back up, and yet another was making the call to prepare the operating room, all while trying to reassure me that we would be ok.  Finally, at the very last minute, his heart rate stabilized and they held off on a c-section. They checked my cervix to see what happened and they realized I had dialated to 9cm and the baby had gone from a -2 station to almost fully dropped and engaged.  They stopped the potocin right away as they determined that was the cause of the sudden dialation and dropping.  After they allowed me to stabilize a little bit, they wanted me to try pushing to move the baby downward and fully into position.  This is where things get hazy for me.  I pushed for what seemed like only a short time with the nurse. She checked me and determined I was probably ready to push for real because the baby's head was right there and I was feeling pressure. 

The doctor came in, checked me, and told me it was definitely time! The only problem was, my contractions were so strong, as was my need to push, that the doctor barely even had time to get her gown on! Literally she was holding the babies head as the nurse was tying her gown on her! One or two pushes after she sat down he was out (sunny side up, too!).

All of the pain, pressure, and stress was gone the moment I heard his first little cry and he was placed in my chest! He was perfection! My husband and mom were incredible! We all three were amazed and in love with the little baby boy who was born at 5:58pm! It was such a beautiful moment! One I will never forget! I get all teary thinking about it even now! 

I am now a month postpartum and I can tell you all, everything was worth it and I can't wait to do it all again! 

More soon on the light of our life, however it's time for feeding and snuggles! More later xoxo

welcome baby boy ...

I have been away from this blog for too long... but with good reason!

In the few weeks leading up to my due date, every moment of my life was meticulously planned to maximize preparation time before baby arrived! Well, that plan went out the window 12 days ago when our little guy made his was into the world at 37 weeks 1 day! 

He is the light of our lives and my sweet husband and I are over the moon in love. I will post his birth story tomorrow.  For now, mommy duty calls.  I am loving every second of my new life.  Until tomorrow loves... <3

it's a blizzard!! the perfect soup for snowy days...

It's a blizzard! And a snow day for hubby and I! 

We have well over two feet already and it doesn't appear to be letting up any time soon! 

That used to be our stone wall! It's at least 2 1/2 feet high and we can barely see the top!  My handy husband has been out all morning trying to keep up with the snowfall.  It's a seemingly endless job!

He just came in to eat lunch with me.  We heated up our favorite chicken and wild rice soup! It inspired me to type out this blog and share this deliciousness with you! Hope you love it as much as we do! 

What you will need:

1 medium onion, chopped

4 carrots, peeled and chopped 

4 stalks of celery, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced 

1 cup of uncooked wild rice

2 bay leaves

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried parsley 

2 lbs bone-in split chicken breats (about two) (I'm sure this would work with regular chicken breast too)

10 cups chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste 

What you do:

In your slow cooker, add onion, celery, carrots, garlic, rice, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper.

Top with your split chicken breasts, bone side down.

Add chicken broth.

Cook on high about 6 hours.

Remove chicken breast, fork shred, add meat to soup (discard bones and skin).

Remove bay leave.

Salt and pepper to taste.  Serve and enjoy!! 

..:chocolate chip banana bread muffins

Perhaps this is a strange thing, but I am addicted to baking though I rarely more than sample my finished product.

My love, however, is a different story.  He loves all things sweet and dessert-esque. He is slim and muscular despite his dessert for breakfast habit (he despises regular breakfast foods). 

Yesterday I think I was nesting! I decided store bought soup for lunches for this week was out of the question.  Instead I made my chicken and wild rice soup in the crockpot (look for that recipe later in the week!) for the hubby and I.  In the process, I decided the refrigerator was in DESPERATE need of a cleaning and, while I was at it, the freezer needed to be cleaned out for the freezer meals I will be making for after the baby arrives.  

After all of this, I decided I couldn't let my lovely starve for breakfast and I had four banana that were just going by.  I set to work to make the most delightful chocolate chip banana muffins. I only got about twelve muffins out of this because I used a muffin tin that was a little larger than a standard cupcake size tin. Here is the recipe:

Preheat your oven to 350.

You will need:

4 ripe bananas

1/3 cup melted butter

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

1 pinch of salt

1 1/2 cup flour

1 cup or so of chocolate chips

Peel bananas into a large bowl, add melted butter, mash together until smooth.

Add sugar, egg, and vanilla.  Mix until just combined.

Add salt and backing soda and stir together.

Add flour and mix until all of the flour is combined (if the batter isn't perfectly smooth, that's ok).

Add in chocolate chips and mix until incorporated. 

Generously grease a muffin tin (they tend to stick to liners... I don't recommend using them).

Fill muffin tins about 3/4 of the way full. 

Put in preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes (until tester inserted into the middle of the muffin is clean).

Place on cooking rack, eat, enjoy!

who doesn't love a good recipe...

Before I give you a delicious and simple weeknight meal recipe, let me first start with a mini freakout!

Ahhhhh! I am almost 30 weeks! Where has the time gone?! This baby boy will be here before we know it! 

I am having trouble getting up off the couch or out of bed, struggling to put on shoes and socks, have been dealing with those precious rib kicks (*sarcastic*), and had to do this:

Which I passed, thank goodness! However, I wouldn't trade that's experience for the world!!! Feeling so happy and so blessed every day!! 

Mommy and daddy are so excited to meet you, little one! 

It my everyday search for easy weeknight dinners (planning ahead for when baby arrives!!!), I came across a recipe similar to this one.

I switched it up a little bit and was pleased with the results! Super fast and super delicious! I made it with an Asian cucumber salad and regular salad with ginger dressing.  It was divine =) I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!!

Asian Scallion Beef

8 or so oz of beef tenderloin - thin sliced (I had a strip steak and used that instead) 

2 1/2 tbsp oil

3 or more stalks scallions - cut into 3" strips

1 onion sliced

3 cloves of garlic - sliced

1 tsp corn starch

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp Chinese wine (I used a Chinese rice wine)

2 tbsp fish sauce 

2 1/2 tbsp soy sauce

3 dashes of white pepper (you could probably use regular pepper too)

1/2 tsp sesame oil (I used a hot sesame oil... We like it spicy!!) 

1 tbsp sugar

Salt to taste

Marinade beef for a minimum of 10 minutes in corn starch, soy sauce, Chinese wine mixture

Stir fry beef in heated wok or skillet until half done; Remove and set aside

Drain wok, add oil, stir fry onion and garlic

Add beef; Stir

Add sauce; Stir

Cook until done

Add scallions

Add sugar, salt, pepper to taste (I did not use all of the sugar)

Serve warm with steamed white or brown rice

**As a side note, next time I plan to double the sauce recipe.  My husband and I ate the beef over the rice and would have liked a little more juice! 

Enjoy! 

new year, new baby...

I can not believe it is 2015!

This is the year my darling husband and I will become parents for the very first time! 

It is finally sinking in now.  I have been trying to set up my baby registry (oh my gosh there are so many different products out there!) and that has proven to be more time consuming than I though!  I have decided to set up an Amazon registry and a target registry.  It has been utterly overwhelming, but so much fun! 

Over this holiday break, the hubs and I were able to start on the nursery.  Though I am limited in what I can do to help out, kitty made sure he was right there to pick up the slack:

I can't wait until this room is complete!  We have quite a bit left to do, but it is coming along! 

Also, we have decided upon two names! We will decided officially when he is born, but to have the two options picked out is so exciting!  It has been stressful as of late trying to decide on the right name for our little boy.  What a relief it is to have picked two names we both love! 

It is back to the daily grind for me today! Here is a picture of me giving in to a cup of coffee this morning.  I couldn't get through my 12 day ahead of me without it! 

Happy Monday xoxo