Second and Third Month Home

We're officially reaching our third month home! When you're elbows deep in shit and breastmilk, time sure does fly! Being a mom comes with more happiness than I could ever explain, but there's absolutely nothing glamorous about it. Unless you're Gwen Stefani. Then you're always fucking glamorous. Baby shit and all.

This past week it's been so nice out here in Michigan, so we've been trying to play outdoors more. However, Layla isn't as enthused as most.

(Outfit from Old Navy, last season)

She is seriously so over it. haha Hopefully that will change as we spend more time outdoors! Her cousins are coming back this summer, so we will be doing tons of fun stuff. I have visions of beaches, barbecues, zoos, and Greenfield Village filling up our days!
We also went to a bowling fundraiser for a family friend last weekend. When the cosmic bowling lights came on, she completely zoned out. She loves lights already, so to see people glowing completely tripped her out. haha I did make her an adorable onesie to wear, complete with pink painted toe and finger nails, and a big, pink tutu!

  Can I just say that Piggy Paint is an absolute essential for baby girls?! How can you not love those chubby little digits covered in pink?!

Anyways, these past few months have been completely amazing, but I've also realized that even though there's a lot of pointless shit you can buy for your kids out there, there are some things that you wouldn't last a second without. I'm pretty proud to say that everything I've registered for and purchased have all be completely useful so far. Which is surprising, considering I have a house full of my own useful pointless shit.

On the Night You Were Born board book: I've been slowly but surely scooping up books from the list of Top 100 Children's Books of All Time, and I haven't been disappointed with a single one yet. Layla especially loves this book (and so do I, even though I cry like a total sap every time I read it to her). The pictures are so cute and she just stares at all the pages as I read.
Little Noses Saline Drops: Because of horrible reflux that causes milk to come out of her nose, my poor little Layla bean is constantly congested. I've tried everything. Elevating her mattress, a humidifier (which has worked amazing with NO leaks!), holding her upright for 30 minutes after feedings...nothing really helps. Because of this, I'm constantly cleaning out her nose with the bulb syringe. She hates it. I hate it. People within a mile radius that can hear her screams hate it. These nose drops help to loosen everything up and keep her little nose moist. I've gone through about 3 bottles since she's been home!
Freddy Firefly: Andrew and I made the decision to limit the amount of light up toys that Layla has, so I did quite a bit of research on developmental toys for all stages. This one is definitely a winner! She smiles so big at this and just stares and stares and she loves the squeaker on it. There are so many fun aspects to this toy! We also bought Jacques the Peacock and Marina the Mermaid and she really enjoys them, too!
Skip Hop Bento Diaper Bag: I LOVE LOVE LOVE this diaper bag! It was really important to me that I get a bag that Andrew didn't feel like a total doucher carrying around, so this was perfect. Not only does it match everything we have (stroller/carseat/playard), greatly pleasing my OCD, but it has so many incredible features. Most importantly, it has STROLLER STRAPS. For those of you who do not know what these are...they are the holy grail of all diaper bag features. Instead of trying to cram your bag of crap into the small space at the bottom of the stroller, these clips allow you to hang your bag from the stroller handles! Can I get an Amen Hallelujah?! There are tons of pockets on the inside and outside to stuff things into and it comes with a bento box to put food in for older babes. All food/bottle pockets are heavily insulated and haven't failed me yet! I can't say enough good things about this bag, and I will be doing a "What's in my diaper bag?" post very soon!
BabyGanics Dishwasher Detergent: At first, I was so disappointed with this product, until I realized it was operator error. When you use this, only use the smallest amount you need! For some reason, I've been bread with the notion that the more soap you use the cleaner things are...this however, is not the case. Fill your little soap compartment and step away from the dishwasher! I love this because I can now stop washing everything by hand, allowing me to wash AND sterilize her bottles/choochies all in one shot! Seriously cleared up at least an hour and a half for me every day!
BabyGanics Stain Remover: This is by far and away the best organic stain remover ever made! I keep a bottle in her nursery and when her clothes come off, BAM! Straight shot to the milked up necklines (and sometimes the shit covered leg holes) and there it pre-treats until it's time to wash. She doesn't have a single item of clothing with yellowing or stains. I also went to the dollar store and bought a mini spray bottle to put some in to keep with me in her diaper bag for emergencies. (OF COURSE I labeled it with my label maker. OF COURSE I own a label maker!) They do make travel sized versions of this product, but it's not a spray, it's a dabber and it doesn't saturate the stains and takes FOREVER to apply.
Calming Waters Vibration Tub: Bath time was such a stressful event when Layla was in the NICU. It consisted of holding your slippery little baby over a pink bucket, praying to God you didn't drop her while all of the nurses watched on as you and daddy debate over holding techniques and whether or not she's warm enough. It was horrible. I purchased this tub because it had really great reviews compared to most tubs and it doesn't have the adjustable seat right under where the baby lays, so it doesn't stab them in the back. I never realized that was an issue with some tubs until I read reviews. The vibrate function on this can be a bit loud as it rattles against your own tub, but Layla still loves it. She just lays there quietly and relaxes. Bath time has actually become one of my very favorite times to bond with her.
BabiesRUs Sheet Saver: These were actually recommended to me by one of my best friends, and I could seriously kiss her for it. These tie across the mattress where you normally lay your baby's butt to help protect from those lovely overnighters we all enjoy waking up to. It's nice to just have a kid to clean up without having to undo an entire bed. Plus, these are super cheap and wash great!

Hope you're all enjoying the beautiful weather! Keep a look out for my summertime favorites and a quick update on spring green cleaning!