Six and Seventh Month Home Favorites

These past few months with Layla have been so amazing, and I always say that, but they always are! We have been so busy with both her dad and I going to back to school and preparing Layla for her surgery (more below), so I haven't had a lot of time to devote to blogging. Now that I have some sort of schedule intact, I can get back to it on a regular basis, hopefully!

Layla is going to be 10 months old on October 4th (where has the time gone?!), but her adjusted age will be 7 months. Currently, she is doing well and hitting all of her 6/7 month milestones, so we couldn't be more thrilled. She's rolling and scooting all over the place, exploring her environment, vocalizing, and we've just started teething. (OH GOD.)

There haven't been too many new developments as far as products go, but she is starting to equate bath time with play time, so she's started to enjoy having toys in the tub with her, which is what these favorites will mainly focus on. She is finally big enough to get a bath without her sling in (big girl status)!

Sassy Baby's First Books: How do I love these? Let me count the ways! 1. These are chewable. 2. These are washable. 3. These are colorful. 4. These are WASHABLE. I love them. They come with a bunch of different ones, including one that you can put pictures in, which I have yet to do, but really need to. Layla loves chewing on and yelling at these all day. Especially the one with the rubber handle.
Tiny Love Take Along Mobile: I forgot to list this a LONG time ago as a favorite, but this is still a very favorite of Layla's. She doesn't need to be rocked or sang to sleep...I zip her in a sleep sack, turn this sucker on, and she puts herself to sleep. When I get her up, she's usually trying to reach it and she smiles at it constantly. The BEST thing about this is that it's easy to remove and small so that you can travel with it. I would recommend this to anyone!
Sassy Soft Swimmers: Since she's started playing in her bathtub, toys have become essential. These small toys are great. The fish is a sponge and the octopus and crab are little squirting toys, which she thinks is hysterical. They're cheap enough that I can throw them away after awhile and buy different ones. I've seen enough YouTube videos to know what kind of grossness grows inside bath toys...
Fisher Price Jumperoo: I have searched high and effing low for a jumperoo that didn't require molding to scuff to shit and that didn't have a million different contraptions and toys dangling from it. If you remember, we've limited the amount of light-up toys she plays with, and a jumperoo without lights that won't fuck up your molding just doesn't exist...believe me...I've looked. So, enter this jumperoo. It doesn't demolish your molding, it doesn't have a million toys dangling from it, but it does have two lights in front. Simple solution...don't add batteries. She loves it, we love it...perfect! Plus I scored it for $10 on a mom-to-mom site, so...WIN WIN WIN!
The First Years Stack and Count Cups: I broke these out recently, and I'm glad I did because they are a favorite in and out of the tub. She's definitely not coordinated enough to stack (or count), but she's a pro at banging them together and chewing on them until they're filled with drool.
Sophie the Giraffe Teether: This damn thing. Yes, it's over $20, which no one ever lets me forget...including her doctor that continues to comment on it each time we visit. However, my kid loves it. It squeaks, which she loves, and its appendages are perfect for teething. It's a great distraction and keeps her content. In my book, that's worth $20.

So, a few weeks ago, Layla had a bilateral inguinal hernia surgery. She's had her hernias since before she left the NICU in February, but her urologist wanted to wait until she was bigger to perform the surgery, which I absolutely agreed with. According to her doctor and the NICU, hernias are incredibly common in preemies and are caused from having to push and have bowel movements long before they're meant to. She wasn't allowed to eat before the surgery, but thankfully it was so early in the morning that she was sleeping before we got to the hospital. When we got there, there were no tears, she smiled at everyone and was a total dreamboat. She didn't even cry when the nurse took her away.

Layla in her little hospital gown before surgery.

The surgery took about an hour, which gave us enough time to eat breakfast in the cafeteria, and then we were allowed to go back and wait until she woke up from anesthesia. All of the doctors and nurses warned us that babies are incredibly crabby and even scream and cry when they come to, so we were prepared for the worst. Until she woke up and smiled. This kid never ceases to amaze me with her strength. According to her surgeon, they do give babies a shot in the spine that helps numb the pain for 18 hours, so she didn't need any Tylenol for quite a while. We were able to feed her and they monitored her for about an hour and sent us on our way.

The simplicity of it all still amazes me. We had no complications, no tears, no pain, no sensitivity...nothing. It was all...very anti-climactic...which is such an incredible blessing in the life of a preemie. God has blessed my family and my daughter in so many ways and I am so thankful each and every day.

I am so overjoyed each day to watch her personality develop and learn all of her little quirks. She is truly one of a kind, and she has us all wrapped around each and every one of her fingers and toes.

Princess Pout!

Mommy-Must-Haves for August

So, this month I decided to post about my favorites for all of you mommies out there. Since becoming a mom, my tastes and needs have changed a bit, so I try a lot of different things to figure out what all suits me best. For instance, my skin looks like shit. This is no lie. Since having Layla, my hormones have been so messed up that I'm reverting back to my pubescent skin and mommy does not like. On top of that, the Proactiv that once used to work great, now burns my skin off. So, more often then not, I'm finding myself loading up on skin care products trying to find something that works.

I'm also trying to find quick, healthy alternatives for my breakfasts and lunches, since my life has be come infinitely more hectic. I'm attending school full-time, blogging, and taking care of Layla. So, for all of you moms who work, go to school, and take care of your babies...statues should be erected in your honor. I have no idea how you ladies do it!

Lorac Tantalizer Baked Bronzer: I cannot say enough good things about this bronzer. It it so shimmery and perfectly golden on any skin tone. You can make it as subtle or heavy as you want. After a really bad burn this summer, I've been using SPF on my face (lesson learned!), so it's obviously much lighter than the rest of my body. This bronzer is perfect for evening things out. I also love using it as an eyeshadow from time to time, too!

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent: I LOVE this powder for setting my makeup. It's not too "cakey" and I don't get oily at all with this powder, which I tend to have more oily skin anyways. It's also great for layering a bronzer on top of as well. And it's super cheap! Win, win, win!
Nars Blush in Orgasm: I'm pretty much obsessed with this blush and haven't used anything other than this blush in almost three years. I may need to expand my horizons soon, but if it ain't broken, don't fix it! If you're unfamiliar with the amazingness of this blush, you NEED to try it. Even if you just go into the store and sample it, you'll be hooked. It's this shimmery, coral-peach, mermaid-esque, sun-kissed, glowy, fantastic blush that makes your face look amazing. No lie. This is seriously an every month mommy-must-have.
Benefit They're Real! Mascara: I just got a sample of this as a birthday gift from Sephora, and I instantly fell in love! This mascara lengthens, separates, and plumps up your lashes to impossible standards! The only con is that it is a bit tricky to get off. I use the old baby oil trick and that seems to help a lot. I will definitely be buying the full size!
Lush Mask of Magnaminty: I recently purchased this mask to help with my break outs. This is a really great mask that helps bring everything to the surface, so be prepared for an epic breakout a few days after using. Typically, it's not caused by the product clogging your pores, but because it's bringing all the dirt and build up to the surface. Clean pores means smaller pores and fewer break outs! I use this once a week, and it's worked great so far.
Murad Acne Complex 30-Day Kit: So, when I last visited Sephora to try and fix the shit on my face, I found one of these kits on the tippy top of the shelf covered in dust. I was pissed about buying a full size of some expensive crap I've never tried, but desperate times...Anyways, I saw this as I was walking back to the counter, and this entire set of products was only $35! I do have to say I was drawn to the fact that you could actually start a skin regiment with this set without breaking the bank. I've used it for a while now, and it has really, really helped! Typically, it takes 6-8 weeks for anything to really make a difference, but so far so good! AND it doesn't burn my face off. haha PERFECT!
Luna Bar Chocolate Dipped Coconut: These are soooo amazing for on-the-go mommies! They taste great, and they're actually not bad for you! They're also really great at curbing those chocolate cravings, which I know all too well.
Starbucks Cool Lime Refreshers: To say that I'm addicted to these would be a total understatement. These are so effing good. They're like my crack. (Say crack again!) Crack. I was in the grocery store when what to my wondering eyes should appear, but Starbucks Cool Lime Refresher VIA packets! UM. WHAT. You mean, I can make these at home for a FRACTION of the cost AND drink them out of a mason jar?! WHAT. YES.
Casemate Glam Case for iPhone 5 in Champagne: I'm overly fond of glitter...I've mentioned that right? Well, when I saw this case, I had to have it. It's heavy duty without looking heavy duty, and I'm a bit accident prone with my phones, and this case has definitely held up!
So those are my Mommy-Must-Haves for August! Hope you guys love them as much as I do! Let me know what some of your Mommy-Must-Haves are in the comments down below!

Fourth and Fifth Month Home Favorites

This past month has been all about food. We finally got the green light from her pediatrician to start solids, so I've had such a good time making all of her food myself and watching her face as she tries a new food for the first time. I thought that making her food was going to be really tedious and time consuming, but it's totally not. I really like doing it, and I've saved a ton of money already! Plus, I use fresh, organic produce, and it gives me a huge peace of mind knowing that there's no additives or preservatives.

Besides trying new foods, Layla is becoming more acquainted with her toys and it's been so awesome watching her discover and learn. Being a preemie can sometimes put them behind on their developmental milestones, so Layla does have monthly appointments with an occupational therapist to closely monitor her motor skills and cognitive development to make sure she's where she needs to be and isn't falling behind. She also has an Early-On developmental worker visit our house each month to monitor her progress. It feels so good knowing that there is a team of people encouraging Layla's growth and progress and knowing that we're not in this alone.

With all of our new discoveries these past few months, I have quite a few favorites!   
1. Hyland's Teething Tablets - We've just started teething and with that comes crying because of teething. When that happens, I feel so sorry for my sweet little babe. She has the most thoughtful, happy, and quiet disposition, and she only cries when something is seriously wrong, so it's so sad when she cries. These have been such a life changer!
2. Bright Starts Activity Gym - Layla is finally showing interest in playing with her toys, and I've really been trying to focus more on her tummy time, so this mat pulls double duty. She loves all the toys and there's tons of extra loops that allow you to add more, too. What sold me on this particular gym was NO LIGHTS! It's so hard to find baby toys, let alone a gym, without lights all over the damn thing. You can set the toy in the center to play music each time the baby hits it, so she's still getting rewarded with stimulation.
3. Earth's Best Organic Sensitivity Formula - Because Layla was so early, I had a hard time producing enough milk for her. I was able to get her through her NICU stay, but I eventually had to begin receiving donor milk. When Layla turned 6 months old, her donor (who is so so amazing), was no longer able to donate, so I began doing a ton of research on different types of formula. I was terrified because Layla was unable to tolerate ANY formula while she was in the hospital and I didn't want that to happen again. I finally decided to try this formula, and there have been ZERO problems! She loves the taste, there is no gas, no fussiness, no tummy problems, and I am one happy mama! It's a bit pricey and I use a can a week, but I refuse to use anything else. I don't want to upset her tummy by trying anything different, and some brands have so much crap in them. This is such a great formula with really amazing ingredients, so I'm very happy with it!
4. Lamaze Marina Mermaid - Layla LOVES this toy! She makes eye contact with her and smiles at her all the time. I hang it from the side of her car seat and she pulls it into the seat with her. She loves pulling her hair, which I may come to regret about this toy very soon. haha I have a ton of these Lamaze toys and she loves them all.
5. Munchkin Fresh Food Freezer Trays - I LOVE these things! Since I've started making Layla's food, these have been my go to accessory. Each cube holds 2 tablespoons, which is what she is currently eating, and the lids prevent ice from crystallizing on the top. It IS a bit difficult to get the food out once it's been frozen, but I learned a trick from reading the reviews...run the bottom under warm water for a few seconds then use a butter knife to pop them out! Works every time! I pop them all out and put them in a Ziplock freezer bag for long-term storage.
6. Nosefrida - Layla has bouts of congestion that no bulb syringe could ever conquer. This thing is AMAZING! While the thought of sucking the snot out of my daughter's nose with my mouth is vomit inducing, this totally takes that away with plastic tubing AND a filter. haha PLUS, have you ever cut open a bulb syringe?! So gross. This is all clear, and easy to clean.
7. Munchkin Fresh Food Feeders - Now that Layla is teething AND experiencing solids, these have been so great to have. She loves when I put watermelon or peaches in them and will seriously go to town. Word of caution, ALWAYS use a bib when you're using these. I have a hard time understanding how something so little can produce so much saliva...seriously, it's like a downpour. These are also a bit more heavy-duty than the Sassy ones, because you don't have to replace the mesh. I just toss them in the dishwasher after each use.
8. The First Years Take & Toss Bowls and Lids - These are so so great now that we're feeding! They're super cheap, very durable, and easy to clean. She's been eating carrots and sweet potatoes, but there's still no orange staining! The one thing I don't understand about these bowls is that they're purposely packaged with lids that don't match...that doesn't fly with me. But, thank the packaging genius that decided to put the matching lids in the other pack of mismatched bowls! So, if you buy the right two, you'll have a matching bowl and lid for each one! Ahhhhh...It soothes my inner OCD. Mismatching bowls and lids? That shit is not cute.
9. Munchkin Soft Tip Spoons - First of all, let me just indulge my inner OCD once again by pointing out the fact that these spoons all match each of the colors of the bowls that I use to feed Layla with. I cannot tell a lie...I do match her bowls to her spoons every time I feed her. Don't judge me. haha Another really great plus to these spoons is that they're not as wide as other spoons. Layla is tiny to begin with, so I had a hard time finding spoons that weren't gigantic. These spoons start at 4+ months and the size is great, and the price is perfect!

Mackinac Island Vacation/4th of July

I'm so very happy to say that we have all survived our first vacation with an infant unscathed. The warm weather and direct sunlight proved difficult with a teething baby, but slamming a pina colada with a view of Lake Huron helped ease the tension.

My obsessive packing organization didn't fail me, and there wasn't a thing I forgot! Score one for the mama packing method! I splurged and got Layla the overnight bag that I've been wanting to get her for months, but I held out until I had a coupon. Thankfully, it arrived just in time to be filled to the brim with onesies, headbands, and rompers.

overnight bag

Like I did the last time we traveled with Layla, I packed and sealed her outfits by day in Ziplock bags. In each bag I put her outfit for the day and a back-up outfit (each with their accessories) and a onesie and pajamas for that night. I was able to seal the bag and leave an inch open and roll the bag up to let all of the air out before re-sealing it. It allowed for so much more room in the overnight bag! Because of being on the waterfront, and this is Michigan, I made sure to pack some cold weather clothes and her swimsuits and reusable swim diaper.

I did bring a small soft cooler that fit in the basket of her stroller that I could fill with all of her bottles since we were out and about all day, every day. Of course, you never want to forget formula/breastmilk, diapers, and wipes! One thing that I was so happy that I brought was a bottle brush and a mini of her BabyGanics Dish Soap. One of the most unexciting parts of vacationing with your baby is that the simple pleasures of home (like scrubbing bottles every night) aren't left behind.

Packing for myself was done in pretty much the same fashion. I did score this awesome cosmetic travel case on sale at Walmart!
I was so excited to get my hands on the little bottles so that I could label them (of course!). The back zipper has a HUGE pocket that held so much stuff! Razor, hair products, q-tips, toothbrush/UV sanitizer (don't ask...yes I have a UV sanitizer for my toothbrush), ClairSonic/charger, all of my Murad face stuff, comb and round brush, bobby pins, perfume minis, lotions, deodorant...anything else I could cram in there, you better believe I did. I do have a separate makeup bag, so that doesn't count. haha

Our 4th of July was so great (even though we didn't get to see the fireworks!). We spent it walking along Lake Huron in all of the little shops of downtown St. Ignace. It has such a great little harbor town feel to it and I love looking in all of the kitchy, touristy shops! We did find time to go to a really adorable deer ranch and take totally cliche family photos. haha The restaurant we stopped at for dinner, however, forgot we were even there and we ended up waiting for an hour for our food...so we missed the fireworks. But Andrew and I did get to catch some on Saturday! (more on that, later!)
My little sweet babe on the 4th...those eyes! (Headband from Pretty Little Elm)

Friday was spent taking a ferry to Mackinac Island and spending the day touring in and out all of the little shops and tourist spots, like the butterfly house and the Grand Hotel. If only I had a few million crammed away, I'd love to live there! After stuffing my face with fudge, sweet tea, and pasties, we walked along the water and watched everyone fly kites. I wish real life were that leisurely all the time! I scored a bunch of cute stuff that I might post later on.

Saturday we went to a local zoo outside of St. Ignace and did some more shopping. After dinner, my mom took Layla so Andrew and I could go see the fireworks in town that we missed out on on the 4th. While we were watching fireworks, HUGE SURPRISE, Andrew proposed! It was very cute and the ring is GORGEOUS!


I'm so excited to start planning a wedding and blogging everything to share with everyone! I'm so very happy in my life right now, and it's so exciting to start a new chapter with Andrew and Layla.

Hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July!

Sweet Summertime

Sorry for the lack of posts, this month has been incredibly busy! Between planning for Andrew's first Father's Day, all of Layla's appointments, my birthday, and our anniversary, I haven't had a single second of free time! This month, we received word from Layla's doctor that her ROP is completely gone! We could not be more ecstatic! My little baby is such a fighter.

For Father's Day, we went with Andrew's parents to church, since a lot of his parents friends hadn't met Layla yet. I ordered her a special onesie to wear and made her a matching tutu to go with it.

How could you not want to just eat her up?! That smile just kills me!

Since we're taking a family vacation to Mackinac Island next week, I got Andrew his beloved iOttie Car Mount for his iPhone 5. We both use ours for GPS, music, movies, etc., so I figured it was perfect timing for a long road trip. He loves it and it works great! As for our anniversary, we've decided to celebrate when we get to Mackinac, so we haven't exchanged gifts yet. (It's totally something from my Father's Day Giftspiration post! haha) Since I have a little extra shopping time, I might have to go out and get something else, too! My birthday was awesome and we spent time doing what we love: eating, drinking, and watching movies. Who could ask for a better birthday?!

Anyways, even though we're only a week into summer, I've been in a summertime mindset since Memorial Day. This is how I work. Summer is way too short in Michigan, so you gotta fake it till you make it. I've been doing a ton of shopping in preparation for warm weather, beach days, and vacation, and I've found myself buying more accessories than anything else. I can't help it - as soon as I see a flash of pastel, glitter, or anything nautical, I must have it. I've bought some really great stuff over the past few weeks, so it's inspired me to make a summer style collage of sorts...
one. two. three. four. five.
six. seven. eight. nine. ten.
eleven. twelve. thirteen.

Um, so, Hi. My name is Renee and I'm totally addicted to mint green and glitter. haha You'll have to excuse the umbrella, Michigan has been plagued with storms and flooding for weeks, so...I thought these were fitting. The colors at least make them feel summery!

I'll be posting about packing for vacation and beach bag necessities within the next few days, so keep an eye out! Leave me some comments and let me know what your favorite summertime necessities are!