Friday, January 24, 2014

Newborn Clothing Favorites

I always dressed him comfortably and practical. I didn't fuss him with "cute" annoying outfits, anything with a million buttons or snaps or rough collars. He practically lived in basic baby leggings and a onesie. I waited until he was around 2 months to start putting hoodies on him too, I'm not a fan of newborns wearing bulky and uncomfortable clothing like jeans, hoodies and sweaters.





GAP and Old Navy are my go-to for baby essentials. GAP PantsGap Baby PantsBaby GAP HoodieLong sleeved body suitGAP Baby HatOld Navy Bodysuit2 Pack Pants2 Pack PJHTML Map

Friday, January 17, 2014

Manoli @ 4 Months

It's been a busy 4 months, that's for sure ! I am a stay at home mom living in Florida with my husband. We are both originally from NJ, so all, and I mean ALL our family still lives up there. That part has been the toughest. Not only because I miss them now especially that I have a baby. But the HELP that I desperately desire. It's pretty much just me and Jimmy all the time. Bouncing back and fourth, taking turns entertaining Manoli and over all attending to his every need. It would be so nice to just have a little break once in a while and have a family member watch him, or even hold him for an hour so I can make dinner ! I just keep telling myself it'll get better. Right ? Being a stay at home mom has to be one of the toughest jobs. Your shift is 24 hours a day.



At 4 months now, I am still exclusively breastfeeding. Whoohoo !! Something I am so incredibly proud of, only because - 1 - I never ever thought I would want to and -2- because I threatened to quit every time I had to feed him that first 3 weeks.  But the guilt I put myself thru just thinking about him drinking formula instead of that liquid gold, just killed me and I always somehow managed to push myself during those 3 weeks. I also had/have this thing in my head that if Manoli drinks "mothers milk" he will be smart and advanced and if not, then, well.... I was not a breastfed baby and neither was my husband so I pretty much had no knowledge of what to do and had to scramble bits of advice from here and there and somehow it worked. I am a breastfeeding PRO !                                            

At 4 months, Manoli is now trying to turn himself over. His arm gets stuck so he hasn't mastered it quite yet but I help him out, poor guy.

He grabs all the toys when on his playmat and puts them in his mouth. He even reaches for the toys that are up higher. We also just bought him an activity saucer which he loved at first, but gets quickly bored with it. I regret not getting a bouncer instead. However, he does play with all the toys on it and moves himself around little by little.

He smiles and giggles galore. I'm loving this stage right now. He started to blow raspberries back at me when I do them first. His way of communicating so far. Hasn't said Mama yet but I'm working on it. I swear he says I love you (Iyouu) is what it sounds like. He loves to babble. Loves his Aden blankees.

 Manoli still sleeps in his own crib in his own room at night. He is in bed every night by 9:45pm and no later ! He sleeps on his stomach. He hates to sleep on his back ( that's why I had no sleep for the first month ! ) I know doctors and their mothers advise you not to, but hey, I know what's best for my son. Manoli will sleep 6-8 hours before he wakes for his night/early morning feeding and them go back to sleep for another 3-5 hours depending.

Manoli weighs 14.1 pounds and is 24 1/2 inches long.




Baby Items I Regret Not Buying..

Highly recommend these items and wished I had registered for or had ready for the baby. Will definitely have all these in hand for the next one.

 - Pack and Play - Manoli hated being in the bassinet and would wake up soon after I would lay him down. It was so hard to keep him asleep in it. I also would change him on top of my bed in the middle of the night, and if you have a boy, it's a BAD idea ! Pee everywhere ! I was just to lazy and zombie tired to bring him to his room to change him on the changing pad. The pack and play is also good because most come with the "newborn snuggler". The tiny bed that seems to cup them while they sleep. Manoli always slept better and longer in his Rock n Play which was also shaped the same way.

- The Diaper Genie - Anyone that tells you, you don't need it has never changed 100 diapers in a weeks time. It's not even because of the smell that I suddenly wanted the diaper genie. It was because I was hoarding 10 diapers at a time on his dresser before I threw them out. It's easy to say you'll just throw it out after changing your baby, but easier said then done. And now at 4 months old, his poop smell like vinegar and spoiled milk. And yes it stinks up the whole house even wrapped in a plastic bag. Get the diaper genie !