Eight Months

Baby Update

I've been trying to fatten her up, so she's been enjoying lots of new foods! She has the cutest little personality is really coming through and she loves to be chased around the house and play peek-a-boo. She absolutely loves going swimming and hanging out with Nanny and Papa!

 EIGHT MONTHS

14 lbs 6.5 oz and 26"+

• Is getting a top tooth!
• Loves to try new foods
• Is standing on her own without holding anything (for a few seconds)
• Can wave "HI"
• Knows the words: Up, bottle, wave hi, kiss, smile, the dog's names, more, water and biscuit
• Is constantly chatting and trying out new sounds
• giggles all the time
• gets excited when she's wearing dresses or bows

Must Buys Before Baby

The bare minimum list of must haves

Babies are expensive and it's easy to become overwhelmed with the endless lists of pacifiers, baby monitors, sleepers, toys, baby tubs and various other baby gadgets that are now thrown in new mommy-to-be's faces. How are we ever to make it through the day without that must have self-contained bottle sanitization steamer thingy?! How did anyone survive without these things before? Well guess what? They did and so can you. Babies really don't need that much from the get go, it's once they start growing into real little people that they become much more costly. 

Here's a list of the bare-minimum, no frills, must have buys before baby...

1. CAR SEAT: Considering you can't even leave the hospital without one this is number one! What's great is there are now ones that double both as a car seat and click into wheels to become a stroller. Less is best!
2. BABY CRIB: As much as you'll want to hold your little one, they eventually need to be put down. With so many options I suggest one of the 4-in-1 cribs, it's a crib that can later be converted into a toddler bed with a safety rail for rolling, a day bed for when they are a little older then finally a head board when they're ready to graduate to a full size bed! TIP: Invest in two or three sleep sacks or swaddle blankets to keep baby cozy in their crib (both are easy DIY projects!).
   
   Like this Fisher Price one
   
   
3. BABY BOTTLES: whether you've decided to breast feed or use formula you'll need some supplies. You'll need baby bottles and possibly a breast pump. Baby bottles increase with the size of your baby so you only need about 3 of each size to last you.  TIP: Check with your insurance first, depending on your coverage some companies offer you items for free with rebate or at a deep discount!
4. DIAPER STATION: Setting up your "diaper station" is essential, you'll be spending a lot of your time here soon. How do you feel most comfortable changing your baby? On a water proof mat on the floor, a changing pad on top of a dresser? With fabric diapers or disposable ones? Whatever you decide make sure you have plenty of diapers and wipes easily accessible, try nesting baskets, an open tray or in the top drawer.  TIP: buy wipes in bulk because you'll use these for years to come and don't over buy diapers in case baby grows out of them quickly you don't want to be left with loads of extras. Want to get really fancy? Invest in a diaper genie so you don't stink up your trash! Check out Baby Cheapskate for constant deals and sales!
5. ALTERNATE SEATING: Lastly I would invest in one more place you can put your baby down comfortably during the day (You should only use their crib for sleep) like a swing chair that might play music, a baby gym perfect for tummy time too or even a baby lounging pillow (an easy DIY!).
   
   Check out this baby lounger from Amazon. Would be easy to make your own too!

**Another money saving tip for new parents: buy everything in neutral colours so they can be used again if you're planning (or there might be a chance of) a second or third baby!

Having a baby shower? It's a great way to scoop up the last of those things you need for baby and of course some of those not-so-necessary, but oh-so-cute items too! Start your baby registry on Amazon where you can add items from anywhere rather than being limited to just one store or brand!

You also get 10% off items on your list 30 days before baby is due so you can get a great deal on any of those things that weren't already snatched up by guests. (Sign up for Amazon Moms and bump that up to 15% off, Free to sign up if you have Amazon Prime!) And Amazon baby registry is also great because it offers FREE-90 day returns for those things you changed your mind on- and with pregnancy brain and mood swings let's face it, it's likely to happen!

First Trimester Wrap Up!

Baby is the size of a peach!

Baby has vocal cords, teeth and even little finger prints! The first trimester is notorious for being extremely hard and pretty much the most miserable time of pregnancy, fortunately I had no such experience! I didn't have any morning sickness or even nausea, in fact most of my first trimester I didn't even know I was pregnant! 

Symptoms: Headaches, extreme fatigue, crazy realistic dreams and an occasional bloody nose! Other than that I felt perfectly normal, it was really hard to believe I had a baby growing inside me!

Cravings: Soup- Any kind. Any time.  And sandwiches, I think I mostly just craved the bread which I normally don't eat but since finding out I'm pregnant I'm all about the carbs!

Weight Gain: I gained 11 pounds in the first trimester which was very alarming to me considering that's already half of the suggested weight gain for the whole pregnancy! But truth be told I think most of the weight went straight to my chest I went from an A to a D! Which made all my fitted tops impossible to wear from the get go!!

Maternity Clothes:  None yet, but I did have to buy a new bra. I also bought some cute maternity dresses from Target that I'm excited to get to wear but so far my jeans all fit and flowy, stretchy tops I already own

Baby is a. . . :  Not sure yet, but I am dying to know! The boy and I both thought it was a boy in the beginning (he being the oldest of five boys and his whole extended blood-related family is literally all men- so it just seemed like it was inevitable!) but now we both have strong feelings of a girl- so we shall see! 

Baby is Due. . . : Our given due date is October 20th, but if baby is a bit late they might be born on their Uncle Gage's birthday!

Spreading the News: We told our parents first, then let our close friends know. I had to tell my boss because eventually it would mean I would be leaving to stay home with my own baby. Soon after we announced it to our family and friends that had been invited to our reception which would now be cancelled, because the timing wasn't great and we figured there were many more things we could put the money towards for the baby over food and dancing. Then finally, announced to everyone on Facebook! 

Do Strangers notice: Not yet! Although within the same week I got comments from two servers at different restaurants, the first one said "She sure knows how to eat!" and the second one said, "You need to eat more and fatten up!" They both were funny considering our new news. 

Baby Buys: The only thing we have bought so far is the cutest stuffed giraffe and a turquoise polka dot bow that could used either be for a bow tie or a hair bow! 

Preparing for Baby: We're looking to move when our lease is up at the end of July we will need an extra bedroom now for baby! 

1/3 of the Way Done!

New Job

Starting a New Chapter. . . 

I recently took on a new job that is pretty far removed from the glitz and glamour of fashion. I've traded in high heels and makeup for baby bottles and diapers. I'm officially a nanny of two sweet little boys, a six week old and a three year old who affectionately calls me "Un". I'm still doing design work on the side but I've decided to only take on very specific clients after dealing with a very dysfunctional one previously (One was enough!) so it can remain my passion and be enjoyable not a chore or a means to an end! I'm currently working with a wonderful photographer on a year long project that she is creating, shooting and publishing. I can't wait to share more on that later but I have to keep it under wraps for the time being. Between that project and making my wedding dress, I think that's all I'll take on fashion wise for this year!

Nannying is kind of a big deal on the East Coast, they are very common! Almost every family with younger children has one, which coming from Kansas is just crazy and very, very different. I think the Midwest has a lot more households that have one parent that stays home with the kids all day or if both parents work I think taking the child to daycare is a lot more common practice than hiring a live-in (or out) nanny.

I'm so excited to start this new chapter in my life, something away from the fast paced fashion world and in addition a very rewarding experience. The small taste of motherhood has given me an even larger appreciation not only for all mothers (or stay at home Dads!) but for mine in particular! These little boys have the same difference in age as my older sister and I, so I'm getting a first hand experience of exactly what my Mom went through with us!! And I have to say. . . Sorry Mom!

Both the boys are at such an adorable age and are hitting so many firsts in their little lives, many of which I've already been apart of. The parents are a younger couple and are as sweet as can be, I'm thankful they've chosen me to be with their family during these precious times. Sometimes it's truly like getting a glimpse into the future (however near or far off that may be). Although, this was not a path I ever saw for myself, I think this job fell into my lap at the perfect time and I already couldn't imagine having taken another job to do something else.  I've already learned so much about myself and I can't wait to see these little boys continue to grow and learn every day!

Precious Moments.