Oh, Hi! Life With a 4 Month Old Rookie Human!

Oh, Hi! Life With a 4 Month Old Rookie Human!

It turns out that all those advice giving, well wishing experienced parents were right....Time really DOES FLY when you have a baby.

B is FOUR MONTHS OLD!

Actually, to be precise, she is 19 weeks old.  Apparently it's frowned upon to just refer to your infant as so many months old and not know the week situation off the top of your worn out head.

SO MUCH HAS CHANGED.  ALSO, the synopsis to follow should help you to understand why these posts are about a month apart....ahem....4-5 weeks.

We have actually hired a SITTER!  

This has been a game changer.  Friday and Saturday nights are now reserved date nights for the hubs and I again.  

As much as we love and adore and dote on B, it's fabulous to have some adults only time.  It's also fabulous to be able to have a glass of wine at dinner and not worry about it because I won't even be home for at least 3 hours!

Oh, Pinot Grigio, I may not ever order you in as stone cold of a cool girl way as Stassi Schroeder,  but I enjoy you immensely none the less.

B Is Getting Kinda Mobile!

By that...I mean I can no longer just set her on her Boppy Infant Lounger and turn around for a moment to grab something.   

The girl will literally swing those legs and roll right off.  

I know this because today we were playing on the floor, I set her in said lounger, turned to grab a shirt to hang up, and away she rolled.

Yepp....I can now refer to those days as the good old ones.

While she isn't exactly ready to scooch around the room, or even flip over on a flat surface, just the knowledge that she's making the decision and the effort to reposition herself is one of those super exciting things that you get REALLY annoying about when you're a new parent....like tell everyone you talk to including the waitress annoying.

She's Eating ACTUAL Food

As long as you count steamed and pureed vegetables and fruits without any seasoning food, which, actually, is not too shabby I have to say.  Also, It's for sure crossed my mind that an awesome way to lose the rest of this baby weight would be to go on the B diet of pureed real food.  Nutrient dense.  Low Calorie.  JUST SAYING.

Her FIRST encounter with the spoon brought some nice, juicy bananas to her lips.

The kid couldn't care less about a banana.

Second attempt was smooth and creamy avocado.

AND WE HAD A WINNER.

Girlfriend would eat a half of an avocado at a time if we would allow her to!

We've also done Spinach & Sweet Potato, Hummus...and maybe a small taste of vanilla pudding.

I can't bring myself to puree chicken....so we're going to have to get our protein from an item like lentils in this house.  I just CAN NOT put pureed chicken on a spoon, look B in the eye, and actually ask her to experience that.  

I'm not an animal.

She's Literally SO MUCH FUN.

Gone are the "blob" days as my husband called them.

We are well into the fun time.

She laughs.  She anticipates the tickle monster.

She hides from her daddy when he's trying to kiss her as part of a game they play.

She looks at books and coos.

She holds a ball!

She reaches, and grabs for things that she wants.

And she REALLY loves some good 90s R&B to dance around the house to.

ROUGH SPOTS???

I'm actually really feeling good in my mom groove lately.  I can get a shower handled in the morning most days, have been able to get back in the gym 2-3 days a week thanks to my fantastic mother in law, and this Sunday I FINALLY have a mani pedi. (You know, those things that used to happen every other week of my life without fail?)

I've experienced diaper blow outs, spit up on the way out of the house, bathrooms with no changing station, restaurants with no space for the stroller or carseat.  BUILDINGS WITH NO RAMP for the stroller.

A 5 hour car ride to the beach and a 2 hour international flight.

Moody days when we get shots at the doctor and want to nurse for what seems like 20 hours straight.

Separation anxiety where Mommy is the only person that she will go to and not cry with.

AND YET....EVERY DAY is better than the last.

I'm so beyond blessed to have this little rookie human to take care of.

She's seriously the coolest girl ever.

Oh, Hi! Traveling with a 3 Month Old!

Oh, Hi! Traveling with a 3 Month Old!

If I have learned one thing about parenting since having B., it's that no matter what all the books, blogs, or your friends say...you can make any activity involving your baby EASIER than they all tell you.

You just have to get in touch with your kiddo, know their limits, learn how to read their tells, and PREPARE.

Before taking B. to Turks & Caicos this week, I definitely felt like the task of flying with a baby to a foreign country was something only seasoned parents should attempt.

As per usual, I read everything I could, asked my mommy friends, and also as per usual, ended up making lists on lists on lists.

Every situation is different, so our travel style may not apply to you - but this is now we managed our first international trip with an infant...and if you dig it....how you can too.

SPOILER ... we had absolutely ZERO melt downs on the entire trip.  Parenting win.

FLYING

About two years ago, at the airport, we witnessed an incredibly traumatic and dramatic scene.  A family of three stood at the checkout counter in front of us.  

Mom looked exhausted and annoyed, and had clearly resigned herself to a life of Lands' End cargo pants and sneakers because WTF else did she have time for, and looked like she was ready to scale Everest with all of the straps and things hanging off of her (We later realized this was an over complicated baby carrier)

Dad....he had taken on the task of breaking down a full size stroller, attempting to wrangle said stroller into what looked like a very large laundry bag, and perilously passing it from the scale to the attendant to be checked...and then doing the same with a full size car seat, the family's multiple bags of luggage, and a Pac N Play.

The whole operation went on for at least 20 minutes...and lord knows how long because we had checked in and dropped our bags off before the poor family had wrapped up their debacle.

We SWORE we would never be those parents.  And we were NOT.

B. rode as a lap passenger on this trip, which worked out great.  I was able to breastfeed on the plane, and just used a simple blanket to conceal the activity.  I wore a nursing tank (no bra) and a very loose sweatshirt on the plane ride for easy access, and it made all the difference in the world.

Our trip was 5 days long.

We did NOT bring a carseat or a Pac N Play with us....WHY??? Because our resort provided a crib, as well as a carseat to use in taxis upon our arrival and while traveling around the island.  CALL your hotel before booking and ask about infant amenities.  You MAY be surprised at what you can borrow!!

For the trip we packed:

- 1 Full Size Suitcase each, to be checked.  I packed B.'s items in with my suitcase, but kept her items separate by packing them in a soft bag inside my suit case.

- 1 Carry on item each.  My husband was in charge of packing the usuals ... (snacks, iPad, headphones, Passports) ... and my bag was the Diaper Bag (in our case the diaper BACKPACK from SkipHop.  Highly Recommend)

In Our Diaper Bag for easy access in the airport / on the plane we packed:

-5 Diapers (I changed her twice on the way to T&C, and three times on the way back)

-Baby Wipes

-Hand Sanitizer (Used this only like 2,345,345,344 times)

-2 Burp Cloths (Yepp. Used those)

-2 Extra Onesies (Didn't need, but came close during one diaper situation)

-2 Blankets of different weights (Used one when we landed due to different climates, and used one on the plane as a nursing cover)

-2 extra pairs of socks (Didn't need but better safe than sorry)

-2 Bottles of breastmilk (Ended up breastfeeding on the plane so didn't need in the air, but used on taxi ride to hotel)

-4 Baby Books (Yes!  Used these a few times)

-B's favorite hanging toy from her activity gym (Gamechanger.  Just when she would start to get bored we would whip this out and save the day!)

-2 plastic grocery bags in case we needed to enclose a wet outfit, or toss a dirty diaper in a pinch (used 1)

For B. For the Duration of the Trip We Brought:

- 2x Onesies for each day (Only used about 1/2 since we spent alot of time by the pool)

-Socks for travel days (Used 2 pair)

-Pajamas for each day (Used ALL)

-HALO Sleep Sack

- 3x swimsuits in different sizes (Used ALL - Swim Diapers are kind of not the best at containing certain explosions, so we had some wardrobe changes)

-Swim Diapers

-Baby Sunscreen (We used Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen 50+, EVERY DAY, and reapplied every 2 - 3 hours.  B. didn't get a DROP of sun.  This sunscreen ROCKS)

-2x Swim Cover-Ups (Used 1)

-2x Sun Hats (one by iPlay was our FAVORITE)

-Baby Shampoo / Soap

- 4x Burp Cloths

- 3x Bibs

- Headbands 

-3 Toys

- 4 Books

-Cooler for carting bottles around

For Infant Transportation We Used:

The ZOBO Bolt Lightweight Stroller

This thing was a dream.  Retails at $99.99 at Babies R Us and Target.  This was light and easy enough to open and close by myself with B. in one hand.  It folds pretty compactly, and we were able to wheel her through the airport and then gate check this bad boy.  no damage was incurred, but I did make sure to remove the canopy and the cup holder before gate checking.  This stroller was crazy easy to assemble initially as well.  We wheeled this thing all over Turks & Caicos, and it held up really amazingly.  It steers easily, and for a lower end stroller, I really have no complaints!  So happy we bought this instead of one of those fabric super light strollers, plus we had to because this has a 5 point harness, which is still necessary with B.

The ErgoBaby Original Baby Carrier

While this does look a bit bulkier than some other carriers on the market, the comfort level is amazing.  I never have any lower back strain or shoulder pain with my 17 pound kiddo riding around in this thing!  It's super easy to use, and was really handy when disembarking the plane instead of carrying B. to wait for the stroller at gate check.  We just hung it on the stroller when walking through the airport if we weren't using it at the time.

THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT MADE OUR TRIP EASY:

We arrived at the airport with the minimal amount of waiting time, which helped alot.  I made sure to feed B. right before heading to the airport, and breastfed her while we were ascending and descending in the plane.

Because she was swallowing as the altitude shifts occured, she NEVER seemed uncomfortable or in pain due to the pressure change!

I made SURE to pay close attention to her on the plane.  The slightest pout or whimper was swiftly met with a toy or food.  I don't care what people say, you can't spoil her at this age.

I was VERY deliberate with what I packed in the Diaper Bag.  All of the necessities and no extras.  There is nothing worse than digging through layers in a Diaper Bag to find that ONE ITEM you need while your kiddo is throwing a tantrum....and imagine that scenario in an airplane!

We called ahead and reserved all the baby equipment we could at our resort.  The more things you can borrow, the easier your trip will be.  If our resort had not provided a car seat, we would have found a car service on the island that offered one.

B. LOVED her first trip.  My biggest tip is to STAY CALM and just be a little extra attentive to your little one.  YOU CAN TRAVEL with your baby, just THINK and prep.  That's it!

Oh, Hi! The ONLY New Baby Checklist you will EVER need.

First of all...

Hey Y'all!  It's been a month since I posted. But guess what?  When you have an 11 week old ,sometimes it takes 4 weeks to finish a blog post.

This one is worth the wait though.  I've built a COMPLETE spreadsheet, just for you, to help you prep for your new baby.

On this list is everything we have needed, used, and loved for the first 11 weeks of B's life.  I linked where I could, so just click and order!

Where I didn't link....again, I have an 11 week old.  In order to be able to post, I had to speed up the process a bit.

Enjoy!

If you have anything to add, email me at alliemjaffe@gmail.com!

Category	Item
FURNITURE
	Crib	The "Vienne"Crib in Heirloom White @ Restoration Hardware
	Crib Mattress	Simmons Organic Crib and Toddler Mattress @ Restoration Hardware
	Glider	Dutailier Glider @ Bed Bath & Beyond (Available elsewhere too!)
	Bassinet	Arm's Reach Mini Co-Sleeper
BEDDING
	Crib Bedding Set	Appliqued Rosette Voile in White @ Restoration Hardware
	Fitted Crib Sheets (6)	Natural and Organic Crib Sheets @ Babies R Us
	Waterproof Mattress Pads (2)	Waterproof Mattress Covers @ Babies R Us
	Changing Table Pad	Babies R Us Changing Table Pad
	Changing Table Pad Covers (4)	Changing Pad Covers
	Receiving / Swaddle Blankets (8)	Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets
	Wearable Blankets (4)	Halo Sleep Sack
	Bassinet Sheets	Bassinet Sheets - Basic - MAKE SURE you order the right size to fit YOUR Bassinet
	Crib Mobile	Basic Wind Up Mobile...Just depends on what fits your crib!
ON THE GO
	Infant Car Seat	FULL Travel System with Carseat by Britax
	Travel System	See link above
	Lightweight Stroller	Haven't Purchased Yet
	Diaper Bag	SkipHop Diaper Backpack
	Car Seat Base	See link above for Travel System
	Car Seat Toys	An Example -- DEFINITELY GET THESE!
	Portable Swing / Rocker	This was a LIFESAVER for the first 2-4 weeks!
FEEDING
	Breast Pump	Medela Freestyle
	Nursing Pads	Lansinoh, any variety
	Breastmilk Storage (Bags)	Kiinde !!!
	Nursing Covers (2)	Optional. You can also use receiving blankets for this, or a normal scarf.
	Nursing Pillow	BOPPY, the original
	Baby Support Pillow	Boppy Infant Lounger. This was a LIFESAVER.
	Bottles	We use and LOVE the Kiinde system!
	Slow Flow Nipples	Kiinde !!!
	Medium Flow Nipples	Kiinde !!!
	Fast Flow Nipples	Kiinde !!!
	Bibs (8-12)	You may not use these right away, but when you hit the spit up / drool phase (for us about 6 weeks in)....You'll use them all day EVERYDAY.
	Burping Cloths (6-12)	Again, these will become invaluable. We also use receiving blankets, paper towels, and bibs for this here and there.
	Pacifiers (6-8)	Our baby hated the pacifier thing. She is 11 weeks old as I'm typing and she still has never actually used one past 10 minutes.
	Pacifier Holders 2	Not necessary unless your baby is a paci baby. Wait and see how that goes.
	Teethers (4)	? Not a newborn necessity. Haven't needed yet at 11 weeks.
PLAY TIME
	Infant Swing	Fisher Price Chandelier Swing
	Bouncer	Baby Bjorn Bouncer . Just splurge. Trust me. (May not use until around 9 week point)
	Play Yard	HAVEN'T USED ONCE.
	Play Yard Sheets (2-3)	See above.
	Play Mat	Any playmat that allows you to add hanging toys!
	Play Gym	See above.
	Infant Toys (5)	THINGS THAT MAKE NOISE, that can hang on your playmat / gym!
	Jumper	N/A.
	Books (3)	Your Choice
CLOTHING
	Bodysuits (12)	About clothing, buy NEWBORN and 0-3 month. Take the tags off of just enough items
	Sleep & Play (8)	of each size to get yourself through the first week or so. LEAVE the tags on the rest.
	Side Snap Shirts (6)	Our 8lb 4oz baby wore newborn sizes for about 3 weeks, but then has quickly progressed
	Gowns (4-6)	straight through her 3 month and 3-6 month outfits straight into 6month sizes, and she's
	Pants (8)	only 11 weeks at this point! I was SO HAPPY I left tags on so many items because
	Hats (2)	I have been able to return/exchange as she has grown.
	Mittens (2)	Oh, and buy Carter's sleepers. There is NO REASON to buy fancy schmancy PJs.
	Booties (2)	At $7-$15 per sleeper on average, you can't go wrong, and won't be sad when they
	Socks (8)	wear it exactly twice before they grow out of it.
	Shoes
DIAPERING
	Diapers	Buy 1 box of Newborn and 1 box of size 1. DO NOT bulk order yet. We're in size 3 at 11 weeks.
		PAMPERS brand. Swaddlers at first and then progress to Baby Dry.
	Baby Wipes (4 Value Boxes)	WATER WIPES. These are your only option. PERIOD.
	Diaper Cream & Ointment	We haven't needed
	Diaper Pail & Refills	Diaper Dekor
	Portable Changing Pad	Any will do, but you must have one.
BATHING
	Baby BathTub	If you plan to use your bathtub...this is it. You can lay a receiving blanket on top when they're brand new to make it more comfy.
	Towels (8)
	Washcloths (12)	Seriously, a washcloth is a washcloth at this stage. BUT the Burt's Bees brand are SUPER SOFT.
	Baby Shampoo	I bought the California Baby super sensitive stuff, and she broke out. Switched to AVEENO, and we're golden. Depends on your baby.
	Baby Body Wash	See above
	Baby Lotion	Not really necessary -- but if you plan to use this will depend on your baby.
	Bath Accessories	? All we need in the bath is a plastic cup to help rinse, a few extra washcloths to lay on B's chest to help her stay warm, and towels for after
	Bath Toys and Storage	Again, she's 11 weeks.
HEALTH & SAFETY
	Grooming Kit	So far have only used a soft hairbrush
	Baby Emery Board	Zoli Buzz B !!
	Nasal Aspirator	Nose Frida....but haven't needed. You DO need the Saline Nasal drops.
	Laundry Detergent	We use ECOS from Costco, and it's working beautifully on all of our clothes!
	Dental Care	Haven't used yet
	Baby Monitor	We use the Philips Home Network system, which was super easy to set up and use!