Most Used Baby Items: Month 1

Our sweet Turner was one month old yesterday! We’ve got a month of parenting in the books and I’m not sure we know that much more than when we started but we are certainly trying to figure it out as we go. I wanted to share the main baby items that have made our life a little easier with an infant this first month. My plan is to share products monthly that we found helpful. There are so many “must haves” out there that it is hard to know what you really need. Obviously, nothing I’m sharing is an absolute “must have” but rather things we found helpful during our first month with Turner. You can shop all the items I am sharing on the free liketoknow.it app: www.liketoknow.it/whenpigsflyblog.

Babyshusher – Admittedly, I did not even pick this up the first week or two until I got suggestions from other moms to try it. It makes the “shush” noise over and over in either 15 or 30 minute increments. I started trying it when we wanted to put Turner down to nap or sleep for the night or even after night feedings. It definitely helps along with rocking since the sound mimics the womb. It is also great because it is extremely portable. We use it everyday at different times and the batteries are still going.

4Moms Mamaroo Swing: This is one of those items I had heard mixed things on. Some babies like it and others hate it. It is pretty expensive as well as takes up a lot of space. Luckily, I was able to purchase it secondhand from a friend. Turner absolutely loves it especially the car ride setting! He will often fall asleep in it. It has different ride settings and sounds. This is a must have for me and truthfully I would be fine paying full price for it now since it has worked so well for him.

BabyBrezza Formula Pro: If you are formula feeding this is an absolute must. It is pricey but for the convenience it is worth it. It is basically a Keurig for formula. You add distilled water and powdered formula and it will make the bottle for you with the press of a button. You choose room temperature or warm along with the ounces desired. There is nothing like pressing a button at 3 am and having a bottle in 10 seconds. It also reduces gas and other stomach issues due to air bubbles since the bottle does not have to be shaken. My only complaint and you have to clean the funnel every four bottles and truthfully you need to clean the entire machine a time or two a week to keep it working its best. I would only purchase this if you are exclusively formula feeding!

Fisher Price Kick & Play Piano Mat: I call this the ugly mat. It’s hideous but my son absolutely loves it! It plays music and grows with them as they get older. We do tummy time on this mat as well. If you only buy one play thing for your infant this should be it!

SNOO Bassinet: I really do not think we could survive without this. I will do an in-depth review after we have been using it longer on here but so far it has been amazing. It is a smart bassinet that rocks your baby when they need soothing using movement and sound. It has an app connected to it that monitors sleep habits. The claim as that it will have your child sleeping through the night by the time they are done with it at 6 months which is when you wean and transfer them to a regular crib. The only downside to this bassinet is the price tag. It is very expensive but we were fortunate enough to borrow this from my sister in law. If buying it is not in the budget you can also rent it a month at a time as well as purchase it secondhand at a cheaper price. If you do purchase it the resale value is great and they resell easily. We absolutely love the SNOO and highly recommend it to everyone. It is worth it!

Magnetic Me Pajamas: These are the softest pajamas I have ever felt! The best part is that there are no zippers or snaps to fumble with in the middle of the night. All of the sleepers and gowns use magnets to keep them closed. We especially have loved the gowns for nighttime because they keep his legs and feet warm without socks plus they are so easy for changing him! We like the pajamas for lounging during the day. They have tons of cute prints for boys and girls. They are a little pricer than Carters, Target etc but I would personally rather have less pajamas that were these and just wash them. We find ourselves pretty disappointed when all the Magnetic Me pajamas are dirty. Needless to say I do laundry quite frequently so that does not happen!

What is the one item you could not live without the first month of your little one’s life? Let me know below in the comments! I know there are tons of other amazing products out there I am sure I do not even know about. If you have a question about any of the products I shared today feel free to ask! Remember, you can shop any of these items in the liketoknow.it app and even save them to your favorites for the future!

Love,

Megan

If you need me I’ll be here 📍🇬🇷🧿 Visited the Acropolis in my all time favorite dress! 🌈🇬🇷🩵🧿 Sorry, it’s old (MDS Stripes via @modaoperandi - I got it on sale in 2018) but this is your sign to wear something you love even if it’s 5 years old. Shop your own closet! I’m a big fan of remixing pieces you already own. In my Hugo Spritz era 🇬🇷🍾🥂My scarf is old from @showmeyourmumu but I linked the same style in new prints. Can also be worn as a top! 🙌🏼 Everything linked in the free @shop.ltk app: https://liketk.it/4ajSw Summer is coming and I just got the perfect @fabletics look for the season! ☀️ #fableticspartner I’m loving these throwback nylon shorts. How fun is the print and these colors?! Wearing a small in all pieces! Romper of the summer from @fpmovement ☀️🕶️ Wearing a small and it comes in so many different colors! Comfortable and functional. 👏🏼 Linked in my LTK 📲 Had the best Mother’s Day weekend with my family! 🧡 We had brunch and spent time together making memories. Hope everyone had a great weekend! One sarong from @showmeyourmumu styled 3 ways! Loving all the colors in this one. Can’t wait for it to be on repeat this summer!! Summer is coming! @fabfitfun is helping me get ready with their summer box. 👙☀️ #fabfitfunpartner 📌 Save this post for an idea for your next girl’s night, birthday or any other occasion you can think of! 🧼 We had the best time @buffcitysoap.texarkanatx making our own bath bombs at our own private party. Each of us got to choose our favorite scent, color and paint/decorate each one! Such a fun way to spend time together. Would you rather do this with your girlfriends or host your kids and their friends? Let me know in the comments! 👇🏼 #ad #buffcitysoap #smellwonderful #partywithbuff

Postpartum Essentials

I’m sharing my must haves for postpartum today. Probably the least “fun” post I’ve written so far but definitely the most practical! I will mention I had a vaginal birth with a 2nd degree tear and some stitches. Depending on your labor and birth your recovery and postpartum period might look different from mine. The things I’m sharing today are obviously just suggestions and things I felt that made my recovery more comfortable. You can shop all of the products I’m sharing by going to the free LIKEtoKNOW.it app: Shop my post

Things to keep in basket in the restroom for easy access:

  • Mesh underwear – the hospital will provide these but I liked the FridaMom brand much better. I will say I felt like I only needed these the first week or so.
  • Pads – I liked the large hospital ones for the beginning of my time at home and then transitioned to regular pads.
  • Always Discreet Disposable Underwear – you technically don’t need both the mesh underwear and these but I found that the Always ones were so much more convenient especially when you are getting up all night with a newborn. They are kind of pricey so I would suggest just getting one package to see if you like them. I ended up getting a second package because they were so easy to use.
  • Flushable wipes – you will want these instead of using toilet paper at first. Do not flush them though because they will eventually mess up your plumbing!
  • FridaMom peri bottle – the one the hospital gives you is nothing compared to this one. It’s amazing. If you only get one thing for postpartum and decide to use the hospital stuff for the rest then make it this! I promise you need it.
  • FridaMom pad liners – I liked these so much better than the round Tucks Pads. They are actually shaped like a pad so they fit perfectly. I rotated these and the next product for the first week or two.
  • Dermoplast Spray – they will give you this at the hospital but I ordered extra. I probably went through a can and a half total. Rotating the spray and witch hazel liners listed above helps speed your healing process and keeps you comfortable!
  • FridaMom ice pads – this was my other favorite product. I loved these so much I ordered another box of them. I used these twice a day. Once in the morning and evening. This is a more expensive alternative to padsicles. I just wanted something convenient that would help with swelling and recovery!

Many of the items I mentioned come as part of the FridaMoms Kit which I was gifted from my sister in law. It also had some perineal cooling foam but I personally didn’t use it much. I found the other items I listed more convenient. If you don’t want to purchase the whole kit all the items listed above can be bought via Amazon separately.

Other items to have on hand:

  • A pillow to sit on at all times at least the first week. Trust me – you will want it. I used my pregnancy pillow most of the time.
  • Nightgowns or other easy access clothing. It was so much easier to take care of myself when I didn’t have to worry about getting off pants or shorts. I love the Star’s Above line from Target and rotated my long sleeve and shortsleeved ones.
  • Ibuprofen or other pain reliever. I was given pain pills but I only took them for 3 days once we returned home because they made me feel too groggy and I truthfully wasn’t in enough pain to need them after that. I switched to over the counter pain reliever after that for the first week and then didn’t take anything after that. Listen to your body though and take whatever medications as long as you feel like you need them!

Supplements to take:

  • Colace – they will give you this in the hospital but you need to continue taking it at home. It is a stool softener. Regardless of the type of birth you have you will want this to make sure you don’t have to strain when the time comes. You can take up to 3 times a day which I suggest and then taper down to one time per day once the first week goes by. I also suggest drinking tons of water!
  • Garden of Life Probiotic – I took their prenatal one during pregnancy and then switched to the Women’s Daily after giving birth. This will help with your digestive system!
  • Pink Stork Postpartum Mood Support – this has vitamins to help your body transition as it gets rid of any lingering hormones.

Other bits of advice:

  • Make sure you are getting a shower once or even twice a day. I know it’s hard with a newborn and you’re tired but I truly feeling like keeping good hygiene will help prevent infection and speed your recovery process. I’m a clean freak though and love showers so this was easy for me. If that’s not your thing still make sure your partner watches your baby so you can make sure you get clean daily!
  • Walk as much as possible! Even if it’s just around your house. This truly will help you so much.
  • You might still be swollen from fluids after. My legs and feet were extremely swollen and somewhat painful. This took a week to subside. I tried to drink tons of water and keep them elevate. Moving around also helps!

Things I didn’t use:

  • Postpartum wrap – I bought one from Amazon and used it once. These are supposed to help your stomach and everything go back but they gave me really painful stomach cramps so I never put it on again.
  • Sitz bath salts – I was told I couldn’t take a bath by my OB until after my 6 week check up.

Overall, postpartum recovery has not been as difficult as I thought. I had a fairly easy pregnancy, quick induction, labor and routine vaginal birth which I know helps. Once you get through the first few days you will feel so much better! Let anyone who offers to help you do so. Don’t feel like you have to have it all together and get it all done. Feel free to ask me any questions about post part recovery! I’ll be glad to answer.

Love,

Megan

What I Actually Used From My Hospital Bag

Today I’m sharing the things are actually used from my hospital bag plus the things I could have left at home.

Packing List for Mom

  • Hospital gown: I loved having my own gown that had been already washed in my own detergent and was soft. I got so many compliments from the nurses. I threw it away once I showered and changed after birth. There was no saving it which was fine since I planned to get rid of it after.
  • Two button up night gowns. Both in dark colors and button up. I have one long sleeve and one short sleeve. I only wore the short sleeve one. The first night I was in the hospital gown actually giving birth and the second night I was in my own night gown. I suggest short sleeve also because they have to be able to get to both of your arms easily every few hours to check vitals and sometimes give you things through your IV.
  • Silk robe – Wore this to take some photos of us together. Otherwise did not wear because it was so cold in our room.
  • Sleep mask – did not use.
  • Barefoot dreams cardigan – it was freezing in our post part room so I highly recommend a sweater.
  • Maternity underwear, two pairs of socks with grips, and bras – did not use the underwear since they give you the mesh kind. Did use the socks and only wore the bra to actually leave the hospital!
  • Cheap fuzzy slippers – added these last minute so I wouldn’t be walking around in my socks only and getting back into bed after that with dirty feet. Threw the slippers away and got a new pair.
  • Dollar store flip flops for shower shoes – used and threw away!
  • Maxi, slip and Birkenstocks for going home – wore all three leaving hospital! I wore the same shoes into the hospital and out. They are rubber so they could easily be sanitized. Plus they fit my swollen feet!
  • Basic toiletries: soap, lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, extra contacts/case/solution, glasses, face wash, makeup wipes, aquaphor lip balm, hairbrush and minimal makeup products. Used everything listed here.
  • Daily medications – did use
  • FridaMom Peri Bottle – added at the last minute and did use! If you do not bring anything else at least bring this. It is a must have and so much better than the hospital one.

Packing List for Dad

  • Two comfortable outfits (athletic shorts, joggers, tee shirts)
  • Sweatshirt
  • Boxers socks
  • Shower shoes
  • Going home outfit (golf polo and shorts)
  • Basic toiletries: we will share most of the things above but added shampoo/hair stuff for him, any medication he might need (Tylenol or Tums…hospital will not dispense these to spouses). I put the toiletries in a gallon ziplock for easy access inside our tote.
  • Air pods

He used everything listed! My husband said his biggest thing was to make sure you have a sweatshirt and sweatpants because of how cold it was in there. I think he also wished he had a pair of slippers as well instead of just his sneakers.

Miscellaneous Packing List:

  • Instax Mini Camera + Film – did use!
  • Portable White Noise Machine – never used at all.
  • Stroller Fan (for me for labor!) – used when I was in a lot of pain during contractions pre epidural!
  • Tripod/Ringlight (no one will be there to take photos for us) – took the photos you see in this post! Highly recommend.
  • Two extra long chargers – used them and very convenient. The outlets are in random places.
  • File for documents – did not use. They give you documents in folders for you and baby.
  • Insulated cups with tops and straws – the nurses would put ice or water in these for us.
  • Insurance info and IDs – a must have!
  • Snacks – definitely another must have. My husband went to go to get something to eat the first night and they had already put the food up. He was glad we had snacks!
  • Electrolyte packets for water – did not use because all I wanted was Sprite after delivery. I ended up bringing some with me at the last minute plus a few huge water bottles of Essentia.
  • Bose speaker for music – never used this since my labor and pain rapidly got worse.
  • Two cheap grey towels and washcloths to throw away after use – we used these and threw them away! Highly recommend.
  • Cheap fuzzy blanket and old pillow to throw away after use – absolutely recommend both of these!
  • Two snack baskets for the nurses (one for AM and one for PM) – these were a huge hit with the labor nurses! I made a mistake by only having two baskets though. I really needed two more for postpartum. Next time I will do four snack baskets for the nurses.
  • Car seat (will stay in car until we need it) – my husband went and got this once we were discharged and brought it up to the room. He ran all our bags down first so we only have the baby and cart seat left to take down. They make you go out in a wheelchair!

Packing List for Baby:

  • Personalized Hello Tag – used for photos
  • Two gowns, mittens, hats, and socks – used them all because he spit up on some.
  • Two swaddles – used only one of them. The hospital gives you swaddles but of course I wanted ours for photos.
  • Going home outfit – put this on right before we left the hospital.
  • Pacifier – did not use because they give you one!
  • Baby Book (For feet stamping) – did not even think to get this out when I was in labor but they give you a card with the footprints stamped on it you can add to the book.
  • Personalized Door Hanger + Calligraphy Pen to write in info – did use.
  • Letterboard – did use.
  • Burp cloths – did not use because they give them to you at the hospital.

COVID DETAILS

I delivered at St. Michael’s Hospital in Texarkana and cannot say enough good things about the entire staff. I had the best nurses, doctor and experience. I cannot recommend giving birth there enough. The policy when we delivered as of July 23, 2020 was only one support person. That meant my husband was the only one allowed for the durations of our stay. He was allowed to leave which he only did to go out to the car or meet our parents at the entrance for food. I’m going to be honest, when I heard my mom would not be allowed I was crushed. I wanted her there as well and had always assumed she would be. While we missed having our parents there to see him as soon as Turner was born it was nice just having the time with the three of us. I had a vaginal delivery and was there about 45 hours total from induction check-in to discharge. I also was tested for COVID via blood test when I arrived and it was negative. They did not test my husband. We did have to wear masks whenever anyone was in the room or if you left the room but I took mine off when we were pushing. I’m not sure if that was allowed but no one said anything to me and honestly I cannot imagine two hours of pushing with a mask on. Other than masks and no visitors that was the only difference I could tell during our stay due to COVID.

Do you have any questions about what I used at the hospital or what it is like to deliver during COVID? Let me know in the comments and I’ll be glad to answer!

Love,

Megan

Turner’s Birth Story

I’m so excited to be sharing Turner’s birth story today! It was such a positive experience overall. I have loved reading other people’s birth stories throughout my pregnancy. I hope by me sharing my own it will help put other moms to be at ease and get them excited for the birth of their own baby!

I decided with my doctor after my due date be induced electively because I had been 1 cm dilated with a rock hard cervix for weeks. I’d been having contractions for days but nothing consistent. The induction was scheduled for when I was 40 weeks and 4 days. We checked into the hospital on July 22 at 5:00 pm. By 6:30 pm I was in a bed, with IV fluids and given one dose of Cytotec orally. I was checked and was 1 cm, 50% effaced and baby’s head was low. Around 8 pm contractions picked up slightly becoming more painful and I got a little nauseous. They gave me popsicles and ice chips and I felt better. Around 9:30 pm I began having back labor. Contractions and back labor progressively begin getting worse around 11 pm and I was given pain medication through the IV. It did nothing for my pain. They checked me and I was only at a 2. It continued to get worse to the point I felt like I was going to pass out and get sick at the same time. Called the nurse and said we had to do something. She called the anesthesiologist even though they don’t like to do the epidural before a 4 cm. I was given another bag of fluid before he could come and place the epidural. At 12:45 am he came and gave me my epidural. My husband had to leave and the poor nurse that had to help me be still was an angel. I was in the worst pain of my life because of back labor. I kept apologizing to everyone because I was SO embarrassed I was getting an epidural at only 2 cm dilated. I didn’t feel the numbing shot or epidural go in at all. It took the first try. She checked me before inserting the catheter and I was 8 cm dilated and almost completely effaced. The nurse was shocked and went to get my doctor. That means all the pain I felt was my body transitioning from 2-8 cm in a very short period of time. In the mean time I had to lay on my left side to get it numb. It took a little while but it worked. My husband came back and couldn’t believe it! My doctor comes in and says we will be pushing soon! He in complete shock as well. I’m feeling amazing with the epidural and so glad I trusted my gut! If I hadn’t gotten it when I did I probably wouldn’t have been able to at all! We started pushing at 3:00 am. Pushing is no joke. It doesn’t hurt but it’s just hard mentally and physically. It was just my husband, nurse and I pushing for an hour. My doctor checked on me and said I just needed to keep working! Baby had turned sunny side up at some point which explained my back labor. It almost meant after every contraction and set of pushes he would slip back in some. At 4:30 my doctor came in and checked on us again. He called in the nursery and other nurses needed for delivery then got gowned up and said it was go time.

I pushed out Turner David Griffin sunny side up at 4:47 am and had to stop when he was almost all the way out because my water was behind baby boy and never broke all the way. He swallowed some amniotic fluid and had to be cleared of that and have a little oxygen. His head was also a little cone shaped because he was stuck for so long. He was fine in a few minutes though! I had a 2nd degree tear and received stitches. Overall, my actual labor process was only 10 hours long which is great for an induction plus first time mom delivering. I was so upset about having to be induced and not going into labor on my own but it was truly the best experience ever. I am so happy with it and feeling so thankful God guided us to the decision and allowed us to have a positive induction and healthy baby boy! We are so grateful Turner is here with us and we are loving being parents so far.

Third Trimester Bumpdate

I cannot believe it’s finally my due date today! (July 18th) Pregnancy is a journey that somehow seems fast and slow at the same time. This baby boy has been 22 months in the making for us since it took us a year to get pregnant. We feel so thankful to be meeting our little miracle soon!

28 Weeks pictured above! This is about the time I really started to show and had an actual bump. It was so exciting to see it and made it more real.

29 Weeks pictured above. This was the weekend our shower was originally scheduled for but COVID canceled and rescheduled it.

30 Weeks pictured above. Third trimester was when I actually started to truly feel pregnant. The beginning of the trimester was fairly uneventful for me other than a growing bump. We spent lots of time getting the nursery ready for baby.

Week 30 pictured again. I somehow did not get a week 31 photo.

Week 32 pictured above. My rib pain started around this time and has worsened as the weeks have gone on. This was also the week we had a scare at the doctor. I was measuring two weeks behind for the first time in my whole pregnancy. We were sent for an ultrasound and found that baby boy was balled up and was completely fine. His position just threw the measurements off!

Week 33 we took our maternity photos! This is something I always swore I’d never do. I couldn’t imagine wanting photos of me big and pregnant. Once I was actually pregnant I couldn’t imagine not documenting this time! I am so glad we did them and especially before it got too hot and I got too uncomfortable. I highly recommend doing your maternity photos before 36 weeks for both of those reasons!

Week 34 pictured above! The bump really started growing around this time and my rib pain started to get extremely uncomfortable. My ankles and feet also started swelling around this time. I was pretty disappointed about that because I thought I was going to make it through pregnancy without that lovely symptom.

Week 35 pictured above!

Week 36 pictured above! My friends gave us a shower outside and it was beautiful. We began our weekly appointment at the doctor. I measured two weeks behind for only the second time in my pregnancy. We were sent for an ultrasound but unfortunately this time he wasn’t in the wrong position. He really was measuring behind especially his stomach. He was weighing about 5 pounds at this time and I was really upset about finding all this out. I felt like somehow I failed him. My doctor explained that I am a small person which often means smaller baby. He was still within 2 weeks of the normal range and not to worry. I concentrated on getting as much protein as possible after this to hopefully help even though my doctor insisted that your body is just going to do pregnancy its own way regardless in terms of weight gain and baby growth.

Week 37 pictured above. This began the most uncomfortable and longest part of my whole pregnancy. Check out my severely swollen ankles above. I also began to not be able to sleep at night due to rib pain and general discomfort. I was crossing my fingers for him to arrive any day!

Week 38 pictured above! We were still going to the weekly doctor appointments. I wasn’t shower any signs of him coming soon at this time at all.

Week 39 pictured above. I just knew he would come this week but no dice. Found out at our weekly appointment that I was dilated to 1 cm but nothing else happening. We got to see him on ultrasound and he was estimated to weigh 6 pounds and 14 ounces which was amazing news for us! Since week 37 I have eaten pineapple (I actually eat it everyday anyway because I love it), walked, bounced and done labor activation exercises on the exercise ball, eaten spicy food (I do this anyway!), drank Red Raspberry Leaf tea, ridden the Peloton as much as possible, and nested. Apparently none of those things are going to induce labor for me. This last few days of pregnancy as been mentally exhausting because I keep waiting for labor to begin. I’ve only had some cramping and Braxton hicks. We go to the doctor Monday and will likely set an induction date at this point. I am disappointed because I really wanted my body to do it on its own but ultimately just really want him here.

Worst third trimester symptoms: acid reflux (was given the okay by my doctor to take OTC medication nightly at week 32 and it basically vanished since then), swollen ankles, swollen hands (began at 39+4 during walking so I had to stop), sleepless nights due to anxiety and uncomfortableness and excruciating rib pain that nothing helps. I gained 14 pounds total during this pregnancy which I am pretty happy with since many weeks I gained nothing and even lost some weeks despite eating plenty.

Now, we are just waiting to meet our sweet boy hopefully next week sometime! I’ve loved sharing my journey here on my blog and cannot waist to continue sharing affordable outfits, home decor, motherhood and life in general in the future! I would love your prayers for a healthy delivery and baby. Let me know below if you went past your due date below in the comments!

Love,

Megan

4 Years Later: 10 Wedding Gifts We Actually Use

Four years of marriage has certainly flown by for us! One fun part of being engaged is registering. We registered at three places when we were engaged: Dillard’s, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Pottery Barn. Dillard’s was our main registry with most of our items due to one being located in our hometown which we knew many people would find convenient to shop. We had more practical items on the Bed, Bath & Beyond registry. Pottery Barn had a smaller selection of home items and linens and since we don’t have one here it was online only. Today, I wanted to share 10 wedding gifts were use everyday even four years later.

  1. Large step stool – I have personally used this quite a bit over the years. I’m 5’3″ so sometimes I need a little help reaching up high. We have also used it when painting rooms over the years. The one we received is extremely sturdy but folds up and can be stored virtually anywhere.

2. Electric wine opener – my husband and I both enjoy wine. I somehow cannot ever seem to open a bottle with a regular corkscrew. The electric wine opener makes it so simple and no cork in your wine glass!

3. Bath towels and washcloths – we registered for two different brands and colors of these. The Ralph Lauren ones are not as good of quality as the Wamsutta (BBB’s in house brand) to me personally. We ended up doing both white and grey. The grey didn’t wash well so I wish we had only done white. Here are the towels and washcloths separately.

4. High thread count sheets and quality bedding – we registered for all of our bedding from Pottery Barn for our Master and Guest bedrooms. I have used Pottery Barn bedding since high school and it is truly the best. We went with classic white with navy accent for our bedroom and all white for the guest room. We just now got a new duvet 4 years later to rotate since our original one has been through the ringer with two dogs sleeping in bed and being washed so many times.

5. Everyday plates and bowls – we went with Kate Spade and did a mixture of light blue and navy/white. Get a print or color you won’t grow tired of as you will literally be using it everyday.

6. Kitchenaid Mixer – we probably don’t use this as much as we would like but when we do it is truly amazing. It can do anything! I feel like it’s the type of appliance that will be still up and running 20 years from now.

7. Quesadilla Maker – this thing is so fun and easy to use! You can quickly throw together a quick lunch or dinner with the meat and/or vegetables of your choice.

8. Silver serve ware – We have about 8 pieces of silver serving ware and it may seem like something that’s not necessary. It’s really not but we have enjoyed getting it out to serve things in when we have guests. We use these pieces every time we are serving food and/or snacks. My advice with silver is not to go overboard but if you would like some then definitely register for pieces that are functional and can be used as you like.

9. Cast iron skillet – I am not the cook in my household. It’s actually my husband. He loves a good cast iron skillet and I feel like he can cook anything in it.

10. Bar cart – we actually didn’t register for the but were gifted it from our friends who hosted our couple’s shower. I have so much fun decorating it each month!

Above all else when registering have fun and but don’t think you’re gonna need 500 wine glasses or anything like that. Think practical and then add some things you like! Happy Registering!

Love,

Megan

What I’m Packing In My Diaper Bag

36 weeks over here! Things are getting real. I packed my diaper bag for baby boy last week. I’m not planning on bringing it the hospital but wanted it to be ready for his first doctor’s appointment and anywhere else we may have to go soon after birth. I have been loving my Freshly Picked diaper bag. It’s so roomy and of course super cute! It can be worn as a backpack as pictured above which is most likely how I will wear it.

It can also be worn as a cross body as pictured above. My dogs loved helping me pack the diaper bag! They are good helpers. I also consulted my mom for suggestions on things I should add. I am a first time mom so this is what I am thinking I will need. Here’s what I packed:

*Extra onesie

*Burp cloths

*Diapers

*Diaper Cream

*Wipes

*Premade Similac formula bottles + nipple

*Pacifier

*Swaddle

*Boogie Wipes

*Lotion

*Nail clippers

*Extra mittens

*Extra socks

*Portable changing pad

*Cover for pad

I’m keeping it basic for now and will add more things in coming months when we actually leave the house for more than an hour. Can you think of anything else that should be added for short trips away from home? Please leave me a comment below if you think I am forgetting something!

Even with everything packed the bag is only halfway full at this point! Plenty of room to add more items as he gets older and we need more things with us. I love how sturdy the bag is and that it can grow with us!

My diaper bag comes in so many other great colors if you are not interested in camouflage and black. I love all the different compartments it contains which makes organization a snap! Everything is so easily accessible between the different pockets. Freshly Picked doesn’t often have sales but they have given me a code to share with you for 25% off your purchase: FPXMEGAN25 and you can shop the bag directly here. Have any questions about this Freshly Picked diaper bag? Leave them below and I’ll be glad to answer them!

Love,

Megan

35 Week Bumpdate

We are exactly 30 days from Turner’s due date! I wanted to give an update over the past few weeks of my pregnancy. My bump has grown quite a bit! I’ve gained 12 pounds total during pregnancy so far and baby boy was weighing 4 pounds at the last ultrasound a few weeks ago. We had a bit of a scare at our 32 week appointment as my fundal measurement was 2 weeks behind for the first time. We were sent for an ultrasound and gratefully everything was all right. Baby boy was just curled up in a comfortable position which threw the measurements off! It was so amazing to see him for the first time since our 18 week anatomy scan. He was opening and closing both his eyes and mouth plus playing with the umbilical cord! Starting next week we begin to go to the doctor weekly as we begin cervical checks. It is getting very real at this point!

I’ve mentioned before how easy this pregnancy has been for me. I really haven’t truly felt pregnant and uncomfortable until I hit week 34. My right side back pain began to become more frequent and my nightly heartburn got pretty bad. Thankfully I have started different medication suggested by my doctor that has helped so much. The back pain is definitely still there and I use the heating pad as much as possible. My newest symptoms at 35 weeks are right side rib pain and swollen ankles and feet. Neither of which are much fun! Just trying my best to stay positive.

The nursery is basically almost finished at this point. The diaper bag, hospital bags, and nurses baskets are prepared. I’ll be sharing blog posts in the coming weeks on how I packed all three of those. Just need to install the car seat and wait on baby boy to come! I am interested to see if he comes early, on time, or late. I was born late and my husband was early so it could go either way!

Looking forward to the coming weeks and praying for a safe delivery and baby.

Love,

Megan

Hospital Bag Packing List

Obviously I am a first time mom who has never delivered a baby therefore take my packing advice with a grain of salt. I’ll definitely do an updated what we actually used post after baby is here. I also would encourage you to check with your doctor and the hospital on current policies due to everything rapidly changing with COVID. I will also mention I am a chronic overpacker and just feel more comfortable having everything possible. It somehow eases my anxiety. The current policy at the hospital I will deliver at is only one support person which will be my husband. He is allowed to come and go but will probably only go to the car or pick up food delivery from the door. I really prefer to have him with me since I will be alone otherwise. I packed with all of this in mind.

Luggage I packed in for myself, husband and baby: Samsonite Hardsided Carry-On and Tory Burch tote. I did include two reusable shopping bags within the suitcase in order to carry anything else home we acquire during the stay.

Packing List for Mom

  • Hospital gown: I’m fully aware of how extra this is. Obviously this truly isn’t a necessity but I ended up getting this one and washed it before so it would hopefully be more comfortable. I’m really picky about textures on my skin with fabric so I felt like this might help especially since who knows how long I’ll have to wear it for.
  • Two button up night gowns. Both in dark colors and button up. I have one long sleeve and one short sleeve. They’re my favorite pajamas!
  • Silk robe
  • Sleep mask
  • Barefoot dreams cardigan
  • Maternity underwear, two pairs of socks with grips, and bras
  • Dollar store flip flops for shower shoes
  • Maxi, slip and Birkenstocks for going home
  • Basic toiletries: soap, lotion, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, extra contacts/case/solution, glasses, face wash, makeup wipes, aquaphor lip balm, hairbrush and minimal makeup products.
  • Daily medications

Packing List for Dad

  • Two comfortable outfits (athletic shorts, joggers, tee shirts)
  • Sweatshirt
  • Boxers socks
  • Shower shoes
  • Going home outfit (golf polo and shorts)
  • Basic toiletries: we will share most of the things above but added shampoo/hair stuff for him, any medication he might need (Tylenol or Tums…hospital will not dispense these to spouses). I put the toiletries in a gallon ziplock for easy access inside our tote.
  • Air pods

Packing List for Baby:

Miscellaneous Packing List:

I started packing my bag at 35 weeks slowly and putting things in. As I have gotten closer to the end of my pregnancy I have put mostly everything in except the things I still need until we actually go to the hospital. I used gallon sized ziplock bags as I always do to pack everything like outfits for easy access. I love doing this because you can put dirty items back inside the bags without getting anything clean exposed to it. I also roll everything as I put it into the ziplocks to use every inch of space. I put the things we wouldn’t necessarily need during the delivery in the suitcase including baby’s things. In non-COVID times I would probably leave the suitcase in the car as I am aware you do often change rooms a few times until recovery. The tote is packed with things my husband or I might need during delivery including chargers, snacks, medication, and toiletries that way they are easy to access.

Obviously, everything I have packed isn’t necessary. In fact, you could literally show up with your ID and insurance information. The hospital gives you the things you actually need. I hope that my lists gives you some ideas of what you might want to pack for your own stay. Moms, did I miss anything? If so please let me know below in the comments!

Love,

Megan

What I Didn’t Expect About Being Pregnant

I thought it would be fun to share some things that I didn’t expect about being pregnant.

  1. You won’t necessarily be sick the whole trimester with morning sickness. In fact, I only had a week or two of mild nausea that was easily banished with eating crackers and drinking spite. It was mild enough that it didn’t effect my daily life at all. I never actually got sick once!
  2. 99% of your doctors visit only include a urine sample, weight check, blood pressure, and listening to baby’s heartbeat. Somehow I thought there would be more to it but ultrasounds are few and far between unless there are problems!
  3. You might not get that burst of energy in the 2nd trimester everyone talks about. I feel like I was still so tired then but that it got better for me in the 3rd trimester.
  4. Shopping for baby clothes, yes even boys, is so addicting! Pump the breaks though because you have no clue what size your babe will be plus people will gift you clothes. I bought some fun things I absolutely loved but tried to keep it within reason!
  5. Feeling your baby move is truly the best thing on earth. It’s so special and magical but when your husband finally feels it too for the first time there’s no feeling like it!

6. The moment you find out you’re pregnant don’t necessarily rush out and buy all the maternity clothes. I’m glad I didn’t do this. Depending on what season you’re pregnant (especially 3rd trimester) and what your job is like you may not need much! I had planned to wear maxi dresses this spring at school but didn’t even need to worry about it because of COVID. I’ve mostly been able to work stretchy things I already had work. I did invest in a pair of maternity blue jean shorts and they’ve gotten their money’s worth.

7. Be prepared for people’s input. I’ve been cold my whole life but it got worse once I was pregnant. I kept my heat on on my classroom plus wore layers. People kept saying, “oh wait until 3rd trimester plus it’ll be summer. You’ll be burning up then!” Well, I’m 39 weeks and still keeping my house at 73 degrees with a sweatshirt on so apparently didn’t happen to me. Just take the input with a grain of salt and smile!

8. How your body grows and changes to develop your baby is unique to each person. I didn’t gain any weight first trimester and maybe 5-7 pounds second trimester. I’m up to 14 pounds now at the end. I didn’t truly show until I was in the third trimester. Despite eating plenty and never being sick during pregnancy. All of this is fine and normal. It’s also normal and healthy if the opposite happens to you and you gain more and show earlier. Your body is going to do what it needs to do so don’t stress too much about too little or too much weight gain!

9. You’re always going to find something to worry about whether it’s symptoms you’re having, what you’re eating or doing, labor/delivery and the health of your child. I highly suggest staying off doctor Google! Obviously ask your doctor anything you have concerns about but just know it’s okay to be a little anxious about things since it just means you want the best for your baby!

10. The most surreal moment is when you see your baby on the ultrasound and see that heart beating. The feeling is truly indescribable.

And here’s a bonus that I had heard before but until you’ve experienced it you really don’t get it: the last trimester speeds by until the final few weeks. Then it crawls and feels like years which is where I’m currently at! I’m going to be sharing more on that in a third trimester bump date post this week. What is something you didn’t expect about pregnancy? Leave me a comment about what it was!

Love,

Megan