Announcing the arrival of Baby T!

Well, it’s now officially been well over a month since Baby T has been born so I figured it was about time I get to blogging about it!  He is such a great baby (well, maybe not so great in the evenings, but we still love him very much!)  I knew having a newborn would be hard work, but I never realized how much of a time encompassing life change it would be.  Time just flies by.  I can’t tell you how many times I have looked at the clock and am completely flabbergasted by what time it is (such as now…I’m still drinking my morning coffee at noon!)

My labor went relatively smoothly.  I was in labor at home for over 24 hours starting on my due date before we headed to the hospital.  Husband M took the day off work to go on walks around Castle Island and Thomas Park with me (it was a blustery cold day).  I was still in labor that night, but the contractions were still 10-20 minutes apart so we held off on going to the hospital.  Finally, around 5 or 6 a.m., I decided to get into the shower to start getting ready to head out.  By the time we left at 7 am, the contractions were coming hard every 2-3 minutes.  Once we got to the hospital, I was pretty much ready to push.  I was still able to get an epidural at that point thankfully (sorry Husband M for dragging you to 2 weekends of Natural Childbirth classes…although I did get to that point naturally!)  They gave me a 30 minute break to relax and then it was pushing time!  Baby T came out in less than 15 minutes. It was such an amazing experience to finally meet the little being that was living inside of you for the past 9 months.

Now that we are somewhat getting into a routine (as much of a routine as you can get into with an infant), I am going to try to get back to blogging more often.  On the agenda…very easy to cook dinners (my bon appetit and Julia Child cookbooks are getting pushed to the back of the bookshelf), baby stuff,  holiday ideas, reviewing last year’s resolutions, and mew resolutions for 2011.  Thanks for sticking with us readers!

-m

Ready for Arrival: Airplane-Themed Nursery

I’ve been on maternity leave for a little over a week now and I finally finished a few last minute touches to the baby’s nursery this morning.  I wanted to share some photos of the airplane-themed nursery that we put together.  Husband M and I decided (well, perhaps I decided) to go with an airplane theme as Husband M has loved planes since he was a little kid.  Growing up in London, his dad would take him to Heathrow every weekend to watch the planes take off.  When we were initially deciding on buying a place, I think one of the main selling points for South Boston  was its view of the runway approach to Logan Airport.  He spends half his summer up on the roof deck watching planes take off and land.  Hopefully our baby shares the same love of planes!

The final reveal:

We purchased all the furniture from Baby Furniture Warehouse in Braintree.  The crib, bookshelf, and baby station are from the Romina Karisma collection and the glider is from Dutalier.  The bedding, mobile, airplane & boat pictures, and storage containers are all from Pottery Barn Kids.  The airplane lamp was a gift from our good friends at Crescent Harbor Lighting.

As I reach the end of my to do list, all that is left is to wait for baby’s arrival.  Hopefully he is not following the trend of the airline industry and decides to come right on time!

-m

How to Make a Diaper Cake for a Baby Shower

My little sister and I made a cake out of diapers for M’s baby shower.   My mom had the idea after seeing it at another baby shower.   She bought us all the supplies and we made it the night before M’s shower after looking at pictures of diaper cakes on-line.

Supplies (aka cake ingredients):

– about 100 diapers (we used the brands and size M asked for her on registry so she can actually use the diapers when baby is born)
– wooden skewer
– curling ribbon, string or rubber bands
– pretty ribbon (like thick pink or blue ribbon)
– large tray or cake plate (we used a large catering plastic plate)
– tape
– scissors
– small baby gifts/supplies- like a bottle, pacifiers, teething toys, rattles, and whatever you would like to anchor on your cake

Start by rolling the diapers up, with the print to the inside (so you only see white)  and tie with the curling ribbon.   We found it easy to cut a bunch of curling ribbon to the right size in the beginning and then start rolling and tying the diapers up.

Keep tying the diapers until you can form about 12-15 together and to start the base. Tie curling ribbon around the 12-15 to hold them all together.  Next, start building around the bundle you have made until you have a base that fits your plate (or to whatever size you prefer).  Then, tie a larger curling ribbon around the outside to keep the whole base together.

Next, we started on the middle layer just like we did the first layer, except making it about a row smaller to create a layered look to your cake.   When placing the second layer on the cake, we used a couple pieces of tape and then stuck a wooden skewer through the middle to hold it (we made sure not to pierce the diapers because we didn’t want to ruin them!)

Then, we made the top of the cake the same way,  just smaller then the middle layer and we placed a bottle in the center filled with light blue M&Ms. You can use your own creativity here!  We decided we wanted  a smoother frosting look to our cake so we tied another layer of flat unrolled diapers around the outside and tied them there with the curling ribbon. Next, we put light blue and baby ribbon around the curling ribbon to cover it up and make it look like stripes on frosting. Finally, we tucked and tied the toys and other gifts around the cake.  Feel free to look at my pictures to get ideas!

Enjoy!

-K

Getting Ready for Baby Lists

As the big day approaches, I have been starting to get ready for the baby’s arrival.  I’ve had a few lists passed on to me of things that other moms have written up of items they found to be useful.

Design Mom – Preparing for Baby

Babble– Baby Registry Guide

Liz’s Baby Basics

FOR MOM

• Maternity Jeans – spend some money on these – you will live in them over the weekend
• Maternity Pants – Gap made some really cute ones
• Maternity Tops/Sweaters – don’t even need to buy them – just buy larger sizes at inexpensive stores like H&M, Limited, Gap
• Nursing tank tops
  • The absolute best are Gilligan & O”Malley (Target carries them).  I swear by these.  They look just like a regular tank(black, white, pink or gray) and you can wear them under a cardigan. I wore these every single day while on maternity leave. Much easier than a nursing bra.  Never even bought a nursing bra.
• BellaBand
  • This is a band that can extend the life of your pants.  You can wear pants unbuttoned and put band over to create seamless line.  Also great for when shirts/sweaters become too short b/c you just see the band which looks like a t-shirt underneath the shirt.
• Disposable Lansonihl nursing pads
• Lansonohl breast cream (purple tube for breasts)
• Email list – put together mass email list for baby’s arrival announcement
• Birth Announcements
  • Print labels before baby is born and select announcement so ready to go (I didn’t send mine out until baby was 6 months – wish I had done sooner)
  • Tinyprints.com – great selection of announcements
• Monogrammed thank you cards – If you are really organized and know the baby’s name, you can order personalized thank you cards in advance b/c you will need them as soon as baby is born.  TinyPrints and PeekabooPumpkin have good selections.
• Breast Pump ( Medela Pump in Style – borrow one if you can b/c you may not take to it)

FOR BABY

• Swaddles (Kiddopotamus Velcro or any brand) – we used for first 3 months
• Basic white tees (get the ones that have side snaps rather than ones that have to be pulled over head)
• Basic onesies
• Sleep Sacks or gowns – great for newborns b/c much easier to change diaper in middle of night
• Zipper Footy PJs – once a bit older, I recommend PJs with zipper b/c easier than buttoned pjs to change in middle of night
• Bibs (velcro on the side of neck is best b/c doesn’t chafe back of babies neck when being bed in cradle position)
• Cheap burp clothes
  • I preferred the inexpensive ones b/c they were softer.  The cuter ones with patterns were too stiff to wipe babies mouth, so never used them.
• Bottles (BornFree)
• Nipples (Level 1 to start….at 3 months go to level 2 and at 6 months go to level 3)
• Formula (Enfamil is good, so is Nestle Good Start or Similac)
• Powdered formula containers (3 of them snap together and you can premeasure formula so all you need to do is pour into bottle of water – great for middle of the night!)
• Pacifiers (try a few different brands to see what fits baby’s face)
• Diapers (Pamper’s Swaddlers)– Size: Newborn
• Wipes (Pamper’s Sensitive)
• Travel size wipes for diaper bag
• Thermometer (traditional is better – ear is not accurate read for babies)
• Grooming kit (just basic with curved scissors, hair brush, toothbrush)
• Changing pad (to put on table – all brands are the same)
• Changing pad cover
• PeeWee’s Disposable Multi-Use changing pads
  • These are essential.  If the baby goes to the bathroom while being changed, you don’t need to wash changing pad cover – just throw away disposable pads. I use these every day.
• Sassy Diaper Bags – blue scented bags to throw dirty diapers in
  • We do not have a diaper genie and don’t even need one with these bags.  We never smell anything once diaper is in these disposable bags.
• Dishwasher caddy (to put bottle parts in for washing)
• Mustela Shampoo, Lotion, Bath Gel
• Baby Tylenol/ Motrin
• Saline nose drops (for when stuffed up/has cold)
• Diaper ointment (A&D, Balmex, Mustela – any are fine)
• Small/ soft washclothes ( not full size b/c too big for newborns)
• Hooded towel for after bath

FOR BABY’S ROOM/ FURNITURE

• Bambi Baby (www.bambibaby.com 877-882-2624)
  • I bought my baby furniture here and they will beat ANY price you find.  They beat Buy Buy Baby, Babies R Us, and other smaller local stores in price by a few hundred dollars.  And their customer service is fantastic.  You deal with the same person every time you call.
• Glider – Microfiber Upholstered Glider (color: Sage) $379
  • We tried every chair and this one is SO comfortable!  The sage color goes really well in a boy’s or girl’s room and the chair is very comfortable for a man or woman.  Highly recommend.  Carried at Babies R Us…and I think Buy Buy Baby
• Foot Stool – I found this to be very comfortable when feeding.  I still use it.
• Co-Sleeper/Moses basket/bassinet
  • I loved the co-sleeper – nice to have baby right next to bed for first month or so before you move them into crib
• Matress – any brand that meets regulations is fine (some people prefer Organic)
• Waterproof mattress pad covers (for under crib sheet)
• Mattress pad sheets
• Crib Set
• Hangers
• Clothes Hamper (I like Kids Line Folding Hamper)
• Trashcan (If you do not do Diaper Genie, which is not necessary, recommend just buying a SimpleHuman can that you can open with foot.  If using blue diaper bags, won’t smell in room at all.)
• Baby Monitor (Fisher Price) – don’t need if live in an apartment
• Nightlight

BABY ACCESSORIES/ TOYS

• Stroller and car seat

o      Graco Snap & Go is great – definitely the easiest for city living

o      I’d recommend getting car seat for up to 30lbs so that you don’t need to trade up to larger size so quickly

• Rain cover for stroller (any brand is fine)
• Head positioner – put in stroller/car seat so head doesn’t bobble all around
• Bundle Me – will need lightweight and fleece one for winter
• Sun Shade for stroller – This is a must.  Protect-A-Bub Single Canapy is good and works on any stroller.
• Stroller Caddy (recommend Joovy Cool Essentials on amazon.com)
  • This fits across handle bars of jogger strollers and is the best. You can put your wallet, phone, blackberry, keys, etc in it.  I wish I had bought this sooner b/c I hated having to put all this stuff in the carrying area below the baby.
• Toy bar that attaches to stroller bar (for jog type stollers)
  • Kids love this – will play with it and kick at it as you walk
  • Recommend anything like Sunshine Kids AG Twirly Whirly or Whoozit Activity Spiral
• Once you graduate from Snap & Go (which can be used up until 9-10 months depending on size of baby), recommend Phil & Ted’s if looking to do long walks or MacLaren for around town
• Britax Car Seat – highly recommend for when baby is 1 year old
• Bouncy Chair that vibrates (highly recommend Fisher Price Rainforest )
• Swing ( never used one, but people swear by the Fisher Price Papasan)
• Baby Bumbo chair (don’t need for first couple months)

o      Great for before they can sit up on own b/c gives them different vantage point – also great to use when feeding little babies before they graduate to high chair)

o      I got a different brand than Bumbo that I really liked – had a tray that attached with a toy that babies love

• Activity Saucer
  • Highly recommend Evenflo 3-in-1 ExerSaucer Triple Fun
  • This is for babies about 4 months up – they LOVE it
• Mobile for crib

o      Highly recommend Tiny Love Symphony or Delux Symphony in Motion

• Boppy Pillow – for breastfeeding
• Activity mat with overhanging toys (Recommend Gymini 3D or Baby Einstein- all babies love that at some point during first 6 months)
• Pack and play and sheets for it (any Graco is fine – no need for most expensive….but it is nice to have the changing table)
• Baby Einstein DVDS
  • These are priceless!  Babies love these from 2 months on.  You can buy entire boxset of 24 DVDs online for $95….or individually for $20/each
• Bathtub
  • Any of the newborn ones are fine (I liked one that fit over kitchen sink)
  • The BEST one to buy once baby outgrows first tub (around 4-5 months) is the Primo Eurobath – it’s the only one to buy!
• Leap Frog Learn & Groove Musical Table – this is for when they begin pulling themselves up on things…this is fantastic – hours and hours and hours of fun for baby
• Highchair (Peg Perego Highchair is the Mercedes of highchairs – it’s a must)

THINGS WE DIDN’T LOVE OR NEED

• Baby Bjorn – people swear by it, but we thought it was difficult to use
• Bottle Warmer – baby doesn’t know difference and if you always do room temp, they will be fine with it.
• Jumper for door way (I never used this – thought it was hard to put baby in/out)

RECOMMENDED BOOKS

• What to Expect in the First Year (great)
• Baby 411 (this is a MUST for every mom!  Includes answers at a glance to every question you will have in the first year.)
• Baby Wise, The Baby Whisperer or other sleep book

Jill’s Baby Registry List

Bathtub and accessories:

• Fisher Price Aquarium Bath http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14994793&RN=7051&
• The First Years Multi-Use Bathing Cushion (for you to kneel over big bathtub) http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=15002077&RN=7052&
• Ocean Wonders Corner Cubby Bath Toy chest by Fisher Price http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14845160&RN=7052&
• Baby wash cloths (any brand) http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=115436&
• Baby towels – you can use regular towel – you will definitely receive hooded towels as gifts
• You can’t put the baby in the little tub until the umbilical cord comes off – some people get a giant sponge to rest them when you sponge bath.  Don’t bother, just make a cushion out of a bath towel.

Bottles, etc:

• I don’t know anything about breast feeding and related accessories
• I use Avent BPA free.
• Avent sterilizer – if you have the counter space, this is awesome.  Also great for traveling because it makes it easy to clean bottles even in a hotel http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14909168&RN=7065&
• You need a drying rack – there are traditional ones but the Skip Hop is more attractive
• Bottle brush (with built in nipple brush) http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14990852&

Crib and bedroom:

• Crib, dresser with changing table attachment/changing pad, some sort of rocker
• Mobile http://www.buybuybaby.com/searchSKU.asp?order_num=-1&sstr=mobile&RN=7018&brnd=0&color=0&limit=0&IPPSearch=40
• Bumper, dust ruffle and 1 cute sheet
• 3 – 4 Ultimate crib sheets http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14845488&
• Breathable bumper (once the baby can move, you have to take out the bumper and this is a great compromise.  You can skip the cuter plush bumper and go straight to this one if you want to be practical) http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=15941456&
• 2 changing pad covers
• Baby monitor – video if it works in your apt/or some sort of digital.  The video has too much static for our apt so we have two Avent (Phillips) – one for each of the kid’s rooms… http://www.buybuybaby.com/searchSKU.asp?order_num=-1&SSTR=monitor&go=1&
• Diaper pail and refill bags.  We used a diaper pail for Ethan but now we just use these diaper bags (multi-use for pee diapers but take out immediately for poop bags) http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=15127864&
• Clothes hamper or laundry bag (suggest mesh) – we have this hanging inside the closet door because no extra room for a hamper.  Also suggest a small mesh lingerie bag for socks.

Stroller, car seat, play, travel, etc:

• Bugaboo Cameleon (NY city people – not great for burbs because it doesn’t fold, you have to take it apart) http://www.buybuybaby.com/searchSKU.asp?order_num=-1&SSTR=bugaboo&go=1&
• Bugaboo footmuff http://www.buybuybaby.com/searchSKU.asp?order_num=-1&sstr=bugaboo&LIMIT=0&COLOR=0&RNT=40&BRAND=445&IPPSearch=40&
• Bugaboo sun canopy http://www.buybuybaby.com/searchSKU.asp?order_num=-1&sstr=bugaboo&LIMIT=0&COLOR=0&RNT=80&BRAND=445&IPPSearch=40&
• 2 Bugaboo cup holders http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14968636&
• Graco SnugRide and car seat base http://www.buybuybaby.com/StylePage.asp?order_num=-1&rn=7021&rnt=0&
• Graco attachment for Bugaboo http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14971360&
• Graco pack n play and 2 sets of sheets.  Also suggest getting a quilted sheet for extra cushion http://www.buybuybaby.com/searchSKU.asp?order_num=-1&sstr=pack+n+play&RN=0&brnd=329&color=0&limit=0&IPPSearch=40
• Peg Perego high chair (you won’t need this for 4 – 5 months, and can return to Buy Buy Baby until you need it, but worth registering for it)  http://www.buybuybaby.com/searchSKU.asp?order_num=-1&sstr=pack+n+play&RN=0&brnd=329&color=0&limit=0&IPPSearch=40
• ERGO or BabyBjorn carrier http://www.buybuybaby.com/StylePage.asp?order_num=-1&rn=7035&rnt=0&
• Bouncer (you need immediately) http://www.buybuybaby.com/stylePage.asp?order_num=-1&RN=7082
• Head rest – use in Bouncer and then later in Bugaboo when you convert from basinet to seat http://www.buybuybaby.com/searchSKU.asp?order_num=-1&SSTR=head+rest&go=1&
• Exersaucer (you don’t need until around 5 months) http://www.buybuybaby.com/searchSKU.asp?order_num=-1&SSTR=exersaucer&go=1&
• Mirror – crib/play http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=15126566&
• Activity mat http://www.buybuybaby.com/stylePage.asp?order_num=-1&RN=7088
• Umbrella stroller – Mclaren Quest or Triumph http://www.buybuybaby.com/StylePage.asp?order_num=-1&rn=7031&rnt=0&
• 1-2 swaddle blankets – you will get more as gifts (Ethan hated being swaddled and broke out within 1 week but Sydney liked it) –  http://www.buybuybaby.com/searchSKU.asp?order_num=-1&SSTR=swaddle+blan+ket&go=1&.  I like the Aden guaze blankets – good for swaddling and for extra warmth, stroller, protection, etc.
• Diaper bag

Stuff:

• Pampers swadlers (Diapers.com)
• Pampers sensitive wipes – get refills and one box of Huggies sensitive wipes (Huggies has a better box but Pampers makes better wipes) (Diapers.com)
• Grooming kit http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=15131730&
• Dreft (Diapers.com) and Shout gel (to clean stains)
• A&D (day time ointment), Balmex (night time ointment), Aquaphor (Diapers.com)
• Alcohol and baby q-tips (to clean around umbilical cord)
• Cotton pads to clean for the first few weeks before you start using wipes
• Saline nasal spray (to use with nasal aspirator – they usually give you the nasal aspirator at the hospital)
• Thermometer
• Cloth diapers to use as burp clothes, and pee diapers (cover boys while you change them because they pee upward).  http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=15010193&.  You will get nice burp clothes as gifts but can register or buy some as well http://www.buybuybaby.com/searchSKU.asp?order_num=-1&SSTR=burp+cloths&go=1&
• Musela products (register or get at Diapers.com)

o      Derma cleansing body and hair http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=15097752&

o      Body lotion http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=15034700&

• Face moisturizer http://www.buybuybaby.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=15034874&

Mom readers, what baby items did you find to be incredibly useful (or useless)?

-m

2 sisters 2 cities announcement!

When Sister K and I started this blog last Christmas, we decided the basic premise of the blog would be to talk about our two different lives in two different cities:

“We are two sisters, K and M, living in two different cities with two different lifestyles. This blog is to share our adventures in New York and Boston. K is single and just starting off in New York City. She works in fashion and loves to cook healthy and inexpensive food on a budget. Her hobbies include cooking, baking, working out, shopping, and partying with her friends in the coolest city in the world. M is married and works in finance in Boston. She loves to experiment with new dishes and focuses on recipes that are easy to prepare after a long day of work. M’s hobbies include cooking, reading, eating out, traveling, skiing, crafting, and letterpress.”

Well, my life is about to change a lot (and for the better) …Husband M and I are expecting our first baby this November!  We found out the gender yesterday- we are expecting a baby boy.  I have found myself reading a lot less cooking and decorating magazines and websites, and have been focusing more on pregnancy and baby-related websites and books.  Here is a list of some of the resources I have been checking out:

Books:
What to Expect When you Are Expecting– I was 11 when my youngest sister was born, and I still remember my mom reading this book.  The lady in the rocking chair on the cover has been replaced with a girl rocking out jeans (although I think the jeans on her look outdated already…put her in some maternity skinny jeans!)  This book has been a pretty helpful week-to-week resource to refer to.  I bought the What to Expect Before You Are Expecting and What to Eat When You Are Expecting in a set of the three as books, but I haven’t used these two much.

The Girlfriends’ Guide to Pregnancy: Or Everything Your Doctor Won’t Tell You–  This is a pretty informal, quick-read on pregnancy.  If you are looking for a non-medical summary of pregnancy and what is going to happen, this is a good book for you.

I’m Pregnant– My husband’s aunt gave me this book as a gift…it is split up more by months than weeks, but it gives a lot of great color photos and diagrams.  There is a whole spread as to what will be covered by the anatomy ultrasound which was very helpful to read before I went in for it.

Websites:
What to Expect When You Are Expecting– I really like to lurk on the November 2010 chat forum to read what others are going through at the same time

Babycenter– Also has monthly chat forums and good info by week

The Bump– From the makers of TheKnot.com

Magic Beans– This is a Boston-based baby gear store…I have gotten a pretty good idea of some of the things I would like to get for this baby based on their top 10 lists and recommendations.

Any other mom readers out there that have any resource suggestions?

-m