Harper's Two Months and Favorite Baby Products!

I can't believe my little baby is already two months old! Time sure has flown by! I have enjoyed every single minute with her and look forward to watching her grow. She has already changed so much. 

Harper took her first road trip to Missouri to visit my grandparents. She has started smiling and is such a little ham! She loves to snuggle, get baths, and go on walks. She has started cooing and will "talk" back to you. I've started reading to her every day. My favorite books so far are Olivia, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and On The Night You Were Born. I didn't have these books growing up and I actually enjoy them myself ;) 

At her two month appointment today Harper weighed 12 lbs 7 oz (73 percentile) and was 23 3/4 inches tall (94 percentile). Doctor is very happy with Harper's growth and development!

Since I have quite a few preggie friends, I figured I would share a few of my favorite baby products so far!

Baby K'Tan Wrap Baby Carrier - I started using this baby carrier when Harper was about 3 weeks old. I love that it gives me a free hand when Harper doesn't want to be put down. Harper loves it and usually falls asleep while she is in it.

Boon Grass Countertop Bottle Drying Rack - I love this drying rack! It is cute, looks great on my counter top, and along with the accessories, it holds all my breast pump parts.

Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Baby-Mild Pure Castile Soap - I use this on Harper's body, hair, and in her homemade baby wipes. I did a lot of research before Harper was born on all natural, pure, and organic baby products since I had heard Johnson and Johnson's products contain formaldehyde and cancer causing chemicals. Since cancer runs in my family I want to try to protect Harper from it as much as I can. For the homemade wipes I take Bounty Select-a-size paper towels and cut them in half and place in a plastic container. I take 1 3/4 cups of water a microwave it for five minutes then add 1 tablespoon Castile Soap, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, and 5 drops of tea tree oil and mix. Once it cools I pour over the paper towels and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then I remove the cardboard tube from the middle, which starts to pull each paper towel out. I love making my own baby wipes since I know exactly what ingredients are going into them.

Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump On-The-Go Tote - I've been using this breast pump since Harper was about two weeks old and storing them in these bags. These bags hold the most milk and seal the best. I plan on pumping enough milk for Harper to drink until she is 2 years old, as recommended by the World Health Organization (and no I am not talking about exclusively giving her breast milk until 2. She will eat baby food once recommended by her pediatrician. I just won't give her cow milk until she is 2.)

Gerber Newborn 10 Pack Gauze Prefold Diaper - These are amazing to use as a burp cloth! I like that they are so big and absorbent.

aden + anais girls and swirls Muslin Swaddles - These are the best swaddle blankets ever! They are so big and light weight, which is perfect for a summer baby. I have bought them for every baby shower I have been to since I received my own. My nephew has stolen this blanket from Harper and laid on it. Even the in-law's family dog cuddles up on it. I'm considering buying another 4 pack!

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Wide Neck Polypropylene Baby Bottle - We have given Harper a bottle here and there to introduce them to her. We found the wide neck bottles are pretty close to being breast like to avoid any nipple confusion. She also has not had any problems spitting up with these. It's also nice to give Tim a chance to feed Harper. The only down side to these bottles are all the different parts that need to be cleaned.

      

One Month Old                                                     Two Months Old

Have a wonderful day! I promise to try and keep you all updated more!!!

38 Weeks!

How far along: 38 weeks

Gender: Girl!

Weight gain: 36 lbs. 

Maternity clothes: All maternity clothes and some large t-shirts. Both seem to be getting a little snug.

Stretch marks: Unfortunately.

Belly button in or out: The top part of it is starting to stick out

Sleep: OK, I wake up about every 2 hours to use the restroom. It will be nice to have control of my bladder again soon.

Best moment this week: We got to see our little girl on the ultrasound again this week. We were in a minor accident on Wednesday and I knew right away I needed to go to the hospital just to make sure baby was ok since we got hit on my side. I was monitored for 5 hours at the hospital and the next day was monitored at my doctor's office and had an ultrasound done. Everything looked great so no need for worry! Dr. said she was in the safest spot possible being surrounded by all the amniotic fluid. I had a headache for 2 days but feel great now and Tim is doing great too. So even though we had that little scare it was great knowing our baby girl is doing perfectly fine :)

Miss anything: Being able to move around! It's hard to get up off the couch these days!

Movement: Lots of movement! She was moving like crazy during the sonogram. It is so weird when she moves because my stomach shifts around. It's a little freaky!

Cravings: Milk, blueberry bagels with strawberry cream cheese, nachos and pineapple!

Looking forward to: Meeting our precious baby girl!!! This week I was dilated 3 cm and 75% effaced. My doctor is out of town now for the next week so hopefully our little girl will wait until she gets back before making her grand entrance!

37 Weeks!!!!

How far along: 37 weeks

Gender: Girl!

Weight gain: 36 lbs. 

Maternity clothes: All maternity clothes and some large t-shirts. Both seem to be getting a little snug.

Stretch marks: Unfortunately.

Belly button in or out: Flush with my stomach. 

Sleep: OK, it would be nice to not have to wake up in the middle of the night. I have been really tired the last couple of days. I feel like I could fall asleep at any moment.

Best moment this week: We got to see our little girl on the ultrasound today! We went in a little scared since my doctor had said I was measuring a week small but everything looked great! We could see her practicing breathing and I teared up when we saw her little face. She was moving her little mouth and has some adorable chubby cheeks!!!!

Miss anything: Being able to look down and see my toes! Ready for this tummy to be gone!

Movement: Lots of movement! She was moving like crazy during the sonogram. Also so cute when she gets her little hiccups.

Cravings: All things sweet!  Cereal, milk, blueberry bagels with strawberry cream cheese, nachos and pineapple! We ran out of milk and ice cream so we are going to have to make a run to the store!

Looking forward to: Meeting our precious baby girl!!! Last week at my appointment I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. Today I was 2, almost 3 cm dilated and 75% effaced! Baby girl will be here before we know it!

My dad's side of the family has some bets going on Baby Ryan's due date, weight, height, if she will have hair, and if so will it be dark or light and straight or curly. I would love to hear everyone's predictions! You can comment below!!!!

35 Weeks!!!!!

How far along: 35 weeks

Gender: Girl!

Weight gain: 33 + lbs. 

Maternity clothes: All maternity clothes and some large t-shirts

Stretch marks: Unfortunately.

Belly button in or out: Flush with my stomach. 

Sleep: OK, it would be nice to not have to wake up in the middle of the night. The last couple days I have been wide awake at 5 AM. I wish I could sleep in.

Best moment this week: Going to the pool! I'm hoping to be able to go every day during the week this month. Get as much sunshine as I can before baby girl gets here.

Miss anything: A yummy margarita would be perfect with this weather! I was able to find a mix without alcohol that was delicious but it would be nice to have some tequila in there ;)

Movement: Lots of movement! She had a huge role over the other day which made her pop out of my stomach pretty far! Freaky baby!!! One of my friends asked if it hurts when she moves. The answer is no, however it has become more uncomfortable as she moves around since she is running out of room in there.

Cravings: All things sweet!  Cereal, milk, blueberry bagels with strawberry cream cheese, nachos and pineapple! Today I am having a huge craving for chips (not potato) and caffeine free coke. I'm hoping Tim will pick some up on his way home from his meeting!

Looking forward to: My last day of work on Friday! Two more days!!!! 

Tim leaves Friday for the Ozarks. I'll be doing a lot of baby stuff this next week to occupy my time. We finally have all the furniture we need in the nursery so now I can place it where I want it and start putting up the alphabet letters and picture frames on the wall. I'll also be getting our hospital bags packed so we can be ready for the big day instead of running around like chickens with our heads cut off when I go into labor. We are getting close! Hopefully 5 weeks left and fingers crossed I don't go into labor next week while Time is out of town!!!!

34 Weeks!

How far along: 34 weeks

Gender: Girl

Weight gain: 33 lbs.

Maternity clothes: All maternity clothes and some large t-shirts

Stretch marks: Yes, on my hips, under my belly button, and chest.

Belly button in or out: Flush with my stomach. I don't think it will pop out.

Sleep: OK, getting more tired through out the day too. I woke up 3 times last night to go to the restroom. I can't wait to have control over my bladder again.

Best moment this week: Going to IKEA and getting the dresser I have been drooling over. I'm glad we have one more thing to check off the list before baby girl gets here!

Miss anything: Being able to shave my leg and paint me toes comfortably. It is hard to maneuver  around this big belly. It will be nice to have my body back to myself in a few short weeks.

Movement: Lots of movement and she gets the hiccups every day. I have been noticing a pattern during the last couple weeks of when she moves around. Maybe those patterns will continue even after she is born.

Cravings: All things sweet!  Cereal, milk, blueberry bagels with strawberry cream cheese and pineapple!

Looking forward to: My last day of work! Next Friday I will be resigning from State Farm and be staying home with our little girl. I have always wanted to stay at home with my future kids until they are in school. I am so happy that I will be able to have that opportunity and Tim is on board with it all :) Also baby girl and I may be able to travel with Tim on his long business trips instead of being home alone.

32 Weeks!

How far along: 32 weeks

Gender: Girl

Weight gain: 30 lbs.

Maternity clothes: All maternity clothes and some large t-shirts

Stretch marks: Yes

Belly button in or out: Almost all the way out

Sleep: OK, getting more tired through out the day too. 

Best moment this week: We had a great Mother's day. Tim got me some hydrangea plants that I have been wanting ever since we moved in to our house! 

Miss anything: This past weekend I got together with some friends. For us preggie girls we had virgin margaritas (which were fantastic) but really craving one with alcohol.

Movement: Lots of movement and she gets the hiccups every day. So cute :)

Cravings: All things sweet. Lots of cereal (marshmallow maties), milk, and blueberry bagels with strawberry cream cheese!

Looking forward to: Baby day!! Can not wait to have her in my arms!

I had my baby shower last weekend. It was such a beautiful day and was so happy that so many friends and loved ones were able to make it and shower baby girl with so many wonderful gifts. I can't thank you enough for all your generosity and love you showed us! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!

30 Weeks!

How far along: 30 weeks, 75% done!

Gender: Girl

Weight gain: 27 lbs.

Maternity clothes: Yes, and I had to borrow some of my dad's large t-shirts since the mediums are a little too snug.

Stretch marks: Yes

Belly button in or out: Still mostly in.

Sleep: Sleep is still good, rolling over is another story. 

Best moment this week: We got to see our little peanut today on the ultrasound!

Miss anything: Avantis gondolas!!! Today my doctor told me I will NOT be able to go to the Ozarks with Tim June 6-12. This is a business conference he goes to but has always been full of fun for me and his family. I'm really disappointed I can't go and pouted the entire ride home. I have been going for the past 7 years, ever since we started dating and I look forward to this every year! Darn baby ;) Maybe I can bribe someone at his office to move it up 2 weeks......

Movement: She has been moving around like crazy. The other day, while I was at work, she kicked so hard that my ID badge flew up in the air a little bit. I laughed out loud at that.

Cravings: Sweets of course & CEREAL!!!!!!! I have also been drinking so much milk. The gallon jug we had lasted only 4 days and Tim only had a few half glasses.

Looking forward to: Baby shower this Saturday! So excited to see my family and friends and very grateful for those who will be traveling all the way to see me. It means so much to me to spend part of the day with the ones I love and to celebrate our special little girl!

The ultrasound and appointment went very well today. The ultrasound tech said baby girl is actually a little small, about 3-4 lbs. Both she and my doctor said everything looked great! We talked to my doctor about the trip, which I didn't like the answer she gave us, what intervention she would use during delivery and c-sections. She told us that she would only use intervention if absolutely necessary (baby is in distress or I am physically unable to push anymore) and would let us know before she would do it. She would use forceps and is very comfortable using them if needed. She told us she was heavily trained in the technique.  I have heard from a lot of people that she is the "c-section doctor." I asked her when she would feel the need to do one. She told us she only does them if the patient requests one, baby is breached, baby will not fit through the birth canal, or baby is in extreme distress. She said many people say she preforms a lot of c-sections, which is true, however she has also delivered over 10,000 babies, the most in the state of Illinois. She said if we looked at her c-section percentage, it is lower than most doctors in the area. I have gotten irritated with people telling me that since I have her as a doctor, she would force me to have a c-section. She has NEVER pressured us into any decision thus far. She has told us she will do what we want, as long as she is comfortable doing so and the hospital allows it. I am 100% confident in placing both my life and our daughter's life in her hands and know she will do what is in both of our best interests. She is such a great doctor and I cannot recommend her enough to anyone! So excited to meet our sweet baby girl in a few months!

29 Weeks!

 

How far along: 29 weeks

Gender: Girl

Weight gain: 23 lbs.+

Maternity clothes: Oh yes. Sporting one of my maternity dresses for Old Navy in this picture. I love it!

Stretch marks: Unfortunately

Belly button in or out: Still in but making its way out.

Sleep: Pretty good, except for getting up to use the bathroom and rolling over.

Best moment this week: Celebrating Easter! Holidays filled with food are always great for the pregnant appetite! I also passed my glucose test so bring on the Easter candy!

Miss anything: Energy. I have been getting pretty tired pretty early

Movement: Moving like crazy!

Cravings: Sweets and Chinese food!We had Chinese twice this week!

Looking forward to: More of this wonderful warm weather and going to a fundraiser for my old high school this coming weekend!

We spent Easter with Tim's family this year. Since our families are so far apart it isn't possible to get to both on the same day so we alternate holidays. This year is Easter and Christmas with Tim's family and Thanksgiving with mine. Next year we will switch. Happy Easter to you all!!!

28 Weeks!

As I roll into my third trimester I figured I would keep family and friends updated on Baby Ryan and my progress, especially since most of you are all so far away :(

How far along: 28 Week, the start of my third trimester!

Gender: Girl

Weight gain: 23 lbs. at my appointment today.

Maternity clothes: Wearing maternity jeans, shorts, maxi skirts, dresses, and shirts. I still squeeze into Tim's t-shirts, but not sure how much longer I can before stretching them out!

Stretch marks: Unfortunately, but I have been slathering on the cocoa butter lately to try and get them before they get worse!

Belly button in or out: Starting to make it's way out. So long to my super innie belly button and belly button ring.

Sleep: Aside from waking up to use the restroom once or twice a night, sleep is good.

Best moment this week: Enjoying some warm weather from this past weekend, however it is a little chilly now. Hopefully it will heat up soon.

Miss anything: Being able to walk around without getting out of breath and a Bud Light Lime!

Movement: I think we may have a little gymnast on our hands. Tim felt her move for the first time this past week!

Cravings: Cereal! It has been my go to meal/snack all pregnancy. Last week I was craving cheeseburgers like crazy but now I could go without meat again.

Queasy or sick: A little tired, but other than that pretty good.

Looking forward to: Hopefully passing my glucose test (I should find out the results tomorrow) and getting some more work on done on the nursery. Tim has one more coat of paint for the window and door trim. We will be getting the primed baseboards today. I got my to-do list for everything we have left to do on the nursery. I'm hoping to get the room work done before the baby shower so we plenty of room to put our goodies in. In the meantime I will have to get back to my spring/deep cleaning and de-cluttering of the house to get ready for our baby girl.