Ever changing first year stages

One thing you hear a lot when you have a baby is, "as soon as you get used to one phase they start a new one". This couldn't be more true - but to me it seems like no one actually gets into what these "phases" are until you are elbow deep in an exploded diaper. I thought I'd share with you some of my "oh god, they do -- WHAT NOW?" moments.


Let's start from the beginning:


The blow-out (not related to your hair): When babies are very little, until the time they start eating solids or so they have "diaper blow outs". What does they mean? This means your little friend is going to empty their entire contents from their not so cute end most likely on you when you are dressed and ready to go out in your nicest dry clean only dress.


What this means to you. Always have at least 2 extra outfits in your diaper bag, have an emergency kit in the car with extra clothes for all, and carry plastic bags to conceal the stink. Also, accept that it's going to happen at the most inopportune time possible.


The other end: babies spit up - a lot. More than I ever could imagine.


What this means to you: Wear white when you are going out. At the very least it will conceal the nasty streaks of baby spit up dripping down your back. Yes, this has happened to me. Buy plenty of burp cloths and keep them everywhere - your car, on chairs where you feed the baby, etc. To save money cloth diapers work really well. 


Teething: I don't know what I thought about teething but I had no idea that it basically starts when they are 4 months or so and guess what? It lasts for well until they are 2 years or so. If you are lucky like me and have a sensitive babe you will earn each and every tooth through sleepless nights, a lot of crying, and fussing. Granted its not constant but it comes in waves. Just when you think all is good and calm (aka make dinner plans out) wham! A new tooth and a child that refuses to sleep.


What you can do: teething tablets are great - but hylands has been recalled so check before you buy, teething rings (put in fridge not freezer) motrin after 6 months, people swear by frozen wash cloths with water or apple juice. My little lady loves the handle or a rubber whisk, hey whatever works. 

My favorite Nursing Bras

Once I was ready to graduate from the super comfortable Nusing Tanks from Target into something more supportive, I had a really hard time finding something. I spent a lot of money testing out bras and really wasn't happy with their support, style, the way they would look after a wash, etc. So, I conducted my own research and here are my favorites: 

Target's Gillian & O'Malley Nursing Tank. These are great to layer with. I also purchase a bunch of open front sweaters/sweatshirts so it was easier to nurse. I don't recommend putting these in the dryer and I found that because of the engorgement a size up that you usually wear is much more comfortable. 


After I decided to rejoin society it became pretty clear that I would need to start wearing a bra that was actually supportive. I looked high and low but found it challenging to find something that was comfortable, didn't feel like a nursing bra and supportive for my new size D friends. The good news is, I found them all at the Motherhood Maternity/Pea in the Pod chain. 


This bra is a great everyday bra. Super comfortable and supportive. Click here. 


I love this bra, because since most days I am in athletic/lounge wear and I love a very supportive bra. 


Lastly, for my big nights house, for the love - I needed something with an underwire! I've been really happy with this bra. They don't recommend wearing bras with underwire while nursing since they will increase the chances of a clogged duct. Click here. 

Classes in Stamford Area (under one year)

We are very lucky to have so many free great mommy and me classes in the Stamford area. Here are some classes coming up this fall! Hope to see some of you there! Most of the classes below are free - and a few there is a membership fee.

Fall Schedules:

Little Gym:
10:15 Thursdays (Starting Sept 4th)
http://thelittlegym45.reachlocal.net/StamfordCT/Pages/class-schedules.aspx

Great Play:
12:30 Wednesdays (Starting August 30th)
http://www.greatplay.com/locations/stamford/index.html

JCC:
Infant Massage with Ricki

Sundays, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Oct. 17 – Nov. 14
M $90 / NM $100 (5 sessions)
 
Story Time

Wednesdays, 10:40 - 11:10 a.m.
Sept. 15 – Dec. 22

Bagels and Babies

Thursdays, Noon - 12:45 p.m.
Sept. 16 – Dec. 23 (No class Sept. 23,
Sept. 30, Nov. 11, Nov. 25)


There are many more classes - click the link below:
http://www.stamfordjcc.org/index.php?submenu=ECFolder&src=gendocs&ref=EarlyChildhood_ClassesB-5&category=Early%20Childhood

Le Leche League:
Location: St. Paul's Lutheran Church

286 Delavan Avenue, Greenwich
Meeting Time: 1st Thursday of each month at 7:00pm
3rd Wednesday of each month at 10:00am

Stamford Library - Main Branch


Baby Time

Location: Main Library Third Floor Auditorium

Mondays, September 20 & 27 at 10:15 a.m.

For pre-walking babies with an adult. Give your baby a great start at this program featuring traditional verses, bouncing rhymes, board books and more.

http://fergusonblog.org/calendar/

Old Greenwich Library
Event Type: Children's Program

Date: 9/16/2010 (Thursday)
Start Time: 9:45 AM
End Time: 10:30 AM


Description: Pre-registered program for infants up to 12 months and a caregiver. Babies enjoy nursery rhymes, simple stories, songs, finger plays and movements.Take home a folder filled with the words and songs so the fun can continue at home. For information call Alice Bonvenuto at 203-622-7919 or the Children's Room at 203-622-7940.

http://www.greenwichlibrary.org/evanced/lib/eventcalendar.asp?libnum=0&EventType=ALL&Lib=0

Stamford Hospital Mommy and me group
(4-12 months)
Every Wednesday at 11am
http://www.stamfordhospital.org/Events/details.aspx?sid=3649

Some puppy love

Here's a video of my daughter gettin' a little love from Toby:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLeMnYQdZa8

Crap that I bought and never used

When you register you feel the need to register for things that you have no idea what you're supposed to do with it, but it's on some random list or you see other mom's with one so you think it's a necessity. Here are some things that I received and never used. 

- The Head Support for the car seat: I never used this for a few reasons. First is, when you leave the hospital they will not let you have anything (except a rolled towel if the baby's head is floppy) in the carseat because it is not crash approved. Maybe it's because E was a big baby, but I never need to have this. Could have saved $30! 

- Bassinet: I ended up co-sleeping. I guess you never know what you're going to do but the bassinet just didn't work for me (or her). If you can, definitely try to borrow one if you can. There goes $300.... 

- Ottoman: I felt so pressured to buy an ottoman with my rocker. I ended up having it with the chair for awhile, and then realized I'd be sitting there with the baby, she'd fall asleep and then I couldn't get out smoothly because I'd have to straddle the ottoman to get out. She would always wake up. So now the ottoman is a lovely shelf for baby book. Great. Actually, if I could do that purchase over, I'd get a recliner with a footrest that goes back into the chair (like a Lazy Boy). They have really cute ones. Bethanny (from the NY Housewives) actually just test drove one on her new show "Bethanny Get's Married?" Buh-Bye a lot of money (I think it was like $700) gulp...

Is there anything you're not sure whether or not you should get? Comment below... Something I missed? Let me know what you think! 

 

All Joy and No Fun

Thought I'd share this article. I thought it was interesting.... what do you think?

All Joy and No Fun

and the response:
http://babble.com/mom/health-and-relationships/parents-are-happy/

I took a few things from these articles. I really feel strongly that our society is very un-family friendly. Becoming a parent in the US in this day in age is extremely hard (when compared to other cultures or other generations). Everything from both parents being expected to work outside the home, to children not living close to their parents to help with childcare - to something as simple as restaurants and stores not being family friendly. As a parent, I always found it surprising that (very few) stores don't give priority parking to parents and you can forget about finding a changing table in about 75% of restaurants.

It feels like our society is saying, "Kids not welcome" aka "Don't bring that brat in here"... but if our culture were more helpful and accommodating to families and parents wouldn't be be better for everyone? Parents would be happier, kids would be happier - because to me - it just feels like sometimes the way things currently are, parents have all the cards stacked against them from the get go.... and it just doesn't make sense to me.

What do you think?

Ways to meet other moms/ babies!

When you're home with a baby it can be tough to meet people that know what you're going through. Plus, it - quite frankly is such a pain to get out with a baby between feedings, naps, and fussing. But, getting out of the house is healthy and good for both of you. Here are some great places I found good support groups and met some really nice people:

Hospital New Mom's Group: Check to see if your hospital offers an outpatient group. This is a great place to meet tons of new mom's and babies around the same age as yours.

Le Leche League: This is a great support group for breastfeeding help. It's nice to hear advice from other mom's who are going through the same trials and tribulations when it comes to nursing. Plus if you join LLL ($40) you will get all the help and free advice from the group leader. Priceless.

Your local Library: Check out your local library's website. A lot of times they will have classes for baby including songs and story time. Even if they don't offer classes you can still borrow book (for free!) and it was news to me that they now carry DVDs. Perfect! I can just borrow a DVD without having to play it 900 times and end up throwing myself out the window.

Meetup.com: You can search for and join groups in your area with common interests. Check out the new mom groups! Disclaimer - I am a member, however, have not actually attended any events.

Gym: When you're ready to get back at it at the gym look for one with a daycare. A lot of them offer free childcare, or it for a really reasonable hourly rate. Hello! Some alone time! Sometimes gyms actually offer classes that incorporate babies - such as Stroller Strides.

The Y or JCC: Check out their calendar. They usually have great programs and groups for new moms. They also offer nice swim lessons usually starting around 6 months.

Now get out there and meet some new mommy friends :) Watch out for the crazy ones... some of them bite (the babies, I mean).

Winter babies rock!

With the exciting news of yet *another* good friend of mine expecting this winter - I decided to dedicate this post to all of the winter babies that are due! Winter babies get a bad rap. Everyone (including myself ) romanticizes having a Spring or Summer baby because you can take the child out for long walks, to the pool, etc. Let me tell you what I've come to realize about having a winter babe.

- When you first have the baby you aren't going to want to go outside anyway. You are just going to want to sleep, breathe and hopefully shower (oh, and take care of the baby). When the weather is cold and dreary you won't feel that pressure to get out, and you can just snuggle up in bed with your lovie.

- Clothing is a non issue. I literally had my little lady in the footsie onesies everyday all day, all night. Done and done.

- By the time the nice weather does roll around the little one is old enough to enjoy it! I take my little one to pool the all the time now and she swims around and loves it. It's really a lot of fun. When they are super little you also shouldn't have them out in the sun because they can't wear SPF until they are 6 months.

-Bathing Suit season: From the time you have the baby you'll have ample amount of time to drop a good amount of weight and might even consider being seen in public in a swim suit.

- Holidays - You will either be very pregnant or will just had  the baby. This holiday season you will (for once) have the upper hand. This means, if you don't want to travel - hi, sitting for long periods of time is highly uncomfortable coupled with holiday traffic - no thanks. Hosting? Sorry, I can't this year because my feet are swollen to the size of my melons. My point is, you only have the pregnancy card for so long by all means use it and actually do what works for you. People should understand if you need to bow out and take it easy. My husband and I had a great time this holiday season and were able to experience some new holiday traditions at our (local) friends house.

Mazel Tov to all the expecting mamas! It's going to be a fun winter.

Sites that I found helpful enough to bookmark

Helpful in planning for baby:
http://www.rookiemoms.com/shopping-registry/ - I'll comment on this later

Nursing:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/newborn-nursing.html - great resource site
http://www.lllusa.org/CT/WebGreenwichCT.html  - check out some of their meetings

Feeding - 6 months+
Of course this should be discussed with your pediatrician, but a helpful resource to review which foods to start when:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/3/T030500.asp
http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/startingsolidfood-schedule.htm


Shopping for Baby -
http://www.serenaandlily.com/ LOOOOVE
http://www.sugarsweetbaby.com
http://bambalinascreations.weebly.com/headbands.html - check out the sale items!
http://www.tinyprints.com/shop/girls.htm#page=19&all=1&photos=2,3,4 - Announcements

Shopping/Inspiration for the Nursery:
http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ - Decor inspiration!

http://www.farrow-ball.com/storelocator.aspx?language=en-GB - The BEST paint colors
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Rattan_Elephant_Hamper/820/ - cute nursery items

http://www.cloudsandstars.com/ - Sheets that I recommend
http://www.innovativecribdesigns.com/index.htm - this is a great concept for a crib - but the sheets are a lot cheaper : )
http://www.etsy.com/listing/31542260/pink-and-white-crystal-spiral-mobile?ref=vl_other_2 - creative mobiles

My Etsy Obsession

Have you been to Etsy? It's a great site that features handmade, really unique items. I've always loved it - but I especially love it since I have a little peanut. It was so fun to get on there and really be creative when I was decorating the nursery and looking for different gifts. 

A word of advice - well two - check to make sure the seller is in your country or else you will pay an arm and leg shipping (or can sort by country). Also, if you really love a seller, check out their website. I find they usually feature a lot more sale items and variety.

Here are a few of my favorite items/vendors:

- Great decals for Nursery: http://www.etsy.com/shop/lovemaestore
- Funky art for Nursery - and they will customize: http://www.etsy.com/shop/yumiyumi
- Cute Personalized Beach Towel: http://www.etsy.com/transaction/28288312
- Thoughtful gift for Dad from baby: http://www.etsy.com/transaction/30212991

Baby items that you can live without - but I love them so much!

Who would have thought I could get so excited about this first item! Ohhhh, how your topics of conversations move from normal, adult subjects to involved conversations about poop and other well, boogers. Which brings me to my first object that I love:

- Graco Nasal Aspirator: The babes get boogers, and they don't really appreciate you trying to get them out. However, I found with this little booger sucker that it wasn't as much as a chore and it's a party favorite. My dad wants one now too. It basically is an electronic booger sucker - for lack of a better term - and it also plays lullabies. Fancy, fancy booger sucking. Might be a weird shower gift. I guess it depends on the audience.

- JJ Cole All Purpose Blanket: This time of year, this is awesome. I recently had a baby playdate with another mom who had one and I was so impressed I promptly went out and bought one. I can tell you from my initiation weekend with it at a picnic with lots of kids - it is waterproof, stain proof, super cute and folds back up into a very convenient pouch that you can toss in your stroller or car. Great shower gift!

Anything made by Aden & Anais: I was given the swaddle blankets - and I had a winter baby so for me, it was like -  great one more blanket. However, this is not just an ordinary swaddle blanket. It's made of muslin so it's incredibly light, breathable fabric. They also have cute, simple designs that I just adore. My latest obsession is their sleep sacks. My daughter hated the ones I originally bought for her because she gets so hot, but she loves the Aden & Anais. They are nice and light, and ahhhh-dorable. I also love their burp cloths which double as cute bibs.

What I would do if I were you....

If you are still expecting your bambino embrace the time you still have. It's easy to take the little things for granted, so I'm here to tell you what I would do if I were you and all of your freedom :)

- Go get a manicure and pedicure
- Go to the spa
- Go get your hair done
- Read a book
- Lie in bed an extra hour on the weekends
- Take a nap
- Go to dinner with your husband, girlfriends, etc
- Go on a vacation with your husband, girlfriends, etc
- Take a really long shower or bath

Non baby items to consider picking up that will make your life easier

A few tips that I got that I figured I would pass along... some items that you might not think about when you are registering, but are helpful once the baby arrives.

- Waterproof mattress pad: There will be bodily fluids leaked from you (yes, you), the baby (all ends), and maybe even your husband or dog. Regardless of who is doing the leaking, you don't want your mattress ruined over it.

- Laundry Basket: You're gonna need a bigger boat... I mean, laundry basket. Get another one... They are all of $7 and will make your life a lot easier.

- Not Dreft: Dreft is like the hot baby laundry detergent - and it's overpriced and so unnecessary. Unless it actually folds the laundry for you there is no need to spend $15 on the "baby friendly" detergent. Pick up some Tide Free and Clear instead.

A nightlight for YOUR room: Most likely the baby will be in your room for awhile in the beginning. I'm sure you'll remember to pick up a fancy nightlight for the nursery, but don't forget your room! This was a lifesaver for the middle of the night tripping over myself, night feedings.

Places to consider Registering

Registering is highly personal. My thought process is you should have one place that is local and convenient to a lot of your friends/family, another that is online (with perks - free shipping, frequently coupon codes, etc), and another high end retailer for all of the things that most likely you won't buy for yourself.

Here are my registry picks:

Bed, Bath and Beyond:

Did you know that Bed, Bath and Beyond is owned by the same company that owns Buy Buy Baby? Well it is! They carry high end brands, day to day brands, diapers, EVERYTHING! I would chose this over a Babies R Us for a few reasons (and I went into BRU to register and then deleted it - because I hated my experience). BBB is much better with customer service. You can return anything off your registry for cash, no questions asked. BBB will help you register with humans that actually know what they are talking about and look like they could possibly have a kid - not just maybe babysat one... once. Look in the beginning, you might not really know what you're looking for so it's really helpful to have more of a consultant to give you a hand. BBB also carries brands that BRU don't - UppaBaby, Peg Perego - basically anything high end. Plus the smell of BRU makes me want to vomit a little, and there are kids running around screaming everywhere. But hey, that's just me.

Other Pluses:
 - You can use the 20% off coupons (note - most of the high end baby is listed in the fine print at the bottom - however, if you have older BBB coupons they don't have them on there and you can use them). So if you have family members that save coupons like I do - ask nicely if you can trade them for some of your new shiny ones :)
- When you feel like you have everything you need in the baby department, you can get a million different things at BBB. Perhaps, gasp - something for you? You deserve it!
- If your BBB does not carry baby items in store you can have them order anything and everything to the store and they won't charge you for shipping.

Diapers.com:
I love diapers.com. They have everything at great prices. Quick shipping. This is a great online place to register - free shipping over $60. They also have a great diapers for a year registry item. I didn't register here, but wish I did!

Giggle:
This is my high end store pick. They carry great brands - Serena & Lilly, OiOi - and everything else. They focus on modern, chic, organic baby items. Their thinking and marketing really seems to be in line with today's "modern parent".

My favorite helpful baby videos

I completely stumbled onto the Dunstan method online - and oh my gosh, I wish someone had told me about this sooner! It's remarkable. I started using the method a little late - but honestly it worked! Basically the concept says that babies universally have the same sounding cries for different needs. For my daughter, it was completely true! For example, when a baby makes a "neh" sound - it means they are hungry. I was blown away when I realised this and found that when I started paying attention her cries I was able to pinpoint exactly what she needed and get her to stop crying much quicker. Check it out - click here!

The second video that I found really helpful was the "Happiest Baby on the Block" - this was a great book as well. It explains the first 12 weeks of life as the 4th trimester for babies and it really helped me understand the needs of my baby a lot better.

Let me know what you think!

3 small things under $5 that saved my arse

Sometimes the little things make all the difference. I thought I would share some of my favorite things that other moms recommended to me along the way. They have all helped me in some way or another- not barf, get more sleep and have a happier babe. The best part is they are all under $5!

First, for my friends still in first trimester, and perhaps you haven't really told anyone quite yet you're expecting. This is the worst time because you want to ask friends how they handled it - but at the same time, you can't spill the beans. If you're anything like me, you are nauseous all the time and feel wretched. One of my friends recommended having jolly ranchers on hand. I listened to her advice and thank goodness it really helped with the morning sickness. Don't do what I did though, and keep them in your car - because they will melt and cause a not so great mess.

The second item, I ended up buying shortly after my daughters 3 week growth spurt (ahem, which I had no idea about). For the record, I am still traumatized by this growth spurt . On a side note, I am so grateful that my girl is a good baby since I had a glimpse in to what it "could" be like. I highly recommend  Mylicon gas drops. I didn't realize how bad gas can be for infants, but in the beginning if my daughter seemed to be crying for no apparent reason (they were always a last resort of course) but they also, always seemed to work.

Babies believe it or not start teething around 12 weeks (the drool, pain, and FUN!). I found (through many mommy recommendations) that Hyland teething tablets are great. My sweet one would be in level 9, high alert crying /fussiness and I would give her just two of the tablets and it seemed to really help the pain go away and she would a lot of times soon after take a nap. And, they are 100% natural!

A few of my favorite things: Registry Essentials

Here are my top must have registry picks that I could not, and will not live without. I actually went out and bought at least two of everything (with the exception of the stroller, of course:))

Clouds and Stars Zipper Sheets: Who ever created this - is a GENIUS. They recently announced that you do not need bumpers in cribs because of the suffocation risk but even still these make changing crib sheets so easy. They have a bottom and a seperate top piece that just simply zips on and off so you don't have to deal with lifting the mattress up and out of the crib to change the sheets. Love, love, love them.

 

Boppy: This is a must for breastfeeding Mothers. It is really difficult in the beginning to breastfeed a newborn since they are so teeny. The boppy was great to get my daughter in the right position. I also love it now because she's gotten so heavy it helps so I'm not putting my back out every time I nurse her. They come "naked" and the covers come separately (as far as I can tell) I recommend getting at least two covers.

UppaBaby Stroller: I love my stroller for a few different reasons. Let me count the ways. First of all, they are an ecofriendly company. For example, the bassinet material is fully made from soybean fiber. The second thing that really appealed to me is that you can add on to this stroller. So when #2 comes along you can add a rumble seat. Then when #3 comes along you can add a "piggyback" for the child to stand. I also love (and I didn't know this until after I bought a bassinet) that they sell a stand for their bassinet. I wish I would have done this because I would have saved $300 on a bassinet and my baby liked the UppaBaby bassinet better anyway! Figures. This would also help justify the cost to grandparents who think you've lost your mind for buying a $600 stroller:) It is also really easy to maneuver, lightweight, and (of course) super cute and stylish.

Carter's sleep and play: My child lives in these. They are easy, cute and inexpensive. So when your child happens to explode mid flight on the way down to Florida staining it beyond recognition and you just happen to forget stain stick - whatever! A word of advice, skip the newborn sizes. They will fit in that size for exactly 30 seconds. Move directly to 0-3 month sizes. Note that Carter's seems to run small, so don't obsess too much on the month your baby is supposed to be in versus and the size of the outfit. Also, everyone will buy you newborn and 0-3 month clothes so try to register for 3+ month clothes because you will find you will wake up one morning and having nothing to dress your baby in!

Fisher-Price Bouncer:

Before I had a baby I was really perplexed by all of the seats, bouncers, things they stand in - in short, what in the world is all of this equipment for? In short - it's a place to put the lovies in so you can get something, ANYTHING done. And in the beginning a place for the little doll to get a quick snooze. I love, love, love the Fisher-Price Bouncer. I have to tell you that, I don't think it's the most beautiful thing in the world - however when I travel this puppy makes the  trip. The reason that this is so great is that it vibrates and bounces. Some of the chairs out there don't bounce. Make sure whatever chair you do get - BOUNCES. Trust me. I have two and the other one doesn't bounce. And it doesn't no put the babe into a sleep coma quite like this one.  If possible, get two. I have one in my bathroom and I put her in it when I shower. This comes in really handy and is one less thing you will have to lug around.

Speaking of lugging around, my favorite baby carrier is: SugarSweetBaby.com. I love this wrap for a few reasons. First is, it is eco-friendly and made of bamboo. Secondly, when my daughter was first born she loved this wrap. She would go from screaming to sleeping within 30 seconds of putting her in this wrap. Literally.  It is extremely comfortable - I also have the Bjorn and couldn't believe how uncomfortable it was, my neck was hurting within three minutes. It's cute, stylish. It's also really compact so it's always in my diaper bag. I am a multi-tasker who can't sit still so this helped me be able to get stuff done around the house. I really don't think I could have made it through the first three months without this wrap!

1,000 things no one ever told me...

When I was pregnant I was always looking for lists - "What to get when I'm pregnant" (to make me less miserable, or at least not throw up in a Client meeting), "What to register for" (did I mention I'm the youngest of three who never babysat and up until I had my own child had no clue about babies?) , "What to do with the child once it arrives" (and I mean I need details, like lots - and what is this I hear about diaper "blow outs" isn't that why a child wears diapers?). I never found what I was looking for. I wanted real person advice. The boards can be so overwhelming and I wasn't feeling the "connection" with some of the moms to be on there. I honestly didn't get the whole DS (Dear Son) or DD (Dear Daughter) abbreviation thing. Why can't you just type son? It's one more letter and I don't need a decoder to understand what you're talking about.  I also don't like stuffed animals and refuse to take my child to Disney (long lines, large crowds, expensive crappy food, and hot, humid weather? Yea, no thanks) - let's just get that out of the way now.

What I am is a list person - I like a good check list - and I also like good advice, and when I have it - I like sharing good advice. So I thought I would share what I've learned as I've stumbled through this journey: babe on board.

You didn't ask, but I'm going to tell you: Must haves when you are pregnant

Nothing fits, grrrrr:

Until the very end, I found that I could get away with most tops that weren't maternity. H&M has a great selection of empire cut/flowy shirts that are cute, and are really reasonable. I was shocked to go to a maternity store early on and see that a pair of CARGO shorts were $60 (say wha??). I lived in button down cardigans, over sized shirts and leggings.

My favorite tank that I have in about 50 colors, and still wear and layer with EVERYTHING is the long and lean tank from Target. I think the best kind of maternity clothes are the ones that aren't maternity at all and that you can keep wearing after the babe arrives. Shop for tops that are long, baby doll  or empire cut. Dresses are great too in a babydoll or empire waist cut - just make sure it's not too short (yikes). You'll have more variety and not to mention save a lot of money. It's amazing (and so wrong!) that maternity stuff is so expensive! You can however find some deals at Old Navy, Target and Gap (when they have their Friends and Family 30% off Sale).

- And I'm supposed to sleep how?

We all know - you're not supposed to sleep on your back, and ehm, good luck sleeping on your stomach. So, on your side it is. A total body pillow will help get you some shut eye for now at least. At the end FYI - there will be no sleeping because you will be spending most of your time in the bathroom peeing about 900 times a night. I do however, recommend the the Boppy Body pillow because it is next to impossible to get comfortable and this definitely helps. Anything to get a better nights rest.

The ironic part is, I actually slept better and more soundly AFTER the babe arrived if that gives you a sense of how miserable sleeping was at the end. I also would recommend getting an extra cover so you can have one to swap out for washing. Now, I have to be honest. I purchased  the Snoggle, but I have to tell you after receiving a Boppy for the baby  I couldn't believe how much better it was made and comfortable it was. I was so upset I didn't have the body pillow. So, in case your shopping around that's my two cents.

- It buuuuurns:

Ugh, I do not miss the heartburn. Two recommendations here - buy Tums - and buy a bunch of smaller containers so you can keep them everywhere - your desk, your purse, in between couch pillows... you get the drift. I can remember getting quite panicky if I realized I didn't have Tums somewhere nearby. I also discovered the berry flavored Tums, which are quite delish. Hey, when you are eating them all day long, anything is an improvement.

- The small issue of stretch marks: "Miracle Creams":
I was certainly concerned about stretch marks but on one side you have the Doctors telling you that creams won't do anything for you - it's all hereditary and then you see ads EVERYWHERE for creams, lotions, oils claiming they will make sure you don't have any stretch marks. Some of the creams that I was looking at were $70... I wasn't sold. So what I did notice is that a lot of these creams and lotions are made with Vitamin E and Oil. I then noticed that baby oil contains these same ingredients - and began using it everyday after my shower (you put the oil on before you dry off and then pat yourself down - be careful! We really don't need a pregnant woman slipping in the shower). I will say this, I religiously used it - and my mom had stretch marks (sorry mom) and she was rather surprised to see at one of my last ultrasounds that I didn't have ANY! I'm not promising anything, but for around $2 a month, I think it's worth a shot!



- Heels = You're out of your mind

I'm going to be straight with you here - I'm not much of a heels person anyway, but you really are going to want to invest in a great pair of flats. I found a great pair of Sam Edelman's which are cute and comfortable. You can wear these to work, out to dinner, etc. Really worth the investment and I always get lots of compliments on them. Best of all is you can still rock them after the little one arrives. Merrells (for sneakers) and Cole Haan with Nike Air (for sandals) are also great. Listen here, take care of your feet and hopefully they will take care of you.

What's your drink?

When you're pregnant (and nursing) you're supposed to drink an insane amount of water. I would would recommend buying yourself two water bottles that you can reuse (you need to counteract the large carbon footprint your baby's diapers will be creating).

After about three weeks I was so sick of water. It was like kryptonite.  I needed to mix it up just to keep hydrated. I'm not much of a soda drinker, but I started exploring fizzy drinks. My go to drink was (and still is) Izze's. I had Izze's in my fridge at all times, no exceptions. It also helps with morning sickness. The little glass bottles are cute, and had no shame BYOI'ing (Izzes) to parties. I have more recently fell in love with Santa Cruz pink lemonade - and they are organic.


- Information overload:

Now, if you're anything like me - you're going to buy 900 encyclopedia like pregnancy books, and read them all (or at least skim). What you'll probably notice, is your husband, well - not so much. I bought my husband "The Expectant Father" . Do yourself a favor, and listen closely here, BUY THIS BOOK. What I loved about it was it helped give him ideas on how to help me (pitching in more on housework, grocery shopping (a pregnant woman's worst nightmare), etc). Let me tell you, I didn't do a dish past my third week of pregnancy. I'm not saying it was all the book but I think it definitely helped plant some seeds. While you're at it - get the set that includes the 1st year. You won't be sorry.

You will most certainly need some (more) practical advice as well as laughs during the pregnancy. I loved Jenny McCarthy's "Belly Laughs" - it will give you a break from all of the pregnancy encyclopedias you'll be reading (and that will make you more than paranoid).

The last book is one I recommend reading maybe in your 9th month. I, ehhhm, made the mistake of not reading really anything on what to do with the child once it arrived... not sure how I missed that. I highly recommend "The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer". This book has great advice for first time parents who have no clue what they are doing (like me!).