12/28/2016

Introducing Baby Number 7…

Introducing Baby Number 7

One week ago was my due date … it’s hard to believe how fast time goes by. Between having the baby, recovering from the birth and then celebrating Christmas with all the kids, I’ve been too busy and tired to update the blog. I wanted to quickly let you all know that Baby number 7 “Baby P” was born last week! He was 8lbs 6oz and 21 inches long. Since his birth, my heart has exploded with love and joy not just toward this new little bundle but toward all of our family. I’m filled with such love and gratitude toward these blessings in our life. I can’t wait to share with you the birth story of this little guy. For now, I will leave you with a picture and a belated Merry Christmas!

12/05/2016

12 items You Need to Have Postpartum {What You Need Postpartum}

12 Must-Haves

What you Need Postpartum

This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy.

I had just given birth and two days later my sweet hubby was driving me and our new baby home. He was making his squeaky little newborn noises in the back seat. I was just so exhausted I wanted to curl up on the couch with my pillow and fuzzy blanket. It didn’t hit me until the next morning that I was severely lacking on postpartum supplies. Poor hubby had to run to the store to stock up on a mega pack of menstrual pads, tons of snack food for me, and a few other supplies that I had no idea I would need.

Don’t do what I did. Save yourself some time and stock up now.

Having just hit full term with this baby, I decided to jot down some “necessities” of what you need postpartum. Here is my list that I’ve compiled after going through the postpartum weeks six different times.

1.) Blankets

Whether you prefer receiving blankets or swaddle blankets – they can be used for so much! We stocked up on these Kelham and Cole Muslin Baby Swaddle Blankets (White/Grey) because they are large 47×47, soft and so useful! You can wrap baby in them, use them as a breastfeeding cover, a changing pad (folded), to catch milk, or a thick burp cloth. I think you can never have enough baby blankets – especially cotton ones because they mult-task for you!

2.) Pads/Underwear

I’m playing around with the idea of buying either these underwear or Depends:
TENA for Women Heavy Super Plus Absorbency Protection Underwear, Small/Medium, 18 Count – this way I won’t run the risk of ruining mine. Typically, I just stock up on these: U by Kotex Long Super Maxi Pads.

3.) A good nursing bra

You will need support if you are planning to breastfeed. Save yourself some problems and stock up on some nursing bras that will stretch with your growing girls. What you need postpartum is easy access and a whole lot of comfort. The one above is the Soft French Terry Nursing Sleep Bra for Maternity / Breastfeeding.

4.) Nursing Pads

If you are like me, you will leak an unbelievable amount of milk the first few weeks post partum. I’ve used everything from cloth diapers and dish rags to cloth pads and disposables… these are the best, in my opinion: Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads, 100 Count.

5.) Freezer Meals

Eating well is a crucial part of postpartum recovery. If you have kind friends and nice family you might get a few meals hand delivered to your home after baby is born. However, there will be a time that those meals run out. When they do, do you really want to be relying on take out? I know I don’t. What you need postpartum is a ton of freezer meals. I plan to have my freezer fully stocked with meals from the MyFreezEasy website by the time baby comes. They offer meals plans for all kinds of diets and dietary restrictions. They have a full gluten-free plan and others including a traditional foods plan and even meals for specific types of meat (all chicken or all beef, etc.). This is an awesome meal planning program and if you haven’t read my review on MyFreezEasy you can at this link.

6.) Ice packs/hot packs

Sore nipples? Plugged ducts? Do you know what you need postpartum to avoid these things and help with let down with these...my favorite hot/cold packs are Lansinoh TheraPearl 3-in-1 Hot or Cold Breast Therapy.

7.) Comfy Clothes

This is so important. You have just birthed your baby and your body will not be back to what it was postpartum. Expect this. Anticipate this. You will look about 5 months along. Some people just continue to wear maternity clothes for a couple months after birth. Ask me how I know. I did that for way too long after number 4 was born. There will come a time when you don’t want to do that anymore. You want to look more like your normal self. Here are some of my top picks for comfy transitional wear. I lived in my pajamas the last time and I plan to wear lots of leggings and tunics this time. Here are some of my top picks:

Comfy pajamas:

Kindred Bravely The Davy Ultra Soft Maternity & Nursing Pajamas Sleepwear Set

Kindred Bravely The Angelina Ultra Soft Maternity & Nursing Nightgown Dress

High Quality Solid Brushed Leggings

HOTOUCH Womens Comfy V-Neck Flare Hem Tunic Top

8.) A Robe

You will not have time to take a shower and get dressed everyday (at least I didn’t). You might have leaked all night on your pajama top. Invest in a robe that you can throw on if the doorbell rings or if you need to quickly get up and make breakfast for your other kids. I prefer a fully cotton robe or something lightweight because fleece or a thick fuzzy robe has always been too hot for me in the postpartum time. Think hot flashes and sweating. A lightweight robe is best. This is the one I just got for this time: Jockey Women’s Cotton Long Robe. Shown above is the TowelSelections Turkish Waffle Bathrobe.

9.) Plenty of Handsoap & Hand Sanitizer

Seriously, don’t forget this one. It’s cold and flu season … oh yeah RSV season, too. You know what you need postpartum? Hand soap and sanitizer. I know I want to stock up on some handsoap not only for myself but because we will have houseguests and I want them to only touch the new baby with clean hands.

Seventh Generation Hand Wash, Free & Clean Unscented

Method Foaming Hand Wash, Sweet Water

PURELL Advanced Hand Sanitizer NATURALS

10.) A Peri Bottle

Medline Cleansing Bottle, 8oz. (above)

If this is your first baby you might not know about Peri Bottles … but if it’s your second or more you are all too familiar with it. Usually the hospital sends home one with the new mom, but in my opinion, it is great to have more than one – especially if your bedroom is upstairs and you will be using a bathroom downstairs during the day. For those of you who don’t know a Peri Bottle is a necessity to cleaning yourself after you use the bathroom – everytime you use it – during the first few weeks postpartum. This helps you keep clean and avoid infections.

This one is different than the one they give you at the hospital, but I thought it looked interesting. Fridababy Fridet, The MomWasher

11.) A Place for Baby to Lay

This one seems obvious – but maybe it is easy to forget. Especially if you live in a two story house. Do yourself a little favor and put a bassinet or pack-n-play downstairs and one upstairs. You will need a place to put baby if you are napping, cleaning, cooking – any activity that means you can’t wear your baby.

Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Change ‘n Carry Portable Changing Pad

HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet

12.) A Water Bottle

If you think you were thirsty during pregnancy – you have no idea what thirst is until you are making milk. I don’t naturally feel thirsty a lot but breastfeeding is a game changer – especially the first 6 weeks or so. Get a water bottle and keep it filled up. You won’t get dehydrated and you will keep your milk supply up at the same time! This one looks awesome: Ello Kella BPA-Free Glass Sipper with Straw, Grey, 20 oz!

If you found this helpful, please pin to Pinterest! Thank you. 🙂

There you have it – my 12 items to stock up on for the postpartum time period. What are your postpartum must-haves? Leave a comment below!

12/04/2016

37 weeks update {pregnancy number 7}

37 Weeks Pregnant – Baby Number 7

So, it’s been about two weeks since I’ve last updated you! So much has happened in that time. First, we decided to decorate a little earlier than what is typical for us. We started decorating our home the Saturday after Thanksgiving and got it all done that weekend!

The kids, hubby, and I had fun decorating the tree, hanging stockings, and even setting up our newest tradition: Star from Afar.

We found a stocking that was from our second son (who was also due in December). We hope this little guy is here before Christmas so he can use it, too!

A few days after we decorated, I was back at the doctor for my 36 week appointment. I couldn’t believe it when my midwife told me the baby was lying oblique (not quite transverse but not vertical – either). Oblique is not allowed for vaginal delivery. She made an appointment for me to come back in one week to get an ultrasound because she couldn’t even feel if baby was head up or down.

When I got home from that appointment, I quickly googled how to move the baby who is malpositioned – naturally. I found a great website, called “Spinning Babies“. I tried some of their exercises and also asked for prayer from my church family. The idea of a c-section really make me nervous (because I have other health issues) and I would love to have another natural delivery, if at all possible.

A few short days later, I started nesting again big time. I wish I had a before to show you, but the after picture will have to do. My kitchen was a serious disaster and I took most of my Saturday cleaning it up.

I even vacuumed the entire house, mopped, and did all the laundry. Yes, the next few days I was very sore.

We’ve been keeping up with school, but thankfully the kids do a lot independently now on the computer, so the biggest thing we do together is reading books and history. This works well in the last month of pregnancy because of how tired I am.

So, last week, at 37 weeks, I made my way back to the doctor to catch a glimpse of baby and to see what position he was in. Well, over the past week I could feel him turning positions quite frequently. By the night before my ultrasound, I could tell he was in a vertical position (finally) but still had no clue as to whether he was head up or down. I was so thankful when the Sonographer showed us our little guy: clearly head down and butt up! He is a big one, too, measuring in over 7 pounds at exactly 37 weeks. I know late ultrasounds can be off, but I will be curious to see how close this estimate is. Our last baby was only 7 pounds at 41 weeks.

This past weekend, my husband and I were in a Christmas concert together which just about wore me out. I’m glad I had the energy to do it but today I have spent mostly in bed trying to get my strength back.

I’m really thankful for all of your prayers. My blood counts have been holding steady which is a huge answer to prayer. With my last two pregnancies my platelets dropped swiftly starting at 36 weeks and I’m so thankful that my last reading came back only mildly low. Because of some very itchy skin, my doctor was worried about possible cholestasis of pregnancy, as well, but those numbers came back in the healthy range, too. That’s all for my 37 weeks update. So, while baby can come anytime now, most likely he will be born between 39-40 weeks. Because of some health complications I won’t be going past (or at least too far past) my due date. I hope to update you again in about a week!

To read more of my adventures in pregnancy:

35 weeks Pregnant Update Pregnancy #7

30 Weeks Pregnancy Update + Baby Shower

26 weeks pregnant {Baby number 7}

21 Weeks Pregnant Update {Baby 7}

Pregnancy update 17 weeks {Baby Number 7}

Our 14 Week Update {pregnancy}

Did you hear our surprise?

Favorite pregnancy shops:

My First Baby Purchase from Mom’s Milk Boutique {plus coupon!}

Why you need to try Kindred Bravely

11/20/2016

How to turn Disney’s Moana into an Educational Adventure {Moana Review}

How to turn Disney’s Moana into an Educational Adventure

{Movie Review + Printables}

Last week, my family and I had the awesome opportunity to view the screening of Moana, the brand new Disney movie. Going in I wasn’t sure what to expect but my family and I usually really enjoy Disney movies. I knew very little about the plot other than it had something to do with a demigod and was set on an island located in the Pacific Ocean.

Overall, we all really enjoyed this movie. It was a huge hit with the kids and myself. Without giving away any spoilers, Moana is a movie that seems modern day but in fact is set thousands of years ago in ancient Oceania.

It features a teenage girl who is set to become chief of her island when her heart, her passion, her calling pulls her away from her beloved island on a daring adventure in order to save her people. This isn’t your typical Disney princess movie in that there is no prince that Moana is seeking. Instead, her love is for the ocean and for her people. She is truly trying to break an old curse, that has wreaked havoc on her island, which involves a demigod named Maui.

Moana is depicted as a truly brave girl who risks her own life to do what she has been chosen for. I can’t help but mention, although this features a wild adventure, there are several funny lines and scenes which lighten up the plot somewhat. As a homeschooler, what I’m really excited about is the chance to use this movie as an educational opportunity for my children!

What We Loved:

The animation. Maybe it’s my art background, but I immediately recognized how awesome the CG-animation is in Moana. I mean, this is seriously extraordinary. The scenes on the ocean are just gorgeous and brilliant. Between the vibrant colors and the beautiful art, I was very impressed.

The music. The music in Disney musicals never disappoints, and this movie is no different. There were several songs that I could see quickly becoming favorites. They really captured the spirit of Oceania in the music, too.

The adventure. Hands down, my kids enjoyed the amazing adventure that this movie brings. It was fun, exhilarating and at times a little frightening. My 11 year old son even approved (and he isn’t a fan of Disney princesses but absolutely loved this one!)

What Parents Need to Be Aware Of:

Supernatural/Spiritual: Note that this movie does involve ancient storytelling and mythology from the islands of Oceania. I could tell that the creators of Moana really sought to depict the essence of island life in Oceania and capture what would have been important to the ancient people who lived there. One of the characters is a demigod and there is mention of other gods and goddesses. They also briefly discuss reincarnation.

Scary Scenes: A few of the scenes might be a little scary for young viewers. My 6 year old was with us and quite enjoyed it (but he is not at all sensitive to scary scenes). It was not overly violent, just briefly frightening, just know this going in if you have a child prone to fears or nightmares.

How to Use Moana to Teach Your Children:

I’m thrilled that the movie Moana can be turned into a teaching opportunity for your kids. As I was watching, my wheels were turning as to how to incorporate this into a geography and history lesson. As a homeschooler, I’m always looking into new ways to teach my kids. First, let me start off by saying that the Disney website features an awesome Educator’s Guide as a free download! This Educator’s guide shows you how to turn Moana into a unit study. It includes language arts, storytelling, and multiple science resources. The guide even tells you what grades each section is appropriate for! I’m also offering some worksheets and crafts found here on the blog!

We are offering a huge Family Printables Pack (thank you Disney!) right here! It’s free to download – no password required. It includes a maze, several coloring sheets, a connect the dots, a matching game, bookmarks and a few other pages. Don’t miss it!

One of my favorite parts of Moana was the pirate scene. I won’t give it away but it is a fun part of the movie. Well, the Family Printables Pack, that I mentioned above, comes with a FREE arts & crafts activity involving making your own Kakamora (pirate)!

Moana premieres November 23rd. I hope you enjoy the movie as much as we did!

Are you planning on seeing Moana over your Thanksgiving break? Leave a comment and let me know what you thought!

To find out more about Moana or connect on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/disneymoana

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyMoana

This is a sponsored post. I was invited to a media screening of Disney’s Moana.

All opinions are my own.

11/19/2016

35 weeks Pregnant – Update Pregnancy #7

35 Weeks Pregnant – Update Pregnancy #7

I’m almost in the home stretch. It’s hard to believe it, but at 35 weeks pregnant, I only have a month left before my due date. I’ve been quiet, lately, on this blog. I just haven’t been feeling too well and I really don’t want to sit around complaining. I had some issues around 32 weeks with feeling uncomfortable which seemed to get better over the course of a week but now again at almost 36 weeks I’ve been extremely uncomfortable. I only feel better if I’m lying in bed…or sitting on the couch with tons of pillows supporting me.

This past week I got pretty swollen in my hands and feet. You could say, I’m really ready to have this little one. I can’t wait to see how big he is … like I’ve said before, I definitely feel bigger than I did last time. My youngest was only 7lbs 3oz at 41 weeks … and at 35 weeks pregnant I look bigger than I did then! I’m so looking forward to seeing how big this little guy is! My 2nd was almost 10 pounds and I do compare the two pregnancies and think how similar I feel. I’m thinking I might just be carrying differently, but I’m not sure how or why.

Maybe, though, I’m just more uncomfortable during my boy pregnancies … hard to know. At 35 weeks pregnant I’m officially up almost 50 pounds now, as well, which I’m sure isn’t helping with how uncomfortable, I am. Where it was hard to gain weight last time, this time I’ve been packing on the pounds.

About a week ago I felt like I might be nesting as I hurried to get the house ready for baby … and now I have no energy left to spare. I’m thankful that hubby assembled the last minute items that we will need once baby is here. I also ended up washing a lot of my nursing clothes and baby things this week. I shared my new favorite nursing clothing company a few days ago. It’s called Kindred Bravely and you can read about it here. It is literally the softest clothing I have ever worn and so comfortable (no itchy elastic or constricting material! It’s awesome). If you are interested, I’m offering a coupon code here.

So, if you think of it, please pray for me over the next few weeks. The countdown to delivery is a little anxiety inducing because I have some health issues that lower my platelets and it usually gets worse the last month of pregnancy. I hope to update you soon!

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