Our favorite products - the first two months

Well now that Michael's been home for two months I thought i would share the products that we have found to be the most useful and the ones that were pretty much a waste of money. Of course we are by means no baby experts but it never hurts to have another opinion right?

The Boppy (or similar) pillow... we actually have the Boppy knockoff from Walmart but i like this better because it has the support thing so the baby does slide all the way out of the pillow. This is useful for.... pretty much everything, baby can sit or lay on it, you can put it around your waist for support while feeding or baby can have tummy time on it. This is one of our most used items! Like I said we have this one from Walmart but Boppys are at Target and Babies R Us also.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Leachco-Cuddle-U-Nursing-Pillow-and-More-Bubbles/10972966

Next we have bottles, there are SO many different types of bottles its kind of hard to decide which ones to use... we like Playtex Vent Aire and Soothie brand bottles. Vent Aire's are excellent at keeping bubbles out of babies tummy. They are a little bit of a pain to clean because there are so many different parts but its worth the trouble. We purchased Soothie bottles because they have the same nipple as Soothie pacifiers, which Michael had been using in the NICU for months... we figured if he had any trouble transitioning from hospital bottles to bottles at home (which he didn't) this might help. While i generally find bottle "gift sets" to be a waste... you can only use the smaller bottles for a few months... the Soothie one is actually pretty awesome because it comes with these storage containers for formula (or small snacks like cheerios) that snap onto the bottom of the bottle. The bottle cap also snaps onto the bottom of the formula container so everything is easy to just snap together and keep all together when you're out of the house. The set also comes with a bottle brush and extra pacifier. We usually use Vent Aire's in the house and Soothie when we go places. Vent Aire’s are available anywhere, Target, Walmart or Babies R Us but Soothie bottles are only buyable through online sites like Walmart or Amazon.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Playtex-VentAire-Wide-Bottle-Newborn-Gift-Set/10773729

http://www.walmart.com/ip/The-First-Years-Soothie-Bottle-Starter-Set-BPA-Free/10877976

The next items have become lifesavers in our house. Michael is a pro at getting out of regular swaddles with receiving blankets. First we have the Halo sleep sack that we were using before we got the Miracle Blanket. The Halo one is excellent because its a wearable blanket with swaddle attachment that keeps arms in.... so even after we stop swaddling its still a blanket. After a couple of weeks Michael started figuring out how to get his arms out of this though... so we had to start searching for new options. That is when we stumbled upon the Miracle Blanket. This thing is awesome! There is no way his little arms can sneak out and a swaddled baby who is unable to move his arms is a MUCH calmer sleeping baby. Its hard to explain how they work so you have to just Google and find a video but we seriously love this thing. Both of these items are available at Target but the official Miracle Blanket website has other patterns (we have a blue camo one)

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Halo-SleepSack-Swaddle-Wearable-Cotton-Blanket-Puppy-Print/10912889

http://www.target.com/Miracle-Blanket-Baby-Swaddling-Blue/dp/B000G0KQWQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&searchView=list&qid=1277752928&frombrowse=0&fromGsearch=true&node=1038576|1287991011&keywords=miracle_blankets&searchSize=30&id=Miracle%20Blanket%20Baby%20Swaddling%20Blue&searchBinNameList=purchasing_channel%2Csubjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&searchRank=target104545&sr=1-2&searchPage=1&rh=

Toiletries for baby are another thing where you just have to figure out what works for you… Michael used traditional Johnson and Johnson in the NICU so we stocked up on those. Unfortunately he has very sensitive skin on his face so J&J was really drying him out. We tried Aveeno baby wash which is much more moisturizing, which worked much better for him. So now we use J&J on his body and Aveeno on his face. Luckily Michael’s had no reaction from lotion so we use a bunch of different kinds, favorites are Aveeno lavender and J&J oatmeal vanilla. These are all available anywhere

http://www.target.com/Aveeno-Baby-Soothing-Relief-Creamy/dp/B0030UB9PW/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&searchView=list&qid=1277753494&frombrowse=0&fromGsearch=true&node=1038590&keywords=aveeno&searchSize=30&id=Aveeno%20Baby%20Soothing%20Relief%20Creamy&searchBinNameList=purchasing_channel%2Csubjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchNodeID=1038590&searchRank=target104545&sr=1-10&searchPage=1&rh=

http://www.target.com/Johnsons-Head-to-Toe-Gift-Set/dp/B002LJ6Z20/ref=br_1_4?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&qid=1277753557&searchView=grid5&sr=1-4&node=13866671&searchRank=pmrank&searchPage=1&rh=&searchSize=30&id=Johnsons%20Head-to-Toe%20Gift%20Set&searchBinNameList=purchasing_channel%2Csubjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin

http://www.target.com/Johnsons-Vanilla-Oatmeal-Baby-Lotion/dp/B002BWSN5Y/ref=br_1_16?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&qid=1277753581&searchView=grid5&sr=1-16&node=668053011&searchRank=pmrank&searchPage=1&rh=&searchSize=30&id=Johnsons%20Vanilla%20Oatmeal%20Baby%20Lotion&searchBinNameList=purchasing_channel%2Csubjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin

Our next item is for the paranoid Momma (and Daddy) – the car mirror. There have been several occasions where Michaels head has fallen forward and I would have had no clue if I didn’t have a mirror, so this is just an obvious must J We have this one (Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Musical Mirror), but there are a million different types out there

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3889606

Also for the paranoid parents, the Angel Care baby monitor. This monitor has a sensor pad that goes under the crib mattress that alerts parents with a really loud alarm if there is no breathing/movement for more then 20 seconds. We thought since there were a couple of occasions in the NICU where Michael would have apneas while sleeping (not to mention just the general risk of SIDS) that this would help us sleep a little better at night. The only drawback of this is Michael is a CRAZY sleeper and can move off the sensor despite being swaddled and sleeping in a sleep positioned… so sometimes he sets it off and scares us for no reason.

http://www.angelcare-monitor.com/United-States/en/home

We also just got the Graco Swing - N- Bounce last week, its an excellent option for someone who doesnt want baby items to take over their living room. The swing and bouncy seat in one! We havent used it much since it just came but like i said it saves space and costs less the many regular swings so its worth it to me! The pattern we liked was only on overstock but there are other ones at Babies R Us and Amazon

http://www.overstock.com/Baby/Graco-Swing-n-Bounce-2-in-1-Infant-Swing-in-Little-Jungle/4390421/product.html

Fisher Price Infant to Toddler Rocker – we did not have a bouncy seat at first so we purchased this and Michael likes it… and its great because it has 40lbs weight limit (most bouncy seats don’t go beyond 20 lbs). Purchased at Target

http://www.target.com/Fisher-Price-Infant-to-Toddler-Rocker/dp/B001HTJS60/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&searchView=list&qid=1277753775&frombrowse=0&fromGsearch=true&node=1038576|1287991011&keywords=fisher%20price%20rocker&searchSize=30&id=Fisher-Price%20Infant%20to%20Toddler%20Rocker&searchBinNameList=purchasing_channel%2Csubjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&searchRank=target104545&sr=1-1&searchPage=1&rh=

The safety first bottle medicine dispenser is probably not an essential for most people, but since Michael is on antibiotics every night we use this… its way easier for him to just such this like a bottle rather then trying to squirt meds into his mouth with a dropper. We got ours at Babies R Us but I’m sure you could get it other places

http://www.safety1st.com/usa/eng/Products/Child-Care/Hospitals-Choice/Details/2359-49825-Bottle-Medicine-Dispenser

Other items that don’t really require long descriptions include

- Diaper genie, I don’t really understand why people think these are pointless , it keeps the smell contained and is easy to use. Yeah you have to buy refills for it but each refill has lasted over a month for us so its not exactly a huge expense.

- http://www.target.com/s/182-2253507-2668839?_encoding=UTF8&search-alias=tgt-index&keywords=diaper%20genie&ref=sr_bx_1_1&searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&searchPage=1

- We have several different types of burp cloths and the most useful ones are plain ol’ regular Gerber cloth diapers.

- http://www.walmart.com/ip/Gerber-Flat-Fold-Birdseye-Cloth-Diaper-12-Pack-White/5824294

- The crib aquarium we have isn’t available anymore apparently but Michael loves to watch and listen to his

And FINALLY for those babies who are not fans of bath time… Michael used to hate being naked… the Bath Luve! Of course you could just use a regular wash cloth or towel but this is big enough to lay over the entire body at the same time

- http://www.walmart.com/ip/Bath-Luve-Frog-Towel-2-Pack/9239213?qty_0=0&registry_id=86183559225&selected_variation_0=9239213&shopFor=true&upc=0002226606046

- We got all of these items at Walmart

And if anyone is still reading, hope you find this helpful!

Later on I’ll write up what items we haven’t really used! As well as the exciting part two of this continuing series, our favorite products the next few months! :)

Opps

Wanted to add a few more pics from Fathers Day but i posted too soon!

Little Bits

Sorry its been a while, things are pretty chill here so there isnt much to write about! Since i've last update we've had two appointments...

We went too see another high risk development specialist run by the hospital he was born at... that doc said he's great also. The only thing he told us is to watch to make sure his head isnt flattening on the right side since he favors that one. He most definitely favors that and does have a little flat spot because of it... this will most likely self correct as he is more active and isnt just laying down so much. If it gets really bad he would have to wear a corrective helmet that would reshape it for him. Hopefully it wont come to that but its a possibility. This was a couple of weeks ago now but at the time he weighed 10lbs 4oz.

And then after that, we went to another urologist for his hernia, thats all still fine, the doctor is very pleased that its still soft and he's been able to put off his surgery until he's over 10lbs. He said babies who get them repaired before 10lbs often need to do it again at some point. Anyway, he's scheduled for surgery July 12th. He'll spend one night in the hospital, mostly just to make sure he's okay with the anesthesia and after that point he'll just go for a follow up later to remove the steri strip. He said he wont really feel any pain and the recovery is a piece of cake. We had to reschedule his renal scan for his kidneys because it happened to be on the same day as the surgery.

Our next appointment is the pediatrician for his 6 month shots and checkup on July 7th.

Milestone wise, we're right on track. He LOVES to smile whenever someone talks to him. His head control is continuously improving and he's rolled over 3 or 4 times. Once he can really pick up his head it'll be much easier for him but he can do it if he throws his head over to one side the rest of his body follows :) We sleep great, from about 9:30 - 6:30 everyday and he's even able to soothe himself to sleep which i've heard is impressive for his age. He's been insanely grumpy lately though, we think he might be getting a tooth on the top :(

Other then that we have just been hanging out! We had a great Father's Day at Medieval Times in MD. Horses, Swords, Jousting, Knights and delicious food! I recommend anyone that lives near one of these should totally go. That is all! I'll update after his pediatrician appt.

Week in Review

Well, its been a little bit of a busy week this week so there are a few things to update on!
First off, Maya had a class picnic was Tuesday night and her awards ceremony was Wednesday... she did excellent this year and got an award for knowing all of her math problems and spelling words. Yay!
Thursday was Mikes first day back at work in over a month... i think the little man and i handled it pretty well :) I managed to get the dishes done and dinner made before he got home :) Oh and the wonderful ladies there got him a delicious cake. MMMM

Friday morning we went to a weight check with the pediatrician... Mikey is up to 10lbs even(though when we weighed him at home he was 10.3, who knows) and 22inches. I believe this puts him in about the 25% percentile so he's growing well. The doctor does want us to increase his feedings a little just to help him catch up to other babies his (adjusted) age but as of right now he said he's growing great. The rash on his face is clearing up pretty good and the red bumps all over the back of his neck is heat rash and there is nothing we can do about it, especially with it being so hot outside (duh). Not really an important appointment, they just wanted to check his weight. He goes back in a few weeks for another i think.

After the doctor the occupational therapist for Birth to Tree came to evaluate Michael. This therapist in particular specializes in feedings so that's why we picked this one. He watched Mikey eat a bottle and said that his tongue sticking out when he drinks (he kinds of rests it on his bottom lip while he's sucking) could resolve on its own but it can also need physical therapy to strength his jaw muscles. Since he also has trouble holding his pacifier in his mouth this can be another factor. In the therapists opinion, he would benefit from therapy even if its only once a month or so to check on is progress... but he's very borderline on whether or not he will qualify for the program. He has to show a 40% delay in one area (the development or the OT), a 20% delay in both or have those 5 risk factors i talked about before. The development therapists report said he is fine right now so that leaves it all up to the OT if he qualifies. Its kind of stinks for him because apparently they changed it a couple of years ago from needing 4 factors to 5. While of course we want him to be "normal" and not need any therapies... we have to be proactive and recognize if he needs a little help so we would rather have him do therapy when he COULD go without it then the other way around if that makes sense. Even if he doesnt qualify he's going to show us some exercises we can do with him to help tighten up his jaw.

AND most exciting! Friday afternoon after we got Maya... we set up our little pool in the yard and Mikey had his first swim. He hated it because it was cold but hopefully he'll do better in the future :)

Saturday was just a long day of errands... Toys R Us for a few items, then we hit the mall to scope out some essentials for Stephanie's (My sister's) wedding. We were in search for a suit and flower girl shoes. Got some cute silver shoes and reaffirmed that Mike is an impossible size to buy for at a regular store - thus our journey to find a good suit began. We tried JCP and of course they didnt have anything begin enough, boo on that because they are having an excellent suit sale. After that we went to Jos. A. Bank and they had something that fit but it was 700 dollars with a ton of alterations. Sigh.. they are having a 60% off sale at the end of the month so at least that was good, but wow. So after that we went to Mens Warehouse, thankfully they have separates that actually fit! We had to order the jacket because the husband is a whopping size 54 jacket! So that was a long day, but at least we've got that all worked out and all we have left to buy is shoes for Mike and Mikey! Yay!

Whew, i'm tired.