What's In My Diaper Bag?

(0-6 Months) Let's see what we've got in here...

1. Diapers are must-have. I am not caught dead without at least 8 diapers. My son loves to pee, and hates to sit in it, so we go through quite a bit. The last thing you want to do is run out!

2. Wipes/Wipe holder. Like the diapers, be sure you have plenty!

3. Boudreaux Butt Paste. A red/sore little booty can happen at any time. Boudreaux can truly save the day! Always have it handy.

4. Fold-away changing pad. Most diaper bags come with one of these, but if not, add one to your bag! It will come in handy when you need to change your baby's diaper in a place you'd rather not put him or her down without one. Choose one with a water-resistant finish for quick clean-up!

5. Hand Sanitizer. It is a MUST-HAVE! I am always touching dirty doors, buggies, etc and constantly trying to keep my hands clean before touching Jace. There are so many germs out there! Protect your little one as much as possible.

6. Burp Cloth. I keep 1 burp cloth in my bag to throw over my shoulder when burping Jace. They're also good for wiping faces and spit-up!

7. Receiving Blanket. These blankets are lightweight and take up little space. They come in handy if you need to put your baby down for a nap, or to put over your baby to protect his/her skin from winds or cool temperatures.

8. Extra set of clothes. You may go weeks or months wondering why you have those extra clothes in the bag? KEEP THEM IN THERE! A day will come when you need to clean up a mess worth of a sanitation crew, and you will be so glad you have them. I pack an extra onesie/shirt, pants, bib and socks. TIP: Don't forget to rotate these clothes out as your baby grows. Carrying around a newborn outfit when your child is 6 months old will do you no good!

9. Bottle. I usually bring 1-2 bottles with me, even though I am nursing I bring bottles in case I am in a situation where I am unable to nurse in public/etc.

10. Formula/Dispenser. I bring along formula to supplement in my handy formula dispenser. It holds 3 feedings worth. It is super easy to pack/fit in my diaper bag and SO easy to pour into the bottle!

11. Water/Snacks. I usually bring 2 bottles of water- 1 for me and 1 for formula. I have learned to also always have a granola bar or snack in my bag because sometimes I forget to eat/don't have time!

12. Binky. Even though Jace usually hates binkys/won't take them I always have one handy just in case!

13. Favorite toy/Comfort Object. As of right now this little guy ^ is Jace's favorite toy. He loves the sounds, and it can always calm him down! I don't know what I would do without it!

14. Bib. I think that no matter what age your baby is, always pack a bib. It can catch spit-up or keep his/her shirt dry when endless drool spills down his chin.

15. MY essentials. I always have my phone near by with Pandora Children's radio usually playing. And of course my wallet/keys/etc. There is no need to carry a purse along with your diaper bag. There are so many cute diaper bags out there to pick from that you don't have to feel bulky/awkward carrying it as your purse as well! 

Being a parent means being prepared! Packing your diaper bag the first time can be SUPER overwhelming, but you really learn what you need/don't need as you go. What items do YOU love to carry in your diaper bag? Feel free to share! 

DIY Baby's First Christmas Ornament

Christmas is right around the corner, and I wanted to make something special for myself and family- I thought what else is better than a homemade ornament?! This project was so simple and fun. I absolutely love the idea of capturing your little one's tiny toes or hands and being able to cherish it forever (as long as you can wrangle your little one long enough to get the foot or hand print!) I want to make as many homemade ornaments/crafts as possible with my children to preserve precious memories.

Items Needed:

- 1 ornament (I used a clear plastic ornament from Michaels- only $1.99)

- Glitter

- Tacky glue

- Ribbon

- Paper to trace baby's foot/handprint

- Scissors

- Paint pen/sharpie to trace print on to ornament

All of these items cost me right at about $10. Super cheap!

Directions:

1.On a piece of paper, draw an outline of your little ones feet (or you can use a ink pad, and stamp an outline).

2. Cut out the outline and trace it onto the Christmas bulb.

3. Fill in the outline with tacky glue and coat in glitter. Tap off any excess glitter and allow to dry for 24 hours.

4. Top it off with a cute ribbon. Write your little ones name/date/etc. Make it your own!

Have you ever made your own ornament? 

FINALLY!

WOOHOO! Jace Finally Pooped!

After five long days of the WORST farts you have ever smelled in your life, constant 'Googling' of is it normal if my baby hasn't pooped in 5 days?, and daily phone calls to the pediatrician Jace finally did the big job! It is a scary thing when your baby goes from pooping about 4 times a day to none at all for 5 days in a row. I thought he was broken! You constantly wonder if it's something you've done? or is he sick? is he eating enough? is he going to be okay? is he hurting? and so on. If anything, the last five days I have learned just about everything there is to know about a baby's poop from Google. 

I tried warm baths, belly massages, the pediatrician had me put Q-tip where Q-tips don't belong, and finally she had told me to try 1/2 of a suppository. I had literally just ran up to CVS to buy a suppository, and just when I was about to try it HE POOPED! Haha, he knew what was coming and he was not about to have it! 

I truly never thought I would be so excited about poop in my life.

One Year

Yesterday Matthew and I celebrated our one year anniversary. This weekend was proof that babies DO change everything. For about 2 months we had our anniversary plans set- we were going to do a wine tour in Grapevine, and were going to stay the night at the Gaylord Texan. We did not want to do anything too crazy or too far because Jace is so young, but we had to do SOMETHING to celebrate our first anniversary as a married couple. However, our plans had to change and had no other choice. We canceled the hotel room and tour. I cried, and cried like a selfish baby. "We needed that". "We needed that night away just us again". "We needed to celebrate our first anniversary". Oddly, things always happen for a reason and tend to work out. We were able to spend the day that we had planned to be at the wine tour with Jace at the fair, and it was SO worth it. And later that night, my wonderful in-laws watched Jace for us while we went to a nice dinner at Seasons 52 and stayed at a hotel at the Shops At Legacy. And you know what we talked about the entire time? Our son, of course! I know that it will not be the first time that having a baby/child gets in the way of our anniversary, date plans, etc. and I am 100% okay with that. 

Marriage does change everything. Marriage is hard. Children do change everything. Children are hard. But trust me when I say this, they change everything for the better. Do not spend your life afraid to get married or have a family because you are scared of getting hurt or are afraid of 'things changing'. When you marry the right person, the two of you can get through absolutely anything together. When we got married a year ago, if you would have told either of us that we would have a 2 month old a year from now we would have laughed in your face. This first year of marriage with Matthew has been extraordinarily life-changing. We have made ourselves a family. I will forever be the mother of his child, and he will forever be the father of my child. There is nothing that can bring you and your husband closer than seeing what the two of you can create together. I have always loved Matt, and I have said many times "I don't know how I could love him any more than I do", but seeing him as a father has made me love him a million times more than I ever have. Don't get me wrong, there are days where he flusters and aggravates the crap out of me, and I know I do the same to him! But we never forget the reasons why we fell in love, and we continue every day to make each other laugh, encourage one another, trust one another, and make each other feel special and loved. I know every girl that is in love thinks they are the luckiest girl on earth, but I truly know how blessed and lucky I am. I have the best husband in the entire world. I look forward to so many more anniversaries together- plans or no plans. 

Jace Meets Big Tex

Dear Son,

Dear Jace,

I am writing this quietly as you are laying here in your bassinet, sucking your pacifier, dreaming about whatever it is that babies dream about. You are only five weeks old, and I know that you won't understand any of this for many years to come, but I just want you to know how much you mean to me, and all that I hope for you in this wonderful journey that you have ahead of you.

When we were first told that we were having a boy, I was excited, certainly, but I realized that I did not know the first thing about raising a boy, and that I would not yet be able to impart my "girl wisdom" to a daughter. So, I started to tell your Daddy all of the things that I want to make sure he teaches you that I may not be able to understand or be good at. When the doctors laid you on my chest, and I first laid eyes on you, the wave of love that came over me cannot be explained. In that moment, I was filled with so much hope for you, yet so many fears all at the same time. I just want to be able to protect you from all of the hurtful things in this crazy world, but I know that there are many things that you are just going to have to learn on your own.

I spent nine wonderful months growing you, and I will gladly spend the next 18 years of my life going through many ups and downs with you. I look forward to watching you take your first step, saying your first word, teaching you how to wipe your own butt, taking you on your first camping trip, teaching you how to ride a bike, driving you and your friends everywhere, driving you to practice after practice, watching baseball game after baseball game, watching you and your daddy go hunting for the first time, teaching you how to properly bathe yourself, teaching you how to dress nicely, teaching you how to pee in the toilet- and ONLY the toilet, teaching you how to be a gentleman, and how to treat a girl respectfully. I dread the days that I have to punish you because of the horrible tantrums you are throwing, or because you are torturing your (future) brother or sister, or just doing something flat out stupid. I dread the days that you are get hurt, get terribly sick or feeling down, and worst of all- the day that have your heart broken for the first time.  But you better believe that I will be there kiss your boo-boos, to hold you, and lovingly listen and explain as best as I can that we ladies sometimes just don’t know just how hurtful we can be. I want you to know that I am always on your side, and I will prepare you as best as I can for the right lady one day.

As your Mother, I am responsible for raising you to love others and serve others as best as possible. I am responsible for teaching you to respect those around you. I am responsible for teaching you how to use your manners, and how to open the door for a lady. I am responsible for laying the foundation to a wonderful son who will grow into a man right before my eyes, who will marry ONE woman and raise my grand-babies with the same kind of love that your Father and I give to you. 

I pray that you love yourself.

I pray that you laugh often so hard you cry,

I pray that you are confident and believe in yourself.

I pray that you grow up healthy.

I pray that you are never "too cool" to hug your Mommy.

I pray that you have a happy, care-free childhood. Let Daddy and I do all the worrying.

I pray that you take in and cherish every family vacation we go on.

I pray that you come to your Daddy and with any struggles that you are facing.

I pray that you do well in school.

I pray that you make friends easily.

I pray that you choose friends who are kind to you, who care about you, and who make you feel good about yourself. When you find friends like this, hold onto them.

I pray that you accept disappointment and learn to persevere.

I pray that you learn to turn negatives into positives.

I pray that you are open to new things, new experiences, new people.

I pray that you like to dance, even if you aren't any good at it.

I pray that you like roller-coasters- since Daddy hates them, I need you to ride with me!

I pray that you have a sense of humor.

I pray that you are kind and humble to others.

I pray that you always treat women with respect they deserve.

I pray that you learn how to cook, and like it!

I pray that you fight for what you want in life.

I pray that you realize life is not a competition. You will meet many people who will try to outdo you. You are wasting your so much of your life if you spend all your time trying to impress and outdo others. Enjoy life and make it full of happiness, constant learning, improvement and love.

I pray that you get your Father's money saving abilities.

I pray that you find your passion, and pursue it.

I pray that you learn from heartbreaks, but that you never shut yourself off from love.

I pray that you find a wife that loves and respects your family.

I pray that you one day will have the gift of a child, and experience this kind of love.

I pray that you never doubt my love for you.

I pray that you never stop loving me.

God brought you into our lives at the most perfect time. You have been the best gift that your Daddy and I have ever received. You are starting out on a weird, scary, but incredibly wonderful journey, and you will not be alone. Your Daddy and I will be there every step of the way growing and learning WITH you, and I promise to do everything in my power to make all of these hopes that I have for you possible. I love you, always.

Love,

Mommy

Jace Turns 1 Month Old

Everyone always wants to tell you how fast time goes by, and I'm like "yeah, yeah.." but I truly cannot believe how fast this first month has flown by. I feel like just yesterday I was holding this little man in my arms for the first time. This past month has turned our lives upside down in all the best ways possible. It truly has been amazing. Truthfully, I never thought I would enjoy motherhood as much as I do. I had so many fears and "what ifs"- and I was scared that I would not be any good at being a Mother. Boy, did I surprise myself or what?! And as for Matt- I think he was meant to be a Daddy. The way he looks, plays, sings, and holds Jace melts my whole heart. The saying "I never knew how much I loved your Daddy until I saw how much he loves you" nails how I feel. Sometimes I think I may end up having to be the stricter parent in this relationship, because of how wrapped around Daddy's finger he is! Parenting is in no way easy, but Matt and I do make a wonderful team- he supports me, keeps me sane, and is so helpful. I could not as for a better husband or Father for our son, and the most important thing to me is for Jace (and his future sibling(s) to grow up seeing how much we love and respect one another.

At Jace's one month appointment he weighed a whopping 9 lbs 11.5 oz and 22 3/4" long. Here are a few of his one month milestones:

• Maybe it's from all the times that I played him music while he was in my tummy, but he sure does love listening to music- Matthew came home from the gym and said "Yep, I am officially a Dad. I turned my Pandora on, started lifting weights, and then all I heard was 'In the Jungle, the mightly Jungle- the Lion sleeps toniiiiiight' from the Lion King." 
• Jace also loves to snuggle up (especially on Daddy) and fall asleep.
• He absolutely HATES bath time. I'm sure all the neighbors can hear the horrific screams coming out of our house. You would think we were torturing the poor baby. Luckily, no one has called the police on us.. yet. If anyone has any advice on this I would love to hear it!
• He loves the sound of the blow dryer and vacuum machine. It puts him to sleep/keeps him asleep! I think he got used to hearing the blow dryer when he went to work with Mommy!
• If we do not go on our nightly walk- he is all out of whack. I swear that  on the nights we have not been able to go on a walk are the ones where he was the most fussy/awake. So, we try to go every night to make us all happy. And I must say that I LOVE my Baby Summit Jogger. 
• He is an eating machine. I am very happy that I am still able to nurse him. I was so nervous about breastfeeding- I had heard so many horror stories! But I love it, and luckily we both learned very quickly. I hope that I continue to produce enough to make a happy, fat baby! 
• We have one strong baby. He can hold his head up for a pretty good amount of time. And I swear at around 2 weeks he nearly rolled over already on his own during tummy time. 
• Unfortunately, we are battling with some baby acne. But, who cares?! He is still so freakin' adorable, and the doctor said it should clear up within a month. 

Newborn Photos

Do not be fooled. These pictures were not nearly as glamorous as they look, haha. Although I would love to say that this newborn session was a ton of fun, it was actually very stressful. Jace was only six days old- and we were there for around four hours, and his patience was worn off after about thirty minutes. He not only peed all over Daddy, he pooped in Daddy's hands, and Matt didn't even freak out! Now that is true love. He pooped twice on the photographer's white blankets, and overall he was just not a happy baby that day. BUT we are very happy with the outcome and are excited to have this wonderful newborn pictures to cherish the rest of our lives (and show all of his future girlfriends how darn cute he was!)