November Product Favorites - Mama, Baby, and Toddler

Mama

Since the weather is cold and I am shriveled up from nursing, I have been bathing in lotion. A friend gave me some of The Body Shop 24 HR Body Butter in Coconut and I really like how thick and hydrating it is.   

Rosemary and Mint Scented Products - Ever since the lady that cut my hair used Pureology Hydrate shampoo and conditioner on my hair, I have been obsessing over the smell.  I didn't want to shell out the $40 for Pureology.  I found a Burts Bees Bodywash and I am considering buying this Suave Rosemary and Mint Shampoo.

Chobani Key Lime Yogurt is my favorite right now.  Maybe I can get back into making my own yogurt when life gets a bit more normal?  Maybe I will wait until Kate is ready for some yogurt?

MaskCara's post on facial shape highlighting and contouring.  Now if I could just confirm...am I heart?

Baby

Baby Gowns - Not sure how I missed out on this for Wyatt (do boys not wear gowns) but if your baby sleeps in a gown, you don't have to unbutton or unzip anything. You just pull the gown up and change the diaper.  I think Kate looks really cute in some of them too.

Marpac Dohm White Noise Machine - I put this right by Kate's bed in our nursery nook and I think it helps to block out toddler screams and just helps her to sleep better.  It sounds like a fan running, but doesn't blow cold air on your little baby.  I might like the sound more than her so we will fight for who keeps it when she gets her own room.

Toddler

DelMonte FruitBurst Squeezers - I bought these for Wyatt when he was too sick to eat anything and he has been asking for them ever since.  Blueberry is his fave (of course).

Art Stuff - Preschool has really helped to get Wyatt excited about painting and coloring. If he had his way, he would paint everyday.  A friend gifted this to us....Crayola Color Wonder Fingerpaints. You don't have to worry about getting colored paint everywhere. You just have to wipe goopy clear gel off of your kiddo's hands when they are all done playing.

Our Pink and Aqua Nursery Nook

Kate's nursery nook is complete!  I love it, and everything came out better than I could have imagined thanks to some hard work from all of the family.

I did not want to clean out our guest bedroom / office and turn it into a baby girl room if we were only going to be renting this house until she was about 3 months old.  Our master bedroom has a little offset area, so we focused on fixing that up.  Since that project has started, we have learned that we will probably be living here a bit longer.  Oh well, when we are ready to give Kate the boot this beautiful nook will transfer to a big room without any problems.

The Bedding and Bed:

• Chevron crib skirt with hot pink trim customized by Take Me There Totes
• Aqua fitted crib sheet from Target (online only).
• Breathable Baby mesh crib liner from Amazon with pink polka dot trim by Take Me There Totes
• DaVinci Kalani crib in white from Amazon. 
• Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams crib mattress from Amazon.
• Quilt and pillow customized by Take Me There Totes

The Curtain / Valance:

I have an excellent room darkening window blind on the window that I can raise and lower, but I needed something to give the space some color.  Take Me There Totes created a valance to match the trim on the mesh crib bumper. I should buy a curtain rod that matches the white a bit more, but maybe another year. 

Decor Over the Crib:

• The bunting was created by Take Me There Totes.
• The K was purchased by my sister from Hobby Lobby and covered in fabric purchased at Hobby Lobby as well.

  The Dresser / Diaper Changer:

• The dresser is a goodwill purchase for $40.  Hunter sanded the dresser and repainted with Behr Interior Flat Enamel in Ultra Pure White.  This matched the crib perfectly.  He spray painted the cabinet hardware with Rustoleum Metallic Finish.
• The diaper changing pad cover is by Sweet Heart n Sunshine in the color Tiffany.
• I have filled the top drawer with all diaper changing necessities, extra sheets, and an extra changing pad cover.  The middle drawer holds clothes, and the bottom drawer holds blankets, burps, and bibs.  All of the extra clothes are currently in tubs or on hangers in Wyatt's closet.  He doesn't mind sharing for now.  

 Over the Changer Decor:

 My sister purchased quite a few frames from Hobby Lobby and spray painted them to match the room.  She filled some with fabric and some with pictures.  Once I get some fabulous newborn pictures, I will update the decor.  Paint colors are: Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Gloss in Blue Ocean Breeze, Krylon Short Cuts in Hot Pink, and Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Gloss in Classic Gray.

Room Dividing Curtain Rod and Curtains:

Wyatt has always needed a dark room for sleeping.  Since we will be sharing a room, I wanted to find a way to block out some light and maybe even add a bit of sound blocking.  Since this is a rental, we couldn't mount random curtain hardware in the middle of the room. 

• Bed Bath and Beyond sells a tension curtain rod that spans 120".  So far, this seems very sturdy.
• I purchased 3 of the Eclipse ThermaWeave Fairfax Grommet Panel (52"x84") in the color Gray from Target.  They do a pretty good job of blocking light. We will see about sound. 

 Everything Else:

• I have a few cute baskets that have her toys, books, and hairbows around the dresser area on the floor.  As she gets older, she will need more storage (see moving to another room in future).
• I have a glider in the living room.  With a second kid, I guess I won't have the luxury of kicking back and relaxing in a baby room.  I will need to be in the center of the action. I have stuffed the pockets with burps and bibs and wedged the boppy between the glider and the couch.
• I purchased another camera for the video monitor not because I will need to watch her while she is sleeping in our room, but so I can be doing things around the house with Wyatt and she can sleep in her room. 

Everything is ready.  I just need a baby girl now.  Two to three more weeks people.  We can do this!

September Product Favorites - Mama and Toddler

Mama:

Aquaphor - I am putting this on my lips at least twice a day..usually more.  Regular chapstick is not cutting it and no matter how much water I am drinking right now my lips hurt and feel so dry.

Progressive International Collapsible Cupcake and Cake Carrier - I should have just borrowed a cupcake carrier from my sister, but I needed one ASAP and I have Amazon Prime so I just bought the one that is recommended by America's Test Kitchen and Annie too. This was pretty slick, easy to use, and collapses to half the size.  I recommend it! 

Toddler: 

Melissa and Doug Grill Set - Wyatt got quite the birthday haul and we haven't had enough time to really play with all of the new toys, but this grill set has gotten a surprising amount of play time.  Two older cousins came for a visit and enjoyed playing with it too. 

Play Doh, Play Doh, Play Doh - Something we can do that is indoors.  Play Doh is pretty easy to clean up if you keep it on the tile floor or the kitchen table.  We got the Steam Roller, Trash Tossin Rowdy Dumptruck, and a Cutter/ Roller set similar to this. I think his favorite part is picking out the color that we play with. Mama's rules...only one color out at a time.


Construction Trucks and Tractors in a Toolbox -  These are almost all new trucks and tractors AND if you put them in a tool box with little compartments it gets even better for your toddler.  Wyatt knows every single one of these because if we misplace a specific one, we look for it for a long time before I can distract with something else.  Current faves are Backhoe, Forklift, and New Holland Loader.

I need some ideas for a little gift from baby sister to Wyatt when he meets her for the first time (the Internet says).  Anybody?  Current ideas...Mr. Potato Head, a Tow Truck toy, a matchbox car.

August Product Favorites - Mama and Toddler

Mama:

Fruttare Banana and Milk Bars - These are toddler and mama approved. I don't think they are healthy.  I actually haven't looked at the ingredients, but they are delicious.

Expensive and Better Tasting Eggs - I go back and forth on this but when you buy the organic, cage free, non hormone, these chickens ate gold brown eggs, they taste so much better. For the moment, I agree with paying 3 times as much for eggs.  I might change my mind again next month.

Yankee Candle Lemon Lavender - I usually use my Scentsy products, but I always go back to this smell from Yankee Candle.  I lub it and always will.

 Toddler:

Dusty Flies High (Disney Airplanes) Book - Wyatt is obsessed with Disney Planes ever since we bought the undies.  We have been reading this book almost every night before bed.  He likes these step into reading books more than board books for some reason.  Maybe he likes the pictures more?

El Chupacabra Die Cast Disney Plane - Let's stick with the theme here....Disney Planes!  And Wyatt giggles every time we say the name of this one. 

July Product Favorites - Mama and Toddler

Mama:

NARS Afghan Red Satin Lipstick -I put this on a wishlist years ago and somebody in my family bought it for me. I hardly ever wear makeup now but my face has magically cleared up (tomorrow I will break out) so I don't mind putting on a few things.  I love this lipstick.  It was listed as a red lipstick that is universally flattering. It is at least flattering on pasty white mamas that don't wear much other makeup. 

Litehouse Freeze Dried Herbs -These taste a little better and stronger than plain old dried herbs, but cost so much less than buying the fresh tiny little clump of herbs.  I have the parsley and the basil one.  These are sold in all of the grocery stores I visit over by the fresh herbs.

Amazon Prime - I signed up for Amazon Prime ($79 a year) not to get the free shipping, but to get a free book from the Kindle Owner's Lending Library. With this, you are allowed to get one book a month including quite a few best sellers. I do try to get most of my books free from the library, but there are wait lists and 14 day checkout maximums and I NEED books people.  I think I will actually save money by using Amazon Prime and who doesn't need 2 day shipping on all those amazon products. 

Toddler:

Burt's Bee's Baby Bee Wash - I have not allowed myself to buy this because I am trying to use up my lifetime supply of Johnson and Johnson's but the Burt's smells so good I am really tempted.  When I go visit the family, I get to mooch off of their soap.

Let's Grow Smart Flash Cards - Animals pack for 3 year olds.  This was in the Target $1 spot.  I can't find the exact pack I got online.  These flash cards have helped to keep Wyatt on the potty for potty training AND he is learning all kinds of new animals.  I love them...he loves them. I am going to go back and buy a few more of the other packs.


Ocean Animals Playset - I bought these at the local bookstore we visit frequently.  We go there to play with their big ol Thomas the Train set and I can usually get away without spending any money. One time I made this fabulous impulse purchase.  These sea creatures usually play in the tent that is a hit again this month.

June Product Favorites - Mom and Toddler

Mama Favorites:

Generic Brand Hand Wipes - I keep a big ol container of store brand hand / face / booties wipes such as these in my truck.  I don't buy the anti bacterial ones because germs are my friends ;)  These wipes can be used after your kid plays at the gym child care room. They can wipe off goldfish cracker paste.  They can even be used as a bootie wipe if you accidentally gave your kid flax seed in their smoothie. 

iPlay Swim Diaper - This swim diaper is washable and reusable and actually absorbs some pee unlike the disposable swim diapers.  I always buy a few sizes too big and then use for a whole swim season.  I think we will make it through Wyatt's whole diaper life with a size Medium and a size X-Large. 

Vaseline Spray and Go Lotion - So I try to put lotion all over my belly after each shower, but it gets to be a pain.  I saw this spray aerosol style lotion and decided to try it.  I am a big fan!  The pump doesn't get clogged like standard spray lotion.   Super fast.  Super easy.  I bought the cocoa butter one for stretch mark fighting.  I am not sure how long the product is going to last but we are going for a month now and I still have some left.   

Avon's Mark - Whipped Body Butter in Lemon Sugar - My sweet sister in law gave me this and it smells so good I could eat it.  I love lemony citrus smells.  I want to get the shower gel next.  Pretty lame of me to post 2 lotion faves this month, but this is my exciting life. 

Toddler Favorites:

HEB Chocolate Granola - I am sorry if you don't live near an HEB grocery store because you are missing out on some of the best pre seasoned fajitas in the world, but if you are lucky enough to live next to one, check out their store brand chocolate granola.  Wyatt loves it.  We put it on his yogurt for special occasion breakfasts.  I might put some on mine too. 

Indoor Play Tents - We are borrowing a play tent from my sister.  Wyatt loves it.  He brings his toys in there.  He asks for mommy and daddy to come sit with him.  He is happy just being in there.  You could use a regular tent, but these indoor play tents fold up and fit behind a book case so are easy to hide.  You need one!  Attach a play tunnel to it for extra fun. 

May Product Favorites - Mom and Toddler

I love to watch the videos from I'm A Mommy on YouTube but feel like I never have to time to watch them (although I can read endless amounts of blogs and keep up with facebook???).   My favorites are her monthly product reviews for Mama, Toddler, and Baby.  Check out her May one here.  She has inspired me to write my own faves on a monthly basis so here goes my first one.  P.S. I know pictures make it more fun, but I have to steal / borrow them from various websites so I am not sure if I should do this. 

Mama Product Faves

Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara - I want a mascara that is easy to put on and easy to take off.  This one works!  This was a gift from my MIL.  Beauty bloggers rave about it and the product is a bit hard to find.  Walgreens carries it in store and Amazon sells online.

Enormous Ziploc Bags - I use the large and extra large bags.  Store your maternity clothes, winter clothes, and outgrown baby clothes in them.  They have lines on the bag for labels and feel pretty durable.  They can easily be stuffed into boxes for the next time your husband's company moves you.

Yes to Tomatoes Product Line - My face is still a mess and I keep trying a new regimen every month.  I have tried caveman-no wash, CeraVe, and Cetaphil over the past few months.  I am on week 2 of Yes to Tomatoes and even though my face is not any clearer I really enjoy the smell and feel and it looks like my skin tone is better...that or I got a tan.  I am using the Daily Clarifying Cleanser and the Daily Balancing Moisturizer (all of the ones that are salycilic acid free).

Toddler Product Faves

 Winnie the Pooh Airplane - We have a hand me down that doesn't look quite as fancy as this one and the lights and sounds never worked, but this is fun for hours!  He is still young enough to like push toys and he can sit on it and ride it (he picks this over a tricycle).  I can hook a rope up to it and pull him on it.  He can put leaves and sticks under the seat.  The fun never ends. 

Alice in Wonderland - The old Disney Alice in Wonderland is on Netflix Instant Play and suprisingly he loves it.  I am not sure why but it really entertains him...maybe more than Mighty Machines and Lightening McQueen.  I am cool with this because it is one of my childhood faves. 

Foam Water Squirters - Fun in the pool and fun with a bucket of water / hose.  This has taken up hours and hours of fun and Wyatt is almost able to refill it himself. 

My Sick Baby - Can't Breathe Routine

Poor Wyatt.  Can't breathe and runny nose.   He keeps saying "nose" and "wipe".  He learns fast, but not fast enough to learn to blow his nose.  He is feeling ok....celebrate!  He only had one bad night....celebrate more!  He is not quite himself though.  When we go on walks to see the cows or pick dewberries he wants to be carried for most of it. 

We spend a big chunk of our days in the bath tub "sauna".  Come to think of it....going way back to Wyatt's first round of shots as an infant...we spend most of our sick time in the bath tub.  It soothes him for some reason. 

Get the bathroom nice and steamy to help with the breathing

Smiles and happy boy in the bath tub

Bubbles are a special treat since he has some sensitive skin

No more temperature and please admire the Aquaphor shine

Our arsenal...it helps him to feel better for at least a little while...saline spray and NoseFrida are my heroes

Brmm Brmm Gifts

Wyatt must have been a good kiddo because he got some serious gifts for Christmas this year.  So many great ones, but here are a few of the items Wyatt got for Christmas that either he loves or I love. They go Brmmm Brmmmm!

The biggest baddest steel dump truck you can find.  The older cousins figured out the awesomeness of these trucks.  You can sit in them.  You can push them around. You can fill them up with blocks.  We already have a few new scuffs in our walls thanks to this one.

A book of Brmm Brmms that rhymes.  The construction crew even gets a lunch break.  I love it.

A construction silver ware set with a plate.  Ha ha!  We have been warned by family that it is less about eating and more about playing, but it is too cute!

Shoes....Brmm Brmmm

And a home made crochet Kubota with a front end loader.

How I Am Making It Work

I was scared to think of how life would be once I started working 20 hours a week, but life has not changed very much since I started.  Sure, the house is messier.  Yeah, I only do dishes before and after dinner. Ummhmmm, sometimes I even work while Wyatt is awake.

My windows of serious opportunity are before Wyatt wakes up, during morning nap, during afternoon nap, and after he goes to bed.  I can usually get in about 2 to 3 hours before I put him to bed.  Some/most of the time, I put morning nap towards a P90X workout.

Here are my measly tips for how to make being a WFHM (work from home mom) work.

1. Meal plan during the weekend so you don't have to do additional shopping and creating during the week.  Do one crock pot meal a week. Frozen vegetables are your friend. Salads are your friend.  Always thaw your meat one to two days in advance. Make use of marinades.

2. Track the time you work consistently.  Sometimes I think I will just sit down and work a few minutes while Wyatt is occupied, but then I end up getting in a nice 30 minute burst.  You might forget about this time if you don't track it. I am using the Free iPhone app called OfficeTime Lite. You can start / stop timers, track which project you are working on, and run weekly/monthly/daily reports. 

3. Don't feel guilty for working while your kiddo is awake.  This one was easy for me. :)  I think letting you child entertain himself helps to build independence and creativity.  Wyatt has no problem letting me know when he needs interaction. He crawls or walks up to me and that is my cue.  I put the computer down and spend time with him until he moves on to another toy or activity and doesn't need me.  Then I pick up the computer again.  Wyatt goes in laps...cruising around the room, investigating his toys, and banging things on the walls (yay for rentals). Then he looks up, sees me, and decides its time for some Mama. 

Those are all my tips.  I realize that I am in this magical window where Wyatt is old enough to not need constant attention but young enough to not be so active that he is going bonkers in our living room.  I also know that 2 naps is a luxury I will not have forever.  In the future, I will probably have to make use of early morning and late evening...maybe even some weekends.

I do struggle with feeling unprofessional while talking on the phone to anybody at work.  I am embarrassed when Wyatt cries/chatters while I am on the phone.  Most people that I work with don't know that I am a work from home mom that lives in Florida.   I wish I was stronger and could just think about how being a mom is more important than being 100% professional on the phone.  Maybe someday.  :)  Any tips for me?

Favorite Baby Product for Dining With Finger Foods

When your baby doesn't eat from a plate or bowl yet but is in the finger food business, you need a place to put the finger foods when you go out to eat.  The other option is holding the food in your hand and letting them pick from there but when does mama eat in this solution?

Mamas, you should buy this!

This is the Summer Infant Tiny Diner Placemat (sometimes referred to as Kiddopatamus too?).  This keeps the grodies from the table off of your baby and your baby's grody food and fingers off of the table.  It attaches with suction cups that I am sure Wyatt will be able to rip off at some point, but for now hold strong.  There is even a little scoop that hangs off of the end of the table to catch stray cheerios that didn't make it to the mouth. 

 For those peeps that like to watch home videos, here is a video of Wyatt waking up (rare that I am awake before he is to capture the moment).  This video is in no way related to my Tiny Diner recommendation, but I felt the need to include it because I think it is cute. :)

Total Baby App

One might say that I am a little bit crazy since I still track every single nap and feeding for Wyatt.  I prefer to say overly analytical and mentally organized.  I bought the Total Baby application before Wyatt was born.  I love it!  You can track diaper changes and baths .  You can track height and weight.  You can track Dr. appointments and shots.  This application is a must for crazy moms like myself.  I will force myself to stop using it soon.  At least by a year old.  Maybe I could strike a deal with myself to stop earlier?  Not sure.  I enjoy it too much.

I have currently been using it to track Wyatt's temperature and last dosage of Ibuprofen.  This is very helpful when answering questions for Drs and remembering the last time you gave him medicine.

Wyatt is still super congested, sneezing, and coughing.  He is not eating very well and refusing naps unless in a car seat or I am rocking him.  He has even had to resort to puking to get up some of the mucous.  Poor baby.  I feel so sorry for him.  He manages to smile and play a lot during the day even though he is miserable.  I took him to the Dr today and the congestion has led to an ear infection so we are starting treatment for that.  I am really hoping he can wake up a happy dude tomorrow.  Happy dude = happy mama.

Weekend Update

Get ready for the most exciting post ev-er.  This weekend we cleaned, laundried, and groceried. I cooked this Shrimp Etouffee. A real cajun would probably scoff at the recipe, but it was simple and good.  We tripled the spice requirements (of course).  Hunter washed trucks, changed oil, and got in a round of golf.

A few more random thoughts.

I ordered a CJ's Butter sample pack since I was almost out of cloth diaper safe cream.  The smells are awesome.  I could hardly narrow it down to 8.  Mamas you need this for your hands.  Bebes you need this for your booty.  I think my favorite is the blueberry crumble or the ginger lime.  Even if you don't cloth diaper, help yo'self.  

We got the courage to try putting Wyatt in a church nursery and tried out a new church.  They said he did great.  When we picked him up he stuck out his pouty lip suddenly realizing we had abandoned him for over an hour. 

Our standing instead of napping is getting much better but still could use some work.

Every day when I lay Wyatt's toys out he looks at me like "these again Mom?".  Made me wonder what people did in the good ol days for baby toys.  They probably played with grass, rocks, sticks, and rags.  They probably had to play a lot of patty cake with mom or be entertained by big sis or bro.  Maybe some home made dolls?  Little things like that do work.  I am currently booping Wyatt on the head with his jammies so I can type this.  He loves it!  I am glad I live in a time of toys though.  I also don't imagine Mom being able to spend all day entertaining her baby.  If Mom didn't work hard a family might not eat.  Did the baby get backpacked around?  Did the baby learn to be happy with lots of alone time?  Was one mom or big sister assigned baby duty so the rest of the moms could do their work?

Random thoughts by Janet.  I hope your Monday turns into Tuesday realll quick like. 

Yes I Am a Computer Gal, No I Won't Have a Cooler Blog

It is time to address this topic.  I am using the simple template from blogger.  I have not done very many customizations at all.  I even left the default blue color.

Yes, I worked in IT for 8 years.  Yes, I have a a degree in computers.

Here is the key.  I don't do pretty.  I do functional.  Blogger already created all the functionality I need (for now) so I am just going to continue using the boring, simple, easy-cheesy templates.  I am working on a banner image.  When I finish that, I may stop there or I may keep going.  It all depends on Wyatt and if he continues with 45 minute naps.  I will beat the 45 minute intruder (separate post coming soon). 

Now that I got that out of the way (my guilt was consuming me), here are some of the weekend highlights.

• Found a yummy Cuban restaurant this weekend. This inspired Hunter to make some Cafe Cubanos at home. 
•  Upgraded from the Moby Wrap (I loved) to the Ergo Baby Carrier (I love). It was time for a carrier that could be used like a backpack and also in the front.  Hurrah!
• Survived a 2 hour softball practice in beautiful weather.  One of the sweet wifeys watched Wyatt the whole time so I could play.  We have our first game tonight.  Go Team Zachry!
• Created a safe space for Wyatt.  Mutli-tasking is hard when your child can move around.  We will do some better baby-proofing in the future. 
• Bought all of the baby beach essentials from Babies R Us (rash guard, sunglasses, beach hat, baby sunscreen). 

I think I overused parenthesis in this post (don't you?).