The New Crib

Baby boy is growing fast, thus it's time to get a crib prepared for transfer from his bassinet. My in-laws were kind enough to purchase our convertible crib of choice for us last month that will grow with our boy over the years. Unfortunately, it arrived damaged, and we were forced to return it  for store credit, only to find that it was discontinued. We decided on this new baby that I pictured here as well.

This crib was a bit more pricey, but it received great ratings throughout the internet. So naturally I went to work on the discounts! I applied a 15% baby furniture discount, contacted the store's customer service line for a discount on shipping (since my in-laws had already paid for it) and finally used the store credit and a $10 gift card that I still had from a previous gift. Thus, we only ended up paying $10.16 extra for our (originally $30) more expensive crib. Plus, I received 6% cash back shopping through Be Frugal

Happy mommy right here!  --> :-D

"Little" Changes...

Zavier has been keeping me very busy recently, which hasn't left much time for blogging. He is growing so well; He received a great report (and his first set of vaccinations) from the doctor yesterday. He is doing so many things now- picking his head up, "talking," rolling- and just keeps on going. We are getting longer stretches of sleep out of him too, which is quite encouraging as well.

I did find Zavier an occasional baby sitter nearby- the mother of one of my college friends. She recently lost her full time job so has more time during the day to watch him should I need to run errands, go to medical appointments, etc. She volunteered and I'm sure that she could use the compensation. In fact, today I will be calling her to set up a few times for her to watch him.

We have been hanging out with new friend in the are who have kids as well, being invited to two birthday parties for one-year-olds this month alone. I'm looking forward to him continuing to grow and do more, though I both love and will miss this adorable stage that my "Little Him" is in right now. 

"Sitting" Pretty

Though we have tons of loving family that love taking care of Zavier, they are a bit far away to call for a simple 2 hour stint to the movies or dinner. Thus, I think it's time to find a sitter a little closer to home.

Being new to town, asked local acquaintance with small children if she knew of anyone, since she was a newcomer to the area just a few years ago herself. She told me of a lady that she'd found on care.com that she had used for quite some time, but who was currently unavailable. I figured, then, that I should begin scouring internet sites dedicated to encountering nannies and babysitters too. However, I still found this uncomfortable, just not knowing who I was getting. Plus, these baby sitting sites have changed recently- charging premium prices just to make contact with applicants! Ugh!

Finally, I reached out to a college friend and her other who also live nearby. Her mother got back to me quickly, commenting that she would be willing to help out as needed, be it that she wasn't currently working full time. I was so delighted and relieved! I trust her completely, knowing who she is and how she is with her [soon to be 3] young granddaughters. And I would love to help her out with compensation during her difficult time.

I thank God again for meeting my family's needs and desires on a consistent basis. :-)

Staples

I am not going to get my pre-baby weight overnight. In fact, even with the work I am planning to put in, I anticipate it taking me months to even be close again. Thus, I am going to need a interim wardrobe as I slim back down.

Obviously, my pre-pregnancy clothes don't fit me yet. I still have a belly and about 25 extra pounds from that original date. My maternity clothes feel a bit bulky, frumpy and somewhat depressing, actually at this point. So I want to find a few things that I can wear when heading out for something special- Perhaps 2 pair of nice jeans, some black, comfy tops, a wrap dress (that falls just below my newly endowed breasts! Haha!) and a few bras with a bit more support. I also need some new exercise clothes and sneakers as well. Thankfully, I live very close to outlet shopping now, and come the first non-rainy day, baby boy and I might just have to take a trip...with daddy's credit card. Hehe.

Plus, I need to use some gift cards and coupons on Zavier at some of the stores there. Next week I will be shopping...and I can't wait! LOL!

"Just Between Friends" -- local consignment events

I just found out about Just Between Friends, a child consignment faire that takes place around the Philadelphia vicinity. There are HUNDREDS of gently used items for sale for children at this flea market which occurs a few times per year.

The fortunate part is that I did indeed discover the sale...and that I can sign up to sell items! I just wish that I would have found out about this sooner. The sale is quickly approaching in my area and I just donated tons of my son's barely used and brand new, never worn items (still with tags!) This year Zavier has all he needs to get him through. But The next time this sale rolls around my neck of the woods I WILL be ready, to both buy and sell! ;-)

If you live in the tri-state area and are looking for items for your children, check out the JBF page for more info and events.


Logo extracted directly from the JBF page. I own no rights.

Getting in Step

Last night I had a bit of a "breakdown." Those tend to happen when I am tired, and sitting taking in how much my life has changed over the past year, and how "out-of-my-element" I feel having just had the baby. My breakdowns usually consist of intense crying, sobbing about the "old days." They are normal though, and after sleeping a bit (Thanks to my boyfriend for helping out with the baby last night), I am able to recoup and regroup.

Besides a long day with the in-laws and a new baby as a part yesterday, my breakdown had to do with doing the things that I both need and want to do, and finding a balance between them. I have spent the last few days calling to schedule doctor's appointments at new practices in my area for current issues (another breast ultrasound being one of them, and a chafing issue from pregnancy that just won't go away!). It has been time invasive to say the least, and trial and error has played the biggest role in the process. Also, I have been attempting to find out how to get a replacement piece for the baby's new crib since one piece arrived broken. Another "process," coupled with trying to open a new bank account, moving and unpacking here at the house and of course taking care of an infant. But these are "challenges" that come with the territory, and I am thankful to be taking them in stride.

My boyfriend will be on paternity leave from work for the next 2 weeks. This means scheduling some "me time" between those medical appointments. That consists of hitting the gym, happy hours with a friend and an overdue mani/pedi with this warmer weather in the midst. And I have a suspicion that I will also be getting a Mother's Day spa treatment as well...Hmm. I'm ready. It's time to get back in step! ;-)

New-s to Me!

Yesterday was my 6 week post partum checkup, and before baby boy and I even left the house, I was feeling pretty spunky. The day before I had gone out to buy some new sunglasses, the large round frames:



After watching talk show clip about how to spruce up your look as a new mom, I paired my look with a bright red lipstick and matching blush.



I was so happy when my boyfriend complemented me over dinner with a "You look nice, babe." I guess it had been a while since I'd put in the effort, understandably.

Now I'm ready to keep it going. I've gotten some new skin care products- feeling pretty dry and still attempting to reduce these stretch marks- and some new lip colors. Now I just need to find a hair stylist in the area; My boyfriend also helped me start removing these braids and I will undoubtedly need a fresh wash, blow, flat iron and trim, but in my new hood. I was also cleared by the doctor to begin my exercise routine. The boyfriend is also going on his two week paternity leave starting next week, so I think it's the perfect time to start feeling like me again with fresh workouts, colorful lips and a girl's night at our local beer distributor's restaurant, since I have yet to try any of their 100+ flavors thanks to pregnancy. Haha!

No, really. Here's to feeling like new...here's to me!

Balancing Act

My boyfriend has been doing a great job as a new dad. he's been working 8 hours a day, and sleeping less at night now that he is back on his regular work shift. He even takes Zavier for me quite a bit when he gets home so that I can rest a bit. It's nice to have his help.

He is also still participating in his former extracurricular activities- trips to concerts and Vegas, baseball games, outings with friends, etc. This is a luxury that dads have, not feeling or even needing to have that "maternal pulling/requirement" to be with baby pretty much all of the time. He does assert that I, too, can still participate in my recreational activities when he is not working, but for some reason it just doesn't seem right. I feel guilty leaving my little guy for an extended amount of time. I feel bad asking for help. I am a mom now. Yet, I am also still a woman, a human being. And I have people in my life that really WANT to help. So I should really relinquish some of the control and maladaptive feelings that I have about living a balanced life as a mom. After all, the gym, nail salon and happy hour bar are all calling. ;-)

Little things that bring big smiles

It seems that Gerber does not really offer many samples for their formula in the way that Enfamil and Similac do. Thus, I have begun seeking ways to get the biggest bang for my buck when buying the product. So far it seems that Babies r Us offers the best price: (2) 23 oz. tubs for $40.99. I will be using Ebates to purchase raise.com gift cards and then purchasing the formula online through Ebates's Babies r Us site. That will get us a 2% discount at least on top of the $2-$5 discount over other stores.

Zavier has also grown out of his newborn diapers. Thankfully, his cousin brought over some diapers that were too small for another of his relatives. Perfect timing! The size 1 & 2 diapers were mostly Huggies- our least favorite in quality- but we will receive them and put them on our boy during the day. There were also some Luvs and another un-named brand, those of which Zavier is wearing now and doing just fine in.

Lastly, we've been taking inventory of the things that we are not using in the nursery and returning them accordingly. Most recently was a changing pad (we do not have a changing table) and now some diapers. I've had to research online to find out which stores sell the items as most did not come with gift receipts, which has been successful. Tomorrow I plan on Zavier and I heading out to run our errands and make our returns. :-)

Love with Ease

Me and my boys had a ton of help this weekend. Between my friend going to appointments with me on Thursday and staying until Friday, to my bro & sis-in-law and their four children, Zavier surely received tons of love and attention! I am so thankful to have people that love all of us in our lives. It really makes this process a lot easier. :-)

Minor Changes, Major Results

Yesterday marked 4 Mondays since Zavier arrived on this earth! He is getting big so fast, and though I am finding it challenging at times, I am finding that I love that "Little Him" more than life itself, being willing to do anything for him. :-) He also had is one month checkup appointment at the doctor yesterday, weighing a whopping 10 pounds! He is doing well too, though the doctor did recommend that we change to Gerber Good Start's formula, being that Zavier isn't sleeping well after feedings and seems very gassy on the Enfamil. We started him on it yesterday, and so far there is a very noticeable difference. Thus, back to the drawing board on finding coupons for [the new] formula.

I have been feeling frustrated at times though, but my boyfriend, the realist, keeps me grounded, reminding me that I need to just stay calm. I feel like that's easy for him to say sometimes- he gets to "escape" to work everyday- but he will now have Zavier at nights with me, even having to get up for work at 5 each morning. Yes, we are going to have to get this little boy acclimated to a schedule quickly, and have been reading that around 6 weeks of age is a great time start with a bedtime routine. Be it as I am re-acclimating him to this schedule with the new formula, I will probably be able to do so around that time.

So here's to my baby growing healthily and our family feeling continually whole. :-)

Baby Deals

Look at what I got today for $45.89:

At CVS:

• (2) 22.2 oz. containers of Enfamil formula
• (4) 35 packs of Pampers diapers
• (2) 8 fl. oz. bottles of Dawn dish detergent
• (1) 25 count travel can of baby wipes

Here's how I did it:

I started by purchasing a $30.25 gift card for $27.72 via raise.com through Ebates. This awarded an extra 1.0 % cash back from ($.28) as well. I used that toward the purchases

Coupon usage:

(4) -$1.50 Pampers coupons (coupons.com)
(1) -$.50 Dawn coupon (coupons.com)
(2) $5 Enfamil coupons (received by mail)
$17.50 in Extrabucks coupons from various sales above

$34.00 in coupons
+  2.81 in online gift card purchase savings
$36.81 in savings


And voila! There you have what I could have paid in just diapers or formula for a fraction of the price!

At a Loss

I stepped on the scale today. I was down 25 pounds from the 60 that I gained during my pregnancy. And that's just a little less than a month postpartum, no real exercise. I am waiting until my 6 week checkup until I really get back into the grind and go to the gym. Here's to new mom weight loss...

Getting Rid of the Guilt

I am still working through the guilt of not breastfeeding. I tried. Zavier hated it, constantly crying at my slow milk productions, nipple shield falling off (which he would only use to feed!), the awkward positioning and probably sensing my frustration. My mom witnessed it one day, the screaming, the wailing, stating that she really understood why straight bottle feeding might just be the best thing for this little boy.

Even after seeing a lactation consultant and pumping my heart out (at least to the best of my ability) I still couldn't seem to get in the habit. My boyfriend asked me the other day if I was still breastfeeding. I said that I was trying. I lied. I think that I am over it, though I'm not over feeling bad about it.

I talked to friends who breastfed exclusively too, for various reasons. That eased my guilt a bit. Plus, Zavier is gaining weight; He is healthy and happy, and even doing things that are developmentally advanced for his age. So, I must be doing something right, no?

One day I am sure that I will feel better about my decision not to be a mother locked to the pump. I'm looking forward to that day. In the meantime, I will just have to attempt to stop beating myself up over it.

Baby Acne?

My little one recently developed little bumps all over his forehead and cheeks. They don't seem to bother him though. Plus, he is still just as adorable. Hehe. We have a doctor's appointment on Monday so I will definitely check with him about it, but in doing some research, it seems to be nothing more than baby acne. Apparently it is a reaction to the mother's hormonal changes during pregnancy and can develop within the first few weeks after birth. Within a few months as baby becomes accustomed to life outside of the womb it begins to dissipate. So, I'm thinking that it won't be long before we don't see it, at least not until his teenage years, which as many people tell me will be here before I know it. :-\

Photo Sale

York Photo has this great promotion going on. You can get 100 4x6 printed photos for $3. Use the code 100for3 at checkout. I am not sure how long the promotion will last, so hurry!

Also, remember to grab your personalized mug as well! Use code WONDERMUG to purchase for $2, plus $5.99 shipping & handling. This one expires April 23, 2014. I already made one for my boyfriend's mom as a Mother's Day present. I know she is going to LOVE IT! :-D

Cat Naps

Zavier has been sleeping less during the day. He's also eating inconsistently. There was a time when he would drink his 2.5 fl. oz. of milk and drift off to sleep for 2-3 hours if not more. Now, at 3.5 weeks old, he is drinking those ounces, then waking within an hour to finish. His long periods of sleep are beginning to diminish during daytime hours, and this would be just fine if he were old enough to keep himself occupied while I moved about the house. Yet, he cannot hold his head up yet, still gets hungry frequently and needs constant attention, so crying is what he does while awake if he cannot be tended to. I also don't think that grandma being here this week- as thankful as I am for her help- is helping; There is a lot of extra "holding time," play, pampering and catering to that has gotten him off schedule during daylight. Yet, night hours are beginning to shape up well. Zavier is doing better with sleeping in his bassinet (if I am consistent with it! :-), is waking every 2-2.5 hours for food and changing, and is even quite sleepy at times when doing so. Unless he has major gas, he pretty much falls back to sleep immediately. I even have to keep him awake to finish his bottles. This gives me home that he is indeed developing a schedule and beginning to distinguish his nights from his days.

Magic Sleep

Last night was my boyfriend's night off of work for the week. He usually stays up during the night/morning hours to keep his schedule consistent. In doing so, he was able to care for the baby while I got in 5.5 straight hours of sleep! It was great for all three of us actually- Zavier only woke up once during the night! I guess daddy has the magic touch. I won't be jealous though. I'm too grateful. ;-)

Brain Works

I've noticed recently that as I'm holding and rocking the baby, I have been counting in my head. I don't realize it at first, but become aware that I am on a random number, not even knowing where or when I started. It's interesting, and actually somewhat frightening, though I'm not sure why I feel that way. I'm sure it's just a coping mechanism, a way to ease my tired brain and keep me awake while I attempt to put my infant asleep. In fact, since my boyfriend's mother has been here helping and allowing me more time to rest, I have noticed it less...funny how the brain works. :-)

Too Good...to Leave on the Shelf!

I have to show you what I got for $10 yesterday! I went to Ollie's Bargain Warehouse to return some curtains that did not fit the intended window. Of course I did so after the 30 day return window, so they had to issue a store credit to me. I ended up shopping the baby section as and finding this 8 piece set for my son's nursery:

I had to triple check the price, seeing that it was only marked as $9.99! It seemed too good to be true, especially since there were other smaller sets marked for more. So this price was more than right! I headed to the checkout using my store credit certificate and was on my way. Now, my precious boy has another animal comforter set to keep him cozy as he grows in the coming months.

Now THAT is what I call a bargain and a lucky break!