bliss list ~ october

It finally felt like fall Monday night.  The sky was cloudy, the wind was blowing and it just looked fall-like outside.  I have been home every day in October and was fully expecting to be pulling out the socks and sweatshirt while I sat on my couch, watching the dark sky outside.  On the contrary, we have had a rather warm October and I really haven't had that fall feeling.  Therefore, my October Bliss List doesn't contain too many fall items but a few things that have definitely brightened my life this past month.

Pumpkin Spice Latte ~ Okay, so this is technically a fall item.  Starbucks' signature fall drink.  Last fall I couldn't really handle them.  Not sure if it was the pumpkin or the spice but I had one or two and was done.  I have experienced a complete 180 this fall and am in love with this coffee!  I like that it comes in decaf and prefer it without the whip - maybe an attempt to make it slightly more healthy.  One of my favorite aspects of this drink is that I've gotten to share it with my friend, Krystle, on several morning get-togethers this month.  Oh, how I will miss those when I head back to work tomorrow!

OxiClean ~ This product has been a LIFESAVER since Nora arrived.  It is an excellent pre-soaker.  I like that it is available in a scent and dye free option.  Before we made the switch to cloth diapers we had several poop stains on Nora's onesies.  Enter the OxiClean.  We would do a soak before throwing them in the wash and they would come out good as new.  Now that Nora is in cloth diapers, we no longer have stains on clothes but do have poopy diapers.  We just throw her cloth inserts and plastic liners in a wet pail with water and OxiClean.  On laundry day we dump the whole pail in the washer, do a rinse cycle, a hot cycle, and another rinse cycle and they come out looking great.  BEST. PRODUCT.EVER.

The Sun ~ I know the sun has made its way onto many of my Bliss Lists but I have got to have my sunshine.  While I do enjoy a rainy day now and again, I really like the sun.  I haven't necessarily been home bound since Nora's arrival but I do spend more time indoors.  I love to see the sun streaming through the windows and opening the shades in the morning to welcome it in.  The sun has helped with some great fall weather which has allowed for many pleasant afternoon walks with Nora.

Candles ~ Okay, another fall-like item.  I'm not a huge candle person except during the fall and winter seasons.  It's not only the smell I love but also the warm glow and homey feel that illuminates the room when a candle is lit.  Whenever I walk into homes that have candles glowing I feel a sense of welcome.  A lit candle helps me feel calm and at peace.

 Smiles ~ One of my most favorite things this month would have to be smiles from a certain tiny someone.

Wondering what were some of my blissful bitties were last October?  Click here.

{not your mom's} cloth diapers

{not Nora}

While I was still pregnant with Nora, Hubby and I contemplated many things about her upbringing.  Where would she spend her days while Hubby and I were at work?  What were the essential baby things we needed?  What would her name be?  How would we diaper her?  That last question may sound like a silly one but with Hubby's and my effort to be more consciously green, whether or not to use disposable diapers was something in question for us.  The pros to disposables - they're easy.  The cons - they're expensive, they never decompose (okay, they do eventually decompose...in 500 years).  So then we thought about the cloth diaper alternative.  The pros - you have one up front cost (some might see this as a con but we knew we were saving in the end), you don't have to make an emergency trip to the store when you need more, they are much more Earth-friendly.  The cons - you have to deal with a little more poop, although you still deal with poop in disposables, you have to do more laundry.

After weighing the pros and cons, Hubby and I decided to go for it.  We were going to venture into cloth diapers.  If you've ever done research on cloth diapers you will know the old traditional option our mom's used - the prefold with pins and rubber cover - is still around but you also now have tons of other options:  all in ones, pocket, convertible...the choices are a bit overwhelming!  After doing quite a bit of research, we settled on the diaper that seemed best for us:  the gDiaper.  Once we had decided on this type we stocked up on all of our supplies.  We had to buy the adorable little gPant, which came with liners, the cloth inserts, and we also got some disposable inserts for good measure.  You see, the big selling point (not to us, but to some) of the gDiaper is that the disposable insert is both flushable and compostable and will compost in just 50-100 days.  Sure beats the 500 years of a disposable.  We chose not to plug up our plumming and got the disposable inserts for travel and nighttime when we knew Nora would be at her most wet.  Once we had everything, we washed it up, put it in the drawer and awaited the first diapering.

*     *     *     *     *     *

Fast forward a few months to Nora's birth.  We knew that we would not be starting with the gDiapers immediately.  For one thing, they're made to fit 8 to 14 pound babies.  Our Nora wasn't quite 8 pounds when she was born.  Another issue was her newborn poop.  It was messy and tary.  We opted not to completely ruin our new g's with that.  And lastly, her belly button.  We wanted that to fall of before we put her into her g's.

*     *     *     *     *     *

Now fast forward to a few weeks after Nora's birth.  We were still in disposables.  We had not made the switch as quickly as we (mainly Hubby) had liked.  For some reason, I just froze on the issus.  Was it because I was still getting comfortable with her?  Was it because I didn't want to deal with the mess?  Was it because I wasn't ready to handle one more new thing?  Not really sure but eventually Hubby gave me the nudge I needed and we put Nora's first g on her.  And we haven't turned back since.

Aside from them being quite adorable, I do like how easy they are.  Sure, it took some getting used to but now we're pros at taking them off, replacing, and tossing used diapers in the laundry room.  And laundry itself isn't too difficult either.  We're able to do it every 2 to 3 days, which isn't too bad in my opinion. 

Some may think we're crazy and that's fine.  This is just something we wanted to try.  Do we judge those who use disposable diapers?  NO WAY!  It is totally a personal choice and there may be a day when we feel we need to use some disposables.  But for now, I'm glad we're experiementing and exploring the new world of cloth diapering.

{Nora's introduction to th gDiaper}

fall weekend ~ part 3

After several weekends of travel, we were finally able to experience a weekend at home as a family.  Don't get me wrong - I love traveling back home to visit family and friends but there's just something about a low key weekend at home, which we were able to enjoy a few weeks ago. 

Nora was able to get in some great stroller time {her favorite} at my school for two school-wide events on Friday night and Saturday morning.  Friday night was a school family night of sorts and the weather couldn't have been better.  We pushed her around the playground and I got to see many students and my colleagues whom I have deeply missed while on my leave.  On Saturday Nora and I participated in walk for one of our school's students who has been undergoing treatment for leukemia.  Again, beautiful weather and Nora slept for the entire 2 mile walk. 

Keeping with the great weather theme, when Nora and I returned home I handed her off to Hubby and had some yard therapy.  I got out my electric hedge trimmer {my favorite} and went to town on our hedges giving them their fall trim.  The last time I worked in the yard I was 9 months pregnant.  Much easier 8 weeks post partum!  I was able to trim in record time, put away our solar lights and FINALLY decorate our front stoop for fall.  I'm always at a loss as to how to decorate our front stoop.  It's not large enough to be considered a porch but has enough space that it can look pretty bare without something in its space.  My aunt gave me some great looking gourds from her farm a few weeks ago and I was so excited to finally have something to display!

That night the fun continued as we went on our first evening outing as a family.  We joined our good friends for a Wizards soccer game.  I was a little concerned how Nora would do as she was still pretty fussy in the evenings.  We had a bit of a rough start but things ended up just fine and we made it through our first Wizards game as a family!

Nora with her best friend, Clare

It's weekends like those - the days are relaxed, the sun is shining, the weather is beautiful, the family is happy...you know life is good.

nora ~ 2 months

{click on Nora's photo to view 2 month photo outtakes}

On October 19th, Nora turned 2 months old.  Crazy!  How can two months go so quickly, especially when I have to go back to work in less than 2 weeks.  Such is life.  We've had a busy month with trips to Nebraska, lunches out with friends and Dad, visits from family...and we've all become a little more accustomed to our new life as a family.

Everything has gotten a little easier this second month.  We've figured out a good bedtime routine for Nora.  I can now time feedings better so we're not late everywhere we go.  I can now cook and sometimes Hubby and I can even eat together as Nora FINALLY is content sitting in her papasan.  And most importantly, we have a happy baby!  Sure, she has her fussy or crabby moments (don't we all?) but she is laughing, talking, and smiling more and more each day.

Two big health milestones for Nora this month - she got her 2 month immunization shots and started taking Zantac.  More often than I'd like, while I was feeding Nora, she would fuss, wriggle, and cry when I burped her followed by a good amount of spit up.  Not fun for her and not fun for me.  After a visit with the doctor, we decided to try Zantac for reflux.  Around the same time I gave up dairy to see if that was the issue so it's tough to determine what the problem was/is, but she is doing much better.  Her shots went well too.  She screamed at the poke but was a happy baby the rest of the night.

Taking the lead from Dusty at All Things G&D, I'm going to start posting some stats about Nora each month.

Nora's current stats:

Bedtime:  9:00 or 9:30 pm

Wake up time:  7:00 or 8:00 am --- but this is after a quick wake up at 2:00 am for the pacifier and a 4:30 am wake up for a feeding.  We're still working on stretching this girl through the night!

Naps:  Lots of cat naps!  Nora is following a pretty predictable schedule - wake up, eat, play, sleep.  We're finally stretching the time she is awake and playing, which sometimes ends up stretching her time in between feedings.  I'm really working for her to get one solid nap, generally in the afternoon.  Some days, she does great and will nap for 3 hours.  Other days it is a struggle with lots of little cat naps.

Eating:  Nora eats every 3 to 4 hours and when we do give her a bottle, we're giving 4 oz. but are working to increase it to 4 1/2 oz. or 5 oz.

Favorite toys:  She likes her black and white books and a soft toy with rings and a mirror.  I hold it above her and she can stare at it for quite some time.

Firsts/Milestones:  Talking and singing a lot now.  She likes to sing along with me.



baby bliss list ~ part 1

After nearly 8 weeks of a brand new life, Hubby and I are starting to figure out Nora's needs, cues, and quirks.  Sadly, Nora does not enjoy her swing or papasan.  How's a mom supposed to make a meal if the baby doesn't like the swing????  Fortunately, there are a few other things that have gotten us by in these weeks.  I guess you could consider this my Baby Bliss List.

Chicco Stroller

This puppy has been a lifesaver.  When we were choosing a stroller, we wanted something that was light enough to carry but something that would suit an infant and a toddler.  I wasn't too crazy on a travel system just because of their size.  This stroller from Chicco was just the ticket.  I love how compactly it folds up and like that the seat has many positioning options.  She can lie down and sit up at different inclines.  It's easy to push and is cute to boot!

Jelly Bean Sling

Since Nora doesn't care for the swing or papsan, it means Hubby and I spend a lot of time holding and carrying her.  It's nice to be able to have our hands free every now and then and our sling has been our lifesaver.  She won't fit in it much longer but we are loving the fact we can slide her in there and she is as content as can be.  See...

Halo SleepSack Swaddle

Nora LOVES to be swaddled up tight.  She can't sleep soundly if she isn't swaddled --- she has no control of her arms.  This swaddler has been a life saver.  We put her in, zip it up, and velcro it shut and she's off for a good night's sleep.  {we actually have the cute mocha dot print but I couldn't find it online...}  Nora continues to lengthen so we're going to have to figure out what to do when she outgrows this baby...it only comes in the newborn size.  I did find another swaddler that comes in a larger size so we'll have to see how she feels about this one.

Carter's Long Sleeve Onesies

We received a lot of cute short sleeved and even sleeveless outfits for Nora.  Great for a summer baby but the problem is Nora was born at the end of August and it's quickly becoming too cool for just short sleeves.  Enter the long sleeved onesie.  I had registered for several white long sleeve onesies and have used them well however I was wanting something other than just white.  Carter's to the rescue!  They had these onesies that were just the ticket.  I actually found them online in the boys section but they will work perfectly paired under some of her more girly tops.  Evidence below:

Burp Cloths

Yes, their original purpose is for diapers but these are the BEST burp cloths around.  You can spread them out to cover your entire shoulder, hence protecting your clothing from spit up.  They are super absorbent for those feedings when the milk just doesn't seem to stay down.  They are soft.  Nora loves holder hers.  I know they probably aren't the cutest burp clothes but they are definitely the most useful!  {no picture of Nora with the burp cloth...no one needs to see spit up}

So that's my list of must-haves for now.  I know as Nora grows we'll encounter a whole new slew of things we can't live without.  So ends my first Baby Bliss List!

after 8 weeks...

I've finally figured out I can shower again...now that Nora will sit in her papsan.  Hallelujah!

I can anticipate Nora's moods...I can tell when she's happy, hungry, tired, or just plain bored.

I feel absolutely comfortable leaving the house and enjoy our outings together.

I can button a pair of pre-pregnancy pants...not necessarily comfortable but hey, they button!

I don't dread nighttime...Nora is sleeping for longer stretches...last night it was 8 hours!

I'm in love with baby smiles, coos, and laughs.

I'm finally figuring things out...with only 2 more weeks of being a full time mommy before I head back to work.

fall weekend ~ part 2

Last weekend we once again traveled home to Nebraska but this weekend was a special one - we were having Nora baptized.  We chose to have her baptized in my home church to make traveling easier for both my and Hubby's families.  My mom was once again a HUGE help with hosting, cooking, and preparing.  Although I am embarassed by my contribution to the gathering (chips), I was and am so appreciative of all of the help I've received from my family.

It was such a nice weekend.  My sister (who had been visiting and staying at our house) and I were able to head home Friday morning and Hubby came Friday night after work.  My brother and his girlfriend also arrived that night.  I loved waking up and watching the scenes of the Saturday morning...an early rise with my mom, sister, and Nora...drinking coffee with my dad...everyone enjoying cinnamon rolls in their pajamas...Saturday morning college football coverage...it was a good thing.  I so enjoy spending time with family and trips home to Mom and Dad's seem even more special now.

Sunday morning was Nora's baptism.  I was a little nervous how she would react to the water.  She was wide awake when we went up to the altar, stared at the pastor as he spoke and was wide-eyed when he poured the water over her head and blessed her but remained alert, quiet, and content.  After the blessing the pastor walked her up and down the church isles and she stared, bright-eyed at the congregation.  So sweet.  After we returned to our seats, she curled up in my arms and slept the rest of the service.  So peaceful. 

You may wonder why I was nervous.  Well, this was the way our morning started...

But everything worked out just fine.

We had a nice luncheon at my parents' home with family and friends.  My only regret -- we didn't get many photos with Nora and family...especially my and Hubby's parents.  But the Auntie and Uncle were covered.

Nora and her Aunt Kylie a.k.a fairy godmother

Nora and her Uncle Bryan and Holly

A great weekend with family.  We don't have any travel plans in the near future and Hubby and I are looking forward to spending some fall weekends at home as a family.

bliss lists...forgotten

I was a faithful poster of my Bliss Lists.  I even got pretty good at making sure I posted them on the last day of the month, reflecting my loves for that month.  Then I had this baby.  I'm not surprised I failed with August.  My mind was on other things that month and I wasn't even motivated to write my post ahead of time and have it ready to be published on the 31st.  Fail.  And September.  Where, oh where did September go?  It's October 6th and I didn't even bother to reflect on the things I loved during September.  I guess I have been a little preoccupied with a few other things...but I do miss my little list I post each month.  My goal is to have this list back up and in blissful order this month.

Speaking of lists, stay tuned for a similar post of sorts...a list of all things I've loved during the first two month's of Nora's life.  There are most definitely a few items we would not have been able to survive without!

i'm learning...

There are few things I have learned in 6 short weeks...

Showers are a luxury.

I love weekend showers the most when Hubby is home to watch Nora and I can take longer than a 3 minute shower.

Never turn down a gifted meal.

We have received some great meals and treats from friends and family and they have been a lifesaver!

The stroller is the ultimate soother.

When Nora is upset, nothing calms her down like a nice stroll.

DVR is a great invention.

With the start of fall shows and the return of some of our favorites, the DVR has been quite handy in pausing and recording shows we miss due to fussing, feeding, and bedtime.

My Hubby is the best teammate.

I have a fault --- I think I need to do everything on my own.  But this Babe is the responsibility of me and my Hubby.  And he does a great job reminding me of that and sharing in the work, frustration, laughs, and joys.  I'm quite lucky.

fall weekend ~ part 1

A new fall season begins with some mini-road trips.  I guess I shouldn't consider a visit home a road trip but when you're traveling with a 5 week old, alone, it definitely falls in the journey category!

Nora and I traveled home this past weekend to visit her grandparents and to help host a baby shower for my friend.  The benefit of not working right now is being able to get home earlier than 9 pm on a Friday night, which is usually the case when both Hubby and I are working.  However, getting out the door quickly is a thing of the past with an infant.  Although I was able to shower and get myself ready before Nora rose from the day, once she was awake I had to tend to her --- feed and dress --- and then pack everything in the car.  Thank goodness she tolerates the Baby Bjorn as that was my saving grace when gathering and packing the car.  After a quick swing through Starbucks {pumpkin spice latte!} we were on the road.  Did you know traveling with an infant increases your travel time by at least one hour?  We had to stop about 2 hours in to change and feed but overall, the ride was quite smooth and I had an excellent traveler in the back seat.

It was great to be at home.  There's just something about home that allows me to fully relax.  My mom was a huge help with Nora and will the shower preparations.  I couldn't have done it without her.  And my dad was great to spend some time with Nora on the porch.  She loves the outdoors!  We even managed a walk.  It was cooler than I expected back up in Nebraska but luckily my mom had picked up a jacket for Nora...it's a 6 month jacket but it did the job!

Sunday was a busy day with church and shower preparations but Nora looked pretty in her pink dress!

The shower was great!  We had a great spread of sweets and check out the diaper cake...my first attempt at such a feat.  It wasn't perfect but it served it's purpose.

A photo of my best girls ~ the hostesses on the ends and the mommy-to-be in the middle.  She looks fabulous!

We'll be traveling back to good old Nebraska as a family this weekend for Nora's baptism.  She is quite the traveler!