First Birthday Party Details

Our little Madison turned one last month!  We had a very low-key, small party with just immediate family invited.  We decided to keep decorations to a minimum and keep it simple and fun.  
Here are some of the details from the little party.  

Her party theme was pink and green polk-a-dots (with some buttons for good measure).  For the centerpiece we used her name puzzle propped up on a plate stand with some birthday balloons added for fun:  

I made the cake myself and kept it easy, to decorate it I added edible sugar buttons:  

For favors we filled pink polk-a-dot paper favor bags with chocolate Hershey's Hugs and Kisses candies, so party-goers could take home "hugs and kisses" from the birthday girl:  

Pampers Rewards

File this one under "things I wish I started sooner..."

So our little one is almost 11 months old, and though I'd seen the Pampers Rewards numbers on her packages of diapers and wipes I never bothered to look into it ("Ain't nobody got time for that!").  

But the other week my sister-in-law was saying how she's been doing Pampers Rewards for awhile now and has been getting rewarded with photobooks and toys for free... that got my attention.  So I checked it out and signed up, it's pretty straightforward - make an account and enter the codes printed on packages of diapers and wipes.  Once you have some points you can redeem them for all sorts of things - everything from contributions to charity, to free credits at Shutterfly, to free toys.  And to make it easier there's even an app where you can enter codes on the fly from your phone (though I wish you could just scan the code instead of entering it.. now that would be easy!).  Consistency pays off too - if you enter codes every month without skipping a beat you get rewarded every three months with little gifts.  

Now if only I had started this when she was first born, then I'd be able to order all our Christmas cards for free!  

Tip:  Make sure to like Pampers on Facebook too - they periodically post free codes to help you boost your points!  

UPDATE (May, 2015):  Pampers updated their app so now you can scan codes with the camera on your phone rather than typing them in (hooray!).  As of right now this feature is a little glitchy, but hopefully they'll work out these bugs soon.  

Want to see what we've gotten from Pampers Rewards?  Check out my other posts:  

• Our First Pampers Rewards:  Free Gifts for Buying Diapers!  (Step2 Little Bakers Cupcake Set)
• Our 2nd Pampers Rewards:  Little Tikes Shopping Cart
• Our 3rd Pampers Rewards:  Potty Training Chart
• Our 4th Pampers Rewards:  Melissa and Doug Tool Kit

Please note items available from Pampers Rewards are subject to change.  

Our Top Baby Registry Must-Haves (many will surprise you!)

Getting ready for a new baby means.. a lot of stuff.  Like, a boatload.  Some stuff you’ll hardly ever use, and others you just couldn’t live without. 
Read on for some of our favorite baby registry must-haves - some will surprise you! 
| This post contains affiliate links |

1. Coconut Oil - This will become your go-to every time baby has dry skin or a rash. It helps treat cradle cap, dry skin, various diaper rashes, and heat rash. It's is a natural anti-fungal and antibacterial so it heals, moisturizes, and helps keep the issue from coming back.
   (FYI - coconut oil can be expensive.. the place where we've found the best deal has been in-store at Trader Joe's.)
   

2. Aden+Anais Swaddle Blankets – nearly all babies love to be swaddled, and these blankets are perfect. They’re made of very breathable muslin which helps ensure baby doesn't overheat and are also over-sized so you always have plenty of material to work with.
   When baby no longer wants to be swaddled, they make perfect lightweight stroller blankets.
   

3. Sophie the Giraffe - I thought this was the most ridiculous thing at first (nearly $20 for a little rubber giraffe? Really?!), but our daughter absolutely loves it! It was one of the first toys she could hold and play with thanks to it's long neck and legs, and all of it's different parts and textures give her a lot of options for teething.
   Now that she's crawling she loves holding on to Sophie and squeaking her against the floor as she goes along. It's become one of our daughter's favorite toys, though our dog did take some convincing that it wasn't for her.
   

4. Convertible Pack 'N Play (with bassinet + changing table) - In the first few weeks when you're sore and beyond exhausted, you're going to want some place close to put your baby down or change her. These convertible pack 'n plays are ideal, but don't get too carried away with them! When we were first comparing all our options we were tempted to get the most expensive one will all the bells and whistles, but instead settled for a mid-range model and I'm so glad we did. Our little baby outgrew the bassinet within weeks so if we had spent extra money on one with an extra-fancy bassinet it would have been for naught. As a whole though these pack 'n plays grow with baby, so this is a purchase you'll be using for a long time.
   

5. Insulated Lunch Box or Small Cooler - Bottle feeding or breast feeding, at some point you will need to take milk or formula with you. Whether you choose a novelty lunch box that will take your little one into daycare and preschool or an ordinary small cooler, having someplace to keep milk and first foods cold on the go is essential.
   

6. Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit - This is another one of those things I thought was a total gimmick at first but after weeks of our little one walking up no less than 15 times a night (oh how I wish I was exaggerating) and refusing to nap during the day, I gave it a try and it certainly was magical!
   The Sleepsuit helps transition your little one when they no longer want to be swaddled, but are still being awoken by their Moro reflex. It allows them to sleep on their back in a stretched out position but the puffy padded suit helps "muffle" their startles, keeping them feeling cozy and safe and allowing them to fall back asleep on their own. The suit comes in two sizes (3-6 months and 6-9 months) and should no longer be used when baby is able to start to roll over in the suit.
   For us this suit was a sanity saver and got our little one's sleep back on track. It also was instrumental in helping us establish naps and start our daughter on a schedule when she was a few months old.
   

7. Stain Removers - Babies are messy, and you don't realize just how much so until you have one.
   So far Seventh Generation Natural Stain Remover Spray has been able to take down every laundry stain we've thrown at it - even set-in stains that have already been through the wash once already are no match for this spray.
   For the instances when baby poops, pees, or spits up on things that can't go through the washing machine (like the carpet or the couch) Bi-O-Kleen Bac-Out Stain and Odor Eliminator does a great job at lifting the stains and smells out.
   

8. Jogging Stroller - It doesn't matter if you're or runner or have never worked out a day in your life - get the jogging stroller over the regular stroller with the little wheels.
   After going for walks with friends that have regular strollers, it made me all the more thankful for our jogger! Our BOB stroller navigated the walking path and sidewalks with ease but for our small-wheeled stroller friends, relatively small cracks and uneven parts of the sidewalk became like hitting a brick wall with stroller, baby, and mom coming to an abrupt halt.
   And don't let price and compatibility deter you - my sister-in-law found our nearly $400 BOB stroller on Craigslist for only $40, so don't be afraid to buy used! Also most joggers have car seat adapters available so you can still use your travel system like you would with a regular stroller.
   

9. The Baby Book by Dr. Sears - Ever wish babies came with directions? This is probably as close as you'll come. This easy-to-read book covers all the basics and more and is a great reference for just about everything that will come your way.
   While you're pregnant I also highly recommend reading The Pregnancy Book and The Birth Book (also of the Sears Parenting series). I read several pregnancy/labor books while expecting and these were the most thorough books hands-down. And while they were a little too "touchy-feely" for my taste at times, I felt as though they really helped me prepare for and understand my pregnancy and labor.
   

10. Mattress Protection (for your mattress) - It's a given to get mattress covers for the baby's mattress, but until someone suggested one for our mattress too it never crossed my mind.
    In your last trimester get a good-quality, non-crinkly mattress cover for your own bed. That way in case your water breaks in bed, you're protected. Then even after baby is born, leave it on because at some point baby will poop, pee, or throw-up in your bed. It will happen more than once, trust me. And do you really want to ruin that $400 mattress? Didn't think so.
    

11. Fan - White noise can help lull a baby to sleep and good air circulation can help reduce the risk of SIDS, so having a fan near wear your baby sleeps is a great idea. Some people swear by sound machines to help their baby to sleep, but personally the thought of whale sounds going for hours on end gives me a headache.
    Whatever you decide to do, have a little white background noise and make sure baby's room is well-ventilated.
    

12. Infant Carrier – there are lots of great ones out there. I suggest going to a local Babies ‘R Us or baby boutique and try some on to see what features you like and don’t like. Some people really like a structured carrier (like an Ergo or Boba), and others prefer the ones made of stretchy material (like a Moby wrap). Personally, I prefer the structured carrier.. it’s definitely a lot easier to take on and off when you’re out and about. Just make sure not to get one that's considered a "crotch-dangler" - they're bad for baby's hips!
    Whatever you choose, baby-wearing is not only great for bonding but it’s a HUGE sanity saver. It allows you to be able to still get things done around the house when your little one won’t let you put them down.

That's our list of our top baby must-haves, but of course there are a million other things you'll need - diapers, wipes, bottles, breast pumps, diaper pail, saline drops, co-sleeper or bassinet, crib, high chair, car seat... The list goes on and on but we hope we gave you some ideas for things that you might not have thought of.  
It can be a hard and exhausting job, but motherhood is the most rewarding thing you'll ever do.  Good luck, Mama - you'll do great!  

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Related Posts:

• Important Tips for Creating Your Baby Registry

• Pain-Free Childbirth: My Hypnobirthing Experience

• “Things I Wish I Knew Before my C-Section”

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Baby's First Foods: The Basics {Free Printable Chart}

Starting solids is a huge step, especially for first-time parents like us.  So many questions, so many rules, so much to keep track of in the beginning!  Here we thought we'd share some of the basics, our go-to resources, and a handy chart to keep track of your baby's first foods.  | This post contains affiliate links |

Disclaimer:  The info I am sharing is based on my own experiences; I am not a medical professional.  Always double check with your pediatrician before starting solids and get their professional opinion on the best way to introduce new foods to your little one.  Please also note this post was originally published in 2014 and some "best practices" may have changed.  Always check with your child's pediatrician for their recommendations and advice.  

Most pediatricians recommend starting solids between 4-6 months of age (closer to 6 months is supposed to be best).  Baby must be able to hold their head independently and ideally the baby has also started to show an interest in food.  It's important to get the okay from your pediatrician first before starting solids.  

In the past baby's first food was always rice cereal, but that's not the case anymore.  Just about any pureed food that's considered "non-allergenic" and has been thinned down sufficiently can be given.  In general, it's best to work from a pre-determined list of typical "first foods" - these are foods that are least-likely to cause allergies or reactions in your little one.  Make sure the foods are well-pureed and thin them down with breast milk, formula, or water - the thinner the better in the beginning!  Once baby gets used to swallowing their thinned food, you can add less liquid and make the food increasingly thicker.  

Follow your baby's lead when feeding.  If they turn their head or push the spoon away, they're finished - don't pressure them.  And don't worry if baby seems to hate their dinner, it's been said that a baby needs to try a food at least 10 times before they're sure if they really hate it or love it.  If baby really hates those pureed pears wait a few days or a few weeks before trying it again, you may be surprised how much he loves it the next time!  

Always introduce new foods individually at least 3 or 4 days apart to make sure your baby doesn't have any kind of reaction.  Keep track of any symptoms or side affects no matter how insignificant, as it may be a coincidence or be related to the food.  If you notice your baby is extra fussy or gassy, for example, write that down and see if she has the same reaction next time she has that particular food.  If your baby breaks out in a rash, has a change in breathing, or any other kind of severe reaction call the pediatrician immediately!  

Fresh is best when it comes to baby food!  Making your own pureed baby food is quick and easy - all you need is a steaming basket, blender, and baby food storage containers.  Steam the fruit or veggies until soft then blend until smooth, using the cooking water to thin as needed, then store in baby food storage containers.  Breast milk storage bags can also be used to store baby food, and are especially handy if you've made a big batch and have run out of baby food containers.  

When buying commercial baby food, make sure to read the labels closely!  So many have ingredients that you wouldn't expect and might not want for your baby.  Even the organic ones may have ingredients that will catch you off guard - for example one that's described as "Pumpkin & Spinach" may also have another veggie or fruit such as apricot in it.  If your baby hasn't had apricot yet, you may decide to skip this one for now until she tries that food individually first.  

Our little one started solids around 5 1/2 months and was very picky in the beginning.  It seemed as though we could never find a food she liked or a texture that was smooth enough.  After a lot of trial and error (and record keeping, hence the chart), we finally got a sense of what she liked and she started to accept eating solids.  It may be hard in the beginning, but by taking notes and letting your baby set the pace of what they're ready for it will be a success.  

Baby's First Foods Chart

A simple chart to keep track of what food has been introduced (and tally how many times they have tried it), what they thought of it, and possible reactions. This chart will also be a great record to keep for the baby book.

{Download free PDF of Baby's First Foods chart here.}

Our post was just a quick overview of the basics, for more information we recommend some of our favorite resources:  

• Wholesomebabyfood.com - a great online resource for what to introduce when, what to avoid, recipes, and more.

• Sage Spoonfuls Cookbook - this cookbook lays out everything in an easy to read manner. I love having this in the kitchen as a quick-reference to see how long I need to steam food for, how long a particular pureed veggie will keep in the fridge, etc. (Sage Spoonfuls also has a baby food making kit, which includes the food processor, storage jars, cookbook, etc - and it's all made in the USA, which I love)

• Homemadebabyfoodrecipes.com - another great online resource for recipes and guidelines.

• Baby Food Ideas (Instagram) - This mom shares photos of the homemade baby food she makes for her kids - lots of creative combinations and ideas.

Disclaimer:  The info I am sharing is based on my own experiences; I am not a medical professional.  Always double check with your pediatrician before starting solids and get their professional opinion on the best way to introduce new foods to your little one.  Please also note this post was originally published in 2014 and some "best practices" may have changed.  Always check with your child's pediatrician for their recommendations and advice.  

Simple + Efficient Bib Storage

If you have a little one then you likely have a pile of bibs somewhere, probably taking up a drawer in the kitchen.  For us, using a drawer wasn't an option - we only have three.  Yes, three drawers in the entire kitchen.. ugh.  So I tried to think of another way to store the bibs out-of-sight but still accessible.  

| Bib Hook | Chrome Basket for kids cups + dishes |

My solution was to pick up one of those "over the cupboard door" towel hooks. I made sure to get one that had a good-sized hook on it to accommodate all the bibs. Then I just put it facing into the cupboard where we keep all the kid dishes and hung all the bibs from there - done!