What We Got for Baby #2

Leo and his baby sister will be 2 years and just shy of 3 months apart when she arrives, so for the most part, I feel like I just had a baby! 

With that being said, there wasn't tons of stuff that we needed but all of a sudden, the list did get a little longer than I expected. 

This time around though, I had the insight to know where I felt like we should splurge, where we felt like we could borrow from friends and family, and the times I felt like we could really could get away without needing (like 100 swaddle blankets).

My mom and sisters hosted a baby sprinkle for me a few weeks ago, and a few guests asked what they could gift us that we really needed. It prompted me to create a wish list on Amazon of some "necessities" - plus we did take advantage of the completion discount - so I thought I would share that with you. 

For the most part the "supplies" that I really feel like we need this time around don't require much explaining (like a new, pink crib sheet), but then there are other things that I just didn't need with my California baby that I will need with this winter Midwest bambino (like the JJ Cole Bundle Me for her car seat). 

Lots of items on this list, I used with Leo and wanted again - Zutano bootie slippers, a new humidifier, Vitamin D drops since we plan to breastfeed, breastfeeding supplies (like storage bags and microwaveable cleaning bags), as well as pacififiers, baby hangers and a car mirror/ipad holder for her side of the car. 

Probably the only new baby item I'm going to give a try is the Boppy lounger. I never had one with Leo and lots of my friends that have had babies in the last two years have said that it's a must-have item for the first few months, so I went ahead and registered for it and I'm excited to give it a try (except, I really wish it was a softer material). 

As for the stroller, we decided to go with a Double Bob. For our lifestyle, I really only need a double stroller (I think), for long walks around our neighborhood, to the beach/pool/zoo, etc. and don't anticipate using it for grocery store visits or what have you. What will I do with two babies in the grocery store? I'm not totally sure, but I plan to wear the Ergo a lot, and just figure it out. We also have the single UppaBaby Cruz and a few double umbrella strollers as well, so we should be ok. 

Also, I did buy one of these Ikea carts so that we can have a moveable command station on the first floor.

My sister-in-law (and mother of 4), was also super generous of letting me steal a lot of her baby supplies that she is done with (extra Rock and Play's, swings, and bouncers), and my neighbor brought over like 30 newborn sleepers that were in like pristine condition. 

For the most part, I feel like we are set. I know that once she comes I'll be putting in a large order at Amazon, but for now, this is what we've stocked up on.

Do you have any Baby #2 must haves? Anything I should plan to get before she arrives?

Bumpdate: 35 weeks

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26, week 27

  28 weeks, 29 weeks, 30 & 31 weeks, 32 weeks, 33 weeks , 34 weeks

 

How Far Along? 35w6d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 26lbs

Maternity Clothes: Whatever is comfortable - which is leggings.

Nursery:  It's starting to come together. Joel added one additional shelf in her walk in closet, which allowed me to get all of her clothes hung and off the floor. I need some baskets for bows, shoes, bibs, etc. but then her closet it pretty much set. This weekend we are going to hang her new drape rod (this nursery's never ending saga), attempt to hang like 10 gold mirrors, and start putting out the swing/rock and plays/installing car seats, etc.

Movement: Lots and lots. I've tried to capture a good video and I just can't seem to which bugs me but she is a mover and a shaker pretty much 20 hours a day.

 

 Symptoms: Hanging in there but I know these last 3 weeks are going to be tough. Heartburn is pretty much showing up everyday, I'm moving slow and I'm tired all the time, I don't like bending to put on shoes, holding Leo for too long is becoming tough, and I'm super emotional and hormonal.

 

Sleep: I fall asleep quickly but I'm up (for good) by 3am almost every night. I've tried what my doctor has recommended.....unisom, baths before bed, cutting water by 7pm, exercise, body pillows, sound machines, sleep masks, essential oils, etc. etc. etc. and for the most part, it just is what it is.

Joel: officially has a really pregnant wife and all of the lovely parts that come along with that. After being so tired after a really packed weekend, Sunday morning I was up at 3am and fell asleep in our chair in our bedroom at like 9:30am. He decided to take Leo to Menards with him and just let me sleep. When they came home, he had brought me home a latte which was so sweet, and I just sat in the living room a balled my eyes out.

 Workouts: No workouts at the gym which was sad and no turkey trot. Leo has been working through a pretty gross cough and so I didn't want to take him in the cold before our long day. I ended up doing an almost 3 mile walk with my dad the morning of Thanksgiving, and it was tough but I was so glad I did it. We also snuck in 2 other walks this past week, but for the most part Leo and I are walking about a mile to my parents house and that's about it.  This is my last week at the gym, so I'm going to get in yoga and kickboxing for one final week and then I'm putting my membership on maternity leave.

Mood/Mental State: Emotional

Cravings: Not much actually, but I'm getting pretty hungry pretty regularly at this point. 

What I Miss: cold Champagne! I honestly think I made like 6 La Croix mocktails on Thanksgiving just to keep a champagne glass in my hand!

Random Things: Just trying to focus on my blessings this week because there is SO much to be thankful for despite the uncomfortable that I'm experiencing. I am so thankful to live so close to family this pregnancy, it takes an ENORMOUS amount of pressure off of me since I know Leo and Roscoe will be so well taken care of and would be taken care of at a moments notice by both my parents and Joel's. I am so thankful to have had such a healthy pregnancy, be growing a healthy baby, AND enjoy these last 9 months at home with Leo. Our relationship is going to change, our whole family is, but having him as my constant buddy and being able to have so much 1 on 1 time has been a huge gift to us both.

Best Moment of the Week:  A great Thanksgiving, tons of time with my sisters who Leo just adores, seeing family and cousins, and coming home to a festive house and lit up Christmas tree.

Looking Forward To: We have a few Christmas activities starting this week which thrills me! Plus, I'm really excited to see the finishing touches go up in the nursery!

Lately

::: Well, I'm feeling really pregnant. It is fitting though, I'm 36 weeks tomorrow, so I guess that comes with the territory. I can really feel myself slowing down in all areas. I'm not sleeping well at night which means by 1pm, I'm about down for the day. Thankfully Leo has been a trooper and since we've never really been homebodies, its been kind of fun to just be home. I do wish I was a touch more productive in my "nesting" stage, but, thankfully Joel is super helpful on the weekends and we're getting there.

::: The only crazy black Friday/cyber Monday sales we took advantage of was finishing off my "registry" and ordering Christmas cards. A blog reader asked what I ordered/bought for baby the second time around, and so I'm going to try and see if I can create a little post for it for this week.

::: And speaking of Christmas cards, I've always been so loyal to Minted, but I took advantage of a 50% off sale on Tiny Prints and spent literally half what I have been spending in years past. I'm hoping the quality is pretty close but I'll report back.

::: Beyond that, the over the top consumption actually makes me a little crazy and totally overwhelmed. Because of that, I end up turning the other way and not doing a lot of shopping. I know that I probably missed a ton of great deals, but it's just so over the top I can't handle it. 

::: Christmas gifts around here are going to pretty sparse too. On my Christmas list? New slippers, lounge clothes, and alcohol (not kidding)....and Joel has a pretty short list too. Leo is getting just a few items from Santa that will mainly keep him busy for when little sister arrives and that's about it. Joel and I have to get a plan together for our brothers/sisters/parents/nieces/nephews....and I would love to get that wrapped up, no pun intended, in like the next week or two since if baby surprises us......gifts are going to be quite delayed! 

:::: And back to baby business.....I really need to think about putting together a hospital bag soon. I've been delaying because it makes it feel a little too real. Looking at the suitcase will give me major anxiety, so I'm thinking about waiting 2 more weeks to do it and then basically hiding it until we need it

:::Plus, this time, I pretty much know what I'm bringing. I brought a blanket, pillow, and sound machine when we had Leo, and all three of those will be coming back with us this time too. Along with a cozy robe, nursing tanks and bras, cozy sweats and a long sweater to arrive and leave in, plus a a pair of slippers and that's about it. The baby will have a few sleepers, maybe her stocking for an announcement picture, and a paci, and that's about it.

::: I wanted to take pictures of my fall/Halloween decor and just never got to it, so I'm realllllly hoping I can get some pictures taken around the house of all of the Christmas decorations we have put up. It's been really fun decking the new halls, and for as much fun as I have had inside, Joel really loved doing the outside too - and it looks awesome. 

::: I've missed blogging, and my lack of blogging has also meant that I've been lacking on taking pictures! The good part of that....I'm less attached to my phone...but the bad part is that I really haven't been capturing all of the fun activities we've been up to. 

Thanksgiving, The Festival of Lights parade in our local downtown, a family cocktail party, a freezer meal day, and lots of nursery updates filled our long weekend - 

 

Bumpdate: 34 weeks

 

 

 

 

 

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26, week 27

  28 weeks, 29 weeks, 30 & 31 weeks, 32 weeks, 33 weeks

 

How Far Along? 34w5d

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: 25lbs - but I feel like its more. I just feel heavy and large at this point.

Maternity Clothes: Whatever is comfortable - which is leggings.

Nursery:  We are making progress!! We hung 3 long floating book shelves that I'm obsessed with, have started to really organize all the baby things, and have a plan for the rest of the room. 

I'm eager for the drapes to go up, but Joel is waiting for a piece in order to support the heavy fabric.

This week I'm hoping we can add the gold gallery mirror feature, get the drapes up, add 1 built in shelf to the closet, and get an idea of how I'm going to store all of her clothes!

Movement: Tons and according to the doctor, what I'm feeling is the baby's butt up near my ribs.

 Symptoms: I still feel pretty good considering this is the final push. Sleep isn't great, I do experience some mild heartburn, and I just feel freaking pregnant.

 

Sleep: I toss and turn most of the night which is not fun. It adds to me being tired during the day, but it's just such a vicious cycle. I'm so ready to get into bed at night and SO ready to get out of bed in the morning.

Joel: Has been working tons lately. He isn't sleeping much either since he is working so late at night, and then I feel bad keeping him so busy during the weekends with my long "honey do" list. Having a baby in the middle of Thanksgiving and Christmas is just slightly chaotic.

 Workouts: Made it to yoga and kickboxing this week and got in a 2-3 mile walk with my mom. I'm going to walk the Turkey Trot 5k on Thursday so I wanted to get a little practice in. For whatever reason, I would SO much rather take an hour long kickboxing class with jumps and running and what have you, then walk for an hour.

Mood/Mental State: Right now, amazing. I had a great doctors appointment this morning and that just makes me feel so thankful for a great report, it's a huge sense of relief - added even more so because I get so nervous before the appointments.

Cravings: Candy Cane Hershey Kisses

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night - and pants.

Random Things: I'm so excited for thanksgiving and all of the fun holiday cheer that is among us. These next 3 weeks (before my next docs appointment), I really want to focus on enjoying the season and just relishing in the calm before the storm.

Best Moment of the Week: A great doctors appointment. The C-section is officially on the books, baby is in head down position (even though that doesn't matter this time around, but it's notable because my doctor in California told me that would not be very likely......), her heartbeat checked in at 139bpm, and the doctor commented that she was already of substantial size. Pretty much everything an expecting mother would want to hear, and I'm very, very thankful.



Looking Forward To: Thanksgiving and the long weekend with my family

Five on Friday

::: 1 ::: 

Last weekend my girlfriend Shelby came to stay with us from LA. She helped host my baby sprinkle and was able to attend our mutual friend Jenna's wedding.When we lived in LA, Shelby lived on the first floor of our building, so we have a friendship that is just so real, and authentic, and she is truly one of my soulmates. I miss her all the time being in Chicago and it was so nice to have her at our house for a few days and catch up like no time has passed. 

 

::: 2 :::

Have you ever seen a more gorg bride? One of my best friends got married in Mexico a few weeks ago - and it is the 3rd wedding I've had to miss due to pregnancy or just having a baby - but thankfully had a local celebration that I was able to attend. It was such a fun night, such a special occasion, and my entire family was there which made it so much fun too.

::: 3 :::

Ok, I'm FINALLY feeling the bug to get the nursery done! My goal is to have it totally done in the next two weeks so I'm putting a major push on it. Once we finish the nursery, we have plenty of other things I'd like to get done before the baby comes, along with Christmas - so it would really be in my favor to hustle. 

 

As you can kind of see in the picture, I'm picking up a lot of gold - which is all over my house - so clearly I'm drawn to it. I  went to Ikea with my mom yesterday and bought some white floating book shelves, I have the nightstand (just need to get a new one for Leo), and would like to find a few gold dipped baskets for toy/blanket storage. I need to find some type of storage/dresser for the closet, get clothes hung and organzied, and then call it a day. All of a sudden five weeks is not feeling like a lot of time!

::: 4 ::: 

I saw Bad Mom's 2 this Wednesday with a group of 7 other moms on Wednesday. I love a good excuse to go see a movie with friends during the week, and while this movie was no where near as good as the first one, it was overall enjoyable (while still totally overdone and quite a bit eye-rolly). 

::: 5 :::

 

The big tasks of this weekend are: 

1. Get working on the nursery

2. Put up Christmas and find 2nd Christmas tree along with purchase outdoor Christmas lights/decorations

3. Celebrate a friends baby shower on Saturday night and host and hang with one of my besties who will be in town from Colorado for the night.

Oh, and about 68 other little things!  

Thank Goodness for Ice Cream ;)

Bumpdate: 33 Weeks

 

following along: weeks 5-12 , weeks 13-16  , weeks 17-19 , weeks 20-22, week 23 , week 24 , week 25, week 26, week 27

  28 weeks, 29 weeks, 30 & 31 weeks, 32 weeks

How Far Along? 34 weeks

Gender: GIRL

Weight Gain: Didn't check this week, and sort of don't think I care anymore. With only 5 weeks left, I feel pretty comfortable with where I'm at (~25ish pounds) and where I'll likely end (~30lbs).


Maternity Clothes: Whatever is comfortable - which is leggings.

Nursery: Really need to get going here but we're making some progress. Joel added some additional hanging/shelving space in the closet, we spray painted the mirrors that I want to use for a little gallery wall, and we got quite a few ADORABLE additions (including a rocking bunny from Pottery Barn that I'm obsessed with). What I would like to do in the next two weeks includes:

1. I had to update, because yesterday I found drapes

2. Make a trip to Ikea to purchase some type of book shelf (possible floating shelves) and dresser for the closet 

3. Move nightstand into nursery and find a new one for Leo's  room.

4. Wash linens and dress the crib (because why not!)

5. Set out Rock and Play's/swing/and some other baby items so that Leo (and Roscoe) can get used to them

Movement: Tons, and sometimes it hurts. I'm pretty certain her head is right under my ribs and there are quite a few positions that become uncomfortable fast. She moves a lot and I love watching my entire stomach move, pop out, and change shapes. 

 Symptoms: Probably just exhaustion. We had a slammed weekend and Monday and Tuesday of this week have been tough for me. By 1pm, I'm ready to throw in the towel for the most part. Otherwise, I'm still feeling good!

Sleep: I want to sleep constantly, have to get up quite a bit but it is what it is.

Joel: Is in for a LOT of pink!

 Workouts: Only two! Well, let's say 3 since I danced all night long at my girlfriends wedding on Saturday night! Yoga and kickboxing are still part of my weekly routine, and I think they will be until I put my gym on hold in December. I take kickboxing with 2 of my other girlfriends that are expecting, and it just so happened that one of my friends OB's was in class with us. She was giving us major props - totally made my day - and guessed that I was 32 weeks (which was pretty darn close since I was 33 when she guessed).

Mood/Mental State: Grateful, thankful, and overwhelmed with the amount of nursery/prepping I still need to do.

Cravings:I'm pretty sure I'm going to eat an entire bag of dark chocolate pretzels that I bought from Trader Joe's this weekend without letting anyone touch any of them. They are SO good.

What I Miss: A full day to get things done. I just feel like I can only operate with half a day's time because I become so tired and lazy by the time Leo wakes up from his nap.

Random Things: Dancing all night long in heeled boots will be fun, will earn you lots of kudos points from fellow wedding guests, but will also hurt you the next day. 

Best Moment of the Week: Our sprinkle! It was SO fun and weird and wild to celebrate baby girl this weekend. It really made it feel real that a baby girl is going to be entering our family in just a few weeks time!

Looking Forward To: Putting a dent into organizing all of baby girls new goodies!

Baby Girl Sprinkle!

 

On Sunday (sitting pretty at 33.5 weeks!), my family and best girlfriend Shelby threw a little baby girl sprinkle for me at my parents new house. 

My parents literally moved in two weeks ago, so I couldn't believe my mom was ready to have 25 friends and family come in for a little luncheon, but the girls put together THE BEST sprinkle. Everyone loved seeing the house, and even though their furniture isn't in quite yet, it ended up giving us the space to seat everyone in the dining room so it actually worked out for the better.

 My sister Hannah is the events director at The Robey (a fantastic hotel in the city if you ever visit Chicago, you should check it out), so she was able to hook us up with fantastic sandwiches, scones, and Stan's Donuts - and my mother-in-law made a great green salad. It was a light, easy lunch that everyone enjoyed with mimosas and coffee.

 

 

 All of the hostesses

 

Baby girls Grandmothers (Coco and Mimi), Great Grandmother (Kuka), and Aunts  

 

 Honestly the sprinkle was just so easy and fun. I think having the sprinkle at my mom's house allowed it to be so relaxing and comfortable, and because it was a small group of really tight knit friends and family, it just felt so lovely. I didn't want anyone to leave!

 

 

 

 After lunch, I opened a ridiculous amount of gifts. As my girlfriend Shelby said - the generous gifts were not "sprinkle"-esque, and everyone went over the top and spoiled us freaking rotten.

  

And rest assured, I do not need to shop for this little girl for the entire year of her life. She got sooooo many cute outfits, tons of sweet pink blankets, a few beautiful additions for her nursery (that I still have to do!), and even a few big brother toys and outfits. 

When most everyone left the shower, we had Leo and Joel come check out all of the new goodies, and just hung with my fam for the rest of the day.

 

We ordered thai food, hung at home, and felt incredibly spoiled and thankful for such a special day. 

 

Reading, Watching, Listening, & Cooking

Reading: I'm reading the Winter Street series by Elin Hilderbrand. It's the perfect series for this time of year. It's pretty predictable, and pretty light, but it's overall easy, cozy, and relaxing and I've really enjoyed reading them. I'm on the 3rd book right now (that's my one complain, it's getting a little expensive, since I've had to buy 4 books and the newest one below is $13.99 on my kindle), but I saw TWO other women at the spa I was at last weekend reading Winter Solstice too.

Watching: Hallmark Christmas movies. I haven't caught any new ones yet, but I've rewatched some of my favorites from last year. Let me know if you find one that I should DVR. 

Also, I'm really trying to like American Housewife but I don't think I do.

I want to like it, and I have been watching each week's episode but it's so OVERLY acted and extreme, they're kind of just ruining it for me.

Listening: Well, I've been loving that The Big Boo cast has been putting out more podcasts lately - so I've been listening to them a lot, but I've also been listening to Ben and Ashley Almost Famous. I don't think I can even recommend this one, it's ex-bachelor contestants - with very little depth on anything but I've listened to like 3 episodes while I've done random house things, and it's fine background chatter.

 

Please throw any recommendations my way. I prefer podcasts to be bloggery/talk radioy, versus listening to a story, but I'd love to hear what you are enjoying lately.

Cooking: On Halloween I made Pintrest's ever famous ham and cheese sliders and holy cow are they good! I actually decided to triple the recipe so that I could freeze 18 of them, so I'll let you know how they are as a freezer meal once we break into them (post baby!).

also, I made my first batch of tomato soup of the season and it was SO good. I use this recipe, and it really couldn't be simpler.

Let me know what your RWL&C too! 

Halloween Recap

For two weeks leading up to Halloween, we got Leo used to the idea that he would be dressing up as a fireman and get to ride around in his firetruck too. He would tell anyone that asked and was seriously so excited for the entire holiday.

Joel had to travel for work the week of Halloween, so we had our first Halloween celebration the Saturday before at "Truck or Treat" event at our Main Beach here in town.

It was COLD. I loved it, but as we went to take pictures outside on the front stoop, actual snow started to fall from the sky.

A perfect first Halloween in Chicago if you ask me.

 

The event was so cute.....all of the local police and fire stations were there, tractors, snow plows, and other trucks that kids could explore and trick or treat from. And it was nice that they did it on a Saturday so parents who do work during the week or have to travel could partake in some fun too. 

We were able to last almost 45 minutes at the event which I was impressed with, and then we took Leo out to lunch with CocoPop and the kid put away basically an entire box of mac and cheese.

On actual Halloween, my mom was thankfully able and willing to come trick or treat with us while my in-laws manned the house while we were gone from about 3:30pm-5:30pm.

 

I have a feeling Leo's favorite part was riding around in the firetruck, because again, it was really, really cold (the coldest Halloween in something like twenty years).

After we walked our neighborhood, we drove to a few friends houses in my mom's neighborhood, and then stopped by to see my dad who was manning their new house for trick or treaters too.

 

My mom dropped Leo and I off back at my house and him and I had dinner with my in-laws, while they stuck around with me until Halloween hours were about over. I was thankful they did because some teenagers costumes were legit scary! I would not have loved being home alone all night answering the door.

Even though Joel wasn't home - our first Halloween in Chicago was a perfect success...and being able to share those little holidays with both sets of grandparents is exactly why we moved back here.