Month 1 Must-Haves

I know when I was pregnant, I found these posts to be extremely helpful. So, here's mine:

1. Definitely not applicable to everyone (and I'll be making a whole other post about my breastfeeding experience so far) but, my Medela Pump In Style Advanced.

I've had some over-supply issues and this has been a lifesaver. As much as I dislike pumping, it is efficient and easy to use. I'm really glad I forked out the money for it. And, FYI, if you are going to buy one, go to Cotton Babies. They have the best price! Also, keep an eye in all the "junk mail" you get from formula companies etc. There was a rebate for $15 off a pump in one of those kits! I'm waiting for my check in the mail.

2. "Cheap" cloth diapers to use as burp cloths.

 I don't care where they are from or how much they cost, they are so easy and absorbent. Evelyn is a bit of a spitter and they have saved me from many changes of clothes.

3. Itzbeen

I really like having this. It's so easy to keep track of things, especially with Breastfeeding. I'm not always withing easy view of a clock and even if I am, I always forget what time it was that I looked at the clock. With this, I carry it with me everywhere (it has a little clip for around the house and the buttons lock so I can throw it in my diaper bag) and I just push a button. Super convenient.

4. Portable bassinet.  (This isn't the one I have, but it's similar - internet picture)

A friend gave this to me to borrow and I've really enjoyed having it. I know it has a recall out on it, but the reasons, in my opinion, pose no risk to Evelyn, so I'm totally comfortable using it. It is simply a little bassinet that has a vibrating setting. It makes for a nice place for her to nap during the day.

5. Waterproof mattress cover. This has saved me from having to change her sheets about a million times. She spits up quite a bit and it's so much easier to change this than to take sheet off of the mattress! In fact, I need to go get a couple more because I'm washing them almost daily.

6. Moby Wrap

While I haven't gotten to use it as much as I'd like, I LOVE wearing Evelyn. Unfortunately, we're dead in the middle of a horrible St. Louis summer and it's just been too hot. I've worn her around the house a bit and she really likes it. However, I really look forward to being able to wear her out and about. Until it's no longer 100 degrees outside, I don't think that's going to happen... It's definitely been a life saver for when she's just in a mood and inconsolable. That doesn't happen very often, but when it does, I know exactly where to go!

I think that's it for now.

Hopefully, as I find time, I plan on some future posts on the following:

• Postpartum Recovery - What I wish I would have known
• The Beginning of my Love Affair with Cloth Diapers
• My Breastfeeding Journey
• Evelyn's One Month Birthday ::SOB::

Product RAVE

I don't think I've ever really raved about a product on my blog, which says a lot. If I am so happy with something that I feel the need to share it on my blog, it must be good.

SMALL DISLCAIMER: This post may be a little TMI for some (it's really not that bad). If you don't want to read about bras and boobs, don't continue.


That said, as I pointed out in an earlier post, I've gained a little weight and have decided I need to ramp up my exercise routine. (Can I increase an exercise routine that never existed?) How I was going to exercise was a bit of a problem for me. I thought about getting out my old bike, but it's buried in my parents shed and probably needs a new tube. I thought about walking/running, but was worried about my feet. Well, I got some new shoes for a great price (perks of working at a shoe store) and they've been feeling pretty good. I really wanted to try the couch to 5k program, but ran into one issue. Keeping "the girls" in place. I've done various forms of exercise in the past and anything more "strenuous" than walking was a problem because I could never find a bra that really held them in place. I mean, they can cause some pain if you don't have proper support! So, now that I had some good shoes, I decided I needed to find a good bra.

SUCCESS!!! I searched the internet and came across a message board that was talking about big-breasted women who run and the bras they wear. Over and over, I saw this bra.

 Um, WOW. I was pretty skeptical to start out. They didn't really carry my true size, but I went ahead and ordered something pretty darn close and anxiously awaited my package in the mail. I pulled it out, still skeptical and from the looks of it thought, "Yeah, this can't possibly do anything. There's nothing to it!" I put it on and I swear the heavens opened and the angels sang. This bra is fantastic. Not only did I RUN around the house and bask in the glory that my boobs weren't hitting me in the face, but I could do jumping jacks in this baby and they hardly moved an inch! I'm sold.

Top that with at super soft, non-chafing, moisture-wicking material and I've got it made.

I guess I can't use "them" as an excuse for exercise anymore.