What i REALLY can't live without

So I was reading my sister Jenna's blog on her top 5 favorite products and couldn't resist in blogging about my top 5 things I couldn't live without for baby Grayden. I remember when Rob and I were pregnant and we went to Babies'R'us to register- and I just felt so overwhelmed! I felt like I had to register for everything and couldn't help but think we needed it all, and Rob who was with me (the frugle one) thought we didn't need any of it. Well, to be honest, we were both wrong. There are several things we have- which we in fact don't need- (Yes, Rob you were right. We didn't really need the baby monitor- our house is in fact too small. And yes- we have yet to use everyone of those blankets I registered for... In my defense it is still summer.) And there are a few things I'm so glad Rob let me win on- (the exersaucer and discover gym). But overall these are My Top Five Things I Couldn't Live Without!!




1. Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe:




Grayden is a crazy sleeper and never would stay swaddled. We'd put him down and he'd flail around and wake himself up. Enter the SwaddleMe: We love this! It keeps him warm and wrapped up and he sleeps for 11 plus hours! I know he looks a little ridiculous and a little like a mummy, but it works and has been a lifesavor for us!


2. Lasinoh Milk Storage Bags

I love these storage bags! They're great for storing breastmilk in the freezer- much better than the medela storage bags! These bags have 2 ziplock zippers and can hold over 6 ounces of milk! I even got 9 ounces in one bag and it held fine! They even can withhold being warmed in a cup of warm water without breaking! A must have for any mom who pumps!





3. Homedics Spa Sound Lullaby




I swear by this. When I first was given this as a gift- I laughed and thought it seemed silly. But this is one of the things I don't think we could have lived without- or still live without! It has a projection slide that Grayden loves to watch at night and it has 6 different sound settings, 3 nature sounds and 3 lullabys. We turn this on when it's time for Grayden to get to sleep (after we've swaddled him) and he's able to fall asleep on his own- usually within 10 minutes. It even has a timer on it, so you don't have to leave it on all night.



4. Bebe au Lait & Hooter Hiders




Actually- my mother-in-law made me mine, but she used this brand as her guide. These are absolutly fantastic if you plan to breastfeed in public. They cover nicely and have a wide top discreet to everyone else- but so you can see the baby. Since I'm working full-time now, I don't nurse Grayden, but I pump religiously and use my hooter hider to pump- whether in the car on trips or when we are out and about. I highly recommend these if you're like me and the idea of exposing yourself freaks you out alittle.




5. OxiClean for Baby









The best stain cleaner for baby spit-up, poop, pee, and vomit! I love this stain remover. We put a scoop in every load of Grayden's laundry and rarely have any stains! If we do, we soak the stained article with a scoop of the oxiclean and after washing it again-it's clean! I recommend this to anymom or mom-to-be! It's safe for babies skin too- 100% fragrance, cholorine, detergent, and dye free!

Grayden's learning new tricks!!

Who knew 5 months would be so much fun!?? Grayden is doing lots of new things. He can pretty much sit up all by himself, he's been swimming TWICE, and he's started on rice cereal, which he enjoys feeding to himself! The big boy is getting bigger and has quite the personality.


We first took him swimming in Gatlinburg (we went for one of Rob's family reunions)- it was an outside pool and no, it wasn't heated. He hated it at first- kicking and screaming...but as he got used to it, he seemed to enjoy it! The second time we went swimming was this past weekend, and this time it was a heated pool, and he enjoyed that much better! We even got him a nice float to hang out in. I'm convinced he's going to be a swimmer, (he did watch Michael Phelps win 8 golds- and I think it motivated him).
He started rice cereal about 4 weeks ago- He wasn't too sure at first. But as you can see- he now loves it, and even tries to sneak it in when we aren't looking.

And the big boy is sitting up! He sits in a high chair now, even when we go out to eat! He also enjoys sitting around talking to his friend- Quack... his favorite stuffed animal. He's had lots of visitors lately. His great grandma and great grandpa Hartman came to stay for a couple days- he loved that and even let them babysit so Rob and I could go see the new Batman movie. The very next week his grandma came to stay for 4 days and following that week his nana and papa' came to stay, he even got to see his aunt Jenna, uncle Danny, aunt Lynsi, uncle Randy, great aunt Peggy and great-mamaw. (Unborn Baby Luke had a baby shower- and brought in all the guests). Grayden really enjoyed all his visitors and I think they enjoyed him too.

As far as Rob and I go, we've been good- the little man is growing fast, but I have to say this is the most fun!

Look Who's Growing Up! 4 1/2 months!

Grayden just had his 4 month checkup today! He's actually 4 1/2 months old now and growing strong. He weighed in at 14 lbs 9 1/2 oz and only 22.3 inches long. He's gotten so big, but he's still in between the 25-50% percentile, so he's right on track! He had to get his shots again, and this time he did NOT like them. He screamed his little head off and proved to both the nurse and doctor that he's not always so cute! He's developing so well. He rolls over from front to back and back to front now. He's babbling, laughing and starting to play with toys. He even enjoys reading a book on occassion. His favorite hobby is having Mom or Dad carry him around the house so he can see what's going on... He doesn't want to miss one second of what life has to offer him. The doctor gave us the go ahead on starting rice cereal- so we're going to take that step sometime this week!

Grayden has had a busy 3rd and 4th month so far. He had his first photo session with a photographer, had his first church picnic, went to his first Major League Baseball game (the Reds of course- Daddy's father's day present) and saw his Uncle Randy get married to his pretty new aunt Lynsi. Here's a few pictures from the last 2 months and a few we just took this week.
With Mom before going to the Church Picnic.

At his first Cincinnati Reds Game- (He got Rob tickets for Father's Day).

Rob, Jen, and Grayden at Randy and Lynsi's wedding.

Grayden's Uncle Randy and new Aunt Lynsi.

Grayden holding his head up high! He really enjoys hanging out in his diaper and he looks so good too!

Growing Like a Weed! 3 and 1/2 months!

It's hard to believe that mr. Grayden is 3 1/2 months! He's growing so fast. He's rolling over so easily now, holding his head up like it's nobody's buisness, and talking up a storm! Okay, he's not really talking- he can't say real words yet, but he does go babble on and sometimes I swear I can understand him. Like when he says "uh oh" after he knocks one of his toys, and when he looks at me and says " Hi mom, you're the best!" Yes, that's right, he is pretty smart!


Rob's been really enjoying staying home with him and playing the part of "Mr. Mom". I think we need to rent the movie for him to watch. He's done really well with Grayden and I think he's enjoying taking naps and reading Dr. Seuss with Grayden. As for me, I'm loving my job working as the outpatient dietitian in Murfreesboro. And as for Riley- she couldn't be happier with her new brother. She's become his protecter. She's always in the same room as Grayden laying close by and ready to clean up any spit-up mess he makes! Hopefully, we'll learn how to rip our dvd player soon and can post some videos of the little man.


Here is how life goes with Mom, cool, calm and content.

And here is what happens when "Mr. Mom" Rob takes over... I don't know what else to say. I guess I did marry him, HA!

Over 12 pounds and rolling over!

Big event! Big news!! Grayden rolled over from his belly to back this past Saturday at Jason and Mandy's!!! And best of all Grandma and Nana got to see it over the weekend while we were up visiting. Poor Papa Rob missed it over the weekend but Grayden performed for Dad today and rolled over 4 times! He's becoming a pro at it. Grayden is over 12 pounds now, and seems to be doing very well. Rob is enjoying his time as a stay-at-home dad, Jen is loving her new job and Riley still seems to love her brother! We couldn't ask for more, God has been good to us and we're loving every minute of his blessings!