Momma Favorite: Makeup

I have been looking for a new foundation that is light enough for my skin tone.  It's a little hard to find a drugstore version that's light enough because I am pretty darn pale.  Also, I need something easy and fast to apply because I'd rather spend a few extra minutes with Linus than putting on makeup. So far, I've found 2 that I really love!

I decided to try the L'Oreal B.B. Cream on a whim and I'm so glad I did! I love it!  I had to get it in the lightest shade, Fair.  Most BB Creams are never light enough for me so I immediately had buyers remorse, but I was pleasantly surprised that this match's me!  I love this for on the go application. I keep it in my purse for those mornings that I don't have time to actually put makeup on.  I just apply it in the parking lot at work in my rear view mirror.  Easy peasy!

I did some looking for the lightest shade in any foundation I could find at my local CVS and the Maybelline Fit me! Shine Free Foundation Stick was the lightest I found.  I liked that it seemed easy to apply.  I got it in the shade Porcelain and it matches me at my palest which I am at now.  I love that I can just rub this all over my face and rub it in.  It really is quick to apply and pretty easy to blend in.  I do need to have a mirror to make sure it's all blended so it's an at home application, but it's so quick, which is what I was going for!

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

I know there are tons of posts on this, but I figured I would put my 2 cents in. Only took me 4 months, lol!  I way overpacked for the hospital even though I THOUGHT I was packing light.  The truth is, you don't need a whole lot.  First, what to pack for you.

1. A going home outfit.  I spent my entire stay in the hospital issue gown.  I had packed clothes to wear but what with all of the bleeding and having to breastfeed every couple hours, it was easier and honestly much comfier in the robe.  You will however need something to go home in.  Make sure it's nothing restrictive.  I wore maternity leggings and a big long sweater.  

2. Your pillow - Trust me, you'll want your own 

3. Basic toiletries - Think tooth paste, shampoo, bodywash etc.  Makeup will be the last thing on your mind, skip it.

4. Slippers.  They are nice to wear on on those cold hospital floors and also might have to wear them home if your feet swell like a lot of women do.

What to Pack for Dad

1. clothes - Make sure they are comfy. 

2. Pajamas and make sure they are warm!  Those hospital blankets are thin!

3. Toiletries - same as for you plus a razor if they want to shave.

What to Pack for Baby

1. Going home outfit
2. Carseat
3. Empty diaper bag - you will get loot from the hospital
4. Blanket - if it is cold when you are taking them home, be sure to bring a cozy blanket to keep them warm in the car!

Seriously, that's it.  The hospital has everything else you need.  

9 to 5

I love that movie!  Seriously, if you haven't seen it you must!  It is hilarious!  Anywho, I am back at work now and we are starting to get into a routine around here.  I won't lie it is so hard not to be with Linus all day.  It helps that he loves going to daycare.  He loves watching all the kids!  At this point, I've only been back 3 weeks so I don't claim to be an expert.  The thing that strikes me right now is that there is never enough time.  By the time I get home I'm tired and I know that there is cooking and cleaning to be done, but all I want to do is snuggle with Linus!  In fact, this was my facebook post yestersday...

"Forgive me if my house is messier than it should be. There are proabably dishes in the sink I could be washing and laundry in the basket I could be folding. I'd rather be snuggling my son. Because in 20 years I won't regret that I let my house get a little too messy once in a while, but I will still be wanting more time with my son."

So that pretty much sums up my feelings.  I'm sure I'll get better at doing everything that needs done, but for now, I'm going to spend every last second I can with Linus.  One of my coworkers recently had a duaghter get married and she said she just doesn't feel like they got enough time with her.  I don't think we ever feel like we have enough times with our kids.  Sure they get on our nerves and sometimes we need time away from them, but looking at the bigger picture, but I don't think there ever will be enough time in a single lifetime. They just grow up way too fast.  Time moves too fast.  There isn't enough time in infinity.

What's Up

Sorry I have been majorly MIA but we've had a lot going on.  I went back to work, we all got the stomach flu, my grandfather passed away and it was just a lot to handle all at once.  On top of that I've been extra emotional because I got my period again.  So didn't miss that.  Anywho things seem to be settling into a routine around here so hopefully I'll get more time to be on here.  Of course we spring forward this weekend (stupid daylight savings) so that may screw up Linus' schedule, but hopefully he adjusts quick.  I have a few posts I've been wanting to do so hopefully you'll see those soon. Later tators!

Momma Favorites

The first three months of baby life you learn about your favorite basic items.  These are mine.

Dr. Brown's Bottles

 - Linus really loves these bottles and they do seem to help some with spitting up!

Boon Lawn Countertop Drying Rack

 - Not only is this adorable, it's functional!  We have 2 and love them!

Aden+Anais Swaddle Blankets

 - These are really big and soft!  They were great to wrap Linus up in and also to cover up while breast feeding!

Johnson's Baby Lotion - Shea & Cocoa Butter

 - Linus has really dry skin and this stuff worked better than any other lotion to keep his skin baby soft!

Aden+Anais Burpy Bibs

 - These double as burp rags and a bib!  So soft and super absorbent!

Johnson's Baby Shampoo

 - I LOVE the way this smells and it makes his hair so soft!

He called me cupcake

When I was little, my Grandpa George called me cupcake.  He said it was because I was so sweet.   I spent a lot of time with my grandparents when I was little while my mom and dad worked, but to tell the truth, my memories of him are a little hazy early on.  What I do remember is a tall handsome man of few words.  Grandpa was never a big talker that I remember, but when he did speak up, you listened.  If I had to describe my grandpa in one word, it would be fisherman.  That may seem strange, but it really sums him up.  He enjoyed the quite and being in nature.  He could sit on a boat for hours waiting for that one fish to bite.  I'm so glad that he got to meet Linus.  I will cherish that memory forever.  I can't believe he is gone.  Although, he's not really.  He'll live on every time I tell Linus a story about his Great Grandpa George.

Grandpa and Linus

Ok I Admit It...

...I totally miss being pregnant.  I never in a million years dreamed I would be saying that, but it's true.  Now don't get me wrong, I do not miss the last month+ of being completely uncomfortable and exhausted, but I do miss it.  I really miss being able to show off my belly.  I know that's really shallow, but I loved showcasing that massive baby bump, lol!  Maybe (HOPEFULLY) I'll get to experience it again someday!

So now that I've got that off my chest, here are some updates on our little man!  Linus is 100% on formula now.  I just wasn't producing enough and once he started on formula, he completely rejected breast milk.  I even tried pumping and mixing it with the formula, but no dice.  I never really wanted to breastfeed in the first place, but since it was free and best for him, I did.  Now that he's done, I miss it.  Seems I'm missing a lot of things I didn't think I would, huh?  Let's talk about how painful it is when they stop shall we?  Linus quit cold turkey, so there was no weaning process, just painfully engorged breasts that only a hot shower could relieve. Even then the relief only lasted a little while.  There were a few days when I could barely hold Linus because even that little pressure cause searing pain!  All in all, the pain lasted about 5 days, 2.5 of which were excruciating, the rest it was receding dull throbs.  However, I was surprised that my breasts leaked for 2 weeks steadily and I still have some leakage, though not much.  I didn't realized they would leak for so long!

Linus is now sleeping exclusively in his swing.  We tried to get him in his crib, but he wouldn't stop waking up several times a night.  We decided to give swing sleeping a go, and I'm so glad we did!  He now sleeps through the night!  He just isn't happy sleeping flat on his back and I wonder if he has a bit of reflux.  When he's flat on his back, but spits up a lot, but in his swing, his head is elevated and he rarely spits up.  If there is one thing I'm learning about parenting it's that you do what works for you.  I have completely stopped listening to any books or other people other than to mentally note tips and tricks. Sometimes we try them, sometimes we don't.  You really have to do what works for you and your baby!

Linus officially had his first cold this past week.  He was so stuffy!  Who knew a baby could produce that much snot!  Thank goodness for nasal aspirators!  He's starting to get over it now and I'm so glad!  I hate feeling so helpless!

Linus started daycare next week because I have to go back to work.  I am not happy about it, but you gotta do what you gotta do right?  Anyway, more on that once it happens.  For now, I'm off to love on my baby!

Babies Are Hard On A Marriage

It's true.  Having a baby is hard, especially on your relationship.  You will fight more, but you will also love more.  Since Linus was born, my relationship with my husband has changed drastically.  Jon and I talked endlessly long before we were even married about how we would raise children.  We talked even more about it once we got pregnant.  No matter how much you talk about it, once the baby gets here, everything goes out the door.  You swore you'd put him directly into the crib to sleep, he ends up sleeping in a bassinet next to your bed.  You said you'd still get out and do fun things, you end up staying in for weeks.  Not to mention, you will be so sleep deprived the smallest thing will set you off!
Jon and I have argued more in the last 2 months than we have in the last 2 years.  We have a rule that we don't go to bed angry.  I know it's cliche, but it really seems to work.  It forces us to work out or disagreements so we don't hold onto them and get even angrier.  And that seems to make us even better as a couple.  We talk through more things, not just the baby.  So for us, having a baby has made us better at communicating.  Don't get me wrong, the past 2 months have been amazing and I couldn't love my son or husband more.  But if you're having a baby, take off those rose colored glasses!  Go into it knowing that you and your significant others relationship will never be the same.  Set a game plan with, but be open to changing it.  Most importantly, be realistic and communicate.  One day, you'll sleep again.

Linus' Second Month

Linus was 2 months old on January 25th.  I can't believe how fast he is changing!  This month he found his hands and he loves sucking on them.  He also became much more vocal.  He coos and "talks" to you and he also...cries.  My calm laid back baby is a little less laid back these days.  I still can't complain because he doesn't cry too much, but when he's hungry or wet, watch out!  I can't believe he's already 2 months old!

Love Drunk

It is impossible to describe how much I love my little guy.  I didn't know it was possible to love someone that much.  People always say you'll understand when you have one and it used to make me so mad.  Now I understand.  You really can't fathom what it feels like until you experience it.  I could spend every moment of every day just staring at Linus.  Nothing makes my day like seeing him smile at me and when he coos, forget about it!  Yes, I am totally love drunk on my son, and I like it!