A little over due....

I have been slacking. That's a nice way to put. I've simply been pre-occupied to get on here to post anything for a little while. Moving to a new apartment. Unpacking. Setting up house. Getting used to a new area. Had company two different weekends. Trip to Vegas. And NOW we have a job offer out of state. Packing back up. All the hassle that goes along with moving, all over again.

Excuses aside, now I'm back to my blog and ready to post.

I always have a million ideas in my head. I am naturally creative and like making things. So, on my wish list this year I have a sewing machine! I don't know how I don't have one already. And since I have been wishing for that I have so many ideas on what I want to make. Another thing I love is a gift that is personalized....and from previous posts, I'm sure you know that already. So on my "to make" list I already have baby blankets, quilts, baby burp cloths, bibs, stocking caps, hooded towels, and so much more! I'm so ready for Santa to bring me my sewing machine so I can get started!!!

As far as the tips go....I could use some questions and thoughts on your part to help me with knowing what you, as a follower, is wanting to read. I'll have to look back on my past posts and see where I left off. Its been too long since I've posted. I've forgotten what would be next in line with my posts. I'll get back to you on the baby info.

OH! Another interest of mine lately is to start making cakes! I love watching the shows like Cake Boss, Food Network Cake Challenges, etc. They have inspired me to put my creativity to work in the kitchen. We'll see how that goes, I'm not exactly what you would call a cook....but I'll give it a shot and post what I come up with.

Singer 120 Stitch Function Sewing Machine - 7444

Happy Halloween to all you Mummies....

Baby Tip #15

Packing for Baby.

More ideas on packing for baby. We've gone over what you would need for short distance traveling, but how do you manage traveling long distances with a baby?! That would be tough to handle. Its hard enough packing for yourself right? How many dressy tops, how cold will it be, how many shoes will I need?! You'll want to consider all topics for baby as well. Definitely find out the weather for where you'll be traveling with the little one. Determining on what you find will make a big difference on what you need to pack for baby. You'll also want to include a carry on bag that would hold the same items that would be in the diaper bag. Although determining on how long you'll be on the plane or in the car will change the amount of food available, diapers, wipes, and possibly clothes. Being OVER packed would be the best option here. Having items in the bag that you MIGHT need but will possibly not use at all would be better than being short that item when you need it and no where to get it.

Things to think about, your daily routine will continue no matter where you are with baby. How many days will you be away from home? Will the weather require extra layers for your little one? If you'll be gone for an extended trip, it might be worth your money to purchase formula and food once you get to where you'll be staying.

Will you need a stroller where you're going? It'll be very helpful most likely, especially in the airport or when going in and out of places with your hands full baby can be comfortable in the stroller.

Try traveling around baby's sleep schedule. Traveling when he/she is supposed to sleep is the best option because they won't want to be up and active when in a cramped car seat or on a plane where there's no room to roam. This will also allow you to relax more and help the travel go smoother.

These are all things to take into consideration when packing for baby and when planning a trip with baby. Good luck!! And post comments/questions if you have any!

Drawing results part 2

Leslie is the winner of the September drawing!

Let me know what you'd like it to say, the size you need and what color you'd like!

New Drawing....

Unfortunately.

I haven't received a message from the September winner!! So....I'm giving another loyal follower a chance to win the drawing. I will post tomorrow who the winner is!! So be on the lookout for the results!

Also, if you want to be a part of October's drawing be sure to read the post for the ways to enter to win. I will post another picture of the other framing option for the names too.

Spread the word of the blog page and be sure to mention to your friends to add the blog as one that they follow so that you can be added to the drawing!! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

I've just about completed moving things in and getting settled into the new place, I will be back to posting on a more normal basis start of next week. So sorry to keep everyone waiting.

Baby Tip #14

Traveling with Baby.

Its been brought to my attention how hard it can be to travel with a baby, so I dug in the back on my memory and followed up with minimal research and I've come to realize that it is in fact extremely hard to travel with baby IF you are unprepared. So in today's post I plan on helping you be more prepared for your next trip out with baby or just a little refresher on traveling with a little one. There are many little items that you might not realize you'll need while away from home and when in need of that item while you are out you'll find yourself in quite a situation. Having a diaper bag already packed and often refilled is the best solution to this never, or rarely, ever happening.

For daily use, find yourself a great diaper bag, something sturdy, with lots of pockets for organizing, and something thats easy to wash...and stylish of course. :) Within the diaper bag you'll need to remember to pack a few important items. Here's a starter list, maybe you'll add personalized items once you and baby have a routine down or once baby has that special something to calm her down...

Diapers. Always have diapers in the bag, maybe you're only running to the store and won't be gone long, but you NEVER know when baby might have an accident. Having a half dozen in the bag at all times should be plenty for daily errands.

Wipes. You'll need a travel size wipe container or a bag of wipes in your bag at all times. You'll need these for diaper changes and also once baby starts eating and needing hands and face wiped off. These are a must, just like diapers.

Change of Clothes. There's always a chance for a "blow out" and you never want to be stuck in a situation where you have nothing but the dirty clothes for baby to wear. Having a change of clothes available just in case something were to happen is a good idea. Be sure to update your diaper bag outfit as baby grows.

Ziploc Baggie. Along with the possibilty of the "blow out" you'll want something to put the soiled clothes in until you are home and able to clean them or until you are near a trash can to dispose of them. This can also come in handy for dirty diapers when you aren't close to a trash can.

Bottles. Having a bottle in the diaper bag is nice even if you are feeding baby before you head out. There's always that chance that your trip away from home lasts longer than intended. So having a bottle with you and ready if needed is great, packing 2 is a good idea as well.

Formula. Food. Depending on the age of your baby, you'll want to be sure to travel with formula, food, snacks, and possibly juice. Travel size snacks and juices for older babies and travel containers for formula in the measured out amounts is great for on-the-go.

Pacifier. If you're baby loves pacifiers, be sure to have a couple in the diaper bag, you never know when baby will decide to spit the one they have in their mouth out and it lands on the ground...you'll need an extra...or a few extra.

Rash cream/ointment. For diaper changes you may want to travel with rash cream handy.

Purell. Since diaper changing can be on-the-go and not in a normal setting, having a sanitizer available to clean your hands is a good idea since you might not have water and soap close by.

Burp Clothes/Blankets. If you have a feeding time while you are out on your errands you'll want to have a burp cloth or blanket available for any spit up or accidents. Having one in the bag and ready is a great idea. And if not being used for feeding, it would be good to have it available if there ends up being a breeze while out.

Toys/Teether/Rattle. Having something to entertain baby so she/he isn't bored in the stroller while you're doing what you need to do on your errands is definitely recommended. It'll also help the car ride go smoother and a bit quieter. Anything that you know baby likes while she's at home is good to take out. Something familiar and fun.

Its a good idea to buy all these items for the diaper bag only. Have extras in the other areas around the house. This is a checklist for items needed on the daily outings, I'll post more about extended traveling tomorrow. Stay tuned for more!! And if you have any questions or concerns please let me know.

September Drawing Results.

Congratulations CHRISTINA SIMON!!!!!

You have won the free onesie/tshirt drawing for September!!!

Now you get to decide what you'd like on it! The color and also the size and I'll have it made and in the mail within the next week. Get back with me soon so I can get it to you quickly!!!

For October we have a great personalized gift that is very popular, Name Frame. A framed first or last name to have in the living room or in a child's room adds a great personalized touch. A friend of mine got me into these and they are GREAT! Great gifts, great additions, and trendy.

Here's one I finished recently that is a little different than what I normally do, each letter here is framed individually and then hung either straight across, arched, or alternating up and down. This one in particular will probably hang over the crib or changing table in Jacob's bedroom.

I have a variety of letters to chose from and have been taking a bunch of new ones, living in the LA area where there are an abundant of neat letters on signs and graffiti give me lots to take.

The one that I'll be offering for the drawing can either be like this one, above, or either in a larger frame with matte outlining the letters. You'll have your choice. To be entered in this drawing you'll have to do more than follow. Add a comment to this post offering a topic you'd like discussed on the site.

Thanks for your participation and interest!!!! And good luck in October's drawing!

Drawing.

Just a reminder...

Friday I will do the drawing for the free tshirt/onesie so if you haven't signed up to follow yet and want in the drawing sign up by Thursday! Also enter your name twice if you add a friend to follow the blog.

A few things regarding the tshirt/onesis...

1. chose style.

tshirt can be either long sleeve, short sleeve or tank top (your choice) and onesie can be long sleeve, short sleeve or tank top as well.

2. chose size.

3. chose color.

any color you'd like. i'll find whatever color you are wanting your little one to wear this fall or next spring, whenever you'd like.

4. chose phrase.

on the front or on the back personalize with baby's first name or last name or make a tshirt for baby's first birthday or second birthday with the number one on the front and their name on the back. you let me know what you're wanting and i'll see what i can do. one symbol or word on front and one on back maximum.

I hope I draw your name so I can make something special for your little one!! Be ready for next months drawing!!! I'll post it when I've drawn the winner.

gracie girl tank with crystal accents and miss bunny on the front.

Baby Tip #13

Highchairs.

Highchairs can be tough to find...you want something somewhat stylish but also practical. And those two criteria are tough to find in one highchair. They tend to be stylish but not comfortable or hard to clean, etc. Or easy to clean and big and clunky looking. There's one that I love, and I feel it covers both bases of being practical and stylish. Its a bit on the "modern" side of the baby world and I tend to be more traditional, but mixing the two in this sense is a good idea. This certain one is super easy to clean! The cushion, where baby sits, doesn't have seams so food and crums and yucky-ness doesn't get stuck. You can take a cloth to the whole thing and be done. The tray removes completely for easy cleaning to dump excess food in the trash or put it in the sink to wash away stickiness.


If you have any other great suggestions for moms, comment about them to help them out. :o)



http://www.bel-bambini.com/

Baby Tip #12

New Site.

I found this the other day. It has great deals on it each day. There are some really great deals!

http://www.babysteals.com/

I think you can find something for you and your little one. Each day there is something new. Be sure to check it out early or else the item will be sold out!! Not fun. Good luck with your deal shopping!

Stevi. NV Photography. Kansas. http://nvphotoedge.blogspot.com/.

Baby Tip #10

Organizing Baby in the Kitchen.

When baby shows up there aren't many items that go into feeding time for the little one. Bottles, formula, warmer, and water. In just a few months, though, you'll be overwhelmed with all the advances baby will make in his/her daily eating routine. Introducing new flavors, new textures, and eventually solids. You'll have spoons, bowls, sippy cups, along with the items from the beginning, bottles and formula.

I recommend from the beginning designate one of your cabinets or a large portion of a cabinet just for baby items. The things you'll need will quickly add up and soon enough they will be bursting out of the cabinet unless you are already prepared for the quantity. Lets take a look at some options for the items you'll need once baby gets here....

Bottles.

Sippy cups.

Bowls.

Spoons.

Bibs.

Burp cloth.

Formula.

Food.

Finger food.

Face wipes.

High chair.

These are the things that you will need during a feeding...varies depending on age, of course. They will all start to take over your kitchen. Have a good sized space set aside in the beginning so that its organized and ready for easy storage whenever you buy something new and when its ready to be put away have it in a spot you can get into easily.

Cooper.

Drawing.

For the month of September I'm doing a drawer for the personalized onesie/tshirt. I'd like to give you all another chance to get your name in the drawing again, more chances to win the better right??!

So here's my proposition: If you get one of your friends to sign up to follow the blog, you will get your name entered one more time per friend you have following.

Thanks for following the blog and thanks for your support. Message me when your friend signs up to follow so I know which friend is yours!

Good luck!!!!

Linley Brek. my favorite 4 year old.

Baby Tip #9

Organizing Baby's Nursery.


There's one thing you can definitely have prepared before baby shows up that will help you for the long run, and that is having the nursery set up and ORGANIZED! Organization will keep you from having to search for things when you're in a hurry and will allow your daily routine with baby to go smoothly. There are lots of ways to stay organized but initially lets just set the room up and give everything a spot. You'll want certain items within arms length for different times of your day with baby. I'll start from the beginning of the day til the end. Organizing for baby also means giving baby's kitchen items a special place of their own in the cabinets. Let's start with some good basics to have before bringing in the baby items...


You'll want a solid, safe changing table. You will use this piece of furniture every day, you should make sure its a good purchase and something that is sturdy and built well. I personally like this one from pottery barn, its a classic look that has lots of organization possibilities. You're also going to find that baskets are a great way to keep all those little items together and organized. Here are a few that I think are great sizes and great prices. baskets with liners. baskets with built-in dividers. baskets for toys.


Next you'll want to organize the closet and the first step in a neat closet is good hangers. I recommend a wooden hanger like this one. You could also get the ones with the pant hooks on them for easy access to the full outfit. Also for the closet you might want to get the size markers, so that you can see what size is in what area of the closet. Seperate the 0-3 months from 3-6 and so on.


I would also search for something to store baby's books. If you don't have many right now and you think you won't need much room for them, think again. Books is one thing you will acquire many of over the next few months and years. Find a good organizer for books. And having one place for books is a great way to keep them all together. I like this one from potterybarn.


And finally a crib that has an option for extra storage is always great. You can never have too much storage space and you can never be too organized. So starting with all the extra space to begin with will only help you in the long run to remain organized and keep things in their own spot. This is a great one that offers a drawer under the mattress, great for extra sheets and thick blankies!




Berkely. NV Photography. Kansas. http://www.nvphotoedge.blogspot.com/

Baby Tip #8

Nanny vs. Daycare.

This is a subject dear to my heart, only for the obvious fact of me being a nanny for so many years. However there are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to the sake of your very own child's daily routine and who will care for him/her while you are not able to. Its not that easy to decide either. Lets look at the various issues for each option.

Nanny. Pros.
Nannying allows your child a one-on-one interaction with someone who you have interviewed over a process of questions and conversations and is someone you feel comfortable and happy with. You basically pick the perfect nanny for your baby and baby's needs. A nanny is one person who relays information to you about how baby did that day. Allows you to have the same person interacting with your child each day and knowing the progress he/she has made and needs to make. A nanny comes to baby's home (in most cases) and is simply taking Mom/Dad's place while they are gone. The nanny adjusts her day to create baby's day as similar to how it would be if Mom/Dad were there.


Daycare. Pros.
Daycares have a new setting for baby, giving him/her the opportunity to feel comfortable in environmentss outside of home. They, too, can be put through an interviewing process so that you can pick the best one to meet your needs. Daycares usually have a handful of children ranging in age which gives baby a chance to see other boys/girls his/her age doing new things, saying new things, and someone to play with at his/her level. In some cases daycares aren't as expensive as having a personal nanny. Its easier to fulfill long term situations with a daycare service.


Nanny. Cons.
If something happens with nanny (sick, out of town, special occasion, etc) you have to find back up. Having a personal nanny can be pricier than daycares. It can be tough to find trust in someone to come into your home while you're gone. Nannies are hard to find for a long term (2+ years) position.


Daycare. Cons.
You don't have one-on-one attention for your baby, he/she will usually be sharing time with a couple other children. Daycares are away from your home, so baby wouldn't be in the comfort of his/her home. When it comes to workers in daycares, baby might have a different care taker on different days of the week, might not be as consistant as having a nanny. Some daycares have set schedules already in place for the babies they watch, so babies schedule will be based off of the daycare employees rather than your own.

Overall there is no wrong or right choice to be made here, there are pros and cons in both situations and its simply what works best for you and your baby. Do your research about the options in your area. Weigh out the pros and cons that the specific locations have/don't have and also the local nannies pros and cons. A few helpful sites that I am familiar with and can offer to you to assist you in your search are nannies4hire.com and metrodaycare.com. I hope these help. Please post or email questions and concerns if you have any.


Berkley. NV Photography. Kansas. http://nvphotoedge.blogspot.com/

Baby Tip #7

Favorite.

I was just shopping around on the internet this evening and found something really cute that I wanted to share with all you moms-to-be out there. I hope to wear this someday. I think it's really great. And its a great brand with many other options to chose from.

This is a time to buy special little somethings for yourself. Being pregnant is a time of your life that will go by quickly and be short-lived. Spoil yourself and take advantage of all those cute "pregnant" items out there!!!

OR! If you aren't a mom-to-be but know someone that is...this is a great gift for a baby shower or for a "just because" gift. Treat a mom-to-be or treat yourself, either way what a great little necklace!!

Check out all the great necklaces at http://www.dogeared.com/


Here's one of my recent favorites. I won't be getting it for a while, but any of you pregnany mommys out there...this will suit you perfectly!

Baby Tip #6

Communication.

Today I had the pleasure of visiting with some ladies at the pool and they were talking about how much children's communication skills vary from child to child. And its so true. Kids are very aware of their surroundings and if the adults around them aren't talking to them and teaching them things then they have to learn it on their own, but won't til later in life. Children learn primarily off of repetition. I can't tell you enough, REPEAT EVERYTHING! Repeat everything! Repeat everything! Their little minds are on overload right now and taking in everything around them. They are beyond eager to learn and know what it is that they are looking at, what they are smelling, and what they are tasting.

A child requires guidance and knowledge from you, their parents. Read to them. Create a quiet time in your schedule, a time where you sit and have eye to eye conversation time with your little one. Or a time where you read their favorite book. Or how about sit down together with a variety of items in front of you and just repeat what it is that they are looking at. They learn so much at such a young age, expand their minds as much as you can, and teach them everything you know.

Get some books. Get some music. Get some random items. And get an educated baby. Some items that I like for young ages are as follows....

Baby Einstein videos. Disney movies.

B is for Bear. Dr. Suess books. Arthur books.

Musical cds.

Baby blocks. ABC blocks. Rings.

There are a lot of items that you can use from around the house as well. Go on walks and visit with your baby about everything outside or the different noises you hear, birds, dogs, car, ambulance, etc. Children listen even if it won't be apparent for a few more months. But trust me they are taking in everything you say and do. So be cautious about the negative things that you might say but also be repetitive in the positive things you can share with your baby. You're your baby's most important teacher, be there for her. And start today!


Stevi. NV Photography. Fort Scott, KS. http://nvphotoedge.blogspot.com/

Baby Tip #5

Questions.

I received an email today with some questions from Mommy2B. She had some great questions that with the answers will help her be more prepared for when baby arrives. These questions might be similar questions that you have on your mind. Or maybe after your own experiences you can give a different recommendation than what i have. Her quesitons are below.

Do you recommend a bottle sterilizer or is that a waste of time?

As far as the bottle sterilizer...I don't recommend the sterilizer, i think it might be a waste of time and money. I recommend some clorox, (check cloroxuses.com) and fill the sink with hot water and depending on amount of water, mix the appropriate amount of clorox and let them soak. And after the initial sterilizing you won't need to do it after each use, just soak in warm water and dish soap, i recommend washing by hand instead of dishwasher because dishwasher breaks bottles down faster and doesn't clean as well. .

Do I really need to get an ugly swing?

the ugly swing....some babies don't even like them. The little guy i watch doesn't have one and never has. i would recommend if you don't get a swing to get a bouncy seat. you will want something for baby to hang out in when food is settling and when she's content. there are some seats out there that rock and vibrate and play music...that might be something you'd want to look into.

What size bottles for newborns especially if not breastfeeding?

The size of bottles...i'd get mostly 8 oz bottles, but having a few 4 oz bottles would be handy. but i wouldn't get more than 3 small ones. you won't use them after 3 months of age

Should I get a high chair now orwait for later?

You probably won't need a high chair til about 5 months of age. if you want to wait, i'd wait. it'll just be sitting there collecting dust if you get it now. and when you pick out the high chair think of convenience first....they aren't the cutest things, but you'll want something that is easy to clean. no matter how well behaved your baby is she WILL get messy.

How to interview a nanny? Pros and cons of live-in versus live out. When to hire nanny (before or after baby is born)?

As far as live in versus live out...its honestly what you are wanting from your nanny. but i personally think that your nanny will last longer if she has a seperation from work and her personal life. i can help you with the interview process if you are nervous about it. or i can help with questions to ask. if that would help. i would start the interview process now or before baby is born. to get a feel for what you have out there to chose from. it might take a while to find someone to fit the criteria for your perfect nanny. every family is looking for something different...and every nanny offers different outcomes. Check out http://www.nannies4hire.com/ to find nannies in your area.

When to pick pediatrician and what to look for?

This is something that you will know when you meet the right pediatrician. i would look online on people's comments on various doctor's offices in the area. you're lucky because there are many in the LA area that are highly sought after and are staffed with some of the best pediatricians.

Unfortunately i don't have experience in this area. i would suggest doing research before baby arrives. so that if there is an unfortunate situation that baby would need to be looked at shortly after arriving home, you would want to have someone familiar with the situation and someone you are comfortable with ahead of time.

One other thing i would do for my own baby is shop around. go and meet the pediatricians that have had good comments made or that people have recommended. someone that might be good for a friend, might not work well for you. so go and get a feel for the doctors in person. i'd even call and see how you are treated over the phone. feel out the staff. you will be working with them every three months for the start of your baby's life, and for years to follow if you stay in the same area.

definitely find someone before baby arrives.

Instructions on products to use when bathing a baby. Can you use baby lotion, etc. right away?

For bath time. You'll want to get a moisturizing wash. i like Aveeno and Arbonne. My friend sells arbonne (mainly only because she gets the discount for herself) and she swears by it for babies. And her baby boy has the softest skin and has never had problems with dryness. Arbonne also uses all natural ingredients and its for sensative skin as well. They also have a great rash cream. If I were you, i'd get small bottles of both and see how your baby reacts to them. Every baby is different. Aveeno has a nice sweet smell where arbonne is scent free. Thats something else to think about. After bath time, baby will need lotion. Baby's skin is adjusting from the womb and tends to dry out very easily. Its common for baby's to get dry spots that look like rashes but its simply because their skin is extra dry. So be sure to lotion up every day, this will help keep those rash looking dry spots away, even if they don't have a bath, lotion before getting dressed. As far as lotion right away...it is recommended, just make sure that its a good, all natural ingredient lotion that is made for babies. Oh and for the wash, its nice to get one bottle thats for hair and body, less items to worry about on the sink/tub. For a seat, in the beginning, wash baby in the kitchen sink, it'll be easier to hold her. I would recommend the sink until she's too big for it then move to the tub. And in the tub you'll want a seat (this is my favorite one). there are a lot to choose from out there. The seat that I like allows water to flow into the seat with tiny holes in the lining of the seat, and its very supportive for the tiniest babies and comfortable too.

The Tourtillott twins. NV Photography. Fort Scott, KS. http://nvphotoedge.blogspot.com/

Baby Tip #4

More Registry.

I've been thinking this evening on what would be helpful for everyone. And since there haven't been requests for specific information, I wanted to continue from the Tip #3 with more registry information.

I am going to go into more detail on the items that you will use every day. And the things you will need as soon as you get home.

First and foremost, blankets. I can't tell you how many blankets you will use. But no matter who you are, I'm betting you'll use atleast 5 a day. Who knows, your baby might be a messy eater, and I've found that using a receiving blanket is tons easier than a small burp cloth for bottle/feeding time. Don't think you won't want a few burp clothes, because they are easier for travel. You can never have too many small receiving blankets though. You won't use too many thick blankets unless your baby is born in early fall and its cold where you live. From my experience I can recommend registering for 2-3 thick blankets for cold days and cuddling, 10 receiving blankets, and about 5 burp clothes. You should also know that these will go in the wash daily. You will always be washing baby blankets. Oh, and that reminds me....if you don't already know, you should wash all baby things before baby arrives. You want to use a mild detergent and one for sensative skin or they have specially marked laundry detergents that mention they are for infants. I have used Dreft in the past and its a great one to try.

Bottles. Everyone thinks they need a million bottles. But to keep your dish load to a minimum in the sink I wouldn't get more than six. Unless you travel a lot there will be no need for more than six bottles. They should be rinsed and cleaned after every feeding and therefore they would be ready for the next use. If your infant will go to a day care that requires a bottle for each feeding then six would be plenty for a full day. You shouldn't need more than that for the day care. Another reason you won't want to get too many to start off is because your baby might turn out to have a sensative system and then would require a different bottle, one that doesn't allow air to pass through while eating. If you are planning to breastfeed and think you won't need very many bottles, having some on hand would be a good idea. Putting them on the registry now and not having to worry about it after baby arrives is a good plan. There are numerous bottles out there. The fewer pieces the better, and the wider the better too, both easier for cleaning and transporting. It can get overwhelming when picking just one brand, so ask questions if you have any.

Onesies. Having a good amount of onesies and sleepers is a good idea. There will be quite a few days in the beginning of baby's life that he/she won't even get out of pjs. And soon enough you'll find outfits that are 0-3 months size and baby's now 4 months old and grown out of those cute outfits. Keep in mind the comfort and convenience of the clothing that you are selecting. Although all those dresses are really cute, don't forget to consider the reality and that those cute dresses hike up on tiny baby girl and then get formula all over them....and are costly. Save the cute dresses for when she's walking and she can show off the adorable clothing. But onesies will be worn quite often. They're good for pjs. Good for under shirts or jackets. And be worn for a casual day with sweats. I would get atleast 10 onesies on your registry.

Diapers & wipes. You can NEVER have too many diapers and wipes. You'll want to place some up in the nursery and some down in a high traffic area where baby will play and also have some constantly packed and ready to go in the diaper bag. If your baby turns out to grow quicker than you had expected and you have extra small sized diapers, just pass them along to the next mommy you know. They are great gifts and it doesn't matter if they are opened or not, they will be used and the mommy will be greatful to have received them from you. I do recommend going to the store and finding out the different textures and fits of the diapers. They all fit differently and they are all priced differently. Some might rub on baby and create irritation, and some won't. Its a learning process. But nonetheless you will be needing many many many diapers and wipes. Also in the wipes category, add some that are in the "on-the-go" containers so they can be handy for travel in the console in the car, throw in the bottom of the stroller, or have in the kitchen for messy lunch time. Wipes will become your best friend.


Gosh there are so many things. I will post more tomorrow as far as tips for registries. Please remember to ask questions so that I can cover the bases for the thoughts and concerns you are having. If no questions then I'll continue to post the tips that I feel are helpful in general. Thank you for following!



Trace. NV Photography. Fort Scott, KS. http://nvphotoedge.blogspot.com/

Baby Tip #3

Hi fellow readers! Hopefully everyone had a great weekend. I enjoyed the weekend off from the tips. I might do that every weekend. Might give people a chance to catch up on reading from the week that they had missed, plus weekends are time for family and relaxing. I want to encourage anyone reading to send questions that are on their minds, it will give me more insight on exactly what people are needing to read.

Today's tip is for baby registries. It can be really hard for a parent-to-be to know what exactly will be used during your routine with baby. A tip that I can give you for this is to talk to someone that knows from their experience to help you, to go with you when you pick things out. Or someone you can ask questions to before you go to fill out your registry. Having an idea BEFORE going and becoming completely overwhelmed and then frustrated is a great idea. Registries can make for a long day to begin with, shorten it by adding an extra hand.

I am available for registry assistance as well. I'm here for all questions and concerns for parents or parents-to-be. You should know that there is no question that shouldn't be asked, if there's something on your mind about something you might think is completely obvious and you don't want to ask those are the questions you should ask. I'm here for anything, along with your family, always know that you can call on family and friends. If they don't have an answer, maybe they know someone with the answer. Remember your resources around you and do research before registering for items that are pricey and then never used.

Another thing to remember is, take your own daily routine into consideration, and put that in your baby's routine; wake, potty, wash face, brush teeth, eat/drink, bath, get dressed.... This will be VERY similar to your baby's own routine, might not be as consistant as yours but will always include these steps at some point throughout their day. and then think of the things that you will want to continue that was part of your life before baby showed up, like going on walks, so you better grab a stroller, or a sling. And for walks, might be windy or chilly, so a hat and jacket would be needed. Or how about shopping at the mall, you'll need that stroller, and also baby bottle storage and formula storage for easy traveling and convenience. There are so many products out there to make your day easy and convenient, you'll need to know from other's experience the items that will be worth the penny.

A few things that I have used daily that I find extremely helpful and well worth the penny are listed below...

The Bob Stroller. Very easy to maneuver and a super smooth ride for baby. Infant seats fit into it so it can be used from birth to 70 pounds. So you will get every penny out of this stroller.

Avent Bottle Warmer. I use the Avent iQ Bottle warmer every day. It is so handy and extremely quick. Enter type of liquid, either room temperature, refrigerator, or freezer, pick ounces, and enter. It warms to the perfect temperature for baby. Saves a lot of guess work.

Dr. Brown's Mixing Pitcher. Another time saver at feeding time. Don't mess with measuring out each bottle at every feeding. Mix ahead of time in a larger quantity and refrigerate with the Dr Brown's mixing pitcher. Easy to use and has a built in mixer for getting out clumps easily. Well worth your money.

Hope these tips are helpful to all you parents-to-be who are getting ready to register for all your baby needs. Please let me know if there are any questions. Click to follow my blog and enter to win a free onesie with baby's name on it.
Alexis. NV Photography. Fort Scott, KS. http://nvphotoedge.blogspot.com/

Baby Tip #2

Schedule.

Having a schedule for baby and family will establish a sense of security and a sense of day versus night. Starting from day one and laying out a schedule for your new life with baby will allow you to continue to fit in your shopping trips, your walks, workouts, downtime for yourself, and visitors. Having a set "awake" time will stimulate baby and they will be able to establish an awareness of daytime aside from nighttime. This schedule will also set the tone for your child's sleep schedule as they grow.

This sense of security impacts your baby for some time down the road. It is shown that a schedule that sets a good sleep pattern will help your child's attention span and development down the road. Being the mom that still wakes in the night at 18 months old of your child's age wears on you and plays a role on every relationship you're a part of, work, social, marriage, and parenting. Be there for your child from day one and give him/her a schedule, and yourself one too!

A good source for more information on setting a schedule and that might be a good plan for you and your baby can be found in BabyWise, along with many other books. Find the best one that suits your current lifestyle. And find something before baby arrives. Do your research, every situation is different, so there are different solutions, but just knowing that you will need to establish some sort of schedule that will help everyone is a huge step. Baby will thank you. And you will be able to relax...and SLEEP!

If you have any questions about what has been a successful schedule for the kids I have been around, just holler, megancosens81@yahoo.com. Good luck Mommys and Daddys!! Treyton. NV Photography. Fort Scott, KS. http://nvphotoedge.blogspot.com/

Baby Tip #1

Enjoy your baby.

She won't be a baby for long, so enjoy every moment with her. Even though there will be tough times and you want to get upset and frustrated you will need to learn to overcome that instinct in order to enjoy every second of your baby's life. So instead, take a step outside, take a deep breath, or sing a song. You could also take a moment and call a friend that you could vent to a little. Those little things will enable you to enjoy even the tough moments and enjoy the wonderful moments even more.

So take time and ENJOY YOUR BABY!


Stevi. NV Photography. Fort Scott, KS http://nvphotoedge.blogspot.com/

Hi...

One of my Bridesmaids, Ashley, and myself before my wedding on August 1. 2009

Hi, my name is Megan Malone and I've been a Nanny for almost 13 years of my life. Throughout that time period I have learned a lot about baby mannerisms, easier way of doing the every day tasks, and also how to manage my emotional state when times get tough. I don't have children of my own, but hope to very soon, and some people might think "what could she know? she's not even a mom!". And they are right, I'm not a mom, but I have been taking courses in Nanny-hood for more years than some of you have even been moms. The experience I have acquired since my first Nannying opportunity is education that you can't get from any college degree or any major university. Its education you simply gain from day to day interaction. I have been a fan of children my whole life. Watching them learn new things and growing into little adults. I've also learned many helpful tips that I will post daily.

This site is for all you new parents out there, or parents to be, that have those silly questions that you don't know who to ask. I'm here for you to rely on, call on, and lean on when you need some one to talk to. I'm also here for in-home consultations, or house calls. If you're having a hard time getting the little one on a schedule and getting him/her to sleep through the night, maybe I can help. Or how about those moments when you can't figure out why he/she is crying...call me and we can figure it out together. I'm here to be a friend, not here to judge. Also, those moments when you want to cry along with the baby, having someone to call and vent to is sometimes exactly what you need.

A little bit more about me. I went to school and received my associates degree in math, I love figuring things out, working out problems, and i'm a number person, details are my thing. I then went onto Kansas State University to persue a career in Architecture. Took courses for four years and decided I wanted a break. Needed time for me and my passion, family. Went back home to be close to family, shortly after fell in love, moved to California and got married. And here I am today! Happier than ever, living in LA and with the man of my dreams.

I was inspired to start this line of work due to a gentleman asking me such a simple question, that at the time I thought was so weird that he didn't know the answer, but after time I figured that there are probably a lot of new dads out there with the same simple questions. I was on a walk with the little guy, Cooper, that I currently watch and this man came up to me and asked "how long did it take for you to do that". I assumed he meant, how long it took me to walk around the neighborhood that we were in, so I answered "twenty minutes". And he looked at me confused, and he asked again, "no, how long did it take til you were able to put him in a stroller". At the time, Cooper was 7 months old, and I took a moment to answer and I said, "if the weathers nice, and baby's healthy, you can take her for walks any time after birth. its a good way to get her out and around new things, and most babies love being outside." He responded, "thats great! my baby girl is cranky often and would probably like a walk." I felt so good the rest of that walk, having helped that gentleman and also helped the baby girl. I'm sure she's loving her walks with daddy. And honestly, since that moment, I've been wanting to help anyone else that might have a question.

Don't hesitate to write or call. The purpose of this blog is to inform you and be there for you and your baby.

I'm available 24/7. 620.224.6957.