I just turned down an amazing job opportunity across the country a few weeks ago.
I love my family. I do. And I knew that when we first had plans on starting a family that everything else would be placed on the back burner. Nevertheless I’m bummed out. When I first joined this organization, it was because of the unimaginable opportunities that came with it. If you can think of a position, it probably exists. And if it doesn’t exists, it can likely be created. I’ve been in this country for close to 25 years and sadly have only seen just a small fraction of it. It would be AMAZING to be able to see more of this country and to be able to grow my resume. Any other working mamas out there feel that they are “giving up” a part of themselves for their family?
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This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. So I’ve been using the Lollipop Baby Camera for a while now and I’m pretty amazed. We’ve had a lot of cameras before (for both home security and baby monitors) and this is by far our favourite. I ordered off Amazon and received the camera the following day. I love the features that Lollipop Baby Camera provides, all without a monthly fee! That’s the first thing I look at when considering a baby monitor. As much as it’s important to check out the features available, a lot of high end features come with a pretty penny, which adds up when you consider how long you’re going to use the camera for! It has a smart crying notification that notifies you when your baby is crying. This is especially useful to me when I’m not at home or when you wake up thinking your baby’s crying but see that they’re still sleeping. My favourite feature is that it takes a clip every hour or so and that you can scroll through and see how many times your baby moves around at night! It also saves a 30 second clip for events, such as when your baby cries. I also love how pretty it looks and how one of the options to install the camera is a tree branch! They come in turquoise, pistachio and cotton candy, and you can even get their new grey outer! All in all, I love the video quality, the FREE features and the versatility of this camera. Most importantly, the PRICE! I was gifted the Lollipop Baby Camera in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own. So for Emily’s first birthday, I wanted to be one of “those” moms and bake her a simple healthy cake with no sugar. Her diet up until this point has been so pure and bland that I didn’t want to introduce sugar to her (other than fruits of course).
I tried 2 recipes and boy were they a disaster! Try them for yourself let me know how they go! If you happen to know any better/easier recipes, let me know! www.indulgewithmimi.com/healthier-strawberry-banana-smash-cake/ www.fitmamarealfood.com/babys-first-smash-cake-healthy-no-sugar-banana-cake/
This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
Here are my top 10 must buys for a newborn! Please keep in mind this is what worked for me, as a first time parent and that these items may or may not work for you and your baby.
10. Dwinguler Play Mat
Comes in two sizes and a variety of prints. This is the thickest play mat that I've seen and also has a play pen (sold separately). This mat saves my knees because let's face it, our babies aren't the only ones on hands and knees!
9. Herschel Sprout Change Pad
Comes in a variety of colours. This is the biggest change pad that I was able to find. A little chunky to put in your diaper bag but being the germaphobe that I am, I love that Emily is completely off any surface that we need to change her on!
8. Ubbi Diaper Pail
Comes in a variety of colours and prints. I love that they have a steel version because it looks less like a diaper pail and actually fits in with the rest of my decor!
7. Matchstick Monkey
Comes in a variety of colours and styles. Emily loves it because this is the only teether that she's able to grab with her little hands and fit in her mouth. She also has the Baby Banana Training Toothbrush but it's just too difficult for her to hold onto with her little hands.
6. Mam Newborn Pacifier
Comes in a variety of colours and sizes. They even have a glow in the dark one as well! This was not the first pacifier I bought. In fact, I did not even buy this originally. I received it for free in the pregnancy goody bags and thought I would give it a try since the one I bought didn't quite fit in Emily's mouth and kept falling out. This is the only pacifier that fits so perfectly in her little mouth. I originally didn't think a glow in the dark pacifier was necessary and thought, seriously? However, if you have a baby that cries whenever their pacifier falls out, then a glow in the dark pacifier is a must have!
5. Haakaa Breast Pump
Comes in 4 oz and 5 oz. I have the 5 oz, which I prefer because I noticed that as it fills up, it starts to get heavy and looses suction. I originally purchased it to collect letdown while breastfeeding but then bought a second one because it is the only true handsfree "pump" out there. I use it when I am leaking and just before I go out (while doing my makeup) just to get a few extra ounces. Every drop counts! Just a note that I have found that the 1st generation Haakaa seems to work better for me than the 2nd generation; however, the 2nd generation Haakaa has better suction.
4. Bumbo Changing Pad
Comes in a variety of colours (grey, pink, blue, magenta). There are fabric change pads out there that are more comfortable; however, being the germaphobe that I am, I love how you can sanitize this pad and that it is waterproof! I also love that it has a safety belt, which comes in handy when your baby learns to roll over and tries to escape!
3. Peg Perego High Chair
The one shown above is the Peg Perego Prima Pappa Zero 3 (the one I have); however, any Peg Perego high chair suitable for newborns will do. But why do newborns need a high chair? Because you can't always hold your baby. This was especially useful because it was high enough to keep Tofu away and a safe place for Emily to rest.
2. Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat
Comes in a variety of colours. I specifically chose the Pipa vs the Pipa Lite because it can be used up to 35 lbs. rather than 22 lbs. I was skeptical of buying an infant car seat at first and wanted to save money; however, it became such an ordeal eating at restaurants that we felt it was worth the splurge. Additionally, it made it much easier to take Emily in the stroller on short trips, rather than having to take her out and put her in the bassinet. I also felt more assured knowing that Emily fit more snugly in the infant car seat, rather than in the convertible car seat (it seemed like her head would flop around in the newborn days).
1. Knix Leakproof Nursing Bra
REVOLUTIONARY. Comes in a variety of sizes and colours. It is rather expensive but SO WORTH IT. It is embarrassing when you are out and about and you're leaking. I have ruined so many shirts and bras and spent so much money on nursing pads. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this bra. A MUST buy. This post is simply my opinion. I am not sponsored or compensated for this post. Last week was honestly the toughest week since Emily was born. Up until now, Emily has honesty been a really good baby and easy to care for. Whenever she cries, there's always a reason and it can easily be solved ̶ be it hunger, needing a diaper change or just wanting her pacifier. She's always been a good sleeper and if she doesn't sleep through the night, she goes back to sleep right after feeding.
Between teething, sleep regression and Emily learning how to turn over, I haven't had much sleep and I'm often left with a crying baby. I'm excited that she's learned to turn over (back to tummy) but she gets frustrated when she can't turn back and starts crying. I kept flipping her back over but then she would turn back onto her tummy again, as if she can't help herself and must turn over onto her tummy like a reflex. Then she would become overtired because she can't sleep since she keeps turning herself over whenever she's on her back. So many times I’ve had to remind myself that it’s okay to let the baby cry it out and that it’s okay to ask for help. (On work nights and work days, I am the sole caregiver of Emily, as Drew has to work. I do not wake him at night and take care of any feedings or needs that Emily has at night.) Parenting is hard and it really does take a village. Just remember that a bad day doesn’t make a bad mommy. Luckily, by the end of the week, Emily figured out how to turn back onto her back, and turning onto her tummy has become less of a reflex. I feel so blessed to have such a supportive and understanding family to help me and come to my rescue, no questions asked. Thank you so much! <3 |
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