30 Day $elf Challenge

Today marks the first day of the next 30, in which I am challenging myself to spend NO MONEY(with the exception of course for fresh produce needed for dinners, birthday/baby shower gift(s), & gas). Other than that no money will be spent. I have found myself ever since the baby was born going shopping almost on the daily. Finding excuses to spend money. I am not making excuses, but I think with all the pre-baby talk about how you lose yourself, and its NOT ALL ABOUT YOU anymore, has made me want to spend more. I wasn't about to let that happen!!! I wanted to stay hip & current. Even though I am only 25!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A lot of women I talked to (mostly clients) made the idea of having a baby so bittersweet. It really had my mind all twisted. 

LET ME MAKE THIS CLEAR:

IT IS THE SWEETEST DAMN THING YOU WILL EVER DO

Maybe they've lost themselves along the way, but I sure as hell did not. 

The fact is, I will always be who I was before, but now add mom to that. 

I go out (rarely) with my girlfriends, and I feel like my "old" self. I feel like Kylie...With a baby. Which is exactly who I am. So I don't exactly want to think about it as my "old" self, but rather the "new/updated" self.

I wouldn't change this life for anything. My little Bellin is just perfect. She brings so much joy to so many people. And to be a better person, and mother, I am getting this problem under control....or at least trying ;)

$oooooooo....Here i$ to the next 30 day$!!

Mommy-Must-Haves 0-3 Months!

Hello Mommies & Mommies-To-Be!

I am happy to bring you my edition of "Mommy-Must-Haves" for 0-3 mo.

Please keep in mind this is what worked for Abe & I and this does not work for everyone, or every babies needs. Welcome to this guide of what works for us!

^ Formula storage containers

These (2) Plastic containers simulating formula storage, are wonderful and small. You pour as many scoops as needed per bottle. ALWAYS carry a fresh bottle of water with you! You never know when you will need to make a bottle in an INSTANT!

Bassinet!! 

We have this bassinet at the foot of our bed. She gets snuggled in and we still have a sense of comfort because she is so close! 

MUST HAVE!!

"Goodie Basket"

Baskets are wonderful! I keep a basket of "Goodies" in my living room on the coffee table loaded with: Fresh diapers, box of wipes, pacifier, Purell hand sanitizer, and a burp rag. These are most essentials you will need throughout the day and when you keep them in a basket, it keeps you organized and you will always know where to go to. Also, for your husband! There is no confusion of who left what where last! :) 

GO TO BASKET!!

The BOPPY!

This "U" shaped pillow is so wonderful for relieving your shoulders and the weight of the baby when you are trying to learn how to breast/ or bottle feed. It creates a cozy place for you to snuggle your little one up to and relax while you feed.

Diaper Bag!

Whatever bag you may choose, I want you to choose something that makes you feel good about carrying around poopie diapers! It is important that you express yourself & recreate your style as a MOM! <3

Bottle Drying Rack

We have this exact one. It is wonderful. It keeps all the bottles & pieces together. You never misplace the pieces. Simply keep right next to your sink. The bottles will never get mixed up with other dishes!

Extra Pacifiers!!

The SOOTHIE from the hospital Bel LOVES. We only had the one for a few weeks. On my first trip to Target I noticed they had the exact ones from the hospital. So I purchased 10 more!!! You always seem to misplace them when you need it the most! Pacifiers are not for everyone, but they work for us, and a back stock is not a bad idea!

The SWING!

Having a swing is wonderful. It gives you a break when you need it. You can put the babes down and the rocking motion lets them relax so Mommy can sit a relax too! We use this A LOT!!

A GLASS OF WINE

Remember you mommies out there to take time for yourself and rejuvenate to be a better mommy for your little one. A refreshing glass of wine, or movie out on the town with your man is highly recommended!!

Wild{Whim} for Bellin

Had a wonderful photoshoot with WildWhim Photography & am very pleased with these sweet captures of my beautiful Bellin & I.

First Day With Sharon

Leaving Bellin for the first time with Sharon. We LOVE her!

Here is Sharon & Abe

(Bellin is sleepy :) )

Oh my goodness! Daddy is having a hard time. There may have been a few tears shed...

We survived! And were home. Here on the left is the schedule Bellin was on today, from her wet diapers, to her feedings and naps. Were so lucky to have Sharon!

And here on the right is Bellin...Home...Cozy in her bassinet napping. 

It was a surreal feeling today...Leaving work and driving to pick up my little girl. As I drive down Lynn road, no music playing in my car (this is rare) all I could hear were my thoughts..." I wonder what Bellin did today, I wonder how she fell asleep, I wonder if she missed us".

It was so nice to pull up to Sharon's and see my little girl happy and safe.

We drove home & listened to Christmas music the whole way.

Today was a good day.

Tonight started out mellow. A nice fire in the fire place & watching a few movies after running errands. I got dinner ready, and I started a movie that had my wheels spinning. My whole life, I've never been afraid to die. I've thought about when I go, what it will be like, how old I will be...etc. I've thought about different reasons why I would die, and where I would be in my life, but still never afraid...Until tonight. Tonight I started this movie called Beginners. I'm not entirely sure if this movie was supposed to have the effect on me that it did. It brought up recent memories of my grandmother passing. She became very sick a few years ago and fought a very rare and strong disease. She ended up passing in the hospital after 2 years of a long, hard fight. This movie tonight reminded me of how strong she was. How she never showed fear (in front of me at least). It reminded me of how she fought until SHE was done fighting. I believe, after long enough in the hospital, my grandma was tired. She was tired of fighting and being sick. So when she was ready, she went.
Watching this movie snuggled up on my sofa with Abe and Bellin, I looked over at Bellin and thought, "how could I ever leave you behind" , "Who would love you and take care of you like I do", "Who is going to teach you right from wrong", "who is going to be your best friend". I've never been so afraid.
Being a mother is most bittersweet feeling. It is incredible, but you don't want to fail. All you can do is love, and love hard.

The moment my life changed forever.

The Great Pumpkin

Happy Halloween!

It's The Great Pumpkin

Mommy doesn't know how to edit very well, but I am learning!!! 

Bellin's first Halloween!

"Thanks for helping mom, daddy."

Baby Bel LOVES her swing thing!!

We have the Cradle n' Swing By: Fisher Price and Bellin just loves it! We put her in it when she is calm and she watches the little lambs turn around, and listens to the music soothe her.

Here are some pictures of Bellin's first time in her SWING THING! 

So amazed!

And my favorite :)