Thank you, friends, for all the love and prayers sent for Caroline and Tyler (and big brother, Brady!) They are all doing wonderfully. Now that we’re 12 days in as a family of five (and twelve days recovering from a twin c-section) I wanted to share some real-deal favorites for after the baby (or babies) are born – not the cute and fluffy bows and hats and outfits that we love (though there are a lot of those we’ll share later) but the REAL things that make life easier (yea, like these underwear [that’s right, I just posted about underwear on my blog – but seriously, post delivery of a child or two… do yourself a favor…] breast pumps and things like that!) My biggest piece of advice though – get help, accept help, enjoy help. My Mom has been here for almost three weeks and I’m pretty sure I would have died without her. She’s helped me create routines, schedules and organized my house in a way to support our new life with two newborns and a preschooler. Essentially – at our doctor’s recommendation – we have the babies on a loose three hour “routine” through the day and night. Having that schedule written down (and alarms in my phone) and on our fridge is so helpful. I know what I need to take care of in the morning, when Brady needs to be places (and his bedtime), etc. Now here are a few things that have made life simpler and easier (more room for snuggles and less room for stress) since January 28. :)
1. Baby Jogger 2014 City Select Stroller with Second Seat – I looked high and low for a great stroller and after debating the side-by-side vs the in-line for what felt like forever, we decided to go with this one. So far we love it. We haven’t left the house a ton to use it but its great for walks around the neighborhood so far. All you need with this stroller are the two “buckets” (that’s what we call infant car seats) and these adapters. (I had to call City Select to get the adapters right after purchasing the wrong ones at first – these are for the Graco Click Connect seats we have).
2. Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 Car Seats – I LOVE these. They have excellent safety ratings, are really durable and are super light. They fit the stroller above with these adapters.
3. Born Free Nighty Night Nursing Light – My friend Gina Zeidler told me about this and I think its awesome. I sleep with it clipped to the strap of my shirt (or sleepy-time nursing bra) and click it on whenever we need to feed or change or check on them. We also realized (last night) that Caroline really loves the light and it calms her down. It has a setting where it will turn off after 5, 10, 15 or 20 minutes – so last night I clipped it to their bassinet and let Caroline look at it for a while to calm down. She was out in no time.
4. Bravado Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra – I wear this all day every day and wash it at night. It’s so comfortable and has removable pads. Easy when pumping or nursing. I wear this one at night.
5. Walk In Love Tees – I’m so excited to finally be able to wear my favorite tee shirts again. I adore Walk in Love and what they stand for and their shirts are the comfiest around. I have their “Faith, Hope & Love” shirt on today and am purchasing some new ones this afternoon. I probably wear these five days a week with jeans or leggings.
6. Canon Rebel SLR Camera – I really don’t know anything about anything when it comes to photography (other than what I like) but this camera is super easy. I was really glad I had it in the hospital. I had my own little mini shoot of the babies one afternoon in the window light. It’s easy to use and makes great photos.
7. Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump Backpack – This thing is awesome. With Brady we rented from the hospital and bought our own parts and pieces. This time I borrowed this pump from a friend and bought our own parts and pieces. It’s super strong and easy. And this hands free bra to wear while you’re pumping makes it a breeze (if pumping can be a breeze).
8. Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets – These muslin blankets are so soft and great for babies. We swaddle ours in them at night and use them at the doctor’s office as blankets, etc.
9. Amazon Mom Membership – Ok, so many people know about Amazon Prime (I couldn’t survive without it) but Amazon Mom gives you an extra discount on diapers. We signed up for the subscribe and save with diapers and wipes. So great and easy – they just show up at our door! xo, Emily
