Connect the Dots Ginger | Becky Allen: July 2016

Friday, July 29, 2016

Fight For It Friday!

It's the end of the week! We started out stronger, are you finishing stronger today? Fridays in the past have always been my WEAK DAY! Of all the days I missed consistently it was FRIDAYS! I don't know why but it was the one day that my EXCUSES would get to me and I just would not do it. Even during half marathon training when I needed to do 4 runs a week, Friday was the one that I struggled with. I was tired. I just wanted the week to be done and over with. I GET IT! BUT NOT TODAY! Be better today! Get up, get your workout in and be proud of rocking out your week!

What workout did you do today?

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Thursday, July 28, 2016

Bump Update: 32 Weeks

 8 MONTHS! I AM 8 MONTHS! How crazy is that?!? Time hasn't really gone by that fast but when you say, 8 months pregnant, it kind of hits you that, wow, this is getting really close! Oh, when people ask when I am due and I say, "September" they all say, "WOW THAT IS SO CLOSE!" It doesn't seem that close but I guess it is just about a month away. 
Matt and I had quite the special treat. After not having a date night for about 2 months, we had 2 date nights in 1 week! Saturday we went out to see Star Trek, it was great by the way, (I am a closet Trekie! my hubs is full blown Trekie! We have a whole wall in our basement dedicated to his Trek collection!) We just went for the movie, but it was shorter than we thought it would be and grabbed a quick bite to eat while we were out. It took me back to when we were first married and we went and saw movies at the theater ALL THE TIME! We don't do that anymore because they are so expensive. We only go see the really important ones in the theater. Then on Tuesday night we went to a nice dinner and then to our hospital tour. We tried out a new to us place, that I have wanted to try for years but just hadn't! It is all locally sourced ingredients and has vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options. IT WAS GREAT! Matt's burger was actually pretty good! I got an apple and ham melt and it was pretty darn good. Matt and I really do try to do a date night a month, but we just hadn't for the past couple of months. It really is so important to make time for you and your partner. Matt and I are celebrating our 14th anniversary in just over a month. Dating while married is so important to help keep that spark alive and remember why you married them in the first place. Being home with the kids, and the stress of it all can really break down a couple, but getting away with just the two of you could be what you really need to get that spark back! We would love to go out once a week, but haven't been able to budget that in to our lives yet but that is the goal. Someday. Weekly dates.
THE HOSPITAL TOUR! I know, I am expecting my third kid and yes we still did the hospital tour. Couple reasons why. I asked my doc some questions about postpartum care since the hospital was taken over by a new company and he didn't know the answer. Secondly, I was only in the labor and delivery room for 35 minutes before I had Collin in this new hospital. I don't really remember much besides the tub. I did learn a lot of things like how we can control the temperature of the room (I was flaming hot last time!) There is a fan, and that I really do call the shots. Which is great! I will admit that I got a little freaked out at first. Thoughts came flooding back in with the last time I was in the hospital, my emergency surgery and hospital stay. But I know that this is for a different reason and I trust my doc so much! I know that everything will be fine! I really am excited for the whole labor experience. I am excited, which sounds crazy but it is a true fact! There is nothing like experiencing the strength of labor and birthing your child. I feel so blessed that I can go through it not just once, but 3 times! 
Total Weight Gain: Gained 18.3 pounds total. Weight as of this morning 256.0 pounds. After just a couple of days I was able to lose most of the swollen weight I got last week from being outside and in the heat and salty air, but as of this morning I weighed in at 256 even. So I lost .6 pounds this week.

Symptoms: Heartburn. Heartburn is back in full force, despite what time we eat now. Mostly at night, I am sitting up for at least an hour. Peeing a ton! I am up like clockwork every 2 hours at night to go to the bathroom. Really is getting me ready for nursing! I am making sure I am drinking tons of water though so I don't get dehydrated. My new rule, after every time I go to the bathroom I drink more water.
Baby’s Size: Head of Lettuce (~19 inches inches, 3.9 pounds)
Maternity Clothes: Yes, bottoms need to wear maternity or stretchy pants. Tops I wear maternity now and my bigger t-shirts but those are starting to get tight now. Wearing my new Fabletics sports bra in these pictures and LOVE THEM and the fun colors! A ton more coverage and super comfy!
Stretch Marks: I already have a ton that I got when I gained weight years ago. So nothing new. I am using Honest Company belly balm right now though to help my belly stretch so I do not get any new ones. I apply it at night.

Braxton Hicks Contractions: Yep, I'm starting to feel them a lot more now. Just a few every day. Before this past week, I generally only got them when working out as just a reminder to slow down a little bit (about 2 in the 30 minutes). But now I am getting them throughout the day. Including some strong ones that kind of make me stop and take a breath. It is a great reminder to sit down and drinks some water! 
Gender: GIRL!!! So excited about all the cute stuff we got for her! We have her coming home outfit and her picture props! So girly, and way too cute!
Sleep: I have to take a nap every day. I just get so sleepy during the day. Probably to make up for the lack of sleep at night. Usually when Matt gets home from work I retreat to my room and have true mommy quiet time and rest. At night I am up at 11:30pm, 1:30am, and 3:30am, 5:30 without fail to use the bathroom. Then I have a hard time falling asleep again. Nights just seem to drag since I can't get comfy, or back to sleep easily. She is super active at night though. This week always around 9pm for about an hour where she is just going crazy! Plus I am flopping over like a fish trying to get comfy. There are times, I just want to go and sleep in Collin's new bed with the Hyphen mattress. It is actually really comfy and supports my belly really well!
Miss Anything: Sleeping comfortably flat on my belly or back! Sleeping through the night. 
Cravings: Veggies. Are really the only thing I really have to have with my meals. I really don't have any cravings of things that "I have to have". Peanut M&M's are my go to treat. but I can only eat a little at a time. 
Aversions: Sweets taste too sweet for me, so I can only handle a little at a time. I guess that is my only aversion and kind of good!
Excited About: My next check up with the doc. Next Thursday. After that I will be going every other week for a month. It is getting close! 
Workouts: Pretty well for this week! I got in 4 days of regular workouts this past week. I didn't go to the 4 miler training this past Saturday, it was just too hot for this momma! So missed out on that walking. My regular Workouts include: 21 Day Fix yoga & pilates Beachbody On Demand Active Maternity and Diary Of A Fit Mommy's Fit For Two 2nd Trimester workouts in daily. 

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey!

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Postpartum Recovery Must Haves

this post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you buy the products recommended, you won't pay more but I'll get a small commission. It's what pays the bills! 
Are you nearing the end of your pregnancy and are wondering what recovery is really going to be like? With my #1 I had NO IDEA! We missed that part of my birthing class because I had Mason before they got to it. I was in complete shock about what it was going to be like. I knew that you bled like a period for a time after, and my doula said to get some depends but she didn't say it was going to hurt worse, in a way, than labor did. I think it felt like it hurt worse because it lingered for so long. I tore during the birth of Mason, only a 1st degree but I still had a stitch, and I had hemorrhoids, from pushing so hard so I couldn't really sit very comfortably. Everything was swollen, oh and since I am a red head, we bleed more. So instead of the lovely "up to" 6 weeks of bleeding I had 8-10 weeks. If I did anything too strenuous I would start to bleed again even after the 8-10 weeks. UGH! 

Well, I learned really quickly, within the first couple of days after having Mason and doing research, what I really needed. And I used this same list to help with recovery for #2, which I also tore a 1st degree and had hemorrhoids again, and will use this same list for #3. I honestly think that this is THE BEST list of things that you really need. I have added a link to AMAZON for easy ordering! 

FOR RECOVERY DOWN UNDER:

My step by step process: Clean with the perineal bottle. Gently spread the bottom balm, Then spray with the bottom balm spray. Then the dermoplast. Then prepare the depends with the pad placed in it, and the 3 tucks pads placed on top of the pad. And then done! I know it sounds like a lot, but this has been the one thing that has really helped with healing faster, and swelling less. Really I do this routine for the first 2 weeks. Then move on to the thin pads for the next 6-8 weeks.

You will get a perineal bottle. You can't wipe after having a baby and you get to squirt warm water on your goods to clean you off. It sounds weird but IT FEELS SO GOOD! How to use: Fill it with warmish hot water before you sit down to pee unless you have someone there to fill it up for you. Then as you go it will cool down a bit. You do not want cold water on your bits! And too hot is ouch! 
 
Bottom Balm (for mom): I LOVE Earth Mama Angel Baby bottom balm. How to use: Spread it on your lady bits, gently, every time you go to the bathroom. The spray bottle of Earth Mama Angle Baby  as more easy and less messy, didn't have the same potency as the balm did. But you can use both if you want. Start with balm first, then the spray. This will help you heal and get less swollen too. 
 
Dermoplast: You might get this from the hospital. You need to check. This is a freezing spray that is nice too use especially if you have hemorrhoids or a tear. I numbs everything. How to use: Spray on AFTER you use the bottom balm to get the cooling effect from that first. Then spray. Use until you run out.



Depends: You only get a few mesh undies from the hospital. And yes these are embarrassing to wear, they are amazing! And super helpful. How to use: When you run out of the mesh undies from the hospital, use these as you would underwear to catch spillover of excess bleeding. Only need to use up to 2 weeks. Change as often as you need.


Pads (2 kinds): LONG for the first half of the after bleeding. How to use: You will put these inside the depends and change the pad every time and the depends catches everything else. I use Kotex overnight for this purpose. These were so similar to the extra long and thick ones that I got from the hospital.

When things start getting lighter I use the 7th Generation chlorine free extra long, thin with wings until I stop bleeding. 
 
Tucks Pads: You might get a jar of this from the hospital, make sure you check ahead of time. How to use: To be used just after birth until you feel less swollen, or until you run out. Put about 3 pads on top of your pad and just let it rest against you. The cooling is nice. Use until all pads are used.



FOR BREASTFEEDING:

Coconut oil in a small tub- You will want this before and after every time you nurse to help your nipples from cracking. This is instead of Lanolin cream (which is really sticky and smells funny to me) How to use: Rub a little on before you breastfeed and rub a little on after you feed. I put like 1/4 cup in a plastic tub to put in my hospital bag cause I didn't want to take the glass container. Make sure to get organic. I like Trader Joe's coconut oil or Spectrum is good too! 



HELP WITH SWELLING AFTER:

Sitz Bath: And for your first few days after baby it is a good idea to take a sitz bath. And even with baby. How to do: You just fill up the tub with a little bit of water. Not a lot at most a foot and use this sitz with the herbs in the muslin bag so that the herbs don't get all stuck in areas you don't want them and that are healing. Let it soak like tea before you get it. It will feel so good and will help with the swelling.



NEW FOR THIS TIME AROUND: 
This time I am going to try a full belly wrap. I have tried just the hip wrap but I didn't like it. But I really do want to try the full belly wrap to help with shrinking my uterus back down faster as it becomes more difficult with each baby you have. After tons of research I decided to do the Belly Bandit B.F.F. How to use: Start wearing as soon as possible after birth. In the hospital. It is supposed to be so comfortable you can even sleep in it. Just take off to shower! Listed below are the benefits of it.


  • Double Compression, six panel design
  • Luxuriously Soft, Earth Friendly material
  • Lose Inches and Look Slimmer Instantly
  • Doctor Recommended
  • Accelerates Healing
  • Helps Minimize Stretch Marks
  • Provides Comfort after C-Section
  • Supports Back, Leg & Core Muscles
  • Adds Support while Breastfeeding
  • Great for shorter or short waisted women
  • Our exclusive Power Compress Core™ is your secret weapon




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Monday, July 25, 2016

Never Miss A Monday Workout


The one day that everyone dislikes. MONDAY! It is so important to start your week strong so that you can finish it stronger. I have noticed that when I don't workout on Monday, I tend to miss Tuesday too, then jump on the wagon by Wednesday. Get Thursday done, then start making excuses by Friday. But if I get my Monday workout in, I will get my Tuesday workout in, rock Wednesday and Thursday and generally get my Fridays in! Today I am on my game! I got in my normal 2 workouts. I actually got in a morning yoga session, then did my strength training in the afternoon! GO ME! So go get your workout in today to rock the week! You are worth it!

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Friday, July 22, 2016

Our Baby Nursery Sneak Peek

I am so excited because I wasn't planning on doing Elyse's nursery yet. I had thought that Collin would still be in the room when she was born. But with the boys sharing the same room so much earlier than expected, and doing well, why not get her room all done!

For 5 years I have been planning her room. Well, just a couple details really. I saw these poppy decals and knew I wanted them behind her crib, and also to add a religious picture in there. (We have one in every room). I had planned on keeping the same bedding that they boys used, and just being as low cost as possible, but...when a friend of mine mentioned crib sheets decorated with poppies, I RAN WITH IT! And got a few items on major sale! I couldn't help it! And it has turned out SO GREAT!

Color palette for her room: 
Light yellow for the wall color, pops or red and light green.

Existing in nursery:
I did reuse a lot of items from the boys to help save some $$:
Green gingham curtains
Lamp with the matching green gingham shade
Mickey Lamp with cross stitch shade-made by my mom. That was in my room growing up.
Table used as a changing table,
changing table pad with cover with the green polka dots
Crib
Cross stitch Precious Moments Noah's Ark: My mom made that about 30 years ago
Bookshelf
Quilt hanging on the wall: My mom made that when I was about 9 years old and I claimed it for my kids!
Green "Shrek" chair. (We inherited it from my grandmother and it seems to be a very popular piece. We have another one in our room and another rocker but that is a crushed velvet in yellow. All from the 70's)

What we got:
Crib Sheets and quilt: Little Unicorn-
Crib Skirt: Pottery Barn Kids- Petter Rabbit Nursery Bedding
Wall Decals: Room Mates Peel and Stick Décor- Poppies At Play Giant Wall Decals
Pictures: Lowe's- Poppies Double Set (lucky find!) & Greg Olsen- Forever and Ever
Swaddle Blankets: Aden & Anais- RED

Enjoy the sneak peek!










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Thursday, July 21, 2016

Bump Update: 31 Weeks

We just got home late yesterday afternoon from our final vacation as a family of 4! We went out to Virginia Beach for Mason's 5th birthday because he really wanted to go to the beach! Surprisingly, I DIDN'T GET BURNED! We spent a good 3 hours at the beach and I thought I was getting fried. All I came away with was more FRECKLES! So did Mason. he has some new ones across his cheeks. So cute! It was a really great trip and both boys enjoyed the beach and seeing the boats and Navy ships! So glad that we were able to fit in a trip this year that was close to home, not too hot and tons of fun! 
On the baby front, all has been quiet. I am still dealing with minimal heart burn, since we changed our eating times. The only hard part I am dealing with is my ever growing belly which is making sleep more difficult and some pretty hard kicks from Elyse. I have such a hard time getting comfy some times! Still loving my veggies. Thankfully my veggie garden is almost ready to harvest! As Mason said last night, "We are going to have a big feast!" Bell peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, potatoes and WATERMELON! YUM! (well, not the watermelon part for me since I can't eat it but the fam will enjoy it!) 

Total Weight Gain: Gained 18.9 pounds total. Weight as of this morning 256.6 pounds. We just got back from our last family vacation as a family of 4 yesterday. I have been swollen from the heat and being out in it so much. So I am curious as to what my weight does in the next couple of days after I am back to my normal eating (daily Shakeology) and the puffiness goes down.

Symptoms: Minor heartburn this week. Trying not to eat too close to bed time. We are eating dinner around 5:30 pm most night instead of an hour later, like we do when I am teaching. So that has helped a lot. Peeing a ton! But I am making sure I am drinking tons of water though so I don't get dehydrated. My new rule, after every time I go to the bathroom I drink more water.
Baby’s Size: Coconut (~18 inches inches, 3.2 pounds)
Maternity Clothes: Yes, bottoms need to wear maternity or stretchy pants. Tops I wear maternity now and my bigger t-shirts but those are starting to get tight now. Wearing my new Fabletics sports bra in these pictures and LOVE THEM and the fun colors! A ton more coverage and super comfy!
Stretch Marks: I already have a ton that I got when I gained weight years ago. So nothing new. I am using Honest Company belly balm right now though to help my belly stretch so I do not get any new ones.
Gender: GIRL!!! 
Sleep: Sleep is like never ending for me. I am up at 11:30pm, 1:30am, and 3:30am without fail to use the bathroom. Then I have a hard time falling asleep again, and then Matt is up for work around 5am so I get up then too. Basically I am up every 2 hours to pee! Nights just seem to drag since I can't get comfy, or back to sleep easily. Oh and she likes to move A TON around the 11:30-midnight wake up. It is crazy how active she gets! 
Miss Anything: Sleeping comfortably flat on my belly or back! Sleeping through the night. 
Cravings: Veggies. Are really the only thing I really have to have with my meals. I really don't have any cravings of things that "I have to have". I just really enjoy eating good foods. Every night at our hotel they had an appetizer, it really was a meal. I went straight for the salad and had a very large salad or 2 and added extra veggies from the veggie platter!  
Aversions: Sweets taste too sweet for me, so I can only handle a little at a time. I guess that is my only aversion and kind of good!
Excited About: Meeting our little girl. It feels like it is getting so close. And the fact that the nursery is DONE! 
Workouts: Eh for this week! I only got in 2 days of regular workouts this past week. With being on vacation I didn't do my regular workouts but...I did walk 7 miles in the 3 days we were out of town! So that was great! My regular Workouts include: 21 Day Fix yoga & pilates Beachbody On Demand Active Maternity and Diary Of A Fit Mommy's Fit For Two 2nd Trimester workouts in daily. 

Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey!

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

The Power of a Mantra

My motto of the day: I am too positive to be doubtful, too optimistic to be fearful and too determined to be defeated. I have always been overly positive and optimistic to a fault, and I am damned determined, (my dad says that all the time.) Heck I told everyone I was not getting an epidural when I have a baby and no one believed me I didn't, TWICE! These are some of my strongest qualities, they just have to be used in the right way. When I honestly want something there is NOTHING IN THIS WORLD THAT WILL STOP ME! Come hell or high water, pregnant or not. I do what I want to accomplish, (That was my saying to do my 1/2 marathon at 29 weeks pregnant)

Believe in yourself and never, ever give up. If you want to have a healthy lifestyle: DON'T MAKE EXCUSES! Be so positive that you can not doubt yourself. Be so optimistic that you won't be scared of the "what if I fail" and be so damned determined that you will NOT be defeated by silly cravings or lazy afternoons. You are worth more than any excuse. Do you believe that? Do you really believe that? YOU SHOULD because you ARE! So...I challenge you today, REPEAT this motto 10 times throughout the day and see what it does for you on the inside. I dare you to tell me that it doesn't give you a little fire and passion to achieve what you want to achieve. There is strength in your thoughts and words. Use them to drive you and make you AMAZING! I love you guys and I want you to succeed, and I fully believe in strength in numbers and having a cheerleader. I AM YOUR CHEERLEADER! I want you to be happy.
If you want to join my August exclusive group, try out Shakeology to see how much it really can help you too, Combine it with 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme (Both ON SALE for only 8 MORE DAYS!)  and get amazing results (click here to learn more), let's chat today! This is YOUR TIME! This is YOUR SIGN! Let's do this!

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Tuesday, July 19, 2016

BEST Shakeology Recipe Calendar Collection

Are you looking to spice up your daily dose of nutrition? Check out these Shakeology recipe calendars. Giving you 30 days of amazing recipes to try out and find which one you like best! Which one are you going to try next?

You all know I love my Shakeology and I have drank it almost every single day in almost 2 years and not stopping when I found out I was pregnant this time around. Not only does it taste amazing but I know I am finally getting the things that my body needs to work right, feel good and it is guilt free! READY TO TRY SHAKEOLOGY? CLICK HERE TO ORDER! Curious about the nutritional info and what ingredients are actually in your Shakeology? CLICK HERE to view the ingredients list and nutrition info for EVERY SHAKEOLOGY FLAVOR!

Sometimes, I like to make my shake taste even better. So I add things to it to enhance it and make it even tastier. My favorite recipe? Check it out below!
Greenberry: 
 Chocolate:


Chocolate Holiday Recipes: 
 Vegan Tropical Strawberry: 

 Strawberry:
 Vanilla:
 Vegan Chocolate: 
Café Latte:
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Want more daily motivation and inspiration? Click here get free advice, support and encouragement + a free copy of my Clean Eating guide to help you get started on your health and fitness journey! 

Monday, July 18, 2016

Baby Registry Must Have's And MORE


I know a lot of first time moms wonder, what do I put on the registry that I will really need. Well, here are my must haves to include on that list. I also have what is not really necessary to have so you can decide what you really need. I want to give you the essential and save you as much money as you can, because having a baby, can get expensive really fast! If you have any questions on an item that you are thinking about comment below! This is my third go around. I would love to help you if you have any questions!

First things first, here is a little tip for all of you moms to be: sign up for an Amazon.com baby registry! It is one of the easiest experience ever as they sell (and you can find) EVERYTHING. A lot of times, the products are discounted or cheaper, which is GREAT!
Not only that, you get free shipping on everything and for all items that are left on your registry, you will get sent a 15% off coupon code to use to purchase them! Sweet, huh?
Sign up by clicking here or the banner below and start creating your dream baby list:
WHAT YOU NEED

Car seat-You have to have one to leave the hospital. Generally it will match your stroller or you can get it as a match set. Aim for something that has the higher weight and height requirement so you can use it longer. We personally have a Combi car seat. We got it because it was the only car seat that would fit in the Mini Cooper that we had when Mason was born. And we have continued to use it with Collin and will use it with Elyse too. It is and will still be under the 6 year limit and has never been in a car accident.

Stroller- Need to get a good stroller, one that could hold your car seat as well is very helpful for the first year or so. We have an older version of this Combi Stroller. We got it to fold to very small so that it could easily be carried around and fit in our very small car we had at the time.
Crib- although you probably won't use it for the baby for the first 3 months it is nice to have set up and ready to go. You don't have to go all out for the crib. I like things that grow with the child. So our is a convertible crib. It goes from a crib, to toddler bed, day bed, then to a full bed. And has lasted us through 2 kids so far for being just at $200 bucks.

Crib Sheets- You don't need to get the whole matching set. To save money just get cute sheets We got our as Little Unicorn for sweet little Elyse. 2-3 is the perfect number. One on the bed, one that needs to be washed and one ready to go clean for easy changing in the middle of the night.

Pack-n-play- We personally use a pack-n-play as the bassinet next to our bed for the first 3-6 months or until the baby is ready to move into their crib. We received one that has the newborn swaddle sleep area, the changing table and the upper setting of the bassinet.

Baby Carrier- like an Ergo baby or a Moby wrap to wear your baby around the house and out and about. Being hands free is amazing.

Breast pump- Check with your insurance to see if they cover the cost of a new breast pump. I have never gotten a pump but my friends really like the Medela Freestyle pump.  If your insurance does cover your pump you can still register for the accessories, pads, and extra parts. I have never used a breast pump. I have a manual one that I use at 6 months old to extract some milk for the baby food but I barely get any out of it.

Swaddle Blankets- We love to swaddle our babies. I love the Aden and Anais blankets because they are huge and don't un-wrap very easily. For easy, easy, easy, and my husband's personal preference, get the Summer Infant Swaddle Me adjustable infant wraps. They have velcro on them and it is just so easy to use.
Baby Tub- You could use your sink, but it is nice to have a safe place made just for your baby to clean them up! I love the sling style ones like this First Years Sure Comfort. Perfect for newborns to keep them in place!

Baby Monitor- We still have the old sound monitor but honestly if we could get a video monitor, yeah, that is on my list with this baby. It would be so nice to have and just put me at ease! Check out this Summer Infant In View Digital monitor.


Rocking chair- a good quality one. These are more expensive but ours only lasted for 1 child. Honestly, if you can get the actual couch like chair I think that would last you longer. We had one of the rockers and ottoman sets that had springs in the butt, under the cushion that broke and it creaked too much right from the get go. It literally got used to death. Which is good, but it would have been nice if it lasted for longer than 1 kid for the price that it cost (around $250) Oh and choose a darker fabric. There could be spit up or poop or other things that make it onto the chair. Get something dark so that stains or spots aren't easily seen after a quick wipe off.
Changing table- invest in a midsize dresser and a comfy changing mat and some cute new shelves. It will grow with your child. In our house, we do not have a changing table at all. We have a high set old desk table with a changing pad on it and a cute cover. We really don't use it and it becomes storage very quickly because we change all the diapers on our bed in the beginning or the floor as they get bigger. I just put a large size quilt down under baby on our bed or floor to avoid getting poop all over everything.


WHAT YOU DON'T NEED

Fancy nursing pillow- Boppy pillow will do just fine nothing that will cost you an arm and a leg. You can accessorize with a cute cover, but that will just cost more money. Keep in mind these get milk all over them. Make sure that it has or you get a washable cover on it though so that you can wash it easily.

Crib bumper and special bedding sets- Bumpers aren't recommended to be used anymore in the cribs, and we only have used it for decoration. You don't want it on there in the early days for fear of the baby getting stuck against it and heaven forbid, suffocating in it. And then as they start standing or getting curious about climbing they will use it to climb up on and climb out the crib. (Mason did that one.) We never used the bumper for Collin.

Nursing cover- These might be great as a first time mom in the beginning but really, they are/can be difficult to use. The baby gets super hot under them, it is hard to see and make sure they have and keep a good latch. And as they get older, the baby will take it off anyways. A large blanket will do trick for modesty in the beginning, but at some point, nursing will become second nature to you and covering up won't be a big deal.

Bottle Sterilizer- Nope don't need it. Get dishwasher safe bottles. It is easier to throw them in the dishwasher and let it go.

Bottle Warmer- Nope takes up space on your counters.

Designer Burp Cloths- Although they might be nice and have cute sayings on them. Invest in a single plastic style one or get 2 so you can have one that needs to be cleaned and one that is ready to go. We love the Baby Björn. Easy to clean and fits many sizes of children.

Wipe Warmer- We still have one that was for our first child, who is about to turn 5, that I registered for thinking I would use, and it has never been used. So...I am thinking it might be good to use this winter, however, the warmer will dry out the wipes. That is why we never used it. That was the number one thing I was told. Wipe warmer dries out the wipes and wastes money.

Bassinet- Don't have to have one of these specifically. The baby will grow out of it in the first 4 months. We borrowed one from a friend for Mason, and actually had it downstairs so that he could nap while I was in the kitchen cleaning or cooking. We use the pack-n-play as our bassinet. Which can be used later as a safe place to put your baby when you are doing things around the house as they get older.

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