The Good Stuff...

My life pretty much consists of three things right now- nursing, changing diapers, and loving on this tiny person named Cora. Since becoming a mom I have found that there are some products out there that I currently could not live with out (well maybe I could live with out, but with the following products my life is a lot easier.) Before I had a baby I always struggled with what to get people for a baby shower. I have a pretty unique/cool/sentimental wedding gift I always give and I have always wanted the same for baby shower gifts. I think I am on my way to knowing what that gift is going to be (and it may just be a combo of any of the products listed below).

Organic Chamomile Tea- I am not a big tea drinker, but since I have started nursing I wanted to start consuming other things beside water (which, by the way, I could drink water for the rest of my life and be a happy, happy girl). So in search of a soothing drink I came across this tea at Target last week. I love it. It has a great flavor, its organic, and I read some where that chamomile is great a component for nursing babies to ingest. I try to have a cup a day. On a side note, since I am not pregnant any more my desire for coffee has come back, this tea helps curb the want for a large caffeinated cup of Joe.
Ugg Slippers- How I did life before these little guys I do not know. These were a Christmas gift from my parents, meant for the hospital stay with Cora. Since she came 2 weeks early I did not have them until I got home. I think I have worn them every day since her birth. They are wonderful to wear around the house and they are totally made to wear outdoors as well. They are so comfortable and have kept my feet nice and warm in the cool weather. When I slip these on on my way to Cora's nursery for the 3am feeding I almost smile- they are that good. Bet you will never guess what is on my feet right now...

The Peanut Shell Sling- this has been wonderful while carting Cora around the house. She loves to be close to me right now so when I need to get things done around the house I just tuck her in this and we can go do laundry, dishes, go on short walks, and the list could go on. She is actually tucked in it as I sit here and type. I have the small new born sling and I am pretty sure it makes her feel womb like, she looks pretty cozy.

My Blankee- My good friend Jenny gave me one of these- a nice, soft pink one. We got the 14x17 size and it is a perfect size for a newborn- perfect. In almost every Cora picture you can see this little pink blanket. It fits her body just right and it feels so nice on my hands as I hold her. Plus there are hundred of designs to choose from on the website, so I am sure you can find one to match your theme or color scheme.
Lansinoh Cream- I will not go into details on this product but there is no way I could have gotten through the last (almost) 4 weeks without this cream. Again, thank you J for giving this to me before Cora arrived and thank you St. Luke's for providing this lovely tube in the hospital. This is a must have product if you plan on nursing- MUST HAVE.
Boppy Pillow- Another thing you can see in almost every Cora picture. And that is the exact slip cover I have- owls:). Goes great with the nursery and I have not gotten tired of looking at it and let me tell you, I look at it a lot. It allows me to nurse is many places around the house and with out the support it provides, nursing would have been a lot more chappenging. Thanks to all who encouraged me to take it to the hospital- 100% worth carting to and from St. Luke's.
Rock and Play Sleeper- This is where Cora sleeps at night, right next to my side of the bed. The first couple nights at home she would not sleep any where but on either Steve or I and I was totally freaking out that she would have to sleep with us the rest of her life (it is amazing the things your mind makes up at 3 in the morning and you have not slept in what feels like years!). Around the fourth night she took to this and it has been good ever since. Please put this on your registry if you are currently expecting a little one. It folds up nicely for travel and holds the baby at an angle which helps with sleep. I had no clue this thing existed until my friend Linds sent it to my for a baby gift. Its good to have almost every friend I have already have a baby- I have gotten so much great advice:)!
Miracle Blanket- I have saved the best for last. I swear this little creation has added an hour or two to our sleep at night. As many of you know, swaddling is great for (most) babies in the first couple months of life. Well, Cora had a very hard time with swaddling. She is SUPER strong and busted out of every swaddle we tried, the pediatrician tried, and the nurses in the hospital tried. In fact in the hospital they would swaddle her in two swaddle blankets, that worked for about a week. I had received one of these as a gift at my shower so Steve and I gave it a whirl a week or so into life with Cora (I kinda forgot I had it). It has been a game changer at night. I want to give every new mom 10 of these- we currently have 3 and it is the perfect amount in case she poops, pees or spits up on one during the night. Steve is the master swaddler in our house. He and Cora have their routine down with this blanket. She still fights us on it at times but over all this is probably the most used and favorite product in our house right now.

Feel free to share your favorites with me. I am sure there is so much out there that I do not know about and will need to know about as this little one grows...