Swaddled In Love | Audrey and Bear

Our little man is here and I couldn’t be happier to swaddle him in an Audrey and Bear Swaddle Set. I love what this company stands for and they provide swaddles for the NICU and pediatric centers. So anytime you make a purchase they will make one for either organization.

The options in customizing your swaddle are endless! I’ve seen some really cool designs on their Instagram! They also offer loveys, big kid blankets and other accessories. Make sure you check them out here.

The swaddle set I’ve chosen is the Moose Set. I picked this one because I’m a huge fan of the buffalo check print. It also matches Clayton’s car seat perfectly! The moose were just an added bonus as dad loves wildlife!

My favorite part about our swaddle is that I was able to put his name on it. His name is very special to me because before he was even conceived I had a dream in early 2017 about a baby named Clayton and I didn’t know that this baby would be mine. Fast forward to June 2018 I find out I’m pregnant and a few months later we discovered it was a boy. So there was no doubt what his name would be.

The blanket is incredibly stretchy which makes swaddling easy and it holds up well after washing! I have hung mine to dry as to not alter the color.

Having a baby or know someone who is? This is a great gift!

Check out my review below.

Must Haves for New Baby

As most of you know, this isn’t my first rodeo but if you’re new here welcome! So, my approach with this baby is buying the essentials without over doing it. Children are expensive and being that I have two already I wanted to make sure that I didn’t fall into the trap of purchasing things we don’t need just because its cute. Now by all means, if you want your baby to have everything under the sun be my guest! Shop away but for my budget conscious mamas this list is for you!

Below are my top 10 must have items!

*All links are clickable for easier access!

1.       Breastfeeding Pillow

My pillow of choice is the Boppy Nursing Pillow, I’ve had one with both of my children and it was a life saver even after I stopped breastfeeding. I personally had a c-section with both of my girls and needing a little assistance while trying to nurse was necessary! The Boppy allows you to relax. I remember being on the couch and could prop my little one on the pillow and be completely hands free except for the occasional need to latch again.

2.       DockaTot

Now this is a newbie to my list! I’ve heard so many great things about it and I had to see if the hype was true. From the reviews, it’s living up to its name. (I will do a full review once little man arrives) If you’re like me, and you wonder how this item could change your life. So far, I’m a believer! It’s handmade to perfection it feels like the perfect mattress for baby. it’s not too firm and provides a cozy space for baby. This is a great alternative to your traditional co-sleeper/lounger. I recommend using it for nap time as adult supervision is required while child is in it. It’s handmade and sturdy it also provides a safety latch. As your baby grows you’re able to release the latch to allow for leg room. They offer two size options the DockaTot Deluxe (0-8 months old) and DockaTot Grand (9-36 months old). The dockatot comes perfectly packaged! It was delivered in a cardboard box with a plastic seal.

3.       Crib (Pack n’ Play)

I have both but I think it really depends on what you’re using it for. The Pack n’ Play is great for the first few months of life. Most can hold a baby until 20 lbs in the basinet portion and once they are older you can remove it and use the bottom portion for play time. I’ve always found my Pack n’ Play to be helpful when I would have guest. I preferred to keep people out of baby’s room so this allowed them to still visit without being in their space. The crib is a must and if you find one that’s transitional you’re winning! You can expect to pay more for a crib and everything that comes along with it. You’re going to need the crib itself ranging anywhere from $125-500, crib mattress, sheets and bedding. I personally hunted down deals on my crib. I got one off the sales floor for $80 (already put together), crib mattress for $50 and bedding from Target for $65.

4.       Clothing

You don’t need to go overboard with the clothes. Depending on the time of year baby is born you’ll want thicker material items but as a general rule of thumb 5-8 onesies, socks, 4 sleepers/all in ones will do the trick!

5.       Travel System

Travel systems are a life saver! Trust me, you need one. I feel you’re getting steal when you get one. I know some will disagree and go straight for the convertible car seat – which is fine BUT that car seat will not be going in the store with you! I personally have the Graco FastAction Fold which I have yet to test except for around the house and it’s a beast! I love the 360 wheel turn options! I’ve had a travel system with both of my girls and it has worked wonders. Unsnap the car seat for quick trips like the grocery store, doctor’s visit, or church. Then take your travel system for extended trips like the mall, park, or family outing.

6.       Bottles

You’re going to need bottles, unless of course you’re exclusively breast feeding. My goal is to breastfeed but dad and my girls would like to help as well so I’m opting to do both. I will pump and store it in a bottle to allow them to participate in feedings. Now which bottle you choose is completely up to you. There are many great choices and I’ve used a few: Dr. Brown’s, Avent, and Tommie Tippie. Tommie Tippie being my favorite.

7.       Diaper/Wipes

Now, you all know I like to keep it real with you. I’ve always been a Pampers mom especially in the beginning – my hospital gives them out and they look adorable on those sweet little newborns but what I also know is that there are different strokes for different folks. Try out different diapers and see what works for your little one. The same applies to wipes. As a newborn, babies do not need fragrance no matter what you may think. Their skin is delicate so avoid it at all cost, once they’re older you can branch out.

8.       Bouncer

I’ve always loved a good bouncer but they don’t always last that long especially if you little one is growing like a champ. I decided I would try the Fisher Price Infant to Toddler Rocker. What I’m loving most about this is that it will be useful for more than one age. The reviews have been pretty positive and working in childcare previously I have a little experience using them.

9.       Diaper bag

There are literally hundreds of choices for diaper bags but I believe in having a bag that functions well. This go around I chose to use a diaper bag backpack simply because of the convenience and I’ve heard so many great things about how easy it is to manage with a new baby. For the bag pictured above click here.

10.    Blankets

You’re going to need them no matter what the temperature. Baby is not use to being outside of the womb and their body has to regulate so you’re going to always need to carry a blanket with you.

I hope you find this list helpful when you’re shopping for your new little one of giving a gift!

Black Friday Sale with PinkBlush

Mama’s this one is for you! Thanks to PinkBlush I’m bringing you some Holiday Deals!!! All opinions are completely my own - as always!

Have you been wanting to update that wardrobe but you haven’t been sure how to do so or don’t think you can afford it? SURPRISE! You’re in luck! I’m always being complimented on how nice my clothing from PinkBlush is and now you’ll get the opportunity to have some, IF you shop the sale!!!

LARGEST SALE OF THE YEAR!!!

Below are some items that I’ve been able to select that are apart of the sale. Make sure you head over to their site to see what awesome deals you can catch! What I love most about PinkBlush is they are totally keeping me trendy for pregnancy and beyond. Once you become a mom you feel like you lose some of your hotness but NO MA’AM! I will defiantly be able to keep it hot!

Outfit 1: Light Blue Solid Delivery/Nursing Robe

This item is apart of their Holi-Deals*

Ladies, I had to grab this robe! I own another one of their robes and I’m in LOVE! It’s comfy and light. This is not your grandmother’s robe! I love that I will be able to nurse my little one with my robe on due to the tie on the inside. You will want this in your collection and it’s a super low price Black Friday thru Cyber Monday!

Sizes: 1X - 3X

Outfit 2: Ruffle Trim Puff Sleeve Maternity Dress

If you’ve been following me for a while you know I’m a “maxi girl” I LOVE a good maxi dress but I decided to do something a little different and opt for a short dress. You can still look fabulous and show a little skin! The color I’m wearing is no longer available but it is available in black, mauve, and royal blue!

I will definitely be rocking this to some holiday parties this year! You don’t have to opt for a long dress in the winter. Pair the dress with tights and you’re good to go! I also added a faux fur vest to give the outfit an extra flare.

Sizes Available: S-XL

Non-maternity option: Burgundy Sequin Sleeveless V Neck Evening Gown

Outfit 3: Blue Plus Maternity Sweater Top

I can appreciate a cozy oversize sweater! This is perfect for going out and lounging around the house! I’ve paired this top a pair of jeggings and was pleased! The further along in the pregnancy I’m getting the more I want comfort! The neckline of the shirt is versatile. It’s open, I opted to wear it slightly off the shoulder - completely optional! I also love that it’s long enough to almost completely cover my hips! I can avoid tugging at my shirt constantly!

Sizes: 1X - 3X

Non-maternity option: Light Blue Cowl Neck Striped Accent Terry Top

If you’re anything like me, you’re planning your deals for Black Friday, that’s why I wanted to give it to you early so you’re ready! Remember you deserve something nice this holiday season as well! Everything will be up to 60% off! Be sure you use the CODE: BLACKFRIDAY

P.S. Stay tuned to my Instagram this week I will be doing a giveaway with PinkBlush just in time for your holiday shopping!

How I'm handing being Plus Size and Pregnant

Photo by: Denise Benson Photography 

Being a plus sized woman in America is hard especially when you see women paraded on television that look nothing like you. Even the plus size models have a particular shape. It’s usually the coke bottle, pear shape and ya girl here doesn’t have it! I’ve struggled to fit into the typical plus size world because I’m not super curvy and I would get dirty looks shopping in plus sizes stores. On more than one occasion the sales associate told me she thought I was lost. 😒

I’ve been plus sized for most of my life. It didn’t really hit me that being plus sized and pregnant mattered…not until I got my paperwork at check from my doctor. They gave me a cute little sheet that had my weight, height, how much I have loss or gained (I lost weight by the way) and my BMI. IT WAS 34! I’m considered obese. My doctor hasn’t harped on me about losing but she has encouraged me to move – start walking for 5 minutes a day just to get the blood flowing. And honestly, I’m not mad. She has treated me like a human – which is all I want. I know I weigh more than I should but I don't need to be reminded of that every time I go to the doctor.

What being plus size and pregnant means to me is still being able to be fabulous and pregnant? I can do any and everything every other woman can do. I WILL take those maternity photos. I WILL share my growing belly. I WILL give in to my cravings and I will enjoy this pregnancy!

I believe pregnancy is supposed to be a joyous time. I'm determined to do that. I move when my body says move and I rest when my body tells me to. Understanding what's best for you and baby is the best thing you can do while pregnant!

What are or were your biggest fears during pregnancy?