New Momma Must Haves

The following are the items I couldn't live without so far in the first few weeks

For Baby:

Momaroo    - I love that you can control this device from your cell phone if desired - no need to leave the couch.
Fisher Price Swing - This is a life saver in the morning b/c I keep it upstairs and put her in it while I shower and get dressed. Typically it swings her right to sleep.
Auto Rock n Play - A lifesaver at night since it rocks on its own for 6 hours straight before shutting off.  I used it as a bassinet next to my bed but originally bought the one that only vibrated causing me to rock with my hand or foot until she fell asleep.
Aden and Anais Blankets - Simply the best blankets
Steam Bags - Quick and easy way to sanitize bottles, binkies & pumping parts in only 1:30
Britax Travel System - The carseat is a little heavy but scored great safety ratings.  The stroller is light and easy for travel and folds in a flash.
Bob Jogging Stroller - In my opinion, the best jogging stroller.  It maneuvers so well on multiple surfaces and provides a smooth ride.  I love that it has a carseat adapter so you can get back to exercising with baby in tow.
Triple Paste - My personal favorite for diaper rash since it works so quickly.
Dr. Brown's Bottles - Since I have a gassy baby, they have helped cut down on the intake of air while she is eating.  Only negative is there are multiple pieces to assemble for eating and take apart for cleaning.
Pampers Sensitive Wipes - I originally used regular Pampers wipes but they caused a little rash so I switched to the Sensitive ones and haven't had a problem since.
Nuk Pacifier - This was the first binkie we tried and it immediately calms her when she is upset.

For Mom:
Slimming Nursing Cami - The spandex material does an amazing job and sucking everything in after giving birth.  I also like the thick straps since they stay in place.
Tucks Pads - A lifesaver for hemorrhoids after giving birth vaginally.
Stool Softener - I suggest to start taking immediately after giving birth until you are going regularly.  I am almost six weeks postpartum and it still hurts to go to the bathroom sometimes.
Hydrocortisone Cream - Another lifesaver if you have an episiotomy since the stitches will start to get tight and itch.
Dermoplast Spray - This numbing spray will be your best friend after pushing a baby out.
Soothies Gel Pads - My nipples were cracked and bleeding the day after delivering since my daughter wasn't latching correctly.  These provided cooling relief immediately and can be reused for up to 72 hours.
Disposable Breast Pads - Love them b/c they act like a diaper soaking up breastmilk while keeping your clothes dry.

Catching Some Z's

We hit the five week mark and my girl friend started sleeping through the night.  The first time it happened I woke up thinking it was a fluke because the night before she only slept 2 hours at a time but she has been pretty consistent for the last week.  With that said, we don't go to bed until 11:30 or maybe even midnight most nights, but she will sleep until six something wake to eat or be changed and go back down until 9:30am.  I am not sure if this new schedule is the result of her weight or the belly sleeping but I am a happy mommy either way.

Look at those cheeks 

One Month Postpartum

Today we went for Liv's one month checkup and my little lovey has gained 3.5 lbs since birth putting her in the 96th percentile for weight.  She is now 22 1/4 inches in length and her head measures 14 1/2 inches.  The only small thing about her is her head which she gets from her daddy.  Her head circumference equates to the 40th percentile.  The doctor said she is very muscular and has a strength of a two month old.  Of course this was not surprising since she can hold her head up so well.  Typically she sleeps 2 hours at a time during the night but we have seen some 5 hour stretches this past week.  Currently she is sleeping in my bed on her belly.  I know everyone preaches that back is best but she sleeps much more soundly on her stomach.

So far I have lost 30 lbs but have 16 more to go.  Pediatrician said it's ok to run with Liv in her carseat strapped to my jogging stroller so that will begin this week.