#lifeblog

Jan 18, 2019
3 min

On the Move: Car Seats and Stroller

We have found through research, that it's best to have a car seat designed specifically for infants and then a larger one as they grow, and this seat accommodates toddlers for years. So, for the infant car seat we went with the Chicco KeyFit. It comes with padded inserts to help support tiny bodies that can then be removed as baby grows. The cover is removable and washable which is essential with baby things. It is complicated to put the cover back on, but fortunately the

Caitlin Hanson

Oct 28, 2018
3 min

Favorite App for Breastfeeding

There are a few apps that I have found to be helpful while in the midst of taking care a new baby. Baby Feed Timer is one of those apps. It's a one time price of $4.99 in the app store. I have used it for both of my kiddos. This helps the first few weeks or months when I wanted to keep track of which breast I last fed on, and how long has it been since their last feeding. This app also has the ability to keep track of how long they sleep, how many wet and dirty diapers th

Caitlin Hanson

Oct 10, 2018
1 min

Riverdale

Riverdale is a murder mystery, set in a small town, focusing on a group of friends in high school. This story is based on a comic with leading characters Archie Andrews, Jughead Jones, Betty Cooper, and Veronica Lodge. Cheryl Blossom is more or less a frenemy to the group, but is the most interesting character in the series. She is complex and captivating, harsh yet vulnerable, cruel yet conscientious. Even though she appears to be a hyperbolic version of a female characte

Postpartum Unplugged Part 2: Home From the Hospital

Caitlin Hanson

Oct 8, 2018
11 min

Postpartum Unplugged Part 2: Home From the Hospital

This is my postpartum story continued after we left the hospital for both of my kiddos. To read the beginning of my story, see posts Expect the Unexpected: Labor and Delivery and Postpartum Unplugged Part 1: The Hospital. Eli's postpartum story is stressful. Max's story is joyful. I want to share these experiences, so they may help someone who does not know what to expect after they have a baby. Maybe this will better prepare a new mom for the unexpected postpartum blues,

Caitlin Hanson

Oct 3, 2018
2 min

Containment: Baby Gates and Fences

Baby gates, the number depends on the layout of your house, and if your kiddo can reach door handles yet, and if you can easily lock and unlock doors, but your little one can't. We originally used two baby gates. Now, we use just one to keep our little ones out of our bedroom area, because we cannot see them from the living room or kitchen if they go in there. I like this style of baby gate where you have to slide and hold the red lock out of the way, then lift the latch t

Baby Proofing: Outlet Covers, Cabinet Locks, Wall Anchors

Caitlin Hanson

Sep 26, 2018
3 min

Baby Proofing: Outlet Covers, Cabinet Locks, Wall Anchors

You will have a little bit of time to get your home baby proofed after your little one arrives, since baby isn't mobile for several months yet. Nature kind of gives you some time to catch up at each step. But if you're feeling extra motivated to tackle baby proofing while nesting, by all means, jump on it. On a side note, you may need to baby proof one or more grandparents' or relatives' homes. If your little one is going to spend a lot of time there, this may be a good id

Expect the Unexpected: Labor and Delivery is Never Going to Be What You Think

Caitlin Hanson

Sep 24, 2018
7 min

Expect the Unexpected: Labor and Delivery is Never Going to Be What You Think

No matter how many books, articles, or blogs you read, you can not know how your labor/delivery is going to go. Your body and your baby are operating on their own, and you are along for the ride. I don't know every possible scenario, but I can share my experience with you, to help maybe take away some of the mystery. I'll walk you through my two labor stories, first with Eli and then with Max. Eli So, my first labor/delivery was no bueno. I was due the week of spring brea

Caitlin Hanson

Sep 14, 2018
2 min

Potty Training: Mom Advice

Things you will need for potty training: 1.) Patience, there are three things you can not force your kiddo to do: eat, sleep, or poop. I have to take a step back sometimes, and realize my little guy wants to please me most of the time, and understands I'm not happy if things aren't going so well with potty training. This transition will not last for ever. 2.) Long weekend with no bottoms, no diaper, no underwear. This helped get a jump start on progress. Keep in mind, the

Caitlin Hanson

Sep 12, 2018
3 min

Baby Food: Tips on Making Your Own

I've done a combination of both, making my own baby food and buying organic baby food from the store. Making your own is going to be cheaper and you can customize your baby food. For instance, with your child's tastes in mind, you can use one of their favorites mixed with something new to help them try new foods. You can also change the consistency according to baby's tastes/development with more or less chunky veggie/fruits or more pureed and thinning with water. You can

Space Out Help: Have Back Up Come When You Need Them Most

Caitlin Hanson

Sep 7, 2018
1 min

Space Out Help: Have Back Up Come When You Need Them Most

After our son was born, my husband was home with me for the first week and a half. When he returned to work, that's when I needed help from some kind souls during the day. This is what worked best for me, but always do what works best for you. So, when my husband returned to work, my sister came during the day, and helped me out for a few days. She brought food over, folded laundry, cooked, and entertained my oldest, while Max and I tried to get some rest. When she had to

What to register for: all the things for baby from birth through toddler years

Caitlin Hanson

Aug 31, 2018
9 min

What to register for: all the things for baby from birth through toddler years

All the things. You will accumulate a large amount of stuff for your little one. This is a comprehensive list of what you will need for your munchkin from birth through the toddler years. There are a few things I did not cover. For instance, toys, everybody has different preferences for what types of toys to introduce to little ones, and inevitably kiddos will be bombarded with toys for every birthday and Christmas. Have fun selecting toys to share with your new family m

Caitlin Hanson

Aug 29, 2018
1 min

Charging Station for Devices

With little ones, I started to accumulate electronics that need to be charged. Tablets or pads were charged on the kitchen counter so that little hands couldn't reach them, but they were often in my way when it came time to prepare food, and added more clutter to the counter. This charging station solves this, it keeps things organized, charges fast, and keeps cords out of reach. This organizer has room to charge two pads/tablets/small laptops, two phones, and a watch. No

Caitlin Hanson

Aug 25, 2018
2 min

Banana Chocolate Protein Smoothie

There are a lot of protein smoothie recipes to choose from, and it took me some trial and error to find one that I enjoy. The secret to success for me was the addition of a frozen banana. This one ingredient adds sweetness and blends into a cold milkshake texture that I love. If you have been looking for a way to make your healthy shake more tasty, give this recipe a try. Another thing I love is my Cuisinart SmartStick Hand Blender. I combine all my ingredients in the cup

Caitlin Hanson

Aug 24, 2018
1 min

Pajamas for Bigger Babies

My second boy is a lot bigger than my first. The slender pajamas my first son wore are too slim for my second son. First, I paired a long sleeve onesie with these swaddles, but soon he no longer fit the largest bodysuits they make. As a work around, I got these long sleeve shirts and pair them with a Love to Dream Swaddle without the wings so his arms are free. The long sleeve shirt fits easily over his head and over his arms, and the swaddle keeps his legs and toes cover

Frozen dinner time: prep for your return from the hospital

Caitlin Hanson

Aug 22, 2018
2 min

Frozen dinner time: prep for your return from the hospital

Before your little bundle of joy makes their appearance, there are a few things you may want to do in preparation, and that includes stocking your freezer and pantry. Having a baby is like preparing for a hurricane or tropical storm. You need to make sure you have plenty of food, water, toiletries, and other household necessities in case you are unable to make it to the grocery store or anywhere else for the next few weeks or months. To help make your return home from the

Caitlin Hanson

Aug 17, 2018
2 min

Lettuce Wraps

This recipe comes from 40aprons.com. This is yummy and a crowd favorite, but it takes a bit more time to make due to all the ingredients that require mincing, chopping, and grating. So, make this recipe when you have a little more time on your hands, or get the veggies prepped ahead of time so all you have to do is cook. Enjoy! Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 yellow onion diced 1 cup baby bella mushrooms minced 3 cloves garlic minced 1 pound ground pork or ground ch

Caitlin Hanson

Aug 15, 2018
1 min

Clock with Thermometer for Baby's Room

This is one of my favorite items, with a thermometer in my baby's room I can easily see the temperature when I put my baby down for a nap, and know if I need to adjust the thermostat up or down. My little one sleeps best when the temperature is 69 to 71 degrees. If it's warmer, I know I need to run the fan, and if it's 73 or warmer he's going to be sweating, and he may need a cooler outfit and no sleeping sack. If it's 67 or colder, he's going to be cold, and I need to bum

How to keep your toddler and infant entertained and you sane waiting in the doctor's office

Caitlin Hanson

Aug 13, 2018
5 min

How to keep your toddler and infant entertained and you sane waiting in the doctor's office

I’ve got an idea which may be the norm at other doctors’ offices, but not at the ones I visit. While I'm waiting, I get to take advantage of some complimentary services. Here are some of my ideas: a health consultation for what are the best things for my family to be eating, eh? Or a photography session with their in house photographer who’s great at capturing everyday moments. Or a fresh baked cookie to take the edge off the irritation bubbling below the surface after wai

Caitlin Hanson

Aug 10, 2018
1 min

Coco: Family Movie Night

Coco is a beautifully animated movie with a great story and entertaining music for kids and parents. The film focuses on the Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, and a young boy, Miguel. He wants to become a musician, but his family disapproves. Miguel discovers a long lost relative who also had musical talent, and seeks him out in the Land of the Dead to earn his blessing. Coco is lovely, colorful, fun, and heart-wrenching. Themes remembering loved on

Warning about solicitors while at the hospital

Caitlin Hanson

Aug 8, 2018
3 min

Warning about solicitors while at the hospital

Alright, something I did not expect when I had my first little one at the hospital was the number of people who were allowed to enter our hospital room that were not doctors or nurses, and did not work for the hospital. I want to give a heads up to any first time mommas, so hopefully, you can be on your guard, and communicate to the nurses, who you want coming into your room, when you are most vulnerable after having a baby. With our first son, we were naive (read more about