4 Months: Baby Update and Favorites

Baby E is 4 months old!

For the past week, I have been organizing our family pictures and as I was going though baby E's pictures I couldn't help but smile. Four months have gone by so fast! 

 I am very thankful to God for allowing me to experience motherhood. He has blessed me with the support of my husband and family. I am also very thankful that we finally have a daily pattern with baby E. For the most part, I know what to expect: a 5 to 9 hours sleeping stretch at night (with 2 4oz bottle feedings and 2 diaper changes) and 3 naps during the day and feedings (4-5oz a bottle every 2-3 hours, pumped breast milk). He has yet to roll over, but prefers sleeping on his side. It's rather hilarious lol

I  feel like we have entered the 4 month dreaded sleep regression stage. This occurs at 3/4 months, 9 and 18 months. The first sleep regression marks a change from non-REM to REM sleeping stage and other neurological developments. About 3 nights a week we experience baby E having a difficult time falling asleep and frequent night waking with inconsolable crying. I usually recharge during his afternoon nap, and if I am really tired, my husband watches him for an hour and a half after work from 6-7:30pm on weekdays. 

He smiles more, plays more, responds more. He also enjoys standing on his feet with support, detests tummy time, talks up a storm and wants to touch everything.

Here are some of his favorite baby gear and toys.

1. Fisher-Price Rainforest Friends Deluxe Bouncer (Babies "R" Us, $54.99)
http://www.toysrus.com/buy/baby-bouncers/fisher-price-rainforest-friends-deluxe-bouncer-y8641-23058786

Fisher-Price website

2. Fisher-Price Jumpero- Rainforest
http://www.toysrus.com/buy/stationary-entertainers/fisher-price-jumperoo-rainforest-2508003

Babies R Us website

3. Ocean Colors Crinkly Soft Book (under $15, Costco)
Sorry... no link available (costco toys are seasonal)

4. My First Green Toys: First Keys (under $15, Pottery Barn Kids)- For some reason, Pottery Barn Baby does not have this product on their website... Here's an Amazon link, however Pottery Barn's keys have more vibrant colors.
http://www.amazon.com/Green-Toys-First-Keys-Baby/dp/B00BN6QAYA

5. Bright Starts Sensory Plush- Zebra ($11.99, Babies R Us)
http://www.toysrus.com/buy/stroller-car-seat-toys/bright-starts-sensory-plush-zebra-9078-11712282

What about you? What are some toys your baby enjoyed at this stage? I'd really love to know.

AdraKP

New Mommy Essentials Series- Nursing Wear

Yes the breasts. Never in my life have I paid so much attention to them!

I made the decision to exclusively breastfeed my baby. To set myself up for success, I made sure to find the most effective way in doing so. Hence let me introduce you to my favorite nursing wear:

1. The clip on bra

Gillian&Omalley Women's Nursing Comfort Sleep Bra

(Target, small-XXXL, $16.99)

In the last month of my pregnancy I bought three different nursing bras. They look great on me, and the slight padding gives me a really nice boost. However, they currently sit on display in my lingerie drawers. I can't stand wearing them! Of course, I tried them on at the time of purchase, but with frequent use, I fell engorged everytime I wear them. What a big purchase regret they are!

Instead I really enjoy the Gillian&Omalley comfort sleep bra. It is soft and practical. Made from 100% cotton and 5% spandex in the sling, this bra comes in dark teal, white/black, ivory, blue and gray. The price ($16.99) is a steal compared to my three $34.99-$54.99 nursing bras I don't wear. I am a 34C and wear a M/M. If you are like me and can't stand padding or wires, give this a try. 

2. The basic cami

Favorite Scoop/V-Neck Cami

(Forever 21, xsmall- xlarge, $1.80)

Before my delivery, I also bought two nursing camis. But two weren't enough to keep up with the spit ups, laundry day etc., and I could not bring myself to buying more. They are at least $19.99 on sale at Destination Maternity. So I found a solution: wear two different tops. Therefore, when I breastfeed, I gently lift the top shirt up to my breasts, while I pull down on the top that sits under to expose one of my breasts. 

In case this sounds too confusing: 

(wearing Candies top from Kohls, Forever 21 scoop neck Cami in ivory and Gillian&Omally nursing bra in their ivory version called Mochaccino). 

This way, not only do I keep my belly covered, but also wear pieces from my regular wardrobe. Best of both worlds! 

Any basic cami will do. Worthy of a mention are the Forever 21 ones. They are super stretchy, run in over twenty colors and dirty cheap, only $1.80.

I hope you find this helpful!

AdraKP