Mid Week Madness

It's only Wednesday and I am so ready for it to be the weekend all ready. Both boys have colds which has me extra paranoid with a 3 week preterm baby in the house and if I thought I wasn't getting much sleep with a newborn, you should see me with two sick boys plus a newborn. NO ONE is getting a wink of sleep in this house. Tyson has been super busy at work which has him working late leaving me solo with the kids and his work phone ringing all hours of the night. Send help....or coffee....or both. 

Fin's due date was yesterday which means she is almost a month old! She is doing so good and is a pretty chill baby unless she's hungry or tired. She has hit that gassy/ colicky newborn phase which we all dread but I started taking probiotics and giving her gas drops which has helped. Most nights she only gets up about 3 times to eat then falls back asleep pretty easy. She does however love to sleep in our bed which neither boy liked and I do find myself sneaking her in our bed a few times a night. I secretly love it, Tyson however does not. Postpartum emotions are still in full swing over here But over all we are adjusting great and  just can't get enough of our little dolly! {warning....huge photo dump below}

Ryder starts pre school next week so we are in full prep mode over here the past few days. We are trying to get back on a school sleep schedule which has been pretty hard, long live summer time! He had his open house this morning where he met his classmates and this sweet little boy is just so shy. I just want to follow him everywhere and help his tender soul his entire life. At the end of his open house he got a bag of cookies and he looked at me and said "Mom is there enough in here for me to give some to Gage too?" I mean, cue the waterworks he makes his mama proud. 

Speaking of Gage....sigh....where to start. This week has been a rough one with him. I don't know if it's because he was coming down with a cold or what but this kid has made me want to rip out my hair. I mean, I love him to death but I'm pretty sure he's plotting to kill me in my sleep. He wants what he wants, when he wants it and by God you better give it to him. He has been demanding to sleep on the floor, which I was like whatever kid just go to sleep. Until I found him like this one morning and I also found him stuck all the way under Ryder's bed crying for help in the middle of the night. 

He is also my kid that likes to dress himself and needs to wear a sign that says "don't judge my mom I dressed myself" 

On the particular day he wanted his bright orange planes shirt over his blue tank top, but only the neck part. Then he stuck his lovie in the top of it. We left his knee high "clown socks" at home this day though thank goodness. This is also the day he threw a fit because the post office was out of suckers. And when I say he threw a fit I mean I literally dragged him from the building kicking and screaming while strangers judged me from a far. It was also my first trip alone out of the house with all three kids and I swore I'd never leave alone as long as I live.

Someone please tell me you survive the terrible two's. Ryder was nothing like this and some days we just can't deal. Yesterday he cried at our garage door for a solid 45 minutes because I wouldn't give him the keys to my car so he could "drive to Walmart" #assholeparent

Gage...I love you kid. But Please go easy on me. 

It's just been one of those weeks that I know we will all survive with a little prayer and a lot of caffeine. 

Here's to a better second half of the week!! Xo

First Week Home

Well it's been just a little over a week since we brought home Finley and things are going great so far. I don't know if it's because she was pre term or if I just don't remember newborn's being this sleepy but she literally is never awake other than to eat. She gets a little fussy close to bedtime but otherwise I am waiting for the day the switch flips and she hits the stage where she cries non stop. But for now it's eat, sleep, poop, repeat. 

Breastfeeding is going great and she eats about every three hours. I still have a big over supply just like I did with Gage but the engorgment phase is starting to go away and my body is figuring out how much she needs. I refuse to pump to relieve the soreness and I think that has actually helped get my supply in order faster. She only nurses on one side each feeding for about 15 minutes so having an over supply definitely has its benefits. 

When we left the hospital she weighed 5lbs 14oz and three days later she was back up to 6lbs 1oz. She also passed her second hearing test on Monday which had us ecstatic since she failed both ears in the hospital.

The boys are adjusting so good and they just love their baby sister! So far there hasn't been any jealousy or anything but like I said she basically just sleeps leaving me a lot of time to spend with just them. Ryder has been a big help watching Gage when I need him too and I am so thankful they have eachother during this time. 

You guys, newborn babies are so good for the soul. With Ryder and Gage I didn't get to enjoy the newborn stage very much because of my emotions but this time around I feel much better and the newborn stage is just too good. Her smell, coo's and little grunts make my heart flutter. Did I mention her smell?? Newborn babies are just the best medicine. I could snuggle her all day. 

Tyson went back to work yesterday and despite being exhausted, the house being a disaster and the fact that I haven't gotten dressed all week, I'd say we are hanging in there. The only struggle I am having is putting Gage down for a nap. Fin always seems to need to eat right when I lay him down and Gage knows I'm helpless when nursing so he just runs rampant. I tried to prepare myself for that boy's wildness mixed in with a new baby and I know with time it will all get easier.  

I can't believe our sweet girl has already been here for ten days! I feel like I've known her forever yet I swear I was pregnant just yesterday counting down the days. We are feeling so blessed.

Here's to keeping our head above water another day. Pass the coffee and the baby snuggles, it's almost Friday!

Introducing.....Finley June

I just wanted to pop in real quick and give an update on our little family and the reason it's been quiet around here the past few days. We welcomed Finley June on August 7th - 3 1/2 weeks early! She weighed 6lbs 4oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. She is doing very well despite being preterm and so far has been a great baby! We are keeping an eye on her blood sugar and bilirubin level, which is normal for early babies and we will know more on how she is doing at her appointment this afternoon. When we left the hospital she weighed 5lbs 14oz and is just the tiniest thing that doesn't fit into anything she owns. :)

I will post her birth story soon and although it wasn't my easiest birth, it was so amazing! The boys are adjusting great, loving every minute being with their new sister and postpartum recovery has been good so far. Finley has a good mixture of Ryder and Gage in her with the cutest blonde fuzz of hair. 

I will be taking a few days off from the blog but you can keep up with us on Instagram @whitrichins and thank you everyone for your well wishes!!

Xo

Choosing The Right Car Seat With The Baby Cubby

As we all know, car seat's are a very important. Whether you are preparing for the arrival of a new baby or have a child who is growing out of their current seat, there are many things that factor into choosing the right car seat. Thing like state laws, seat location and knowing whether or not the seat fits safely into your car are just a few things you need to research when choosing a car seat.

 

A few weeks ago we went on the hunt for the right car seat for the new baby and I was quickly overwhelmed with all the options and different brands there are to choose from. I really didn't know where to start and what kind would work best for us.  The Baby Cubby has a complete resource guide on How to Choose the Right Car Seat complete with everything you need to know about State Laws, the LATCH system, car seat types, buckling the baby correctly, what to do if your seat was involved in crash as well as links to the different types of Car Seats Available at The Baby Cubby. They even have their own certified car seat technician that can help you and you can try any of their car seats in your own car before you buy if you are local. You guys, we've hit the car seat jack pot.

 

 

 

 

How to Choose the Right Car Seat

The one thing that stuck out to us while reading the guide is the fact that not all car seats will fit safely in your vehicle. We had a small car prior to buying a car seat and we realized that three car seats will just not fit into it safely and we actually ended up buying a new SUV. Doing your research is so important when it comes to car seat safety and in the end we decided on the Chicco Keyfit 30 Magic Infant Car Seat. It's safe, functional and is a perfect fit in our vehicle.

 

As your baby gets older it is important to transition them into different types of car seats at the correct time. The Baby Cubby's Car Seat Guide can also help you know when the right time is to do so. For my older boys we currently have the Britax Frontier and the Britax Marathon. But The Baby Cubby has two new seats that are perfect for those bigger stages. Securing your child easily and safely in the car without compromising comfort or Style. The Nuna RAVA Convertible Car Seat and the Nuna AACE Combination Booster.

For those of you who are not new to the blog, you know I've raved about The Baby Cubby before; They are definitely not your average baby store. Just a few things that set them apart is they always price match, even amazon, so you know you're getting a great deal. They do the research for you and carry only the best and safest gear. Plus they have free shipping everyday at babycubby.com over $49. They also have the friendliest staff and such a fun store front! The other day my husband relaxed on their couch while my boys played with some toys and I tested out my stroller with a glider board on their stroller track. So much fun!

Don't worry if you aren't local, The Baby Cubby actively engages with parents on social media and their Cubby Community Blog. You can also learn more about them and what makes them different here.

So, what things did you factor in when buying your car seat??
xo

Hospital Bag

Hello, August! It is officially baby month! I am so excited to finally say we will have a new little addition to our family in the next few weeks. So now that I can go into labor at any time, we have our hospital bag packed and ready to go. For all you mama's to be out there, I thought I'd share just a few items I have packed to help our hospital stay be a little more comfortable....

 

 

 

Diaper Bag

 

In addition to underwear and nursing bras, you will want to bring a few pairs of dark sweat pants just in case. I packed these grey striped sweats and these Black Simple Pants. For my tops I'm just going to wear a dark tee and maybe my lightweight robe.

 

Obviously you will want to bring your own toiletries like toothpaste, body wash, lotions etc. Showering after delivery makes you feel like a whole new person but I always hate having to wash and dry my hair while at the hospital. So even though I packed some shampoo and conditioner just in case, I made sure to throw in a good dry shampoo.

 

Spray Hand Sanitizer. Easy for all your visitors to spritz on their hands.

 

Nuby All Natural Pacifier Wipes. Because I'm a germ freak and you're in a hospital.

 

Extra pacifiers.

 

Reusable Nursing Pads.

 

Nursing Salve. The hospital gave me a little tube of Lanolin at my last delivery and they charged me an arm and two legs for it. Not this time suckers!! I also threw in some Belly Balm because this stuff makes an awesome body lotion too.

 

 

Any type of entertainment items you might want like laptops or iPads. Or if you're cool like me you bring a coloring book that will keep you entertained for hours. No shame.

 

My husband also packed a few things for himself like a change of clothes and loungewear to sleep in.

 

Now for the baby.....sigh...my husband said I totally over packed for her. And I'm sure he's right. I packed this gown  for easy diaper changes while in the hospital along with these footed pants and this tee for coming home in. Even though the hospital provides blankets I apparently feel the need to bring three extra. This Berry in Bloom Swaddle, Mint and Arrows Cacoon Swaddle and a KBCute Floral Swaddle. Along with a million headbands. I will just use the excuse of taking pictures as a reason for this madness.

 

 

The other night we had a slight scare that landed us in labor and delivery. Thank goodness it was nothing and baby girl is still cooking. But since then we have made sure to finish up our last few things on our to do list just in case she makes an early arrival. So I made the husband hang the headbands, attend a warehouse sale for last minute baby clothes and then we packed our bags. Because #priorities.

 

Okay baby girl, we are ready for you whenever you are!

Happy Monday friends. xo