Curling Hair with a Flat-Iron VLOG

Happy Friday Dolls!

 

I had been requested a few times to share how I curl my hair

with my straightener...

It's been on my You-Tube channel, 

but I never shared it on the blog!

Looking back,

(first week in December)

omagaaaaaaaaaaaaaah

I was huuuuuuuuuuuuge!!

And I oddly miss it.

sometimes

But I just love holding and having my little baby girl here!!

So, it's not the best tutorial, but hey, it's something!

Just remember:

"Like curling a ribbon with a pair of scissors"

and lots of practice.

Happy curling!!

3 Weeks & Late Weekend Re-cap

As per the life of a brand new mommy,

I have no schedule, real routine, or really know what the hell I'm doing.

I'm just doing the best I can,

with the time I have!

That said, this post was started on Monday,

and well...

I'm just finishing it now.

-enjoy-

Our little girl is 3 weeks old!!

Some facts about you baby girl:

-You are starting to really "coo" & talk quite a bit!

-You're definitely a morning person.

[Smiley and friendly first thing in the morning.]
-We gave you your first bath {finally your cord fell off!}
and you really enjoyed it.
Such a big girl; no tears for you!

-You are starting to notice so much lately;

-You LOVE your mirrors

and lay on your activity mat and bat away at the toys.

-Your favorite binky is still the 49ers 

-However, you've taken all of your other ones too now!

-You love going for rides in the truck (faster than 35 mph)

 -0-3 months don't always fit over your head,

or button up over your chubby little legs

-3 months is fitting quite nicely!

-You take a bottle and still nurse beautifully.

-I've caught a few smiles, but none of which are on camera.

-You're holding your head up for a few moments at a time.

-We tried the K'Tan baby wrap/carrier and you LOVE it!

{Once I figured out how to get your head to not be covered}

You fall asleep within five minutes, all snuggled up in there.

-You're getting stronger and stronger each day!

We are so in love with you baby girl!

Nighttime snuggles

and lunch time cuddles

It was such a lovely weekend, since Joe had Friday-Sunday off.

We live for that first weekend each month.

I really love it now,

that Joe wakes up and takes over the 6am feeding/baby time.

Sleeping in never felt so good.

Friday his cousin Mary stopped by to spend time with baby Brooke.

We just relaxed by the fire and enjoyed the day.

I also got out and grocery shopped, all by myself, and not prego!
It was glorious.

I just walked up and down the aisles and took my time...loved it!

We had sushi for dinner and fell asleep kind of early.

Being parents of a newborn,

you tend to nod off around 8:30, if you didn't get a nap!

Saturday morning was low key,

and we mustered up some energy to go to the mall for a bit.

We are still hesitant with her being so little to go out too much, 

but man, cabin fever has hit me hard and I need to get out and about with my fam!

Sunday morning we were finally able to spend time with my in-laws,

as they're now healthy {yay!} and so we enjoyed coffee and canolis

and of course lots of cuddles with baby girl.

We had some family over to watch the big game,

{which we're really not talking about...maybe next year boys}

*tear*

My sister made this delicious "Taco Ring" which I will definitely make again.

{recipe modified from here}

We gobbled up our Ceviche

and I certainly got a little cozy with my good old friend,

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio.

Go Niners!!

So in the midst of playing mommy,

I haven't been able to really say

HOW FREAKIN EXCITED WE ARE FOR THE SUPERBOWL!

We are attributing the 49ers going all the way,

to our little good luck charm:

{It was the only pacifier she would take at first!
Strangest thing.
She's taking other ones now, but the first few days,
this was the only one.}
#daddyslittlegirl
My husband has waited since 1995 to see his team play in a Super Bowl,
and we are super pumped for Sunday!

Source: Uploaded by user via Katy on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Amy on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Amy on Pinterest

Of course we'd love to be celebrating in New Orleans,

but I think our couch will do just fine.

We are just having a few family and friends over.

making some yummy foods and drinks.

And of course, watching the Niners kick some Raven booty!

Any easy and delicious new recipes out there?
I need a good dessert for my upcoming girls' night too...

We will definitely be making this CEVICHE recipe

I shared last March.

We first had it in Las Vegas at Bobby Flay's restaurant.
It's now a family favorite,

and I haven't had it since last year's Super Bowl.

YUM!

Self-Care: Postpartum

My thoughts on the first few weeks postpartum...

As per the usual, I'm gonna be fairly blunt.

If you don't wanna know the ins and outs, 

you may want to skip this post!!

Since I have a few readers who are expecting,

I figured this may help some of you 

{and my future self, 

once I forget about all the pain and want another child!}

when coming home.

Keeping in mind, I had a vaginal birth,

I'm not sure what you'd do for a C-Sec recovery...

I remember reading in various places some good advice, while at the hospital:

If you're not into pain, and not against meds, take what is offered!

I was very very sore--

I took the 'ice diaper' and meds to help with the pain.

I also took the stool softener.

Don't try to be a 'big girl' and tough that one out!

Anything they have extras of in the hospital, don't be shy, take them home!

-Peri bottle, pads, diapers, blankets etc.

Items I highly suggest you buy/have on hand prior to coming home.

Purchases

-Granny panties {the bigger, the better. No joke.}

I got two packs from Target and am still rocking them.

-Fuzzy socks {feet were swollen for a few days after delivery}

-A cute nursing top to come home in. 

(Got mine from The Gap)

{It felt nice to wear something new and feel pretty after being beaten up!}

-I have 3 nursing bras that I really like; I'd like to get a few more.

-Breast pads; I bought one box and I'm out and need to get more today!

-Have enough huge maxi pads in each of your bathrooms.

{You won't have enough, you'll probably need to go buy more.}

-Tucks Medicated Pads & Prep H. in all bathrooms

{Don't think I need to explain}

-Ice pack in the freezer

{wrap in a towel, place down under}

-Epsom Salt

{Make yourself take a Sitz bath.

I waited and when I finally took one OMG it was such a relief}

-Stool Softener for the first week

-Motrin or Tylenol--no aspirin while nursing

 -Snacks/Drinks if you plan on nursing!

{You get so hungry, but you'll forget to eat! 

 And sometimes, you're so consumed with everything, 

you are not hungry, but still need to eat.

My husband would literally shove apple slices in my mouth.

It's important to eat/drink because it does help your milk supply so much!

Have granola bars, nuts, & dried fruit stationed around where you plan on nursing...

The livingroom, bedroom nightstand, the nursery.}

-Plastic cups w/ straws for water, Gatorade, Juice boxes easy to drink while nursing

Now that I'm in the third week,

I really feel a lot better.

Other Tips:

The first week I just couldn't get the sleep I really needed.

The advice of sleep when the baby sleeps, is very true.

You'll feel so much better.

Try and limit your guests and just sleep!

I go to You Tube and search "guided sleep meditation"

and play those to fall asleep quickly.

Otherwise my mind can race

{because there are tons of things I could be doing other than sleeping!}

-But you NEED sleep to let your body heal/repair,

and not look/act like a crazy zombie.

-Invest in some good under eye concealer.

-Shower every day.

There will be days you don't feel like it, 

but I guarantee the hot water will make you feel so much better.

-Put on a little makeup, even if it's just for you, baby and the hubs.

-Make yourself get out of the house alone at the two week mark!

It seriously helped me so much.

-Take food donations! Friends/family may offer food, just take it.

You and your husband will be grateful!

I will admit that I had some anxiety the first week and a half.

I'd get a little worked up around 6-8pm and 

I think it was because I was nervous about baby keeping my husband up at night. 

He had to go back to work the second week home.

It's important Joe stays healthy, as he has Crohn's and stress can cause it to act up.

I just made sure to talk to my husband and let him know how I was feeling,

as I know it's important in any relationship to communicate.

I know 'baby blues' are normal,

but I wanted to make sure I wasn't traveling down the road of PPD.

I can see how easily you can feel isolated and alone,

 if you don't take care of you yourself.

Don't be afraid to ask other moms tons of questions!!

Once I became more confident

{and my crazy hormones leveled out}

I feel much better now.

Although, I have yet to leave the house with her and I alone,

we may tackle that adventure today!

Speaking of hormones, beware!

They are a tad over the top and you may cry at the dumbest things.

I was crying to my husband one night because no one 

ever says that Brooke looks like me;

they all say she looks like him.

You'll probably tear up over things that make you really happy 

and things that you're nervous or afraid of.

You'll begin to appreciate the words,

"You're doing a great job mom!"

It's funny how much those words mean to a new mommy.

Realize that it really is a huge adjustment and soon enough,

you'll get into a rhythm.

I know I have quite a bit of recovering to do,

so I really just listen to my body.

I still rest when I need to and if the house is messy,

I know it will get cleaned eventually.

I still have the pubic bone pain on my left side,

which totally sucks to feel it as I walk.

I'm hoping it mends itself,

and if not, maybe a chiropractor will help.

I also think my abs separated

[ew]

I'll just say it's still hard to get up off the couch.

OH. 

And I got stretch marks.

Right under my belly button.

Fab.

I just try to stay focused on all that is right, happy, and well.

I am so thankful for a super healthy and happy baby;

I'll take the pain for now.

As my husband sweetly said, it took 9 months to get her here,

it's going to take some time for my body to get back to 'normal'.

Remember if you don't take care of you,

you won't be able to take care of your baby!

First Few Weeks with our Baby Girl

These first few weeks have flown by with our baby girl!

So many firsts.

We left the hospital early Saturday evening and it was so warm out.

Mid 50's for January, not bad at all!

We could have stayed until Sunday,

 but I had enough of the hospital and I just wanted the comfort of our home.

Since all was well with Brooke and I breastfeeding,

and we were doing well healthwise, we were given the green light.

 Besides, there was a MAJOR playoff game

Niners vs Packers

that we had to watch in our living room!

And baby makes 3!

Daddy buckled her in nice and tight.

The dogs acclimated fine,

Holly is very curious but has been great.

Sadie doesn't really seem phased at all.

The first few nights were a little rocky.

I didn't know what to do with Brooke.

Put her in the pack-and-play newborn napper?

Place her right in the crib?

She was wide awake pretty much all night long.

I had her downstairs in the swing for a bit.

Or she would fall asleep in my arms.

I knew neither of these were great options,

but I was still lacking sleep from the week before,

plus healing after delivery...

needless to say by 6am that Sunday,

I cried to my husband,

"I've been awake for 22 hours. Please help me."

He got right up,

and took care of baby girl.

I got a few hours of sleep...

The whole feeding every 2 hours was exhausting,

but I knew she had lost a pound,

my milk hadn't come in yet,

and I was determined to get her to gain some weight.

I am so thankful my husband was home that first week.

I did not expect to be as sore and tired

{I know, really Jenn??}

but having him here to keep up with the house, grocery shopping, meals, 

and help with baby was so necessary.

One of the fancy breakfasts he made us!

 I think he helped with the chores to avoid diaper duty:

Daddy Duty:

If I needed to rest, it usually went like this...

We figured it out just fine.

We had our newborn photoshoot

--photos to come--

Unfortunately,

a lot of people I thought would be able to come and help got sick.

January is an awfully germy time of year to have a baby!!

But we did have a few friends stop by with tasty meals for us--so good!

My mother in law caught a nasty flu right after being at the hospital

and still hasn't seen baby since she was born.

My sister came by the first Sunday and was a huge help with her

husband and her best friend, but then she too got really sick!

My mom was supposed to come up the second week,

but she got sick.

I've had my step-mom's help which was so great.

{Tip::if you visit someone who had a baby,

simple things like loading/unloading dishwasher,

throwing in a few loads of laundry, are very helpful!}

So even though it's just been us three for the most part,

I have to say, I think things have been going great.

I now how the swaddle down.
Baby is wrapped like a burrito.

She sleeps in her crib, no problems!

We are on demand feeding,

so sometimes she goes 3-4 hours without needing a feed.

Sometimes it's still 2.

We are using the following diapers/wipes:
Earth's Best

Seventh Generation

Honest Company

as her little bum was red and splotchy...and I freaked.

I also use my homemade cloth wipes and spray water bottle.

Last week I needed to get out of the house.

I got my hair and my eyebrows done,

and we had our first adventure as a family of three 

grocery shopping.

It felt great to have some normalcy!

I've enjoyed a glass of my favorite 

pinot grigio wine,

sushi,

and have had a few rare steaks grilled by the hubs.

I even did my floors on Saturday--

LOVE my new steam mop. 

There's so many great happenings and I am loving life as a new mommy.

My milk supply is OOC!
I am not complaining,

 but holy moly I don't know what to do with all this milk.

I just keep freezing it...

I know this post is all over the place.
I'll try and focus more on certain aspects in the future.

Finding the time is hard though.

I suppose I'll get into a groove soon enough

I'll leave you with a professional snapshot of us with our little angel

{Joe made it very clear to Miss Brooke 

that angels are better than princesses because angels can fly}

Our love our new little family.

Happy Monday!