Aaron is 2 weeks old today.

Time really flies and The Little Sweetpea is keeping me BUSY. I also started physical therapy this week so I feel pretty tired and beat up but I am still OVER THE MOON about the little one.

It’s been a long time since we’ve had a newborn and I forgot how much STUFF you need to keep on hand to keep them happy and cooing.

I’ve assembled a Top Ten list of items that I love and couldn’t be without during these first weeks home. (I’m sure it will change as his needs do. I also left off obvious things like a baby swing, etc.)

1. Aden and Anais Australian Swaddling Blankets

I love, love, LOVE these blankets! I have been eyeing them for a very long time and was lucky to receive them as a gift from my friend, Michelle. They are a little pricey but it isn’t bad as you get 4 for $44. They also sell them in 2 packs.They are made from stretchy muslin are very light weight and HUGE so you can use them long after your baby stops enjoying swaddling. They are perfect for summer and it keeps your little one at a much better temperature.  Luna Lullaby makes a similar blanket but at 3 for $40, Aden and Anais brand is a better value. It’s a PERFECT shower gift.

They create the perfect baby burrito.

2. My changing station

We don’t have a crib yet so I do not have a changing table. Until Aaron outgrows his bassenette we are using this set up and I really love it.  I took a blanket, folded it and covered it with another fluffy blanket and put a changing pad on top and voila! A comfy changing area that works wonderfully well.

I received this diaper caddy from JJ Cole as a gift and it ROCKS. I can move it from his nursery to my room for bath time and everything I need is at my fingertips. The pockets and drawer are very handy.

I couldn’t live without a wipes warmer. It makes midnight changing time a lot more comfortable for the little man.

This is the first time I have ever used a Diaper Genie and IT IS AMAZING. I can use it with one hand and it contains smell beautifully.

Finally, one of the things I find most handy about this station is the ability to keep his laundry basket underneath the table.

And we can’t forget Johnson & Johnson’s baby lotion. To me, it is the epitome of “Baby smell”.  (Which is rad)

3. Bathing implements

We found this adorable baby bath lounger at WalMart. It is perfect and by far the best bathing tool I’ve found. I don’t like using plastic bath tubs. We used to use a big bathing sponge but if they didn’t dry just right they would mildew and I had issues with the hygiene of it in general. This is covered with mesh so the water drains well and the fabric dries thoroughly. Plus, you can remove the cover and wash and dry it.
As a side note, I cover my babies with warm, wet washcloths to help them feel more secure in their baths. They LOVE it.

This cup (also purchased at WalMart) has a large volume and a soft rubber side that fits on the baby’s head so that you can have better control over water not getting in the wee ones eyes.

I also love this sponge they sent us home with from the hospital. The soft bristles help eliminate the formation of cradle cap.

4. Neosporin with pain control

Essential for a circumcised baby boy. Also, due to formula suck he got a diaper rash and I put it on a few of the really bad spots that were causing him discomfort and it worked like a charm.

5. Simethicone drops
We’ve had a difficult time finding the right formula for Aaron. It seems like it either upsets his stomach, causes diarrhea or constipation.

Simethicone drops have helped this process tremendously. The brand name is Milacon but it is much cheaper when you buy generic. It helps babies pass gas gently and effectively.

6. Skip Hop baby bag

I did a lot of research before buying this diaper bag. I love it. It looks like a purse, which is great as I use it for that most of the time as well as a diaper bag. It has so many pockets it carries everything I need to tote around for him. My one complaint is that I wish it had longer straps but over all it is dream bag for organizational purposes.

7. Boppy pillow.

Many of you are familiar with the Boppy. It’s a half circle pillow that fits around your waist to take a lot of body stress off of feeding a baby. It’s been most valuable for my kids when they help with a feeding to stay holding the baby correctly.

8. Soothie pacifiers and bottle system
I am also a huge fan of using Gerber cloth diapers as burp cloths. They are cost effective, sturdy, big and very easy to launder.

Soothies are the pacifiers hospitals use and I love them.

I know I have gone on and on about Kerflop’s Universal Pacifier clips, but once again-LOVE THEM and they will continue to be useful as they will hold and keep track of teething toys, rattles, etc.

We got the Soothie bottle system and I love them.

The wide mouths of the bottles and the vent holes are fabulous. They can leak if you don’t hold them right but it stopped being an issue when I figured that out.  I love that the nipple is the same as his pacifier so that there is no nipple confusion.  Also, they have a snap on container that fits on the bottom of the bottle that can hold formula or snacks. It’s groovy.

9. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste

Great name for a diaper cream, huh?  Since Aaron has had issues digesting formula, we have relied heavily on creams to help prevent diaper rash. I found that Butt Paste is much better at wiping off and protecting and prefer it to Desitin.

10. EHEM…

This is not exactly baby related but it is sooooo baby caused.  These are the supplements and medications that I take every day.

It makes the following ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.

Let’s just say that the above quote from Scrubs? Applies to EVERYONE. Not just babies. Do I really need to say more to that?

Didn’t think so.

Hee.

Jon? When you’re at the store I need you to get some frozen bags of peas for MY BOOBS!. And a large head of cabbage so I can use the leaves on MY BOOBS! Oh, and don’t forget antihistamines-they will help MY BOOBS! dry out faster. And before you go can you get my pink sports bra out of the dryer to help support MY BOOBS! and then you to need help with these ace bandages I have to wrap MY BOOBS! in.

Anything else?

Yes. Go get the baby and feed him before he wakes up. When he cries it makes MY BOOBS! hurt.

You kind of have a one track mind today, huh?

You would too if your testicles were suddenly 4 times bigger and you had to walk around with frozen vegetation strapped to them all day. Although, I WILL say that I now have waaaaay more sympathy and understanding for what you and men in general go through in daily life.

Really? What’s that?

Now you aren’t the only one of us that can’t think about anything else but MY BOOBS!

P.S. Tee Hee

P.P.S. There is so much I want to write but it’s still slow going recovery-wise over here. We’re home, and I get to sleep in my own bed, which is beyond wonderful. My Little Sweetpea is the happiest, most lovely, soft, beautiful, fabulous thing in the world. It was TOTALLY worth all the hell getting him here.

P.P.P.S. No. I am not posting a photo of MY BOOBS! on the internet. Let’s just say that they are very…impressive, and leave it at that.

P.P.P.P.S. I WILL leave you with a moment of baby zen. The Little Sweetpea comes home: