I couldn't live without....My Water Bottle (weekly line-up)

I know it sounds silly, but ever since I was pregnant with my now-15-month-old daughter, I've needed to drink a ton of water. First it was because, while pregnant, I would get dizzy very easily if I was not well hydrated (low blood pressure). Then, while I was nursing her, I just needed a ton of water so I could keep feeding her!

I'm linking up with a friend at Pursuit of Pink for this post.

Be sure to also check out my post about the importance of water and what I tell my color guard each summer.

About a month before having my daughter, I found this great water bottle by Contigo, at Target!

Features I like:

• It's 32 ounces, so I don't have to refill often
• It has a straw, which I've found helps me drink more water
• It seals really well, no leaks

A fun bonus, the white button "pops" the top up, which my 15 month old gets a kick out of (and she's done it a million times without breaking it!) while she says "POP!" quite loudly.

Do you have a water bottle or mug you can't live without?

Mom Posts: Nursing Friendly Dresses

One thing that saddened me about going back to work was that I had to buy new outfits and couldn't wear dresses anymore (most are not nursing compatible!). Out of curiosity, I tried on a couple of dresses I had worn pre-pregnancy and then during some of my pregnancy and they worked!!

Lauren by Ralph Lauren has a few dresses that are matte jersey, and the tops are crossed like a wrap dress. The two I have happen to also have rouching on one side that allowed me to wear them while my tummy got bigger during pregnancy. I tried finding some pictures of the dress but can't seem to find it online.

Here are two dresses that are similar to the one's I use. The cross / faux wrap top is what makes it feasible, combined with the stretchy matte jersey fabric (one without the other wouldn't work!). The dress below is one of the exact dressed I have (the other one is yellow, navy and white):

Find this White and Blue Dress on EBay Here

The first two dresses below are the same exact cut, but different fabric pattern. The other two are very similar and would likely work just the same.

Find the Blue Ikat Dress at Nordstrom's Here

Find the Purple and Brown Dress on EBay Here

Find the blue dress on Amazon.com here

Have you found any other dresses or work outfits that work for nursing and pumping? I'd love to hear more!

Mom Posts: Nursing-Friendly Swimsuits

We went to the beach in July and one of my realizations was that I needed a bathing suit that would allow me to nurse while at the beach. It would be such a drag if I'd have to run home to feed my daughter!

My mom recommended looking at Land's End, so once the swimsuit line came out for the season, I made a beeline for Sears (one of the only stores that sells Land's End) so that I was sure they'd have the style and size I wanted. Though, for others who may not have a Sears near them, they do have a catalog you can order from (or online).

Here's the suit I picked out!

With a close-up of the bottoms.

I have to say it was a breeze to wear this swimsuit and nurse my daughter on the beach! I used a nursing cover (that's my preference for myself), and it wasn't too difficult to make it work. If I were to do it again, I would probably order online so I can order a different cup size. I didn't even know that was an option!

You can find suits at Land's End's website.

Have you found other companies whose swimsuits work well?

Mom Posts: Nursing Tank Tops

Since my little daughter was born, I've been dying to find dresses and tops that are nursing compatible. The nursing specific tops aren't always cute and are often expensive for the quality and the fact that they're specifically for nursing. That got me thinking about how I've been slowly finding dresses and tops that work with nursing my little one, but that I can wear long after I'm no longer nursing her!

I figure there are probably a ton of moms out there with similar issues so I will post them as I come across them so you can go out to buy them too!

The first product I want to highlight is actually for nursing. I've tried a few different brands of nursing tank tops and the one's that I've found to be the best are actually from Target. They are Gilligan & O'Malley® Women's Cotton Nursing Cami. I have two in white and one in this purple stripe. They're great for wearing to bed, or for underneath other shirts. I also wear tank tops frequently in the summer so I wore these while on vacation at the beach so I didn't overheat walking on the boardwalk.

The other brands I've tried either didn't fit properly or they stretched out (the piece underneath that holds the strap in place). The Target one's, however, are thick enough that they don't stretch, and they aren't see through like so many tops nowadays.

What is your favorite basic top?

Mom Posts: My Favorite Products

I noticed recently that I've been sharing some of my favorite products with my friends who have recently had kids or are expecting. I figure, if I'm sharing offline, why not online, too! These aren't in any particular order, and I do highlight some products at the bottom that I was not really a fan of.

My Top Picks

  First Years Breast Milk Storage   

First Years Breast Milk Storage on Amazon

This product was purchased after a bit of research (though not much) and only a small grasp on the need to freeze and store milk. I have to say this is one of my favorite baby-related purchases to-date! It was quite the unexpected surprise. It's been perfect to freeze/store milk because it has a compression piece on one end that flattens the milk so you can store it more easily, and because it's frozen thinly, it also thaws quicker!

  Lansinoh Storage Bags  

Lansinoh Storage Bags on Amazon

While I did research these enough to know that they didn't work with my pump (Ameda Purely Yours) but that they were the right width for the First Years container, and got pretty good reviews, I didn't realize how much I loved them until I tried using the bags that DO go with my pump.

  Summer Infant Video Monitor          

Summer Infant Video Monitor on Babies 'R Us Website 

(Note that the product we bought is no longer listed at Babies 'r Us, but I believe this is the newer version)

My husband got to pick this product out because he loves electronics! Since we were getting a video monitor, I wanted one that would work with our iPhones for whenever we're away and she's with a babysitter, or if one of us is traveling and we just want to catch a peek at our daughter. I had to travel 2 weeks after going back to work and was able to use it from TX!! For us, this was worth the money. That said, we did get a registry completion discount, and it was on sale, so it made it even more affordable (still not truly "affordable" though).

  Baby Jogger City Mini GT   

Baby Jogger City Mini GT on Amazon

While this stroller is not small, it's one of the smaller jogging strollers I've seen. You can fold it with one hand (there's a pull handle in the middle of the seat to fold it) and it folds pretty flat. It has an adapter for our Peg Perego infant seat and it snaps in and also has a buckle that goes across to ensure it's safe. I use it with a stroller attachment that goes on the handle and also bought the toddler "tray" for later use!

  ErgoBaby Organic Baby Carrier and Infant Insert   

ErgoBaby Organic Baby Carrier on Amazon

Infant Insert on Amazon

This is one of the few carriers that can be used with a newborn and it was perfect! Keep in mind, I had the baby in the middle of the Mid Atlantic Polar Vortex, and I am pretty sure if you have a baby in August, not only will the baby get too hot in this, but so will you. Just something to keep in mind! Now that she's over 12 lbs, we took out the infant insert and this carrier is quite comfortable for mom. I can put it on by myself, as long as she isn't wiggling too much.

  Fisher Price Rock 'n Play   

Fisher Price Rock 'n Play on Amazon

 This rocker was a Godsend in the first couple weeks at home. We tried desperately to get her to sleep in her bassinet, which someone very graciously gave to us (hand-me-down). She hated being on her back even if we swaddled her tight! Those first couple nights I didn't know what to do and just held her so she could sleep. After 2 nights of holding her (and not really sleeping myself!) I tried the Rock 'n Play. Now, doctors advice is to only allow babies to sleep on their back, so do not take my recommendation without making a conscious decision yourself and checking with your own doctor, but it was the ONLY thing that she would sleep in! She slept in it at night and for all naps! Now, at 4 months, she uses it occasionally for a nap or two, but is in her own crib 95% of the time.

  JJ Cole Diaper Changing Clutch  

JJ Cole Diaper Changing Clutch on Amazon

Big diaper bags are great, but when you are sitting with a friend for coffee or lunch, and you need to go change the baby in a very small restroom (or you're lazy and don't want to carry a big bag with you), this clutch is very handy. It is fairly large, has a pocket for diapers and a place to insert a package of wipes. I also put a ziplock bag with a couple newspaper bags for dirty diapers. That way I just grab this and go, without having to fiddle with a big bag. So much easier! It's also great that it matches my diaper bag!

The Items I Wasn't As Thrilled About

  My Brest Friend  

My Brest Friend on Amazon

Some people love this thing and they even had them in the hospital where I delivered, so use your own judgment. For me, this pillow is too cumbersome because it has a piece that goes around the back. I couldn't use it at first because my belly was still too big (uterus hadn't contracted yet) and now I just don't like using it because of the strap around the back. I love that it's a bit more sturdy than the Boppy, but I choose the Bobby over this product (which is unfortunate because the My Brest Friend was a very thoughtful gift from someone!).

  Ameda Store 'n Pour Milk Storage Bags  

Ameda Store 'n Pour Milk Storage Bags on Amazon

They're hard to open and feel a bit flimsy in my mind. They're a bit too wide for the storage container I'm using (but I make it work!). I also decided against using them with my pump because I'm always afraid I'm going to spill the milk if I lean forward even slightly.

Product Review: Nespresso U

Over the weekend, my husband and I realized we had credit at Crate and Barrel that had just been sitting there, combined with the fact that we've been talking about a Nespresso for over a year. We'd tried Nespresso at my brother's house (they have the DeLonghi Lattisima Plus) and at a friend's house (I believe they have the Essenza).

So, we bit the bullet and ordered the Nespresso U Bundle with Aeroccino. It arrived Saturday and we are completely in love with it! We immediately set it up and each had a cappuccino. It was easy to use, and the Aeroccino made perfect steamed frothed milk.

Since I don't drink much caffeine due to being pregnant, this morning I chose a decaf capsule, added 2 pumps of vanilla Torani syrup, and some frothed milk. Delicious decaf vanilla cappuccino!!!

We also happen to have a Keurig, which isn't going anywhere. Being Italian, there is definite use for both a coffee machine and an espresso machine. Plus, with a baby on the way come January, I am sure there will be a need for caffeine in multiple forms shortly!

Has anyone else out there tried the Nespresso?