Kat's Playbook

1. Bottle Sanitizer. We live in the burbs with good, clean water.  I think with a little hot water, soap, and boiling pot from time to time is just fine.  Save the cash.
   
   
2. Wipe Warmer. First of all, it freakin dries out the package of wipes, even if you put a little water in the bottom.  And second of all, I was not going to take the chance of Mr. T getting used to the luke warm comfortness, just to be shocked and pee himself (or me) in the cold air the first chance we were away from the Wipe Warmer. 
   
   
3. Shopping Cart Cover. Pre-motherhood, pre-pregnancy, and even during the babies-on-the-brain phase, I thought these shopping cart covers were the cutest thing I had ever seen.  I could not wait to get one.  Wanna know how many times it made the trip to the Grocery??  TWICE.  Once. Twice. That's it.  With everything else you have to remember, gather, and get together, it was just yet another thing to the list.  But in the wise words of my hair stylist, "Every kid needs to chew on a little shopping cart".
   
   
4. Two of everything.  Now I totatly agree that you need lots of burp rags and bibs.  But two bobbys, two changing pad stations, two bumbos.  Unless you have two babies, two of freaking everything is just a waste of TOO much money!  I once read on The Bump to have duplicates of everything downstairs.  But I am against that for two reasons.  One, I don't want my house infested with baby everything and look like isle 12 at Babies R Us.  And Two, The Shed worked off those 50 pounds because I got my fat butt off the couch and walked upstairs for changings.
   
   
5. Bassinet.  Ok, I'm ready to get flamed for this one, but let me just start by saying I know that everyone is different.  Everyone has different parenting styles and we all turn out just fine.  But when the best NICU nurse, a.k.a. my sister-in-law, told me that she had all 3 of her girls sleeping through the night in 6 weeks, I quickly took notes!  And so, we did not use a Bassinet.  In fact, aside from a couple of snuggling naps, Mr. T. never slept in our room.  He slept in his crib, in his room, from day one.   Again, I know everyone is different, but my logic told me why would I want to phase him into the crib months later when it can be done all in one step. 
    
   
6. Itzbeen.  I remember reading that other Bumpies had raved about the Itzbeen.  A little device that shows you how long Itz Been since you last changed his diaper, fed him, etc.  I thought it was great and added it to my must have.  But after coming up to that grand total of just how much and expensive babies are...the cheap thirfy side of me that Gator Guy has tried in engrain said, wanna know what the best Itzbeen is...A Piece of Paper and a Pen.  Imagine that!!  here

Posted in: baby, Overrated on Monday, February 15, 2010 at 4 comments    

Posted in: Between a Kat and a Gator, Reality TV, Red Carpet Madness, The Bach on at 1 comments    

Posted in: Only a Mother Would Say on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at 3 comments    

Posted in: Goooals on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 3 comments    

Posted in: Reality TV, Red Carpet Madness, The Bach on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 3 comments    

Last week I posted what my Must Haves for the babe months 0-3 were.  Looking back there are definitely some must haves that I had to have for myself:

1.  Comfortable clothes - non maternity:  I was definitely sick of all the maternity clothes, especially the pants.  The Greatest Mom in the World ran to Target and Old Navy right after we got home to pick me up some Lg sweat pants and underwear.  Yes, I needed larger underwear!

2.  Breast pads:  I remember looking at the box and thinking, wow, these come in packs from 36-100, can I just get 10?  I don't think I will go though all 100.  Umm....I now know the answer is Yes.  At least all 36!  Get em and use them!









3.  Rocking Chair - with a high head:  Not sure the best way to describe this, but while shopping for rocking chairs, we chose this one mostly because of the size.  Mr. T's room was small and the cute sofa chairs would be way too overpowering.  However, hindsight 20/20...Loved my chair because I could rest my head back during those many many late night feedings.











4.  Lanolin Breast Cream - This cream is a definite Must Have.  And is completely safe for the babe to feed just after application.  My suggestion - buy two.  One for home and one for the diaper bag.  This brand is good too.  I had both and liked both. 











5.  Lotion:  Yes the stretch mark zone was gone, but my skin definitely needed some additional lotion.  I loved this Milk lotion from Ulta.











6.  Medela Sleep Bra:  I was not a fan at all of the breast feeding bras or tank tops.  Seems like the holes or slits always seemed to be in the wrong place or rub.  I stuck with just normal bras, sports bras, and built in bra tank tops.  However, this sleep breastfeeding bra was very comfortable (ps...just don't put it in the dryer...will definitely shrink!)







7.  Breast Pump:  Definitely a must have, but my advice - Wait until you know breastfeeding is going to work before making the big purchase.  Sometimes it just doesn't work out and it is definitely worth sending out Grandma or the Hubby to pick this one up after wards.  I know this is very hard to wait for some of us control-planning freaks!








8.  Cooling Breast Pads:  I know it sounds crazy, but if you can find a gel pack for heat and cold that would be great!!  I used both!











9.  A good Camera:  Because let's face it...the babe will be the cutest-most-precious-thing you will ever lay your eyes on and instantly love.  And you will quickly take hundreds and hundreds of pics! 










Here's some of my favorites from the first 3 months:

Posted in: baby, Motherhood, Must Haves on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at 1 comments    

Perfect timing my Super Fly E, I was just working on this post when I saw yours about registering.  Both Super Fly E and Dr. BFF are due this spring and I couldn't be more excited.  Even Gator Guy was super cute this weekend and said that he cannot wait to hold a newborn again.  Ready, all together...Awwww!  As they get closer to the big Birth Day, I have been thinking about what were the Must Haves that I just...well....had to have.  There are of course the necessities like a crib, diapers, car seat, stroller, swing, bouncer and clothes.  But here's some other things that I just couldn't live without:

1. The Boppy - Seriously, this was a lifesaver when it came to feedings.  Plus Mr. T got some use from it practicing his tummy time and needing a snug place to sit.  

2.  Pampers Swaddlers - There is just something about those first poopy diapers that are EXPLOSIVE!!  So get those swaddlers that hug in all the right places.  Ps...load up on the laundry detergent.

















3.  Sheet saver - Its tough being on the outside and learning to breath and swallow all at the same time.  Spit up happens, and happens a lot, especially at night.  The sheet saver....saved the sheet.  Instead of washing sheets EVERY night, the sheet saver gave us an extra one.  My advice - get two of these.











4.  Sound Machine - I received this brilliant gift at a baby shower and Mr. T still listens to soothing Rain while drifting off to a deep slumber.  It also projects images of dancing sheep, stars, and jungle friends on the ceiling for his entertainment.











5.  CD Player and Good Baby Jams - Along with the Rain, Mr. T listens to his baby lullabies each night.  I actually used to listen to my Sleepy Time Music all the time.  I figured that since good old Pavlov's trick worked on me to get me to sleep, why not try it on the babe.

Posted in: baby, Must Haves on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 0 comments    

Kiss me, kiss me not, kiss me, kiss me not.
Dear Elizabeth,
I was a fan of you on the first episode when you brought the football out and showed your spiral.  Because well...I'm a football girl, duh.  Who else has their wedding reception at the Bronco's stadium?!?  And yes, I too was intrigued by you blue eyes and mysterious personality.  And then you started to get a little crazy.  Were you perhaps roommates with Michele?  Because there were so many different "switches" and I just don't know if you knew which one was "on".  The more and more you asked if Jake wanted to kiss you (or not kiss you, or maybe kiss you), the more awkward it became...even just to watch.  Those blue eyes quickly turned into the eyes of a siren.  And no...not Siren from American Gladiator...the dangerous Sirens from Greek Mythology.  Either way...I think we were ALL confused.

Dear Vienna,
There are many things that come to my mind when I hear your name:  Annoying, weird, goofy eye, a little white trash and sausage!  I'm sure you were named after the beautiful Austrian Village, but I choose to think of the canned meat.  And just like no one wants to eat canned meat, looks like none of the girls want to be around you.  Your spiderman kiss was so cheesy. I don't think I can talk about your one on one any more, because basically I would rather not start my day with gagging.

Dear Michele, 
Oh honey.  You are desperate and in every way.  The next time you are on a date, try to avoid going on about how much you want a husband and grandbabies without mentioning the man you are actually talking to.  Try to lay off the death stares when someone else is talking to your "man"...because its really creepy.  And really try not to yell at him for the pitiful kiss that you finally got. You may just need to rethink a few things.  Like perhaps schedule a little one on one time with a local therapist.


My shout outs:
Ali - You were my front runner from the beginning.  And I think you still are.  You let the claws out and will have some haters, but hey...I like it!  Maybe because my claws come out and it makes me feel better you are not so cute and perfect. 
Kathryn - I think you are makin your way up there...and I think your name rocks  ;)
Gia - You are slowly warming up to me.  I unfortunately judged your injected lips to be fake and now changing my mind. 
Tenley - You are still the perfect Disney princess to me, but I think that is perfect for Golly Gee Jake.
Corrie - Hilarious impressions.  However, I would have liked to see your Michele.
Ashleigh - dry those tears girlfriend, and you can always win it with the blonde jokes.
Ella - Please tell me the show had your permission to fly your boy out??  And cute necklace.
Jessie - I'm sorry, Who??

And here's Chris Harrison's blog for the week.  Marky Mark, you ain't lying...this season the most dramatic season yet!

Posted in: Reality TV, Red Carpet Madness, The Bach on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 3 comments