These are a few of my favorite (baby) things.

I was feeding little man last night and decided I would make a list of my favorite/can't live without things for baby/me right now. Everyone knows what the standard baby items people need like diapers, wipes, clothes, bottles, etc but nobody knows until the baby arrives what will be their favorite things. I know this list will change as life goes on and Kelso develops but I thought I'd put this out there just in case you are pregnant, considering pregnancy, considering baby gifts or just curious what my life is like right now.

• Lifeproof phone case - Yes, the first item that came to mind is my cell phone case. It's water proof, drop resistant and better than I expected. My phone would no longer be working if I hadn't bought this case... it was a splurge but so far it's been covered in breast milk, spit up, dropped a hundred times and used in the shower as it's the only time I can catch up on texts/phone calls. 

• My rocker/recliner - I opted for a real rocker/recliner instead of a glider and I'm so glad I did because Kelso and I have spent many hours in it and due to his reflux we've had many a night sleeping in it... the glider wouldn't have been as effective for us. 

• Burp cloths - I cannot stress the improtantce of burp cloths and TONS of them. We started with 10? It wasn't enough.... My little one is a messy eater... my boobs leak... he spits up... now he takes medicine that he spits out, anyway we go through about 8 cloths a day (on a good day). BTW, we have both the old school cloth diapers and actual burp cloths. I love the thick diaper cloths but when we go out the cute ones made of flannel are really nice. I also have some thin diaper ones that I don't love as much, they just don't soak up very much.

• The Nap Nanny - My sweet little one needs an incline and we couldn't get more than 20 mins of sleep unless I held him until the nap nanny... at night he'll sleep with "Nanny Rose" as I call her, because they only had pink, anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours.

• My Breast Friend - I have both a Boppy and My Breast Friend, hands down My Breast Friend wins as most useful for breast feeding. This pillow has become literally become my best friend for breast feeding... it helps with positioning and gives me at least one hand free. The boppy is being used for tummy time. :)

• Electronic Nasal Aspirator- This is by far a luxury item but wow does it work for us. Kelso doesn't mind it at all and the he seems to enjoy the music a little. 

• Soothie pacifier - I like that it's more like a nipple than the orthodontic pacifiers... We're trying to avoid nipple confusion.. he is still only a month old. :) Originally I wasn't planning on giving a pacifier but this boy LOVES to suck. BTW, Courage has destroyed at least 3 of these so far so if you have a dog that enjoys chewing this could be an issue for you as well.

• Pacifier wipes - these are fabulous! They work for pacifiers, nipple shields, bottles, etc,  any and everything that goes in their mouth can be cleaned with these.

• Nail files - baby nails are like razors and so tiny... I'm too chicken to actually cut them.

• Nipple Shield - if you are breast feeding it might be a good idea to get one of these "just in case". We started using them because my breasts were so engorged Kelso couldn't get a latch as well as my nipples were KILLING me.  There is tons more to say about the shields but I will leave it for now. The short story/answer is these were a life  nipple saver.

• Coconut oil - I started out with lanolin for my boobs... but turns out Coconut oil works better and is cheaper.

• Trash cans - Put one where you will be breast feeding regularly, one by your bed, one by each place you may change your little one... seriously you can't have enough... oh and if you are a pet owner, make sure it has a lid!

• Breast pump - not only is this good for Kelso, but it's good for me. If he doesn't eat as much, or if I miss a feeding, pumping is the ONLY way I feel better. Also, if you are going somewhere you can't breast feed while the little one is in their car seat, a pumped bottle is just what you need. I'm still using the hospital grade rental and trying to decided which model I will get but most likely medela. 

• Gripe water - it's like ginger ail for babies... It helps get Kelso to calm down a bit and burp easier.

• The internet/my cell phone - Yep, it's the best for finding out info, making diagnosis, keeping me awake during late night feedings and keeping me from feeling like a shut in.

• Thank you cards- I could have never guessed in a million years how much love and support we would recieve. I've literally had to buy thank you cards more for this baby than for when we got married. I am so thankful! I really do believe it takes a village to raise a baby and I'm so lucky my village is filled with awesome generous people.

• Lansinoh nursing pads - Seriously need these... I tried the NUK ones and didn't like them. So back to the expensive pads because I'm a leaky mess... especially if Kelso cries.

• Nursing bras and tanks - They are a must... I'm still working on not getting breast milk EVERYWHERE.

• Baby wearing- So far all I have is my MOBY and we love it, but it's hot. I've ordered a pouch sling but I don't think I'm going to keep it... I'm thinking a ring sling maybe what I need at this point and after that we're looking at an ERGO carriers. 

• Baby Swing - We were given a Graco swing and besides my arms, the floor and the nap nanny, this is the only place I can set Kelso for a few mins... admittedly his tolerance/ enjoyment ranges from 15 mins to an hour... it's still a good break and the only way I get to the bathroom during the day. :)