After having 3 babies, I finally feel qualified to blog about this topic. No more imposter syndrome here (if you did not already read in between the lines, *insert sarcasm here*. Being a mom is sort of weird in the sense that it is so confusing annd unclear whether any particular action or choice is correct in the moment. Should I encourage coach/discipline/reprimand/do and say nothing in any certain situation? Am I ruining my kids' self esteem and future potential if I step in? Anyways...)

1. Diapers and wipes

    * This is the most important. You do not want poop everywhere, it’s another mess to clean. 

Huggies are best value for performance, for my kids. There are other brands that I've tried and we've had more leaks. There are also some that are scented and it was not my fave smell. 

These have been on sale a while and work just fine: https://amzn.to/4qnzlwe

2. Change pads, one in the living area and one in bed. If you have space for a full change table, then good for you. Make sure to get a change pad that can be wiped down, like a Keekaroo. 

This helps reduce the mess of poop everywhere.

3. A few onesies with the envelope neck and snaps on the bottom.

The envelope neck design is great for the inevitable blowouts so that the whole shirt can be pulled down, rather than pulled over baby's head. See this video for reference (I am not affiliated with this video creator, it was just the first video that showed up when I searched for “how to change a baby’s onesie”). 

4. Zipper romper pajamas with the option to cover feet and hands. 

I am Team Zipper (to those people who are Team Snap, please explain to me how you have time to do each individual snap?!). I am especially fond of two way zippers that can be zipped up from the feet to the neck. Having the option for covering feet reduces one extra step of putting on socks. Also, their teeny tiny socks get lost so easily, either they slip off while out and about, or they get swallowed up by the laundry machine. 

Parade Organics has great options that feel super soft and look great even after many many washes. 

Honourable mention: burp cloths and lots of cloths in general to wipe up spilled milk

Don’t forget to take care of yourself, moms. Get yourself a snack, some new sheet masks, and the following things: 

1. Nursing bras and liners or pads if breastfeeding 

2. Lots of nutritious warm meals. 

3. Pads or adult diapers for postpartum bleeding, depending on flow and pain. Diapers can be more convenient.  

Side note, WOW, it’s hard to form coherent sentences right now. I imagine this brain fog is due to waking up every 2 - 3 hours at night to grow my 7 week old baby, and then spending most of the day chasing the two older kids (5 and 3 year olds). Thankfully, the husband is a more than capable partner who can take care of two small children, while managing my fluctuating hormonal mood swings. Life is good. 

Baby P is here! 

He came out in two pushes, he screeched once, and I had zero stitches. He really isn't much of a crier, which makes me  wonder if there's something wrong. 

There's really no winning here - if he's loud, I'll worry. If he's quiet, I'll worry more. 

Just like how my mom worries that I'm not eating properly, especially during the first month post partum when nutrition is the most important, followed closely by ginger water baths, and no touching of any unveiled water (BIGGEST EYE ROLL). Little does she know, I've already snuck in some pastries from Livia:

I was craving a chocolate chip cookie with salt on top, so H ventured out with Baby S (can I keep calling her a baby now that she's almost two?!) to pick one up for me and burn off some energy. 

The cookie tasted homemade, I could probably make a similar one following this recipe that I love. It just wasn't the oozy cookie that I was craving. Don't get me wrong, it was still tasty and I devoured it.

The orange danish was quite tart, too much for my liking. The pastry itself was very flaky and crispy, loved it. Baby S had their croissant, which she would not share, a sign that she really loved it. The peach danish we had the next day, and it was not good - would recommend eating fresh to avoid it becoming soggy. Overall, the pastries at Livia weren't mind blowing, but I wouldn't mind going to try their brunch menu, maybe with the kids? 

Worries about his quietness aside, we are making many memorable moments together with baby P. I'll always remember the first time he pooped, startled himself, and burst out crying. 

We were going to be near the Buddha-full Northwoods location for a meeting, a few days ago, and I thought it would be efficient to have a coffee/pick me up here beforehand:

They have an amazing assortment of healthful foods, which I normally wouldn't order, like salads and vegan cookies (I want that taste of full fat butter!). The thing I was craving was their smoothies, which are fantastic and filling. This one is their seasonal flavour, called The Orchard, which contains apples, almond butter, and "spices". I added in matcha to stay caffeinated and energized throughout the meeting.

I think that meeting was truly one of my best ones so far. Thanks to Buddha-full and mom energy? 

It's also the last one before going on maternity leave, which has officially started, and what a way to start! The baby had flipped over and was breech at my last check up (there was a bit of a kerfuffle about this, I think the doctor was concerned but tried not to seem too stressed), so instead of the usual 10 minute conversation, I had to wait for an ultrasound and it took over an hour instead. Then, I had to go back to the hospital yesterday before 8AM to get another ultrasound and an External Cephalic Version to try to turn the baby. The doctor came in, touched my tummy, and said, "I'll bet you that the baby is now head down."

And he was. 

I'm relieved, but I'm not impressed with how Baby 2 is starting our relationship. 

Hence, the delay in posting, and the lack of progress on the list!

1. Reorganize dining area and move the IKEA LACK and KALLAX shelves
2. Expand my knowledge of smoothies in Vancouver - continuing this for next week
3. Take walks every day for 10 minutes consecutively after breakfast, not for work - 2 out of 7 days? 
4. Pack baby bag 
5. Pack my hospital bag

For week 11: 

1. Reorganize IKEA KALLAX shelves
2. Create a new changing station on the main floor of our house, so that I don't have to keep walking upstairs to change Baby 2
3. Expand my knowledge of smoothies in Vancouver

Most importantly, I need to slow down and get lots of rest... Any guesses for when Baby 2 will be here?