Baby Announcement!

Baby #2 finally arrived via a scheduled inducement. In all honesty, I couldn’t take being pregnant anymore. My doctor told me that it was safe and healthy for me to be induced at 39 weeks. So I wasted no time and scheduled the inducement at 39+1.

Please no judgement! Though I was having a safe and healthy pregnancy, I was having so much pelvic pain that I just couldn’t stand the thought of staying pregnant while I waited for my little man to come out naturally.

Since this is my second child I had a pretty good idea on how my body would feel and how labor was gonna go but let me tell ya, it was a bit different! First, since I got induced the amount of fluids my body was taking in meant extremely swollen legs for over a week! I think the swelling in my feet was more painful than my postpartum recovery! Second, my contractions were surprisingly not more painful because of the pitocin which I heard would make them worst. I opted for the epidural and got that put in place before the contractions got too strong so maybe that’s why? Epidural for the win! Lastly, labor was actually shorter than my first child! My water broke naturally with my first child so I figured this labor was going to be much longer but it was actually the opposite.

All in all, my inducement was a very pleasant experience and if we decide to go for a third child I would consider another inducement if I get to the 39 week mark again!

Sunflower, Butterfly Onesie

ALL THINGS BABY

A little while back I shared how I edited a sunflower, butterfly design in my Silhouette Studio software. I wanted to share the finished product.

If you didn’t get a chance to watch the video, click here.

If you’re interested in purchasing this onesie for a baby in your life, head over to Mariesah Mina Design!

Isn’t this the cutest?! I just love how it turned out.

Haakaa Manual Breast Pump | Review

ALL THINGS BABY, Product Reviews

So I love this thing! I didn’t think something so simple could be so powerful.

The Haakaa Breast Pump is literally this silicone suction cup that captures your milk when nursing from the opposite breast.

Let me explain a little further. No this doesn’t act like a regular breast pump. When your baby is nursing from one breast, the stimulation may make your other breast leak milk. Instead of letting your milk absorb into a nursing pad or just leak through your garments, the Haakaa applies a slight suction therefore capturing the excess milk.

How to use it:

Basically your just squeeze the bottom of the Haakaa and place it onto your breast then let go and you should feel that it’s secure enough that it won’t fall off (it should be suctioned onto you pretty tight).
Nurse the opposite breast and watch the magic happen. I get anywhere from 2oz-4oz in the mornings when I’m the most full. Throughout the day I’ll get 1-2oz.

It may not seem like much but it’s better than letting your milk go to waste. You could save enough over time for that girls night you’ve been wanting to have, even if it’s a Zoom-Night-Out!

Did I mention that it’s extremely affordable?! I got mine through my Amazon Baby Registry and it was only $13

So if you’re debating if the reviews actually speak for themselves… they really do. It’s amazing!

*also not posting pictures because that could get weird*

4moms® mamaRoo® 4 Classic Infant Seat | Review

ALL THINGS BABY, Product Reviews

Here’s another review for all the pregnant mamas and new parents out there in search for a baby swing/rocker.

I purchased the 4moms® mamaRoo® 4 Classic Infant Seat in Black from BuyBuyBaby. Now it’s a bit on the pricey side ($219.99) which was why I didn’t purchase it with my first son, but since I had pretty much everything I needed for my second son I figure it was my one “splurge” product for this child. I’ve heard mixed reviews on this as some baby’s love it and others hate it.

I’m going my share my pros and cons list with you and let you all decide what you think is best. I’ll give my opinion at the end.

Pros:
– Easy setup
– Lightweight
– Bluetooth compatible
– Sleek and modern looking
– Various speeds/sounds/movements
– Capability to plug in your own device for different music options (adapter included)
– Easy to place child in inclined/reclined position

Cons:
– Price! It’s $219.99 at BuyBuyBaby. I felt like it was a risk purchasing this because I worried my child wouldn’t like it
– It doesn’t swing: it rocks and sways. Though I knew that when I purchased it, I still figured the “sway” would be more similar to a “swinging” motion.
– Didn’t fit my newborn properly: his head would slouch forward making it look difficult to breath. I’m not sure if he was having a hard time breathing but I wasn’t about to risk it so I waited until he was a bit older before putting him in it.
– Doesn’t lay completely flat: I was say it reclines a little lower than a carseat.

So my overall opinion:
I unfortunately regret getting this. I love the concept and I love all the features, it’s easy to move around because it’s so lightweight but MY.CHILD.HATES.IT! Within 2 minutes of having him in it he starts crying. I try leaving him in it for a few extra minutes thinking he’ll self soothe because he’s just tired but no. He literally won’t stop. He’s more of a “lay me in my bassinet and I’ll put myself to sleep” kind of baby which is great but now I’m $220 (plus tax) down the drain.

My suggestion is maybe borrowing someone’s and seeing if you baby likes it or maybe purchase a used one off of Facebook Marketplace. That way you’re not wasting a lot of money for something your child might dislike. If you can afford the price of this product then I would say why not try it out! But for those who are being more financially conscious when it comes to swings/rockers this might not be the product for you.

Maybe as my son gets older he’ll learn to like it but currently as a 3 month old he hates it. I really want him to like it since it seems like a wonderful product but we’ll see.

Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments section!

Top 20 Mom & Baby Products

ALL THINGS BABY, Product Reviews

With baby #2 arriving soon I am in complete nesting mode. I’ve organized all the baby stuff and rearranged furniture twice already, all of which are “reorganized” in their original location.

While unpacking and organizing I wanted to share my personal favorite go to products that make parenting (in my opinion) a little easier.

1. OsoCozy Cloth Diapers: used as burp clothes! They’re super absorbent and you can order larger sizes since diapers come in many sizes.

2. Earth Mama Organic Nipple Cream: soothe and moisturize without having to wipe clean before breastfeeding since it’s lanolin free. Seriously a nipple saver!

3. Earth Mama Organic Perineal Balm: another Earth Mama product saving your private parts! The perfect balm for postpartum that makes me think I’m recovering faster since I’m not in as much pain.

4. Nose Frida: though the concept still grosses me out, I find relief knowing that I can help my child breath just a little bit easier when they have colds. It’s also safer because you can clean and sanitize this product.

5. WubbaNub Pacifier: my first child was a pacifier baby. The stuffy attached the pacifier makes it less likely to be lost and also kept in place. And they’re adorable!

7. Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags: save all that precious milk for those “mama nights out”. I love the double zip sealer and how easy it is to pour into a bottle when it comes time to use.

8. Zip up pajamas (not buttons!): I love anything with zippers! No buttons ever in this household!

9. Zutano Baby Booties: I never have to worry about losing and finding baby socks. These are fashionable, warm, and never slip off!

10. Cotton Swaddle Blanket: I hate swaddling with any other blanket. This is the only swaddle that keeps arms from escaping (maybe I’m just a bad swaddler?). I only swaddle my baby in blankets during the day when I’m awake or someone is watching baby.

11. Halo Sleepsack Swaddles: At night I swaddle my newborn in these. I never have to worry about arms breaking free of a swaddle blanket and the blanket going over baby’s face.

12. Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper: I like how baby can be a little further from the bed and can be swiveled closer when I need to take baby out for feedings at night.

13. Convertible stroller: I use the Uppababy Vista stroller. It converts to a double stroller with adapters. I use the bassinet portion for the newborn and the regular seat for my toddler.

14. Comotomo Baby Bottle: I honestly don’t bottle feed often but when I do I use these bottles. I children seem to take to this bottle more than others. I think it’s because it mimics a breast best compared to other bottle nipples I’ve used.

15. NailFrida: I absolutely love the viewing window so I don’t accidentally cut the nail to short.

16. My Brest Friend Feeding Pillow: nursing is already a challenging process. This pillow makes nursing more comfortable for both mom and baby.

17. Kick n’ Play Piano Gym: great for tummy time!

18. Hatch Baby Rest: not sure if this works better on baby or mommy but I like the bluetooth connectivity, customization, and presets so you can create a routine throughout the day.

19. Boba Wrap: I use this primarily during the newborn stage. Baby feels secure and you can multitask like the boss you are. Its comfortable to wear and the material is soft and stretchy. Lots of cute patterns too!

20. Ergobaby Carrier: when baby gets bigger I like to use this carrier. Baby can face in or out once they have head control.

There you have it, my top 20 mom and baby products!

Baby Products for Baby #2 | Same Gender

ALL THINGS BABY, Parenting

I’m currently 34 weeks pregnant with my second baby. We’re having another boy so I don’t need much since I have mostly everything from my first child.

For this post I’m leaving out diapers since those are kind of a given. I also haven’t purchased any baby clothing because I have so much baby boy clothing, both used and a lot still with tags from my first son. I also have all the major items such as a carseat, stroller, bassinet, crib, etc.

I’ll start by saying that I made a baby registry at both Amazon and BuyBuyBaby so I could receive the 15% off discount because who doesn’t like discounts?! I also had a $50 Target gift card.

Products for Baby

Zutano Cozie Fleece Baby Booties: These are seriously a lifesaver when it comes to the sock battle! No more losing socks in the washer or slipping off your baby’s feet. I seriously love these booties! My sister let me borrow a pair from her children when I had my first child so I had to buy a new pair for my second child. I purchased these from Amazon (color black, size 3 months). Total $21.00 before 15% off baby registry discount.
Puracy Baby Shampoo & Natural Body Wash: I used this product for my first son. I love the smell! That’s mostly the reason why I’m purchasing it again but it’s also perfect for sensitive skin and tear free. This comes in a 2-pack both 16oz bottles. Purchased on Amazon. Total $20.99 before 15% off baby registry discount.
UPPAbaby VISTA Lower & Upper Stroller Adapters: I registered for the 2018 UPPAbaby VISTA stroller for my first child with the thought that it converts into a double stroller for future children. To convert to a double stroller using the toddler seat and bassinet (will buy the rumble seat at a later time when baby #2 is old enough) you need the upper and lower stroller adapters. Both items were purchased on Amazon. Upper adapters total $19.99 before 15% off baby registry discount. Lower adapters total $24.99 before 15% off baby registry discount.
Aden by Aden + Anais Denim Wash Cotton Muslim Blanket: I got my first son one of these blankets for his stroller and I just love how soft it is. I also love the material and thickness of it. So I figured I’d get baby #2 one as well so they both have their own blanket. Total $34.99 before 15% off baby registry discount at BuyBuyBaby.
4moms mamaRoo 4 Classic Infant Seat: This was my big splurge for baby #2 since I didn’t need much this time. Ive heard mixed reviews on this swing but I wanted to try it. We plan on having a third child so I don’t feel like its going to go to waste. Total $219.99 before20% off BuyBuyBaby coupon.
WubbaNub Giraffe Pacifier: I use pacifiers because it reduces the risk of SIDS but I don’t introduce a pacifier until I’ve established a good breastfeeding routine. I like the WubbaNub because I’m less likely to lose it (haha!). Total $13.99. Purchased with Target gift card.

For Mom | Pregnancy & Postpartum

Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter: I love this stuff because it’s lanolin free. No need to wipe/clean your breast/nipples before breastfeeding. It’s safe for baby and it works wonders in soothing and healing your nipples. Purchased on Amazon, total $11.42 before 15% off baby registry discount.
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump: I didn’t have this with my first child but I’ve heard so many wonderful things that I wanted to give it a try this go around. Purchased on Amazon, total $12.94 before 15% off baby registry discount.
Annyison Women Panties 5pk: Though not the most attractive, these are seriously the most comfortable things I’ve worn in a while. They’re high wasted so perfect if you are having a c-section. They’re meant for postpartum but I wear them during pregnancy as well. Purchased on Amazon, total $24.99 before $15% off baby registry discount.
3-1 Postpartum Support-Recovery Belt: I didn’t wear a support/recovery belt after my first pregnancy but my sister said that this really helped her so I figured I’d give it a try. Purchased on Amazon, total $22.95 before 15% off baby registry discount.
Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads 100ct.: It never hurts to have these on hand! $13.95 before tax. Used Target gift card for purchase.
Lansinoh Milk Storage Bags 100ct.: I love these bags because of the easy pour, lay flat freeze, and double seal to prevent leaks. I pumped a lot at the beginning to help relieve engorgement.
Pregnancy Clothing: Before COVID-19, I went to my local mall and purchased some maternity/nursing clothing from Motherhood at a 70% off discount because of the store closing. I just purchased basic items, plain shirts, leggings, jeans to get me through this pregnancy. I also received two 4 piece pajama sets from Costco. One set to use during this pregnancy and one set to use during my hospital stay.

I have been nesting like crazy this week but I feel like I have everything I need which is a total shock. Maybe this COVID-19 shelter-in-place is actually a blessing because I’m extremely organized and already packed for the hospital!

I hope all the parents are doing well during this crazy time!

Do-It-Yourself | Personalized Name Onesie

ALL THINGS BABY, DIY Baby Projects

Here’s a tutorial on how I created this adorable onesie for my niece.

Created using Silhouette Studio and my Silhouette Cameo 3.

Items Needed:

Silhouette Cutting Machine
Cricut Everyday Iron-On Vinyl | Gold Glitter
Weeding tools or tweezers
Baby Onesie
Cricut EasyPress2 or Iron

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Start by typing the name you want to use and choosing your favorite font. I used Brooke Smith Script font.

Step 2: Modify your font and weld the letters so they’re not overlapping. Then group the design so it’s in one piece.

Step 3: Create Offset – since the font is so thin we’re going to start by making the font thicker by creating an offset. Choose the offset setting in Silhouette Studio and create a offset of 0.06. Once again, group the design so it’s in one piece.

Step 4: Mirror your design horizontally so it’s backwards. For heat transfer this is an important step or else your design will be backwards when it comes to ironing the design onto your material.

Step 5: Size the design according to your material size. For this particular case I am creating this design for a newborn baby onesie so I made the size no longer than 5″ in height and 5″ in width. My design was approximately 5″x 4″.

Step 6: Send your design to cut! It’s that simple. I use Heat Transfer, Glitter as my cut setting since I used glitter vinyl but if you’re using regular Everyday Iron-On Vinyl than I would use Heat Transfer, Smooth cut setting. Place your vinyl on the cutting mat shiny side down (glitter side down) and load into your machine. Now watch the magic happen!

Step 7: Weed and iron on your design to your baby onesie and ta-da!

Tip: If you want to have a better visual of what this design will look like when it comes time to weeding it, before you send the design to the cutting machine, ungroup the design and change the fill color of the inside font (the original font). This way you’ll see what you’ll be weeding out once the design is cut (you’ll be weeding the area between the red and the blue color). This is just for visual purposes and is not necessary to do. It has no impact on the actual cutting of your design.

And that’s it! An easy 6 step process to creating a personalized baby onesie!

Checkout my Instagram page for a time lapse video of this process, @mariesahminadesign

Do-It-Yourself | Hello My Name Is Onesie

ALL THINGS BABY, DIY Baby Projects

Here is a step-by-step DIY baby onesie inspired by a Hello My Name Is sticker/tag

Step 1: Create a rectangle. I chose to use rounded edges. It doesn’t matter how large because you can always resize at a later time.

Step 2: Fill this rectangle in with a solid color. I chose the color black.

Step 3: Create a second rectangle that’ll go inside of the first rectangle.

Step 4: Select both rectangles and “create compound path”. This will create one design piece.

Step 5: Choose the text tool and type “Hello, My Name Is:” in the font of your choosing. I chose American Typewriter. Align and resize at the top of the rectangle.

Step 6: Click on both the rectangle and the text font and “create compound path” to make it one design piece.

Step 7: Type out the name you would like to use. Resize the font and align to the center of the design you’ve created thus far. Fill in the color (I chose black). This helps with visualizing what vinyl you’ll be weeding out once the design is cut.

Step 8: Create another thin rectangle and fill that color in. Align and size according to your liking.

Step 9: Group the entire design together.

Step 10: Resize the design according to the material size you’ll be ironing this onto. Because I’ll be putting it on a baby onesie, I made this design approximately 3.5″x 5″

Step 11: Mirror your design horizontally. This step is necessary so you’re design isn’t backwards when you go to iron on he design.

Step 12: Select your cut settings. I chose “Heat Transfer, Smooth”. Place your iron-on vinyl on your cutting mat, shiny side down, load the mat into your cutting machine and send your design to cut!

Once the cutting process is complete, weed the design and iron on the design onto your material using a regular household iron or a Cricut EasyPress 2. I highly recommend the Easypress 2! It makes your design go on evenly and takes 30 seconds to iron on.

And you’re done! Simple, easy, DIY baby onesie! Perfect for a baby name or birth announcement!

For those who wish to purchase this onesie, feel free to check out my website, Mariesah Mina Design or shop my Instagram @mariesahminadesign

*Photo slideshow is in order from steps 1-12 for visual representation of the written step-by-step tutorial

Dip Powder Manicure | $10 Off Coupon

Parenting

So I know this isn’t my usual post but I wanted to share this wonderful product I discovered!

DipWell Nails!

Here’s a $10 off coupon just for you! Click here

It’s an at home dip powder nail kit. It’s seriously perfect for all the busy people out there who either don’t have the time or money to go to a nail salon.

It’s ideal with my lifestyle because I can still have a nice set of nails and not worry about chipping while taking care of a toddler or while I’m working. My nails also grow extremely fast and it bugs me that I need to get a full after 2 weeks.

DipWell lasts for up to 6 weeks but once my nails grow out after 2 weeks I’m glad I can give myself that fresh manicure without spending more money.

No I’m not sponsored for this post. I just seriously love this so much that I wanted to share.

Happy dipping everyone!

Top Left: CL37 | Top Right: NA12 | Bottom: Liquid Set

Do-It-Yourself | Personalized Newborn Pants

ALL THINGS BABY, DIY Baby Projects

Here’s another diy project created using my Silhouette Cameo 3 but this time I used newborn pants instead of a onsie. Not sure how I feel about them but once my little one is in them I’m sure they’ll be adorable.

I chose my favorite cursive font and used the simple text, “Baby Caleb” and “Caleb”.

In the design studio for Silhouette, I then sized them according to the size of the pants (in this case newborn size). “Baby Caleb” was approximately 2 inches wide and 5.5 inches long. “Caleb” was 2 inches wide and 4 inches long (I’ll have to double check the exact sizing. These are approximations).

Once you have the sizing you like, flip your design so it’s mirrored or backwards and then you’re finished creating the design.

For the cut settings I used “Heat Transfer: Smooth” and changed it to number 3 instead of the original setting because my blade is dull. Normally I would keep it on the preset setting.

Then send your design to cut and watch the magic happen!

Weed your design, place your design on your clothing of choice and iron. I am still using a regular iron which I feel doesn’t give the smoothest application and takes a bit longer to actually adhere to the clothing. I want to invest in the Cricut Easy Press 2 but haven’t gotten around to making the purchase.

If anyone has a review on the Cricut Easy press please let me know!

Happy crafting!

Also, please don’t mind the stained navy pant, these are hand me downs from my first son. I’ve never used vinyl on infant pants so these were also kind of a trial run that seemed very successful.