When I nursed Davis, I used a “Hooter Hider.” It was great! And, who doesn’t love that name? Here are a few super cute ones from Embellished Mom.com:

This is the Hooter Hider I used with Davis. I still have it! It still looks good. I will use it again.

The Marmot Blue…even cuter at a $31.50 price!

Isn’t this one so fun and summery?

The Bebe Au Laits and Hooter Hiders are so easy to use, wash, and are compact. I suggest getting two! I also found these (featured yesterday in my What’s In Your Diaper Bag? post):

I love this Maternal America nursing scarf! Wear it around your neck when not nursing:

I ordered the orange/rust color above. I’ll have to get this sassy camel color as well.

And, don’t think I won’t wear these post nursing days!

I’d say all of these beat a restaurant napkin any day.

Happy Friday! Have a safe Labor Day weekend. I’ll be back with you Tuesday (hopefully, without destruction from Earl to report.)

Adrianne

I also know you are wondering which diaper bag I finally chose (remember all of those Diaper Quest Posts? Quest 1, Quest 2). There are so many fashionable ones out there today. I ended up going with the Skip Hop bag in Champagne. The color is perfect for Fall (it will go with anything) and it’s reasonably priced ($89). Couple that with its easy-clean fabric…it’s a “GO” all around.

Love?! Yes. I will probably get one more for good measure…

Anyway, back to the topic at hand…what goes IN the diaper bag? It can hold a lot of stuff so watch out and keep it simple.

1. Three diapers, max. One travel box of wipes.

Three diapers will last you your entire outing if you have a newborn (let’s be honest, you can only be gone for about 90 minutes at a time anyway at first). Three diapers also works for an older baby. Again, you can only be out for so long because of nap schedules (at least for my kiddo). Three diapers even works for a young toddler on one nap a day. If you leave at 8am and don’t get home until 1pm, three usually will suffice. Please note that I always keep extra diapers and wipes in the car in case of emergency. You certainly never want to find yourself sans diapers. That would warrant a 911 call!

Here is an adorable travel wipes case (so much cuter and more flexible than your standard issue plastic deal):

Amy Coe

2. Two bibs, two burp clothes. Try this set from Dwell Studio:

3. An extra onesie (and one for the car):

This would be my son’s preference from Baby Gap, of course!

4. A bottle of water, an empty bottle, and a formula pack (no need for the formula pack if you are nursing, obvie).

I love these clever formula packs from Enfamil:

The water is for you and for mixing formula in the bottle on the go.

I love these Born Free 5 oz bottles. Perfect size! You can even fit two in your bag if needed.

5. A few snacks (for you and baby, if he/she is old enough). By “a few” I mean a 100 calorie pack of yogurt pretzels or a small box of raisins and a small bag of Cheerios.

To be “green” about it all, I love using the Packin’ SMART by Innobaby. They detach from each other so you can use one or two at a time. Put anything you want in there: formula, snacks, extra passies, whatever! Talk about a space saver!

6. An extra passy and your baby’s lovey. You absolutely cannot be without these! (At least, with my babe, I can’t.)

Davis always preferred the Gerber Nuk passies.

And, of course, SkipIt:

7. Your “Hooter Hider” or nursing cover. Since our baby girl will be here in Winter time, I’m simply going to wear mine wherever I go. Cute accessory meets functional nursing cover!

Maternal America

Stylish, or what?!!

8. Your personal items: wallet, lip gloss/whatever, a pen, cell phone, play date cards!

That is all! I am even tempted to (and do on some days) grab my regular, smaller purse for a quick errand.(The purse below is a little bigger than my normal purse.)

Throw in the wipes, one diaper, and a pre-mixed bottle in this bottle case.

(Or, even better, if you are nursing, throw on that scarf and forget the bottle!)

Yes, it matches the bib and burb cloth set above from Dwell Studio. Genius!

For the tiny babes, I always keep my Snap ‘n Go in the trunk to pop on that car seat or my Baby Bjorn for total hands free errands!

For older babies, I recommend a simple umbrella stroller. You can pop it out with one hand and fold it up…like an umbrella. Saves space (I am also a firm believer you do NOT need an SUV to have a kid) and is totally simple.

Loving the sassy green, by the way!

Happy Thursday!

Adrianne

Yesterday I talked about what to bring to the hospital with you when you deliver your baby. It may have seemed like a lot but it’s really not once it is all neatly packed in your overnight bag and diaper bag. Yes, that’s it. Two small bags. If you missed the post, read it here!

Today I’m going to talk about what you DON’T need in the hospital. I consider the following superfluous items that will simply stay in your bag during your stay…just adds extra weight. Who needs that?

DO NOT BRING:

1) Jeans or more than one outfit.

You need the pajamas and cute robe and you need a comfy going home outfit. That’s all. Jeans (or tight, restrictive pants) will either not fit right or be uncomfortable (cut into your C-Section stitches or be terrible…for reasons that are pretty obvious, I think…after a vaginal delivery). Save them for a few weeks out. Any other outfit you bring you won’t wear because you just want to be comfortable after the delivery marathon. Trust me.

2. Diapers and Wipes = bulk, bulk, bulk. Plus, they give you all of this in the hospital.

3. Heels. Do I really need to explain this one? NO.

These DO rock, however. I DO want them, STAT. Cole Haan

4. Snacks and drinks.

The hospital most always provides you with  a snack station and plenty of fluids (if you are allowed to have them) for during labor and in recovery. Like I said yesterday, bring the cash for the pizza post-delivery. That’s all.

5. More than one book or magazine.

Listen: I had the longest delivery ever. EVER. If you want details, email me. I never touched my mags and books. I was either sleeping or concentrating on the labor thing. That’s the funny thing about labor…it’s a little distracting! Then, post delivery, let’s be honest. You will be taking care of that baby and resting.

6. Any legal paperwork other than your registration materials and insurance information.*

Be safe so you don’t lose it. If it becomes an issue, you will likely have your husband or a family member run off to get it for you. The likelihood is that you don’t need it so don’t risk it.

*Make sure to ask your hospital/doctor to make sure.

7. A WHITE or similarly solid colored pillow.

DO bring your own pillow. DO put it in a crazy pillow case. If you don’t, it will be easily whooshed away with the standard issue hospital linens. Oops!! That would stink.

A super fun and bright option from PBTeen

8. Expensive jewelry or other seriously valuable items. You will be tired. It’s hard to keep track of everything. This is another “just in case” scenario!

I’ll settle for this ring as a baby present from my hubs…hint hint, honey!!

There are a myriad of other silly things to not bring with you. I am assuming we all have common sense, however. If you have any questions or thoughts about what to bring/not to bring, let me know!

Adrianne

]]> http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/life/whats-not-in-your-hospital-bag/feed/ 2 http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/lambchop-news/whats-in-your-hospital-bag/ http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/lambchop-news/whats-in-your-hospital-bag/#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:41:41 +0000 adrianne http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/?p=4419 Yes, friends. It’s that time. I need to start making my checklist of items needed while in the hospital post-delivery! I am 31 weeks now…I still have lots of time…but, I like to know what I need to get. And, having had a child already, I’m confident I’ll have what I need without overdoing it. Hopefully, this list will help those of you that need a little guidance. (In no particular order and all important!)

1. Nursing Supplies: (nursing bra, Medela sheilds, Lansinoh)

This is pretty, no? Last time I bought for PURE function. I hated that! This time, pretty and functional, please!

Elle Macpherson Intimates

Not to be too personal…I had serious problems getting Davis to latch on in the hospital. These saved my life…and his! I didn’t know about them then. I did the day after we got home and he had lost a pound!

Medela Sheilds

The best stuff ever….EVER.

2. Back-up Bottle and Formula:

There will be differing opinions on this…I found that Born Free bottles were absolutely the best. They don’t have too many crazy parts and are BPA free. Again, I had trouble nursing Davis in the hospital…going to bring a few of these and some formula as back up in case that happens this time.

3. Comfy Pajamas and robe (nursing = functional, cute and appropriate = can have visitors)

A Pea in the Pod

Olian knocks it out of the park with these. And, they come with a matching gown for babe!

4. Comfy slippers and yummy socks (Me no touch hospital floors. Thank you!)

Look at these hot mamas from Cole Haan! I would wear these with jeans.

5. Toiletries: I make another Make-up Bag (small, yet effective. i.e. enough to make me look un-zombie-like, no need for charcoal “smokey” eye, right?!) and  include items I need for an overnight stay (cleanser, eye cream, hairbrush, shampoo/conditioner, etc). Add sanitary napkins. TMI? Maybe. Necessary? Absolutely.

6. Diaper Bag for baby items: soft, cozy outfit for her and receiving blankets

7. Going Home Outfit for Me: Think comfy!

Remember this from Friday’s post? This is perfect with leggings and maybe a long-sleeved tee underneath. Thanks, Moody Mamas!

8. Camera and Video Camera. No, we will not record the birth. Yes, we may record hospital visits!

9.Cash for the pizza man. Yes, I ate an entire pizza after Davis was born. It was the best pizza I’ve had in my life!

10. My own pillow. My iPod. My iPod speakers. (Gotta have Jack Johnson or Bob Marley soothing my soul during delivery!)

11. OH! Your favorite lipstick. When all else fails, swiping this on makes me feel better and look a little better.

12. Paperwork: copy of hospital registration, insurance information, phone numbers/email list of friends and family to notify.

13. Carseat. Do I need to explain this one? Yes, do have it installed about a month before your due date. Yes, go by your neighborhood Fire Station to have it checked.

And…for those of you that aren’t aware…the hospital has a cart that supplies you with diapers, wipes, etc while you are there. Take the surplus home with you! It will get you started and eliminate the need to bring these in your hospital bag.

Done and DONE!

Adrianne

1. I can’t believe it’s been five years.

2. I am so thankful that a lot of the city has been cleaned up (a lot of it has not been…I am hopeful!).

3. Most of all, I am relieved and thankful that all of our dear friends and their families are safe and back in NOLA. They are all a big part of the reason the city has survived: pure tenacity, endurance, and a refusal to take “no” for an answer. I am humbled by them all.

For a full commentary and true local perspective, visit Jessie’s blog, The Gimlet Eye.

To remember Katrina and support the city that survived it, let’s shop a little at the local boutiques from New Orleans.

Two Sprouts: “New Orleans Inspired Stationery and Invitations”

A perfect crawfish invite for your crawfish boil! Yes, even waaaay up here in VA, Tripp and I always host a crawfish boil in the Spring. Countdown to Spring begins now!

Calling cards for your little sweetie. I may have to buy these for Miss Babe!

How can you not love the Jazz Fest Stroller invite?? For a true New Orleanian!

Doing their part to help save the coast as well. Buy a t-shirt or onesie for your babe here!

Perch New Orleans: Beautiful and stylish interiors!

Check out their blog for their latest shipments…including these papier mache birds! I have seen these in a local White Stone store. They are just as cool as they look!

Clip on butterflies…loving the idea of these spontaneously clipped to drapes in a nursery!

Perch has many other fabulous things to fancy your eyes!! Visit their site and see more of their interior design genius and clever items like note card wallets.

Orient Expressed: A Magazine Street Must Have!

It’s truly everything from smocked clothing to stylish gifts:

A classic…

Adorable smocked pillow!

The perfect host gift! Lovin’ those fleur-de-lis!

I think everyone should book a flight to New Orleans right now! If you can’t swing it, though, at least visit one of the sites I mentioned here and buy something for yourself or someone you love.

Safe and sound to you today!

Adrianne

]]> http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/kids-rooms/i-heart-nola/feed/ 1 http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/gifts/fall-maternity-blitz/ http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/gifts/fall-maternity-blitz/#comments Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:00:25 +0000 adrianne http://www.lambchopdesigns.com/?p=4372 I don’t know about you but we have had a blast of cooler weather this week. It’s so uncharacteristic for August! The 75 degree weather has been a welcome change, however. As much as I LOVE hot weather and LOVE basking in the sun, I am ready for the inspirational cool that comes with Fall.

I was in Richmond briefly today and happened to hit Hip to Be Round, one of my fave maternity stores. Even though I am a few months away from delivery, I still need a few fillers for Fall. I am not naive enough to think that I’ll pop right back into my trusty J. Crew cords after baby girl comes in November. Unfortunately, noooooo. But, I don’t want to buy a full out Fall maternity wardrobe either. Below are my finds and suggestions for an awesome Fall collection for your closet without going overboard. I hope it helps!

1. Essential this Fall: The Faux Wrap Top.

This shirt will go with anything and is THE most comfortable tee I’ve put on in a long time. Michael Stars, of course!

2. The Cowl Neck Dress:

A true no-brainer from The Gap!

3. The Sassy Tunic (great with jeans or leggings):

Moody Mamas

4. A solid pair of cords:

I tried these on today – super comfy and you know I love that under-the-belly style band! And, keep your eye out for a plummy purple color…delish!

Japanese Weekend

5. Of course, you know I am an advocate of a good pair of designer jeans:

Citizens of Humanity

6. The Cable Knit Cardigan:

A steal at Old Navy!

7. A few long sleeve tees:

Picture it with jeans and that cutie short sleeved, cable knit cardie above! GAP

8. The basic legging:

Also GAP. Please wear with a longer shirt, however!

9. A great blazer:

Yes, I know this is not maternity. My theory is that you buy it and wear it open with a big scarf. Cute! Boden, naturally.

10. A go-to pair of flats:

These flats are cooler in person. The gathering at the toes is edged with a sassy zipper…and they come in different colors. G-O Corso Como.

That’s it, my friends! Those are the stylish basics. A few of these items have yet to hit stores so keep your eyes peeled. Please note that you should add more color than I’ve shown here. Old Navy actually has some great orange and red shirts that would go nicely with all of these basics!

Have a GREAT weekend and soak up the last of those summer rays!

Adrianne

P.S. Davis update: He LOVED his crib back together. He slept so, so well last night. Big boy bed…well, it’ll just have to wait a bit longer.

As you know from previous posts, we recently moved Davis from a crib to a toddler bed. (We just took the rail off of his crib and gave him new digs.) It was going really well!! And then, it wasn’t. As of today, the child has not napped in over 10 days. Some say he’s done with naps. I say he’s not. I was hoping the novelty of being able to get out of bed and play would wear off. I could give it another few weeks but we have a lot of newness coming our way. He needs his rest in order to deal with a new school, new schedule, and, of course, a new baby.

The bottom line is that the babe is not ready for not taking naps. He has always been the kid that if he naps well, he sleeps well at night. He has been so tired that we have had to battle bad moods that lead to worse moods that lead to no one sleeping and everyone being cranky. There has also been a spell of biting, hitting, clawing and overall totally freak out sessions (to be clear, all the violence comes from Davis’ side of the table, not ours!). It’s been a lot too much to take. For those of you without kids or about to have kids, please excuse my brutal honesty!

Here is what I found Friday afternoon around 3pm:

He’d only been asleep for 30 minutes. In our former non-toddler bed life, he would have been waking up from an hour and a half nap and happy as a lark.

Here he is at 3:15 pm that same day…

If you look very, very closely, you’ll see a “chalk outline” of stickers around his body. I’m telling you, it was a toy crime scene!

Here is what I found yesterday at 3 pm:

TRUE crime scene! Look at his stuffed elephant: he couldn’t take it anymore either. It’s hilarious, I know. But, I feel bad for the little guy. And, no, this doesn’t happen every day. These are the only two times he’s slept at all during the day in the past two weeks.

As is the obvious, he is eventually napping…it’s just right when it’s time to get up. The big question: WILL HE EVENTUALLY GIVE UP and start napping again? OR, do we need to put his crib back together? Maybe he simply wasn’t ready yet.

For experiment #2, we did end up putting the crib rail back up last night. He’s spent the night at my mom’s last night. We’ll see how he takes the news when he gets home this afternoon… As always, I would love your thoughts, Choppers.

Adrianne

I’ll be back tomorrow with more pregnancy and crazy mom life fun. Have a great Wednesday!

Adrianne

I am officially 30 weeks pregnant today. Woot! Here is the veggie my babe is being compared to:

Yes, of course. That is a large cabbage.

Not sure what I’m talking about? Read my post about babies and veggies HERE.

My friends, this means that I am getting close. This is the true HOME STRETCH. Baby girl will be here in a little over two months! This makes me wonder…what do I need to do that I am not doing already?

Anyone that knows me even a little knows that a) the picture above is not me, 2) I am a BIG planner. So it’s no surprise that I had a “planning” conversation with my doctor last week about baby girl’s  arrival. We live about an hour and a half from the hospital. Being the planner I am, I wanted to know from my doc how much we could “plan” her arrival so I am not stuck giving birth to her on I-64. (NO!) The conversation also triggered a few other planning items I need to secure.

I’m due on November 1st. If this child is anything like my first, she won’t be here until November 11th. BUT, it’s possible I could have her before then. We’ll just have to see. LOOOOONG story short…I need to line up several lovely guest bloggers to provide you all with interesting and fun reads for the first month after Little Girl arrives. I already have a few in my pocket. You will love them! I need more, however.

If you are interested in writing a post for me, let’s discuss! Here are my thoughts for guest blogging:

1. You are able to write with gusto! Do not hold back and show your personality.

2. You can write about a neat project you have done for your kids/home, a challenging child situation where you came out on top (read: mommy and daddy, score 1. Child, score 0.) and how your experience can help us all, or a great idea for room decor/how you have used Lambchop Designs in your life.

3. If you are in the “kid” business, you could write about what you do and make sure you have a fun idea for us all.

4. You can tell us why you read this particular blog. In other words, WHY do you want to guest blog and WHY do you read Lambchop Designs?

Please email me at info@lambchopdesigns.com or go HERE and let me know if you are interested and what you want to write about. I’ll review them all and I’ll need final versions by Wednesday, September 22nd.

I can’t wait to see what you submit!! Thanks for your help in advance!

Have a great Monday and see you tomorrow.

Adrianne

And a really tiny orange and red one:

Here are a few I found online as inspiration:

LOVE this one featured on Craftzine.com

Design Sponge’s sassy fish mobile!

Adorable polka dots from Spare Bedroom Studio

Origami butterflies as clever wall art…from Layla Lou Studio

I’m thinking of adding these to my repertoire on the “Shop” page…what do you think? I haven’t found the right bamboo sticks (or tree branches from my yard – not kidding) from which to hang the cranes…yet. But, I’ll keep you posted!

Have a restful weekend!

Adrianne