5-12 Month Old Musts

Our sweet Hopie girl is almost a year.
As I type that sentence my brain is echoing: Say what? what? what?

Cra-Z that she was only this big 11 months ago and now she is wobbling her way to her first steps.

I know that I am always saying this, but I still just can't get enough of her.
Her smell, her smile, her laughs, her squeeks. She has been nothing but a delight. So blessed am I to be her mother.

It probably comes as no surprise with all the goo goo-ing and gah gah-ing that I do over Hope that I absolutely la la love the baby stage. Yes, it is sOoO exhausting and the postpartum hormones can be a rollercoaster to nowhere, but all of that H-E double hockey sticks fades away to a peaceful brook with wild flowers blooming near by when I am holding, nursing, or staring at my babe.

As we all know though that with multiple kids the holding and rocking sometimes has to be put on hold when life and demands from needy toddlers and emotional 5 and 7 year olds take over. 

So, when other duties call and my baby must be pacified with something other than my arms or my breast, here are some of my 5-12 months baby musts.

Here.we.go.

1. ~Ergo and sling~

If you have read any of my other posts, you know that I am an avid baby wearer and the Ergo and my sling are my go to's this time around. I don't leave home without them, even still when Hope is 11 months and almost walking.

The sling just makes it so much easier to hold Hopie girl on my hip, making her feel half her weight and it gives her a comfy place to rest her little rear.

2. ~Teething Toys~

On baby #4 I finally bought a Sofie, what some call the ultimate teething toy. Hope does like it, but was it worth the $20? I dunno.

Hope did really like these teething rings from Eco baby, so I would definitely say they are worth the buy.

But, ultimately Hope just loves sucking on her sisters tooth brush to soothe her aching gums. Go figure.

3. ~Exersaucer~

I must say that I LOVE this big contraption. Though, just as I was about to put Hope's pudgy legs into its seat, a friend told me that the exersaucer was really not that good for babies and their developing hips. I was completely thrown off my rocker by this, because I couldn't imagine doing with out this mega toy/cage. So I immediately stormed my way to my chiropractor to inquire further. I was able to breath a sigh of relief when he said it was fine as long as I just kept my babe in it for 15 minutes at a time. 15 minutes, no problem. I can change the world in 15 minutes sans baby in my arms. Seriously, 15 minutes equals taking a shower, making dinner, and cleaning the entire house (if I am running while cleaning).  Or it just equals me sitting on the couch eating chocolate chips straight from the bag staring into space and not having to worry about Hope putting a hidden lego in her mouth, still changing the world at least my world.

4. ~Walker~
I bought a walker from the consignment store and it served as new view for Hope when she was tired of the exersauser. She liked it and from time to time would scoot about in it. It also served as a super fun climbing toy, probably not the safest but fun none the less. 

As you can see, none of these items are earth shattering, so please let me know what Hope is missing out on!! 

5 favorites!

Joining the Hallie at Moxie Wife for another round at 5 favorites. Hope you enjoy!

1. SkinnyGirl Cosmo, mmm mmm good!

I would hate to disappoint, so I must start with my magic potion of choice for this week. I know I have raved about my Skinnygirl margarita find, but my mom told me that I must try the Skinnygirl cosmo concoction, so I did and I let me say:  I am hooked. It is perfectly sweet, yet not too sweet. The only problem is that it goes down the pipes just a teeny bit too easy and half of a bottle (or bottle whateves) is gone in no time.
To my Naples peeps, come over after 8 pm when my kids are down and I will pour you a drink, where we can then talk, laugh and let the wind blow our hair, or something to that affect. I will be waiting for you!


2. Exfoliating Gloves

My mom gifted these light green shower gloves to me this weekend and after only one use I am a believer. My skin feels revived, renewed, and fresh. I could even hear it (my skin) say a quiet "thank you for finally taking care of me".

3. Covergirl's Clump Crusher Mascara



I am always on the search for a smooth/non-clumpy, long lasting, thick mascara and right now I am lovin' this one. And really how could you go wrong with mascara that has Crusher in its name!

4. Dis Maxi Dress
I bought this maxi dress from good ol' Target and have gotten multiple compliments from Matt and my mom. I always know an article of clothing meets their approval when they both say every single time that I put it on: "You really should get that dress in every color."
 f
5. Ergo Baby Carrier

This is old news for most, but I am just now hearing with baby #4 that the Baby Bjorn isn't the best way to hold your babe and that it can actually hurt their hips. Sorry to my first 3 babes, for you lived in the Bjorn, hopefully you won't be scarred for life! So...I bought this Ergo carrier after I had Isaac, but I was slow in using it. Like I said, I was really attached to my Bjorn and the fact that my babes always seemed to like facing out. With Hope and my new found knowledge of hurting babies hips, I gave my Ergo another try and I have to say I have fallen in LOVE with it. Why you ask? Well, because it is 100 times more comfy than the Bjorn and does not hurt my shoulders or back at ALL.
Lately, Hopie girl has loved riding around on my back and I equally love being hands free (yes, that is a Skinnygirl in my hand), yet having her so close.

Now feel free to go see some other (probably WAY more stimulating) 5 fav's over at Moxie Wife! 

5 Favorites

I'm linking up with Hallie at Moxie Wife blog for 5 favorites!

I love this idea of 5 favorites. Everyone that links up with Hallie is short, sweet, and right to the point. I, on the other hand, have already thought of a monologue for each thing listed, but I will do my best to follow suite and constrain myself. 

As I was thinking of my favorites, I also thought of my not-so-favorite to parallel each item and it was really cracking me up. Does anyone else do that?? Probably not, but for some reason I just HAD to mention it.

1. Babies who are 6 months 

Love n' me some 6 month old babies. I just can't seem to get enough of my Hopie girl and her best friend, Zuzu, who is also just as cute as a button!

2. The CFR Friars who are visiting! 

There is nothing better than when the Friars are down for a visit! Brother PT, who is holding Hope, is such a dear friend and it just feels like family when he is around. Not to mention we can talk about our mutual love for his niece (my God daughter) Therese, which is so much fun. We have been truly blessed to have him and Brother Ignatius in our home for the last couple of days.

3. Udi's Bread 

Here at Team Boda we seem unable to survive without this here bread. Hence, packing all four kiddos in the minivan at 4pm today to make an unexpected visit to Trader Joe's. (We also needed a solitary tomato for tonight's taco's, so the trip was well worth it. :) And yes, we pay a whopping 5 dollars for each loaf we buy, and yes, Matt makes a comment at least once a week about how outrageous that price is. But as far as gluten free bread is concerned, this is the best we have found. 

4. Kind Bars

Today at Trader Joe's we also picked up some of these amazing bars. Have you ever tried them? The kids and I love them. They are super good and this particular one tastes like a chocolate dessert. They are gluten free, high in protein and low in sugar, all things I love in my granola bars. The down side is that they are a tad bit pricey when handing them out 4 at a time. But I figure a buck 80 a pop for breakfast or quick snack is better than stopping at Wendy's, which we never do anyways. So I am actually saving money, Right? Did you follow that logic? 

5. Babies on the Beach

For more go and visit Hallie and all her friends!

Baby Bonding

I have wanted to write this post for awhile and now I finally am (sigh).... feels good. This goes out to all my friends who are beautifully pregnant or have new sweet babes in their arms. (Wan, so sorry this is coming out a month after I said I would get back to you!)

I have to start by saying that I absolutely LOVE and completely cherish the first moments and months with my new little offspring. I definitely experience the "baby high" of hormones and love, the love that only comes from new life. With that said, I also experience pretty harsh postpartum depression and have had my fair share of cranky/super fussy babies. But in the midst of it all, I always seem to just "get" that this time with my little, totally dependent babe is so limited and SO precious.

Baby Bliss with Isaiah

Bliss with Isaac

With Grace

With Hope

I know that for others this isn't always the case and my heart and admiration goes out to you for pushing through with your babes without all the warm fuzzies.

These are the simple ways that I love to bond with my new little ones.

1. Skin to Skin Right Away
When my babes are first born I immediately have the doctor put my baby right on my chest. I am obnoxiously insistent with the nurses during labor and with the doctor when I am pushing that baby must be placed on my chest and NOT taken away. And by not taken away I mean that the baby stays on my person until I say that I am good and ready, ie: until my babe has latched on, slept, nursed some more, slept some more, repeat over and over again. Yes, I totally annoy the nurses. And yes, I become a huge mamma bear, but somehow they know not to get in my way. Of course, you don't have to be quite as obnoxious as I am in this regard (I did let the nurse weigh Hope 15 minutes after she was born, which made Matt happy because it made me seem just a little bit less cray cray to all that was around).

The moment Hope was put on my chest. 

2. Husband: Skin to Skin 
Matt is ordered, I mean likes, to do the same skin to skin contact after baby is born. He always holds babe sans shirt for long periods of times. This allows our babes to snuggle right up, getting to know his scent, touch, voice, and hold. Matt was able to do this with Isaiah the most (hence no other little ones around pulling at him) and I can tell you that their bond as baby and dad was amazing.

Matt skin to skin with Isaac. So sweet. 

3. Continue skin to skin: How many times can I say skin to skin?
Skin to skin continues for us throughout the next 2 months. Most of the time I don't even end up putting an outfit on my baby until we leave the hospital. I simply keep her right smack on top of me with blankets over both of us or swaddled tight within arms distance. When I get home, again, I keep babe barely dressed so I can easily put her on my chest at any time. I usually keep a loose tank on and slip baby right in.

Hope in my tank, Matts foot, and I believe JPII on the tv. 

4. Bathing Together 
For the first 2 months babe and I take baths together. With multiple kids this can only happen when my other littles are down for the night. So, with Hope it was often apart of our nightly routine. I kept Hopie right on my chest or stomach, covered in water so she stayed warm, but out enough so that she didn't swallow water (probably didn't need to explain that, but anywho) and she would usually nurse on and off. I love having that sweet time with babe. Matt is always within ear shot ready with a towel for baby when we are done. He is super great like that.

5. Baby wearing 
I love wearing my babies, especially when they are so little. When I am out just with babe I love to wear them in the sling, snuggled right up close. It can be an instant soother and helps me to be somewhat hands free.

Isaac in a sling. 

Hope in the Bjorn

6. Hold Your Baby
If none of the above work for you and your babe, I am a big believer in just simply holding your baby. Whether I am sitting on the couch, in the rocking chair or at the park-- I try to take time to hold em. This is how my babies have gotten to know me and vice versa. I have found, especially with the last 2 babies, that is is really so important for me to take intentional holding time to get to know them. Their smell, touch, cry, heart beat. Yes, this may seem like duh Kristin of course you should be holding your newborn, but with multiple kiddos or lots of family in town or whatever the reason, us moms (me) have to be intentional about taking time and making the effort to hold and get to know our baby.

**Side note** I do thank God that Hope likes her bouncy and car seat, because out of pure necessity she does spend a lot of time there. But she is still held A LOT and we still did skin to skin MUCHO, especially at night when the kids were sleeping (and the first week of her life when my mom had all my other kiddos-- thanks mom :).

I am a firm believer that we should never worry about holding our babies too much. This is what our babies need and ultimately what we need. I will never forget a conversation I had with a friend shortly after Isaiah had entered the world. With Zah I was in so much pain from birthing his oh so big 6lb 3 oz body, I tore from Naples all the way to the next county. Serious pain. When sitting on the couch whimpering about barely being able to move around, my friend said to me: "Did you ever think that God may have designed it this way, so that you could just sit, nurse and bond with your baby?" No. No, I hadn't. But I think she nailed it on the head. I do have say though, Praise God that He knows how much we can handle in each given birth (especially with toddlers in the mix), because since sweet baby Zah each recovery has been easier and faster.

7. Last but NOT least, cut yourself a break
The first 3 months, yes I said 3 and maybe I meant 6, take it easy on yourself. Over here in Boda world we order take out when we need to, we highly rely on my mom and dad, my siblings and Matt's parents, when they are in town, and babysitters to help with our other kids. We always find a good tv series, so that we can spend countless hours on the couch nursing (me) and holding (he) our baby.
Be good to yourself, before you know it yours will be doing this.

** Last side note ** Feel free to skip this one, I know that this post has been somewhat long.
With all of this baby loving talk (and as my 6 month old has been squawking at me for the last 5 minutes to pick her up off the floor) I must clarify that I am a mom that tries really hard to be au naturel when it comes to my babies and at times I have even been called a tree hugger. But in the same breathe, it must be said that I only seem to able to handle child birth with the help of an epidural, I really enjoy pain meds to help with the after pains from birth, and I train my babies to sleep without having to nurse to sleep. So, what I am trying to say is that as far as baby bonding or being oh-so-natural---whatever works for you is what is best for you and your sweet babe. So Happy baby bonding, friends!!


Ps. This el naturale mom sometimes lets her biggers have 3+ pieces of candy in a row (hence this Easter Sunday and today, bribing them to be quiet while I took a nap). And I can sometimes let them watch too much tv (again today while I napped). How that goes with baby bonding, I know not. Just trying to keep it real. 

My Baby Musts

There are some baby items that I just can't do without. A couple of you have asked...so here we go...Enjoy! 

-The Itzbeen-

I have such a hard time remembering how long it has been since I last nursed my babe. With my boys this didn't matter, because I nursed on demand, meaning they nursed around the clock, like every hour. When Grace was born I knew I needed more of a schedule with her being baby #3 and the boys being so young; so, I began to try and nurse every 3 hours (of course within reason, if Grace was smacking her tiny lips, I always obliged). The problem was I could never remember when I had last nursed. Then a friend introduced me to the itzbeen and since its arrival in its brown box from amazon, it has not left my side/baby bag/bed. It is with me at all times. I can't tend to baby without it. The itzbeen is as essential to my day to day life as my phone and car keys are. And yes, I loose it just as often. (Not shocking to those who know me.) We call it the "timer" and the kids are constantly being asked to get me my timer or find my timer.

-Da Binky-

My kiddos, minus Grace, were (boys)/ are (Hope) binky lovers. Right now we have about 20 of these BINKs in our house in designated places, 5 in the baby bag, 2 in the car seat, 5 in the cosleeper or around my bed, and however many in the swing--you get the idea. We are dedicated to keeping this company in business.

-Swaddlers-

I have swaddled all 4 babies. I find that 1. they like it and 2. it prolongs their night time and mid afternoon sleep. In the past 6 years I have acquired many swaddle blankets for baby. I use them all and I'm pretty impartial to a particular one. When my babes come home for the hospital they have all been so small that I just use blankets to swaddle and I love the hospital blankets for this. As they grow, they graduate to swaddle blankets. And then to being wrapped in 2 swaddlers.

-Aden + Anais Blankets-

I fell in love with these blankets at first sight. A mom friend carried one around at all times with her new baby boy. I knew I had to get them. They are the most soft, versitale blanket I have ever had. A must get, worth the $34 and I don't even spend that much on a pair of jeans for myself! (yes, I shop at Marshalls)

-Mini Co-Sleeper-

My mother in law bought me this mini co-sleeper 6 years ago for baby Isaiah. I have used it with all 4 babes. My favorite thing about it is that it butts up right next to the bed and I can just reach over and grab baby to nurse in the middle of the night. It's a must for me.

-Oodles and oodles of baby wipes-

I know, not very tree huggerish, but I really don't know what did I do before I had bags and bags of  baby wipes around my house. Not only do they clean my babies rears, I use them to clean everything! For the past two years I have been very into the unscented Cosco brand.

Back pack, back pack
These Vera Bradley back packs are so practicable. The perfect fit for baby. I can fit diaper, wipes, wallet, nursing cover and burp cloth in it. Now when my babes are 6 months and younger I do carry their bigger bag (my mom bought me a beautiful one for Christmas :), but once I am done totting around everything possible that a newborn could need, I switch to this smaller, more practical bag. I love that I can just throw them in the washer machine.

-Chuck pads from the hospital-

From my baby vacations (haha) at the hospital I have accumulated 6 of the hospitals chuck pads. I love these things. At all times I have one on my side of the bed. I don't have to worry about baby throwing up on my bed, milk leaking through, or poo ruining our dear temporpediac mattress. And they are so easy to clean and feel just like a sheet.

Hope chillin on one. 

-Baby Bjorn and Slings-
I am a sucker for buying any and every baby carrier. But the two that I can't live without are my baby Bjorn's and the good ol' fashion sling. Enough said.

The sling, holding baby Grace, not sure why she isn't in it. 

Holding baby Isaac in the sling that he lived in his first year of life.

Matt sporting baby bjorn with baby Grace.

-Stroller Frame-

This stroller frame is a new hot item for me with baby Hope. A friend let me borrow hers and I was hooked immediately. It is so light and easy to use and the car seat just plugs right in. The bottom compartment is great too and very accessible!

-Tracy Anderson Post Pregnancy Workout-

Tracy Anderson has been my tv guru/workout coach, since baby #2. If you saw me right now, you would probably think: wow, it's really not working for you, Kristin. But it does work, I promise. It is just that I have only done it 2 times (counting today) since I have had Hope. Yes, baby #4 is kicking my butt and making it nearly impossible to get a workout in....but she is worth it and I am sure I could make time, if only I would put my mind to it. Maybe next month... or the next....

I also love this dvd from Tracy. 

-This and this and this also help me to adjust to new baby-

What are your baby musts, please do tell!! 

Not Pregnant....

Things I am reminded of when I am not preggo:

I can be fun, even funny at times.
I like/love food.
Drinking is fun.
I can stay up past 730pm.
Trader Joes is a happy place for me, instead of making me dry heave the entire time I am shopping.
I can make it through an entire movie.
I do like to leave the house.
Nausea is not my constant companion; rather, matt and my kiddos are :).
I am not just a big blob of body mass.
I can answer my phone.
I can call people back.
Post Pardom Bod is blahhhh.
I love my kids.
I love my husband :).
I love having babies.
I want more babies
Life is beautiful.

Wobble. Wobble. Gave birth that night to baby Isaac. What am I wearing??

Tree Hugger

Every mother knows that there is nothing worse than a having sick child. When one of my kiddos is ill, my life and emotions seem to be turned inside out. I have heard so many moms say: "Make me sick any day over my children." Nothing could be closer to the truth for me.

Isaac 18months, sick with fever. 

Now for my little family, sickness usually means the flu, fevers, croupy cough, UTI's (Grace, has had her fair share of these),  the regular yet, icky things kids get from time to time.


In my much younger days, I had been called a "tree hugger" by some. But I think that was mostly because of my more hippy fashion style (don't really know if I have ever had fashion or style, but you know what I mean), or more probably because I tended to take a shower once a week. But whatever the case, I do love and prefer to take a holistic approach to our way of life here at Team Boda. We see a chiropractor weekly, yes all of us.

Hope being adjusted by our chiropractor just hours after she was born. 

Mamma bear right by . 

We eat organic 80% of the time. We eat grassfed organic meats 85% of the time. I steer clear of alluminum nonstick pans at all cost, even though that means we are constantly scrubbing and rescrubbing our stainless pots all day long. I use essential oils. I hate plastic cups, plastic plates, plastic forks; and yes, if I can help it I make my kiddos drink out of real, live glass and eat off of real, live plates.

Healthy kiddos drinking their power green drink. 

But, alas we still get sick at times, more times than I would like. The question for me is tylenol or no tylenol. The holistic approach is to let your body do the work, which often means allowing the temp to rise, leaving my kids burning up fever. And this scares me to death. So, by 100 degrees I give my kiddos the tylenol.
During my babies teething/grumpy/irritable stage (I have a bit yet til I get there with Hope), I always question again---Tylenol or no Tylenol?  And about 99.9% of the time I give them tylenol, because come on, having a tooth ache is like the worst thing ever, so multiple teeth making their debut through delicate gums, ouch!! And then there are the cases of when my Dr. says that one of my kiddos or I need an antibiotic. In the holistic world antibiotics are (most times) completely forbidden. But when it is a week before Christmas and I feel a sinus infection about to explode, yes, I immediately run/sprint for an antibiotic.

Holding baby Isaac and plagued with a sinus infection

Today, Grace was sick. Fever sick, sick eyes, somewhat lethargic. I waited to give her tylenol until 1130am, granted she woke up at 10am.

sicky girl

Feeling a little better after tylenol and bath. Yes, we cross-contaminate over here. 

I just hate to see her sick, literally it makes me sick. So, tylenol or no tylenol. I usually choose tylenol... tree hugger or not.

Ps. We are completely out of TP in this house. Looks like Matt will be making a run to the store shortly.
Pps. TP = Toilet Paper