Milk and Cookies

I need a boost - a boost in milk supply that is.  I always struggle with milk production as soon as my baby is around eight months.  It happened with my daughter and now with my son.  As with my daughter, I turned to my old favorite, fenugreek. Yes, it does make me smell like maple syrup, but it worked. However, I wanted to try something new. I don't know about you, but sometimes I just don't feel like popping ten pills a day. 

When I mentioned my supply issues to a friend, she told me about this new cookie that is supposed to increase milk supply. Of course, I had to check it out. I googled "breast milk cookies" and discovered Milkmakers.

How does it work?  These cookies contain three special ingredients to help increase milk production - oats, brewers yeast, and flax seed.  The Milkmakers website boasts that eating only one or two a day has shown to increase milk production.  So, of course, I placed an order and was amazed with how great they tasted {I ordered the oatmeal chocolate chip}.  I also saw results!  So, if you are looking for a quick boost, check out Milkmakers cookies.  I think you {and your baby} will be happy! 

Babies, bottles & bubbles

I am busy mentally {and physically} getting myself ready to have a third child. Does it really take that much mental preparation you might ask? If you've had the type of pregnancies I have had, you would know the answer to that question.

The easiest part of that preparation is picking out products and clothes for this aspirational baby #3 {okay, maybe that's not part of it, but it's fun anyway}.  I was excited to stumble across a new brand/type of baby bottle called Bare Bottles.

I am a huge proponent of breastfeeding, but every mommy needs a break every now and then {and daddy wants to participate too}.  So I'm always on the lookout for bottles that support breastfeeding.  The other feature I look for is a bottle that successfully reduces or eliminates the amount of air the baby takes in. There is nothing that drives sleep-deprived parents to new depths than colic. Indeed, I don't even utter the c-word in my house during those first 3 months.

They are not on the market yet, but these Bare Bottles sound as if they will meet all of my {and baby #3's} need. The diagram above shows how the Bare Bottle nipple is more like a breast than most bottles. And they claim to have created "air-free feeding"! If they live up to all of their claims, this sounds like the mother of all bottles {and they are cute too!}. But we'll let baby trip be the judge.☺

Must. Have.

I went to the Beaba USA website today for the first time {even though I have been in love with their Babycook forever} and immediately was like.....WHOA!  That's Hot! and I Must. Have. That.

Introducing the Bib'expresso....

Be sure to check out the Demo to see all the features.  I just hope it comes out before my little one turns 1 and stops drinking formula!

And the Cribsie goes to....

Stroller Traffic, A-List Mom and Diapers.com are hosting a fantastic Awards program right now. Even if you're not into voting {and this is a loooonnng list of categories} the list of nominees is a great way to find a lot of fantastic products and websites all in one place. Almost every one of my favorites is nominated in their respective category. The best of what you need all in one place!

So go vote or browse.  To make things easier {or influence your vote ;-)}, I've listed my votes below with some commentary to go with it:

MEALTIME:
Next Best Thing To Pureeing Your Own Baby Food - Ella's Kitchen {I would have voted for Plum Organics if they were nominated, and they really should've been}

Best Baby Bottles - The First Years Breastflow {definitely the best if you're breast feeding}

Most Stylish Way To Pack A Lunch - Kids Konserve Lunch Sack

Frozen Meals That Don't Make You Feel Like A Bad Mom - Dr. Praeger's Littles

Ultimate Leak-Proof Sippy Cup - BornFree Training Cups

Most Helpful Feeding-On-The-Go Accessory - Phil&Teds MeToo

Best Crowd-Pleasing Toddler Snack - Plum Organics Super Puffs

Handiest Cooking Gadget - Beaba Babycook {LOVE thing thing....you should get the carrying case too!}

Coolest Feeding Sets For Picky Palettes - thinkbaby

Best High Chair That Isn't An Eye Sore - Peg-Perego Prima Pappa {love this because it comes in colors that don't scream "BABY IN THE HOUSE NOW!"}

NURSERY:
Best Skincare For Babies - Earth Mama Angel Baby {Aveeno Baby is a close second for me and is more economical}

Coolest Cribs for Modern Tots - Oeuf {not so much into the "cool" crib trend (round?!?), but these are cool and practical}

The One Baby Gadget You Won't Regret Buying - Nosefrida Snot Sucker {of the nominees, there's no contest on this one in my opinion, but the Itzbeen timer is definitely second}

Most Reliable Video Monitor - Summer Infant BabyTouch {in a word....awesome. this coming from an admitted gadget geek}

Snuggliest Security Blankies - Little Giraffe Chenile Blanky {I have lots and lots of favorites...like Shi Shu Baby...but of those nominated, this one is the cudliest}

Best Infant Diapers - Huggies Overnites {this was a weird category. overnights vs. swaddlers vs. green vs. cloth. very confusing. my real choice for best disposable is Huggies Pure & Natural}

Safest Cleaning Products That Actually Work - BabyGanics {there's a lot of competition in this category, but I just really like BabyGanics for everything so I went with them}

Statement Crib Bedding Worth The Splurge - Ollie & Lime

Best Sleep-Inducing Swaddle Blanket - Aden + Anais {love, love, love their blankets AND wash cloths}

Cutest Nursery Wall Decals - Pop & Lolli {haven't tried them, but like their name :) and really like the fact that they are 100% Made In The USA}

PLAY:
Most Stimulating Activity Gym - Tiny Love Gymini Super Deluxe

The Toy Every Teething Tyke Needs - Sophie Giraffe {thought this was overrated until my 2nd little one wouldn't stop chewing on it!}

Best Distraction When You Need To Shower - 4moms mamaRoo Infant Seat

Catchiest Kids Tunes - Putumayo Kids {Laurie Berkner is a close second. love Telephone and Buzz Buzz Buzz}

Favorite Show That Won't Fry A Tot's Brain - Sid The Science Kid {and of course Sesame Street too...I'm a purest}

Most Entertaining Tub Toys - Alex Toys

Coolest Way To Keep Track Of Their Stuff - Mabel's Labels {Wish they were a US company, but their labels hold up really really well so I have to give it to them}

Wooden Toys They Won't Want To Share - Melissa & Doug {I love everything they make. THE best toy company for young children.}

Most Inspiring Art Supplies - Miss Brittany's {so glad they are getting noticed!}

Best Thing On Wheels - Radio Flyer Wagons


To be continued....

Itzbeen three minutes since I last fed him and he's hungry again!

Between sleep deprivation, food preparation, household maintenance  and general mommy-brain, it's sometimes really difficult to remember how long ago you fed, bathed, changed or put to sleep your baby.  Especially in the early days when you seem to feed and change your little one every 3 minutes.  Throw in a few older siblings and it's a wonder how you keep your sanity.

That's why I love this little device {and not just because I love all gadgets} because it took one thing off my plate, having to remember when I last fed/changed my little one. If he was fussy I could quickly determine if he might be hungry, sleepy or possibly wet just by looking at my little Itzbeen timer!  {Of course he could've pooped right after I changed him, so it's not full proof for those circumstances}

Of course the only downside is that it's as small as a large cell phone and just like a cell phone it can be easily misplaced. And with mommy-brain who knows where/when you will find it again if you lose it!