NICU Awareness Month

September is NICU awareness month. I just want to shine a light on the NICU at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital at St. Vincent in Indianapolis. When my son was born he was 3 weeks early. I had gone in because he wasn’t moving. Despite his lack of movement, his heart rate was great the entire time. When he was finally born he wasn’t breathing. To this day, we have no idea why it happened. It took the nurses 10 minutes to get him breathing. He was rushed to the nursery where I found out shortly after that he had a seizure. At that point the Neonatologist told me that he needed to be transferred to a hospital with a NICU. He was just a couple of hours old when he was flown to another hospital. They brought him to be in one of those incubator crib things. I was allowed to touch his hand but I wasn't allowed to hold him. I was absolutely terrified. I was told that he had something called Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy. He had to be sedated and cooled for 72 hours to reduce or reverse the effects that the lack of oxygen could have had on his brain. I wasn’t able to hold him until he was 4 days old. Despite his rough start, he was a model NICU baby. Passed all his tests, no signs of anymore seizures, was never on supplemental oxygen, and ate like a champ. He came home when he was 9 days old. 3 days before Christmas! 

I wish that I could remember off the top of my head the name of all the doctors and nurses that took care of him. I would thank them all personally if I could. Eli will be 2 in just a few months and he is absolutely perfect. He has had zero issues since coming home. He has hit all of his milestones when he should have, he talks up a storm, he is so smart, and well, he throws fits like a typical toddler. Honestly though, I would have loved him whether he had issues or not. He’s my baby. 

The day he was born. My nurse took my phone and took these pictures since I wasn’t allowed to see him. I will forever be grateful to her for that. Shout out to Martha at Hendricks Regional in Danville, IN! 

The first day in the NICU. Seeing him like this was terrifying, but he was such a champ. 

The first time I got to hold him. I cried the entire time. 

Right after he pulled out his feeding tube. The nurse let him keep it out for a little bit so he could take a break. He was so cute! Still is. 

A couple days before coming home! 

The day we broke out of there. He was so small compared to his cousin. They are 5 months apart to the day. Don’t worry, 6 months later they were the same size, and still are. 

His first Christmas! The best Christmas present a mom could ask for! 

One year old! He tested positive for Covid 5 days after his birthday. Luckily he wasn’t very sick. Just a little extra tired, a little extra cranky, and a lot congested. The second picture is 5 minutes after he tested positive. 

His second Christmas, he was more interested in the candy than the toys! He had Covid here, you can see it in his face that he didn’t feel good. Poor baby.  

Here we are now! My big boy! He’s such a goofball, and a big water baby! 

My Favorite Nursery Themes

The following list is a list I have compiled from several different sites (Etsy, Amazon, & Walmart) of some of my favorite nursery themes. The 6th one is the one that I personally used for my son! I think figuring out how to decorate the nursery is the most exciting part. Once you decide what you want there are so many different options on what you can use to make your dream nursery come to life!

Boho Rainbow Crib Bedding

Boho Moon and Stars Crib Bedding

Hot Air Balloon Crib Bedding

Bedtime Originals 3 Piece Crib Bedding Set

Sweet Jojo Designs Boho Crib Bedding Set 

The Peanutshell Nautical Crib Bedding Set

Winnie The Pooh Crib Bedding Set

The Peanutshell Boho Story Crib Bedding Set

Dumbo Crib Bedding Set

Top 10 Cribs on Amazon

The crib is the most used piece of nursery furniture in my opinion. Most cribs these days can go from a crib, to a toddler bed, and then some of them can even convert into a twin bed. Talk about getting your money's worth. The crib that I had for my son was able to go from a crib to a toddler bed. We used it as a toddler bed for several months before I switched him to a normal toddler bed. The crib however will be going to his dad's house so that he can use it as a toddler bed when he goes over there. The following list is going to be a list of the most popular cribs on Amazon, including the one that I personally used which is number 4. Just click on the name and it’ll take you directly to the Amazon page for that crib. All of these cribs come in different colors and therefore the prices will vary between them. 

 

1. Dream On Me Synergy 5-In-1 Convertible Crib  

2. Dream On Me Chelsea 5-in-1 Convertible Crib

3. Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer 

4. Dream On Me Carson Classic 3-in-1 Convertible Crib

5. Storkcraft Portofino 5-in-1 Convertible Crib and Changer

6. DaVinci Kalani 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

7. Dream On Me Addison 4-in-1 Convertible Mini Crib

8. Babyletto Gelato 4-in-1 Convertible Crib 

9. Carter's by DaVinci Colby 4-in-1 Low-Profile Convertible Crib

10. Delta Children Bentley S Series 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib

 

Now that you have gone through the list I hope it helps you find a crib that works for you and your new little one! 

 

Top 10 Portable Cribs on Amazon

Portable cribs, playards, or pack n' plays, whatever you want to call them are probably the most important piece of furniture that you can have for babies and toddler, at least in my opinion. For me personally, I have several. I have one that I keep at my sons dad's house, one at my moms house, and even an extra at my moms for my nephew who is 5 months older than my son. These are items that have been used multiple times a day for almost 2 years and to be honest I don't know what I would do without them. 

This is a list of the most popular ones that are being sold on Amazon, at least today. That could change tomorrow. Hopefully this list will help you find a suitable one for you and your little one, or at least give you some ideas on what you want. 

If you click on the name of the playard it will take you directly to that page on Amazon. Some of these have different colors and patterns to choose from and therefore some prices may vary. The prices listed are the the specific crib in the picture. 

Good luck, and happy reading! 😀😀

         #1:  Pamo Babe Portable Crib Baby Playpen with Mattress and Carry Bag

             $60.99 

This portable crib is easy to assemble and fold. It takes up very little space when folded up.. It's perfect for on-the-go families  with it’s easy to use case. The playpen is suitable for infants and toddlers from 0-36 months, and up to 33lbs. 

 

#2: Baby Trend Lil Snooze Deluxe 2 Nursery Center

$89.99

From day to night, your little one will feel comfy and secure in the adorable Lil Snooze Deluxe II Nursery Center in Twinkle Twinkle Little Moon from Baby Trend. The removable napper with canopy is perfect for a little shuteye throughout the day and the hanging toys keep them entertained while awake. Diaper time is a breeze with the flip away changing table and storage pocket for changing essentials. As your baby grows, the nursery center transforms into the ideal play time center and the large caster wheels with brakes provide added mobility and stability. The Nursery Center folds compact and easily fits into the included travel/storage bag for convenient portability. The playard had a weight limit of up to 35lbs, the changing table and sleeper go up to 15 pounds.

 

#3: Lotus Travel Crib 

$239.00

Designed to be easy to fly with the compact, light backpack carrying case. Set up is simple in 15 seconds and only weighs 15 lbs packed. The lightweight 13lbs crib packs into an easy to carry, hands-free backpack carrying case. With no assembly required, and a simple setup, the Lotus Crib sets up and packs quickly. Cuddle, let them crawl in & out, or put them in without leaning over. 

 

#4:  Baby Trend Nursery Center, Floral Garden

$65.99

The Baby Trend Deluxe Nursery Center in the Floral Garden fashion is fun, perfect for any home or nursery setting. This Playard is featured with a removable full bassinet, a mobile with three adorable plush toys and a diaper stacker for baby's essentials. Ideal for keeping your child entertained and happily occupied, you can have peace of mind as you tackle household chores. Lightweight and portable, this Playard comes with a travel tote bag so you can easily take it on trips to the park or beach. The one-hand locking mechanism allows you to easily open or close the portable Playard and the two large wheels with brakes provide greater mobility and stability. This Baby Trend Deluxe Nursery Center has a weight limit of 30 lbs.

 

#5:  Delta Children LX Deluxe Portable Baby Play Yard

$85.68

Keep your baby safe, close and comfy with the LX Deluxe Play Yard from Delta Children. You'll love all the convenient features. The removable bassinet provides the ideal spot for naptime or bedtime, and the removable changing table means you'll always have a sturdy place to change diapers or dress your baby. The detachable storage compartment keeps changing necessities nearby, so you never have to run to another room for diapers or wipes. When your baby outgrows the bassinet, the insert is removable and the LX Deluxe Play Yard functions like a full size playard. Designed to be used at home or away, the play yard's wheels make it super-easy to move around the house, and the quick fold construction and included carry bag make for fuss-free travel. The weight limit is 25lbs. 

 

#6: ADOVEL Baby Bassinet Bedside Crib

$195.88

Peaceful co sleeping Time - A full size ADOVEL Pack 'n Play can turn into the bedside sleeper with the side zipper down for mothers to take care of your baby in the middle of the night without having to move around too much. The bottom layer can be Used as a playard, available from baby to toddlers (0-3 years old). It provides closer space for mother-infant interaction. The diaper stacker can help you change diapers faster, and have access to bottles quicker without the backache.The mobile has 3 soft toys and several  cheerful songs that can soothe your little one back to sleep. The weight limit for this playard is 77lbs.

 

#7: BABY JOY 5-in-1 Pack and Play

$189.99

This multifunctional baby nursery center can serve as a baby rock bassinet, bedside crib, activity center, U-shaped diaper changing table with added strap for safety, and baby crib. Whether it provides a comfortable resting place for your cute baby, or daily activities and care, this 5-in-1 crib is the best choice. The armrest on the side can be quickly selected from  4 different heights with the user-friendly button to keep the height of the adult bed consistent. Therefore, it can be used not only as a playard, but also as a co-sleeping bed. The zipper-style entrance and exit design on the side makes it easier for babies to enter and exit.

This baby crib is stable enough for babies from 0-36 months old, and up to 110lbs. 

 

#8:  Pamo Babe Portable Nursery Center

$84.99

This baby travel cot combines a bassinet bed, diaper table, cute toys and activity center. The diaper table helps parents easily change diapers without arduously bending their backs. The bassinet bed has a comfortable mattress that delivers a soft touch for the baby. The basic playpen can be used as an activity center that  allows your baby to freely stand and play. For utmost convenience, the baby travel cot does not require extensive setup and can be stored away or reassembled in mere minutes. Just snap the bassinet’s frame in place and the crib is ready for use. Both diaper table and bassinet bed can be easily removed from the baby playard and stored separately. Can be used for infants and toddler 0-36 months and up to 33lbs.

 

#9: Baby Trend Retreat Nursery Center

$153.00

The Baby Trend Retreat Nursery Center features a removable rock-a-bye bassinet with a canopy and carry handle, plush fabric and mesh sides for proper ventilation, and 2 toys. The playard includes a removable full bassinet, changing table, and a deluxe parent organizer. Easy one-hand locking mechanism makes the playard stable and allows it to be moved from place to place easily with it’s large wheels and secured with brakes. Also included is a convenient travel/storage tote bag. Your baby will enjoy the electronic music center with volume control, nightlight, and vibration which includes two styles of music and nature sounds. The bassinet and changing table can hold up to 15lbs, and the playard up to 30lbs.

 

#10:  Baby Trend E Nursery Center, to Rising Star

$94.99

Your little one will enjoy the world from the comfort of the Trend-E Nursery Center in Toucan n Friends from Baby Trend. The full-size bassinet provides a secure and comfy environment for your infant to rest and recharge. Keep essentials close in the mesh parent organizer and remove it when not in use. As your baby grows, the nursery center becomes the ideal play time center and the large wheels with brakes provide added mobility and stability. The nursery center folds compact and easily fits into the included travel/storage bag for convenient portability. The playard can hold up to 30lbs and the bassinet up to 15lbs. 

 

 

Top 10 Highchairs on Amazon

When searching for my own highchair I looked at tons of lists just like this. I'm sure several of you have too, and well, your looking at this one. 😀

This is a list of the most popular highchairs listed on Amazon the day I wrote the post. Things change daily, as does the popularity of several things. I wanted to try and put together a list that would at least help give some ideas and maybe help someone find the right highchair for them and their growing family. 

If you click the name of the highchair it will take you directly to the page for it on Amazon. Most of these chairs come in different patterns and colors and therefore have different prices for those. The prices I have listed below are the ones specific to the chair in the picture. 

I hope this helps. Happy reading! 

😀😀

 #1:  Graco Blossom 6 in 1 Convertible High Chair

$199.99

Graco Blossom 6-in-1 Highchair will grow with your baby. It offers different seating options from infant to toddler. It can also split into 2 different seats, essentially seating 2 children at once. It transforms from an infant chair to a traditional high chair, then an infant booster, a toddler booster, and finally a youth chair. There are 6 height adjustments that will provide the perfect fit for any baby at the table. There is a 3-position removable footrest and has 3 reclining positions that will ensure your growing child stays comfortable at mealtime. This portable high chair features a premium leatherette seat pad that is both wipeable and machine-washable for easy cleanup and comfort

#2:  Baby Delight Go with Me Venture Portable Chair  

$79.99

Travel with ease using the Baby Delight Go With Me Chair in the green style. The 5 point removable harness makes sure your baby is secure and comfortable as they sit in the seat. As your baby grows the seat can un-Velcro to reveal two leg holes, perfect for letting your baby stand with support. The chair can then be used by toddlers and young kids, either with or without the snack tray. Indoor/outdoor polyester along with the included sun canopy makes this the perfect chair to carry with you for use anywhere.

#3:  Inglesina Fast Table Chair 

 $79.99

The Inglesina Fast Table Chair is designed with parents and babies in mind, from its quick set up at most tables to its durable construction. This baby high chair will allow for quick and easy mealtime, whether at home or on the go. It also includes an integrated travel-friendly carry bag. This chair is compatible with most types of tables up to 3.5” thick, and leaving them scratch-free.

#4: Chicco Fastlock 360 Hook-On Chair

$89.99

Quick to Set Up, Easy to Take Along. The most versatile hook-on chair from Chicco, FastLock™ 360 fully rotates to accommodate the needs of your baby any time of day. Turn the chair to the side for face-to-face feeding, forward for a place at the table, or toward the back to keep baby in the center of the action. It features a quick and secure set up, the innovative FastLock™ clamp attaches in seconds with a reassuringly tight grip. The rubberized feet enhance the grip and protect the table from scratches and scuff marks, conveniently fastening to most tables and navigating table skirts up to 5.25”. Easy to Clean. A dishwasher-safe, snap-on tray (included) and soft, wipeable seat keep messes contained and cleanup easy.

#5:  Ingenuity Trio Elite 3-in-1 High Chair 

 $95.99

As every parent knows, kids grow up fast. The Trio Elite 3-in-1 High Chair easily adjusts from a full-size high chair to a booster seat, then to a toddler chair. The convertible high chair wipes clean instantly, the removable tray is dishwasher safe, and the seat pad is machine washable so you can slow down the clock by spending less time on kitchen cleanup and more time with your family. The dishwasher-safe easy clean tray also features four locking positions to grow with your baby. And as your family expands, it can too. When used as a booster and toddler chair, it can seat two children at the same time.

#6:  Graco EveryStep 7 in 1 High Chair 

 $209.97

Graco EveryStep 7-in-1 Highchair is by your side every step of the way. It's a highchair and kitchen step stool in one! With over 7 growing stages, the EveryStep Highchair transitions from a reclining infant chair to a full-size highchair, infant and toddler booster, and youth stool. Plus, the infant booster and kid's step stool can be used together to grow with your family! In kitchen step stool mode, bring your big kid into the kitchen so he or she can stand safely at counter height to help you with cooking, work on crafts, or complete school projects together.

#7:  Dream On Me Portable 2-in-1 Tabletalk High Chair

 $55.13

Dream On Me presents the Portable 2-in-1 Tabletalk High Chair - a well built and affordable choice as your little one embarks on an exciting journey of food discovery. The Tabletalk High Chair has incredible adaptability. It comes with three-height adjustments and a padded seat that provides the utmost comfort to your baby or toddler. Easy clean up makes it a parent favorite. Simply pop the detachable inner tray into the dishwasher. To clean the seat, simply remove it and wipe down with a dry cloth or wet wipe. It also converts into a toddler chair, perfect for play, story time, or TV time. The lightweight Tabletalk Highchair is easy to carry from room to room and folds into a self-standing unit. The tray can be stored at the back of the highchair, making it easy to put away at the end of every meal.

#8:  Fisher-Price SpaceSaver Simple Clean High Chair

 $53.49

You and your little foodie will have everything you need from a full-size high chair in a compact and portable seat with the Fisher-Price SpaceSaver Simple Clean High Chair. The wraparound, deep-dish tray helps keep baby from pushing food onto the floor. The tray liner easily lifts out for quick cleaning in the dishwasher. With 3 recline positions, you can adjust the seat’s position to grow with baby over time and even convert the chair to a toddler booster seat!

#9:  Graco Table2Table Premier Fold 7 in 1 Convertible High Chair

 $189.99

The Graco® Table2Table™ Premier Fold 7-in-1 Highchair grows with your child from infant to toddler. The highchair features recline positioning for early feedings, then converts to an infant booster, toddler booster, and toddler chair for baby and toddler to join the family at your table, and finally becomes a toddler-size table and chair for your independent big kid. The highchair even allows seating for 2 children at once to grow with your family. When not in use, the highchair folds compactly for storage.

#10:  Graco Made2Grow 6 in 1 High Chair

 $119.99

The Graco Made2Grow 6-in-1 Highchair offers 6 growing stages from infant to big kid. The highchair features infant head support and 3 recline positions for early comfort and a machine washable seat pad for easier mealtime cleanup. When baby is ready to join the family at the table, use the infant or toddler booster on a dining room chair. Then, convert to an elevated youth stool to give your older child their own seat at the table. This highchair can even seat two kids at once to grow with your family!

Series of Top 10's

 Hey everyone, I am going to do a small series of blogs that include the Top 10 most popular items in several different categories. All categories will center around babies and toddlers and will hopefully help other parents and potential parents out when it comes to choosing certain things. I know when I was pregnant with Eli I went through all the blogs and posts about the most popular, the most safe, the most used items when trying to figure out what to get for him. My hope with this series is that I can help other parents in the same way that I was helped. 😀

Our Story

I feel like I should introduce myself a little better than that little blurb on the side. My name is Tiffany. I am 34, and I am a single mom. I have one little boy who will be 2 in December. He is the absolute best thing that has ever happened to me. I live in a small town in Indiana and work at a local Indianapolis hospital as a Patient Care tech. In my free time, wait, what is free time?  Anyway, when I get the chance, usually before bed, I like to read. I also enjoy sewing, painting, coloring, crocheting, and being outside. I also spend a lot of time at my moms house, because why not right? 

A little bit about my son. He was born 3 weeks early. I was induced because he wasn’t moving around. His heart rate was great the entire time so my doc wasn’t that worried. When he was finally born, 48 hours after the start of induction, he wasn’t breathing. To this day, we have no idea why it happened. It took the nurses 10 minutes to get him breathing. He was rushed to the nursery where I found out shortly after that he had a seizure. At that point the Neonatologist told me that he needed to be transferred to a hospital with a NICU. He was just a couple of hours old when he was flown to another hospital. I was absolutely terrified. I was told that he had something called Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy. He had to be sedated and cooled for 72 hours to reduce or reverse the effects that the lack of oxygen could have had on his brain. I wasn’t able to hold him until he was 4 days old. Despite his rough start, he was a model NICU baby. Passed all his tests, no signs of anymore seizures, was never on supplemental oxygen, and ate like a champ. He came home when he was 9 days old. 3 days before Christmas! Since then he has passed all of his developmental check-ups with flying colors. He is now a completely normal child. Well, maybe not normal, he is my kid after all.  

So that is our story. Obviously there is a lot more to our lives than just that little paragraph, and I plan on sharing some of my wins and failures as a first time single mom through this blog. Not gonna lie, I’m just winging it so stick with me. 

Hawaiian Punch = Bad News

  I cannot stand Hawaiian Punch. I don’t like it, therefore I don’t give it to my kid. There is too much sugar for his little body to handle. His father on the other hand will give it to him. I have expressed on multiple occasions that I do not like this but he doesn’t listen. I unfortunately cannot control what he does at his house. However, this morning I had to tell him that it has to stop.

My son came home from his house last night in a bad mood, which is pretty usual for him when he comes home. I hate it because he doesn’t act like my normal crazy kid, he’s just a grumpy violent crazy kid. Not my favorite version of him to deal with. Anyway, this morning while I was at work I was notified by my mom that his diaper was not only a very bright shade of green, but that it also stained his skin. How? Turns out he mostly drinks Hawaiian Punch while at his dads. Not anymore.

It’s making him sick, it makes him angry, and it makes him violent. That’s not my kid. It has to stop. I explained all this to his father and I’m hoping that he listened this time. I guess we will find out. If he doesn’t I’m not really sure what to do.

So a note to other parents, if your kid is acting this way and drinks Hawaiian Punch, try cutting it out of their diet and see if it helps.