Wednesday 18 October 2017

Baby (must-have) List

Hi guys,

I was thinking of putting together a list of baby things for a friend who is pregnant, and I thought I'd share it with you.  These are just a few items that have really been great to have for Daphné and Django.  Petrignani family favorites.

Nursing pillow
The super flexible ones filled with tiny styrofoam balls are wonderful.  I used mine to sleep with when I was pregnant to hug and put between my knees.  Then, it's great for nursing/bottle feeding and also propping up baby or letting big sister hold baby brother ;).



Chicco Next 2 Me bed
I don't have much to say, except that this bed has been so perfect for our family.  Since it's right next to the bed, it makes night feedings much easier.  Also, the side can zip up to use as a normal bed not attached to the parents' bed.



Bouncy chair
These are absolutely necessary I've found.  Super light and easy to move around the house, it allows mama and papa to do dishes, fold laundry, work on the computer, go to the bathroom even... with baby always present.  Ours has a detachable arc with dangling toys and music too [removed in this photo]. 



Baby Carrier 
We have the Boba brand, but there are SO many brands out there now.  These are great for short trips into town, getting things done in the house if baby is fussy or even getting baby to fall asleep.  In this photo, I'm holding our daughter.  I used to "rock her to sleep" with it [before we sleep trained her].



Swaddle blankets 
These are so versatile! I would highly recommend getting the biggest available size (at least 47"x47" or 120cmx120cm).  Great for use as a burp cloth, blanket, changing table cover, nursing cover, stroller cover, scarf for mama (I have used it a few times for this), cape for big sister to play with =) and even swaddling... hehe! 



Cloth diapers 
We use them as burp cloths.  They are inexpensive and highly absorbent.


Avent Soothie pacifier
I realize everyone has a different philosophy about pacifiers.  For us, they've been wonderful.  Babies have such a strong sucking reflex, so if they aren't hungry and still need to suck, these are perfect!  I also liked the BooginHead brand strap.  With our daughter, we took away her pacifier cold turkey at 20 months when we finally sleep trained her.  It was a smooth transition.  This specific brand, along with many others I'm sure, is designed so baby can't choke on it and also designed so it doesn't ruin their teeth.



Nose Frida snot sucker 
I know, I know, this sounds so weird, but I'm sure I'm not the only mom out there who thinks these things are amazing!  It is super easy to clean and to use.  I use it daily with our little guy right now, so he doesn't get sick from his pre-school-going, bacteria-infested big sister.  First I squirt saline solution in one nostril with baby's head on its side, then I suck out the gunk from both nostrils.  Perhaps it's not for everyone, but it works for us!  I'm a HUGE fan! [side note: I have never gotten anything in my mouth.  The filter system works extremely well.]
Sound Machine
We have this brand ('LectroFan), but I know there are so many out there.  We even have two, one for each kid!  We've found that it really helps them sleep better.  It creates a constant "fan noise" to drown out other noises that might wake or disturb their sleep.  Obviously, you can use an actual fan too, but in the winter, the sound machine is nice so as not to have air blowing in the room.

 
Getting Your Baby to Sleep the 
Baby Sleep Trainer Way
There are hundreds of sleep training books available, but I would recommend ONLY this one.  In 2015, we hired Natalie to work with us personally with our daughter via video chat.  Her method works.  I know many other methods work, too, but I'm biased since I've actually met Natalie through video.  She's wonderful, and this book explains everything.  I needed a coach, so hiring her was absolutely indispensable.  However, if you can glean what you need through books, look no further, this book is just perfect.  A link to her site if you are interested.


Bumbo chair
As soon as your baby can hold up their head on their own, this chair is super fun!  It is like the bouncy chair in that you can have your baby in every room with you.  I think they like it too.  They can sit up, without yet knowing how to sit up.  Our almost-three-year-old still plays with it by putting her dolls and stuffed animals in it.  Soon, it will go to baby brother ;). 


Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair
We love this high chair!  It's adaptable for all stages.  Here is our daughter's first birthday party, and you can see she has a tray.  There is also a seat barrier to keep her buns on chair.  We have moved the levels down and removed the tray and seat barrier, so she can now use it as a seat at the table.  It's perfect.  She loves it! 


I hope this is helpful for someone =)  Thanks for reading!

Here is the list:

Nursing pillow
Chicco Next 2 Me bed
Bouncy chair
Baby carrier
Swaddle blankets
Cloth diapers
Avent Soothie Pacifier
Nose Frida snot sucker
Sound machine
Baby Sleep Trainer Way book
Bumbo chair
Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair

Love Linz
ps - Glass bottles are a new discovery that we like, too!  They are so much easier to clean, and apparently better for the baby.  Less plastic contamination.

Thursday 28 September 2017

A bit busy

Hey guys,

I've got my hands full... full of sweet little people.  So, please consider the blog on vacation for right now.  Who knows when I'll be able to get back to it, but don't worry, I'll come back! =) 



Until then, please know I update Instagram and Facebook regularly.  Enjoy!

Love Linz

Sunday 10 September 2017

Top 15 favorites (to date)

Instead of trying to post EVERY. SINGLE. PICTURE that I've taken since we've been home for a couple of weeks, I've decided to pick my top favorites, and it ended up being 15.  Enjoy!


My little Koala.  Since I spend a lot of time feeding our Django, Daphné joins me on the chair, and we have fun with Instagram filters like this one.  Her eyes are so stinkin' beautiful!


I call this one "bunny ears" - do you see why?!  Hehe!


Our first little walk as a family of four.


What did we get ourselves into?!!!


Welcome to the madness. 


Sweet time with Mamie and Papi at the park.  Django's first park outing.


Our little man is so handsome.


My husband is amazing.


First trip to church as a family of four.  Awkward funny faces on our children.


Business man.


"Not sure I signed up for this." -Daphné


It is well with my soul.


tiny. HUGE.


Playing in Daphné's room together.


Bath man!

Love Linz

Maternity & Going Home

I have a bazillion photos of this cute little guy, but time to sit in front of the computer is limited.  Here are a few photos from Django's 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th day of life.  He's so amazing!  We are so thankful to the Lord for this precious gift.  Now, we have 2 treasures from God!


I prayed the word peace over Django during the whole pregnancy.  God answered.


The weigh station.  Slowly gaining back his birth weight.


Big sis enjoying some fun at Mamie and Papi's.


Slumber.


We gave Daphné a gift from Django the first time she came to visit.  I think she likes it... a little set of dishes.


The hospital.


View from my room.


Daphné likes Django's tiny fingers.


Family of Four!


Holding tiny brother.


Her face says it all.


Another day at Mamie and Papi's... similar outfit... it was hot!


Peaceful.


Rob and Daphné coming to visit.


Holding bro again. 

She's so proud and excited!


Django's amazing papa =).


Beautiful Tata Cricri.


Dapper Tonton Robi.


My guys!


Going home.


Buckle up.


Home sweet home.


Doctor Daphné.  Her Tata Cricri and Tonton Robi bought her a little doctor kit for the arrival of her baby brother.  She's workin' the phones.

Love Linz