finding adventure | katelyn ryan: being a mama

5 baby registry products i am most grateful for

I have been wanting to do a baby registry post ever since I shared my tips on building a baby registry. In all honesty, the task seems a bit overwhelming right now. I would love to share it all someday, but right now, between friends, i'll just share with you a few of the items I am most grateful for.

If you're about to welcome a baby into the world, and we were to talk about a baby registry, I wouldn't give you my whole list. I would carefully think through a few items that I really loved, yet are unique enough that maybe they aren't on your radar.

Building a registry is overwhelming as it is. As a friend, I would try my best not to overwhelm, but let's be real, I can be a little over the top. So I will share my top 5 things and then some, oh, and I will share Jordan's favorites as well. haha

There are a few things that we got from our registry that were lifesavers. I didn't think too hard on this list, these were just the things that came to mind. There are many others, but when I asked myself what items I was most grateful for, these were those items.

the 5 Items I am most grateful for as a new mama:

no. 001 Comotomo Bottles

These bottles are seriously the best. They are truly slow flow, and hardly leak. I struggled with breast feeding Ruby and these bottles made our transition so easy.

I really wanted to love these adorable bottles, but they just never worked for Ruby.

Bottle Buying Tip: Pick a couple of your favorite bottles, mine were the comotomo and lifefactory, and only sanitize a couple to see what works best for you and baby. And order more of the one you like most. Really, I think you'll be fine with just the comotomo bottle though.

no. 002 Soft & Stretchy Swaddles

This is one that I always mention to new mamas now. Because the typical aden and anais swaddles are so popular, a lot of people don't look beyond them. Guys, there are so many more softer and stretchier swaddles!! Look for organic cotton! I am so glad we were gifted these bamboo ones, they're so soft! and the white is great for photos! I also love these cute swaddles. We transitioned to a sleep sack once Ruby was over the swaddles.

no. 003 Our Stroller

I've mentioned before, but we love our stroller! We recently I added the tray and I LOVE this stroller organizer.

Here's a helpful guide for choosing a stroller.

no. 004 Baby Wrap & Carrier

I am so grateful that I had a solly baby wrap. I only used it for a few months, but it was essential to doing anything. I was able to make dinner, and MOVE IN TO A NEW HOUSE. Thank you, Solly. & Lindsey for letting me borrow it! :)

We also love our Ergo!

no. 005 Rocking Chair

This was a tough one, I initially wanted to say a breast pump (i had a few) and was so grateful for it, to give ruby milk for 6 months. And then, it was a toss up between these nail clippers and this rocking chair. I LOVE this rocking chair, and we're so grateful to have a cozy resting spot in ruby's room. I use it multiple times a day.

Thanks to our parents for getting us the big things on this list!

Just for fun, here's Jordan's list:

We used BabyList for our registry and loved it! In fact, we are still using the same registry for Ruby's first birthday, we just continue to add to it!

I would love to hear yours, what are your top 5?

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, by katelyn

being a mama

Lilacs & Mother's Day Gifts

Did you know that Mother's Day is next week?! I have lots of pretty photos of these lilacs to share with you. As well as what I want for Mother's Day, what I typically get for my mom and some thoughts on self care.

This is technically my first real mother's day that I will be celebrating as a mama. If you read Ruby's birth story that I posted the other day, I talked about how I went to the hospital the day after Mother's day last year and had Ruby the next day.

I still felt like it should count as a mother's day. At over 40 weeks pregnant and very hormonal, I thought I deserved a little celebration. And Jordan did get me a gift, these sandals that I had been wanting and this sweet bracelet with an 'R' for Ruby. But, it was definitely a just in case gift for if I did have Ruby girl by Mother's Day! haha.

I was actually a little upset that he didn't treat it as a first Mother's Day, but that just means that this one will be extra special. And it will, because our sweet Ruby is here on the other side!

My favorite place to shop for Mother's Day presents is Anthropologie. Here they have already curated some wonderful gift ideas for Mother's day. I love their quirky and unique style, I typically pick up a cute teacup, a candle, or hand cream.

My other go to gift is a plant or flower. Instead of getting cut flowers, I like to get something that will last a little longer. Since Mother's Day lines up perfectly with the gardening season in the midwest, a potted plant or something that can be planted is also a perfect gift. Last year I got both Jordan and my mom a potted rosemary plant.

I hadn't really thought about Mother's Day this year. I have a feeling every year from here on out will be the same. As Ruby's birthday is on the 12th, that and sorting through the thousands of photos from this past year have consumed my thoughts lately.

But, I did send Jordan a link to this diaper bag. I had been eyeing this diaper bag forever as well, but it's just too expensive and Fawn Design is having a mother's day sale.

My mom got me this diaper bag, which I loved, but we found that having a backpack style is much more efficient. Which is why we use this mini backback. I love it, and will probably continue to use it, but I sometime wish I had a little more space to fit in my camera or other things. So, I think it's time, time to get a good-looking, functional bag.

One other thing that has been on my mind lately is self care.

A sweet friend of mine stayed over the other week while Jordan was working nights. It was kind of hilarious, she brought over her own blanket and everything.

It was fun and much needed.

We talked quite a bit about how we treat ourselves. Often times I don't spend money or time of myself because I can't seem to justify it. But, I really like when my nails are painted and I really would enjoy having my hair colored again.

These things aren't necessarily important and sometime they can seem a little vain. Like, wanting to get eyelash extensions. I've been wanting to get them for years and never have! has anyone tried them?

Especially since being a mama, there are days, like today, that I stay in the clothes I slept in and I am lucky if I brushed my teeth. I kind of miss (actually, I mostly don't, just some days) when I would dress for work everyday.

Now more than ever, I need to start thinking a little more about how I treat myself. I value being kind to others, respecting others, and giving gifts to others. Why do I not do the same to me?

So, I am treating myself this mother's day (thanks, jordan!) to getting my hair done and taking the time to paint my nails.