baby Archives - Twin Tested

Do’s and Don’ts gifts for babies

When it comes to baby gifts, there are a TON of products out there. It can be overwhelming to browse the thousands of infant items in a store. I put together this list with products that I have loved and used a million times as well as items that I received and put in the closet and never looked at again.

brooke holding Winston with text that says "Do's and Don'ts for baby gifts"

If you are expecting a baby or know someone expecting a baby it is such an exciting time! From the ultrasound photos to setting up the nursery each step is so fun getting ready for a little one to join the family.

Right now I have a 3-year-old and a 4-month-old. I realize that I am in no way an expert on all things baby. Nonetheless, I want to share what has been useful for both of my kids and what I wish I would’ve saved money on.

Let’s go over some of the don’ts first, these, of course, are my personal opinion. You may love these items – I just didn’t find myself using them.

Wipe Warmer: I could barely get the diaper on in the middle of the night changes let alone remember to warm up the wipes! Yes, this is very considerate of your little one’s bum. Kudos to you if you use one. However, I just tried to change them as fast as possible at nighttime and avoid getting peed on.
Tons of newborn clothing. My first baby was 7 lbs 11 ounces baby and my second was 8 lbs 5 ounces. They both blew through their newborn clothing. We were into 0-3 month clothing after about week 3. Don’t stock up on a million newborn diapers or you may never get through them.
Baby food blender. Just use your grown up blender – they work the same! The baby food blender will just take up space in your kitchen.

Now let’s move onto the Do’s for baby gifts. These again, are my personal preference, but I have found myself reaching for them again and again.

Boppy breastfeeding pillow: This U-shaped pillow has saved my neck and back this time around! I use the Boppy pillow every time I breastfeed or rock Win to sleep. In a short few months, it will be the perfect safety net to use when teaching Winston how to sit up.
Colugo Baby Carrier: This thing is pure magic for babies! From the mesh lining to the magnetic clips it is design perfection. The best part is you can use this baby carrier for little ones from the time they are 7 lbs up until they are 33 lbs, no infant insert is needed. My baby boy Win loves the forward-facing position so he can see everything going on around him. Colugo has a ton of cute styles to choose from – hello animal print! Colugo was started by a mom in New York City who saw a need in the marketplace and created something amazing! The best part is you can find them at Target!
Freshly Picked moccasins: Baby socks are a headache, they can never quite stay on those adorable, puffy feet. Freshly Picked is not only run by an awesome female entrepreneur (Susan Peterson) but she makes a quality product that lasts. My daughter wore her moccasins nonstop and they still look like new.

brooke wearing winston in the Colugo baby carrier

If you are shopping for a new mama-to-be I highly recommend gifting one of these products. They will be used SO much. Having a baby is a huge transition, so having functional products that help with your baby’s day-to-day activities is incredibly helpful.

Britt is expecting her baby boy in a few short months and I am so excited to share these products with her. It has been so fun to have our babies close together (no we didn’t plan it :)). They have built-in best friends and aunties and cousins that love them!

What I am nervous and excited about for baby #2!

Brooke, Parker, and Lila holding the ultrasound picture to announce baby #2

Parker and I are thrilled to be expecting baby #2! I realize that I am very lucky to be able to get pregnant and carry a baby for the second time. If you are reading this and in the midst of your own journey toward motherhood, please know that I am thinking about you and wish you the best.

Lila holding balloons and the ultrasound picture to announce that she is becoming a big sister

The due date

This baby is due the first week of August and Lila will be just a few weeks shy of 3-years-old. This announcement post seems like yesterday but also like a lifetime ago! I truly haven’t wrapped my head around the idea of having another child in the house to take care of and love, it doesn’t seem real quite yet.

Lila looking up at Valentine's day themed balloons for our February baby announcement

Here is what I am excited about:

For Lila to be a big sister! We knew that we wanted Lila to have a sibling since we had her. She has a happy-go-lucky personality and is quite laid back so I hope her sibling will have a similar disposition.
I have a feeling right now that this baby is going to be another girl. We will find out at the 20-week ultrasound (which is in about 6 weeks) if I am right! Although we would love to have a boy as well – I would just need some boy tips and to go shopping!
Having another cute, squishy baby to love. If I am being honest, the newborn stage was very hard for me. I felt isolated and overwhelmed with a new, tiny baby. However, once Lila got to be about 4-6 months old things got easier and I really loved it!
Coordinating sibling outfits! Enough said.
To complete another nursery in our house. We have big plans for this baby’s room! We are going to attempt to do wainscoting on the walls and I have got my eye on a few key pieces of furniture I would like to incorporate. I am loving this cupboard/dresser from IKEA and this rug.
I am planning on buying a hands-free pump this time around – there is no way that I can sit still for 20 minutes a day with a toddler running around! And I have heard really great things about a few of them, including this one. If you have one, please share in the comments what you like or dislike about it before I spend hundreds of dollars!

Here is what I am nervous about:

The newborn sleepless nights. I seriously felt like I went a little crazy during the first few weeks of Lila’s life. However, Parker and I quickly learned that it works best if we switch off every other night so we are already prepared this time around with a schedule!
Another labor and delivery. I had a tough experience with Lila and I am hoping to have this experience go smoother and more peaceful. I switched hospitals and doctors for this pregnancy so that I can have a fresh slate. I am really liking them so far, they have been so gentle and friendly which I really appreciate.
Taking care of a toddler and a baby. Moms, please send me all of your siblings tips! I have no idea how you keep both happy. I would also love any advice on helping Lila with the adjustment of a baby in the house.
A name. Lila is the only name that I have always loved, and now we’ve used it so we are officially at square one! I am honestly looking anywhere and everywhere for some inspiration!

Lila smiling and holding her baby sister or brother's first ultrasound pictures!

Hoping the second time around will be easier

The blessing this time around is that it won’t be my first rodeo! I already do not feel as stressed or anxious as I did with Lila. I know what I am getting into and it won’t be my first time dealing with things like breastfeeding and newborn sponge baths.

This pregnancy has been a lot harder so far than Lila’s. I have been sick and nauseous and SO tired. However, now that I am through with the first trimester I am feeling much better. I have been taking the combo of a Unisom sleep tab at night with a B6 vitamin and it has really helped!

Thank you for all of the well wishes so far!

We published these pictures on social media with the poem:

“Roses are red, violets are blue, we are expecting baby #2!”

Lila LOVED the balloons for these photos which made it easy to have her smile. This process has been so fun and we are so grateful for another tiny spirit to join our family.

Lila’s 1st year and what I have learned about being a mom

Labor Day 2017 I was floating in the lukewarm water of the neighb0rhood pool, finally letting my joints feel relief from my large belly that was due with a baby girl that very day. Little did I know, later that night I would be having our baby girl. After returning home from the pool I realized the slight trickle of water down my leg was not from the pool water in my swimsuit and that my water had broken. At that very moment, I remember getting into the shower and tears streaming down my face because of the unknown that lay ahead. Giving birth for the first time is a life-changing, gigantic experience. But the fact that I got a little brunette with sparkling eyes that crinkle when she smiles makes every discomfort and pain worth it.

Now that Lila is a true one-year-old I wanted to share a few of her favorite things and what has helped me the most this year. (Besides grandmas and a twin sister going through the exact same thing at the same time!)

Wubbanub: If your baby takes a binky, these are hands down the best! Lila loves the elephant that is attached to hers and it is pretty much the cutest thing ever to watch her fall asleep stroking the ears with her tiny fingers. (Now I am starting to face the fact that she cannot have a binky forever and need a game plan for getting rid of it…)
A set of her own keys: My mother-in-law is a genius and got together all of her old keys and keychains, sanitized them, and then gave them to Lila. This way she has her own set of “real” keys to hold while I do everyday tasks like locking the door, starting the car, etc. without a fight.
Minky Couture blankets: They are super cozy and soft, but most importantly MACHINE WASHABLE! There is nothing sweeter than a babe fresh from the bath cozied up in her Minky. (I might just have a giveaway coming up on Instagram this week so pay close attention!)
A gym pass: Britt and I do a gym swap at Xcel Fitness each morning where we take turns with the girls to attend a workout class. Whether it is High Fitness or Reformer Pilates it has been a lifesaver to feel that part of my pre-mom self. I am happier because I get that moment to myself each day and I feel zero guilt about it because Lila is playing with her cousin. Plus, who says the gym isn’t a social event?! I have made some great friends there!
Fun clothes, okay these are not necessary but dressing a baby girl is FUN! I can’t get over these striped jumpsuits, and you shouldn’t either because they are $6.00!

A few things that are helping me survive the “4th Trimester”

{newborn photos by the wonderful Meg Turley}

First things first, I just have to say being a mom is the best! I feel so lucky to have sweet Lila here and every day gets more fun as she continues to grow and change. And obviously nothing beats baby snuggles all day long. That being said, the “4th Trimester” is very real and has been an interesting process. Women’s bodies are incredibly resilient, but there are definitely some things that have made a world of difference that I wanted to share with you.

Grandmas: Lucky for us both Lila’s grandmas live within 5 minutes. That means they visit often – especially after sleepless nights. Aside from holding and loving Lila they have offered much needed encouragement through these first few weeks of her life. I truly don’t think I would have made it through the first two weeks without them.
A husband that is your equal partner in parenting. Parker wakes up at night with Lila just as much as I do (we switch off every other night), he changes diapers, knows how to give her a bath without having her squirm out of his arms, and sings her to sleep. He has kept his same calm demeanor throughout everything which has definitely been a blessing since this momma’s hormones went a little bonkers those first couple of weeks.(cue the tears) Suffice it to say I am so grateful for Parker.
A baby wrap. I spent the first 3 weeks trying to do everything with one hand because the little lady demands that she is held at all times. Bless the heavens above for baby wraps! She fits into it snug as a bug and I have both of my hands back so I can at least brush my teeth! Parker even wore her in it this week while he aerated our lawn! #bestdad
A stroller. It doesn’t have to be a fancy one. Just something that can get you both outside for some fresh air. This has been so important for my mental health during this process. Those good vibes get flowing when you have some sunshine on your face and wind in your hair.
Minky Couture Baby Blanket. Now that the temps are dropping I am always worried that baby girl is cold. I take this blanket on all of our outings because it is small enough to wrap around her in the car seat or to have in the diaper bag just in case. And we all know that nothing tops the softness of a Minky!
Caring friends. I cannot even count how many kind friends have stopped by with dinner, a treat, or flowers. The visits have buoyed us up on some bleery eyed, exhausted days. They have made me want to be a better friend and neighbor. And yes, I cry just thinking about all of them and how much love we have felt.
The Boppy makes middle of the night feedings much more manageable thanks to the support it gives to you and baby. This is the one that I have. I also feel like it helps with back support and posture. My husband also uses it for middle of the night bottle feedings and gives it two thumbs up.
Lanolin for the nips and lips! I love the nipple cream but this lip gloss is seriously the bomb. Both heal dry, cracked skin super fast.
Belly Bandit products. I faithfully wore my wrap the first couple of weeks after delivery and it definitely made my body feel put back together again by holding everything in. It is a great precursor to a corset because it has a velcro closure which helps when your body is drastically changing in size those first few days and it is so easy to put on. I also highly recommend their shirts and dresses that are made of the most buttery soft fabric. This is the shirt I wore home from the hospital and bonus -it’s nursing friendly!
Bellefit corset. After the first few weeks I transitioned to the corset which is a total confidence booster! It helps you get back into your old clothes and have a defined waist again. This is my favorite one. I can honestly say I plan to wear it faithfully for the next six months because I love it so much.

I have so much respect for all of the parents out there! I am all for products that make it easier to take care of your little ones. If you have any recommendations let me know so we can all help each other!

Introducing Hazel Goldy Haslam

Our baby girl is finally here! She was born on August 27 at 4:53 AM. I went into the hospital on Saturday, August 26 (which was the day after my due date) because I was not feeling her move. I figured I would get sent home so Sam and I both went in gym clothes. Well after 90 minutes of monitoring, the doctors and nurses told me I was going to have the baby that day. All plans of being freshly showered and looking decent were happily thrown out the window. After being in labor for about 14 hours, she made her grand entrance. There are no words to describe the moment when Sam and I got to see her for the first time. It was so special. She weighed 8 lb. 4 oz. and has continued gaining weight since then and is nearly ten pounds! We never imagined we could love something so tiny so much. So far, the large majority of people think she looks like Sam and I have to agree. We stare at her all day long and can’t imagine life without her.

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