Being that I will be 30 weeks pregnant tomorrow, I wanted to catch up on some of my email requests. My most requested topic (as of late) on this blog pertains to what we've purchased for baby # 2, so I decided to make a video about it. A lot of the questions I've received go more into depth about this subject as well. Some people have asked what we've saved money on with baby # 2, what items we already had that we didn't need to purchase again, etc. I have to tell you guys how disappointed I was in the lack of lists, videos, or blogs available for all things baby # 2 in the virtual world. Granted, if you already have a child, you are more than likely a lot more seasoned than the first time parent, but I do think it's equally important to share the journey of every pregnancy. I plan on making more blogs pertaining to our preparation for Olivia prior to her arrival, things we are doing to make this pregnancy special, and all of the things we plan to use with our second baby girl.

Not only is it something I can look back on, but it can also serve as a resource for all the parents who have asked and requested I share some of this stuff. The number one question I have been asked since starting our "Olivia buys" would have to be, "How much money have you invested on baby gear?" I think it's truly safe to say that we have spent less than $500 on everything we've needed for Olivia. The number one thing I've noticed with expenses is that some of our expenses for Olivia, were actually spent on Ava. Whenever we decide to incorporate crib sleeping, we plan on using Ava's nursery furniture for Olivia. The crib was never used as an actual crib ( I can count on one hand how many times Ava actually slept in there, so it is in super excellent condition).We also purchased a glider for Ava... that was also rarely used. She's got an espresso colored dresser, and a matching changing table for her crib. Ava will be upgraded to a twin bed when the time comes for that switch to happen, or maybe beforehand to get Ava comfortable with the new furniture she'll have.

I made this video almost two weeks ago, so I'm sure it's missing some of the minor Olivia buys, but this is the jist of what we've had to purchase. The small things we still need include stuff like a burt bee's bath set for Olivia, bottle cleaners, more breast pump accessories, etc. If our Livy bean was to be born in the next few weeks, we would definitely have all we need for her to be at home comfortably, so that feels good to know. Check out the video I made, and if you have any other questions, feel free to message-email-or comment below.

Happy Monday all!

♥- Leilani

Pregnancy Moment

I'm up late AGAIN tonight. Whenever I go days without hearing from Justin, I get restless. Communication has been wonderful during his deployment, but when It's scarce, I tend to worry more. I try not to let it get overwhelming due to pregnancy. On a happy note I actually had a great Monday. I got Ava's travel system in the mail AND I assembled it by myself. Granted, it wasn't too difficult, but considering I am no where near a handy woman, this was a step up !

Graco FastAction Travel System

The travel system matches her bassinet/pack and play

Graco Travel Lite Crib

Okay back on the subject of my post title. I also got my Medela manual breast pump in the mail today. I got curious about the size of the breast shield so I decided to give the pump a try, a few seconds later, fluid actually starting coming out !  I am only 25 weeks 5 days, I had no idea lactation could start this soon, especially since I haven't had any leaking issues in my pregnancy thus far. Apparently it's normal. I just didn't expect it. Definitely a pregnancy moment for the baby book.  I also got Ava's first set of ballerina shoes in the mail today. I don't usually order off of websites like Etsy, but my skepticism was put at an ease when i received these in the mail today:

We are going to use these ACU printed ballerina shoes as a part of her newborn photos ! I am so excited. 

Etsy Shop: My Sweet Baby Love

New Mom's To Be

Pregnancy throws you for a whole new realm in your life that is so overwhelming sometimes it can be hard to SLOW DOWN and just catch your breath. My pregnancy itself has been pretty mellow with the exceptional discomforts and such. I think the most stressful process of pregnancy is deciding parenting styles, and purchasing baby gear. For example, My husband and I have opted to cloth diaper. There are a ton of modern cloth diapering advances that are just as simple as putting on a disposable diaper. We are using the pocket diaper method of diapering. And the diagram below is from the line sunbaby. Very inexpensive brand to start your diaper stash with, in my opinion.

With more rewarding benefits. What you may ask ?

* extremely cost efficient
* we WON'T produce one ton of waste that would go into landfills

* using cloth diapers will help facilitate quicker potty training

Those are just a few of the many reasons why this method is best for my family.

I have also decided to breast feed. I don't know what my breastfeeding experience will be like, due to the fact that Ava isn't here yet. BUT i don't want to invest a bunch of money into an electric pump right off the bat. I don't know what i'm going to like or dislike, and I am a firm believer that investing your money into anything needs to be worthwhile, and cost efficient. Electric pumps run for over 200.00, easily, when buying a credible brand. The manual pump is $30.00. It makes more sense, to buy a less expensive product until I figure out where I stand with breast feeding Ava.

The last little tidbit i will share is with the baby gear experience I've had. It's typical for new parents to overbuy, overpriced baby items that are gender oriented. It doesn't make sense to spend 200.00 of ANYTHING on something you will not be able to use again. Or that you won't use again. (if you plan on having more children) The next child may not share the same gender. I did purchase some inexpensive items that are designated for baby girls. Things we plan on using with our next baby, we are sticking to gender neutral based items.

ALSO Consignment shops have become my best friend ! A lot of credible brands are sold at these types of stores for even less than 1/4 of the price ! So don't be afraid to shop at anything that isn't Carter's Osh Kosh, or Gymboree. Your wallet will thank you later.  First rule as a mom to be, saving is ALWAYS SMART. Even more so when you have a baby on the way.