#momlife Monday; Baby's Nursery

Happy #momlifemonday! Today I'd love to discuss preparing for baby... specifically baby's nursery. 

So you're pregnant for the first time... and you're experiencing crazy changes. You order all these books to read about pregnancy and what to expect... and learn the ins and outs of pregnancy. That's great. But did you learn what to expect from a newborn? Or what to expect from the first month of parenting? Probably not. 

My sister for example studied up on pregnancy. She read what was happening to her body and what would or could happen during the birthing process. Honestly... She terrified herself. I tried to tell her to stop focusing on being pregnant and focus on being a new mom; but alas pregnancy hormones made her hearing very selective. 😉 

And then she wasn't pregnant anymore. 

She had a new baby at home and no idea what to do or what to expect. 

And it became overwhelming. 

I totally get that. But IMO the best way to not get overwhelmed is simply to be as prepared as possible. Understand what you're going to feel the first day after having the baby, the first 2 weeks, the first 3 months, etc. These are the pivotal times where your hormones are whacky and you're over-exhausted and the last thing you have time for is to sit and read a book about how to sleep train and feed your baby. 

So here are some of my tried and true tips to preparing for Baby! 

1. During your pregnancy develop your sleeping plan. I personally used this book; but skimmed a few different plans. I recommend you, study a few different options, pick one you think would work best for your personality, and focus on trying to implement it with your newborn as early as possible. (I'd say around week 3 is when it's plausible to begin)
2. Have the nursery ready around 34 weeks. If you can! I know it's asking a lot but to not have the stress of finishing a nursery in your final weeks of pregnancy will be a nice relief. My daughter's room wasn't complete when she was born at 36 weeks and it drove me nuts. It was small stuff, but seemed like a big deal in the moment. So safe yourself the stress, and your spouse the nagging, and just get it ready ahead of time! 
3. Have a plan for feeding and an understanding with yourself if that plan doesn't work. For example; I had my heart set on breast feeding my daughter. I researched the benefits and would do anything to give her the best start. But my body never produced milk. I went to lactation nurses and tried everything under the sun. I felt like I failed her by not being able to feed her naturally. It was devastating. I had never considered bottle feeding and using formula; but ultimately I was left without a choice. And that was something I had never considered...  Then with my son I produced enough milk to supplement a formula and breast milk diet. But he had such GI issues that he couldn't digest the breast milk I had. I was told to stop attempting to breast feed and my son was put on a formula intended for feeding tubes. Ultimately, the proteins were already broken down so his body didn't have to do it. I wasn't prepared for that either. But in both situations, my children got exactly what they needed to thrive. It wasn't about my emotions and preconceived opinions; it was about what was best for my baby. And that should always be number one. 
4. Don't stock up on newborn diapers. Truly. If someone wants to gift you diapers, ask for size 1-3. My first was so tiny she was in preemies to start and by the time she grew into her newborn diapers she was ready for size 1. Both my sons wore newborn diapers for 2 weeks max... and I think I am rounding up there.  
5. Invest in the car seats. For the first few months having the ability to carry baby in from the car to the house in her car seat will be a necessity. No one wants to wake a baby to bring them inside... so let her sleep and have the carrying car seat. Then when it's time to upgrade to a 5-point system, get the good ones that can grow with your child and keep him as safe as possible for as long as possible. 
6. Save $ where you can. Babies are expensive little people. They require a lot of time and resources. And they deserve it. But be smart. I bought my Bratt Decor crib for my daughter on Craigslist at literally half the cost as a new one and in pristine condition. I also bought each of my mamaroos at a discounted price either from Craigslist or open box buy at BuyBuy Baby. You can order a new fabric seat for about $20 so no germ issues because what new parent isn't a germaphobe?! 
7. Speaking of germs... keep antibacterial around your house. I kept antibacterial on the changing tables, kitchen counter, and by the front door. Of course I want every visitor to wash their hands but it's also nice to have antibacterial readily available all the time. Personally, once I had a child, my home became a "no shoe zone." I know some people find it annoying, and that's okay. I don't mind annoying people. Think about all the dirt your shoes go through; walking through people's spit in the parking lot, stepping in dried dog urine on the side walk; walking in and out of doctors offices and public bathrooms?! Omg. The germs on your shoes. Now do you want those germs brought into your home, on your floor where baby does tummy time? Or on the carpet where baby is learning to crawl? Ugh. No. Be annoyed; but I have a no shoe sign at my front door that I found on Etsy that says it all; "since little hands touch our floor, please take your shoes off at the door." Done. And done. 
8. Make the baby's nursery a space YOU love. I personally would never feel comfortable in a room decorated with cartoons and primary colors, so why would I do that for a nursery? The baby isn't going to notice or care, so make the space an extension of your style just geared for a child. I DO recommend having color in the room, though. Babies aren't born with the ability to see color, but surrounding them with color helps train their eyes to accept it. An all white or ivory nursery is actually crippling to their development. So make a space you would be happy to be in at 6am.. and 9 pm... and 12 am... and 3 am... you get the idea... 

Below I've shared my son's nursery. I created this space to satisfy my own desires for what I want in his room, but made sure the staple and high price items are able to grow with him and his personality as it develops. For example, the crib is a convertible that will convert to a full; which I always recommend, and the walls are a light blue, but neutral enough to go in a variety of design directions. 

I've linked the resources under each photo in case you're interested in them for yourself! What are your thoughts on nursery design and preparing to be a mommy? I'd love for you to share! 
-xo

Bin | Blanket | Chair (custom from Thomasville circa 2013) | Lumbar Pillow | End Table | Blackout Curtain | Plant | Rug

Blanket | Bin | Bamboo Tree | Crib & Dresser | Rug | Box