Baby Box University!

/0 Comments/in , /by

Anyone else get severe anxiety when your baby is napping?? I have been known to go into the nursery and stare at my kids to make sure they are breathing still. Of course this causes them to wake up and results in me army crawling towards the door so I don’t interrupt nap time! SIDS anxiety is real and definitely contributes to my lack of sleep.

Enter the Baby Box, a sustainably designed safe sleeping space for your baby. In Finland, these boxes have famously been used (in conjunction with education) to reduce the infant death rate to less than half of that in the U.S. The boxes also include premium baby products to support new parents as well.  With all the baby products on the market now, it can be overwhelming in which to choose and expensive for items that your newborn will outgrow. So here is the best part, the Baby Box is FREE!!!

Here is how the program works:

Parents simply sign-up at Baby Box University, watch a short series of videos selected by local experts, and then receive a free Baby Box.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to BabyBoxUniversity.com and sign-up for a free account
2. Click on “Choose a Course” and select the location closest to you
3. Watch the videos that are part of your course. This will take 15-20 minutes.
4. Take the quiz
5. Receive your free Baby Box, along with helpful samples like diapers, breast milk storage bags and more!

My Baby Box came when the boys were still in the NICU, but that didn’t stop me from putting it to use when my friends brought their babies over! How cute is little Max? He slept so well in the Baby Box, while we had a little girl’s catch up and dinner. I love that the box can be taken anywhere, put in any room and you know baby is sleeping safely when he or she is in the box.

 

Twin Gear: What You Need To Survive

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Okay ya’ll this list took me three months to create!!! There is a lot of information below and I tried to break it down into categories for you to make it easier to navigate. As we all know there is so much baby gear on the market that it can be overwhelming. These are the items that I have tried and used for the twins. I also added in some items that are also on my wish list too! Click on the links or images below to shop any gear!!

Sleeping/Nursery:

  1. Crib- loved this Babyletto Hudson Convertible crib for the price point since buying 2. I feel like we will really get our money’s worth as it grows with baby
  2. Crib Mattress/Mattress Cover-Babyletto Pure Core Non-Toxic Crib Mattress With Dry Waterproof Cover
  3. Twin Co-Sleeper- Halo Bassinet Twin Sleeper. Many asked if this is too bulky, I have to agree it is big but I think it saves more space than having two bassinets next to your bed. I also love that it rotates and has a side the easily slides down.
  4. Changing Table/Changing Pad- honestly we used our old dresser set up with changing table from when Willow as born to help save money. I will link a similar one here from Pottery Barn. 
  5. Changing Pad Covers-I really liked these from Copper and Pearl
  6. Glider or Rocking Chair-Seriouly found the coolest one from Micuna. The Magnet anchoring system allows two mini bassinets to be fixed simultaneously to the same rocking chair. Thus allowing the rocking chair to balance with two cribs at the same time.
  7. Noise Machine-Dohm Classic White Noise Machine which has two settings or levels of white noise. Which apparently is much better for kids than ocean waves or other sounds so it does not interrupt your baby’s sleep patterns.
  8. Baby Monitor-Summer Infant Panorama or Lollipop (much cuter and sleeker design that may fit the decor of your nursery better).
  9. Swaddling Gear: So far we found the boys like these two swaddles and they are so easy. Swaddle Me (zip up) or Swaddle Me (velcro)
  10. Dockatots-seriously love these!! Use them for everything!

 

Feeding:

  1. Willow Breast Pump-With an all-in-one design that allows you to move freely—no cords, no dangling bottles—Willow works quietly inside your bra and conveniently tracks milk volume through an app on your phone! I loved this one just for the convenience, but you can also call your insurance and see what pumps they cover for you.
  2. Breast feeding pillow-Twin Z Pillow, would die without this pillow. It allows you to feed both babies at once whether breast or bottle feeding. Make sure you buy a couple of covers so you can switch them out when it gets dirty.
  3. Bottle Warmer-I have always used this Kiinde warmer, as I also used the Kiinde breast milk storage bags. It easily heats fresh and frozen breast milk.
  4. Bottle Sanitizer-love this Baby Brezza sanitizer, it can be used for plastic, glass, pacifiers, etc.
  5. Formula Fed- This Baby Brezza Formula pro will save your life. Forget heating any bottles, it is like a Keurig for baby bottles!
  6. Bottles: With two babies we have tried them all. Here are some of our favorites as they have changed over the months for both Bodhi and Ranger. Como Tomo, Smilo, Dr. Brown and the current favorite MAM
  7. Bottle Brush-Oxo bottle brush, comes with it’s own stand. Cleans both bottle and has small brush included for cleaning nipples.
  8. High Chairs-We honestly have not bought these for the twins yet, but I am loving the Bloom Highchairs! They are sooo sleek, and I love that they recline. It is a total splurge, now let’s be real I bought Willow’s first highchair from IKEA.

 

Play Gear (I would just buy one of the items below, as you can rotate the twins through them for playing time. Unless you want two swings so they can both use them at the same time.)

  1. Word on the street is split, your baby will like either the Mama Roo or a regular baby Swing The boys have Mama Roos, but Willow was a swing kind of gal.
  2. Playmat: We got something easy that would fit both babies, like this Mat. Also this is a total splurge but love how this one looks from Lovevery
  3. Bouncy Seats
  4. Stationary Activity Center-they usually start using this around 4-6 months

 

Travel:

  1. Car Seats-loved the Nuna or Britax endeavors.  They have great safety ratings and super easy to install.
  2. Car Seat Cover- Love these so strangers can’t touch the babies by Itzy Ritzy
  3. Carrier-There is a twin carrier called the Weego, but when you need to divide and conquer Aj and I both have an Ergo 360. We like this can you carry the baby any way, on your chest or back.
  4. Stroller-we have one from Britax that the car seats click right into, and I am still on the lookout for a great everyday stroller. I would like one in which both babies can see (many of them are often blocked by the other baby seat.) This Mountain Buggy Duet  is on my wishlist.
  5. Diaper Bag-love the Paperclip Diaper bag that has a fold out changing station built in that is anti-microbial and anti-wet. This way your baby doesn’t need to touch the gross changing tables.

All Photos by: Kate Hauschka Photography

 

XO,

 

Welcome To The World

/0 Comments/in , /by

Hello World! So if any of you follow me on Instagram, then you may already know that we welcomed our twin boys on Monday, March 5th! Ranger Joseph Buckley was born at 5:45pm weighing only 4 pounds 12 ounces and 2 minutes later he was joined by his brother, Bodhi Robert Buckley weighing in at 5 pounds.

Their journey into this world was quite the whirlwind. I had started having contractions the Thursday before they were born. I was admitted to the hospital to stop my labor and given medicine to halt any contractions. I was home by Friday afternoon. Then on Monday morning, my water broke, and I headed right back to the hospital. At this point there was no way to stop my labor, and the boys would be born that day.

My babies were born via C-section this time. Prior to going into labor there was concern about Ranger’s size and his lack of growth over the last weeks, and they were concerned he had IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction). Bodhi had a dilated aorta and was being monitored closely for this condition as well. The decision to have a C-section was made between my doctor, Aj and I due to all of these contributing factors.

Although I wish I had my twins naturally, I was happy they were delivered safely. I just have to say C-sections are a trip! It was a bizarre experience (as having babies naturally can be too!) and far different from what I had originally envisioned. I think it took my doctor all of  1o minutes to deliver both babies.

Photo Credit: Kate Hauschka

Since I was only 34 weeks along, Ranger and Bodhi had a bit of a rough start. They were immediately taken to the NICU post birth as their little lungs had not fully matured. I didn’t get to do any skin to skin, or hold my boys for about a week. I was only able to see them the night of the delivery, and then touch then on their heads and feet for so many days after they were born. The boys both needed support breathing and caught an infection as well. They ended up spending 23 days in the NICU, and many of those days were an emotional roller coaster. It was one of the happiest days of my life when were officially allowed to bring them home.

I took a much needed break from blogging to recover from birth, the NICU and to really be present with my family. I have received so many kind and supportive messages from all of my followers and readers over this time. Thank you so much for your continued support. If anyone has advice on twins, raising three kids or preserving my sanity… please leave me a message in the comments below

XOXO,

Nursing Bras You Need!

/0 Comments/in , /by

Photo Credit: Kate Hauschka 

Post pregnancy, nursing bras are one of the most essential items to a new Mom. When shopping for a good nursing bra I always look for two things, comfort and support. They could literally match the bra of my 90 year old Nonnie and I would not care, as long as it is comfortable!

Then usually when I start to come out of the first month of post partum and actually feel like getting dressed I like to have a couple stylish nursing bras too (Like this Le Mystere Sexy Mama Nursing Bra, on sale now)!

I read several reviews, and took advice from my followers to compile a list of the best maternity bras out right now. See my list below!



Favorite places to shop for nursing bras:

Target (beware of the sleep bras though, they tend to shrink)

Nordstrom

H&M

Amazon

 

The Coolest Contraction Monitor: Bloom Life

/in , /by

I had just finished my 10th patient of the day, and suddenly there it was again. A strange pressure, and an intense tightening of my pregnant belly. Since being pregnant with twins is a whole new ball game to me, I thought Baby B was doing his usual roll from one side of my stomach to the other. Then ten minutes later it happened once more, and then again about twenty minutes later. I had four more patients to go, and had several more of these episodes as I finished work. It occured to me that these “episodes” were happening more frequently, although at irregular intervals. Yet they were starting to make me nervous, but I was reassured by the fact that later that day I would be seeing my doctor.

 

I rolled into my appointment per usual, and nonchalantly explained what I had been experiencing throughout my work day to my doctor. My doctor turned to me with a stern face and said, “do you know how far apart these contractions are happening?”

 

Contractions?? Say What??

The truth is I didn’t know they were contractions, how many I had been having or how far apart they were. I only knew they were happening a few times an hour over the last several days. And just like that I was put on a machine to monitor for contractions and had a really fun ultrasound (and by fun I mean not fun at all) to ensure my cervix wasn’t shortening or opening.

 

We found that my contractions were irregular, not causing any progression of labor or cervical changes, and if I kept off my feet they would slow down. I felt so funny as nurse, and one time mom already that I didn’t realize these were fake contractions. If I was going through my OB rotation in nursing school I would have definitely failed at this point ( I blame my pregnancy brain, because in nursing school I actually got an A in this rotation)! The doctor sent me home, and told me this time to track any and all contractions so I could report my activity to him at my weekly visit.

 

As I was leaving I thought to myself that is super simple and I will come back with a full report.  Except I would have these contractions taking Willow to school, while driving, when checking out at the grocery store, then forget to capture the time, length, etc. Needless to say my report was not accurate the next time I saw the doctor. That’s when I stumbled upon Bloomlife, a women’s health company focused on improving the health of moms and babies.

 

Bloomlife created the world’s first clinically validated smart pregnancy tracker that automatically tracks and counts contractions for you sending the data directly to an app on your phone. It is a small sensor that sticks directly to your belly, so you can remain hands free. I actually forgot I was wearing it a few times. As you go about your daily activities, Bloomlife’s automated contraction tracking and timing does all the hard work for you from the comfort of home.

 

I know what your next question will be already. Is it safe and what is that little sensor pumping into your body?? Well, Bloomlife has been clinically validated for accuracy and safety. The award-winning sensor technology is 100% passive and simply listens and decodes the natural electrical chatter of the muscle without sending any energy into the body. Need I say more?!

 

My doctor was overly impressed with me during my last visit as I was able to show him my Bloomlife app complete with my contraction pattern bar and contraction stats! It’s simple, safe and accurate!

This device honestly brings comfort to any expecting Mother. Use code ChicMamas20 to receive $20 off your Bloomlife at checkout.

Photo Credit: Kate Hauschka 

The Most Stylish Maternity Brand: Pink Blush

/0 Comments/in , /by

Getting bigger is never an easy thing, and dressing for a baby belly can feel difficult at times. When I was first pregnant with Willow, I had a hard time with my changing body. I constantly covered up with a giant muumuu. With this pregnancy, I have really learned to embrace and love my bump!

Since having more confidence in my pregnancy this go round, I have really enjoyed styling my bump. I have talked previously about how to shop while pregnant (see it HERE), but I wanted to share with you Pink Blush Maternity, a brand that has all you need for your maternity wardrobe.  Seriously they are a one stop shop, carrying everything from fitted florals, swinging maxi dresses, flattering wrap dresses to bathing suits for your growing belly.

I have worn their dresses to my gender reveal, on the red carpet and pretty much on the daily. They are stylish, yet comfortable making a Mama feel good! They have many on trend-items that won’t break the bank and help you keep your personal style alive!

Shop My Favorite Looks From Pink Blush:


Gender Reveal Dress:

Photo Credit: Kate Hauschka 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Galentine’s Day with Priv

/0 Comments/in , /by

Valentine’s Day is full of red, pink, chocolate and overrated expectations. I always feel like you have to stress out making plans and restaurants are usually over priced and crowded. So this got me thinking, what if you could celebrate it from the comfort of your own home??

That’s where Priv comes in, it is the uber of beauty services bringing beauty and wellness to your door. They offer a plethora of services such as blowouts, facials, massages, make up, nails, spray tans and even workouts! You pick the date and time, and a stylist shows up to your house. Simple and easy.

Now being married to an actor sometimes means celebrating holidays at a later date due to crazy work schedules. So I thought this year I would plan an amazing Galentine’s Day with some of my closest girlfriends. I honestly do not get to see them enough, and I need all the girl time I can get before these boys make their arrival.

My Galentine’s Day had a pajama theme of course (I mean I’m 32 weeks pregnant, so pajamas all day is completely acceptable at this point). I found beautiful pajama sets and robes for the girls to wear while being pampered by Priv. I also made them gift baskets of beauty products as a Galentine’s Day treat.

Shop The Gifts:

 

We had three stylists from Priv come and provide facials, manicures, and blowouts. It was beyond amazing and relaxing. When planning your next girls night, make some Priv appointments for you and your girlfriends! Use code “thechicmamas10” at checkout for a discount on your first services!! Happy Galentine’s Day!!

Super Bowl Sunday Nachos

/0 Comments/in , /by

 

I know most gals yesterday could attest to “I came here for the food”, I understand! Although Super Bowl Sunday has come and gone, the good news is that football food sticks around all year long! One fan-fare guilty pleasure of mine is a good plate of nachos! Not the healthiest… but delicious! Here’s my quick & easy nacho recipe!

 

Ingredients

Nachos

1 bag of chips

1-2 grilled chicken breasts (diced or shredded)

1-2 cups of thickly shredded cheddar cheese

1 small can of black beans

1 small can of sliced black olives

1/4-1/2 cup of salsa (I like to use a medium heat roasted salsa + a pico de gallo)

1 tsp of cilantro (finely chopped)

1 jalapeno (chopped)

 

Chipotle Crema

3/4 cup of sour cream

3/4 cup of heavy whipping cream

1 tbsp of hot sauce (your favorite!)

2 tsp of lime juice

1 tsp of chipotle seasoning

 

 

Directions

 

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
  2. In a bowl, mix together all crema ingredients until smooth and set aside
  3. Line baking sheet with chips, layer with half amount of cheese
  4. Top with diced chicken and beans
  5. Sprinkle on remaining cheese
  6. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted
  7. Remove from oven and top with salsa(s), olives, jalapeño, cilantro, and chipotle crema

Enjoy and watch the game! (or just enjoy!)

 

 

The Real Difference Between Boys and Girls

/0 Comments/in , /by

Growing up I was such a tom boy that I always thought Willow would follow in my foot steps. I was outside playing ball with the boys for most of my child hood. I must say that over the last four years my baby girl has been nothing but princesses, purses, make up and dress up. Things that she gravitated towards all on her own. Now that I am having two boys, I have been reading all about gender research, which shows more and more that gender differences can be hardwired since birth!

I fully understand that they can be born loving dolls or dresses and I am totally fine with that. They can play with whatever they choose as far as we are concerned. Yet the more I read I seem to find a common theme with little men according to science and gender research. Here are some facts about little boys:

  • They love to move. They tend to squirm, kick and wiggle more than little girls.
  •  Little boys will watch mechanical motion over human motion, and appear to have spatial skills starting as young as 3-5 months old (the ability to solve problems involving size, distance, and the relationship between objects).
  • The stereotypical notion that little boys are less emotional is completely false. Little boys are just as sensitive as little girls and should be treated as such.
  • Little boys tend to be less fearful than little girls according to multiple studies.

I cannot wait to meet these little boys soon! Do you notice gender differences in your children??

5 Ways To Pamper Yourself While Pregnant

/0 Comments/in , /by

It’s hard work creating human beings and sometimes you need to give your body a break. Pregnancy comes with that glow, but can leave your body achy and your mind feeling a little overwhelmed with all the hormones. It is really important to take time to focus on just yourself as you prepare to meet this new baby. Here are 5 ways to pamper yourself while pregnant:

    1. Indulge in some nice undergarments or nightgowns that fit appropriately and make you feel sexy. I have always gone by the saying, when you look good you feel good. Even if these are under your clothes or only what you wear to bed, it subconsciously makes you feel more confident.

2. Spa it up!! Prenatal massages, facials and mani/pedi’s are a great way to relax and soothe your body throughout your pregnancy. Some insurance companies will even cover some  prenatal massages! Call your provider to inquire about your coverage. Also there are so many apps now that offer these services in the comfort of your own home. I like to use the Priv app and you can use the code ” thechicmamas10″ for a discount at checkout!

3. Take a nap. I know this sounds like an obvious way to relax, but often as a Mom I put my own comfort last. When you are pregnant this is often the time to really listen to what your body needs. When you are exhausted, even taking a 20 minute power nap can give you a great energy boost. 4. Splurge on a nice accessory for yourself. I posted previously about how I usually buy basic, staple pieces when pregnant, that can be worn over again and grow with your belly. This way I’m not wasting money on things that I will quickly grow out of, and I can use that money to buy myself a gift! Jewelry, a nice hand bag, or maybe a beautiful pair of shoes… either way you deserve it!

5. Exercise. I know this sounds exhausting, but it is actual really good for you. You can go take an exercise class with friends for a little girl time or go solo for some much needed alone time. Exercise helps release beta endorphins that give a sense of well being. It also helps reduce backaches, constipation, bloating, and swelling.

I hope this list is a little reminder to that you are a rockstar, but even rock stars need a little rest and relaxation!