Harper Reese- Birth Story Part II

This part of Harper's birth story is more difficult for me to write than Part I, because this is a story about the unexpected...I still get teary-eyed thinking about it today.

I had a wonderful birth experience and a beautiful 8 pound, 3 ounce baby who ended up being whisked away to the level II NICU about an hour or so after she was born. I feel so fortunate that I got to do some skin-to-skin bonding with her beforehand. I'll cherish that forever.

Kevin holding Harper right after she was born.

After she was born, both she and I had spiked fevers for a brief period of time and no one knew why.  The neonatal response team was called to my room and because I wasn't group-B strep positive and didn't have any other known infections, she had to be taken to the NICU to be started on IV antibiotics as a precaution while doctors ran 24 and 48 hour blood cultures. By the time she got to the NICU she wasn't having any temperature spikes, so that was good news.

My husband went with her to the NICU---I wanted him to, I felt so powerless and I didn't want our newborn to be alone.  It all seemed to happen so quickly. One moment we were in this blissful state admiring our sweet baby girl and the next she was being taken to the NICU.  I was still recovering from the birth and epidural and there I was alone in my labor and delivery room. I had never felt so alone in my life, ever.  I remember just crying in my hospital bed alone and praying she was okay.

While Kevin was in the NICU with Harper I continued to be in a state of shock. I had a complication-free pregnancy and a healthy delivery and she had a 9 Apgar score when she was born so I thought we were in the clear.  My hormones were in overdrive and all I wanted was to get out of that room and go and see our little girl but I wasn't allowed to leave until I could walk again.

When Kevin got back to the L&D room, I asked my nurse if we could be moved to the mother/baby unit. I told her I felt fine and that I could feel my legs (that was true).  She knew I was anxious, I had cried in front of her about 20 minutes prior.  I asked if I could try to walk and go to the bathroom so she and Kevin helped me out of the bed. I was able to use the restroom and as I got up to wash my hands I started to feel really dizzy.  Then, everyone's voices began to sound like they were in a tunnel. I had to sit down in the wheelchair and rest for a moment.  The nurse insisted that I eat before we transferred rooms. She was right. I realized I hadn't eaten since early that morning before we went to the hospital.  I felt a lot better once I ate and we were finally able to move to the mother/baby unit, though we were without our baby. 

Our hospital practices family-centered care so babies room-in with parents but we couldn't have her with us until she was cleared from the NICU.  So we settled into our new room and I asked my nurse for a breast pump so I could try to express some colostrum to feed to Harper in the NICU.  Fortunately our hospital is very pro-breastfeeding and they offer pasteurized donor breast milk for babies so her first feedings were of my colostrum and donor breast milk which I'm incredibly thankful for as studies show that those first feedings are so crucial for the development of baby's intestines.

I was able to pump a syringe of colostrum and Kevin took me in a wheelchair to the NICU to visit Harper.  I saw her laying there with all of the monitors and an IV and it just broke my heart---but at the same time I knew she was getting the best care and I am a "better safe than sorry" type of person so I'm glad they were being precautious. Still, it was really hard to see her like that and to know we had to go back to our room without her.

Visiting Harper in the NICU

We didn't get much sleep that night. We were both still stunned at what happened.  Why did we spike fevers?  Was she going to be okay? When would we see the results from her blood cultures?

The next day we returned to the NICU where I worked with a lactation consultant to feed her.  She had issues with her latch from the start so I continued to pump colostrum.  We got the news later that day that Harper could come back to our room and continue get her IV treatments there. Thank goodness. We just wanted to be with our baby.

Working with lactation consultants in the NICU the day after she was born

Having her back in our room was wonderful. I loved being able to hold her and feed her  without all of those wires.  Later that evening we got the news that her billiruben levels were high and so they administered phototherapy right there in our room.  I felt sad seeing our baby girl go through so much those first couple of days of life, but I was also simultaneously grateful for the care she was receiving.

Feeding Harper pasteurized donor breast milk, 

so thankful for the generous moms who donate

Though it was hard to go through, I feel lucky that I had such a supportive partner to go through it all with. It's totally cliche, but my husband was my rock during those first few days of Harper's life. He still is!

After Harper's phototherapy was complete, her pediatrician visited us in the hospital and said he thought we could go home that evening.  We were elated but also worried because we hadn't yet gotten the 48 hour blood culture results yet---but the 24 hour results came back negative so our pediatrician was confident that the fever was completely random and that there was no infection. He ended up being right---her 48 hour cultures did come back negative.

Harper under the billi lights

We took her home the evening of May 29th and the next morning, I woke up realizing it was my 30th birthday. My "golden year."  I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than to be at home as a family of three.  It was such a blessing to have her home, my dream come true.

Finally going home...our cart full of our things, presents, etc...

We took her to the pediatrician's office on my birthday to have her billi levels re-checked and they were still elevated but not enough to continue phototherapy.  She had also lost weight so our pediatrician wanted us to just focus on feeding her and making sure she was having enough wet and dirty diapers.


It's been three and a half weeks now and we are all settled in at home and Harper is doing great.  Even though her first few days of life were a bit stressful and full of uncertainty, I'm still happy with my birth experience because all I ever hoped for was that we would be able to take our baby home and start our life as a family, regardless of what happened on the way there.

Thank you for reading and for all of the wonderful comments and support many of you left when we were in the hospital and over the last few weeks.  

I will definitely also be writing a post about postpartum recovery as I know that has been highly requested.

Returning to Work After Baby- Guest Post from Natasha at Schue Love

Today, I'm delighted to have Natasha guest posting about a topic that is so important and that a lot of moms can relate to- going back to work after having a baby.  As you know, I get 12 weeks of maternity leave and will be returning to work after that. I am blessed to have a job that I really love and get a lot of fulfillment from, but that doesn't make it much easier to think about leaving sweet little Harper. I've been a longtime reader of Natasha's blog and love her approach to parenting. Also, her son Ethan is one of the most adorable little boys I've ever seen. Look at that face!  Read below to get Natasha's best tips for moms returning to work...

Hi there!  I'm Natasha and I blog over at Schue Love, which centers around all things that I love, in particular, my son Ethan!  I've followed Veronika's blog from the start and am so overjoyed that she recently got to meet her beautiful daughter...isn't she precious?  Even though Ethan is almost a year old, it feels like just yesterday that I got to meet him for the very first time.  It certainly goes by quickly!

{See what I mean...I swear it was just yesterday that he was this tiny!}

 Since Veronika is planning to be a working mom, I thought I would touch on some things that I've learned along the way and offer some advice on going back to work.

Being a working mom is by no means an easy choice to make.  In fact, it seems like a lot of mommy bloggers are SAHM's {stay at home moms} and it can often be difficult to decide what's best for you and your family, especially when comparing to the blogging world.  There are definitely pros and cons to staying at home versus working but I'd like to talk a bit about what I love about being a working mom.  

For me, going back to work was an emotional choice, but ultimately the right one...and almost a year later, I can say that I really do love it.  First and foremost, I like that I'm a role model for Ethan.  I know that he may not understand it now, but I want him to know and respect the fact that I am pursuing a career that's fulfilling and challenging.  I want to inspire him to become educated and go after his dreams.  Second, on a more selfish note, I really do like the fact that I can get dressed up in the morning and feel accomplished by the end of the day.  I appreciate my time with Ethan so much more at night and on the weekends and I also know he's gaining great social skills while I'm away.  Last, I love that I am contributing financially to my family.  We aren't stretched for money like we would be if I was staying at home right now and I love being able to spoil Ethan with fun toys and new clothes.  My husband says we're lucky we don't have a girl right now because we would probably be broke...no joke!  V...you're in trouble !  ;)

 Some advice on going back to work:

Negotiate a Flexible Work Schedule 

When I first went back to work, I worked from home two days a week.  I know this option is not available to everyone but it really helped with my transition back to work.  Most companies will work with you to find a schedule that works for both parties and it really is the best of both worlds.  And even if working from home is not an option, talk with your manager about leaving early or taking a day off a couple times a month.  

Find a Great Nanny or Daycare

We are fortunate to live close to family, so Ethan's grandma watches him a couple times a week and then we have a nanny that watches him the rest of the time.  I would definitely start looking for childcare options while you're still pregnant so you have plenty of time to interview and make a choice that you're most comfortable with.  Ethan loves both his grandma and nanny and it makes us feel really good to know he's so well taken care of when we're away from him.  I know some daycares even have video monitors so you can check in during the work day...how awesome is that?

Get Friendly with Your Pump

If you plan to breastfeed when you go back to work, then you need to get friendly with your pump stat.  There are a lot of opinions on when to pump and how often, but for me, I pumped three times a day at work for about 10-20 minutes each.  Your workplace should have a suitable space for you to pump and store your milk, so talk to them now about those options so you're all set for when you go back.

Figure out Which Bottle Works Best

Speaking of pumping, you'll also have to figure out which bottle works best and my suggestion is to start sooner than later.  Have your husband give the baby a bottle a couple times a week so he or she can become familiar with it.  We love Dr. Brown's bottles the best but have about five different options available!

Take Some Time Away Now

It should go without saying that you need your "me" time in those first few months...so take it and don't feel guilty about it.  As you get closer to the time that you're going back to work, consider having your nanny or daycare watch your baby for a couple hours so they get familiar {and you do too!} with each other.  It's nice to have a test run, especially to make sure you don't forget anything and all parties feel comfortable.  Plus a pedicure or lunch date with your hubby goes a long way those first few months!

I hope the above helps...and Veronika...soak it all in!  Enjoy those cuddles and sweet moments.  Congrats again!

xo natasha

Body After Baby

I've had a lot of requests to post about my body after having Harper.  I gained about 32 pounds when I was pregnant and about a week and a half postpartum I was 12 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight.   I haven't weighed myself since then, but I imagine I've lost a few more.

I took this photo a couple of days before I went into labor

Currently I can fit into all of my pre-pregnancy clothing (last Saturday was the first time I tried on my jeans again), but of course my body isn't the same as before, when I was working out regularly and hadn't yet carried an 8 pound, 3 ounce baby inside of me.

I would describe my post-pregnancy body as looking like I haven't worked out in a year (which is basically the case since I didn't work out for my entire pregnancy).  I'm still thin, but I lack the muscle tone and definition my body had when I was weight training. 

I had a few people ask what my "secret" is or what diet I'm following to try to get my pre-pregnancy body back, and the truth is, there isn't one. I've always said that I believe genetics play a large role in your pregnancy/postpartum body and things like whether or not you get stretch marks.  I didn't get any stretch marks and my body seems to have bounced back fairly quickly and I know my mom was the same way. It's just the luck of the draw.

I'm also breastfeeding and pumping, so that burns a lot of calories and thus I have to eat a lot to make sure I'm making up those calories. I still eat the same way I did before and during pregnancy. I eat every 2-3 hours and if I want pizza or ice cream, I have it---everything is okay in moderation as long as the rest of your diet is balanced. 

In terms of my stomach, which is the area most people are curious about post-baby,  I've actually been pleasantly surprised with how quickly it went down.  It started to go down right after giving birth and has gotten flatter since then. It's not the exact same as before, but honestly, I expected it to be much worse so I'm happy with it.  I still have my linea negra which I know takes time to go away, so right now my stomach looks better from the profile view than the front view. 

I took this photo within 24 hours of giving birth

About 2 weeks postpartum

The picture on the left was taken right before I found out I was pregnant, 

the picture on the right was taken today, at 3 weeks 1 day postpartum.

While I'm on leave (and medically cleared) I could probably squeeze in a workout during one of Harper's naps...but I have no idea how I'll have the time (or energy) to work out once I go back to work.  I want to spend every moment after work with my baby and not at the gym, so I may have to get creative. If you have any tips on how you incorporate fitness into your life as a mom, let me know.  I know that weekends I could fit in a class or go for a nice long walk with the stroller, but during the week it seems tough.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with my postpartum body. I feel like women are kind of taught that it's not okay to say that, but I don't care.  I think the media pushes the message that women can't be okay with their postpartum bodies until they're back to exactly the way they were before (see: all of the tabloid covers featuring celebrities who are back down to their regular bodies weeks or months after giving birth), but I'm just going to say that I feel okay with my body right now. I would still love to tone up and get back to pre-pregnancy shape, but realistically, it takes time to build that much muscle mass so I'm just going to take it one step at a time and enjoy my newborn. 

How did you feel about your postpartum body? Leave me a comment below!

Happy First Father's Day!

Today, I feel lucky to be married to a man who is already an outstanding father and I'm excited to celebrate him on his first-ever father's day!

Harper's Father's Day Outfit- Baby Gap (buy it here)

Major thanks to my co-worker Angela who got her the adorable dress!

I touched on this when I posted Harper's birth story--- but it's true what they say about falling more in love with your husband when you see him become a father.

I always knew my husband would be a good dad, but I was absolutely blown away when Harper was born at just how amazing he was--- both as a partner, helping me through recovery and the emotional highs and lows, and of course as a dad to Harper---he was a total natural.

When we were in the hospital Kevin cared for me in ways I never imagined---he was so loving, compassionate and tender towards me.  He helped me every time I had to go to the bathroom (not a pretty situation after giving birth), helped me shower the morning after I gave birth, held one of the pumps in place every time I was pumping colostrum for Harper in the NICU...and so much more.  He was so encouraging about breastfeeding and was there for me every time I worked with lactation consultants at the hospital. Overall he was just more incredible than I ever imagined. The day we left the hospital I had a total ugly-cry meltdown telling him how much I loved and appreciated him and how I couldn't have gotten through it all without him, especially the stress of having Harper in the NICU.

Now that we're settled in at home, I love when he comes home from work and snuggles with Harper. I love that every morning before he leaves for work, he washes and sanitizes all of my pumping parts and bottles and that before bed and creates a kit with bottles and pumping supplies for me to use at night. I love that he wakes up in the middle of the night and volunteers to get whatever the baby needs if we forget to bring something upstairs. I love that I don't have to ask him to do things---he just does them because he wants to. Most of all, I love how much he loves her.

Some of my favorite shots from the past couple of weeks...

I didn't have the kind of father I hoped for growing up, so seeing how much my husband loves and is devoted to Harper and our family is truly heartwarming for me.  I'm so thankful for him, not just today, but everyday. I can't wait to see his relationship with Harper blossom as she grows older. 

Today we celebrated Kevin's first father's day with his parents. We ordered in food to the house from a local restaurant and then we enjoyed cake and Cold Stone ice cream. It was such a wonderful day and a memory I'll forever cherish.

(she's not always happy!)

Happy first Father's Day to the most incredible husband and father!  We love you so much!

Upgrades Worth Making- Schick Hydro Silk� Razor Review & Sweepstakes!

Midway through my pregnancy when I was busy researching all of the latest and greatest baby products (because there are about 100 choices for everything) one of the things I was really excited to purchase was a diaper bag.  

My online search left me without many options because I wasn't into the typical diaper bags with cartoonish prints and designs because to me, a diaper bag should be functional but also represent the tastes of the woman carrying it.  

I wanted a diaper bag that looked more classic and simple---but that was also practical for baby (i.e.: washable) so I started to check out some diaper bags at some of my favorite retailers like Nordstrom to see if I could find that perfect balance.

I instantly loved Marc by Marc Jacob's 'Pretty Nylon Eliz-A-Baby' diaper bag. It's functional, with lots of big pockets to organize everything baby needs, but it's also stylish and easy to clean because it's made with nylon. It's a bit of a splurge for a diaper bag, but mommas carry their diaper bags everywhere, so I think it's one upgrade worth making. I also love that it has a subtle quilted design on the outside and is large enough to hold everything momma and baby need. 

Though Harper is just two weeks old today, I've already been to the pediatrician with her three times so I've been using my Marc by Marc Jacobs diaper bag as my own purse too---adding my wallet, sunglasses, keys and a few other essentials.  Because it's black and has just a small logo on the front, I enjoy carrying it because it doesn't scream "diaper bag" to me.

I was fortunate to receive my diaper bag as a gift from my mother-in-law and consider it to be a the perfect little "mommy upgrade."  

Speaking of upgrades, I recently got a chance to test out the Schick Hydro Silk� razor. It promises to hydrate longer than any other razor, moisturizing for up to 2 hours after shaving, which is a bonus since these days I'm so busy caring for Harper that applying lotion after my shower isn't a priority---but I still want to have soft and smooth skin!

Schick's Hydro Silk� razor has 5 blades (yes, please!) and gives a super smooth shave. The moisture strip is activated by water so you just shave and you're done---no need for shaving cream or other products (the less steps something takes these days, the better!) The best part? The moisture continues even 2 hours after shaving so you enjoy the benefits of using the product with no further effort on your end! I also have super sensitive skin so I have to be careful when I shave because it can really aggravate it. The Schick Hydro Silk� razor actually has skin guards to protect you from irritation---and so far, so good.

Schick Hydro Silk� razor is announcing their Razorvention� Revamp� campaign. Upgrade your shave with a Schick Hydro Silk� razor and while you're at it, enter to win fabulous summer prizes so you can upgrade other things in your life too.

What upgrade have you made in your life recently?  Take a tour of the Schick Hydro Silk� luxury suite and submit your own photos to the contest/sweepstakes. There will be a series of fabulous summer prizes in beauty, fashion, fitness and home decor. Schick is also giving you a chance to win amazing experiences � from a luxurious spa retreat to a $3000 shopping spree � each time you enter to win one of their daily upgrades. There are 28 daily prizes in total � everything from a designer beach tote to a glass chandelier to yoga gear.

At the end of each day, Schick Hydro Silk� will select a winner. At the end of each week, there will be an additional Grand Prize sweepstakes. Facebook fans receive one entry into the Grand Prize giveaway for each daily prize you enter to win.  Fans can receive one extra entry into the Grand Prize sweepstakes if you share your daily entry via Facebook, Twitter or Google+. 

As a bonus, to help your start your Razorvention� Revamp�, you will receive a link to a digital coupon for $4.00 off a Schick Hydro Silk� razor or refill after entering for your first daily prize. You can enter right here.

Essentials for Momma & Baby's First Few Weeks

The first few weeks of life at home with your newborn are all about survival. Suddenly your entire existence is about making sure your baby has enough to eat, has her diaper changed, is getting enough sleep, is content, etc.

Everyone tells you how hard it is but you don't quite understand until you experience it yourself. Fortunately, it gets better each day as you fall into a routine and have more time to connect with your baby and understand how to respond to her needs.

These are the items that have been essential for these first few weeks of Harper's life and I hope this list is helpful for soon-to-be mammas! 

Baby Connect App- available in the App Store for iPhone and Android
The first few days at home were a whirlwind. I was an emotional wreck and cried several times a day (which after talking to my mom friends I learned was completely normal). I was sleep deprived and everything was a haze.  When she did last have a diaper change? When did she last eat?  I was using a notebook to write things down but I found that to be inefficient. Then, my friend Brooke, a mamma to a one and a half year old little boy told me to buy the Baby Connect app for my iPhone.  I now record everything using this app---wet and poopy diapers, feedings (nursing, expressed milk and formula) and pumping sessions.  It helps me keep track of all of the important things and I can even reference things like how many wet diapers she has on average when my pediatrician asks.  I highly recommend this app to any new mom. I also bought another app called "BabyNursing" but I didn't like it as much and found it more confusing to use.

BabyGanics Foaming Hand Sanitizer (unscented)
I keep bottles of this around the house and also travel size ones in our diaper bag.  I love that is is foaming and unscented so there's no harsh smell.  It's great to have a bottle on our coffee table so visitors can use it too before handling the baby.  Love this product!

Aquaphor Healing Ointment
My friend and co-worker Elizabeth who had twins about a week before I had Harper recommended that I use Aquaphor's healing ointment on my nipples after breastfeeding. I absolutely love it.  I am also using Lanolin but I love the texture of the Aquaphor.  

Zoli Buzz B Baby Nail Trimmer
During nearly every ultrasound, Harper had her hands near or on her face. She was the same way when she arrived.  We've had to have her in baby mittens a lot because she scratches her face like crazy.  The Zoli Buzz B has been a lifesaver. It's a battery-operated tool with a circular spinning disc that safely and effectively files down baby's nails.  I use it while she sleeps and she doesn't even wake up.  It's super easy to use and comes with discs that are rougher so you can use it as baby's nails get stronger too.  A must-buy for new parents (especially because a lot of people are afraid to use nail clippers or have accidentally nicked their baby's skin while trying to trim their nails).  

Mother's Milk Tea
Kristen over at Love, Lipstick and Pearls and I had our babies just days apart and we text constantly.  She recommended Mother's Milk Organic Tea to me and I love it. I try to drink two cups a day. It tastes like black licorice (I love that taste!) so it's really easy for me to drink and enjoy it. I'm not sure if it's actually impacted my milk supply or if my supply is increasing based on her needs---but I like it and it can't hurt!

Medela Pump in Style Advanced
This breast pump has been my saving grace. Harper had latch issues from the start and being able to pump and provide her with my milk has been wonderful.  This pump is easy to use and it is very effective.  I love that is comes in an easy-to-carry bag since I keep it downstairs during the day and bring it to our bedroom at night so I can pump a bottle for her while she sleeps.  I am also breastfeeding, but this pump allows me to supplement with expressed breast milk when needed. I also plan to use it when I return to work.

Cake Nursing Bra
I absolutely love the Cake nursing bra I purchased from Nordstrom. It is so comfy and the stretchy fabric is awesome.  I also continue to wear my GAP racerback bras.  I actually purchased a hands-free pumping bra (that I never used) and I'm returning it because guess what---all you need to do when wearing a stretchy shelf or nursing bra is to pull it down a bit, stick the pumping parts on and pump away! It will hold the pump parts in place on your breasts perfectly, no need to use a special bra at all. I had even cut holes into an old sports bra to use as a hands-free pumping bra, but you don't need the holes. The stretchy bra will hold the pump parts in place perfectly.

Nap Nanny Chill
I know this product was recalled due to parents using it irresponsibly (like placing it in a crib or on a high countertop, which is explicitly advised against on the actual product) but it has honestly been one of my most-used baby items. Harper sleeps in it all the time (supervised, obviously) and she is so comfy in it.  So many bloggers included it on their must-have lists when I was doing my research and now I know why. It really is an incredible product (when used correctly and in accordance with the safety standards outlined by the manufacturer). It's a shame it was recalled because people were using it irresponsibly. 

Fisher Price Snuggabunny Bouncer
You'll often see moms in the online world talking about how once they had a baby they didn't have time to shower anymore. I just put Harper in the snuggabunny bouncer in the morning and she sleeps in there while I hop in the shower for 5 minutes. I keep it in my walk-in closet and just pull it out whenever I need to have her in the bathroom with me.  I don't wear makeup most days when I'm home with her, but sometimes I do and I keep her in the bouncy while I apply it.

Footed PJ's- Baby Gap
I have ones from Old Navy and Baby Gap and they are awesome---especially the ones with the zippers. Makes diaper changes a cinch and you know their little feet aren't cold.

The Miracle Blanket
This baby likes to be swaddled. We use the miracle blanket at night (and also sometimes the Halo Sleep Sack) and it helps her sleep better and longer. I also ordered a Woombie and I'm curious to see how it will compare!

Aiden & Anais Swaddle Blankets
I love these swaddle blankets. They are so multi-purpose and a must-have for every mamma. I have the regular ones as well as the bamboo ones.  Remember to keep one in your diaper bag---we always cover her carseat with one at the pediatrician's office (they have a separate area for newborns but you can never be too careful!)

Avent Microwave Sterilizer
We go through a lot of pump parts and bottles.  The Avent sterilizer is easy to use and effective. I was going to get the kind that plugs in, but I didn't want another item on my countertop and I liked that this one was at a great price point at $25.

Medela Quick Clean Steam Bags
We are also a fan of these quick steam bags by Medela.  I say we because my husband does 99% of the sterilizing in this house. He has a great routine going with it. These are easy to use and one bag can be used 20 times so a pack of bags will give you 100 cleanings.

Boon Lawn Drying Rack
We keep this adorable drying rack on our countertop to dry bottles we've washed and to hold items we've sterilized.  It's cute and holds so much. We also have one of the flower accessories for it. It's just so sweet looking and best of all---effective.

Graco Pack n' Play
Harper sleeps in our room in her Graco Pack n' Play right now and we like it.  I like the comfort of having her right next to me so I can check on her.  It also has a little side attachment for diaper changes, but I actually use it to hold extra diapers and all of my bottles and pumping supplies. I just change her in the actual Pack n' Play using a waterproof liner.

Waterproof Changing pad liners
You need these-period. Baby diapers are messy and babies pee as you're changing them. Using these waterproof pads will ensure you don't have to wash your actual changing pad cover every single day. They also allow you to change baby in the middle of the night in her Pack n' Play without having to use a normal changing pad. Buy these in bulk!

Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive diapers and wipes
My husband and I both have sensitive skin so I wanted to try these out since they're designed for sensitive skin. We've been really pleased with both the diapers and the wipes. No leaks or irritation so far.

That's all I can think of right now, but I will continue to update favorites as Harper grows.  Thank you for reading and thank you for your patience as I'm trying to get back to regular blogging.  Thank goodness the little one sleeps for several hour stretches...though how long that will last is anyone's guess!