Yesterday I featured Chase’s newborn photos on the blog and I have to laugh because after sharing so many pictures of our little guy looking like a peaceful sleeping angel, I must admit that this week has been a bit rough.
I think Ryan and I got lucky with Chase during his first three weeks. While he was up a lot to eat at night, he typically went back to sleep fairly well, with only a small handful of rough nights sprinkled in the mix. Well, once Chase turned four weeks old, something changed and our nights have been a bit of a battle with our little guy. He’ll generally sleep well for the first stretch, but every single night at 2 a.m. this week, he’s been up acting fussy or excitable for two hours… And then the 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. timeframe is a crapshoot as to whether he’ll go back to sleep or drift in and out (<— usually the latter). Let’s just say this mama is ready for the weekend! I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll be able to catch up on a bit of sleep over the course of the next two days.
Hopefully you guys have something a little more exciting on your agenda this weekend other than sleeping whenever you can! I’d love to get out of the house and perhaps take Chase to the farmer’s market this weekend, but we’ll play it by ear. In the meantime, let’s chat about what we’re all loving most this week in your weekly Things I’m Loving Friday post! Feel free to participate in the comments section, as I always love reading about the things that make you guys smile.
Things I’m Loving Friday
- Cotton Candy Grapes
These grapes taste so, so good and I’ve been freezing them this week for a cold and sweet treat. (We found them at Fresh Market and Target.) After a warm morning walk with Sadie and Chase, an ice-cold bowl of hydrating grapes totally hits the spot!
- Vacation Planning
In October, my parents, sister and brother-in-law are joining our little family (with the dogs!) at a rental house near Boone, North Carolina for an autumn vacation. It will be Chase’s first big getaway! We’ll be spending six days in the mountains together and not a day passes where we aren’t talking about our upcoming vacation right now. I cannot wait to see the leaves change (hopefully our timing will work out well), explore and just hang out with my family. We’re already planning to make s’mores by the bonfire on a nightly basis and I’m hoping we’ll be able to figure out a way to take Chase along on some short hikes. (He will be 2 1/2 months at this point… I’m not sure if there’s a baby carrier that would work best for hiking when he’ll be so small, but if you know of one, I’d LOVE to hear your advice. Right now the Ergo360 carrier seems like a winner based on your Facebook recommendations last week.)
- Butterscotch Caramel Bliss Coffee
Before I had a baby, I never really understood how moms could nurse one cup of coffee all day long but now I totally get it. I have yet to finish even 3/4 of a cup of coffee or tea since Chase’s arrival, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still treasure a morning cup almost daily. This new-to-me flavor came highly recommended by my mom and apparently Fresh Market sold out of the butterscotch caramel bliss within days of offering it up as a free sample to patrons. Thankfully we got our hands on some freshly ground beans and it tastes amazing with a splash of creamy coconut milk. (You may see more of my favorite flavored coffees in this post: Best Flavored Coffees)
- House Party – Sam Hunt
Ryan is not the biggest fan of country music, but I absolutely love it, so I was thrilled when he came home the other day and said he’s been playing a country song on his phone on repeat. What!? Well, House Party is the country song that swayed him and my country-lovin’ heart is psyched, even if the song is fairly country-light. I’ve been playing the Country Pop station on Pandora in our house non-stop lately in a likely foolish attempt to make Chase take my side in the Fagan country music battle one day. Yeehaw!
- Kut From The Kloth Cropped Ankle Pants (via Stitch Fix)
These pants came in my most recent Stitch Fix delivery (my first non-maternity delivery this year!) that included two nursing-friendly dresses, a tunic and and pretty floral top. These pants stole the show! I am so picky when it comes to finding pants I like, so I was psyched when these turned out to be a winner. I love the burgundy color (perfect for fall!) and the slightly cropped cut.
- Around the Web
Some Labor Day sales that may be of interest…
Nordstrom – Up to 40% off (My favorite splurge-worthy Marc Jacobs purse is 40% off!)
Gap – Up to 40% off
J.Crew Factory – 50% off everything (Love the puffer vests for fall!)
Fabletics – 75% off your first outfit (I nabbed the strappy dash bra and tuberose capris earlier this week!)
Reebok – 30% off with code LABORDAY
A few fun finds…
For my fellow Pure Barre lovers –> Pure Barre Technique Spotlight: Abs Under The Barre
Gluten-Free Veggie “Pasta” Bake (Made with spaghetti squash – Looks delicious!)
- Friday Flashbacks
Pumpkin Spice Puppy Chow (Please add this to your must-make list this fall! It’s so tasty and a big-time crowd pleaser!)
25 Minute Boot Camp Workout (Perfect for days when you’re short on time but want to sneak in a quick workout!)
- CVS Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to Shelby A., the winner of the CVS gift card giveaway! Shelby was emailed first thing this morning. Thanks so much to all who entered!
Question of the Day
- Share one thing you are loving this week!
![\"Quantcast\"/](\"//pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-1e3-7hOJ_U8Bg.gif\")
I have an ergo (not the 360 because I like my babe facing me) but it was really comfy until she hit about 20lbs at a year old. I’m looking at a Lenny Lamb for my next baby. Tried it on and so much more comfortable! I have narrow shoulders so crossing the straps is a bonus. Check if a local store carries a few different ones so you can try them out. I love baby wearing- still wearing my 17 month old on my back while 21 weeks pregnant 🙂
I just bought a burgundy pair of pants for fall too and I love them! Such a fun alternative to wearing jeans or leggings everyday 🙂 Thanks for sharing the links to all the sales, I will have to check them out 🙂
An Ergo would work fine, you would need a blanket or infant insert though. Other good options are Tula, Manduca or a wrap. I think you would probably really enjoy a wrap or stretchy wrap around the house right now. They are awesome for long, close snuggles around the house. THey also allow you to have two hands to get stuff done and they contain sleepy dust! Also great for neighbourhood walks. You can even breastfeed while wearing. Babywearing is awesome and there is so much to learn and so many awesome groups around who would be willing to help you. I’m sure there’d be a local group you could go along to to try out some wraps/carriers to see which ones you like best. Facebook is awesome for this. Just search for babywearers in your area. This site has awesome vido tutes http://www.wrapyouinlove.com/ Enjoy your beautiful boy!
Check out the Wonder Weeks info. Some of Chase’s recent behavior may line up with his developmental learning. I remember my son being super content the first few weeks, then being really gassy & a bad sleeper around 5-6 wekks then going back to “normal”. Hopefully Chase let’s you get some rest this weekend. 🙂
I live in Boone, and you are coming at the most beautiful time! Let me know if you want recommendations on things to do or places to eat!
I’d love to hear any recommendations you may have!
The Ergo360 carrier is amazing! You just need to get the infant insert with it. We live in Colorado and we went on our first hike a few weeks ago with our 2 week old in the Ergo. She’s 1 month old now and was once again a little trooper on a hike up the “Incline” in the carrier today! She loves the carrier and falls right asleep! So easy to use and babe feels safe and secure.
I have still haven’t tried cotton candy grapes and now that I’ve moved to China all I can find are seeded grapes:( I guess I’ll have to look forward to trying some when I go back to the states! Those pants look so cute and comfortable!
Oh my goodness- I bought those same grapes this week and didn’t tell my husband about them because I didn’t want to share them! I love cotton candy flavored things (I’m a 32 year old in a 7 year old body) and these MADE my week when I found them!!
Here’s hoping you get some extra sleep this weekend! That October trip sounds like a blast!! You had me at nightly s’mores.
Oh I LOVE House Party by Sam Hunt – yay! I love all genres of music, including country, but not everyone around me does, so I totally feel you on having to work your country song love into the mix. Question: have you thought about putting together a workout playlist that’s all country, so you can get your country-love into your life some more, maybe with a class?
I’m lovin’ going to the MN State Fair this weekend! After breaking my left foot and right ankle, I’m finally able to use a walking cast (8 weeks later!) So I’m psyched about going! Yay!
The Ergo 369 is wonderful, but my tip is to spring for the infant insert over trying to use a rolled up towel. It comes with a perfect little pillow that you can use without the rest of the carrier if it’s warm or as he grows. Our little Rex still uses the pillow at 5 months. Anyway, it’s a very comfortable carrier!
The Ergo 360 is wonderful, but my tip is to spring for the infant insert over trying to use a rolled up towel. It comes with a perfect little pillow that you can use without the rest of the carrier if it’s warm or as he grows. Our little Rex still uses the pillow at 5 months. Anyway, it’s a very comfortable carrier!
Obvs. I’m sleep deprived. What I meant is that you can use the pillow without the rest of the INSERT if it’s warm out or as he grows!
Oh, newborns…always keeping things interesting and keeping parents guessing! My youngest is 16 months, but I remember the same thing around 4 weeks happening, thankfully it didn’t last long, so fingers are crossed for you! As for hiking, i can’t say enough amazing things about the Ergo, love it!!!
I Had twins earlier this year and our pediatrician told us that from weeks 4-10 babies bodies are learning how to break down food on their own (before this, they have enough red blood cells (I think) from you to break it down) which results in a lot of gas and tummy troubles. They were always very fussy and inconsolable from 5am-7am. It’s rough, but you’ll be out of it soon!
I’m loving that September is here and making small decor updates. I sympathize with the baby sleeping – it’s all just a phase – that’s what I kept telling myself when my kids were going through terrible non-sleeping phases.
It’s a normal phase your baby is going through! It’s funny, my son is 5 months old now and is sleeping well and sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and I miss him! Try to get some sleep this weekend.
I got the same pants but in charcoal – Amazing! My box was perfect this month ?
When my little one wasn’t sleeping (which was most of the time), I would chant to myself “this too shall pass” like a mantra. It doesn’t make you any less tired, but it might keep your spirits up as you shuffle through your day like a zombie. And sure enough, he’s 18 months now and sleeps like a champ.
Hi Julie! You should download the Wonder Weeks App. It helps you track your baby’s scheduled leaps (milestones). It tells you what to look for and what to expect in terms of behavior. Of course not all babies are the same but I like to see when our daughter is scheduled to start and end a leap!
Oh man, I hope you guys get some sleep this weekend AND get to enjoy the Labor Day weekend!
I love Kut From the Kloth! You can usually find them on sale at Nordstrom. I’m finding I no longer want everything hanging out, so I can’t shop in the junior’s department, but I also don’t want to wear “old lady” jeans that go up to my belly button. Kut From the Kloth is a great compromise, and they won’t break the bank like some of the designer brands.
Also, your vacation sounds amazing! We did something similar in the spring and it was so much fun!
Hey Julie! I recently had twins (5 weeks old) so I’m feeling your pain! Have you read Baby Wise or mom’s on call? Might give you some sleep tips!
Hi Julie – Newborns are so unpredictable, eh? If you get the chance, check out the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth, MD. Awesome book that helped us so much! Our six year old is a great sleeper to this day. Also, I wish I had discovered it sooner, but thewonderweeks.com is an amazing resource. It talks about the different “leaps” that a child makes and when you can expect changes in sleep, eating, crying, fussiness, etc., and why. Best wishes as you guys continue to find your way with your sweet boy.
I believe there is a transitional leap during the 4-6 week mark, which is why Chase’s demeanor may have changed a bit. Download the Wonder Weeks app if you already haven’t, it’s been spot on for my son.
We hiked around Acadia National Park when my boy was 4 weeks old. We used a Baby
We hiked around Acadia National Park when my boy was 4 weeks old. We used a Baby Bjorn, although that isn’t great on the back. It was perfect to take him for a hiking vacation when he was so small because he was very portable. I imagine it will be much more difficult when he’s a bit older. At 3 months old we use our Ergo all the time, although he is quite a big boy.
Hi Julie! I’m a med student going into pediatrics next year and I just wanted to share a great website about infant crying and colicky-ness one of my teachers recommended. It looks at colic from a developmental perspective which is reassuring to me as a future baby doctor (and hopefully future mom1) I thought you might find interesting and hopefully helpful.
http://purplecrying.info/