2016 List Accomplishments

Ideally I would have gotten this together before the end of the year but I am going to use the baby card ;)

I love looking back at these types of posts every year and seeing what we actually did.

We are working on our 2017 goals list that we do every year so I will have that up soon but first let's look at what we crossed off this year.

Admittedly it wasn't as much as previous years but we did birth and are raising a chid so I think that counts for something, right?!

Looking back, ironically, 'have a baby' was not on our list BUT it was on our radar so there's that.

I like looking back at this list because it helps me focus on what this years goals should be and if anything worked really well that we should repeat.

I know it's the norm to start January 1 with new goals and resolutions but for me, anyway, with the craziness of the holidays by the time my birthday and new year's eve rolls around I haven't given a single thought to what I want the next year to look like.  We usually think and work on our list for a few days before nailing anything down.

With that, let's see what we did manage to accomplish in 2016!

Not too bad!!

I'm giving us a 13.25/19

Here are the highlights:

1.  I have definitely increased my water intake.  Pregnancy and breastfeeding/pumping have really helped that.  Mostly because I am legit thirsty 90% of the day.  Our investment in Kroger's version of La Croix has greatly increased.

2.  Mister did a good job going through his closet and we found out through our church they have a donation program that provides business attire clothing to men going to their first interviews so we are more than happy to take his things to them!

4.  We swapped out the light in what was Floyd's room so we get .5 for this.

5.  We had our fair share of cheap (fun!) date nights at home and this is one we will continue this year.  We often make a homemade pizza and watch one of the 19 shows we are engrossed in.

6.  I read 41 books and Mister read 6.  I'm giving us a .75 on this one.

8.  We did make it to Columbus! Right before Little Mister arrived.  I loved our day trip there and hoping we can go back when it's warmer.

12.  I ran until I was about 6 months pregnant and then picked it back up a little when Little Mister was still in the NICU.  I do know one goal for this year is to always enjoy running.  I often put too much pressure on myself when I run and I want to stop doing that.

14.  We bought salt 3 (!!) times this year and for us that was a major accomplishment.  Mister also worked on our water softener so I think that counts as well.

15.  Cable is still around but maybe once I'm done with leave we can be done with it.  In the meantime, I love my Real Housewives during the day.

16.  I am VERY happy to report I paid off the end of my loan. WHOOOOO!

17.  This has been a big, BIG year of trust and remembering we love one another because there were days that that was the only thing that got us through.  Now we have one more person to say I love you too a million times a day ;)

So that's our year, what did you accomplish in 2016?

New Baby Favorites

When we were registering, I took great care to really analyze the items we were registering for and consulting other mamas on what items were absolutely necessary.   Our home lacks storage space and I knew I wanted to be very conscious about what we were bringing in our house.  I wanted the new baby items to be efficient and useful and necessary.  It's no new news that for something so so small, they need a lot of things.  Some of those items they need are tiny and some that take up quite a bit of real estate.
You can catch my mama favorites here. 

Now that we've been home for a little over a month, we have a pretty good handle on what items (for now at least) work the best for us.

Here are the top 8 

1.  Boon grass drying rack + twig : We registered for this drying rack because honestly, I liked the way it looked and knew we needed something.  Turns out it is, hands down, our favorite item.  From washing and drying pump parts to bottle parts, this drying rack is amazing.  If you are having a baby in the near future, you are getting this from us whether you like it or not.  I love how it corrals all of the small items and dries them quickly without taking up a ton of precious counter space. 

2.  Glider : Our nursery is on the small side so we were very conscious about the furniture items we put in there.  This glider fit the bill because it is less narrow than other ones we looked at and comfortable to boot.  Currently Little Mister and I use it primarily between the hours of 3 and 4am, rocking and singing Christmas carols ;)

3.  Sleep sacks/swaddle : I mentioned the other day that Little Mister loves a good swaddle, and he sure does.  We've also been trying out the sleep sack and he is also a fan.  I think he really likes it because we can have his arms free but also have the security of the swaddle.  And he looks like a mermaid in in which is hysterical to me. 

4.  Boppy : The boppy is another item I did not expect to love as much as I do.  Once I started being able to nurse Little Mister in the NICU I picked up the boppy and took it in.  It was hard enough juggling his fragile body and the cords and the boppy helped to make sure his head was in the best position to nurse effectively.  Now we love it for propping him up for feeding and also when we're just lounging it is great for supporting him so we can see his sweet face.  We have this cover and love it!

5.  Bouncer : As he gets bigger, the bouncer is more and more useful.  Currently his favorite thing is to have it on vibrate and stare at the Christmas tree which just warms my heart. 

6.  Angelcare + Nest Cam: We spent a lot of time contemplating monitor(s) we wanted to use.  Once Little Mister was in the NICU I knew we wanted something that monitored his heart rate while in his crib.  The Angelcare has been such a blessing! We love it!  It has a board that goes under his bed and if he stops moving/breathing for more than 15 seconds an alarm sounds.  This has given us such peace of mind.  My only complaint would be that the light on the monitor in our room is kind of really bright as is his nightlight.  These aren't a huge deal but they seem a little bright for a baby's room to me.  

We also have a Nest cam as a video monitor which we also love.  It's perfect for taking a quick peek at him to make sure he's still snoozin when Mama needs to get some things done but doesn't want to go in his room and risk waking him up.  The app is really great because you can pull it up from anywhere.  Like when Mister does from work and talks to us (and scares the poo out of me!) through the monitor via the app on his phone. 

7.  Wubbanub : At first glance these pacis see a bit pricey but we have discovered they are worth their weight in gold.  Aside from being adorable, they stay in his mouth better because of the weight of the stuffed animal.  Plus he often holds on to it which is the cutest thing ever.

8.  KeyFit Caddy : We have the KeyFit carrier system with the jogging stroller but also wanted the KeyFit Caddy for quick trips and strolls around the neighborhood.  Because of the 60 degree days we've had lately, we've been able to get out for some strolls with Floyd.  While I'm dying to go for some runs with jogger (he has to be quite a bit bigger before we can) the Caddy is so easy to pop up and use.  I also think for running errands and around town, being able to throw it in the car will be much easier than the jogger. 

 And those are our current favorites, I'm sure these will change and adapt with the seasons.  Any others items I need to know about that you mamas can't live without?!