BABY PRODUCTS WE SWEAR BY (& ONES WE SWEAR AT TOO)

This blog is LONG over due! But the best part for you is maybe you're not due yet and you just discovered the post you have been searching for your whole pregnancy! With all the baby options out there how do you really know if it is right for you and your family? You dont, unless you try. Good thing we tried a bunch and have our faves and lames list to share!

I linked all the Amazon finds so you can be the Christmas Hero!

Should I get it? Why does every new parent have this? Why is it on everyone list? The answers to your deepest questions answered bellow. Also these products are in no favorable order.

YAYS

• Pack and Play. Why we love it? You need a place to play in a designated area while we are out somewhere or mom needs to do something and you cant get into anything so take some toys and chill in here for a bit. Also it doubles as a bed when we travel!

• Door Jumper- Why we love it? Have you seen Atlas’ quads? Those leg muscles! He didn’t get that way overnight. Practicing jumping and walking at the same time.

• Rocker- at first I was like why are all these expensive gliders and rockers in nurseries? Now I get it! We have a vintage rattan rocker that was in my nursery but it has become one of my favorite chairs and its so sweet to part of the bed time routine.

• Nuuk pacifiers & Doc Brown bottles - know you pacifies and know you bottles - aka know your nipples. Lol. Dont steer from them and when you are ready to size up or switch to sippy or straw, keep the same brand!

• Large Play Mat- Why we love it? It is a clean, soft, foldable play mat that we can unfold everyday for playtime. We can travel with us and it make mom feel safer about floortime play when you cant vacuum, mop and sweep 24/7.

• Touch and Feel Hard Books - Why we love them? They encourage interaction through the touch and feel panels and the hard pages are durable for our avid reader. He will read the same book 10 times a day flipping the pages, feeling the nooks and crannies.

• Kick & Play Piano Gym - You have seen every baby with it. The fisherprice animal piano is the bees knees. Starting week 1 with tummy time all the way through month 15 with the piano colors and numbers. It is used daily and we only had to change the batteries 1 time. What a winner!

• Sleep Sack- Atlas was a swaddle king. He loved it! Once he could get his arms out he kept himself up all night. We quickly got a sleep sack with velcro swaddle sides and could easily transition the arms out. Now we are in the Halo and haven’t looked back. We have a nap time one and a thicker night time one.

NAYS

• Tummy Time Mats- you just need 1- or none, lol. A blanket or mat will work just fine. We got caught up with fun ones to stare at but why?

• Mobile- its distracting and gets in the way of putting your little one in the crib. Why would you want to encourage play time where bed time is?

• Footed Pajamas - Atlas hated his feet confined. Any footed pajamas had to be cut for freedom. He is like his mom, he can’t sleep with socks on I guess.

• Push walker- these are so flimsy. Our muscle man was knocking his down using it to stand up. We had to go straight to a sit in walker for our guy.

If you have any you swear by, comment bellow. Hope this helps any new parents or event second timers wondering what to invest in. Happy Holidays and remember as long as there is love at attention your baby just needs you.

HAPPY GRADUATION - SWIMMING INTO LEVEL 3

Our little fish has graduated level 2 before turning 2! After our final swim class of the year we celebrated leveling up.

We started Aqua Tots Swim School beginning of 2022 as a first birthday present. Coming up on a year, we have successfully graduated 2 levels! On to level 3- one on one with the coach. Although I am looking forward to not getting in a highly chlorinated kids pool every week, I am more excited for his independence and trust he will gain with the coach!

You can read our AQUA TOT ATLAS blog sharing why we chose this swim school and some tips and tricks from us here. Mr Atlas Phelps will be practicing all winter and accepting recruits for his summer 23 swim school. Congrats, again, Atlas. Mom and Dad are always so proud of you!

XoXo

Britt

TAKE ME OUT TO MY FIRST BALL GAME

Batting left, playing center, weighing in at just under 28 pounds and towering over two feet…… its Atlas!

Little man turned ONE and it was time to see some Arizona sports, live! Phoenix Suns Basketball and Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball- we break down our experiences with a one year old at Chase Field and Footprint Center: what to eat, how to get cool stuff and make sure you bring the proper bag.

First up was the Utah Jazz vs. Phoenix Suns. We picked this game for the early game time, 1:30 pm. The bag restriction was not crazy and I was able to bring in a small back back with snacks, un open water-bottles, diapers and most importantly his noise canceling headphones. We got these on Amazon! We also were all decked out in Suns gear all from Poshmark! The seats were Section 110- not the best for the view but better to not be too close to the court and loud. It was also easy access from the concourse. We didn’t eat much more than nachos - nothing for Atlas other than snacks we brought him. The lines were long everywhere and we wanted to enjoy the game. He enjoyed it. He loved the lights, the sounds, the fast paced atmosphere and the people watching. Not much walking around, we stayed in our seats and left just before end of fourth to beat a little traffic out.

Spring is here and we had to hurry to a baseball game before it got too hot! Even though the roof is retractable - that bad boy was wide open on April 10 for their opening weekend San Diego Padres at Arizona Diamondbacks. Atlas wore what any true fan would… a cubs shirt! (He wasn’t the only one either). Mom did look up the bag policy before hand, but I didnt measure my clutch and it ended up being an inch too big… 4.5” x 6.5”!!!! WTF!!!! So I put everything in my hands, diapers, wipes, cheese stick, waterbottle, cell phone and the first place we went when we walking in was the team store. That’s how they get ya! Cuz of course we had to get Atlas his first Baxter. If it is your little one’s first time at a game (or any age) head to 128 Guest Services and you will get a personalized certificate of attendance.

You can’t go to Chase Field without eating your way through the park. It is my favorite ball park for food. (Except Chick-Fil-A, its closed for Sunday games). Atlas ate chicken tenders and fries, mostly the white meat after mama ate the breading. He loved it. He had his first french fry, but preferred the veggie straws we brought. It was hot, so after searching high hand low for frozen lemonades we found frozen yogurt pints- in Atlas’ favorite flavor- raspberry. He was content for the eighth inning in his seat with his fro-yo.

We also heard about the Sandlot and trekked our way up to level 3. (We actually hopped on the elevator- don’t ask don’t tell). The Sandlot is a place for kids to play and interact. It is also a great view of the stadium and right next to the live organ player. Atlas did not know how to handle himself with all the kids, but we will definitely be checking out this place at our next game.

Our little sports fan has two pro sports crossed off his list and many more to go. We love experiencing firsts with him and making amazing family memories. If you have any tips or tricks for little ones at big sporting events lmk.

XoXo

Mama Britt

WERE DOING THIS WRONG! SLEEP TRAIN ANIMALS NOT BABY

All right we’re nine months in and I would say a good solid week into a good sleeping pattern and I feel confident to share our highs and lows of what the pros call sleep training.

Let me preface this by everyone jokes you not gonna get any sleep when the baby comes but it’s nothing you really are prepared for in the I am pre-labor classes doctors appointments videos and books or at least I wasn’t. I don’t have any other children to compare to and of course everyone thinks their own is perfect but since day one atlas has been great about expressing his needs and we have been very attentive and listening for example tired hungry grumpy happy sleepy all the seven dwarfs we know his signs and symptoms. We also know that there are plenty of professionals out there who will charge you to take their classes to read their books and I don’t knock any of them because I’ve gotten a secret on the i’ve gotten a secret tip from an insider and Jose and I have been doing all those same techniques since day one.

We worked in creating the perfect space for Atlas we chose the darkest room in the house the coolest room in the house and since day one our goal was to put him in his crib. Our first challenge was mastering the swaddle between watching YouTube videos and trying different blankets we ended up going with a secondhand find of a zip and Velcro halo brand swaddle we use that until he outgrew it Atlas needed his hands wrapped in the beginning it was his saving grace. Once he learned the rollover we on swaddled one hand for a week and then once that was great we on swaddled the second one. We always tried new things on the weekends in case the sleep deprivation was high and between asking pediatricians and other “professionals in the industry “we tried three different sacks on Amazon and quickly got a return policy initiated with all three of them. We landed back with the halo sleep sack we wanted some thing waited but the thickness of this one worked perfectly his arms are free and he can kick his legs as much as he wants to fall himself to sleep.

As soon as we could we were initiating night from day we sleep at night we play in the day. We turn off the TV at a certain time we don’t turn it on until a certain time we do bathtime we do story time we do lotions massages and soft music every night is the same routine atlas loves his routines.

For the past nine months every night has not been sunshine and rainbows there’s been plenty of tears plenty of hair pulling plenty of asking ourselves why what are we doing wrong plenty of googling at 3 AM on how to get your baby to sleep but those are just the normal thinks he’s growing “growth spurts he’s teething coat pushing a tooth he’s like his mom and dad we don’t sleep all night either even if we wanted to. At first we would Russian on every little grunt every little movement try and rock him to sleep but then we learned that he’s an active sleeper we learn that he does make sounds in his sleep we also learned that he’s a hungry boy and as much as we try to wean off the night feeding we’re still down to one bottle a night and that’s OK he’s a growing boy if he’s going to be anything like his dad or his grandpa who still snacks in the middle of the night.

Another amazing tip or trick that we learn from the community was a five 1015 role atlas is smart and he knows how to get our attention but we also know how to trick him checking on him the same time will prompt a response for him to alert us to come in but if we change it double up the time so we check on him after five minutes and putting him down pat him on the back rub his head massage his hand leave the room quietly. 10 minutes later go back and do the same thing. 15 minutes later do the same thing. There’s time where we had to do this over and over two hours later staring at the clock. But it’s all worth it he’s worth it.

No you may be asking why was this post called sleep training the animals was this click bait? No not at all because even though I have learned a lot and shared a lot I think the biggest factor is the shenanigans that are animals display when it is sleep time for Mr. A. Naptime is there a noisy the dogs barking at the mailman. The later nap interferes with their dinner time so they’re Hooten and hollering wanting to get fed. In the middle of the night the cats who sleep all day love to barge in his room bring him toys and blankets and just run amok throughout the whole house. Thankful for the two of us in times like these I know some parents split the shifts but I can’t sit there sleeping peacefully knowing that my cats barging in while my husband‘s trying to make a bottle change her diaper and get our baby back down in the most common way possible.

So will continue to sleep train the animals and atlas and then hopefully our self will report back on the progress let me know if you have anything that worked for you or if any of these helped

Xoxo Britt 

MONSTER FOODIE

Atlas is finally experiencing the deliciousness along with the nutritiousness of food. One of the many reasons to live in my opinion. BUT with the millions of advice out there on how to raise your child all I can say is this is our choice of food introductory the with the guidance of the community and our pediatrician. We are all about purées and trying all the delicious gummy all natural things first.

First, was the basics like avocados, apple, bananas, sweet potatoes and squash. Then we found Sprouts the grocer has a variety of little squeeze purées made with only natural real easy to pronounce and recognizable ingredients. No matter what variety we get, and we like to stick to a vegetable base: peas carrots chickpeas beets squash, Atlas loves them all. Lastly, I started getting creative at home for flavors and proteins. The other night I boiled some chicken, used the broth to boil some mushrooms ,added some blueberries, threw that in the magic bullet and Atlas could not stop eating it up.

We also love breakfast around here. Atlas does too! From a yogurt parfait, baby oatmeal, and all the fruits. Again, from Sprouts natural raw live active cultured yogurt, some frozen strawberries or blueberries, and the three ingredient oatmeal. We also like to mixing things to our oatmeal like spices such as cinnamon and nut butters like peanuts and almond.

As busy parents we do enjoy the convenience of the Sprouts squeeze packets and will continue to use those. They retail at our local grocer $5 dollars for three pouches and last 24 hours once you open them. Atlas will finish one in a day: one meal one day and then in 24 hours he’ll finish the rest.

Let me know if you have any amazing recipes ,quick tips or tricks. We’re learning together and it’s so much fun! Enjoy the adorable foodie photos.

XoXo Mama Britt

ATLAS' FIVE FAVORITE FINDS MAY 2021

ANOTHER Atlas Five Favorites?!? He is our world and we love sharing what he’s digging. Were learning so many things everyday along with him. I just learned right now I need to get better about sharing more in between the favorites. BUT in the words of Roman Reigns “Let’s not waste anymore time.”

ATLAS’ FIVE

1. THE LIBRARY- In the post COVID new normal world we are looking for places to go with baby A. Once the libraries opened up it was a chance to get back to a favorite place, introduce the world of wonders to Atlas and BONUS read some new stories not on our bookshelf. We have had a blow out, a feeding and a cry fest in the library already- they love us. Some of our Phoenix Library Branches are open and with a reservation you can visit with up to 5 people for 45 minutes. Call or look online before hand here, or not in Phoenix? Check your local library for policies.

2. TEETHER TOYS- We haven’t broke skin yet, but his hands are always in his mouth and when they aren’t, drool is falling out. We have invested in a munch mitt from Malarkey as well as freezable pacifiers. He likes variety and we like that the products are so innovative.

3. DOORWAY JUMPER- Little man has been kicking his feet since he was inside me. Now that his perfectly round head is stable on his shoulders we are ready to stabilize the legs. Target.com has this great Doorway Jumper featuring a plush seat and textured toys. Atlas loves it! It only fits on 1 doorway in our house though considering its a historic Phoenix home.

4. DIAPER RASH CREAM– It doesn’t come up often but with summer time and swim time here we want to make sure our Atlas is comfortable and clean. The diaper rash cream from Natureplex has been a miracle cream. Overnight it goes from red to normal. I love that is has aloe and soothes as it heals.

5. SHARK BAIT- Pool time is here and Admiral Atlas is hitting the high seas. Amazon to the rescue again with a safe floatie for his age and weight. He sits forward and is strapped in four ways. Other than the water being a little chilly he kicks his feet and enjoys the swim swam. This is just the beginning of our little fish.

ATLAS' FIVE FAVORITE FINDS APRIL 2021

WOW… the last time we did a FIVE FAVORITE FINDS POST I was pregnant and didn’t know it. Check out the post from last year. COVID had just swept the country, we were struggling to find the new normals and Jose and I were about to receive news that would ultimately change our lives. Now that our little bundle of joy is here we want to start sharing his 5 favorite things. As he grows so quickly so will his interests, talents and activities. Welcome to Atlas’ world.

ATLAS’ FIVE

1. MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE - We already have begun watching children’s programs and filling our YouTube watchlist with all the hits. Of course, the top of the popular list is Mickey! Atlas loves Mickey. From his Hot Dog Dance to his Mousekatools Atlas is mesmerized. Of course we celebrated May the Fourth at the Acevedo household. We look forward to the day we can go to the Happiest Place on Earth and make even more Mikey memories.

2. HUMIDIFIER- Atlas has his mom and dad’s respiratory system. Thank goodness for his humidifier. His room is turned into the Pirates of the Caribbean ride to keep him less congested while he sleeps and we frequently crank up a hot shower and create a steamy room for him to spend a few minutes in when you can hear him struggling to breathe out his nose. We are open to suggestions because living in Arizona we just can’t not turn on the air conditioner and it’s always a “dry heat.”

3. OTTEROO - This is one of those products you see advertised everywhere once you have a baby. Because we have a pool we wanted Atlas to continue to enjoy the swim. While the pool is heating up we practice indoor in the meantime. After bath time we will fill up the tub and pop on the Otteroo. ATLAS LOVES IT! he swims, kicks off, and even tries to flip around. I can’t wait to get this kid in the pool!

4. BABY BREZZA– Once I came to terms that i wasn’t going to be Atlas’ primary milt supplier I invested in a Baby Brezza Formula Pro. It is the Keurig for Baby Formula. It has paid for it self over and over during the middle of the night quick, quiet and get back to sleep feeds and the middle of the day fussy, hurry up, I need milk now feeds. Highly recommend for newborn parents.

5. KICK N PLAY- While in my belly Atlas kicked all the time! Outside the womb he still loves to move his legs. I saw on other mom’s insta stories the Fisher Price Kick N Play Piano Gym and said, “Atlas needs that.” We now know every lyric to the soundtrack and we are now even transitioning it to a finger piano with tummy time.

ITS A BOY!

I recieve the best birthday present last week- knowing that we are having a baby boy come January 2021. Once people find out you’re pregnant, they immediately ask girl or boy and what I am hoping it is. Honestly, I would respond, and still wish for just a healthy baby. With my first, and now second trimester being so rough- dealing with so much nausea uncomfortableness and I can pray for is my baby is healthy and growing strong. After several ultra sounds we were being reassured that, but last Wednesday, for my (31st) Birthday we had another anatomy scan and were given the news about the gender, it’s a boy!

We scheduled an anatomy ultra sound for the first thing in the morning. After about 45 minutes of measuring heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, and more, we got down to the legs. And the tech goes “this is the right leg, this is the left leg, and this is a boy.” Jose was ecstatic! We quickly had another appointment with the midwife right after and we were happy to share the news with her too. Also the 20 photos the tech printed for us, she was amazing.

After the appointments we rushed home, safely, to finish icing the gender reveal cupcakes for my office meeting. The night before i baked 48 funfetti cupcakes. Once cooled, I scooped out a small section from the center, food colored vanilla icing in pink and blue and filled 24 each. I covered the tops with swirled white vanilla icing and packed the blue ones in Tupperware to share with my work team.

Calling the parents was probably one of my favorite things about the experience. We called the Acevedo’s separately as they were at work. Then we faced timed my parents who were costing my uncles at the time. My mom said “I knew it.” And assured my dad we have another little cubs fan joining the team soon.

An episode of our VLOG was dedicated to this announcement and you can check it out here. make sure to subscribe to catch all of them.

Every day after I have felt little flutters/ bubbles where our little boy is at knowing that he is just as excited as we are to meet us. Few more months of cooking to go and now it’s time to focus on the nursery. Excited to share more as we begin this next project.

XoXo

Britt