What I’m adding to our Life and home for baby number 3
I can’t believe I’m just a few short months away from holding this little one in my arms. But also…I’m just a few short months from a humongous transition! I’ve been enjoying this last season with my two sweet boys, but time has just been flying by. I haven’t done much to prepare and I’m starting to really feel that desire to slow down and start this process.
I recently posted a video on self-care during my 3rd trimester, I’ll link it for you here.
Today I’m sharing with you all what I’m choosing to intentionally add to our home and life as we make room for this next baby. It is another boy, so thankfully I have all the clothes, blankets, hats and shoes I need. There are just a few pieces I’m intentionally adding to prepare for this new life in our 2 bedroom apartment.
*use code: Magaret15 for 15% off !
Yes, a video monitor! I’ve never had one, as we’ve always lived in very close quarters, but I got the opportunity to try this one out and it’s amazing. I tend to drag my feet when it comes to updated technology…I like doing things the old-school way. But with two boys, lots of noise and a back patio space that we use often, this monitor is going to be so helpful! Not to mention, my boys might be able to take part in watching and caring for the baby with me through the video monitor.
*side note: I specifically asked Bebcare these common questions about video monitors and I was very confident in their responses, which is again why I chose this particular one.
Me: What makes them low emissions?
Bebcare: Every Bebcare baby monitor is equipped with our unique DSR Digital Safe Radio technology (link). This is a wireless technology that is designed for baby use from the ground up. The technology works by reducing wireless emissions both during transmission and during idle mode. When your baby is not crying, the baby monitor goes into Sleep Mode automatically, effectively reducing the emissions level to close to zero. When compared to a DECT technology baby monitor, our low emissions monitor reduces wireless emissions levels by over 90%.
Me: Can you tell me more about the wifi or Bluetooth with the device? It it protected from hacking systems?
Bebcare: The Bebcare Motion digital video baby monitor is an RF video baby monitor with a 4.3" display screen parent unit. The Motion does not depend on a WiFi network or internet and uses an encrypted radio-frequency signal to transmit data. This means the Bebcare Motion is un-hackable, as it does not connect to the internet at all. In addition, the Motion utilizes FHSS technology to prevent any interference with other wireless devices. You can even have multiple Bebcare Motion baby monitors in the same room, and they would work happily next to each other.
Use code: Margaret15 for 15% off
2. A New-ish Car Seat
I have not yet decided which one to go with, but this made it on the list because I was letting my sister borrow our infant car seat and her car was stolen…with the car seat inside. Honestly, the car seat was the least of our worries at the time, but I’m indeed without one. Haha. I’ll probably look at some second-hand options first then ask around to see if anyone has an extra one lying around. If all else fails I’ll purchase one(I really don’t want to).
3. A Co-Sleeping Crib
Actually, any crib will do at this point. I’m hoping for a co-sleeping crib, but we had to throw ours out a few years ago due to heavy mold exposure. I’ll keep you all posted on the one I go with, but I’m definitely interested in some that I’ve seen where the baby can sleep in their crib right next to momma.
I just vividly remember how difficult it was to get up, out of bed and pick up my baby in those early postpartum weeks. And I’ve also read from many mommas how this kind of sleeping arrangement allowed them to get more rest throughout the night. I’m all for that! Again, I’ll keep you posted on what we decide to go with.
I’ll actually be using these as burp cloths. This is where my minimalism side really kicks in. I’d rather just bring one of these blankets around with me all day instead of dirtying many small(often too small) burp cloths. I tried it out with my last baby and it really simplified things. Some may think it’s dirty, but I didn’t find that to be the case and I am a germophobe! I just use one a day and rotate the corners for cleanup and whatever else is needed.
5. More color
Ah, no she didn’t just say that….she’s a minimalist!
Yes, yes I did ☺️.
I actually have been craving more color in our space over the past few months! But as our budget is a little tight with hospital bills and such, I’ve had to be patient as well as test my creativity.
Midwest winters are also pretty dreary. Knowing that I’ll be newly postpartum and walking into some of the harder months, I’d love to add some vibrance to our space to help me through that season.
This is still a work in progress, but I’m slowly collecting second-hand canvases, art, a few prints, paint and frames so that we can spruce things up a bit. It’s actually a fun and rewarding activity. Away with the instant gratification that only lasts a few days *honestly, I’m preaching that to myself. Slowing this process down and intentionally waiting for each piece to come together has made me appreciate it all the more.
“Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly.”
To be honest, I feel like that might be it. Haha, at least I hope so! I need to go through our baby boxes and double-check, but it feels so good to know that I don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on this new little one, nor do I have to bow down to the pressures of the culture that are telling me I need more than my essentials. I may want more than what’s needed, but in this season of life, and in our smaller space, I’m incredibly content with what we are capable of adding.
I’m also a firm believer that children are resilient and adaptive. I’ve experienced it as we were a family that used to move three times a year.
Stay tuned for my full Minimalist Newborn Essentials List(gotta go through my baby boxes first), what I won’t be buying for #3 and how I’m preparing for postpartum as a working, stay-at-home momma.
As always, thank you for journeying alongside me in this season of life. I will say slowing down and living a simpler life has absolutely shifted my perspective of adding another soul to our home. I’m not as afraid as I used to be, I would even say that I feel more confident and equipped. It has to be from choosing to focus on the things that matter, rather than being tossed and turned by the chaos that used to be. That, and a lot of prayer.
Oh, that reminds me, I gotta share my liturgy book with you all in the next blog. It’s my new morning read and it’s SO good, helpful and encouraging. Lots more coming your way.
Talk soon,
Marge