Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Dreambaby® Furniture Safety Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
Huge thanks to Rob for his help with this one!

Eleanor has becoming much more mobile in the last few weeks.  She scoots backwards, rolls and turns herself all over the place.  The only thing she hasn't figured out is how to go forward, but that's only a matter of time. 

As a result we have begun to start baby proofing. We've gotten outlet covers and cabinet latches up.  The next step is to secure some of the bigger pieces of furniture. 

When I was given the chance to review a few products from Dreambaby ®. I knew it was the perfect timing.  I was sent furniture straps and a furniture anchor.

We have a shelf in our living room that holds all of our dvds and I knew that was a must, the tv was as and her changing table.

The first thing we anchored was the changing table.  Or actually Rob did this.  I didn't get the greatest pictures because Eleanor decided at that moment that she wanted to nurse so Rob took them.

We used the furniture anchor for this (changing table).


On the wall
Looking down the back of the changing table


He said it was pretty easy to install, and had he had his drill it would have been easier but he was able to screw it in by hand.  He did say to make sure you center it if you are using one anchor and when you screw it into the wall be sure to screw it into the stud and not the drywall.

The Dreambaby® furniture anchor retails for $10.79


The next thing that needed to be secured was the dvd rack (and see pictures below for reason why) and for that we used furniture straps.  These sell for $6.99 for a 2 pack.





Rob used one strap in the center to mount it.  He said if it was heavier he would have done two or if it had been wider he would have used two as well.  





He also used drywall anchors (which aren't provided) to make it a little more durable because of the positioning of our wall studs and where we wanted it.  These isn't necessary for everyone. 




Adjusting the straps.



In order to loosen it if needed, the bottom would need to dropped forward to produce slack because once those straps are in place they are staying there.  On this piece it's doable but with a heavier piece it's not as easy.




Both pieces are secure and hold the furniture in position very well.  I'm not worried about Eleanor trying to climb them and tipping them over on herself. 


I'm waiting on the Dreambaby® Flat screen tv saver but I'll update the review when that arrives. That sells for $10.79 as well.




I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Monday, May 26, 2014

The Eleanor update: 33 weeks



Feeding:  We tried a few new foods this week. I found that she did like raspberries.  They made a mess though but she liked them.  


We were out to eat at Logan's and she was fussy so she ate a roll, and then attempted a french fry and a brewski onion.   This morning I gave her a bite of my raisin toast and that was a hit.
Eating a roll at Logan's.


She's been getting wild when nursing so I'm sometimes worried she's not getting enough because I still never feel that letdown.  Or when she get's bored she get's super squirmy and twists all over. While latched on.  That's fun.  

Oh and I did find that she loved these (Happy Munchies Rice Cakes).  I've only tried the carrot but I did get some apple from Target.  I had a coupon otherwise they are kind of pricey for what you get it. 

Sleep:
Rough this week.  She's wanted to stay up late and it's a problem because she's tired.  When she finally falls asleep she's usually okay, one maybe two wakeups.  A couple nights she slept 7+ hours (usually 5-6).  I actually had to kind of wake her to nurse her because I was getting uncomfortable. 

Naps have been in the car pretty much all week. I hate that, because I want her to nap in her crib at least once a day.


Misc:
She got a mild sunburn Saturday despite my reapplying sunscreen several times, and keeping her inside most of the peak sun hours.  I feel awful.

Then on Sunday after we got home and she woke up from a carseat nap I took her outside for just a minute to see Rob and then came back in. I was holding her the whole time.  When we came back in I nursed her and 25 minutes later when she was done, realized she had been bleeding from behind her ear.  It wasn't gushing blood but there was enough to concern me (and it was also on my arm).  So I brought her back out to Rob and he said that something similar had happened to the neighbor kid.  She got bit by something but I don't know what.  Any ideas?


First Ponytail





We had a few rough days where I couldn't leave the room without her having a mini meltdown.  Every single time. 



If you want to see more pictures (although many are repeats) follow me on instagram (@kelle017). 


Thursday, May 22, 2014

Yoomi Feeding System Giveaway!


Welcome to the Yoomi 8oz. Feeding System Giveaway!
yoomibanner

Sponsored By: Yoomi

Eleanor isn't really a fan of bottles, but I love the idea behind this.  I do usually pack one for church though but send it warm and she usually doesn't drink it and I have to dump it. 

Yoomi was created by a Mum and Dad. Like most parents, they became frustrated with the difficulties of bottle feeding while on the go as well as those late night feedings. They decided to tackle the problem head on and created the Yoomi Feeding System. The first ever rechargeable self warming bottle. Kate over at Life of a Southern Mom had the pleasure of working with Yoomi. Visit here to read her full review.
Here is an awesome giveaway for any one with little ones or expecting.
**Giveaway Details** May 22nd - June 5th at 11:59PM EST Open to US residents only. Must be 18 years of age or older to participate. Prize: One winner will receive a Yoomi 8oz. Feeding System that includes 1- 8oz bottle, 1- warmer and 1- charging pod. (ARV $40)
**How to Enter** By entering you agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions listed on the Entry Form. All winning entries will be verified. Winner will receive an email from Jennifer at lifeofasouthernmom@gmail.com and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Good Luck and thanks for entering.
Disclosure: Life of a Southern Mom did not receive any compensation for promoting this event. The Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed by, affiliated with, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google or any other social media platform. If you have any questions or would like to see your product featured on Life of a Southern Mom contact Jennifer at lifeofasouthernmom@gmail.com.

Monday, May 19, 2014

The Eleanor update: 32 weeks



Feeding:
Latch issues again this week.  I've tried different positions and it still hurts sometimes. I'm finding that I have to nurse more in other positions because the football hold doesn't work as well because she pushes against the back of the chair. She's getting to big for that.

We tried yogurt and she wasn't to much of a fan (although the picture below might show otherwise).  It's to thick I think for her. 

We also tried a peach banana rice blend which she ate, but was also thick.  I did give her some bell pepper slices and she loved those!



Sleeping:  
We've had a few rough nights where she has been waking up several times a night.  I can bring her into bed with me - and I do sometimes - but she is squirmy and kicks me so that's not really restful for me.

I let her sleep on me because she never does that anymore and I wanted all the cuddles!

Misc:  
Since the time I was pregnant I've been chatting with a group of other mom's with October 2013 babies and this weekend Eleanor and I went to the zoo in Lansing (about an hour and a half away) and met some of them.  She slept the entire way there, and while she didn't sleep all the way back she was happy.  It was so nice to finally meet in person and I'm so glad I went.  Rob was a little leery at first about it, but we met in a public place and it was completely fine.














Getting into the dvds!


And she figured this out....







Playtime with grandpa U.