Meal Planning Monday- Chicken Pasta Salad

My mom has been making this yummy pasta salad recipe for years, and it has recently become one of my favorite go-to lunch dishes.  Nanna got the recipe from her sweet friend, Linda, and not only is it tasty, but it is so stinkin' easy! (Let's be honest, I don't make anything that is not easy.) It is the perfect meal to make on a Sunday and eat throughout the week.  My mom makes it for lake weekends, and it is always a hit with everyone.  ENJOY! :)

From the Store:

1 pack chicken tenders (I like Publix Greenwise chicken)

1 box tri-color rotini

1 pack ranch (not buttermilk)

3/4-1 cup mayo

3-4 stalks celery 

onion (2-4 tablespoons finely chopped)

salt and pepper

1. Finely chop the onion.  (Use 2-4 tablespoons depending on personal preference.  Since the onion isn't cooked, it can be strong, so be sure not to use too much!)

2. Chop the celery.  (I usually use around 3-4 stalks, but you can use more or less.)

3. Boil chicken (20-30 minutes.) I use chicken tenders, because they're easier to cut up, but you can also use chicken breasts.

4. Boil pasta according to instructions.

5. Cut chicken into small pieces (I like to use my meat scissors.)

6. In large mixing bowl, mix the pasta, chicken and a packet of ranch.

7. Add 3/4 cup of mayo and the onion and celery to the bowl.  Mix well.  Add more mayo if needed (I usually end up using around 1 cup.  You can also wait to add the extra mayo until after you refrigerate the pasta.)

8. Salt and pepper to taste.

9. Refrigerate and serve cold. ENJOY! :)

Recipe Card:

1. Finely chop onion (2-4 tablespoons.)
2. Chop celery.  (I usually use around 3-4 stalks, but you can use more or less.)
3. Boil chicken (20-30 minutes.)
4. Boil pasta according to instructions.
5. Cut chicken into small pieces (I like to use my meat scissors.)
6. In large mixing bowl, mix the pasta, chicken, and a packet of ranch.
7. Add 3/4 cup of mayo and the onion and celery to the bowl.  Mix well.  Add more mayo if needed (I usually end up using around 1 cup.  You can also wait to add the extra mayo until after you refrigerate the pasta.)
8. Salt and pepper to taste.
9. Refrigerate and serve cold. ENJOY! :)

A Letter To My Friends That Are Planning to Vote For Donald Trump

Dear Trump Supporters,

I have started and stopped this blog post several times over the past couple of weeks, because I keep thinking to myself, what is the point?  If you're still supporting Trump at this point in the race after all he has said and done, there is really NO changing your mind.  I think that is what is becoming abundantly clear: as Trump said himself, he could shoot someone in the middle of Times Square and his supporters would still vote for him (yes the leading presidential candidate actually said that.)  I am still going to share my thoughts on what an absolute disaster I think it will be if Donald Trump were to be the Republican presidential nominee, though, because I feel like I have to do SOMETHING.  I can't just sit by and watch this disaster happen.  I know, I know, at the end of the day it is all in God's hands, and I can only pray for the future of our country, but still....if I can change the mind of at least one person voting for Trump, or at least make them think, then I am doing something.  So here is my best shot.

Trump fans...I get it.  I get that people are so angry with the way things are.  I am angry, too.  There are probably not many people that have a stronger dislike for our current president or are more disheartened by the state of our country than I am. I literally cannot stomach president Obama, and I have largely been in denial that he is actually the President of the United States of America (for almost 8 years now, 8 LONG years.) When he speaks I have to turn the channel on the TV, because I just can't.  I don't think he is just incompetent either. I have to agree with Marco Rubio on the line that he has gotten slack for repeating at the New Hampshire debate...Obama knows EXACTLY what he is doing.  He has been a divider-in-chief, and the America we are living in now already looks drastically different than it did when George W. was president.  Say what you want about that man, but George W. Bush LOVED this country, and I do not believe the same of the current president.

So here we are at this election and people want CHANGE.  People want someone that stands up to the crazy politically correct society that Obama has created.  I will admit that in the beginning of all of this, I started to warm up to Trump.  I never dreamed in a million years he would be the nominee, but I thought it was refreshing that he said what was on his mind and called out the media for their ridiculously left bias.  I thought that although he would not make a good president, he was opening up some important discussion. He became the voice of many Americans, and he clearly hit a nerve with people, and that is why his support grew so rapidly. As time has gone on though, and I as I have seen and heard more (and done my research) I have realized just how dangerous it would be to elect Donald Trump as the Republican nominee.

First off, I don't think he joined the presidential race because of his love for America.  I think he joined it because he has an ego the size of Texas (okay, Texas is way too small)  Ever notice what it says at the top of all of his buildings..."TRUMP" in huge gold letters.  I don't think anyone could argue that the man doesn't loves himself...A LOT. He spends more than half of his time at debates and rallies talking about his poll numbers and how much people like him.  It is honestly crazy to me that he is able to focus so much on himself and so little on his plans for the country and still gain support.  He basically praises himself and calls everyone else idiots, and for some reason people applaud him. In the most recent debate he was asked how he was going to get Mexico to pay for this wall he keeps talking about and he had NOTHING. He couldn't even begin to answer the question, yet that has been one of the main issues he has run on.

One of the scariest things to me is Trump's conservative beliefs are so new. There is nothing wrong with changing your mind and joining the conservative party... I think that is great.  However, the best predictor of the future is what has happened in the past.  He has been a HUGE supporter of Hillary Clinton over the years and donated to numerous Democratic politicians including Harry Reid and the Clinton foundation. I know he says he's made these donations because it is good business, but he has also praised the politicians whose beliefs are the opposite of everything he now says he stands for.  He has pretty much contradicted himself on EVERY SINGLE ISSUE.  These are not views he held decades ago, either.  These are all positions he has taken in very recent years.  I find it it extremely hard to believe that he's had a genuine change of heart on so many issues.  Instead, I think he is telling the American people what they want to hear to get elected.

I also don't think he can beat Hillary Clinton.  I think the media has largely given him a pass because they want him to be the nominee, because this would be the easiest ticket to a President Hillary Clinton (yikes, scary!) The only thing scarier to me than a Donald Trump presidency is a Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders presidency. I don't think you can even begin to imagine how the media is going to destroy Trump the second he gets the nomination. Republicans, this should be our year.  After 8 years of Obama, we would have to do something crazy to lose this election...and I think nominating Donald Trump would be just that...crazy.

Most importantly, decency.  Just decency.  I read an awesome blog post by Max Lucado called, "Decency For President." I am a person that thinks the way you treat people says absolutely everything about you. The tweets Trump sends out.  The things he says about women.  The disgusting words he uses. The way he attacks everyone. Is a man that constantly hurls insults at everyone in his path really someone you want representing the United States to the rest of the world? I believe as a Christian that the most important thing in a leader is that he or she is taking guidance from our Heavenly Father.  That is not to say mistakes won't be made, but I want to know that the leader of this great country is looking to God for guidance and prayerfully considering big decisions.  It is not my job to judge Donald Trump or his Christianity, but I can say that I don't think he is a great representation of the Christian faith, or of decency for that matter. That matters to me, and I am having a hard time understanding why it doesn't matter more to the rest of the country.

People, tomorrow is Super Tuesday.  This is a BIG day in the election.  After Tuesday, if Trump is still leading, the race is pretty much over.  When you go to vote, I hope you will think about who will best represent the United States of America to the rest of the world.  I hope you will think about who will be a humble leader.  I hope you will think about who will best fight for your values.  I hope you will think about who has the best chance of beating Hillary Clinton.  BUT, if you forget everything else, please just think about decency.  If you are planning on pushing that button for Donald Trump, I hope you will prayerfully reconsider.

Sincerely,

One Crazy Conservative Mama (now back to writing about baby stuff!)

Friday Favorites- The Best Toddler Scooter

We LOVE this YBIKE GLX Scooter. Anyone that follows me on social media has probably seen pictures and videos of Cole riding it.  Cole's great-grandma, Gigi, got it for him two Christmases ago, when he was not quite 18 months old.  We laughed initially when we opened it, thinking, "Gigi, Cole won't be able to ride this thing until he is like four."  Boy were we wrong!  That day he stood on it and let his Daddy push him around the house, and by the summer when he was not even two, he was riding around by himself.  It's super stable and easy to maneuver.  It comes in blue, green and pink, and it would make the perfect Christmas or birthday gift. I promise, your toddler will LOVE it!

Here he is at 17 months old (Christmas Eve 2014)

The best part is that it's a great way for this wild man to burn off some energy (AKA it wears him out!)

I plan to share some more of my favorite toys/gifts for my kiddos soon. HAPPY FRIDAY, Y'ALL! :)

Meal Planning Monday: Slow Cooker Teriyaki Pork Chops

Meal planning Monday is on a Thursday...again.  I actually did make these yummy pork chops on Sunday and planned to blog them on Monday, but the week got away from me....mom life! ;)

My husband Phil raves over these crockpot teriyaki pork chops.  This is my favorite way to make pork chops- minimum prep time, and they always come out DELICIOUS!  I know our little two year old would love them, too, if he would ever try them! (He is going through a carb/fruit stage that has lasted, oh, about a year and a half so far...) I found the recipe on Pinterest years ago and have been making them from memory ever since.  I can't seem to find the exact original recipe I used, but if I do, I will link to it.

From the Store:

4 boneless pork chops

1/3 cup of chicken broth

1/4 cup soy sauce

2-3 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons brown sugar

salt and pepper 

1. In a bowl, add the 1/3 cup of chicken broth (do not get less sodium, never tastes as good), 1/4 cup of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to a small mixing bowl.

2. Chop 2-3 cloves of garlic into small pieces.

I like to use this chopper for garlic.

3. Add the garlic to the mixture.

4. Next, place 4 pork chops in the bottom of your crock pot. Salt and pepper them.

5. Pour the mixture over the top of the pork chops.

6. Cook on low for 5-6 hours (this isn't a meal you can leave in the crock pot all day, unfortunately.  I did that once and the pork chops were burned terribly. If your low setting seems to cook high, then check at 4 hours.)

7. Flip the pork chops halfway through and make sure they are still covered in the mixture.

8. The pork chops are ready when you stick a fork in them, and they are super soft and easy to cut.  Once they are ready, you can leave them on warm until you are ready to eat.  Don't let them sit for too long and dry out, though.

9. ENJOY!  This isn't the best picture, but the pork chops are SO yummy.  I like to serve them with baked squash and zucchini and rice.

Recipe Card:

1. In a bowl, add the 1/3 cup of chicken broth (do not get less sodium, never tastes as good), 1/4 cup of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to a small mixing bowl.

2. Chop 2-3 cloves of garlic into small pieces.
3. Add the garlic to the mixture.
4. Next, place 4 pork chops in the bottom of your crock pot. Salt and pepper them.
5. Pour the mixture over the top of the pork chops.
6. Cook on low for 5-6 hours (this isn't a meal you can leave in the crock pot all day, unfortunately.  I did that once and the pork chops were burned terribly.)
7. Flip the pork chops halfway through and make sure they are still covered in the mixture.
8. The pork chops are ready when you stick a fork in them, and they are super soft and easy to cut.  Once they are ready, you can leave them on warm until you are ready to eat.  Don't let them sit for too long and dry out, though.
9. ENJOY!  I like to serve them with baked squash and zucchini and rice.

Friday Favorites: The Best Little Handheld Vacuum EVER! (ON SALE!)

Mama friends, you NEED this!

I posted this picture of my new favorite little handheld vacuum on social media, and I had about 100 people ask me where they could get one.  Phil got it for me for Christmas, and it is my FAVORITE present (you know you're a mom when your favorite gift is a vacuum). Seriously, this little thing ROCKS: so lightweight, charges easily, and it picks up everything! Although, if you use it to pick up a biscuit, it might get clogged (don't ask me how I know!)  I took the picture above after I used it in and around Cole's carseat...I know, how gross is that?!  I think it picked up an entire bag of Goldfish and at least one mini box of Craisins.

It's ON SALE, so get one today, friends!  You will thank me.  Happy Friday!

Mom Confessions

This weekend, a friend of mine who has two babies almost the same ages as Cole and Annie, sent me a text asking me if I was able to get anything done around the house without putting the TV on.  My response: heck no...not when they are both awake!  Seriously, though, if anyone has a two-and-a-half year old and almost one year old that are able to happily entertain themselves for any period of time without someone getting hurt, please let me know your secrets!  This reminded me of one of the main reasons I wanted to start a blog: to be real with other moms.

In our age of social media, most people just post the "pretty" stuff...which I think is fine.  I don't think social media is the place to post about fights with your husband or vent about issues with your kids.  However; with all these pretty posts, it is easy to compare yourself and think you are not measuring up as a mom.  I have a mom friend who has triplet two year olds and runs not one but TWO businesses out of her house.  Seriously, what a rock star. Meanwhile, I am proud of myself I make it to Publix and back with my two without a major meltdown.

Heres the thing: when it comes down to it, we are all doing our very best, and no one is perfect.  I know I am just figuring it out as I go and praying for grace through all of my mistakes. I may post the sweet pictures of Cole loving on Annie, but I spend half of the day trying to keep him from punching her. So here are my "mom confessions" of the day.  My hope in sharing them is that my mama friends can relate and maybe feel a little better about any of their not-so-pretty or perfect moments.

1. I pack healthy stuff in Cole's preschool lunches that I KNOW he won't eat, just so his teachers won't judge me.  The kid hasn't eaten a sandwich a day in his life, but you better believe I am making PBJ and turkey sandwiches to send in his lunchbox.  Then I am all like, "That's so weird he only ate the goldfish snack and didn't touch the sandwich or broccoli..." In case anyone is wondering, it actually IS possible to survive off of carbs, fruit and orange juice.  Cole is living proof. Who needs protein and vegetables, anyway?

2. A friend of mine shared that her pediatrician told her timeout should last at least 15 minutes (in kids that aren't phased by timeout), and I have secretly been LOVING it. Not that I am thrilled about whatever Cole does to earn a timeout, but I can clean almost the entire house in those 15 minutes he is stuck in the pack-n-play.  He hit Annie before school today, and I was able to pack his lunch, clean the kitchen and load the car. Oh, and maybe he learned his lesson...

3. Cole asks for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episodes by name.  This means he probably watches way too much TV.  We literally have 65 episodes on the DVR, and this morning he actually said, "Mommy, I want to watch Mickey's Mousekedoer Adventure."

4. I re-washed the same load of laundry 3 times over the past couple days, because I didn't put it in the dryer fast enough.  This is a very common occurrence in our house....that or mildewy smelling clothes (sorry Phil!)

5. This is such a stereotypical SAHM thing to say, but I wear yoga pants 95 percent of the time.  It was actually my goal to get "dressed" more often in 2016, but it hasn't happened yet.  I did splurge on some Lululemon pants and super cute tops from "Seriously Happy Tees", so at least I don't look like a total bum when I go to pick Cole up from school.

6. My child is literally the world's worst sharer, and it kills me.  All two year olds are bad at sharing...I know that is what you are thinking, but I am telling you, Cole is the WORST.  He went through a phase where the first thing he would say in the morning is, "I will not share my toys today."  My husband said the other day that his determination about it is almost impressive...at least we know the kid will accomplish whatever he sets his mind to in this life!  I know Cole is his own person and has a sweet little heart underneath that non-sharing exterior, and (I hope) that he will learn the value of sharing by the time he's 30. I still hate to admit this as a mom, though, because being nice and kind is at the very top of my list of things I want to teach my kids.

7. My kids eat this frozen pizza for dinner a minimum of two nights a week.  It says all natural on the box, which makes me feel slightly better, and they freaking LOVE it, so this meal shortcut won't be going anywhere anytime soon.

8. Cole went through a short (luckily) phase where he was saying, "Oh s***" in the correct context, and he totally got it from me.  The first time it happened, he was running in the house and ran into me and fell, and what do you know, that little voice yelled, "Oh s***" clear as day. I was hoping I heard him wrong, but the next night when he was building blocks with Daddy and he accidentally knocked them over, there it was again. I don't have a potty mouth, but that is my go-to phrase from time to time.  Lesson learned.

9. I was making a grocery list out loud last week, and Cole chimed in, "milk, orange juice, water, WINE, cereal and waffles."  Enough said.

10. I LOVE that my kids can't tell time yet....I put them down at 6:20 p.m. one night last week, and they didn't know the difference (so there is one good thing about it getting dark at 5!)  When Daddy works late, bedtimes get earlier and earlier.  Oh, and I usually pour a glass of wine the second they go down. So Cole was totally right about that grocery list...

So, there you have it.  While I love being a mom to these two precious babies, I do NOT have it all figured out.  Not even close.  My kids watch too much TV and eat frozen pizza for dinner way more often than I would like to admit, and I am just over here drinking wine in my mildewy smelling yoga pants at 6:20 p.m. I thank Jesus up above that he loves me and my kids through all the craziness and shows me grace through my (many) mistakes. As moms, we are all trying our hardest to do what is best for our babies, and the best thing we can do for each other is be REAL and supportive. Oh, and for those moms out there that get dressed every day, and never turn on the TV and cook all organic food, please, teach me your ways...and I promise to only secretly hate you a little bit. ;)

A Few of My Favorite BABY Things

The Baby Essentials

I recently had a new-mom friend suggest that I share some of my favorite baby registry items on my blog.  She said as a new mom, she had NO IDEA what to register for and thought it would be helpful to other new moms if I shared some must-have items.  With Cole, we registered for and purchased EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN.  After navigating the newborn phase with Cole and then again with Annie, I have figured out what we really didn't need and what we couldn't live without.  Many of the items we purchased for Cole haven't even come back out of storage, and Annie seems to be surviving so far.

So here are my favorites.  I have also polled my team of expert moms (my two best friends who are two of the best mamas I know!)  JJ is the mom of two sweet boys (2.5 years and 11 months) who were both born within days of Cole and Annie...so we have really been in this mom thing together! Katie has a 1.5 year old little girl and watches two other little ones in her home and has been called "Mama Kate" since before I can remember, because she was just born to be a mom and is an expert in all things baby. :)

1. Moms on Call Book (Basic Baby Care 0-6 Months)
This is my number one baby item, because following this schedule (and hiring the service with Cole) gave me the gift of SLEEP and really helped guide me as a mom.  I will share my journey with MOC in another blog post, but I HIGHLY recommend buying the 0-6 month book to prepare for the newborn phase (and the other books for later on, too!)

2. Miracle Blanket Swaddle
Cole has been freakishly strong since birth, and this is the only swaddle that worked for him.

3. White Noise Machine
You can't really go wrong here, but just get one.  This is the one we have and it has worked great.

4. Nuk Pacifiers
Every baby is different, but I had the most success with Nuk pacis staying in.

5. Motorola Monitor
We haven't used our monitor quite as much as our kids have gotten bigger, but I love having one when they're newborns.  I also think it will come in handy when we move Cole to a big-boy bed (Lord knows what he will get into.)  I know there are fancier monitors that can be logged into from cell phones/computers, but I have heard mixed reviews, and I think this is all you need. (You can add cameras for multiple children.)

6. Fisher Price Bouncer
You probably can't go wrong with a bouncer, but I love this one, because it is light and easy to carry around the house.  When in doubt, go Fisher Price!

7. Rock N Play Sleeper
We used the Rock N Play sleeper all the time with Cole.  We actually used it way less with Annie, because she typically napped in her crib, but it is great for when you are on the go or need somewhere for your baby to take a cat nap.

8. Kick N Play
This might be my number two baby item, because it is the ONLY thing that remotely entertained Cole Adra for the first several months of his life.  I could put him down and get at least 10 minutes to breathe, which was amazing!  I could put Sweet Annie down on that thing, and she would be entertained for hours....maybe not hours, but seriously, BUY THIS!

9. Boppy
I loved the Boppy for nursing, and my kids loved it for tummy time and sitting up.

10. Fisher Price Swing
Neither of my kids loved our swing (Annie liked it more than Cole...surprise, surprise,) but Katie and JJ both said they could not have lived without their swing.  I did enjoy putting Annie in ours when I was cooking dinner.  This is the one my mom experts love. :)

11. Bottles...my suggestion is don't buy too many of any one type of bottle.  Every baby is different, and you will want to see what works best for your baby.
Nuk Bottle- I have some SERIOUS love for Nuk bottles, because it is the ONLY bottle Annie Grace would take.  I tried every trick in the book and every bottle in the store with Annie, and after two months of nearly losing my mind, a friend suggested this bottle (thank you Kristen!)  It works great for babies that love to breastfeed!
Avent Natural Bottle- This is the bottle I used with Cole and the bottle Katie used with her daughter, Marlie Kate.
Dr. Browns Bottles- This is what JJ used with her boys when they were newborns.  I have a lot of friends who say these bottles help with gas.
Gerber Bottles- JJ and I both used these when our boys got past the newborn stage.  These are the bottles Moms on Call recommends...and they are the cheapest, so that is a bonus!
See what I am saying?! Hold off on the bottle purchases.

12. Strollers...there are so many strollers out there, and I am sure the ones I recommend are not the only good ones, but I have loved mine!
Baby Jogger Citi Mini GT- This is the single stroller I had for Cole, and I loved it.  I am a "power" walker, not a jogger, though.  I think it may be slightly easier to fold and get in and out of the car than the BOB. I know the BOB Jogger is great as well, though, and JJ loved hers.
BOB Double Jogger- Between babies one and two, I decided one day I may want to jog.  It hasn't happened yet, but I like that I have the option. ;)  I actually asked a lot of moms and most told me side by side would be better than front/back for a double stroller.  I didn't love the way the infant attachment worked on the Baby Jogger double stroller, so I went with the BOB.  I LOVE it, but it is no joke getting this beast in and out of the car...and don't even get me started on navigating it through stores.  I still don't think you can find a better jogging stroller.

13. Snap N Go Stroller
I don't know how I got by without one of these with Cole.  I lugged my big 'ole stroller in and out of the car with every small errand.  I LOVED this little stroller with Annie.  It was so easy to pop her carseat in and navigate stores and restaurants with.  Regardless of the stroller you end up with, I think this is a must!

14. Aiden + Anais Blankets
These are the best little blankets.  Katie and JJ made sure I didn't forget them!  They are perfect as burp cloths, light blankets in the stroller and for covering the carseat.

15. Carseat Cover
I am pretty sure you can't go wrong here, but my germaphobe self is all about a carseat cover with newborns.  I am not one for staying cooped up in my house, so I think this is a MUST.

16. Shopping Cart/High Chair Cover
I don't think you can go wrong here either, but please don't let your baby's mouth touch the shopping cart handle, at least without wiping it down. ;)  Like I said, biggest germaphobe around right here, so clearly I think this is a must-have-item!  Katie and JJ are more relaxed than me and might not agree...

17. Medela Pump in Style (Breast pump)
If you are planning to breastfeed, I think this pump is the way to go.  Most insurance companies will cover it, which is a bonus.  Medela does make a more expensive version that is hands-free, but I watched my SIL attempt to hook it up, and it is NOT worth the trouble, believe me. The "Pump in Style" works great with the hands-free bra.  I suggest waiting to buy any accessories until you figure out if breastfeeding is going to work for you and your baby.

18. Boon Grass Drying Rack
This might seem like a silly item, but Katie, JJ and I have all LOVED our grass drying racks.  Don't forget the twigs and flowers! :)

19. 4Moms Infant Tub
I loved using the 4Moms tub with the Blooming Bath inside to keep my newborns from slipping.  It made bath time much more relaxing, and my babies loved it!

20. WubbaNub Pacifier
These work great when babies are newborns and have a hard time keeping their pacis in.

21. Sleepers that zip.
Seriously, buttons are NOT your friend in the middle of the night.

22. Carseats
Peg Perego Infant Car Seat
We have the Peg Perego...It is not the cheapest option, and I don't think it is the lightest either, but we were told it was the safest.  Cole hated it for the first 6 months of his life (although he hated a lot of things for the first 6 months of life) and then was fine with it, and Annie always loved it.  I have also heard it is one of the few carseats that works for preemies.
JJ has the BRITAX B-Safe and loves it, and Katie has the BRITAX B-Agile infant car seat/stroller combo and loves both.  She said the car seat is light and the base is easy to install.
Don't forget an extra base for the hubby's cars!

23. Graco High Chair
I love how the tray pops off for easy cleaning, and we use the booster seat that came with it for Cole now.

24. Graco Pack 'n Play
Katie and I both have an older version of the Graco Pack 'n Play.  This is a must for travel, and recently we have used it as a timeout spot for Cole.

25. Pampers Swaddlers (newborn)
We use Pampers in our house.  We start with the Swaddlers and eventually switch to the Cruisers.  Don't buy too many newborn diapers, though, because you get plenty from the hospital and some babies grow out of them quickly!

26. NoseFrida
I was beyond disgusted by this when the employee at Buy Buy Baby told me it was a must-have baby item.  I could not wrap my brain around sucking the snot out of my baby's nose...seriously, eww!! It works, though, really well. I could never calm Cole down enough to use it on him, but Annie actually likes it. JJ and Katie both swear by it, too.

27. Hooded towels like this one...just because they are the cutest things ever.  We use our hooded towels every night!

28. Diaper Genie
Some of my friends use the Diaper Dekor, but I have tried both and like the Genie better.

29. Evenflo Exersaucer
Both Cole and Annie have LOVED this exersaucer.  It really keeps them entertained, and I can still put Annie in it if I need to get in the shower (I keep ours in the bathroom.)  It is HUGE, though, and takes up a lot of space and such a pain to move around the house.  Also, if you bump into it on your way to the bathroom at night, it sings, "RED, YELLOW, and BLUE!" ;)

So there you have it!  I think I covered most of our favorite baby items.  Every mama and every baby is different, though, and things that work great for my family may not work for yours.  So this is no way an exclusive list, but I hope it is helpful as a reference to my new mama friends!  If I think of anything major we forgot, I will add it to the list.  Thanks so much for the help, Katie and JJ...I couldn't do this mom thing without y'all!