Baby Registry Picks: Out & About + a Giveaway with Baya Collections! (CLOSED)

Baby Registry Picks: Out & About by oykristen // 1. Baby Bjorn Carrier // 2. Uppababy Vista Convertible Stroller // 3. Chicco Keyfit 30 Carseat // 4. Booginhead Pacifier Clip // 5. Gumdrop Pacifier  // 6. Baby K'Tan Wrap Carrier  // 7. Baya Diaper Clutch // 8. Bob Revolution SE Jogging Stroller // 9. Ergobaby Carrier // 

Baby Registry Picks: Out & About  

This is the second installment in my Baby Registry Picks series (see my feeding picks), and I am so excited to share these products with you! We are an active family, and this roundup of gear has made our adventures so manageable and fun. Many of these were recommended to me by friends and family, and it has been a really joyous process seeing what works well for our own little family. I own every single item on this list and stand by them! Also, I am hosting an awesome giveaway to win this diaper clutch (see #7 below!), so make sure to scroll to the bottom to see more pics and to enter the giveaway!

1. Baby Bjorn Carrier 

This is a great carrier for the 3-5 month stage, especially when going out and about. And it's great for husbands to wear, too! I could get away with wearing the sling (see #6 below) for a long time, but Stevie could never fit my sling around him. This structured carrier was the perfect "in-between" from the sling to the Ergo Carrier.

2. Uppababy Vista Convertible Stroller 

I can't say enough great things about this stroller. It's perfect. It's honestly the perfect option for city life, because it sort of becomes your car. It wheels so smoothly, it practically drives itself. It travels flawlessly, comes with a bassinet (which we sincerely loved having for those first 3-4 months) along with the toddler seat, has an enormous amount of storage space, folds up easily, has a reversible seat... I could go on and on. One of the big selling points is that it has the ability to "add on" and can carry up to three children at a time. For a full-sized stroller, this one is the jam. 

3. Chicco Keyfit 30 Carseat 

I kind of hate carseats in general (so big! so heavy!), but this one is tolerable. It's compatible with a ton of different strollers (including the two we own), and most importantly, is super duper safe. And if you're into looks, this one comes in a zillion color options.

4. Booginhead Pacifier Clip

I can't tell you what a HUGE difference this tiny little device has made. Once we finally got Everett to start taking a pacifier, it was a game changer. The sucking motion really calmed him down. Using this clip to connect his pacifier to his clothes was a lifesaver, because we never lost pacifiers and they didn't get dirty from constantly falling on the ground. If you're okay with giving your child a paci, go ahead and throw a few of these clips on your registry. You will be so relieved to have a few on hand! 

5. Gumdrop Pacifier

There are so many different pacifiers on the market, and each child gravitates towards different kinds. However, this is the one that worked for Everett, so we have stuck with it. He is completely at ease with this type of pacifier, and while we don't really use them at home, I always make sure to have one when we're out and about. Especially when we're traveling!  

6. Baby K'Tan Wrap Carrier

This was the first carrier that I put Everett in, when he was just a wee little one. I only used this for a few months because he grew at such a rapid pace, but I really loved wearing him so close to me. This wrap is unstructured, so the baby is able to snuggle extra close to you. For those beginning months when my son was so colicky, this was the only way I could get him to nap. I think it made him feel like he was still in my tummy. I really loved this wrap and was super sad when he outgrew it. 

7. Baya Diaper Clutch

I have used a few different diaper changing stations, but when Baya sent me this one I was floored by how quickly it became my favorite. It's super small and portable (big bonus points for that) and has an interchangeable wristlet/purse strap that allows you to carry it a few different ways. On those errand days when I'm running around town and don't need to take my enormous diaper bag everywhere with me, this diaper clutch is the perfect option. It's obviously cute (no dorky mom product here!) but it's also super functional. There are two compartments that I can easily tuck a few diapers and packs of travel wipes into, along with a separate zippable pocket that I toss my phone and keys into, and voila, we are ready for an hour or two out and about! I have really loved having this for quick diaper changes in the car (especially on my recent road trip) and in public places. See below for more pics of this handy little tool "in action" and for a giveaway to win one for yourself! 

8. Bob Revolution SE Jogging Stroller

I stand by this stroller as the single reason why I am able to get some exercise as a new mama. It's nearly impossible to carve out a ton of time for yourself as a new mom. However, exercise is a huge priority to me, as I'm sure it is for a lot of you. Being able to take my baby along with me as I spend time outdoors and try to get back in shape, well, that's honestly been a lifesaver for me. Not only physically, but mentally and spiritually, too. And Everett LOVES being outside, so putting him in his Bob stroller has become our daily ritual. A little secret: the 4:00 pm hour has become nicknamed "the witching hour" in our household, because it's the time of day where exhaustion hits (for me) and whining hits (for him.) That's usually the time we take to the Bob and get outdoors. So you if you ever want to know what we're doing from about 4-5:30pm on any given day, we are probably out, Bob-bing around. Pun intended :) 

9. Ergobaby Carrier 

This is the carrier of all carriers. The Ergo is structured perfectly for both the mom and the dad to wear the baby, so we often switch off! My experience with a lot of other carriers is that they seem to favor the body type of one gender more than the other. This carrier is super soft but still structured, has all the bells and whistles (head cover, extra safety clips, etc.) and just seems to work so naturally for our family. It goes with us everywhere!

And now for a giveaway!

Giveaway with Baya Collections!

I am really excited to partner with Baya Collections to give away this Diaper Clutch in any of the three colors in stock. Like I mentioned above, this has become my go-to diaper clutch when I don't want to lug around an entire diaper bag. This is great to toss into the bottom of the stroller, to unfold in the airplane, or even lay on the ground in the park to perform a quick diaper change. It's one of those items you don't realize you need until you're in that panic moment of "I have to change my baby's diaper NOW and I'm in the middle of Target and there's no changing table and I can't bear the thought of laying my baby's head on the dirty ground!" Baya Clutch to the rescue. 

Enter Now!

You can enter this giveaway using the Rafflecopter below. You just have to sign up on the Baya site and you may additionally enter the giveaway by following Baya Collections on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. And score! Baya is offering my readers a 15% discount on all products from now until March 21st using the code OYKRISTEN. Make sure to browse the site and utilize this great discount while you can! Good luck!

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A Sigh of Relief in St. Augustine.

A Sigh of Relief in St. Augustine.

Last week I took an impromptu road trip down to St. Augustine, Florida.

It was necessary for my soul.

It was one of those trips that I didn't realize how badly I needed. But with all this wet wintery weather and cabin fever, along with my current car-less situation, with a baby, IN THE SUBURBS, I was ripe for a bit of adventure and freedom. Haha, how adventurous is it when you're only going to your sister's place? But it was adventurous to me, because it was the first time I packed up my child and road tripped anywhere with him. Did I mention that I did all of this husband-less? I did all of this husbandless. It was quite the adventure, folks.

Let me just take a moment to tell you, GO HUG YOUR MOTHER TODAY.

Stevie had some back-to-back work trips, so we knew we would be apart for a week. A week is a long time, people! And it feels so much longer, now that we are blessed with a cutie little baby. I just feel like I really need his help and support, you know, all the time. Bathing the child and feeding the child and holding the child - he weighs 18.5 lbs. these days! But we did it. Me and Everett. We made it through the week daddy-less without too much fuss. In fact, Everett started crawling and grew in two teeth while we were down in Florida. And saw the ocean for the first time (I instagrammed that epic moment here). Talk about a trip!

We weren't alone though. Far from it. My darn-adorable little sister Rachel agreed to take to the road with me and Everett, and last minute, my dad jumped in the car with us, too. And my mom was already in Florida the previous week on her annual "girls trip" with all her friends from high school (I know, party animal, right??), so she met us at my sister's house, too! It became a huge, unplanned family affair. Babies and movies and laughter and wine. My Dad took us shopping, his three grown adult girls. The whole trip was so sweet. It's not often that we are all together anymore (I know, you're probably thinking, don't you live with your parents??) But I mean my entire family. We haven't all been together since Everett was born almost 8 months ago. And I mean, we still weren't, since Stevie wasn't with us, but it was still really good to have that family energy vibing once again. The storytelling. The eye rolling. The babies throwing food around the kitchen. Whatnot.

What did I do during this Swiss Family Robinson weekend? Sniffed that salty air. Jogged the mile to the beach (and back again!) Stood in awe at all the mossy-ness. Ate fish tacos (everyday!) Rolled around on the carpet, playing with my niece and nephew. Chased Everett around the house. Stared out the window at the rain (the weather wasn't really our friend there, either). It was really simple stuff. And it was kind of the best.

// My exercise buddy. My life buddy. Built-in BFF. God I love her. //

// All. That. Moss. //

// The ocean made him sneeze. And then made him laugh. And then made him sleepy. //

// My baby likes to hold hands. I'm already nervous about middle school. //

// LOVE MOMMY FOREVERRRRRR. //

// I bet you're thinking this photo looks fake. I know. If I didn't know her for myself, I would think this homegirl is some kind of fairy princess. But since I know her for myself, I KNOW SHE IS. //

// Tacos and a smoothie errrrrday. And now I shall move in. Into this establishment. //

// Why are cousins so stinkin' CUTE. Everett was obsessed with them. //

// Sigh. My kin-women. //

Need More Moss.

I am just so grateful for this trip. Though the weather betrayed me just a tad bit, my soul was refreshed just being in a different environment. Different, but comfortable, since it was in the joyful home of my sweet sister and her family. I am already planning another trek down there, to do a bit more culinary mining in the downtown. I love St. Augustine a lot (we honeymooned there for a few days, almost 8 years ago WHAAAAT), and it never gets old, exploring that rad historic little town.

// This is what it feels like to be practically choked with love. //

// SISTERS! My heart pretty much exploded on that beach. //

// I'll never let go, Jack. //

The Ghost of Beachy Past.

If you're interested, I have an arsenal of St. Augustine shenanigans from the past, like the time I was pregnant and cold and sad and St. Augustine cheered me up and the time I was threatened by a pelican. You read that right.

Quick Reminder - Don't forget to enter this giveaway this week! And get ready for another giveaway starting here tomorrow!

Baby Registry Picks: Feeding + a Giveaway with Whisper Baby! (CLOSED)

Baby Registry Picks: Feeding by oykristen // 1. Whisper Baby Milkmaid Nursing Pillow // 2. Medela Pump in Style Breast Pump // 3. Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover // 4. Lifefactory Glass Baby Bottles // 5. Lasinoh Storage Bags, Breast Pads & Soothies // 6. Boon Lawn Drying Rack // 7. Keekaroo High Chair // 8. Tommee Tippee Bibs //

Baby Registry Picks: Feeding

Today I am so amped to share my absolute favorite baby registry picks with you!

Since my son arrived in my life 7+ months ago, it has been an ongoing adventure of trial-and-error with different products as we approach each stage. And it feels like we are in a new stage every 2 weeks (sometimes sooner!) Over the course of this month of March, I will be sharing 5 categories of my baby registry picks with you, along with some awesome giveaways. Today, we focus on feeding! And be sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post, it's a gooooooood one!

1. Whisper Baby Milkmaid Nursing Pillow

I cannot say enough excellent things about this divine nursing pillow. The Milkmaid has been the single most important feeding item (other than, you know, my nursing udders) that I have utilized during this new season of feeding my baby. Learning how to nurse a baby can be an uncomfortable, and sometimes, frustrating process. But this pillow eased the struggle of that transition. It is super structured, strong and supportive, constructed with layers of firm and malleable foam to create that perfect pillow "squish". It made the seemingly constant nursing sessions seem not so laborious on my back, neck and shoulders. I've tried out friends' nursing pillows, the traditional ones you find in the typical baby stores, and none of them are nearly as comfortable or supportive as this pillow. It's so worth adding to the registry and keeping your fingers crossed that some wonderful, compassionate relative purchases it for you! Side note - my husband has used this pillow to bottle feed Everett, and he loves it just as much as me. So it's great for both bottle and breastfeeding your babe :) Make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post to see pics of the pillow in action and enter the giveaway to win a pillow for yourself!

2. Medela Pump in Style Breast Pump

This pump took me a minute to get the hang of it, but once I did, I loved it. I'll be honest, I am not a diligent "pumper", but when I do, this contraption gets the job done! Thankfully, most insurance companies cover the cost of pumps these days (check your policy), so the hefty price tag doesn't have to make you choke. I also really appreciate (and use!) the tote bag and little cooler that comes with the accessories kit.

3. Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover

This nursing cover has simplified the activity of feeding my baby in public places. In restaurants, while traveling on planes, in the middle of the park, at church... just to name a few. I couldn't find the link to the exact color of my cover (it's a orange one), but I would recommend a solid-color or darker patterned print. My child is always distracted by the pattern of the cover and it's enough to deter him from nursing sometimes. He gets all wide-eyed and transfixed, as if he's on the inside of a kaleidoscope. So, a little tip... maybe aim for a less busy print.

4. Lifefactory Glass Baby Bottles

I love these bottles. My baby does not. But I still want to share this brand with you because it's pretty amazing and I can't really get my child to really love any bottle - we've tried several different brands including different nipples - so I think he's just a little spoiled rotten (if you have tips for tricking a 7-month into suddenly loving bottles, I am all ears!) But I personally love this brand because the bottles are made completely free of BPA, BPS and phthalates and designed with medical-grade silicon nipples. I love quality materials. Next time around (if there is a next time around!) I will attempt to introduce bottle feeding a little sooner, and hopefully my child will fall in love with these products the same way I have. 

5. Lasinoh Storage Bags, Breast Pads & Soothies

I am grateful for this product line by Lasinoh - these are all necessary "tools" to have ready for when the baby arrives! The storage bags for expressed breast milk, the pads for those sore nipples and soothies for the occasional (but necessary) nipple therapy. These are simple "must haves" for those breastfeeding and pumping mamas! Go ahead and have these on-hand before the baby arrives. You won't be sorry.

6. Boon Lawn Drying Rack

This is a drying rack with personality. Some creative genius came up with a fun way to jazz up the annoying process of cleaning and drying those rascal breast pump parts. This is a peppy kitchen accessory that you will be happy to leave out on your kitchen counter top.

7. Keekaroo High Chair 

Best high chair ever. My darling physical therapist friend Lorin shared the tip that this chair is developed to be ergonomically correct for baby's sitting posture. And hey, if the physical therapist says its true... well then I trust her! It's super safe (with a 3-point harness system), made without BPAs or harsh chemicals (lacquered with a plant-based, non-toxic finish), is made in the USA (American manufacturing, woohoo!) and is pretty darn beautiful to look at. Everett has gotten really comfortable in his special seat after only about 8 weeks of using it - it's made meal time really hilarious and fun for all.

8. Tommee Tippee Bibs

These bibs. Are the bomb. Don't buy any others! Draping your child in a rubbery food-catcher is the only way to ensure a stain-free mealtime experience. Which means less laundry. Which means mommy is happy. Also, Everett likes to store prizes in these bibs, from time to time. It's darn cute.

These are the most-used, best-loved products in our feeding arsenal. Do you have any feeding picks to add to the list? If so, make sure to comment below! It's been an exploratory 7+ months for me and my little one and I love sharing what I've learned. Hopefully it will help you in your own baby-feeding journey! For in-depth (and perhaps an overshare) of nursing info, see my post about about breastfeeding and postpartum recovery. For more info on baby food resources and recipes, you can check out my post about Stage 1 Baby Foods. 

Now for a Giveaway!

I am so so SO thrilled to be partnering with Whisperbaby to give away the mother of all nursing pillows, the Milkmaid! I cannot possibly describe this pillow grandly enough - it's made my entire transition into nursing as flawless as it could be. It's such a quality product for such a vulnerable time in every mama's life - I am stoked to gift one of my lucky readers with this incredible product! And for the next month (until April 9th)

Whisper Baby is offering a 15% discount to Oy! readers using the code OYKRISTEN. Seriously, if you are pregnant or nursing (or ever plan to!) you should really take advantage of this stellar deal :)

*Photos by Rachel Spencer

Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter below (sorry - U.S based entries, only!) You just have to "like" Whisper Baby and Oykristen on Facebook and follow on Instagram, simple as that! 1 winner will be chosen at random within 1 week and contacted by email. Best of luck to all of you!

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Many thanks to Whisper Baby for sponsoring this giveaway for Oykristen readers :)

March. Sleepy Baby. Giveaways.

March. Sleepy Baby. Giveaways.
I just had to share these photos. I know they're a touch blurred, but gosh, it's so much fun taking an obscene amount of photos of my child. He was so tired. It was so funny.

HEADS UP: I have a slew of fun baby posts coming at you during the month of March. You could pretty much just call it baby month. Don't worry, those of you who aren't baby people. April will come. But March is for babies and I am suuuuuuper excited to share all kinds of fun content - reviews, baby registry picks, and GIVEAWAYS. Guys, I've got a mad amount of gifts for you. I am partnering with several different brands this month to bring you some really amazing products. Make sure you keep checking back here, and I will also be posting info on my instagram and twitter. Everything kicks off on Monday!

Are you excited? I AM SO EXCITED. Monday, people. It's all going down. Enjoy your weekend, folks! Woohoo!

A Moment for Me.

A Moment for Me.

It's 9:21 am and I am finally sitting down to my cup of coffee.

And an egg with avocado toast. Mmm. The smell of my coffee signals my consciousness that it's finally here, the coveted me time of the day. It's already been a maniacal morning, but in this very moment, a stillness washes over the room and I am almost at peace.

The baby is down for his morning nap, the husband is off at the salt mines (just kidding, work), and I have a few holy moments all to myself. Sometimes its hard to know quite what to do with these moments. There is a battle in my chest (I always imagine my mind in my chest, I don't know why?) throwing arrows at each other for who wins the awarded me time today. There is a rush from one side of my mind/chest that overwhelms me in a swelling wave, "Pick up the vacuum cleaner! Throw in that load of laundry (or 6)! Get started on food prep for dinner!", and there's another part of me that shouts, "Do something for yourself! Write that collaborative post for such and such company! Throw on some yoga pants and stretch! Submit a story to Real Simple Magazine (like you've been wanting to do)! Get back to those 6 people hanging out in your Gmail inbox that are waiting for your response!" Yes, the battle might seem silly to you. But it's my internal struggle. And then there's the never-ending to-do list. That could use some of my attention, as well. But the truth is, none of those things will reallllllly make me feel accomplished or valuable. In the moment, yes, I can do a few of those tasks and check the boxes on my list. And that is a good, valid reason to feel some sort of meaning today.  But I want more than to just feel good and valid.

Sitting silently, hands cupped around this beautiful piece of glazed pottery containing the morning's mystical blackened ambrosia, well, that's just what I'm going to do right now. I'm going to sit. In silence. And I'm gonna drink my coffee.

Eyes closed, mug poised at my lips, I am going to quite literally drink in this whole long moment. You know what happens during this quiet moment? I get really, really grateful. This spirit of gratitude comes in its quiet, humble sort of way, and without asking permission, walks silently across the battlefield of my mind (chest). A hush. The quivers drop. The arrows fall lifelessly mid-flight. This little spirit of gratitude, looking much like Piglet from Winne the Pooh, hovers its way out onto the battle field. Stands there for a moment. And all of a sudden there is nothing sudden. Stillness extends from the east to the west of my internal atlas and the menace has halted. This is the moment, the one I've been waiting for.

I'm am going to gobble this moment up, whole, cultivating some meditation. The gratitude. It reminds me that I am a blessed woman, with a beautiful family to call mine. This family. The ones whom I've sacrificed much for - a slammin' career, a perfectly toned physique, all kinds of delicious selfish pursuits, and sometimes my sanity. But this sublime pyramid of human joy whom I am so proud of, so thrilled to be part of building; these sweet spirits who I would gladly tumble over a cliff for. My Stevie and my Everett. I am so grateful for this life. I wouldn't have it any other way. I would choose the path I've experienced over anyone else's life because it has been the sweetest, most personally deepening and even more surprising than I could have ever conjured.

Thank you Lord. I am appreciative for this moment on my morning, thankful for the reminder to be grateful, thankful for the truth that nothing worth having ever comes easily. But it is so worth it. And as the baby begins to cry again, I take a deep breath, because I am recharged with a faith in myself. Recharged with the peace. Recharged with the precious, darling caffeine.