Dr. Brown's Natural Flow Bottles Review

When Ethan first began having issues with colic and gas, I did the normal thing that any mom would do: research the heck out of the best bottles to help with gas and colic. There are definitely a few contenders on the market. Admittedly, we tried all of them. Some offered minor relief, some offered no relief at all. After tons of recommendations for me to try Dr. Brown's bottles, I was so excited when the great people at Dr. Brown's offered to send me some of their bottles for us to try.



The bottles come in both glass and plastic and in quite a few different sizes. The wider bottles come with wider nipples and the more narrow bottles come with standard nipples. Ethan previously had issues latching properly to the wide-mouth nipples on the Tommee Tippee bottles that frequently collapsed, so I was eager to see how he would do on the wide-mouth nipples from Dr. Brown's.



I read a lot of complaints about how difficult it was to assemble and wash the Dr. Brown's bottles. I have to say that I disagree. Sure, there were a lot of pieces, but for good reason: the internal vent system allows babies to eat without the discomfort of ingesting air bubbles. That means it helps with colic, gas and spit-up. The vent system fully vents the bottles for vacuum-free feeding which I was pleased to learn.

When assembling the bottles and then taking them apart to wash them, I was pleased to see that it wasn't a huge ordeal like many people were complaining about. The pieces were easy to assemble and went together easily. Washing the pieces was easy, too. They were easy to wash with just standard bottle brushes and they actually also came with a small brush to aid in cleaning the blue tube properly. They also washed nicely in our Munchkin dishwasher basket.







Something I also didn't know was that the venting system helps maintain nutrient levels in breastmilk and formula, including vitamins C, A and E. You can read more about the nutrient study here.

With the wide-mouth nipples, Ethan still had a tough time latching on at first. There was no nipple collapse like with some of the other bottles on the market, so eventually he was able to latch on and finish the bottle. With the standard nipples, Ethan latched on immediately and took to them quite well. I noticed immediately that he did not have as much gas after a few feedings as he previously had with some of the other brands of bottles we used previously. His need to burp was decreased from the prior bottles as well.

I was so impressed with the bottles that we went out to purchase some more and my parents even purchased a set for their home as well. Ethan still struggles with some gas discomfort though it's no longer after every feeding, but maybe once or twice per day. He's completely stopped spitting up after every feeding, too, which was a plus as I was really started to worry about it. I've noticed that most of his colic symptoms have also stopped and he never fusses after feedings anymore.



We are now solely using the Dr. Brown's bottles after each feeding. Ethan seems to favor the standard ones as opposed to the wide-neck ones, but he will still use both during his feedings.

I was overall quite impressed by all of Dr. Brown's products. I also liked that you can easily purchase replacement parts for all of their bottles in addition to nipples that correspond with your child's age and desired flow speed.

I am so grateful to the people at Dr. Brown's for offering us the chance to try out these great bottles because, let me tell you, I'm hooked!

You can purchase Dr. Brown's bottles at any baby retailer (Babies 'R Us, Buy Buy Baby, etc.) as well as online. I definitely recommend these to any parent struggling with a new baby with colic or a baby who is suffering from gas pains after feeding.

Ethan Is One Month!

Ethan turned one month old today! It's so hard to believe it's already been a month and it's even crazier to see how much he's grown in comparison to his newborn photographs. (By the way, how cute are his onesie stickers?! Bethany at The Momma Monologues got them for him as a gift! Aren't they adorable?!) It's been such a whirlwind month, but I mean that in the best of ways. Being a mommy has been the most wonderful thing in the world and even with all of the health issues that I had at the beginning, I can honestly say this has been the greatest month ever.

I was super excited to do his one month photo shoot today. Ethan, however? He decided this was all he was going to give me:


...So we called it quits and waited until right before he fell asleep in his Rock & Play Sleeper to get those cute shots we began this post with. Another lesson in the fact that motherhood often means going with the flow! I decided to make prints of both for his baby book. I'm sure one day he'll find humor in the outtakes!

Ethan had a pretty exciting one month birthday, though! My husband and I took him down to visit his great-great-grandmother, Jennie, today for a visit! He slept for most of the visit but still got lots of cuddle time in with his great-great-grandmother. I still think it's pretty great that Ethan gets a great-great-grandmother! Here I was thinking I was super special for just having a great-grandmother! It was a little bit tough being there and looking at my Nonno's empty chair. It was hard not to look at it and imagine him still sitting there and those thoughts prompted ones of thinking how much Nonno would love to hold Ethan in that very chair. It's moments like this where I feel so thankful for my birth (despite the trauma, really) and for the fact that Ethan made his arrival into the world on Nonno's birthday.

Ethan also received a special gift from his Uncle Mikey:

It's an ocean themed mini-guitar to match his nursery theme! Isn't that awesome?! Ethan is one spoiled little boy with so many people who love him! (But how can you not love him?! He's pretty darn lovable, if I don't say so myself!)

Ethan's excitement didn't end there! My aunt Fran is in town visiting from Pennsylvania. She flew in to meet Ethan and stay for ten days (we'll call her Granny Franny from here on out, as I'm desperately trying to make that one stick!). She brought with her Regal tickets for Aaron and I, and she and my mother (who I affectionately refer to as The Babysnatchers!) saw Aaron and I off to dinner and a movie while they took custody of Ethan for the evening. Now, Granny Franny is another one of those super-special relatives who I know Ethan will be extremely close to and love very much just as we do! She claims to not understand the blogging world ("People actually go on the computer just to read your crap?!") but I know she's reading this right this very second! I caught you, Granny Franny! You love reading my crap!



My husband and I then set off for dinner at Seasons 52 followed by a movie (A Little Help). Towards the end of the film, I was admittedly getting a bit antsy because I missed my little boy so much!



All in all, it's been a great month. My first month as a mommy has been nothing short of perfect. My little Ethan, thank you for being the best son anyone could ever ask for. I love you more than there are stars in the sky and with every last fiber of my being. You are my world.

Lemon Baked Salmon & Chocolate Chip Ricotta Muffins

I don't eat fish (or anything that comes from the ocean) but once in a while I like to make a fish dinner for my husband. You know, because I'm a nice wife like that. After I cook fish, I like to bake something delicious to try to erase the horrible way fish makes the house smell. I guess that makes fish night a win-win situation for my husband, as he gets a special dinner and can always count on something delicious and chocolate-y to follow.

Tonight's menu consisted of a baked salmon recipe (with rice and green beans tossed in lemon juice and slivered almonds) and chocolate chip ricotta muffins (gluten-free, of course) for dessert.


Lemon Baked Salmon

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons light olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 2 (6 ounce) fillets salmon

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and brush onto salmon filets.
2. Individually wrap salmon filets in aluminum foil and place in glass baking dish.
3. Bake at 375 degrees for 35-45 minutes.


Chocolate Chip Ricotta Muffins

• 2 cups gluten-free flour (or regular flour, for you non-Celiacs!)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 egg whites
• 8 oz fat free ricotta cheese
• 1/2 tbsp vanilla
• semi-sweet chocolate chip morsels

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix flour and baking soda. Mix and cream butter and sugar. Beat egg whites and add to butter/sugar mixture. Mix in ricotta cheese, then flour mixture and vanilla. Fold in chocolate chips and spoon into lined muffin tins about 3/4 filled.
3. Bake at 375 degrees for 15-16 minutes and let cool.

Miracle Blanket Review & Giveaway - CLOSED

I first learned about the Miracle Blanket when I won one in a giveaway over at Adventures In Mommyhood. Victoria, who runs said blog, is a huge Miracle Blanket supporter. I was only a few weeks pregnant and was still learning the ropes of what to expect in pregnancy, let alone once the baby arrives. Little did I know at the time how much we would rely on the Miracle Blanket (understatement of the year).

...Let's just say that we now own eleven Miracle Blankets.

I was a huge proponent of swaddling from the moment I realized I was pregnant and began to plan for a baby. I knew I wanted to swaddle based on the research that proper swaddling has been known to reduce the risk of SIDS by 30% (even over back-sleeping babies without swaddling). I've always admitted to being neurotic, but 30% is nothing to scoff at. The added bonus of swaddling erasing any traces of colic-induced discomfort is just another added bonus of the Miracle Blanket.

Ethan has some minor colic and reflux issues (I'm knocking on wood when I type 'minor,' please believe) that give him some discomfort at times. The second he's swaddled in his Miracle Blanket, the crying stops. It's almost like that little swaddle can just take away any ounce of his discomfort. As a mom, what more could you ask for than an answer to halting any discomfort your baby is feeling? There are so many reasons why the Miracle Blanket is more effective in comforting than your average swaddling blanket or receiving blanket. Medical research shows the incredible efficacy of proper swaddling has been done using a snugly wrapped blanket with arms down at-the-sides. The second we put Ethan's arms at his sides in the designated arm wraps, he's instantly comforted. What pleases me, too, is that Ethan legitimately loves to be swaddled. More than car rides or stroller rides, his Miracle Blanket swaddle brings him the utmost comfort. Also, as you can tell from the photos accompanying this post, he sleeps so soundly in his Miracle Blanket. Proper swaddling helps baby sleep longer, deeper and better. I can totally vouch for this!

Before we stocked up on our stash of Miracle Blankets, we tried other swaddle blankets and receiving blankets. Ethan is a little Houdini and none of them lasted longer than five minutes. None of them provided the comfort that the Miracle Blanket provides him. Where many blankets out there are just simply wraps, the Miracle Blanket provides an actual swaddle with it's intricate design, pockets and flaps. There are no buttons or snaps or any other choking hazards for me to worry about while he sleeps. If anything, the Miracle Blanket simply alleviates worry and replaces it with comfort. I've often heard moms say that their child didn't like to be swaddled or was able fuss their way out of a swaddle in a standard blanket, but the Miracle Blanket is so much different than those other swaddling blankets or an average receiving blanket. It's almost like comparing apples to oranges.

The Miracle Blanket is nothing short of an actual miracle.







If you're still curious in learning more (which you should be!), the Miracle Blanket has a great YouTube channel with many video examples on how it works.

To Buy: You can purchase the Miracle Blanket at boutique stores or online at Miracle Blanket's website (there is also a store locator available). The Miracle Blanket sells for $29.99.

To Win: Read ahead, as the awesome folks at Miracle Blanket are offering one of my readers a chance to win their very own Miracle Blanket!



MANDATORY ENTRY:

• You MUST be a follower of You Are The Roots on GFC (Google Friend Connect) to be eligible for entry!
• Like Miracle Blanket on Facebook.
• Leave a comment letting me know you've done both these steps (and comment with your Facebook link so this can be verified!).

BONUS ENTRIES: *Mandatory entry must be completed for these to count!

• Like You Are The Roots on Facebook and leave me a comment with your name (first name, last initial) or URL so this can be verified!
• Follow Miracle Blanket on Twitter and leave me a comment with your Twitter username so this can be verified!
• Tweet the following message (can be done once a day for one entry a day) and comment with the link to the tweet: #win a @MiracleBlanket at tinyurl.com/3u4edz7, ends 8/1/11!
• Share this giveaway on your Facebook (can be done once a day for one entry a day) and comment with the link!
• Leave the great folks at Miracle Blanket a comment on their Facebook wall telling them you were sent from the giveaway at YouAreTheRoots.com, and leave me a comment with the URL so this can be confirmed.
• Vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs & Picket Fence Blogs (look to the left to see the buttons) - counts as one entry, can be once a day. Leave me a comment to let me know you've voted!
• 3 Entries - Blog about this giveaway. Comment (one comment for each entry, 3 total) with a link to where I can find your blog entry.
• 2 Entries - Grab my button and comment (one comment for each entry, 2 total) with a link to where I can find it.

This giveaway closes on 8/1/11 @ 10AM EST.

Open to US and Canada.

The winner will be selected at random (using random.org) and will be notified via e-mail. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to e-mail before a back-up winner will also be selected at random.

Good luck and another huge thank you to the folks at Miracle Blanket for offering my readers this great opportunity (and for making such a fantastic product...my little Ethan who is currently fast asleep in his Miracle Blanket swaddle agrees!).
And the winner is...




Congratulations, Kimberly! You've been notified via e-mail!

Back To Normal (& Better Than Normal)

I'm finally starting to realize that the chaos of pregnancy is over and done with. When I lay comfortably in bed at night, I realize the nighttime discomfort is gone. The heartburn? Gone. The swelling? Gone. The acne and other strange bodily changes? Gone. The bedrest? Gone. That last one has been the biggest realization that my mind has had to process as it felt like forever that I was confined to a bed or a couch with my legs propped up, unable to even make myself a sandwich or pour myself a glass of water. With my husband to chauffeur me until my OB clears me to drive again, I'm able to walk up and down the aisles of the grocery store. I'm able to stand in our kitchen and cook dinner again. It's been so blissful to even compose grocery lists, as I get too excited to even sleep at the thought of having to write them. It means liberation, no more confinement and helplessness.

The best part to life returning back to normal is that I have my little boy here on the outside with me. I have my husband, who is on paternity leave for over a month, here to create routines and schedules with me. We've settled into said routine with Ethan and it's been amazing to feel like not only a functional human being, but a family.

Last night I stayed up making a meal plan for the week and the accompanying grocery list. I felt like a child happily composing a wishlist for Santa Claus. In between adding items to the produce section or the frozen items, I was able to get up and pick up Ethan, feed him, change him and snuggle with him. I was able to watch my husband cuddle with Ethan on the couch and stare in awe at the beautiful little boy we're both so in love with. It's basically worth every second of swelling, preeclampsia and bedrest -- and, no, I'm not coming down with childbirth-amnesia already. Life is just that incredible right now.



Tonight for dinner, I made chicken Parmesan burgers from a recipe I adapted from Skinny Taste. My husband has Celiac so I made a couple of gluten-free adaptations and loved every second of playing around with seasonings and spices.

To make these easy and delicious burgers, you'll need:

• 1 lb. ground chicken
• hamburger buns or rolls (I used Udi's new gluten-free buns)
• shredded mozzarella cheese
• pasta sauce
• Spices to taste (I used oregano, parsley, garlic, onion powder and grated Parmesan cheese)

1. Season the chicken as desired and form into patties.
2. Cook patties over medium-high heat (approximately 3 minutes per side) until cooked through.
3. Place patties on buns and add shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
4. Once cheese is melted, spoon pasta sauce on top.

--

I also have to take a minute to pat myself on the back for being so diligent in regards to Ethan's baby book and photographs. I had this irrational (or maybe quite rational, given that I have a newborn) notion that I would fall behind on printing photographs of him and one day he'd be five years old and wonder why his only baby photographs were on Facebook.

He now has an up-to-date photo album and we now have an insane amount of framed photographs ready to be hung around our house.



You know, it's always something going on.

Since my life has traded in the chaos for amazing-ness, I'm also proud to say I'll be making some great new changes and features to this blog. I have a couple of fantastic giveaways coming up soon (one even this evening -- so keep checking back!) and a lot of interesting posts and things going on.

(And, yes, lots of ridiculously adorable pictures of my son to post. I can't help it. You know how it is.)

Being a mom is so, so, so, so awesome.