Melody's Newborn Schedule

Melody's Newborn Schedule

Brittany Payne
Kids

After Melody was born, our pediatrician put us on a 3 hour feeding schedule.  It took us a few days to find a schedule and rhythm that worked for us.  We wanted a schedule that would provide us with some sleep, but also work with us once Brad went back to work.  The first week at home, I pumped, and we supplemented with formula.  After I built up a day's worth of breastmilk, we went exclusively breastmilk and no formula.  This schedule was especially rough on me because I was pumping almost every feeding, but we eventually got into such a good routine that it really wasn't too bad.  Check it out below:

DIY Breast Pumping Bras

Brittany Payne
Household, Crafts, Kids

The biggest trouble I ran into while pumping breastmilk was not having any free hands.  This was troublesome for two reasons.  One - this prevented me from being able to feed Melody AND pump at the same time.  This was an issue only at night because I did that feeding alone, and I was ready to go back to sleep!  Prior to my pumping bra, it was taking me 15 minutes to prep for feeding and pumping, 30 minutes to feed, and 30 minutes to pump.  Then I had to clean up, change Melody, put her to bed, then go to bed myself. That was over 90 minutes!  The second reason was that my hands would get super tired from holding the breast shields in place while pumping. I sometimes would slide my bra over the bottom of the shields, but it would still leak.

Baby Shower Diaper Thoughts

Baby Shower Diaper Thoughts

Brittany Payne
Parties

Originally I had not planned to do this at my best friend's baby shower.  However, after doing her diaper cakes and stork bundles, I had some diapers left over.  I decided that this would be a much cuter way to give her the diapers rather than throwing them in a bag.  I designed a cute sign and used a picture frame from Hobby Lobby to put it in.  I also found an adorable basket at Hobby Lobby that went with the color scheme that I put the diapers in.  I bought Sharpies in a variety of colors and used a small vase to put them in next to the diapers.  I put these next to the party favors for everyone to sign before they left!

DragonCon 2014 and 2015

DragonCon 2014 and 2015

Brittany Payne
Vacations

I already kind of discussed DragonCon back in May when I was going over what Brad and I wear to it.  I thought it might also be informative to discuss some of what we did at the last two DragonCons that we have attended.  It is highly unlikely we will be attending DragonCon 2016 (primarily because we have a little one now, and we prefer she not get the ConCrud), but if you are and have never been, hopefully this will give you some idea of what to look forward to.

DIY Cards for Dad

DIY Cards for Dad

Brittany Payne
Crafts

So now that it is Father's Day, I can share these adorable cards that I made for Brad and our dads.  These will work for any dad, grandpa, great grandpa, or you can even switch them up for moms, grandmas, and great grandmas!  They will work for just about any card giving holiday as well.  Just change up the wording!

Baby Friendly Initiative Hospital Experience

Baby Friendly Initiative Hospital Experience

Brittany Payne
Kids

I delivered Melody at Madison Hospital in Madison, AL.  Madison Hospital is currently pursuing the "Baby Friendly" designation.  The practice that I use only delivers at two hospitals locally.  Both hospitals are pursuing this designation.  We did tour both hospitals, and we were made aware of the hospitals goals at achieving this rare designation.  During our tours, we really were not that concerned with this.  One reason being that we had no choice.  With both hospitals doing this, it really had no impact on which hospital we decided to deliver Melody in.  The second reason is honestly, we did not realize the impact this would have on us (more about that below).

What to Wear to Disney World in September

What to Wear to Disney World in September

Brittany Payne
Vacations

As most of you know, I go to Disney World quite frequently.  One of the most difficult tasks for me is what clothes to pack for the weather.  This is primarily because Orlando weather isn't always the easiest to predict.  However, in September, you can pretty much guarantee it is going to be humid, hot, and maybe even rainy!  So dress appropriately. 

Introducing Melody Camille

Introducing Melody Camille

Brittany Payne
Kids

On May 25, 2016, our world changed forever.  Melody Camille arrived!  She was born at 9:42 p.m., weighing 6 pounds 15 ounces, and was 20.5 inches long.  She is absolutely perfect in every way possible.  See below for yourself:

Baby Shower Gift Table

Baby Shower Gift Table

Brittany Payne
Parties

For my best friend's baby shower, the theme was pink and gray elephants.  I decided to make a cute sign to let guests know where to put their gifts for the mommy to be.  I used white cardstock and found a cute pink picture frame at Hobby Lobby.  I used the same elephants that I used throughout her baby shower and printed that along with the words "Gift Table" onto the cardstock.  I placed the picture from on the table we were using at the shower for gifts.  This is super simple and easy, but adds a nice touch to any party.

Nursery Completion

Nursery Completion

Brittany Payne
Household

So we are finally finished with Miss Melody's nursery!  Today is her official due date, so I thought what better day than today to post our final pictures.  Of course, all that is missing from these pictures is Melody herself!  Check them out below!

New York Planning and Trip Report

New York Planning and Trip Report

Brittany Payne
Vacations

So our sort of "babymoon" was a trip to New York over Thanksgiving.  We started planning our trip, however, before we knew I was pregnant.  Hence the "sort of" babymoon.  New York was something Brad had always wanted to do, and he really wanted to go before kids.  So we investigated and planned away!

Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Brittany Payne
Recipes

Cheesy Chicken Casserole is a really easy crockpot recipe.  I found this recipe in my Better Homes and Garden Cookbook.  I changed up a few things, but I primarily kept the basic ingredients the same.  See below!

DIY Wine Charms

DIY Wine Charms

Brittany Payne
Household, Parties, Crafts

I came up with the idea of making my own wine charms when I was trying to come up with a good party favor.  While I actually never used these for party favors, I still think the idea of making your own is ideal for any occasion.  And if you aren't a wine drinker, they can still be used on any glass with a stem to help everyone identify their glass!  You can easily change out the beads or even the charms to make each one unique!

Dragoncon Outfits

Dragoncon Outfits

Brittany Payne
Vacations

Every Labor Day weekend an event called DragonCon is held in Atlanta, GA.  In 2014, my husband and I went for the first time just for one day.  We really were not sure what it was all about, and we already happened to be in Atlanta for Ole Miss and Alabama football games.  So we spent the Friday before Labor Day checking it out.  It turned out to be so much fun, we decided to go back in 2015 for the entire event weekend.  This was Friday-Monday. 

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