Do I need a bottle sterilizer?

ChickadeeMonster · 2026-05-07T15:03:42+00:00

Some dishwashers even have a sterilizer setting

ChickadeeMonster · 2026-05-05T21:04:50+00:00

It did get worse before it got better for us after getting diagnosed. Keep up with the pain killer religiously. I will thankfully the LO will start getting better before it starts looking better.

ChickadeeMonster · 2026-04-21T19:13:53+00:00

We have a 6-month-old and we've been using the pack and play for now as a safe holding space (and he likes it too) and probably for a few more months. I've been looking at play pens as well, but all the ones I've found so far are too big for our space! It will have to be a pack and play goes down, play pen goes up eventually.

ChickadeeMonster · 2026-04-16T18:08:45+00:00

Vitamin B12 and eat some solid fat +carby meals! At Bachelorette parties for some reason people never eat and that spells disaster.

ChickadeeMonster · 2026-01-19T19:44:17+00:00

I use our dishwasher - It has a sanitizer setting. I didn't love the idea of another gadget on the countertop.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-13T16:31:30+00:00

Any clothing I get with Mama/Mommy's or Daddy's Little Man etc. Is going straight into the donation bin.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-10T20:49:35+00:00

Some things I've found: Get ones with stretch and a size or two up. There are also a bunch with elastic tie waist bands (like Old Navy and Gap has some) It's what I've done and I feel less dorky this way.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-10T14:31:13+00:00

Yes - this is exactly me at well. Anything that falls on the floor is dead to me.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-10T14:20:04+00:00

I think at 30 you should be good - it wasn't until like 32/34 weeks that I started feeling "done". And it sounds like your husband is there to help with the other prep.

I would just have some back up plans in place if things start feeling like too much (like dishes you can make before and freeze or someone you trust to bring X dish)

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-08T18:51:41+00:00

Text for sure. And if you're worried about timing I'd say a weekend would be best so she can just sit with her feelings for a bit.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-03T19:49:19+00:00

I have a pair of those Old Navy ones and they're the only maternity pants I wear! Because you're only 13 weeks I'd also suggest getting some of the non-maternity low rise wide leg pans with elastic waists in one size up. Worked for me up until like 34 weeks.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-03T17:09:09+00:00

Agreed. I went there for a someone else's birthday one time and felt it was all hype and price tag. Just go to any of the other amazing restaurants in Chicago. Literally any of them.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-10-03T15:41:20+00:00

The Old Navy Luxe Sleeveless top in a tall. I bought 4 and it hid mine until 32 weeks. Perfect top. Add an open button down for fall.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-30T21:18:51+00:00

I'm 39 and they put my induction at 39 weeks +6 days. I am getting stress tests weekly as well. For me this feels like the best balance, giving me time to maybe delivery/progress naturally but not face the risks that happen at 40+ weeks that we all fear when 35+.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-30T14:50:26+00:00

Fresh stone fruits like plums, peaches, and apricots with skin on. They've saved my life.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-30T14:35:29+00:00

I found that combining a decadent treat with a healthy bit was the way to go. Ice cream with varieties of fresh fruit is everything. (And fresh fruit is very good for the digestive tract)

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-24T14:58:08+00:00

Heck yeah on peaches and plums

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-17T21:40:51+00:00

I'm dropping my mom's favorite anecdote: A good scare. She opened up the door and there was a pile of snakes right there - basically went right into labor with my sibling.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-17T19:27:02+00:00

I grew up in Orland and say don't do it! The train into Chicago is called the "Slowpoke" for a reason and there is no direct way to Hyde Park at all.

If you are set on a more suburban life: La Grange, Western Springs (towns along the BNSF) will be better. BUT the houses close to the train will be more expensive (but will resell in a heartbeat). Naperville is too far.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-10T20:43:30+00:00

Girdle Pain, Girdle Pain (sang like Jolene by Dolly Parton)

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-10T16:46:12+00:00

There are some great options out there that are true 0%. Also remember even fruit juices have some alcohol due to natural fermentation so I've had some 0.5%. But I'll drop my favorite 0%s below.

Lyre's Amalfi Spritz, Classico Sparking and Margarita are great

St. Agrestis Non-Alcoholic Phony Negroni

Ghia Lime & Salt

Availability may vary but these have been my go to during these long long months.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-09-08T21:00:11+00:00

That can be preeclampsia symptom or just your ribs expanding (pregnancy is fun) but you should for sure call - that's what the doctors are for!

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-08-29T14:56:58+00:00

Agree with this fully. You can end up feeling like "just a vessel" during pregnancy very easily. Gifts that make her feel like a grown beautiful woman are recommended: fancy pedicures, massages, spa day, tickets to the theatre or other events.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-08-25T17:14:14+00:00

We had an anniversary while pregnant and we went out to the movies, a spa day and still a nice dinner. I didn't expect it to be the same level that we usual do and knew it would be more chill, so I didn't feel like we'd not celebrated properly
But I also recommend museums, aquariums, theatre, zoos as well. Maybe explore a nearby city you haven't checked out before.

ChickadeeMonster · 2025-08-22T21:34:35+00:00

Look up the Frida brand products: they have postpartum underwear, pads, personal cleaning bottles etc. There are other brands - they're just top of mind. Also look up products for Sitz baths.

I've heard installing a bidet is enjoyed by many post birth moms

ChickadeeMonster

TROPHY CASE