I swear to you, I did not plan on Connor Claire and I matching today. It just so happened that her mint green swaddle blanket matched my pineapple sweatshirt. 🙂
These swaddle blankets, by the way, are awesome, but they’re not just swaddle blankets. You can also use them to catch spit-up or poop, both of which I’ve become intimately familiar with over the past few days, along with any other sorts of things that come out of babies when they’re newborns.
The blankets are from the aiden by aiden + anais swaddleplus 4-pack ($34.99). I got one as a gift for my baby shower, and I liked it so much that I got another pack from Target this week.
On the beauty front, I don’t know if there’s really anything out there capable of fully combating the dark circles I have right now — any kind of concealer or cream or magical potion capable of making one look well rested after not getting any sleep at all for like a week — but I wish there was, because then I’d look less tired.
I haven’t really had the time to wear a lot of makeup lately, but being a beauty girl at heart, I can’t completely leave all of that stuff by the roadside, so I figure, now’s a good time to work on my skin instead! 🙂
One of the products I’m going to try is a new hydrating face cream by Sunday Riley called Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream ($65), which I’m really excited about because my skin’s been so incredibly dry since I got back from my staycation at the hospital. I was there a little longer than I expected…
And now I’m just really, really tired.
I knew I was gonna be tired, too, but I didn’t realize I was going to be this tired.
Also, I don’t know if this is just me because I watch so many conspiracy theory TV shows, like that 11.22.63 one on Hulu with James Franco (SO great), but sometimes I wonder about Connor Claire’s timing, because it’s very, very funny how she’ll do things when I least expect her to.
Like yesterday, I gave her a bath — gave her a sponge bath — so she was nice and clean. Then I put her in a clean diaper, put on a cute little outfit, a cute little matching hat, and wrapped her up in a cute little matching swaddle blanket, and then shortly thereafter, bwaaa! — she threw up all over the swaddle, all over her outfit, and even got it all over her hat.
So I changed everything… Then she almost immediately did a massive explosive poop in her diaper. Then I changed her diaper again, and as soon as I finished that, she pee’d all over herself!
It’s like a sci-fi thriller around here. There’s something strange and unexpected around every turn.
On today’s agenda? — to file Connor Claire’s nails, and I have these little baby nail files, because before babies come out of their mommies, they obviously don’t have a nail salon in there to get their nails done, and they can scratch themeslves, so I have to file her nails, and while I’m at it, I’m also gonna do my nails, too.
I think I’ll paint them with one or more of these new polishes from Essie.
I’m leaning toward one of the blues or greens…
In other news, how are things going in your neck of the woods? I hope all is well. What have I missed?
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
question time
So you need to clean it with a sponge, is that a special kind of sponge?
and I was thinking those hats over here can be a kind of a waste but now that you mention they can just throw all over it in a split of a second I wonder how many of those I need. I see I have a lot to learn before the time comes. Wow
she looks gorgeous in that outfit that she wore for maybe 10 minutes?
I got also one of those swaddles, and like I see they can make a mess of it too. so maybe 2 is a better option than one?
Hi there I saw your comment and wanted to reply back to you, you will need more than one swaddle blanket for sure. Around three or four, kids do tend to spit up and have little accidents so you need to have some and ideally you would be able to do laundry once a week or a couple times a week of being a new mom I know that’s really difficult to do. So having multiples of everything including swaddle blankets, hats, onesies, t-shirts, play suits everything having multiples and they outgrow them so fast you could just go to Walmart and pick them up or order them online on Walmart if you don’t have one near you.
Thank you for your comment SHAKUN, this will be my first time being a mother. And those kinds of accidents you mention never crossed my mind, I think I will buy more of these, we don’t live in the united states so this kind of stuff for sure swaddle me are difficult to find.We usually wash laundry every two weeks but now I see when the baby arrives things like that will change too. There is so much yet to learn, We are pet parents but nothing is compared to the change that this will bring into our lives. More tips are always welcome, thank you.
Karen! She’s absolutely beautiful and perfect. I’m so happy for you, I’m over here tearing up at my desk and my ovaries are wishing for a baby too lol! Your heart must be so full!
Wedding planning has left me with no sleep, and quite a few meltdowns that left me a puffy eyed mess. The Glycelene Eye Repair Oil is miracle! Their line is organic and based in LA, I’ve loved EVERYTHING I’ve purchased from them. The moisturizers made a difference in a week, something my La Mer didn’t do in a year. When you catch up on sleep, check them out haha
Oh my, your plate certainly is full! But I love these little updates on your progress for the two of you. Connor Claire looks like a sleeping angel, and I love the photo of you both in your coordinating outfits. I think the first few weeks are especially hard, but hopefully she’ll get into some kind of pattern and you can get some sleep! Your skin looks beautiful BTW. Who would know that you’re exhausted!
She is so beautifully perfect, and I am so happy for you!
I’m glad you put a pic of Tabs in there, too. He needs to know that you love him just the same. Don’t neglect your kitty cat. <3
When Daya was a newborn I used Miracle Blankets to swaddle her. They were amazing. When she was a little larger and started to break out of them and wake herself up, I would- yes literally- duct tape her in them.
She slept so much better tightly swaddled. There is a stage where they flail their arms around and they don't have any motor control…so they wake themselves up. So, duct tape. 🙂
To this very day my girl is the best sleeper EVER.
Those Aiden swaddle cloths are the best. I still used them for all manner of things and my youngest is 9!! I hope you are bearing up well. It’s a journey and an exhausting one. Best wishes x
Connor Claire is so sweet! She’s keeping you and Tabs on your toes it sounds like! My niece is currently in labor, so I should have a new great nephew soon 🙂
Things are good here! Quincy, Jiji, and Mina all send their regards. I also got to pet the cat who owns the vintage store my friends manage, Romeo. He’s got long salt and pepper colored fur and is a lovebug.
Conner Claire is absolutely gorgeous! What an amazing blessing. So happy for you.
She’s beautiful! That wittle nose! And your skin looks fabulous.
She’s a cutie! Glad to hear that you are doing well 🙂 Keep in mind that right when you think you can’t get any more tired, it will start getting easier 🙂 Hang in there, mama!
My face is very smiley right now! Connor Claire is perfect, and you have never looked lovelier, Karen. Being a Mama suits you. I hope Brer Tabs is adjusting well. ??
Baby clippers are a life saver! Some babies are hella fussy about the file and the clippers are much faster.
I just got Tidal delivered to my door 5 minutes ago! I don’t know what the heck is up with Sephora lately, I haven’t been sent a single sample I’ve requested since last summer, it’s all something else. If someone puts in for nothing but skincare samples why would you send foundation and perfume?!?! Every time. Send me different skincare but not 10 million vials of Chloe and Prada Candy!
You look gorgeous, Mama Karen. And Connor Claire is just a perfect, little, pretty baby!!! Kinda jealous… 🙂 but reaaaaally happy for you!
You look absolutely great! I can’t wait to hear more about all things baby in the coming months. I’m 14 weeks and will be making my announcement to work and friends next week–eek! I hope I look as good as you do after having a baby!
And that is why you need LOTS of little burp cloths, bibs, and clothes! 🙂 Everyday will be a new adventure, and it all goes entirely too fast. You make me wish my 14 yr old was tiny again. I will echo everyone else, she is beautiful, and you look wonderful too!
Hi Karen and hello for the first time to Connor Claire ( sorry I was away for a while)
Aw!! isn’t she adorable, oh my goodness.Just like her mom so gorgeous.
Oh! I would kiss her all over, sorry but she is so beautiful.
I’m really happy for you & your husband.
God Bless.
All the best.
I LOVE those aden+anais swaddle cloths. They are so amazing. Perfect for a light summer blanket, car seat cover, nursing wrap, burp cloth…the list goes on. I should go wrap up my little man right now…
Connor Claire is beautiful! Even with no makeup and being tired, you look beautiful, too! My girl hated having her nails filed so I went with the baby nail clippers. To this day she hates having her nails filed, says it’s the sound of it. I can remember when I was still in the hospital the nurse was teaching my husband how to change a diaper. He did it once under her instruction and just as he was fastening that last corner our baby girl pooped again. So he asks, “What do I do?” The nurse and I replied in unison you start over again. And sure enough he’s halfway through changing that diaper a second time when our dear daughter pees and poops yet again. He let out an exasperated sound and walked away. I finished the job that time. It gets easier over time, but I was still glad once she was potty trained. But I swear every time we got a new car she made sure to throw up all over the back seat. Sigh. Still wouldn’t trade all those experiences for anything else in the world. Enjoy your beautiful baby girl.
She is so pretty! Never a dull moment, huh? Enjoy every second, cuz it goes by fast! Glad that Tabs looks content!
She is beautiful! Congratulations!! Excited to hear about your journey. You didn’t miss much, just Kim Kardash posting more nude pics of herself. Cue eye roll.
Congratulations! She’s so beautiful.
She is adorable! You will get so you can “read” her, and you will have an idea of she usually spits up after this, or usually does this…Welcome to the club! I am working on my nails, too. I found the KISS brush on gel nail kit. was going to try it tonight, until I realized it doesn’t come with glue for the tips. So I will get that next time I run to Walmart. I picked it up in the short tip length. My nails bend and break as soon as they grow past my nail bed. If this doesn’t help, I’m going to learn to do my own acrylics. I can’t go get them done, cost too much. This kit has the acrylic in a gel. So it’s 2 bottles of liquid. Hope it works!
Awwww, you guys really do match today 😀 She’s just the most beautiful baby. And you, my friend, don’t look exhausted at all! I’m sure you ARE exhausted, but you don’t look it. You look happy and radiant to me. The whole poop ‘n puke carousel you got going on right now doesn’t sound fun though, ugh.
Also, do you really have to file a baby’s nails?? I had no idea :-O Makes sense I guess.
She is SUCH a cutie.
LOL! When you were pregnant and saying you were so tired, I wanted to say “juuuuust wait until BG arrives.” You don’t really know tired until you’re in the same roof as a newborn 24/7. 😉
You guys are super adorable and mommy hood looks wonderful on you Karen! Sarah sends kisses (ok more like spitty blowing raspberries) to cousin Connor Claire.
Psst. Tired mom. The link to the aiden clothes is broken. I think you accidentally added it to an internal blog template link. No worries, I can google, but just an FYI as something to take care of when you get the chance.
Awwwww, you both look beautiful! My older son peeked over my shoulder and was saying how cute Connor is and how we should steal her. 😉 He always wanted a baby sister.
Until I had kids, I never realized how accurate the terms “explosive diarrhea” and “projectile vomiting” were.
She is a beauty! Congratulations! Ooo I’m loving those polish colors.
Dr Dennis Gross Eye Serum from Sephora. Runs anywhere from $68-$85 for a small bottle (yikes!) but you can thank me later. I vote for a Skittkes mani. But since Connor Claire might object, what with the pooping, and peeling, & regurgitating and all, one color will prolly have to suffice. Did I mention she’s beautiful & looks like a doll? Oh what fun you two are gonna have when she realizes she can also PAINT the nails you’re going to file 🙂
Oh Karen, Connor is so beautiful and you look so happy. I don’t see any exhaustion on your face.
And for the rest, welcome to motherhood. It’s always something.
I haven’t watched the James Franco yet. By the way, did you see him in The Interview? It’s on Netflix still I think. Hysterically funny, a teensy bit raunchy and silly but quite good.
Do you need anything to read in the quiet moments while baby is sleeping? Marie Kondo has another book out, sort of like a how to implement stuff she talks about in Life-Changing Magic.
I’m also reading, at the suggestion of my boss, Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter. The cover has caught my eye over the years but I never picked it up until I saw it on my boss’ desk a few weeks ago. I’m not a huge fan of fiction. But this is pretty engrossing.
Give Tabs and Connor smooches and tum rubs for me 🙂
Lol!!! Explosive baby stories make me laugh! You will too, eventually! She’s a gorgeous baby, you grew a good one! ?
Oh gosh, that does sound like a scifi thriller. o.o At least she makes up for by being so cute!
Karen I am so glad we are going through newborn hood at the same time! My LO is now 7 weeks, and although most of the time it does get better, your writing describes exactly how I feel most days/have felt. Like the little makeup, me wanting to focus more on skincare! Also being tired! My husband and I looked at each other about week 2 or 3 and were like WE ARE SO EXHAUSTED OH MY GOD what did we do?! But everyone is right, it gets better! You are looking great.
Just wanted to give you a belated congratulations on your beautiful new baby girl Connor, Karen! She is absolutely precious! The sleep deprivation issue IS rough, I know. But eventually they begin to sleep longer at a clip at night, my first was sleeping through the night much younger than his little sister did. Btw, you look fantastic even though sleep is broken and brief!
Hey Karen, I’m glad to hear you’re doing well! As well as can be with a tiny baby, at least. I remember really early on an overnight feeding with baby #2 that involved 2 poops and peeing on his outfit. By the end of it, he needed to eat again, ha! I’m using the Swaddle Me blankets which have velcro and I can keep his legs out which is great since he sleeps in the swing, I never seemed to get a good tight swaddle with regular blankets. I hope you’re getting in some naps during the day, especially if baby has days and nights switched. I had a hard time taking naps with my first, I wanted to enjoy what free time I had but I think it made it take quite a lot longer to recover from that super long labor and lack of sleep in the hospital. It’s amazing the depth of sleep deprivation with a newborn! It feels so slow in the moment, but the first couple months thankfully fly by in a blur. She is beautiful and thank you again for taking the time to share how things are going with us!
You two look so cute together and Connor is absolutely adorable!
I hope she’s a good baby and you still manage to get some rest and sleep! Has tabs warmed up towards her?
Lots of hugs and kisses!
Beautiful baby girl wth beautiful Mommy! I hope you’re feeling better and can catch up on sleep when possible! Connor Claire is an angel!!
I wish that miracle concealer/serum existed too. Or even better that a magical do hickey existed that could freeze time to allow one to catch up on sleep. On another note Home Goods will often have that same brand swaddle blankets for 20 bucks.
I tried filing nails and it was hard, I actually wound up cutting into his tiny fingers with the nail file and then a billing clerk at my doctors office told me to cut my baby boy’s nails when he was asleep. Worked like a charm.
Same routine of feeding and nappy changing on repeat here as well. Our son arrived on Monday, so I am still very much adjusting to everything, but so far I skipped the pretty outfits for the reasons you mentioned.
Your daughter is so beautiful!
Love to hear from you and the baby. She is so cute!! hang in there!
Connor is Soo cute! And Karen, you look beautiful. In the first 2 weeks I looked like a homeless person. Yeah, you feel like you were hit by a truck. Just imagine you’re in a SEAL or special training program. Sometimes I wonder how those “special combat” soldiers deal with a newborn. Would it be a piece of cake for them, or would they break down and cry….
Thanks for sharing an update. You look beautiful and so happy! Connor is so adorable. Love that little hat. 🙂
Baby Connor Claire is so so beautiful Karen, and you look sooo happy with her that your tiredness is not visible. Love you XX
You both look soooooo great!!!!!!!!!!!! Connor Clair is so beautiful and you have a great glow!
I believe you when you say you feel tired, but you look absolutely radiant! And Connor Claire is beautiful! And welcome to the world of laundry that babies generate… if you get time to let a manicure dry, I congratulate you!
You both glow. She is beautiful, and so are you, and so is Tabs. I hope El Hub is taking good care of all of you for a while, and the four of you are cocooning. Eat well, regardless of if you’re nursing (which is nobodies business, and I wasn’t asking.) You had major surgery which requires recovery beyond what you think.
Karen! beautiful baby girl, congratulations and hope your recovery is going well! Aden & anais has these amazingly soft bamboo swaddle blankets and my 3-YO daughter always has at least one or two with her always. Highly recommend 🙂
Oh…..my…..gosh Karen! You look amazing!!!! And Connor Claire is just delicious! So happy for you and El Hub! Blessings.
Karen you look gorgeous and Connor Claire is just as precious and can be. Congratulations!
The three of you look so happy! I’m sure El Hub is, too. Enjoy these days.
Beautiful! Both of you (and Tabs, of course). So happy for you!
Like mother, like daughter. You’re both beautiful. Motherhood so suits you, Karen!
Karen Congratulations on a beautiful baby girl. Your both gorgeous!! Im sure it won’t be long before Connor Claire will be following in her Mom’s footsteps loving the world of skincare and Makeup.
My daughter grew up and surely followed in my crazy world of Makeup!
Love n Peace
Doreen
She is beautiful and perfect! You look like you are doing great. It is totally normal to change their outfits so much this stage. Some days my LO would wear 4 outfits. And I totally match my daughter unintentionally ALL THE TIME. I think because I by the same color palette for her that I’m drawn to for myself.
Aww Tabs looks so cute; so do you and Connor Claire 🙂 It’s great that you’re taking a little time to use beauty/skincare products–gotta get a little “me time” in wherever you can! I also loved using those zip up swaddle suits for my son, check those out!! <3
Congrats on Connor Claire! You both look wonderful.
My daughter had wicked long nails as a newborn & was constantly flailing her hands at her face to the point I had to put socks on her hands. She somehow managed to get those lil baby gloves off all of the time but not the socks.
A nurse came to have her newborn picture taken & tried to take the socks off of her hands & I told her no + why. So she simply waited until they were out of the room to do it & my baby was returned to me with a big bloody scratch across her face…!
She just turned 19 last week & STILL has a scar on her face from it.
The BEST advice I ever got was to put a pair of baby nail clippers on my keychain & keep a snack sized zip lock baggie in her diaper bag. My daughter was a motion baby & this allowed me to clip her nails without a struggle when/where ever she fell asleep. (Who knew shopping carts were magic for infant manis?)
It looks like you two have been together forever!
CAN’T even get over how cute she is, OMG!!!!
You girls ROCK! Keep up the good work!
beautiful little girl! Enjoy her as I am sure you are. They grow so quickly.
Besides the obvi that Connor Claire is so sweet and so beautiful and fits in with the other sweet and beautiful members of your family; being tired is an understatement!You have NEVER been as tired as you will be in these first few months. You’ll also never be as elated and satisfied! Have fun!!
Sheesh!! You look gorgeous for the mom of a one week old!! (Way better than I did with my newborns i.e. sleep deprivation and sore nipples.) My guys are 3.5 years and 15 months and I miss those super tiny faces and gentle cries. Enjoy your little miss!! She’ll be begging to borrow your car to drive herself to Sephora in the blink of an eye!!
Sooo precious!
Congratulations on your baby! Enjoy!
oh my my you made my day by this lovely post dear wish you a great success and immense happiness God bless 🙂
Hi Karen, giving birth really does something to your hormones which does something to your skin. Unfortunately for me, I found that out much later after giving birth. I’m glad you are taking care of your skin now with some good products. Your skin still looks fabulous like before you gave birth. Hang in there! And hope you are taking naps when Baby Girl is too!
What a cutie Connor Claire is!
I think you look amazing, what dark circles?? Enjoy your little mani Karen 🙂 and I hope Tabs is doing well in this strange new world!
Oh, those magical first weeks. The worst and the best. I envy you and am so glad I’m past it, haha. You both look fabulous, by the way.
Y’all look so sweet! I love how peaceful you look with the adorable Conner Claire and how Tabs looks like the nail polish king. I would choose the color that is resting on his paw. Just a gorgeous color.
She is a tiny bundle of adorable and you look glowing with happiness, Karen!
She’s so cute Karen! My second daughter already turns 1 next month and I keep asking myself how time went by so fast. Enjoy every minute, they grow up so fast.
Of course you are tired. You just gave birth and you are recovering and adjusting to this whole new situation. It’ll get better and you’ll adjust (kind of…) to sleep deprivation as well.
Awww! She’s so beautiful, Karen! Love the pastel swaddle blanket. 🙂
Yep. It’s like that. I remember I used to have “home” outfits (the ones with the stubborn stains!) and “going out” outfits for my babies. Of course they still ruin the going out outfits too eventually. Sigh. Eventually she will give you kisses and draw you pictures!
Aww, you look great and Connor Claire is a total cutie pie. 🙂 Yes, of course, that’s how it goes with the messes. Always right after you’ve just cleaned everything up. HAHA! That’s why our boys lived in onesies for the first year. It’s like a jinx to dress them up in something adorable and actually take them out. I’m only half kidding. The sleep thing is tough but will get better and, believe it or not, you WILL forget what it was like to be exhausted all the time. Promise. 🙂
congratulations karen! she is beautiful 🙂
Oh my gosh I didn’t realise that she was here. She is just so perfect and precious. Congratulations to you all Karen. My babies are all grown now, 24(almost 25), 23 & 16. It seems like just yesterday they were tiny and new like your beautiful little one.
I remember how tired I felt too, just get as much rest as you can, whenever you can. I have to scroll back for one more peek!