What I Wish I Had Known...

I have another great guest post for you today!  Jamie is going to share some advice with you that she wishes someone had shared with her when she was pregnant.

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Hello! My name is Jamie, and I am an Army Wife and SAHM to my sweet baby girl, Adelei!
I blog over at This is Me; Consequently, but I’m guest posting here today to tell you some things that I only wish someone would have told me when I was expecting!

First of all, the basics….
 
Start buying the basics early on [when you have coupons or find sales!!]. These include diapers, wipes, baby shampoo, soap, lotion, & diaper rash cream. I suggest using diapers.com or amazon.com/mom to buy diapers & wipes in bulk. They are always having sales or e-coupons, & it is the easiest/cheapest way to go in the long run. I started out by buying 1 case of diapers & 1 case of wipes every pay period. I bought 2 cases of each size up to size 4.

Speaking of coupons…
There are a ton of websites that Mom’s should register on. Here are a few of my favorites. You will get coupons galore!
beechnut.com
gerber.com
similac.com*
huggies.com
pampers.com
Thebump.com
 
*Even if you plan on breastfeeding, you should still sign up for this JUST in case you have to supplement. You’ll already have your coupons & vouchers for emergency use.

Wow, babies are expensive & sensitive…
 
A lot of people will tell you to use Dreft to wash the baby’s clothes in, but there are a lot of different hypoallergenic laundry detergents that you can use. Dreft is the most expensive at around $10. Purex has one [in a white bottle] that costs $2.50 at the commissary for the 32 load bottle. This lasts forever! Also borax [20 minute mule] is sold at Walmart for somewhere around $4 a box & you definitely need to get this. If you have some clothes/blankets/burp cloths that gets spit up or formula on it, you can soak them in the sink just put enough water to completely cover the clothes add a handful of borax & let it sit for 20 or 30 minutes & the stains will come out. This even works if the stains have been there for a few days.

Ooh, the good life…
 
There were several things I thought I HAD to have for the baby just because the store sold it. For example, wipe warmer, bottle warmer, baby swaddling wraps, microwave bottle sterilizer, and spinning drying rack for bottles. Don’t fall for it. These are what I call ‘luxury’ baby items. Learn from my mistakes & save your money!
That about wraps it up! If you have any questions regarding things mentioned in this post, please feel free to email me at jaksart at rocketmail dot com

Do you have any new mom advice?

One Of Our Own

One of our own was not OK last night (or many nights before that).  As many of you know, Jessica from {Mis}Adventures of An Army Wife posted late last night that she had taken her life.  My heart was heavy after reading what she has been going through.  Many bloggy & facebook friends contacted the police to find out if she as OK.  According to an anonymous commenter she is and I'm praying that they are right.  It's my understanding that she is getting treatment.  Please keep Jessica in your prayers.

Since the post went up last night support has been pouring out of support for her.  The blog world really is an amazing place.  We let people have glimpses into our lives and we get to peek into theirs.  In the process we become friends.  We may not know their real names or recognize them if we passed them on the street but they are our friends.  They are a support as we struggle with living the life of a military wife.  Ladies, thank you.  Thank you for being there, for reading, commenting and sharing the joy the pain.  Not only mine, but of all of us.  Reading the comments on Jessica's post are encouraging.  If you're in a dark place right now, please go read them.  There are several ladies who have commented that they have been in similar situations... please reach out to them.  I know that they are willing to listen.  I am willing to listen.  There are people who are willing to help you.  Please, please, PLEASE realize you are not alone! 

Some other resources include:

1-800-SUICIDE or www.hopeline.com
1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673): Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network
1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233): National Domestic Violence Hotline
 
USA Bulimia and Self-Help 24-hour Crisis Hotline
Phone number: 1-314-588-1683
 
USA Self-Injury Help by S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends)
Phone number: 1-800-DONT-CUT (1-800-366-8288)
 
National Eating Disorders Association (International treatment referrals and info)
Phone number: 1-800-931-2237


I got these numbers from the PostSecret Wellness Resources.  If you are outside of the US there are numbers listed for several other countries.  Please remember that even if you feel alone, you are not.  We are here to support and love you!

I also want to add that Military One Source is a great resource too. I saw it one another blog (I forget which one!  If it's you, let me know so I can give you credit) and they can provide you with counseling and other resources.  If you've never visited the site go check it out so you know what's available in case you do ever need it.

Fort Lewis Help

Hey lovely readers...

I have a question for you.  I had a friend from high school contact me and ask if I was at Fort Lewis.  I'm not.  But I know that some of you are.  She's had a friend recently move there and is looking for some resources for her, like mom's groups.  Do you guys know of any?  If not, any ideas on where she should check?  I would have told her to check with her Ombudsman (that's what we call our liaison with the command...not sure what the Army equivalent is, if there is one.) 

Thanks for your help!