ADEN + ANAIS MUSLIN BLANKETS (BAMBOO VS. CLASSIC)

Right before we had our second baby, I purchased these ever so popular Aden + Anais muslin swaddle blankets. I loved their sleeping bags for E, but had never used their blankets before. Excited to try them out, I washed them right away in preparation for the baby.  

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Coming out of the package, the blankets were as I expected - super soft and lovely. However, after the first wash, I noticed that they got really stiff and rough. The solid white one without any designs was ok, but the rest were kind of disappointing.  The striped one was the worst. 

Not wanting to give up on them yet, I decided to wash them a few more times to see if they'd soften. I used regular laundry detergent (Tide) and dried them on low heat. After the fourth or fifth time, I noticed them slightly softening however not as soft as when I first bought them. 

Besides the texture, the blankets also seemed too thick for summer swaddling here in Texas. Every night the baby always woke up in a huge sweat. No matter how little I tried to layer the swaddling, he'd start sweating after half an hour and I'd find the layers beneath him completely damp.

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Not sure if I was just washing these blankets wrong or not caring for them properly, I contacted Aden and Anais. They immediately replied and apologized for my negative experience and wanted to send me a replacement. A few weeks later, these adorable bamboo blankets showed up at my door! 

I know they're just blankets, but this bamboo version has got to be THE softest and most luxurious blankets ever! Straight out of the package, they were bigger and a lot lighter and silkier than the original classic A+A blankets. After I washed them the first time, they remained just as soft and silky as before! Although our baby still sweats a little in these, they're a lot better than the classic ones. 

The ones from this bamboo collection were made from 100% rayon from bamboo fiber muslin and measured at 47" x 47".  The ones from the classic collection were made from 100% cotton muslin and measured at  44" x 44".

So would I recommend these? A hundred times YES! Even though these ones from the bamboo collection are more expensive (around $10 dollars more), they're completely worth it for the amazing quality and functionality. We've been using and taking them everywhere with us. 

Thank you, Aden and Anais, for standing by your products and giving me a second chance to try out these wonderful blankets! 

Disclaimer: I was not compensated in any way to share my experiences with these blankets. I'm just so happy with them that I wanted to share with you all too!  

ONE OF MY FAVORITES

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn.php/ns/46#ixzz2YeZ8VRv3

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S294Rkasaw8

MY PREGNANCY EXPERIENCE + A FEW HELPFUL TIPS

It's crazy how fast time can pass but then also seem to drag on forever. Most of you that have been following along for awhile probably noticed that I was gone a lot this past year. This second pregnancy was definitely more difficult than my first. I had intense nausea and was unable to eat or drink anything. Saltine crackers, dry sugary cereal, ginger ale, you name it - all did nothing for me. I was also extremely sensitive to smells. I avoided opening our fridge if at all possible. Cooking was pretty much nonexistent in our house unless you count boiling.  Nausea meds didn't work for me either and I spent the majority of my first trimester in bed. I lost around 15 pounds during this time.  Oh and I was on Lovenox this entire pregnancy... NOT fun. 

It didn't start getting better until midway through my second trimester. The nausea became more bearable and I was slowly able to function again.  I still didn't have much of an appetite but at least was able to hold down more food.  (Donuts and coffee count, right??) 

As slow as it seemed, I eventually made it to my third trimester. Little brother came early just like E... except his arrival was a whole different experience. I will spare you the details, but "FAST and FURIOUS" is the best way that I can describe it. If you're still curious, email me. ;) 

And just like that, 10 months passed. Life's been a little busier...a lot more tiring... but we are all so happy and thankful to the Lord that he's finally here. :) 

Before I close this topic here on my blog, I thought I'd share some practical tips regarding what I packed in my hospital bag and some newborn items that I found helpful in this first month.  

aden & anais bamboo swaddle blanket / boppy newborn lounger (similar) / shea moisture healing baby lotion / burt's bees baby shampoo & wash / moby wrap / newborn sleeping gown (similar)