Mom things I can't live without - E-reader

Yes, that is right, an e-reader. In my case, my wonderful Nook Classic (I think? Back when there was only one option). I'm an avid reader and love to feel the weight of a good paperback beneath my fingers, feeling the woody and familiar scent fill my nose as each page turns, and see all my pretty covers lined up on the shelf.

Then, I had a kid. Even more importantly (for this particular item), I had a kid and was committed to breastfeeding her. Have you tried to breastfeed a newborn? It's an all day thing, and really not all that exciting once the novelty wears off. Add to it she had a horrible latch (I frequently called her my "crocodile child" and breastfeeding her wasn't puppies and rainbows and a walk in the park.

And pumping...boy did I love my Nook time while pumping. I would buy a few books and only allow myself to read while breastfeeding or pumping as a little extra incentive, and it did actually help. I was able to feed her until her 2nd birthday (assuming she doesn't self-wean in the next month) successfully.

Here's why. Breastfeeding requires hands, in my case, two hands. Many mom's are incredibly talented with one-handed breastfeeding, but I was not. I needed one hand to position me and one to position her and how was that going to work with a traditional book? It wasn't. However, I could lay my Nook on the arm of the couch I was sitting on and then just use a finger to flick the page, mucccch easier :)

Mom Things I can't live without - LifeHammer

I like to update my "mom things I can't live without post" also known as "things you should get for a new mom" every once in a while.

One new thing that has been added to this list is this, the Life Hammer .
I was given a LifeHammer as a gift from my grandparents, and thought it was more than a bit odd. It lived in our closet for a good 3 years. Then I had a kid and the need to keep someone else safe as well kicked in.

See, even though I doubt my car will ever be plunging into a lake, or caught in a flood (although with the way the weather has been lately, who knows), but I do anticipate needing this at some point.

Have you tried to get your kid out of a car seat in a hurry? It seems like those buckles and straps always stick at the worst moments. I get frustrated just trying to get her out to go to the grocery store, and her car seat is actually a really nice one (Graco MyRide 65, I highly recommend it). Now imagine being in a true emergency. Maybe  you were in a car accident, or the car flipped, or your child is choking/injured. Will you be able to be calm enough to fuss with the buckle? Probably not, hence, the LifeHammer and it's blade that easily slices through seat belts.

(And no, I'm not being compensated in any way, I just really think it is that important, probably the most important $15 you will ever spend if it is ever needed.