The hardest part about being a parent of two so far has been entertaining my toddler, Raylee, while I tend to the baby. When I need to breastfeed Ruthi or put her down for a nap, basically all of my attention needs to go to the baby. That means that Raylee needs to keep herself busy, but she's a toddler so that doesn't come easily. I have been compiling a list of the toys and activities we use to keep our toddler busy. We use these as tools to help her entertain herself so I can focus on the baby when needed. Even if you just have one kid, sometimes mama needs time to check email or make Continue Reading
8 Freezer Meals to Make Before Baby Arrives
Ya'll know I like to feel prepared before having a baby ... or actually any time! But especially right before such a huge change and life transition. Last time I was pregnant, a friend asked me if I'd like to do freezer meals together. We made several, and it was so helpful to have those meals tucked away and ready to use when we needed them. Now that I know how hard postpartum can be, I knew I wanted to make freezer meals again. When you haven't slept in days (or maybe even weeks) and the last thing you feel like doing is cooking, freezer meals can be a lifesaver! This time, I asked a Continue Reading
Things to Stock Up on Before Baby Arrives
The last thing I'm going to want to do when I'm knee-deep in postpartum "bliss" with a toddler and newborn is run to the store because I realize I'm out of toothpaste. That's why I like to stock up on household goods before the baby comes. I try to think of anything and everything we may need or run out of and buy a few extras when I'm in my third trimester. Items to Stock Up On Here are some ideas for items you may want to stock up on before that sweet newborn is keeping you up all night. Toilet paper Pads Hand soap Makeup remover Any makeup you may run out of in the next month Continue Reading
10 Items Needed for Your Second Child
When we first found out we were expecting baby #2, I didn't think we'd need much of anything. We already had all the big items (and we were careful to purchase all gender-neutral colors so we could use them for all our kids). Then, when we found out our second child is another girl, I really didn't think there was much we would need. But as time as went on, I've thought of quite a few items we will need with a second child. Maybe you've got another one on the way too. Are you wondering what you could possibly need? Well, here's a list of 10 items I know we would like to have for our second Continue Reading
Baby #2 On The Way
I realized the other day that I haven't actually announced our big news on the blog yet. I've announced on my Facebook and Instagram pages, so you've probably seen. But in case you aren't a social media person, but like to read my blog, I didn't want you to miss out on our big news! You may have noticed I had an extra plump belly in the photos of my last post where I shared about my favorite cleaning tools. That would be because I've got baby #2 growing inside there! We found out we were expecting the day before Thanksgiving. We felt we were both ready to have another little one, so we had Continue Reading
No, I’m Not Ready for Baby #2.
I'm really quite surprised how often I have been asked about having another baby. The questions began really early, like when Raylee was still a newborn! By the time she was 1, it seemed most people expected us to begin trying again immediately. I'm sure that's not the case, but it was starting to feel that way! Of course, I don't mind when people really close to me ask these questions, but it does bother me when strangers or acquaintances mention it. For instance, just the other day the librarian told me I need to give Raylee a brother or sister. I know that's a normal thing to say to Continue Reading
Tips for Flying with a Baby
Raylee recently had her very first flight. We went on vacation to Florida with Travis' family, and there was no way I was driving all the way there with her. She is terrible on car rides! But I was nervous about flying with a baby. What if she cries the whole time and everyone hates us? What if her poor little ears won't pop and she's in pain? I'm happy to report, though, that Raylee's first two airplane rides were successes. For the first flight, she was wide awake even though it was past her bedtime. There was just too much to see and touch and even taste! On the second flight back home, Continue Reading
What I Learned Through Sleep Training
When I was pregnant, people joked by saying things like, "Get sleep while you can!" At least I thought they were joking. They laughed when they said it. But it turns out, it wasn't much of a joke at all. I didn't think I could sleep well with a giant belly and bladder that needed emptied every two hours. But little did I know what was to come! You really don't get any sleep when you have a baby. The sleep deprivation is very, very real. Sadly. As far as I can tell, Raylee is just a really bad sleeper. At least I hope so. If this is normal, I might not want any more kids! Joking ... kind Continue Reading
Fine, I’ll Say It. I Don’t Like Breastfeeding.
I have a feeling I'm going to get some flack for this post. But you know what, that's OK. Because in this space, I'm all about being real. And a lot of times in the hardships of parenthood, or really life in general, we tend to think we are alone. Alone in our feelings, alone in the struggles. But we aren't. And if we could all just be real and open and honest and even, raw, then maybe others would feel not so alone. Maybe, just maybe, by being open with each other we can push the clouds apart to let the sunshine through. So here it goes. I'll say it. I just don't really like Continue Reading
10 Baby Toys We Love for Our Little One
I always thought baby toys were kind of pointless. I mean, they are babies -- they can't play yet, right? Wrong. Toys help babies learn and develop new skills. Toys for babies are important for a child's development. I didn't realize how much I'd need to keep my little one entertained! She actually gets bored. She needs things that keep her attention, and I need things that keep her happy! After six months, we've learned which toys Raylee likes best. In my opinion and experience, these are the best toys for babies. Do you have any of these for your sweetie? Our Favorite Baby Continue Reading
10 Must-Have Items for Your Newborn
I can't believe that Raylee is past the newborn stage. She is now over three months old, which means I'm past the "fourth trimester." Those first three months with a new baby are hard. Lack of sleep, the shrill sound of cries, the poop-filled diapers ... having a newborn is a big adjustment. But there are items that help. We found these ten items to be incredibly helpful during that newborn stage. I'd consider them must-haves for any parent with a baby! Newborn Must-Haves K'tan Baby Carrier This baby carrier is very easy to put on once you know what you are doing. They have Continue Reading
The First Month of Motherhood
I didn't know it was going to be like this. I've wanted to be a mom my whole life. When people would ask what I wanted to be when I grew up, more often than not my answer was "a mom." Thanks to lots of babysitting throughout my life, I always thought I'd be a good mama. I thought motherhood would come easily. And then she was born. We left the hospital with our brand new daughter, and suddenly my entire life was different. Not only am I trying to heal and recover from delivering an 8 pound human and getting a fourth-degree tear in the process, but I'm also trying to take care of said human. Continue Reading