First Comes Family

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Dear Mama, It’s okay to love your body after baby

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Dear Mama, it’s okay to love your body after baby. We as women have become accustomed to the idea that we are supposed to hate our bodies after children. Well, I’m here to break it to you mama…IT’S OKAY TO LOVE YOUR POST BABY BODY! Even way before kids, we go through the roller coaster of our body image. We get pregnant and get amazing glow as well as being able to blame the baby on the extra cookies. Some embrace it quickly and for some it takes a bit to accept our growing body. We then get this anxious feeling, like we know that we may very well feel the worst we ever have about our body after we give birth. Well, SURPRISE, some of us actually love every extra pound on this new body we have!

I gained an enormous amount of weight during my pregnancy, like double the suggested. I struggled to be happy with my pregnancy body until about 28 weeks when I had a full on bump. The thought of how much I’d dislike my body after birth kept me up at night. I remember looking in the mirror at the hospital the night after I gave birth and expecting to look still pregnant and to HATE it. But, to my surprise, I thought “Dang! I just pushed a healthy baby out of me and I look like this?! Okay, I’ll take it!”. Seriously, I was not expecting to be happy with how I looked. The weeks following, I didn’t expect to have my pre baby body back. My body underwent the LARGEST change it will ever endure. So instead of hatred, I gave myself grace.

Other new moms around me complained of their extra skin, stretch marks, baby weight still on, and so on. They’d tell me of their insecurities expecting me to agree and chime in with what I disliked about my body. In those moments, I realized that I LOVED my body. I appreciated the extra pounds, skin and double chin. All of that is here because I carried a baby for nine long months and am soaking up every second I have with her.

But the other half of me was so guilty that I didn’t feel the same as my other mom friends. I felt guilty that I couldn’t agree with them to make them feel better. It broke my heart that they didn’t feel as great as I did about my extra inches. I wished I could sprinkle my appreciation and love on them so they didn’t have to feel that way. This really weighed on me and made me question if I really was happy with what I saw. In fact, I really do love my body and still do to this day.

Moral of the story, don’t feel bad that you are happy with your body. You are a freaking goddess who just gave birth! Yeah, I don’t care if your 2 days post partum or 2 years post partum…you JUST gave birth. Love that body that created your precious child and never feel guilty for it. ALSO, you’re not alone mama.

XOXO

2020 Resolutions

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Hello 2020, see ya last decade 2019! I am excited to lay out my goals for 2020 with you. I hate calling them resolutions because they’re actually attainable goals that I hope to carry through long term. Something about a new year makes me SO excited. 365 chances to complete goals is so refreshing. Kinda makes me think why we wait until January 1st to start something new… probably the same reason every diet starts on a Monday. (*eats cake Tuesday* Oops I’ll start over on Monday LOL)

I’m going to share my 2020 goals with you and hoping to reflect back on them at the end of this year! Some are reptitive things that I’ve been trying to work on year after year, but nonetheless I will persist.

  • Be a happier Mom and Wife
  • Focus on the blog consistently
  • Exercise. Just move my body.
  • Be more productive daily
  • Stick to using a planner
  • Organize pantry and important papers
  • Read 4 books
  • Start taking care of my skin
  • Be present often for Vivian
  • Date my husband, however we can
  • Take time for myself every week
  • Let go of control

I know most people make a resolution surrounding weight/fitness but I have SO many other things that I truly want to work on. Some goals are smaller than others and some will take a lot of work, but they are all things that have weighed heavy on my mind recently.

Now it’s your turn! What are your goals for 2020? Share with me below!

Stick around and let’s help each other reach our goals this year!

Newborn to 6 months Gift Guide

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*This post contains no affiliate links. Every item is something we love and receive no commission from you shopping these great items.*

I’ve put together a list of my favorite items from when my little one was newborn to 6 months of age. Tis the season to buy all the cute babies in our lives the best gifts! I know you’re trying to lock in that #1 Auntie or Uncle spot, and I’m here to tell you what gifts will get you there! Although little ones are too small to understand what gifts are, moms and dads will truly love these gifts as well.

  1. Copper Pearl Swaddle-$24.95. These swaddles are incredibly soft and feel like your favorite t-shirt. They also make amazing bibs, burp clothes and any other baby essentials.
  2. Snuggle Me Organic Infant Lounger– $99.00. Made from 100% USA components, this is the perfect lounger to set your little babe in. This comes in handy for busy families and hanging out.
  3. Touch and Feel Baby Book- $14.99. Contrasting images and different sounds/feelings that will capture a little babes attention. Machine washable and clip onto the carseat.
  4. Kick & Play Piano Gym– $39.99. With sounds and colors, this is sure to be a great way to get their little legs moving. It may take a little for them to understand but our little one LOVES this still! There is also many uses for it.
  5. Mustela Baby Bath Time Essential Kit– $34.99. We love Mustela. It is made in France and is extra gentle on baby’s skin. The shampoo is wonderful for cradle cap!
  6. Sophie la Girafe Teether- $24.99. Made of all natural rubber and makes the perfect teether for babies. I don’t know what it is but our little one LOVES her Sophie. Maybe a splurge for a teether but SO worth it.
  7. Rattle ‘n Rock Maracas– $6.99. Most babies don’t grip for a few months. These rattles are perfect for their little hands.
  8. Bumbo Floor Seat– $39.99. In the early stages of sitting, You can set these on the kitchen island or table while you cook and clean. You can also use it as a high chair if you wanted!
  9. Baby Food Feeder/Fruit Feeder Pacifier– $13.99. Once baby can have foods, these are great to throw frozen fruit in and let them gnaw. Teething can suck and they will love this!
  10. Portable White Noise Machine– $29.95. White noise becomes essential for sleeping and the earlier you start, the better. This portable machine can be charged via USB which makes it great for on the go!

All of the above gift ideas are items that our little girl personally loved from newborn to 6 months old. I hope they love these gift ideas!

Share what you’re grabbing below!

Dad to be Gift Guide

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*This post contains no affiliate links. Every item is something we love and receive no commission from you shopping these great items.*

For nine long months, everything revolves around the ladies. Well don’t forget the dad to be in your life this holiday season! Most purchases revolve around abnormal food cravings or maternity clothes. For the Dad to be’s this season, I’ve put together a list of the 10 things my hubby wished he had when we were pregnant!

  1. Dada Coffee Mug- $19.99. This super cute mug is modern and will hold all of the endless coffee he will need after that cute bundle of joy is born.
  2. YETI Rambler– $34.99. You literally can’t go wrong with a YETI. They last forever and will be perfect for him to take on the go!
  3. FridaBalls The Kid Proof Underwear– $27.99. I can’t even with these! They have a soft foam cup to protect his you know from the baby kicking him while in the baby carrier. GENIUS (just like all of Frida’s items).
  4. Magnetic Phone Car Mount- $11.99. My husband swears by his magnetic phone mount. It clips right on the air vent and just place your phone there. He will no longer be searching his pockets of seats for his phone when he gets a call for that mid-day pregnancy craving.
  5. Ergobaby 360 All Positions Baby Carrier– $140.00. This one is an investment for mom and dad. The green color makes it nice for dad to wear along with the cool mesh which keeps baby and dad not so sweaty. Baby can also be worn in 4 different positions.
  6. Regional Manager + Assistant to the Regional Manager Matching Shirts- $39.99. For The Office loving dad to be, grab these cute shirts that will be sure to give him a laugh.
  7. Back and Neck Massager– $44.95. Dad will need this when he’s up all night rocking that crying baby… or Mom will, either one. This has over 6,000 5-star reviews!
  8. We’re Pregnant! The First Time Dad’s Pregnancy Handbook– $9.99. This funny book gives great insight as to what he’s going to be going through in a few months! Que the long nights and endless coffee.
  9. Round of Golf- $10-100. Give the new Dad some time for himself by picking up a round of golf at his favorite course. I know my hubby would’ve loved this!
  10. L.L. Bean Men’s Wicked Good Moccasins– $79.00. Slippers are the perfect gift anytime! These are great because they can be worn outside for when he takes the trash out. Also, L.L. Bean stands behind their product and will replace at any time for any defective reasons.

Hoping the new Dad in your life loves these gifts! What did you snag for him? Share in the comments!

Mama to be Gift Guide under $50

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*This post contains no affiliate links. Every item is something we love and receive no commission from you shopping these great items.*

I bet we all have a mama to be in our lives who deserve a little love this holiday season. Most times, people forget about our pregnant moms and just start buying for the baby because little onesies are cute and easy to buy, am I right?! But, lets not forget who carries these precious babies for nine long months.

I’ve compiled a list of six things that I wish someone had bought me when I was pregnant. Also, made this list budget friendly by keeping all of the gifts under $50 so you don’t break the bank while shopping! Each item is numbered where you can find it in the list below.

  1. Relax Sweet Dreams Gift Set– $38.95. Since insomnia is the worst during pregnancy, gift her this set full of lavender scents. It comes with a shower gel, body lotion, bubble bar, and bath bomb. This is the perfect combo to help mask over those long nights.
  2. Women’s Beautifully Soft Robe– $27.99. I was gifted this while pregnant and still wear it postpartum. Its easy to throw on, extremely soft, and covers your lady bits… what more can you ask for when you’re pregnant?! I recommend sizing up since your tummy will too!
  3. Women’s Beautifully Soft Notch Collar Pant Pajama Set– $29.99. These come in 5 different colors and are INCREDIBLY soft! They have so much give and stretch to them so perfect for mamas.
  4. Bump Boxes– $39.99 each box (6 month, 9 month, and 12 month subscriptions are available at discounted rate). These boxes are handpicked to each stage in pregnancy. Items for self-care, comfort and the new baby will be sure to make mama smile!
  5. Uber Eats Gift Card– Somedays mama may have NO energy to make lunch/dinner. Being able to pick from pizza, ice cream, or a burger will make her day that much better!
  6. Boppy Pregnancy Support Pillow– $39.99. The large pregnancy pillows are too big and bulky to comfortably sleep with. This is the perfect size to rest her belly and legs on.
  7. Prenatal Massage– $35-100. There is nothing better than a prenatal massage when your feet are swollen and hips are sore. You can score deals on these with Groupon.
  8. Freshly Picked Classic Zip Pouch– $49.00 (20% when you sign up for Fringe) Perfect to hold keys, chapstick, snacks, etc. with phenomenal detail. She can even use this after baby! It’s big enough for a diaper and some wipes.
  9. Loopy Phone Case– $39.00. Nifty loop on case makes it easy to carry when juggling decaf coffee, food, and car keys. Comes in super cute colors and prints!
  10. Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle– $14.99. This a postpartum essential! Makes recovery “down there” so much easier than what the hospital will provide. If you’re unsure if she’ll use this, just buy it!!

Hoping the moms in you’re shopping for will love these gifts! Share what you picked up for the mamas to be that you love. Happy Shopping!

The Best Baby Black Friday Deals

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the best baby Black Friday deals 2019

*This post contains no affiliate links. Every item is something we love and receive no commission from you shopping these great items.*

It’s that time of year again! Time to get those credits cards out and snag some deals on our favorite baby items this Black Friday. Black Friday falls on November 29th, 2019 this year with some sales beginning November 25th. I’ve taken some time to put together the deals that have caught my eye already. Most are small shops that we love personally and others are items that just have a great price we can’t pass on!

Baby

Freshly Picked– 30% storewide starting 11/25. You can join their Fringe Rewards program to save an additional 20% on top of sale prices. They have the cutest moccasins and best leather diaper bags! (the Classic is on my list)

SnuggleMe Organic– Begins 11/18 at 6:30. Infant loungers are $68 (reg. $99), Toddler loungers are $99 (reg. $149), Infant covers are $35 (reg. $48), and Toddler covers are $45 (reg. $64). Text BLACKFRIDAY to 81787 for the secret link when sales go live!

Lou Lou and Company– They are offering exclusive sales every day before Black Friday! You must join their email list to get the daily discount code. You can sign up HERE.

Copper Pearl- 10% of all orders, 15% off orders over $75, and 20% off orders over $150 beginning 11/29 at 8 am MST. These are the softest swaddles! We have a few!

Kyte Baby– 25% site wide starting 11/29. They are offering a “Pre-Black Friday” sale with urge to fill your wishlist for easy purchasing when the sale goes live!

BabyBreez– 30% off sitewide now! Starting pajama shopping a little early with 30% site wide. Just use code FRIDAY30.

Lulu and Roo– 25% off sitewide + daily deals starting 11/26 at 12 AM MST. All of their super cute clothing is handmade! Made in the USA.

Bloom Headwraps– 25% storewide!

Target: Prices are good 11/28-30 with in store sales beginning at 5 pm.

  • – Chicco Bravo travel system– $100 off bringing it to $279.99 + tax. This popular stroller has 4.5 stars on every site and is highly recommended among mamas!

Buy Buy Baby– They are listing ALL of their sale items on one page, HERE. Many sales are happening now!

Willow: Wearable Breast Pump- 15% off with code 150FF starting now to cyber Monday. They also have free shipping on all pumps!

Itzy Ritzy– 40% off on 11/25 only for Itzy Rewards members! Non-members can receive 40% on 11/26 with code EXTRA. 11/27-11/29 will have 30% off with code MAGICAL. They have everything from diaper bags to clothes!

Nanit Smart Baby Monitor– 20% off at Best Buy starting 11/29. There may possibly be a deal on their direct website as well.

These are my favorite Black Friday sales for 2019! I love the curation of small shops and our favorite products. I’d love to hear what deals you’re planning on snagging this year! Share below!

Newborn Must-Haves

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We spend 9 months buying everything we’re told we need for our brand new baby. We buy everything our parents and friends tell us to but we still forget some things unknowingly. So the day comes when you take your beautiful bundle of joy home! Then at 2 am after being home for 2 weeks, baby gets a diaper rash and you realize that you never picked up rash cream. A tragedy, trust me. Following our must-haves would’ve helped your delirious and tired self be a bit more prepared.

I’m sharing our 7 Newborn Must-Haves! I seriously couldn’t live without any of these products.

Newborn Must-Haves! Sound machine, thermometer, swaddle, owlet smart sock, single me lounger.
  • Aquaphor– This stuff is the bees knees for diaper rashes. We had initially bought a natural brand that just didn’t get rid of the rash. I tried Aquaphor and BAM! the rash was gone within hours.
  • Portable Sound Machine– I would clip this little thing onto the carseat and she’d immediately fall asleep. It was pure magic! The Rohm Sound Machine actually charges with a USB making it super perfect for on-the-go.
  • SnuggleMe Lounger– After holding Vivian for hours, my arms would get so tired. I’d just place this on the couch or bed with me then lay her in it. She would sleep a few hours! (thank goodness) It helps babies feel like their in your arms. We still use this!
  • Thermometer– When you’re in the hospital, they check the babies temperature every hour. When we got home, I was constantly worried that Vivi had a fever. I would pop the thermometer out at any time! Also, make sure to get an oral/rectal thermometer as best readings are rectal.
  • Swaddle– We seriously swear by the Copper Pearl Swaddles. They feel like you favorite comfy t-shirt and are so stretchy. It helps get a nice swaddle on baby while also letting them have room to move around.
  • Owlet Smart Sock– This thing is a life saver! Place it right on baby’s foot and it tracks their heart rate and oxygen levels. If either drops below recommended levels, a red alarm goes off at the base. We had one scare with it and caught it right away. With the high risk of SIDS in infants, I recommend it to any parent. It is worth every single penny!
  • Mustela No Rinse Cleansing Water– Most babies get what they call “baby acne”, so normal. Put some of this on a cotton pad and gently rub over the acne. It cleared up Vivi’s baby acne overnight! You can also use this to wipe baby down in between baths in those early days.

What are your must-haves for newborns?! I’d love to hear and share with other mamas!

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!

Breastfeeding Must Haves For New Moms

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Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!

Whether this is your first time or fifth time nursing, there are things you MUST have! Todays breastfeeding must haves are constantly evolving with our ever changing world. Something you may have used with last baby may have been updated by now. There are so many nifty things to make your breastfeeding journey easier, thank goodness (as if the physical and emotional toll wasn’t enough).

As for me, I am a first time nursing mama! No one in my family had ever breastfed, so I really only had a few friends to ask for advice. I can’t tell you how many times I looked on Pinterest at other mama’s nursing lists! So I decided to gather my necessary items I’ve been using this far.

  • Medela Milk Storage Bags– These are the best ones! They hold up to 6 ounces of milk. No ripping or tearing when freezing. The measurements of ounces is accurate! Totally worth a few extra dollars.
  • Earth Mama Nipple Butter– It’s made with all organic herbs like olive oil, beeswax, and calendula. It goes on easy when your nipples are cracked and dry (because it will happen). It’s also safe for baby so you don’t have to wipe it off before feeding. Oh and you can use this anywhere like lips, hands, feet! I even used on some dry skin Vivi had as a newborn.
  • Nursing Bra– I love the soft ones because you need to sleep in these! If you don’t sleep in a bra and breast pads, then you will wake up in a pool of milk. Not fun! These are extra soft and such a good price. Size up, they’re not supposed to be tight.
  • Breast Pads- I love the Lansinoh Stay Dry Breast Pads because they literally soak up a nights worth of milk without leaving me feeling like I have wet boobs. I keep these all of my house and even in my car! Nothing worse than leaking through a shirt in public!
  • Haakaa– Instead of letting all of your letdown milk drip into a breast pad while feeding on the other boob, this thing catches it! It’s a miracle. Depending on how much letdown you produce, you may not ever have to use a pump. I collect 6 ounces a day just from putting it on when I feed!
  • Water Bottle– You are going to be SO thirsty from nursing. Having a big water bottle by your side at all times will make it so much easier to get your water in. I recommend drinking at least 16 ounces per feeding!

Hope this makes your breastfeeding journey a bit easier 🙂

What to Pack when Traveling with a Baby

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How To Pack When Traveling With A Baby

Growing up, we didn’t do much traveling. Truthfully, I didn’t really start to travel until I was 16. Something Lee and I keep telling ourselves is that we want to show our children the world, regardless of their age. So with that, you have to make sure you have everything they need when traveling. As adults, you can get by with filling up a backpack with a toothbrush and change of clothes. With children, you have to make sure you have multiple outfits (in case one gets dirty), items incase they get sick, etc. The list goes on and on.

Since we went on our first vacation with our 2 month old recently, I wanted to share our packing list with you. We kept it pretty minimal (in my opinion, but definitely not in my husband’s LOL). Always assess where you will be visiting as different items will be needed for your little one.

  • Outfit for everyday
  • Onesie for everyday – as an extra, you never know when a blowout will happen!
  • Sleepers/Pajamas for every night
  • Sunhat – Especially if a beach vacation!
  • Sunscreen – Necessary if spending a lot of time outdoors
  • Diaper Cream – Would be worse if you didn’t!
  • Diapers – OBVIOUSLY, we purchased them when we got to our destination to save room in luggage! But if not, pack enough for 10 a day, it’s okay to have extra!
  • Wipes – 1 pack per week is a good rule of thumb.
  • Baby Body Wash
  • Thermometer – Fevers can happen anytime, especially if flying.. germs will be leaking everywhere!
  • Tylenol – Again, fevers can happen any time.
  • Nail Clippers – I always keep these in the diaper bag, sometimes it seems like their nails grow overnight.
  • Swaddle – We swear by swaddling at bed time!
  • 2 Blankets – For tummy time, hanging out on, etc.
  • Dockatot/SnuggleMe– We use the SnuggleMe and just put it right in the bed with us! Then we didn’t have to carry around a pack n play.
  • Pack N’ Play – If you don’t prefer co-sleepers. These can also be used for play time when on the beach or patio.
  • Pacifiers – Our LO doesn’t use these, but if yours does… pack extra!
  • Bottles – If bottle-fed, this is a no brainer, but pack extra!
  • Haakaa – For breastfeeding mamas, still need to collect that letdown milk!
  • Breastmilk Storage Bags – For my BF mamas.
  • Toys– Since they’re still little, rattle and a ball should keep them entertained.
  • Hand Sanitizer – Because there are germs EVERYWHERE!

You can find my travel faves on Amazon here:

What else do you pack for your little one when traveling?

Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!

Maternity Photoshoot

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Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission should you chose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link. It’s okay – I love all of these companies anyways, and you will too!

One of the things I looked forward to the most during pregnancy was documenting my bump with a maternity photoshoot. It’s the perfect moment to remember how beautiful pregnancy truly is. I’ll remember the nausea, swollen ankles, and all the extra cookies I ate but the photos show how so much more. They show how remarkable it was to carry human inside of me. If I can give every pregnant woman advice, take some photos that make you feel empowered. You are a literal rockstar and deserve to always remember these 9 months!  

We chose none other than the Meg Dryfus Wedding + Lifestyle Photographer. She has done our announcement, holiday, and family photos. She always delivers a large, crisp, beautiful gallery, plus she has the best personality.. seriously I always look forward to shooting with her. We drove down to Bradenton Beach area at sunrise, yes roughly 6 am (Lee was not happy LOL) to have these done.

Grab your coffee and check out my favorite moments that she captured.

Maternity Photoshoot
Maternity Photoshoot

You can find my maternity dress and swim cover-up on Amazon!

I’m wearing a Large in the dress which fit me like a glove!