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baby

3 DIY Activities for Babies

April 16, 2020 by firstcomesfamily Leave a Comment

If you follow me on Instagram, then you know I’ve been posting the DIY activities I’ve been doing with our 11 month old girl. With the influx of lockdowns in states across the country, we are home with our babies A LOT more. Now is the time to do all of those activities with your babies that you pinned months ago. Here are my 3 activities that we gave a go in the past week! These activities get their neurons firing and senses overloaded.

Keep in mind, the attention span is 3 to 5 minutes per year of age. So don’t be surprised if your little one only finds joy in these for a minute or so.

Mess Free Painting

You will need:

-Paper

-Gallon Baggies

-Paint (preferably washable)

-Packing tape (a strong tape)

Take a sheet of a paper and put dabs of paint all over it. Carefully place in a gallon bag and zip. Tape bag down flat on a high chair, table or the floor. Then let your babe “finger paint”, moving the colors around, feeling the texture and explaining each color. When finished, take out the paper of the bag and let dry!

Sensory Spagetti

Things you’ll need:

-1/2 box Spaghetti or any pasta

-Pot (for boiling spaghetti)

-Strainer

-Food Coloring

-Baggies

-Oil (vegetable/olive)

Okay, this has been our favorite. Cook spaghetti as you normally would but leave it a little more al dente so that it doesn’t mush. Strain pasta and let dry a little. Separate the pasta into baggies (as many colors as you’d like) and place 10-20 drops of food coloring with a 1/2 tbsp of oil into each bag and shake up! Once coloring is even on pasta, rinse and strain so theres no excess coloring on it. Lay on a pan with paper towels to dry and soak additional colorings. Then place in a tub/container and play! It’s fun to point out colors and let them feel the textures. Warning: they will probably eat it!!

Colored Bag Hanging

Things You’ll Need:

-Gallon Baggies

-Water

-Food Coloring

-Strong Tape (I used packing tape)

Fill each bag with about 3 cups of water. Place 5-10 drops of food coloring in each bag (as many colors as you’d like). Zip bags up and tape to a glass door or even the stove window! Babies will love squeezing and seeing the colors shine. Our girl loved this and we kept it up for a few days!

Sensory activities are a great way to introduce new things to your child. They help stimulate the brain and create nueron pathways to improve sensory processing. It may take a bit for time to gather these activities but I’m sure they’ll be a hit to keep our crazy kiddos busy!

Filed Under: Toddler Activities, Uncategorized Tagged With: acitivity, baby

The Best Baby Black Friday Deals

November 22, 2019 by firstcomesfamily Leave a Comment

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.

  • – Graco Slim Fit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat– 50% off bringing it to $115 + tax! This is a Car Seats for the Littles recommended seat!
  • – Ergobaby 360 All Carry Positions ergonomic baby carrier– 50% bringing it to $79.99 + tax! Love these because you can carry baby front facing and inward.
  • – 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!

Filed Under: Gift Guides, Uncategorized Tagged With: baby, black friday, sales

Floral Baby Shower

April 17, 2019 by firstcomesfamily Leave a Comment

(photographer: Angel Adriana Photography)

When we found out we were having a baby girl, I was a little unsure what kind of theme I wanted to go with. We had our hearts set on a neutral safari themed room for a little boy but I knew that I want all pink for a girl. I wanted something that can grow with her and be trendy opposed to the traditional Winnie the Pooh or Mickey Mouse. We landed on a pink floral theme. Our wonderful extended family hosted this gorgeous shower for us and she did not disappoint!

Location

For all my Tampa locals, we decided to host it at Foundation Coffee Co. Tampa Heights. It is located in an old historic brick building just near Tampa Riverwalk. There is such charm in the fact that is located in a restored building. They have an door sitting area along with an eclectic outdoor space with greenery and a pergola. Outdoor seated roughly 40 people and very reasonably priced. We opted for the back patio since it was spring in Florida and couldn’t pass up the gorgeous weather.

Theme

Everything was stemmed from the actual wallpaper we used in the nursery. (You can find it HERE) We had custom napkins made with the actual wallpaper graphic. What a gorgeous touch!

Desserts

My favorite part, DUH! Our only request was great desserts and she did not disappoint when arranging them.

We had mini cupcakes which I’m all about! There was a Guinness Chocolate, Cookie Dough, and Vanilla. The cookie dough was so good, but I may be biased because I love chocolate chip cookies.

Of course there was cake, what is a baby shower without one? We had a simple white cake and vanilla buttercream naked cake from Publix. I was so impressed with the quality of the cake. Definitely would order another for an event.

For some grab and go desserts, we also had pretzel rods and cake pops. The cake pops were traditional vanilla flavor but the wow factor was the detail of design. Almost too good to eat!

Games

Since we had a co-ed shower, we tried to keep the games to a minimum so guys didn’t feel obligated. To appeal to the guys, we did a bottle chug race. This was a race of who can drink the apple juice out of the baby bottle the fastest! You could also do it with beer (guys would definitely like that LOL).

A fun way to stock up our diaper pile was to do a Diaper Raffle. We asked everyone to bring a pack of diapers and in return we chose a random name to win a prize.

A really nice touch was that my sister-in-law handed out advice cards. She asked everyone to write a piece of advice down for us. It was so sweet for us to read through these once we got home. Most advice was to sleep when possible, remember to date each other, and don’t worry about keeping your home clean.

Favors

At most showers, they give a favor that you usually toss away. Following along with our sugar addiction, we gave custom sugar cookies as our favors. They had a beautiful “V” for Vivian. Let me tell you, these things were delicious! I totally am a supporter of cookies as a favor at any event!

We were extremely blessed with family and friends who have given their unlimited love and support during our journey. It’s incredible what positivity and love a little baby brings to so many people. So incredible to showered with joy and love. We thank everyone along this road.

Filed Under: Pregnancy, Uncategorized Tagged With: baby, baby shower, pregnancy

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@firstcomesfamilyblog

firstcomesfamily.mama

wife + mama 👨‍👩‍👧
mom life + my favorites
obsessed with 🍪
running on ☕️
collabs: hellofirstcomesfamily@gmail.com
👇🏻Find My Links HERE👇🏻

shieann | tampa mom blogger
It took me over a year to find the beauty of raisi It took me over a year to find the beauty of raising children. 

You know...

When the house is a mess, but watching them play with their toys amazes you.

When they wake you up at the crack of dawn and give you that big “HI” when you walk in their bedroom. Melts your heart.

Going places isn’t as intimidating because they find it so exciting to be somewhere new.

When you feel like they’re watching too much screen time but when they dance to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse song, it’s just TOO CUTE.

Yeah, all those moments are what I’m talking about and it’s so. dang. beautiful.

http://liketk.it/365Qc #liketkit @liketoknow.it #LTKbaby #ltkkids #momsofinstagram #momsofinsta #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #motherly #honestmotherhood #honestmom #parentinglife #momlifeisthebestlife #mombloggers #tampamom #toddlermomlife #thisismotherhood #beautifulmother #todayparents #momblogger #lovingtheordinarymoments #storytellingmama #motherhoodthroughinstagram #motherhoodunfiltered
We ate in a haunted wine cellar 😱 And it was S We ate in a haunted wine cellar 😱

And it was SO romantic! ❤️We went to Savannah, GA in the beginning of the year and it was the best trip I have been on. Not only was it our first kid-free vacation but he city was SO cool and everything is historic. My favorite place was @theoldepinkhouse which was built in 1771 and is said to be haunted with ghosts that helped secure the independence of the 13 colonies from England. 

Our favorite dishes: Sautéed Shrimp & Scallops in a Parmesan cream sauce. I literally am drooling thinking about it 😋

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with bourbon molasses and the most amazing collard greens 🥬 

Have you been to Savannah, GA? What was your favorite restaurant there? 

#savannaheats #savannahgeorgia #savannahga #theoldepinkhouse #kidfreenight #kidfreeweekend #momsofinstagram #momsofinsta #tampamom #travelpics #georgiatravel #momblogger #mombloggers #travelgram #foodstagram #placestotravel
Did you know that car seats help prevent fatal inf Did you know that car seats help prevent fatal infant injuries by 71%? 🤯 That's why I'm encouraging you to start the new year on the right foot by visiting NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat to check if your child is buckled up correctly in the right seat for their age and size. There's nothing more that I love than my girl and these moments with her. That's why I buckle her up correctly every time we get in the car with the help of @NHTSAGov . #Sponsored #PSA #TheRightSeat
10 facts about me ✨ There are lots of new faces 10 facts about me ✨

There are lots of new faces here and I figured I’d take a chance to introduce myself! (I also took this cute selfie the other day and wanna post it bc i NEVER post selfie’s these days😆) My name is Shieann (Shy-Ann) and I’m the mama behind First Comes Family where I share real mom life, raising a toddler, messy house, hacks, recipes, and my favorite things 👋🏻

1. My hobby is baking! When I’m bored, I wanna bake 🍪 I make the best chocolate chip cookies (or so my husband says😋)
2. I moved to Florida when I was 19 and never had visited the city prior! 7 years later and I’m still here 🌴
3. I met my husband on @bumble and we got married 13 months after meeting 💍
4. I’m a die hard @theoffice fan. Bears, beets, battlestar galactica 🐻
5. I’ve competed in 2 NPC Bikini competitions 💪🏻👙
6. I had a self confidence and body awareness blog prior to this called Cake by the Ocean! If you scroll back, you’ll see some pics 😆
7.  My dream job has actually been a blogger and I’ve been able to put more effort into it since becoming a stay at home mom!
8. I worked in car sales for 5 years 🚘
9. My drink of choice is @coppolawine Cabernet Sauvignon 🍷
10. I’m literally so afraid of reptiles! Literally worst fear is a snake crawling in my bed 🐍

✨Tell me if you relate to any these! Or better yet, tell me one thing about you!

#momblogger #mombloggers #momsofinsta #tampamom #tampamoms #youngmom #momssupportingmoms #thisismotherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodthroughinstagram #microinfluencer #momsoftoddlers #honestmom #motherly #everygirl #momstyle
Headed into another holiday weekend at @playground Headed into another holiday weekend at @playgroundsoftampa like...

#AD Playgrounds of Tampa is a 7,500 sq ft space that has a sitting area for parents with a 360° view of the entire place! This makes it perfect for grabbing a latte at the front coffee bar and let the kiddos play! It’s especially great to warm up during this “cold” weather we’re having 😜 

🌟 @playgroundsoftampa is open 9am-6pm today, closed 1/1, and open 9am-6pm on 1/2! 

#tampa #tampamoms #tampamom #playgroundsoftampa #createcollabs #momsofinsta #mombloggers #tampamomblogger #momsofinsta #momsofig #toddleractivity #indoorplayground #momsofsouthtampa #toddlerthings
Dry Skin and winter unfortunately go together. 😆 #AD I love to use @NIVEAUSA Essentially Enriched Body Lotion because the rich formula is unlike any other, the Deep Nourishing Serum is so moisturizing for my dry skin and Florida winters. It leaves my skin feeling super nourished even after 48 hours! You can pick up your Essentially Enriched Body Lotion at @Walmart, now available in limited-edition packaging in honor of the NIVEA Rethink Soft campaign that celebrates the power of soft and its positive impact. The design celebrates NIVEA’s partnership with kindness.org, which supports LearnKind, a soft skill curriculum, that teaches students the importance of soft to build a softer, kinder world for future generations. #RethinkSoft #ad #NIVEAUSA @Walmart @kindnessorg @NIVEAUSA
Just a girl and her @slumberkins 💜 When we wean Just a girl and her @slumberkins 💜 When we weaned from breastfeeding, I knew she needed something to comfort her. (She never took a paci nor was attached to anything but me) I joined the Slumberkins @facebook group which literally restores my faith in humanity, everyone in that group is so kind and always willing to help another. They helped me land on the Rainbow Unicorn which represents authenticity and bring true to yourself. Each @slumberkins comes with affirmations and it’s own book to narrate what the creature means. Others are helpful for loss, self-esteem and family changes. 

This isn’t sponsored but I truly love how sweet it is to see my girl bringing her “Mr.Unicorn” everywhere we go💜

#momsofinstagram #slumberkins #toddlerlife #toddlersofinstagram #tampamom #tampamoms #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodthroughinstagram #breastfeedingmom #breastfedtoddler #breastfeedingjourney #babytoys #18monthsold #momsofig #momsofinsta
Temperature checks are a normal thing around here Temperature checks are a normal thing around here especially with flu and covid season 😷 @blueberrypediatrics makes it easy to have pediatricians on call for virtual urgent care visits with $0 visit fees. Last year we ended up in urgent care with an RSV scare and I’m SO GLAD we can count on @blueberrypediatrics this year. It makes so much easier and comfortable when our girl gets sick. The Blueberry Pediatrics medical kit makes gathering vitals so easy such as oxygen levels as well as video!

👏🏻 Want the Blueberry Pediatrics Home Medical Kit for free? The discount link is in my bio!

#gifted @blueberrypediatrics #blueberrypediatrics #pediatrician #pediatrics #telehealth #telemedicine #blueberrypediatricspartner
Did you send Christmas cards? 💌 I’ve sent my Did you send Christmas cards? 💌

I’ve sent my own Christmas cards out for 7 years now and haven’t missed one year. There’s something about sending a card to spread cheer through the old snail mail. I mean who doesn’t love getting mail that’s NOT a bill these days?! 😂 This year this Christmas card was designed by me, photo taken with my tripod, and printed by a small shop. Extra special for a year to remember 😅

#christmascards #christmascards2020 #christmasphotos #christmascard #canva #diyphotoshoot #diyphotography #tampamom #momsofinsta #diymom #christmascheer
Merry Christmas Eve Eve! 🎅🏼Our Christmas jam Merry Christmas Eve Eve! 🎅🏼Our Christmas jammies are picked and ready to go! Who else LOVES Christmas jammies as much as i do?! 

🎄How many pairs of Christmas jammies do your littles have?! Vivian has 8🙈

http://liketk.it/34uSn #liketkit @liketoknow.it #LTKfamily #LTKhome #LTKbaby #wallpaper #owlet #babymonitor #darkeningcurtain #nurserydecor #nurseryideas #christmaspajamas #christmaspjs #momsofinsta #momsofig #tampamom #tampamoms #momblogger #mombloggers #girlmom #tampabaymoms #momlife #motherhood #christmastime #toddlerchristmas
3 Ways to enjoy Christmas better with a toddler: 3 Ways to enjoy Christmas better with a toddler:

1. Embrace the C H A O S- Let’s be real, you probably won’t get a photo with everyone looking and your kitchen will be a disaster from attempting to bake cookies with them but take a second and breathe in the chaos, it won’t be like this for long.

2. Less is more- Don’t feel pressure to have 73829 gifts under the tree or to do nonstop Christmas activities. If you just want to watch The Grinch in PJs then do that! They will love it either way.❤️

3. New Traditions are Okay- 2020 has been far from traditional and Christmas won’t be an exception. It’s okay that you won’t get to go to moms, grandmas and uncles house this Christmas. Enjoy s l o w i n g down and staying home 🏠

👇🏻What are you doing to enjoy Christmas more this year? 

#christmassocks #christmastraditions #toddlermom #momsofig #momsofinstagram #mombloggers #tampamom #holidayseason #holidaydecor #christmas2020 #howto #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodinspired
Last night, we had a snowball fight at @floridaaqu Last night, we had a snowball fight at @floridaaquarium ...

for their Snow Days: A Safe Way to Play! ❄️The Snowball Toss is set up on the Rooftop Terrace to help defend marine life by tossing snowballs at the Sea Monster Trash Villains! 

Next up, Build Your Own Snow Creation where you got your very own bucket of snow and made your own snowman or creature! ⛄️

✨Snow Days at @floridaaquarium runs Dec. 26- 31, 9am-9:30 pm each day! You also get access to the aquarium exhibits after activities! Don’t forget to make a reservation on the aquarium’s site! 

TIP: Don’t forget your little ones mittens 🧤 

#hosted #floridaaquarium #snowdays #tampamom #tampamoms #tampablogger #tampabloggers #tampathingstodo #thingstodointampa #floridablogger #toddlermoms #snowballfight #toddleractivity #kidsactivity #tampaflorida #tampabayinfluencers #tampafl #tampabaybloggers
Hot cocoa with milk or water?! 🍫☕️ I put t Hot cocoa with milk or water?! 🍫☕️

I put this hot cocoa board together for a midday treat for Vivian and I 😋 She especially loved that I put M&Ms on there which are her FAVE! Growing up, my mom made me @swissmissbrand hot cocoa every night in the winter since it was so cold in NY☃️ I snagged that little coffee cup for Vivian from @worldmarket since it was the perfect size for her for future hot cocoa traditions that I hope continue ❤️

>> Swipe to see her pouring her cocoa in her legs 😂 

#hotchocolate #hotcocoa #hotcocoabombs #diymama #momlife #tampamom #mombloggers #mombloggersofig #momsofinsta #christmastraditions #christmasdecor #hotcocoaboard #dessertboard #toddlermomlife #mommyanddaughter #christmaspajamas #christmasactivities
Who has done 99% of their shopping online in 2020? Who has done 99% of their shopping online in 2020?! 🙋🏻‍♀️

Putting out a little basket or box of goodie for your delivery drivers is a great idea show them how much you appreciate them! ❤️After all, they delivered they’ve even delivered your groceries (thanks 2020)! 🌮🥓🧀@heymadinelson has the template saved in her highlights that you can print and put with a box on your porch! I threw in granola bar, crackers, and candy!

📬Tell me the craziest thing you had delivered this year?! 

http://liketk.it/32VfL #liketkit @liketoknow.it #LTKfamily #LTKkids #LTKhome #porchbench #porchdecor #catnjack #christmaspajamas #christmas #christmasdecor #target #targetstyle #diyideas #christmassocks #christmasshopping #deliverydriver #amazondelivery #usps #momsofinsta #tampamom #mombloggers #mombloggersofig #kindnessmatters #kidsactivityideas #givebacktothecommunity
An indoor playground?! SIGN US UP. #AD We visited An indoor playground?! SIGN US UP. #AD  We visited @playgroundsoftampa to check out their indoor bounce house and playground! Y’all, Vivian was in heaven! They have a specific area for littles 0-3 years old and the rest is full size bounce houses and a playground  that even the adults can jump in with the kiddos. My personal favorite part is the coffee bar 😍☕️ I had the BEST iced caramel latte, which clearly little missy stole from me 😆 Best of all is that it’s owned by a husband and wife with 2 kiddos of their own. Supporting small business is more important now than ever before ❤️

#tampa #tampamoms #playgroundsoftampa #tampamom #createcollabs #momsofinsta #momsofig #tampabloggers #thingstodotampa #momsofsouthtampa #oldnavystyle
After I took this photo I realized that I hadn’t After I took this photo I realized that I hadn’t moved the elf in a few days 😂 I also realized that my kid could care less and just thinks it’s a toy😆 I notice a lot of families who don’t do elf on the shelf as well as not carrying on the tradition of Santa with their kids. Personally I didn’t have an elf growing up but my mom carried on Santa and I plan to do so with our children. I do however believe in the one gift from Santa rule as not every kiddo is able to have a tree full of gifts from Santa. 🎅🏼

👇🏻I’m curious what your family does with traditions in regards to the elf and Santa!

#liketkit http://liketk.it/33zJ4 @liketoknow.it #StayHomeWithLTK #LTKhome #mombloggersofig #tampamom #targetstyle #christmasdecorating #flockedtree #elfonashelf #momsofinstagram #knittedblanket #homedecorideas #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodunplugged #momchat #santa #christmastraditions #christmastradition
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