The girls have made a ton of changes lately. I started this blog to document our journey and those changes. So I thought I would share a little about each of my girls and what I want to remember.

Adelyn: 32 months

In the last couple of weeks, Adelyn has begun talking so much, and not just more, but more clearly. Our favorite thing she says is, “Sure, why not?”.  Just so clear and sweet when we ask her to do something. Usually only when we ask her to do something she wants to do, because if it isn’t, she just pretends she can’t hear us… She also tells Emery she is, “SO grouchy!” when she cries. Where do they even come up with this stuff?!?

Another favorite recent moment is was in the bath tub, she has a net that is full of toys. She emptied the net, stuck it up on the tile because it has suction cups,  stuck her plastic orange fish in it, and started yelling, “Swim down, swim down, swim down”. We had no idea what she was doing, or saying until it hit us, that she was reenacting a scene from her favorite movie, “Finding Nemo”.

Adelyn is obsessed with Caillou, (I, however, want to pull my hair out when I hear his voice), kitty cats, watermelon and ketchup. (Usually together…) Currently this week she is loving all things mermaid, putting on lipstick, and growing her garden. (You can see a photo of that on Instagram)

Emery: 11 months

So many fun changes with Emery lately. The most recent change is her beginning to walk. I forgot this stage – so incredibly neat to see her first steps, but then realizing we have to baby proof all over again, and the days of our house being half picked up are long gone. She is into everything!

Emery makes the cutest squinty-faced smile, says “Uh-Oh” whenever something is dropped, and loves to dance with her sister. I am now requested every morning to put on music for a dance party. It gets our day going on a good note and gives me time to make an iced coffee and get breakfast on the table.

She loves books, especially ones with monkeys in them??, baby dolls, snacking, and growling at the dog.

These are my girls, and I love them so much. Grateful as ever to be their mama and spend my days (and late nights) with them.

When I first packed my bags for the hospital with Adelyn, I basically took everything plus the kitchen sink. The second time around, with Emery, I learned not to take so much. Honestly, the hospital had everything I really needed, and there were just a few things that were nice to have that I packed. Some of the things I learned not to take were things like diapers, they have them there and use them so you don’t have to use the ones you already bought. Underwear – I know this is TMI, but really you just want to use and wear the mesh, granny panties they provide. And actually if you are able to, take a few pairs for when you go home for the coming weeks. No need to ruin your nice ones. I also overpacked on clothes for Adelyn the first time. Partly because I was just so excited to dress her in all her cute new outfits – I think I took almost 10 outfits, no joke. Wait, it gets even better. Not only did I not have the energy to dress her in any of her new outfits at the hospital, she ended up going home in a tee that read “I passed my hearing test”, that the hospital gave her. So much for the cute “going home” outfit that I bought. With Emery, I knew that I would be tired and not feel like trying on a bunch of cute outfits, so instead I took cute swaddles. But I did make sure she at least wore a cute outfit home!

Here are a few items I packed in my bag.

1 I love my Lily Jade diaper bag so much and was the diaper bag that I took to the hospital with Emery. You can read my full review here.

2 With both girls I made sure to take comfortable clothing and this sweatshirt is one of my favorites. I feel like the saying on it is a perfect “fit” for post-birth comfortables.

3 I used my Solly Wrap so much the first year with Emery. I started using it the day after Emery was born. It helps with that first skin-to-skin between mother and baby. It is also proven to help with postpartum depression. There is absolutely nothing better than feeling close to your newborn baby. One of tips is to start wearing your baby from day one because it does take practice and it allows your baby time to get use to being wrapped.

4 Finding a cute newborn outfit to dress them before going home is fun and I stated above, is necessary if you don’t want them going home in a hospital tee. I loved bringing Emery home in a GAP outfit and these crib moccasins.

5 For toiletries the second time around, I took the bare minimum – deodorant, cleansing face wipes, hand sanitizer, and chap stick. I love the Honest brand for all of these items. Obviously taking a brush is also needed and I love my detangling brush so much. It’s perfect to use on wet or dry hair.

6 Taking comfortable sweats or leggings is a good idea after giving birth. Seriously the thought of wearing jeans will make you cringe. I loved these high waist support leggings. They are incredibly comfortable and supportive – and I still wear them almost weekly!

7 With Adelyn, I stayed two nights at the hospital so dry shampoo was nice to use the second day.

8 I forgot lotion the first stay at the hospital and so with Emery I made sure to take some. I love this all over lotion because I can use it on baby or myself.

9 Socks. Nice comfortable socks was SO nice to have at the hospital to wear. Even better if they are cute like these ones. I could seriously buy every pair they sell.

10 & 11 I mentioned above that instead of taking a ton of outfits, that it is much easier to take cute swaddles to wrap your baby in. This way you can still take nice photos of your baby all wrapped like a cute little burrito and it saves you time/energy of getting them dressed. I love these and these swaddles.

So that is my hospital bag list. Other items I might suggest are taking a nice camera for photos or a Boppy if you are breastfeeding. Any items that you found as must-haves in your hospital bag?

With the first day of spring tomorrow, I thought I would round-up a few mama + mini swimwear favorites. We are headed to the Carribean next month, and so I’ve got the beach on the brain. I also just discovered the shop called, Harberdash Soul Company, who makes matching mother/daughter kimono and tunic sets. I am loving all of their gorgeous prints and anything with tassels is a must-have for me! How cute would it be to have  matching cover-ups with your little on the beach or at the pool?!? Also! I wanted to share that I purchased the first swimsuit I have shown below (and LOVE it) and it is 20% just this weekend! Just sign up here and get sent a 20% off coupon code to use on anything- even sale!

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Have a great weekend!

I am so excited to kick off a three-month series called “Mama on the Go,” to give encouragement and uplift all mamas to know that it is possible to get out the door feeling great and to get from place-to-place with ease. Now, please note that when I took these photos, I did have to get up extra early to get ready, Adelyn threw a fit on the way out the door, and by the time I got to the checkout, I ended up with 3 packs of donuts, some Jello, and a Minnie Mouse sippy cup that Adelyn had placed in the cart without my knowing. Life isn’t perfect, and being a “Mama on the Go” can be stressful at times, but there are tremendous benefits to getting out there with your kids!

My hope and prayer is that through this series you may find “mama friendly” outfit inspiration, a new diaper bag that can support you while you’re out and about, and, if you have a newborn, to hear why wrapping your baby while you go places can be of help. Each month, I will be sharing some tips about going places with little ones and featuring a different clothing company, bag company, and shade of Solly Baby wraps.

I fell in love with Ruthie Grace Boutique when I visited Houston, Texas, last summer. It was such a charming boutique with whimsical, fun, and girly designs for all ages. The owner, Tara Austin, is just as sweet as the shop, and has such an amazing testimony, which you can find on her website. I love that as a mama, I could find flattering, stylish, and even nursing-friendly clothing pieces. Ruthie Grace Boutique carries not only clothing, but the most gorgeous accessories too! I make sure to check out their website weekly as they are always adding new pieces. I am currently crushing on this dress, this necklace, and these shoes! Mamas, go check them out!

A new favorite diaper bag that I have been using on repeat is by Coco & Kiwi. I own the bag in both buff and amber colors, but I have been considering snagging this striped one too! How cute are all their bags?!?! I love that they look like high-end designer bags while featuring all of the functions of a great diaper bag. They have seven pockets to help you stay organized, along with an awesome zip-out messy bag that actually came in handy the other day when we went out of town and Emery covered herself in food. I was able to stick her dirty clothes in the messy bag and then later dump it all in the washing machine, as the messy bag is machine washable! Every bag by Coco & Kiwi also comes with stroller straps (a lifesaver when you are on the go as it saves space underneath your stroller), a changing pad, and an adjustable shoulder strap. I know you will love Coco & Kiwi as much as I do, and you can’t beat their affordable price for such a well-made diaper bag!

Last, I will be featuring Solly Baby every month to show how I wrap Emery to make our outings easier. As I am typing this, I can’t help but feel a bit of sadness as she is now 11 months old and I have wrapped her many, many days during her first year. I fell in love with the Solly Baby wrap from day one when I wrapped her at the hospital. Since then, I have wrapped her on plane rides, many walks, grocery trips, and even just because we both needed to feel close.

Before I leave the house, I save time and hassle by wrapping the Solly Baby wrap around me so all I have to do is stick her in it when we get to where we are going. I like to use the Solly at the grocery store with two because I can put Adelyn in the cart and keep the basket “kid-free” for groceries. Emery has also been teething and likes to be held close, so wrapping her while we are on the go prevents any possible melt-downs.

Of course it wouldn’t be a grocery store post without sharing a few favorite recipes:

Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Banana Oatmeal Cups with Chocolate Chips

Egg Salad Sandwiches

Bacon and Avocado Pasta Salad

Turkey Cobb Salad

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup

Slow Cooker Burrito Bowls

Easy Chicken and Vegetables

Chicken Poppy Seed Casserole

Ham & Cheese Sliders

Baked Spaghetti

10 Minute Tostadas

Each month of the Mama on the Go series, I will be giving away a prize package of something from every shop featured. Head on over to my Instagram account to enter to win shop credit from both Ruthie Grace Boutique and Coco & Kiwi, and a Solly Baby wrap of choice!

Remember that you can do it, mamas! I know that when I get up, get dressed, and get out of the house, the fresh air and time spent in a different environment with my girls provides me with a positive attitude/outlook, a little inspiration, and encouragement as a mama.

Easter is quickly approaching and I thought it would be fun to share what I am filling the girl’s Easter baskets with this year. I use these baskets to fill with small gifts and then for the Easter hunt we plan to use these smaller wool baskets. I hope you can find a few ideas to fill your child’s Easter basket!

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I hope you all had a great weekend! Our weekend was nice and restful as we are gearing up for a busy week. I spent Sunday clearing out the girls’ closets to get them ready for spring wear! It felt so nice to   start a bit of spring cleaning and put away winter clothes. Which also means because I did this, we will be getting a huge snow storm and I will be digging out the boots and snowsuits…But regardless, I am ready for spring and especially cute spring pjs! Here are a few for girls AND boys that I thought were festive for this time of year. Enjoy!

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I thought it would be fun to share a few items that we are loving at bedtime for baby! Each item we own, use, and love! I hope that you may find a few of these items helpful for your little one!

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1 – We have recently started using these Honest Company nighttime diapers and absolutely love them! The girls are able to make it through the night without any leaks and in the mornings their diapers don’t seem as full!

2 – A sound machine has been a hit for both girls at night. They have always been able to fall asleep quick with the sound of white noise. Sometimes I wonder if they could sleep without, it but I’m not brave enough yet to try as they both (mostly) sleep through the night!

3 – We love Milkbarn pjs because they are made with softest, most well-made fabric. And not to mention oh, so cute!

4 – I use these Wub-a-nub pacifiers with Emery, especially at night because if she loses it in the night, she can immediately find it herself with the little animal on the end, and put herself back to sleep.

5 – I used these Halo sleepers with Adelyn, and now with Emery. They keep her warm without over heating her. I haven’t tried any other brands, because the Halo ones are the best rated and have always worked great for us.

6 – Isn’t this little bunny soother the sweetest? My girls have always loved to rub something soft as they fall asleep, and Jellycat makes the softest, sweetest animals including this soother.

7 – I always read Emery a book before bed and Pat the Bunny is always a hit. She is really into any book that she can touch and feel, but this one has always been a favorite.

What are some of your nighttime necessities?

What. A. Week. I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the weekend and some nice weather! I think it might actually might be nice enough to make it out to the park this weekend! I think some fresh air is in order for our family after a week of short and non-existent naps. But first, here are a few Friday Favorites!

I am so excited that we have some fun trips coming up this spring and summer. I have actually never made the splurge, and bought a nice swimsuit. All of the places we are going include a beach or pool, so I bought this one yesterday in black.

Who is excited for Fuller House tonight!?!? #teamunclejesse!! That is what inspired my quote from the photo above, but I have to share the company who makes these! Letterfolk is a husband and wife ran business that makes these incredible letter boards. I love having this board on display in our home and the best part is the ability to be creative and come up with different sayings.

Well, it is almost March and I am just getting into the swing of starting to work out a little in the mornings. Good thing, working out wasn’t part of my new year resolutions. I try to make realistic ones. I’m not doing anything serious, but just enough to get my day going and build a little strength. I bought these to help motivate me a bit.

We are doing a few updates to the house. Thank you, Fixer Upper. Seriously that show is the reason causing this sudden urge to redecorate everything. Not only redecorate, but pretty much replace everything in our house with reclaimed wood…. So really we are just trying to finally finish decorating after we have lived in our home what will be 4 years this summer. I found these gorgeous reclaimed wood shelves this week and bought a few for a wall in our bedroom.

Last, I bought this movie to watch with Adelyn this weekend. I’m excited because I have heard good things about it. She has recently become obsessed with watching movies. What are your favorite children movies? I am tired of watching Finding Nemo, so I need some good recommendations!

Have a great weekend!

 

I haven’t done a round up of Emery’s current favorites lately, so I thought I would do a quick round up of all the things I have been loving for this age lately. It has been so fun to watch all the quick changes she has made the last couple of months. Crawling, waving, clapping, first “babble words”, learning sign language, standing up on her own, the list goes on. I love this age, but I have also forgot all the new “joys” it comes with. This morning I found her with a piece of dog food in her mouth and I about died. She is also quick. So long to the days of finding her where I left her. I can’t even hardly believe it is time to start thinking about a first birthday party!

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