I'm {THAT} Type of Mom...

I'll be honest, it feels like just yesterday I found out we were expecting Delainey and at the same time, I feel like she's been a part of my life forever.

Parenting is funny like that, one moment it's intense, raw, and emotional like when you're making big decisions for your kids and the next moment you both can sit down and start playing with a simple piece of tissue paper and it's playful, uncomplicated, and so perfect. The days fly by, yet you're counting down the hours until bedtime.

That's the thing, though. I imagined having this little life play a part in mine for 7 years. I dreamed of the day I would hold her little hand, I wished for precious, little chunky cheeks to kiss on, I longed for her and her presence. So it's safe to say I knew what I was getting into when I became a mom, but I really had no idea at the same time.

What do I mean by that?

I mean, I thought I knew everything before she came into the world. I thought I knew the type of mom I would be. I claimed I would never apply harsh chemicals to her skin, I knew I would make her all her baby food, I said she wouldn't watch TV and I planned on solely cloth diapering her. I just knew I would babywear her all the time, so while I was expecting I bought every type of carrier on the market... and well, I made lots of assumptions about how our day to day life would be.

But the reality is, sometimes life doesn't go the way you plan - especially when it involves being the caretaker of a spirited little sweetie like D.

So I'm not that mom.  Delainey has worn sunscreen and she's been exposed to diaper rash cream *gasp*! While I'd love to say I mix up her purees every single day, I don't... because I've learned that's just not me. Instead, she eats organic food from pouches while she watches her favorite TV show.

And if I'm being frank here, she runs around nakie more often than clothed and we use Huggies to keep her bum clean and dry and she pretty much despises being worn in her carriers... because she's my little wild one and she loves to have freedom to explore and learn.

While, it's not the type of mom I thought I would be... it's the type of mom I am and it's the type of mom Delainey needs in her life. Luckily, Delainey seems to like her life without who I thought I would be and she adores me just how I am.

I'm the type of mom that takes off work to go spend time at the beach in the middle of the week (then walks around with a sandy butt, as the evidence shows above😂). I'm the mom that shares bites of all my food so that my kiddo doesn't feel left out. I'm the mom that plays dress up, reads books, and loves to surprise her kiddo. I'm Delainey's mama, the one that soothes the cries, wipes away the tears, and kisses her forehead, the one that snuggles her, and makes her laugh just by looking at her silly. I'm the one blessed enough to answer her when I hear her call out "mama".

Are you a parent? If you are, I'm sure you know the bittersweet nature of it all. While learning the ropes and getting this parenting thing down pat isn't the easiest... I have found a way to easily get our Huggies home thanks to Sam's Club!

I just add a month's supply of diapers and a big ol' box of wipes to my cart & check out! It's that easy to keep her clean, dry, and comfortable and the best *and easiest* part is you'll save $10 on any two items or $18 on any three items just by shopping at Sam's Club!

We're so happy about our savings, we dance sometimes... because again, if you're a parent, you know how expensive it can be to a raise these little blessings!

With that said, I'd love to hear ways you've found to save a penny (or two) while raising your kiddos... or if you're in the new bundle of joy stage like (still) are, I'd love to hear how you plan to save money in the future!