January 4, 2018

Our Bedtime Routine at 16 Months Old

This post is sponsored by Gerber, regardless all opinions expressed below are completely my own.

https://www.walmart.com/search/?cat_id=0&facet=special_offers%3ANew%7C%7Cbrand%3AGerber&max_price=50&min_price=0&page=1&po=1&query=gerber+clothing+-+searchProductResult#searchProductResult

Did you see us? We're what I call "officially official"! While I'm super shy and awkward in front of a video camera, we did it...  my cute little chunk and I made our debut on Facebook LIVE and if you caught it, you'll know one of the few tips I'm going to share today already!

https://www.walmart.com/search/?cat_id=0&facet=special_offers%3ANew%7C%7Cbrand%3AGerber&max_price=50&min_price=0&page=1&po=1&query=gerber+clothing+-+searchProductResult#searchProductResult


With that said, today I'm dishing out all the details on how we get Delainey into sleep mode each night. As I mentioned in our live, she sadly isn't a through-the-night sleeper yet... But we've mastered the technique of getting her to sleep so I thought I'd share for other mamas that are going crazy trying to get their tiny tots to sleep.

https://www.walmart.com/search/?cat_id=0&facet=special_offers%3ANew%7C%7Cbrand%3AGerber&max_price=50&min_price=0&page=1&po=1&query=gerber+clothing+-+searchProductResult#searchProductResult

We'll start with the bit I mentioned in our video, socks! We want to always provide comfort so we choose Gerber socks, since they are the softest... and of course, the coordinating Gerber PJ sets, mittens, towels, etc. from Walmart are also super soft and among our favorites.

https://www.walmart.com/search/?cat_id=0&facet=special_offers%3ANew%7C%7Cbrand%3AGerber&max_price=50&min_price=0&page=1&po=1&query=gerber+clothing+-+searchProductResult#searchProductResult

We choose Gerber because it's a brand we can trust and I mean, how cute does she look in this?

https://www.walmart.com/search/?cat_id=0&facet=special_offers%3ANew%7C%7Cbrand%3AGerber&max_price=50&min_price=0&page=1&po=1&query=gerber+clothing+-+searchProductResult#searchProductResult

The next thing we do is a bath! My former bath-hater suddenly did a 180 and now pleads to take a bath all day long. Post dinner seems to be the best time for us and it just so happens it's become part of her night time routine now. I love getting to watch her splash and enjoy the water... and it probably comes as no surprise that both her washcloth and her towel are from the Gerber Childrenswear line we adore so much.

https://www.walmart.com/search/?cat_id=0&facet=special_offers%3ANew%7C%7Cbrand%3AGerber&max_price=50&min_price=0&page=1&po=1&query=gerber+clothing+-+searchProductResult#searchProductResult

Speaking of adoration, my favorite part of our night time routine is getting some cuddles in - We always sit down and read books before we officially say night night and we both love this time..

https://www.walmart.com/search/?cat_id=0&facet=special_offers%3ANew%7C%7Cbrand%3AGerber&max_price=50&min_price=0&page=1&po=1&query=gerber+clothing+-+searchProductResult#searchProductResult

Find the right bed - While we planned for Delainey to sleep in her crib every night... it just doesn't always happen. She loves her Dockatot though. It's been a real life saver and actually has helped us all sleep better. I know she's safe and she feels safe... it's a total must-have for us!

https://www.walmart.com/search/?cat_id=0&facet=special_offers%3ANew%7C%7Cbrand%3AGerber&max_price=50&min_price=0&page=1&po=1&query=gerber+clothing+-+searchProductResult#searchProductResult

Lastly, make some noise! Well, I mean, don't start banging pots and pans, but don't walk on tippy toe all the time either. You'll want your baby to be able to sleep through some things. We use a sound machine with a beach sound to soothe her and it's truly been with us every night of her life. It's a must in my book.

https://www.walmart.com/search/?cat_id=0&facet=special_offers%3ANew%7C%7Cbrand%3AGerber&max_price=50&min_price=0&page=1&po=1&query=gerber+clothing+-+searchProductResult#searchProductResult

Now, tell me, if you have a through the night sleeper or a little early riser like D, what's your bedtime routine look like?


I'm the type of mom that...



When I became a mom I had NO idea what kind of parent I would really be. I mean, I had ideas of the type of guidance I'd provide. I knew what kind of parent I thought I would be, but the reality of parenting is different...

Maybe I should lead with... it's not like I'm a bad parent, but I always thought I'd be a better parent than I am. What do I mean by that?

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Well, I had envisioned being the type of mom that was "on top of everything". You know, the one that keeps a super tidy home, sends her toddler to montessori school, is part of every mom group, and always looks put together.

But... the reality is, that just isn't me. Luckily, Delainey loves me anyways.

With that said, over the past 16 months, I think I've found my "groove" as a mom.

I've found out I'm the type of mom that let's my kiddo have an extra bite of my ice cream when daddy isn't looking.

You know the one that she brings a stack of books to... and I read each and every one. That mom that smiles and plays dress up and loves each and every second of it. The one that hugs her, secretly takes a whiff of her sweet little hair, and smirks in delight because this angel is mine.

That's the mom I am... and well, I'm okay with that.

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While I may not be on top of everything in life, I have been on top of fighting colds in our house this season with Kleenex. We actually started out the season with a gnarly cold and I wasn't going to make that mistake again. So I make sure to battle the sickness each time we hit up Walmart.

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I'm not being exaggerative when I say we battle a cold with Kleenex. It's proven - the active ingredients in the middle layer disrupt the viruses’ protective coating and kill 99.9% of cold and flu viruses in the tissue within 15 minutes!
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Speaking of things you can do with 15 minutes, we've also been spending time each day with Delainey going over our ABC's and practicing "where are your... eyes, lips, ears, etc." only about a thousand times a day per her request.

She pretty much learns a new word a day and lately we're trying to get her to say "please" and "thank you", but she's a stubborn little thing.

And, well, while I'm not the type of mom that wins awards for being organized, I'm a pretty dang good mom most days and I think my little nugget of love would agree.

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So tell me, what type of parent are you? If you're also the type to stock up on essentials and fight colds before they come back - don't forget you can also shop Walmart online for all your Kleenex and other cold-fighting goodies!

December 30, 2017

The Most Wonderful Time of The Year...



It's the most wonderful time of the year... Delainey and I agree. We both love the holidays.


The thing is, we have been slightly off lately, battling with a cold for what feels like forever... So things haven't been as cheery as they could have been over the last few weeks. I had all these plans and well, none of them really played out.




I was going to share how we made these awesome homemade ornaments.. then life happened. So instead you get this photograph of them right now and maybe the tutorial for how to make them at a later date.



We had plans to visit Santa again before Christmas, but our colds put that idea on hold and now Christmas has already passed. Oops! So... we'll take our precious photos from a random visit with Santa at the zoo this year and embrace them, even if she is being feisty in them. That's a true depiction of my girl, after all.


That's the thing, sometimes you just have to go with the flow, embrace the change, and just deal. So that's what we're doing this holiday season... and I'm okay with that.


With that said, in 2018, I'm hoping for great things - from myself, for my daughter, for my blog, for my business, for my circle of friends and family, for our country.


So cheers! Here's to the holiday season and all the greatness to come in 2018. I hope the best for you & yours in the coming year!

December 16, 2017

Four Ways to Prepare to Be a Caregiver



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Here's the thing, sometimes life gives you unexpected curve balls... I know I've seen it happen too many times in my life already. I've been told this by my elders too. One day someone is up, walking around, totally healthy... and the next, they're in recovery and under the supervision of a home health aide. It happens.

While I'm blessed enough to say a majority of my family members are in tip-top health, I do have experience providing care for those in need. I'm actually a formerly certified nurse assistant, so I know firsthand how much love and determination it takes to be a caregiver. I am one. It takes a big heart to provide care to loved ones, but it also takes patience, a new set of boundaries, and sometimes even arming yourself with a new knowledge-base.


Today I'm going to suggest a few ways you can prepare for this stage in life, including tips for helping you cope and how you can save some money while transitioning into your new role:

1. Learn to listen whole-heartedly - You'll want to re-evaluate the way you communicate with your "patient". Listening to body language is of utmost importance and be humble in your responses. Do everything you can to understand, even if it's hard at times.


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2. Bring on the basics - You probably wouldn't think of it until it's time, but Sam's Club is a great place to find basic care giving items. Things like a walker, supplemental drinks, Poise products, Depends products, a gait belt, and several other necessities.

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The protection having these items offers can provide both the patient and the caregiver with peace of mind... and luckily you can find most of what you need at Sam's for a great deal!

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Plus, if you're feeling bashful, you can always use discreet shipping from Sam's Club to get the supplies needed to provide care, as well as the ability to use club pick up, scan & go, and more.

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The item I think is the most valuable when making Sam's run as a caregiver is Ensure Nutrition Shakes. I know the power of providing adequate nutrition is important and finding a great deal on these supplemental items is a true blessing. 

3. Rethink boundaries - While we all have a "bubble" and find comfort in it, with care giving that bubble goes out the door. As a CNA, I held people up, I helped them roll from side to side, and the list goes on. You no longer have personal boundaries once you start providing care for most patients and really, no topic of discussion should be off limits either. You'll be discussing bowel movements, catheters, and other private matters regularly as a caregiver.

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4. Remember - My last bit of advice to a caregiver is to remember. Remember what it's like to be vulnerable, remember that your patient (whether a family member or a stranger) is a person and has likely done amazing things in their life, remember the golden rule - treat others as you would like to be treated.

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With that said, I'm so lucky that I have had the pleasure of learning to provide care from some very loving and well-educated individuals... and while I'm not currently using my certification, I know when the time comes to care for those I love, I'll be ready...