Okay, so maybe I'm guilty of saying this every year... but this year I'm working towards a better me. This isn't a resolution, this isn't a goal I set and don't achieve. This is what's happening. In 2018, I'm making a lifestyle change... and it's for the better.
While I'm still going to devote a majority of my time to my sweet babe, I'm making sure I take time for me this year. From working a little less to working out a little more, I am making myself a priority again... and I think this little change will be good for my entire family.
So how do I plan on doing this? Well, let's be frank, I'm going to start by spoiling myself. Some weeks I'll send Delainey off for a little Daddy-Daughter time while I go get a pedicure, other weeks D and I will spend our time practicing baby & me yoga. I still want to be the best mom, blogger, and small shop owner I can be, but I want to take a few moments for just me each day - to provide balance, to keep myself sane, and frankly, just to breathe.
Luckily, I have a supportive hubby who is totally on board... and coincidentally, earlier this week Babbleboxx sent over a box of lean, green goodies to spoil me. So out the door went my family on a fun little adventure and after doing a little yoga & meditation into the box I dove... and I'm in love with all the items they sent!
We'll start with something I didn't even know I need, but I totally love - The Waterpik Showerhead. I'll be honest and say I had no idea we even needed a new one, until I replaced our previous one. That's right, I got "handy" and installed this baby on my own (because it's super easy to do). And after yoga & a little handy work, taking a shower was just the right way to relax. With 2x the massage force of other shower heads, this new Waterpik shower head was the perfect mixture of relaxing and rejuvenating.
Speaking of relaxing and rejuvenating the CW Hemp oil products were my next must-try item in the box. With wellness in mind, the Everyday Plus Mint Chocolate hemp extract oil is something I recommend every one give a try!
This goodness not only adds a touch of tastyness to whatever you add it to, it also is full of antioxidants and naturally contained phytocannabinoids, that support all kinds of biological processes in your body.... which basically means, it's great for you and everyone should add a drop to their coffee or into their next batch of cookies! And before you ask... Let me answer the obvious - NO, I'm not promoting "drugs"! Cannabinoids are a fatty compound found in many plants that are key players in a normal immune system and are actually naturally produced in your body as well.
With that said, the Hemp Infused Balm & Cream CW Hemp sent over is amazing as well. It makes my skin so soft and I'll be real and let y'all know, I just love using it on my aching feet after a long day of chasing D around! Interested in trying out something from CW Hemp? Check it out here and use the code BABBOXW7ZGGCRYAAZD to save 10%!
Speaking of chasing D around, the Casio: G-Shock S Series Step Tracker was a great addition to this box. I love that I'm able to keep track of how much activity I'm getting through out the day... it's a great way to remind myself to take a walk with Delainey instead of slaving away on my computer. Plus, the Casio G Shock is a pretty stylish women's timepiece, so it's a win-win for this mama!
Another win for me in this box was the Matcha Powder from The Synergy Company. From Matcha lattes to a quick pill to pop to make sure I'm giving my body all it needs - I'm a huge fan of Matcha! I'm also a huge fan of The Synergy Company and the fact that they are fanatical about using pure, natural ingredients... something I feel all vitamin companies should be!
While that sounds fancy, it's not at all! Ha. It may look funny while brushing with black charcoal but this all-natural, best selling tooth powder is filled with natural ingredients to help detoxify, whiten, and strengthen your teeth... What more could you ask for? Check out Primal Life and use the code PLOBOXX217 for 20% off your purchase!
Are you implementing any new routines or making changes to lead a healthier lifestyle this year? I'd love to hear all about it in the comments below!
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?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Today's conversation is sponsored by Samsung via MomTrends.
It was bound to happen... and for the first time since I had D, it happened today.
Y'all...
Today, I woke up with a sore throat, a scratchy feeling in my ears, a
slight fever, and an overall BLAH feeling. Oh, freaking no. My life is
busy, as is, there's no time for being sick. Moms don't get sick days! It's just like an unspoken rule or something, we literally can not be sick.
I
wasn't sure what I was going to do... but I knew I had to act fast. I'm
sure you can relate, mom life doesn't leave much time for contemplating
decisions. With a toddler bouncing around in bed with me and growling
like a wild animal, I knew it was time to start the day... whether or
not I felt up to it or not. So I made my plan and executed it, almost flawlessly, may I add.
The first thing I did was gargle with salt water and make myself a cup of honey-lemon tea.
Next,
I knew I had to see a doctor, but wasn't sure how I was going to swing
that with Miss Crazy Pants in tow. Then I remembered, I can just use my
phone! Samsung Health makes it all easy as pie.
So...instead of
trying to get myself and D dressed & put together for an in-person
Doctor's visit, I was able to consult with a qualified physician from
the comfort of my couch using Ask an Expert on my Samsung S6 Edge. I can't even begin to tell you what a relief this was.
I
didn't have to worry about D catching something while waiting for me to
be seen at a local urgent care, because we were literally able to watch
her shows while I waited to be "seen" by the doctor.
I love how
convenient Asking an Expert was, I literally just pressed a few
buttons, chose who I would see, and then waited a few minutes until it
was time... and of course, D had to say hello and help me discuss my
symptoms.
Then... He told me to take it easy, get some rest, and
make sure I'm getting plenty of Vitamin C. HA! And while I wish I could
do all of that, it simply isn't going to be happening any time soon, at
least while I have D in my care. So I amped up the vitamin C and we did
our very best to take it easy today, which still included lots of time
playing and chasing my tiny boss around the house.
While I'm not feeling a hundred percent myself yet, I think I'm on the road to recovery and I'm thankful I was able to Ask an Expert and confirm it was just a common cold without even having to leave my house.
Are
you feeling a little under the weather or maybe your sweet pea is
breaking out in a rash? If you're a Samsung user, here's some good news
(even though I'm sure you're stressing): you can see a doctor easily,
just like I did! PLUS, I have a discount code you can use, save $10 when you use the code 'SAMSUNG24'! But just so ya know, this expires 3/31/18.
Disclaimer:
Compensation for this post was provided to me by Samsung via MomTrends.
The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not
indicative of the opinions of Samsung or MomTrends. Ask an Expert
(Online Doctor Visits) is a service offered through Samsung Health that
helps you easily connect to medical and wellness experts from your
phone. Samsung Health requires a compatible Android phone and a Samsung
account. The Online Doctor Visits service is available in the U.S.,
except in Arkansas. The service is not for people suffering from medical
emergencies or serious life-threatening conditions. If you have a
serious medical concern, please call 911 or proceed to the nearest
emergency department.
So, as you've probably noticed around here - my life is totally different as a parent. I thought before I had D that I'd still write about all kinds of things lifestyle related, but you can pretty much tell as you scroll through... I spend all my time mom-ing now. Taking care of baby business and basically living the life of a toddler's snack chef is my 24/7 - I'm not complaining though, this is the life I've always dreamed of. Delainey truly is a blessing and I'm so thankful to get to spend all my time with her.
With that said, I've had to learn to make time for myself too. I'm learning to master the art of balance in my life, in more ways than one really. It's been a struggle over the past year or so, but now that D's nearly 13 months, I'm starting to get the hang of things... maybe? She's teaching me lessons at the same time I'm trying to teach her about life, it's a balancing act in itself and one that'll be a lifelong thing - that's what parenthood really is, after all.
Ultimately, finding "me" time and still making more than enough time for her is my goal. I've been trying to do more for me, without taking away from her... so I've been practicing yoga a little more with her as my partner, meditating as much as possible while embracing her wild and crazy noisy self, and contemplating ways we all can work on balancing our lives - hence today's post.
There's no coincidence I started this new balanced lifestyle in September either, it's National Yoga Month - which means I'm not just trying to balance my life, but I'm working on my "yoga-game" lately as well and trying to find more balance there. The thing is, yoga isn't just an awesome way to build physical balance, it's a great way to center your mind and find balance mentally as well. Are you wanting to find more balance in your life? Here's my list, inspired by my most recent Peace, Love, and Yoga Babbleboxx goodies:
1. Flow - While drinking plenty of water is one important way to maintain balance in your life, the way I'm addressing flow today is more in the manner of "going with the flow". While practicing yoga, listen to your body. When you're having a rough day, try not to sweat the small stuff. Let things roll off your back, instead of worrying about every detail, and you'll soon discover, life is much happier this way.
2. Hard Work - When we have a million voices screaming at us to quit, it's easy to give up... but the thing is - quitting won't get us anywhere.
Whether it's anxious thoughts overwhelming you while prepping for a gym session, the thought of needing to quit while in a tough yoga pose, or the overwhelming urgency of needing to eat making you desperate to break your diet, there's no need to "quit". Hard work always pays off, in your thoughts, in the gym, while practicing yoga, and even when you stick to a tough diet.
With that said, making sure you are getting enough protein as a momma on the go can be tough. Check out how you can ensure your body stays nourished with Ascent Protein — The Official Sponsor of Hard Work. Coming in flavors like chocolate, vanilla bean, and lemon sorbet, I'm always craving these and love being able to make sure my body is getting what it needs, easily in yummy shake form! Want to try this delicious "reward" for all your hard work? Use the code 'YOGA' for 10% off!
3. Escape - I know I'm not the only one that just needs an escape every once in a while. It's not even just limited to a "mom thing". So when I find a book I just love, I have to share. Plus this one is a #1 New York Times Best Seller & one of Oprah's Book Club Selections in 2016, so you know it's good. Love Warrior is a painfully honest book written by Glenn Doyle Melton, about life, about love, about trusting. We are all born to be warriors and this women's memoir is a reminder that we all are powerful, capable, and brave enough to fight for what we want. At the same time, it's super raw and open, about everything. If you're looking for a gripping book, you know, the type with little bits so well-phrased and interesting that you highlight the pages... this is it.
4. Energize - Kombucha is something I've loved since I tried it, not only because it's healthy... but it's actually super tasty! I love trying new foods and I'll try anything once, but the first time I sipped kombucha, I knew it was a life-long love type of thing.
With that said, KeVita Master Brew kombucha has me feeling the same way. Fermented with a kombucha tea culture, has live probiotics, organic acids, organic caffeine (hellllllooooooooo life source), and it's also verified non-alcoholic!
I try to limit myself on kombucha since D is nursing still but I can't wait to try all the invigorating flavors! With options ranging from pineapple peach to root beer, they have kombucha everyone will love.
5. Nourish - On the same yummy note, B.O.S.S. Bars are a new family favorite! With amazing flavor combinations and premium, all raw
ingredients. These are "treats" I don't have to hide from Delainey when
I'm snacking... but sometimes I sneak away for a second anyways, just
to savor the flavor and treat myself, without having to share! LOL.
Why
do I love these so much? With paleo flavors like Dazzle, Think, Move,
Smile, what's not to love? I think so far we have enjoyed the 'Smile'
bar the most, although they all are delicious gluten-free snacks. Which
flavor catches your interest the most? Grab a stash of these goodies here
and you can score free shipping on any 5-pack and/or case of 12 on
their website through October 15, 2017 w/code BABBLEBOSS (or you can
always score some on Amazon Prime)!
6. Sweeten - Some days, life just needs a little sweetness added to it. The most recent addition to the In the Raw sweeteners, NEW Organic Stevia In The Raw is the best way to add that bit of sweetness without worrying about GMOs. This natural sweetener is my favorite way to make sure my espresso tastes just right... and since it comes in tiny little packets, I take it everywhere with me.
7. Freshen - Let's be honest, some days we don't have time to take multiple showers... but chasing these babies around definitely makes us feel a little heated alllllll day long. Or is that just me? Either way, I sometimes feel the need to freshen up mid-day... and when I don't have the time to take an all out shower, I reach for Simply Summer's Eve Cleansing cloths. These little handy-dandy personal care wipes help balance your natural pH and wipe away unwanted, odor causing bacteria - the perfect way to make sure your lady bits stay fresh, no matter how active you are!
8. Switch Perspective - Life really is all about perspective,
trying to find the positive in every situation is really the best way to
look at things - in my eyes, anyways. Nopun intended. The thing is, that isn't always easy. When
things get rough, it's best to allow yourself to be upset for a moment.
Then push past it and find a way to look at it differently.
When baby is throwing a fit and all you want to do is cry with her, instead sit down, get on her eye level and start to play. I almost guarantee that little shift in your behavior will alter her behavior as well. Life really is all about how you look at it, so try and enjoy every moment and find the good in it all. Some days it's nice to take things in from an admiring 1 year old's stance, she definitely makes the mundane seem interesting and the boring seem bright... and what is there not to love about that?!
9. Embrace - On that note, learning to embrace the crazy, the long nights, the crying, and the tough moments has probably been my biggest struggle as a parent. Therefore, it's where I've had to work at balancing life the most since D's arrival. I can honestly say I'm still working on embracing it all, but I try and take it all in now. I find balance in embracing all parts of our daily life by trying to remind myself she's only little once, regardless of how tough she can be.
Even on my busiest of days, I love the moments she needs me. When I'm struggling to get things done, I still love when she just wants mama snuggles and nothing else will do.... and when she only laughs at me and nothing else can make her giggle, those are the moments I'll always cherish. I feel honored that she loves me so much, with this extravagant, over-the-top, adoring type of love... and the thing is, I somehow love her so much more than that.
So tell me, how do you embrace parenthood? How have you achieved balance in your life as a parent? ...or if you're still navigating through the first few years of parenthood (like me), be sure to leave me some input on how you're managing to balance your life right now! Also, be sure to check out all the goodies I shared today, for your chance to refresh, sweeten, and nourish your soul.
Life is funny, I used to dream of being a mama... and now look at me. Parenthood is more than I dreamed of, I'm not going to lie, everyday is centered around catering to my sweet girl. I spend every second wrapped up in a lack of sleep and a constant state of concern for her well-being, mixed with an overwhelming amount of love and pride. I could have never imagined how much her little cry would break my heart and how amazed I would be each time she does something new. It's like I knew being a mother would be this amazing experience, but I had no idea how incredible it really is to have someone call me mama... until it happened.
I'm not going to pretend everyday is perfect, because... we're human. Some days D is a sassy mess and on occasion, I can be the sassy one. I like to think we are the type to only serve up organic fruits and spend hours every day doing DIY activities, but the reality is some days we don't change out of our jammies because we are too busy watching Sid the Science Kid and eating food from a pouch. The truth in the matter is, as long as we love her and protect her, I think she'll be alright.
With that said, today I want to give you a little view inside our daily life. Today I'm sharing what a Day in the Life of Delainey looks like.
5:30AM - Time to wake up, family! Delainey wakes up almost every morning and wants to nurse and snuggle.
6:30AM - Daddy and Delainey get up and start their day. Lucky mama gets to sleep in. Typically this duo makes espresso for us and then spends a little time outdoors.
7:00AM - Snack time for Miss D. She can't stand the idea of waiting for breakfast so she needs something pronto! Usually it's a teething cracker or some fruit, but it depends on the day.
8:00AM - Delainey helps her Daddy make breakfast... and she loves it. Watching him cook is a favorite activity of hers.
8:30AM - Mama wakes up and plays while breakfast is being served!
9:00AM - Still eating breakfast, typically tossing pieces down to her dog... unless it's blueberries, strawberries, banana pancakes, or avocado - then those are all hers!
9:30AM - Time to clean up, polish off with a tiny bit of milkies (and usually we sneak in a bath... which she still isn't really a fan of).
10:00AM - Simple as that. Read her a book, give her some milk, and snuggle and the girl is out for a nap.
11:20AM - Delainey is usually bright eyed and bushy tailed by this time. We normally get dressed for the day and take on some activities, like modeling for our favorite small shops or a fun DIY project!
12PM - Lunch time rolls around quick everyday. Since we have practiced Baby Led Weaning, typically D just has some of what we're having or we make something just for her. From noodles to jackfruit, she has a variety and loves it all.
12:30 - We play a little and burn off that energy!
1:00 - We read books, we play in her room, she roams the halls on all fours and sometimes she chases after the dog.
1:30 - This is around the time we have started to give her a daily dose of probiotics! Which one do we use? Evivo!
I recently shared a post about items every breastfeeding mama and baby need and mentioned that we were using Evivo. What I think I need to mention again is why we're choosing to give her a daily dose of Evivo...? The answer is simple. Evivo helps restore and maintain health in a baby's gut! I like to think of it like this - if good gut bacteria are thriving at this age, it's more likely that she'll have a healthy metabolism and immune system later in life. I want to set her up for success, that's we choose Evivo.
2:00 - It's usually time for a second nap around now....
3:30-4:00 - It's wake up time... and someone is ready to explore.
4:30-5:30 - Depending on if her Daddy is home or not, we spend time outside exploring, do water play, have fun with DIY projects, and well, occasionally, we are slackers and we just watch some TV during this time.
5:30 - And just like that, it's time to chow down again. This girl loves her food so she eats solids like it's nobody's business.
6:00 - By this time she is playing in her room, we start her night routine by reading a little and getting her pjs on.
6:30 - Around now she starts to nurse to sleep and she's out by around 7-ish...
Here's the thing, having a baby is the biggest blessing in the world... I'm so lucky to finally have my little blessing. She is very well my biggest accomplishment in this life and I'm SO proud of her and so proud of myself for giving life to this wonderful, sweet, little light.
And well, you know, I'm not trying to be a party pooper but everyone only really talks about all of the amazing parts of having a baby. You hear about the happy moments, sometimes even the touching moments, but no one mentions the uhhhh... not so pretty parts of motherhood.
It's true, life isn't all rainbows and butterflies after giving birth - contrary to popular belief. No one mentions that:
1. Your stomach turns into a pillow - I had high hopes that my tummy would bounce back from being stretched out enough to hold a volleyball sized baby to a flat and toned little tummy, but then I woke up from that dream and saw my stretch marks and my giant belly. Not everyone is as unlucky as me, but it's totally normal to have a flabby belly after giving birth.
Honestly, I'm 8 months out and just now starting to feel like I really need to do something about it - i.e. exercise more enthusiastically. Some people are more gung-ho about getting back into shape and those are the people that likely bounce back a little easier. With that said, embrace your extra fluff while also working on your fitness and maybe take a minute or two to cuddle that baby - there's nothing wrong with some curves and the stretch marks will fade, babies don't keep - after all.
2. You're, uhhh, going to be a little damp - Well, honey, I've got some news, you thought that crazy amount of discharge was going to stop when you had your baby - wrong! And... I mean, eventually and unapologetically your pesky Aunt Flo will be paying you a visit again sometime - that's just mother nature for you.
Luckily, U by Kotex Fitness Tampons, Pads, and Panty Liners are a thing - so you're saved! Whether you need protection while toning your core during yoga class or you plan on running a marathon, U by Kotex Fitness are made to fit and form with your body and provide comfortable protection for your busy self.
That's right, you don't have to worry about any nonsense - U by Kotex & Walgreens have you covered! Plus, I have your back - use this rebate offer & save on these postpartum (and all the time) essentials!
3. Watch out... Here comes Big foot! - Yes, mama, I'm talking about you! Okay, well maybe not really but... if you're a shoe hoarder like me you may want to start destashing on ebay while you're pregnant. It's a sad but true fact, your foot grows while you are pregnant and it doesn't shrink back - much like your stomach. The good news is, you now have something to look forward to - shoe shopping!
4. Sleeping in a Pool - This sounds like a luxury vacation... right? WRONG! Another odd but true thing your body does postpartum is sweat profusely at night. I can remember waking up drenched and wondering what had happened, I was cold, I slept without blankets, and still - covered in sweat. It's actually your body ridding itself of all those amazing hormones that helped create your baby... but it's disgusting and you'll probably want a couple of changes of sheets so you don't have to sleep in your own sweat again and again.
5. Go ahead and Start Calling yourself Betsy - If you're breastfeeding that is definitely going to feel like your new name and you'll practically feel like you have udders too. Breastfeeding is such a rewarding part of motherhood but it's not an easy task. At first it hurts... and don't let anyone tell you any differently. Then it's constant, like almost 24/7. You'll want to give up... and it's totally okay if you do - fed is best, after all...then there's always the possibility of engorgement or mastitisis.
But that's all worth it for the benefits of breastfeeding, in my opinion... and the good news is, it all gets better and easier.
6. Want a new hairstyle? Well, you're going to get one. I've always had SUPER thick hair, never had a worry in the world... then I had D. Now my hair is thin, stringy, and gets greasy easier... and somehow lost some of its natural curl. Hair loss is a horrible part of postpartum that I absolutely thought wouldn't effect me... but it did. Oh and did I mention you'll have some hair growth in places you never have before, thanks to those totally awesome fluctuating hormone levels.
7. Party time on the Potty - Well, it's really the opposite of a party... but I wanted it to sound fun. Your first postpartum bowel movement after having your baby will be uncomfortable, to be frank. I was terrified, maybe even more intimidated than I was to give birth. Turns out, I really didn't have much to be scared of. But trust me, you'll be intimidated to poop after having your baby... even if you went while giving birth, which if you didn't know - $h*t happens all the time during child birth and it's totally normal. Oh... and I'm a person that prior to having a baby never even admitted to tooting, now look at me writing about bowel movements on my blog - so I guess you could say your comfort level regarding things like this will likely change as well.
8. Be mindful of postpartum depression and anxiety - Speaking of comfort levels, be aware that postpartum depression & anxiety are both very real. Be careful of the thoughts you choose to focus on and seek help if you are feeling desperate or especially uneasy.
While I luckily didn't really seem to suffer from postpartum depression or anxiety, I've experienced both in my life time and never want anyone to feel that discomfort. While neither condition is preventable, I suggest you take some time and do something for yourself every once in a while, make sure you seek support from your spouse, your family, and your friends, and just try and live in the moment.
9. It's time to discover your new skin - That's right even your skin changes. If you developed stretch marks, those are definitely a huge change so I'm sure you know what I mean. What you don't know is that your skin will likely react differently to your favorite lotion, it may burn easier in the sun, and your skin care routine may need to even be changed to give you the best glow you can get.
10. No longer you - Another thing that no one mentions is you literally are no longer who you used to be. You are "mom" and while that title is a huge honor, it also means you are no longer just living for you. Your life is now ran by a tiny milk-loving dictator and that means you're in for one crazy, sweet, wild, enjoyable ride.
With all of that said, there's one other thing no one mentions... that's the highs. The heights your emotions will reach from watching your child grow and learn. The first time you see your child smile, the first time you hear the word mama, those first tumbling steps towards you... and your heart will swell with a level of joy and pride you've never even dreamed of feeling before, and that... that is what makes it all worth it. That is what motherhood is all about.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of TempTraq for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
Keeping an eye on your baby is important, I think all parents know that. Whether we are in the room lounging with our little darlings or across the hall while baby naps in their crib, it's nice to know baby is doing okay without having to constantly be peeking into the crib. Today I want to share a few different ways you can use your phone to keep an eye on your baby, not just literally but with data and information as well.
We'll start with TempTraq. It's the only wearable, Bluetooth temperature monitor that continuously monitors temperature. Now when baby isn't feeling in tip-top shape, you can just apply the soft, comfortable patch underarm and it senses, records, and transmits temperature data for up to 24 hours to your phone through the TempTraq app.
Not only is TempTraq a Temperature Monitor, you can use it to keep an eye on when your babe drinks, eats, or take medicine - making caring for an ill child just a little less stressful. Get your hands on one of these handy thermometers at Target, CVS, or Walgreens, as well as TempTraq.com and monitor fevers! Put your mind at ease and worry less, even when baby is sick... Buy TempTraq now
Another app I love use so I can keep an eye on Delainey's development is the Wonder Weeks app. It's been educational to learn about her "leaps" and it gives a little insight as to what milestones she should be achieving as she goes through these growth periods! We're actually in our 2nd leap currently and the app has taught me so much about what she's experiencing, it's definitely a great tool for first time moms!
Glow Baby is a great app to keep track of diaper changes, nursing sessions, sleeping patterns, and more. While TempTraq can help you keep an eye on some of your baby's activities, I highly suggest checking out Glow Baby for the other items you want to keep track of. I personally like to use the app to track her diapies and her sleeping, it's nice to make sure she's leading a regular, healthy lifestyle and with the little graphs this app provides, I love it.
My baby monitor actually has an app to watch my darling from my mobile phone, using Smart Sync I'm able to see into her room - no matter where I am! I love being able to keep an eye on her from the baby monitor screen too, but being able to pull her up on my phone is just the bee's knees!
If you're feeling fancy, Philips Hue is the coolest way to make sure the lighting in your baby's room is perfect. You can adjust the color, intensity, and more... this can not only be comforting, but a learning tool for baby as well. Discussing colors, patterns, and beyond, I'm sure our Hue lighting system and the app that goes along with it will be used for years to come.
Owlet is my last recommendations for apps, it's the easiest way to keep an eye on your baby's pulse ox level and their heart rate! Just attach a little sock to baby's foot and you can keep track of your baby's vital signs all night long!
So tell me, what apps do you use for baby on your phone? I'd love to hear about them in the comments below!
I have been compensated by Sundown
Naturals® and Pollinate
Media Group for this post as part of a social shopper
marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Sundown Naturals®
but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GoodnessGiveaway #sharethegoodness http://my-disclosur.es/OBstV
Having a newborn in the house is truly a task in itself. Don't get me wrong,
I'm happy to wake up with her all hours of the evening and I'm actually
overjoyed to cater to her cries, but as other mamas know - it's hard to take
time for yourself when your entire life revolves around caring for this new,
tiny human.
Now that it's been a little over 7 weeks
since her arrival, I'm finally trying to get back into the swing of things and
take care of myself, not just her. I'm not going overboard and indulging
myself, but allowing myself to do things every mama should. If you're also a
new mama or you just need a reminder on how you can take better care of
yourself, this list is for you. So grab a glass of water (or wine, whichever
you prefer), and let's talk!
1. Use your free time wisely - This is easier said than done, but instead of
just sitting around watching Netflix while your little one snoozes, get up,
take advantage of this “free time” and get things accomplished. Whether you're
delaying a DIY project you swear you'll work on one day or you just need
to fold some laundry, take a moment while your baby is sleeping during the day to
get things accomplished!
2. Start taking a probiotic – Personally, I love the Sundown Naturals® Probiotic
gummies. They're a delicious way to keep
my body healthy! Available in pineapple, raspberry, and orange flavors, these
tasty little gummies provide friendly bacteria for your digestive system with
over 2 billion cultures per serving at time of manufacture. Your body will
thank you for adding this gummy to your daily routine and so will your taste
buds, especially because Sundown Naturals® are free of gluten, dairy, and artificial
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3. Get fishy - Speaking of gummies and health support, if you are breastfeeding
I highly recommend adding Fish Oil to your daily routine! While Sundown Naturals® Fish Oil
gummies provide you with Omega-3s and Vitamin D3 and give you the support you
need for your heart, bones, immune system, and so much more, they also pass on
these great benefits to your babe! The best part is that you can find these and
other Sundown
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4. Get your blood pumping - After you've gotten the all clear from your doctor,
start getting your body back by adding a little work out to your daily routine.
Take a moment and do some mommy & me yoga with your darling or find a gym
with a sitter and allow yourself some time to really concentrate on your
workout, either way it'll be good to get back into shape!
5. Focus on you - Speaking of yoga and getting back into shape, while you're
working on your physical self, it's a good idea to start meditating some and
learning to follow your instincts. While I'm still a new parent I've found it
seems to be instinctual, so far, and meditating allows you to listen a little
closer to your instincts.
6. Treat yourself - Buy yourself something new or get a little treat for yourself,
at least once a month. I like to get pedicures or buy new clothes, each
month... sometimes both. Doing a little retail therapy & a bit of spoiling
yourself at the spa won't hurt anyone and it’ll definitely help you feel more
like you. Call ahead and schedule a massage, go shopping at your favorite
place, or even just grab yourself your favorite treat - allow yourself to feel
spoiled and your guaranteed to have happier days with your baby!
So tell me, what are your tips for handling life with a newborn? I'd love to
hear all about your experience in the comments below! Also, don't forget to
take a short quiz to find out which Sundown
Naturals® vitamin gummies are for you!
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or
prevent any disease.
◊Applies to all products manufactured after 5/1/15. Please check back of
label as manufacture dates may vary.
