9 tips in 9 months

Coming off the heels of my pregnancy, I feel like I have more wisdom regarding those special 9 months. I realize every woman and every pregnancy are different but the fundamentals are still the same. So, I'm sharing what I've learned this time around.

Month 1. I had absolutely no idea I was pregnant at this point. We weren't trying but we weren't preventing. But luckily I was taking a prenatal vitamin- just in case. I skipped days here and there but I was also trying to improve my diet. 

Takeaway tip #1 Even if you are just "seeing what happens" take the vitamin daily!

Month #2. This is the point when I found out I had baby #2 on board. I was committed to taking my prenatal vitamin. And exercising. Unfortunately for me I couldn't keep up with the exercise. I struggled with fatigue and balancing an already busy life of husband, 3 year old, work, and various other obligations. I was also a nervous wreck that this wouldn't last. I used positive pregnancy affirmations and lots of encouraging talks with my husband to get me through this month. 

Takeaway tip #2: stay positive and enjoy every single moment of this beautiful journey that you can. 

Month #3. This is around the time most couples typically make their big announcement to the world. I opted to wait awhile longer due to my history. I just didn't want to deal with the what-if's. My journey is a very personal one and didn't way to deal with thrones of people with questions and whatnot- so I held onto my joy a little longer than most. But if you have no reason to otherwise I'd say shout it from the mountain tops! It's such a happy time in your life why no let it show?!

Takeaway tip #3: Don't be afraid to share your joy! 

Month 4: Things are getting really real now and probably have already begun to show. If you are the type- do a fun photo project to document your pregnancy.  Even if you don't always feel the best do it anyway. It'll be fun and nostalgic to look back on this time and reminisce on how things were before your family expanded. Perhaps you can use it to compare a future pregnancy or your child may want to know what your experience was. It's crazy how much we can forget as time passes on. 

Takeaway tip #4: Document your journey- it'll be fun to look back on later.

Month #5: Plan a getaway! I know the babymoon market is beginning to take off but seriously if you can-do it. Life as you know it is about to change and who knows when your next opponent might be?! It doesn't have to be an extravagant trip oversees. You can do a cute weekend getaway to just about anywhere. Perhaps explore another place within your state of residence, get a hotel room and indulge in room service, or go to a bed and breakfast and just relax. The possibilities are endless!

Takeaway tip #5: Use the "babymoon" as an opportunity to relax and reconnect with your partner. 

Month #6: Start your baby prep. I actually start my prep a little earlier so I can plan and accommodate unforeseen circumstances. For instance when expecting my son it took me nearly a month to clean out the spare bedroom for his nursery. I didn't realize how much stuff I actually had piled in there. It was our catch all space. But otherwise now is a good time to go ahead and start getting the nursery together. That way you'll have time to make it all come together! 

Takeaway tip #6: Get the nursery together!

Month #7: Get ready for baby's debut. Learn all you can about the labor and delivery process, what to expect, and your options. This will help you to get the most out of baby's debut. But it doesn't stop there- you'll also want to prepare yourself for postpartum changes too. Having the knowledge before hand can make a difference later. 

Takeaway tip #7: Take a childbirth prep course (usually hosted at your local hospital) to get familiar with what to expect. 

Month #8: We opted not to have a baby shower the second time around but for our first- we did. Ideally, someone would be hosting this for you so all you have to do is show up! This is always a fun celebration of your journey into motherhood and your loved ones are likely happy to share in this special time with you. Even if you aren't into cheesy baby shower games there's still fun to be had!

Take away tip #8: Others are likely wanting to share in your joy. Use this as an opportunity to share your impending arrival with your loved ones!

Month #9: The moment you've been preparing for these past nine months is finally here. There is no better moment than meeting your baby for the first time. Enjoy it as much as possible. The birth that you've planned may or may not have happened but don't let that ruin this momentous occasion. Both of my deliveries went better than I anticipated but everyone isn't always as fortunate. If you find yourself delivering in a way you hadn't anticipated- try not to dwell on it. The most important thing is that you and your baby remain safe and healthy. 

Takeaway tip #9: The finish line is oh so sweet. Your life has changed for sure- savor every moment regardless of how your bundle of joy got here.

Bonus: The fourth trimester. A time of foggy bliss. Sleep deprivation, healing, and getting to know your sweet little one hits you like a ton of bricks! It's easier said than done but take it easy! Ease back into your day to day life slowly but surely. You never get these moments back so don't rush it.  

MTM: Summer Fun

Yesterday was the Summer Solstice of 2015. This sounds incredibly geeky but I always wanted to have a summer solstice party a la Real Housewives of one of those cities. Since it's officially summer here are 5 tips to to keep in mind during these summer months:

1. Sunscreen: If you are going to be outdoors for any length of time it goes without saying- use sunscreen! Whether at the park or at the pool, it's a good idea to apply and reapply. Did you know that the SPF numbers are not proportionate to the amount of protection provided? For example, a SPF of 30 is not twice as protective as an SPF of 15; rather, when properly used, an SPF of 15 protects the skin from 93 percent of UVB radiation, and an SPF 30 sunscreen provides 97 percent protection.1

2. Hydration.  Staying hydrated is really important in the heat. To help keep my family hydrated I give them designated water bottles w/ ice at bottom. This allows them to keep track of whose water is whose, and keeps in cooler longer. I add water to their bottles about 1/3 full then pop it in the freezer the night before. When needed, I can take the bottles out the freeze and add fresh water to it. This keeps the water cooler as the ice melts. I know they make fancy water bottles with ice sticks in the middle of them now but I’m more inclined to use what I have now.

3. Stay cool. This goes without saying. Avoiding overheating is important as the temperatures continue to climb. When out at amusement parks, you will find misting stations (which I love) to help keep park goers cool. Since I don’t have a mister in my backyard I opted for a water table. I’ve honestly wanted my little guy to have one for quite some time. I finally bit the bullet and bought one that was on sale at babies R us. This is great for summer days where he can play alongside of us on the deck or we can even move it to the backyard area when the neighbor’s children come over to play.

4. Water safety: During the summer months we tend to enjoy more water play (see #3). Before my son’s first official swimming lesson, the swim center where he would be taking lessons mandated that we have a coast guard approved life jacket. I didn’t know that life jackets could be coast guard approved. I didn’t grow up doing many water activities. I took swim lessons around age 5 but stopped. At summer day camp we did go to the pool once per week- I know that I stayed in the shallow end for sure. And since then laws have changed. At my son’s current school, state laws dictate that they cannot be around standing water more than a certain depth. It essentially rules out everything except a water table and sprinklers. They can’t even have a slip and slide. Also did you know that children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates ²?! Sound the alarm- because I seriously didn’t know that. I also didn’t know that there were different types of life vests/jackets (which are properly called personal flotation devices). For example there are offshore life jackets, near shore buoyant vests, etc. I mentioned all that confusing stuff to say: Find out the water safety rules for wherever your headed- whether it’s a day at the lake or an afternoon at a pool, be prepared (especially when boating) with the right water safe equipment.

5. Don’t forget your pets! I’ll admit, we don’t have a pet nor have I ever had anything more than a fish in a lowly plastic bowl. But I do realize that pets are an important part of the family for more families. But my lack of experience leaves me with a lack of knowledge on pet safety during the summer, although I’m sure it isn’t too far off from humans. I recently over heard one of my coworkers saying she was going to get her aging dog some dog shoes. After the funny looks she explained that he was really sensitive to the hot pavement and wanted to protect his paws. I’m sure that’s a no brainer for dog owners but it would’ve never occurred to me that maybe the pavement might be too hot for their paws! So, while keeping your family safe is a top priority don’t forget about your fur family too!

Resources 

1.         EPA.2.gov

2.       CDC.gov

MTM: Summer Fun

Yesterday was the Summer Solstice of 2015. This sounds incredibly geeky but I always wanted to have a summer solstice party a la Real Housewives of one of those cities. Since it's officially summer here are 5 tips to to keep in mind during these summer months:

1. Sunscreen: If you are going to be outdoors for any length of time it goes without saying- use sunscreen! Whether at the park or at the pool, it's a good idea to apply and reapply. Did you know that the SPF numbers are not proportionate to the amount of protection provided? For example, a SPF of 30 is not twice as protective as an SPF of 15; rather, when properly used, an SPF of 15 protects the skin from 93 percent of UVB radiation, and an SPF 30 sunscreen provides 97 percent protection.1

2. Hydration.  Staying hydrated is really important in the heat. To help keep my family hydrated I give them designated water bottles w/ ice at bottom. This allows them to keep track of whose water is whose, and keeps in cooler longer. I add water to their bottles about 1/3 full then pop it in the freezer the night before. When needed, I can take the bottles out the freeze and add fresh water to it. This keeps the water cooler as the ice melts. I know they make fancy water bottles with ice sticks in the middle of them now but I’m more inclined to use what I have now.

3. Stay cool. This goes without saying. Avoiding overheating is important as the temperatures continue to climb. When out at amusement parks, you will find misting stations (which I love) to help keep park goers cool. Since I don’t have a mister in my backyard I opted for a water table. I’ve honestly wanted my little guy to have one for quite some time. I finally bit the bullet and bought one that was on sale at babies R us. This is great for summer days where he can play alongside of us on the deck or we can even move it to the backyard area when the neighbor’s children come over to play.

4. Water safety: During the summer months we tend to enjoy more water play (see #3). Before my son’s first official swimming lesson, the swim center where he would be taking lessons mandated that we have a coast guard approved life jacket. I didn’t know that life jackets could be coast guard approved. I didn’t grow up doing many water activities. I took swim lessons around age 5 but stopped. At summer day camp we did go to the pool once per week- I know that I stayed in the shallow end for sure. And since then laws have changed. At my son’s current school, state laws dictate that they cannot be around standing water more than a certain depth. It essentially rules out everything except a water table and sprinklers. They can’t even have a slip and slide. Also did you know that children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates ²?! Sound the alarm- because I seriously didn’t know that. I also didn’t know that there were different types of life vests/jackets (which are properly called personal flotation devices). For example there are offshore life jackets, near shore buoyant vests, etc. I mentioned all that confusing stuff to say: Find out the water safety rules for wherever your headed- whether it’s a day at the lake or an afternoon at a pool, be prepared (especially when boating) with the right water safe equipment.

5. Don’t forget your pets! I’ll admit, we don’t have a pet nor have I ever had anything more than a fish in a lowly plastic bowl. But I do realize that pets are an important part of the family for more families. But my lack of experience leaves me with a lack of knowledge on pet safety during the summer, although I’m sure it isn’t too far off from humans. I recently over heard one of my coworkers saying she was going to get her aging dog some dog shoes. After the funny looks she explained that he was really sensitive to the hot pavement and wanted to protect his paws. I’m sure that’s a no brainer for dog owners but it would’ve never occurred to me that maybe the pavement might be too hot for their paws! So, while keeping your family safe is a top priority don’t forget about your fur family too!

Resources 

1.         EPA.2.gov

2.       CDC.gov

MTM: cubby update!

Happy Monday y'all.

It's that time of year again! That weird time of year when it's freezing when you leave in the morning and sweating when you return. We are getting into the season of layers, layers, layers!

If your child attends school/daycare or is cared for outside the home- It's time to update your child's cubby! 

I usually keep a bag with a few sets of change of clothes in my son's cubby at school. That way it's there when he needs it and I don't have to worry about sending another set of clothes right away if he uses it. 

Here a peek inside his bag:

Mommy tip Monday

I intended to post this a few weeks ago- therefore this tip is a little late but still useful nonetheless.

It's time to update you child's cubby! If your child attends school/daycare or is cared for outside the home it's time to update their belongings. 

I usually keep a bag with a few sets of change of clothes in my son's cubby at school. That way it's there when he needs it and I don't have to worry about sending another set of clothes right away if he uses it. 

Here a peek inside his bag: