Use Your Words, Little Girl

I've Moved..On

2018-07-27T17:56:00.001-05:00

It wasn't you. It's me.

I needed a change. It was time.

I haven't been the blogger you needed me to be for a while now. And that's not fair to you.

I'd love to stay in each other's lives though.

If it wouldn't mess you up or anything, come visit me at www.useyourwordsnat.com.

I really hope you'll stay in touch. These years meant the world to me. And I wouldn't be the same writer I am without you.

It was just time.

Fondly,
Natalie

Learning Contentment from My One-Year-Old

2017-11-01T14:37:00.001-05:00

When Ash first started playing on his own, I found myself doing that annoying parental thing of announcing every little action. I think they call it "Sportscaster Parenting".

"Look at you pick up that toy, Asher!"

"That's sparkly, isn't it? Are you going to pick it up?"

"Oh, you're going to chew on it, huh? That's probably not a great idea..."

"You bounced the ball. It's a very bouncy ball isn't it. Oh, and you put the ball in the basket. What else is in the basket?"

While this kind of communication isn't inherently bad--in fact, it can be beneficial--it is unnecessary every single moment. Of every single day.

Worse, this chatter was coupled with a constant introduction of newness. New toys, new environments, other ways to interact with whatever it was with which he was interacting.

I wasn't letting him just be. I was getting in the way of his examining the object or event before him. I was defining it. I took from him the ability to create context. He couldn't discover without my narrating it and putting a framework around it that, frankly, didn't need to be there.

Now that Asher is almost thirteen-months (all the cry faces), I've seen in him (when I get out of the way) an incredible brightness. He is a little scientist, as most babies and toddlers are, and I absolutely marvel at the way he tinkers with things and creatively or practically interacts with his environment. It's in this space--one of free play, open context, and relative safety--that he grows.

It's also in this space that he can stay occupied with a task for fifteen minutes. It doesn't sound like much, but as my fellow mamas can attest, the attention span of these incredible brains is so very short. If I interrupt, so goes his focus. He gets irritable and then goes from thing to thing, throwing or dismissing. And that's my doing. But when he's left alone, he's engaged. He's focused.

He's content.

Can you imagine my surprise when I realized that this kid, this wobbly little walker with perpetual bed head and an undying love for cheese, was teaching me an incredibly valuable lesson? How often in today's busy world do I bounce from distraction to distraction, task to task, without focusing on anything? Big or small, I'm missing it all. The hours pass by in a blur, and I can't remember accomplishing anything meaningful, or interacting with anyone significantly.

This is a problem.

So I'm taking a lesson from Ash and working on blocking out the noise, the chatter--the Facebook, the Insta, the emails, the notifications, the endless barrage of shiny things beckoning us away from what we really care about. Because how can I expect myself to enjoy wonder alongside my baby boy if I can't sit and be?

Mamas, We Have to Value the Hours Clocked at Home

2017-07-27T14:16:00.001-05:00

I recently watched a really interesting interview with Senator Benjamin Sasse that was insightful on several fronts, but one point that he made that really struck me was the importance of work to our sense of accomplishment and identity. Without beating a dead horse on the current state of affairs front, we're facing a workforce that is increasingly set on doing the least amount of work necessary to get by. One of the many points that he made is that we, as humans, have an innate desire to contribute to something, to work, to produce, and this shift toward consumption (in every sense) is essentially setting us up for a world of discontentment and lack of output...and we're already seeing this to be true.

Personally, this resonated in a big way. I know that I feel best when I am productive. Unfortunately, that is largely measured on things done, tasks marked off my perpetual to-do list, or hours clocked toward the "day job." However, where I think I fail to fully grasp just how much I am doing is that I don't count the hours and efforts toward raising my son. I am not unique on this front, but in realizing just how much our work contributes toward a sense of contentment, it's no wonder that so many mothers struggle to feel like enough, to shake off guilt, and to find balance in "just" being a mom.

If we don't consider the countless moments that we're "on" as we raise our children, all that we really have as a reference point for how we're doing are the gaps: the chores not done, the messes lingering, the office hours kept by our husbands, or the absence of dedicated attention to our work outside of the house (since we're always, always split between worlds once we have children). Is it any wonder that post-partum blues are so common? We're working our tails off and not giving ourselves an ounce of credit.

And hear me on this: it's on us, moms. We are our own worst enemy, overwhelmingly, because we take for granted what we're doing. How quickly do we focus on where we fall short because we're surprised to find ourselves struggling under the weight of a brand new job that never, ever ends. There's no quitting time, no Happy Hour, no paid vacations. It's a position that in any other industry would be marked by astronomic rates of burn-out and periodic dissatisfaction if we're really honest.

But what would happen if we look at raising our children, at cultivating our family with our spouse, as a full-time job? Would we be more inclined to acknowledge a job well done on days when we all survive, some memories were made, and the dishes got put away? Could we challenge ourselves to a performance review on a weekly basis and see all the critical thinking executed, the problem solving employed, the physical hurdles overcome, and the sheer volume of effort and heart employed?

I pray that we can do just this, even if just in those challenging, lonely moments when we feel the weight of trying to balance everything...and failing at it. Because we will fail. It's impossible. But if we allowed ourselves the unabashed focus on our main "job" as we did without thinking twice about it in our work before kids--understanding that our primary position is now Full-Time Mom (whether you're simultaneously employed elsewhere or not)--perhaps there we will find not only grace, but praise.

Job well done, mama.

Dancing Through the Long Nights

2017-07-19T14:41:00.001-05:00

Lately, Asher has been waking at some point during the night/early morning and needing my help to get back to sleep. 4:00 AM feels awfully early, but I also have to remind myself that it's actually pretty impressive that he went that long, considering he goes down around 8:00 PM. Nevertheless, dragging this tired body out of bed at that hour always feels difficult. When M is home and a mere hour or two from his own alarm going off for a full day of work, I scoop up Ash in my arms with his Lovey and trek into the nursery. I flip the fan on high (because homeboy sleeps so incredibly warm and usually calms quickly with a cool breeze), turn on his soother and the diffuser, execute a quick diaper change, and settle in for our dance.

That's right, we dance.

I hold him as he rests his head on my shoulder, Lovey clutched between us, and I bounce. I bounce until I feel him relax and his breath slow, signaling that he's ready for me to cradle and sit in the recliner to finish up the night (morning) together.

I wish I could tell you that it always feels beautiful, precious. It doesn't. Some nights, I'm fighting back tears. Of exhaustion, of frustration, of stress, of sadness. So many feelings. I wish I could sleep uninterrupted for a whole night. I wish he could sleep uninterrupted for a whole night. I wish I could snuggle my husband. I wish I could unwind before bed with a bath, a book, a glass of wine. I wish I could wake up and get dressed in my favorite clothes and go to work with a hot cup of coffee in hand. I wish I could play with him all day without constantly watching my phone for a work email or message. I wish I could write in a coffee shop without an ounce of guilt or exhaustion.

I think about all of these things at 4:00 AM. My head swirls, my heart swells, and my joints ache as I bounce and rock my precious baby boy for however long he needs to find his own peace. Sometimes it's minutes. Some nights, hours.

This is our dance. It's beautiful and it's overwhelming at the same time. I see him rest comfortably in my arms as the morning light drifts in around the curtains of the nursery, and I want that moment to exist forever. There, I find strength, rest, and joy. And I have just enough in me for another night of dancing with my son.

Hair Falling Out? Check In on Your Thyroid.

2017-07-14T19:10:00.001-05:00

Apparently when some women are pregnant, they get long, luscious locks. I, however, had no such luck. In fact, I found myself corralling handfuls (not exaggerating, as I'm wont to do) of hair during every shower, and wondering if this would curtail before the thinning was beyond disguising. I chalked it up to another pregnancy thing that would go back to normal after baby arrived, but I found that the hair loss continued without missing a beat after my delivery.

It never occurred to me to consider hair loss a symptom. Like fatigue, dry skin, and brain fog, it's one of those things that when experienced often enough, you start to just adjust and assume they're part of your new normal (especially as a new mom). Imagine my shock as I was reviewing a list of symptoms of hypothyroidism at a visit with my Integrative Medicine doctor, finding all of the above on the list...as well as several other "annoyances" to which I had adapted.

On the one hand, you can Google almost any issue or even slightly abnormal experience and get suggestions ranging from a run-of-the-mill infection to a life-threatening, rare disease. Symptoms are nuanced and illnesses these days are not cut and dry, just one thing or another. With our modern diets and incredibly stressful pace, it's nearly impossible to actually detect when our bodies are trying to tell us that something is wrong, much less take the time (and justify the expense) to address it.

But I've been doing exactly that as I work to get to the bottom of my autoimmune condition. I am not relegating myself to staying on medication my whole life, which may very well be something that I just have to get over. But doing so without investing the effort in helping my body actually HEAL and return to a state of balance so that it can handle this condition on its own (which I wholeheartedly believe is exactly how our amazing bodies are designed to work) is not something I can justify. My baby boy is only nine months old, and I don't just want to be dragging these old bones around for his life. I want vitality. I want to be well. I want him to have to warn his friends about his sharp, sassy mama. (The spirit of Biggie shall live on! RIP, Ma.)

So, I share all this because I want to inspire hope. I'm about three months into this particular journey, and still working through some big changes to chip away at the years of stress, toxicity, and exhaustion my body has endured. But I will say this: my hair is no longer falling out. My hairline is slowly returning to normal. And I will embrace the peach fuzz in the process, knowing that it's a sign -- albeit a small one -- that I'm on the right track.

Simplifying

2017-07-03T13:00:00.000-05:00

Consider this post on the housekeeping tip...

I am reigning in things a bit. The blog is one of several aspects of my life where I've sort of spiraled out and started chasing things that I don't need to. In the spirit of transparency, I've sought out lame ways to monetize this space, which is something I have no business doing. I started blogging so that I'd have an easy outlet for writing, which I still genuinely enjoy. I never put too many parameters around what I'd write about (hence, my embracing of the "lifestyle blog" genre), but I could/can feel a shift in trying to market my posts in a way that isn't genuine and it started to get my wheels turning about things I need to let lie.

I can get really consumed with stuff if I'm not careful, and after many years of keeping up a budget and trying to be more mindful about spending (yes, sometimes erring on the side of cheapskate), I allowed my pursuit of brand affiliation and site traffic to open a Pandora's Box of stuff. I don't even function well when surrounded by stuff, so it's an odd paradox that I can't explain...but I can control.

So, I am not shutting down this site (which was admittedly my overly dramatic knee-jerk reaction). I am, however, taking a step back and trying to simplify this space. I shut down my Twitter because I had nothing terribly important to contribute there, and I'm going to do the same with my blog's Facebook page. Unless I have original content to offer, it seems silly to have these going and feeling like one more thing to chase. I will continue to stay active with Instagram because I've really enjoyed that medium, so feel free to follow me there, and you can also sign up in the left pane to get my posts via email.

Without boxing in what this blog is or what it will become, I am at least taking a step back to return to my roots and focus on good content...whatever the topic. I may still cultivate affiliate relationships and dabble in OOTD posts (in all their awkward glory), but I'm going to relax on striving to make this blog something it isn't, to be something I'm not, and to leave the runway open for those who do far better than what I (half-heartedly) attempted.

And yes, this post is largely self-serving, a personal line in the sand of sorts. So thank you for bearing with me.

...As you were.

Use What You've Got

2017-06-13T14:10:00.000-05:00

I was having coffee with a friend this morning who is in ministry leadership, and we were brainstorming how to best engage folks to get some critical tasks done that absolutely require delegation and more hands at work. It's really difficult to get people to commit these days. Everyone is so busy, and trust, I get it.

But here's where my cookies get straight up frosted: when people don't step up because they don't think their gifts, their contributions are valuable enough to offer.

Hear me, friends: don't downplay what you do well.

I firmly believe that God gifted each of us with different strengths. We can't all be strong at all the things, and even those who seem to rock pretty much everything are not going to be particularly strong at something (like, for example, saying no, or stepping back so others can step up and flourish).

If you're over the age of 20, hopefully you've reflected some on your skill set. (If nothing else, your resume isn't going to write itself, so you've at least flirted with this concept, one would hope.) Even if you assume that a strength of yours is unimportant, it doesn't change the fact that you do it well. Not to mention, given the culture we live in today, even something as seemingly rudementary as speaking well on the phone or the ability to craft an email without a single emoji or hashtag is a very big deal.

Are you great at taking notes? Many people aren't, but I bet you can imagine who is everyone's clutch resource when it comes time to recall what was a discussed at a given meeting or gathering.

Do others seem to leave your presence invigorated and inspired? Then hey, guess what, you're a small part of whatever success follows in the wake of an environment you helped cultivate.

Is balancing a checkbook and making spreadsheets your jam? Bam! You are the lynchpin in your family's or your company's ability to make a budget, stick to it, and plan financially for the future. HUGE! You wouldn't believe how many adults (we're talking senior executives) can't grasp this task.

To the responsible, detail-oriented type: you're the crucial element that keeps a team of visionaries from steering their lofty ideas right off the edge of the horizon and into failure. You're not boring or a buzzkill. You're necessary.

Don't forsake the incredible value of being "one of the little people." Nothing big comes without first being small.

Trying to Revel in the Mess

2017-06-06T13:25:00.000-05:00

If I'm honest, I can't function well in a messy home. I don't like to throw around the term "OCD," because I know that's a very real disorder for some. But I do feel a high degree of discontentment and anxiety when my house is untidy. (I realize it's never actually that untidy, so I guess it's relative.)

But having an eight month old? Yeah, it can get a bit cluttered here and there. Not to mention, now that he's crawling like it's his job, it's not at all uncommon to see dust bunnies stuck to his precious grubby hands and feet. (Oh, the joys of an 87-year-old house, which could be mopped and vacuumed five times a day and still manifest dirt and dust.)

Memories are being made, discoveries are around every corner, and he's enjoying the beauty of choice and learning to keep himself occupied in his own little world. I try to cling to this and remember that I serve him so much better as a mom by crawling on the ground with him than I do fixating on the less-than-pristine floor.

But sometimes, honestly, I just see the stuff, things to be picked up, and chores that are begging for my attention. This is yet another area where I feel pulled in competing directions, and, as usual, I know that one direction is better than others in terms of honoring what truly matters.

So rather than stressing out over wayward blocks, burp clothes and fuzzy friends strewn here and there (especially as Ash travels from room to room at will), I will try to remind myself that each of these "messes" are precious gifts. One day I'll look back on these relics and pine for the days of dirty knees and slobbery smiles.

And now I've made my own damn self cry.

#motherhood

You Have to Check This Out: Be Natural Organics Skin Care

2017-05-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

When I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease (hypothyroidism), I learned pretty quickly that gluten and I were going to have to break up. Forever. (Forever ever.) While I still have a lot to learn in terms of living gluten-free, I was wholly unprepared to have to think about watching for gluten in anything other than my food. Turns out, it's everywhere. In everything.

One of the areas my Integrative Medicine doc advised me to consider: my skin care. I had already been thinking about looking for more natural products given how close Asher spends to my skin 24/7 (and I'm not about to turn down those big, slobbery kisses right on my face). It was shocking to think about how gluten-laden products could be slowly delivering a steady stream of disruptive, inflammatory toxins into my body all day or all night, unbeknownst to me.

I hit up one of my favorite online resources to research potential brands/products to replace my current stash: EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. I was due for a new moisturizer anyway, so I started with that search, and one of the first items that popped up was the Hyaluronic Serum from Be Natural Organics. Not only was it EWG verified, which is a pretty big deal, but I had been considering a hyaluronic acid product to help my sad, tired mom skin. A visit to the BNO website and sample order later, I realized I had very quickly found the skin care line of my dreams!

Now let me remind y'all, I used to work for plastic surgeons and dermatologists. So when I say I'm picky about skin care, I'm PICKY. I'm also very cheap, though, so in absence of the insane discounts and free swag I used to receive while working in the industry, I typically have to sacrifice quality for price point. No mas!

I love that you can order generous sample sizes or trial kits from Be Natural Organics and try something out before you buy full size (the Rose Hip Seed Cleanser you see pictured above is a sample), but even the full products are really affordable. And you guys....THEY WORK. I'm still old and tired, but my skin looks refreshed. Their Eye Repair Night Serum is honest to goodness the only eye product I've ever used and seen a dramatic difference. (Yes, even including those $150 itty bitty tubes of eye cream made with unicorn sweat.)

So you're intrigued now, right? Organic skin care...that works...that you can sample first...and it's affordable? I know! It get's better...

Be Natural Organics has graciously agreed to participate in a giveaway for my awesome readers!

Enter below to win your very own full-size Hyaluronic Serum to refresh and restore your skin! Giveaway will run through Wednesday, May 24th, so get your entries in now. Winner will be selected at random and notified on Thursday, May 25th. US entries only.

You can also shop now and use code USEYOURWORDS to receive 20% off of the entire store!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What's your current favorite toxin-free skin care product or line?

So I Have Hashimoto's Disease...

2017-05-20T09:30:00.001-05:00

It admittedly feels a little silly to share this here on the ol' blog because this condition is actually really common. However, since I'm making some lifestyle changes to address said condition, it's worth mentioning. And this will probably help explain all the #glutenfree going down over on Instagram since y'all know this body has been powered by carbs since I was a spunky, freckled-faced wee one. (#givemeallthedonuts)

Prior to conceiving -- well, to be exact, prior to knowing we had conceived -- I checked in with my PCP for a routine visit and bloodwork. Turns out, my thyroid levels were borderline out of whack (subclinical hypothyroidism), so out of an abundance of caution, I started a low dose of levothyroxin so that we wouldn't have to deal with a full-blown thyroid condition in the middle of pregnancy. Turns out, it was good timing because Asher was already baking in the oven.

Fast forward to after delivering Ash, I wanted to get off the meds as soon as possible. With my midwife's permission, I weaned off of the levo, was re-tested, and all was well for me to continue without meds. I was able to remain medication-free for about four months, and then one afternoon in the throes of sleep training, I noticed that my throat was really, really swollen. (And yes, I partially blame sleep training for this. Kidding...kinda.) I instantly suspected my thyroid, so I made an appointment for the following Monday with my PCP to check it out.

Yup, the thyroid was back on the fritz. The recommendation was to jump back on the low dose of levo that I was taking during my pregnancy, and my doc advised that I'd likely have to just remain on the medication for life.

As luck would have it, I had been doing a ton of research at that time on immunity, inflammation, and general wellness in an effort to make an informed decision about Asher's vaccines (a topic that I have no interest in broaching here, but would welcome in person or via email). I asked her (my doc) if I was correct in my understanding that thyroid issues were generally autoimmune in nature. She confirmed that was the case, and I also asked if this meant that I had Hashimoto's Disease (or Hashimoto's Thyroiditis), which she also confirmed.

This was the first experience in this journey -- which I will truly be on my whole life -- that reminded me not to assume that my general practitioners will take the time to explain a diagnosis or treatment, or even broach alternatives. Not liking the idea of taking a synthetic medication my whole life -- not to mention knowing that my body was so inflamed and out of sorts that it was attacking itself -- I set out to learn more and find supportive resources.

I was fortunate to find two amazing resources to help guide my path: a local Integrative Medicine doctor who specializes in autoimmune conditions, and a veritable handbook for managing my condition via diet and lifestyle, The Autoimmune Solution by Dr. Amy Myers. Equipped with these tools, M and I started making some critical changes to help improve my health for the long haul. We've cut out gluten (donuts...I miss you, but you're literally killing me), most dairy, grain, legumes, nightshade vegetables, caffeine, alcohol, most processed foods, and sugar. Given these limitations -- which are admittedly strict, but only for the first month (which I just completed) to allow my body to "reset" and get a break from all the inflammatory factors -- I decided to start eating organic, pasture-raised poultry and wild-caught fish. After almost 20 years of no meat, I've tolerated it surprisingly well, so hopefully I can sustain this diet and my body will learn to run on healthy fats (versus carbs upon carbs sprinkled with grains, like previously).

We've also removed toxic products from our home, even more so than before. (I had cut out anything with synthetic fragrance just before getting pregnant.) We've started cooking on cast iron (not nearly as difficult after some proper seasoning), invested in organic bedding, learned to check for gluten in everything (including personal care products), and overall became much more in tune with how our body is functioning. It's amazing how many symptoms we can learn to ignore because they just seem commonplace: hair loss, fatigue, brain fog, generalized aches and soreness. Our bodies are often trying to communicate to us, but there's just too much noise in our culture of "Go, go, go!" to hear it.

There's so much to learn and a lot to share along the way, so without this becoming a health and wellness blog, I will share tidbits I learn along the way. And, of course, email or leave a comment with any questions or feedback. We've all got different tools and perspectives, and I've really enjoyed learning from others who are thriving with Hashi's and learning to take the best care of their bodies for the long haul.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram for lots of health snack ideas and exclusive content. I'll be using the tag #lifewithHashis for posts specific to Hashimoto's and this whole new lifestyle thing on IG and my Facebook page.

Boho White Top with Denim and Booties

2017-05-12T10:57:00.002-05:00

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on any applicable links.

I think I could live in white shirts. In fact, I predominately do. There's just something so clean and classic about a white top. (Well, until you drip coffee on it. #reallife) My daily go-to is a white v-neck tee (ordered in a size up and tall length so it hangs how I like it), but my other favorite white tops in warmer months are airy, flowy tunics that feel feminine and comfortable.

This is one of those outfits that I feel like I could wear on repeat day after day. Vary up the pants to include some fun denim (like these rustic skinnies), change up the shoes with sandals or wedges (like these bright espadrilles), and grab another white blouse with unique details (like this one-shouldered cutie or this asymmetrical boho look). It's a simple, clean combo that works equally well for running errands with the little one as it does for meeting up with friends, going to church, and cooking-out with the fam. (Or in this case, grabbing some coffee with M at one of our favorite local shops. Holla, Craftwork!)

I also love how easy this top is for nursing. It look me a bit to figure out that it's much easier to pull down the neckline to discreetly feed Ash, versus pulling my whole shirt up. I will sometimes throw a light scarf in the diaper bag to wear when we're feeding out-and-about so that neither of us have to sweat to death under a big blanket.

And can I just take a quick minute to give a big ol' e-hug to shoe makers who embrace the chunky heel? These TOMS are so easy to wear, even when I'm standing and carrying Ash for hours at a time. (We've yet to sit during a whole church service, but I ain't even mad about it.) Plus, tassels. I'm eyeing these beauties for my next shoe splurge.

And here's some free advice: when you find a perfect piece that you know you'll wear to death (like this top)...buy two. (I am wearing the medium but will likely order another in small for a slimmer fit, too.)

Top: Tobi (On Sale!) c/o // Denim: Ann Taylor // Booties: TOMS // Necklace: Kendra Scott // Pochette: Louis Vuitton

Tips for Shopping Online

2017-05-08T12:39:00.000-05:00

Confession: I hate going shopping for clothes. Clammy dressing rooms, racks upon racks of clothes, overly perky sales people, mannequins...the whole thing wears me out. I am by no means a fashionista, but online shopping, I can do. Since I have grown quite adept at procuring items from the comfort of my couch, I wanted to share some tips for shopping online for clothes that have come in handy for me over the years.

Consider Proportion

This is such a massive aspect of how things fit, to which I don't think enough people pay attention. The style or item may be all the rage, but if the lines are not right for YOU, then it will not be flattering. I've fallen victim of this too many times myself. For example, I used to clamor for midi-length dresses and skirts because they mostly covered my pale legs yet were cooler than a maxi. However, that style cut my legs at an odd spot, and since I'm 5'4" and not prone to wear fabulously tall nude heels with said midi length, it made me look frumpy. And if you've got an hourglass shape, honey, work that middle with a cute belt! Don't hide under boxy layers just because tunics and skinnies work on Pinterest babes.

Dress Your Age

Tough love time, ladies. If you're shopping exclusively at online boutiques that are geared toward college-ages gals, but in real life you're a 30-something executive with a mortgage and kids, it may be time to expand your shopping game. I have no qualms myself about finding some pieces from fast fashion sites like this, such as maxi dresses to wear to the lake house, or trendy tops for running errands. But anything that I plan to hang onto for more than a season (which is most things these days), I expand my search and plan to pay a little more for something that will last and continue to wear well. I'd just look way too dumb in festival-worthy gear while loading up on laundry detergent at Target.

Size Charts are Your Friend

Grab a measuring tape -- buy one if you don't have one -- and consult the size chart. It's right there with the item, a quick view before clicking "Order," and will save you a lot of grief in returns or feeling like a buffalo because you bought your normal size and it's an epic fail. Sizing is all over the place lately ("vanity sizing," you're fooling no one), so especially if this is your first order from a site or brand, don't skip this step.

Strike a Pose

Look at the model who is wearing the clothes. (If you're perusing a site that doesn't show the clothes on a person, shop elsewhere. You're gambling.) If it looks iffy on the she-giraffe with impeccable style, it's going to be a hot mess on anyone else. Wide leg pants are this way for me. They always look just kind-of-OK on the model, which translates to potato sack race-ready for gals who don't have legs for days.

Similarly, if an item is available in multiple colors, click on the images of the other colors, even if you're not into that hue. This can sometimes help you see more detail or how the fabric lays that you would have missed if you were only looking at the initial image. I find this is true a lot with items I'm considering in white or black. Once I click on some of the color options, I realize that perhaps the material isn't as nice as hoped, or I pick up on a detail or something about the cut that I would have missed.

Undergarments and Care

Some items require a one-of-a-kind bra that you have to do some swift yoga moves to get into. Or, more daring: no bra at all. If you're a strapless-bras-are-as-high-maintenance-as-I-get kinda gal, don't order that top. Or let's say that a billowy dress you love appears to be potentially see-through, consider how airy you'll feel when you have to layer underneath a slip and full-coverage panties to avoid sharing your underbits with everyone at the grocery store. Just know what works for you, and it you can't figure out the undergarment situation to make an outfit work while it's in your cart, you'll more than likely never end up wearing it.

Also, if the idea of taking clothes to the dry cleaners makes you cringe, check the care instructions and don't buy dry clean only. This is an obvious point, but it's an easy thing to overlook and fall in love with an item that just isn't practical.

Wardrobe Harmony

If adding a new piece necessitates buying a half dozen other new pieces before it really has some semblance of outfit-potential, or if you can't envision a whole outfit around that piece using items you own (since people tend to frown upon going out in a blouse sans bottoms), you should probably pass. Chances are, that item will end up at the back of your closet with the tag still on years later. However, if you've been eyeballing a certain piece for a while that you want to incorporate into your look, think about how you will style it in a way that doesn't feel like dress-up and will elevate your overall wardrobe. (If, for instance, this purchase would be the final push to get rid of those five other sad tops that you just don't wear but can't seem to get rid of, then go for it! Less is more, and you'll inevitably get a better cost-per-wear when you have fewer but well-loved items.)

Speaking of cost-per-wear, do the math. A fabulous strapless dress that maxes out your monthly clothing budget is something you'd wear twice a year (or maybe twice ever), so consider how you might better invest in your wardrobe. If you're due for a new pair of jeans, that money might be better spent on something you know you'll wear several times a week. Example: A $200 dress is great for the cocktail party you may attend next month, but it's $200 per wear until the other party offers come rolling in. Meanwhile, if you spent that $200 on an awesome pair of jeans, you can get those down $5 per wear after just one season (assuming they're in rotation three days a week). A splurge is not a bad thing here and there, but lock down solid staples in your closet first so that you feel great in your clothes every single day, not just a few times a year.

What are your favorite tips and tricks for shopping online for clothes?

I Love Motherhood More Than I Ever Imagined

2017-05-06T12:56:00.000-05:00

You may imagine that I'm writing such a titled post in a blissful wave of giggles and ease with my little man, nary a complaint in sight. But you'd be wrong. In fact, it's been a very trying week. Asher has been really fussy and uncomfortable, whining about 80% of his awake time, and threatening to break the streak of even his most fail-safe favorites (his Animal Babies book and being outside in any capacity). On top of this, M has been fiercely working on a mixing and sound design project against an impossible deadline for a major client, so finding moments of zen are hard to come by for all of us.

Nevertheless, it is even in such a week that I can say that being a mom is more wonderful than I could have possibly known.

I guess everyone says that (or those who don't probably don't broach the subject often), but you have to understand that I didn't always want to be a mother. In fact, I spent the majority of my life not wanting kids. They confused me, they scared me, they annoyed me...I was good imagining a yard full of dogs, y'all.

But then I met my husband. And I was like, "Yup. Babies."

I don't have to explain to any mother out there that it's exhausting, it's physically the most demanding thing ever, it stretches your perception of self to include another squishy being, and it will change everything. Forever. There's scarcely a true grasp of life before my son anymore.

Every time I hold my boy close and feel his baby hairs against my cheek, I just want to cry in absolute gratefulness that the Lord saw fit to make me Asher's mother, and to melt a heart of stone to experience even a shadow of God's unfailing love for us, hobbling babes who survive on trust and hope. I'm thankful that He knows better than me, and that my plans don't often come to fruition.

Because His plans are so, so much better.

Stay-at-Home Style: Romper and a Sweater

2017-05-02T10:31:00.000-05:00

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on any applicable links.

I am silly fortunate to be able to work from home on a part-time basis, which allows me plenty of time to still be near my little man. On days when I'm largely going to be playing on the floor with Ash, you can catch me in leggings and a white t-shirt, hair thrown up and out of the way of tiny, pinching fingers. But when I know I have errands to run or we're going to meet up with folks at some point, I like to try to look slightly less busted.

One of my favorite outfits for stay-at-home days is a cute romper with a sweater. The beauty of a romper is that it's one simple piece, and moving into summer, they're effortlessly cool. This one from Tobi.com is super airy, and I love the gray and white combo. I'll grab one of my trusty cardigans to throw on top so that I'm comfortable whether we're grocery shopping or enjoying a shaded walk around the Fort Worth Zoo. (We got an annual pass and it has more than paid for itself with regular quick trips for our family walks!)

Accessory wise, I add some simple studs (because, again, pinchy fingers...I seriously don't know how moms wear fabulous dangly earrings with an infant) and my Goobie Baby teething necklace (which I've talked about here before). I love that it doesn't look like "baby jewelry," yet I don't have to worry if Asher starts gnawing on it (which he always does).

Another effortless aspect of this look: you can throw on a pair of cute sandals or booties to meet up with friends or enjoy a date with Baby Daddy, and you're good to go! When I'm home, however, I'm all about my well-worn fuzzy slippers, or my favorite flip flops if we're spending time outside. (Ash could probably spend all day outside and be one happy camper. I, on the other hand, can frequently be seen spastically swatting away at any variety of winged things. #graceful)

Romper: Tobi c/o // Cardigan: Target // Necklace: Goobie Baby (On sale!) // Slippers: Target (similar) // Mug: Anthropologie

Knee Deep in Sleep Training

2017-04-06T10:21:00.001-05:00

Today's post is coming to you from a very weary mama.

I'd love to tell you that we're doing well, that Asher is making great progress, and that we're delighted with how easily sleep is coming to our precious six month old.

But that would not be true. In the slightest.

This is so hard. My heart is breaking hearing my dear son crying his eyes out. How I wish he didn't know how to say, "Mama," as awful as that sounds.

We started gentle and tried the frequent calming techniques as I vehemently opposed just letting him cry. But the truth? Any change to a sleep history that involves nothing but warm cuddles and closeness from Mama and Dada is going to bring tears. There's is no tear-free sleep training.

Everyone keeps telling me to turn down the volume on the monitor, or put on head phones when I remain in the room. But I'm not going to do that. If he's gonna be expected to cry and endure, so am I. I'm an adult and this is breaking my heart, so I'm not going to try to ignore the massive shift that is going on in my son's sweet heart and mind.

If you're looking for tips to help your own kiddo sleep well in the crib, I can't help you. We're still figuring that out, and I don't believe any one method will work for every baby. I wanted to stay near and calm him often, but that seemed to frustrate my persistent little love. It was easier for me, but making things even more confusing for him. 'Why are you right there but won't help me?'

So I've stepped back, and he's right smack in the middle of having his world turned upside down. I believe in his ability to learn to calm himself, and I've covered him with every prayer I know how to say. Outside of that, I'm helpless. And I wait.

This sucks. I don't know how this could go down without it sucking. I'd love to hold him to sleep forever, honestly. But I can't. My body is telling me every day that I just can't do that. It's not about time or other things needing to get done. I care about nothing else right now. It breaks my heart and every cry makes me weary.

This is sleep training an infant. I'm not going to sugar coat it or put an encouraging spin on it because you must know, when you're in the thick of it, there's nothing sweet about this.

My Baby Essentials: 3 to 6 Months

2017-03-31T12:16:00.001-05:00

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on any applicable links.

Life with Baby These Days

This period with Asher has been a lot of fun! We're past most of the meltdown-worthy moments, getting some decent sleep here and there, and seeing his sweet little personality come out, which ultimately makes it all worth it. We still have leaps and teething to contend with, so we have our days, but I feel like it's been a totally different experience once we got past the two month mark. (So hang in there, brand new mamas...you will make it!)

Infant Essentials: 3-6 Months

Our "essentials" are no doubt going to vary from some of the other lists you'll see out there, but these are the items that have really allowed us to incorporate Asher into our lives and get by as a family.

Carriers

Wearing Ash in my Wildbird

I know I've talked a lot about babywearing already, and we're still going strong with that in our household. But as he grows and changes, we find that different carriers become more or less used. For example, I like using the Ergo these days because he's heavier and it's easier to get in and out of a soft-sided carrier than our Solly Wrap. However, I find the SSC a little bulky for wearing around the house, so I've recently been breaking in a new ring sling from Wildbird, which is much easier for quick ups and downs. I love having him close, and he naps amazingly when snuggled next to Mama's heart. Carriers also giving me the freedom to use my hands and get things done (like writing this post, in fact). There are so many options when it comes to babywearing, though, so I encourage any mamas to find your local BW group and try out different styles and price points for your little one.

Our choices: Ergo 360 Cool Air; Wildbird ring sling in Dove double linen; Solly Baby wrap in Natural & Grey Stripe

High Chair

Asher seemed to be interested in our food since he was about 4 months old, but I wanted him to have breastmilk only for as long as possible. By 5.5 months, though, I realized it was time to start preparing for baby food. With our pediatrician's blessing, we busted out the Baby Brezza (which is another essential I'll share more about soon), and looked for a simple high chair. The Snug (mentioned below) can be used for feeding, but after seeing a hook-on chair while dining out recently, we decided to get something that would travel well and function at home. Eating with both hands again, FTW!

Our choice: Inglesina Fast Table

Infant Seat

Playtime in the Snug

PIt took me a little bit to realize that Ash was ready to sit up...with some help. As of 3 months, he liked being propped up, "sitting" on the couch, but I didn't realize that baby chairs were even a thing. (Seriously, zero experience with babies before having one.) His chair has provided an age-appropriate place to hang out when he's not being held or worn, which was great since he no longer enjoys being in the his swing or Rock N Play. Keep in mind that they need to have decent head control before using a seat, so don't forsake that Tummy Time (even if you got a late start, like us).

Our choice: Mamas & Papas Baby Snug with Activity Tray

Rompers

We're a little past the pajamas-all-day period, but I still like him to be comfortable if we're home and doing lots of Tummy Time. (He's big on rolling from front to back, front to back, over and over, so constricting outfits are no bueno.) It's also starting to warm up already here in Texas, and we take regular walks to Central Market, Starbucks, or Chick-Fil-A to get some exercise and get out of the house, so we needed something light and airy since we usually wear him during those jaunts. (We keep his skin protected by carrying an umbrella.) The soft, short-sleeved rompers have been a huge hit for us, and I even love using them as PJs since he still sleeps with me. (Let's just leave that one alone for now.)

Our choice: Carter's Baby Boy Rompers

Sun Hat

We get a kick out of hats in general for our little guy, but when we started taking our family walks more often, I realized how much we needed a good sun hat. It was also important that we found something with decent sun protection and coverage. (I'm thinking ahead to trips to the zoo or visiting family near the beach.)

Our choice: iPlay Baby Flap Sun Protection Swim Hat (Toddler sizes, too!)

Teething Survival Tips and a GIVEAWAY! {CLOSED}

2017-03-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on any applicable links.

I am not going to represent myself as an expert on teething babies. However, I am all up in the mix with a teething infant, so I wanted to share some love and simple advice come-lately with all you mamas and dadas out there.

It seemed that we hit a serious drool situation right at around two months, which based on research is very normal and coincides with when they start working with their mouth more and literally get more saliva going to that area. Makes sense. However, we went from dripping drool to chewing like a crazed puppy pretty quickly, so I wasn't entirely surprised when we discovered teeth in Asher's mouth at twenty weeks. (OK, that's a lie. I kinda gasped when I felt those sharp little suckers during bath time. And I may or may not have cried, thinking about the limited days of his sweet gummy smile.) It still took weeks--almost a month, actually--before they were really visible, but that didn't stop him from feeling the effects of this new, quite painful addition to his little body.

I read somewhere that if adults had to go through the pain that a baby does while teething, we'd go insane. And observing an infant, that makes total sense. Sometimes they look like they're just losing their mind with discomfort, so we as parents should to do everything we can to make this development easier to bear.

Tips for Supporting Your Teething Infant

Let them chew. Especially if you're a germaphobe, you may hate the idea of them chewing on everything. And I mean everything...their toys, your hand, water bottles, the cat. The counter-pressure helps bring relief, much as holding pressure on a smashed finger can feel better. If you don't want them chewing on items that could harm them (because they don't discriminate), get them a handful of teething "toys" that they can regularly access. (You can see some of my favorite teething items below.)

Snuggle them. Let them cry. Let them meltdown, and hold them so, so close. It's not their fault they feel and are acting miserable. They are miserable. So comfort your sweet baby and put everything else aside. They'll probably pass out from the meltdown here shortly, so just hold them for a little bit longer and cover them with love and encouragement.

Opt for Zen. When they're in the throes of cutting a new tooth, don't over-schedule your day with playdates, family gatherings, or back-to-back errands. Make the time (because it won't magically appear...you have a child, after all) to remain in their familiar environment--your home--and let them get through it moment by moment, knowing that their beloved toys and people (i.e. Mommy) are right there to support them. Give them Epsom salt baths, fire up the diffuser with essential oils, and give them lots of soothing baby massage. (I know, my crunchy is showing.) But seriously, they need this comfort more than anything, and you won't distract a baby out of teething. Yes, read them their favorite book over and over (and over again), and keep their mouths busy with appropriate things to gum and slobber on, but shuffling to and fro is not going to benefit you or your little one.

Goobie Baby's Audrey teething necklace and some bright, chewy blocks

My Favorite Teething Products

Banana Teether - This is one of those favorites that you see time and time again, but Asher really does seem to like it. And you can actually use it as a baby toothbrush to help them start to get comfortable with that process.

Copaiba Essential Oil - We are big on Young Living essential oils in our home, and feel completely comfortable using oils on and around Asher. I am not a fan of a lot of the teething medications and products offered over-the-counter, but we've found that Copaiba oil is really effective when used on inflamed gums and to provide support when our little guy is most uncomfortable.

Silicone Teether - These are great to keep in the fridge because the coolness feels soothing on their poor little inflamed gums. (Of note, it's not recommended that you freeze teething products to give to babies.) The shape of the Nuby teether also encourages coordination and makes it easy for them to handle on their own. Fair warning: They may try to stick the whole "nuby" end in their mouth...and you may laugh at your own baby.

Teething Necklace - I ordered a simple, cute teething necklace from Goobie Baby on Amazon and it has been a huge hit. This is also a great solution to distract those tiny hands when they discover the joy of pinching while nursing. Teething bracelets are another option, but I find myself wearing the necklace all the time because it's so cute.

Giveaway Time!!

Because I have nothing but love for other mamas and daddies who are supporting their little ones during this difficult phase of growing up, I have a fantastic giveaway to share with y'all!

Goobie Baby has very generously agreed to provide one of their adorable teething necklaces AND a set of their reversible, waterproof drool bandana bib sets for one of my readers! We call this the "Teething Survival Kit," though we regret that we can't include the glass of wine that you may desperately need as you cope alongside your precious babe.

Enter using the form below, and I will choose one winner for this awesome prize on April 8th, which just so happens to be Asher's 6 month birthday. (WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?!?)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Feel free to share and spread the word. Winner will be contacted on April 8th!

My Baby Essentials: The First 3 Months

2017-01-31T12:16:00.000-06:00

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on any applicable links.

A few months back, I shared my Top Newborn Essentials. While many of those items are still in play, I wanted to share an updated list of some items that have been helpful during these early infant months.

Asher napping in his Solly Wrap

Life With Baby These Days

Asher is now 16 weeks old, and we're definitely in more of a rhythm as a family. But lest you think we have some kind of unicorn child, rest assured that the 4-month sleep regression, 15-week leap, and teething are no joke. (All things at once? Not cool, man. Not cool.) We're ALL UP IN this parenting thing and still learning every single day how to do it better (or at the very least, survive). I'm starting to figure out that we'll never really feel like we have a grasp on things. One day at a time, y'all.

Infant Essentials: 0-3 Months

Activity Mat

We like to encourage play time, but there's only so much you can do with a three-month-old. The activity mat has been great for getting him active on the ground, rolling over, grasping at toys, and interacting with his reflection in the little mirror. (He typically just playfully screams at his reflection, but he loves it. No doubt, Dude has found his voice.) We also do Tummy Time on the mat, but he tends to prefer the Boppy for that.

Our choice: Infantino Twist and Fold Mat ($40)

Cloth Diapers

You can read a lot more about our cloth diaper journey here, but suffice to say, we are really happy with our decision to use AIOs (all-in-ones). We use both cloth diapers and wipes, and they're so much easier to use than we imagined. It's nice to know we're reducing our strain on the environment, and it's so cute to see a big fluffy baby butt.

Our choice: bumGenius Freetime AIO Cloth Diapers ($20/each)

Diaper tote to carry ALL THE THINGS

Diaper Bag

OK, this one is probably obvious, but I have to say that not all diaper bags are created equal. I had actually registered for a more expensive bag, but decided to use a gift card from a returned item at BBrU to get something more affordable, figuring I didn't really know what I would need until baby arrived (if that makes sense). I've been super happy with my tote. I love having lots of compartments to keep me organized, as well as a lightweight bag given that all the gear itself starts to add up.

Our choice: Skip Hop Forma Pack & Go Tote Diaper Bag - Gray ($70)

Flannel Burp Cloths

I have to update my previous recommendation as far as burp cloths. While we do still use the Burt's Bees cloths a lot, a friend of mine made us some adorable fleece burp cloths, and we found that material is far superior when it comes to corralling the spit-up and drool. I ordered a set of flannel receiving blankets to use as additional burp cloths, providing more coverage and lasting us a little longer (since soaking one cloth every hour is a lot to keep up with), and they've been great.

Our choice: Luvable Friends Flannel Receiving Blanket - Set of 4 ($10)

Note: I would not recommend these as actual blankets. They're really thin, small for a blanket, the print is only on one side, and they don't hold their shape. But for spit-up? All day long. Get you some.

Slobber/Drool Bandanas

Drool Bandanas - Catch that slobber in style, yo.

I admittedly had no idea that these things produce so much spit. The pee and poop? I saw that coming. But when Ash started leaking from his mouth on a regular basis around the two month mark, I didn't know what to think. It sadly took me a few weeks before I realized that now was a great time to start using bibs (Mommy Brain is so real, you guys), and while I really like the Aden + Anais muslin bibs (especially their size), I've found these adorable baby bandanas to be much more absorbent. And let's face it: they're also adorable. We have 8 bananas and 3 A+A bibs now, which is just enough to get us through laundry cycles. (Seriously, so much spit.)

Our choice: Matimati Baby Banana Bibs - Set of 4 ($16)

Snot Sucker

I just don't know how else to phrase this, y'all. The idea of sucking the boogies out of my child's nose was straight up disgusting, but after I learned more about this little gadget and it came so highly recommended by many mamas that I trust, I caved. And I'm so glad I did. It's a genius invention and has made clearing LO's stuffy noses (which happen on the regular) so easy. He hated it at first, but now he tolerates it well, especially if we use a saline mist first and wipe the boogies clear with saline wipes.

Our choice: NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator + Filters ($17)

Teether Toy

Asher likes to chew on everything. He's like a puppy. Seriously. I bought him a sensory play and teething toy for Christmas, and he loves it. It has been so great for keeping him occupied in his carseat or the Rock N Play, and I know it's also helping him with his coordination.

Our choice: Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether ($13)

White Noise app

This has been huge on so many fronts. Aside from swaddling him (we like the Aden + Anais swaddle blankets), turning on white noise has been one of the best, most consistently successful ways that we can help him calm down and/or go to sleep. We use the noise to signal bed time (for both overnight and naps), and it's so nice to have this in app form so that it's always handy. We have it loaded on all of our phones, as well as a track of his mobile sounds so that we can help him wind down wherever we are. (One of the perks of being married to an audio engineer.) We find that the pink noise in this app has been most effective, for whatever reason, but there are lots of great sounds and tones to choose from. The best part? The app is free. Mama likey!

Our choice: White Noise app (FREE)

Wrap (for Baby Wearing)

Yes, I'm totally one of those moms. I love having my little dude near me, and I believe 100% in the 4th Trimester, so I am a huge fan of the wrap for this clingy period. We have an Ergo 360 Cool Air Carrier as well, which is generally M's jam for hanging out with Ash, but I love my wrap. It was a little cumbersome at first to get used to tying it and getting everything positioned just right, but after repeated use, I can get baby wrapped up and secure in about a minute. It's a great way to get your hands free for chores around the house (I can literally vacuum while wearing him and he falls asleep). I feel like it has allowed me to be more independent, as weird as that probably sounds, and I know he loves being close to mommy's heart. In fact, he still will only sleep if we're holding him, so he takes all his naps in the wrap, which allows me to work during that time. I cherish it, honestly.

Our choice: Solly Baby Wrap - Natural & Grey Stripe ($65)

Every baby is different, and I'm sure our necessities will drastically change when the saliva situation has let up. But for now, these are the helpers that keep us chugging along.

What were the must-haves for your little one's first 3 months?

Check out my essentials for 3 to 6 months!

Cloth Diaper Review: bumGenius Freetime vs. Thirsties AIOs

2017-01-30T15:45:00.000-06:00

Let me preface this post by saying we're eight weeks into cloth diapering. An expert in fluff, I am not. However, you learn pretty quickly what works and what doesn't.

Starting Cloth

We totally skipped the newborn phase of CD'ing because of some sage advice I read while pregnant, and I think it was the best decision for us. We used Seventh Generation disposable diapers and wipes during the early days, and they suited us just fine. (We were also gifted some Honest Company wipes, which I liked too, though I recently switched to Water Wipes to have on hand because of how simple is the ingredients list.) Asher was about 8 weeks old when we started cloth, and I think that was a good age. We were past the "Sweet Heavens, what do we do with this little creature?!" phase, and he had gained enough weight to fit into the cloth diapers we purchased really well.

We opted for a stash of AIOs (all-in-ones) only. I read about more cost-effective options, but I knew that simplicity and sanity would rule the day (and I was right...which is pretty much the only thing about parenting that I estimated correctly). I also wanted a system that M could get behind as well, and AIOs are very similar to disposables, so I went that direction. We started stocking up early (once we were well into the second trimester), buying a diaper with each paycheck, and rounded out our stash thanks to two beautiful baby showers.

Mommy Tip: The bumGenius diapers we got are coupon-eligible at Buy Buy Baby. Holla!

We ended up with 17 diapers in total (which turned out to be just right at his age), and it's a mix of bumGenius Freetimes and Thirsties All-in-Ones. I had read good reviews and feedback about both, but I have to say that one far outperforms the other...

bumGenius AIOs vs. Thirsties AIOs

I'll cut to the chase: bumGenius Freetimes for the win. No question.

Thirsties AIOs (left) and bumGenius Freetimes (right)

They are very, very similar in style and function, which makes it easy to split a stash between the two. Thirsties has some really cute prints to select from, and they're ever so slightly cheaper. (We're talking $1, folks.) But when it comes to holding in the pee and poo (which, you know, is the whole point), the Freetimes hold up much better.

Both styles are considered OS (one-size-fits-all), so they adjust to fit just right for your little one via snap configurations. (Thirsties also offers a Hook & Loop option.) But where bumGenius has two layers of microfleece (two attached inserts), Thirsties has only one. I even bought a set of bumGenius doublers to add to the Thirsties, and while it helped, I still get leaks with the Thirsties diapers.

To be fair, cloth diapers are not as absorbent as disposables, so I am not expecting miracles. I changed his diaper every 1.5 - 2 hours, and I still regularly had leaks. I have yet to have a single leak with the Freetimes, even leaving him in the same diaper for 3 hours at times. (We've yet to have a single case of diaper rash, by the way. I apply a mix of organic coconut oil, Lavender oil, and Frankincense to his bum every other change and overnight, and we've been in good shape.)

Speaking of overnight, I will clarify that we do not cloth diaper for nighttime. After his evening bath, we use the homemade bum balm I just described and Seventh Generation disposables. Again, keeps things simple, and we rarely have leaks.

So, there you have it, bumGenius Freetimes are the AIOs that take the cake (at least compared to Thirsties). They really are so simple to use and don't leak. I only have to wash the diapers every three days (which is not difficult at all, especially at the rate babies go through laundry in general), and have been so pleasantly surprised with how easy it was to transition to fluff. Not to mention, going from throwing away 50+ diapers a week to just 7 feels pretty dang good.

Cloth Diaper Accessories Worth Mentioning

Since I don't plan to do eleventy thousand posts about the joys of CD (given that many, better posts are out there en masse), I will go ahead and share a few additional tidbits that helped make cloth work really well for us...

We switched to cloth wipes about a month ago, and I'm loving them as a natural extension of doing cloth diapers. If I'm washing diapers, I figure it's easy enough to do wipes at the same time. I use a mix of bumGenius flannel wipes and these ridiculously soft Duckery Kid washcloths. I keep them in our Munchkin wipe warmer, folded and soiled in a solution made with distilled water, witch hazel, Lavender oil, and Tea Tree oil (which I apply via the peri bottle from my delivery). I love that they're gentle enough to use on his face too (because all the drool), and I don't have to worry about a bunch of ingredients that are sure to damage him for life (because all the mommy guilt for everything).

We also use the Aquaus 360 sprayer and Aquaus SprayMate, which makes rinsing the poopy diapers super simple. You technically don't have to rinse poop if they're exclusively breast fed, but, ew. We put soiled diapers and wipes in the Ubbi diaper pail until we're ready to wash, and no stink, no fuss. Pop all of the above in the wash on laundry day, and there ya go!

(I'm not even going to mention wash routine and all that, but I will say that Fluff Love has been an amazing resource for us, and I have had great luck following their guidance.)

Want more baby crap?

My Birth Story: How Our Birth Plan Went Out the Window

My Top Newborn Essentials

Nothing to shill here. All opinions are my own, and no discount or compensation has influenced this post.

Mommy Must-Have: The Ember Mug

2016-11-29T18:13:00.000-06:00

As a new mom, there are many trade-offs experienced on a daily basis. I often sacrifice getting chores done so that I can hold Asher as he sleeps. I postpone showers so that I can spend time catching up with my husband in the evenings. I eat less-than-elaborate meals so that I can use one arm to hold my 7-week-old little buddy.

One of the more minor -- albeit very real -- sacrifices since Ash arrived? Drinking coffee while it's still hot. As though on command, the very moment that my delicious Decaf La Silva is done brewing, a fit of fusiness ensues or I get distracted. After warming up a single, sad mug of coffee four times, I basically give up.

That is, until now...

Meet Ember

My sweet husband jumped on an awesome new product that he saw on IndieGoGo, and it is currently my favorite Mommy Must-Have.

It's called Ember. It may just look like a sleek travel mug, but it's much more. It's a fully interactive coffee mug that you can pair with your smartphone to set temp preferences by beverage, get notifications, and even give it a name.

The feature that won my heart? It maintains the temperature of your drink for up to two hours on-the-go (longer when kept on the charging base, as shown in the photo). And it actually does that, for real. Find the temp you prefer, set the dial on the bottom, and your coffee will be as warm after an impromptu feeding or meltdown as it was when you brewed it.

It was an exciting day when Ember finally arrived, as M placed the order a while back. But, not surprisingly, the campaign did really well. Even Starbucks got in on the action, which I can imagine was a game-changer for the innovative folks behind the mug.

It's not cheap, and Ember is currently backordered given its incredible popularity, but if you're looking for something special for a lovely mommy in your life (including yourself!), I'd order Ember in a hot second and get on that waiting list!

This is NOT a sponsored post. I'm just super excited when we discover great products and had to share with y'all!

My Top Newborn Essentials

2016-11-11T13:11:00.000-06:00

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on any applicable links.

In the early days of bringing Asher home, we learned quickly that while there isn't much to do aside from changing, feeding, comforting, and coaxing to sleep, those activities take a lot of time and finesse. We loaded up our registry with great must-haves and nice-to-haves based on feedback from friends, family, and lots of research (including many blog posts just like this one), but those first weeks relied heavily on a few clutch items that I wanted to highlight for y'all. No two babies are the same, but these items were really helpful for taking care of Ash (and Mommy).

Newborn Essentials

Wipe Warmer - This is one of those items that many lists I found online considered unnecessary. And admittedly, yes, you don't have to have this for your little one. However, across the board when I polled my family for their recommendations, a wipe warmer was mentioned. And it makes sense. I wouldn't want a cold, wet wipe on my tushy in the middle of the night. It made changings far less dramatic, and for the price point, it's a no-brainer in my opinion.

Our choice: Munchkin Warm Glow Baby Wipe Warmer ($20)

Burp Cloths - Babies spit up. A lot. We have yet to have projectile spit-up thankfully, but even just your run of the mill post-feeding mess requires the constant presence of a within-reach burp cloth. We only bought one set and were gifted a few others, but I found myself willing to do a quick load of laundry to ensure some of my faves were always available. (I've since ordered another set.) Look for soft, absorbent (duh), and sized to provide solid coverage.

Our choice: Burt's Bees Burp Cloths - 5 Pack ($20)

Changing Pad Liner - For whatever reason, Ash is one happy camper when he's on his changing pad. He kicks, coos, and generally has the best demeanor while he's stretched out on it. (We've loved the L.A. Baby 4-Sided Changing Pad with the Burt's Bees Pad Covers.) That being said, with a baby boy I could be changing the cover every other day between mid-change spit ups and that wayward willie. Having washable changing pad liners allows me to quickly and easily switch out just the top layer and move on, one-handed at that, which is how you simply must roll in the early baby days.

Our choice: Bamboo Changing Pad Liners - 3 Pack ($20)

Infant Car Seat - I had actually second guessed whether I even should have purchased an infant carrier/car seat because I had big plans to wear baby as much as possible out-and-about (in which case, I could have just jumped straight to a convertible car seat). However, turns out Little Man would take some getting used to being carried/wrapped, and he loves his car seat! We had a few nights that first week when only being tucked into the infant carrier would soothe him. (And don't worry, he wasn't left unsupervised nor did he spend a whole night there.) Not to mention, the system is so easy to install, with or without LATCH, so I've been able to confidently use it without adult supervision.

Our choice: Chicco KeyFit ($200); purchased as part of the Bravo Travel System ($400)

Nipple Shield - This can be a very controversial item, but I have to be honest: if it weren't for this little gem, I might have given up on breastfeeding in that first week. This was given to me by the Lactation Consultants at the hospital because Ash and I were having a hard time feeding, but it allowed us to find a rhythm while still helping him put on weight. It works like training wheels, and while I probably used it longer than I should have (close to 4 weeks), we are now feeding without it and no one had to go into Time-Out. Breastfeeding is not an easy task, despite how it's represented to the unsuspecting new mom, so if tools like the shield help you make it work so you and baby both get to enjoy the incredible benefits, then party on!

Our choice: Medela Contact Nipple Shield ($7)

Gripe Water - This can also be a controversial one, but we got the OK from our pediatrician, so I wanted to include it. As sweet and generally happy as Asher is, most evenings he has bouts of fussiness. They range from absolutely awful with Mommy and Baby both in tears, to simply tiring and sad to watch. While we naturally saw some improvement in his overall tummy situation and demeanor around week three, as he got a little older and feeding came more naturally to us both, we found that giving him some gripe water (two doses a day, max) seemed to help alleviate some of his discomfort. We introduced probiotics at week three, and that coupled with regular chiropractic adjustments and the gripe water seemed to help. We now (at week five) just use gripe water occasionally, but make sure we get those probiotics in him every day (and Mommy, too!).

Our choice: Mommy's Bliss Gripe Water ($12); I recently ordered the night time formula as well

Nice-to-Have Newborn Gear

Seventh Generation Free and Clear diapers

Absorbant, no harsh chemicals, doesn't irritate baby's skin; we opted for these before we dive into cloth diapering once he's big enough for the bumGenius Freetime cloth diapers

Seventh Generation Free and Clear wipes

Soft, non-irritating, gets the job done well

Fisher-Price Rock 'n Play

This became our go-to solution for naps and to allow Mommy to use both arms, as he'll hang out in this (for a short bit, at least) even while awake; great for post-feedings to reduce gas and reflux
TIP: Check resale shops for these! Many parents swear by these but they have a brief shelf life (3 months).
TIP: If you're concerned about flat head, we love the Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support for the RNP and swing.

Gerber Onesies

They really are the best, and Asher lives in these and his sleep-n-plays (someday I'll dress him cute, but Mama ain't got time for that yet)
TIP: Those little shoulder folds come in really handy to remove the onesie from the top-down when blowouts occur.

Baby mittens

Baby nails are razor sharp, so if you plan to breastfeed, you need some protection from their adorable little talons
TIP: When you're ready to start clipping baby's nails (we waited three weeks to feel comfortable), I highly recommend the Simba Baby Safety Scissors.

I'm by no means an authority on this whole baby thing, but hopefully these recommendations are helpful in steering you toward some gear that had been super helpful in our home.

Be sure to check out my birth story, and revisit my first trimester/early pregnancy and late pregnancy must-haves!

Update! We are 20+ months in at this point, and I absolutely stand by this list. We regularly use most of these items still, and they would all be included on a registry for another nugget. So shop on with confidence, Mamas and Dadas!

My Birth Story: How Our Birth Plan Went Out The Window

2016-11-08T17:47:00.001-06:00

It's been a month to the day since we had our baby. Between my notes and those of our doula, we've hopefully still captured the details to faithfully share how it all went down, even weeks later. I will post more as time allows because there's so much to convey every step of the way, but let's start with his arrival...

At 2:30 AM on October 6th -- my official due date -- I woke to a slight cramping feeling in my abdomen. They weren't terribly painful, but for some reason, I knew I should pay attention to them. They didn't last long, but as I laid in bed, I noticed that they seemed to come and go every 10 minutes or so. Circa 4:00 AM, the cramping became more intense and I started shivering. At this point, Michael woke and asked if I was OK. I tried to play it off, but as soon as he asked, "Do you think these are contractions?" I was fairly certain that labor had begun. (I didn't have a ton of Braxton-Hicks, but I was surprised that my actual contractions actually felt quite different from those "practice" ones. The real deal reminded me more of your run-of-the-mill PMS cramps, actually.) I started keeping track of things on my phone, just in case, as the hours and minutes quickly started to blur...which would be true of the entire labor.

Laboring at Home

Around 4:30 AM, we reached out to our amazing doula, Sarah, who advised us to get some rest and try taking a bath. I got in the tub and tried to relax a bit, but it was admittedly hard with the nervous excitement I was experiencing. By 8:00 AM, I was still having sporadic contractions, but I started feeling some back pain as well. Sarah was concerned about baby's position potentially contributing to the back pain, and advised that we call our chiropractor. We reached out to our wonderful chiro team at New Beginnings Family Chiropractic, who were totally ready for our call (I went twice a week the few months leading up to my due date), and by 9:00 AM we had Dr. Crisp at the house attempting to help baby turn, as she also suspected he was posterior. (Everyone made it seem like breech was the only less-than-optimal position, so I had no idea what I was in for. But back labor...yeah, they should put a warning on that shiz.) Shortly before her arrival, the pain was getting pretty intense, and I even vomited. (Throwing up while contracting should be illegal. Not fun at all, and I braced myself for the long road ahead given that things were already a little less magical than anticipated.)

When I had my bloody show around 10:00 AM, M reached out again to Sarah. (Side note: for those of you who are preggers and concerned you won't know when you pass your mucus plug...trust, you'll know.) Just before noon, she arrived to find me laboring in the dark den and sipping Gatorade. I took a shower to try to get some relief to my back, but that didn't help much. Things were starting to get more intense, and while I was focusing on my breathing, the pain was mounting already.

Heading to the Birth Center

We arrived at the Fort Worth Birth Center at 2:30 PM, and while I was relieved to learn that I was 100% effaced, baby was in fact posterior (ROP, in fact) and I was only 2 cm at this point...12 hours in, if you're counting. To help with positioning, I was sent to the chiro office for more adjustments. After 4 hours of adjustments, I was finally contracting normally, back labor let up, and baby had flipped to anterior. I went ahead and agreed to therapeutic rest at the birth center at this point (around 7:30 PM), and because I was still only 2 cm, we were sent home for the night.

Without spoiling the rest, I will at least say that therapeutic rest was the first intervention to which I agreed outside of our anticipated birth plan, but it would certainly not be the last. We wanted a drug-free delivery at the birth center, and anticipated a relatively-quick, straightforward L&D in our cozy little bubble. Everyone kept saying to stay flexible and just be prepared for the unexpected, and they're so right...

By 11:00 PM on the 6th, we reached back out to our doula, as we were all now in our respective homes under orders from the midwives to rest. But I couldn't rest. Contractions were still sporadic, but more intense. Baby had flipped back to posterior, and I was miserable. Sarah came back over at 12:30 AM that morning (Friday the 7th), bless her heart, and helped us track the contractions to approximately every 3 minutes. She had me doing the Miles circuit and walking around at 3:00 AM, and by 4:00 I was back in bed. But I still couldn't sleep. With every contraction, I had to wake up M and ask him to press firmly on my lower back. (Yes, the extreme pain in my tailbone was back in full force at this point.)

The midwives had asked us to come back for a check-up on Friday morning, so I was relieved to be back there by 10:00 AM that day. Unfortunately, I was only 3-4 cm after over 30 hours of labor thus far. They went ahead and admitted me to the birth center given how long I had been going at that point, and I agreed to some nitrous to help me (hopefully) get some progress despite the pain. I was laying in the bed with the peanut ball, rolling from side to side, hoping he'd move. No dice. By noon I was bouncing on the birth ball, hooked up to a pump for stimulation, and taking herbs every 15 minutes in an attempt to move things forward. I squatted, I walked around, I attempted to keep down Saltines and Gatorade (since I hadn't eaten anything in over 24 hours at this point...because I wanted to die, let's be honest). We tried it all, but I was still scarcely at 4 cm.

M's family came to the birth center to pray over me during this time, and I honestly barely remember them coming by. I was so exhausted and trying to get past the seemingly endless pain in my tailbone. There is no pain like that, and it's unrelenting nature was wearing me down.

Heart-to-Heart Time

The midwives and my birth team powwowed around 4:00 PM on Friday -- 38 hours in -- to determine next steps. I still wasn't progressing, and I was losing steam fast. We discussed all the options, and as hard as it was to admit, I knew that transferring to the hospital at this point was probably the smartest move. I was so tired and miserable, so M being the awesome husband and coach that he is made the call: we would transfer to the hospital for help. It broke my heart that our labor was going so completely against plan, and here we were heading to the hospital, but M and Sarah both got right in my face and reminded me that this was still our choice, and that dealing with prodromal labor was a perfectly good reason to accept help when it's available.

This was the first of many moments in this journey that was so incredibly humbling. I admittedly thought I had this whole baby thing figured out given all the classes we took, books we read, and general knowledge I thought I had acquired. I had strong opinions, and I couldn't wait to tell our birth story, replete with rainbows and unicorns and the light of a million fairies. God knew better, and I can repeat the words I said before our experience -- "All that matters is that the baby gets here...doesn't matter how" -- but I actually mean them now.

Transfer

By 5:00 PM on the 7th, we were admitted at the hospital. They gave me fluids via IV since I was so dehydrated and weak. At 7:30 PM, the anesthesiologist arrived, almost got punched in the face by my beloved (bedside manner fail), but he delivered the epidural.

Yes, that's right, this mama, who fiercely desired an all-natural birth, opted for drugs. I would have given anything to have avoided that route, but I don't regret my decision. As soon as it kicked in, I could breathe. I could eat. I could smile. I could rest. I desperately needed that to be able to finish out the whole giving birth thing, and I'm so thankful for the access to that help.

I finally slept for a bit, but still wasn't progressing much. Just before 10:00 PM, my midwife recommended breaking my water to hopefully move things along (since I had been in labor for almost 45 hours now), and I reluctantly agreed. I knew something had to give, and at this point, the interventions just started stacking up. I instantly jumped to 6 cm when she broke my water, but we didn't take long to celebrate as the news of meconium instantly had us concerned (though not surprised). The baby's heart rate took a dip at that point, but we were able to get me repositioned and it came back up.

For the next few hours, I rested. Finally. I only woke up when the nurse gently helped me reposition on the peanut ball, and I couldn't believe that I didn't feel a single thing as contractions progressed. (That epidural was legit, y'all. I felt nothing. Zero.)

At 12:30 AM on Saturday the 8th, our sweet nurse Ali woke me to tell me it was time to start pushing. I was 10 cm and +1 station. I couldn't believe it! The last bit progressed so quickly, and because I was sleeping, it felt like they had just broken my water. But, again, we were on L&D time, so everything felt like a half hour. So bizarre.

Time to Push

My awesome midwife Meagan (who was thankfully able to catch the baby even at the hospital) advised that it was time to practice pushing, which I realized later was an incredibly honest way to put it. She needed to see me push to determine if I would be able to do it well with the epidural. As expected, I was too drugged to effectively push, so they turned off the epidural. This, friends, is when I lost my s*#@. The pain returned with a vengeance, all to my back, reminding me that even though I hadn't felt it, my body had still been doing all that hard work. I thrashed about, sobbing, crying out to God, and insisted they do something to help me. It felt like my back was breaking, over and over. They brought in some nitrous and restarted the epidural drip on a lower setting. Baby's bp fluctuated a bit at this point, and we narrowly escaped having to use an internal monitor, but I got oxygen with the nitrous to help stabilize things. The gas helped take the edge off, but made me so sleepy.

Nevertheless, I eventually figured out how to effectively push, and reaching down at one point at my midwife's encouragement to feel baby's head progressing was really helpful. We were finally on a roll and getting this baby out! I played tug of war with a sheet with several folks to help me push better, and finally, at 5:21am on October 8th, he was here...

Our precious son, Asher James, took 51 hours (+40 weeks) to get here, but he was worth every single moment. I never could have imagined the sheer volume of interventions and compromises that we would have to make to get him here, but it has been such a powerful reminder that I am not in control, and that things don't always go as planned. But there's joy to be had regardless.

I am so thankful for our amazing birth team who helped us navigate the journey leading up to Asher's arrival, and I can't say enough about how incredible my husband was throughout. I can't imagine that was easy to endure, and he was right there with me every second, so I know it was arduous for him too. But it takes such things to forge a family, and I'm so blessed by mine.

Ladies, We Can't Have It All...And That's OK

2016-09-21T14:00:00.000-05:00

This post has been percolating in my heart and mind for a while now. Even though we're still a few weeks away from Little Nugget's arrival, I'm already undergoing some pretty drastic changes as I enter into motherhood. It's mostly wonderful and life-changing in absolutely amazing ways. But sometimes it's also tough, it's a struggle, and it's unexpectedly sad.

I've Arrived

I grew up with a very blue collar upbringing, which is not to say that I was lacking for anything. I say that with pride, in fact. Both of my parents worked very hard, they worked with their hands, and they wore jeans. I know that sounds weird, but you get my point. I didn't come from a family of suit-wearers. I was the first in my family to graduate from college. We had two family businesses that my folks ran like champs, and my brother and I got to witness hard work front and center, every day. It wasn't always dignified and it certainly wasn't often fun, but it was invaluable and deeply ingrained in me a work ethic that I appreciate more and more with every new job and life lesson I see play out.

That being said, it was recently that I had one of those self-reflecting moments where I felt like I had finally arrived, career-wise. It couldn't have been more than a year ago, and I don't even remember the exact moment it dawned on me, but I came to the realization that I had made it.

I was in Colorado for one of my monthly visits to the headquarters of the start-up for which I worked. I looked up for a second and took in the sight of this little girl, looking very grown up and very polished. My nails were manicured, my venti Starbucks was in hand, my handbag was chic, my outfit was a tasteful mix of tailored blazer and hemmed denim, and I walked with the confidence of a young woman who fully owned her VP title. In some ways, I felt like I was playing dress up, but when I attended subsequent meetings and unabashedly shared my two cents on the matter and helped mold our collective company, it was clear that I was actually contributing something. My voice mattered, and I was someone who people many years my senior were trusting to own my job fully.

A Shift in Perspective with my Morning Cup

Fast forward to just a few weeks ago when I got a fresh dose of perspective. I walked across the street to the Starbucks from the hourly writing gig that I took mid-summer to earn some form of income in the wake of the official news that our start-up had stalled out. As much as I enjoyed tackling a new post as web copywriter, it was a total lifestyle shift for me. I went from working out of my home (when not in Colorado) to working in an office again; I went from an impressive salary to a wage that I made circa post-college graduation; I went from dressing like an executive to dressing like a college student (which, to be fair, wasn't all bad on the mornings that I felt too pregnant to muster more than jeans and a t-shirt). I'm less complaining and more so trying to convey that it has been a far bigger shift than I think I've really processed. But life happens, and bills need to be paid, so there you go.

Back to the coffee shop...

I'm waiting for my venti coconut milk latte at the counter at Starbucks -- and I'll mention that it was a venti only because it was the one morning out of the month on which a local bank covers coffee orders for all the local folks who work in the area, which is decidedly awesome and one of my favorite days of the month -- when I looked over and saw a young woman, looking ever so chic and professional, about my same age. She was wearing a beautiful sheath dress under a stylish blazer, simple jewelry, a tasteful ponytail, and her hands were beautifully manicured in a soft pink. We briefly made eye contact, and for a moment, I wanted to cry.

The very next moment, however, I smiled and let it soak in. I fully immersed myself in the reality of where I was, where I had been, and where I was going. There I was, 8+ months pregnant, waiting for my free coffee with far too much excitement, and realizing that a new season was upon me.

A Season for Everything...

My arrival as a career woman -- or at least my perception of such -- had come and gone, and here I am on the cusp of...gosh, I hardly know. I imagine it'll consist of sleepless nights, sweatpants, sippy cups, and a ridiculous amount of time spent staring at a tiny human.

I'd love to tell you that I've only looked forward with excitement and joy, but that wouldn't be the whole truth. I mean, it's absolutely true that I feel like the luckiest woman in the world to get to be Mommy to this Baby Boy, to M's son. But I've also looked back at the past -- near as it may be, relatively speaking -- and I'm mourning a bit. There's nothing to say that I'll never again dress nice, travel, or have a career-type role, but I have to imagine it will come with race cars stuffed into my Louis Vuitton, shorter nails so I don't scratch at bath time, and holding back tears as I try to enjoy being wined-and-dined because I'm away from my child(ren).

Because here's the thing: we can't have it all. We can't do all the things because we're split as women. Split between being a good wife, a good mom, a good colleague...and any one of those roles is a full-time gig. I'm not saying in the slightest that men don't also have these seasons of change and identity-crises, but I do know what it is to be a woman who just wants to do it all. And I can't.

And you know what? That's just going to have to be OK.

Second & Third Trimester Favorites

2016-09-13T21:19:00.000-05:00

Circa 2nd Trimester Bump

This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on any applicable links.

Way back when, I shared my First Trimester Favorites. It's been almost five months to the day since that post, and I figured it's high time I share my second and third trimester favorites before Baby Boy makes his arrival. I'm combining second trimester and third trimester because let's be honest, I can't remember one week from the next, much less when these officially became clutch in my book.

Also, you get no cute Pinterest worthy graphic this time because 36 WEEKS PREGNANT.

This Little Girl's Late Pregnancy Must-Haves

Maternity Jeans

Even though I did splurge on a Maternity Stitch Fix earlier in the pregnancy, I otherwise decided that I would spend very little on clothes during this whole ordeal. I have a hard enough time shopping for clothes for myself when I'm in shape, so it was a no brainer to just stretch my wardrobe (literally) as much as possible. One thing I did buy and have zero regrets about is a pair of maternity denim with a full panel waist. I tried on several styles, and some just downright confused me. The ones with the little stretchy notch and button waist? Who are those fitting? Because, no. I did, amazingly enough, find a total winner at Old Navy. Their Full-Panel Skinny Jeans were perfect and have held up beautifully for my whole pregnancy. I wear them all the time, which you can't beat for under $40!

Sippy Cup (Ahem...Water Bottle with Straw)

We are no stranger to Hydro Flasks around our house, and I blame M. They're really awesome products and my 16-ouncer gets a ridiculous amount of play keeping my coffee hot on a daily basis (albeit still decaf these days...Hey, remember caffeine?). M surprised me with a 40-ounce Hydro Flask water bottle when we got our walking orders from the birth coach to drink 120+ ounces of water per day. It sounds like a lot, but once I added the straw top, I found that it wasn't difficult at all, especially given how cool water stays in these bad boys. This is a Mama Must-Have in my book.

Epsom Salt Baths

I am no stranger to epsom salt baths, especially when coupled with my beloved Young Living Essential Oils. However, they have taken on a new level of divine goodness the more preggers I get. Every time I sink into a warm tub, it's like a long-awaited hug and it's beyond wonderful. It was this very feeling that convinced me to labor and deliver in the water, assuming all continues to go well to allow that to happen.* Not only are these baths incredibly therapeutic, but the relaxation and temporary break from feeling so very heavy is heaven. Mamas, get you some QBT (Quality Bath Time). But bear in mind, you may need a spotter.

Husband-Coached Child Birth

I read a lot of books during my pregnancy, and most were really helpful, but one that stood out was Husband-Coached Child Birth by Dr. Robert Bradley. We read this one during the course of taking Bradley Method classes, which I honestly cannot rave about enough. The book can get borderline preachy, but the dude developed the method and wrote about it, so he's got a pass. If you're considering natural childbirth, I highly recommend taking a class locally (you can find them on the Bradley site). I wouldn't consider the book a replacement because I love the live interaction of a class and getting to hear the perspective of an instructor who has actually been through natural L&D, but it's a great supplement and provides additional detail that I found beneficial and helped M and I both feel really prepared for what lies ahead.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Quest Bars

Since part of being a good Bradley student means following Dr. Brewer's pregnancy diet for optimal nutrition, I had to do some serious work to up my protein intake. I'm a vegetarian and notoriously roll my eyes at the "How do you get your protein?" question, but getting up to 80 grams per day was no joke. I started eating fish a few years ago (so yes, technically I'm a lacto-ovo pescatarian, but how annoying does that sound?), so we eat a lot of salmon up in here, which has been a great source of protein and omegas. But when I started working in an office again and crazy life got the best of me, Quest Bars became my new BFF. My brother turned me on to them and the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ones are my jam. 21 grams of protein per bar? Yes please, and thank you.

I've got more maternity/pre-natal posts up my sleeve as things crank down a bit in anticipation of Little Nugget's arrival, so be on the lookout for those. I can't believe we're just a little over 3 weeks away from his due date! So excited to share this next chapter with y'all...

*We were initially going to deliver in a hospital under midwife care, but decided a few months back that a birth center was more conducive to the L&D experience for which we were shooting. I'll probably elaborate on that more one of these days.

Want to see how our birth story went down? Read on.

Humorous Pregnancy Realities

2016-08-29T18:21:00.000-05:00

There are plenty of posts and articles out there that will warn you all about the unexpected realities of being pregnant and having children. So much so, in fact, that it's fair to say you've been effectively warned. Be it the truths of the quippy, borderline-gross variety, or those heartwarming little ditties that you feel like you have to read just to continue on (as though there were anything to do about it anyway once you see those double lines).

But I've realized as I enter my 35th week -- which, WHAT THE WHAT -- that there are certain humorous elements of pregnancy that I've yet to be warned about. They're small, and it's highly possible that these are unique to this little girl, ever full of grace. (So much not.) But they're very real, and I thought I'd share some with you, dear readers.

The Shiz No One Tells You When You're Expecting

When you bathe, you will absolutely, 100% feel like a walrus. Perhaps if you have a very large tub, you'll feel slightly more elegant, like, say, a seal. But when you sink down in your average, builder-grade tub to get a nice soak and hopefully bring some relief to your aching back and hips, you're going to have to do a little rotisserie action to actually clean your whole body. And then you'll be stuck because your tiny wrists are no match for the behemoth that is your body these days.
Every time you wash your hands, you will absolutely end up with water on your belly. You don't have to be a vigorous washer or anything, and it's not like we're talking scrubbing in for surgery. If you're near a sink, you will have water splatter all over your lower belly. Step back to wash...same thing. Belly is a magnet for wayward drops. And cookie crumbs.
Want to get out of bed? Roll it out, Mama. There is no sitting up, no sliding out, just roll and hope for the best. Hopefully you don't land on one of the eleventy pillows you now need to get mediocre sleep. Make that effort count by waiting a few extra minutes and just knock out two bathroom breaks while you're at it.
You will run into everything. It's like your protruding tummy is a magnet for every chair, every corner, every bookcase, every doorway...you just will hit them. Eight feet of open space? Oh, you'll find something to nick. Promise.
Showering. It's nearly as awesome as bathing. Sure, you're upright, but want to give you feet a little rub rub? Yeah, it's not going to happen. Leg shaving will render you breathless -- not in the good way -- and you may pass out. In fact, it's very likely. A shower spotter would be advisable, but really, ain't nobody want to see that.
Whatever someone just told you, or whatever you just told them, it will evaporate from your brain the moment it's said. Write it down, record it, maybe hire a scribe. But your ability to remember anything is shot. Going to the store for a single thing? You must take a note. You will not remember said item. You will remember, however, Hostess Cupcakes.
Your appetite at some point will likely tank. You'll know you need to eat, but nothing will sound good, and the concept of having to select 3-5 meals a day will leave you so overwhelmed that you can't even. You might cry over the mention of the word "lunch." You still, however gain weight, and when you have just enough energy to get dressed, sit for 8 hours, and maybe eek out a meal (i.e. cereal all around), you'll also be told how important it is to exercise throughout the pregnancy. Just. Shut. Up.

But, here is it, the obligatory "it's all worth it." And truth? Duh. Of course it's worth it. Making a human is awesome. The reality that the constantly-moving little dude in your belly will some day hug you, draw you pictures, and make your family something new and amazing is something else. It's too good.

So yes, you will feel like a clumsy buffalo for months on end, but you'll also get to be a mommy. Fair deal in my book, y'all.