Happy Friyay! This photo has nothing to do with this post, other than the fact that my little pumpkin is sitting with pumpkins and it makes me happy! So…speaking of things that make me happy, how about some ways to give back and make others happy! This post is a quick reminder that it doesn’t always take a ton of effort to give back. These are 3 easy ways to give back each day. Enjoy! 🙂

1. Use smile.amazon.com – The difference is that when customers shop on AmazonSmile, their foundation will donate 0.5% of the price of the eligible purchases you make to a charitable organization that YOU get to pick! Below is a snapshot of the donations I have generated this month from ordering my normal things off of AmazonSmile. I care about animals, so you can see where I want my donations to go. If you’re anything like me, Amazon has saved me on a number of occasions when running low on diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies, gifts for birthdays/anniversaries/other events, and more. Why not have a bit of that purchase go to a good cause that you care about? It is a WIN / WIN! Go to AmazonSmile for more info and to get started 🙂
2. Click the PURPLE BUTTON to donate food to animals in need. One on the animal rescue site, bookmark the page and click the purple button once a day. That is a very easy way to give back and it literally takes 1 second a day. Food for animals in need is a big deal – and this is a very easy way to help out. If you want to do more, check out the rest of their site for opportunities to give back. They have other free ways to help – and lots of fantastic gifts where part of the proceeds are actual donations. 
3. Make a “Helping Jar” and fill it up! Skip that cup of Starbucks (make your own at home or at work) and put the money into the jar. Pick up coins off the sidewalk and put them into the jar. This is a very family friendly way to give back – kids will love it as well! If you have kiddos, have them decorate the jar so they feel more connected to it. Once the jar is full, pick something as a family to give back to. Use the money to get toothbrushes and other items that a local shelter might need. Donate the money to the food bank (they can really stretch each dollar). Look for ways to put that money jar to good use. It’s amazing how easy it can be to save up – and give back. 

That’s it for today! I’ll be sure to share more ways to give back in the future! 🙂 If you have other ideas or suggestions, please share them in the comments so I can add them to future lists. It is a great way to share the love!

In case you are looking for a romper like the one on Sofia – this one is super cute, and so is this one!

Happy Friyay and keep on putting good back into the world! xo

To me, Fall means many things. Family time, sweet treats, pumpkins, decorations, and family photos! I would say that I am a bit obsessed with documenting certain family traditions – and happy to admit it! 🙂 My kids are growing so fast, and I want to make memories and have some fun photos to look back on. This post is all about how to make the most of these photo-rific moments during these cooler months that happen to be filled with holidays!

Before I jump in – let me say one thing. I’m using our Christmas photos as an example for this post, but this applies to any holiday. Easter, a first birthday, family photos with grandparents, etc. No matter what – these tips apply. Hope it helps! Read on!

Picking a Photographer

This step is very important because you are going to want to pick someone who has a style you like and can help you with your vision.

These are the things I look for in a photographer:

• Has great overall Yelp reviews (I always take Yelp with a grain of salt but it’s a good starting point)
• Has photo examples on IG, a blog, etc. that have a style you like
• Easy to communicate with via email and/or phone
• Has fun ideas and can help you with your overall vision for the photo shoot
• Is willing to look at photo examples that you like for the upcoming shoot
• Has recommendations for settings, props and more
• Has availability on dates and times that work for you and your family

Date & Theme:

• Book a date. Picking the right date and time is important when planning your photos. Select a date that gives you plenty of time to order your outfits and props, but also gives you plenty of time to order cards for your friends/family without paying for rush shipping. My kids still nap so I chose a morning slot to meet with Beth. We launched into photos right away to ensure our kids were in a great mood. It was busy but fun! Talk to your photographer about your ideal date and time to ensure it is available for you. Booking early is key!
• Talk to your photographer. Reach out to your photographer about theme and photo ideas. Our fave family photographer is Beth from Dekker Photography. She and I talked about various holiday photo ideas and she had a great one that included a white background and making it look like the kids taped us to the wall! Ha! I loved it and ordered red and green tape from Amazon to make it happen. Your photographer has experience – so it’s worth talking to them about what ideas they have. Beth had a great idea and I’m in love with how our photos turned out!

Getting Organized:

• Keep it simple. Don’t overdue it. Taking photos with kids can be tricky and if you have too many outfit changes – they may get cranky (trust me)! For our holiday photos this year, we picked 2 outfits (formal and casual) and went for it! That left more time for taking fun pictures vs. taking lots of time changing outfits and making my kids mad.
• Pick colors that work with your theme. For our holiday photos I wanted to play with black, red and white. That made picking outfits fun and easy. Try seeing what you already have on hand and add to it with the small things. My husband has a tux from being in several friends weddings, so I ordered him a red holiday bowtie from Amazon – for cheap! I had a black lace shirt and ordered the red skirt and belt from Amazon. I got the shirt and dress for my kids from Kidizen for a serious deal (details about the Kidizen app coming soon in another post)! I already had the shoes and pants – so big win for mommy! For our casual photos I picked some super adorable matching family PJs from Sleepyheads. They are comfortable and so much fun! Not to mention we will use them throughout the holidays for sleep and snuggle time! Honestly, you don’t need to spend a ton to look good in your photos!
• Pick props. This is super fun and a moment to get creative. Again – you don’t need to spend a lot of money on great props! Etsy is always a fantastic resource for ready made props and even some bargain print outs. If you want to get crafty, you can make your own props. This year, I used cardboard and a sharpie to make a fun sign for the kids to hold for photos. I also purchased some large canvas letters and red paint from Michaels which ended up being perfect for our NOEL photos. They were $7.99 per letter and Michaels always has great coupons so I totally got extra $$ off my total! It was so much cheaper than purchasing them online, and painting them red was easy and fun!
• Special items make for great memories. Sofia has a bunny that is her absolute favorite in the world. For Christmas last year, I found her bunny in a red holiday dress. I brought it with us for the photos and it is not only cute, but it is a special memory that she will be able to look back on when she gets older.
• Relax and enjoy the moment. We got some silly photos of the kids playing around that were completely unplanned and unscripted. We sat back and let them get silly while Beth took photos. Those are special moments between siblings that make for perfect memories.

The Day Of:

To help ensure the day goes well, try these tips…

• Full belly = happy kids. Give your kids a snack before you leave the house. A glass of milk, some cereal with fruit, string cheese, etc. Get some yummy snacks with some protein into their belly to help tide them over and put them in a good mood.
• Have fun! Sing songs and play games in the car. It helps to keep them happy until you arrive at the location for your photo session.
• Pack toys and snacks. This sounds silly but is a MUST! Kids need distractions and snacks. My advice is to pack snacks that don’t get super messy (you don’t want to stain their photo clothes). Cheerios and crackers work well for my kids. Snacks are also important in case any of you have a hubby who gets “hangry” like mine! 😉 Bring water to keep them hydrated (and if it spills it will dry without a mark). A special post photo session treat is great as well. We used lollipops as a bribe as the kids started to get tired. It totally helped get them excited and ready to smile so we could get the last photos done. Once we got them into their casual clothes, they got the lollipops and were SUPER happy! Beth had toys on hand (big win) – and I brought our ipads and some favorite toys for both kids.

I hope this helps as you plan your own holiday photos! Direct links to shop my outfit and other fave items from our own photo shoot are below. Comment with any questions. I’m happy to help! xoxo

To connect with Beth from Dekker Photography, you can reach out via her website. She is amazing and has worked with us for years. She has literally taken photos of our family from the start when it was just Dan and I. She is fun, caring, and professional. Not to mention incredibly talented! Our kids now call her auntie Beth – and she has helped us document some very special moments in our lives.

I’ve also partnered up with Sleepyheads.com and we’re doing a fun giveaway! You guys – I love their stuff! They have the cutest PJs for pretty much every holiday! Who wants to win some super comfy and crazy cute PJs for their fam? I do! I do! For details – go to my Instagram for details and entry! Hurry – don’t delay!

Links to shop:

Mommy –

Daddy –

Family PJs –

Props –

My baby girl started preschool this week! Arg! It’s only 2 days a week, but still…very hard on mommy! It was exciting for her, and terrifying for me. I know she’s ready, I knew she would do well, but my stomach was in knots until I picked her up from school after lunch! Why? Because she’s growing up too fast and I’m not ready! Both my kids are!

My son is almost 4 and Sofia just turned 2. I am watching my babies get more independent by the day. Yes – that is a good thing and I am happy. That being said…I am still their mommy and I still want them to want and need me. Baby snuggles are absolutely necessary in my life right now. Watching my pumpkins head for the door with backpacks on is killing me! Ok – I’m done whining (sort of). I would like to share some information that should come in handy when you start looking at preschools.

Try these resources as a starting point:

• Ask friends and parents from your kids activities. Think – swim lessons, music class, art class, Gymboree, parents at the park, etc. Parents usually understand how stressful finding a school can be and are willing to offer up their own favorites in the area.
• Yelp. Do a Yelp search for “Best Preschools in insert your area.” You can’t 100% go off of Yelp, but it is helpful to see the positive and negative reviews that are publicly available.
• Private-schools.startclass.com – A great resource if you are looking to compare private schools.
• Public-schools.startclass.com – A great resource if you are looking to compare public schools.
• Savvysource.com – A site that provides information, reviews and ratings on events, preschools, camps and more in your area.
•  Noodle – Use Noodle to do a preschool search in your area and add additional filters like age, program type, teaching philosophy, cost, facility type, and more.
• Winnie – Winnie is an easy tool to search for preschools and daycares in your area. It is user friendly, has filters that include age, schedule, facility, and a map to visually see where the schools are located at a birds eye view. Very helpful when trying to understand your neighborhood options!
• GreatSchools! – Use this site for reviews and quick comparisons. It also has a lot of parenting information like this helpful article on finding the best preschool for your child.
• Winnie – Winnie is a place for parents to connect, get new ideas, discover family friendly activities, and is a great resource for finding schools in your area. They also have a useful app for your phone – totally worth checking out!

What’s Next?

Once you’ve made your list of top schools in your area, give them a call and schedule a tour. Some schools offer tours all year round (by appointment), and others only offer tours during specific months. It’s worth it to call and make all of your appointments, even if they seem far out. You can always cancel, but it’s best to stay on the list.

Once you’ve made your appointments, start to think about what your priorities are. What is most important to you, for your family, and for your child. Write down your priorities because it may help you with formulating your list of questions to bring on the tours.

For me, I wanted a preschool that had a good mix of structure (yes I want my kids to learn letters, numbers, etc.) and play time (indoors and outdoors). Personally, fostering a love for learning is at the top of my list, along with safety and overall happiness.

Another priority for me was that the school be pretty close to our home. I juggle activities for both kids, and I didn’t want Sofia to get stuck in the car for a long period of time for pick up/drop off. It needs to work for the family as a whole (or at least I feel it does).

We eventually got lucky and found a great school that we all love – and it is only a mile away from our home! Will this always be the case for us? Nope! We’re looking at kindergarten options now (for Gabe) and some are farther away from home than I would like. BUT – Sofia will be in full time preschool when he turns 5, so it’ll all work out well. 😉

Once you figure out your list of priorities, start pulling together your list of questions to ask on your tour. I made a sample list below to make it easier. You can use this exact list, or modify it to fit your own needs/wants/priorities. It really should be used as a starting point.

Be sure to have the medical and dental information for your child handy. You will most likely need to provide their vaccination history as well as a plethora of other info on the application and registration forms. It can be intense – but the good news is – if you use something like HelloFax – you can fill out your forms on your computer and the basic info will auto-populate – saving you time! YAY! You don’t need to fax the documents – I use HelloFax to email completed documents all the time. There are other options out there as well – I just happen to like this one 😉

One last piece of advice…trust yourself! A school (not just preschool) might have a fantastic reputation, amazing reviews, and a top notch curriculum – BUT – it may not be right for your child or family. That is not only OK – it is normal! Trust your gut! You know your child best – and your know what isn’t right for them.

As an example, we sent Gabe to a preschool within walking distance of our home. It had great reviews, came highly recommended from a couple of parents in our circle, etc. Fast forward a few weeks in – Gabe did not seem happy, he cried at drop him off, he told me he didn’t like a specific “friend” at school, and my mommy radar went up BIG time!

I spoke with the head of the preschool and she didn’t think anything was wrong. I found out a couple of days later that Gabe was being bullied by another child – and the teachers didn’t notice anything until I brought it up. BIG red flag for this momma bear! Needless to say – we pulled him out of that school and found a different preschool that has been wonderful to date!

Gabe told me something was wrong and I am glad I listened. Even if your little one isn’t able to verbalize themselves well yet, trust their emotions. How are they interacting with the teachers and other kids? Are they happy and playing when they get picked up? Do they seem happy and comfortable? Some kids cry at drop-off but are totally fine the second you are out of sight. That is a different story. Each kid is different – and you know yours 🙂 If you feel like something isn’t right for your child or for your family –trust your kid and trust your gut! Do what you feel is right – despite the reviews and other info out there!

Take a look at the list of sample questions below, comment with any questions you may have, and best of luck as you find the right school for your little one! XOXO

List of Questions:

1. What is your educational philosophy – such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf?
2. What is the educational background and experience of your staff? Are they credentialed?
3. Does everyone on the staff have CPR and First Aid certification (and is it up to date)?
4. What is the staff turnover rate?
5. What is the average class size and student/teacher ratio?
6. What do you offer in terms of activities to help develop gross and fine motor skills?
7. What does a typical day look like?
8. What is your nap schedule and for which ages?
9. What is your potty training policy?
10. What food is provided on site (snacks, lunch, etc)?
11. How is discipline handled?
12. What day and time options are available?
13. How are emergency situations handled?
14. How much time is spent on curriculum vs. free/open play time?
15. Are their field trips?
16. What parent participation is needed or required?
17. How much notice is needed if we decide to move our child to a different preschool, move out of the area, etc?
18. What is your pickup/drop-off policy?
19. Is there a strong parent community and do you provide a way for parents to communicate (schedule play dates etc.)?
20. Do you have a system for electronic payments?

Hi Mommas! Kids activities can mean a lot of car time. For me, being on the go is a guarantee. We have soccer, swimming lessons, art classes, Gymboree, play dates at the playground, preschool drop off and pickup, and more!

Kids on the go often times get bumps, bruises, and other injuries. We do our best to keep them safe, but life happens! On that note – you may need to address an emergency while you’re on the go. It’s not just the kids either! What if you as the parent end up with a scrape, headache, or other need while out and about? If you are a parent on the go – it’s a good idea to put together your own car emergency kit.

This is my take on it – so feel free to add things you feel are important. I hope this helps you feel more prepared when you are on the go and confronted with the unexpected! That, in my opinion, is a HUGE WIN!

What You Need:

• Container – A shoebox or appropriate sized container with a lid to hold your items. The Container store has clear plastic boxes in a variety of sizes that I LOVE for things like this. Target has a pretty good selection as well.
• Waterproof band aids – I recommend having a variety of sizes just in case. You can purchase a variety pack – but make sure to have larger and smaller sizes handy, as well as butterfly closures. Personally, I like having some that are big enough for knee scrapes on hand, as well as smaller ones meant for knuckles and fingers. You may need to purchase a couple boxes and put some in the kit (in a plastic baggie) and keep some at home.
• Arnica gel or cream – I personally use Arnicare gel for bruises. It helps reduce pain, swelling and discoloration. If the kids fall and get a bump, I put the gel on right away and it gives them some relief.
• Triple antibiotic ointment – Please note that some people have an allergy to antibiotic ointments. You most likely already know if you or your kid has an allergy. If you’re not sure, ask your pediatrician about alternative ointments for scrapes and cuts.
• Instant ice packs – Make sure you have a couple just in case of falls and bruises.
• Instant heat packs – This is something I would add in the colder months. If you already have your emergency kit made from the summer months – add these in as it gets colder outside. Think about outdoor sports like soccer, football, or even sitting and watching a concert outdoors. If your child (or you) needs some extra heat – you have it covered!
• Bottled water  – You can have a small one in the kit and/or a couple bottles in the trunk for emergencies.
• Baby wipes – These come in handy for a variety of needs. Get sensitive wipes that are chemical and scent free in case you need to use them for cuts, scrapes, etc. I like the free and clear sensitive wipes for my family.
• Hand sanitizer – Pick a brand you like best. There are a ton of options out there that are alcohol free, kid friendly, etc.
• Sanitizing wipes – Great for wiping off kids hands and sanitizing at the same time.
• Flushable wipes – These are fantastic when you stop the car so your child can potty, and the bathroom doesn’t have TP. There will most definitely be a time that happens – and these will keep you prepared!
• Sunscreen – Always good to have this on hand. Pick your preferred kid friendly brand (works on adults too).
• Eye drops – Great for allergies or other eye needs.
• Eye wash – Pick one with the little cup for rinsing out eyes. Eye wash is helpful for sand, dirt, pollen, or whatever needs to be washed out of your kiddos eyes. I like to have this at home as well.
• Bug spray – Pick your favorite kid friendly option. You never know when you’ll end up outdoors in an area with bugs trying to bite you and the fam!
• Antacids – Tums smoothies are my go to for the kit. This is for me as a parent on the go. If you want to get an antacid for your kids, please ask your pediatrician for advice.
• Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen  – Kid and adult versions so the whole family is covered. Liquid form for younger kids. Be sure to know the correct dosage for your kids based on age and weight.
• Allergy medication – Kid and adult versions so the whole family is covered. Liquid form for younger kids. Be sure to know the correct dosage for your kids based on age and weight.
• Anti-nausea medication – Ask your pediatrician for a kid and adult recommendation. If your child is too young – this may just be for you as an adult in an emergency.
• Aquaphor – Keeping a large tube of this on hand is amazingly helpful! I use this for the kids cheeks if they start to get dry and/or red, on their bottoms if I don’t have rash cream handy, on their upper arms and thighs if they start to get little bumps (they have sensitive skin), etc. There are so  many uses and it can even come in handy if you need some for dry hands on the go.
• Baby powder – I’m a big fan of the Burt’s Bees baby powder because it is talc free and smells amazing! It’s great for hot days to put behind sweaty knees/elbows, on feet/toes, or on a baby bottom.

Please ask your pediatrician for updated dosing on basics like Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen, Benadryl, etc. They can tell you based on age and weight what is safe for each child. Write it on a 3×5 card – or use a sharpy on the lid of your box – so it’s handy. Think of it as a medicine cheat sheet. You may personally know the dosing for your kid(s), but what if a babysitter, grandparent, nanny, spouse or friend is taking your the kids to an activity? Do they know the correct dose for each child? You can also list any allergies and emergency numbers in the same place. A little food for thought as you put together your kit. 🙂

Emergency Kit creation is definitely a big WIN!

Happy Winning Wednesday!

XOXO

Are you getting ready for baby and trying to prepare your diaper changing station? I’ve got you covered! 🙂 These are some tips to get you organized and functional.

1. Select a changing table that has storage. There are many fantastic options out there. I decided on a changing table that doubled as a dresser for my daughters clothes. The baskets add additional storage for a variety of important items (more on that soon). If you already have a dresser that can be used for your nursery, look into changing table toppers. They are relatively inexpensive and can turn most dressers into a functional changing table. The best part is that once baby outgrows the changing table – or baby is potty trained – you can take the topper off and you still have the dresser! Take a look at this TOPPER – which is under $30 and comes in 5 colors! You can also click HERE for a TOPPER in white which is also under $30 and will ship free from Amazon if you use Prime! If you don’t have a dresser and need the entire changing table – try looking at Nextdoor for free or inexpensive items in your neighborhood. It’s amazing what neighbors may be looking to get rid of. It makes me so happy when I can pass things that my kids have outgrown to a family who needs it! Especially if they are in my neighborhood and can easily pick it up.
2. Get a changing pad and a couple of pad covers. The changing pad will go on top of the changing table to make it comfortable for baby. It also has a strap to help keep baby safe. You still cannot leave baby unattended – but it helps keep a wiggly baby on the pad. This pad has worked well for us and is pretty inexpensive. Pay attention to the size of your changing pad to ensure it fits in the changing table topper (if using one). Getting 2 to 3 pad covers will help you keep the pad clean. Remember – you will be dealing with some messy diapers from time to time 😉 I would say having 2 pad covers is at the minimum – but 3 is ideal. We’ve had days when both get dirty and I’m grateful to have the third while I wash the others.
3. Pick a diaper stacker.
   This will hold your diapers, keeping them out of the packaging, stacked neatly, and handy when you need them. Click HERE for examples on Amazon. You do not and should not spend a lot on this item. It has 1 job – hold diapers. If you get one that is neutral, it’ll work for baby #1 and baby #2 (or any other babies you add to your family), which is a money saver. My son was still using his when I had our daughter, so we ended up getting a pink one to match her room theme 🙂 Pick what you like but don’t waste money on something expensive.
4. Select a wipes dispenser. If this is your first child, take note that babies do not like to be cold. With my son (first child), we used a regular wipes dispenser. It was fine, but the wipes are cold and when you are trying to change a sleepy newborn with cold wipes, it makes them mad or wakes them up (or both)! For my daughter (second child), someone introduced me to the heated wipes dispenser. AMAZING! I loved how warm the wiped were, and how it kept my baby girl sleep and cozy during diaper changes. It was also nice when I was wiping her face after nursing, wiping her little eyes after a nap, and so much more. I wish I had known about heated wipes dispensers for our first child! We have this heated wipes dispenser and it’s been great! Please note that for this model (and possibly others) you do need to add a little bit of water to keep the wipes from drying out. It is not hard to do – and it makes a big difference.
5. Creams, powders and more…
   You will absolutely want creams, powders and other things to keep baby soft, clean and happy. The following are my favorite items that I recommend for your changing station: Desitin (use to protect against diaper rash), Aquaphor (use this on dry baby skin – fantastic for cheeks, upper arms and thighs), Baby Powder (helps absorb moisture and keeps baby legs soft), Hand Cream (will help keep your hands moisturized), Hand Sanitizer (great trick to “clean” your hands so you can get a clean diaper and clothes back on baby – and then go wash your hands), Mustela PhysiObebe No-Rinse Cleansing Fluid (gentle cleanser to wipe that sweet baby face after feedings, before naps and bedtime, etc.), Mustela lotion (use for face and body after giving baby a bath and after using the cleanser. This is not a thick lotion, so if baby has mild eczema – talk to your pediatrician, and consider trying Aquaphor).
6. Additional creams and baby items to keep handy.  Think about what other things will fit in your changing station that you will want on hand. A Nose Frida is a fantastic thing to have on hand and may fit in your changing station. It is small but has a big impact if your baby has a stuffy nose. Baby Vicks or other soothing chest rub helps baby breath easier when they have a cold. Consider putting it on the back instead of the chest if the smell is too strong for baby. I also recommend the bottoms of the feet (be sure to cover feet with socks right after you apply it so baby doesn’t touch the rub). Baby nail scissors are essential as babies nails are sharp and must be trimmed often. I personally love the Piyo Piyo baby scissors but you should look for the right option for you. Keep an eye out for a blog post on tips for trimming your baby nails! Baby safety swabs are a nice item to have on hand – but be very careful with them! I have only had to use them a couple of times over the last year. Talk to your pediatrician about the best way to use them. A thermometer! We use a digital thermometer – but you may want to discuss what is best with your pediatrician. This is our favorite thermometer and it has worked well for both of our kids. When sick, we take their temp about 4 times to get a good average and more accurate reading.
7. Find additional storage. Make sure you have a place to put all of these items so they are within reach when changing baby. You cannot leave baby unattended on the changing table – which means you need these items within reach. Some dressers may be large and have extra space for these items on top. Our changing table/dresser is on the small side, so I chose a small side table to hold important items. I also use a basket housed in the changing table. You can see from the photos in this post that I have many of the creams and powders (which I purchase in the largest size to save $$) in the basket. I keep the pumps (hand and body lotions, hand sanitizer, and cleaner) on the small side table with the wipes. Everything is easily within reach so I can keep baby safe while changing her.
8. Select a diaper pail. If you decide to go with disposable diapers, you will need a diaper pail. We have used the Diaper Dekor Plus for both our kids and it has worked well for us. We use the biodegradable liners – but they do have cloth diaper and regular liners as well (depending on your preference or needs).
9. Think about what other important things may fit on your changing station. A humidifier is a must for a nursery. When baby gets a cold (which will happen at some point), a humidifier will help a lot. Ours fits on the side table by the wipes. Another key item is a sound machine. We use ours for naps and bed time. Select one that has a plug and also takes batteries. It is also best if it has a timer. We use this Sound Machine for our kids – but there are many options out there. I can say that it has traveled with us to visit grandparents, on vacations, etc., and it has made it much easier for our kids to sleep. This also sits by our wipes on the side table. Lastly, a baby night light is a wonderful addition to the nursery and may even fit near your other essentials. We use this little octopus night light that projects on the ceiling and is portable. Our son has the blue one and our daughter has the pink. It fits beautifully on the changing station – but can also be moved around the room.
10. Keep a hamper handy. A changing station is used for dirty diapers. Keep that in mind as you think about where to put a hamper. We keep ours close enough to toss in soiled baby clothes or any other items that need washing. Personally, I find that keeping a hamper close to my changing station makes for less mess and much more ease.

Baby spends a lot of time getting diaper changes, clean clothes, and other pampering at this station. Make sure it is comfortable, stocked, and ready for action!

I hope this helps you prepare your changing station! XOXO

This is a topic that is very dear to my heart. When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter – I was overjoyed! I was also very unsure how to prepare my son to be a big brother. Through reading, thinking, and digging deep – I came up with the following things that were particularly helpful.

1. Remember – you have enough love to go around – so don’t panic! Personally, I felt like my son (first born) stole my heart when he made me a mommy. I wasn’t sure how I could ever love another as much as him. When his sister was born, my heart instantly doubled in size! I love them both equally – with my whole heart. I have no idea how it’s possible, but it is. So don’t worry, you will have enough love to go around 🙂
2. Kids are smart, so it is a great idea to prepare them to welcome a sibling. I’ve heard other parents say that their kids are too young to prepare them – and I disagree. I think we underestimate kids – they are capable of so much more than we think! That being said – don’t shy away from preparing them the best you can.
3. Books are a great way to introduce the idea of a new baby to little ones. A couple of my favorites include: There’s a Baby in There! – Big Brothers Are the Best! (there’s a version for big sisters as well) – Big Brother Daniel – and What Baby Needs. It’s good to get a couple so that you can mix it up a bit. You also don’t always know which book they will like or connect to best. Books help put your thoughts into words, and the images help your little one to better understand what’s going on. It’s also a great way to bond with your little one in the final moments before they are no longer an only child.
4. A stroller and baby doll can help teach your kiddo how to be gentle with baby. We purchased a small stroller for our son and a soft babydoll so he could practice being a big brother. He loved it! He would push the stroller around the living room and give baby lots of hugs. We would put baby on the couch and practice how to be gentle, where he was allowed to touch baby (on the feet vs. on the face), and how to whisper when baby was sleeping. I also changed baby dolls diaper and had him help me. Our doll came with a diaper and I used kleenex for wipes and kept our powder closed when pretending to change diapers. His job was to hand me the “wipes,” powder, and clean diaper. He loved it because it made him feel big and important! We got him a soft doll that had a magnetic pacifier and he loved it!
5. Get your kiddo involved in the process. Your child can pick out a new outfit for baby, a special toy for the nursery, etc. It’s also really fun to include them in the gender reveal if you plan on doing one. A family baby bump photo session is another way to get them involved. I had Gabe put pink paint on his hands and touch my belly. We took photos to show that we were having a girl. Getting your kiddo involved in the process shows that they are not being left behind – and that they are part of this big new event!
6. Pick out gifts for the hospital. My belly was getting big and we had been telling Gabe he was going to meet his baby sister soon. He would hug me and say hi to sister in my tummy – which was super cute! Kiddos get along pretty well when baby is still in your belly vs. your newborn joins you! lol! To help make the hospital introduction extra special, and give your older child something to connect to, think about a gift exchange. I took our son to the toy store and had him pick out a special gift to give his baby sister at the hospital. He wasn’t even 2 but he still understood picking out a present for baby. On the flip side, I also watched him look around and what toys he got excited about for himself. I went back to the toy store without him and got a special gift to give Gabe from the baby. He was SO excited to get something from his sister – and it helped them bond a bit.
7. Think about how to keep your older child occupied while you are feeding baby. Newborns eat every couple of hours – so you’re going to be busy! That can be really hard on your first born. Pick out something special that you only pull out for feeding times. Once feeding time is over – the toy gets put away. That makes it special for both kids. This works for breastfeeding or bottle feeding – and acts as a happy distraction – so they don’t feel left out. As an example, I got our son some little fire engine toys and a couple of board books. They were kept in a little basket and we pulled it out when I was alone with both kids and wanted to keep him busy while I fed his sister. Instead of feeling left out – he felt like a big kid who got to play with something special that his sister was too little to play with. 🙂 NOTE: Do not pick noisy toys! Feeding time is supposed to be relaxing and for the most part quiet for baby – so pick toys your older kiddo will have fun with but aren’t going to make a ton of noise and chaos! lol! They do make trucks, trains, robots, legos, dolls, puppets, and other toys that are fun and don’t make noise! 😉
8. Revisit your favorite baby books for quick reminders on what worked well the first time around. My favorite books for both pregnancies are On Becoming Baby Wise and The Happiest Baby On the Block. I read them both cover to cover as a way to prepare and, the second time around, as a way to refresh myself for a newborn. It’s amazing how fast you get out of newborn mode. Children grow and change quickly, and we grow with them. It made me feel more calm and prepared by revisiting my two favorite books. One other tip is to highlight your favorites parts for your partner. That made it much easier for my husband to quickly revisit the refresh himself on the most helpful parts of both books.
9. Pull together newborn items from when your firstborn was little. Even though I had a boy first, I had a lot of gender neutral little pants, socks, onesies and swaddles that worked perfectly for my daughter. It saved us a lot of money, and it was special to see our daughter in some of our favorite little things from when our son was tiny. 🙂
10. Start to introduce your little one to baby equipment. I pulled out the baby swing and bassinet in the third trimester so that our son could get used to them around the house. I also wanted him to ask questions, learn who they belonged to (his new baby sister) and see where the baby was going to spend a lot of time. It’s a nice intro to how your home will change for your kiddo – and it helps to do it before baby arrives.
11. Find a sitter, family member or friend that you trust and make sure they are 100% prepared to jump in as you get close to your due date. When I was pregnant with Sofia, I had prepared a document with emergency contact info, schedules, medicine doses (Tylenol etc.), favorite toys, feeding times, nap times, etc. I also included all the details for feedings, walks, and vet info for our dogs. Don’t forget to plan ahead for the whole family. It’ll make you feel more prepared – and will allow you to relax more at the hospital. Send a copy of the document to the folks who may be caring for your kiddo and pets while you are in the hospital. Don’t forget to print one or two copies out for the house as well. Put a copy on the fridge so it’s front and center.
12. Prepare meals and freeze them! Having a second child is amazing – and in a way – easier than baby #1. I was more relaxed the second time around – having already been through the basics with Gabe. That being said, it was still super busy! When Sofia was born, Gabe hadn’t even turned 2 yet. He was still a baby himself, and he wanted mommy! By preparing meals and freezing them – it makes it a bit easier when you get home from the hospital and everyone is hungry. It will help free up a little more time so you can snuggle up with your older kiddo and have some special time. You can also make some of your kiddos favorite meals in advance – which can be comforting to them. Remember – the little things matter a lot to kids.
13. Discuss your routine with your partner. Every family does things in the their own way. When I was pregnant with Sofia, I would get Gabe out of bed each morning. After I had Sofia, it was usually time to breastfeed in the early morning, so daddy got Gabe out of bed. That simple change in his schedule was hard for him. We adjusted and I made it a point to get him out of bed still. The small things that our kids count on as part of their routine can make a BIG difference. Think about what is part of your kiddos routine and what you can continue to do even after baby arrives. Look at how you can keep certain things consistent for them. A new baby is a HUGE change for them as well – and by keeping a handful of little things in their routine consistent – it’ll give them a sense of security that they are still important to you.
14. Pack your hospital bag and write your birth plan! Check out my other posts for details!
15. Take some time for YOU! Making a baby is a lot of work – especially when you have another kiddo that you’re chasing around! lol! Schedule a prenatal massage, go out to eat with a friend, meditate, get a mani/pedi…just try to take a little time for yourself. Making time to destress is really good for mommy AND baby!

Hope this helps! Congrats again! xoxo

Creating a birth plan for the first time can be really stressful! Or at least it was for  me! I was very unsure about what to include, how specific I needed to be, and when I was supposed to have it done. Not to mention feeling obligated to do things without any pain medication or help! Arg! The thing is, a birth plan is most helpful for your first pregnancy because it gets you to really think through all the important details of labor and birth. It also helps push you to ask lots of questions and keep communication open with your birth team.

For my first pregnancy, I took a ton of time to create my birth plan. Is was super long and it had a lot of detail. Was that a bad thing? Not at all! It really helped me to think things through – and ask my doctor, doula, and hospital lots of questions. That being said – nobody read the whole birth plan after I printed it out. Truthfully – since I had discussed everything with my birth team in detail and asked so many questions – my doctor, doula and husband all knew what was most important to me. For my second pregnancy – I had already thought through everything and been through labor/delivery before. Although each pregnancy and baby is unique – I knew what to expect (to a point) and didn’t require a lengthy birth plan to feel comfortable. In fact – I didn’t even write one the second time around.

Birthing classes can help a lot when getting ready for your first delivery. We took a fantastic one before I had my son – and I learned some helpful information and several tips for creating my birth plan. The nurse who taught the class has helped deliver hundreds of babies, gave birth to two sons of her own (with epidurals due to both sons being in the breech position), and is a triathlete! Talk about an amazing woman!

She brought up many things that really helped me. First of all, remember that all pregnancies are different. When someone tells you how you should give birth (no pain medication, in water, at home, without a doctor, or anything else) – you need to remember that you are unique, so is your baby, and so is your pregnancy.

Personally – I think giving birth in a hospital is the way to go as you don’t know what kinds of emergencies may arise. That is something you must discuss with your doctor. You should think about the health of you and your baby, and about how to keep everyone safe. You should also research the hospitals in the area and figure out what fits your needs and wants best. Schedule a tour (if they give them) and find out what they need in terms of paperwork and when they need everything.

As for pain management – you don’t know what you will require in the moment. You may have a plan to be 100% natural and end up requesting an epidural (I sure did)! You may have an epidural as part of your birth plan but end up not wanting it. Your baby might be in the breech position. You may be in more pain than anticipated and require some assistance to manage the it. An epidural isn’t the only way to manage the pain – so discuss the options with your doctor.

Again – you are unique and the pain you feel will not be the same as your friends, the people in your birthing classes, your coworkers, or even your family members. I’m the same mom – but my pregnancies, labors and babies were different! Don’t let others make you feel guilty for wanting to have help or for making a pain management plan. Being informed on what pain management options are available and having a plan will help you make educated decisions in the moment. Knowledge is power 🙂

My #1 piece of advice is allow yourself to be flexible.
You need to be able to pivot on a dime. You can absolutely gather advice and best practices – and come up with a list of what you feel is important while giving birth. That being said, you need to be able to deviate from your plan because baby doesn’t have a plan. Baby needs to get out safe and sound. You and baby both need to be safe and healthy. Ultimately, that is what matters.

My #2 piece of advice is keep your birth plan short and to the point. Don’t overdue it with the requests – only the most important instructions and wishes should be included. I put together one birth plan for my husband and doula, and a separate one for my doctor and nurses. That helped keep the version for my doctor/nurses short and to the point with the info they care about most. Does my doctor care about my music choices, candles and movie choices? NOPE! Does my husband? He better! 😉 lol!

Below are some examples of what to include and/or consider as you craft your Birth Plan.

AMBIANCE:

• Soft music from preferred playlist is to be used during labor and delivery.
• Lights should be dimmed and flameless candles can be used for a soft/calming ambiance.
• People in the room should include: Specify who you want in the room for your labor/delivery (spouse, parent, friend, doula, etc.)
• I do not want any strong smells in the room (no perfume, cologne, smelly food, etc.).

LABOR PREFERENCES:

• I would like a bath or shower to help cope with the labor pains (Call hospital in advance in case reservations need to be made for a room w/ tub or shower).
• I would like a yoga ball and rocking chair to help cope with labor pains (Call hospital in advance to see if they have these items available or if you need to bring them).
• I would like to delivery vaginally – which should be prioritized if it is possible. I am willing to do what is needed for the safety of my baby – as baby getting out safe is #1.
• I would like to try to deliver naturally (no pain medication) if possible. I reserve the right to change my mind if I need pain medication in the moment.
• If possible, I would like my water to break naturally.
• I do not want to be induced and would like to wait to be hooked up to the IV until it is absolutely necessary.
• Use of a bar on the bed, on my side, or even a rocking chair/yoga ball should be tried while pushing. I would like to try to use gravity while also seeing which position is most comfortable.

NEWBORN PREFERENCES:

• I would like to do skin-to-skin as soon as baby is born (be specific about skin-to-skin before vs. after baby has been wiped clean and weighed).
• I would like to breastfeed baby once baby is born and would like help from a nurse/lactation consultant who may be on staff (great thing to discuss with hospital when getting a tour. You can also call to ask if they have staff to help you w/ nursing).

Other things to think about while putting together your birth plan includes:

• The umbilical cord – Do you what them to cut it right away or wait to clamp and cut it until it stops pulsating and until after you do skin-to-skin? Who is going to cut the cord? Do you want them to collect the cord blood for banking? This belongs in BP #2.
• Emergency Situations – What to do if you need to have an unplanned C-section. This is important to discuss with your doctor so you understand the plan and procedure in case there is an emergency and this needs to happen. This belongs in BP #2.
• Placenta – What would you like to do with the placenta? Let the hospital dispose of it? Keep it for banking? If keeping it, you must talk to the hospital and your doctor to discuss what is needed to keep and transport it. This belongs in BP #2.
• Breastfeeding – When do you want to try breastfeeding? Who will help you and what resources does the hospital have to assist? If you have trouble, what will they provide to help you and ensure baby is fed? This belongs in BP #2.
• Visitors – When do you want friends and family to visit? Do you want visitors in the hospital and if so, do you want them to wait until the next day? Do you prefer to have visitors once you are home with baby? This belongs in BP #1.
• Photos and video – What specific photos and video would you like captured? What do you want to avoid being photographed or video recorded? Who is in charge of the photos and video? This belongs in BP #1.

Remember – A birth plan is for you to describe your wishes for labor, birth, emergency situations and post-birth care. It is important for you to remember that the nursing staff and doctors want you and baby to be healthy and safe – so know that you can provide your birth plan but that things may not go according to plan.

I hope this is helpful as you think through what is important to you – and as you create your birth plan! Don’t forget to print a couple of copies and pack them in your hospital bag. For more info and advice on packing your hospital bag – check out my blog post!

Enjoy! xoxo

When do you need to pack your hospital bag? Great question! Personally, I like to over prepare – so when you’re about 4-6 weeks from your due date – it is a good idea to have your bag ready to go.

For my first pregnancy, we had a bit of a surprise when my son was born 5.5 weeks early. My doctor told me not to worry, that everything looked great, and that everything looked to be on time. I had a feeling that our son was going to come early and I was right. Talk about trusting my gut 😉 My water broke after a full day of work – and off we rushed to the hospital. That being said – my daughter stayed in until after my due date. That was a BIG surprise after having a preemie! lol!

Each pregnancy and each baby is very different. Being prepared is key so you don’t add extra stress to an already BIG life moment. One way to relieve some stress is definitely having your bag packed and ready to go.

No – you don’t want to overpack, but you also want the right things for this big event! I did a lot of research before having both of my kiddos – and have put together a list of items that I personally found most helpful. Use it to pack your own hospital bag – or as a guide while you add your own special items 🙂

FOR MOMMY:

Dry Shampoo – A great way to refresh your hair after being in labor! It’s amazing for everyone – especially moms! Spray your roots with some dry shampoo to absorb the oil and give it new life. It’s usually located by the hairspray and shampoo at your local drugstore. AMAZING way to give your hair a little love after giving birth! Especially when you’re going to want a photo with your new little bundle 🙂

Lip Balm – Pick one that is hydrating, healing, and NOT a strong flavor. Your lips get dry while you are in labor, and you are only allowed ice chips for a good amount of that time. Having something without a strong flavor to keep your lips from cracking is key.

Non Skid Socks – Comfy way to keep your feet warm, all while not having to worry about slipping on the slippery hospital floor. Yoga/pilates socks work really well for this as well.

PJs & Robe– I packed 2 sets of PJs. The first was an affordable soft cotton button down PJ set from Target. It came with a matching robe which was perfect for my needs. They were not maternity but I did size up for comfort. Having a button down top meant easy access for nursing and the elastic waist meant comfort by my tummy. The second was a maternity night gown that I used throughout my 2nd and 3rd trimester. I used both and it was nice to have 2 clean options in my bag.

Toiletries – My rule of thumb for toiletries is purchase smaller sizes or brands you like. Keep them gentle in terms of formula and don’t pick a strong flavor/scent. It’s nice to keep things organic and extremely gentle for you and baby. You will be healing from childbirth, and getting lots of skin to skin time with your new bundle, so using gentle products in best. The quick list of toiletries includes:

• Travel case for your toiletries so they pack nice and easy
• Toothbrush and toothbrush cover for you and your significant other
• Toothpaste (I personally LOVE Toms of Maine)
• Floss (I’m obsessive about it – lol)
• Travel size shampoo/conditioner
• Body wash
• Dry shampoo (also listed above)
• Lip balm (also listed above)
• Brush
• Face lotion
• Body/hand lotion (Gold Bond with Aloe is wonderful and a fave)
• Hair binders and clips to keep hair out of your face

Breast Pads – Your milk will most likely start coming in. These will help keep you/clothes clean as you may leak. I brought disposable ones to the hospital and used washable pads once I got home.

Earplugs and Eye Mask – Pack these for you and your partner if you have trouble sleeping in noisy places. The eye mask helps a lot as you’ll want to get lots of rest between feedings – which will include sleeping while it is light out.

Entertainment – Labor can be long, so packing some things to keep you busy and distracted is a good idea. Some ideas include:

• Magazines – A variety to page through
• An ipad (with charger) and laptop with shows, movies and music you enjoy
• A good book, Kindle or other reading device
• Snacks – pack some snacks for you and those who will be with you at the hospital. I packed red vines for my husband, almond m&ms for my mom, Pringles for my dad, and Goldfish crackers for me. I also packed some granola bars to share. Not the most healthy snacks in the world, but I wanted something fun and yummy for the hours we were all spending at the hospital. Coconut water or sports drinks with electrolytes are also a good thing to pack if you want something other than water.
• A puzzle book or other activity to help pass the time
• Cards (you might not play but others might enjoy it in the waiting area)

Labor Gown – You don’t need to bring one as the hospital will provide one. That being said – I brought a black cute one because I liked it better! 😉

Pillow – Yes the hospital has them but I wanted my own! lol!

Birth Plan – If you have one, pack it! I’ll be posting something separate on creating your birth plan so keep an eye out.

Nursing Tank Top – Some may tell you to pack a nursing bra…I disagree. I preferred nursing tank tops at first because my milk was still coming in and I had no idea what size nursing bra to get. A nursing tank top is flexible, comfortable, and you can get maternity ones so they fit over your post baby belly.

Going Home Outfit –  Pack something comfortable to get home in. Maternity jeans, sweats, yoga pants or whatever you are most comfy and happy in. Your maternity clothes will fit nicely right after giving birth as you still have a belly after having baby (totally normal).

Underwear – Pick something loose, comfy and inexpensive. I purchased a pack of 100% cotton underwear in a loose size that were wonderful since I had to use pads with ice after birth. I didn’t want to ruin any of my nice underwear -and the extra space was needed. It sounds strange but trust me – it you plan to push baby out – the ice pads are lovely and help a lot! If you are planning to have a c-section, you may still want to have some loose underwear for comfort around/below your midsection.

FOR BIRTHING PARTNER:

Toiletries – The list above should include most items for both of you. They may also want their own preferred hair products or special items. Make sure they pack their own in advance if that is the case.

Spare Clothes – PJs and an extra set of clothes for the hospital room. They will want something clean to change into at some point.

Camera and Charger – To help capture the big moments. Talk about what that includes (or what to avoid) before you’re in labor so nothing gets missed or overlooked. Best not to assume they know.

Phone and Charger – You may have apps, Smartphone with camera, etc. that you need in the hospital. It’s also nice to send updates to out of town family/friends on how mommy and baby are doing.

FOR BABY:

Infant Car Seat – You can’t take baby home without it! Make sure to have this installed in your car within a couple weeks of your due date. If you don’t have a car, you still need a car seat so make sure to have one with you 🙂

Going Home Outfit – Something snuggly and loose for baby to wear on the way home. I would recommend something that has legs (not a gown) to ensure the car seat buckle fits, has long sleeves that fold over their hands so they don’t scratch their face or get cold, and comes with a little hat to stay warm. It’s also good to stay away from outfits that have an elastic waistband as they will have a sensitive midsection where their bellybutton will be healing. A one piece is best – trust me.

Blanket –  Bring something to cover their bottom half while in the car seat to stay cozy. Newborns don’t have a lot of body fat yet so pack according to the weather to keep baby safe, warm, comfortable and happy. For example, light blanket if it’s hot out and warm blanket (and snowsuit) if it’s crazy cold out.

Diapers – I wanted to leave this off of my list but think it’s worth noting. The hospital had diapers ready for both my kiddos after they were born. For my son, they had preemie diapers on hand. For my daughter, they had size 1 (she was big). I don’t like to recommend bringing diapers since you don’t know what size to get before they are born – and diapers are expensive! If you want to pack a couple sizes, go ahead. Personally, I would use what the hospital has in the correct size once baby is born. From there, your birthing partner, a friend or family member can pop by the drugstore or grocery store to grab the right size before you head home with baby.

NOTE: If you have other kids and/or pet(s) at home, be sure to write out a schedule with what they eat, nap times, walk times, emergency phone numbers, any medications they need to take (with amounts and directions) and any other critical information that your sitter may need. Talk to your babysitter, grandparents, friends or whoever if going to help you well in advance so they know the plan and have time to ask questions. You do not want to wait until you’re having contractions or when your water breaks to figure this out. I personally typed up a thorough document with my sons full schedule (naps, feeding times, bedtime routine, favorite toys, etc.) as well as details on when to walk and feed our dogs. The document was then given to our best friends and my parents so they were prepared to jump in and help when we needed to go to the hospital to deliver our daughter. I also had a spare printed copy waiting at our house in case they forgot their copy. Trust me – it didn’t take that long to put together and was well worth it to have that extra peace of mind! 🙂

I know it’s a long list…but I hope you find it helpful! Use what you like, make your own list, add your special items to this one, and feel prepared!

xoxo

Being pregnant is something to celebrate. If you are looking for a way to document your pregnancy, consider baby bump photos. If it’s your first pregnancy, it’s an especially exciting time of firsts for you.

If you have other children, get them involved and include them in your baby bump photos. It’s a fun way to remember your bump, while sharing the moment with your partner (and your other children). It can also be hard on other children when there is so much focus on the pregnancy and new baby. This is a great way to help them bond before baby even arrives. Include them and let them get excited! 🙂

Below are some tips to have a successful baby bump photo session:

• Research photographers in your area who have experience doing baby bump photo sessions
• Book your session for month 7 or 8 to ensure you have a nice big baby bump
• Gather your favorite sample photos of other peoples baby bumps to give your photographer direction
• Order props for your photo session (lace, flowing fabric, girl or boy signs, baby toys, etc.)
• Put together outfits for you and anyone else you plan to take photos with (husband, partner, children)
• Talk to your photographer and decide where your session will take place (inside a studio, at the beach, etc.)
• Have fun! You don’t need to keep or print them all. Try out different shots and decide what you like when you review the proofs 🙂

I’ve included some of my own baby bump photos (from both pregnancies) to give you some ideas.