I’ve been wanting to take Henry to the pumpkin patch for what feels like forever! He was born last year about a week before Halloween, so it really wasn’t possible until this year. Let me tell you, it was worth the wait – he LOVED it. Henry’s new favorite word is “ball,” so of course he pointed to every pumpkin yelling “BALL! BALL! BALL!” Beyond cute.
Just like I was always curious what everyone toted around in their purse when I was younger, I’m now always wondering what all the moms keep in their diaper bags! I figured it was a great time to share what I carry around, now that I have almost a year of motherhood experience under my belt. In the beginning, you couldn’t be too overly prepared – 5 blankets, 10 burp cloths, 16 changes of clothes for both baby and mama..the list goes on and my shoulders ache just thinking about it. Now, I know what I’ll need at what times of the day (thank you, schedule) – and I keep all that spare “just in case” stuff in the car instead of overflowing out of my bag. Here’s what’s in my diaper bag with an 11 month old:
Everyone tells you that the time seems to fly by at double speed when you become a parent. I never believed it.. but now I realize just how true it is. I can’t believe my baby is already 11 months old and that I’m planning his first birthday party. This was quite an eventful month in our world. Henry is definitely such a “mama’s boy” right now and his separation anxiety is at an all time high! If anyone has any experience with that, I’d love to hear your advice. I can’t believe next month will be our last “monthly update!” My baby boy will soon be a toddler and I’m full of ALLL the feels. Here’s what’s been going on in the past month:
If there’s one thing I can take away from motherhood, it’s that everything is temporary – and that includes your baby’s interests and needs. For better or for worse. With that being said, I’m sure most moms can relate when I say that I feel like I’ve purchased every baby toy and product under the sun to try to keep my kid entertained and happy for longer than 3.5 seconds. So today I figured I would share some of the things that have worked for our very curious and active baby from 9ish months until now (11 months). The items I’m sharing (everything is linked) are things he has always gone back to and aren’t some of the toys and baby products already collecting dust in the garage while waiting for the next child or sitting at the bottom of the toy bin. These are all actual TRIED & TRUE products that I’ve found useful as a busy mama to a baby who loves to explore.
Two months away from a whole year old – I just can’t even believe it! As much as I hate time for being SUCH a thief, I’m truly loving each new month with my sweet boy as his personality develops and blossoms. This last month has been full of firsts and SO MUCH FUN. Henry has definitely become my little sidekick and I’m so excited for what’s to come – especially his first birthday party! Keep reading to learn more about this last month with Henry Jax.
Hey guys! I’m a little late on Henry’s 9 month update because we were on vacation & I purposely left my laptop at home for some quality fam time. Better late than never, right? And since it’s a little late, I figured this was a good opportunity to share what our daily life is like here at home with Henry’s schedule.
And just like that.. it’s time for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! WOO-FREAKIN-HOO! On a regular basis, I can spend HOURS browsing Nordstrom (even the coffee shop!) – it really is one of my “happy places.” So when the sale comes around, LOOK OUT WORLD. While it’s just “early access” right now, the sale opens to the public on July 21st. I’ve rounded up some of my faves from the sale for both myself & some baby items. Happy shopping!
I’ve gone back & forth about writing about this topic since it’s a touchy one — but, I feel strongly about it so I’m just going to go for it! If you’re a super judgy mom-shamer, this post is not for you.
“Ain’t no ‘hood like motherhood.” While motherhood is so very beautiful & unlike any other experience, it can (but mostly likely will) also be the scariest & hardest job you’ll ever have. While, of course, having a baby is rewarding and gives you all the feels you never knew were possible, a lot of people just don’t talk about “the other stuff.” The toll of a poor night’s sleep, the constant anxiety of wondering if you’re doing it “right,” and the ever-present mental battles of all the controversial topics that lead to mom-guilt one way or the other: breastfeeding vs. formula feeding, co-sleeping or letting your kid cry it out and all the way down to how big or small you cut your baby’s first solid foods, etc etc etc. So why do we, as new moms thrown into a 24/7 role that nothing could ever possibly prepare you for, have to also feel guilty and ashamed about needing/wanting a smidge of time to ourselves to do whatever we please? Calling total BS over that one and I think it’s even crazy that we have to call this “self-care.”
Eight months sure did come and go quickly! This past month has been the BEST stage of motherhood and babyhood so far – and I think Henry would agree. His no-so-little personality is starting to blossom more and more every day and there are just so many details we’re starting to notice in his demeanor. We know what songs to sing to make him smile and dance, which toys he loves to shake like a tambourine (and which non-toy items he’s going to go after, aka shoes & remotes!), and the meaning behind one cry to the next. It really gives me ALL the mama feels to see the safety and trust he finds in us. I love that he always searches the room for us and reaches his arms out for me.
Since it seems like it has been raining here in South Florida NON-FREAKING-STOP (& that’s not an exaggeration) over the past few weeks, I can’t help but daydream about our upcoming summer vacations. Visions of wind-blown hair (mine & Henry’s ha!), swimsuits and our toes in the sand are clouding my mind lately and I think it’s safe to say I’m so excited to get outta town! While I know traveling with the babe in tow won’t be the most “relaxing” of vacations, I truly do love any excuse to travel and can’t wait for Henry to experience all of our new adventures.
When planning a vacation, I always do some shopping beforehand. A trip is the best excuse to spruce up my wardrobe and find a few pieces that will travel well and fit whichever destination is on the radar. Plus, planning a vacay is almost as exciting as the actual vacay – am I right?! From beachy accessories to lounge chair reading material, below are a few of my summer travel must-haves!
“The days are long but the years are short.” I never truly understood that quote and its magnitude until I became a mother. It seems like I’m sharing these photos & updates daily instead of monthly! With that being said, Henry’s seventh month of life was pretty eventful for all of us. Not only did we celebrate our first Mother’s Day, but this little guy is on the move and it’s such a game changer. Here’s what’s been going on in our world:
It’s our sweet little babe’s HALF BIRTHDAY! 🎉
Woah woah woah – time needs to sloooow down! I can’t believe it’s been six months (yes, I will say that every month). This past month has been amazing. After a rough patch during the previous month, I am so happy to say that things have turned around not just for the better.. but for the best! Henry is currently off ALL of his reflux meds and is the happiest little guy who hands out smiles like they’re goin’ out of style. Here’s what else has been going on:
Even though our sweet baby is only just shy of six months old, I find myself saying to my husband all the time, “Remember when Henry…” And whether I’m reminiscing on his squished little baby face right after he was born or watching a video of him waking up full of smiles from when he was only three months old, it often feels as if he’s been here forever. Having Henry has made me realize so many things about life and about being present. One of the greatest things I’ve learned is that life is truly measured by memories and moments.
Time is surely flying! It’s hard to believe Henry has been with us for five months already! I know it’s SO cliche.. but where does the time go?!
In all honesty (because I’m very honest about motherhood!), Henry’s fifth month of life hasn’t been my favorite. Not only have we been battling his reflux and trying to find the best remedy to keep him comfy, but he’s cutting his first tooth. The combo of those two with his new skill of rolling onto his belly has caused what is known in the mama world as the dreaded “4 month sleep regression.” So with that being said, I’ve been drinking more coffee than usual lately! Although this past month was tough, I still make sure that I enjoy and cherish every moment – good or bad – and remain optimistic about next month. Here’s what else has happened in the past month:
Before my sweet little Henry was born and I took on the title of “mom,” I had ZERO clue what I would need besides a crib, diapers and the obvious necessities. So when it came time to create my registry, I was beyond overwhelmed (because there is such thing as TOO much research) and ended up just choosing pretty much everything and anything I saw that looked cute & fun (& expensive).