Challenge Accepted!

We're all in the car headed home after a HUGE lunch at a Chinese Buffet on Sunday, Sept 30th. We usually eat ourselves to the brim but this time we all behaved. Plus, I had to work that night and wasn't trying to feel like I was about to birth a food baby.

As we're riding I'm on one of my timeless rants about my eating. We were talking about my goal weight. That's when it happened...

The Challenge.


Hunby said "If you can get down to 190lbs by the end of December I'll give you my bonus check." I was like Yea... ok, sure buddy. But, he was serious. Serious enough to let me record him saying it again! LOL

So here we go! I started the next day. First thing I had to do was buy a scale, because it'd been months since I weighed. So, what's the damage? I weighed in on Monday morning (Oct 1st) at 213lbs. Which was less than I thought. Last update on my weight in my blog, with an actual scale... I weighed in at 227lbs. So the scale has been slowly moving in the right direction!

I am keeping my food diary on My Fitness Pal. I am sticking to Low-Carbs and I'm trying to workout, well... daily. I have been out of commission on workouts past few days because I strained my hip muscle. But it's almost 100% and it's finally pretty outside so I can start walking this fat off soon. I have also picked up a part time job, and just adding that extra activity to my days has made me more active. Also, less hungry. Which is great for the calorie count! I HAVE to eat at least 1800 calories a day to no interfere with my milk supply.

So as of Yesterday here's what I weighed. This is with 1 Week of good eating & I exercised when I could. But like I've said in my previous posts, Nutrition > Exercise.




210lbs! I lost 3lbs in week 1!! Yaaaaass!!

Now, I've calculated and for the remaining weeks until Dec. 31st I have to lose 1.7lbs per week. At first I though there's no way I'll ever get this money. But y'all I can do this! I just have to stay focused, and I gotta, say this money motivation has me fueled! 

I will be back to update you on my progress, because it has helped me in the past to post here, another thing to help me keep my eyes on the prize!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram there I update daily & will begin to post more weight-loss oriented posts! See ya there! 

Working Momma

This is my final night as a SAHM. 

I have added a part time job to my Mom life.

Thankfully I found a job that’ll work with my schedule. The beauty of it is, I can still stay home with my boys during the day!

I’ll be working when hubby comes home and only a couple nights a week.

I am a mess of emotions about it!!! I haven’t worked in 3 years! I stopped work during my last trimester my first pregnancy.

I am glad to be able to get out the house and focus on something other than wiping butts & fetching snacks. (I know I do way more than that, but sometimes it feels like that’s all I accomplish in a day). Some more adult interaction definitely is welcomed. It’ll also feel good knowing I’m contributing financially to the family again as well. It was a hard adjustment for me to stop working (outside the house) all together, because I’ve worked since I was 18! I’ve always had an income.

It’s going to be weird until I get my feel of things. Especially having to pump breast milk at work. But I’ll figure it all out (just like every other mother who’s working & pumping). It’s going to be a new journey balancing motherhood with a job. During the days will be as they are now. But sprinkle in a 5-6 hour work day a few times a week. I am already a walking Mombie... so this is going to be interesting! I’m still young-ish & there’s always more caffeine that can be implemented. 😆 All in all I’m excited to start working again & hey, who doesn’t love extra money?!

I will be trying to keep up with the Blog for sure! I still have a lot to fill you in on. Like how horribly my C-section recovery went, & we bought a house! Also, don’t think I’ve forgot to update you on the struggle of my weight loss. But we really did misplace the bathroom scale when we moved & I literally keep forgetting to buy a new one! (I blame Mom-brain!)  As soon as I do an update is on the way! 

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to follow my Instagram for daily updates!

Life with 2 under 2

My son turned 2 today. I’ve graduated from being a mom of 2 under 2, to 2 under 3... Yay me! Seriously, keeping boys alive is hard work, I deserve a pat on the back! Just this morning already he fell off of the recliner and almost busted his head on a dumbbell. Why are boys so reckless? Hopefully that's the extent of his dangerous shenanigans today. 

I've been reflecting on the past year, he and I have had a lot of changes in our life. We welcomed his new baby brother to the world, and we moved into a new house. They are both amazing changes but we are both still adjusting. In fact, we all are. I also am a bonus mom of two older children, and before my boys came into the world, it was just me and them. So if they wanted to get up and go to pool or beach, sure! 

I have them all summer & I had major anxiety when I was pregnant about how this summer would go. I didn’t want to bore the older kids to death because I knew we would Be home for the majority of the time, I would be recovering from my C-section, learning the new baby & getting back into the breastfeeding routine. How am I gonna to take care of everyone and keep everyone happy without having a nervous breakdown? Also, it’s summer it’s HOT, realistically I cannot take a newborn to the pool or leave unattended. The eldest helps with both babies but she’s 12 she’ll only focus on them for so long before she’s over it.

Now we have to think about the activity we want to do & usually the answer is no. I like to think I’m a Super Mom, but venturing out with 4 kids to do various activities alone, c’mon that’s a lot to handle! It’s hard enough going to the grocery store with everybody. So unless it’s been a group activity with other parents around this Summer we’ve all been pretty much indoors. There’s been a lot of screen time. We as moms feel guilty when there’s too much technology & not enough books & crafting... but some days Sanity > Entertainment.

With just moving into the house too we’ve been busy still working on things here in & around the house & yard. Hopefully soon we’ll be fire pit, water slide & kiddie pool ready! Thankfully we live in Myrtle Beach, where summer lasts until November!

The ages of our kids are 12, 8, 2 and three months. The older kids are pretty much doing similar activities now. They want to be on the go! Water parks, Theme Parks, all the parks!! The younger kids are not ready for their level of activities, obviously.

There’s definitely pros & cons to having the baby’s close together in age. The biggest Pro I think, is the fact My toddler and newborn will grow up together learning similar things around the same times. Like swimming, bikes, reading, school etc... I think it’ll make Mommin’ a lot easier when they are coloring and looking for bugs and being dirty superhero-ninja boys at the same time. Also they will always be in the same schools which to me is a huge relief. 

Another pro is I’m not out of my baby-zone meaning I’m still used to catering to my toddler’s every want & need, so it’s been overall easy to adjust to taking care of the newborn. My toddler has been sleeping through the night since about 1 year old. But during the day it’s his constant Whining & Pleading, and me deciphering & pleasing. So to have to add one more human to cater to has not been much of an adjustment. I would not have wanted to be starting over with all the newborn duties while I have a kid in school. It’s easier to just get this part all done now.

I’m tired. REM sleep is rare. There’s a lot Of crying... usually just them, sometimes me... I get all my steps in on my Fitbit because I don’t get to sit down more than 5 mins at a time. My coffee is ALWAYS cold. They aren’t on the same napping schedule yet. (Right now the toddler is asleep & the newborn is wide awake, at least he’s entertaining himself). I am 100% sure I can change a diaper with my eyes closed. Someone is ALWAYS touching me. 

There’s times when I’m nursing the baby and the toddler is laying on me or rubbing on me. Sometimes the toddler is mad because you’re focus is on the baby & you can’t handle their need right then. Queue the tantrum. Someone always wants something from me, always. Did I mention keeping the house clean & everyone fed too? HUGE SHOUT OUT To all the single moms out there doing this alone because if it wasn’t for my hubby & me being able to escape to my bathtub with a glass of wine & some Epsom salt sometimes, I’d pass out from exhaustion! 

Let me lighten this back up for y’all. It’s not all doom & gloom. There’s a ton of beauty in the chaos. Watching how they change each day. How the toddler is learning new things & catches on so quickly. How he loves his Momma and gives me random kisses. How the baby has started to smile at me now. How all the siblings love each other. 

We are in our forever home, which I didn’t have as a kid so being able to do that for my boys... It all melts my heart and I wouldn’t change a thing (well except the lack of sleep, I’d like some more of that). Having baby’s close together can be done. And it can be easy! It seems that from what I’ve witnessed with other Momma’s no matter when you have your baby you’re never truly prepared anyway. Each child is completely different. So If you want more than one I recommend having them close together. Get all the baby duties out the way within a few years, once they start to develop their own interest & grow into their personalities it gets easier. Also, when they can get their own snacks & turn their own tv on!

We will not be having anymore babies (Daddy & Momma wanna enjoy ourselves when we’re old & gray... hopefully in Aruba). Now the focus is on teaching these ones to be good humans who love God. If we can accomplish that it was all worth it!

Postpartum Weight-loss Update

Hello everybody!! I have not fallen off the face of the earth... I have had A LOT going on in my life in the past few months. Other than the obvious of having the baby we also bought a house! Leave it to Hubby & Me to try & conquer two Huge Life changing events within the same month! I was literally laying up healing from my C-section while he was unloading the U-haul, painting and cleaning the new house. It’s been two & a half months of chaos.

With the help of family & some awesome friends we got it all done. Without someone passing out from exhaustion and/or stress. We’re settled in officially (still have work to do on the house but we have forever to do that). Now I’m just trying to get used to the new baby routine while keeping the other 3 kids satisfied.

I have not done a update on my weight because along with some other weird items that went missing, like the vegetable peeler... my scale was one of the items that decided to be lost during the move! I think my husband tossed it so I would stop driving myself crazy. But he says he doesn’t know what happened. I have yet to buy a new one which, I’m OK with! It’s been kind of nice not jumping on the scale every few days. 

My last blog post, I weighed in at 227lbs. The last time I weighed on a scale was at my mother-in-law’s house about a week ago, and I weighed 215lbs! That's a significant loss! I reached the goal I set out in that post by mainly watching my carbs, with no major workouts other than some dumbbells here & there.  Nutrition > Exercise.

Please ignore dirty mirror, it's the perfect height for toddler hands.

I am trying my best to stick to a low-carb diet. It's not always easy when you have kids who snack all day, and have 7 kinds of Ice Cream in the freezer. We had a convention to attend out of town, before the convention I did great with my eating! Wanted to make sure I didn't feel bloated while there.

There's this place we love to go in Columbia, SC called Kiki's Chicken & Waffles, we're only in Columbia once a year for the convention so we always go there, and this year, we went twice! Yes, it's that good! Worth every mighty carb! So since then for a week I have fell off the Carb wagon. Started back full force yesterday! Thankfully I was only off track for a week. I am however, so tired of starting over. I have stopped and started my whole life. Never consistent. I'm sure I've probably even said the same thing in previous blog posts! Tired of hearing myself say out loud the same things over and over “I’m gonna do this”... “I’m going to do that”... I actually do, do it, for quite a while but then it stops. I come from a long line of people who love food and I inherited that trait for sure. I wish I could be one of those folks who LOVE to workout & view food as fuel. But I’m not. Food is my friend. Food is fun & amazing!

I don’t hate working out but these days I’m wore out from Mommin'. So adding in workouts seems almost impossible. I telling myself it’s my “me-time” and hoping it gives me a boost of energy to deal with the day to day. So for now I plan to start back by doing some walking around my new neighboorhood & sprinkling some Zumba & light weight-lifting in. 3-4 days a week, as my energy allows. As you have seen, my most important factor is my food, so I have to make sure I stay on top of that, more than the workouts. 

I’ll check back in with a weight update every month or so. My first goal is to hit 200lbs when I see that on the scale I’m throwing a party! I haven’t seen 200 or less in 12 years! That’s so crazy! I’ve never calculated that until this moment! I have seriously struggled my whole life, 32 years, with my weight. Minus a year or so when I was a toddler haha! I highly recommend folks to do a low-carb diet. Not nose-diving into Keto, which I tried for a couple years, before it was cool! It was too restrictive for me to be happy with long-term. I have found that Cutting Complex Carbs is something I can live with. It’s time for Momma to get fit. I gotta keep up with these boys!

PostPartum Goals

5/25/18  Marked be officially being 1 week post partum and thus deciding it’s time to stop having fun, with bad food & get my nutrition back under control. After birth 12lbs fell off. That’s 7 for baby & the rest is fluids. 

1 week Post Partum Weigh-in

I have 20 more pounds to lose to be at my pre-baby weight. Which when I look in the mirror, I don’t feel like it's that much, I guess the absence of the big preggo baby bump is fooling me. The scale slaps me back to reality, it’s 20! 

How do I plan to do this??? What goes in your mouth is THE biggest factor in losing weight. Obviously I cannot workout until completely healed from my C-section, at this point I’m still unable to move in bed without feeling like my stitches are ripping. So yea, it’ll be a while before workouts happen. I go June 1st to have incision checked. But it'll still be internal recovering that keeps me down a while. That’s why my food intake has to be strict with no exceptions to get the good results I want to see. I’d like by end of July to have made a HUGE dent in that 20lbs!

I love doing Low-carb, I have been doing it off and on for the past 4 years. When I stay away from complex carbs (breads, wheats, pasta, sugar, & processed foods) my body feels so much better. No bloat & I can lose weight well & steady. It's just what works for my body. Bread and Rice seem to be the worst for me, I’m bloated for days afterward & it’s not worth it at all.

So I started yesterday & did amazing! Hubby even ordered pizza for dinner, I didn’t partake I had a huge fully loaded salad and was a happy camper! Every non-scale victory small or large is amazing! They add up in the end!

I am keeping a food log as usual on MyFitnessPal if I'm around 1800-1900 calories a day I'm happy with that, and if it's something like fruit or nuts that make me go over by a bit, that's a victory as well. I'm breastfeeding and some days the appetite is just as vicious as when you're pregnant.

As I documented my pregnancy weight gain for y’all, I’ll do my weight-loss updates every few weeks. It holds me accountable sharing this with the public! So check back in a few weeks to see which way the scale moves! 

Lil' L's Birth Story

Today is my son's due date! But his birth date, that actually happened on the 18th! He's almost been out of womb, blessing our lives for a whole week now! I had a scheduled C-section, they planned for it at 39 weeks. You would think that knowing ahead of time that you're going in for a C-section birth, that you would have time to mentally prepare yourself. But I don't think it helps, at least it didn't help my worries & anxiety. This was my second C-section so I knew what to expect & to know it was about to all happen again, didn't put me at any ease. But at 10:20 a.m. this gorgeous 7lb 5oz 20" long boy was pulled out of me & all those fears were finally gone! I did it! He's Here! He's Healthy! You're still alive! YAY!

Yes, it's 100% cliche to say that it was all worth it, but look at him! It was completely worth it. All the pain & discomfort I had my whole pregnancy, worth it. The pain & discomfort during my recovery, worth it. A healthy baby boy was my gift for my pains & I couldn't be happier. 

The actual surgery went very well. It's also fast. I was in there being prepped a little before 10 a.m. & Here he is at 10:20 a.m. I had an awesome team in the OR. They had me very relaxed & confident. Especially the Anesthesiologist. I was beyond nervous about the spinal tap, while she was prepping me all I was doing was praying. That needle in my lower back to numb me was NO FUN! But I got through it, and she was just amazing, she even took our pictures for us! I loved that they lowered the drape so that I could see him, they actually offered to lower so I could watch him being born, but I was not too keen on the idea of watching their hands inside my body, pulling him out! I feel like I would have nightmares! My hubby on the other hand watched every single thing they did to me. I was happy just to see the above.

I also opted to have my tubes removed. Yes, Momma is done having babies, two strong healthy boys in this world is more than I could ask for. I will not go through a 3rd C-section. The type of tubal removal I had is not reversible. The tubes themselves are completely 100% removed, leaving ovaries intact. This helps lower risk of ovarian cancer as well. If this is something you're interested in doing, make sure you are 100% resolved in not having any more children. If you think you will change your mind later, you can get clamped, or tied, which can be reversed. I loved that my doctor kept asking me, even while I was on the table, if I was sure just in case I had changed my mind. Like I said before I was 100% sure, so gone they are! 

I was back in recovery around 10:40 or so, and my hubby was in there with baby as he got his first bath, shots, and other test right there in the recovery room! I was broough in as soon as doctor finished putting me back together! I LOVED being able to go through recovery with baby & hubby in same room! Before all this happened while I was in a room alone for over 30 minutes for my recovery. 

When everything was done I was able to start breastfeeding him & doing skin-to-skin. Little guy was just so tired. He latched at 11:20 a.m. and actually didn't eat again until almost midnight, he was too tired, couldn't get him to stay awake long enough to eat!

Once that appetite hit him though, he couldn't be stopped! The second & third day babies cluster feed to get your milk to come in. He literally went from boob to boob for about 4 hours straight, talk about draining you! Literally! But it paid off because by Sunday my milk came in & he was satisfied!! He is such a chill baby so far, he only cries or gets fussy when something is wrong, and it's amazing! Hoping he keeps such a chill temperament!

My pain level was & still is pretty intense! When I was able to feel my legs again, I had nurses remove my catheter, because I just knew I could walk. My mind was strong. Body, not at all. The pain and heaviness I felt the first time I stood up... There are no words. I was able to walk to bathroom with help of the nurses. Saturday morning I was able to get around a little bit better. But still very slowly & turning over in bed was not happening. I was given Motrin & Percocet. As long as the nurses kept up with my doses on time I was okay. Once it would wear off HELLOOOO PAIN! By Sunday I was moving around pretty good, I couldn't believe it. Also the part no one likes to talk about, the blood loss. Mine had slowed down quite a bit, the nurses were pleased about that. Me too. It's still flowing but no more than a regular cycle. This will continue for another week or so.

Surprisingly we were discharged Sunday. Which was amazing to me. I only spend 2 nights in the hospital. I was even able to slowly walk out the hospital! No wheelchair! (which is hospital policy but there was a wait list to be rolled out and I just wanted to GO!)

Now that I've been home I've been trying to take it as easy as possible. Was told not to lift anything heavier than baby, which isn't realistic when I have a 27 pound toddler to look after, who feels like 100 pounds right now. Thankfully my Hubby has taken a week off from work to be home with me so he's been watching me like a hawk & dealing with the toddler. 

I don't like taking the Percocet unless absolutely necessary because it makes me loopy headed & very sleepy. Like pass out on the couch while breastfeeding and not even realize I'm asleep, sleepy. Overall I'm doing a lot better than I thought I would be, but was reminded by my body Tuesday that I just had two surgeries done, and I need to take it easier. Sometimes when I move it feels like my incision is ripping apart, doctor said that's the "thick stitches inside" the incision. All I know is It hurts horribly. So I have to move slowly when doing, well anything. In a little over a week I go to have incision looked at and bandages removed. Hopefully all is well & I'll be able to get around even better by then. Next week hubby goes back to work & the real fun for me begins, home alone with 2 under 2. May my coffee be stronger than my toddler!

Seventh Generation Baby

Our little babies are so innocent, sensitive, helpless, gentle & new when they enter into this world. They depend on us for everything big & small. When it comes to necessary products that we need for them day to day, the last thing you want to worry about is if it’s safe or not. As a mom I try to stick as close to nature as my budget allows for my little boys. I do not want a bunch of chemicals on their fresh new skin!

I was given a baby sample kit from Seventh Generation, for free to test out for my newest addition! I am in love y’all! Seriously the products are great! 

If you haven't heard of Seventh Generation, they are a company that uses plant based ingredients in all their products. From baby goods, to cleaners for your home. They have a full glossary of every single ingredient used in all their products! Takes the guess work out for us!

The wipes are my favorite! A product that contains no Alcohol, Parabens, or Fragrances! They’re hypoallergenic, I can use them all over his body even his face with no worries!! Which came in handy today when he spit-up right after I got him all clean & changed! I grabbed a wipe with no hesitation and wiped his face and neck off, I don't have to worry if it's going to make him break out, or leave a smell behind that will bother his wee little nose! I am a forever fan! I will always have their wipes on hand!

You can always find a good deal on their products at Target or Amazon. If you coupon those deals get even sweeter! If you’re like me every penny counts. I want the best for my baby & my budget! Seventh Generation products will always be on my shopping list!

LavenderSun Co Review!

When it come to shopping for clothes for my boys, I’m a very practical Momma. I want my sons to look fashionable but let’s be real, I’m not paying a fortune for something they’re going to outgrow within a few months! Even if it can be passed down brother to brother! I’m a Stay-at-home Momma on a budget, every purchase has to be a good one! So a romper that costs $30 won’t be happening I don’t care how cute or original it is, I rarely spend that much on stuff for myself & I wear clothes until they fall apart!

I usually shop in store, just so I can feel the fabric & see the quality. Usually comes out cheaper as well, not having to pay shipping & waiting an eternity for it to arrive. Sometimes  online shopping is definitely more convenient, especially when you have to get a newborn & toddler dressed and ready to go out. Exhausting task that is.

When it comes to lounge or play clothes for the boys I will go to department stores and snag some Garanimals or Carters brands for them to wear. I’m simple. But we have our weekly religious meetings & conventions & for these my boys have GOT to look cute! I have been finding awesome deals in-store at Burlington for little suits. Online I haven’t found much that wasn’t way overpriced for their age group, until I came across LavenderSun's Instagram! The prices are AWESOME! So I had to order a piece to test them out! 

Do you see how stinkin’ cute this suit is?!?! Yes, those are Dinosaurs!! We LOVE suspenders on our boys! The cuteness is too real! And $17.95 for a 2-piece suit is an awesome deal! The fabric is a light, breathable cotton blend & it’s very well made! I can’t wait to see my son wear this at our next Convention in July! I have confidence his little bro will be able to make good use out of it as well in the future!

I'm highly pleased & will be ordering from them quite often, especially for their suits! Their clothing matches my wants & needs! Affordability, Durability & they’re Adorable! The orders can take 12-20 days to ship to the US so keep that in mind while ordering. I don’t mind the wait for a great product! Also the shipping is F-R-E-E worldwide! Love me a good deal!

Of course being a Mom of two young boys who can’t have a say-so on what I dress them in yet... I want them to be adorable as long as possible! Before all they want to wear is sweatpants & sneakers! It is so hard to find cute clothes for boys, especially in stores. The girls sections are even always a lot larger than the boys. Do retailers not think we want our boys to be cute when they’re young too? I do! That was another thing that drew me to Lavendersun, they have some really unique, stylish clothing for boys which was refreshing to see & there’s a lot to choose from! I’m in love with all the Star Wars onesies! Go check them out for your kids! You won't be disappointed!

Momma's last Pregnancy

 photos by http://jacqpettie.com

As I sit here today sipping my cold coffee (that I reheated only twice so far) while my toddler is by me dancing on the couch to PJ Masks, I find myself reflecting on the past 9 months. I’m approaching the end of my pregnancy journey. Not just the end of this pregnancy journey, but the end entirely, this will be my last pregnancy. 

In 3 days my baby boy will be in my arms! It’s so surreal that the time is finally here. So I’m enjoying & cherishing every little kick, hiccup & cartwheel on my bladder that he does in there, feelings that will never be forgotten. 

I am also enjoying the last few days of being just a Toddler Mom. Things are about to get real up in here! I believe my son knows that there is a change coming. It's funny because he will pul up my shirt and lay his head on my belly. Blow Raspberries, or just pat it & lay his head there. I've never showed him how to do that. I hope that he makes the adjustment to big bro well! I'm a little nervous because he's surely a Momma's boy, & he's had all of my attention almost everyday of his life so far, but now it's time to share Momma!

My friends showered me with love & a maternity shoot! This has been a great last month of pregnancy. Wonderful memories were made. 

Overall if you’ve kept up with my previous blog posts, then you know this has been a very uncomfortable pregnancy for me. But even though it’s been a struggle, it has been a healthy pregnancy overall & in this world that’s a blessing!

I’m having to end this pregnancy with my second C-Section due to SPD. After getting my husbands feelings on the matter, I’ve decided I’m getting my tubes removed. Not tied, or clamped, there's no reversing this procedure! I am 150% sure that's what I want. I will not go through a third C-Section. Being able to bring two healthy boys into this life makes me over the moon happy. It’s not how I pictured my births going but it’s what has had to happen. With this being a planned C-section you would think it helps ease the mind, but for me... not at all. I’m very nervous, scared & anxious. I will be until they have him safely out of me, me all sewn up & the surgery over. Then the fear will be gone.


But it won’t be "easy peasy lemon squeezy" (thanks PJ Masks) from there because, then I face the road to recovery! All while tending to my almost 2 year old & the newborn. Plus it’s summer break & our two oldest kids will be with us. Oh, & did I mention we’re also moving? Yep there’s going to be a lot on our plates for the next few months! Hopefully by the end of Summer we're in a routine & settled!

Us women are some strong beings. I remember a lot of my recovery from the last time & I’m hoping my body remembers to & this time, just maybe, it’ll be a little easier on me. But I’m not banking on that. A cesarean is a MAJOR surgery, plus my tubes will be removed before I’m done as well. So two surgeries at once! My body is going to need the rest that I won’t be able to give it like last time. But all I can do is take it day by day, and pace myself & remember “Woman you were just cut open an a baby was taken out of you, sit down!”


As a Mom I feel like everything has to be done ASAP and everyone needs to be happy. I want to help with everything (especially this move). I know though, until I’m completely recovered somethings will just have to wait on me. I will have to shut down my overworking brain, & let my body have it’s time. The last thing I want to do is over do it & end up back in the hospital. No one has time for that!

May 18th, 8am me & hubby will be at the hospital, me getting prepped & ready to welcome to the world our new baby. I will be back to let you know how the C-section goes this time, and what it's like being a Momma of 2 under 2. Thank you for all of the support & love shown this pregnancy!

Momma's Top 10 Newborn Must-haves!

Hello New Mommas, & Repeat Mommas! We all know from our searches there are hundreds of thousands of things that the Baby Market pushes on us as if we HAVE to have it or we are gonna fail at motherhood. So many options & the prices can be out of this world for something that will only be used a few months to a year!  This is my second baby & I am by no means no baby expert but this is what I know that I could not in anyway survive newborn life without! 

I'm not going to state the obvious, like diapers & wipes, because they're necessities. How many of what size you need all depends on how fast you're newborn is growing & how quickly they fill them up. Also you will learn what brand works the best for your baby. You know you're going to need bottle & pacifiers. What kind your baby takes also varies, I will suggest if you're breast feeding to only use a slow-flow nipple... forever, you want the baby to have to work to get the milk out of the bottle so that it's not easier than the boob. Or else they will favor bottle over boob cause the milk flows faster.

(The links below are affiliate links, which means if you click and purchase the suggested product, I would get a percentage of the sale.)

Momma's Top 10

• Swaddle Me Baby Swaddles Newborns are used to being tightly bound in your womb, coming out they like the same, some for a few weeks, some for months. The design of these are genius, a lot easier than using a swaddle blanket and perfecting your baby wrapping skills. This is a no-brainer and trust me that's what is needed for late night changes When you can just slide them in here feet first then close them up with the Velcro! It's a 3 step quick process! Make sure you get a small & large for the best fit.
• Burp Cloths Newborns love to spit up & drool, and you will want these slung over your shoulder 24/7. Go for the style you like most but these are long and fit right in the danger zone of the spit up when you're carrying baby! They have saved many of me & hubby's shirts!
• Activity Mat There are many kinds of activity mats. This one was awesome my son loved it, and still plays with the piano that's detachable! From about a month old I would lay him on it he'd look around at the colors of the mat and the toys hanging above, soon he was able to kick the piano and when he figured that out there was no stopping him! You can also do tummy-time on this mat.

• Boppy Pillow These Pillows are truly a necessity! I nurse and without this pillow it would've been back breaking! It supports your with different nursing positions. The baby can be propped up on it to sleep (with supervision), and can do tummy time on it. They're amazing!They're also well made I've machine washed mine a few times and it's still in good shape will be using it for the new baby!

• Bottle Warmer Even if you exclusively breastfeed there will be times you're not around your baby and a bottle is needed. Some husbands like to feed the baby as well because they feel like that's their way of bonding. These bottle warmers are so easy! You pour some water in, turn it on, sit bottle in and 30 secs or so the bottle is warm. No waiting for water to boil & you cannot microwave breast milk!
• Bottle Sterilizer I found this to be the easiest way to get the job done. YOU HAVE TO WASH & STERILIZE BABY BOTTLES & PARTS! I used bags, but this is just better cause I can fit more in it. You wash your bottles, pacifiers, pump parts, & put in here with the recommended amount of water & put in microwave. Easy.
• Automatic Baby Rocker When it's nap time during the day these are blessing! Spend the extra money to get one that rocks, bounces or vibrates automatically unless you plan to sit and bounce it with your foot for the whole nap! These are also great to just let the baby chill in during the day as well.

• Baby Carrier There are TONS of different types of carriers (wraps, ring slings etc...) you have to find what works for you. These by Infantino are great, quick to put baby in, comfortable & easy to use. Their price tag isn't a deal breaker either! It's so much easier sometimes to have quick access to a carrier if you're at the store or outdoor events. Strollers are not always the most convenient. I am all about ease & comfort.

• Teething Toys I love Nuby for their teething toys. And your baby will start teething before you even realize it.  There are all sorts to choose from & their prices are amazing. My son really loved these keys easy to clean & freeze, they stay cold for a while too. We also had the Teething Blanket, Teethe-eez Teether & Bug-a-loop Teether all lasted through my first sons teething great products!

• Travel Changing Pad These are easy & convenient. The last thing you want to do is lay your baby on a nasty changing table in the bathroom. I am not a diaper bag person (although with 2 under 2 I'm going to have no choice). When I can just grab this and go into the store quickly instead of taking my whole bag, or throw this under the stroller, at the park it makes sens & makes life easier! 

You may want to stock up on your favorite coffee & protein bars for energy as well (totally not kidding!) Momming is the hardest job I've ever had. I hope the things in my list make it a little easier for you, as they did me!

Hospital Bag Essentials, No Fluff! (Bonus: Snack Basket!)

So here it is. Sitting there packed, ready & staring at me! Mine & the baby's hospital bag! I'm 34 weeks it needed to be done! Plus we're going 3 hours out of town next Sunday & it needs to be in the car "Just in case." This is my second pregnancy, and will be my second C-section. You're in the hospital at least 2-3 nights for a C-section. Last time we were checked in on a Monday afternoon, and didn't leave until Friday morning. So it's imperative that you have what you need!

Momma:

• 2 pairs of sweat pants, they're loose fitting which is good after the surgery.
• 1 pair of leggings with a high waist 
• 2 nursing tank tops & 1 nursing nightgown
• Nursing bra
• 2 pairs of socks
• 1 pair of flip-flops (you never wanna be barefoot in a hospital room, the floors are freezing, plus ew... germs)
• 1 comfy sun-dress for going home in.
• Sweater (this is my favorite at-home lounge sweater that I cannot be without, if you prefer a robe pack that, you'll want something cozy.)
• Bar of Soap (One thing I remember is washing with my Bath & Body works body wash last time & the smell of it mixed with the fluids coming out of my body, made me sick! Plus you don't need a heavy fragrance around baby, let them smell YOU)
• Dry Shampoo &  Hairspray
• Deodarant
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste
• Coconut Oil (for my poor nipples)
• Cell Phone Charger

That's it! I'm all about comfort! I won't be one of those Mom's who delivered & have a full face of makeup on after for visitors. 

I didn't pack any panties because I will be living in the mesh panties they provide at hospital, last time I asked for extras to take home, and the pads they provide as well. After birth, Vaginal or C-section those are the MOST comfortable thing ever invented!

While you're there you're paying for everything (or insurance is) So you might as well get extras while you can. They also have the nipple soothers that they will refreeze for you, because if you're anything like me for about the first week of breastfeeding them poor nipples are very, very sore! They also have diapers and wipes for baby that you use while there, and they told us to make sure we didn't forget to take them home. DON'T LEAVE YOUR "FREEBIES" BEHIND FOLKS! Every bit helps. 

Baby:

The baby stays swaddled up for the most part while you're at the hospital unless you're nursing or doing skin-to-skin. I remember putting my firstborn in cute onesies and they seemed to get dirty as quick as I put them on him. Plus they come to take him in & out of room multiple times a day for different tests. It's easier to just have a onesie on him and keep him swaddled for warmth!

A few onesies, sleepers & going home outfit. I probably won't even use all of this. But at least I'll have it! I have not had my baby shower yet, so this is all leftovers from my first son, which I much rather use at hospital than the new stuff! 

I remember they kept coming in to check his temperature and saying he was cold so we would do skin-to-skin to warm him up. So this time I'm bringing us a cozy soft baby blanket to snuggle under while doing skin-to-skin cause the hospital cover was stiff & itchy. Also bringing a couple of my swaddles because I HATED the hospital swaddle blanket, if you're a first time swaddler it's horrible trying to wrap up a crying newborn. We had to call the nurse in way too many times to help us swaddle right, because our son liked it when he was swaddled up tight & we just couldn't get the hang of it! The swaddle with the monkeys in the pictures is awesome! SUPER easy to use & it's snug. It easily wraps around and seals with Velcro, if you didn't get any of these its a must-have, for real!

That's it for Momma & Baby! Not much is needed & it all fits in one bag!

Now here's something fun! I got the idea from Pinterest to make my hubby a "Hospital Survival Kit" but I was like, I'm going to make me one too! So we'll have our favorite snacks on hand, because there's not much else to do when you're stuck in the hospital room! So if we're caught off guard with the day we're admitted to hospital like last time & hubby doesn't have his bag packed, at least he'll have snacks!!!