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! 

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!!!

SPD Plaguing Me

If you've been reading my previous blog posts, you know this pregnancy has been completely different and a lot more uncomfortable for me. I am down to the last few weeks now. I cannot believe it's already April, next month my baby boy will be in my arms!

I've been struggling with pelvic pain this pregnancy. Really, it has been the worst part for me. It is an everyday thing, some days a lot worse than others. I had done google searches, and diagnosed myself with SPD. When I had my checkups at the doctor, (my OB that I go to rotates between a few doctors, so I've seen about 5 different ones this pregnancy) they always ask how I'm doing, and I tell them about the pain. Always get the same answer... "Your body responds quicker the 2nd pregnancy, and you'll have more pressure and pain it's normal." Having pain just pressing the brake pedal in the car, or putting on my pants, or walking is not a normal thing. Changing positions in the bed is the WORST, it is a true struggle! I also do stretches, sleep the way articles online suggest & try to move slowly. No relief. 

I had an appointment last week. With the very first doctor we met at this practice, who is AMAZING. She's knowledgeable, thorough, and she seems to have your best interests at heart. I told her about the pain, now it had been months since I seen her. When I described the pain & discomfort, she had me lay back and she pressed on the ligament that runs across the front of your pelvis, it connects the two pelvis joints. She said "tell me if this hurts." When she pressed on it, I could've jumped off the table, yea... it hurt! She said "You have SPD." I KNEW IT!!!!!  

So what is SPD? This article explains it very well: "Pelvis pain in pregnancy (SPD)"

I knew this wasn't just "normal". She said with some women it gets so bad that they need a walker to walk with. Thankfully I can get around without a walker. The ligament is inflamed and she said if I wasn't pregnant they'd give me a steroid to help the inflammation & have me rest. But as we know preggo's are very limited in the medicines we can take! 

But here comes the heartbreaking news I was not in any way ready to hear!!

My first pregnancy was an unplanned C-Section. This time we have been planning the whole time for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). Each appointment, each doctor has been backing me & wanting me to do it. I have been hyped the whole pregnancy because I didn't get this experience with my first born. I won't get it this time either. Back under the knife I'll go.

She said she doesn't recommend pushing at all with SPD. The ligament can break, tear, or stretch, & if that happens after labor it could take months to heal properly, which means I wouldn't be able to walk properly & be in pain from it. IF it ever healed properly. My heart sank. C-sections are major, major surgery, & the recovery from them are NO JOKE! My son will be 21 months old when the baby is born, and I also have a 7 & 11 year old that'll be here for the summer. I have to be able to get around. There were a lot of hypothetical's like: IF the baby is small, IF you're dilating, IF you go into labor early. That's too many "if's" for me to be comfortable with. My body didn't go into labor the first time, I was induced... 3 times actually. So it still doesn't know what to do on it's on this time, although I was hoping for the chance. I can't take the risks. So whatever is the safest for baby & I is what I will do. Which, this time around will be another C-section.

When you're told you can't push your baby out, which God made a woman's body to do. It's heartbreaking. Makes you feel like you're body isn't sufficient enough to do what it was made to do! But that's not the way we should feel about ourselves. We have been able to carry a life, and birth it, we're STILL birthing our baby, so what if it's through the help of a surgery? Do you know how AMAZING we are to be able to go through that surgery, which is no easy thing, & our body heal from it, all while we're not able to just lay around & recover. We're taking care of a newborn, and other kids, and a house?! We're strong, strong women to be able to take all that on!!

Every Pregnancy is different.
Every Woman is Different. 
Everyone's pain is different.
Every Mom's Journey is different.

At the end of the day, we're all Mom's and we have one hard job of raising good little people! All that matter is we got them here safe & we do our best day to day!

Be sure to follow the blog for updates! Also my Instagram!

First vs. Second Pregnancy Symptoms

Today marks 31 weeks pregnant! In 9 short weeks, give or take a week or so... my baby boy will be out of my womb & in my arms. It is so surreal! Looking back there has been times I have felt like this pregnancy was at a stand still. The "I've been pregnant forever" moments. But now, I realize how fast it has actually flown by! 

The lingering "I'm over being pregnant" moments are probably stemming from the fact that this pregnancy has been SO different & SO much more uncomfortable than my first. You're always hearing each pregnancy is different, each woman is different & how right that is! You also might hear that different symptoms means a different gender. Lies. We thought for sure the way this pregnancy was treating me that we'd be having a girl. Nope, another little boy!

Here's the breakdown.

First Pregnancy:

• Acne- during first trimester, face only, then it cleared up.
• Pelvic Pressure- 3rd trimester, as baby drops and gets bigger it puts more strain on your pelvis.
• Round Ligament Pain- Be careful how you move or you'll feel a SHARP quick pain in your lower abdomen/pelvic region. Feels like something ripping.
• Nausea- It was easy, cured by lemon ginger tea or some peppermint. 
• Food Cravings- I could've ate tacos, or anything Mexican all day everyday. No cravings with second pregnancy.

Both:

• Cold- I walk around in a hoodie in the house while everyone else is fine.
• Leg Cramps- This was actually worse the first pregnancy. They were pretty much my whole pregnancy, and horrible. EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT. With none of the remedies working for it. This time they've started in my third trimester, and thankfully not every night.
• Crazy Dreams- Pregnancy dreams are the most vivid, weird & wild dreams you'll ever have! They also seem so realistic! 
• Lack of Energy- 1st & 3rd trimesters. Obviously because growing another human is exhausting.
• Baby Hates Coffee- My beloved. In first pregnancy it made me sick. This one it tastes like I'm drinking metal. I can do a frappe, but that's horrible for you, especially when you're trying to not gain a ton of weight. But some days I got to have my caffeine.
• Lack of sleep- Most nights this involves singing the same part of a song over and over for 30 mins. I feel like we're deprived sleep during pregnancy to get us prepared for the newborn who's up every 2 hours to eat or get diaper changed.
• Shortness of Breath- I'm sure this happens to just about all of us, as baby gets bigger more pressure is put on your lungs, so you run out of breath easier. Sometimes just emptying out the dryer has me panting.

Second Pregnancy:

• Acne- Throughout whole pregnancy, not just face it's on my back & legs too, so sexy. 
• Nausea- Not just morning sickness would be all day sickness wouldn't want to eat. Not cured by tea or crackers or peppermint. Would come in waves, where I wish I would just puke to feel better! Thankfully, at least no vomiting. Lasted until half way through 2nd trimester.
• Sensitive, Dry Skin- I cannot stay moisturized, especially my hands! 
• Shedding Hair- This usually happens postpartum but my hair was falling out so badly first trimester! I was afraid I was going to have a huge bald spot.
• Weak Brittle Nails- There's an old wives tale that says when you're pregnant with a girl they steal your beauty, LIE! 
• Headaches- These were some killer headaches! One time it lasted for 4 days, which ended up the doctor making me do a 24hr urine test to make sure nothing was wrong. Thankfully they have eased up in my third trimester!
• Seeing Spots, or "Floaters"- This is HIGHLY annoying. Vision can change during pregnancy, and last time my sight actually improved in one eye! This time I cannot be without glasses or hello headache! I see floaters constantly!
• Pelvic Pain- This is probably my worst symptom this pregnancy. I'm convinced I have SPD Any long amounts of walking, and I'm in pain all day, which is a bummer because this is my favorite exercise. Some days it hurts so badly, just switching my foot from the gas to brake pedal is awful. Putting on pants I have to sit down. Turning over in bed is my cardio, I have to be careful as to how I move. Around Christmas I had a horrible pain in my pelvic area, I am sure it was in the bone, never felt something so painful, not even a contraction, I was so sure something was going to be wrong with baby after that. The next day I could barely walk. I was around 18 weeks then. So I've been suffering with this for quite some time. Doctors just say "it's normal" ... "you just had a baby, your body is going to remember what to do and do it quicker this time"... As if
• Silent Reflux- This is my newest thing. I do not feel the burning sensation of heart burn, this just feels like my food does not go past my chest. Yesterday it felt like it was all trying to crawl back up my throat. It was an all day thing. I was starving & scared to eat. There are a ton of natural remedies. I tried quite a few. I broke down and bought some Pepcid AC last night and it did help once it kicked in. It's supposed to be a 24 hr pill. Today I can feel a little of it, but not like yesterday I'm interested to see once 8pm hits, when the pill wears off if I'm right back in misery. I do not want to have to take this everyday for the rest of this pregnancy.
• Numb Hands- This doesn't come with any pain, they just fall asleep every night, multiple times. 
• Braxton Hicks- I did not have any contractions my first pregnancy until they induced me. My experience with Braxton Hicks contractions has so far only been my uterus tightening and releasing you can feel it happen, belly feels like a brick, but it doesn't hurt... yet.
• Less appetite- There are days I'm HANGRY! But overall, I've not had cravings, or been food crazy. Which makes me happy because I've been able to keep the weight gain under control this time. Last time it felt like I never got full.
• Cry Baby- I cannot handle ANYTHING emotional right now. There are parts in movies that make the tears stream while hubby gives me that "Are you really crying... again?" look. Thanks hormones!

As you can see my first pregnancy list was a lot shorter. I had it pretty easy! Being pregnant comes with a lot of symptoms, some are actually good, like bigger boobs, & thicker hair! I hope my lists didn't scare any of you away from the idea of getting pregnant! But helped you to understand some of the things your body MIGHT go through! It's truly amazing how God created us! We go through so many physical & hormonal changes while pregnant, women are amazing. You can't expect every day to be perfect & comfortable while you're housing a human. But the experience as a whole, it truly is so beautiful & totally worth it. Seems so cliche to say but, I would do it all again for my sons. 

Be sure to follow me on Instagram for daily updates!

Monday with my Toddler

I am a creature of habit. Mondays are my Cleaning days. The weekends are hectic, and everyone is home making their own individual messes. So Monday is when I try to conquer the chaos. It'd be easier if cleaning was my only focus, I'd be done within a few hours in the morning then have the rest of the day to binge Netflix & become one with my couch. In reality my cleaning is intertwined with keeping the Munchkin entertained, safe, fed, and happy. 

Here's the breakdown of how my typical stay-at-home Monday's go.

8 a.m. or a little before, Baby boy wakes up. He is always happy to see Mommy first thing in the morning & is usually a very happy guy in the mornings! Which makes life a little easier before Momma's Coffee (if I even get any).

We get his diaper changed, he tells me a story about his dreams, face & hands wiped off (drooler). Then we do our spiritual routine. We watch a few videos that teach young kids good values & morals. They're awesome and he LOVES them! (you can check them out here).  Then we pray together. This is our every morning routine, not just Monday!

8:30 am It's breakfast time! Which has become quite the task lately since someone has started getting super picky! I'm not the type of mom who makes the perfect balanced breakfasts you see online. I go with what's easy & what works. For now that's usually a pancake with peanut butter on it and a glass full of almond milk. While he's eating I start a load of laundry, and get the kitchen tidy. Once he's done eating I clean all the syrup off of him.

9:00-9:15 am After breakfast the first thing he wants to do is run to the TV to watch his PJ Masks. If it were up to him, he would surely be watching it from sun up to sun down!

But Momma can't let that happen! He has to exercise that little brain! Now, our living room is connected to kitchen, so after he's done eating, I let him do his own thing while watching Mickey Mouse Club House (at least they count and do colors) or something while I finish up the kitchen & Grab myself some breakfast. 

9:45ish am Time for some sort of learning activity. 

He loves his books, he'll sit and go through them "reading" and looking at the pictures for quite a while! I'm glad, hope this never changes! When he finds his favorite he'll bring it to you to read to read to him! There of course are TONS of ideas on Pinterest for toddler activites. I've pinned quite a few ideas. So far most he's loved, but he's not into the messy stuff, paint, play-doh etc... 

While he keeps himself busy for a few I sweep the floors, eat breakfast (Finally) and continue with laundry.

11:00 Little man starts whining for a snack. Like clock work!

I try to rest for a few while he snacks, I'm 7 months pregnant and need a break. Plus this is my coffee/tea time! 

12:00 I usually give in to the PJ Mask at this time, because I need to finish folding laundry, and mop the floors. If that's done by now, then it's time for me to try to do some sort of workout. So I let him have his alone time in his room with his 6yr old Crime Fighters. If I'm working out I have to put him in his playpen for him to watch so I can get 30 mins. of uninterrupted time to workout, or else he's whining on me while I try to workout, or running around me dropping death trap trails of toys around. He is usually still snacking at this time, so we do a late lunch.

1:00 NAP TIME! *does Momma dance* Such an awesome time I think! Him, not so much! For Momma a 10-2o min. nap fighting session usually happens. Like today, he was surely tired... It was about 1:18 today when I got him and sat down with him to get him into nap mode. Which consist of me holding him and begging him to chill. 

He whined for a bit. I changed him, let him have a fruit pouch, then took him to his crib. Whining continued, but for about 3 mins. until he passed out. Which is a record! Now, this he only does to me, because if Daddy lays him down, he just goes to sleep, no fight! It's crazy, he does me so wrong! When he's napping I rest & finish laundry (yes, laundry is an all day task, washing, drying, crying cause it never ends, folding, & putting it all away).

2:30-3 Lunch! Nothing fancy, usually some sort of chicken, if he'll eat it today... & a  pouch so I can get some veggies into his little body. Today lunch was a disaster. When he woke up from his nap he was a Grouch. His nap lasted from 1:25-3. He was crying real tears for some reason... My guess, he's still sleepy, do you think he'd go back to sleep? Of course not! Soe he cuddled on me for a while, didn't want his nuggets, didn't want his juice. Crying continued. Finally he ate his nuggets, while sitting on my lap. Some days, you got to go with what works. My cleaning is usually done by now, except the folded laundry staring at me waiting to be put up. So after his lunch that happens (I eat lunch while he naps). 

3-6 He does his own thing, making a mess playing with blocks, or some toy in his room. Or in the living room attacking his basket of toys. I try to get off my feet again. Not always easy, soon as Momma actually gets to sit down on the couch, he's usually crawling all over me like I'm a jungle gym. Not very comfortable these days with the 7 month old in my womb. So after about 30 mins of that and me getting annoyed with it, I go prep dinner. I also got the bills & budget for the pay period set up today. Daddy comes home around 5 (YAY! now I get a REAL break! because by now I am in true MOMBIE mode, looking like an exhausted bum. SO sexy for hubby!)

I forgot to mention cleaning up his messes throughout the day. This is the 2nd time today he's pulled all his clothes out the dresser. Happens a few times a week. I'm about to duct tape it shut!

6 pm is Dinner time for Toddler. We eat with him usually, sometimes later. After dinner he plays more with Daddy. Because I'm escaping to the shower! 

8 pm is BED TIME!!! He sleeps through the whole night thankfully! Me, not so much these days baby boy is growing so much making me more uncomfortable, plus fighting leg cramps or indigestion. But thankfully we both get what we need to face the next day!

The rest of the week keeping him entertained, safe, fed, and happy is top priority. But we get out of the house, to the park, library, to the grandparents, or whatever else we can find to do with ourselves! It is a lot and some days can be overwhelming. Especially if He's not in a good mood. Or I'm not feeling good from pregnancy. But we get it done, every single day! This all may sound very easy to some, or exhausting to others. For me now, it's normal & easy. When the new baby is here. I'm sure it'll be total chaos for a while until we all get on a united routine. So I'll enjoy this little bit of calm, if you can call it that, for now!

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Bonus Mom Life

I've always, always wanted children. But, I never expected to be a "Bonus-mom" (I never have liked the label step-mom or dad, Movies & TV give them such a bad rep). I actually had a rule that'd I'd never date a guy who had kids already. Then here came my  husband, & he swept me off my feet & changed my mind & heart on that rule, forever.

When I first met his children, they were 8 & 4 years old. That's a very young age for all the adjustments in their life they were facing, and would continue to face. 

When you decide to meet someone's kids, I feel you need to be sure that you and their parent are going to last. If I wasn't head-over-heels in love, & knew that we were going to one day be married, I wouldn't have felt comfortable meeting his kids! I don't think it's fair to the children to have people in and out of their lives. I wouldn't want to come into their lives, that were already changed from their normal, to not be a permanent part of it. My husband felt the same way. So when we did finally meet it was a sure thing. We got married Aug, 2014. 

The arrangement my husband has with is Ex, is that we have the kids every weekend during the school year, and during summer break it flip-flops, & they're here all week with us, then weekends with their Mom. At first this was all so new to me. & I will be honest, a little over-whelming. I've never been around kids. Ever. I'm an only child. I had my cousins growing up, one cousin in particular, that felt like a sister, but we still didn't see each other everyday. I had never held a newborn. Only changed 1 diaper in my life. And here I am, BOOM a Mom, with two kids who are, thankfully past diaper age, but still very dependent on the parents for everything. 

With them only being with us on weekends to start, my son thought that I was only there on weekends too, when he was there, he didn't quite get the concept for a while that Daddy & I were married, & I lived there full-time. It took a while for that to sink in. He actually used to hug me and tell Daddy I was his girlfriend.  So there were some issues with him listening to me, and showing respect. But this is where my amazing husband comes in. He's an awesome Dad. He has always talked to them if there's been any issues or concerns that came up. He's on top of it. In this particular situation he would tell his son he has to listen to me just like he does his mom, grandma, even a teacher at school. Because I'm his parent too. 

Our daughter being 8, obviously understood what was going on. I know it's been a hard, emotional thing for her to see her parents not together, and both remarried to new people. She is such a strong little girl. She took to me pretty easily. Very respectfully. I love her for that, because I know it couldn't have been easy. She was surely more reserved at first than she is now. That was fine! I knew I'd never push myself on them. I wanted them to get to know me for me, and love me in their own time. I didn't want to come in and smother them. Like I said, it's a huge adjustment for all.

You're in this together. All these new adjustments aren't just happening to the Bonus Parent. It's happening to the whole family. The biological parent should always be there to help & make sure that everyone is being respected, the kids & the parent. It cannot be one-sided. If they just sit back and don't correct the kids, or let the new parent feel like they're inferior to the kids, it's gonna make things so much worse. If the Bonus Parent, suddenly doesn't step up and help with the kids, or is overly mean and treats the kids wrongly. This has to be addressed too. You knew your significant other had kids before you got married. You knew it was going to be a lot of work. It doesn't all of a sudden change, it actually gets more complicated. You can't just give up & have a  "They're not my kids" attitude. Because yes, yes they are! You love their parent, that's why you got married, how could you not love the kids, they're a part of him/her. They're here because of them. The only way they should be treated, is as if they are your own, because THEY ARE! The Biological parent also shouldn't belittle the Bonus Parent, and act as if their opinions don't matter, because "They're my kids". When you got married, you chose to share your kids with your new husband/wife. Share the parenting. Share the love. If you couldn't do this, you shouldn't have got married.

I have been blessed with two amazing kids, and they have made this transition overall pretty easy on me. And I hope I have for them as well. 

When it comes to their Mother, we don't communicate too much. Her & Hubby communicate on any matters concerning the kids. Once in a while we may send a message  to each other pertaining only to something that involves the kids. But that's really all. I'd never overstep her as a Mom. There's no underlying hard feelings. I don't really know her. I don't really need to. I know that her kids love her & think she's an awesome Mom. That's all I need to know. I would never speak badly of her to them, which is something that should never be done. Could you imagine being a child, and hearing a Bonus Parent bad mouthing their Mom or Dad? Or the Mom or Dad, putting down the other? Whatever happened between you and the kids mom/dad in that marriage, is between you and that person, you're kids should not be involved in your emotions what-so-ever. Especially when you're both good parents doing your best, with your new life. Like I said it's an adjustment for all that is involved. Make it a smooth one. 

We are going on 4 years married now. She is 11, and he's 7. Changes are still being made in their lives. In 2015 we found out we were pregnant with our first son. The kids... thrilled! Which warmed my heart so much. They could not wait to meet him!

He's now 18 months old (1.5years for you folks who don't like the age, by month). They all love each other. A couple nights ago, they were doing FaceTime and little man got SO excited to see his Bro & Sis. It was the cutest thing ever! I could've cried. I am so glad they all have this bond. I can tell he misses them when they're not here. Once they come through the door on Friday he's a happy little guy! She helps out so much with him, & he chases his big bro around every where he goes! (mainly to wrestle with him... *eye rolls* boys) I know as he gets a little older, the days they leave will probably be hard on him. I'm not looking forward to that. You wanna hope in your mind that since this is what he's known from birth he'll be used to it. But I don't think he will be. It also may become harder on them. We'll cross that bridge when we get there!

Now, for the final change (hopefully). We found out in in 2017 we're gonna be welcoming Baby #4 to the family. I didn't expect them to be SO excited! I was actually taken back, their reaction was amazing, what anyone would've wanted. We were hoping for a baby girl, but we got another healthy boy. This my girl wasn't too excited about at first, but she's accepted now, she's gonna be outnumbered. I've told her, it's just more guys to look out for her! I am glad to have known them before I actually birthed kids. It gave me an insight on how kids function. But it was still a totally different ball game, being that I had a 7lb 8oz helpless little being to cater to. You think you're prepared but you never really are, but it was nice to have some experience under my belt.

If you're going to be a Bonus Parent soon, just know you CAN do this! It's not at all easy. But it gets easier. There will be ups & downs. But that's with EVERY family! Blended or not. Family is work! You're a bunch of different people growing & changing together. Different emotions, different feelings, different attitudes & opinions! But with practical wisdom, & a good family support system, with you ALL working together for the common goal of keeping the kids happy and the family at peace. There's nothing that cannot be handled! It's the most rewarding, loving work there is. Embrace the adjustments, don't take things to heart. Do your best, and they will love you for you.

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