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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

FIRST BATH WITH BAM | + | BOO TOWEL







     Our first bath time at home was a success! Funnily enough, Matthew christened us with his urine and had a bowel movement within the first couple of minutes being in the tub. We couldn't stop laughing at the fact that Matthew let it all go. His poop was all over the floor of the tub and it wasn't washing down as easily as we hoped. At this point, Riley was trying to climb in the tub because we told her she was going to take a bath too. Ben and I felt outnumbered by the obstacle of cleaning up after Matthew and getting Riley to stop trying to climb in to the tub. Our bath time looked like a scene from a comedy film about two novice parents trying to take control. Just thinking back on it makes me laugh. 







     After bath time, we wrapped our little guy in Bam | + | Boo's bath towel. We love Bam | + | Boo for their safe and soft products. The quality of the bamboo fabric is hands down the best I have felt and recommend you try it out. I actually stopped using baby bath towels with Riley, because I thought they were too rough on her porcelain skin, but this towel is anything but rough. I can wipe Matthew's skin dry without feeling like I am scratching him. The large size of the towel is another plus; I was able to successfully wrap Matthew comfortably without his limbs falling out and getting cold. I am so glad we have this towel to keep him warm and dry.










Monday, May 18, 2015

BREASTFEEDING 101: WHAT WORKS FOR ME








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     Breastfeeding has been one of the most incredible journeys I have been on with my kids. It has been such a blessing to be able to nurture them solely with my breast milk. I will tell you that it has not always been easy, but it has been well worth it. I wanted to give up a few times with my first child for selfish reasons, but I stayed committed and encourage all moms to do the same for at least one year. 

     I know for myself, I wanted to stop after the second day I nursed my first, because I had a few blisters and didn't feel comfortable with any of the 'holds' for nursing. A few weeks in to nursing I wanted to give up again because I hated leaking everywhere and I didn't want to deal with having tender breasts anymore. Then months later I wanted to give up, because I was tired of running in to the fitting rooms to feed my daughter while I was out shopping. I was also concerned about my milk supply multiple times throughout nursing, because my daughter would eat so fast and I didn't think she was getting enough nutrients. I especially thought my daughter wasn't getting enough milk after I pumped and was only able to extract 2 ounces of milk with my breast pump. 


     I was so concerned and worried about my first not getting the nutrients she needed and that is when I decided to do some research and trust her growth chart. I found out that breast pumps can not extract the same amount of milk from your breasts and they can actually cause your ducts to become clogged. When nursing, you need the relief of your child's jaw movement to engage all of the ducts to release your supply of milk. I also found out that our children get all of their nutrients during the first couple of minutes of feeding, so that was no longer a worry for me either. 


     As for running in to fitting rooms to feed my daughter, I got over the embarrassment of 'hogging' a room when she was about 6 months old. I was sitting in a fitting room and nursing her when I looked down at an old picture of her on my phone. The developmental difference was incredible and I was overwhelmed with joy; I was her source of nourishment. I was so full of thanksgiving and overcome with happiness that I made a promise to continue to make it to one year nursing. 

     In regards to the leaking,  I switched from nursing pads to cheap non-scented diapers to catch my leaking milk. I am fortunate enough to have a large supply of milk, but it really irritated me at times because I would become so engorged soon after feeding. I couldn't find shirts to fit my new bust size or bras that could accommodate my 'resourceful' nursing pads. I had to get used to wearing nursing sports bras on the daily because it was the only things that would hide the diaper.

     Sometimes you just have to let go of your own selfish desires to give your children the best life possible and for me, that was giving up on all above statements in order to breastfeed my first for a year and I plan to do the same with my son. 

     Nursing for a second time has been so much easier and everything just comes naturally for me this time around. I am able to trust my instincts so much more and not second guess myself. I like it so much more this time because I now know what to expect and how to adjust to the changes. Please feel free to comment or email me with any questions you may have. 







Monday, May 11, 2015

BAM | + | BOO KIDS CLOTHING & MORE
















Bam | + | Boo


     What is Bam | + | Boo? A Eczema and sensitive skin clothing line based in New Zealand. They use bamboo viscose and organic cotton to make breathable and hypo-allergenic clothes and more that wick away sweat. By using these materials, this means less irritation for those eczema flare-ups. Their line ranges from bed & bath time comforts, to clothes and skin care products.

     We recently became brand representatives for Bam | + | Boo and we love their clothes! My husband and I love the material so much that we want clothes for ourselves. We have never felt such a soft and cozy material before. There is a little rumor that they will be making bottoms for ladies! I will keep you all posted on a cute pair of lounge pants to wear out and about or around the house. 

     We put Riley in this black dress and paired it with their shorts on one of the hottest days to test their 'wick away sweat' promise and what they said is true! Riley stayed cool and comfortable in this black get up at the park on our sunniest day yet in New York and played like a champ

     Follow them on Instagram and check out their line for yourself! I would love to hear your response their products, so please message me and share your thoughts once your new goodies arrive. 






Tuesday, May 5, 2015

OFFICIALLY PASSED MY DUE DATE










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     Okay friends, I am past my due date and I bawled my eyes out for a good 20 minutes yesterday. I feel so emotional and on the verge of crying at any moment. I assumed that my second would come early especially with how active I have been, but I am utterly and completely wrong. This has been really hard for me and God is teaching me patience like no other. Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take". I have definitely found myself praying and seeking the Lord more in this season of waiting. 

     I think the hardest part for me has been the transition of moving and getting established at our new duty station. With all that has been going on, I kind of marked the coming of our son as a fresh start to a new chapter in our lives. I don't know exactly what it is that God wants me to see, but I am starting to keep my eyes open so I can gain new understanding and wisdom from this experience.

     These will be the last pictures I take with my baby bump. I am scheduled to be induced this week and will keep you all posted with pictures as soon as our little baby boy makes his appearance in this world as a disciple for the Lord.

Monday, May 4, 2015

BLACK KITTY DRESS: SHOP KAILEE'S KLOSET



















     We love sunny days in New York and we especially love our 'black kitten' dress from Kailee's Kloset! This kitty dress is the perfect piece in our little one's wardrobe and we received lots of compliments on this dress from many by-passers.

     The great thing about this dress is the halter top, which gives you the ability to style it however you want. You can tie it around your little ones neck or button the straps to the back of the attached skirt. It is a little cooler here in New York, so we paired our kitty dress with a shirt and cardigan to keep us warm.

     We feel honored and so thankful to be brand enthusiasts for Kailee Elise's Kloset and can't wait to show you all more of their cute outfits this summer. Keep a look out and follow them on Instagram.