Baby.

Tomorrow, A Toddler

June 19, 2019 by Rachel 6 Comments

Tonight I kissed my last baby goodnight for the very last night she’ll be a baby. Tomorrow she will wake up and be ONE! A TODDLER! ??

This is a pretty bittersweet moment for me. I’m excited that we (pretty successfully) survived our first year as a family of 5, but I’m going to miss those newborn snuggles.

I also recently realized that I’m officially classified as a “seasoned mom” these days. People ask me for advice (though I’m quick not to give it) and my go-to message is this — Expect nothing and everything, all the time.

For instance, this photo shoot. I attempted it outdoors, and Meebs shot me down FAST. Then, during her nap time, I set it up downstairs. And she REFUSED to sit down. She was so clingy and as soon as I’d set her down, she screamed and cried and crawled to my lap. These are the best shots I got. And one of them has me in it (or at least my arm) ??‍♀️.

With that, tomorrow is a new day. And it marks 365 days since our family became complete. ❤️

Happy birthday, Mila Rose — Meebs. — Weebs. We love you a bushel and a peck.

Outfit courtesy of @reverie.gifts.xo — HANDMADE!

weekly mantra //

July 13, 2015 by Rachel Leave a Comment

I’d like to report that over the last couple of weeks my health has taken a dramatic turn for the better… but instead, it’s gotten even worse. My ‘morning sickness’ is being treated with 3 different medications at the same time, and I’m still throwing up an average of 3 times a day (on a good day). Luckily I’m not losing weight (I like to think that’s because when I can eat, I’m eating things that make my belly feel good — like carbs & eggs & other protein). So the doctors are not worried that I’m unhealthy, per se. It’s just been a life-altering experience.

I’m not myself. I can barely function to get off the couch/out of bed, let alone deal with a crazypants of a toddler. Or make it through a work day. Sigh. Luckily I have the worlds most understanding (and patient) husband. But we definitely both want our normal lives back.

So this mantra today really struck me. I’m not “god won’t give you more than you can handle” kind of girl. But this perspective — THIS! — this one speaks to me. I’m hoping the end of feeling less than human is near. I’m not counting on it, but my fingers are crossed.

And like I told Chad recently — the only reason I am *this* OK is because I know that all of this isn’t for nothing; it still beats the alternative of not being sick and NOT growing a baby. So that’s why I’ll take it. But GOSH it has brought me to tears a time or two (or 700).

the truth about this 2nd pregnancy //

June 30, 2015 by Rachel 1 Comment

My pants started to get tight prior to even finding out I was pregnant. Which totally made sense once I found out I was pregnant. However, that happens FAST with a second pregnancy! Dang! People weren’t kidding!

Morning sickness that lasts all day and taking care of a crazy ass toddler is hell on Earth. I know it shouldn’t last forever, but when you’re in the thick of it, it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I’m trying to figure out HOW my boobs are going to get even bigger as pregnancy progresses and then after delivery. HOW is that even possible!?

Speaking of boobs, I have to wear two sports bras — TWO!! — when I run.

And speaking of running, I actually have continued to run. With Ari, I could barely walk without peeing myself. But this time around I’m staying active. In fact, walking/running intervals has been the one thing that reduces my nausea. Walking is definitely the easier of the two. Sometimes running makes my stomach churn. Yuck! However, I have run TWO races since finding out I was pregnant — a 5k and an 8k.

I can’t put words together into sentences. Mom brain has kicked in mega hard and mega fast. I couldn’t remember the word WHEELCHAIR. Instead? Instead I called it “a big person stroller thing.” Yep. That happened. With someone who didn’t know I was pregnant. And I didn’t even know them well. Suuuuper.

More updates to come. Oh and blog posts that aren’t about pregnancy… Once I can get my pregnancy brain wrapped around the English language again. Ha.

Number 2 // January 2016

June 27, 2015 by Rachel 1 Comment

Surprise!

i wish someone would have told me

January 16, 2015 by Rachel 2 Comments

The original title of this post was “The unexpected parent,” but after writing it out, it no longer felt appropriate.

I wish someone would have told me that everything you hear about being a parent is complete and total BS. Because you really can’t put into words how becoming a parent changes you; deep down and in ways you never expected to be possible.

I wish someone would have told me that even though I never felt a strong (or even a little) desire to be a mother, I could and would be a damn good one. That the desire to be a mother isn’t necessarily something you’re born with. One day you may wake up a mother. And you may realize, “This is what I was meant to be.”

I wish someone would have told me that life doesn’t end when you become a parent. As cheesy as it sounds, life begins when you become a parent. OK, that’s not true either. Life begins about a year after becoming a parent — because the first year is survival. And survival is not a beginning or an end. It just… is. But then things get easy. And you just live your life… and wear your kid around as you’re livin’ it!

I wish someone would have told me that labor is horrific and that you may not have “love” at first sight. Many people I knew (and many things I had read) stated that when they saw their baby for the first time they cried the happiest of tears and felt a love like no other. For me that love took months. And there is no shame in that. From the beginning I felt an overwhelming need to nurture and protect him, but I wouldn’t describe it as an overwhelming love. Not by any means. And that is okay. Completely okay. It will come with time. Even when you think it won’t.

I wish someone would have told me that a parent has a lot of hard choices to make and that someone… anyone… will judge you no matter what your decision. So go with your gut. Do your research. And hope for the best. Cause none of us knows what we’re doing 100%. And all of us will make mistakes along the way. And ya know what? There is not one right answer to any parenting question.

I wish someone would have told me that every single one of us bribes our child at some point. Case in point: I recently told Ari that I would get him a cake pop from Starbucks if he just behaved in Target while I ran in to pick up a prescription. I had to get to the pharmacy before they closed for lunch to drop of the prescription so we bypassed Starbucks and went straight to the pharmacy. The whole way through Target he was yelling “caaaaaaaake paaaaaap! caaaaaaake paaaaaap!” Ha. So we went straight to get one and all was right in the world while I ran my errands. Thank Jesus for cake pops and Starbucks, am I right!?

I wish someone would have told me that there is no exact child development ‘rule.’ There is not ‘right’ way for a child to develop. If they are eating and thriving, they will catch up to verbal and non-verbal milestones in time. Don’t listen to the bullshit. Everyone will have an opinion on milestones. And YOU know your child. That’s it.

I wish someone would have told me that my relationships would require evolution in a major way. My relationship with my partner, my family, and my friends, would all be different. Not better; not worse. Just different. And I would need to roll with the punches of all of it; and to make the important ones evolve. And those who don’t will fall by the wayside.

Mostly, I wish someone would have told me that I could handle whatever motherhood would throw at me. That I’m versatile; that I’m tough; that I’m sensitive; and that being a mom is something that we can be awesome at without even knowing you were meant to be awesome at it.

So even if you’re finding yourself in motherhood, unexpected, know that you were made for this.

a few of Ari’s favorite things //

November 16, 2013 by Rachel 6 Comments

Moms-to-be & new-moms!
I have been waiting ONE year to tell you about the products #BabyAri and I have learned to love and the baby items we simply cannot live without!

Newborn Must-Haves:

Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets.
You might think “Dang! These things are expensive and cannot be practical or worth it!”
But the truth is? You will need these blankets. No other swaddle blankets will work.
The Babies R Us blankets?? Not big enough. These blankets?? These are perfect. In every way.

The Nap Nanny.
I knwow this product has been recalled, and I’m not advising against the recall.
But I can tell you that this thing is a life-saver.
The first time Ari ever slept at night, it was in this thing.
He was too tiny for it, and we wedged him in with a blanket;
but it was the start of a new chapter — the chapter of sleeping again!
So if you can find a used one on Ebay, DO IT.

Infantino Sash Mei Tai.
Vacuuming with a baby = bliss!
Seriously. this is the perfect snuggle-up carrier.

Bright Starts Portable Swing.
Ya know how those fancy Crade and Sway swings look SO awesome??
Well, they suck. Majorly. Big time.
Ours broke within 30-days of use. And apparently they have a record of doing that.
But our sitter uses this one and Ari LOVES it.
Next baby?? I’m getting this.

Nursing Mamas:

My Brest Friend.
This is the ultimate nursing pillow.
I thought the boppy would work, but it didn’t.
This pillow helped support his head and body
so that I could focus on trying to get my little guy to latch.
It was my “third arm” when I needed it!

Lansinoh Nursing Pads.
I registered & received two sets of Lily Pad reusable nursing pads.
But they itched like a mother trucker!
I wanted to love them. I really did. But they are not practical.
You leak, you itch.
Some things were just meant to be disposable. So invest in these, please!

Medela Pump In Style Breastpump.
Sighhh. My saving grace!
It’s no secret that as an exclusively pumping mommy, I need a pump that would be the best.
And this was. I loved it. Completely worth the cost.

For Mom:

Netflix.
Because you will be up at UnGodly hours with zero on the DVR.
Because your baby will want to sleep on you in uncomfortable positions.
So you need Netflix. Now.

Babies of any age must-haves:

Honest Diapers.
Fragrance and chemical free.
Adorable designs. Environmentally friendly!

My Pal Scout from LeapFrog.
This toy is a lifesaver!
We programmed it with Ari’s “favorites” + his name! Scout seems some catchy
(and annoying)
songs, but is totally worth it! It’s a distraction and snuggle partner for baby.
I’ve seriously bought THREE of these for different friends who have had babies recently!

The Tinydiner Placemat.
I didn’t register for this item, but I got it during my shower. I thought “really?? Will we actually use this??”
But truthfully, it’s been a lifesaver. I don’t ever freak out when we’re in a restaurant, because this suctions to the table,
throw some puffs/pieces of food onto the placemat, and he goes to town!

Yo Gabba Gabba.
This was the one thing that made Ari stop crying while he was colicky.
It’s our baby crack. Love it. Hate it. Live with it.

Cart & Highchair Cover.
This is actually the exact cover we have. And it is awesome!
We use it every single time we make a Target run (which, let’s fact it — is at least three times a week!).

ThredUp.com.
Baby clothes are expensive. And if you want cute ones that you don’t spend HUNDREDS of dollars on,
this is the place to buy them.
ThredUP.com is a resale site of brand name baby/kids clothes.
We have found the most amazing winter coats and Gap sweaters on this site!

For Mama + Daddy:

Go The F**k To Sleep.
The book.
Cause everyone needs a comedy to read when their kid isn’t listening and is screaming for hours on end.
Get it. For real.
That is all.
Ha.