What’s in my Hospital Bag?

Three DAYS until we get to make our way to the hospital to meet our sweet little one!!!

To say I am excited is a complete understatement.. I have been dreaming of this day for what seems like forever!! I have our bags packed, baby clothes washed, bottles and pacifiers sterilized, carseat installed and meals prepped!! We are as ready as we can be :) We have one last date night, I get to do a mani pedi, and then we are going to get the car washed before our big day but other than that

come on baby James!!! 

Since having Jax there are a few items that I would leave our when packing the hospital bag and also some items that I would add as well. Here is my itemized list for the hospital bags including both mom and baby!!

Mommy’s Bag:

*Two Nursing Bras ( favorite brand linked HERE)

*A pretty robe. I happened to be gifted a beautiful milkmaids robe with a matching swaddle and hat for baby!! I am so excited to wear it!!! If you want one of these robes you can find them HERE) Just search under +mom: robes.

*Socks:  Like those thick comfy warm socks 

*A large water jug: I love the GIANT bubba cups. I love my Yeti and especially my customized Yeti but I would be so sad if I forgot it in the hospital due to pure exhaustion. The Big Bubba Cups are enough to hold a TON of ice and will definitely keep you hydrated. Plus if you do happen to forget it you can feel more justified buying another bubba vs a yeti.

* Nursing tanks and comfy clothes. The last time I was in the hospital I wore a pretty robe and a nursing tank underneath and thats it. It was to hot to wear pants and I was plenty covered up in my robe if I wanted to take a walk to the nursery so I didn’t bother with packing a ton of clothes. I did however bring a really cute pajama set to go home in complete with a matching robe!!!!

Pajama Set HERE

* Snacks!!!! Omg I was STARVING after giving birth to Jax.. I didn’t have him until 2 AM and by that time the hospital kitchen had closed. Thank GOD I had an amazing nurse who snuck me a turkey sandwich and had it cooling on ice for after I delivered. There is no hunger like giving birth hunger!!! This time around I am packing our yeti cooler with some turkey sandwiches, grapes, and pretzels for afterwards. A little post birth picnic for ya :)!

* Toiletries and Fluffy Towel. I tend to pack a large toiletry bag because much like the hunger I mentioned above.. there really is no shower like the post birth shower. It feels SO good to be washed and bathed from all that hard work you just did. I pack my favorite bath and body wash and lotion, a loofah, my favorite Kate Somerville face wash, serum, and lotion, chapstick ( DONT FORGET CHAPSTICK), hand lotion, face wipes ( neutrogena makeup remover), mascara, dry shampoo, a brush and comb, tooth brush and toothpaste, deodorant, and pony tail holders. I never wore makeup and truly why bother with it? Nobody wants foundation smearing all over their gorgeous and fresh newborn. Bring your own towel from home because the hospital towels are paper thin and like everyone and their mom have used them so.. ya know bring your own.

* Large body pillow and blanket to cuddle with. I know this sounds weird and maybe a little gross BUT for all you NEW moms there is this weird feeling after you give birth to your baby that tends to feel like your guts are falling back into place. Think about it! You just had this watermelon evicted from your stomach and all of your organs were pushed elsewhere! Once baby is out the organs slowly tend to fall back into place and it’s a bit uncomfortable. A body pillow helps alleviate some of that discomfort so I like to wedge one next to my stomach to help with that. 

* Cell Phone Charger Obviously.

*Baby Book or just the page for the footprint stamps

*Baby Bag: Inside the diaper bag ( if you even opt to bring the baby bag. You can always throw their stuff in your bag) I usually have three outfits. Two newborn outfits and one 0-3 just in case, a cute hat, sweet swaddle, baby mitts, and nail clippers!!! The hospital literally provides you with everything so you don’t need to worry about diapers, wipes, burp cloths, or anything like that. Also when you leave CLEAN HOUSE YA’ll!!!!! Insurance pays for those items so take everything including your mommy diapers and fun bathroom items :) 

Okay ya’ll I think that is it!!!!

I am about to have my baby!!! OMG!!!!

Birth post up next!

Easy Peasy Pasta Salad

During the hot summer months here in Texas I find myself not wanting to spend a lengthy amount of time in the kitchen during lunch.

 I am either outside at the pool, playing with my toddler, or running errands. I need something quick and easy that won’t make a mess in my kitchen. Often times, Sundays are my meal prep days and I just so happened to make a huge batch of this pasta salad to last me throughout the week.

Pasta salad is so versatile and can be made about a thousand different ways!!!! I love how easy it is to throw to gather and pop in the fridge for an easy lunch. You can enjoy it poolside, along side some crusty bread, or with a salad!!!! Enjoy!!!!

Pasta Salad

1 package corkscrew noodles cooked ( you can also use tortellini or bow tie pasta as well)

one jar of black olives sliced in halves

sopressatta ham ( sliced into cubes)

Italian Salami (sliced into cubes)

Provolone cheese ( sliced into cubes)

1 red bell pepper seeded, diced, and chunked

1/3 jar of banana peppers 

1 jar of italian dressing 

1 pint cherry tomatoes ( halved)

Throw everything together in a large bowl and mix well. Chill for 2 hours before serving...

It is THAT simple!!!

Happy Summer

James Lucas' Puppy inspired Nursery!!!

When I found out we were going to be having a second son I knew I wanted his room to be “ ALL BOY”. The thought “ Snips and Snails and Puppy dog tails" instantly came to mind and I set out on Pinterest to find how I could make my vision a reality.

 I knew I would use Jax’s nursery furniture which is the Larkin Set from Pottery Barn Kids. We ended up switching Jaxie into a different set of furniture ( Austen Set) and created a “ big boy” space for him

The puppy prints are from a designer I found when I was pregnant with Jax. The shop is called Tiny Toes Design and she can custom create ANY artwork you desire. Her shop is already filled with plenty of hand crafted pieces but you can request a specific design if you have something in mind. I wanted a “recreation” of our family Labs to have in his nursery since they are such a special part of our family.

I love the color Navy for boys...it is truly one of my favorite colors and tones to decorate with. To me, it really “speaks” boy and I knew I wanted both boys rooms to coordinate in some way so I started with my base color and threw in a pop of green and grey for something different then Jaxies room.

I decided on clean and simple bedding from pottery barn. I remembered with Jax we never bothered with the bumpers so I didn’t purchase those this time around. I opted for the sweet puppy dog sheet HERE  and the coordinating Belgian Flax Bedding found HERE Also the crib rail we used instead of a bumper is from Liz and Roo which showcases DARLING baby nursery bedrooms!!!!

After I purchased the bedding I set out on Etsy to find some puppy decor. I did not want his room to be over kill with puppy dogs so I decided on three elements to place the puppies in and stuck with that ( bedding sheet, artwork, and a throw blanket) so basically just little pops of puppies to make the space very boyish.

Both the snips and snails sign ( above) and the name lettering above his crib are from an Etsy shop. I cannot recommend The Rugged Pearl enough when it comes to personalizing name letters for a nursery! She made my dreams become a reality when I literally sent her a few swatches of fabric that I was wanting for the nursery. She is very specific with her pattern choices and truly made the letters flow. They look gorgeous in his room and I just love it!

One of my very sweet and talented friends’ mamas made both my boys a custom quilt to match their bedroom decor. Of course I had to have it monogrammed and the quilt fabric matches the letters above his crib!!!! This hangs on his rocker in the corner of his room and adds the perfect pop of green to complement his nursery!

I cannot wait to bring my sweet boy home into this space and enjoy it with him!!!

Pregnancy Favorites..Third Trimester Edition

WEEK 38.

So we meet again..

this may be the last time I have the energy or will to blog until baby comes so I figured I would type out what have been my favorites  life savors during this pregnancy. I plan on doing a post baby blog as well ( I typed one with Jax HERE) all about new mom favorites and nursing must haves. We will see what works this second time around..you know because just when you think you have this mom thing figured out baby number two wants to throw you for a loop :) 

Things are pretty hot here around week 38...in June.. in Texas

I am pretty astonished that I am able to easily slide all three of my wedding rings around my finger and also wear all of my shoes. The swelling this time has not been as obvious as it was with baby Jax...hashtag JULY BABY.

Some other milestones to note are that I have been sleeping like a CHAMPION!!!! With Jax I was so incredibly miserable by this point in time and I was up every hour to pee during the night. James Lucas only taps my bladder once a night and allows me to sleep dreamlessly in peace. It could be that he is allowing me to enjoy sleep now while I can because once he makes his debut PARTY IS OVER MAMA! I will take it while I can though :) 

I crave peaches, and cherries, and pineapple oh my.

I have melasma ( pregnancy mask google it) on my upper lip which looks like a mustache. I am constantly explaining to people that it is not a mustache making me sound like a total weirdo. 

All of my shoes fit and that makes me happy :)

I am still walking daily and exercising at Stroller Strides when I can muster up the energy to go. 

Now onto some of my favorite products for this pregnancy

1.  The Snoogle Pillow ( shop HERE) is hands down one of my favorite products this time around. When I was pregnant with Jax I really had a love/hate relationship with this pillow.. It seemed a little bulky at times and it really wasn’t fitting well in my bed. Well fast forward a king bed and a second pregnancy later and I am in love. There isn’t a night that goes by that I don’t cuddle up to that pillow and I totally plan on bringing it to the hospital because I’m extra like that.

2.  Coconut Oil ( Favorite brand HERE) but you can find this at HEB or really anywhere. I love coconut oil. It is a multifaceted product that you can pretty much use for anything.. I kept mine in the bathroom vs the kitchen because I use it for more beauty related things. I lathered this on my belly, took my eye makeup off with it, used it on dry cracked lips ( and also you can use it safely while breastfeeding during those painful early weeks)

3. Yeti Cup or Bubba Cup During my pregnancies I drink a TON of water. I am seriously like a camel when it comes to H20 not to mention nursing requires a lot of hydration. I find it really easy to drink a bunch of water when I have an easy access large cup at my dispose. I love the 40 oz Yeti but also the LARGE size bubba cup with matching straws. I think everyone knows about the Yeti’s so I will link to shop the Bubba cup HERE

4. Blanqui Leggings and Cake Nursing Bras ( shop leggings HERE and nursing bra HERE)
These are two of my staple pieces in my prenatal and postnatal wardrobe. The leggings are SO comfy... and once you have baby they hold everything in and are high enough to where nothing shows while nursing. The Cake nursing bras are so comfy you could even sleep in them. I love how they do not pull tight on the back and they offer a lot of support. Awesome products.

5. Vava Light ( shop light HERE ) This is more of a post pregnancy item but I have used it a few times in the middle of the night while getting up to go to the bathroom and it is AWESOME. This light is meant for middle of the night feeds and diaper changes..it is a very soft light that is touch sensitive and won’t stimulate baby ( or your sleeping husband unfortunately) it has a few multi functions with light sensitivity and charges just like phone would. Super great and affordable.


...Next post will be favorite baby products :)!!!!!!

Week 38!

Summer Bucket List

SUMMER IS HERE!!!!

We are thrilled for summer’s arrival and mostly because a new little one will be joining us in  just a few short weeks!!! 

Every summer and fall I create a bucket list to do with my family so we can keep things creative and fun!! 

Here are some of our summer activities I have planned!

** Side note** I decided to keep a mason jar around the house and add popsicle sticks ( I interchange them throughout the different seasons) so that its fun to let your kiddo draw one at random and feel like “ they picked the event"

*Parman Library ( local San A only)  offers a TON of kid friendly activities in the summer for toddlers-preschool age children. Bonus that it is air conditioned as well!!!

* Host a BBQ. I love having friends over to sip some wine and light up the grill..slice open a huge watermelon and let the kids play in the sprinkler. 

* Zoo Morning!!! It is so hot in the afternoons so a morning at the zoo would be perfect!

*Muffins with mama. Jax and I love to make muffins ( the easy no fuss kind where you pour a packet and mix some oil :)) and then drop them off at a friend’s house. I love this because it gives us one on one time, teaches a skill, and shows generosity by bringing them to someone else. 

* Splash Pad: Call up some friends and hit your local splash pad!! Pack a lunch if its around that time or snacks and stay a while!!

* BEACH! We will most definitely be making a few beach trips this summer

* Make Homemade Popsicles : Blend up some fresh fruit and freeze them!!!

* Pizza by the Pool

* Farmers Market: Brandon and I love to hit up the local farmers market, buy a ton of produce and then try and get creative with a dinner we can make with the items we bought. Get the kids involved too!

* Children’s Museum:  Find one local to your area! I love ours because it offers AC and is a great place for kids to burn off some creative energy!

* Host a playdate: Weather its with bubbles or sidewalk chalk, splash pools and watermelon.. or wine and apple juice:) Just get together with some friends and enjoy each others company!!!

So far that is our list!!!! 

Third Trimester Update!

Happy Friday!!!!!

I cannot believe I am about to say this but...

NEXT MONTH IS BABY MONTH!

WHAT!!!

Where did the time go??? 

I seriously cannot believe that it is almost time for me to hold my sweet second born...I am so grateful!!!

Here is a little bit of an update!

Due date: June 25

Baby is the size of a: I think Canteloupe

Total weight gain/loss: 25 lbs...eeek

Exercise: I work out daily with my amazing Fit4Mom group!!! According to my doctor I am a little more in shape this time than last.. WOO!

Stretch marks: Nope!

Swelling: Not yet.. but summer is quickly approaching and I am almost nine months pregnant...

Maternity clothes: Yes!!! My favorite places to shop for maternity are Pink Blush, Loft Maternity, Pea in the Pod, and Old navy Maternity!

Belly button: flat like a pancake LOL

Sleep: Sleep is seriously amazing... I am not sure I ever slept this good when I was pregnant with Jax. I am guessing I am so exhausted after chasing after a toddler all day and being super pregnant that I literally go comatose as soon as my  head hits my pillow.

Food cravings: I have had zero cravings this time around. The only thing I crave are sweets here and there

Movement: I LOVE feeling him!

Labor signs: no.. stay put until June bud!

What I miss: UM WINE.

What I’m loving: Im loving that any time I’m changing clothes or in a swim suit Jax races up to me to put his hands on my belly and gives it a kiss. It is truly the sweetest thing ever.

Best moment this week: It has become a part of our routine but my most favorite part of OUR* day is when Jax and I head to the park after nap. Jax with his juice and me with my starbucks.. I love to watch him make friends and run up and down the playground. 

What I’m looking forward to: 

Holding James Lucas!!!! Nursing again, and watching my boys love one another!

Month 8!

LIFE UPDATE

YES we are still alive!!! I have not sat down to write a blog post since winter.. 

it is now obviously almost Easter..

#slacker.

or #busymom??

Anyways!!! I am coming up on my THIRD trimester y’all!! This pregnancy is whirling by and I cannot imagine that I am going to be able to love on my sweet newborn sooner rather than later!!!!!! We have had a lot going on in this busy season of our lives and I am enjoying a rather full plate if you will of toddler activities, mom stuff, family gatherings, and lots and lots of house updates!

I have also thrown in a little cooking here and there and absolutely can’t wait to share my favorite PICO recipe with you :) You will LOVE IT!

So Life lately...

Life as of late has been going by a little to fast for my liking. If I could describe it I would say the days feel SO long in the moment but then by the time I lay my tired head down on my pillow at night I feel like everything happened so fast. I think that is life with a toddler..busy..never sitting down..always doing five million things at once.. “OH you need more juice?! hold on while mommy fills your cup, folds the laundry...”what’s that? You want more Mickey!? OK!!!”  - 

Jax is in the early stages of the terrible two’s except.. are the two’s really that terrible? I Hear it’s the threes that are downright devilish. Jax is definitely testing his independence and LOVES to tell Mommy no. which is hysterical and annoying all at the same time. He has an engineering mindset and is constantly taking things apart only to figure out how to put them back together. I love that. 

Jax has entered the stages of picky eating.. So many times I have friends on my Instagram asking me how I get Jax to eat these fabulous dinners I cook.. um I don’t?? I try and always offer but then if he sticks his nose up its a PB&J or Mac N Cheese for  the win!!! I have learned to not sweat the non eating stuff.. he gets plenty of fruits and veggies in the morning and afternoon.. by dinner if the kid isn’t into what mama is cooking I just call it a day. He isn’t gonna let him self starve...none of them will:) 

Pregnancy wise I am feeling GREAT! Everyone asks me all the time how I am feeling and I always feel like I should throw a complaint in here and there but honestly I feel amazing. Both of my pregnancies with the boys have been easy. I credit that to working out regularly and TRYING...I repeat TRYING to stay on a healthy diet. Girlfriend LOVES those weekly cupcakes from #BIRDBAKERYSA though :) 

** I passed my Glucose test! YAY!!!

Baby boy is measuring two weeks ahead.. we will go in for a scan in a few weeks to check on actual sizing.. because this was a *surprise* pregnancy I was not quite sure of the exact magical day so we are thinking he will come third week of June.. but he could definitely surprise us.. 

again :)!

I am BEYOND excited for spring and summertime to finally be here!! The pool is calling my name, the tanning SPF oil smells enticing, my plants are planted and watered ( daily)..for now..and blooming quite well!! I love splash pad days with J on a lazy saturday morning with coffee and a big ole’ smile! I love to sleep in and cook pancakes or muffins and not wear shoes outside..I love to be in the pool! I love when I get out of my car to walk inside HEB I am so hot that I need to instantly drink one of their random assortment of juices in the fruit section before I even checkout. I just LOVE summer. The beach and salty air, the towhead my sweet little blonde boy becomes..I swear his hair gets whiter and his eyes get blue-er during summer. Watermelon running down our faces and making home made popsicles. Yep its that time friends...

Up until now here is what we have been up to!!!

Jax loves to love on brother and it literally makes my heart melt!

A random craving during this pregnancy.. I have to drive to Conroe for it but I mean hey, anything for your kids right? LOL

I LOVE SA!

Buddies for life!

Fun at Fit4mom

My angel before church 

Life lately.. belly out.. no clothes.. jumping on the couch singing Mickey.. I may or may not have a coffee lying around somewhere

My new thing!! I am making floral arrangements weekly!! I LOVE fresh flowers..in my home you will always find three things: Music on, Fresh florals, and a candle burning. 

Snapper tacos with my delicious Pico!

Before pictures

Enjoy your week!!!!!!!