Pep talk for new moms

You did it momma! You brought a beautiful miracle into this world.

I am guessing that you spent your entire pregnancy preparing for this exact moment. Even so, you are worried and overwhelmed. This world is crazy and seems too unfit for your baby. I get it, I am having the same feelings.

Obviously your story will be different from anyone else, but I wanted to write on some common experiences.

1.  The ideal parent in your head does not exist. Honestly perfect parents just don’t exist. There are many parents that you can learn from and they can learn from you, You will never meet anyone who just has all of the answers you need. Everyone is just doing their best and doing what works for them and their family.
2.  Having a baby is hard work. Newborns are adorable and exhausting. Lower your expectations of what you can accomplish everyday. Find a system that works for you and if anyone offers help, take them up on that offer!
3.  Great mom friends are NOT competitive.  Everyone has a little competitive nature in them. When you see a child hit a milestone before your child it can make you feel like you are not doing something right. Just remember that what you need are mom friends that cheer you and cheer you up. Surround yourself with women who are encouraging and you do the same!
4.  You are going to be judged. No matter what you choose to give your baby or not give your baby, you are going to be judged for it. There will be people if you choose to breastfeed that are against it or give you weird looks if you are feeding your baby in public. I have dealt with that with my oldest and I am sure I will go through it with this baby as well. There will be no end to the judging, you just have to ignore it. As long as your baby is happy and healthy, then who cares.
5.  Sleep when baby sleeps? HAHA! When someone tells me this, I just laugh. There is so much you can get done while baby is sleeping. Some days when my oldest was a newborn, I would get everything done for two days in one day and then try to nap. It was hard honestly because my brain just did not want to shut off thinking about everything else I could get done. Or just have some mommy time while baby is sleeping is amazing! The amount of sleep that you will learn to function on is crazy! Sleep while you can when you are pregnant. I have a four year old and another on the way, I love to relax and try to nap when I can.
6.  You will learn to only use one hand for everything. You will become a master multitasker. Babies do not understand that their moms need to do other things as well. You will learn to do everything with one hand. This might make you laugh but it’s the truth, I have learned to do things with my nose and mouth as well. haha. Invest in a baby carrier! It will be a life savor I promise. Especially if you have more than one child.

You have so much to look forward to including: first words, crawling, standing on their own, walking, lots of kisses, bedtime stories and holidays. For now, snuggle with that beautiful baby and treasure this point in time!

You are already an amazing momma!

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LETS CONNECT!

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Hospital Bag Checklist

Here I am at 31 weeks pregnant, thinking about what I should pack in my hospital bag this time around. I feel like with my oldest I over packed which is normal for me anyhow. So I have been doing some research on the necessities and I am going to try to stick with just those. I don’t plan on actually packing until around 33-34 weeks, but I do like to get the items ahead of time so I know I have everything.

Mom’s Bag

1. Birth plan- I personally don’t have one and I didn’t have one for my oldest, but if you do make sure to make copies and pack them.
2. Toiletries- Don’t forget these! These items include: hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair ties, shampoo, conditioner, loofah, body wash, chap stick, deodorant, glasses/contact lenses, flip flops for shower.
3. Comfortable clothes- You will want loose fitting clothes/ PJ set.
4. If you plan on breastfeeding, you will want to pack these items: nursing pad, nursing bra and shirt, and nipple cream. (your nipples will appreciate you)
5. If you want to bring your own pillows and bath towel. The towels in the hospital are not extremely nice.

Baby Bag

1. Car seat- You have to have your car seat to take your baby home. I recommend bringing it in with you, especially if you are having your baby during this pandemic, they might not let you go back out to get it.
2. Going home outfit- I am planning on packing two outfits just to make sure. Also packing a hat and a couple bows.
3. Pediatricians contact info- The doctors and nurses will ask you for this, just make sure you have it handy.
4. Do not bring diapers! They will have them for you. I am using a specific kind of wipes so I am going to pack wipes. If you are not specific then don’t pack either.

Partners Bag

1. Lots of snacks! You never knonw how long you will be in labor. Also it will be nice to have some snacks for yourself once you are able to eat again.
2. Pillow and Blanket- If you do not want to use the thin and small hospital ones.
3.  General Entertainment- Like I said before, you don’t know how long the process is going to be so bring something to keep you occupied.
4.  Change of clothes
5. Bathroom necessities

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Now that you are all packed, it will be much easier to grab the bags and get to the hospital quicker. I wish all the mommas to be a healthy and safe pregnancy and delivery!

What are some other items that you have packed or plan on packing?

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LETS CONNECT!

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A letter to my unborn daughter

This week marks 11 weeks left until we meet your sweet little face. Time is flying by, I am excited but also worried for you to enter this world during a pandemic. We are taking all of the precautions to make sure we are all safe.

When I saw those two lines on that test, I was so thrilled I could not believe it! I started crying from happiness, I immediately got your brother Kendyn ready and we walked to the library to get a book about being a big brother so we could tell your daddy the news when he got home from work that evening.

At 10 weeks on new years eve, we found out that you were a girl and we were so thrilled! Mommy is so excited to dress you up in cute outfits and bows!

I dread the day when life knocks you down because I can’t protect you from the world. Baby girl, Just remember to be who you want to be and never be afraid to alter your path. Even though I cannot promise you everything, I can promise to show you love in all it’s forms. I promise you are going to be born into a house full of love.

Yes, you are the baby, but that just means we have been waiting longer for you. Your siblings love you so much already, Kendyn is so excited to be able to teach you all kinds of things. He asks me everyday if he can teach you different things and he loves talking to you in my belly. You have four siblings that will help teach you how to crawl, walk, talk, give hugs, kisses and how to make your dad melt.

Even though the house is a mess, and the dishes are dirty, we promise that the kisses are plentiful, the hugs are warm, and you are very loved! I hope that makes you feel important, protected, and beautiful.
I will miss feeling you move around in my tummy and know that you are safe in there, but I am so excited to meet you!

Love you so much baby girl!

XOXO, Mommy