Momi Land indoor playground

We have found a new fun indoor playground here in Ohio that my two year old daughter absolutely loved!

There are two locations, one in Hilliard and the other in Polaris. They just updated their hours to accommodate for everyone and they are staying open later.

Their updated hours are Monday-Friday 9am until 7pm, Saturday 9am until 8pm, and Sunday 9am until 5pm.

Their facilities include large ball pits (one for big kids and another for babies), trampolines, kitchen play rooms, multi-slides and much more! They do require the kids wear Momi Land socks and adults can wear normal socks. Children above 4ft 6in. And/or over 8 years old.

You can bring prepackaged snacks in their public/break area.

Party packages! They have many options to have your kids party here as well, you can get in contact with them by calling or checking out their website. This would be a perfect place for your little parties especially if they are during a season that it can be chilly for outdoors.

Pricing to play

First child is $15 and each additional is $10.

Children under 1 are free with paid sibling.

Without paying sibling they are $10.

Parents are free, 2 parents per family.

Additional adults are $5.

Membership pricing

First child is $49 a month

Second child is $29 a month

Each additional is $10 a month

Memberships can be used at both locations.

Annual membership

First child is $199 a year

Each additional is $100 a year

You can check them out on Instagram or Facebook.

We will most likely be going back a few more times this year, she had so much fun and it’s a nice place to go when you want to get out of the house but the weather is not wanting to cooperate that day.

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The 2020 Elf On The Shelf

If you are an Elf on the Shelf mom like I am, we can actually make this year a whole lot easier. For the first 14 days you do not have to run around like a crazy lady at 4 a.m. trying to figure something out because you forgot to move that damn elf. Last year was my first time doing it and it was rough. Even with Pinterest, I was on a major struggle bus a week into it.

This year I have done some research on different easy ways to set up the Elf on the Shelf. I am sharing them with you on here and if you have any other ideas, I would love to read about them in the comments.

The arrival of the Elf

So since COVID is still here and rising once again, I saw this going through Instagram one day and thought it was amazing and had to share with all of my mom friends. Since the Elf had to travel, he has to quarantine for 14 day!

Can you say “BRILLIANT!”

So if you are like me and bring the Elf on the Shelf out on December 1st, you will not have to move it for two weeks!

10 Days left!

You can’t go wrong when the Elf brings treats for the kids! This is simple and easy, and you can even enjoy some of those kisses if you like.

Who doesn’t like a little hide and seek game? I would do this one on a weekend day so you have more time in the morning and not rushed to make it out the door on time.

This is such a neat experiment! I have been wanting to do it with my son but I am waiting until the Elf brings it now. This is a good one for toddlers and older kids.

This one is so simple! just grab a washcloth that you have already, wrap him up and put him in the fridge. Your kids will think this is so funny that he is hanging out in the fridge. Just make sure he is out of little fingers reach.

If you have a little one that loves this game like I do, then they will surely get a kick out of their Elf playing the game also.

If you want to do this or the flower one, using a baking sheet will make the clean up 100 times easier for you for the next days set up.

Who doesn’t love it when the Elf is a little mischievous? I think this is just too funny and I am definitely doing this one this year. It is so simple with things you already have around the house anyways.

If you have a little one that you know wont touch the Elf, then this is such a cute and simple idea.

If you are not doing laundry one day, this is so simple! Just get some of your kids’ other toys and have them going for a ride in the dryer.

When it is the last day, this is a cute and simple idea to say goodbye, you can even have a letter from the Elf saying bye.

Thank you for taking the time out of your day to read my blog posts, I greatly appreciate it! I hope that everyone has a fun and safe holiday this year!

2020 Black Friday Deals

This black Friday is going to look a whole lot different. There are many stores that are already doing black Friday deals online, I have decided to do some research and find some deals for all of you whether you are wanting to do online shopping or still go in the stores.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Black Friday

Dick’s Sporting Goods will start their Black Friday deals on November 18^th and they will go through 11:59 p.m. on Saturday November 28^th. You will have ten days to shop with them which is actually much nicer because in the past they would only do deals on Thursday and Friday only. The deals will run in store and online during the store’s opening hours. They will also be closed on Thanksgiving Day and doors will open at 5 a.m. on Black Friday.

Here are just some of the deals you will find with Dick’s Sporting Goods on November 18^th

Up to $1,200 off SOLE Cardio Equipment

Up to $200 off Schwinn Exercise Bikes

Up to $50 off Nishiki Pueblo Mountain Bikes

Up to 40% off select golf equipment

On November 22 the week-long deals begin, and here are some deals you will find during that time.

30% off The North Face

25% off select Nike and Adidas athletic footwear

25% off select Nike, Champion, Adidas, NCAA and NFL products

On November 26^th starts the 3-day sale and some of those deals include:

Up to 25% off men’s, women’s, and youth Sorel Boots

The North Face men’s and women’s Alpz 2.0 Down Jacket and Vest for $109.98 and $69.98 (normally $169.00 and $119.00)

I know some of you might not want to enter the stores and want/need the items quickly or do not want to pay for shipping. So Dick’s offers one-hour curbside pickup.

Costco Black Friday

Costco is having a Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. The Pre-Black Friday deals started on November 5^th and will run throughout the month until Cyber Monday on November 30^th.

They are also closed on Thanksgiving Day and opens at 9 a.m. of Black Friday.

Here are some of the deals Costco is having during this time

Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker Watch- $89.99 which is $50 off

Google Nest Learning Thermostat with Nest Temperature Sensor is $50 off

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.4-inch S6 Lite 64GB- $279.99 it is $100 off

Bose Solo Soundbar Series II- $139.99 which makes it $40 off

Macy’s Black Friday

They are closed on Thanksgiving Day and open on Black Friday from 5 a.m. until midnight. They have some deals that start November 16^th. All of their Black Friday deals throughout the store will start on November 24^th and go through November 28^th.

Here are some things that you will find during their sales:

$70 off Fitbit Versa 2 Watch

$170 off KitchenAid 5-quart artisan mixer

25% off women’s Uggs

Walmart Black Friday

Their sales will start online on November 25^th at 7 p.m. ET. You can order for your items to ship or do curbside pickup. On November 27^th, more deals start at 12 a.m. ET for online, and 5 a.m. local time in stores.

Deals starting November 25^th

These are ONLINE ONLY

New gaming consoles- Oculus Quest 2 for $299 and Xbox Series X for $499. In stock starting when the sale starts online at 7 p.m. ET on November 25^th

Nintendo Switch bundle with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game download for $299

Airpods Pro for $169

Apple Watch Series 3 GPS 38mm for $119 and the 42mm version for $149

Fitbit Versa 2 for $129

Vizio 70-inch Class 4K UHD SmartCast TV for $478

Roku SE Streaming Media Player for $17

Deals starting November 27^th at 12 a.m. ET online and 5 a.m. in stores

Google smart home devices- Google Nest Mini V2 or ChromeCast for $18.98. Google Nest Hub for $49.98.

Canon Pixma All-in-One printer for $19

Mainstays eight-piece comforter and quilt set for $35

Select kids’ bikes for $29

Target Black Friday

Target is having sales all month with new deals each week. They will also price match if it goes lower at Target before December 25^th

Sam’s Club Black Friday

Sam’s Club is changing their usual Black Friday sale for this year. They are offering a longer event called the Thanks Savings Sale. It will go for 10 days compared to their usual four-day event.

Here are some things that you will find during the sale

Fitbit Charge 4 for $89.88

iRobot Roomba e5 5134 for $229.98

Bose Solo Soundbar Series II for $139.88

Backyard Discovery Oceanview Cedar Swing Set for $999. That is $300 off!

Sam’s club also offers curbside pickup. Sam’s Club is also closed on Thanksgiving Day.

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I hope that everyone has a great Thanksgiving and stays safe! If your stores you shop at offers curbside pickup you should try it out! It is my favorite thing offered especially with having kids.

Holiday family activities

This holiday season is going to look a lot different than we are used to. If you have been wondering how in the world are you going to keep your kids busy and pay for this holiday season, It is time to get creative. I have thought about a few ideas that you can do with the family and I wanted to share with you.

Take a drive around your neighborhood

See everyone’s festive lights and then everyone can talk about which one was their favorite.

Holiday movie night

Get everyone together, pop some popcorn, and get cuddled up watching everyone’s favorite holiday movie

Make a gingerbread house

You can not go through the holiday season and not make at least one of these.

Make red and green paper chains

You can make these to hang around the house, on the tree, or even for a countdown for how many days left until Christmas Day!

Make gingerbread ornaments

You can look up a gingerbread recipe and make cute little ornaments for your tree.

Make a snowman, fort, igloo, etc.

If you live in an area where you normally get snow, try to make the best of it! Forts, snowball fights, snowmen, etc. are a fun way to keep kids entertained for hours!

Advent calendar

You can get inexpensive ones, and they are something your children will look forward to everyday until Christmas.

Go through gently used toys and clothes

Before the kids receive their new clothes and toys, have them go through their items to give to a child who could use it more.

Make cookies or other treats

Make some treats even if you do not want them in the house you can deliver them to your local fire department, neighbors, or other family members. Consider those who may not have family close by or have to work during the holidays.

Write a letter to Santa

If you have little ones that still believe in Santa, this is a great way to have them practice their writing skills with a letter to the North-Pole.

Holiday books from the library

Even with COVID, the libraries are doing curb side pickup for books so you do not have to go inside if you do not want to.

Have a slumber party

Kids love indoor “camping” so grab your pillows and blankets and have a cozy night sleeping by the tree.

I hope these come in handy for you and your family. If you have any other ideas you are planning on doing this year or what you normally do I would love to read them in the comments.

After birth must haves

It seems like everyone makes sure to prepare for the baby by making sure your bags for the hospital are packed, the car seat is installed, and the nursery is ready. It is rare that we think about what mom will need after delivery. This list I have put together is what helped me with my son and it is what I will be doing when I have my daughter. With my son I had to do a lot of research since I was a new mom and had no idea what I needed. This list is not a pretty one but it is definitely an essential one!

Numbing Spray- I used before and will use again Dermoplast. This is what the hospital gave me with my son and this time I bought an extra one so I wont run out.

Peri-Bottle- It will sting a bit when you use the bathroom after birth. This bottle was a life savor! You simply fill the bottle with warm water and spray while using the bathroom to help with the sting.

Nipple Cream– This is a huge necessity for breastfeeding moms. I chose to use Earth Mama’s Organic Nipple Butter (You can find it below in the link to my amazon storefront.) It is natural and safe for baby, meaning you don’t have to worry about wiping it off before nursing. It is amazing to help soothe, moisturize, and protect sore or cracked nipples.

Breast pads- I have decided to use reusable this time, I feel like it will be easier and help on having to buy them all the time. You can find the link below to my amazon storefront to find them.

Padsicles- If you put witch hazel and aloe on a pad and freeze it, it will help with relief.

Nursing tanks/bras- These are amazing if you plan on breastfeeding, it makes it a lot easier to snap and unsnap the straps. I also have these in my amazon storefront.

Water and Snacks- This is so important and so easy to forget at the same time! The baby is taking most of your nutrients, you need to make sure your not getting dehydrated. Keep taking your prenatal and have water by you at all times. While breastfeeding, your appetite will grow, so make sure you have snacks near at all times.

Haakaa- I wish I knew about this with my first. This goes on your boob that you are not nursing on and will catch the letdown so you do not waste any milk. I did end up purchasing one for this time around so there will not be any wasted milk!

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I hope you found this helpful! Please share with your expecting mama friends or postpartum mamas! I hope everyone has a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery and a quick and smooth recovery!

What was/is on your postpartum must have list?

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Checklist for third trimester

You are now in the homestretch, this is the time to make sure you have all your i’s dotted and t’s crossed. A lot of people think the third trimester just drags by but I honestly have thought it has gone by really fast with this pregnancy. I am 37 weeks today and they consider that full term! My first came the week of 37 weeks so I am making sure everything is together and ready this week just in case. I would be lying if I said I was ready and not worried at all. Honestly I am very nervous and anxious. I just hope everything goes smooth and with no issues. I have put together a list for the third trimester, things I have done and still need to do.

Baby Shower

Even though this world is crazy right now, you still should throw a shower and celebrate your little one! It is a great way to get most of the things you will need for the baby.

Pack your hospital bag

This was a lot easier this time around. I was able to cut down a ton of items that I packed with my oldest and never needed. The hospital provides more than you would think for you and baby. I have a post where I talked about what items are essential and what ones were not if you want to go read that.

Purchase items you did not receive at shower

If there were any “must have” items that you have not purchased or received yet, you may want to finish purchasing them. If anything is not a “must have” then you can always wait until after the baby is here just in case someone buys it for you last minute or after your baby comes.

Pre-register with the hospital

If you did a tour at the hospital you are delivering, you may have already done this. With the pandemic going on, the hospitals are not doing them right now so you may have to do it online. If you don’t get it done before you go in, it’s no big deal you can still go through the process at the hospital.

Install car seat

You will need your car seat installed for the baby to be able to leave the hospital. Make sure you and your partner know how to get the car seat in and out of the car. When in doubt, you can always take it to your local fire station and see if they can show you how to do it.

Wash baby’s clothes and sheets

Once you have all of your baby’s clothes, sheets, blankets, etc. you will want to make sure they are all cleaned using baby detergent. I use either Dreft or Purex for baby.

Assemble baby gear

Go ahead and assemble any baby gear that you have. I have been doing this for the past couple weeks to make sure everything is put together by the time she makes her appearance so we don’t have to do it when she is here.

Make arrangements for other children/pets

Make sure you have talked to someone about watching your other children/pets while you are in the hospital.

Download a contractions app

You want to make sure you keep track of this so you don’t go to the hospital too soon and get sent home. The app will make it easy for you to keep track of the 5-1-1 or 4-1-1 rule. Most second time parents follow the 5-1-1 rule. If you are having contractions every 5 minutes (or 4) apart, lasting for 1 minute each, for an hour, start heading to the hospital.

Choose your pediatrician

If you have not chosen one yet, you should start looking hard now.

Prep for your postpartum needs

You will want to be comfortable at the hospital. Postpartum is crazy and a huge adjustment that will require some things that you may have never had stocked in your house before. If you can stay away from having to run errands with a newborn the first few weeks, this is what you would need.

1. Nursing pads
2. Giant pads
3. Depends
4. Peri-bottle
5. Dermaplast
6. Epsom salt
7. Witch hazel pads
8. Aloe

Stock the house with food/Essential items

Like I said before, it will make your life easier if you stock up on things you need before baby comes so you don’t have to run anywhere with your newborn as soon as you get home. Make sure you have dinners thought out, snacks, drinks, toilet paper, paper towels, etc.

Walk or workout

As long as your doctor says it is okay, keep working out and going for walks. Especially in this trimester, the more active you are the easier labor will be. It also helps in the end to help move baby down the birth canal faster. Giving birth is very exhausting mentally and physically so the more active you are during pregnancy the better the big day will be for you and baby!

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That’s my list! I am sure there are a thousand more things that I could put on the list but at this point I am just making sure to check off the essentials since your little one will be here so soon!

What all did you do in your third trimester?

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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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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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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

My Second Trimester

 

Am I really already out of my second trimester? The time has flown by during this pregnancy and I have no idea how, hah. Today marks my first day in my third trimester and the day I go take my glucose test.

Everyone has a different experience and every pregnancy is different. I know between this one and my first, they are night and day!

My second trimester has been by far the best weeks! I had energy (until the last week) and I could actually eat again. As I sit here and write this she is currently doing flips into my ribs. Thanks baby girl! This was by far my favorite thing about this trimester. With this pregnancy I was able to feel her a lot earlier than I did with my son, and my husband and son were actually able to feel her move sooner than we did with my son. She is a very active baby, WAY more active than her brother was in the womb! It does not matter what I am doing, she loves letting me know she’s in there and I am 100% okay with that!

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Here are some symptoms I had in the second trimester.

Leg Cramps/Tightness- These started the later in the day and I just felt like I couldn’t stretch good enough. I would have my husband rub them and it would help but come back a couple minutes later.

Back Pain- I had back pain that started in the late first trimester and it went away for a couple weeks but came back with force at the end of my second trimester. I have been cleaning like crazy every since this pandemic started, and my lower back hates it.

Sleep, What is that?- I use three pillows at night to help get me comfortable. The bigger baby girl has gotten, the harder it is to sleep all through the night. Like I said before, she is quite the kicker and flipper. She will wake me up multiple times a night with a swift kick to the rib or bladder, then I have to get up to use the bathroom.

Cravings?- This is so weird to me because I have not had any cravings with this pregnancy and with my oldest it was everyday I just had to have something.

Bleeding Gums/Nose- This is a very common symptom in pregnancy. With my oldest I did not know that and being a first time mom I took myself to the hospital one night because my nose would not stop bleeding and I thought something was wrong. Yes, this is a common symptom so do not freak out like I did!

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In all honestly, all the symptoms that come with being pregnant are not so bad when you feel that bundle of joy moving around. It is the best feeling in the world, even when they kick your ribs. I know I will miss it dearly when it is all over.

I cannot believe that in 12 weeks or less we will be meeting our little girl!

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Thank you for all the support! I really do enjoy writing these posts for you guys and I hope you enjoy them just as much.

What are some symptoms you are having or had during your second trimester?