It's been a day.

Hey all, it’s been a little while! 

First of all, I have to give props to full-time bloggers; this is WORK, y’all. It’s not easy to sit down (especially with a little one rolling around everywhere) and bump out a blog post. So, if you’re reading this and you’re a blogger, YOU GO, FRIEND. 

We got back on Saturday from a week in the Outer Banks, my all-time favorite place to veg out for a week and just relax and unwind. I had a massive to-do list before we left (which included editing photos from an entire wedding), but I needed the break. Full-time momming has proven itself to be a serious challenge for me lately, as we have a teething, non-napping goober on our hands, plus a needy pup who has yet to warm up to poor Oaklyn (who totally loves her). 

I had plans to post a few blog posts over the last 2 weeks, and every time I went to sit down and write them, I’d have to change a diaper or comfort a screaming baby, and the days turned in to weeks, and the rest is history.

But you know what? Today I had a pretty rough day, and I decided to take 20 minutes to hand the baby to my husband and sit down to process it all. 

We all have those days, right?

It’s rainy and gloomy outside, which automatically switches me into a very impatient and irritable version of myself. Then between getting myself ready, getting Oaklyn ready, and trying to care for the dog this morning, I managed to be late getting out the door to my FIRST day of the Mom’s Group I joined at our church. Talk about a great first day impression, right? 

I came home after lunch with a long list of things I needed to do, which included going back out to the store (in the now pouring rain) to get dog food, which could have been done had I just finished my to-do list yesterday. And let me tell you, I still haven’t finished yesterday’s list. So, after an incredibly short nap, we headed out to attempt to tackle the errands.

Oaklyn screamed. She screamed all the way to the gas station, she screamed all the way to the store, she screamed in the store, and then she screamed for the 30 minutes I tried to get her to nap when we got home. Nothing was cutting it. We were both miserable, and in that moment I found myself wondering why I had to have moments like this on already gloomy days such as this one. 

Then the email came. In the midst of the screaming and tears (some of which were my own), I got an email back that I had waited for what felt like an eternity for - only this one wasn’t good news. I hadn’t gotten the job that I really hoped to get, and it just felt like another kick in the gut. I had felt so excited about having something that was mine. It's hard when you're a mom to find something that's just yours. Your life revolves around your child, and it's easy to let days (or lets be honest, weeks) go by before you realize you haven't washed your hair, your nails are chipped, and the book you planned to read during nap times is now collecting dust on the shelf. We all need a thing. And in my mind, this job was it. 

 I felt like I literally couldn't catch a break. Why do the worst things come when it’s raining? As if the rain doesn’t bring us down enough? Or do the things that happen on rainy days just feel that much worse? Who knows. 

But it’s so funny how as a mother, those moments melt away as soon as your child calms and smiles and coos at you. She nursed, napped on my chest, and woke top an hour later a whole new baby. I forgot how miserable and excruciating the last 3 hours had been. I didn’t care about the job anymore. I remembered my purpose. Life was fine, and my earlier meltdown seemed so unnecessary. 

She looked up and smiled at me like she knew I needed it. And sometimes, that’s all we need to remind us that we’re enough, that we were chosen to be our children’s parents for a reason, and that we’re doing okay.

And how can you really stay frustrated when you’re looking at this? 

 

10 Baby Must-Haves For the First Time Mom

When I was pregnant, I scoured the internet for tips and tricks and do's and don'ts, and I tried to absorb way more information than I could actually store in my brain about how to prepare for baby. Once our baby girl was born, half that stuff went out the window, and I figured out on my own reeeeeal quick what would and wouldn't work for me (sorry for all the returns, Target). So, I went ahead and compiled a quick list of things I've found that I couldn't go without, and I hope it helps you when deciding what you (really) need for your own babes! 

Backpack Diaper Bag

This is an absolute lifesaver/ back saver. I am totally that person who always has way too much stuff in my diaper bag, so having a backpack is perfect. It balances me out so i’m not juggling a baby in one hand and a bag in the other, and it has stroller clips on it so I can always easily access it right in front of me while we’re out and about. Below is a photo of the one we have, and it’s a super flexible and sturdy material, and the side pockets are insulated! It’s been great for summer to just throw on my back when I’m also juggling pool stuff, the babe, the dog, and whatever else I almost forgot to grab on my way out the door. 

A Travel System

I had no idea how many stroller options there were out there. I mean really, how is the market that saturated with strollers in such an insanely large range of prices. It’s truly ridiculous. At the time we were ordering ours, I really went with a travel system based off of friends recommendations and the fact that it was easier to just order it all in one place. But now I’m finding that I am SO happy we went with it because it’s truly all-in-one. We won’t have to buy another stroller until we eventually have to upgrade to a double in the future, and it’s so great to have a three-wheeled one for easy steering, especially when I have the dog in tow. It even has a sun shade that covers her whole carseat, so I don’t have to worry about her skin getting too much sun if I’m out for a walk or we’re out and about all day. 

Solly Baby Wrap

A very kind soul gifted this wonderful invention to us, and it’s seriously amazing. The fabric is incredibly lightweight so I don’t ever worry about the baby overheating on hot days. It’s also easy to tie and not as bulky as other carriers, so I can tie it before we leave and even wear it in the car, saving time once we’re out! It was especially wonderful when Oaklyn was a newborn, it was so nice because she was still a little small for the regular carriers like the Infantino and Baby Bjorn ones. She slept SO well in it, and I could bundle her all in just like she was back in the womb. She digs it. 

     

Baby Beach Tent  

Did you know that babies can get sun burn from the reflection off of the sand at the beach? Yeah, me either. But they can. So when we were prepping for vacation, the first purchase I made was a UV-protective tent. Poor babe has my fair skin, so I’m not taking any chances this summer while she’s still too little for sunscreen. I’ve found that it’s so great for every day outside use as well, and she’ll just hang out in it by the pool or while I'm outside gardening. It’s been a major help for keeping the bugs away, too! This one has an awesome bug net, so it’s perfect for any time of day! There’s also a toddler/multi-kid sized one here. 

   

Aveeno Baby Lotion

I LOOOOVE this lotion. It is so moisturizing on baby’s skin, but doesn’t leave it feeling sticky (which is a major plus when you’re trying to get a wiggly 4 month old in her jammies after bath time). I also love that it’s got oatmeal in it, which is really great for soothing dry, itchy skin or even sunburn. I worry about how sensitive my baby’s skin is right now, so having a lotion with such amazing ingredients in it is a must. I use Aveeno products myself, so it’s great to use a name I can trust for my whole family! 

This amazing swaddle!

I got this one FOR FREE just by doing a baby registry through Amazon! I take it everywhere. It’s thicker than a lot of muslin swaddles, so now that we are out of the actual swaddling phase, I find that it’s a perfect blanket to have on hand for if it gets chilly in the evening, if I want to lay her down somewhere, if I need a more breathable nursing cover for hot days, or if I just need a backup spit cloth. It’s super lightweight and easy to fit in my diaper bag, and I never leave home without it! 

Dock a Tot 

Since the day we brought Oaklyn home from the hospital, she has slept in her Dock a Tot. We liked the idea of co-sleeping, but felt nervous after reading so many warnings against it. The Dock was a perfect solution so that we could have Oaklyn in our bed with us, but did’t have to worry about rolling over on to her, or the dog laying on her while we were sleeping. It also made transitions to new sleeping environments much easier. We have taken it to Massachusetts, Pittsburgh, and it’s where she’ll sleep when we go on vacation in a couple of weeks. It’s easy to travel with, and the pillow inserts zip out so you can toss the whole cover in the wash! It’s been a total lifesaver, and it’s so great to know that no matter where we are, she’ll sleep well if we have it! I also love that they have 2 sizes, so if you decide you just can’t live without it as you baby grows, it’s easy to upgrade for the toddler years. 

   

Sofie La Giraffe 

We’ve just started entering into the pre-teething phase, so Sophie has been around A LOT lately. She is Oaklyn’s constant carseat companion, and really keeps her occupied on longer trips. But even before teething, I liked that she was rubbery, so as Oaklyn is learning to hold and grasp things, she can hold on really easily. She is made of a non toxic rubber and painted with food grade paint, so I don’t have to worry about her chewing away all day, and the rubber is so easy to clean off at the end of the day! You can find Sophie here or here. 

The Wonder Weeks app 

This app is AMAZING. Ethan and I are constantly googling when Oaklyn will do this and that, and this has completely changed the game. With breakdowns by the week of when to expect changes in behavior, new skills, and how to know if we’re on track, I don’t find myself ever worrying that she isn’t developing normally or isn't learning things at the place I think she should be. You can also add multiple children in the app, which I think is a really nice touch. 

They have a book, too! You can find it here. 

                                             

Honest Company Hand Sanitizer spray 

I was never weird about germs until I had a baby. Now I find myself constantly washing or sanitizing my hands. This spray is AMAZING. I have the lavender one, and it’s one of the only scented hand sanitizers I’ve found to not leave my hands feeling coated in sticky film and not actually clean. It’s so light and fresh smelling, and it’s always in my diaper bag for constant use. I really love that it's a spray, so I feel like I don't need to use as much product at once and it lasts much longer! I snagged mine at Target for only a few bucks! 

If you're a new or expecting mama, are any of these on your list? 

If you're an experienced mama, what's a must-have item you can share with the rest of us? 

Drop a comment below! 

Until next time, friends! 

-Bethany 

Oaklyn Mae: 4 Month Update

  

It’s been 4 months (woah) since we welcomed our perfect Oaklyn Mae into the world. The past few months have gone by insanely fast, and I’m loving soaking up every milestone and every moment with her. Watching Ethan become a father has been a magical time in itself, but now that Oaklyn is learning to do things and interacts with us, it’s even more fun to watch him with her. Ladies, if you think you love your husband now, just WAIT until he fathers your children. It’s really amazing how instinctual becoming a parent is, and going through this process together has proven to be both challenging and incredible all at once. 

  

Oaklyn is doing SO many new things this month! 

She loves her playmat, and grabs at the toys on the mobile, and since she’s found her feet, she loves to kick at them too! She has rolled over a few times (although it’s not consistent, so i don’t think she really knows how to roll yet.) She also started laughing, which is basically our favorite thing ever. She’s become incredibly vocal and constantly makes noises and talks to us (and herself). We started going to the park a few times a week, and she loves to lay on a blanket and look at the trees and people. 

She is insanely squirmy and strong! She loves to stand up and move her legs around. We’re currently working on getting her to sit up, since she loves to look around at everything. She LOVES when daddy comes home from work, and she giggles at him all the time. Nala is finally warming up to her, and spends a lot of time sniffing at her.  

We take photos of her all the time (duh), and are more and more smitten with her every single day. 

This month, She took her first trips to Massachusetts and Pittsburgh, and at the end of this month, she’s have her first trip to the beach! We can’t wait to see how she likes it, since being outside is one of her favorite things to do.

Oaklyn Mae Ballantyne, you are so loved by so many people. We love adventuring with you, and can’t imagine our lives without you. 

4 Things I Miss About Being Pregnant

It’s the weekend, everyone! What are you all up to? I’m excited to head to the Peach Festival in Harrisburg tomorrow for some much needed girl time with a beautiful friend. I’m hoping to get some good photos for a new post next week! I’m really enjoying the beginning stages of blogging, and I’m excited for what’s to come.

I’ve spent hours compiling lists and writing out a schedule for this blog, yet somehow I kept leaving my first few weeks open and unscheduled. Maybe i’m planning for a time that I feel my blog will really “take off” or saving the really good posts for when I feel like the website is perfect. Then I realized, that’s just plain silly. I’m making this for me. For all I know, no one will ever read this, and I’ll have saved these posts for nothing. 

So i’m just diving right in. 

Pregnancy is hard. It feels like living in a constant state of marathon-running with a weight strapped to the front of you, while trying to suck down a double chocolate milkshake and eat a basket of curly fries all at once. I literally felt winded from washing my hands somewhere around week 36. 

 But it’s also the most wonderful, magical time. I’ve told my husband quite a few times that I’d stay pregnant forever, as long as I didn’t have to keep delivering and caring for more babies. Yeah, right. One’s good for now.

I have friends who absolutely hated being pregnant. And if that’s you, it’s ok to move on to the next post. I"m not offended. 

But let me tell you 4 reasons why I loved being pregnant and why I miss it (already).

1: Feeling little kicks and jabs.

Pregnancy can be so scary and overwhelming. When all you do is research and read and (try to) prepare for a baby for 9 months, it’s hard not to freak yourself out. There’s entirely too much information out there about things that can go wrong, making you doubt it’s even possible for everything too go right. I spent so much of the first half of my pregnancy in panic mode, thinking that I was going to bend the wrong way or cough too hard (hello severe paranoia. #firsttimemomprobs). Once I felt kicks, I also felt a sudden peace. Those movements were how I relaxed myself. When i wasn't sure if she was ok in there, I drank some juice and she woke right up, giving me a little nudge and telling me she was alright.

2: Loving my body. 

There was nothing more exciting than putting on an outfit, and really looking pregnant. Not full of breakfast burrito; actually pregnant. For me, it was right around 20 weeks that I looked at myself in the mirror and loved the new belly I was sporting. All of a sudden I was all about the fitted clothes and taking weekly bump photos. I loved this new body, and I loved watching it grow a little person. Some of my absolute favorite photos of myself are from when i was pregnant. Pregnancy gave me such a confidence in myself that I never knew I could feel.  

3: Having that little secret between my husband and me for a few weeks.

We didn't tell anyone we were trying to get pregnant, so it was fun to be the only ones who knew for a little while. We loved sharing little looks between each other when it would come up, and enjoyed planning put how we’d tell friends and family. From the day we found out, we loved planning for and dreaming about the future. It was such an incredibly special time that I can’t wait to have again some day. 

4: Decorating the Nursery

I absolutely loved painting and preparing the nursery. It gave me an excuse to shop, and spend hours searching online for paint colors, decor, and any inspiration I could find on Pinterest. I enjoyed perusing the stores and buying cute little decorations for her nursery (sorry bank account), and once it was done, I loved just standing in the doorway, dreaming of what our baby girl would be like. Many tears were shed. Because, hormones. 

Fellow moms, what do you miss (or not miss) about being pregnant? 

Drop me a comment! 

-Bethany