Random Mom Must Haves

Just wanted to share a couple items I never knew I needed until I became a mom! They make life easier which is why I wanted to share them with all of you...

Viva Paper Towels - They are a bit more expensive than the others, but feel like cloth. Instead of using wipes, I use these to clean Rynnie off after ever meal. They are soft on her skin and she doesn't fight them like the other paper towels!

Garnier Eye Roller - Who knew 7am would now become "sleeping in" to me. I love this eye roller because it is anti-aging, but also has tint to it. You roll it on fast, it decreases dark circles, and you have no need to apply extra concealer. A must have - especially in the early months :)

The Mommy Hook - In one of my first trips out to the grocery store, a fellow mom spotted me with my stroller trying to throw stuff in the bottom of it and fumbling with bags. She let me in on a little secret called "The Mommy Hook." It clips on the stroller and you hang all your shopping bags from it so you can be hands free!

Dreft Stain Remover - My daughter takes the cake for being Queen of the Blowouts in the early months. Buy stock in this stuff. I lived in a shitastic world of dirty diapers and clothes for a long time. This helped remove any hint of stain!

Neutrogena Moisture Stick - It's pretty sad, but my armpit hair is now a good tell tale sign of when I showered last. Now that your getting ready time is non-existent, this lipstick is the perfect mix of lip balm and color. It's not sticky and quick to throw on. The shade I love is "Sweet Watermelon"

Lobster High Chair - This thing is a God send! We bring it with us to every happy hour and restaurant we go to. It attaches to the end of the table so you don't have to worry about random sized high chairs. We've definitely gotten our money's worth out of this one!

Nursing Wardrobe Essentials

So I knew I needed to expand my wardrobe for when I was pregnant, but I assumed I would be able to just wear my old (fat) clothes when it was all over. Not so fast my friend! I forgot that I would then be nursing and my wardrobe would have to now revolve around that!

Here are my favorite brands and items for your wardrobe when nursing: 

1. Seamless Nursing Bras - By far the comfiest bras out there. Perfect to pull aside and nurse with!

2. Underwire Nursing Bra - This bra was nice for when I had a dressier outfit on but still needed to nurse the baby if I was out. It also works if you are back at work and pumping. 

3. Deep V T-Shirts - These are so clutch and I still wear them every day. Have one in every color! I actually had a hard time finding shirts with a deep enough V that were easy to pull to the side and nurse. These ones from J. Crew are my fav!

4. Nursing Gowns - I talked about these in my Aftermath of Pregnancy video, but these are the comfiest things to sleep in and are perfect for lounging even if company comes over during the day. The nursing pads just slip in the top, so you don't have to wear a bra to bed - Praise Jesus. In the winter months, just throw a robe on over it!

5. Nursing Tanks - I tried a couple styles, but these tanks from H&M were the cheapest and ended up fitting the best! They are perfect to wear under any regular shirt. That way you can lift up your shirt and nurse but your stomach is still covered. I didn't get this memo until I sported a regular bra and let it all hang out at Mommy and Me while everyone else had these tanks with tops on over them. Now you know!

6. Pumping Tanks - My friend Jill recommended this Hands Free Pumping Tank instead of those popular white band ones. These are comfortable and keep the pumps securely in place!

2017

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year and share Rynnie's 6 month snapshots with you guys! As you'll see, taking these pictures is getting much more difficult...

2016 was all about baby. I took a six month maternity leave and let myself worry about nothing but her. But now it's 2017 and time to get back into the swing of things. Motherhood has definitely brought a whole new meaning to the term 'multi-tasking,' but alas the time has come. 

During my last trimester, I craved sweets and unfortunately that craving hasn't gone away. I could eat an entire watermelon in one sitting (which was slightly impressive, yet alarming) and a half dozen donuts. I sure wish I had the same excuse now!

I know it can be a slippery slope, so this week, I started setting my alarm an hour before she wakes up for some 'me' time with breakfast, meditation, and a quick workout. It's not about the weight for me, its about what makes me feel good, hence making me a better wife and mother. 

If you've wanted to hit the snooze button and grab a bag of Reese's at night like me, let's power through and start the year off right. 

My next post is a video about "The Aftermath" of pregnancy and everything you'll need to know about it. I touched on it in my last article for the Huffington Post, but will get deeper into it - oh goodie for you, I know ;)

Wishing you the happiest 2017 yet!