Growing up Clark // second month edit

I CAN'T EVEN with Clark being t w o months old already. I swear the slower you want time to pass the quicker it goes. This month we’ve experienced predictable wake and sleep times, getting more social and growing like a weed. And the best milestone this month has been Clark’s personality, it is really beginning to shine!

Weight 13.8 84th% He gained another two pounds since last month. Squish indeed. Its so funny having a substantial baby when the past two were petite lil things.

Length 24.25 94th% I joked to Brian that Clark will be a linebacker and Brian responded with “no, too many head injuries.” Only my husband would worry about potential hypothetical injuries.

Oh the smiles. Guys, I am smitten. Those dimples are going strong. He has the biggest grin that stretches ear to ear and lights up his entire face. Photographs just don’t do him justice. Also, I have yet to capture one fully ;)

The laughs are starting to burble forth. They are pretty raspy and breathy and sound just like Beavis and Butthead but man it sure is cute.

I've had the bittersweet task of going through clothes already, pass the tissues, please. Clark is out of NB and depending on brand can wear 0-3 footed sleepers and sweaters and 3 month onesies and pants. For the short time he wore his bitty clothes I've gotten way too attached to them lol.

This kid deserves a medal because he actually sleeps at night! Now, he still wakes 3-4 times a night but he’s a quick eater and goes right back to sleep. But I think the best thing is he always wakes up happy and smiling.

We’ve been out and about more so he’s getting used to the car seat. It’s still not his favorite but he goes for longer stretches of sitting in it every time. The stroller on the other hand is a big bust. Does not care for that thing in the slightest. Guess its a good thing I baby wear the heck out of him.

My only question is, when will he grow eyebrows? ;)

   
   

New Mom hacks // helpful tips from a mom of three

After having three babies I feel like I have some stuff to share when it comes to postpartum care and recovery. And while I don't always take my own good advice (haha) I will gladly pass on the knowledge anyway!

Those first few days/weeks/months with a newborn is tough. Everyone is adjusting to the new normal (whatever that may look like) and your body is going through some crazy hormonal and physical changes, so first and foremost, give yourself some grace. 

Take advantage of freebies//

source

There are many wonderful companies out there that cater to mom and babies and would love to send you freebies! One such company is Parent Cabin and one I personally use. You can find out more about them here. Being able to sample products is a fun way to discover new brands and many times you are also sent a coupon for more savings. 

Physical recovery//

This is my main concern, being able to get back to feeling healthy and connected to my body after giving birth. It is a big undertaking, after all you just spent the last 9+ months growing a person inside of you, and along with that awesome role, things have changed accordingly. My stomach is still looking about 3 months pregnant and don't even get me started on my legs (yikes!) but slowly easing into any sort of physical exertion will be the safest way to go. I usually wait until after the lochia to start light activity (think walking the dog while babywearing) and then begin more physically taxing activities after my doctors approval at the 6-week check up. And that's where Aaptiv will come in!

Aaptiv is an online physical trainer that was started by a woman, for women and they have recently launched pregnancy and postpartum workouts!! Try a free one-week trial here. It's available for iOS and Android phones.

Portable "Stations"//

Creating portable stations for nursing gear and diaper changing really makes things easier. When the things you need are within easy reach it sets you up for success. I throw everything I need into a cute basket and then I don't have to worry that I forgot "xyz".  Give it a try and I bet you'll love it too!

I hope these little bits of "wisdom" are helpful! Enjoy that new baby first a foremost because the sayings "babies don't keep" and "time is a thief" are too true!

   
   

My Breastfeeding Kit {the essentials}

I take my job as milkmaid seriously. I also enjoy being prepared for anything and everything. So when I began my third journey with a newborn I got a bit wiser and put together my breastfeeding kit (bold); a cute and portable basket filled with all the items I may need for a nursing session. These are things I use multiple times throughout the day and night and having them within easy reach (especially at night!) has been invaluable. This post contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase using one I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Water bottle- you can never drink enough water while breastfeeding! I occasionally wake up with dry mouth and know that's my cue to drink more water!

Snack bar, apricot fruit leather- once you settle in to nurse, getting up for anything proves difficult. Keep some snacks on hand.

Nursing pads- no one likes to spring a leak ;)

Soothies Gel Pads- I like to keep these refrigerated for a cooler compress but any way they feel ah-mazing. Courtney gave me this tip which is genius- since you're only wanting to cover the nipple, cut each round into fourths to make them last longer!

Lanolin- to soothe cracked nipples (heaven forbid)

Vintage Honey Shop Nursing necklace- have a grabby baby? Wear one of these stylish and functional nursing necklaces to occupy baby’s hands so they can concentrate on eating.

Burp cloth (not pictured)- just in case!

Extras for baby:

Sun drops- our pediatrician recommended these Carlson Labs Carlson Laboratories Super Daily D3 drops and all it takes is one drop applied to the nipple to avoid the hassle of getting your baby to take them orally.

Nail clippers and nail files- since my son still falls asleep during nursing sessions I take the opportunity to trim and file his nails.

Boppy- this won’t fit in the basket but I cart this positioning pillow throughout the house.

Those are my breastfeeding essentials that make up my kit! Hope this eases some new mom anxiety and supports lactation!

This post was first seen on The Vintage Honey Shop Blog!

Linking up here.

   

   

Birthday Blessings {32}

On Thursday I celebrated 32 years of being alive. This aging business always puts me in a contemplative mood (surely I'm not the only one?)

I have accomplished some life goals. 

I have not seen much of the world being content in my own backyard. 

I have owned two cars. 

I have carried four children and birthed three. 

I have loved one man for 12 years and have had the honor of being married to him for nine of those years. 

I can count the number of close friends on one hand and don't feel embarrassed by that. I have more friends that I have never met in person but would love to given the chance. 

I require lots of sleep to function. 

I prefer books to tv and silence to hear my own thoughts but the sound of my children’s voices is music to my ears. 

I don’t exercise enough and I enjoy eating food way more than I should (that runs in my family). 

I am a sinner but by the grace of God found Jesus and came alive. 

I am blessed. 

Happy Birthday to me.

The boho maxi dress in this post was provided by Top Tier Style . If you would like to purchase your own use the coupon code BLOG15  for 15% OFF  everything in their store!

Linking up here.

   

   

Clark's baby announcements

All God’s grace in one little face 

There are no truer words! Aren’t these just the sweetest?! Thanks to Shutterfly for these beautiful cards! All opinions are my own.

And now I have a confession.

I am a bit embarrassed but this is the first baby announcement we have ever sent and this being our third baby. #negligentmomhere 

I have no excuses so instead I will rave about how easy it is to make one using Shutterfly. (Maybe if I knew all this 6.5 and 3.5 years ago the girls would have had ones made too ;)

Shutterfly has this neat little feature where you can upload your picture of choice and see it in all their baby announcement designs, instantly. Like magic you can single out your favorite designs within minutes, it’s instant gratification at its finest.

I also appreciate the Favorites section, by selecting the heart icon, any card of your liking will be saved in a separate folder for personalizing. I played around with a few different layouts and designs going as far as designing to the card insert (did I ever mention I’m Type A? Haha) and saving all of the “finished products” for later perusal and ultimately the narrowing down process.

I had some extra time to spare thanks to a timely nap and I imported my contacts so Shutterfly even addressed my envelopes for me! I’m feeling pretty smug about this as now 

I'm all set for the Christmas card season!

So, if you're a first time parent or a third time parent who is making their first baby announcement card, I highly recommend Shutterfly’s service! You won’t be disappointed.

Linking up here.