Time for a Confession

Yesterday I posted this picture of my boys.  They were sitting at the island eating lunch and having a good ole time at this moment.  

Some would look at this picture and think....

Aww look at those sweet boys have fun.  

They must get along so well.  

Man, I wish my day was going better, my child has been a grump.

What this picture doesn't  show is that Carson just got done throwing a 20 minute screaming fit before I got him up here to eat.

It doesn't show that there is shredded cheese and other food all over the floor below them.

That after this picture I yelled at each of them about 20 times to eat and stop playing. 

That their mom is trying to get her breathe because her dumb panic attacks were acting up.  

Pictures can say a lot, but not everything.  

I have to be careful because with social media, I'm always comparing myself to other mommas, my boys to other kids and it's because every day I'm seeing the good of others lives, their "highlight reel" as so many people are calling facebook and instagram now.  

After I posted this picture I had that feeling of guilt for making it look like we were having a great morning. And honestly it wasn't that bad but it was one of those that was an extreme roller coaster .  We were all up or down, and that is pretty much life with little ones I've come to realize.  But I just wanted to encourage all you mommas and even women in general.  Stop comparing yourselves and your lives to others pictures.  Pictures are merely a picture and can show happiness but doesn't always show the whole story! 

Preparing for a Little One Link Up

My friend Kaitlyn and I came up with a great idea that I absolutely love. 

As you know, Kaitlyn is expecting her first child. This can be so overwhelming and I know that other first time moms probably feel the same. She has so many questions and would love to hear the opinions of moms who have already been through this a time or two before.

Because of this, we are hosting a weekly series for a few weeks to try and get some answers to some of the most common questions.


We divided the series into two mini 4 week series grouped into questions Pre-Baby & Post Baby. The first mini series will be:

Friday, April 5: Registering (Everything you need to know, Must Haves, Don't Bothers, etc...)

Friday, April 12: Nursery Organization & Ideas

Friday, April 19: Packing For The Hospital: For you & the baby

Friday, April 26: Birth Stories (The good, bad, and ugly) / Birth Plans (yes? no?)

Let's get to it! Week #2-  Nursery Organization and Ideas

It took me quite a few tries to finally get things how I wanted in my first son's room.  In fact it's still changing  every so often because as they get bigger and their needs are different items need re-arranged.   Organizing babies room is so exciting and what makes sense to you before the baby is born will most likely change once he/she is here.  That's okay!  Set up the room, don't worry too much about it and once baby is here be ready to change a few things around.

Here are a few ideas in pictures!  Always better than words!

We have a changing table with drawers in our boys room.  The top drawer holds wipes, diapers and other necessities.  Similar to the one below.  This way all the items are right there when you need them.

www.neatmethod.com

We have always had a combination of hanging space, baskets and drawers.  Some items you will want hung up, others like sleepers, burp cloths, and extra blankets are good in baskets or drawers.  

http://www.kidspacestuff.com/blog/2012/02/baby-nursery-decor-closet/

Babies go through clothes so fast the first year, and change sizes quickly. This is a great idea to keep all the sizes separated.  

http://thestir.cafemom.com/home_garden/108537/nursery_organization_diy_for_babys?utm_source=pinterest

This is genius, wish I would have seen this years ago.  One thing you will realize with babies is it seems like you never have enough storage and you go through everything so quickly.  Great idea to keep extra supplies!

Get a bookcase or another type of shelving unit.  You will want some where for baby's book and early toys. At first we had a bookcase that was used for books and toys (we put baby toys in baskets on shelves).  Now that we have a lot more books it's filled up with just books and toys are elsewhere.

It's also nice to have because it's another flat surface for pictures, monitor and other items you might need a place for. 

http://rustsunshine.blogspot.com/2011/08/nursery-tour-part-ii.html

Enjoy organizing your rooms future mama's!  Before you know it your little one be in it!

Homemade Potpourri

A year ago, I got rid of all my Bath and Body Works Wallflowers that I was pretty much addicted to for years.  I went cold turkey. One day unplugged them all, and haven't used them since.  I also don't hardly ever burn candles unless we just really have something going on in here.  I made that choice for the health and true cleanliness of our home.  When I was introduced to Norwex, I started researching about lots of products in the common home and was determined to rid our house of all the chemicals I could.  I like to say our house is mostly a chemical free home but  there are still a few areas that needs some work.

Now that we don't use any air fresheners there are still those times when I just want our house to have a smell.  I have been seeing some Homemade Potpourri recipes and just had to try some for myself.

I decided to do oranges and vanilla.  I love the clean citrus smell of oranges and absolutely love everything vanilla so they should be great together right?

Here's what I did:
-I cut up 2 little cuties with the rind still on, put them in a saucepan.
-Then added 3 tsp vanilla.
-Brought to a boil, then let it simmer for the morning.

 It smelled wonderful and did fill the house with the scent.   I could really smell the vanilla.  I think I would even be just fine with boiling a little vanilla because that scent alone is like heaven to me.

What about you, have you ever made any homemade potpourri or something similar?

Tuesday Topics

This week we are on #6.

Onto my 6 favorite Things in My House

1)  My living room pillows

2) The kitchen island
I love having an island, always wanted one and especially love how big ours is.  Not too giant but plenty big for 4 seats.

3) Our master bedroom closet
excuse the mess, I love this closet, it can hold some serious stuff!

4) Jones decal
 It doesn't look that big in the picture but it's almost 4 ft wide

5) Boys canvases
20x24 canvases, the hubby painted for our boys shared room

6) Kitchen curtains

For fun I thought I would ask Matthew his as well
The Hubby's Favorites

1)  Headboard he made
He did a great job, he knew I liked sleigh beds and upholstered, so he combined the two by sanding  the top down to be rounded like a sleigh.

2) New lights
Our house had all gold/brass fixtures when we bought it, so at the beginning of this year we got new fans, pendants, entry way bowl, hallway, and dining fixture.  We found a collection we liked and got all the different versions for the appropriate areas.

3) TV mount
I didn't take a picture of this but our Tv is over our fireplace and we wanted a place to house the Xbox and other items, so he bought a mount with a movable arm.  The TV can come almost 2 ft from the wall, and swivel and pivot.  Then he put shelves behind the tv for all the items we didn't want laying out but wanted hooked into the TV.

4) Comfy couches
When we got our new house we needed furniture and our only requirement was that it have recliners.  We have found a set where every seat reclines.  It's oversized too and we love it!

5) Fireplace
We didn't have one at our last house and  this is one of the things that was on our wishlist.  Someday we will probably fancy/ modernize it up and get rid of the brass.

6) Jones Decal
Same as above

Someday I am going to loose them

One day last week Matthew was working on replacing a fan in the living room that was smoking the night before ( It was only a few months old so we got a replacement) and my boys wanted to be right there with him working on it.  They were climbing up the ladder, Noah was doing everything he could to help him.  Carson was trying to carry screwdrivers up to give to him as well. Listening to Noah talk to him about what he was doing and asking what he needed blessed me a lot.

Then I got to thinking about how I get annoyed some days that they only want to be with me.  Most of  the time it doesn't matter what Matthew is doing both boys want to be right where I am, asking me for everything and hanging on me legs.  I'll be in the shower, getting ready or in the kitchen cooking and they want to be there.  Matthew can try to get them in the playroom but they just run right back to find me.  Somedays it's hard and frustrating because I want to be left alone for a few minutes.  It doesn't seem fair sometimes that it's always mom, mom gets tired darnit.  I get jealous of Matthew that he can just chill on the couch for a few minutes and not get bothered.  When I'm frustrated it's hard to explain it to him because the way the kids are with him is just different.

Then as I sat and watched this

I realized someday I will loose their constant attention on me.  They are boys.  They are going to want to do everything dad does outside.  They will want to fix things with him.  They will want to play ball with him.  They will want to water the plants, and mow the yard. They will want to work on the tractors with daddy. They will want to pull weeds and play with bugs.  Pretty much all the boy stuff that I'm so not into.

Someday I will wish they were inside with me, asking me for a snack, to color or to play with trains.  I will miss them wanting their moms constant attention.  I will miss them just sitting with me and reading books.  Someday I will miss them needing me so much.  With that, I'm going to try and remember this time is short.  It's hard and it's challenging every day but I know someday I will look back on these toddler years and remember how fun and cute this stage was.  And I will probably be doing that while watching them hang out with their daddy and give anything to have them little again.

High Five for Friday

1)  Made a trip to the salon to get my hair done.  All blonde this time and a simple trim.  There is something great about freshly done hair.

2)  Recovered from the trip, caught up on sleep, got unpacked and laundry caught up.

3) Had a productive blogging day on Wednesday, got some posts ready ahead of time while we are gone next week.

4)  Lost my food baby that I gained on our Georgia trip and from Easter food.  I hate how I feel like I can eat anything and everything while I'm on vacation.  I hate being full and feeling full, so not sure why I always do it.  But was glad to see it go away.  A few good days is all it takes.  Now to try and have more control next week on our....

5)  I know you are tired of hearing about it, but we leave for Disney in 2 days!  Can't wait to see my boys faces, the castle, the characters, the light parade, the family fun, and the rides.  We are going to have a blast!

Preparing for a Little One Link Up

My friend Kaitlyn and I came up with a great idea that I absolutely love. 

As you know, Kaitlyn is expecting her first child. This can be so overwhelming and I know that other first time moms probably feel the same. She has so many questions and would love to hear the opinions of moms who have already been through this a time or two before.

Because of this, we are hosting a weekly series for a few weeks to try and get some answers to some of the most common questions.


We divided the series into two mini 4 week series grouped into questions Pre-Baby & Post Baby. The first mini series will be:

Friday, April 5: Registering (Everything you need to know, Must Haves, Don't Bothers, etc...)

Friday, April 12: Nursery Organization & Ideas

Friday, April 19: Packing For The Hospital: For you & the baby

Friday, April 26: Birth Stories (The good, bad, and ugly) / Birth Plans (yes? no?)

So without further ado, let's get on with Week 1: Registering! 

Registering for your first baby is one the most exciting things during pregnancy.  I know I couldn't wait to register and was overwhelmed when it actually came to getting the scanner and walking the aisles.  There are so many different and new products than there were when our parents had us and so many questions to go along with them.  What brand should I choose?  Do we really need this?  What is better for baby?  

Here is my take on advice for registering.  

Choose 2 places to register.  You don't want too many and you don't want to register at only 1.  Most likely not everyone lives and shops where you do, give your friends and family options but not too many.

Register for some items online and some in store (if available).   When you register online only it can frustrate people because they can't go to the store and get your items.  Not everyone likes shopping online.  The same goes for the flip side, not everyone wants or is able to go the store and sometimes when you register in store, the items are only available in store.

Each place you register will most likely give you a checklist, use it!    These are great guides so you don't forget a category or something you might not have thought of.  With the same token, you DO NOT need everything on that list.  Don't feel you have to register for something on the list if you don't feel you need it.

Use other mommas.   Research what other moms have liked and disliked.  Facebook or blog polls are great for this.   Ask what others have found to be great products.  This is also great for decision making such as breastfeeding or not and disposable vs. cloth.

Research and read reviews.   Some items are super cute, but lack on function and features.  This is especially important on the bigger items.  The biggest concern for items like your car seat should be safety and usability not look or you will be disappointed later.

Don't just think baby items think about the whole first year and a half.    Babies are expensive and there are many things you need after the infant stage like the silverware and safety items like outlet covers.  You might not need them right away, but you will.

Don't register for the big gender specific items.  This happens more often with girls,  yes I realize the car seats and gear are cuter with the girl patterns but what if you have a boy next, you don't want to have to buy another car seat, stroller, or swing.  Save money, get something that you can use on both sexes.

Prioritize.    Yes I know you want everything, but make a list of needs and wants.  Make sure you get the needs first and the wants second.  This is a great tactic to use if you have more than one shower a few weeks  apart, for the first one have everything on it you NEED, then if a lot of it gets purchased, add some more items that you WANT.

Now for the items we couldn't live without.

Infant Carrier/ Stroller -  Jogging strollers all the way, they are so much easier than traditional strollers.  If you can't find a travel system you like, find a jogging stroller that fits multiple car seats so you have the option to put in the stroller for the first 6 months.  Once baby can sit up, they are usually fine in the stroller without the car seat.

Convertible Car Seat-  You will need it before you know it.  My first outgrew his infant carrier at around 6 months.

Bedroom Furniture-  Crib, Changing Table and Rocker  ( We purchased a crib from Wal-Mart and have loved it.  The same crib was sold at lots of other baby stores but we found the best price on it there.)

Swing-  Noah hated the swing but Carson loved it, so you never know but with Carson we had a swing that went back and forth, and had the option to swing side to side.  These are great!

Bouncer-  (or vibrating chair, not sure why they are bouncers because they don't bounce unless you do it yourself)  Noah lived in his bouncer for a long time.  He loved it.  The vibrations are good to calm baby and and great to bring with you all throughout the house.

Monitor- We have never had a video monitor, always just the regular one and we never had a problem.  If you are wanting to save some money somewhere, I would recommend getting the less expensive regular ones.

Crib Machine or Mobile-   We had much better luck with the crib machine.  Ours had a scene of fish that moved and could play music or water sounds.  It also had a parent remote so you could restart it from the door without having to go back over by baby.

Bumbo and tray

Jumperoo and Walker- Two of the greatest inventions ever, loved them with both!

High Chair or seat chair-  We have both and the high chair we have collapses to be very thin for storage or against a wall, look for that feature!

Moby Wrap or another version of a baby carrier.  We had a ring sling, moby wrap and a strap on carrier.  I wasn't much for the ring sling but loved the moby.

For the Bedroom
- Mattress
-Crib Sheets (at least 3)
-Mattress protector (we have survived with 1)
-Bumper pads, love the breathable kind.  Ours that came with our bedding was very poofy and never fit our crib right.  Breathable bumpers were much better and I felt better about using them.
-Pad for changing table
-Blankets and swaddling blankets.  I was never much  for  the swaddlers but I know some people love them.  We always just used a thing swaddling blanket.  Carters had awesome small blankets and they always have cute different prints.  Aden and Anais are also a little bit more expensive but great for swaddling and a little lighter blanket.
- Hangers and closet organizers

Diapering
-Diapers-  Some people don't put them on their registry because they assume they will get lots of diapers at their shower and you are right but if you put them on  it lets people know which ones you prefer.
- Diaper creme, we loved Butt Paste
-Wipes
-Diaper Genie and Refills-  We have been using ours for 3+ years non stop, and still working great!  The refills do get expensive but I saw on Pinterest how to make your own.

Bath Time
-Shampoo/ Body wash- We use aveeno
-Hooded towel- If you know of anyone who makes them, ask for one.  Homemade are the best.
-Washcloths
-Lotion- We use Aveeno as well.
-Brush
-Baby bath seat, ours could fit into the sink or be used in the tub, loved that we could use it in the sink as well.  Much easier when they were newborns.
-Bath toys

Feeding
-Boppy, used this for most feedings, loved it for nursing, for bottles, to prop them up on the floor and also great when they are first sitting up
- Burp cloths and more burp cloths.  You will go through a ton of these.  I loved all the cute ones, but the ones that really work are just the plain cloth diaper ones.  The oval ones, are cute but about worthless in my opinion.
-Bottles-  Don't get the smaller ones, just register for all 8oz that way you don't need new ones once they start eating more.  We used Dr. Browns and I had Tommee Tippee as well.  If you are going to be nursing as well Tommee Tippee ones are great, if not Dr. Browns are awesome.
-Bottle rack
-If you will be nursing, I used the Medela Double Pump in Style I believe.  Any of the Medela electric ones are great.  You will also needs lots of nursing pads in the beginning (Lansinoh were my favorite) and Lanolin creme.  Also don't forget nursing bras, but be prepared to go up a size or 2.  Nursing covers are also great for nursing around people.  I had a Hooter Hider and really liked it.
If you plan on pumping you will also needs bags for your milk.
-Bibs- the Wipable ones are great.  They also sell disposable ones that are great for the diaper bag.  
- Bowls- we have some with lids that are great for travel and also the ones with the top they can get through to stop spills
-plates, sippy cups, and spoons.  We go through a lot!

Random other Items
- Pacifiers
-Play Mat
-Baby Necessities like Thermometer, nail clippers, files, nose suckers ( you can usually find kits with all these items together)
- Baby Safety-  Outlet covers, cabinet locks, toilet locks
-Teethers
-Medicine- Pain relief, teething tablets, and orajel
-Baby gate if you need one
-A few toys
-Books
-Diaper bag-  Look for one with pockets.  I changed what I wanted a bunch of times.  With each stage it seemed like I wanted the bag set up differently.

Wow, babies sure use a lot of stuff.  Sorry for the longest post ever.   I will never forget my shower and how fun it was to come home and organize all the fun stuff we got!  It seemed so real after you have your house all ready with all the baby goods.

If you have any questions on specific items I'd love to share what exact items or brands we used and if we liked or didn't like them.  Just email five27jones@gmail.com or comment below!  

Happy Registering Mom's to be! 

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