Must have's with a toddler and new baby!

Boy O' Boy! 

Life with two boys is such a crazy fun adventure. 

I really can't imagine it any other way.

But I will be the first to admit that there are some wonderful baby items

we wouldn't make it a day without. 

Since Having Aidan I have made the wonderful jump into cloth diapering.

I will post more on this soon. But we simply couldn't live without

some of our favorite wahm diapers we have found. 

Love our Calico Sunshine!

Calico Sunshine is by far everything wonderful when it comes to fluff!

The quality is the best and Ashley is the sweetest wahm ever.

I See France is new to our stash and was introduced to me by a friend .

 Such cute prints and very trim for my little guy.

The most recent that we have received is also proven to be a favorite go to is,

Dippee Dypee. She makes some wonderful fluff and I am hoping the training 

unders we also got help us get our toddler in gear for potty learning.

Something else new to us since having Aidan is baby wearing.

My oldest was never a fan but Aidan loves it and thankfully so.

Chasing a toddler with a newborn has proven challenging at time.

Our Ring Sling has been a lifesaver and I would be lost without it. 

There are so many choices out there for baby wearing. 

I needed something reasonable and functional and wraps just aren't my cup of tea.

I discovered Willow Tree Ring Slings from another wahm and fell in love.

I adore all she stands for and her product had outstanding reviews as well as 

an awesome price point! We love ours!!

The iPad is something else that has been great while I nurse Aidan.

I loaded tons of learning games and puzzles on there so Clayton can sit 

with us and I can still play with him while nursing the baby. 

It makes it easy for me to help him still feel included and keep him entertained.
Some of our favorite Apps are Woozle wood puzzle, My Very First App, and Seek and Find.

Sleeping is always something that is proven to be difficult with a new baby and 

with Aidan having reflux that has shown to be more difficult this time around then 

with my oldest. In a mommy group I had seen people rave about the 

Rock n Play's. They were out when I had Clayton but I hand't heard of them.

Boy am I thankful I got one this time around.

Since we started putting Aidan in it to sleep we get some 4 to 5 hours spurts of sleep.

Now every night is different, but he sleeps so well in it. 

It it about level with our bed and makes night time breastfeeding sessions so simple.

close by while mommy does laundry

And of Course the number one thing to help with a new baby is the entertainment 

of your toddler! Aidan is mesmerized by Clayton. 

He loves his big brother and could watch him for hours.

And Clayton is such a wonderful big brother. He is so attentive and sweet to Aidan.
I try to make sure to include him as much as I can and it really helps. 

Oh and we couldn't make it thru one day without tons of cuddles, kisses, hugs and love!


The products and wahm's I mentioned are in no way reimbursing me or am I receiving 
anything for sharing the information of their products.
 I simply love them all and wanted to share them with my readers! 


Ashley 

Guest Post: What Being a SAHM means to Rachael McAdams

I am super pleased to have the very sweet Rachael with us today to tell us about 

her life at home with her precious twins!! 

Rachael loves to write and share her stories. 

She hasn't developed her blog yet but is in the works and I am very pleased 

to have her share with us here today! 

You can follow her on Twitter @livealittlenyc.

So make sure to go and check her out!!!

What being a SAHM means to me and advice for new moms

No matter how much you try to prepare for being a stay at home mom (SAHM),

 you don’t know what it will be like until you are home with you baby…

or in my case two babies!

 Some days it is tough, but most days it is wonderful. 

Like most things in life, it is what you make of it.

I know many mothers struggle with the decision as to whether or not to stay home. 

“Can we afford for me to stay home” versus “I don’t want to go back”

 often looms heavy when maternity leave comes to an end. 

It makes it even harder to go back when you are

 sleep-deprived but happy about what being a new mother means to you. 

Everything is still so new and beautiful; you never want to be without your babies.

 The small laugh of my twin girls was such a wonderful sound – 

I could never get tired of it!

There are some women who feel like they need to “defend” their decision to stay home.

 My advice to you is this – don’t. 

Everyone’s decision to stay home or not is a very personal one and you owe no one an explanation. Ultimately it comes down to what will be right for you and your family.

 What I can say is that for my family it has been the absolute 

right decision and we have never looked back!

There are days I fall into a chair after my babies are asleep feeling completely exhausted;

 surrounded by baby toys and bouncy seats and wondering if I am ever going to get things organized. Most days, however, I try to enjoy each moment, no matter what is going on, 

and remember that a time will come when my two little babies will be adults and

 I will wonder where the time went!

A day in our home is more than likely very similar to other families with small children and a SAHM. Wake up early, start a load of laundry, change diapers, prepare bottles, get the husband off to work, make some coffee (I am a Starbucks coffee kind of girl);

 the day is off to its usual busy start. 

Depending on the day, there could be a baby music class scheduled, 

or just a walk outside if the weather is nice.

 Like many new moms, my mother gave me some advice and
 I have tried hard to remember it.

• Sleep when the baby sleeps. This is a biggie. Rest when they rest and be thankful for it when you can get it.

• NEVER wake a sleeping baby. No matter who comes by for a visit, if your baby,

or in my case babies, are asleep, let them stay that way.

• Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses. 

Just because things are hectic doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself.

 Take your children outside and play with them in the park. Read them stories.

 As we’ve all heard, in the blink of an eye they will go 

from crawling around the living room to graduating from college. Make sure you enjoy them as much as you can.

• Take lots of photos! Thanks to digital cameras, so many people today are trying to get that

 “perfect” photo and delete the ones that are “less than perfect.” 

Don’t delete them! Think about when you were little;are your favorite photos the ones that are staged?

 Or the ones of you having a water fight in the kitchen with your little brother shot by your grandfather…until your mother caught you? Those candid shots are the best ones to use to make neat little items from;
for either your family as gifts or just for yourself! 

For example, everyone has an iPhone or smart phone today;

 so use one of those cute and silly shots and make a custom iPhone case with it.

 I really like all the different ways you can create iPhone cases on Tiny Prints’ website.

Like I said, at the end of the day, the decision as to whether or not to 

stay home is very personal and isn’t one to be made in haste. 

You need to talk it out with your family and think about both sides of the equation. 

What I can tell you is that I have never regretted the decision. 

To me, being a mom is the most important job I could ever do!

 

Thank you so much Rachael for joining us and I hope to have you back again soon!

Much Love,

Ashley 

I'm not cut out for this

Ever have those days where you are a complete wreck?

Where everything around you feels like it is going to fall apart,

including yourself?

Well that was my day.

I literally stopped and told myself, I cant do this!

I know I can and I do it daily. 

Today though I just didn't know that I would make it thru.

My almost 2 year old was a terror today. 

I think he woke up saying I am going to make mom's day awful. 

He wouldn't listen to anything I asked. 

He wouldn't eat anything I made for him.

He wouldn't nap at all. 

He cried more than my newborn for no reason.

Or I guess he had many reasons... The light was on. The light was off.

His cup was sitting on the table. His cup was on the floor. 

The dog ate the food he threw on the floor. 

He had food on his plate and wanted it on the floor.

All things that normally aren't a problem but today they were.

Then in the midst of all of this my 7 week old is going thru a 

growth spurt and wanted to nurse ever hour on the hour. 

Be held all day. (Thank God for my sling)

And cried anytime his brother would start crying... So all day.

Day's like today make the thought of Peaceful parenting a far away thought.

Then I find myself asking how do people make this look so easy.

Then I feel horrible thinking that I just can't do this. 

I love being with my boys but days like today would make anyone go a little nuts. 

Then just a few minutes in my quite place with my thoughts and prayers brings

it all back to me. Why I do this. How much Joy it does bring me. 

The cuddles from my toddler before bed as he tells me, 

he loves me!

The beautiful bright babies eyes that look at me with such awe.

The gummy smiles he gives me as he holds tight to me. 

I make it thru these crazy days for them. Because of them. 

and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Even crying and throwing fits. They are beautiful. 

They are my blessing.

Proverbs 31:28

New King James Version (NKJV)

 Her children rise up and call her blessed;

Her husband also, and he praises her:

Ashley 

Babies Cry A LOT.

I try with this blog to be relatable. 

Putting things into perspective when sugar coating them just isn't any good.

While I love my boys more than I could ever express with words, 

and they bring me more joy than anything else.

That isn't what this post is going to be about. 

I know how blessed I am and I never for one second doubt that!!

But,

More times than not when people refer to having babies 

it is all about the joy and happiness they bring into your life.

YES this is true. They are simply amazing. 

But most of the time people don't tell you about all the stress and anxiety 

that comes along with it to... 

They don't tell you to establish your support group before you have kids,

because you will need it. 

The truth is kids cry a lot! 

Aside from changing their diaper, feeding them and 

trying to comfort them. 

When this all fails they can't tell you what is wrong with them.

As a momma. It breaks your heart. 

To see your little one upset and not know how to fix it.

More times then not when in this position I have cried with my

 little one completely lost at what exactly to do.

SO we walk the floor, or rock and sing, or bounce

and cry together. 

I know that if it wasn't for my supportive husband who 

is such a help I would feel like I was simply losing my mind sometimes.

None of this makes me a bad mother. It is just a simply fact of having children.

I can imagine as my boys grow older there will be many more tears that I shed.

Completely lost at what I should do. 

The fact is as mothers we want to do what is best for our little's.

We never want them to hurt, cry, be sad, or sick.

I know that I would take any of those things over my boys having to have them.

In life though that isn't an option. So we comfort them. 

Hold them close. Love them and lead them the best we can.

But we also have to learn that we can't do this alone. 

I know that I need my husbands help.

I need other mommy's to talk to about my crazy days.

I occasionally need a break so I can unwind and be the best

 momma I can be for my boys. 

Even though my kiddo's are my world. I can't forget about myself.

If we don't make time for ourselves every now and then 

we get burnt out. Stressed. Overwhelmed. 

Even if this means going to the grocery store by yourself. 

Make time for yourself because no one else will!

Don't forget how important you are as well.

Don't try and be Wonder Woman.

Even if you can do it all, it doesn't all have to be done in one day! 

Enjoy the little moments. They go fast.

Take other peoples opinions as a grain of salt. 

Lets face it people are judgmental. Its just in our make-up.

I have been hurt plenty of times by this but at the end of the day,

I have to remind myself not to let others bother me.

Not to brag, but. I am a freaking AWESOME mother!

My boys are well taken care of much more ahead of myself and 

I would do anything in he world for them. 

They are if nothing else I have ever done, the one thing in my life 

I know I do right by. No one can change this. 

No one has a right to tell me otherwise.

Always stand up for yourself and never let people run you over. 

Stay strong and find comfort and guidance from those who 

encourage and support you 100%!!

There is no other job in the world as important as 

raising a child. Remind yourself your remarkable.

Ashley 

From one babe to two

No one really tells you how crazy things get when you have baby number 2.

Not that I thought it would be easy. 

I knew it would be hard and the last few weeks up until I had Aidan 

I was terrified. 

Questioning if I could really do this. 

Can I handle a toddler and a newborn?

Still take care of the house and all my mommy duties?

How would I still give Clayton the attention he needs and 

tend to a newborn who will constantly want to be nursed and held. 

Well here we are and little guy is already 6 weeks old.

It has flown by so fast. 

Don't get me wrong. I am beyond exhausted.

 Getting less than 5 hours of sleep a night can definitely take a toll on you. 

Not to mention I have had to cut out all caffeine and sodas. 

My little guy has a very sensitive tummy and so it has been a 

process of elimination to help us with nursing. 

Clayton is such a proud big brother and 

can't give his little brother enough cuddles and lovin'.

Talk about melting your heart.

I am hoping to get back to blogging regularly again.

I miss my outlet. Things have just been so busy. 

Thankfully my house is not falling apart. 

Actually I feel the complete opposite. 

I have never felt more complete. 

My house may not be near as clean as I would like it, 

but I have more important things to do. 

I would rather cuddle my littles and play with cars all day.

Hope you guys are ready for some crazy post.

Things here really are a beautiful chaos!

Ashley 

Bed Rest Survival Kit

Almost made it through week one of "strict bed rest."

Honestly I can't believe how easy this week has been for me.

Mentally I have handled it better than I thought I would.

Physically I get a little sore from not being able 

to get up and move around much.

Being able to move from couch, to recliner and 

bed has really given me a little

relief and much needed change of scenery! Lol

Letting some sunshine in

If this week has proven more than anything it's that I have the most amazing

Husband! He has been so supportive and wonderful with everything.

I don't what what I would do without him.

And if by any small chance I can get my sweet little man to 

slow down and love on me, 

those cuddles are better than anything else in the world.

Pure Bliss

Plus all of our awesome family and friends who have helped 

us out with our son and things around the house.

Saying we are blessed is an understatement.

Many people have asked me how I am doing this week.

How I am handling being on bed rest.

I can answer honestly say I am doing well.

Once I let go of all of the things I should be, need to be, ought to be doing.

This is just another one of life's mental challenges that I have to get thru.

My bed rest survival kit has really helped too!

And of course I am going to share that with you...

This momma's survival kit

- Our Family Binder to keep up with meal plans, budget and bills that need to be paid.

- Sketch book. for doodling and keeping myself busy.

- Journal. for getting my thoughts out and for my devotional time.

-Pens and Markers.

-Wallet. Incase I find something for our new "little guy" that we HAVE to get! =)

-Tissue for those uncontrollable pregnancy hormones and tears.

-Extra bottle water to stay hydrated.

-Healthy snacks. Nuts, granola bars, apples, granola and dried fruit.

-iPad for browsing the internet. devotional & bible. blogging. reading books. 

-Charger for iPhone and iPad.

-A calendar to mark off each day of bed rest I make it through.

-Hair brush, Chapstick, Fingernail file & clippers, lotion.

Plus my hubby rented me some movies. Got me a ton of magazines. 

and some candy bars for the occasional cravings!

This so far has been great for me. Just enough to help pass time.

There is only so much television one can stand 

and only so many times re-runs to be watched.

I have also been keeping a list of all the wonderful things

 our family and friends have been doing for us. 

As I will be getting together Thank you notes! 

Here is too surviving week one,

Ashley 

God Smacked...

Ever have those moments where God is 

trying to tell you the same thing over and over?

Mainly because you are to stubborn to listen the first time.

Well that happened to this girl just last night!

I fell off my pity party and straight into the lap of God.

What a wonderful place to fall if you ask me.

Let me share the story the way it happened.

Of course, dealing with the mental struggle of being put on

 strict bed rest has been one beast that has had me down.

Last night after a full day of being stuck in my head.

I received a message from a mentor and friend...

"Honey, God is telling you to LET GO!!!! 

Ashley, you can NOT have control this time! 

All those things you think have to be done, don't! 

Your son will love being in the bed with you while he colors, looks at books, 

plays on your computer/tablet,...just get comfortable with no control. 

It is so freeing!!!!!! 

That precious baby will come at the right time 

even if it doesn't match the DUE DATE. Have FAITH in God."

Even though I knew all of this already 

it is so much easier to hold on to what we think is best. 

When in all truth what we think is best rarely is. 

"Let Go and Let God!" 

Just keeps popping up in my head.

Then I decided to catch up on some devotional reading. 

As if the first day I read wasn't enough.

from Jesus Calling 

 God had to remind me again!...

from Jesus Calling

This left me smiling and shaking my head at myself. 

Am I so stubborn that God has to smack me down 

this many times in just a matter of minutes?

Why is it so hard for us humans to do what we need to and

 just let God lead us.  Obviously he knows what he is doing. 

After much hesitation and doubt on my part

 I am letting go and turning it all over to you, Lord. 

I am leaning on you. I will trust in your word, will and way.

I am giving you full control and know you will take care of us. Our situation.

You will make sure all that needs to get done will be taken care of! 

My hope is in you.

Ashley