Tag: momblog

I Love Being A GIRL MOM- 5 things to love about having a girl!

The Wild GemsLeave a comment

When I was pregnant with my first, a little part of me thought our first would be a baby girl. Oh my goodness, a baby girl I would think, how fun that would be!

I didn’t want to get my hopes up or make any assumptions though. I would be happy with whatever our baby was.

Regardless the sex of your baby, it’s a gift! Am I right!?

When they told us at the ultrasound appointment that the baby was a girl I got so excited! And my husband became white in the face! Lol I remember asking if he was okay, it was hilarious. Although, I didn’t want to get too excited. What if they made a mistake. It does happen!

When my little baby was born and they confirmed it was a baby girl my heart just about exploded with joy! Like, I just gave birth to my best friend!

When my first daughter was 10 months, we welcomed another baby girl into our family who would soon enough be ours permanently. It was girl power in our house! I had 2 precious little girls!!!!

And now I’m pregnant again, with you guessed it! A baby girl!

I love it so much and I am so incredibly thankful. I can honestly say too that my husband loves being a girl dad. It’s never a dull moment as you other girl moms know!

 

A daughter is…

a star glimmering in the sky

a wonder, a sweetness

a perception, a delight…

everything beautiful

A daughter is

love

– Susan Polis Schutz

5 things to love about being a Girl Mom!

1. Girl’s Make Everyone Incredibly Soft

Who doesn’t have a soft spot for a baby girl, especially their daddy! A relationship I just absolutely adore. But it’s not just their daddy, little girls have their Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts, cousins, the neighbors, your coworkers, EVERYONE……all wrapped around their finger! It’s incredibly sweet to watch other people swoon over your little girl. Not only is it sweet but it’s humorous to watch a tough man in your life get soft when they see that bright baby girl smile. Little girls hold such a special place in the heart. If you have one, you know!

2. Girl Stuff Is Just ABSOLUTELY Adorable

I love girl stuff! From the clothing, to the accessories, to room decor, to pretty much everything! Girl stuff is just so cute and creative! Being a mom you just want to buy it all! Having a daughter you do have to learn a little self control otherwise you can totally get carried away with all the glitz and glamor. But honestly, does any mom have self control when it comes to their daughter! How many times have you said – she had to have it. No shame here! She did have to have it!

3. The Sassy Attitude – you know you love it

You just can’t help but admire and envy her little full of life spirit. There will be a few times the attitude is a bit much, where you’ll be like uh, excuse me missy! You may even need to turn your cheek to restrain from laughing because you can’t believe the sass of your little girl. But deep down you just love the facial expressions and witty comebacks.

You’ll be thinking where did she learn this and truth be told its probably from you mama lol.

4. Dance Parties Everyday

Girls just wanna have fun! And dance! Every time they hear music they just can’t control themselves! I enjoy dancing too so dancing with my little girls are precious moments I always cherish. I love their dance moves, their songs of choice, and of course watching their daddy get involved with the dance party! A huge plus is they don’t judge your dancing, they want to dance just like you! You see them focusing and copying what you’re doing and it just makes you want to squeeze them, they are so cute! OR, she might be saying “No mama, no, like this.” Either way…

She got it from her mama. 

5. The Gift Of Raising Your Best Friend

There is just something extremely special about a mother daughter relationship. If you are close with your mom I’m sure you two are even closer now that you have a daughter. Your daughter is going to teach you so many lessons and she is almost always going to come to you for advice, when her heart breaks, when she’s in trouble, etc. You are her rock and she is definitely yours. How special that you get to be apart of her life.

And can imagine all the mani/pedi dates, weekend getaways, shopping ventures, brunches you two will have together! Oh to have a daughter! The joy!

 

What’s something you enjoy about having a daughter! Leave a comment below.

@coffeewafflesandmotherhood

 

 

It’s Been Confirmed! You’re PREGNANT! What to do first!? I have 10 simple things to share!

The Wild GemsLeave a comment

However it’s been confirmed, you’re pregnant! Hopefully this is very exciting news for you! May be a bit scary, but you are about to embrace an incredible, emotional, exciting journey.

This might be your first or maybe it’s your second, third, fourth, or fifth! Whatever the situation, it’s still a rush finding out you’re pregnant.

Now, there are a ton of other blogs out there that will provide a list of ‘TO DO’s’ once you find out you are growing a little miracle, I’ve actually read a few.

I am a fan of simplicity so I am going to keep this as simple as possible and my hope is you don’t feel overwhelmed after reading my ‘what to do first’.

Let’s get started!

1. FIND A TRUSTED DOCTOR

You really need a doctor that you can trust, are comfortable with, and can confide in. Ask your friends or family for references or do a search on google. Personally, I love google because of reviews. People do not hold back on reviews, which I love and can appreciate. If you find a doctor and don’t have an immediate connection right away it’s ok, don’t stress. You can always switch doctors. I would advise not switching in your third trimester but if you need to switch in the beginning for whatever reason it’s ok. This doctor will be with you for 9 months and will most likely deliver your baby, so make sure you like him or her!

2. START TAKING THOSE PRENATAL VITAMINS

Whether you choose to take store bought prenatal vitamins or whether you have your doctor write you a prescription, start taking them right away. You’re especially going to want to look for prenatal vitamins with folic acid. Your baby grows at a rapid pace and it’s important to make sure you and your baby are getting all the vitamins and minerals to keep him or her growing healthy.

3. DOWNLOAD A PREGNANCY APP OR GET A PREGNANCY BOOK

I am personally a fan of the ‘What To Expect’ App and the ‘What To Expect When You’re Expecting’ books! They both stand as a great guide, to well, what to expect when being pregnant! You’re informed with what’s going on with your baby at the moment and the constant body changes you’re going through. As well as a few things you may have been wondering about. Both of these will walk you week by week, month by month, and trimester to trimester. Definitely take advantage to be more informed with what’s going on with you and your baby.

4. GET EXCITED

Being pregnant is a journey on it’s own! Even if this is your second or third child, every pregnancy is different. A lot of pregnant women don’t like to get too excited until after the first trimester because the first trimester is the most fragile time. However I’m telling you to get excited! I know you have fears and worries but do your best to always anticipate the best! Buy some pregnancy magazines, start your secret Pinterest boards, look at maternity clothing, look at baby stuff, etc. You have been given a gift, embrace it!

5. TELL A FEW TRUSTED PEOPLE

I say this because during the first trimester you may not be showing but you will be feeling your body adjusting to change. You may experience morning sickness, you will more then likely be very tired, and you may become sensitive to smells. That was totally me in my case. You just never know, but it’s comforting to have someone to talk about it with vs. dealing with these changes by yourself. After the first trimester is typically when the official pregnancy announcement is made, however don’t feel obligated to share the news once the first trimester is over. Share the news when you are ready. Have fun with it though, there are some super creative baby announcements out there.

6. BE MINDFUL OF YOUR DIET

Now that you are pregnant you really need to be mindful and cautious on what you are putting into your body. Alcohol and any other substances are a big no go. Do your best to stay away from junk food and incorporate more fruits and veggies in your every day meals. Smoothies are a great way to go. It’s also OK to indulge on some things! If you get a craving for donuts or chili cheese fries go for it! Just be moderate with those cravings. If you are unsure about something you want to eat always ask your doctor. They will let you know!

7. START A SAVINGS PLAN

Things add up, I’ll say that much. The sooner you start to save, the better. Not only will you be more prepared but starting a savings plan will provide peace of mind. Money is not something you want to stress about when the baby arrives. You will already be dealing with changes and adjusting. Money doesn’t need to be an added stress factor. Start saving now for this little bundle of joy!

8. WRITE DOWN ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

Questions and concerns will arise at the most random moments. Although google, family, and friends are convenient, it’s best to talk to your doctor with anything on your mind concerning your pregnancy. Don’t assume you will remember what you want to discuss with your doctor at your next appointment. More then likely you will forget! It’s important to write them all down so your doctor is informed with what is going on with you. Your doctor can help ease your mind, provide resources, and offer assurance. Whatever it may be, bring it up to your doctor. I can almost guarantee your question or concern isn’t the first time they’ve heard it.

9. INCREASE YOUR WATER INTAKE

You know water in general is good for you right!? So many benefits! Now that you’re pregnant it’s even more important that you stay hydrated! Stay on that girl, it’s good for you and baby.

10. ENJOY EVERY MOMENT

Take pictures of your growing belly, start a journal, indulge in all things for pregnant women! Take advantage! There will be difficult times where you will be anxious for your pregnancy to be over. I am telling you, it goes by so fast. Before you know your baby will be here. Then they turn 1, 2, 3, 13, 18!! You will just be thinking where the heck did time go and you’ll miss those sweet baby kicks inside of you. Then you’ll start crying……. lol jk. But I’m not! Wahhh!

Just enjoy these moments where he or she is growing. This is such a precious time, and soon your life will never be the same.

 

Wishing you a happy, healthy pregnancy!

@coffeewafflesandmotherhood

Mama’s Summer Sun Tea

The Wild GemsLeave a comment

When I think of summer time, I think of long sunny days. Living in Arizona, I think of long sunny REALLY HOT days lol.

But what’s great about these summer days is they are perfect for making sun tea. One of my favorite drinks to sip during these blazing hot days. I remember my mom making sun tea when I was a kid, and now I have a husband who requests this sun tea constantly.

My daughters enjoy this tea too. So you could say it’s husband and kid approved. However I don’t let my kids drink too much of it because of the caffeine. They have enough energy!

Now let’s make some of Mama’s Summer Sun Tea!

WHAT YOU NEED:

A large glass jar or pitcher that can hold 14 1/2 cups of water

4 teabags of Lipton- iced tea 100% natural specially blended for ice tea (24 family size tea bags)

1 cup of sugar (not Splenda or any “healthy sugar”, just sugar!)

Fill up a large GLASS jar with lid of 14 1/2 cups of water. Then place outside all day in direct sunlight. I typically leave my jar out from 10am to 7pm. Remove tea bags, and add 1 cup of sugar into tea and mix. Let chill overnight, THEN ENJOY!

You can even get more creative and add sliced lemons, fresh raspberries, or peaches to the tea. You can leave it unsweetened too if you prefer. This is the way we enjoy it and it’s always a treat!

Hope you enjoy! Let me know how you like it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Your Kids Are Distracting You And Your Spouse From Spending Quality Time Together

The Wild GemsLeave a comment

Remember how much freedom you and your spouse had before you had kids? Sleeping in together, staying out late, going wherever and whenever you wanted, you can recall I’m sure. Now your schedules are almost entirely planned around your kids. And you notice how you’re always busy now? It’s crazy right.

Having kids completely changes your lifestyle and it changes your relationship with your significant other.

You will face many challenges together with raising children. In this post I am only going to discuss one challenge and share with you what has worked for my husband and myself.

The Challenge:

Distracting you and your spouse from spending quality time together.

When you have kids, it can be a little challenging to maintain that one on one time with your spouse. With dates and intimacy.

It’s so important to keep your relationship thriving even when you have children. Let this be an opportunity to get creative and step outside your box.

My husband and I love our daughters so much. They are our world. However we do have moments where we reminisce about how spontaneous we were in the past and how completely oblivious we were to our freedom.

It’s amazing how you don’t really recognize how much freedom you have until a child enters your life.

Something we both have learned with having kids is time together has to be planned and scheduled.

Of course that’s not how it is all the time, but I would say a majority of time if we want to be alone it has to be planned in advance.

Just because you and your spouse have kids now doesn’t mean the love needs to be let go. Your relationship still needs to be a priority. And yes, it will take more work then what it did in the past.

I’m sure some of you are thinking, well I don’t have a baby sitter, or our schedules are so different, or possibly, I try but he isn’t willing, etc,

As I mentioned previously, this is an opportunity to get creative.

If you can’t get a babysitter or don’t feel comfortable leaving your children yet don’t sweat it. That was exactly how my husband and I were. We would have “at home dates” and still do! I would have our girls skip nap time so they would go to sleep early so we could spend time together, just me and him.

(As I said, we still do this. Some of the evenings of just eating ice cream together or watching something on TV take me and him back to the old days.)

When your schedules are different you need to take advantage of every moment together.

For example: You two only have mornings together. Maybe share coffee together and do a question of the day about one another. Remember, step outside the box.

(Note: Stay off your phones when you two are together. How many times have you witnessed a couple out together and they are both on their phones. Talk, listen, hold hands, BE PRESENT.)

Both of you need to be willing to try new things. If one of you is trying and one of you isn’t, there may be a deeper issue that needs to be resolved.

In that case, I might suggest help from a professional.

Discuss Your Relationship.

You two need to be on the same page and open to embracing this new chapter in your relationship. You won’t have to be so creative forever or plan every moment together forever. Your children are going to grow up.

But are you both happy right now? Have you sensed that you two are drifting apart or something just feels different. More then likely both of you aren’t getting enough attention from one another.

If these emotions have occurred this is your relationship craving some immediate attention. If you’re reading this there’s good possibility you’re in this situation.

In a nutshell I am saying, TAKE ACTION. Don’t allow your children to be the excuse anymore. 

Here Are A Few Moments To Always Take Advantage Of:

  • Bed time
  • Nap time
  • When they are on a play date or at a friends or with family
  • When they are glued to a game or YouTube
  • A Family Gathering
  • A birthday party
  • When they fall asleep in the car
  • In the morning before they wake up
  • When they head to school

…you get the idea.

These are all opportunities where you two can discuss something, plan something, do something, etc. Both kids fell asleep in the car? Go get something in the drive-thru, pull over, and enjoy it together. Kids are sleeping? uh, HELLO! Have some private time. At a gathering of some sort? There’s enough adults watching the kids, get playful. You can still be spontaneous, it will just be in a different way.

Also, it’s definitely more then OK to put other things on pause to give your spouse the attention they deserve and need.

Keep the sizzle and have fun. You’ll be laughing about these moments in the future and sharing them with your children.

A book I would highly recommend to strengthen your relationship with your spouse is titled The 5 Languages Of Love by Gary Chapman.

I definitely recommend this book even if your relationship is thriving right now! It’s an amazing eye opener and will bring you two even closer.

What works for you and your spouse, I’d love to hear it!