Living small

Moving into a new home, it becomes a little ridiculous with all the "to-do's & to-buy's." The Mister & I somehow stumbled onto a documentary on Netflix about living in a "tiny house." I can't remember the name of the movie, but if you Google it, it sure is one to watch. Any who, it got the wheels in my brain churning, and one particular phrase really stuck with me, "we are living small."

Something about the idea of living clutter free, and having only the things we need sounds so dreamy. I am starting to realize that the more space I have, the more crap I have too.

The next few paragraphs are thoughts that I dug up, and will be using them throughout this process of making our new house our home -

On reality TV shows a lifestyle is conveyed that many of us will never live. It puts on display the lives of millionaires, and the "famous," living lavishly, and way outside of many of our means. The most popular people on Instagram are those with huge houses, and six to ten cars in their driveways.

Is this reality, or is it a notion shown to us that we believe we need to strive for? Leaving us over worked, living in debt, and still working to buy more, and almost always left wanting more stuff that we don't need.

What do we need? What do we want? Recently, and oddly before we even watched the documentary on living tiny, the Mister and I agreed that no matter how much money we may or may not have, living in a big home was never going to be our dream. We loved the idea of a small home, that caused us in turn to be closer to our family, and kids. An open common room where we could all gather, in a ranch or bungalow styled home. Where the kids were never too far from both each other and ourselves.

I hate clutter, and try to live as minimally as I can (constantly going through our stuff and donating it) so living tiny wouldn't be an issue. Living small would also concede with a motto I have for my life, "live clean. live simple." When we live simply we also live clean, and having a clean and organized home is extremely important to me.

With this move I have really worked to get rid of things, and release the shackles brought upon myself by having "too much." More clothes means more to put away, more to clean (doing laundry already seems never ending), more decor means more to dust, and more room means more to spend in filling. I can also see how we all too often outstretch our salaries. People buying bigger homes then they can afford because the big houses are "more ideal." I don't need the most square footage our budget can allow, and extra bedrooms to feel fulfilled, and I never want to have to work just to have "more things." That seems a little sad to me. I want just enough. Enough to have what I need, and enough to get what I can want within reason (meaning a skirt i had my eye on at target).

Living small has become something I want to incorporate in our family. It teaches us to moderate our lives, live within our means, to not spend more than we have, to not be slaves to material possessions, and to learn self control.

Operation living small starts now.
#tinyhouse
#livingwithpurpose

^^ imagine ft. above is from Pinterest (& there is no link to its direct source),  but I think is so dreamy i had to share it.

Mom to Mom // 05

Amy Lee is a wonderful momma. She has a free spirit, a great eye for beautiful pictures, and an adorable little girl who just melts my heart. Today she will be talking about dreams, and I am over the moon to share her post with you. 

Thanks miss Amy!

Ahh, dreams. There is so much to be said about them. Growing up I had all these dreams of what I would become, but as I got older I bounced around from one to the other never feeling quite like I was going the right direction. I enrolled in college twice and spent a total of two whole semesters trying to figure out what my dreams were. From the time I became an adult I knew I wanted to be a mother, but it never seemed like the type of dream everyone else had. 

Once CJ and I settled down and becoming a mother became a reality, everything about that changed. From the day we decided to start a family, everything felt much like a dream. I loved every moment of pregnancy and have loved every moment of being a mother even more than I could have imagined. For some people, the transition to motherhood can be difficult and those people probably curse me! It was always so easy to me because I had dreamed about it for so very long.

Having a child really opened my eyes to how much beauty there is in absolutely everything. From the moment my daughter was born I have spent so much time documenting all of the fleeting moments and bits and pieces of my tiny growing human. I fell in love with photography. I have always been drawn to the camera but I really fell head first the day she was born. I spent my days trying to freeze these tiny moments in time that move so fast. The things you think you'll never forget, quickly change and become distant memories. I'll treasure those moments I captured forever. I feel like now I can see the beauty in everyone's lives and in everything we see and I have this burning inside me to capture it all. In the beginning, it was just something I loved to do, but a couple months ago I decided that this is what I want to do with my life. I hope to make a name for myself, and share these captured moments for others, but more than anything I want to be someone who inspires her children. My daughter will never see how many of my dreams are fulfilled being her mother until she has children of her own. I want her to watch me do something I love, fearlessly and whole heartedly. This is my dream. Being a mother is still my dream, but I am lucky enough to have two.

As a mother my life is busy. Taking on a new hobby, a new dream, and ultimately a new career path seems almost overzealous. Maybe it is, but I know I have to do it. There is an unspoken thing that happens when you bring a child into the world. Their dreams become your dreams. You live, breathe and exist for them. There is no reason you cannot fulfill your own at the same time though. There's a lot to be said for fulfilling yourself first, loving yourself first. I think we tend to forget how to do that.
If we lead our children by example, what kind of example does that show them?

Love your children but live your dreams.

What do you do for a living?

Sometimes talking to new people can really cause us to look inwards at ourselves, or even in a new perspective. That is probably why meeting new people, or making new friends is so important during one's lifetime because it helps us to learn about ourselves through others eyes. If none of this makes sense, I promise I am going somewhere with it.

While "making a new friend," she asked me what I did for a living. I don't know if I froze, or if I blanked, but almost instantly I responded "I do nothing." I was both shocked and ashamed by my response. It kinda sent me into a whirlwind of thought the next few days after. I focused on it over and over again. What might I have said differently? How could I have better phrased it ? Why did I say what I said? I dug deep, and realized that growing up with a working mom, with a successful career, I had unconsciously connected a pay check, and a 9-5 work day to constitute as creating one's self worth, or defining one's purpose in life. What I did everyday (being a stay at home mom) seemed more like a slacker decision. 

I realized I was degrading myself, and more importantly the role of my son in my life. I was bullying myself for putting my son first. Sure, I could easily have a big huge successful career, with a six figure salary, but I don't. Why don't I? I don't have a demanding office job because my job, taking care of my son is a lot more important.

Why is it that if I was paying a nanny to watch my child that would be their job, but when I tell people it is mine, they kinda roll their eyes and say "oh . . that's nice." Is it because a nanny leaves with a pay check? Is it because the nanny has set hours, or is it because within society and the "new norm," being a stay at home mom is taken to mean you eat bon bons, and watch reruns of the "Real Housewives," on Bravo. Sure I watch a rerun or two, when my husband gets home, but I don't really have time for anything when I'm home alone with my son. I don't have time to shower, sometimes I skip lunch, and most days I only take one pee a day (tmi). I work harder at being a mom then I ever did any paying job, and it is because I take it so dang seriously. I can't afford to screw this job up. I can't make one mistake. I can't miss one "meeting." It is the most demanding job I have ever had, and I am realizing I don't get paid because no one could afford to pay me for all the hours I work. 

So, this is what I have come up with, I am a mom. You couldn't afford to pay me to work for you, and the next time someone asks me what I do for a living I have the best freaking answer in the world, I made it up and I am copywriting it, so don't steal this but here it is, "I am a child placement specialist," and when people ask me what that means I will smile and say, " I make babies, and bring them to my house where I love them and cherish them. Look it up. It's a pretty kick ass job. The pay sucks, but I love it. Totally rewarding." Bam!

pants gap here // tshirt- polo here // sandals - hollister here // plaid - old urban outfitters

Becoming complacent

shop this look

(clip below to be linked to similar + the same items seen above)

boots // plaid // dress 

The other day, the Mister and I got to talking. (i feel like that is how some, if not all of my best posts, come about.) We were talking about the causes of divorce. Wondering why the numbers are so high, and even how many who are married aren't in happy marriages, or relationships for that matter.

After going over the obvious answers like cheating, or money, I stumbled on one answer in particular that really stuck with both my husband and I. Complacency.

Being with a partner day after day can causes a sense of comfort, which is wonderful, but sometimes it can cause us to forget that although we are comfortable with our partner we should never hit that point where we are just roommates. We are so busy in this world, busy with work, busy with staying fit, busy with friends, busy with family, busy with cooking, or cleaning, that it is more normal and accepted to be busy than it is to be taking it slow, or even taking life in.

What happens when we stop talking because we are too busy? The marriage or the relationship starts to shut down. When we are so busy with our routine and our to-do lists, we can forget that our love needs special attention. We need to keep writing notes and sticking them on the fridge. We need to send uplifting and happy texts to our loved one. We need to surprise them, and ultimately keep the relationship fresh. No matter how long you are with someone, the relationship is constantly evolving. Regardless of the effort you are or aren't putting in, as time passes two people begin to change. They want and feel different things, as life throws them different experiences everyday. Are we staying on top of those experiences? Are we talking about them? Even the most insignificant parts of our day can sometimes be the little things that make the biggest of changes. When your partner asks "how was your day," when you walk in from work, a simple "good, thanks. How was yours," isn't going to keep that fire burning. If you aren't willing to take the time to talk to your partner about things as simple as your day, will they want to talk to you about a challenge they are facing? When the simplest forms of conversation are brushed aside, will the desire to talk about their flaws or sufferings be validated?

I never want to be complacent in my marriage, and no one does, but it can happen. I need to be more aware of my conversation with my husband. I need to be more aware of him, and his feelings, dreams, ambitions, even his flaws. We are a team, and nagging or easy replies to an everyday conversation won't make anything better. Me being busy isn't an excuse to stop and take life in with my husband. I am making a change starting today, to work harder at my relationship because even though our marriage is strong, and full of love, I can do better. We can always do better because our love deserves the best.

Mom to Mom // 05

Today for #momtomommonday, we have Jill Wojslaw. She is a strong work from home mom, with two beautiful littles. She also works for a company that I absolutely adore, Sakurabloom, and she is pretty fabulous. So excited for you all to be introduced to this momma, if you don't already know her! Thanks again miss Jill!

Becoming a Work at Home Mom.

I've always enjoyed working. Ok not always. Sorry Starbucks, but rolling 12 jugs of milk through City Center, at 5am, was just not my idea of a good time. Anyway, after leaving my last job I hadn't really considered going back any time soon.

When I went to work after my first child it was a huge shock to both our systems. My life suddenly became so hectic. Getting on a bus, and dropping off  Lucy, who was 1 at the time, was hard. Running to catch a bus to get me to work barely on time was a joke. Then, my mom had to pick her up since the daycare closed before I was off work. Finally, I'd get Lucy late in the evening. We'd eat dinner, and watch a VHS from the library, and do the same thing the next day.

Being a single working mom is no joke.

But that was a long time ago, and since then I've gotten married, had another child, and have been lucky enough to be able to stay at home for the past 3 years.

Remembering how stressful working was made me hesitant to want to ever go back. I love spending my days at home with Mila. We laid in bed all day, played outside, cuddled,  nursed, and read books, but when the most amazing job opportunity became available I had to go for it. Working at home part time, making my own hours, for a company I was already very passionate about, I started to remember how validating having a career is. Still, there was a huge adjustment. 

The first thing to change was my bed time. The only thing that gets done at 11pm is Netflix watching and snacking on junk food, so I've started going to bed at 9pm and waking up at 5am. Gone are the days of staying in my pajamas, and eating cereal at noon.

Now, I have breakfast, get Mila dressed, and am up and ready to go by 7am at the latest. Ok, maybe my hair and makeup aren't done, but just putting on real pants makes a huge difference.

With Mila in my lap I do my first round of work. Checking emails and making a to-do list. 

Then after Lucy goes to school, Justin, my husband who works nights, gets up and watches Mila. That way I can make phone calls and accomplish what I can't do with a toddler nearby.

By 11am, I am mostly done, aside from the occasional email or text that I respond to while at the park, pushing Mila on the swing or standing in the produce department of our grocery store.

It's amazing how I actually feel like I have more hours in the day now than I did before. 

Now, I know I have a unique situation, where my husband is home during the day to help, and there are stay at home moms who are super motivated, and get a lot done during the day without a job to get them going, but for me, transitioning into this work at home mom role has been nothing but positive. 

If anyone out there is thinking about starting an etsy store, or selling makeup or oils, doing social media or web design from home, etc but have worried about how they will manage their time, I say "go for it!". Get organized. Go to bed early. Have a to-do list. It's worth it. The feeling of having personal success outside of my role as a mother has been so rewarding already.

Going back to my roots

First, I want to thank all of you for your love, support, texts, emails, and comments. I was beyond flattered, and my heart is full with all the sweet words you all sent my way. It had me in tears reading through them all this morning. I feel so honored to have such a wonderful community surrounding me and my tiniest of blogs, and it really helped put a lot into perspective.

Although I blog for me, I also blog for you (my readers). Thank you, for really helping me find my center, and allowing me the time to do so. I love you all so very much.

Going through our old posts and pictures I found this pic ^^ from the week the Mister and I got engaged, and it helped in reminding me that blogging is a way to help record our life, and catch glimpses of moments I never want to forget.

I have chosen to not go private at this time, but instead make some changes both on the blog and throughout social media. Please bare with me while those changes are made, and know that I love each and every one of you.

My whole heart,

mrs measom

Maxi for less

Target. Don't knock it 'til you try it. They have some major outfit pieces there, and I am living in this skirt. This past week I've wore it four out of seven days, so take that for what it's worth. I paired it with a v-neck here, a chambray the other day, and a graphic tee just before this so it is really easy to pair. 

Perfect for the hot humid days of summer, so check it out, try it on, and wear it forever until someone realizes it's all you wear. People around me must be either super nice, or super weirded out that I wear it all the time. I hope it's not the ladder, ha. 

where to find what i am wearing in this post // this post is not sponsored

skirt // v-neck // sandals (similar)

Mom to Mom // 04

It's #momtomom time, and I am thrilled for you to meet Cristal. She is a momma who tells it like it is, with so much love in her heart it is unreal. (oh, and i am pretty obsessed with how naturally beautiful she is.) Her daughter is something I will not even attempt to describe because, honestly, she is perfection with a huge helping of major cuteness. I could just cuddle and play with Mia for hours. (if i ever got the chance to meet her off of instagram that is, ha.) 

So honored and flattered to bring this momma into your lives if you haven't already met her. So without further ado, here is the beautiful Cristal!

Before reading this- this is my personal life and opinion and I do not wish to offend anyone, there is no right choice between been a working mom or a stay at home mom. Remember, we all have our story…

The day I realized I was a stay at home mom, I was in the kitchen making myself some coffee and asked myself, what I’m I going to do today? I had recently stopped working because my work schedule was interfering with the husband’s work/army schedule. We were taking care of Mia ourselves, and most days I had to call out because he had to go to base.

That day, I prepared Mia’s home made baby food, made myself breakfast, cleaned up the house a bit, went to the grocery store and had dinner sort of ready by 6pm, which is the time the husband gets home from work. That night while brushing my teeth I looked at myself in the mirror, I had dark circles under my eyes, my hair was messy and my shirt was full of spit up, I was also very tired. I was a mom, a stay at home mom, like those on TV but without the pretty A-line dresses and the nice hair. I was 22 years old and had a husband and a baby to take care of.

 I haven’t finished college and today someone told me that was ok, that I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. I’m doing the biggest possible job in the world and I should be proud of myself. I want to believe that, but I am the only woman in my family with a baby and without a college degree. I sign up for school last semester and I will admit it, I made up an excuse not to go because I didn’t want to leave Mia in a daycare and at this point we cannot afford a nanny. I sign up for school for the upcoming semester and last month I walked into 10 daycares but couldn’t find the strength to fill out the paper work at any of them and say yes, she will start Monday.  No one will take care of my daughter like I do. How can you be a good mom and still be successful? I’ve seen people do it but nothing makes me happier than to watch my daughter every morning sitting on the kitchen floor or table eating a strawberry or a mango, the mess, I love it, cleaning it makes me happy. 

My mom did not raise my brother or me, things happen between her and my dad and they got separated. I was 2 years old and my brother was 6 months old when we moved in with my grandma (fathers side). She raised us and she has Alzheimer now and sometimes doesn’t even remember who I am. No one tells me stories from when I was a baby, not even my dad, he is a doctor so, he was never home. I want to be able to tell Mia the things she used to do when she was a kid, tell her about the time she crawled or walked, the time she pooped and her diaper didn’t hold it and there was poop all over the bedroom floor, but for that I have to be there for her and I want to be there with her.

I never planned to be a stay at home mom, but now that I’ve become one, how do you go back to the “adult world”? Is a question that I ask myself every day! There are things in life that I want to accomplish and I know, eventually I’ll get myself together and will allowed myself to trust people with my daughter, but today I’m fine with been a 22 years old stay at home mom without a college degree because the minutes, hours and days with my daughter are priceless.

Over the Weekend

There is something about a farmer's market that just makes summer feel like summer. You know? The fresh (local) fruit, veggies, spices, flowers, and baked goods, all work together setting the perfect ambiance for a sweet summer day.

It was a tradition the Mister and I started before we were married, and have carried it over into both our married and baby filled lives. No matter the type of day we are having, Saturdays and farmer's markets go hand in hand. Like peanut butter and jelly, we need them to feel fulfilled in our summer adventures.

I am a flower lover. Always have been, always will be. When I was just a babe, my mother had a beautiful flower shop, and then when she had cancer, every week I would buy myself some flowers, to remind me that things can be beautiful even in the worst of times. That little summary being spilt, this farmer's market had loads of beautiful flowers and plants! I was drooling over some peonies, so naturally they came home with me. I have been staring at them for a week now, and will be restocking my flower filled corners this weekend because who doesn't feel better after looking at some gorgeous flowers by their bed, on their desk, and in the middle of their dining room table?

Hope your weekend is full of love + sun + farmer's markets of course!

#happyweekending

SJ

Some days you just don't want to really think about what to wear! For those days (at least for me) dresses are the way to go. This dress is casual, and dressy, comfy, and stunning all in one. I am kind of obsessed, and wear it more than one a week, and twice on Saturdays. It is even a throw in the wash dress, which is sweet as a momma because I am always getting something on my clothes.

Love it. When you find a piece you love buy two, or if you are shopping on SJ buy the whole stinkin' line!

Happy wearing!

dress // similar flip flops here & they're even on sale // this is not a sponored post. i bought this dress + shoes myself. 

My two boys

These two have such a special bond. DC knows his Papa is his biggest fan, and main squeeze. Dare I say they are home dawgs? Yeah, I said it.

Regardless of how I word it, the tightness they share is pretty much incomprehensible. Sure, DC is a momma's boy, but he will never love me the way he does his Pops. He knows that the Mister will play catch with him a lot longer than momma. He knows that Papa will throw him in the air for more than momma's arms can stand. He knows that when he is crawling or walking with his walker-ade, he can look back and there the Mister is cheering him on.

They share the same big blue eyes, the same love for sports, and an even more recent love for granola. Lots and lots of granola. Their breakfast sessions are full of twinning food mustaches, and giggles. I swear the way DC looks at his father, that DC was watching his Pops from heaven before he was even in my tum, thinking "man this guy is gonna be great!" 

Love these two, and can't imagine what life would be like with one more of these boys in our life.

Happiness is a choice

I'm going to get real deep here, and make a very bold statement. Happiness is a choice. 

I am an addict of sharing cliche sayings mid-post, so we are going to start with one this time, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." This saying never really made sense to me before I started thinking about "choosing to be happy everyday." I realized, after a conversation with some friends, that each morning we are given the choice to be happy. It really is that simple.

Regardless of what we are going through in our lives, no matter how hard, or how easy we can choose to be happy. Waking up in the morning mid-trial, or after "the hardest thing we have ever gone though," and choosing to be happy, instead of listing the things we lack, or want isn't easy, but with a little bit of effort on our part, it is possible.

Moving to Michigan, there are so many things I want for our home, but it forced me to question, what happens when I have filled it with all the things I thought I wanted? There will always be something more, something else we "need." This idea kinda relates to this post I wrote about comparing ourselves, but ultimately when we lack happiness we attempt to fill our lives with stuff or lists. 

I find that when I am not "totally fulfilled" in whatever area of my life I feel the need to fill it. Stuff for the house. Stuff to do around the house. Stuff to do for the house. Stuff to do for work. Stuff to do with my family. Just tons and tons of crap! 

I caught myself trying to fill a void in my life with things that the world says will make us happy, and sometimes I feel like I have almost been conditioned to think that money does bring happiness, although I know better.

If you feel like you are wandering though this ocean of life lost, hurting, mad, angry, any feeling that seems to overwhelm you far beyond your grasp, do not feel lost. Certainly, do not give up hope. We all have our trials. We all fall victim to the ideals society has instilled within us. Money does not buy happiness, and we are in charge of how we feel. 

Force yourself to take stock of your life. Sit down and figure out the things that make you feel the most joy. Joy is the most peaceful, quiet, inner peace that causes our outlook and attitude with the world, our life, and our day to be at its very best. Find your joy and choose to be happy everyday, starting with the second you wake up. Let's change our way of thinking, and allow our way of feeling to be the very best we can.

#change

jeans // chambray (similar) // shoes (similar)

May Favorites

starbucks to go cup // bb cream  // moroccanoil // freshly picked baby moccs // eos lip balm // mascara // peter rabbit baby food // baby book 

Mom to mom // 03

Ain't this lady a beauty? ^^ Whitney is our mom to meet this week, and she is such a sweetheart. There is something so beautiful about the way she loves her little girl (who is expected to arrive very soon), and by the looks of her mom, she will be a knockout! 

I wanted to invite Whit to touch on a subject of preparing for a little. She writes about it in a way that is so relatable, and also like she were just having a conversation with her best friend (which is exactly what we want for our mom to mom series). I love this post, and know you will too! 

#momtomommonday

When Mrs. Measom asked me to be featured as part of her “Mom-Meet-Mom Mondays” I was ecstatic and honored! But then I thought, “Oh shoot! Why me? I feel in the dark about so many things! I need all the help I can get!” Then I realized this is exactly why I was asked! First-time moms, or 7^th-time moms don’t know everything and pregnancy can always be overwhelming! I love this whole idea! I’m young and I really don’t have any close friends that can help me, or relate to me with this whole baby thing. That’s why social media and blogs have been my saving grace! Through them, I’ve met so many new moms and moms-to-be who are all, together, going through this crazy challenge we call motherhood! I love social media for that reason!

She asked me to specifically talk about how I’m prepping for baby’s arrival, and how I’m handling the stress and pressure of it all!

Three words immediately came to my mind: excited, overwhelmed, and stressed.

Excited. Oh for soooo many reasons, but the most obvious is finally meeting my baby, holding her in my arms, and seeing her sweet face!  

Overwhelmed. There is so much to do for such a tiny human being, and honestly I don’t think 10 months of pregnancy is enough time! I am not afraid of babies by any means, but for some reason I’m completely overwhelmed with the thought of having my own. There is so much judgment, criticism, competition, self-doubt, and comparison when it comes to our babies and us as mothers. Whether it is within our own society or ourselves, both are too prevalent and extremely damaging!

Stressed: I don’t know if you are aware, but geez, babies are expensive. Obviously money can always be an immense stressor, thankfully my husband is blessed with an excellent job that allows me to be a stay at home mom, but we are still not millionaires…and far from it! I am stressed about the birth and it gives me anxiety not knowing exactly when it’s going to happening. I’m a huge control-freak and a planner…two things that do not go well with pregnancy! I am stressed about breast-feeding…will I be good at it? Will my baby catch on? I am stressed about sleep-training my baby and getting her on a schedule, and if I will be successful.

“Nesting” is a phrase I had always heard in relation to pregnancy, but never really knew what it meant. Animals do it by getting a nest or burrow ready, and we prepare by getting our house, nurseries, brains, and marriages in order! I can’t help but think that I’m behind on being ready! And I don’t know if that feeling will ever go away, even once I have everything checked off of my checklist! How do you really get yourself ready for the most life-changing thing that will ever happen, especially because we have no idea how our little babies are going to be and what will work for them? I don’t believe it is possible, but I do believe we can try!

If you search on Pinterest (which is SO helpful), you find 10 thousand lists of things you need for baby, recommendations on different brands, different birthing methods, books to read, how to get your baby to sleep through the night, etc.! It can be so helpful, but oh so overwhelming! One site says one bouncer is a must but its $400, these brands of swaddle blankets are the best out there – but they look the same as these ones for half the price, and the struggle goes on. But how am I supposed to know what is worth spending the money on or not?  One site says you can’t go without this baby item, but another one says don’t waste your money! It can get confusing! I’m sure once the baby is here I’ll be able to figure out what works best for me, but before then I really rely on others’ opinions and WHY they thought it was a “must or a bust!” I recommend reading the reviews on big, if not all, products. I read why other moms hated it and why some loved it, and then saw how those pros and cons relate to me!

When I first found out I was pregnant I made a list of all the most expensive baby items such as a crib, changing table, travel system, rocker, ergo (I knew this was a must for me personally), and the swing! I decided that we would buy one big thing a month starting from the very beginning so we would avoid having to spend so much money within such a short amount of time! We got our travel system when I was 15 weeks! Super early, but I couldn’t pass on a sale I found! The next month was the crib, then the changing table and so on! It has really helped me knowing what months we will get what and spacing out the most expensive pieces has been helpful to our bank account!

I’m a big discount/deal shopper so I refuse to pay full price for just about anything, but especially diapers! There is always a coupon or deal out for those. A tip, target lets you double up on coupons for diapers! Saves a ton! I haven’t bought a whole lot because I want to wait to see how my baby will grow and how long she’ll be in each size but I have a little stash building! 9 months is a long time in the marketing world! If you know you want a certain something, wait it out and chances are, sometime within your pregnancy, it will go on sale, or you will get a promo code! So far, I have yet to pay full price for anything baby related, with most deals around 40-50% off, whoop whoop!

I have started to sew some swaddle blankets and burp clothes, and let me tell yeah, doing the little things early in the pregnancy has helped relieve some of my stress, big time, as I get closer to my due date! Little things such as buying diaper rash cream, baby shampoo, and a waterproof mattress pad, are the things that aren’t glamorized by Pinterest and are not as fun to buy, but just as important, if not more, than the big fun cutesy things!

This may seem like a duh…but do something to get ready! Like Nike…”just do it!” Not all of preparation for a baby is buying things! That’s a lot for sure, but organize the clothes you have by size, research (you can never do enough research) the items you want before you buy them, assemble furniture, do a craft, read your baby/pregnancy books, go to the baby store and test out strollers, register, or anything to help you feel accomplished!

Maybe I’m a freak but I knew I would constantly be thinking about it until I did it, so I did a hospital tour at about 18 weeks, and I’m so glad I did! I was the only one there without a giant belly haha! But it totally helped me feel so much better about the whole birthing process and how it would go down! Relieved so much stress I had about that particular aspect! Obviously I am going to do it again when I do have that huge old belly about ready to pop, but I wanted to get rid of some of the countless questions I had in my head!

Most (at least I think) hospitals do a free labor preparation class and breastfeeding class! My breastfeeding class costs $30 but it is SO worth in in my opinion if it will help me be more successful in my breastfeeding attempts, because it will save money in the long run when you don’t have to buy expensive baby formula. Sign up for these early so you don’t miss out on a spot, I’m already signed up for my august class!

A major tip I have for all mammas-to-be has to be spend time with your husband. Go on dates. The whole dynamic of a relationship is affected by a baby, of course good…but different. No more staying up until two in the morning eating ice cream watching a horror movie. I mean I’m sure it’s possible, but I’m going to be getting all the sleep I can get once that baby comes. It is always nice to get out with my man, get my mind off of the mile long checklist of baby things I have to do, and just enjoy the time being just us two! Take advantage of it! Snuggle, cuddle, Eskimo kiss, go out, have tickle fights, stay up late, and sleep! Don’t wait until 36 weeks to try to fit in as many dates as possible. Do it the whole time, act like every weekend is your last weekend as just the two of you! Do as many baby related things together! I never go clothes shopping without him. We painted the nursery together. We built the crib and changing table together. Do it all together.

As stressful as getting ready for a baby can be, it is also a time filled with so much joy and happiness! If our bodies can grow a human being in 9 months, I think we can build a nursery and get ourselves ready in that amount of time! Sometimes we just need to mentally take a break from “baby, baby, baby” and just breathe! They’ll come when they’re ready and whether or not we have everything checked off of our list… a few (or many) breakdowns from baby and mom later…they’ll survive, and so will you!