Packing for the Hospital

With just a few weeks left to go, I'm in full prep mode, which includes packing the Hospital bag! 3 years ago, I was not prepared for Roswelle's arrival in Maine at 37 weeks, my brother-in-law had to go to our house and pick-up what little I had packed and bring it up to us. So this time around, baby's and my items are ready at 35weeks! I even have a list on the fridge for Paul with those last minute items included - chargers, tooth brush, etc.

I'd love to hear from you as well - what did you pack that you couldn't live without, and maybe what did you forget to pack?

For Myself

The first few days with Roswelle all I did was nurse or have her on my chest, so I focused on button down options for myself, allowing for style, comfort, and easy access. I'm not much a robe person, I decided instead to pack 2 versions of button-down pajamas, 1 short set and 1 long shirt. I'm also packing a very comfortable "going home" outfit. I've detailed the main items in the bag below, omitting the obvious items - tooth brush, important forms, and the not so photogenic undergarments. 

• Button down pajamas - both a short set from top shop (on sale!) and a soft sleepshirt (in case shorts/pants are annoying). In those first few days I hope to have her on my chest a lot and also will be nursing frequently - so the buttons will aide in easy access and easy coverage when visitors arrive. 
• 1 going home outfit - I plan to wear my favorite, stretchiest, maternity leggings and a long chambray button up shirt with flats. Simple and comfortable.
• nursing bra/tank
• Hair Brush/style spray/curling iron. I know myself and I feel best when I feel somewhat put together. Laugh all you want (I'll be sure to insta-story whether or not I used my curling iron - promise - I'll admit it if it's a waste), but I think it will do wonders for my energy, post-partum recovery, and attitude. I plan to take a shower, freshen up my hair, and even put on some bronzer on day 2.
• Speaking of bronzer - Make-up bag and toiletries. You can read a detail of my make-up here, I still wear the same thing everyday. I'll be wearing a minimal amount of makeup, but some mascara and color on my cheeks is almost as good as a cup of coffee for my energy.
• Not pictured: Camera/Laptop/iPhone/Chargers

click on any of the images below for direct links >>

For Baby

I know this list for a newborn may be over the top, but I'm a planner, a photographer, and a little crazy excited, so I love the idea of having a few special items for her.  I 100% intend to take pictures, assuming all is well and calm in the room. However, for the most part, I expect she will be naked on mine or Paul's chest.

I'm planning to bring all of my own baby blankets, onesies, socks, hats etc for her that I have pre-washed in a chemical-free, plant-based detergent. Additionally, I'll be bringing water wipes and honest newborn diapers. I don't plan to give her a bath for a while so no need for any baby toiletries.

All the items are detailed, with links, below!

• Her going home Layette. When Roswelle was born we had a beautiful "going home" dress for her but realized it made getting her into the carseat a little tricky. This time around I will have the baby in a footed onsie with a sweet sweater, bonnet and blanket. It will mostly likely be June, but that does NOT mean it will be warm here in Boston.
• Blankets - my own eyelet white&pink baby blankets made my grandmother, Mammie, and some simple white swaddling blankets.
• 2 extra outfits, if we decide to dress.
• Her monogrammed eyelet bonnet and bow blanket. My mom ordered these for her and I couldn't be more excited to photographer her in them.
• Knitted sweater and hat from her grandmother, Gigi.
• Plain white onesies and socks.

click on any of the images below for direct links >>

My Reading Philosophy (and book reviews)

Before I had a child, I was an devoted reader, mostly because I had the time! Over the past 3 years, my reading rate slowly dropped off to 2-3 books a summer and maybe 1 during the winter. However, as I've recently shared, we've implemented some lifestyle changes including cutting cable and changing our nightly routines. These changes re-kindled my love, and allowed time, for reading and I'm only happier for it.

My reading philosophy:

Time

Paul and I typically get Roswelle to bed by 8pm and our entire house shuts down for the night by 8:30pm! Paul and I both go up to our bedroom to get ready for the night and have at least an hour (if we fall asleep around 10pm) to read - although we both often only last 20 minutes before falling asleep with our books on our faces. The point is, its been amazing!  We love winding down this way, and I'm certain we sleep better because of it (and we are now morning people:)   

Also, make plans around reading! My girlfriends recently started a book club where we are planning to meet once a month, with the host of the month selecting the book we read. This gives me encouragement to prioritize finishing the book and allows me to make time for myself, my friends, and my mind! 

How I Read

I ONLY read hardcover books, finding the pages and substantial weight of the book comforting and relaxing. If I know that I am going to an appointment solo (doctor appt/oil change/nail salon)  I will toss my book in my bag opting to read it rather than scrolling on my phone while I wait. 

Money

If you become an avid reader, it can be expensive to buy the books. With more and more friends using their kindles, I have less books to borrow. I renewed my membership at our local library (after paying $51 in late fees/lost books (whoops!)) and always look forward to the emails that my requested book is ready for pick-up! Roswelle and I make a trip out of picking up my books, and she has so much fun in the children's space. We usually checkout a couple books for her as well. 

Genre

Know your genre and stick with it. Most of the time, if someone tells me they just don't enjoy reading, I assume they haven't found the right genre. I love chick-lit and fictional mysteries so that's what I read and I don't apologize for it. Paul and I couldn't have more different preferences when it comes to reading (as you will see below) and that's ok. This is about restoration and time for yourself - so you do you! Once you find the genre you love, you will be more likely to actually read, which is the whole point.

Below are some lists of what I've recently read (and my review of the books), what's next on my list to read, and what Paul is reading (just to give y'all a broader context of some books out there).

Happy reading, y'all!

What I've read recently:

• The Nest, by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney - fun, entertaining and makes you wonder which sibling you would be when a large sum of money is to be inherited.
• Fates and Furies, by Lauren Groff- definitely a step above my reading level, but I enjoyed the challenge. I had to focus when reading it so it's not something I would suggest while you sit on the beach with the kids. It takes a "furious" twist at the end that I found refreshing from the typical happy ending novels I read. 
• Rich and Pretty, by Rumaan Alam -  to be honest, I really did not like this one. I found the writing style choppy and I kept waiting for something to actually happen. Mostly read it because I saw it on someone else's list, but didn't even finish the last few chapters! Only including it because it is, in fact, something I've recently read.
• Before the Fall, by Noah Hawley - If you like to wonder what really happened until the very end - you will enjoy this. A small plain crash occurs killing two rich and important families, leaving only a small boy, who is heir to his father's wealth, and an artist who was hitch-hiking a ride, to survive. There are many plausible theories as to how and why the plane went down with an unexpected, but satisfying ending.
• Big Little Lies, by Liane Moriarty - LOVED this and honestly love the HBO series based on the book just as much. All about chaos amongst parents in a wealthy area of California. You spend the entire book learning the little lies everyone is telling and ultimately trying to find out who dies in the end and how.
• Into the Water, by Paula Hawkins - The best thriller I have read in a long time and I think better than her first novel, Girl on the Train. I finished this book in one week which is impressive for me and had nightmares 1 or 2 nights from it. I plan to lend it out (I actually purchased this one), with fair warning on the creepiness.

Next on my list:

• Small Great Things, by Jodi Piccoult
• The Couple Next Door, by Shari Lapena
• The Girl Before, by JP Delaney
• All the Missing Girls, by Megan Miranda
• The Nix, by Nathan Hill

Paul's List

(for some balance to my chick-lit/mystery)

• Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, by Meg Meeker (a "must" for Dad's of daughters, according to Paul)
• The Short History of Nearly Everything, by Bill Bryson
• Dynamic Aging, by Katy Bowman
• A Walk in the Woods, by Bill Bryson
• Under the Banner of Heaven, by Jon Krakauer

Babymooning - all by myself

In truth, Paul is with me on our babymoon. But it's actually a work conference so he has meetings, dinners, and tee-times to attend (don't feel too bad for him, he still managed to enjoy the pool, gym, and golf). But for the most part, I have been by myself. I ate by myself at the hotel restaurants, got ready by myself, sat at the pool solo, and even gave myself my own hour long yoga class - no teacher, no phone app - just me and the mat. I did very little talking and a lot more thinking. It's been incredibly restorative.

I think moms in general could use a solo vacation, almost more than a getaway with their partner. I had a girlfriend who, before her second baby was born, took a solo trip to the cape. She rented a tiny, cute airbnb space and had 3 full days of solitude. I found it incredibly inspiring and admired her for it. I've also read of couples who intentionally book 1 solo vacation a year, without their partner. The idea is intimidating at first but I think there is really something to it. You many think to yourself, "but what will I do??" You were a single person once, maybe forever ago, but she/he is still in there. Trust me you will find things to do...just for yourself, or maybe you don't do anything at all for a full 24 hours - can you imagine? 

Paul and I have found that balancing alone time when we are "together" really keeps our relationship healthy. While on this trip, we had some time together at the pool and later in the afternoon he went to the gym for a few hours while I went back to the room, turned on Rachael Ray (I've started watching her show recently, and kinda love it??), had some time to pick up our room which instantly calms me, and took pictures for this post. I actually told him not to come back to the room until after 5pm - I wanted some quiet time.

The predictability during this trip has been comforting. I told Paul on Wednesday night that I couldn't wait for Thursday, because I was going to have the exact same day as I just had. Walk for a coffee, Today show while browsing blogs and drafting my own posts, breakfast at 8 by myself, yoga from 9-10 and then setting up poolside for the remainder of the day. And ending the night with ice-cream delivered to the room while watching Real Housewives. yes, yes, yes. 

The conference is at the Four Seasons in Scottsdale Arizona this year, which is quite luxurious and is just such a special treat. I have loved the dry heat during the day and crisp, cool mornings. I'm still trying to decide which cactus is my absolute favorite out of the thousands covering the grounds. I knew I would be spending 100% of my time on resort grounds so I packed very simply -  prioritizing comfort and simplicity. 

Below are details of items I used most on the trip - again very simple and thoughtfully chosen. I hope this inspires you to intentionally plan some time by yourself. Even if it's just a weekend in your own home while your husband takes the kids to his parents - you will be better for it I promise! 

While I love the sun and pool time, my skin pays for it. To avoid too much damage, I use babyganics mineral based sunscreen SPF50 with a large brim hat to protect my most vulnerable spots, my face and chest. I also end every day with a soak in the tub using Trader Joe's Lavendar Salt Scrub - the light exfoliant removes damaged skin from the day and the remaining oil on my skin is better than lotion.

With Paul at dinners most nights, I have plenty of time for self care in the hotel room - My favorite face masks, touching up my pedicure if needed, and Bravo TV.

I packed the most basic color palette for this trip - Navy, Black, and only two other colors - the pink and gray dresses pictured above. It makes getting dressed for dinner a mindless task, leaving me more time for an extra yoga class, a nap, or whatever I please really.

It's a baby moon and I know no one, so I wore a black two-piece with my bump on show and never looked back. Links for bathing suit and cover-up (I wore an XL in the coverup)

I intentionally didn't pack tennis shoes or any sort of heel. I decided a hike isn't for me this time (rattlesnakes!) so I wore my sandals (similar here) on my walks to the restaurants, spa, yoga room, and pool - and that's all I needed. 

How cutting back on TV improved our routines

In January Paul and I cut cable TV. And it was really scary. As a stay at home mom, I considered TV my personal pal helping me make it through the day. Not so much for Roswelle to watch, but for background noise so I wouldn't lose my mind talking to myself and a toddler all day. 

We weened ourselves off television slowly. We cut cable, but kept Netflix, Amazon prime, and bought this antenna for only $19 (which are so sleek now!). I'm able to watch the Today Show in the mornings and we can watch the Bachelor if we feel like it on Monday nights. We also added the Sling TV app on our Roku, which allows me to watch Bravo and Paul to watch the NFL network - a win win for both of us. We plan to unsubscribe to Sling in the summer when we are home less, and then pick it back up in the winter months. 

The first month was tough - I found myself quite bored... However, slowly but surely I started realizing I didn't miss it as much...in fact TV started to not interest me! I started meal prepping and trying new recipes during Roswelle's nap instead of sitting on the couch. And recently I've been writing and creating more blog content, as well as moving the blog to a new website host! In the end, I'm feeling more fulfilled.

The biggest change has been our new bedtime and morning routines. Now that Paul and I aren't endlessly searching for something on TV to watch at night...we pick up the house, prepare for the morning, and go to bed! We have been reading more and falling asleep by 9pm on a regular basis which means we have been getting up early in the morning, getting ahead of the day, before Roswelle wakes up. Paul goes to the gym in the mornings and comes home earlier to hang out at night, allowing us to have sitdown dinners as a family between 6/6:30 most nights. I have been waking up a good hour before Roswelle which allows me to drink my cup of coffee quietly, read a few blogs, and catch up on my to-do list for the day - even knocking some things off before 7am like ordering a wedding gift I've been putting off.

If you are considering cutting back on TV, this is me encouraging you!! At least try it, if you are miserable, then by all means add it back, but you'll never know what is waiting on the other side of the black mirror... haaaa. good ol' TV pun to end this post. 

Things I'm Lovin' - Toddler

1.

Blabla Knitted Pillows

: I've been a fan of Blabla knitted dolls since Roswelle was born. As she grows older, I'm looking for ways to add fun, intriguing pieces to her space while keeping it classic and appealing. The knitted cacti pillows fit the bill! Would be adorable in any playroom, toddler's teepee, or bed.

2.

Brew & Serve Wooden Coffee Maker:

 Does your toddler watch you make your coffee every morning? Does he/she ever want to help? Well now he/she really can! Adding this play set to your morning routine will make for merrier mornings. You can enjoy your real coffee while your little makes you a variety of freshly brewed concoctions.

3.

Kid Apron Set by the loveliest:

 This is a great gift for a toddler who loves to spend time in the kitchen (and would be a great pairing with item #2 above). The loveliest company really is just that, offering adorable bedding, quilts, mobiles, and wearables. I'll be revisiting this site again, I'm sure!

4.

Kid Made Modern Paint & Brushes:

 5pm can be a tricky time in our house, too late to head out and still a good amount of time to kill before bed. Recently, I've been setting Roswelle up to paint at the kitchen table while I prepare dinner. My favorite paint for her little toddler hands is the Kid Made Modern wide mouth/tip proof set paired with short, sturdy wooden paint brushes. I can walk away from the table while she is exercising her creativity for at least 20 minutes. And because a spill is inevitable, even with the best supplies, the paint is washable.

5.

Ikea Doll House/Wall Shelf:

 I really could do a whole list of Ikea toys I'm lovin' - they have some great classic, wooden toys available. This doll house is great because it mounts to the wall and can develop into a book shelf as your toddler grows older. My sister-in-law put craft paper/wrapping paper to the back walls, making it an even more festive and stylish doll house!

6.

Fred & Friends Dinner Winner Plate:

 Does your toddler fight eating dinner? yeah, mine too... I saw this plate in February's issue of Real Simple magazine and think it's worth a shot. The idea is to put meat, vegetables, etc along the way with a treat (cheerios, blueberries, chocolate - whatever that looks like for you) at the Finish Line!

7.

Gap Moccasin Fringe Sneakers:

 Roswelle was gifted these at Christmas and my goodness she gets so many compliments on them! People have stopped me to ask me where they are from - Gap, y'all! And they are still available for purchase. With velcro fastens and minimal soles, it's a great everyday shoe for her.

8.

Usborne Book of Things to Spot:

 Roswelle LOVES search and find books, so when a couple girlfriends started selling Usborne books, I was excited to purchase the "things to spot" books. The pictures have so many details providing numerous ways to quiz her aka "which one has spots, which one is the smallest, can you count all the ants." It is her favorite book at the moment!

9.

Chasing Paper Removable Wallpaper:

 I do love decorating Roswelle's room in a particular way (light colors, clutter free, super girly)...but I do think a child's room should reflect their tastes. This removable wall paper is good quality and actually is easy to remove (so I've read from other bloggers). You can start, mess up, and restart - sounds good to me! I would love to do an accent wall in Roswelle's room and let her pick out the paper (and by pick out, I mean select from the options I give her...control freak momma here!)

Things I'm Lovin' - Home

It's Tuesday! Which means another installment of Things I'm Lovin'. Today is all about the Home. Some items are primarily for decoration; however, most are things that have made my home life easier and more enjoyable.

1.

Oreck Steam Mop:

 All hail the STEAM MOP! A great alternative to the messy, dip & rinse yarn mop, or the questionable cleanliness of the swiffer wet-jet (which I have been using for years); the steam mop provides a deep down clean without the use of chemicals or detergents. After it's been used, simply pull off the cloth cover and toss in the washing machine. I use the mop all over the house - on the hardwood, the bathroom tile, and even the bathroom tub.

2.

Simple black frames:

 I'm partial to decorating with whites, grays, creams, and neutrals but I have been leaning into the idea of intentional dark colors to compliment all the lightness. I've found that the best way to add some much needed depth is through the clean lines of a simple, black frame. I'm planning to put 3 of these large square frames above our master bed. Now I just need to decide on what will go in them...

3.

Black & Decker Dust Buster: 

All I need to say is this dust buster

actually works

. It has a simple and sleek charging stand and is my go-to tool for the inevitable messes in the kitchen or after I blow dry my hair in the bathroom.

4.

Ceramic Match Holder:

 I don't own one personally, but I have gifted the ceramic match holder/striker after seeing it on multiple gift guides prior to Christmas. A great addition to any side table or bathroom vanity and removes the need for having matches next to the candle. If you order the match holder, don't forget to order "strike

anywhere

" matches off amazon.

5.

Dr. Bronner's Liquid Soap:

 I bought this for soap in the shower and after reading the back of the label listing all of the other uses, we have quickly started using it all over the house: Dish soap, tub/bathroom cleaning, and even a vegetable cleaner.

6.

King-Sized Throw:

 Believe it or not, throws are hard to find in king-size, or even queen size for that matter. That's why so often you will see them draped over the corners of larger beds in pictures. The king blanket I've linked isn't necessarily a throw, but it comes in a great pattern, multiple colors and is thin enough to be casually placed at the end of a bed. My mom also has a great tip - a twin sized quilt is the perfect size for the end of a King bed.

7.

Rifle Paper Wall Calendar: 

My favorite way to kick off the new year is with a Rifle Paper Calendar! The notable artwork each month is both uplifting and fitting to the mood I feel with each month's weather and festivities.

8.

Marble Oval Cutting Board:

 I've used this board over and over again. Photographing food; a tray for flower, matches, and a candle; a pretty addition to any bathroom vanity; or even for its intended use as a cheese tray or hummus platter.

9.

Everyday Co Linen Dinner Napkins: 

A local company born in Boston, the linen napkins are meant for everyday use in replace of paper napkins. Many of us save such a napkin for special occasions or dinners, but wouldn't it be nice to treat every meal, every day, as such? I have yet to buy myself a set, it's on my list, but have gifted the dinner napkins three times!

10.

Bonavita Coffee Maker:

  My favorite coffee maker. I prefer this sleeker look to some of the other bulkier options out there. It's also available in white!

11.

Bodum Milk Frother:

 Not something I use every day, but you could! It always fun to have something extra special when having girlfriends or family over to the house. I was gifted this milk frother by my sister-in-law; it adds a bit of elegance to my coffee bar and is a fun addition to offer with coffee!

12.

African Market Basket:

 Baskets have become something I use everyday - a place for fruit & vegetables, on the stairs for odds and ends, holding towels in the linen closet, or a place to gather throw blankets in the living room. A basket makes any collection of clutter look intentional, even stylish! This specific type of basket, an African Market Basket, with a giving bowl and a leather bound handle, is something I'm currently seeking. I've been seeing them pop up all over blogs and even spotted one in this month's Real Simple Magazine.  

I've loved putting these lists together so much that I'm currently planning to write a 4th installment: Things I'm Lovin' - Toddler Life!

2017 Resolutions

I was inspired after reading other bloggers new year's resolutions today, to write my own! Some are brand new and some a continuation of things we've been putting into practice the last month or so...

1.

Walk more

. I am lucky enough to be able to walk to the local grocery store, rite-aid, restaurants, even Roswelle's potential preschool if I am feeling up for it (which reminds me I need to finish the application). It seems like a simple concept, but most days I must look for ways to make myself move more, as it's no longer inherent in my day-to-day routine.

2.

Buy less things I like and more things I love

. I'm known for going to HomeGoods or Target and coming back with things...not needs or even wants...just things. I need to stop buying another vase and buy more fresh flowers for example.

3.

Give myself more credit.

 I'm going to give myself more acknowledgement for what I am already doing. I'm hard on myself for not doing enough for others, but I should remind myself we have been hosting a community group in our living room for 6-10 neighbors every Wednesday night for the past 3 years. I'm really tough on myself when I eat something indulgent but I should give myself more credit for deciding, without regret or significant resistance, to be Gluten-free/Dairy-Free last May and continuing it for the foreseeable future because I feel AMAZING eating that way. Instead of consistently thinking of ways to better myself or how I am coming up short, I want to focus on what I AM doing!

4.

Less screen time and more meal-time for Roswelle

.  We started cutting back on TV/iPhone time for Roswelle in December and it was a shock to Paul and I how little she asked for cartoons after a day or two. I go 3-4 days now without her watching a single show or movie. It has been really rewarding to both Roswelle and myself. In turn, I noticed she started asking to "eat" more frequently out of boredom. We started letting her graze throughout the day and rarely sat down for a meal after breakfast. Paul and I are shifting gears and creating more structure around 3 meals a day in hopes that she will genuinely be hungry when she eats and as a result try more vegetables and have well balanced meals.

5.

Get dressed more at home

. As a stay at home mom, I can spend multiple days in sweatpants and sloppy, over-sized t-shirts. I know I am more productive and feel better when I get dressed for the day. It's not like I'll be wearing fitted pants or even blouses, simple jeans and a sweater would do the trick. 2 minutes to put on mascara and bronzer and a few fresh curls in my hair makes me feel as awake as a cup of coffee. I can do it....and should start now. It's 11am and I am writing this in my pajamas.

6.

Give Paul and myself a night off, separately

. Another blogger practices this with her husband and they love it. One night a week Paul gets to do WHATEVER he wants without any questioning from me...my guess is his night will be Tuesday so he can go to his favorite Yin Flow yoga class. And in return, I can do anything I want on my night off whether it's go to Yoga, head to HomeGoods to roam around aimlessly (which doesn't help resolution #2), get a manicure, or even go up to my room and shut the door (introvert timeeee). We both think it's a great idea but now we just need to DO it - which is common denominator in ALL resolutions I guess.

7.

Finally, blog more

. It never fails, as soon as I get into a groove of blogging on a regular basis something comes up to stall me. I get sick for a week, we go on a trip, or week flies by without any time to write and then that week turns in to a month. I've got 4-5 photo sessions ready to post and I just need to do it!! In between, I'll sprinkle in personal posts which are my favorite to write.