As we are getting closer to a year with our second son, I have been thinking about routines and rhythms my husband and I have created with our boys, especially in this baby season. We also have many friends who are expecting or currently in the season of navigating parenthood, which encourages me to reflect even more. My husband and I have learned there is no one size fits all when it comes to babies or children. Having another child really opened our eyes to how different babies can be regardless of other factors being the exact same.

I thought I would share a few things I have been reflecting on to hopefully provide some encouragement or insight. I would love to know anything you learned the first year of having a baby!

1.Let Go Of Expectations

I don’t know why but I feel like we place so many unrealistic expectations on our babies because society tells us when they should be hitting a certain milestone or mastering a specific skill. Although I think there are many great resources available and accessible, I don’t think they are the end all be all. Letting go to what your baby “should” be doing is so freeing and allows you to soak in the season you are in.

2.Babies Are Different

Once again, I truly believe there is no one size fits all when it comes to babies. What works great for one family, may not work for yours and that is perfectly normal. Expectation and comparison can easily rob you of joy, especially in the first year. Babies are going to have their own personalities and preferences from the very beginning.

3.Take Advice With A Grain Of Salt

I don’t know why but people love to give their advice and opinions when it comes to babies and can feel strongly on many subjects. I have learned to take suggestions with a grain of salt. I have to remember that no one is living my day to day. No one is around my children like I am. No one is there in the thick of it.

I do think it is great to reach out and get advice to those you look up to or are close with when you are needing some guidance and support. However, many times people like to give it without you asking which is when you have to take it with a grain of salt.

4.People Share The Highlights

I think it is so important to always remember that people are sharing the highlights online, but there are equally just as many hard moments they are not talking about. I personally like to talk about all faucets of parenthood with friends and loved ones because that is real life.

5.Everyone Is Learning

No one enters parenthood knowing what to do. Sure we can take classes, read books, and research all the things. However, once that baby arrives we are all learning as we go. I think it is easy to forget that other people are just as clueless, but trust me they are.

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac

Our family recently visited my parents this weekend which is about a 5.5 hour car ride. I feel like road trips can easily become stressful with small children and feel much longer than they actually are. Because of this, my husband and I have learned that leaving early is key for our family. It not only makes the trip go by faster for them, but is so much more enjoyable as a whole. I know some prefer to travel at night, which is also another great option with kids.

I thought I would share what works for us and how we are able to get on the road by 4:45-5:00ish with little ones. I would love to know anything that works for your family!

1.Pack & Load Night Before

I am naturally a very organized person so I like to have as much ready as I can prior to a trip. I pack everything I can the day before and either set it by the door or load in the car (garage). I keep a list of things to remember morning of by our things, but have 98% of it ready prior to.

2.Load Kids Last

My husband and I have learned to load the boys at the very end when we are completely ready to go. Because of this, we wake up at 4am to get ourselves ready, load remaining items, fill waters/coffees, etc. Once the two of us are set, we wake up our younger son to change diaper/nurse. Half way through nursing, my husband will wake up our toddler for potty and brushing teeth. We will both load them in PJS after! I bring cozy blankets for both and have shoes/socks for our toddler already in the car.

3.Quiet Time Until Sunrise

Since we leave early we usually have around 2.5 hours where it is dark and deemed as “night time”. Our baby sleeps primarily the entire time and our toddler as learned that we have quiet/rest time until the sun comes up. He will usually sleep for an hour or so and relax the remainder of the time. My husband and I both use our air pods so we are also following the quiet time “rule”. Once we realized we get the first half in complete peace, we agreed it was worth it to continue to leave early.

4.Plan Stopping Points

Since the first half is “night time” we always plan our stopping point for “morning” or when the sun comes up and they naturally wake up. We always stop somewhere where we can get breakfast, go potty, change diaper, and nurse. It is a great time to stretch and get out! I also nurse last so our baby can make it the second half.

It is so nice getting somewhere and still having the entire day. We usually have both boys nap once we get to our destination so they don’t get overtired.

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac

Our son recently turned nine months and is changing by the day! We are loving this stage he is in and trying to soak it all in. I shared some info on wellness checks you can check out here: Baby Wellness Checks 3-9 Months: What To Expect.

I have also shared items we are actually using in each stage since there are so many products marketed for babies. We try to be as minimal as possible and practical with anything we do decide to purchase. You can check out previous items here: Baby Products We Use At 6 Months, Baby Products We Use At 4 Months, Baby Products We Used For 12 Weeks Or Less, Newborn Essentials: First 6 Weeks (video), and Newborn Essentials: First 2 Weeks (video). I will note the products we are still using so I do not repeat anything!

Items We Are Still Using: Diapers/Wipes, Changing Mat, Crib, Car Seat, Stroller, Burp Cloths (occasionally), Sleep Sacks, Nursing Supplies, Ergo Carrier, Bumbo, Activity Center (occasionally), Door Jumper, Highchair, Feeding Utensils, Water Cup, Teethers, and Toys. Links to the products we use are in the corresponding posts.

Additional Items

1.Activity Table

Our son is on the move and loves pulling up on everything. We used this activity table with our older son, and our younger also loves it. I always have it against something to prevent sliding.

2.Walker

Our son wants to walk so bad and is starting to scale the furniture. We have shown him a walker that our oldest used, and he thinks he is somebody when he uses it. We monitor the entire time, and he is not using for extended periods of time!

3.Suction Plates & Bowls

We love using suction plates and bowls when serving our son table food. It helps prevent some mess, although eating is messy no matter what!

4.Medicines

This was the first month our littlest didn’t feel well so I am thankful I had some things on hand. I know you can’t use much, however items I did utilize were Motrin (6 months +), Boogie Wipes, Nose Sucker, and Baby Vicks Lotion.

5.Push Car

We love going on walks as a family, however did not invest in a double stroller since our older son is 4. We were gifted a fun push car for Christmas and the boys love it! They think it is so fun, and we use it almost daily!

Bonus: Solids App

Since our son is being introduced to solids, I personally enjoy using Solid Starts for guidance on appropriate serving sizes for his age. I know there are so many resources out there for anything baby related, however I personally find this the easiest for our family!

I will share what we are using around the one year mark next!

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac

*Links are affiliate links and directly support me!