As I was making an Amazon order the other day, I thought about all of the products that we have ordered over the years and use on a regular basis and love! I have shared a few Amazon finds that you can check out here: Amazon Toddler Finds, Amazon Christmas Finds , Amazon Educational Materials. I thought I would share some items that our family uses every day that I have not posted about before. I would love to know any of your favorites!

1.Water Bottles

We have a few different bottles that we love, but I have really been into ones with a straw and handle for around the house (the 40oz fits in the car) and my husband has really enjoyed having a large one to keep for days he is not home! We have all the ones linked below!

2.Sheets

I have ordered these sheets in multiple sizes and love them! They are seriously so soft for such a great price!

3.Nursing PJs

These pajamas have been awesome for middle of the night feedings and make it so easy! I wore them to the hospital and have basically worn them every night since. I recommend sizing up for comfort.

4.Smoothie Blender

If you know our family personally, you know we are big smoothie drinkers and love having them for breakfast. This has by far been our favorite for smoothies and is so convenient. We have tried using a bigger blender for smoothies, and the consistency isn’t as good in our opinion.

5.Fan

We LOVE having a fan for white noise at night and even travel with one. Our toddler also loves a fan at night and is a staple in our household. Below is our favorite brand! We have both and love each.

6.Coffee Maker

We are huge coffee drinkers and love our morning ritual. This has been one of my favorite makers because we have the option of making a full pot or doing the k cup. We enjoy using the pot to set on a timer and k cups when company is in town for other drink options!

7.Portable White Noise

Our son loves white noise and easily calms down with this. I use it every time we venture out and clip it on to his car seat. It has been amazing!

8.Bible

I have shared an IGTV over the Bible I am currently reading through and love. You can check out that video here. I have really enjoyed it and highly recommend!

9.Slides

With the warmer weather here, I am wearing my slides every day. I absolutely love the Adidas Aqua slides and used them during my hospital stay (only shoes I brought). You do have to break them in for one to two wears, but then they are good to go!

10.Color Changers

These are so fun for kids to use during their bath. We do different combinations to explore making new colors, and our son loves it!

I would love to know your favorites!

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

I shared a post on some thoughts that were circling my mind before our son arrived. You can check that out here: 10 Thoughts Before Baby #2. I thought I would share those thoughts and my reaction to them now that we have our son and I am 8 weeks postpartum. I would love to know if you had any surprises with siblings!

1.How will I love another child as much as my son?

My friend asked if my heart grew when our second son was born, and the best way I could describe it to her is that he always felt like part of our family. When they are born, it is like a puzzle piece that just fits. You will be able to love more than you thought possible.

2.Will our son be jealous or embrace brother and our new family dynamic? How will he be as a big brother?

Young children need time to adjust to their new normal. They may act out or do things for attention because it just takes some time. Just remember, children are amazing and extremely adaptable if we give them the opportunity. Love on them, give them attention, continue to make them feel special…they will surprise you in the best ways! And yes, he will be the best big brother!

3.Will I have enough energy (and patience) to devote to both boys all day every day…including nights.

Yes! Moms are seriously amazing. Continue to ask for help when you need it and be vocal with your spouse. They can’t read your mind!

4.How am I going to keep up with a toddler on little sleep?

Coffee and a full heart.

5.Will I have as much post partum anxiety this time around or be okay since I have a better understanding and perspective?

Second time around is SO MUCH BETTER. Knowing what to expect and having perspective is beyond helpful. You will be so joyful and grateful.

6.How am I going to make sure each boy feels super loved and special?

Let them know how special they are, praise older brother for helping and being a big boy, spend one on one time with each.

7.What’s our day to day going to become, especially needing more routine in those first few months?

You will just go with the flow the first couple months and not worry about a set routine which allows you to just embrace the season and boys.

8.How will the bond with my older son change since we do everything together?

You will still have the same bond, but now he will be your helper on almost everything!

9.Will I have another great experience breastfeeding or will that become a new challenge?

Breastfeeding has also been great but is definitely not the same experience as the first!

10.Will the birth and recovery be as relaxed as the first time around or more difficult?

Birth and recovery are seriously amazing! Could not have been more smooth and give all the glory to God!

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac

Each year I like to reflect on lessons I have learned or been reminded of around the time of my birthday. I have shared a couple posts from previous years that you can check out here: What I Learned In My Twenties & Yearly Take Aways: 31. I thought I would share some take aways from this strange year of a pandemic, new city, pregnancy, and life in general as I welcome this next year with open arms! I will try not to overlap ones from my previous posts. I must say, I truly am loving my thirties and am so thankful for each year!

1.Lean into current seasons instead of constantly thinking about the next or wishing time away

2.Disconnect to connect

3.Check in on others, pray for them, and be a cheerleader

4.Prioritize your health in all aspects- mental, spiritual, physical, emotional, financial

5.Self care does not have to be an elaborate thing

6.Ask questions and think for yourself

7.Listen more than you speak

8.Respect differences and understand the why

9.The world is full of distractions…lean into God and the things that matter

10.Consistency is still the secret sauce in so many areas…health, parenting, routines

11.Be careful what you consume

12.Relationships matter

13.Do things for you…no one else is living your life

14.Ask for help in the areas you need it

15.Never underestimate the little things

16.Say “yes” to your kids

17.Everyone struggles or is going through something…even the happy ones

18.It is okay to have boundaries

19.Hate the sin, not the person

20.Control what you can, and leave the rest to God

21.Being joyful and happy is a daily choice

22.Practice gratitude every day

As always, sending light and love!

Blessings,

Jac