Our youngest son recently turned one and I feel like we finally have a pretty good schedule in place for him. We were very flexible with his schedule when he primarily nursed since I fed on demand and we followed his sleepy cues with naps. Once he started eating solids and having breakfast, lunch, and dinner he naturally fell into a nap routine. I am now starting the weening process so we are also structed with nursing times. I thought I would share what his day to day currently looks like to give some ideas or insight. It will change as I reduce the nursing sessions over the weeks and eventually he will transition to just one nap. I would love to know anything that works for your family!

6:00am (ish)- Wake Up + Nurse

7:30am (ish)- Wake Up For The Day + Snack

8:00am (ish)- Breakfast

10:30am (ish)- Nurse + Morning Nap

12:30pm (ish)- Wake Up + Lunch

2:30pm (ish)- Nurse + Afternoon Nap

4:00pm (ish)- Wake Up

5:00pm- Dinner

6:20pm- Bath + Bed Time Routine

6:45pm-Nurse + Bed

He eats a morning snack and afternoon snack whenever he seems hungry so there are no specific times. I will also take away one of the nap nursing sessions in the next week or so. I share food options and meals on my Instagram which you can check out here.

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac

I recently shared my one year postpartum update that you can read about here. I thought I would piggy back off of that and share my thoughts on motherhood and what I have learned throughout the past 12 months. You can read my thoughts with our first son here.

It definitely has been a year of growth for our entire family as we have transitioned and adjusted to our new “normal”. Although we have had some challenges, we have also had so much joy, laughter, and an immense amount of love. I would love to know anything you learned going from one to two little ones!

1.Flexibility is key – we like to follow a “loose routine”

2.All babies are different – there is no one size fits all

3.Do what works for you and your family – you are the only one in the day to day

4.Plan one on one time with your older children…it is a big change for them

5.Do not get caught up in social media motherhood and “expectations” with different stages- kids will be kids!

6.Make memories

7.Fill your own cup

8.Communicate clearly with your spouse – they can’t read your mind or know how you feel

9.Support and encourage different personalities/ strengths with your children and verbally let them know – there is so much power in words

10.Soak in each stage and appreciate it for what it is- they pass by quickly

BONUS: Find people who support/encourage you or make you feel valid. Don’t be afraid to reach out to those people when you need it!

As always, sending light and love

Blessings,

Jac

I don’t know how, but our younger son will be one in a week. His first year has truly flown by, and I am really trying to take the time to soak everything in. There are many lessons I have learned this past year that I will be sharing soon, however today I wanted to share some on my postpartum experience the second time around. I have shared some of my experience here: Recovery Baby 2, Non Negotiables Postpartum , Postpartum Wellness, 6 months Postpartum, and Health Goals Postpartum. You can also find more pregnancy/postpartum posts in my designated tab!

If there is one thing I have learned the second time around is that keeping my cup full is vital during this season of life. Not only do I feel like I am a better mom, but I feel like the entire house maintains a positive and joyful energy. With our older son I experienced a lot of mom guilt when I chose to do things for myself and struggled with navigating and finding that balance. This time around has been a completely different experience because I know how necessary it is to focus on my entire well-being including physical, social, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. I also have an extremely supportive husband who constantly encourages me to do things for myself while he holds down the fort.

I am still exclusively breastfeeding which has added another layer this past year of hormones, body changes, and logistics. Although I am so grateful for the opportunity to breastfeed again, I am looking forward to some body independence when the time comes. I honestly haven’t had too many postpartum symptoms that women can experience the first year after birth. The only noticeable one has been a ton of hair shedding, which is common.

Like with anything else, postpartum is a season that quickly passes. However it can feel never ending if you are having a difficult experience. I highly encourage anyone struggling to talk to someone or get whatever help you are needing!

Stay tuned for my yearly reflections and thoughts.

As always, sending light and love.

Blessings,

Jac