I spend a lot of time reading on my phone while I pump. I mentioned here, but I am pretty much exclusively pumping for Emmaline. If you’ve ever done this, you know how time consuming this can be. My goal is to pump for at least 6 months, which is what I did for Braden. We’ll see though. I am already feeling like a cow since I do it about 5 times per day.
I use the time I pump to catch up on reading news, scrolling through FB or Instagram, or reading what I call “casual reading.” All about the multitasking here. For my whole career, I have always kept a casual reading folder in my email inbox. Working in an agency setting for 10+ years, I received hundreds of emails a day. Casual reading emails were usual educational or light reading emails I would file away to read when I had leisure time or needed a mental break. I often read through them in Fridays, so I thought this would be good Friday or Sat. reading for some. So, this series, which for now I’ll call “The Pumping Chronicles” is my version of that for the blog, with the hopes that they educate, inspire, or even make you LOL. I will try to make this a weekly series where I share articles I’ve recently stumbled across or other discoveries.
So, let’s kick this off…
1.When we built our house, we had plans of putting in a pool one day. Last summer, we said we’d do it next year. With me being pregnant & Ben traveling for work, I did not want to take it on in 2018. We have been thinking about this a lot more lately, seriously thinking about adding a pool early next year. It is just SO hot in Houston during the summer that a pool feels like a necessity. I know — that sounds a bit like first world problems, but I know it would be something we utilize a lot. That said, pool and water safety is something I am very serious about. I recently came across this article written by a woman whose son drowned. I have a friend who had a traumatic scare with her daughter who almost drowned. I can’t fathom going through this type of situation and how scary that must had been. So, I hope this article inspires you to be safe when it comes to pool and water exposure and to be cautious when your children are near water. Reading articles like this always give me chills.
2. I have total amnesia about what it’s like to have a baby so I am googling info. quite a bit & re-reading this book, which I followed, to sleep train Braden. Emmaline has only been waking 2x at night, so I haven’t started trying to implement a schedule quite yet but plan to soon just because it will help when it comes to my work schedule and and our family’s overall routine. Also, I downloaded the Wonder Weeks app, which is great for understanding growth spurts.
3. Babies don’t do much but eat, sleep & poop, but I am all about trying to do a few little things that help with development. I came across this site recently that you can put in your baby’s age and it gives you activities to do like little exercises to help with development. If you’re a new mom or know someone expecting, pass it along!
4. Nordstrom anniversary sale: I have ordered a good amount online in the middle of the night since last week. Perks of being woken up by a tiny human, perhaps. I am evaluating what to keep vs. return right now so I’ll share my selects soon. The sale just opened up to the public (non- Nordstrom card holders) so check often to grab new fall items. I always use this time to stock up on basics like cardigans, booties, designer denim and kids’ clothes. All of my Northface fleeces, boots and booties and lots of Braden’s clothes come from the Nordstrom sale each year. I’ve linked a few of my faves below in the widget.
5. I recently have purchased a a couple of cute items to wear from Target that are affordable & good quality like this dress with ric rac detail or this summery striped dress, which is great for nursing moms like me.
Additionally, I think the most recent additions to the Magnolia Hearth & Hand line are awesome . I added this lamp and this artwork to B’s room. And, I bought this message holder to hang next to my pantry because it’s one of my biggest pet peeves to run out of something and not be told about it. So, this list will help me know we’ve run out of something essential like PB ( always have 2-3 jars of our favorite or it makes me nervous ) or coffee. These things basically keep us alive/sane.
Thanks for reading the first edition.
Stay tuned for more next week!
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My sweet baby boy Braden turned two today. It’s hard to believe that I have a two-year-old. Sometimes I feel a little unqualified to be a mom to a toddler who is learning and growing daily. He’s such a little sponge, constantly counting and pointing out the shapes, colors and objects in every room. It’s hard to put into words how much I adore this kid.
