This is How My Day Went!!

He’s into frogs and bugs right now!

As mothers and women I think it’s important to help build one another up. This requires building up our confidence. Which means we need to be relatable, and be honest in our struggles. A big pet peeve of mine is looking to other amazing women for support, or connection and seeing perfectly curated feeds of perfect photos, perfect kids, perfect house, and then a caption about the wonderful things going on in their lives. Let’s be honest if your not being real you are not relatable, so I want to share about one of my insane days as a mom and wife. The truth I guess..?.

No edits here! Real life snaps!!

My day started off decent, I didn’t meet my sleep goals so I struggled to get up and keep up with the 20 different demands my 5 year old had starting at 630 asking for his IPad. I made sure everyone was fed, well except me. I munched on some cookies, some ramen whatever I could fit in between tasks. Then Jacob had to leave to run errands. I was about to take my “morning bath” aka my relax time alone for 15 minutes. And I realize I have to do this while the kids are with me alone. So I put up the baby gates. And the kids were on their devices with a snack across the hall, don’t worry Karen I have cameras and can hear and see them. Everything was going ok for about a minute when my oldest burst through the door then my youngest. Both with rediculous demands even though they had everything they needed. So during my cold bath, yes did I tell you the hot water ran out for some reason, so they brought toys in the bathroom. My toddler brought me some funions he had in his mouth and tried to feed them to me. I gave them my water thinking I would get maybe five more minutes. But instead they bring it back to me and guilt me into drinking it, which I normally wouldn’t do. But I was desperate so I drank it and it had backwash and funion crumbs in it…gag!! So I gave up and decided I just needed to get out I was not getting a break today lol and my toddler comes back in and laid down because he had pooped. It really was an eventful day. The kids were non stop I couldn’t even lock them out of my bedroom. I am not sharing to be negative, put my kids down, or complain. I want other moms to know I’m right there with you in solidarity!! I see your struggles your rough patches. They are temporary and we will get through them. And I want you to know you don’t have to appear perfect to be an amazing mom and woman!! And always be kind ladies you never know what another persons struggles may be!! As a fellow hot mess express parent I want you to know I will be honest and as transparent as possible. I want to build community and friendships with fellow parents!!! Drop a comment below, share one of your crazy days!!, and please subscribe for my latest content!!

Missing the cooler weather lately, looking forward to fall and making more memories outside!

xoxo

Brandy

Aside

Summer By The Pool

We love summertime at my house!! Especially the long days that give us more time to be outdoors…including being poolside! This year we decided to invest in season passes at our local water park, which in the long run saves us time, and money. We live 10 minutes away so it’s something I can do with my son during the day to keep him busy and me sane. But there are some good things know before venturing out to the water park or just a pool in general. Check out my list of must haves and should haves…(I learned a few the hard way)

  • First always bring sunscreen 30+or higher and if possible get the broad spectrum so most of the harmful rays are covered. I bring all natural, lotion, and spray on and I keep them in a small wet bag in case any of them leaks. I really like having the variety because some days spraying us down quick quick is easier especially with a squirmy toddler.
  • Next this seems too logical but towels!! I have taken my family swimming and packed everything but towels, it can happen!! So I always roll up three towels… it’s a space saver to roll them in my pool bag.
  • Water. You can bring one outside bottle per person, and I always put my 32 oz bottle in the bottom of my diaper bag, because you can easily get dehydrated on these sweltering hot days if you don’t drink enough fluids or water. Most people in the water and sun all day don’t realize they haven’t been taking in enough water until it’s too late. 
  • I recommend bringing some antibiotic cream and some different sized bandaids. I and Jacksons dad both have been scraped, cut, and blistered at the park and I forgot to pack these simple things we needed. So I put them both in a small ziploc bag it’s so simple.
  • For your little on bring water shoes even if they may not use them. The pavement get extremely hot and can burn those little baby feet. And most water parks have cement bottoms in the pools because it’s easier to keep up with all the wear and tear the pools can get. These concert bottoms can really scrape babies toes so always great to have the water shoes handy.
  • Optional- When we go and stay all day we will load up or stroller with any bags and Jackson and it’s so much easier to protect our items and gives him the option to walk or ride. 
  • We always bring a wrist harness. It works very well and they are super cheap on amazon. They are worth it because when the park is busy and kids are running everywhere it is very easy to get separated when walking to or from your chairs or cabana.

 It sounds like a lot but we actually only carry two bags in for 3 of us including our toddler. And it’s always easy to pack up and tote around. But more importantly we have everything we need for a day of family fun in the sun. I hope these simple tips are helpful for you and your little on any pool side or beach outing you may be venturing too this summer.  

    Please comment below if this was helpful or if you have some tips to share, and subscribe to my blog with your email so you can receive updates on upcoming posts and giveaways I’ll be hosting!! I love sharing this awesome journey of motherhood.

    Aside

    My Baby is Turning Two!!!

    Yay!! My baby is turning two, and although we are celebrating his birthday differently this year I am still continuing my tradition of writing him a letter and then putting it away in his baby book until he is older..maybe 18, we’ll see. This is very special because not only is it his birthday it is my day of passage into motherhood and proving just how incredible and strong I am. So to me a birthday is a special day that only that mom and child share together. But most importantly I will share all of my heartfelt thoughts that I was thinking each year as he gets older and goes through different phases of life. So my letter this year is:

    Jackson,

    My only son I love you more than you will ever know. You have changed my life for the better. You have challenged me so many different ways. You have shown me how strong and intelligent you are as I watch you when you struggle to learn a new task or you fall down and scrape your knees. When you burned your hand on the hot iron and I felt like I was a horrible mom, or when you caught a cold and I didn’t realize it until you were getting better. You got through all of it and you are thriving and I am doing ok too. I will only get stronger and more knowledgeable and adapt as I have to deal with these new phases as we enter toddlerhood full force. It hasn’t been easy and you have upset me at times, left me frustrated, and feeling like I’m not game to be a mom. But when all is said and done you always kiss me every night and tell me you love me and I know that I have shown you that you have a safe place with me and I am someone you trust. I know just how blessed I am to call you my son. I may hang on too tight because in the beginning I didn’t know if you would ever come home from the hospital, but your a fighter and I don’t take one day with you for granite. So I also apologize if I’m a little overbearing and protective one day you will understand. I love you so much and I hope you have a wonderful birthday filled with love, family, and amazing new adventures. I love you Jackson.

    Mommy

    This is my special tradition for my sons birthday, what traditions do you enjoy for your kiddos birthdays?? Please share in the comments section below!! And subscribe with your email address to get the latest blog posts.