Going Back to School during Covid

I only want the best for my son.

This has been at the top of every parents to do list for a while now. Going back to school during a pandemic. Is it safe? How will they do it? Will they have to close again? Why would they open when cases are rising? I’m sure I could have listed over 100 questions surging through parents minds all over America. This is something I never made room for when I had my firstborn, I always knew school would be the most important decision. But I never imagined making that choice during a deadly pandemic. My son is a rising kindergartener who is also autistic, and receives some therapy and goals for therapy through the education system. Our or my whole world has started crumbling in on me. It’s a temporary stressor, and feeling of being defeated..but nonetheless valid. And it is taking over right now. It’s hard to let these feelings just be because I never thought I would have feelings like this in my entire life. I have at this point tried to cover every scenario! My son has a spot at a Magnet school, he’s registered for virtual academy, and I have homeschool prepped and ready to go. I have tried to get all the private therapists I can to make sure he has everything he needs if we decide to homeschool. I have consulted with his pediatrician, therapists, past teachers, family and friends about this decision and about what they plan to do…we all have one thing in common. We all aren’t really sure and are having the same struggle. This is all the result of very inadequate leadership at the presidential level. But we can’t change things at this point, just try to stay safe. Learn from mistakes made. Collectively we can get through this if we lean in on every resource we have. All those dormant resources you never thought you would use check them out! You never know what you might learn and it may give you much needed peace about the choice you make for your child. Most of all during this have patience, allow yourself a chance to feel disappointed and then figure out your next move. Trust me when I say this is hard, but take this time to find your friends and tribe of people who can help and who you can help during this time.

Kindergarten 2020

Stay safe everyone and sign up with your email, I have lots of content coming.. mom hacks, homeschool, autism and tips on how to navigate the world of therapy and services offered, outdoor activities and indoor rainy day activities!! Sending you xx,

Brandy

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

Treasure Your Child’s name forever with Namestories

“Your name, even when shared by scores of others, is your own private one-word poem. It contains multitudes, and it cannot be defined by its meaning alone, but by the spirit it gains through its historic evolution.” -Namestories

When I first learned I was pregnant I immediately started to wonder about what I would name my baby boy or girl. I even had a long discussion with my husband about what should baby’s name mean or symbolize. For example in his family he and his brother carry their fathers name as their middle name. So a name can extend a legacy of another family member. We also wanted their first name to have good strong meaning.

“When I first learned I was pregnant I immediately started to wonder about what I would name my baby boy or girl.”

I mean your child’s name is a forever thing. It was something we loved to see and hear. To have a piece of beautiful artwork customized with your baby’s name is so sentimental. They come in two different sizes, a complete rainbow of colors and you can customize some of the text at the top, we chose birthdates for our sons. These are very special to give to grandparents as gifts and to new parents. And if you can’t find your child’s name on the website you can just send them a message and they will make sure you can get your child’s name on a poster.

A little bit about the company, it’s a small business. When you go to their website not only can you read the story of how their business came to be but they have a nice section that explains the history of naming. It’s interesting and informative. So if you are looking for a birthday gift or welcome gift to new parents I will go ahead and link their website below so you can click and shop 😉

I hope everyone is doing well!! Please check out Namestories they have a really unique product for parents I know you’ll love it!! Also subscribe with your email!! And follow along!! xo

Brandy

http://www.namestories.com

Using the Lollipop Baby Camera

In a world, during a time where we have little control over anything, I find comfort in knowing what is going on with my kids when we are at home. I like keeping an eye on them even at night, actually more at night. I can’t be with them every single moment so I rely on cameras, and out of all the different ones I have I love my @lollipop baby camera the most. The lollipop has the best view, and the app is very useful having tons of different features like detecting baby’s cries, I can talk through the camera, I can play music from the app if my baby is fussy. This is sponsored but everything I am saying is my own truth and experience! I love the camera so much that when ours stopped working, I bought another one. It really is my favorite. We have had one other camera to hold us over while I figured out what was wrong with my lollipop and I found it was ok for outdoors or my living room. But, in my nursery the lollipop baby camera is superior. I can see the whole room, and most importantly I can see the entire crib. You have to have a good connection with wifi to get it set up but once the camera and app are set up you won’t want any other camera!! Once I got the camera set up, being able to see everything in the crib clearly was game changing for me. Most parents have fears about their baby while in their crib by themselves. So at night when I need to check on my baby I just open my app and I can hear every noise and see if my baby has rolled over or needs a blanket. It gives me peace of mind and comfort. This is a must have parenting product for any parents to be!

In a world, during a time where we have little control over anything, I find comfort in knowing what is going on with my kids when we are at home.

This camera was a game changer for me as a mom!!

I hope you find this blog helpful I will be sharing other top parenting products in the future so be sure and subscribe with your email and follow to see my latest content!! Xo, Brandy