Post Partum Must Haves

Post Partum Must Haves by cheryl-enlow featuring h&m

Or should I name this post,
What I Should Have Registered For...

Let me start with the Luxurious Bath Products.
You may be wondering why bath products.
Well, in the beginning stages the shower is the only quite time you may be getting.
So, with that in mind you will want to make the best out of this amazing experience of pure silence.
Enters, the yummy smelling, luxurious, rich, thick bath products.
Anything shea butter is good in my book of course it has to smell divine too though.
Since you are already not feeling like your super model self at least a quick shower with some lovely bath products will help you feel semi normal.

Oh the post partum tank.
Now that you aren't pregnant anymore all you want to do is for the belly to go away.
Well sorry Mama that isn't going to happen for a while.
But with a post partum tank, it will help suck you in and slowly bring your muscles back.
Blanqui has a great tank sold at target that you can find here.
Oh and the best thing about this tank is that it is also nursing friendly.

If you are breastfeeding you will need to be drinking a lot of water and lugging around a cup of water is just not ideal with carrying around a newborn and all that chances you will have to knock it over.
So, a water bottle is the perfect way to transport your needed liquid around in for consumption.

A crock pot.
Because lets get real who wants to stand over the stove and slave away making a meal when you already have a lot going on, like keeping your new sweet one feed and fussy free.
The crock pot is such an easy way to prepare a big healthy meal for your whole family with little fuss from Mama.

Pads, pads and more pads.
You will be bleeding a lot whether you have a c section or have your baby vaginally so you will need to stock up on pads. Stocking up on the biggest boats you can find while you are pregnant is not a bad idea. Clip some coupons and when stores have them on sale scoop them up so your husband is not running to your local CVS at 3 in the morning because you are out and then coming home with tampons....catch my drift....stock up.

After the bleeding has died down a bit you will want to feel like a woman again and some what sexy.
As sexy as a bleeding swollen woman can feel and along with the amazing bath products, some cute PJ's can help with this. But its not worth getting into your cute jammies when you are still bleeding a lot, you don't want to ruin the new jammies.

iPhone or any type of smartphone really will be your best friend when you are up doing those late night feedings. Check out Facebook, Pin something random or stalk your fav Instagrammer.
Your phone will make your tiredness hopefully pass quickly.
There are also several apps that have timers for feedings, diaper changes and all that stuff that you may want to look into.

Coffee will help you throughout your long tired day.
So like with the pads, when you have a coupon and a store is having a sale, stock up!
I find the best deals on K Cups at Bed Bath and Beyond by using my 20% off coupon.

So What Wednesday

It's been a while since I have linked up with Shannon 

from Life After I Dew but I am back this week for another edition of

So this Wednesday I'm saying 

So What...

- that I have a very busy week ahead of me and of course I get sick.

From catching up at work from the days I missed last week to getting together treats for C's schools party, to planning and getting everything ready for his big party this weekend and of course the regular chores of the week like cleaning the house and laundry...blah.

-I feel like I could sleep for a week.

- that I can't take any medications because I'm PG so I get to ride out a sinus infection, sore throat and body aches. Awesome.

- that losing your voice and parenting does not go together...not even close.
Whispering will not be the new parenting technique any time soon.

- that since I have been home sick from work I have been getting into the show that all the bloggers have been raving about...Pretty Little Liars. And yes, yes I am hooked. That A is such a "B".

- The hubs and I have been watching Orange is the New Black and so far it is living up to all the hype. We are loving it, so check it out, its a Netflix only show.

- I am not counting down to meet Baby E #2 or anything.
Only 10 more weeks and 70 days. 
I can't wait to meet the little man.

- We have officially and finally picked out a name for Baby E #2 and I can't wait to share it.
But...of course I have to come up with a clever way to blog it :)
Any and all suggestions welcome.

Shark Party Ideas

Colby's third birthday is tomorrow!

Tomorrow!!

I will have a 3 year told tomorrow! 

I simply can not believe it. 

Time really does fly when you are having fun and I this year we are doing a party.

This is the first year we are throwing a party for C, 

don't get my wrong we have done something for him every year but just with family.

This year we are having his party at the Splash Park and the theme is SHARKS!

C loves sharks and thinks its cool that they "bite you"...

So sharks it is. 

I of course pinned several ideas and here are some of my favorites that may make the appearance at the party. 

 

Beach Ball Fruit Pizza-

This pretty fruit pizza is made up all kinds of fruit and served on a large sugar cookie made to look like a beach ball. 

This recipe came from Hungry Happenings.

 

Beach Ball Garland-

This may be my favorite DIY yet, it would be the perfect addition to your beach/shark party and it looks pretty easy. Just grab some Styrofoam balls, paint, and string and you can whip this cute garland up in no time. 

Check out the tutorial over at Studio DIY.

 

Gummy Shark Skewers-

Talk about easy peasy.

All these kid friendly favors take are skewers, gummy shark candies, a clear cellophane bag and a tie and maybe even a personalized favor tag to bring it all together.

 

Shark Favor Tags-

There are several cute and very boy shark favor tags on Etsy but these are my favorite. 

The tags are from Brown Paper Studios on Etsy and the best part are they are affordable AND instant download, so just in case you are that last minute party planner these are definitely for you.

 

Shark Fruit Bowl-

I have yet to find an exact tutorial on this besides this picture which can be found here but would this not be the perfect centerpiece to your shark/beach party?!

I will be doing this with some help from my mom for C's upcoming party so hopefully I can take some photos to whip up a tutorial.

 

 

Shark Fin Cupcakes-

All you have to do for these are whip up some cupcakes, add some turquoise frosting and add a simple shark fin to the top that you could cut out yourself with some cardstock. 

The image source can be found here. 

Or, you could always buy some fondant toppers from Etsy.

 

 

Printable Invite-

Again with Etsy, there are a ton of shops that offer cute printables. I scoured Pinterest to find the original link to this invite but simply could not find it. However, I can give you a great alternative, Pretty Paper Parties on Etsy. Brooke, the owner can whip you up any design you can think of including a shark invite.

 

 

Paper Straws-

We all love Target and their great party supplies and now they have amped it up a notch by carrying the trendy paper straws that everyone loves and is raving about. 

 

Cake Pops-

What kid, and adult doesn't love a cake pop?! 

Go check out these adorable ombre cake pops and while you are drooling over the yummy cake pops go see how adorable the 1st birthday is featured over at Sweet & Saucy.

Three Is NOT For Me

I keep hearing other professional mama's say 

"three is easier than two" than they go on to say "no really it is" 

with this expression on their face like they are trying to fool me or they really believe themselves.  

This expression gets me every time, 

they are saying this unbelievable/unrealistic (to me) quote, with a slight smile and smirk on their face. 

Its very intriguing and creepy actually, are they trying to talk themselves into it or me? 

Are you just wanting me to waller in your complete and insane life, 

the life where you have no life, or are you serious? 

Yes, kids and babies are great. I get that, thats why I am having ONE more.  

But this Mama right here, 

the one with the big belly looking at you like you have lost your ever loving mind 

is not buying what you are trying to throw down. 

And that smirk and smile is just freaking frightening. 

It's ok if that is what you need to tell yourself, but don't try to throw me into your life of insanity. 

I am already scared shit-less over having two. 

But having two makes sense, let me break it down for you….

You have two hands-

Makes sense right?! And even having two hands still makes this parenting gig tricky.

Two hands equals one for each child but none for yourself, but who needs to eat or drink with the other hand anyways. Food and water is not a necessity or anything.

Its you and your Husband against the World...-

Not really its you and your husband against your two kids. There is one for each of you. Yes that is a total of 4 hands but really sometimes husbands only equal half of a brain so you can't count too much on that. Yes, I love my husband dearly but sometimes I wonder where is brain really is when he lets C couch surf or run through Publix to grab groceries with no cart…..uggghhh….

He can handle it-

the hubs can probably handle two kids for an hour or two while you regain your sanity, shower, go to the bathroom by yourself without you coming back to what resembles a garbage dump of toys, snacks, and diapers.  Again, the husband has only two hands and two eye. ONe for each. And you, my friend get to have some SILENCE. Yes it can still exist after two kids. At least thats what I'm telling myself. 

Do you really need another explanation…

don't you see where I'm going with this.

Again, kids and babies are great and amazing. 

I love every single second I spend with C and can't wait to meet baby #2, 

but this Mama will only be having two kids. 

I simply do not believe a word that three kids are easier.

 When your lips are moving I just hear more messes, more crying, more fighting, more money being spent, 

more more and more of everything. Of course there is more sweet kisses, hugs and snuggles but ill stick with my two, ill just smother them if I need more loving from another babe. 

Maybe not the best parenting technique but oh well. 

Creamy Peanut Butter Pie

This is my go to recipe for a delicious and easy pie.

I have brought this pie to several new mama's along with a casserole

and I get raves after raves about this pie.

It is everything you want in a pie,

deletable, creamy, and satisfies your sweet tooth.

It is the "Creamy Peanut Butter Pie".

It is very rich and delicious. 

Some may say (me) that it could be enjoyed with your morning coffee

as well as a yummy after dinner treat. 

What I am saying is, this pie can be enjoyed at anytime it is that good.

The recipe really is easy and doesn't take long to make,

which is a good thing because you will want to take a fork and dig right in once you get a taste of the filling.

Creamy Peanut Butter Pie Recipe

Printable Recipe

Crust

30 Oreos

4 Tablespoons of Butter-Melted

Pie Filling

1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter

8 oz. Cream Cheese-Softened

1 1/4 cup Powered Sugar

8 oz Cool Whip-Thawed

How To Make The Crust:

Crush Oreos into fine crumbs (you can either place them in a blender or, put them in a ziploc bag and pound them with a rolling pin) . Melt the butter and pour over the top of the Oreos and stir together. Press the Oreos into the pie pan and bake at 350 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes. Allow the crust to cool completely. 

How to Make The Filling:

Together, beat the peanut butter and cream cheese, add the powdered sugar until smooth. Add in the Cool Whip and beat until the mixture is smooth. Scrape the sides if needed. 

Pour the filling into the Oreo crust. Smooth out the top of the pie. Chill the pie for about an hour before serving. 

Toddler's Possessions

A toddlers possessions are a funny thing.

Their motto goes something like this....

C is in this stage (at least I pray to God that it's a stage) 

that everything that he has and we own is his.

I mean everything.

It's "Colby's house", "Colby's outside", "Colby's iPad", "Colby's phone", "Colby's mommy (which he is right but such a possessive little thing aren't we)", you get the picture.

When did my little tot get so demanding and oh so possessive?! 

We have to teach our kids everything from walking to talking to manners

but what do you know... they all of a sudden, out of thin air learn the possessiveness of the English language.

It's amazing

These littles are so much smarter than we give them credit for.

Claim everything as yours and see what sticks.

Kinda like their thinking I gotta say.

Maybe they think that us parents will just give in and the world will soon be theirs!

But, little do these kids know that none of these things are theirs, not their clothes on their back, not "Colby's house", not those gosh forsaken bubbles mommy thought was a good idea to buy on a whim, or even those cute little undies. Those things my sweet little tot friend are mommies and daddies. We worked hard to get those things and they are MINE. 

So, mommy is happy that you have decided to learn some middle school English lesson but the lesson I really am looking forward to is when you are old enough to understand that mommy and daddy worked hard for "Colby's house" and "Colby's everything else but the nasty vegetables you refuse to eat". 

When you are old enough to realize those things don't just appear in your house, that we had to make sacrifices for you and all out of love.

I can't wait for you to finally get what it feels like to want to do these special things for someone because you love them so much.  

I'm On A Boat

We have been traveling the State of Florida the last couple of weekends.

We went to Boca Grande two weeks ago for my family reunion 

with my dad's side of the family and then last weekend C and I went to Orlando

to go visit my bestie and her two sweet kiddos.

While we were in Boca Grande we all went out in my dad's boat

and to say that C had a blast would be a complete understatement. 

 

I have never heard the word "boat" used so many times in a five minute period.

Every time we thought we talked him out of getting off the boat we would just turn around to 

him staring at the boat, pointing and saying "boat" "Colby's boat".

Literally dang obsessed with the thing.

He has only worn a life jacket once in his life and that is when he was a lot younger so we were 

curious how he would handle a day out on the boat wearing it all day long.

He was a champ and did really well.

We just told him that if he was going to ride on the boat that he had to wear it.

And luckily he listened to us.

It was probably only because he was so obsessed with the boat that he would do anything to stay on it.

I have been on a boat a million gazillion times and never thought how dangerous

it really is with small kids on the boat.

Sure they have life jackets on but going 50 plus miles (I have no idea how fast we were going but it felt super fast) and something happening all of a sudden is just scary to think about. 

Even when the boat isn't moving they still like to lean over to see the water and could easily fall in.

There are just so many things a little one can get into on a boat that could hurt them even with a life jacket on.

This trip was our first trip with him staying in a hotel with just my husband and I.

I think that may be a post for a whole other day but that whole experience is 

pretty much exhausting as parents as especially combined with being pregnant being out on the water in the sun, staying up late and not sleeping in my own bed.

We survived and had a great time and am glad to be back at home for a weekend.

How Many Will I Need? I'm Here To Tell Ya...

I love a good deal!

 I do my fair share of researching

the deals out there especially on diapers and wanted to share what I have learned with you all.

Before sweet Baby E arrives I am stocking up on the diaper deals while I still have the time and energy

to research and clip coupons. 

I have quite a good stock pile going on and get pretty giddy every time I look at it. 

Some of the boxes of diapers I have picked up have been priced at $10.98, and I am talking the big 200 plus boxes of diapers. I could have even used coupons on top of the $10.98 price to make it even cheaper but of course I didn't have them with me at the time.

So, now, let me share my math and deals with you.

First up,

how many of each sized diapers will you need to stock up on before the baby arrives...

my numbers all based off of changing around 10 diapers a day and the baby gaining approximately 1/2 a pound per week for a "normal" weight baby.

Newborn Size-

You will need MAYBE 2-3 packs of these. 

Or you may not need any at all.

The newborn diapers are so incredibly small that most babies are not in the newborn sizes that long. 

My advice is to hold off on buying any the newborn sizes, instead, stock up on them at the hospital.

Stash some extras in your bag and that should hold you over.

Like every time you change a diaper set some aside so the nurse thinks you are low and replaces you with more. I am sure they know you aren't using them all but they never say anything. 

Size One-

Babies are in size ones until they are 12 pounds,

therefore you will need around 750-800 size ones. 

So that equals around 14-16 jumbo packs or 3 or 4 big boxes. 

Size One/Two's-

I personally have not stocked up on these yet but remember buying several boxes of these in between sizes with C and remember them being much cheaper than going up to the next full size.

I will be on the hunt for these soon.

I have only seen them in the Pampers brand but gotta think that other brands make them too.

Size Two-

Size two's go up to 16 pounds which means you will need around 500ish of these.

Which equals out to 12-14 jumbo packs or 2 or 3 big boxes.

Size Three-

Now this is where your baby will begin to taper off of his weight so you will need

to stock up more on the bigger sizes than the newborn, ones and two's. 

Size three's go up to size 28 pounds.

So you will need around 1,200 to 1,400 size three's.

So that means around 60 something jumbo packs or 5 to 6 of the big boxes.

Size Four-

Some kids, especially girls don't even get to the bigger sizes like four's, fives and even sixes because they area already potty trained. 

Hard to think about right?

But for me, C went all the way up to a six and stayed there for a long while. 

Since we personally don't have that much room to store any more than about 10 boxes (which is totally questionable if you ask my husband) I will only buy probably one box of four's and fives and no sixes.

Why no sixes you ask?

In hopes my next kid will be potty trained way before them.

Wishful thinking huh?!

Ok, no into the deets of how I scored that awesome deal of the $10.98 big box of Pampers. 

I was simply was browsing around Target's end caps one afternoon and noticed they had diapers on the 15% off area. Although 15% off is not that great of a deal I decided to look anyways to my surprise several boxes were marked down to $10.98. 

I asked at the register why they were marked down so low and they said because they were an online order that was returned.

So I encourage you to take a look at all the diaper deals at Target, they may be labeled wrong and you can scoop up some very cheap diapers.

Also keep in mind, if your child is out of that size still buy it, diapers make amazing gifts for new Mama's.

5 on Friday

It's Friday!

And this Friday is going to be just perfect.

Ya wanna know why?!

Because I have today off!

Friday be prepared for some massages, catching up on my blogs, naps, and a trip to Target.

I am linking up with The Good Life Blog and here are my 5 things im loving.

ONE

Ashley Brooke's July calendar for your phone, iPad, or desktop. Look how stinkin cute it is! Its the perfect touch to my already stylish phone.

Go here to snag one for yourself.

TWO

Blue Bell's Mint Cookies and Cream ice cream. Preferable with a waffle cone. This ice cream is the JAM. If you have not already tried it, go get it. Like now. Pregnant or not it is ahhhmazing.  It is ten times better than the regular Mint Chocolate Chip. Just trust me.

THREE

Be Maternity cami from Target. I wear this baby under EVERYTHING. It is so comfortable and adds a bit of secureness to my belly. Plus is way affordable, especially since I wear it all day everyday.

FOUR

I'm back to blogging! Yay! After I long hiatus I am back and it feels so good. Just hopefully I can keep up with it and my regular life. Ya know my wife, mommy and full time worker thing..ya..that. I hate when that gets in the way of blogging.

FIVE

The fact that I only have 13 more weeks until I get to meet our sweet baby. It really does sounds like forever away but I know it will come so quick. Now we have so much to do to get ready (like find a place for everything in our "spare" office so that the baby can move in..eek) and all I want to do is eat Mint Cookies and Cream waffle cones but it will all be worth it to pump it into high gear before the baby gets here so I can enjoy my time off with him. God is truly amazing and I am so blessed.

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Nautical Nursery

Now comes the most fun part of being pregnant.

At least for me...

planning the nursery!

C's big boy room is a done in the traditional red white and blue and I simply adore everything about it.

I feel like it screams boy.

So, really this red white and blue color palette for the nursery was a no brainer.

But the hard part was to pick a theme that I could incorporate the red white and blue with.

So I decided on a nautical theme. 

Nautical Nursery by cheryl-enlow on Polyvore

If I was a million trillion-air I would totally have this simple, chic nautical nursery.
To me, the crib, dresser, glider and side table make such a gorgeous statements that it doesn't need much else but some fun nautical accents.
Aren't those pillows so fun and cute?!

Since I am not a million trillion-air I have picked up some reasonable and very boy accents
at Pottery Barn Kids and Home Goods and can't wait to see it all come together.
So, if you are out and about and see some cute nautical goodies, please email or tweet me and let me know the deets so that I can hurry and go snag them.
This little boy will have a fabulous nursery.
I demand it.
Its my last baby so I gotta make it cute right?!

I'm Back Baby

 

I am back after a long and much needed break from blogging.

Every so often I feel I need a break from the social media world.

It can get exhausting at times and too much with my work load.

Even though I love blogging, it can be a complete time suck.

I hate when I get to the point where I don't enjoy blogging, when that time comes I know its time for a break. So, that is what I did. A complete blogging shut down.

I needed to regroup and figure out what was important to me.

Handle things in its physical and mental aspects and think and deal with things in a positive light.

But, I am back and refreshed and ready to start my balancing act all over again.

 

 

Now, you ask, what in the world have I been doing on my blogging break?

Well besides growing a healthy baby boy in my belly,

I have been potty training the tot, trying to get our house in

order for our new addition, cleaning up pee (from potty training that is), traveling some,

eating lots of ice cream cones,

taking trips to the ER, pinning baby boy's nursery,

trying to fit into clothes I know I wont fit into anymore,

getting my Sugar Rush Boutique off the ground, taking naps, and trying to move unnecessary work off my plate to make more time for myself so I can enjoy my last pregnancy.

 

It has not been easy over here on my so called break but I have enjoyed the time off mentally.

And what better time than to start back into the blogging game than July!

July is where we celebrate C's 3rd birthday,

the count down of baby E's arrival,

Independence day (and a great excuse to eat yummy BBQ food),

and lots of other fun things in store.

So yes,

I am back in JULY!