Tag: mom life

routines

Morning Routine

JustAMom

My morning routine is going to change. There’s no doubt! But I would like for it to stay the same, to a certain extent.

I do have Ricket man laying down and just realized it’s only 7:49 pm!!!! So my morning routine is probably not going to go as planned in the morning.

Anyways…

I have an alarm set for 4:40am. This way I can press snooze twice. Then I know it is time to get up.

I drag out of bed at 5 am and jump in the shower. I usually already have my clothes, towel, and rag in the bathroom ready to go.

I get out of the shower. In this order! I dry off, brush my teeth, moisturize my face, eye cream, lotion my entire body, deodorant, then put my clothes on and fix my hair.

I get into the kitchen at 5:24. Get the coffee pot ready and cut it on. The last few days I’ve had the coffee set to automatic so that it comes on by itself at 5am.

At 5:30 I get Mags up to get in the shower. After I wake her up I grab her a towel and rag and set it in the bathroom.

I go back to the kitchen, drink a full glass of water and the coffee is ready. I make my husband and my cup of coffee and sit at the table with something small to eat.

First, I read my bible. I’m currently doing a “Bible in One Year” study. I then write in my prayer journal. I go over my planner. I go over my bills for that week.

Second, I take my daily vitamins which are magnesium, biotin, vitamin E, iron, elderberry, cranberry, and B12 with a full glass of water.

Third, I make my husbands lunch. Usually it’s already made and I just throw it in a lunch box with a note and snack.

At 6am I get Morgan and Eli up. We always have our clothes laid out the night before. Morgan can dress herself and brush her teeth. So I help Eli get his clothes on. We go to the bathroom and I help him brush his teeth. I spray his hair with water then detangle spray and brush his hair. His hair is very curly.

I make sure Morgan is dressed and has her teeth brushed then I do the same hair brushing routine as I do for Eli. Her hair is also curly.

Last, I get Ricket changed and dressed and we’re out the door by 6:20 and we’re on the road by 6:32.

This may not be helpful in any way, shape, or form. But I hope it reaches someone out there that’s trying to get into a good routine!

As always. Thanks for stopping by and come back tomorrow for more!

inspiration

She was tired!

JustAMom

She was tired, to say the least.

The house was a mess and the baby was sleeping. The dishes were piled high and the clean laundry had taken over the couch.

Her back ached and her eyes burned as she laid peacefully in her bed with only a cotton gown.

She had tiding to do but no energy to bother.

“The dishes will still be piled and the laundry will still be unfolded.” She thinks to herself as her mind drifts away. “They can wait till morning.”

She isn’t perfect. But to the babies, she hung the moon. To her husband, she is enough.

It’s time to rest. Sunrise will bring another day and more time to fret over tidying. For now, peace.

So off to dream she goes.

Good evening. I hope this reaches mom’s that this small message hits home!

I just want you to know that you ARE NOT alone! You are not the only mom who is tired and just ready to sleep.

I want you to know that it’s ok to sometimes go to bed with a messy home.

It’s ok to just relax and try again tomorrow.

I hope everyone has a wonderful evening!

inspiration

I’m back

JustAMom

Ladies and Gentlemen. I have returned to blogging.

I tirelessly worked a job I HATED for 5 excruciating months. I did this to keep my girls in a specific school.

It started to affect my home life. My attitude. My children. My marriage. It had control over me 24/7. Even when I wasn’t at work.

In short. If you hate where you are, don’t stick it out. YOU DO have options!

If it’s an income issue. Get up and go find another job. People are hiring EVERYWHERE! EVERYDAY! Don’t wait! Do it TODAY! Right now!

Good luck job hunting!

Thanks for reading!

Come back tomorrow for more!

lists

Must Have Hospital Bag Items

JustAMom

You actually don’t need as much as you think you do. Honestly! The less you have the better. You’re already gonna get tons of stuff from the hospital AND you’re most likely going to get gifts and flowers. So, the less you have to lug down to the car, the better.

#1 A hoppy pillow!

Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner—Original | Gray Taupe Watercolor Leaves | Breastfeeding, Bottle Feeding, Baby Support | with Removable Cotton Blend Cover | Awake-Time Support https://a.co/d/gvPYpuK

You also need to bring an extra Boppy Pillow cover!

Stretchy Nursing Pillow Covers 2 Pack Nursing Pillow Slipcovers for Breastfeeding Moms,Ultra Soft Snug Fits On Infant Nursing Pillow,Elephant & Whale https://a.co/d/fPpfISD

#2 Breast Pump

This is a manual pump I found on Amazon. But you can find better pumps also on Amazon.

Regardless if you’re going to breast feed or not. This is a must have. You are likely going to begin making colostrum which is the BEST thing your baby can eat when they’re first born. If you aren’t breast feeding, you’ll want to be able to collect this liquid gold. You’ll also need bottles for said liquid gold. If you go with an electric pump, make sure they come with bottles to fit.

Your boobs also may or may not become full. Some women experience this from day one and some don’t. But have a pump with you just in case.

#3 Spare change

After you have the baby (because you can’t snack before hand), you’re going to get the munchies and so is hubby. There’ll likely be snack machines on every floor.

#4 Chargers

You’ll need to be sure to pack chargers for all of your devices! Phones, cameras, iPads, laptops…

#5 Toiletries

Although almost everything is provided, you’ll want to bring your own soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste and so on.

#6 Maternity clothes and clothes for hubby

You’re not going to bounce back to your pre pregnancy weight as soon as you pop the baby out!! You’ll want loose fitting clothes, especially pants, if you choose to wear pants. Trust me!! You are NOT gonna want clothes suffocating your lady parts after giving birth!

You’ll also want clothes that is ok to get stained. Because, face it, it’s gonna be messy. You’re likely going to get a drop or a lot of bodily fluids on your clothes.

#7 Pads or Depends

I mentioned the depends in another post, but I prefer depends over pads.

The pads they give you at the hospital are MASSIVE. But you WILL need them! They will also provide you with undies if you choose to use pads. Use those undies!! They are super comfy and you can throw them away when you change!

#8 Clothes and blankets for baby

They do provide you with blankets and a cute little shirt and a hat. But, most moms like to dress their little new dolls in cute clothes! Especially for the trip home and for pictures!

It’s not a MUST have, but a “preferred” item!

#9 Car seat

You’ll also want to purchase this ahead of time and get to know it. Go ahead and run a few practice drills on buckling and unbuckling and what parts are removable and what aren’t.

For my first three, I also purchased a pillow that supports their little heads. I also had one for my fourth, but he hated that thing. So it didn’t last long!

I found this set on WalMart.com, but you can find them on almost any website and in any store.

I hope this helps any new moms visiting my page!

Congrats on your new bundle of joy!

As always, thanks for stopping by and come back soon!

Uncategorized

Controversy

JustAMom

Ricket’s laying here beside me on my bed. He’s half asleep. I can’t decide if he’s trying to stay awake or if he can’t get comfy. He’s on his belly and tossing his head from one side to the other.

Baby’s are so precious! They’re innocent, perfection. They can’t do a single thing for themselves. Ricket on the other hand is beginning to scoot to whatever his heart desires. And if he can’t reach it, he screams until we figure it out or he gets distracted.

I remember being pregnant with him. I found out just months after having an early miscarriage. I was so excited and terrified at the same time. I didn’t know if I could handle losing another one.

I called and made my first appointment. We get there and there he is on that black screen. Only a few weeks and there he was. He didn’t look like a baby, of course. But he had a heart. We heard and saw his little heart just a beating. I cried!

Every appointment, I was terrified. What if something is wrong! After 3 successful pregnancies, I’m wondering how I could have a 4th. But sure enough, I did!

Then the time comes! Jamie sees his little head. I give one more big push and I hear crying! He’s here!

His tiny hands and feet are so perfect! God is amazing, isn’t he? He’s a tiny human being! A tiny human that has relied on me, even today, since his little heart started beating!

God created him specifically for Jamie and me! God doesn’t make mistakes! Babies are created specifically for their parents or maybe for their adopted parents! God has plans laid out for that tiny little human. Even before their little hearts started beating!

So if you’re on my blog, and you’ve made it this far, think about what’s going on in the world today.

Maybe you’re pregnant but not yet ready for a little baby of your own. That’s ok! Because maybe God didn’t create that little baby for you to raise. Maybe he created him to be with another family. Another mama that is so desperate to be a mother.

Before you decide to end this little babies life. Stop! Pray! God WILL answer your prayer. God WILL give you a sign if you give him time and you look for it.

Maybe this post won’t get the attention it deserves. Maybe it will lead you to unfollow me. That’s ok! I understand!

But just give it a chance and some thought.

tips and tricks

I’m at a Lose for Words

JustAMom

Yes! I am writing a blog about not knowing what to blog.

I started this blog because I have so many thought and ideas in my head that I need to release them. This is my release. It calms me.

I suffer from OCD and anxiety and it is frustrating! All the thoughts that run in my head on a loop all day, every day. My own head voice gets on my nerves sometimes. Speaking of which! Did you know some people have a voice in their heads and some people have visions. I, on the other hand, have both! Do you have both? I would love to know.

So let’s get on with it, shall we?

Below I’m starting a list of blog ideas. On a side note, I’ll probably refer back to this post pretty often to give myself ideas and inspiration.

  • Something funny that happened to you, in detail
  • Something scary that happened to you, in detail
  • Things that you do that others might find interesting or might could try out
  • A recipe
  • How you get stains out of a baseball uniform
  • How you keep your pool clean. What products you use
  • A cool animal you saw. Where you saw it. What were you doing? What was it doing?
  • How you get your baby to sleep
  • How you keep your house clean
  • A cool Pinterest idea you’ve tried. Did you like it?

That’s just a few ideas to get you started.

I hope this helps!

And as always! Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you tomorrow!

tips and tricks

Help Them Help You

JustAMom

Children are so fascinating, right? I’m currently raising 4 of them! Spanning from 5 months to 12 years old.

One thing I’ve learned over the years with mine, if you help them do a chore at a young age, they do it much easier and better. You’re not only helping them, but you’re teaching them.

Children can’t read your mind so they don’t know that you want that toy in that box or this toy in that corner. Their little minds usually don’t pay attention either at first. But after a while and after getting a routine they do catch on.

Yelling at them doesn’t help either of you!! It stresses you out more than you probably already are and it stresses them out. It also makes them feel insecure and misunderstood. It also teaches them that yelling is ok. Has your child ever yelled at you when they’re angry or frustrated? They got that from you home girl!

Instead, walk into the bedroom with them. Sit on the floor where there is a mess. Pick one or two toys up at a time, hand it to your little one and tell them where you want the toy to go and point to the location. Don’t yell it or tell them in a bossy type way. Be sweet about it with a smile. Trust me, you’ll get a much better reaction.

If the living room or toy room is a mess and covered in toys, ask your little one “hey can you come help me with the living room/toy room?”. Help them do it. Let them take over while you go grab the vacuum or broom. Tell them “clean while I go grab the vacuum or broom”. Tell them that if they finish picking up they can help you sweep or vacuum when you return.

I hope this little trick helps you as much as it’s helped me over the years!

As always! Thanks for stopping by and come back tomorrow for more tips and stories!

tips and tricks

We saved $20k in a year

JustAMom

How we saved $20,000 in one year!

We’re a family of 6. We have bills to pay just like you. We don’t have a house note so that helps a tons! And that leads me to my first tip!

If you really want to save money over the years, try not to have a big house note or vehicle payment when you’re still in your 20’s.

Buying used and cheap is not a bad thing. America is accustomed to believe new is better! And by all means, it probably is. But only if you can afford it.

If you can pay in full now, even if it’s $3000, imagine what you’ll be able to do in a few years when you’ve saved all that money by not paying $700 a month on a car payment.

Don’t rent your home! Sometimes that’s your only option, and that’s ok! But while your renting, keep an eye out for a great deal and SAVE your money! If you’re just trying to make ends meet this month, look around your house and see if there’s something you never use anymore. Sell it! There’s your savings for that month.

Great deals pop up every day. It may not be your ideal property or home, but look at it as an investment. A starter home. You’re beginning your new journey from home renters to home owners!

While you live there just make essential repairs and improvements and save save save! Don’t put to much into your “starter” home tho. Unless you plan on being there 3+ years.

No matter what, live below your means! That’s a big one!!

My last point! We have 3 vehicles and 1 car note. We just recently added on the car note. But we have a side job that pays it! It’s still not brand new and still within our means. But we went years with vehicles that had to have ALOT of attention and because of that we were able to get our “new” vehicle. On a side note, it does help that the hubby is a good mechanic and so is his dad. But anyone can learn to do normal maintenance, if they’ll take the time!

So yeah! That’s how we saved $20k in one year! To sum it up!

  • Live below your means
  • Don’t rent
  • Don’t add a vehicle payment unless you do have the option to pay for it in full but choose to finance
  • Save every chance you get, even if it’s $20. If you can’t save from your pay check, MAKE it happen. Sell something or get a side job.

I hope this helps someone! I just wish I would’ve learned all of this when I was 18 and not piece by piece over a few years at 30.

As always! Thanks for stopping by and be sure to come back tomorrow!

tips and tricks

Ssshhh.. we don’t talk about that

JustAMom

A lot of woman don’t talk about what happens after giving birth. Or at least not a lot of things.

Here are a few things I did with my last pregnancy.

First! You’re going to bleed ALOT! Like a massive period that lasts for a good 4-6 weeks. There’s not much you can do about this. But one thing I did to make things a tiny bit easier. I used Depends instead of the giant pads they give you at the hospital. I only used them for the first week or two. But they were a life/bed sheets/clothes saver!

I bought two sizes. One was my normal pregnancy size. The second was a size up. I wound up using both sizes.

Second! I only breast fed my second baby. She was so tiny and still is. But, a bonus to breast feeding is that you loose your baby weight super quick. Or that’s how it was for me.

When you nurse, you contract. You need contractions to help your body go back to its normal size and to get all of the left over baby junk out and also to get everything back in its place. I’m sure there’s more medical reasons to this. But that’s my view on it.

Third! Tylenol and Motrin work just as good as prescription pain medicine.

Fourth! Don’t buy tons and tons of newborn clothes. Chances are your baby will only be in newborn for a very VERY short period. We didn’t buy very many outfits and he still didn’t wear a few of them. Buy a mixture. Newborn, 3-month, and 3-6 month.

And make sure you stock up on burp clothes. I did not and wish I had! We usually run out before the next washing and we have to use rags.

Fifth! Don’t buy a lot of one type of bottle. Just because they like said bottle right now, does not mean they’ll like it in a week or two. It took me about 4 months to figure out which bottles Ricket likes.

These are just a few things I wish I would’ve known/done before. I’m sure I’ll be back with another list soon!

If you have any tips or advice for new mamas, leave them in the comments of this post!

As always, thanks for stopping by and be sure to come back tomorrow for more interesting blogs!