Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Nursery Wish List with Baby Cubby

As a mom of now two little kiddos I thought it might be fun to share some things that get me though the day just a little easier. Some things I own personally and others, I wish I had! So I teamed up with baby cubby to make a nursery wish list for you. Here are a few must have items for the new mama! 




4Moms tub, We received this tub for baby O and I love it! We also have the 4Moms spout cover which we use for C. I love knowing the temperature for baby and making sure its just right. Having a baby tub that has one built in is a no brainer! 

4Moms breeze, When we received this pack-n-play for C the minute I opened it up I immediately understood why its called the breeze. I have attempted to use other brands before and let me tell you I am not kidding when I say attempted, I wasn't able to open the thing. That's what I LOVE about this is so easy to open and set up, it's truly a breeze. 


Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double, After testing many many doubles for Disney purposes of course this is the side by side double we chose to go with. I wanted something that was more rugged then our everyday Orbit Baby Double. We plan on using this when O is bigger and can sit up in it, I see many Disneyland trips with this in our future. 


Owlet Monitor,  I have to admit when I first saw this product I was a little hesitant because of the price but luckily my awesome in-laws got it for us as a gift for baby O and it could not be more perfect present for a new mommy! With C I worried a ton and was up at all hours of the night constantly making sure she was breathing. I literally did not relax every time we went to bed and I believe I barely slept for her whole first year of life, not to mention the fact that she struggled with sleep but that's another story. The owlet has been such a lifesaver as far as my sleep is concerned. The smart sock works just like the monitors in the hospital using pulse oximetry. It shows you via an app on your phone that she is breathing on her own, and what her heart rate is which allows me to know she is safe and happy in her bassinet. The best part of this is truly the app once we finally get up enough nerve to leave both girls with the sitter for a date night we can check on O from anywhere, for now we use it while we watch a movie in the living room and she sleeps in our bedroom. Ha! The piece of mind alone with her this wonderful little device has given us is worth the cost in my opinion. I highly recommend it, if you buy anything for your first, second, third, or eighth child it HAS to be this. It really has been such a blessing to get a good nights sleep and know that the owlet will go off if God for bid there's a problem. It took us a little while to get the hang of it and make sure we had everything positioned just right so we weren't getting false alarms, but once we figured it all out it's been a breeze. Putting it on every night and knowing that if I want to check on her all I do is look at the base station on my nightstand and see the green light glowing and I know she's OK. 


Skip Hop Chelsea Downtown Chic Backpack, I love this diaper bag. I use it daily, I love using a backpack especially while chasing a toddler and needing both hands and to be honest you can't beat the price. It has tons of storage in it as well as pockets galore. Which is great being that it may be only of the only organized things I own currently. 

ErgoBaby Adapt 3 Position Child Carrier This carrier is fantastic you no longer need the infant insert if you have this one! Which is amazing since the last thing you need is anther thing to tote around with you. It works for babies as little as 7 lbs, so you can start using it immediately. I love baby wearing my littles so this is a must for every new mama, not to mention that ergo is always my go to since its the most comfortable for babies hips. 

I really enjoyed looking around Baby Cubbys site. I love how they carry most of my favorite brands and searching for items on there was super easy. They have a great selection of items including some stuff for mom as well. It's always great finding a one stop shop especially when it comes to everything kiddo related. For moms local the store even offers drive up ordering, how cool is that!  Happy Shopping! 

*This is a Sponsored post but all thoughts and options are my own
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Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Scenes from our weekend!

This weekend was a ton of fun and it felt so productive too. On Friday we took the girls pumpkin picking which was a blast the weather was really on our side which was so nice to pumpkin pick with an actual fall breeze. C had a blast and O pretty much slept the whole time haha. Then Saturday we worked on Cs big girl room I can't wait to show you the final product in a few weeks! Side note she's loving sleeping in a big girl bed and has been doing so well with it it's awesome. Sunday we took C to a trampoline park for the first time and she had a BLAST, she wasn't the only one who loved it. Steve and I thought it was super fun too and can't wait to go back! Here are a few snapshots.



She was acting like a ghost! lol 
Taking a trunk picture with your pumpkins is a Hollins family tradition, O apparently didn't get the memo. 

I'm in LOVE with her dresser of course the tape will not be there I just taped it up to see how the overlays will look. 
  
Jumping her little heart out, way too cute

XOXO
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Saturday, October 1, 2016

Apple Picking






If you follow me on Instagram you would know that we went apple picking last week. C has been watching the video we took of her pear picking from last year at least once a week. I am so thrilled she loves this yearly tradition of ours. Growing up on the east coast we went went apple picking as kids and when we moved out to California in 2012 I made a point to find a place where we could go here. Luckily we found an adorable place tucked into the hills in Oak Glen. If you haven't been to Riley Farm and you live in Orange County I highly encourage you to drive up and go! And while you are there you need to grab some of their delicious cider! We LOVE heading out to Riley's, we usually go in late September or early October. They have apples, pears, pumpkins and even u-pick wild flowers. Depending on availability you can pick all these things until your hearts content. Be sure to stop by the general store and grab some honey and apple butter too. No this is not a sponsored post, I just really love coming here it feels like home and the weather is always slightly cooler too. Happy Picking!

XOXO
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Friday, September 9, 2016

A Letter to my Daughter on her first day of Preschool


Dear sweet child of mine,

Today you start your first week of preschool.  Today we drop you off for the very first time with someone else in someone else's care and walk away. I have been with you side-by-side almost every day of your 2 1/2 years of life. I've watched you grow into a strong, smart, fun, intelligent,  adorable little girl and now I have to let you go into the world. You are going to learn so much sweet girl while you're away at school. There will be tears from mommy too, but know you will be ok. I am so excited for all that you are about to learn, the friends you're about to meet and the memories you're about to make. 


Even though you are so small I have a few words of wisdom for you. Well I'll go ahead and call them words of wisdom hopefully you see it that way. Lol


Never stop exploring the world through the wonder in your eyes. Pick up the bug, get messy, play in the dirt enjoy every nook and cranny that the world has to offer but stay safe 😉


Stay kind, you are such a sweet and loving little girl. Remember that when someone falls on the playground, put your hand out and help them. 


Be patient I know this is hard coming from mommy,  as you have seen firsthand how impatient I can be. Be as patient as possible let things happen around you and enjoy the moment. 


You are one of the most strong willed people I know and as difficult as it is for me to get you to eat your breakfast in the morning I hope you maintain that as you go out into the world. You  know exactly what you want and exactly when you want it.  That is a quality to be admired you have the ability to be a great leader and I can't wait to see how it develops in the future.


Today you gave me the biggest hug and told me you loved me. As  I walked away I saw your eyes look around on the playground wondering where I went. Mommy always comes back sweetheart, have so much fun today! I will miss you terribly and daddy and I will be counting down the hours until we get to pick you up. So have fun, relax and enjoy your new found freedom you're gonna love it!


Love you,
Xoxo
Mommy 

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Tuesday, August 23, 2016

O Newborn Shoot

When it comes to newborn photos O could not be more different from big sister C. C's photos maybe took close to 6 hours while O was done in a few hours with minimal crying and calming. O is also pretty much a chill baby and we are very lucky to have one of those. Things over here have still been crazy with two kiddos and all but I am so grateful each and everyday for my adorable girls. So here are a few favorites from our sweet girls photo shoot. Thank you again to Amanda from April Smith Photography, she goes above and beyond for our little family and we just love taking pictures with her. 

C did amazing during photos and just loved having her picture taken. She was also beyond sweet to O which made us so happy. 

Best picture! 

Loves of my life


 My favorite photo! 

Girls Headbands | Cs Dress old similar here 


If you know me well you know we are huge Disney and Harry Potter fans so this picture was a must. Can't wait for the girls to be old enough so I can read these to them. 

XOXO

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Monday, August 8, 2016

Hollins Party of 4!

Well I am back, after a few week break from blogging I am back at it albeit with a newborn on my lap in bed with pjs on but still back! On July 21st our lives changed forever we welcomed our sweet little O into the world at 8:02 am weighing 8 lbs 2 ozs and 21 inches long. I had a scheduled C section, for medical reasons and delivered her at 39 weeks to the day. Leading up to her delivery I was on fetal monitoring twice a week, her movement was't very strong the last few weeks, my blood pressure was a little high and my swelling was a little out of control so we opted rather to be safe then sorry. With all that being said I was very happy to have made it to her scheduled date! Going into surgery awake is such a surreal experience, I had an emergency C section with C so this time around was even more surreal, I walked into the OR lol. All and all it was a very easy experience my OB had music going and we chatted the whole time, mainly her making jokes that we need to have one more baby haha. O had some fluid in her lungs when she was born and her breathing wasn't quite right, so I got my golden hour but after that she was swept away into monitoring for almost 5 hours with daddy by her side. It was really hard having her taken so early but I was getting pictures and video of her from Steve the whole time. My milk took a while to come in and we had some weight gain issues in the beginning, but It looks like we are back on track now. We have another appointment with the pediatrician on Thursday and I am eager to see how much our little jelly bean weights. 



We have been in pure baby heaven, C is absolutely in love with her baby sister and wants to help me with everything she can. It is the most adorable thing to watch we love seeing how sweet she is to her sister she loves to come up to her and go "mommy she's so beautiful and tiny" melts my heart every time.  Since we have been home we have constant help first from my mom for 2 weeks then my in-laws for a week. Now we are officially alone as a family of four and adjusting well I think although its been 12 hours :-)

Family of 4! 


2 Weeks with 2 kiddos I can't believe it, Love our girls so much. 
Well thats all for a quick check in for now, I am back to dirty diapers, spit up and nursing. 
XOXO 
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Friday, July 15, 2016

Bumpdate Week 37!


How far along: 37 Weeks! I like to do these as a recap for the week prior so I am currently 38 weeks, but this is my 37 week update! 
Gender: GIRL 
Baby Size: Swiss Chard 
Maternity clothes: YUP! 
Sleep: Eh, I sleep but not well I just can't get comfortable so its hard sleep on and off oh well let the no sleeping begin. 
What I am looking forward too: Having her OUT!!! I am done being pregnant, I am ready to hold my little girl and have these two sisters meet. I can't wait to see Cs face when she meets her sister for the first time. All of that and my mom being here I can't wait! Two whole weeks with my mama, C is going to be the happiest kid in town.
What I miss: All the foods not being cranky and uncomfortable and in pain. The list goes on and on. 
Cravings: Sushi, Wine, cold cuts etc. 
Queasy or sick:  Nope! 
Best Moment of the week: C randomly comes up to me every few days or hours and kisses my belly then goes "I love you so much baby sister" It makes me melt literally every time. I do wonder if she'll feel the same way once sister arrives but it has totally been the highlight of my days with her lately. 

XOXO
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Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Maternity Pictures!

A few weeks ago we had some maternity photos taken, we went to the beach and it was pretty casual.We had so much fun and got some amazing shots of our growing family. I could not be happier with how they turned out, C was so sweet although she did have a melt down when it was mommies turn to take photos. Haha Thank you again to Amanda from April Smith Photography, she's the BEST and has been capturing our family since we moved here 4 years ago! 

My Dress | Steves Shirt | Cs Dress old but similar here and here



This is such a amazing time in our life and I am so happy we got to capture it, we will cherish these photos forever. 
XOXO
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Monday, July 11, 2016

5 Real Truths about Baby Number 2

Hi all! So as the time comes closer and closer to meeting our sweet girl I have had a swirling emotions running though me. Of course I know I am not alone when I say so many things come into play when you decide to expand your family. So thought I would write it all out here so any other mamas feeling like this know you're not alone.


1) How is C really going to react? We have done all we could to "prepare" her for her upcoming bomb thats about to hit her life, but I keep wondering how is she really going to take it? Truth be told this kid is very sensitive and in tune with her emotions, I just hope we have built up her emotional vocabulary enough for her to tell me if she's ok. Her world as she knows it is about to basically explode and I worry that she'll have a hard time or feel displaced. Of course we plan to do everything in our power to help, but we can't make it perfect.

2) My baby isn't the baby anymore. Sure I know she's a big kid, but truth is she'll always be my baby. She's the one that made me a mommy and now with her becoming a big sister it makes her more  grown up then ever. Her vocabulary is AMAZING and I forget all the time that she's just TWO! She understands so much and we can have full on conversations and talk almost like friends. I know she will need me in other ways as time goes on, but it's bittersweet to think this is yet anther stage we are checking off the list.

3) Life as I know it is officially about to rocked AGAIN! The big truth on this one I am scarred. TERRIFIED even, we had such a rough go of it especially with sleep with C (see sleep post here) and I am so scared of what is to come. I know its hard in the beginning but we are in such a great rhythm right now with everything and we are about to jack it all up AGAIN! Yes I know these are all phases and it doesn't last forever, but it doesn't make it any easier knowing this time how hard it is in the beginning. At least now there can alcohol!

4) Will there really be enough time in the day for two kids!? Can I be ENOUGH for two kids? You worry about being the mom who can not only do it all but be it all for them. I don't ever want them to feel like they are getting half a mommy, but I am terrified of dividing my time for them and making sure I am enough for them. I want to be able to do all the things I did for C, for the new baby. Yet I know it wont be the same and thats ok. We will have a new everyday to adjust too, both C and I.

5) It's all going to be ok! Ha! I know this is a pretty basic one, but truth is this little thought gets me though the anxiety that I have about it all. It will all be ok and we will all be ok. Time will help, and we will find our new normal. I'll look back and laugh at this one day, probably when prepping for number 3 (yes we want 3) when I am thinking omg we will be outnumbered, but at least I know in time we will adjust and it'll be ok.

XOXO
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Saturday, July 9, 2016

Bumpdate Week 36!


How far along: 36 Weeks! I like to do these as a recap for the week prior so I am currently 37 weeks, but this is my 36 week update! 
Gender: GIRL 
Baby Size: Honeydew
Maternity clothes: YUP! 
Sleep: Eh, still sleeping but its so hard I am beyond uncomfortable and ready to be able to sleep normal again, well I guess as  normal as you can with a newborn. 
What I am looking forward too: Getting this kid OUT and not being so cranky and impatient all the time. I am at that point in the pregnancy where I want to explode with frustration. I am not kidding, everything and everyone annoy the crap out of me. I have the patience of a fruit fly and I am so swollen I look like Violet from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory after she ate the gum minus being blue. I feel like I can't be the mom I want to be right now because of how cranky I am so I am overcome with guilt and emotions about the new baby (post on this coming Monday) and I very badly need a BOTTLE of wine. So what am I looking forward too you ask? Being myself again, well a milk covered, sleep deprived, un-showered version of me at least. 
What I miss: See above!
Cravings: Sushi, Wine, cold cuts etc. 
Queasy or sick:  Nope! 
Best Moment of the week: We had a really fun 4th of July with friends hanging out and grilling. C played in the pool pretty much the whole time and loved playing with all her friends. My little social butterfly talked about it for days, and having daddy home for 3 days is always a huge plus! I am getting more and more excited about doing all these things with baby sister. 

XOXO
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Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Bumpdate Week 35!


How far along: 35 Weeks! I like to do these as a recap for the week prior so I am currently 36 weeks, but this is my 35 week update! 
Gender: GIRL 
Baby Size: Coconut 
Maternity clothes: You bet ya, but starting to get frustrated with my lack of options these days. My belly is way different then it was with C, more pointy and straight out so not many shirts are flattering, just counting down the days now. 
Sleep: Not the most ideal sleep but I am making it work. 
What I am looking forward too:  Meeting our sweet girl and holding her in my arms. I am so ready for her to be out. 
What I miss: Not being so unbelievably uncomfortable lol
Cravings:  Nothing specific this week, although Steve had a craving for sushi and I was very jealous of what he got vs. what I got. Hahah 
Queasy or sick:  Nope! 
Best Moment of the week: My wonderful friends threw me a sprinkle and it was so delightful! I had so much fun and everyone was so generous. I felt every loved and enjoyed every minute of getting to hang out. I also got my last ultrasound this week and baby girl is measuring in the 55th percentile so right on average with big sister which is so exciting, everything looks good and we are getting more and more anxious to meet her. 

Here are a few photos from the sprinkle! 




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Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Mini Photo Shoot

So I took C out the other day to snap a few quick shots of her in this adorable dress. We did our annual photos for daddy for Fathers Day and then got a few good ones of just our girl goofing off and being cute. She LOVES having her picture taken so much in fact that she got upset when we were done. We also took some maternity photos with our photographer last week, I'll post some here when I get them back and at the shoot she got sad when we tried to take photos of just me. 
Dress we have both the pink and cream, I love them both!  | Shoes we have these in gold | Bow older similar here 
I love this kid so much! 

She kept twirling, I am so grateful I got some addable twirling shots. 
Cutest soon to be BIG SISTER ever! 
XOXO


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Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Bumpdate Week 34!


How far along: 34 Weeks! I like to do these as a recap for the week prior so I can currently 35 weeks, but this is my 34 week update! 
Gender: GIRL 
Baby Size: Cantaloupe 
Maternity clothes: Oh yes! Mainly maternity tanks and kimonos with shorts. 
Sleep: Better but still not great, but I suppose it's better then whats to come with a newborn hahah. 
What I am looking forward too:  The heat wave being over, or summer for that matter. Lucky me we are just entering the hot season here and it's been brutal. I can't cool off. 
What I miss: Not being super crazy swollen, and wine of course. 
Cravings:  Chocolate lately actually yumm! 
Queasy or sick:  Nope! 
Best Moment of the week:  Celebrating Fathers Day with my adorable little family. We took C to see Finding Dory and hung out at the pool. We had a great day celebrating the man we love! 


XOXO
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Friday, June 24, 2016

Bumpdate 32 & 33 Weeks


How far along: 32 & 33 Weeks! 
Gender: GIRL 
Baby Size: Squash & Pineapple 
Maternity clothes:  Yup and for theses two weeks maternity swimsuits and cover ups too! 
Sleep: Eh, it was better but we were away and crazy busy. I still woke multiple times to pee but I was so exhausted from our days that I would pass out right after. 
What I am looking forward too:  GETTING THIS BABY OUT! 
What I miss: Fitting into some of my shoes and not feeling like a huge whale. 
Cravings:  Cold, things. Ice, Ice cream, sitting in a walk in freezer in a bikini. You know normal things when you are hormonal and its a million degrees. 
Queasy or sick: Not really but I had a lovely bought with allergies and it so doesn't help when you cant take anything
Best Moment of the week: Going to beautiful Aulani with my adorable family of course! Watching C have the time of life was the best baby moon present I could have asked for. We felt so lucky that we got to go on one more vacation just the three of us before baby sister arrives. I know C for sure appreciated all the one on one time wth mommy and daddy uninterrupted. 



xoxo
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