Mother’s Day gift guide for the new mom

Happy May! Nothing feels better than hanging outside with short sleeves and taking the kids out without lugging coats and blankets. May is also the month of mom! Cheers to all the moms! In case you haven’t heard lately, you are doing an amazing job! I’ve put together some of my picks for Mother’s Day gifts. These are specific to the new mom, because let’s face it, she’s a category all her own! God Bless her, she is sleep deprived, figuring out new family rhythms, and if I can guess, she probably needs some alone time (or self care as I like to call it). So I’ve paired each gift with a moment to herself. (See below!)

Savannah & Co. garland

Savannah & Co. tassel garland + cleaning

This soft bamboo yarn tassel garland is custom made and a portion of sales go towards buying massages for moms so you can feel good about your purchase! Pair this with a clean home (hire that cleaning person) and mom can relax and take in the beauty of her home. This shop is local to Lexington, Kentucky.

Girl Stop Apologizing

Girl Stop Apologizing + pedicure

After reading, Girl Wash Your Face, by Rachel Hollis, her next book is on my wishlist. This book is motivational, and self care all in one. Pair this with a pedicure, and mom can get out of the house, put her feet up and read ALONE. She will come back feeling invigorated and relaxed.

Raising Y'all Mimi blanket

Raising Y’all Mimi blanket + wine

What a mom really wants? To cuddle with her kids but WITH HELP! So bring her a glass of wine so she can snuggle up with her kids in these adorable handmade blankets. Then, when she gets hungry, bring her food. And then tuck the kids in bed so she can enjoy her feet up. This shop is local to Lexington, Kentucky.

The Fire Within Her bracelet

The Fire Within Her oil diffuser bracelet + massage

“The Fire Within Her (TFWH) exists to come alongside women to help them overcome the adversity that life throws their way.” These beautiful bracelets are a true labor of love. They are a reminder to each woman that she has the strength to overcome any hardship. For a new mom that looks like a number of things; healing her body, postpartum depression, no sleep and the list goes on. She can look down at her wrist and be reminded of her worth and her fire! This shop is local to Louisville, Kentucky. Throw in a massage for mom and it’s the perfect combo. I’m loving my monthly massage at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa.

Trader Joes MoonX wine

Trader Joe’s Moon X wine + pedicure

This is my go to wine!!! I’ve only tried the red wine, but it came highly recommended at Trader Joe’s. As far as I know, it’s only sold there. Send your husbands!! Bonus, it’s around $7.00! Send mom to get a pedicure while she is sipping on this wine.

Q & A for moms 5 year journal

Q & A a day for moms 5 year journal + wine

This came recommended from the Today Show, but is something I wish I spent more time doing. Journaling all the funny sayings from the kids or sweet things they do. All I hear is, this time goes by so fast. And yes it does. This journal can be a keepsake for all those sweet memories. Amazon baby! And throw that bottle of wine I just recommended in with it!

Anthropologie Garden Greeting Pot + her favorite flowers

In case my husband is reading this, this pot would pair well with some beautiful pink flowers or some tulips. 🙂 We are also using it for part of Savannah’s birthday party table decor! This pot is the cutest and can be used year round.

Lovepop greeting card

Lovepop Greeting card + her favorite smoothie

I received my first Lovepop card this year and it is so beautifully displayed on my shelf. Honestly it’s a keepsake that is more than a card. It tells a story and makes me smile every time I see it. Go check out all the designs they have. From weeping trees to flowerpots to birds. Think about that moment or memory you have with your mom and pick a card accordingly. Add a cute little note and pair it with her favorite smoothie.

Savannah & Co. family
photo credit: Meghan Beth Photography, Lexington KY
photo credit: Meghan Beth Photography, Lexington KY

I hope you share this list with your friends and family. Mothering has been the hardest job thus far in my life. And here’s a postpartum news flash; it is not just a six week timeframe after giving birth. I am over a year out and still in what I call, postpartum. So this list of gifts is meant for the new mom, however you define that. Let’s celebrate mom all month. Let’s celebrate the moms who haven’t met their babies yet. And celebrate moms who want to be a mom so bad, but are waiting. Celebrate the seasoned moms. Celebrate the moms who have it together one day and not the next. Just to hear that you’re appreciated is often the best gift.

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Mother’s Month! #monthofmama

Kim

 

Our favorite things of 2018

Hi everyone! Now that Christmas has passed and we are enjoying our new stuff, I thought I would share some of our favorite things! Whether it was a gift this year, or something we continually use and love, I’ve included it. Being a stay at home mom of a baby and a (very independent) toddler makes life challenging, but these favorite things definitely help make life a little easier! And who doesn’t want that?! Cheers to all the bubbly tonight as we ring in the New Year! (as I’m typing this baby Owen is clapping)

Clothing

Screen Shot 2018-12-31 at 11.17.08 AMScreen Shot 2018-12-31 at 11.59.21 AM

Screen Shot 2018-12-31 at 11.36.10 AM

Screen Shot 2018-12-31 at 11.46.48 AMScreen Shot 2018-12-31 at 11.40.49 AM

Screen Shot 2018-12-31 at 12.01.02 PM

Kid Stuff

Screen Shot 2018-12-31 at 1.36.55 PMScreen Shot 2018-12-31 at 1.35.13 PMScreen Shot 2018-12-31 at 2.13.26 PMScreen Shot 2018-12-31 at 1.23.33 PM

Screen Shot 2018-12-31 at 1.15.54 PMScreen Shot 2018-12-31 at 1.19.48 PMScreen Shot 2018-12-31 at 2.26.19 PM

 

Household

Screen Shot 2018-12-31 at 1.46.43 PMScreen Shot 2018-12-31 at 1.52.19 PM

Screen Shot 2018-12-31 at 1.49.00 PMScreen Shot 2018-12-31 at 1.58.19 PM

Mama time & Wellness

Screen Shot 2018-12-31 at 2.04.23 PMScreen Shot 2018-12-31 at 2.22.04 PMScreen Shot 2018-12-31 at 2.05.53 PMScreen Shot 2018-12-31 at 2.29.47 PMScreen Shot 2018-12-31 at 2.16.45 PM

Thanks for reading! Happy New Year! Please share any of your favorite things from this year. I’d love to hear from you!
Kim

 

 

My postpartum back pain journey

Hey guys, I know it’s been awhile and I’ve missed writing so much. The last six months I have been focusing on healing during my postpartum journey. It has come at a price. Lots of time researching, going to physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening. I have been trying to stay emotionally and mentally healthy as well. Chronic pain can really take that away. (See cute baby below to realize this has all been WORTH IT.)DSC00185I wanted to share more of my story and what steps I have taken to get to a much better place. Not healed, but able to deal with it. It is going to be an ongoing process for a while, if not forever. Because, just a reminder, your health is a TOP PRIORITY!

My low back pain started about 6 weeks postpartum. It took me a few months after that to see a physical therapist. She treated me for Sacroilliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction (pain). The joint that stabilizes between the sacrum and iliac is too loose, creating too much movement and makes it hard to stabilize. The hormone, relaxin, from birth and breastfeeding loosen the joints. All the muscles surrounding the area are sore from having to overcompensate. Also, my core strength has weakened since having two kids so close together.

I have felt defeated many times but I haven’t given up. The pain has been so unbearable at times making it hard to do the simplest things such as sit, stand and hold my babies.

Here are the symptoms that I have:
Pain transitioning from sitting to standing
Pain when rolling over in bed
Pain when sitting too long and long car rides
Pain in hips, buttocks, groin, full back and upper legs
Tightness in groin
Pain around SI joint
Pain going down stairs
Pain worse on one side

I am here to tell you there is hope. After reading so many negative things about chronic pain about this issue, it has been tough to stay positive. But then I think, when have I ever given up? And the one thing that has been the game changer for me? Well two things really. YOGA and self adjustments. Not just any yoga. I found a pain relief series by Lindey Samper on Amazon Prime. I am doing stretches and strengthening that I couldn’t do last week because of it. I believe the healing so far wouldn’t have been possible without physical therapy and of course my support village. Big shout out to my husband! I think he really understands that this postpartum healing journey is long and he has been my rock.

It took some time to figure out what is working for me specifically. Here are some of the steps that I have taken to find relief in addition to the aforementioned items:

>>Going to physical therapy for 4+ months
>>Saw an orthopedic doctor this week (who determined it was all childbirth related and the SI joint tests were negative)
>>Bought another Ikea Poang chair (full back support, amazing!!)

 

ikea chair
>>Hot epsom salt baths
>>Bought The Back Pain Secret book on Amazon (This has some great exercises and advice)

book
>>SI belt
>>Ice packs
>>TENS unit
>>Yoga
>>Baby wearing with the Lillebaby carrier with back support
>>Anti-inflammatory diet (no refined sugar, limiting gluten, adding superfoods)
>>Turmeric supplements (to be fair, I haven’t dosed enough to give much feedback)
>>Being intentional with every movement, posture, carrying and lifting (If I see you slouching I might say something)
>>monthly massages (This also is amazing and I highly recommend buying a massage chair)
>>Joined Facebook support group
>>Following blogs about SI joint pain
>>Spending more time home to focus on time for yoga and less carrying (carseats and toddlers)
>>Bought supportive bras for my measured size G breasts
>>Self adjustments to SI joint and pelvis (pelvis reset exercises)
>>Dry needling (starting this week, woohoo!)

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding (like me), I understand you are limited in terms of medicine. But it has honestly been for the better so I can focus on the problem vs the symptoms. That is also why you do not see chiropractor mentioned 🙂 And this is in no way to bash that alternative method. Just my personal opinion.

I would love to chat with you more if you are experiencing this too. The pain is SO REAL. Every day you have to fight. I think going through labor again would be easier, put it that way! I hope this blog post reaches one person who will have an aha moment. I pray it helps you 🙂

My journey continues from here and I will be focusing on this yoga series for now. One day at a time. My babies need me to be at my best.

Please comment below if I left anything out or you have words of wisdom. This is an ongoing journey and I can’t do it alone.

DSC01255DSC00798

Thanks for reading!
Kim

 

Getting ready for our second baby!

It has been about 13 weeks since my last post. Just in time for the first trimester feels to pass. But seriously, it is like a train hit you mixed with all the uncertainties of will I be sick or will I pass out from dizziness?? And then you have a lucky 12 hours of sleep and that’s still not enough! There is bound to be some side effects from growing a tiny human.  Now that I can think clearly I am getting some cleaning done and making preparations for our second baby, a sweet little boy!  Our kids will be about 22 months apart so I will have my hands full I’m sure. If you know me, you know I have been primarily thinking about decorating. Not only the sweet baby’s room, but we are moving Savannah’s room down the hall so the baby can be directly across the hall from us. Our current nursery has off white walls so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on some pink paint for Savannah’s new room! And that leaves the perfect backdrop for sweet baby boy’s room. Got me over here feelin’ like Joanna!

Here is my inspiration for Savannah’s new room. The paint color is Sherwin Williams Intimate white. And our painter is here today so pictures will be coming soon!pure-country-nursery-0216
Image found via Country Living

We will be moving her existing furniture and decor into her new room but I couldn’t resist adding a few new things too. I found a vintage dinosaur poster at Street Scene, a local vintage store here in Lexington, Ky. The muted greens will look great against the blush wall color. And who says dinosaurs are just for boys?! I mean, Savannah can say “dactyl”, her favorite flying dinosaur.

Now for the baby’s nursery! Here are a few inspiration pictures. We haven’t decided yet since we literally found out Sunday we are having a boy plus the whole first trimester thing I mentioned earlier didn’t have me thinking about much.

LukeNewborns-2576Image courtesy of The Sweetest Thing Blog
I am swooning over these light blue curtains and accents. But I also love the below nursery. All the lush greens and nature themes while keeping it very simple and airy!
8f894233eb9610ee7feb89b56f287d86
Image source here

Another idea I have floating around is incorporating scripture into his room. I absolutely adore this sweet blanket by Modern Burlap and I have to have it! It is perfect for the story of this little guy and how much of a blessing he is. God definitely had a plan for this little guy and knew we needed him this soon. I remember thinking when Savannah was born, “Is this real?” and “Why haven’t we met her sooner?”

blanketWe are also thinking of integrating sports into the design. LOVE these simple vintage baseballs. I’m sure I can find a mason jar laying around here somewhere (wink, wink).  And if you know Dan, we will have some UK and basketball stuff too. So stay tuned for more updates as we get the nursery finished.

W14.12c1

Besides decorating, I have also started a new Amazon baby registry. Mainly so I don’t forget what I need to buy, but also for when family asks about gifts. This mama will not be able to keep all of this in her head! I already have my main needs but need a few new things since we will have 2 toddlers at once! Hello 2 cribs and 2 changing pads. Yikes!!! I have also heard really good things about the book, Simplicity Parenting, so I need to get my hands on this real soon! Have you read this?

The final thing I will mention in regards to preparing is exercise! I exercised throughout my pregnancy with Savannah and it made labor and delivery fairly easy! And this time around I have an amazing village of mamas that I didn’t even know existed until after Savannah arrived. The group is called Fit4Mom and we push our strollers while working out, running, and singing to our babies. This has been a true life saver for my sanity and postpartum recovery. And you can bet I will be continuing this journey throughout pregnancy and beyond!16835715_705232732991594_8958558124395901390_o
Image courtesy of Fit4Mom

What other things did you do in preparation for your second, third, or fourth baby?? I would love to hear your ideas. Please comment below! Thanks for reading!

Kim