The Sunshine Mama

Need help knowing where the Easter Bunny is hiding all the eggs this year?

Check out this list of Easter Egg hunts happening around Central Florida!

1Up Fitness Winter Park Egg Hunt April 2nd

Sponsored by 1Up Fitness (awesome kickboxing gym) this egg hunt is FREE, but you have to sign up NOW because there are only a few spots open in the afternoon (3pm & 4pm)! Over 500 eggs will be hunted, and some will earn you cash prizes! The Easter Bunny will also be ready for free pictures! Find more information through this LINK: Winter Park Egg Hunt

EGGceptional Family Festival April 9th

Of COURSE Oviedo on the Park (Center Lake Park) is having an EGGceptional egg hunt from 9am-noon. There will be food trucks, classic games such as three legged races & potato sack contests, face painting, coloring stations, activity tables, and musical entertainment by Mr. Harley. I even heard the Easter Bunny will be there to take pictures with all the kids! Wristbands are only $10 and will include all activities. For more information click on this LINK: Oviedo on the Park Easter Family Festival

Hoppy Hunting in Atwood Farms April 9th

As if an egg hunt isn’t entertainment enough, Atwood Farms in Eustis has pulled out all the stops! Relay races, jump pads, Bubble barn, ball zone, hayride, cow train- the list goes on! Did I mention you can also pick blueberries & sunflowers? This is your sign to get that cute IG sunflower field picture you’ve always wanted. Gemstone mining is also available for a small fee! How cool is that? Admission is $5 online or $7 at the gate for you spontaneous folk. Two & under are free! Admission covers most activities including the egg hunts of all ages 2-18yrs old (in separate categories) & Easter Bunny pictures. At 10am a local Pastor will even share the story of Easter about somebunny who loves you very much. All around, seems like a lot of fun for everyone! The event is from 10am-5pm and you can check out more here. LINK: Atwood Farms Egg Hunts

Porte Park Egg Hunt in Sanford April 9th

The Easter Bunny will be in Porte Park from 12-2pm to take pictures and have lots of Easter egg hunt fun! This FREE event includes cupcakes, prizes, and beverages for the kiddos. Register using this LINK: Sanford Egg Hunt

GREEN ACRES FARM Spring Festival April 10th

There will be farm animals, activites, and of course EGG HUNTS galore at the Green Acres Spring Festival! General admission is $5 for those not participating in the egg hunt, and $10 for those that are. *You MUST purchase tickets in advanced!* There is even an egg hunt for ADULTS! NOW you’re talking!! You can find out more details through this link on pricing & more! LINK: Green Acre Egg Hunt

Central Winds Park April 16th

This egg hunt is FREE but only for Winter Spring Residents. Here is the link to more information on times. LINK: Winter Springs Egg Hunt

Magic 107.7 Egg Hunt & Bunny Breakfast April 16th

Downtown in Longwood’s Historic District you can enjoy a fun egg hunt where kids locate different numbered eggs and turn in a sheet for a goodybag! Not only will you get pictures with the Easter Bunny, but you can also dine with him too! From 9-10:30am enjoy an all you can eat pancake breakfast, $9 for adults, $7 for kids & free for kids 2 and under! Best part? It’s got AC. This is a FREE event for the whole family (unless you take advantage of that amazing breakfast deal!). Find more information through this LINK: Longwood Bunny Breakfast

INDOOR Egg Hunt in Orlando April 16th

Rain or Shine it’s Egg Hunting time! The Orlando Mom Collective is partnering with the XL Soccer World Lake Nona to give you the ultimate egg hunt experience. Tickets are $15/child and include the egg hunt, photo booth, soccer experience, goodbag and more! Sign up for an egg hunt between 1:45-3:30 pm, and it won’t matter that it’s in the afternoon because you’ll be in the AC! Genius! You can tell mom’s put this together. Secure your spot through this Link: Indoor Orlando Egg Hunt

Bunny HOP 5K & Egg Hunt in Lake Baldwin April 16th

Want to balance eating all those chocolate eggs with something a bit more active? Hop on down to Harbor Park and join the 5K! All proceeds will be donated to the college funds of kids who lost their parents working on construction sites. It’s a great cause and should be a lot of fun with the added egg hunts & other festivities. Runners are also encouraged to make it more festive with costumes and Easter outfits! LINK: Information on Bunny Hop 5K

Easter Elegance Brunch Alfond Inn April 17th

Feeling fancy? Enjoy a delicious Easter Buffet style Brunch at the Alfond Inn for $69 for adults, $29 for kids 5-12, and 4yrs old & under complimentary. Kids will be released for an egg hunt while you can indulge in the true meaning of “all you can eat”. Fun fact, after an Easter Brunch in Vegas 2015 my husband nicknamed me Shrek- and that was BEFORE kids. I’m nursing now, so I know I will get my $69 worth. Stand back folks, you’re about to see something special. If you see a mom with a messy bun & stretchy pants at the Alfond Inn on Easter, it’s me. Click here to see the mouth watering menu & get tickets. Hurry! They sell out fast! LINK: Alfond Inn Easter Brunch & Egg Hunt Tickets

Time is flying and soon enough you’ll be bringing your bundle of joy home!

Here is a checklist of everything you’ll want to have in your hospital GO bag!

• For Mama
  • MOST IMPORTANT: Earth Mama Perineal Balm & Spray. If you can only get one, get the balm- postpartum savior!! LINK: Amazon Perineal Balm
  • Chapstick & Lotion (hospitals can be dry)
  • Comfortable Nursing shirt or any old Tank Top
  • stretchy pants/ sweatpants
  • pajamas
  • Nursing Bra (Motherhood Maternity Wrap Bralettes are my favorite)
  • Nursing pads (cause sometimes your boobs leak, especially after a hot shower)
  • Eye Mask (So you can sleep anytime)
  • Lollipops (before baby is born)
  • Favorite snacks (after baby is born)
  • Depends (adult diaper) or large pads for postpartum bleeding
  • Slippers/ Aloe socks
  • Phone Charger
  • Toiletries (Shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant- try to get unscented versions if possible- newborns can be very sensitive to smell)
  • Hospital Pictures
    • Make up
    • Hair Brush/ Hair ties
    • Cute Outfit (Flowy Dress)
    • Special Jewelry (*cough, husbands this would be a great gift *cough)

• For Baby:
  • Baby hat (very important to keep baby warm!)
  • *Mom Hack*–> NO Baby Mittens YES Baby SOCKS! (socks stay much better on little newborn hands than mittens do)
  • Baby ELECTRIC nail filer! (Cause some babies, like mine, are born with claws, and you don’t want them to scratch themselves) Electric is better so you don’t accidently clip their skin because their fingers are SO tiny. LINK: Electric Nail Filer
  • Nasal Aspirator, SO much easier than the suction bulb. LINK: Nasal Asipirator
  • 3 Zip Up Pajamas Newborn Size & Premie Size
  • 2 Different kind of Swaddles (Good options: Swaddle Me, Merlin’s Magic Sleep Sack, The Nestled Bean, Muslin Blanket)
  • Pacifiers (WubbaNub, Maam, classic)
  • 2 Cute Outfits (for pictures)
  • Boppy Pillow (for nursing)
  • Lovey or Special item (no blankets though!)
  • Check ahead if hospital provides diapers & wipes (many do)

• For Daddy:
  • SNACKS & beverages.
  • Pillow & blanket (hospital may provide)
  • Folder (for important documents)
  • Clothes
  • Toiletries
  • Phone Charger

• Other Ideas/Items:
  • Special photo props (like a Welcome baby banner)
  • Sign for special message “Thank You”, “I made that”, “Forever my Always”-etc.
  • Stationary to write a special letter to your baby to read on their 18th birthday
  • A Journal to process all the feels
  • Prenatal Vitamins
  • A book (but honestly I would spend as much time sleeping as possible)
  • Don’t forget your medication
  • Baby Book (put footprint & record special moments)
  • Nursing Cover (Only if you want but NOBODY will care, so don’t feel like you need to cover up)
  • Champagne (although if nursing you may only get a couple sips in).

Focus on the practical items you’ll need for postpartum healing, keeping your baby comfortable & your husband fed with snacks. The special props are cute, but you will have plenty of more glamorous photoshoot opportunities when you leave the hospital.

Your body is about to do something INCREDIBLE, and it’s completely normal to feel so in love but ALSO like you got hit by a train & then handed a screaming baby. It’s a wonderful time but it’s also very physically painful & exhausting, so don’t have the unrealistic expectations of the hospital being a photo booth opportunity. The most important part is the safety of you and your baby.

Again, please- from one mama to another, if you plan to give birth vaginally do yourself the big favor and get the Earth Mama Perineal Balm and Spray. It will help ease the pain and bring much needed relief to your lady parts.

Let’s hear from other mamas! What was the most essential item that YOU packed in your hospital bag? What would you add to this list?

If you’re lucky enough to spend St. Patrick’s Day with young kiddos, here are some fun ideas for you!

1. Start the Morning off with Shamrock Pancakes! Simply by adding green food coloring to the pancake mix you can turn an ordinary breakfast into a fun holiday treat! Make a shamrock either by making 3 small pancakes & a line for the stem and arranging them into a clover- or if you want to get real fancy you can form it right in the pan using a squeeze bottle.
2. Hide Plastic Gold Coins in the house or the backyard for a fun & simple game. You can find these coins at the dollar store, target, walmart or online easily. Here’s a link: Fake Gold Coins
3. Make a sweet keepsake by painting your kiddo’s feet green & making a 4 leaf clover! You can add the message “So Lucky to Have You” underneath along with the date. This would make a cute surprise for grandma & grandpa or spring decor for your living room.
4. “Riverdance” in the safety nonjudgmental zone of your living room! It’ll be a fun way to get a workout for you & burn some energy for your kids! Here’s a 2 hour playlist of pleasant celtic music to jump around to: 2 Hours St. Patty Music
5. Make RAINBOW fruit popsicles OR fruit kabobs! Cocomelon even has an entire song about it that you can play to get them excited. Link: Cocomelon Rainbow Popsicles
   • To make the popsicles you will need
     • Fruit of various colors of the rainbow (and maybe some food dye if you want the colors to be more vibrant). I suggest strawberries, orange juice, pineapple, kiwi, blueberries (with blue food coloring) and purple grape juice
     • You will also want a popsicle ice tray like this: Popsicle Freezer Mold
     • You need to add the fruit one at a time, freezing each layer for at least 30 minutes (in order to see the rainbow layers), so this is a fun activity to do throughout the day, but not in one sitting.
   • To make a fruit kabob you just need skewers and the cut up fruit. It’s less time consuming, however I would advise the popsicles for YOUNGER kids, and the skewers for OLDER calmer kids because the sticks very sharp points.
   • If you don’t have popsicle trays, spend too much time or want to risk it with sharp objects, just making a rainbow fruit salad is also a great option!
6. Here’s a fun video for kids to stomp and clap in rhythm while learning a little bit about St. Patrick. St. Patrick Percussion Video
7. Make a Shepherd’s Pie together! Here’s a link to my favorite youtube chef Laura Vitale (also a new mama) : Shepherd’s Pie
8. Make LEPRECHAUN juice! This is a sneaky way to get some fruits & veggies in. Add 1 green apple, 1 handful of spinach, juice of 1 lime, kiwi, some ice and 1/4 cup of water to a blender. It’ll be sweet from the kiwi & apple- but if you need to sweeten it a little more you can add a pinch of apple juice or more apple. Make some for yourself too!
9. Visit Irish 31 for Dinner & get some Irish Stew or fish n chips! Happy Hour is from 3-7pm, the patio is Pet Friendly so you can bring Sparky too, AND you can enter your kiddo into a coloring contest to win a $50 gift card! The server will provide your little with paper to color while you dine in, the contest ends 3/20/2022. Visit their website for more information of the Oviedo location: https://irish31.com/paddyfest/
10. Tell the story of St. Patrick, there’s a reason he’s a saint! Here’s a short two minute informative video made for kids that talks about who Saint Patrick was and explains the significance of clovers & the color green. It mentions prayer & faith since he was a priest. Kids 2min Video Intro to Saint Patrick

Saint Patrick was captured at 16, enslaved for 6 years, escaped, and then came back to Ireland as a free man to spread faith, hope & love with such an impact that the entire country memorialized him with a holiday that we still acknowledge today.

A lot of us don’t feel so lucky with all the recent events- but come to think about it, Saint Patrick didn’t have such a “lucky” life either did he.

With so much going on in the world today, I think it is the hope of many parents that our children would be strong enough to overcome great obstacles and still show kindness to everyone. Today is not about fictional leprechauns & finding pots of gold- it’s about a real man who made a big difference with little clovers and a compassionate heart. We don’t need a lot to make a big difference, we just need to care a lot. Take time to share your values today with your kids while having a good time today. By raising a strong and caring child you will honor Saint Patrick’s memory best. Cheers.

There is a lot of joy in motherhood, but it can also be quite lonely for a multitude of reasons.

Perhaps you’re a very “out & about” social person and now you struggle to leave the house?

Maybe all your friends are in a different stage of life, and you find yourself feeling disconnected as the only one with a baby?

Maybe you’ve just moved cities and feel awkward making new friends during such a vulnerable season of life?

Here are some tips to help.

1. Take 30 minutes a day to express your loneliness in a creative way.
   • Before you just jump into “fixing” your loneliness, take the time to process the root of these feelings. Imagine a tree. Loneliness may be the rotten fruit you want to get rid of, but in order to really deal with it you need to get to the root. Art is an amazing way to gain insight processing your roots. You can either take the time to do this while the baby is napping- OR even better, do it WITH your baby.
     • Play your musical instrument for them, paint next to them (or with them if they’re old enough!), dance with them, sing to them- this is a wonderful stage where you get to focus not only on your baby, but on yourself as well.
2. Take a walk in a public place.
   • Sometimes I just felt lonely because I was often in the house alone. Don’t stay cooped up, go take a walk in a public park or trail! Walking stimulates the brain to process thoughts and emotions better as well, and getting a daily dose of Vitamin D will benefit you and your baby. It’s such a simple but highly effective way to socialize yourself AND your baby! The public park is also a natural habitat for other mama’s, so if you’re looking to make new friends, this is a good place to start.
3. Download the Peanut App.
   • Peanut is a free app that is basically online dating for moms in your area. It sounds a bit awkward, but it’s a really great way to meet other moms. You download a picture of yourself, write a short blurb about your interests, and if you click on a mom that also clicks on you- it’s a match and you enter into an online chat where you can talk about motherhood and set up playdates at your own discretion. As with any online meet n greet, disclose as little personal information as possible and always meet in a public place. I’ve met several great moms this way!
4. Join a mom’s group.
   • If you’d rather jump right in and meet a bunch of moms in person, check out what local mom groups are in your area! Not going to lie, it can be a little tricky trying to have a conversation while your little monkey is swinging on something they shouldn’t, but that is also the beauty of mom groups- you’re all in the chaos together. When you put a group of tired moms and crazy kids together, there’s a sense of comradery–We’re all in this together! Even if this is really difficult for you, it’s a really great way to help your baby socialize so give it a shot! Typically mom groups also include “mom’s night out” opportunities to build friendships without being interrupted for snacks.
5. Invite them INTO the mess.
   • I love going OUT with my friends, but after having a baby there were plenty of days going out felt like an impossible task- and of course, those were also the days I needed a friend the most. In hindsight I wished I invited more friends into my messy home, but I didn’t dare because I felt insecure by the state of my house, the state of my hair, the state of my LIFE. I am a hot mess mama for sure, and in the beginning there was a bit of shame realizing motherhood wasn’t as easy as I’d imagined. Let your pride take a hike, and invite your friends over, because if they’re truly your friends they will understand that this is a vulnerable season and want to be in it with you. In motherhood don’t waste your time on “Fair Weather Friends” because there are storms headed your way, and you’ll want friends you can depend on.
6. Video Chat!
   • Maybe inviting people into your mess is still a big step for you- so a smaller step could be to facetime! It’s silly how easy our phones make it to connect with people all over the globe. Use it! Also a great way for people to see the baby & if you need a quick exit, what’s quicker than hitting a red button to hang up!
7. Conserve your energy & invest in a few relationships
   • Sometimes the loneliness is simply just feeling overwhelmed that there is not enough of you to go around. Rather than trying to maintain all your relationships at the same level as before, it’s ok to just invest in 1, 2, or 3 people to be your support system right now. Give yourself grace, you’ve got a lot to handle, but it is not making your load lighter to isolate yourself from everyone. So pick a few people who love you, are low drama, and you feel empowered by. Maybe it’s someone who’s always been there for you (like your mom or high school bestie), or someone you would like to get to know better (like a sister-in-law who had a baby or new mom friend).
8. Communicate your needs clearer
   • Figure out what you need for support in this season- a safe place to vent, a knowledgeable mama role model, a nonjudgmental hot mess friend, someone who doesn’t know what it’s like but always makes you laugh, someone who prays over you, someone who brings wine over– make a list of what you need and if there’s someone already in your life that fits, and reach out & communicate how they can be there for you. That last part is very important, TELL THEM why and how you need them, because there’s a good chance they don’t know unless you do.
     • Be specific like, “I just need a safe place to vent, but I’m a bit burnt out on all the mom advice- could you come over & just lend me your ear? You’re such a great listener and that’s what I need right now”.
     • OR “Ever since I had the baby, I feel like I’ve lost myself. Can we just talk about stuff unrelated to motherhood? I just need a mental break, maybe come over & let’s watch that new movie?”
     • Or “Dude, this baby has not slept more than 20 minutes for the past 3 days and I need your mama wisdom- can you help me research reasons why and come over to help for an hour or so? I haven’t had a hot meal since Thursday!”
   • The more specific you are about what you need, the better. They may not be reaching out because they don’t know how to help.
9. Find a Friend in your Partner
   • Having a baby can easily put a strain on your relationship because you’re both settling into your new roles as parents. Like a boat on the sea you can easily drift away without even realizing it. The best way to stay together is making sure your partnership is anchored by friendship. Make date night a priority- even if you can’t leave the house. My friends love to do a puzzle & take out on their date nights. I’m more into watching scary movies, beating my husband at strategic board games, & eating all the sugary things I don’t want our kids to see. It’s important to continue to do things that you did before you had kids and invest in what makes you laugh and feel energized.
10. Get to know your new baby bestie
    • It’s so important to build that bond & friendship with your babies. Don’t feel guilty that it doesn’t happen naturally. I loved my baby right away, but I was terrified & uncomfortable at the beginning, and that’s totally normal! (A LOT of moms feel guilty about that, but it’s no indication of how close you and your baby will be).
      • Talk to your baby about everything. Even though your baby may not be able to understand, it is vital for their development to hear & watch you talk. Just be mindful of what you say and how you say it- scientific studies show that positive and negative words do have a physical effect on their subjects such as plants & rice. Here’s a short 2min snippet of the original rice experiment. Link: Power of Words
      • Continue to invest in your hobbies and try to include your baby. If you love music, give your baby a rattle to play along with you. Read YOUR favorite books to your baby, the story can be for your enjoyment, your baby will be enjoying the quality time and interesting tonations of your voice.
      • Take your baby to your favorite spots! Get yourself your favorite ice-cream, cruise around your favorite store, go to the beach, sing your favorite songs- and as your baby grows up you can continue to share those moments- although the books, the songs, the places & the activities may not be your favorites anymore but their favorites, the bond of doing them together will become your new favorite.

I hope these tips encourage you to make new friends & bring you closer to the loved ones already in your life. All moms need a support system. Best wishes on growing yours. Which tip or tips will you try?

The sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and Spring is in the air! Time to get the family out and have some fun! Here are some events to check out in the Greater Orlando area this month.

Dinosaur & Dragon Stroll March 5th & 6th.

Have a little one obsessed with large carnivorous lizards? Head over to Daytona for the Dinosaur & Dragon stroll happening March 5th & 6th only! This is a unique event that is both educational and fun! Purchase your ticket ahead of time here for various showtimes. LINK: Dino & Dragon Stroll Ticket Booth Veterans and children under 2 get in for free, all other ages are $26.99.

Storytime at Central Florida Zoo March 9th

This free event is hosted in Sanford at the Central Florida Zoo! Short and sweet from 10:00-10:30am before the sun is TOO hot, pre-school aged kids will enjoy storytime in the presence of animal friends at the zoo! Zoo admission is not included or required for this event, and kids 2 & under get in for free all year long! If the sun is strong, there is an awesome splash pad in the zoo (so back some extra clothes!) or if it’s raining, the event will be indoors! Find out more here: Storytime at the Zoo

Mall Scavenger Hunt March 14th

Did you know that the Kid’s Crew at the Oviedo Mall hosts scavenger hunts for kids once a month? They are sponsored by different partners who also provide a PRIZE to kids 12yrs & under who complete it! This month the hunt is on March 14th from anytime between 12-6pm and is for all kids under 12yrs! It is very toddler & stroller friendly; our daughter has participated since 18m old! This activity is FREE and you go at your own pace, which I appreciate. They make it easy to sign up & get the scavenger hunt print out right at the mall customer service. The entire hunt is indoors so rain or shine it’ll be a good time! Click here for more information: Mall Scavenger Hunt

St.Patty’s at the Park March 19th

This Free St.Patrick’s Day event is one you won’t want to miss! Hosted by Bangers and Mash at Oviedo on the Park you will enjoy dancing, live music, good food & entertainment for all ages! Bangers and Mash are partnering with the Byrne Brothers and Irish Step Dancers! The party is March 19th from 4-10pm. Time to get your green dancing shoes on! Find out more at OOTP St.Patty

4th St.Patty’s TRUCK pull March 19th

The Famous L Collective is hosting an event that gives you the opportunity to show off how big your muscles AND your heart are! Be the hero of your kid’s dreams and play Tug of War with a Fire Truck! You must form a team of 10 and enter the competition together for a total of $100 ($10 each) and ALL fees will be donated to the Special Needs Ability Program (SNAP). There will also be live music on stage, food trucks & craft vendors. The event is located in Sandford’s beautiful downtown with a variety of shops & restaurants to check out! Very stroller friendly. Email [email protected] to enter into the truck pull competition & learn more about this event here: Sanford Truck Pull

Kite Day March 19th

Let’s go fly a kite up to the highest height! March 19th from 10-2pm you and your littles can make & fly kites together at The Flagpole Lot in Avalon Park. There is a picnic area where you can enjoy homemade sandwiches or Chik-fil-a on a checkered blanket watching professional kite flyers work their magic. A quieter and more intimate way to spend the Saturday. Link: Kite Day

Honey Bee Spring Festival March 19th

What’s all that buzz? It’s the Black Hammock Spring Festival! Tons of kid friendly activities like decorating & planting spring flowers and decorating honey bee magnets! There will be food, drinks, plants & honey available for purchase from 11-3pm! There are so many wonderful benefits to honey; from honey tea, to honey facials- now’s your chance to stock up just in time for allergy season! It’ll be a fun event you won’t want to miss at the Bee Farm! (Unless you’re allergic- then maybe try the kite flying event 😅 ) Find out more here: Black Hammock Spring Festival

Mount Dora Spring Festival March 19th-20th

Crafts, flowers, baked goods, rustic decor, homemade jewelry- forget Spring cleaning, it’s time for a Spring Shopping Spree! Mount Dora is an adorable picturesque town but don’t ever underestimate their vendor markets! Over 250 handcrafters will set up shop for this weekend only, so don’t miss out! All ages will have a good time! www.MountDoraSpringFest.com or Mount Dora Spring Fest

28th Annual Taste of Oviedo March 26th

Hosted at the Oviedo Mall Parking Lot, this FREE event is all about food, and who doesn’t love to eat?! There are so many great family friendly restaurants in Oviedo, and here’s your chance to check them all out in one afternoon from 10am-6pm. There will also be a free kids play area sponsored by Oviedo City Church. Come on out & taste Oviedo! Find more info here: Taste of Oviedo

The arrival of your long awaited bundle of joy is an incredible experience unlike anything else. However, the transition can be difficult on new parents as they try to find balance in their new roles and responsibilities.

It’s a normal struggle to feel the frustration of unfairness on both sides. Moms may feel that there is too much pressure on them, whereas their partner feel out of place and helpless. A harsh combination of resentment and guilt can build up and create a toxic atmosphere threatening to poison this precious season with your new baby.

Here are 12 Practical Things PARTNERS can do to Help

1. Keep mom hydrated
   • Either by keeping bottled water stocked & set up, or continually filling her water bottles you can help mama stay hydrated. This is especially important if she is breastfeeding. The #1 way to help keep milk supply up is drinking lots of water! Regardless, if she’s nursing or not (fed is best!)- her mind is so occupied taking care of the baby’s needs that she will often forget about her own most basic ones. It’s a simple but incredibly important way to serve her.
2. Meal Prep/ Cook
   • One of the biggest struggles for a new mom is eating. The baby nurses so often that there is not much time to cook or eat meals. Helping mama by having ready made meals in the fridge or freezer is so helpful! My husband would make me smoothies for breakfast, and it was one of the kindest most helpful things. Tip: Try to avoid dairy as much as possible if nursing! Many newborns are very sensitive to dairy & caffeine.
3. Take care of Appointments
   • Nobody talks about how many appointments need to be made right after a baby is born! Appointments for the birth certificate, postpartum check ups, pediatrician visits- dealing with dates & times while being incredibly sleep deprived is not fun! Sitting next to mama and setting up the appointments for her, while also inputting reminders in her phone/ calendar is a HUGE blessing.
4. Do Baby Research
   • Ask mama if there is anything that you can research for her about the baby or herself. I had NO IDEA what to do as a parent, and the anxiety to research everything and sift through incredible amounts of information was so draining. When I began to delegate some research to my husband it took so much weight off mentally AND it also helped HIM feel much more involved in parenting our child. Through research we learned things together like when to add Vitamin D supplements for our baby, different sleep training options, what activities to do to help baby’s development-etc. It turned a very anxious task into a really fun way to discover more about our wonderful baby as a team.
5. COMPLIMENT HER
   • A mother’s body goes through so much change, and women are notorious for not noticing the beautiful queens that they are. Postpartum is an especially difficult time for her because she’s too small for maternity clothes but too big for her regular wardrobe. Swollen, bloated, stretched, deflated, aching, healing, recovering, tired, in pain- there is a big physical toll, it’s not just vanity. Leave notes on her mirror that say “She’s Beautiful”. Look into her eyes and let her know how much you appreciate all her sacrifice. Tell her out loud that you are amazed by what she has done, and that she is strong and powerful. Tell her everyday how much you love her.
6. Leave Little Gifts
   • What are her favorite snacks? Her favorite flowers? Favorite Take Out? If you set aside $20 every month while she is pregnant, this can be a little “Spoil Mama” budget for you to leave little surprises that can make all the difference on those extra hard days. It doesn’t have to be every day- even just once a week leaving her favorite candy next to the changing table with a note that says “You are amazing, thank you for taking care of our baby” will mean the world and remind her that you are thinking of her. If you REALLY want to get fancy, bring her family & friends in and gather little gifts with notes to leave for her throughout those first 3 months.
7. Physical Tasks
   • Have dogs? Try to either walk them yourself when you can or hire a dog walker for the 6 weeks. Moms after birth or surgery have to take it easy, so the more physical tasks you can take care of, the better! Taking out the trash, bringing in groceries, carrying the laundry– this is your time to shine Hercules!
8. Give her a MASSAGE
   • The baby may only weigh 7lbs, but trust me- after a couple hours it feels more like 70lbs. A shoulder, back & foot massage is ALWAYS welcome. Tip: Use all natural coconut oil instead of scented massage oil- the smell could upset the baby.
9. Don’t ADD to her plate
   • Try to schedule as little as possible during those first 3 months, double check with her on any plans and be flexible in case you need to miss or reschedule. Her well being and the baby’s needs come first. Seeing family, attending events, trips, conferences, volunteering– if she’s not up for it, don’t push it. Go at HER speed and be patient. This is a special season that doesn’t need any additional seasoning.
10. Take her picture
    • There are so many pictures of the baby, but not many of mama. Be sure to document this incredibly beautiful and selfless woman. If you see a moment that makes you smile, just take a second to capture it so it can keep you both smiling for years to come.
11. Help Keep the House Clean
    • Why are the dishes piling up? Why is the toilet dirty? What is this spill on the counter and why hasn’t it been cleaned? Who left these candy wrappers on the couch? Your home may look like a raccoon moved in. Have grace- this is a season where mama is figuring the baby out, and it is the most important thing she can do. It’s understandable to not want to live with a racoon, but expect to help pick up around the house during this time, and try not to make comments. Maybe consider hiring help the first month or two if the mess is overwhelming- it’s understandable to budget paying for help if it means maintaining peace during a priceless time.
12. Just ASK
    • Simply by asking her “How can I help you” shows that you are involved and supportive. If you struggle with forgetting, keep a note at your desk or by your bed with “Just Ask” written to help you remember.

I hope these tips are helpful for you and your partner to give grace and support one another during this unique and vulnerable time. Just remember this is just a temporary season! Baby’s needs change so quickly with time, they will get more and more independent and so will you. You will both find your new rhythm as a team to the beat of your baby’s heart, and so begins a new dance.

Which task would mean the most to you as a new mom? What does your partner do for you that is helpful? Share below!

Music. Beads. Dancing. Good Food. Mardi Gras may have looked a little different in your years without kids, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be just as fun! Here are some family friendly events where you can party with your kiddos!

DOG PARADE in Downtown DeLand

You read it right! A DOG PARADE. DeLand certainly knows how to throw my kind of party. From 10-2 you & your littles can cheer on cute canines dressed up Mardi Gras style while listening to live music. DeLand is also well known for its shops & delicious brunch spots! Grab a few friends and start the day early with some pancakes & orange juice. Here are some of the best brunch spots downtown! Link: DeLand Top Brunch Spots

MARDI GRAS 2022 Party in the Park!

This is a FREE event Saturday Feb 26th from 4-8pm at Oviedo on the Park. In celebration there will be plenty of food trucks, as well as drink stations, and live entertainment. In addition Oviedo on the Park has a playground, dog park, lake where you can rent swan boats, and several restaurant options in case you feel like dining in AC or there is a large grass area to spread out a blanket & have a picnic! Here’s the link for more information. Link: Mardi Gras OOTP

Mardi Gras at the BEACH!

What better way to celebrate Mardi Gras than in true Florida fashion at the beach in February! On Sunday February 27th New Smyrna Beach will be hosting a Seaside Gumbo competition from 12-5pm where you can sample and vote for only $15! Buy passes at nsbgumbo2022.eventbrite.com and go to the LINK for more information NSB Beach Gumbo Challenge.

Then on Fat Tuesday March 1st the 16th Annual Mardi Gras parade begins at 7pm. It starts on South Atlantic Avenue, makes its way on to Flagler Ave and ends on Pine Street. Flagler Ave is known for its restaurants & beach shops! My recommendation is to make a reservation at one of the restaurant’s patios and view the parade from your table enjoying dinner! Make note that Flagler Avenue will not allow cars to come through from 4-9pm, so plan ahead and park smart in case you need to leave early for bedtimes! Here is the LINK Flagler Ave Mardi Gras Parade

Mardi Gras at SEA WORLD!

What could be cooler than celebrating Mardi Gras with the dolphins?! Alongside the Seven Seas Food Festival, there will be Mardi Gras parades & music from now till March 6th! This is perfect if you want it all and have family of various ages. From roller coasters, to mesmerizing aquariums, to cooling off at the splash pad in Sesame Street Land and adorable Animal shows– there is something for Grandpa, your two year old, and your teenager to have a great day. LINK Seaworld Mardi Gras

Which event do you think your littles would enjoy the most? Dogs or Dolphins? Seaside Gumbo Competition or Sea World Food Festival? Either way, have a wonderful time with your family and be safe!

One of my biggest rookie mistakes as a FTM (First Time Mom) was thinking that I’d have plenty of time & energy AFTER the baby arrived- because what could be more draining & exhausting than growing a baby?Um- Taking care of that baby- that’s what! lol. I don’t know what I was thinking. I had no idea what I was in for as soon as the baby arrived.

Here are some free Apps to download NOW so that when the baby comes you can get the most out of these precious moments with less stress. *NOTHING is sponsored*

1. BABY TRACKER.

This App is GENIUS. If there is only ONE app to download, it is THIS. I refer to it as my second brain. As the name implies, this app helps you keep track of everything baby- eating (nursing & formula options), napping, medications, growth, wet and dirty diapers, pumping-etc. To have ALL that information stored and accounted for is GOLD. You will be asked at every appointment like “How long is the baby nursing on each side?” and “How many dirty diapers?” THIS hot mess express could barely keep the dog fed, let alone keep track of poopy diapers! This app has been so helpful to track the baby’s health and is extremely easy to use.

2. PEANUT

Do you have a ton of Mom friends already? Want to find some (or some more)? Peanut is basically “tinder” to find mom friends. lol. In this app you add some basic information of your age, your baby’s age, and the general area of where you live. You’ll also have a little blurb to show your interests & personality. Then you will have access to a whole list of moms that also live in the area. If you see a mama you think you could connect with- Swipe Up! lol. The app is very secure (that was my biggest concern) none of your personal info (last name, phone number, email, address) is shown, but of course you will want to use your own discretion. I didn’t have many mom friends with babies who lived near me (I just moved to Florida a year earlier) so this was a great way for me to make some friends with babies who could grow up together.

3. 1SE (1 Second Everyday)

This is a free app that lets you take a 1 second video every day and compiles it into a sweet montage. Very user friendly & easy to catch up if you fall behind, because when you select a date all your photos from THAT date pop up to choose from, so you don’t have to hunt & scroll for hours. It’s a really nice way to document and organize this very precious time in your life and see your baby grow up. I’ve done it for my pregnancy, my baby’s first year of life, my postpartum weight loss journey, and now my second baby’s first year. Perfect for that 1yr old birthday post, or just for you & your family to reminisce just how quickly time flies.

4. RAIN RAIN

This is a free app with several “white noise” and nature sound options. This app is very useful if I’m in a new environment and the baby is taking a nap. I can slip out my phone and play white noise to help baby relax & rest. It’s nice for me too, I’m always in the mood to hear ocean waves.

5. BABY STORY

This is a cute app to decorate pictures with stickers like “33 WEEKS Pregnant!”, “The Snuggle Is Real” and some art deco. There are in app purchase options for holiday stamps as well! Basically Millennial Scrap Booking. I used it mainly for bump pics.

6. HUCKLEBERRY

Huckleberry is very similar to Baby Tracker, in that its an app that helps you document everything baby- nursing, diapers, pumping- etc. What makes this app different is that when you input sleep it helps predict the timing of your baby’s “optimal nap” time! There was a time my first baby hit a rough spot with naps because her “wake windows” (time she’s awake) were changing. I downloaded this app after a friend recommended it and it really did help! I personally prefer Baby Tracker for storing information, but I always have huckleberry just in case I need help with naps.

+++ Ooooo What’s This?++++

7. BONUS APP: Wonder Weeks for $3.99

Even though this app is not free, it is WELL WORTH the $3.99 to download. This app keeps track of your baby’s “WONDER WEEKS” or periods of time your baby’s body/brain are going through RAPID development. It’s called the wonder weeks because the week after a developmental leap your baby now has a new set of wonderful skills- like being able to see further away, hitting a toy, crawling-etc! Think back to awkward middle school you going through puberty- your baby will be going through the same thing except VERY condensed! It is a LOT for a tiny human to go through, and being aware of these special times will help give you insight of WHY your baby is losing their mind and inconsolable. One of the most stressful parts of that first year is trying to figure out the “WHY” baby’s are crying/ fussy/ not napping- etc. There are 10 different leaps in the first 75 weeks of life (year & half) and some of them last for an entire month. The app will show a “LEAP CHART” where you can see in advanced EXACTLY what dates you can expect a Wonder Week to happen. This is very useful for planning ahead. If you are thinking of a vacation, time for family to visit, a celebration- etc- you can now plan AROUND your baby’s leap chart & make your life a little bit easier.

I hope you find these apps useful and that they make your motherhood journey more organized, documented, & enjoyable.

Do you already have these Apps? What other free apps do you use & recommend?

Do you have a Boppy? The newest bassinet? The most effective swaddle? The pacifier that beats all other pacifiers? Do you? Do YOU? DO YOU!?

In the Western world we are CONSTANTLY being told that what we have is outdated or not as effective as the newest greatest whatever. This can be REALLY hard to handle as a first time mama on a budget.

I would know. When we got pregnant with our first baby, I was a waitress, my husband was a line cook and we were both going to school full time. It took months to create a registry because I was so overwhelmed.

All of us want the best for our kids- but what do we do when we can’t afford “the best” of this and that? Does that mean we’re not good parents? That our kids won’t be as capable or successful? Are we holding them back? What are the long term effects and is it all my fault?

A thought that brought me a lot of peace was that for thousands and thousands of years, what we have access to now did not exist. Einstein, Charles Dickens, Harriet Tubman, Michelangelo, Jane Austen, Amelia Eirheart, Bach, Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa, Jesus– NONE of their parents had access to all that we do. Our children are not limited by our possessions or materialism. Regardless of what we have, they have the potential to change the world, and cultivating that belief in them is much more valuable than anything we could order from Amazon.

That being said, of course there are many items that exist to make our lives & our baby’s more stimulating, educational, enjoyable, safe, convenient, practical-etc, and there’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of past parents experience & ingenuity.

Here are some practical budget friendly tips to keep in mind!

TOYS

• You do not need to buy toys! Remember, EVERYTHING looks like a new toy to an infant. Depending on how old your baby is they can be entertained by a cup, a water bottle, a balloon, a spatula, grass, your foot, ice cubes, water– the list goes on! Just make sure whatever item they are playing with is age appropriate, safe (not a choking hazard or sharp) and always supervise their playtime. Babies don’t play much with toys, they play with PEOPLE who are holding toys. Your interaction with your baby is the most important part of playtime.
• Also, second hand plastic toys can easily be sanitized and are found in almost any thrift store- but stay away from stuffed animals.

ACTIVITIES

• There are FREE playgrounds, splash pads, nature trails, and city sponsored activities EVERYWHERE! This is one of the main reasons I started this blog to help get the word out so we can all take advantage! Follow your cities Facebook Page & search Facebook Events to find a plethora of free fun events!

CLOTHES

• People are always giving away clothes! 80% of the clothes we have came from other mamas in the area. Most cities have a “free page” or “give away” facebook page, so just search facebook and join one. I guarantee someone will post a picture of a huge garbage bag full of clothes and ask if anyone wants it before they go to Goodwill.

• Another great place to find clothes cheap is Once Upon A Child. SO many clothes sold there are brand new because kids grow so quickly that they often don’t even get to wear half their wardrobe! This store also BUYS back gently used & new clothes, so take care of them and just sell them back when you’re done! Double bonus! There are SIX stores in the ORLANDO area (Oviedo, Altamonte Springs, East Orlando, Orlando, Florida Mall, Ocoee). LINK: Find Once Upon A Child Near You

BREAST PUMP

• Many insurances provide a free beast pump these days. You can either apply for one yourself, or if you don’t qualify you can search for one online from one of the moms that did. Because so many women get one for free, a lot of them don’t end up even using it and aren’t allowed to resell it. Even if they could sell it, most moms who receive something for free give it away for free to another mom. The motherhood communities in general I’ve found to be very generous and wanting to help one another.

PACK n PLAY

• Rather than getting a bassinet or a crib, we used a pack n play with a bassinet attachment the first couple months. This was a more economic option because the pack n play can continually be used as a portable safe play space for your baby when they outgrow it as a sleeping space. It is also another one of those items that families are constantly giving away for free (often in new condition). Eventually you will need a crib (often the transition is around 6m old, but depends on the baby) and can find a crib second hand on FB marketplace usually. This is the exact one we have had for 2 years, and 2 kids later it’s sill like new. Graco blue pack n play

DRESSER vs CHANGING TABLE

• Rather than purchasing a changing table, we just used a dresser that was wide enough to comfortably fit a changing pad on top, organize diapers, wipes, diaper creams, lotions- etc. This is not only more economic but a huge space saver since you can store all of baby’s clothes in the dresser too! You can either use a dresser you already have, find one second hand or at a furniture outlet store. We found our perfect dresser at IKEA. LINK: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/malm-6-drawer-dresser-black-brown-70360466/

DIAPERS & WIPES

• A great way to get diapers & wipes is by having a “Diaper Raffle & Wipe Raffle” at your baby shower. It is explained on the Baby Shower Invitation that anyone who brings a box of diapers or bag of wipes will be entered into a raffle to receive a gift. Then at the shower the diapers and wipes are collected, and everyone who brought them gets a raffle ticket. Towards the end of the shower a name is drawn and that person gets the gift and you have hopefully a mountain of diapers & wipes! It’s fun, its exciting and I cannot express how helpful it is financially. I usually do two different raffles, one for the diapers and one for the wipes- but do however you feel! I recommend asking for diapers in size Newborn, Size 1, Size 2, or Size 3. If your baby grows out of a size, you can exchange unopened boxes for the correct size at most stores!

CHOSE COLORS THOUGHTFULLY

• If you are considering having more than one kid, you may want to consider getting “gender neutral colors”, for big ticket items. That is purely preference! Personally it’s not a big deal. We had a girl first and almost everything ended up being pink and purple. Then we had a boy and it felt silly to not use items I already had because of the color- but it was a little annoying to constantly correct people when they thought he was a girl because our baby carrier is purple… I didn’t care enough to buy a new baby carrier but in hindsight I wish I purchased more tans, blacks, red, yellow, green, blue- etc. The Baby swing, bathtub, pack n play, play mat, baby bouncer, baby carrier, baby sling, baby swaddles, baby clothes, & baby bibs are items you’ll use for multiple kids. It’s a small detail but it could end up saving you lots of money.

DON’T PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET.

• Classic mistake. Things are often cheaper buying in bulk- but resist the urge UNTIL you’ve tried it on your baby first. No baby is the same. It’s crazy that the tiniest newborn already has strong preferences. Often a baby will only take a specific type of bottle, pacifier, diaper, wipe, wear a certain type of outfit- it’s best to have a few different options and figure out what works best for your baby before going ALL IN on a brand that ends up giving them a rash or uncomfortable. Babies will let you know real quick and real loud if something isn’t working for them, and if you have multiples- what worked for the first is not guaranteed for the second! Give them grace and don’t be upset, they’re not intentionally trying to be difficult. It’s a big strange world and anything to make the transition smoother & more comfortable will help you both adjust.

Items Easy to find Second Hand

• Baby monitor, Owlet Sock, White Noise Machine, Rocking Chair, Blackout curtains, Swaddles, Hats, Socks, Stroller, Baby Carrier, Baby hangers, Books, Plastic Toys, Bouncer, Play mat, & Shoes.

Items I would NOT suggest getting second hand unless NEW or like new (for sanitary reasons).

• Diapers, Wipes, Any type of Medicine, stuffed animals, car seat, changing mat, diaper pail, blankets, and any cloth toys.

All these products sure make life easier but generally speaking the most essential things YOUR baby needs are the same all over the world throughout history;

The love of their parents + A safe space to sleep & play + Fresh air + Sunshine + Milk + Positive Human Interaction + Cuddles + Naps = Which means mamas in the middle of the jungle can raise a healthy strong human, and so can you. You’ve got this mama, you are enough for your baby to live a very loved life.

The monetary value of all your valuables has zero impact
on your most precious treasure, your sweet babe.

I hope this post gives you the peace your mama heart needs & some practical tips to help save some serious cash.

What are YOUR budget friendly tips for a FTM? Share below!