Mommies in Spanglish

1. A weekender tote (I found mine at Target and it is the perfect size!)
2. Nursing Bra(s)-I picked up some from Target without any underwire for comfort reasons!
3. Full coverage underwear (ones that you won't mind throwing away if an accident should occur/the hospital will also provide you with some mesh ones but just in case)
4. Overnight feminine pads (for obvious reasons-I am taking 3 just to have on hand/the hospital will also provide these for you but they are a much larger size)
5. Socks (with rubber grips/ hospitals can be cold)
6. A pair of slippers (to be able to walk around the hospital)
7. A pair of flip flops (I will be using these for the shower and to go home in)
8. Toiletries (whatever items you think are a necessity to you) 
9. A comfortable robe (this is something I plan to use right after birth/for visitors and to keep warm)
10. A nursing nightgown (you will be provided with one from the hospital but this is something for me to change into later, also purchased this one at Target)
11. A cute robe (this is to take nice hospital photos in/ I got mine from Pink Blush)
12. A small makeup bag (I am taking enough to spruce myself up for any pictures but nothing too extravagant)
13. Massage Oil (I am taking this one from Burts Bees to help easy any labor/back pains)
14. A massage ball (this has been helpful for massaging out any lower back pain/a great tool for your partner to assist you with during labor-I received mine in a Mama Bird Box)
15. Lastly, a Going-Home outfit (I have chosen to take two options, depending on my mood/a very comfy dress, a pair of comfy leggings, a nursing tank top and a kimono style cardigan)

1. Diaper Bag (I received this one as a gift from my Aunt-love Petunia Pickle Bottom bags!)
2. Travel sized baby essentials (just to have in case of an emergency but the hospital will provided you with most of these)
3. A nursing cover (this one is from Covered Goods-can't wait to use it, as you can use it as a nursing cover for modesty, a scarf, shopping cart seat cover and a car seat cover!)
4. A Muslin Swaddler (I love this one from Little Unicorn)
5. A thicker blanket (just in case it gets colder)
6. Diapers and Water Wipes (just in case-better to be safe then sorry and Water Wipes are the most recommended to use on newborns-chemical free!)
7. Lastly, a few options for a going home outfit (the hospital will mostly want the baby in the newborn t-shirts but these are options for pictures/going-home outfit)

Xoxo,
Steph

My mornings are hectic. Having to get a toddler and a newborn ready to go at 7 am is not so fun. So when I find a something that helps ease the pressure of an early morning wakeup call I get really excited! I found this delicious breakfast quinoa recipe in the Top 100 Healthy Recipes for babies & Toddlers book.  The best thing about this recipe is that you can add your own variation of dried/fresh fruits or sweetener and it's not just good for baby it is also a delicious and healthy breakfast for mommy.



Serves 1-2

Ingredients
2 1/4 cups of almond milk (can substitute with coconut milk or your choice of plant milk)
3/4 cups uncooked quinoa
1tbsp dried cranberries
1tbsp dried apricots
1tbsp chopped walnuts
(optional) 1 tbsp Maple syrup

Instructions
1. Pour 2 1/4 cups of milt into a saucepan over high heat.
3. Remove from heat, add the rest of the ingredients and enjoy.

You can also cook the quinoa in a crockpot overnight on low heat and add the dry ingredients in the morning. I love how easy this recipe is and Juliet loves it!



XO,
Iris

• Versatile basics: Leggings and basic tees have been great options for me. Because I work in the fashion industry and of course try to represent the brand I work for as much as possible, this part was easy for me. The fashion brand I work for has a rocker meets bohemian chic feel so the clothes sizing is very versatile so I was able to wear these options for much of my pregnancy-white and graphic tees, easy breezy: H&M.
• Dresses: Because my pregnancy has been through the whole of spring and summer, I have been dealing with this intense California heat, so dresses have been my absolute go to! I already had many options of dresses that were non-maternity that were easy transition pieces for me. I did however find some great and affordable options from Target and Pink Blush.
• Jeans: Although no pregnant women really enjoys wearing jeans during pregnancy, especially in the dead of summer but I was able to find some comfortable and versatile options for myself. H&M has some great options for maternity jeans, especially since I did not want to spend a fortunate, not knowing how long I was going to wear them for. Because I also wanted a great pair for date night or a dressier dinner, I found some cute and very affordable options at Old Navy as well. 

John lucas is already 12 weeks old (more like 13 weeks, mom is on the late train)! Boy how time flies. Lots has been happening around here and baby boy has been soo good about all of the changes (more on those changes later). He is growing so fast. Every day he is more and more alert. I am so in love with this little boy. I never knew how much love my heart could hold until I became a mom. When I found out I was pregnant with #2 I was so afraid because I didn't think I could love another soul as much as I loved Juliet. But then I met my sweet baby boy and everything changed. Every day as I experience him the love I have for John Lucas deepens, so much so that I can't contain it. He is perfect, just as god intended and was sent to me to make me softer. He has done that for me. I melt at the sight of him, there is such a tender love about the mother son bond. Boy moms always told me to watch out if I had a boy.That he would make me melt and it's so true and so good. Being a mom is such a beautiful gift. I thank God every day for sending me my two beautiful kids. I can't imagine life without them.

John Lucas has hit several milestones. He can roll from belly to his back. He loves batting at his play gym toys, and follows his mobile with his eyes. He can spot me from across the room and bares a big grin whenever he sees me or dad. He loves being talked to and will coo back at you. He can recognize my moms voice as well and enjoys hearing her talk. It's really sweet. He has also been to his first Dodger game and has gone to the beach several times.
Little miss Juliet has grown so fond of her little brother. She loves looking at the funny faces he makes and tries to mimic them. If she hears him cry, Juliet runs to the rescue and gives lots of big kisses to cheer her brother up. She is such a beautiful child. Curious about everything always poking around where she shouldn't be. I still have a hard time when she cries because she needs my attention and I am busy with her brother. I am learning to cope with those feelings and remind myself constantly that I am doing my best. It's true when people tell you how different each child will be as they grow up. John Lucas is such a mellow baby whereas Juliet was so active and demanded so much attention. I hope he continues to be mellow because mama can't handle two crazy kids!

I went back to work a month ago, and boy does it suck. Leaving my babies every morning is not ideal, but I have to work. I am at a place in my life where I am reevaluating my priorities and reflecting on whats most important to me. Having kids really changes your perspective, at least for me it has. I am finding out that what was once important to me, no longer is.  Lot's of deep thinking going on over here. . . I am looking forward to the end of summer and the Holiday season as I will be taking my family bonding time!

XO,
IRIS