Children's Book Week + Giveaway

There is not much more our family loves to do together than read books. I did a quick scan this weekend and our book count is over 200 these days and that's just the ones that we've kept! In honor of Children's Book Week, I am partnering with Dr. Smith's to share five of our family's favorite books to read together. Dr. Smith's diaper rash products saved my kids from so many tears when they were in diapers, and we've been loyal fans of the brand ever since. They were awesome enough to sponsor a giveaway in honor of Children's Book Week, so keep on reading for your chance to win!

Toddler Years... 

For us, books have to be fun, especially when the kiddos were small. There was only so many times I could read Go Dog, Go. You can't go wrong with Sandra Boynton - our favorite by far is Barnyard Dance.  This one always got the kids on their feet, dancing and singing along!

And this book. Don't let the cover fool you. Yes, it may have no pictures but what it does have is non-stop giggles from everyone from the 3 year old to the daddy. 

Early Readers

I love the early years of kids learning to read. We really try to encourage the kids to read on their own as much as they can and these two series are perfect for that.

Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park is hysterical. I LOVE reading them with Emersyn. They start when she is in kindergarten and continue through first grade. 

Now, while there is an order, Emersyn is my free spirit kid. She doesn't care a bit which order we read them in as long as we read them and we are always guaranteed a smile. 

When Radley was in first grade, he discovered the Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne. These are also in order, and he strictly followed that order. He made it to book 42 but I think they go all the way up to 70+. We love that these books are full of adventure but also educational!

If you need more proof that these books are well loved and adored in our house - check out the kids picks for their annual book character parade. Left to right: Jack from Magic Tree House, The Book with No Pictures, Harry Potter (more in a second) and Junie B. Jones. 

Intermediate - Advanced Reader

I got it in my head that when each kid hits second grade we would start a series together. I also decided in college that I was going to wait to read Harry Potter until I had kids of my own. Best crazy planning thing I have ever done because the last two years of reading together with Radley has been one of my most precious memories to date. 

Besides just loving the story, the time we have spent together lost in these pages is irreplaceable! He has taken this time to ask me hard questions and I have used this time to help teach some hard lessons. 

We are halfway through book 7 (so no spoilers, please!) and I have loved every single page. (And we are nearing 4000!!!) Emmy starts a series next year and I wouldn't be one bit disappointed if she decided she wanted to read this series, too. 

JK. Rowling recently released these exquisite illustrated editions of The Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets so we gifted them to Radley for Christmas.

I may have to gift them to myself next!

Links to our five favorite books:

Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton

The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak

Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park

Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

And today is your lucky day because ALL of the books pictured above + a $50 Amazon gift card AND some amazing life-changing diaper rash products could be YOURS courtesy of Dr. Smith's in celebration of Children's Book Week. You may enter through May 7, 2017 below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

This post was sponsored by Dr. Smith's diaper rash products but all opinions are my own. 

Friday Favorites: Baby Products

Hi, this is one of my most popular posts so I thought I'd share it with all of the Friday Favorite followers! It first posted in August 2014 after some recent outings to baby product vendor events. The original post was titled: If my Bestie was having a Baby. Hope you enjoy!

I would like to begin by saying that my best-friend is NOT having a baby. So Cotton and Josh on the off chance that you are reading this post, you can relax. (But on the off chance you are reading this post, everyone else should be scared because, a very hot place has just frozen over.) 

Any who... if my bestie were having a baby, and more importantly her FIRST baby, I would take it upon myself and do her big giant favor by telling her exactly what she needs and what she doesn't. And not because I am just a big giant know-it-all but because it is my duty as a seasoned momma to help a sister out. 

In the six, almost 7(!) years that I have received the title of momma, approximately 103,827,010 unnecessary things have been developed and marketed to the overwhelmed, overinformed, over-read, mom-to-bes. (Give or take a few). These women are in panic mode. They want only the best for their child. They are more than likely on the cusp of the GenX/Millenial Generation which means they are overachievers. They only succeed. They will read every book, listen to every expert, and then google what they still have questions about. 

They will buy every type of sleeping contraption, blanket, bottle, and pacifier and then question whether or not their baby should sleep, be swaddled, be bottle fed or even given a pacifier because any of the above may influence brain development and social skills. 

And I'm not kidding. 

I've seen these women up close and personal. I have had them ask me questions and I have watched their overwhelmed reactions when I give them answers. And y'all - these sweet women are being suckered into thinking that what is right for their babies are things like LEATHER STROLLERS. 

Bless them.

So, friends, Romans, readers... do your bestie a favor. Have her check out this list. While I am no official baby expert, I have birthed 3 kiddos, and they are all now above the age of 2 with no real signs of damage. They all slept through the night by 6 weeks (see item number 9) and I only locked one of them out of the house. (Well, actually, I locked myself out of the house...he was inside the whole time).

You really want to pin this one and pass it on to your besties.

Like everything, there are degrees to what you "must have". 

Example - you "must have" shoes. You probably don't need the 4 inch neon orange street walker pair.

Same thing with babies. There are certain things that they must have - to care for them, to comfort them, and to give you some sanity as well. This is a collection of things that I would put on my must-have list. This is just my OPINION. Sadly, no one is paying me to write any of this stuff. 

Traveling Baby

This is a priority for all tiny humans, because you can't stay home forever. So, since you must travel, you want to keep them safe. Most people are on the go all the time these days and kids spend lots of time in cars. Ryan and I currently own 10 car seats. TEN. 

That's ridiculous - mainly because that means there is basically an all-inclusive family vacation sitting around in safety gear. But, it's worth it. We love our Britax seats. They are consistently rated among the safest seats for infants and toddlers, have a huge selection and provide a great, quality product. We have the Marathon and the Roundabout. Both have lasted through all 3 kids and can either be rear or forward facing.

Out of necessity, we discovered Diono carseats. We only have one car that fits all three kids in the back, and only because we purchased two of these seats. They are narrower than other carseats which allows people with big(ish) families and small(ish) cars to not have to purchase that SUV. (Or minivan) (Although I am DYING for a minivan) (I am just not dying for a car payment).

So, while the cost of these seats is a bit pricey, it was only a one time investment rather than a 5 year payment. For us, it worked. We have been pleased with the quality and also thrilled with the safety ratings.

Carrying Baby

I didn't carry Radley that much as an infant. Well, I carried him, but I used my arms and not a carrier. Then we had Emmy and I discovered that I needed my arms more than with just one kiddo and fell hard for the Moby Wrap.

Some people are slightly intimated by the "wrapping" process but don't be. It comes with easy instructions and a video. Piece of cake. I loved the wrap because I could put Emmy/Landry in there and she was all safe and sound and out of the danger of those pesky stranger hands. You know, the lurkers. The people who feel that it is their right to touch your six-week-old. You know the ones. 

Having her wrapped kept unwanted dirty hands and it kept my hands free to shop, cook, or hold Radley/Emmy's hands. I used this a ton with Landry! 

We could go anywhere and she was as content as could be. She would nap and even nurse if she needed to. 

I wish I would have also purchased an Ergo. Technically I still could since some of them can hold up to 45 lbs. I have friends that swear by them and think that it would be a great addition for any new parent - something that would last through all babies!

Strolling Baby

As I mentioned, we are always on the go... which means that you need stroller. There are tons out there (even leather ones). (Y'all. Do not buy a leather stroller. I will judge you.) (In the nicest way). 

If I had to buy a new stroller today as a first time parent, and I knew that without a doubt, I would need a stroller again. I would be extremely tempted to go with the Orbit. I will not lie. These things are PRICEY, but they are ingenious. I have seen them up close and personal at a few baby events and I am a fan.

The carrier can face any direction - out, towards mom/dad, to the side. The handle bars extend up so taller parents aren't slouched over, which can sound silly, but pushing a baby through the zoo, a park, the city and you want comfort. You can switch the bottom out for a traditional "basket type" storage or a diaper bag. It's easy set up/break down and very light weight.

Now again. It is pricey. But, it would be a worthwhile investment if you plan on having multiple kiddos!

Stinky Baby

All babies need baths. 

All babies need safe baths.

All babies' mommas/daddys need an easy way to give said bath.

I did not know of this product for any of my kids, but if I would have, I would have been a fan.

You don't have to fill a cumbersome tub with water and then empty it out and hang it to dry. You simply fill your normal tub and then place this in the water. It won't get that nasty goop on the underside that you don't really check for until it's there and it just dries in the tub. 

Hungry Baby

I am a nursing mom. Well, I was a nursing mom, so I know nothing about formula. BUT, I do know about breastfeeding helpers. My MUST have items for nursing moms...

Lanisoh and Medela are the names in breastfeeding. Both companies offer such great support to nursing moms. True story - my pump broke... and Medela overnighted me a new one... FOR FREE!!! I just had to send mine back in. 

I used the Medela Pump-In-Style and Pumpy survived all three kids. I had to buy a couple of replacement parts but serially, their representatives are so helpful and nice and it was a breeze!

I also used a few Lanisoh products. Starting about 3 weeks before my due date to about a month after, I used their lanolin because well, the sensitive bits are sensitive. 

I preferred the Lanisoh storage bags... they were a little longer and provided more room to write. I estimate that I probably stored at least 25,000 ounces of milk through all 3 kiddos which is roughly 4400 storage bags. These were great!

They also have the best nursing pads. Thin but absorbent and extremely discreet. 

Sleepy Baby

Remember that part about all 3 of my kids sleeping through the night by 6 weeks. Yeah, maybe a lot of that has to do with luck, and my super fatty milk... but I am also convinced it's because of our big belief in swaddling. SWADDLE your baby. Period. The end. They need it. They LIKE it. They will sleep better because of it. 

Our favorite blankets were by Aiden and Anais. They are super soft and airy... big enough to swaddle NBs to 6 months and adorable! 

Sickie Baby

All babies are going to get a runny nose, a cold, a fever, etc... Our pediatrician recommended a tilted mattress and a humidifier. And well, there is none out there better than Crane. And there is definitely none out there CUTER than Crane... I mean, I can't handle it. We own the frog and the elephant. 

Rashie Baby

Sadly all babies get diaper rash at one time or another. And it's pitiful. Radley got the WORST diaper rash ever the day before we were scheduled to take his 1 year pictures and I so wish I would have known about Dr. Smiths at that time. Instead, we were still using a different product and it didn't clear up for a few days. 

And I'm not sure if I've mentioned the SPRAY yet... but y'all... the SPRAY. It is amazing! It's not like sprays that you are used to... it is a concentrated stream, it doesn't linger in the air... you simply spray and move on with your day. It's almost reason enough to have another baby. ;)

*******************************

(And because I want you to be informed readers... here are links to safety information regarding the products listed above. These are just my opinions... I want you to be comfortable with your choices as a parent and for your baby!)

Britax

Diono

Moby Wrap

Ergo Baby

Orbit Baby

Angel Care Bath

Medela

Lanisoh

Aiden and Anais

Crane

Dr. Smith's

Linking up with Andrea, Erika, and Narci

40 Weeks...

40 weeks can seem like an eternity when you are pregnant. You feel like you wait forever for that final moment to arrive only to realize that once baby makes his or her entrance into the world, those tiny moments that filled those 40 weeks are gone forever.

I loved every single thing about being pregnant. Granted, there were moments of discomfort, days where I was tired and maybe 9 months of "what the heck are we going to do when he/she arrives?!!" But I would give anything for one of those moments back. When I see a pregnant momma caress her growing belly. When I read about a friend announcing a pregnancy. When I walk past the maternity section in Target and can no longer justify the purchase of that adorable tunic.

(Should I confess that I still own this tunic? I won't get rid of it. I put it on last week to wear, but then changed clothes.)

I mean, the struggle is real, y'all.

What a gift women receive in the ability to create life. To grow life. Sustain life. Miraculous only half-way defines that marvel. There is nothing quite like the feeling of that first flutter from within... it's like a tiny little secret that only you and your child know. You are literally connected to another human being in a way that will never happen again. Literally.

I was drying Landry off after a bath this week and tickling her belly button and I almost teared up to think that space was once part of me. That she and I were together, on a journey that only we could experience. Only we could navigate. We created a story that no one else could read or understand. We were a partnership that sustained the other.

Dr. Smith's  is a sponsor for a new documentary that beautifully tells the journey of those 40 weeks  In the film you get to witness this experience from start to finish. I love that the stories shared included first-time parents as well as parents that have been through the journey before - with a new perspective and keen understanding of just how fleeting this time really is. From the first moments of discovery of new life, to that first doctor visit, kick, even sleepless nights... to the last few weeks of discomfort and anxiety waiting for that special delivery, this film does a wonderful job of  showing the audience a real story. A true story. A beautiful story. A story that honors the journey that women take and pays tribute to all that it entails.

I loved so many parts of this movie -  I felt like I could relate to most every moment happening on the screen. I felt such a connection with these moms... the pregnancy brain that makes you forget you left your phone in the fridge; the 3am hunger rush; the gender reveal; the feeling of being half-way; getting the room ready; the home stretch. The happiness from good news and progress and even the feeling of disappointment when "the plan" doesn't happen how you envisioned. It feels like I was just there when my baby is creeping on 3 years old.

Go see this film with your sisters in motherhood. Go see this with YOUR own momma. Just go see it. Because you will remember and reflect. Celebrate and cry. Encourage and maybe even envy. Most of all, you will feel a connection with yet another group of women that have walked the same path as you and perhaps wish you could do it all again.

If my bestie was having a baby...

Hi. 

I would like to begin by saying that my best-friend is NOT having a baby. So Cotton and Josh on the off chance that you are reading this post, you can relax. (But on the off chance you are reading this post, everyone else should be scared because, a very hot place has just frozen over.) 

Any who... if my bestie were having a baby, and more importantly her FIRST baby, I would take it upon myself and do her big giant favor by telling her exactly what she needs and what she doesn't. And not because I am just a big giant know-it-all but because it is my duty as a seasoned momma to help a sister out. 

In the six, almost 7(!) years that I have received the title of momma, approximately 103,827,010 unnecessary things have been developed and marketed to the overwhelmed, overinformed, over-read, mom-to-bes. (Give or take a few). These women are in panic mode. They want only the best for their child. They are more than likely on the cusp of the GenX/Millenial Generation which means they are overachievers. They only succeed. They will read every book, listen to every expert, and then google what they still have questions about. 

They will buy every type of sleeping contraption, blanket, bottle, and pacifier and then question whether or not their baby should sleep, be swaddled, be bottle fed or even given a pacifier because any of the above may influence brain development and social skills. 

And I'm not kidding. 

I've seen these women up close and personal. I have had them ask me questions and I have watched their overwhelmed reactions when I give them answers. And y'all - these sweet women are being suckered into thinking that what is right for their babies are things like LEATHER STROLLERS. 

Bless them.

So, friends, Romans, readers... do your bestie a favor. Have her check out this list. While I am no official baby expert, I have birthed 3 kiddos, and they are all now above the age of 2 with no real signs of damage. They all slept through the night by 6 weeks (see item number 9) and I only locked one of them out of the house. (Well, actually, I locked myself out of the house...he was inside the whole time).

You really want to pin this one and pass it on to your besties.

Like everything, there are degrees to what you "must have". 

Example - you "must have" shoes. You probably don't need the 4 inch neon orange street walker pair.

Same thing with babies. There are certain things that they must have - to care for them, to comfort them, and to give you some sanity as well. This is a collection of things that I would put on my must-have list. This is just my OPINION. Sadly, no one is paying me to write any of this stuff. 

Traveling Baby

This is a priority for all tiny humans, because you can't stay home forever. So, since you must travel, you want to keep them safe. Most people are on the go all the time these days and kids spend lots of time in cars. Ryan and I currently own 10 car seats. TEN. 

That's ridiculous - mainly because that means there is basically an all-inclusive family vacation sitting around in safety gear. But, it's worth it. We love our Britax seats. They are consistently rated among the safest seats for infants and toddlers, have a huge selection and provide a great, quality product. We have the Marathon and the Roundabout. Both have lasted through all 3 kids and can either be rear or forward facing.

Out of necessity, we discovered Diono carseats. We only have one car that fits all three kids in the back, and only because we purchased two of these seats. They are narrower than other carseats which allows people with big(ish) families and small(ish) cars to not have to purchase that SUV. (Or minivan) (Although I am DYING for a minivan) (I am just not dying for a car payment).

So, while the cost of these seats is a bit pricey, it was only a one time investment rather than a 5 year payment. For us, it worked. We have been pleased with the quality and also thrilled with the safety ratings.

Carrying Baby

I didn't carry Radley that much as an infant. Well, I carried him, but I used my arms and not a carrier. Then we had Emmy and I discovered that I needed my arms more than with just one kiddo and fell hard for the Moby Wrap.

Some people are slightly intimated by the "wrapping" process but don't be. It comes with easy instructions and a video. Piece of cake. I loved the wrap because I could put Emmy/Landry in there and she was all safe and sound and out of the danger of those pesky stranger hands. You know, the lurkers. The people who feel that it is their right to touch your six-week-old. You know the ones. 

Having her wrapped kept unwanted dirty hands and it kept my hands free to shop, cook, or hold Radley/Emmy's hands. I used this a ton with Landry! 

We could go anywhere and she was as content as could be. She would nap and even nurse if she needed to. 

I wish I would have also purchased an Ergo. Technically I still could since some of them can hold up to 45 lbs. I have friends that swear by them and think that it would be a great addition for any new parent - something that would last through all babies!

Strolling Baby

As I mentioned, we are always on the go... which means that you need stroller. There are tons out there (even leather ones). (Y'all. Do not buy a leather stroller. I will judge you.) (In the nicest way). 

If I had to buy a new stroller today as a first time parent, and I knew that without a doubt, I would need a stroller again. I would be extremely tempted to go with the Orbit. I will not lie. These things are PRICEY, but they are ingenious. I have seen them up close and personal at a few baby events and I am a fan.

The carrier can face any direction - out, towards mom/dad, to the side. The handle bars extend up so taller parents aren't slouched over, which can sound silly, but pushing a baby through the zoo, a park, the city and you want comfort. You can switch the bottom out for a traditional "basket type" storage or a diaper bag. It's easy set up/break down and very light weight.

Now again. It is pricey. But, it would be a worthwhile investment if you plan on having multiple kiddos!

Stinky Baby

All babies need baths. 

All babies need safe baths.

All babies' mommas/daddys need an easy way to give said bath.

I did not know of this product for any of my kids, but if I would have, I would have been a fan.

You don't have to fill a cumbersome tub with water and then empty it out and hang it to dry. You simply fill your normal tub and then place this in the water. It won't get that nasty goop on the underside that you don't really check for until it's there and it just dries in the tub. 

Hungry Baby

I am a nursing mom. Well, I was a nursing mom, so I know nothing about formula. BUT, I do know about breastfeeding helpers. My MUST have items for nursing moms...

Lanisoh and Medela are the names in breastfeeding. Both companies offer such great support to nursing moms. True story - my pump broke... and Medela overnighted me a new one... FOR FREE!!! I just had to send mine back in. 

I used the Medela Pump-In-Style and Pumpy survived all three kids. I had to buy a couple of replacement parts but serially, their representatives are so helpful and nice and it was a breeze!

I also used a few Lanisoh products. Starting about 3 weeks before my due date to about a month after, I used their lanolin because well, the sensitive bits are sensitive. 

I preferred the Lanisoh storage bags... they were a little longer and provided more room to write. I estimate that I probably stored at least 25,000 ounces of milk through all 3 kiddos which is roughly 4400 storage bags. These were great!

They also have the best nursing pads. Thin but absorbent and extremely discreet. 

Sleepy Baby

Remember that part about all 3 of my kids sleeping through the night by 6 weeks. Yeah, maybe a lot of that has to do with luck, and my super fatty milk... but I am also convinced it's because of our big belief in swaddling. SWADDLE your baby. Period. The end. They need it. They LIKE it. They will sleep better because of it. 

Our favorite blankets were by Aiden and Anais. They are super soft and airy... big enough to swaddle NBs to 6 months and adorable! 

Sickie Baby

All babies are going to get a runny nose, a cold, a fever, etc... Our pediatrician recommended a tilted mattress and a humidifier. And well, there is none out there better than Crane. And there is definitely none out there CUTER than Crane... I mean, I can't handle it. We own the frog and the elephant. 

Rashie Baby

Sadly all babies get diaper rash at one time or another. And it's pitiful. Radley got the WORST diaper rash ever the day before we were scheduled to take his 1 year pictures and I so wish I would have known about Dr. Smiths at that time. Instead, we were still using a different product and it didn't clear up for a few days. 

And I'm not sure if I've mentioned the SPRAY yet... but y'all... the SPRAY. It is amazing! It's not like sprays that you are used to... it is a concentrated stream, it doesn't linger in the air... you simply spray and move on with your day. It's almost reason enough to have another baby. ;)

*******************************

(And because I want you to be informed readers... here are links to safety information regarding the products listed above. These are just my opinions... I want you to be comfortable with your choices as a parent and for your baby!)

Britax

Diono

Moby Wrap

Ergo Baby

Orbit Baby

Angel Care Bath

Medela

Lanisoh

Aiden and Anais

Crane

Dr. Smith's