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Last year, I decided to do a Valentine’s Day photoshoot at home for my toddler, who was 20 months old at the time . I’ve always loved capturing these little seasonal moments, and Valentine’s Day felt like the perfect excuse to slow down and document that stage of life — even if it came with a little chaos. The Outfit Plan (And the Reality) I kept the outfit plan pretty simple. He wore jeans with a white button-down shirt , which ended up being the main look for most of the ph

As a mom, I love bedtime stories. But I also love watching the connection that happens when my toddler curls up with their dad and a book that actually feels like him . So many children’s books are adorable, but they don’t always reflect the world dads want to share with their kids. And that’s where Daddy’s Book Club  stood out to me. Why These Books Felt Different in Our House Daddy’s Book Club creates ABC books designed around dads’ real jobs, hobbies, and favorite sports ,

Finding gifts for a 2-year-old can feel tricky. You want something fun, but also something that helps them learn, move, create, and stay engaged longer than five minutes. At this age, toddlers are curious, busy, and soaking up everything around them—so toys that support imagination, fine motor skills, and problem-solving are always a win. Here are some tried-and-true gift ideas that are perfect for 2-year-olds , whether you’re shopping for a birthday, holiday, or just want to

When we started planning our Disney trip, I knew one thing for sure: our Ohana character breakfast needed themed family shirts . If you know me, you know I love a good theme—and Disney gives endless  opportunities to lean into it. So I went down a tiny (okay… big) Etsy rabbit hole and saved a handful of PNG designs that felt perfect  for an Ohana-inspired family moment . This post is basically me sharing my thought process, the PNGs I grabbed, and how I’m deciding which one t

If you’re looking for a stroller system that truly grows with your family, the UPPAbaby Vista  has been one of our most-used baby purchases—from newborn days to full-on toddler life. We were gifted the Vista V2 , and now that the Vista V3  is available, I can confidently say: if I were choosing it today, I’d still pick it—specifically in the Meadow Green  color. 👉 Vista V3 Stroller: https://amzn.to/3YrbD6P Why We’ve Loved This Stroller From Day One The biggest reason we lov

I love  doing little photoshoots with my baby, so when his first Valentine’s Day  rolled around, I went all in. I truly couldn’t help myself—and I wouldn’t change a thing. I picked up a few different decor pieces, grabbed two Valentine’s outfits from Target , and then made him a bunch of custom onesies with funny sayings  (because why not?). I had so much fun planning it all, and honestly, seeing it come together made my mama heart so happy. At the time of these photos, he wa

One of my favorite ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a toddler is through books. At this age, love looks like hugs, giggles, family time, and feeling safe—and books are such a sweet way to introduce those ideas. These are the Valentine’s Day and love-themed books we’re adding to our toddler’s bookshelf wishlist  this year. They’re perfect for bedtime, quiet moments, or just cozy cuddles on the couch. 💕 Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar 📖 The World of Eric Carle 🔗

During the newborn stage, survival is the goal. You’re exhausted, emotional, healing, and learning a whole new rhythm — the last thing you want is to be running up and down stairs or from room to room every time your baby needs something. One of the best decisions we made was setting up our living room to function almost like a mini nursery. Here’s what we kept in our living room during the newborn stage — and why every single item earned its spot. 1. The Pack ‘n Play (With B

If you’ve ever spilled breastmilk, you know the saying “don’t cry over spilled milk”  doesn’t exactly hold up in real life—especially if you’re a low supplier. Honestly, I don’t think the person who coined that phrase ever had to pump every drop like it was liquid gold. As a low supplier, every ounce of milk feels precious. You might not have a freezer stash, or sometimes, you barely have enough for the day. I remember multiple times when I accidentally spilled milk and just…

There’s a quiet pressure that shows up every holiday season — and moms feel it deeply. It’s the pressure to do more . To create the magic. To make the memories. To buy the right gifts, plan the right moments, keep everyone happy, fed, dressed, smiling, and somehow still feel grateful while doing it. And underneath all of that hustle is a constant loop of questions: Is this enough? Is my child happy enough? Did I make the right choices? Why does it feel like everyone else is d

Bringing your newborn home is emotional, overwhelming, and full of firsts — and if you have a dog, there’s an added layer of how is this going to go?  Introducing your dog to your newborn doesn’t have to be stressful or scary. With a little preparation, a calm first meeting, and ongoing supervision, you can help create a safe and positive transition for everyone involved. Here’s what we learned as we navigated those first moments together. Before the Baby Arrives (Preparation

We’re officially four weeks away from our Disney World trip, and I’m starting to get all my ducks in a row. If you’re planning a Disney trip, this month is the perfect time to tackle things you might’ve overlooked when you booked your park tickets 60 days out. Here’s what I’m doing during the final 4 weeks before we go: 1. Check Dining Reservations Even if you booked everything 60 days out, cancellations happen more often than you think. Popular spots can open up unexpectedly

When our baby was a newborn, swaddling felt like one of those “everyone else knows how to do this, why don’t we?”  parenting skills. We officially stopped swaddling around 3 months when he started daycare, but those early weeks? Swaddles were a lifeline  — once we figured them out. Let’s rewind to the beginning and check out this video ! The Hospital Swaddles (aka: We Did Not Pass the Swaddle Test) You know those thin hospital blankets that nurses turn into perfect burritos i

One year in, mama. You’ve survived teething, sleepless nights, first steps, and a whirlwind of emotions. It’s easy to feel like you’ve lost a bit of your own sparkle along the way. The Flamingo Check-In is your gentle nudge to pause, reflect, and celebrate YOU—your growth, your wins, and your pinkest spark that’s waiting to shine again. Grab your journal and let’s check in. Journal Prompts: Mental Health Snapshot: “If my mind could speak today, what would it say? What emotion

As a mom with low milk supply and a busy work schedule, pumping became an essential part of my journey. I needed to both increase my supply and make sure my baby had milk while I was away. Over the months, I tried several pumps—each one serving a different purpose depending on where I was and what I needed. Here’s a look at the four pumps that helped me the most: 1. Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump  – Always Have a Hand Pump Sometimes, you just need a manual pump. The Medela

Becoming a mother is an incredible journey, but it also comes with challenges that aren’t always talked about. For some mothers, mental health struggles can arise during the postpartum period. Being aware of the different disorders, knowing the warning signs, and speaking with your doctor early can make a huge difference in getting the help you need. Why It’s Important to Be Informed If you have a personal history of mental health issues, or even if you don’t, understanding p

Motherhood is messy, unpredictable, and… exhausting. Between the endless diaper changes, spilled snacks, and the constant mental checklist of “Did I feed everyone? Did I forget something? Am I doing enough?” it’s easy to let negative self-talk take over. Enter affirmation cards for moms —your pocket-sized cheerleaders that remind you: you’re doing just fine. Positive affirmations aren’t just feel-good fluff—they’re a way to pause, breathe, and counter the “I should be doing m

As parents, we all want to remember the little moments—the giggles, the milestones, the funny things our kids say—but keeping track of them can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly why the Kept Journal: Childhood, A History  in Forest was created. This journal isn’t just another baby book. It’s designed for parents who want a simple, fun, and meaningful way to capture memories from every stage of their child’s life—from birth all the way to eighteen. Why This Journal Is Differen

Mom guilt is brutal. It whispers “I should be doing more”  even when you’re already doing everything you possibly can. It shows up when you rest. When you choose yourself. When you do something that has nothing to do with snacks, nap schedules, or keeping a tiny human alive. For me, it took almost 16 months  to take my first trip away from my child—leaving him home with my husband. Not because I didn’t trust my partner. Not because my child wasn’t safe. But because my brain

Motherhood is beautiful… but also loud, chaotic, overstimulating, and full of moments that make you question how you kept your cool before having kids. Nothing exposes your patience levels like a toddler screaming because their banana “broke,” or a preschooler who suddenly becomes boneless when it’s time to leave the house. If you’ve ever felt your chest tighten, your jaw clench, or your internal monologue scream “I need five minutes before I lose my entire mind,”  you’re not