Easter Baskets for Littles

We are already a week into Lent, say what. I just love Easter. Of course as a Catholic, the meaning behind Easter is so very special. But I also love that it is during spring, brings out all of the pretty pastel colors, and inspires celebrating new life! I love to treat my kiddos to Easter baskets, but really try to keep the gifts to a minimum. And really, I like to put in practical items that I would likely buy them anyway ;-)

We got Jackson the Happy Valentine's Day Mouse book, and he loves it! I am thinking this Happy Easter, Mouse! book needs to be added to our collection.

We received Home for a Bunny as a hand-me-down book, and I do not know what it is, but Jackson was so obsessed with this book! It is really sweet, and I love that it is a 'classic' book. I highly recommend!

I dare you to try and find a toddler who is not obsessed with Play-Doh. We typically reserve it as a treat and bust it out only occasionally, because with our little guy it usually requires some close supervision. But these easter eggs are super cute and would be such a fun gift!

There is something so sentimental about the Charlie Brown holiday movies, so adding It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown is fun for both mom and the kids! ;-)

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the start of transitioning from winter to spring/summer clothing. And obviously, I have a pajama problem, so this is always the perfect opportunity to thrown in a summer option for when it starts to warm up. These shark jammies are perfect for my big boy. And for my baby who still can use a bit extra to cover him up at night, these organic jammies are so precious yet lightweight and a nice break from all of the fleece he has been wearing all winter!

This HOP sweatshirt is an updated version of one that I had wanted for Jackson a few years back and never bought. It is SO cute, and perfect for spring as it is a good transitional piece, nice and lightweight!

We have a tendency to leave all of the toys on the bathtub bottom. The boys are the only ones who use the upstairs tub, so we never have to pick them up. I think it is about time we get a bath organizer to clean things up and have somewhere to put the five million letters and toys that have a permanent place in the bath time routine.

And speaking of bath time, my kiddos always tend to try to play with or bump into the drain. I get nervous as it could hurt them if they hit it right, so this bath tub stopper is a great option to keep them safe!

My kids are always more excited to drink when it is out of a fun cup. This bunny cup is so cute, and how precious is this milk bottle one, too!?

As we prep for warmer temps, I typically can't wait to buy some new swimwear for my kiddos. Jackson LOVES the pool, and I am dying to get them both in the water! This little pair of swimtrunks is so darn cute I can hardly stand it!! Jackson would look precious in this little pair, too. There is not much sweeter than a babe in swim trunks, except for maybe a baby in fresh jammies ;-)

Of course, I can't do an Easter basket without throwing in some candy, and these jelly beans have, and will always be, the absolute best! Lincoln isn't quite up to the jelly bean level yet, but I think he could manage a bite or two of the classis Peeps ;-)

What are go to items for your Easter baskets? I am always looking for fun and creative ideas!

Linking up with Jenn and Jessi today!

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What's In My Hospital Bag

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I have said it before and I will say it again, to this day I am a little bit bitter about the fact that I was unable to really pack a hospital bag when I had Jackson. At four weeks early, I simply hadn't gotten around to the task yet, and as a result I really felt scattered our entire stay in the hospital. Don't get me wrong, the hospital will truly provide all of the necessities for you, but in those few days when your life is turned upside down with the addition of your babe, it helps to feel in control of at least some things! These are all of the things that are making their way into my hospital bag, which I will be packing this week at 33 weeks pregnant! No taking chances this time around.

1. I haven't gotten a new robe in awhile, and wanted something pretty to wear during my stay that would be comfortable, easy for nursing, and still presentable for when people visit. Pink Blush has gorgeous options on their website, and I have ordered this one and can't wait to wear it both during and after my hospital stay.

2. You may have heard, but in the weeks following the birth of your baby, there is a good amount of bleeding that happens. While the hospital will provide the mesh panties, I found it super helpful to invest in a few pairs of boxer briefs. They were great for wearing around the house in the 1-2 weeks after baby too, because they cover everything and depending on whether you have company or not, are totally acceptable to wear as 'shorts', in my opinion.

3. Your milk may not come in during your hospital stay, but I find it better to be prepared and have a stack of these on hand. Once the leaking starts, it won't stop for awhile (or a year, in my case). I found that through all brands and price points, the Lansinoh were my favorite.

4. Tucks. I did not use these last time, but everyone I talk to swears by them. It is without question things will be uncomfortable after baby is born, and I am hoping these are an extra bit of help during healing.

5. #Mom Life sweatshirt. I invested in this cute little number, which is super widecut at the neck. I thought it would be so cozy in the hospital, and still easy access for nursing. I think it is important for new moms to splurge on themselves a bit and treat themselves to a new item or two to feel special!

6. Shampoo/conditioner. Again, things you can get at the hospital, but when you are in the midst of craziness, it really does help to have a little bit of home with you. Other things to bring are your toothbrush/toothpaste, face wash, makeup, and anything else you use during your daily routine.

7. Nipple butter. Breastfeeding came pretty easy the first time around, but that is not to say that it was easy. Cracked, sore, and raw are all very real experiences as you and baby learn the ropes together, and nipple butter is an absolute must if you plan on nursing. It is a huge relief for mom, and I also love this all natural version which makes me feel better about knowing baby will likely be 'eating' a bit of it.

8. Yoga pants will carry you through your pregnant, and you best believe they will carry you through the postpartum weeks as well. I love having options that flip up or fold down at the waist, as this really is accommodating whether you have a vaginal delivery or a C-section.

9. Call me crazy, but I really felt I maintained a sense of sanity during my first hospital stay by taking five minutes to curl my hair. This is NOT a necessity in the slightest, but there is so much to deal with after you have a baby, and there WILL be pictures. I could probably work on the vanity of this, but these are precious moments and I don't think it is the worst thing to feel decently put together so that looking back on photos ten years from now doesn't leave me cringing. Again, a personal choice, but it helped me feel great after Jackson was born!

10. Nursing tank tops are high on my list this time around. I only bought nursing bras last time, which are still great, but especially in the first few days and weeks, I learned quickly that it is all about easy access. I love that with tanks, there is no hiking up your shirt and exposing that newly deflated tummy, and there is also no pulling down on bra straps, which I found did quite a bit of damage to my tank tops the last time around. These from H&M are super affordable in comparison to most others, and while comfort and quality are important, I also know these tops will go through the ringer, and I like knowing that if these get milk stained or stretched out I won't be out a ton of money!

A few other random items that get thrown in the hospital bag include:

1. A camera. Smartphones are great, but I want higher quality photos if possible.
2. Snacks. I really like the food at our hospital, but you will have guests, and we will have a hungry older brother visiting this time, and having things like trail mix, gatorades, and fruit are great when hunger strikes or you don't want to fork over the money for cafeteria food.
3. Slippers. I am not a huge slipper wearer, but having something cozy for your feet is a good option!
4. Camera/Phone/Computer chargers. Because duh.
5. Music. I can likely pull this off of my phone, but it is nice to have the option to play relaxing music if you want it!
6. Extra ponytails/bobby pins/headbands. I always seem to start with a ton and end up with NONE by the end of an overnight stay!

Am I missing anything!? Having not done this the first time around, I basically feel like a first timer when it comes to packing my bag this go-around! I would love to hear what other ladies bring and what they choose to leave at home!

Linking up with Jen & Jessi, and Holly!

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Holiday Deals and Steals!

Happy Monday everyone! We had a pretty low-key weekend around here. Aside from sneaking out to watch my high school team's dance show, we ate pizza, made a Saturday night Target run, ate nachos to go from our favorite local bar, and watched the Vikings vs. Packers game. I may have spent all day Sunday in leggings and a baggy shirt, obsessing over my current pregnancy state where I in no way look pregnant, but do look like I have been hitting the holiday treats hard. Baby bump, you have my permission to make yourself known, and baby 'pudge', be gone. #thanksnothanks

Instead of recapping a boring weekend of nothingness, I figured I would bring you some of the best sales and deals around that I have stumbled across! I think it is sad how 'Black Friday' has become 6pm on Thanksgiving day, which I never have and never will participate in. With that being said, I do love to hit up the stores on the day after Thanksgiving simply to grab a coffee, look at the pretty holiday things, and perhaps grab a few fun items I snatch for a deal. All other purchases happen online, because who has time for crazy crowds and crazy lines. So, today I am not bringing you a marked down television or a camera you will have to fight in line for. Instead, I have put together the best deals I have seen at my favorite tried and true stores that I shop at year round.

1. Target

Oh Target, how I love thee. Always one to have great deals, Target has a few this week that cannot be missed. First, sweaters for the family are all 40% off. Ladies who work (or SAHM's who need options), this is your change to scoop up some cardigans or cute and cozy sweaters for CHEAP. This is a great time as well to stock up for your little ones. I have seen some absolutely adorable Oshkosh for Target options that I am dying to add to Jackson's wardrobe.
Another can't miss deal happening right now is 20% off of toys! Many toys are already on sale, and that additional 20% off cannot be beat. I found this piano for Jackson and regular price before discount is the same as on Amazon, and then taking that 20% off and 5% off with my Red Card? Happy mama over here!

2. Gap

Thanks to my Gap card, I was able to score deals this weekend with early access, but for Black Friday this year, everything is an additional 50% off! There are a few exclusions, but really Gap is great with their sales, and lets you stack deals. I bought Jackson this jacket a month or so ago, and this weekend it was at the sale price I paid, plus the additional 50% off! Did I order another one, with plans to return one with the original receipt and get $20 whole dollars back? Why yes, yes I did. I am powerless to a good deal! The 50% off will kick in the end of this week, but even now they are offering 45% off, so the deals will last all week!

3. Old Navy

This Gap owned company is also rocking the 50% off everything sale this coming weekend. They are a little more strict, excluding clearance, everyday deals, and a few other promos. Still, great deals for sure. Jackson has one of these half-zip pullovers, and I got him two more (cardmember early access, sign up for real!) for only $5.50 a piece! You cannot beat that.

4. Express

They are allusive with their black friday ads, but for the past few years, Express has run the fantastic sale of having everything in the store 50% off. This is a great time to stock up on sweaters, basics like t-shirts and tank tops, or Christmas gifts for your man! Last year, I snagged a super nice watch for the hubby during the sale, and at 50% off it was a deal that could not be beat!

5. Amazon

First off, if you don't have Amazon Prime, get it, like now. They are already running daily specials, so it will require regularly checking in, but fortunately it can all be done while wearing cozy holiday flannels and sipping coffee by the fire!

Linking up with Meg, Biana, and Ashley today!

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Holiday Pajamas Shopping Guide

 Those of you who know me know that I am absolutely powerless to baby pajamas. Like, sometimes I barely have enough basic shirts to get Jackson through the week, but he has enough pajamas that he could go three weeks without an outfit repeat. It might be a problem, but I don't care. There is simply nothing cuter than a baby tushy in a pair of pajamas. I stocked up on a few pairs of holiday pajamas on clearance last winter, scoring them all for about $3 a piece! I of course tried to justify that I would not have a need to buy him any more pairs this holiday season. Ha. Ha! If I could witness myself saying that last year, I would give a single eyebrow raise and tell myself 'whatever helps you sleep at night'. We may have all of the pajamas shown, plus a few extra of those 'clearance' pairs. I just can't help myself. I think these are all great though, because none of them scream CHRISTMAS so loudly that you would have a hard time justifying wearing them in March. Besides, I am sure Jackson has a whole list of things he can do at 2am outside of the holiday season that in his toddler mind would qualify as 'Oh What Fun'! ;-)

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I would love to know what pajamas you are dressing your littles in over the holidays! If any of you know of a blog hosting a 'PJ party linkup' please let me know, I would love to see what other cuties are rocking this season!

 Linking up with Annie and Natalie for Thoughts on Thursday today!

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First Birthday Wishlist

I cannot believe I am at this point, but we are preparing for our little man's first birthday! At only a month and a half away, I am already brainstorming for his first party, one year photos, and, more importantly, what we will spoil him with! There are so many things that I feel cross my mind, but then I forget about in the grand scheme of things. Some of these items are typical, some of them were found through research, and some of them just look like too much fun to pass up!

1.Co-Z coup
I feel like every child just needs one of these. It is a great toy to have outside, let baby entertain themself in, and truly a 'right of passage'. And, this baby will be able to be used by any and all children we may have.

2. Water table
I have a little water baby on my hands, and as much as I love letting him sit in his pool, he also loves to stand and be active, so I think being we will still have a decent amount of summer left after his birthday, this toy will be perfect and provide plenty of entertainment for our little(big) guy.

3. Jumbo legos
He is a boy. I have accepted this, along with the fact that this means he likes boy things. And I really am okay with that. He loves to play, build, and explore, and I wouldn't be a true boy mom if I didn't get some legos in my house.

4. Melissa and Doug Puzzles

Again, cognitive development. Melissa and Doug products are fantastic, and now that Jax is more up to the level of developmental toys, I can't wait to introduce them more.

5. Play table
He loves, loves, LOVES to stand and get into everything, so I think it might be a great move to get him his OWN space to stand and play at.
6. Play Piano
This kid LOVES to bang on any piano or keyboard he can get his hands on. It might be great to give him his own little instrument to start experimenting with. After all, he needs to start practicing up for those piano lessons I will inevitably be enrolling him in!
7. Personalized Chair
Ok, how perfect would this be in his nursery!? As he grows, I know he will like to have his own place to sit, whether it be to watch cartoons, calm down before bed, or just feel like a big boy (much to my **dismay). This chair is just perfect. 

Does anyone have any other must haves for the one year olds in your lives, I would love to hear your thoughts!

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