I've always heard that the fourth trimester was a real thing and let me tell you, it is! I wanted to share some of my favorite things that helped me with this last trimester. You need some help when you are tired and learning how to become a momma to a new baby that is also trying to figure out this big world. Here are the things that made that transition a lot easier broken down in a few categories.

1 // Seventh Generation Diapers

By far the best diapers!! These things are the most leak proof for Solomon. I know every baby is different but these are the best for us. We are going to start the adventure of Cloth Diapers soon but I'm not quite brave enough yet... 

2 // Ava Anderson Baby Wash

This stuff smells so good and I love that it doesn't have any bad chemicals in it. I secretly want to use it for myself, ha! It definitely makes bath time at night a lot better and Solomon seems to love it also. 

3 // Honest Baby Powder 

This powder is a life saver when it comes to diaper rash. Solomon was getting some bumps from all the little rolls of fat around his diaper but they went away once we started using the powder. It is so light and airy also, he always smiles and giggles when I put it on which is pretty adorable. 

4 // Honest Baby Wipes

I have tried the Seventh Generation wipes since I love their diapers way more than Honest diapers but I decided to go back to the Honest wipes. They are are so soft and remove everything so much easier during a dirty diaper. I also love that I can use these to wipe Solomon's mouth or face if he spits up because they are fragrance free. 

5 // Honest Sanitizer

I really love how this product smells and how soft it leaves your hands. We have the big pump bottle in our living room for guests and we use it after diaper changes. I also love to keep the little bottle in the diaper bag for when we are out of the house. 

6 // Honest Baby Oil

After 2 months of using so many different products this has to be my favorite. We use it after his bath every night and give him a little massage which he loves. I am excited to try the Ava Anderson baby lotion since I love that bath wash so much but I know I will continue to use this oil at the same time. I was surprised I didn't like the Honest baby wash but this oil is a keeper for sure!

 

7 // Reusable Bed Pads

Since we are co-sleeping these things are super helpful at night. I can lay one on the bed under me and Solomon so I can feed him without worrying about leaking or him spitting up some. I can also sleep better knowing that he won't have a leaky diaper on our sheets or mattress. We also use one of these in the car and on the living room floor for diaper changes & they have saved the car/carpet many times. It makes life a lot easier since you can just pop these in the washing machine and hang them to dry. 

8 // Sound Machine

This baby is a life saver for sure! I don't think I can sleep without it now, so once Solomon is in his room, I might need to buy one for our room. It cuts out so much noise and I love the "brook" option for sleeping. It sounds like a calm creek flowing through our room and Solomon seems to sleep best with that sound also. It really helps with nap time and sleeping more soundly at night. 

9 // Portable Sound Machine
I didn't realize how helpful this little thing was until we had that hospital stay and we needed something to help cut out all the sound. When we were heading to the ER I grabbed this sound machine for the car ride so we could try and sooth our sick baby, but I wasn't expecting to use it the entire weekend. The only bad part about this product is how quickly the batteries die, but it is worth it. 

 

10// Motherhood Nursing Tanks

Normal nursing tanks aren't a huge deal and you can buy them from anywhere so you won't have to spend a ton of money on them like at Motherhood BUT this kind is awesome!! It has full support like a soft bra and cups to help with shaping. I love the regular tanks for around the house but when you are out in public it is nice to have the bra fit for clothing but still wearing a tank under clothes.

11 // Water 

I believe this is the most important thing for good milk supply, hands down. I can tell a huge difference on days that I don't drink enough water & I can also tell how much my supply is boosted when I drink a ton. I try and drink one full glass of water while I'm nursing but that isn't always possible. I've also noticed it helps to have a big glass of water first thing in the morning before my coffee. 

12 // Soothies Gel Pads

Yes, Yes, YES! These are my favorite! There's nothing like the instant cold feeling on your sore nipples. Just being honest. I could tell a huge difference with the pain of nursing in the first couple of weeks when I used these. 

13 // Placenta Encapsulation

This was probably the one thing that made people look at me like I was a crazy person but I truly believe it made a big difference. There isn't a ton of research to back this up, but my doula gave me the contact for the woman who can do this in my town and she only charged $150, so I thought it was worth a shot. They say that taking the pills can help with postpartum depression, milk supply, energy, and a bunch of other things. Those three were the most important to me. When you think about the first trimester and all hormonal changes that happen, it is mostly because of the placenta forming. Then when you have your baby and deliver the placenta, all those hormones leave your body and you can have a lot of reactions. By taking these pills you give your body a easier transition. There have been times when I felt super emotional for no reason or super tired after a long night of feeding on demand and I'll take one of these pills and within the hour I feel back to myself. It might be a placebo effect kind of thing but I don't care, for $150 I will take it! 

14 // Meal Baby
Our church small group was so kind to set this up for us and it made the first few weeks of parenthood so much easier. It was nice to know that we would have a full meal delivered to our house every other day. We didn't have to think about groceries or cooking, just open the door and see a friend with their arms full of food. That is a wonderful blessing and we are so thankful for those who signed up and made our nights a little easier. The website is super easy to use, also!

15 // Caryn's Sore Boom Sitz Tea
Caryn was my doula and this stuff was a life saver!!! She and my mom made these frozen pads with herbs when I was in labor at home so when I got home from the birthing center I could use them. After having a baby you are pretty sore, raw and may feel like you are on fire at times so these frozen pads helped so much with pain. I would use them after a hot shower at night and go to sleep with one om and wake up feeling like a new person. Of course that was only a little rest before the next feeding but it was so helpful. They also put the same mixture on some nursing pads and froze them for those really sore days. The ingredients and directions are below. Also, you can order the ingredients HERE. 

Ingredients:
Arnica Flowers
Lavender Flowers
Lady's Mantle
Heather Flowers
Jasmine Flowers
Chrysanthemum Flowers
Comfrey Leaf
Directions:
In early labor bring large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1/2 bag of herbs, cover and steep 1+ hours. Strain tea and place in air tight container. Place several sanitary napkins/nursing pads flat on a cookie sheet, leaving wrapper under pads. Spoon tea over each pad until saturated and freeze. Refrigerate remaining tea. Tea can be used in peri bole, sitz baths or bath soaks. Frozen pads can be applied for 20 minutes. After soaking or using pads, air dry boom for at least 20 minutes. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

What are some things that helped you with the 4th Trimester?? 

I'd love to hear about them!

what I use on my face.

I have had a lot of questions about my skin lately, maybe it's because I've been going bare face and wearing that "mom zombie look" recently, but I thought this would be a great opportunity to share the details on my favorite face products! My skin is doing that awesome "Postpartum Freak Out" right now and I have several spots that have come up in my Tzone area but my night and day routine hasn't changed. I can tell that what I am doing is helping with the breakouts a lot! Here we go....

first thing in the morning, after my AM face routine and before coffee. 

....also after many wake ups during the night, giving me those awesome puffy eyes!!

Mornings:

1 // after my face is rinsed with cold water, I use a cotton pad with a squirt of Simple Cleansing Micellar Water to wipe my face. 

2 // then, I use a tiny pump of LUSH, Enchanted Eye Cream 

all around my eyes and between my eyebrows. 

3 // lastly, I use a dime size amount of LUSH, Imperialis Face Cream all over my face and neck. 

Nights:

1 // I start with the same Simple Cleansing Micellar Water on a cotton pad to remove my eye make up and then I use a second cotton pad to wipe the makeup from my face, as well. 

2 // then my favorite thing ever....

I scrub my face with about a nickle size amount of LUSH, Ocean Salt with damp hands. 

I scrub for a minute or two and then I wet my hands with hot water and scrub for another minute.

After my skin feels squeaky clean, I rinse it off with hot water and pat dry with a clean towel. 

3 // after my face is dry, I put a generous pump of LUSH, Enchanted Eye Cream around my eyes and mouth where I find those lovely smile lines. 

4 // lastly, I will dig out a tiny chunk of Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil and rub it into my chest, neck and face; mixing it in with the eye cream.

5 // When I  have spots (like now!), I use either Tea Tree Oil or LUSH, Grease Lightning, to dry them up as soon as I notice them and I try my best to not pop them. 
I typically use the oil at night and the Grease Lightning in the mornings.

I like that I use most of the same products in the morning that I use at night and I think that it helps my face have less freak out moments.

What are your favorite products for your face?!?
I would also love to do a makeup routine if that seems interesting to anyone???

Pregnancy Post // third favorites.

The third trimester is almost in my rear view mirror and I'm excited to welcome the fourth trimester! Just being patient and waiting for Solomon to decide on when he is ready!!! But, here are some of the things that I loved during those uncomfortable few months and especially in the last month of pregnancy. 

1 // leggings

These are super comfy and I've been loving them around the house and even sleeping in them at night. I find myself washing them a lot since I'm constantly reaching for them. I'm also packing them in my Momma Bag for the birthing center stay since they will be comfy during that postpartum time also. 

2 // fitness ball

I've been living on this thing during the past few weeks and I know I will be using it a lot during the early stages of labor at home also. 

3 // best pillow everrrrr

Peter actually bought me this pillow for my Mother's Day gift and I've used it every day since but it has been a life changer during these last few months. The more uncomfortable sleeping becomes the more I love this pillow. I also love that it can be used for breast feeding after the baby is here also! My sis-in-law swears by this pillow which made me want to buy it in her first place.

4 // acupuncture

I started going to acupuncture once a week during week 34 and bumped my visits up to twice a week starting in week 37. It has been such a great relaxation technique and I'm interested to see if the labor is "fast and furious" because of it also. I did a lot of research about acupuncture and pregnancy and after reading a lot I thought it was worth a shot. We'll see how it all works out! 

5 // red raspberry leaf tea

I also started drinking this every few days after starting acupuncture and now that I'm in the end of pregnancy I'm trying to drink a cup a day, as long as I remember. It tastes great and the benefits of drinking it before birth and after birth was enough for me! 

6 // dates

I usually gobble down six of these a day while drinking my tea. It has been said to help shorten labor if you eat six a day during the last month of pregnancy and why not, since they taste so great! I'm kind of obsessed with them. Some don't like the taste and have to mix them with something else but I personally love them and could have way more than six a day. My doula also recommended eating them to keep "things regular" during those last few weeks of pregnancy and I can honestly say they have helped a TON! 

7 // hot showers

This is the one thing I can hardly go without. I could honestly take several a day, it just helps me feel more comfortable and I love to have a hot shower before bed and slather my whole body in coconut oil before putting on a pair of clean pajamas. It's a nightly ritual that I don't see ending after having the little man. I'm thinking this will be my ME TIME each day. 

What did you love during those last few months??

Summer Favorites.

This summer has definitely been the most interesting summer of my life. With enjoying our second year of marriage, preparing for a new member of our family & trying to travel and have as much fun as we can in the process. Looking back over the past few months was a lot of fun and I'm excited to share little bits and pieces of my favorite parts thanks to The Circle Link-up for this month!

Starting off the summer with one of my favorite holidays

and one that hit home in a new way for me, Mother's Day!

Next up was our wonderful Babymoon in Charleston!!

It was such a fun weekend and I can't wait to take our baby boy

to one of our favorite cities in the future.

Another awesome part of summer is all the cookouts and weddings, 

it was fun to see friends and celebrate during busy weekends like this one. 

Taking road trips with for shopping and quality time with my Mom

is always a summer must and our weekend trip for baby shopping was so much fun!

Speaking of that baby boy, it was so sweet to celebrate his life with my family and friends at his two showers. The first with my family and the second with my friends!! 




& of course you have to celebrate summer with a 4th of July cookout!
I'm so glad we have made this a fun tradition with our family and friends!! 



The Summer vacation to Niagara Falls was the perfect way to end the busy season
before taking time to settle in at home and prepare for the big arrival!
It was so much fun to get away and out of town in a new place with family.

What are YOUR summer highlights? Are there things you learned, trips you took, photos you took that you haven't shared yet? Or are there some things you still hope to cross off your summer bucket list? Write your post, grab a button (or use the hashtag #thecirclelinkup), and see what everyone else was/is up to this summer below!

Pregnancy Post // second favorites.

The second trimester was wonderful, as most pregnant women say....

It was honestly a little weird how I felt like a completely different person when I woke up on week 10 and it only continued to get better every week. I liked sharing some of my favorite things during my First Trimester & all of those favorites are still pretty nice, but I'm thankful that I've been able to skip the OJ with my vitamins now. Water all the way!! 

1 // water

Speaking of water, I'm obsessed. I can't get enough of it. I've always been an ice cruncher so now I'm doing that all the time which made me a little nervous since I've heard that was a sign of low iron, but my iron is actually really good, so I guess the ice and water is just a normal pregnancy thing for some? I'm trying to cut down the water drinking at night so I can eliminate some trips to the bathroom while I'm sleeping but I'm thirsty all the time. I also think the steady weight gain and guzzling water has helped with not getting any stretch marks.

2 // pop-tarts

THESE tasty and somewhat healthy pop-tarts make me so happy!! I've tried a lot of the flavors but the raspberry is definitely my favorite! This brand is my go to for most breakfast foods that are fast and easy at work. They tend to be my midday sweet snack that doesn't make me feel guilty. 

3 // peanut butter cups

But.... when I don't mind feeling a little guilty, and I need something sweet, my hands always reach for the perfect mixture of PB and Chocolate. Sometimes at night when I'm feeling the craving I decide to grab a spoon of PB to settle my stomach and leave the chocolate out, but there are times when I have to give in. 

4 // oatmeal

THIS kind is my favorite and my breakfast almost every morning at work. I have a banana on the way to work and then once I get to my desk I have 1/2 a cup of coffee with my hot apple cinnamon oatmeal. It is the perfect morning combo and I love this brand. Just like the pop-tarts, there is enough sweetness to cure my sweet tooth but it isn't overly processed with fake flavors so it isn't overpowering. I know I will continue to eat this once baby boy is here since it is fast and healthy!

5 // naps

yep.... still gotta have them, especially on the weekends. 

6 // coconut oil

THIS stuff is my main obsession. I was using the Burt's Bees belly butter and I really loved it but once I ran out and my skin started to stretch more I thought it would be best to find an unrefined organic coconut oil to use on my skin. I started using a little bit each night on my belly and the smell was pretty strong but once I got used to it I couldn't stop. I now put it ALL OVER my body. Every night before bed I spread it all over my tummy, hips and even my chest, neck and face! My skin has never been this soft or looked this clear. I've also started using it on my legs after I shave and I seriously think it has cut down my shaving some how?? This is definitely a beauty product that I will never stop using! Oh, and I even use it to take off my eye makeup sometimes, it is amazing for everything!!!

7 // LOFT maternity

I have mentioned my love for LOFT Maternity before but after trying many different brands I will hands down say that LOFT is the best! THESE jeans are so comfortable that I end up wearing them all the time, even when I'm lounging around at home. Yes, I put these on instead of PJS! They are that great.... and you can score some great deals on their clothing when they have the extra 50% off deals. They only sale the maternity online which can be tricky but I was told to buy whatever size I normally wear and they would fit well, which is true. 

Well, that's the round up for the second trimester!

Now that we are in the third and final trimester I'm trying to enjoy my time and relax as much as possible... not much longer till our little man is here with us!!!! Oh boy!!

roadtrips.

Over the weekend, my mom and I took a little road trip for some shopping! Road trips with my mom are one of my favorite things to do. It made me think about all the many things that you need for a succesful road trip and I thought I'd share them with you for this month's Circle Link-up!

snacks // these three are a must for me, something sweet, salty and sour!

water // staying hydrated while driving is a big deal, even if that means several bathroom breaks.

music // a must for a roadtrip right now is definitely Taylor!! (as long as Peter's not in the car!)

sunglasses // no need to squint from that bright sunshine with some cute shades on your face.

itinerary // this is one thing that I hate to leave home without when I'm taking a trip. I always have a set plan no matter how long or short the trip so we don't have to guess on what to do.

Some of the highlights from our little trip to Charlotte, NC are below! It was a great trip full of yummy food, laughing till we were both crying and all the wonderful things that a mom/daughter trip is made of! We started the morning off with The Flying Biscuit Cafe which is one of our favorite breakfast spots! 

After the shopping trips to Southpark Mall and IKEA we finished on a high note at this really neat pizza shop. My mom requested pizza but we both wanted to make sure it was a spot we've never been to before and we were so happy to find Fuel Pizza! It was so yummy and the perfect thing to fill our tummy's before drive home with our full car from IKEA!!

What is a MUST for you in the summertime? Something sweet to sip on at a picnic? A favorite book to read while sitting by the pool? Or maybe some flip-flops to throw into your beach bag? Create a moodboard or collage and tell us what your musts are for this upcoming sunny season!

spring love.

Spring is one of the most magical months and I love so many things about it!

Mood boards are also pretty wonderful so I thought I would take part with 

The Circle this month and share 15 things I love about the awesome months of Spring....

even if I can't take part in all of them (cough #2 cough). 

peonies // margaritas // thank you cards (for the pending baby showers!) //

a new springy print // cute little bird houses //

sunglasses // adorable veggie rattles (for baby boy, of course) // string lights

soy candle // Esther bible study // light airy blanket

bright tote // grapes (my biggest obsession right now!) // nail polish

What are your favorite springy things!?! 

share them and link up with The Circle

Favorite Charleston Spots.

One of my favorite weekend vacation spots has to be Charleston, SC! I'm so glad that we live so close by and a quick trip is only a 3 hour drive (or 2.5 if you drive like my husband!). I thought it would be fun to highlight my favorite Charleston spots for all of you today, because it is a pretty amazing place to visit. I'm going to split this up into four categories and share my most favorite spot for each!

eat // Circa 1886

this is by far the best food in Charleston. I know that is saying a LOT for one of the best cities for food in the south but it is our favorite. The prices are great, the food is delicious and the atmosphere is perfect. This is definitely our best date night spot and we try and fit it in every trip we make to Charleston.

drink // Edmund's Oast

this section is all Peter. Not only because I can't partake in sipping those delicious beverages right now but because he is the expert in this department. He always finds the best spots in every city we visit and his favorite place to sit and relax with a cold drink is most definitely Edmund's Oast. They have a great variety of beers (even sours!!!) and the dinner menu is amazing. Just make sure you have reservations, unless you are comfortable at the bar.

play // Isle of Palms

a day trip to the beach or a full week of sand and sun, Isle of Palms is the spot to go. Great live music, cute shops, yummy beach food, they have it all. I have spent many girls weekends on this beach and loved every second, but is is also great for a family vacation!

shop // King Street

the infamous King Street in Charleston is lined with some of the best shopping you could imagine. Name brand, antique shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, everything! And of course I have to mention the most beautiful Forever21 store I've ever shopped in, it's huge also. Anything you are looking for can be found on King Street.

What are your favorite Charleston spots, please share!?!
Check out some past times in Charleston, HERE
& come back next week for more Charleston fun from our weekend visit!
I can't wait to have a little weekend getaway with my hubby!!!

Pregnancy Post // First Favorites.

The first trimester wasn't the easiest but I know that I had it a lot easier than some.

I thought it would be fun to keep track of all the things that helped that first month

go by a little bit better. I know all of these things made a difference!

1// new toxic free beauty products

I read THIS article when I found out I was pregnant and my thought process changed completely about what I put on my skin. I mainly looked for parabens and mineral oil and after a lot of research I decided to go with all the items above.

Tarte Cosmetics has wonderful products that truly last and look beautiful on. I'm completely in love with the mascara and the concealer.

Of course, I've always been a fan of Lush Ocean Salt but the grease lightening was so helpful when I got a bad cold and I didn't want to take my normal medication for fever blisters. This stuff zapped it all away so quickly.

Thanks to Target's Natural Beauty line I found the Yes to Cucumber line that I really love.
I also decided to go back to one of my old reliables that I kind of forgot about, but this cleansing lotion feels sooooooo good on my skin. Thanks to the Yes to Cucumber face cream I remembered this cleanser and thought the two together would be amazing. I've been using both every night and day! AND, thankfully, both are very affordable. 

2// naps, all the naps!

Not much I can say to explain this but I love my naps.... this hasn't really gone away in my second trimester. HA!

3// fruit

Once the nausea passed during week 9 I started to crave fruit. I have to have a banana every morning and I've also found a new love for mango. I read somewhere that a mango is so good for babies because of all the vitamins that they have and I never liked fresh mango but I thought I'd give it another try since it would be worth it. I was happy to find that I loved it!! And of course my usual fave, super crunchy, purple grapes. YUM, add in a little vanilla yogurt and you have one of my favorite snacks. 

4// OJ with prenatal vitamins

I'm actually taking THESE and THESE every night and I tried to take them with water a couple of times and I thought I would lose it. Oh man, so bad.... not the best taste and I could hardly swallow them. Then I figured out that OJ really helped and I could actually take them without gagging. Thank God for OJ! 

5// raw almonds

Seriously, the only thing that got me through those first few weeks of nausea! My nausea was all over the place... whenever I thought I had it figured out, it would change. I started with just a little in the mornings, then it changed to evenings, then it changed to ALL DAY for about two weeks. I was so afraid that I would have to deal with that for a long time but thankfully it ended earlier than expected. BUT - raw almonds were my go to and they always settled my stomach!

There you have it, my secret weapons for my First Trimester!!

What were some of your favorites??

& what do I need for my Second Trimester?

Christmas Favorites.

MOVIE // Home Alone I & II, hands down!! They are both so good but I really love the second because of all the gorgeous scenes in NYC!

DRINK // coffee, hot tea, something special with champagne... my drink choices don't really change much because of Christmas, ha!

ALBUM // 'N Sync duh! Still the best!!!

BAKING // Peanut Butter Balls!!!! My grandma has always made them for Christmas but this year my mom is making them... I know that I will take on the tradition one day!

TRADITION // For the past couple of years we have attended the Christmas Eve Service at our church and I love going to the downtown campus since that is where Peter and I got married. It is such a special time!

ORNAMENT // My favorite ornament so far is the one below that my Auntie Laura gave us last year! It is so special and I will always cherish it and remember our first Christmas as husband and wife in our home.

MEMORY // Last year was definitely a wonderful Christmas since we got married in September! Everything was new and it was so wonderful to spend Christmas Day with Peter for the first time since he normally travels to NJ to spend Christmas with his family.
FOOD // Christmas Morning Quiche!!! YUM! I love making this for Thanksgiving and Christmas, I look forward to keeping this tradition alive for a long time!

SMELL // Hot cider on Christmas Eve, I don't really like to drink it much but I love the way it smells!

VERSE // John 3:16 is so special all year long but I really love it at Christmas time... 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

What are your Christmas Favorites??

I hope you all are blessed by the creator of love on this beautiful day....

Merry Christmas, friends!
& thanks to Elizabeth from Oak & Oats for this fun idea!!