There are so many things I wish I would have known before becoming a mom. The little details that your doctor does not tell you and your mom friends gloss over because they assume you already know. One thing that has had the biggest learning curve for me has been breastfeeding and pumping.

‘Tis (almost) the season of baby showers! With quite a few of my friends expecting their first or second bundle of joy this coming year, I have been working hard on figuring out the perfect gift for new moms. I wanted something filled with useful pieces. Something gender neutral that I could keep on hand. Something that would bring them joy to receive.

One of my favorite memories growing up was hunting for a Christmas tree with my brothers. We would spend what seemed like hours on the tree farm fighting over the perfect tree---the taller the better for me while my brothers always preferred the fluffy stout ones. As soon as we would arrive home and set the tree in the stand it was time to decorate. We would reminisce through ornaments as we decorated the tree. I have always looked forward to making these same memories when I had a family of my own.

‘Tis the season when checking the mail becomes the most exciting part of the day! I love Christmas cards. I can remember writing them to my friends way back in middle school and my love of holiday stationary has only grown since then. Now that I have a family of my own, I enjoy it even more.

With college friends in the South, family in the Northeast, and local friends spread around town—holiday cards are my favorite way to send a little holiday cheer their way.

I am starting to think I should change my job title to "Deal Nerd" because I get so excited when I discover awesome deals. Amazon has an amazing promotion going on right now for any mommas-to-be who need to create a registry. While supplies last, make ANY purchase from your Amazon registry (in ANY amount!!) and get a super cute FREE bath towel.

We are finishing up Brody's first few weeks of preschool and I am quickly learning that preschool means colds. Between the Winter season and first real experience with a kid in a classroom—runny noses, coughs, and fevers have been lingering in our house. To prevent some of those midnight runs to the pharmacy (please tell me I am not the only one that makes these!), here are 6 cold and flu fighting essentials I have stocked up on.

It has been almost a year to the day that we found out we were expecting another little one. This means it has also been almost a year since I started dreaming up plans for a pink and gold nursery if we were blessed with a little girl. It may have taken us just a little bit longer than planned to finish Isla's special space. But hey, 3 months late is better than never, right? 

Is there anything sweeter than Christmas pajamas for the holidays? One of my favorite things is getting Brody a sweet pair of Pjs for the holidays and I can't wait to add Isla in on the fun! Here is a round-up of my favorite pajamas for the holidays!

You know that weird phase after pregnancy when your wardrobe suddenly doesn’t work with your lifestyle? That is where I am. Do I pull on the maternity leggings that are so comfy? Do I wear a dress and have to hide in the car every time I need to feed Isla on the go? Do I dare try to squeeze into something I wore before Isla was even a thought in our minds? Most days, it is a big no for those 3 options.

Earlier this year, I shared the Palm Springs inspired playhouse we built for Brody and got such a great response I wanted to share other fun playhouses. I stumbled upon Chelsey from Bright & Bold Design who designed a dreamy modern playhouse for her sweet daughter Charlie (she's also one of the awesome momma's in the private Momma Society Facebook Group!). 

Breastfeeding Brody did not come naturally. I envisioned it being an ethereal experience and a natural process that would just click at first latch. I remember struggling at the hospital with the lactation consultant as his little lip curled under and he could not get a firm latch. The first month or two of nursing was far from enjoyable, but we stuck it out and ended up having a great first year of breastfeeding. I have had quite a few moms ask how nursing has been going with Isla. It has been quite different so far, but in a good way.<