Moments of Musing

S’ Birthday + 4th of July Weekend

Filed Under: kids birthday, life lately //

Hi everyone! Hope you all had a great 4th of July weekend. 
We kicked it off last Friday with S’ birthday and the celebrations continued until yesterday, with yesterday being our most relaxing day. I’ll leave you with a recap in photos and then I’ll be back next week with the details of S’ Boss Baby birthday party. It was my favorite theme yet!
Right after I took this photo, I said “This is two!” He had recently woken from a nap and wanted nothing to do with photos or partying just yet.
My loves and me in front of our hired ice cream truck for S’ party… It was a hit, especially since it was a heat wave outside!

Fresh flowers picked for our home by my mother-in-law… such pretty colors, right?

We spent a day at the beach here on Long Island. The beach with kids is definitely different but seeing their joy in the ocean is worth it.
Did you catch that the boys’ tank top (S) and shorts (R) are the same pattern? I love matching them! We stayed home most of the 4th,  went out to dinner with my father-in-law, and then came back to watch some neighborhood fireworks and the Macy’s fireworks on TV.

Have a great weekend!

My 1st Baby’s 2nd Birthday

Filed Under: Uncategorized //

This post is sponsored. All opinions are my own.

Today is my first baby’s 2nd Birthday! I can hardly believe we have a two-year-old. Time has surely FLOWN these past two years. They have been the greatest challenge and blessing in one. If I had to sum them up in one word, I’d say: amazing. There truly is no love like that of your child.
When S transitioned to a big brother, I knew I wanted to include him in everything so he would not feel left out or less loved. That is why I chose for him to receive a Bitsy Box. It is a cute subscription service for little kids + moms made by the creators of Bump Boxes. S loved opening his box, which had a puppet, bento lunch box and other toys. There was also a nail polish set for me! Win-win!


We co-slept with S but I wanted to do a variation of co-sleeping, not exactly the same, with R for various reasons. Reasons aside, the DockATot Deluxe+ has been a huge help with sleep. Just last night, he gave us his longest stretch of sleep — 5 hours! I am so impressed and feeling much more energized these days. If you are in the market for a co-sleeper, this should be your pick. I honestly could not recommend it enough!

Have a Happy 4th Weekend!

One America

Filed Under: Uncategorized //

This post is sponsored but all opinions are my own. 

I can not believe this is the last week of June. Or that next week is the 4th of July. It’s a day of celebration and to honor our country—a country founded upon life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The United States is a country that upholds the ideals of equality and justice for all. It is these things that I will tell my kids about when they ask about our country. We have come a long way but we still have a ways to go because our country isn’t perfect. 
It’s important we remember history and learn from it. It’s important we embrace our differences and continue flourishing in diversity. Most of all, it’s important we look out for one another and remember to be good and kind. After all, we are one nation. 
Those are all things I’ll tell the boys when they’re older. Right now, they’re too little to comprehend it all but this patriotic educational book is a great way to get the conversation started about the United States and its history. One Flag, One America (the story of the American star) by Michelle Hirstius gives kids a quick and simple American history lesson about the flag. Best of all, 10% of proceeds are donated to Veterans. It is available for sale on Amazon and Etsy. 

Maternity Leave Guest Series: 5 Truths to Set You Free of Working Mom Guilt

Filed Under: guest post, maternity leave guest series, motherhood //

As most of you know, I will be away from blogland a bit while I’m on maternity leave. Lucky for me – AND you!- I’ve partnered with some lovely bloggers to consistently bring you great content. 


This week, I am sharing a post by Desirae from Sincerely, Mrs. Mommy. She offers great advice to deal with working mom guilt. 


 Enjoy!



Working Mom Guilt: 5 Truths to Set You Free by Sincerely, Mrs. Mommy founder Desirae Ofori

Disclaimer: This is a shortened version. For the full post, click on the title link. 
One of the most common types of Mom guilt is the ‘Working Mom’ guilt. Maybe you can’t afford to be a stay at home mom (SAHM) because one or no income won’t do. What about those of you who can afford not to work, but you really enjoy the career you’ve built.
Even if you’re working from home, you may not be spending that quality time with your child because you’re a one woman show caught up in work details and demands.
She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn
Whatever the case, you’re a working mother and you may feel guilty because the time spent with your child is limited… more than you would like.
So how do we pull ourselves up from drowning in working mom guilt? How do we fight this conflict to bring income into our household but wishing we were spending more time at home?
This week I have reminded myself of these 5 truths to set me free:
1.  You love your child and there’s nothing that can change that. Remind them daily.
  • Being a working mom does not make you less of a mom, or discredit your love for your kids. Let your children know often that you care about them, and you love them.
2.  You’re working so that you can provide more for them. That’s an expression of love!
  • Safe homes, healthy food, clean clothes, extra-curricular activities, or saving up for family related experiences they’ll never forget.
3.  Be present in the time you have with your kids. Quality over Quantity.
  • Slow it down, put down the phone, leave the house chores, eat a meal with them. Push back the bed time even if for just a few minutes to read with them and reflect about their day. Quality also doesn’t equal toys, money or letting them get whatever they want. Your attention is what they need and want most.
4.  You’re building their independence and expanding their village.
  • Hopefully they’re in a place where they get to build on their social skills, by interacting with other children, and learning new things daily. Think of that caregiver as being part of your village. I believe the more positive influences a child can have in their life the better. After all, The African Proverb says, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’.
5.  The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
  • As frustrating and irritating as it can be, remember there’s another mother out there who get’s where you are. There are also some SAHM’s wishing they could switch roles, even if just a couple of days a week. They could be longing for a break from the kids and some adult interaction. Be thankful for the opportunity to be employed. Count your blessings.
Bonus:
You are a phenomenal mother and don’t you forget it! Love yourself, love your kids, and enjoy the little things. What may seem like a small gesture to you could mean the world to them. Grace yourself!
Working Mom Guilt 5 Truths To Set You Free

Life With Two Under Two

Filed Under: 2under2, mom of two, motherhood //

As I was writing this, I had to stop one sentence in and stop pumping. The baby was hungry and S wanted something. Multitasking has become one of my best skills. I’ll be sure to update my resume with it.

A few days ago, I spoke with my mom over the phone and she asked me how the day was going. I probably told her something along the lines of “Oh, you know—crazy.” She replied something along the lines of, “Well that’s normal when you have two under two” while chuckling.

“I’ve traded a bit of my sanity so my kids could grow up and experience their childhoods together,” I thought to myself after I got off the phone with her. 



That is basically how life with two kids under two-years-old is going… There is constant breast feeding and there are constant tantrums. There are many belly laughs and there are many cries (mainly from the kiddos — I’ve kept it together pretty surprisingly well.) There is basically no shortage of emotion here.

Some days start off with smiles, hugs and kisses. Others start off with cries and tantrums. Some days are much more hectic than others but all days are filled with love.
I’ve learned to let go of expectation and accept having little control over how the days go. I’m learning patience is truly a virtue and is key to feeling in control over my emotions. If I am patient with myself in my mothering role and with the kids in their kids roles then I am much calmer and feel better (AKA less guilty).
These are the days, though. I know I’ll look back and wish for them again. So, I wouldn’t trade any of these days… not even the hard ones.