Moments of Musing

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. 

Celebrate the Dads

Filed Under: fathers day 2018 //

Celebrate the dads. 

The dads who are there for their kids with open arms and open hearts.

Who build makeshift forts out of bed sheets.

Who carry both their babies out of the car.

Who cook, clean and do laundry and dishes.

Who wipes tears and makes the kids belly laugh.

Who climb into bed to help his toddler fall asleep.

Who climbs into the kiddie pool to play with his kiddo.

Who put their kids first day in and day out.

I’m lucky to not only know but to have married such a man. We are not perfect – he’s not perfect, and neither am I. But we work well together. And we love our kids fiercely. Seeing him as a dad has made me fall in love with and appreciate him SO much more.

I’m lucky enough to have a great dad, as well. He is my biggest fan and champion and who gives us all his all. He is truly a gem. I am so grateful for your unwavering support and guidance.

Hope you all had a great day celebrating the dads in your lives, too!


Safe Fun in the Sun

Filed Under: summer, sunscreen //

I have received information and materials from ©Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2018. The opinions stated are my own. This is a sponsored post. #SunnyMoments #CollectiveBias 



As a mom to two under two, I understand the importance of good skin protection while out in the sun. We live by the beach so getting ready for a beach day certainly includes applying our sunscreen. 

We have Aveeno® Baby Continuous Protection® Sensitive Skin Zinc Oxide Sunscreen SPF 50 and Aveeno® Protect + Hydrate® Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 70. They are available at CVS in the seasonal aisle. Save $3 off any Aveeno® Sun or Aveeno® Baby Sun product at CVS through Ibotta: http://cbi.as/a20o8

 

The baby sunscreen contains zinc oxide for combined UV protection and treatment of sensitive skin, which both of my children have. It is mild, tear-free and clinically proven to be as gentle as water. The Protect + Hydrate® sunscreen is made with ACTIVE NATURALS® Colloidal Oatmeal, which hydrates and nourishes skin. Both sunscreens are oil-free and noncomedogenic so they won’t clog pores.


It’s important to apply the sunscreen liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. They must be reapplied after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating; immediately after towel drying; and at least every two hours. I try my best to not miss a spot on either of us — like ears or toes. I especially make sure to put it on our face, arms and legs because those areas are the most exposed to the sun.

While we want to have fun in the sun this summer, it is important to keep our skin safe while doing so!