Moments of Musing

A 35-Week Bumpdate

Filed Under: bumpdate, pregnancy //

This post is sponsored by Pink Blush but all opinions are my own.

Happy Bumpday! It’s hard to believe we’re in the final stretch of this pregnancy. I am so ready and excited to meet our baby boy and introduce him to his amazing big brother, S. What better day than bumpday to give a bumpdate?

Weeks: 35 — nearly 9 months down, just 1 to go!

Sex: Boy!

Name: We have a name picked (I love it!) but we won’t be announcing until birth 😉

Feeling: A bit tired, emotional, and a lot of pain and pressure at times

Wearing: Leggings and maternity clothes – This beautiful Pink Blush dress is one that fits comfortably while pregnant but I bought it for Mother’s Day to match my boys’ outfits (ah!!) so I will be wearing it postpartum… As I’ve said, a lot of Pink Blush’s clothes can be worn by pregnant and not pregnant women so ladies, check it out. 🙂

5 Happiness Writing Prompts

Filed Under: happiness, positivity, writing prompts //

Life is emotional right now and my writing motivation is pretty nonexistent because of it.

I find myself feeling extreme emotions of happiness and sadness (I sort of touched on why here) but I am trying my best to channel my excitement and positive thoughts for S and to stay healthy (mentally and physically) for the remainder of my pregnancy.

If you, too, are dealing with writer’s block for whatever reason, I have something for you: Five Happiness Writing Prompts. My hope is these will help you channel your own happiness and spread it to your readers, too.


1. Happy Because …
     â€¢ Reasons (people, places and/or things) you are happy today

2. Spreading Happiness
     â€¢ Ways to make others happy — think acts of kindness

3. Favorite Happiness Quotes
     â€¢ Quotes that make you smile

4. How to Channel Happiness
     â€¢ How to let yourself feel happy despite whatever trials and tribulations you’ve experienced

5. Happiness is…
     â€¢ What happiness means to you and why

If you use any or these, let me know. I’d love to read your posts.

To be honest, I couldn’t get myself to write even when prompted but I hope you can. If you still don’t have the motivation to write either, then maybe just think about your responses to these prompts. Thinking happy thoughts helps.

xoxo

Spring’s Snowy Start

Filed Under: life, snow, spring //

In case you didn’t hear, a nor’easter (the 4th this month!) dumped 20″ of snow on us here in Long Island. It was barely snowing all day Wednesday and then bam! Nighttime came and the snow was falling heavily. 

Despite my longing for springy weather of sun + 70s, I didn’t really mind the snow. I mean, I don’t have to shovel it (thanks hubs!) and it gave me two extra days at home with S this week. (Pictured below is him not-so-stealthily hiding in our pantry cupboard.)
Plus, when my husband and I woke up on Thursday morning to the unexpected mounds of snow, our backyard views were stunning… It looked like a winter wonderland. I have never lived somewhere with so many trees on the grounds and unfortunately, I don’t know how many we will keep vs. remove for safety issues, but that morning all I could do was be in awe of it all. S even wanted to snap a few pics of his own 😉 


As I’ve alluded to this week, life has been a bit of a roller coaster of emotions lately- high highs and pretty low lows. Just looking at the snow while flurries were falling felt peaceful and allowed me to feel a sense of gratitude, something I never want to forget to feel. 

Thankfully, this weekend’s forecast is pretty full of sun. Bye bye winter! Spring, you’re up! 

Self-Feeding + Nutritious Snacks

Filed Under: baby, Baby L //

Did you know:
  • Little ones 8-24 months get about 25-30% of their daily calories from snacks.
  • 1/3 of 8-24 month olds are not eating whole grains on a given day.
  • 90% of 2 and 3 year olds fall short on MyPlate recommendations for whole grains.

My 20-month-old is a pretty picky eater, though I hear most toddlers are at this stage. I am hoping it is just a stage but our saving grace is his love of snacking. Thankfully, snacking smart with Gerber encourages healthy eating patterns from a young age while the taste and variety keep him happy. He’s been eating these snacks since he was just 8-months-old.

Gerber offers nutritious snacks with good ingredients like whole grains, real fruit and yogurt, and no added bad stuff (no artificial flavors/no synthetic colors). S’ favorite Gerber snacks are Puffs and Yogurt Melts. He also enjoys the Lil’ Crunchies. The shapes and sizes make snacking on them convenient and fun.

 


Gerber snacks provide more than just a snacking moment–they provide real nutrition to make every little bite count. You too should make every little bite count for your child(ren) because every single thing your child eats this early in life should play a meaningful role in their overall nutrition and learning to self feed. 

With Easter coming up, Gerber snacks make a nutritious alternative to chocolate and candy for their  Easter baskets! For coupons for Gerber snacks and more click here.


Have Faith

Filed Under: positivity //

You wouldn’t really be able to tell from my blog or Instagram feed but life’s been pretty emotional lately. (Not parenting/marriage/pregnancy-related) I try my best to stay positive (on here + in general), think happy thoughts, and remain hopeful, but sometimes a good cry is needed. 


Crying might feel therapeutic and all but it doesn’t help to wallow. So I try my best to find the sunshine, the silver lining, the rainbow … whatever it is that beams with positivity. 



Yesterday’s fundraiser for my beautiful and courageous little cousin renewed all those positive feelings for me. Everyone gathered around for a day of celebration and hope. You could see and feel the good energy all around. Of course, there were tears shed but I think that’s a completely normal part of this process.

If you or your family is going through a tough time, I just wanted to let you know you’re not alone. It’s okay to be sad and scared and let out some cries… but it’s also important to have faith (whatever that might look like for you).