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funwithmama
Have you heard of the Elvie breast pump? It’s a hands-free, wearable wireless breast pump. While I am pretty much mostly breastfeeding (we recently included solids in Alayna's diet.) There have been times that I've wanted/needed to pump milk. I purchased the Elvie Double pump. (Not ready to spend that much? Then you can definitely get away with the single pump if using it in a similar situation as me. If you are exclusively pumping then I'd suggest getting the double pump.) Now that I am 7 months postpartum, the breast pump I always choose first is my Elvie. This has been true since 3 months postpartum. I LOVE the convenience of being able to pump discreetly while doing many other things. One perk is I can have my 14 year old son sit right next to me and he's none the wiser that I'm pumping. When I use my Elvie Pump: 👍🏻 When I'm driving. I mean, why not? It gives me extra milk. I'm getting good at multi-tasking. ;) 👍🏻 When I want to create breastmilk popsicles. 👍🏻 To stock my fridge. I like having breastmilk in the fridge/freezer just in case something unexpected comes up. Remember when I ended up in the ER with Postpartum Pre-eclampsia? I was so happy that I had been pumping and had a good fridge/freezer supply. My baby was able to go at least 8 hours without me while being fed breastmilk in a bottle. 👍🏻 While feeding Alayna on one side, I will sometimes pump the other side and she can't kick off the pump. 👍🏻 When I travel I like to have the pump with me just in case. Do you have an Elvie pump? Do you have any questions about it? I have a blog post with more details here: https://www.funwithmama.com/elvie-pump-review/
Me and my girls. 💖 With a baby it’s so easy to get caught up in the busy-ness of your day. Being home is just so much easier with a little one. Recently I’ve been forcing myself to go out of the house more and I’ve really been enjoying that time out. If you too have a little baby and use that as an excuse (to yourself) to stay home and get out of the house less… then this is your reminder that a change of scenery does wonders for you and the baby too!
I knew I loved you before I met you. I think I dreamed you into life… http://liketk.it/3iLcD #liketkit @liketoknow.it
Diyanah is back to Remote Learning and it’s amazing to see her growth through this year. Remote learning is definitely more challenging for younger children, but as they get a little older and can take a more independent role in being responsible for their learning experience it gets easier. Here’s how we prepared and how I’ve set the foundation for her current Remote Learning Experience: 👍🏻 Make sure you have all supplies needed for class ready and available the night before. That means print out worksheets, set out books, and make sure you have extra paper and pencils. 👍🏻 Add your child’s class schedule somewhere visible for them to see. Diyanah likes to know what to expect in her school day (as would I.) I printed out her general class schedule and taped it up next to her table. She just needs to glance at it. 👍🏻I have created favorite links on her Google Chrome that include shortcuts to her classes. She can get online herself. 💖Being more independent is setting the stage for her learning and I will say, private school does enhance the remote learning experience versus public school. A lot of that has to do with the class size. A smaller class size allows a child to be heard and to interact more. (There are only 8 children in her class.) 🤦🏻‍♀️One thing I do need to add is a clock. I’m not sure what route I should take with this. I’m thinking either an Alexa device or a wall clock. If you are currently back to remote learning too, how is it going? Has the experience changed for you in anyway? Have you found things that have made the experience easier and more fun for your child? #remotelearning #remotelearning2020 http://liketk.it/32KMp #liketkit @liketoknow.it
As the year comes to a close and I look back on what I have learned this year the words that stand out to me most are - Self Love and Self Growth. Self love is defined as a regard for ones own well-being and happiness. It begins with a self growth mindset. Be the best version of yourself. Love who you are becoming. Self growth is something you have to work on everyday. Once you have children, your focus naturally becomes less about developing yourself and more about developing them... about putting them in soccer classes, art, ballet, etc. but why did YOUR growth suddenly stop? As a mom, we are constantly worrying about and thinking for our children. We work so hard that we give away so much of ourselves. Our love, our time, our energy. Our children are such a gift and blessing to us. But we need to remember that a good mom is one whose own bucket gets filled regularly too. I learned that no one else’s love can satiate your soul more than you loving and appreciating yourself. Spend some time each day with your own inner voice. What are you telling yourself? I am strong. I am a good mom. I am adaptable. Remind yourself of what YOU are good at. I learned to love ME this year and I am happy with who I am today. My 20’s were spent finding myself. My 30’s now, I know what I want out of life and I am very comfortable with me. So my focus for 2020 will be on my own self growth, respecting myself and teaching my children more about their own self growth too. (Oh and shorter captions on Insta! 😂😂 ) What is your focus for 2020? http://liketk.it/2Iy6v http://liketk.it/2Iy6v #liketkit @liketoknow.it
I absolutely adore this flowy and gorgeous dress. http://liketk.it/2BD5h #liketkit @liketoknow.it
Do your girls often wear matching clothes? Mama said the girls get to go to the frozen yogurt store today. Woohoo. (Hence the excitement.) @Gap and @gapkids is having a 40% off + 10% off sale this weekend. From the sale, I grabbed my girls some jeggings, denim jackets and these adorable sunglasses. I LOVE getting a pair of matching denim jackets for my girls. I always try to remember that there has to be a balance between matching outfits and not matching outfits. Check out my blog post to grab these items and watch as my girls act like little fashion models. Love it!! http://liketk.it/2APVZ #liketkit @liketoknow.it
Is it too early to start painting pumpkins? I think not! Here’s a new family tradition in the making!! #LTKHoliday #LTKfamily #LTKkids
Sharing Alayna’s 5 month milestone picture. My sweet baby girl makes time fly. #LTKkids #LTKbaby
5 months with this little one and my heart is shining. There truly is nothing that has given me more inner happiness than the love I feel for my children. Motherhood is magical. (It can be challenging sometimes as motherhood is really all consuming, but within that comes magical vibrations that melt straight into your soul.) Do you have a favorite moment with your kids this week that has brought sunshine into your soul? Share it here. Let’s celebrate motherhood! http://liketk.it/3jTQD #liketkit @liketoknow.it
Growing up without having a sister, I always felt that missing piece of a forever best friend who would be my partner in “crime”, the one who would help bring out and refine the girly side of me and understand the need for decorations and celebrations. I’m so glad that my daughters have each other and another one to add to our girl squad on the way (iA). I hear them at night giggling in bed as they tell each other stories about their day or do each other’s hair and I feel blessed for the bond that they share. How lucky am I that while I didn’t grow up with a sister, I get to be surrounded by daughters who totally understand these special sides of me? (And this is no less appreciation of my son, who is my one and only... but he deserves his own post.) Share something special that you admire about your daughters relationships with each other in the comments below. (Or with your own sister.) http://liketk.it/372o1 #liketkit @liketoknow.it
We’ve been going through our Fall/Halloween movie list and have added Harry Potter movies to our to watch list. My girls are loving all things Harry Potter right now. So far we have watched: - The Harry Potter Movies - Casper - Hocus Pocus - Hotel Transylvania 1-3 - The Adaams Family My hubby and I just finished the new @Netflix show called The Haunting Of Bly Manor. We’ve been enjoying the series. What are you watching? http://liketk.it/2YBe5 #liketkit @liketoknow.it
“Be fearless. Have the courage to take risks. Go where there are no guarantees. Get out of your comfort zone even if it means being uncomfortable. The road less traveled is sometimes fraught with barricades bumps and uncharted terrain. But it is on that road where your character is truly tested And have the courage to accept that you’re not perfect nothing is and no one is — and that’s OK.” - Kate Couric Today I want to talk to you about “change.” We are often most resistant to change because we find ease in a small pond within our own comfort zone. What I’ve realized over the past few years is that change is inevitable and it can be so beautiful. Looking back at moments that stand out to me in my life, they are often moments of greatest change. The ones filled with challenges. I wish I had jotted those moments down in my diary... the fear and anxiety over the change, the challenges faced and then the sheer excitement of this new space I plunged into. Like anyone, I too fear change. Walking on unchartered waters not knowing which ditches lay in front of me can be scary... but yet when you reach the gorgeous destination you realize how important the challenge to get there was... because the growth was found in the challenge, not the destination. We experience change often in our lives... the birth of a new sibling, the changing of schools, marriage, the birth of your first child, the introduction to motherhood, international moves or even just a house move... these are all natural changes that occur in your life. If I can give you one piece of advice about change.. it would be embrace it. Do not resist it. Be adaptable, be trusting and accepting of this change. The worst thing you can do when experiencing change is to try and grasp on to what is behind you... accept it... allow it in and you may be surprised by how much you can achieve through this new change. You are resilient... change can make you rise higher and higher if you have the courage to embrace it. Adjust your sails and watch yourself fly! Outfit details included when you like this post. #LTKholidaystyle #LTKtravel http://liketk.it/2HVbK #liketkit @liketoknow.it
Because when you have daughters, fashion becomes even more fun. Sure, I didn’t get to grow up with a sister but that makes me celebrate my daughters even more. Anyone else’s daughters feel extra special when mom makes an effort to match them? Mommy and me outfits! ✨✨ Leave a comment with one thing you LOVE about having a daughter. I know there are many things you love, but choose the first one that comes to mind. Let’s celebrate your girls! ✨✨ 💖 (I’ve linked everything we are wearing here.) http://liketk.it/2AYhC #liketkit @liketoknow.it #louisvuitton #bulgari #hm #kidssunglasses #valentino #hmkids #valentinorockstud #express #minime #myminime
After Alayna was born I’ve been so drawn to neutral colors in my wardrobe. Previously, black was my absolute favorite color in clothing. I find now that I shy away from the black clothing in my closet and opt for the lighter brighter colors. What’s your favorite clothing color right at this moment? #LTKbaby
To have a daughter is to be able to immerse yourself in dress up games, glitter filled hands, spa nights, magical twirls, a world of dreams, princesses and possibilities, and to be nurtured with a gentle touch and a soft singing voice. Every night, Diyanah comes to my room and she takes it upon herself to rub my belly with Bio Oil (her favorite from the lot of different stretch mark oils I’ve purchased) before we go to bed. She also chooses a lip balm for me, places it on my lips and cuddles me. Her current favorite lip balm is @freshbeauty Rose scented lip balm. Diyanah is so nurturing. Do you have a daughter? Name one special and thoughtful thing about your daughter? http://liketk.it/337my #liketkit @liketoknow.it
Playroom update... this is what it looked like this morning after Diyanah finished her virtual (online) schooling for the day. She has spent the last three hours quietly playing. Amongst her doll house, barbies, magnatiles and American Girl dolls. I’m just glad she’s playing with her toys versus watching other children playing with theirs on a device! 😂 P.S. I’ve linked the big items for your convenience. http://liketk.it/2N9Lo #liketkit @liketoknow.it
“There are only 18 summers/winters in childhood, make them count.” We are currently preparing for our next travel destination and are leaving on Friday. We will be cruising aboard @royalcaribbean and heading over to Disneyworld with my in laws family. Yes, I know it feels like we’ve been out of town more this year than we’ve been home... but it truly is one of the best ways to spend quality time with family without distractions and interruptions. However, the part I dislike most about travel is... packing and unpacking bags. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Which part do you dislike most? Swimsuits frok @cabanalife http://liketk.it/2I0St #liketkit @liketoknow.it
Do your girls often wear matching clothes? Mama said the girls get to go to the frozen yogurt store today. Woohoo. (Hence the excitement.) @Gap and @gapkids is having a 40% off + 10% off sale this weekend. From the sale, I grabbed my girls some jeggings, denim jackets and these adorable sunglasses. I LOVE getting a pair of matching denim jackets for my girls. I always try to remember that there has to be a balance between matching outfits and not matching outfits. Check out my blog post to grab these items and watch as my girls act like little fashion models. Love it!! http://liketk.it/2APWs #liketkit @liketoknow.it
Baby girl and I went out for our first solo breakfast date with some of my friends and she was such a sweetheart. I’ve been apprehensive to go out on my own with her (versus with my hubby or other kids coming along) because of the whole process of baby gear that needs to follow us! Surprisingly, it wasn’t too hard and we had a blast! P.S. I think I’ve found my new favorite jeans!! #LTKbaby
Fall themed matching family outfits for pictures.
Who is ready for Ramadan? Our Ramadan area is complete and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out! I’ve decided to share it here in case there’s anything you want to purchase too before the month starts! (You still have time!) As you know, my daughters and I really enjoy decorating our home and playroom according to different themes and this time my son had some extra smart inputs too. (He figured out how to connect the lighting to our Alexa!) I did a whole blog post on everything we have included here for your convenience. I hope you have the most wonderful blessed month ahead filled with good health, the love of family and that your prayers are answered. Which part is your favorite? I can’t choose! The advent calendar is super cute but I adore those gorgeous lanterns that light up too!! Happy Ramadan!! Here is a link to the blog post: https://www.funwithmama.com/ramadan-decorations-ideas/ #ramadandecorations #ramadan #ramadan2021 http://liketk.it/3crv7 #liketkit @liketoknow.it
Boy or girl, what could it be? Add your guess below before we do our fun #genderreveal Currently, I have: 1 boy and 2 girls. 👦🏻👧🏻👧🏻 Cravings: Syrup lemon, sour things, burgers, spinach, broccoli. Symptoms: Acid Reflux, constant nausea that has lightened but is still there. I have a lot of food aversions. I still have super smell and cannot stand the scent of garlic or onions being cooked. Are you Team Boy 👦🏻? Or are you Team girl? 👧🏻 http://liketk.it/30axH #liketkit @liketoknow.it
“In the end, kids won’t remember that fancy toy or game you bought for them, they will remember the time you spent with them.” - Kevin Heath. What are the top 3 things you look for when booking an island travel destination? Here are three things we always look for: 1. Family friendly- It must be enjoyable for our kids and be warm to kids being around. 2. Includes opportunities for a sense of adventure and yet also calm enough for relaxation. 3. Good food! What about you? What are your island travel priorities? Outfits from @cabanalife http://liketk.it/2HYn9 #liketkit @liketoknow.it
You get two kinds of people, those who are more comfortable in heels... and those who are more comfortable in flats... which one are you? http://liketk.it/2Bmy6 #liketkit @liketoknow.it #givenchyantigona #pigalle #christianlouboutin #asos #hermes
Note to moms, try something different with your outfit choices. Especially when you go on for a girls lunch. After becoming a mom I seem to have naturally gravitated towards a darker hued palette of clothing (as you may have noticed on my Instagram feed.) But this weekend I went to a friends birthday lunch without any kiddos so I chose to wear a white dress that was comfortable and yet stylish. No worrying about messy hands diving in for a hug and kiss around my white clothing (something that I would never want to shun my kids from.) I had, surprisingly, A LOT of questions about this dress I wore and posted to my Instagram Stories. I have linked to each of the products, all you need to do is like this post. Also, this white dress is currently on sale!!! http://liketk.it/2x78D #liketkit @liketoknow.it