This is a more personal post about some honest thoughts and mom guilt I've struggled with lately. I hope this helps anyone in a similar phase of life feel like they are not alone. It is past midnight and I can't sleep. I went to bed two hours ago, but as soon as my head hit the pillow our toddler woke up. This has been a common occurence lately. Last summer I got through the newborn phase by ... Read more
My Thoughts on My Breastfeeding Experience
It's National Breastfeeding Week, and I wanted to give an update breastfeeding and my final thoughts on my experience. I wanted to revisit this because I recently talked with someone who was having some initial breastfeeding struggles and she wanted to hear about what has worked for me. After our talk she told me my story has given her hope that she can continue breastfeeding. I'll insert the ... Read more
Parenting Assumptions vs. the Reality of Motherhood
I was unsure if I would ever have kids. I always wanted to adopt but had no idea if I would be able to do it. I did, however, have opinions on things I would or wouldn't do as a parent. The past few years have taught me I was wrong on many of those assumptions. I'm sharing the things I said I would never do as a mom vs. what the reality has been. I said I would never cosleep. I never ... Read more
Amazon Favorites for Baby
** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! I recently shared my lifestyle favorites but I left off baby/toddler products that have made life easier and more fun for us lately. These are items I've ordered from Amazon and they've all worked out well for us. Also, Prime shipping has ... Read more
Surviving First Trip Away From Baby/Kids
Last week I traveled to D.C. by myself to be a bridesmaid in my friend's wedding. Because it was an adults-only wedding and Graham had to work, we decided it would be best to leave our girls at home with their dad and have my mom fly out to visit, which she already wanted to do that week. The timing of the wedding happened to coincide with V's birthday and Mother's Day. On top of the emotions that ... Read more
Why We Love Our Primo® Water Dispenser
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ParentingWithPrimoH2O #CollectiveBias We've been loving updating our fixer-upper since we bought it last summer and it's slowly coming together. Besides painting and decorating each room, there was one project I especially wanted to tackle since moving in: Getting a water dispenser. Why? ... Read more
Adelina’s 12-Month Update
My baby turns 1 today. I've been an emotional wreck lately ever since it hit me that Addi's birthday was approaching. This past year has been life-changing for all of us, in the best way. We all adore Adelina and she has been the perfect addition to our family. It's been four months since I shared a baby update, so here's what this little miss has been up to lately. This will likely be the last ... Read more
Adelina’s Doughnut First Birthday Party
** This post contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Floradise! My baby is almost one. This past year has been the quickest of my life and it was important for me to mark the milestone with a party even though she won't remember it. Adelina's first birthday is later this week, but we celebrated ... Read more
Affordable Spring Fashion Finds for the Family
** This post is sponsored by Walmart.com but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. If we start dressing like it's spring, will Chicago temperatures get the memo? I am daydreaming about going on vacation to somewhere warm and tropical, like Florida or Hawaii, but I'll settle for more sunshine and less rain. I recently picked up a few spring items for my daughters and myself. We ... Read more
Planning a Doughnut Birthday Party
** This post is sponsored by Basic Invite. All images and opinions are my own. A couple of months ago it hit me that Addi will be 1 soon. The realization was emotional, let me tell you. After I wiped away the tears, I had the motivation I needed to begin planning! I am excited to be partnering with Basic Invite to show you the theme I chose for her first birthday party: doughtnuts! I'm also ... Read more