V started kindergarten yesterday, which is mind-blowing. It's been a busy couple of weeks of shopping, attending classes, visiting her new school and meeting her teacher. We have tried to pump her up for the start of school and she seemed excited to go to a new school and make new friends. Yesterday morning we walked her to the school bus stop, because she wanted to ride with her friends in the ... 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
How I Juggle My Full-Time Job, Parenthood and Blogging
I've heard that being a mom is equal to 2.5 jobs. I am also a work-from home mom and a blogger. That means I have several jobs, apparently. The key to being successful at each is to first know that perfect balance in all areas of life is impossible. You can't be perfect at everything. With this in mind, I juggle my full-time research editor job, parenting and blogging with the following tips: ... 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
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
Day in the Life of a Work-From-Home Mom
It's been about two years since I've shared a typical day in the life and since then things have changed drastically. If you're new here, I work from home and my 11-month-old stays home with me. Some days I have my preschooler at home, too. We have a routine down now that makes juggling work and mom life much easier. I also play the role of household manager, which can make things overwhelming ... Read more
Recent Baby Favorites
** 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 some of my favorite products of the moment, and that reminded me of the other, baby-specific items that how worked out well for us so far. I've already shared toddler favorites in the past, so this focuses more on buys ... Read more
Practicing Minimalism as a Parent
Minimalism is different for everyone. My practice of minimalism is not going be the same as anyone else's. To me, minimalism means finding the right amount of stuff for me, an amount that doesn't feel overwhelming. It doesn't have to mean having a certain number of items. It's having what you need and what you enjoy but not an excessive amount -- not having more than you need and use. I aim for ... Read more