Remember when I shared 2020 goals? March goals? I was so full of optimism, as I'm sure so many of us were, and then, well, you know. This past two and a half weeks of quarantine, as we all seem to be calling it, has been surreal. I've lost count of how many times I've asked myself whether this is real life. Is this actually happening? Right now the focus is figuring out this new normal. I've ... Read more
Favorite Children’s Books
**This post about our favorite children's books contains affiliate links. I am compensated for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. My girls are both at such fun ages when they love to listen to (and try to read) colorful and inspiring children's books. If you are a parent or you spend a lot of time with young children, you might agree that not all children's books ... Read more
Mom Guilt and Lack of Sleep
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
How We Prepared Our 5-Year-Old for Kindergarten
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