Leaf and Steel

motherhood - growth - living

How to Survive Your Toddler’s Blood Test

How do you survive your toddler’s blood test and make sure they have the best experience possible?

What could be more fun than taking a toddler for their annual blood test? I can think of at least 7 million things I would rather do. Today we’re getting into why toddlers need blood tests and how to make the experience as emotionally and physically painless as possible.

This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

If you are taking your baby for their first blood draw, head over to my previous post How to Survive Your One-Year-Old’s First Blood Test.
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Easy Oatmeal Round with Sliced Fruit and Whip Cream Drizzle

Baby M and I needed a quick, yet decadent breakfast to celebrate the end of the heat wave this summer. We tried this delicious oatmeal cake with sliced fruit and whipped cream drizzle and were not disappointed!

The Base:

2 cups oatmeal

1.5-2 ripe or slightly-browning bananas

2 tsp vanilla

Whipped Cream Drizzle:

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon sugar

The Toppings:

Maple syrup

Blueberries

Sliced strawberries

1. Preheat the oven to 300

2. Mash oatmeal and bananas in a bowl

3. Add in vanilla

4. Place a slip of parchment paper onto a baking sheet

5. Pour the mixture onto the parchment paper and form into a patty

6. Bake at 300 for 15 minutes

7. Whisk together heavy cream and sugar

8. Slice fruit

9. Once the oatmeal base has cooled, assemble your slice however you’d like!

What’s your go-to breakfast?

Let me know below!

O.

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Breastfeeding Essentials

You might have heard that all you need to breastfeed is well…breasts. And that’s true!

However, there are a lot of things that can make breastfeeding more comfortable and convenient.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission, at no cost to you.

I was able to breastfeed my baby for 13 months and I couldn’t be more proud of myself!

It required a great deal of luck, stamina, and determination. There were so many days where I wanted to quit.

You’ll see below that there are pumps on this list. Prior to having my daughter, I was given a Spectra pump and Haakaa. I never thought I would use them – but once I needed them, I was so grateful that I had them on hand.

I eventually started pumping during naptime and freezing the milk to build a freezer stash. It is NOT necessary to have one, but it made me more comfortable to have one.

My husband was able to give our baby a bottle of milk so that I could have a break. It sounds counterintuitive, but if I didn’t pump that one bottle every day and get that break, I probably would’ve quit breastfeeding. It gave me a small dose of freedom and time so that I could fill my own cup.

So, keep reading to see what’s on my list of breastfeeding essentials.

A High Quality Lip Balm

An Insulated Water Bottle

Power/Protein Bars

Nursing Tanks

Nursing Bras

A Boppy

A Stylish Boppy Cover

Muslin Cloths

Disposable Nursing Pads

Reusable Nursing Pads

Nipple Butter

Breast Ice Packs

The Haakaa

A Spectra Pump

Spectra Pump Parts (make sure to measure before purchasing)

Breastmilk Storage Bags

The last thing I’ll add is this book on nursing. Friends and the internet were my main sources of help when it came to breastfeeding, but The Nursing Mother’s Companion had a lot of great tips in book form!

Be sure to check out my post on my experience with breastfeeding here!

Did you use any of these while breastfeeding?

Is there anything you would add to this list?

Let me know below!

O.

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The Runaway Bunny Inspired Nursery

Mark my words: my next nursery will be The Runaway Bunny themed.

It’s my favorite children’s book and it’s iconic imagery is absolutely inspiring. I collected items for my dream nursery below – now all I need is the baby 🙂

To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of heavily themed nurseries (or themed weddings, parties, etc). I love simple motifs and little details. That’s why this inspo board isn’t loaded with bunnies; it’s a subtle interpretation.

I wanted to include different textures and colors inspired by the book. It’s a little bit whimsical, a little bit grandmillenial. It would be perfect for a little boy or a little girl!

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission, at no cost to you.

Did you do a theme for your child’s nursery?

Have you read The Runaway Bunny?

Let me know below!

O.

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How to Keep Your Toddler Cool in the Summer

Summer is here and things are starting to heat up! I’ve amassed some easy ways to keep your baby or toddler cool in the summer.

Here on Long Island, the temperatures can easily reach the high 90’s in June. On top of the stifling humidity, it can get pretty dang hot!

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Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission, at no cost to you.

I’m always careful to make sure my toddler doesn’t get too hot. Some days, you just need to stay inside to protect yourself. However, we do try to get out as much as possible. There’s nothing quite like fresh air and sunshine!

Stay Inside During Peak Hours

Some days, it’s much to hot to stay out from 10-3pm, so we usually save our outdoor activities or errands ’til the end of the day.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

This is basic first aid that should be in your repertoire. Make sure to know the signs!

Water, Water, and More Water

Always keep your baby and toddler hydrated! Whether that’s with water or breastmilk or both. We also love the Pedialyte hydrating ice pops on days when it’s super hot.

Try an Ice Cream Maker or Make Your Own Ice Pops

This nostalgic ice cream maker is sure to keep your little ones entertained and cool. I still remember using one in my childhood.

These ice pop makers are perfect for frozen treats.

Did you know you can also make breast milk popsicles?

This one is another quick ice cream maker.

Use a Stroller Fan

A stroller fan is a registry must-have. It’s small enough to throw at the bottom of the stroller when you don’t need it.

This one is super cute! It is re-chargable via a USB port.

Invest in a car seat cooler.

Who ever invented these is a genius! Simply freeze it and place it in the car seat or stroller for a few minutes before letting your little one sit. If it’s really hot I give my little one frozen teethers to hold onto while the car cools down.

Get the Sprinkler Out

Running through the sprinkler is a childhood classic. It seems only kids can tolerate the freezing cold hose water. My toddler also loves playing in her kiddie pool for as long as I’ll let her!

Always Carry Ice Packs

You can use old teething rings, your own coolers ice packs, or these fun ones for kids.

They are great to use in transition from activity to activity, or just as an extra way to keep cool!

Are you looking forward to summer? What do you to do help your kids beat the heat?

How do you keep cool?

Let me know below!

O.

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Toddler Backyard Essentials for Summer 2022

Baby M (should I be calling her toddler M now?) is obsessed with ‘side. She wakes up talking about ‘side. She goes to bed talking about ‘side. She doesn’t care if it’s raining or 95 degrees out, she only wants ‘side.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may make a small commission off of products that are purchased through these links, at no cost to you. You can read more about this process here.

She means outside, of course. We are so blessed to have a large, fenced in yard perfect for her to safely explore. Between her love of the outdoors and the new puppy, we are getting a lot of use out of our yard.

How Much Does it Cost to Raise a Puppy? (In the First Month)

Our collection of outside toys started with a simple baby swing and has grown to a full kid-sized compound. It’s starting to look like a Little Tikes catalog back here.

Since we are outside constantly, I thought I’d share the items that we are using!

Let’s start with the house. Baby M is always asking for “house”, which means her house of course. No parents allowed (not by choice, we literally can’t fit in the house). It took my husband almost an hour to set up, but it was well worth it. Baby M moved a bunch of her toys in there and loves opening and closing the windows and doors. The best part – no taxes and we paid off her mortgage for her!

Little Tikes Cape Cottage Playhouse for Kids – Outdoor Playset and Indoor Playground for Toddlers with 2 Working Doors (Amazon, $129.00)

Gift Guide for the Tired Mama in Your Life

Next, let’s talk about “sly” aka The Slide. This one is a little tall for Baby M, so she isn’t keen on going down completely independently yet (she’s 19 months as I write this). She does, however, enjoy pushing her stuffed animals down and trying to walk up it, which is a wonderful gross motor exercise. It folds up for easy storage!

Little Tikes First Slide Toddler Slide, Easy Set Up Playset for Indoor Outdoor Backyard, Easy to Store, Safe Toy for Toddler, Slip And Slide For Kids (Amazon, $29.99)

I know what you’re thinking – a brand new swimming pool? In this economy? You heard right folks; my kid has her very own pool.  The water might run a tad cold if her butler (me) forgets to put it out in the sun to heat up in the morning, but it’s usually pretty refreshing.

The best part is it doubles as a dog swimming pool.

We got ours at Target last year – I can’t find it online anymore, but here’s a beautiful, classy second option!

FUNBOY Giant Inflatable Luxury Italian Tile Kiddie Pool, Year-Round Fun for Ball Pits, Swimming Pools, a Summer Pool Party and the Beach (Amazon, $54.40)

To complete the aquatic theme we have a splash pad, which also features your signature ice-cold water that only children can tolerate. This one has little sea creatures that float around and your spigot can control the height of the fountains.

Winique Splash Pad, Sprinkler for Kids, Wading Pool for Toddlers, 68″ Inflatable Outdoor Summer Toys for Babies (Amazon, $16.00)

Not to brag, but my not-even-two-year-old has a horse. A real life, plastic rocking horse. This one is from Little Tikes and is a classic summer yard staple. We make sure to feed it grass every morning.

Little Tikes Rocking Horse Magenta (Amazon, $29.92)

To add to the zoo we have a few cows that came with this amazing water table. This one is so cute since we love all things farm over here! Our only complaint is the dog won’t stop drinking out of it.

Theo Klein 3948 John Deere Farm Sand Play Table, Water Play Table I with Farm Animals and Vehicles I Water and Sand Basins I (Amazon, $120.21)

How does Baby M manage all her land and animals? With her tractor, of course! She got this one for her birthday and it’s been a wonderful addition to her outside set up.

John Deere Ride On Toys Sit ‘N Scoot Activity Tractor for Kids Aged 18 Months to 3 Years, Green (Amazon, $39.94)

Here we have the swing that started it all! We have the blue.

Little Tikes 2-in-1 Snug ‘n Secure Swing (Amazon, $26.99)

I wanted to include some of our other outdoor summer necessities below!

Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent Pump Spray, DEET-free Mosquito Repellent, 4oz (Amazon, $4.68)

RuffleButts® Baby/Toddler Girls Baby/Toddler Sun Hat with UPF 50+ Sun Protection and Floppy Wide Brim (Amazon, $19.99)

Badger SPF 40 Baby Sunscreen Cream – Reef-Friendly Broad-Spectrum Water-Resistant Baby Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide – Chamomile and Calendula, 2.9 oz (Amazon, $13.76)

Pampers Splashers Swim Diapers Disposable Swim Pants, 11 Count (Amazon, $11.99)

Big Bubble Bottle 12 Pack – 4oz Blow Bubbles Solution Novelty Summer Toy – Activity Party Favor Assorted Colors Set (Amazon, $14.99)

We have this lawn mower, but it looks like it’s sold out everywhere – here is another option that makes bubbles!

Sunny Days Entertainment Bubble-N-Go Deluxe Toy Bubble Lawn Mower with 4 oz Bubble Solution | No Batteries Required | Amazon Exclusive – Maxx Bubbles – (Amazon, $23.99)

Little Tikes Easy Store Picnic Table with Umbrella, Multi Color (Amazon, $89.99)

Lastly, I always stick our JBL Flip 5 portable speaker in our summer basket. It’s small and lightweight but powerful! It just hooks up to bluetooth on my phone.

JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Bundle with divvi! Protective Hardshell Case – Blue (Amazon, $129.95)

So, those are our favorite summer outdoor items for 2022!

What are your backyard summer essentials for your child?

Do you have any of these things?

Let me know below!

O.

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30 Day Motherhood Blogging Challenge

Today I’m sharing 30 writing prompts for mom blogs! If you’re feeling stuck and in need of inspiration when you sit down to write, make sure you check out the ideas below!

Willpower and Motivation

Have you ever heard the idea that “willpower is a finite resource”? If you haven’t, then listen up. 

You will run out of willpower. 

You will not feel motivated every day. 

You will procrastinate because it feels good in the moment.

If you’ve ever tried to do anything consistently (work out, get up early, WRITE), then you know what I’m talking about.

See this quote from Verywell:

Willpower is a limited resource.The idea behind this theory is that willpower is like a muscle in that it can be both strengthened and fatigued. For example, if you exhaust yourself doing sprints, you will be less able to perform other physical tasks.

Kendra Cherry, Verywell, “What is Ego Depletion?”

Habits

So, it’s not just you.

It can be frustrating to have a goal but be unable to reach it due to a lack of willpower or energy.

The good news is there’s a way to hack it.

The answer lies in habits.

Creating small, daily habits will improve your blog. There’s no doubt that writing every day will add more content to your site. Creating a number of Pins for Pinterest or connecting with a few other bloggers on Instagram will bring in more traffic.

There’s no better way to build up your blog than to practice consistency.

In 2021, I found myself in a place with lots of time to blog and not a lot of direction. In the beginning of the year I was sporadically posting and I didn’t feel like I was getting anything out of it.

How I Get Over Writer’s Block

I created some new habits.

I started getting up early so that I could write, uninterrupted.

I learned how to shut out distractions and how to do writing sprints.

I stopped waiting for inspiration to hit.

I stopped waiting for the motivation to come.

I leaned into my habits and the results that I got were invaluable. Not only did I add dozens of articles to my site, but I got into a writing rhythm. Writing every single day made me a better writer.

I got better at transferring my thoughts and formatting my articles.

Having those habits made me more efficient and creative.

Now, writing and working on my blog is as natural as making my bed or feeding the cat.

Here’s my favorite way to build new habits. The Harvard Business Review refers to it as “Piggybacking on a daily task”.

The benefit of micro habits is that you should be able to perform it with minimal effort every day. It’s important to execute on a new ritual daily so it becomes second nature, and if it’s small enough, you won’t be as tempted to defer your task from one day to the next. However, no matter the size of the task, it’s easy to get distracted, make excuses, or forget. Perform your new action at the same time as (or right before) an action you do without thinking. Need to read a paragraph each night? You can do that while brushing your teeth. Meditating for 30 seconds each day? Check that off your list while waiting for your coffee to brew.

Sabrina Nawaz, Harvard Business Review, “To Achieve Big Goals, Start with Small Habits”

Blogging Challenges

A blogging challenge is an excellent way to create a writing rhythm.

In my experience, writing every day is what works best for me. Whether it’s an hour or just ten minutes, writing everyday enforces that habit.

Blogtober was my first writing challenge. To this day, October 2021 serves as my statistical inspiration for blogging. I added 31 new posts and I saw my traffic almost double. I loved having a challenge to keep me consistent, with a finish line in sight.

5 Blogging Lessons I Learned in 2021

You can choose an online blogging challenge or create your own! I love using prompts when I’m feeling “stuck” or uninspired.

I compiled 30 writing prompts for motherhood/early childhood blogs. If writing a whole post every day is too much right now, try keeping the posts short or spread them out over two months.

Another way to do this challenge is to set a word count objective and to tailor each post to meet that goal.

You can move these around or alter them to fit your blog’s niche.

These prompts are also excellent for Instagram pages, if you aren’t a fan of long form content.

30 Day Motherhood Blogging Challenge

  1. About Me
  2. What’s in My Diaper Bag
  3. My Thoughts on…(sleep training/cloth diapering/BLW, etc)
  4. 10 Things I Can’t Live Without
  5. Favorite Outdoor Family Activities
  6. Summer Bucket List
  7. 10 Things About Me
  8. How I Practice Self Care as a New Mom
  9. My Baby’s Birth Story
  10. The Best Baby Books
  11. My Baby’s Favorite Toys
  12. Baby Clothes We Can’t Live Without
  13. How to Stay Energized as a New Mom
  14. My Postpartum Experience
  15. How My Relationships Changed After Kids
  16. A Letter to My Baby
  17. My Thoughts on Screen Time
  18. Overrated Baby Advice
  19. How to Road Trip with a Baby
  20. What I Wish I Knew Before Having Kids
  21. What’s in My Labor & Delivery Bag
  22. How to Keep Your Marriage Strong After Kids
  23. Day in the Life of a SAHM or Working Mom
  24. 10 Baby Items You Didn’t End Up Using
  25. My Top Parenting Hacks
  26. 5 Facts About Me
  27. How to Find the Time to Blog
  28. DIY Baby Toys
  29. Apps that Help Me Parent
  30. Favorite Baby/Toddler Meals

Have you ever done a blogging challenge? Have you written about any of the topics on this list?

Let me know below!

O.

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Gift Guide for the Tired Mama in Your Life

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! I’ve gathered some of the most sought-after and special gifts to celebrate. These would also make excellent baby shower gifts, as well as amazing sip-and-see gifts! Hey, they’d even be easy new-mom presents.

If you’re a mom or have spent more than four minutes around a mom then you know that we are perpetually tired. Always. It does not matter if the baby slept through the night or not. it doesn’t matter how much sleep we get. There’s just something about mothering that is infallibly exhausting.

I didn’t realize what a currency sleep was until I had a child. There’s an endless list of things I would trade for a solid 8 hours of sleep. Sleep is everything.

These days, my little one is usually sleeping through the night. But, I still have to deal with my own revenge bedtime procrastination, the mental load, and my own hobbies and needs.

Some of the links in the post are affiliate links, which means I may make a small commission, at no cost to you.

I’ve gathered a few of the best Mother’s Day gifts for the tired mom in your life!

10 Quotes about Motherhood

Ice Roller Face Massager

This one is my personal favorite. It felt so good on my face after being up all night with my baby. It’s never too cold and the large size makes it quick and easy to glide across the entire face as often as you need. – $17.99 from Walmart

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ultra Lite Long Robe

Ah yes, the obligatory Mother’s Day robe suggestion. There’s a reason you’ll always see robes on Mother’s Day gift guides: they’re practical, they’re comfortable, and they always fit.

This one from Barefoot Dreams is incredibly soft, lightweight, and machine washable. – $148 from Nordstrom

Vegan 24K Gold Eye Patches

A great way to restore tired eyes! These patches improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Store them in the fridge for extra relief. They can be used before bed or in the morning. Pair with the ice roller above for a refreshed and relaxed face. – $29.38 on Walmart

Stanley 24 oz Insulated Mug (in the color Blush)

This Stanley insulated mug has a cult following for a reason! “The double-wall insulation keeps your favorite beverage cold for up to 12 hours or iced for up to 40 hours. Unlike normal mugs, this is manufactured using 18/8 stainless steel, meaning it can take a beating.” The bottle is BPA free and has a wide mouth. – $19.82 from Walmart

CozyChic Throw Blanket from Barefoot Dreams

This ultra soft Barefoot Dreams blanket is nothing but dreamy. It’ll be easy for the tired mama in your life to sleep when the baby sleeps with this darling blanket. We share everything with our kids – a luxurious, mama-only blanket is a special treat for a tired mom. 54″x72″ and machine washable. – $147 from Nordstrom

Aromascape Asleep (Lavender & Eucalyptus) 3 Wick Scented Candle

A wonderful way to relax on Mother’s Day is with calming scents and warm light. This 3 wick lavender and eucalyptus candle is sure to help everyone wind down at the end of a long day. Pair with the pajamas below for the start of a relaxing bedtime routine. – $11.99 from Walmart

Essenza Mini Pure White Bundle from Nespresso

The most compact and affordable luxury espresso maker yet! This small Nespresso machine fits onto any counter and is sure to delight any coffee lover. Pair with a mom themed mug and premium coffee! – $219 from Nespresso

SKIMS Rib Pajamas (shown in Heather Gray)

Every mom needs a set of remarkably comfortable pajamas. SKIMS pajamas are high-rise with the perfect amount of stretch. I love the button down front and simple silhouette. They have so many fun colors to chose from! – $118 from Nordstrom

HATCH Rest Mini Sound Machine

Now, hear me out: I know sound machines are usually for the baby – but did you know they can help adults too? This Mother’s Day, let mom sleep in without the chaos on the other side of her bedroom door sounding through…It comes with eight different sounds: white noise, heartbeat, water, dryer, ocean, wind, rain, and birds. Control it all from your iPhone or Android. You can control the timer, dimer, sounds, volume, etc. – $40 from Saks Fifth Avenue

Are you celebrated on Mother’s Day?

Are you a tired mom who would love to receive something on this list?

Let me know below!

O.

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Doll Accessories with Madame Alexander

We love our stroller from Madame Alexander!

Madame Alexander was so kind to gift us Lily, Baby M’s first and favorite baby doll!

Now, we have the perfect matching stroller.

If you’d like to read more about dolls and play, check out my post “Why Your Child Needs a Doll with Madame Alexander“.

Click here to see more accessories from Madame Alexander!

#gifted

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How to Take Care of Your Baby When You’re Sick

I got sick recently. Like, really sick. I had no idea how I was going to take care of my baby when I didn’t feel well!

I felt very overwhelmed by the idea of being home alone with my baby while my husband was at work.

My husband got sick the day after Christmas.

Then my daughter got sick the next week (hello first ear infection).

I smugly thought I would escape the germs, with “good immune system” and Emergen-C.

I was wrong.

On a Friday morning I felt a little lazy and tired.

By Friday night I was sneezing and snotting and aching and feverish.

We all repeatedly tested negative for Covid, flu and strep.

It was so frustrating to get what I’m calling an “old fashioned” sickness. I think one of the hardest parts was not being so sick for so long!

My husband was so helpful that weekend. He took care of all the cooking and cleaning and child care for our 14-month-old.

How to Survive Your 1-Year-Old’s First Blood Test

I was dreading him going back to work and having to take care of my daughter alone.

It felt like she needed so much and I was feeling so beyond sick.

Since my approach of chugging hot tea and loading up on Dayquil wasn’t exactly working, I knew I needed a plan for the week.

I wrote down a few of the things I was doing in my notes so that I could share it here once I was feeling better!

Make a List of the Things You HAVE to Do

Make a list of the things you have to do and then go through it with a red pen and par it down again. There really are so few things that are urgent and important. For me, that list looked like

  • Brushing my teeth
  • Feeding the cat
  • Feeding/changing/bathing my child
  • Eating
  • Showering

That’s it. I didn’t really need to do anything else, although it was easy to feel like I should have been doing more.

Automate Groceries

Using a service like Instacart is a great way to limit your contact with the outside world and shop from the comfort of your bed, if you can afford the extra fee! Another easy option is curbside pickup, which most retailers now offer. I ordered lots of prepared food when I was sick, so I wouldn’t have to cook. I also wouldn’t want a sick person cooking my food, even if it was my spouse.

Takeout is another easy option to limit stress so you can focus on getting better!

Sleep When the Baby Sleeps

If you’re like me, you haven’t done this in awhile. Aside from the occasional power nap, I no longer sleep when my baby is sleeping. I treasure nap time – it’s my glorified lunch break during the day where I get to work or read or do whatever I want.Well, when I was sick I passed out every moment I could. I napped every time she napped and sometimes I even napped again when my husband came home from work.

Prep Your Child’s Meals

I did this one every night when I had a little burst of energy and my husband was with the baby. I took some Post-Its and wrote down each of her snack and meal slots and decided what she was going to eat beforehand. Props to you if you’re already a person who does this!

It alleviated a lot of stress I was having about the next day.

Keep Entertainment Simple

Your kid doesn’t need to be constantly entertained by you, sick or not. Let them be bored! When I was sick, there was no park or library or adventures into the real world, and that’s okay! I wasn’t the mom I usually am or want to be when I was sick because I needed to focus on getting better. We all survived!

I spent most of the day curled up in a blanket, pillow on the nursery floor, keeping one eye peeled to make sure my daughter didn’t hurt herself. 

Ask for Help

This one should go without saying, but delegate what you can. When friends offer to drop off soup or do your shopping, let them. I know I couldn’t have anyone physically come and help because I was probably contagious, but if I could have I would have let someone in to watch my daughter for a few hours.

Go to the Doctor if You Need to

My old fashioned sickness lasted a full week, which felt like forever. I had forgotten how when you’re sick it seems like you’ll feel that way forever. I’m still sniffling ten days later and I am kicking myself for not going to the doctor and getting on antibiotics. Next time, I won’t let pride get in the way of getting better!

I think as moms we can put ourselves on the back burner and think that we don’t need or deserve help.

So, those were the things I did to successfully take care of my baby and myself while I was sick.

What do you do when you’re sick and still have to take care of your responsibilities? Do you do anything on this list?Let me know below!
O.

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