baby Archives - Page 15 of 33 - Feathers in Our Nest

The Backpack Solution: Why I Don’t Carry a Diaper Bag Any More

October 13, 2014 by Aliesha

When we go out as a family (with our three kids four and under), I need to take these things with me:
-three sippy cups
-three changes of clothes (one child is recently potty trained, plus we usually drive 45 minutes away from home to go anywhere)
-diapers for one child (yay! only one in diapers!)
-wipes
-small wet bag for holding cloth diapers

If we’re going to church, I also need:
-two Bibles
-two notepads and crayons
-three snacks

For life group, when we’ll be out waaaaay past bedtime, I also take:
-three pairs of pajamas

Occasionally I also have to add:
-bibs
-a teether
-other food items

Can you imagine how big my diaper bag would have to be to carry all this stuff??

We’ve found a solution that works for our family!

Each of our kids has their own backpack, and as soon as they are able to, they carry it themselves! The girls each carry their own backpacks, but Jude doesn’t yet.

It’s great that when we drop anyone off for childcare, their bag is with them, has everything they need in it, AND is labeled with their name!

Also, you can just throw these in the washer/dryer when they get dirty!

Now I don’t have to lug around all their stuff, AND they are learning responsibility for their belongings!

(My sweet friend Andrea gave Vera and Jude their backpacks for their first birthdays. We got CC’s for her at that age too! You can find personalized backpacks like these by searching for “Stephen Joseph Backpacks” on Etsy.)

Share the love and

Get the Look for Less with Moxie Jean

September 11, 2014 by Aliesha

I love shopping for clothing for my kids, but I have two main limitations right now: 1) finances (I can’t spend tons of money on clothes for all three kids) and 2) time (it’s hard to find time to shop for clothes with or without all the kids in tow)!

I’m sure many of you experience these same limitations too!

That’s why I am glad I discovered Moxie Jean. It combines the convenience of online shopping with the prices of consignment stores to allow you to buy exactly the clothing you want for your kids!

All of the clothing from Moxie Jean is gently used (unless stated otherwise), but the condition is SUPERB. You’ll never see any stains, tears, or holes – EVER.

I love the turquoise jeans I found for Cordelia (Baby Gap) and the sweet little shirt (The Children’s Place). This is a perfect fall outfit, and she can wear both pieces separately too!

For Vera I found a sweet little corduroy dress (Cherokee) in lovely fall colors, as well as brown leggings (unknown brand). The dress really looks brand new!

Of course I had to snag some new digs for Mister Jude as well! I ordered his clothes a bit on the large side since he’s growing like a weed! The navy blue cords (Sonoma) look great with the plaid dress shirt (Baby Gap).

Vera was so excited when the box arrived! Here is a video of her unpacking it:

We had a fashion show and everyone was so happy with their new fall looks! (Everything pictured below was purchased for $35!)

If you are looking for a good place to shop for used children’s clothing conveniently from home, definitely check out Moxie Jean!

Oh, and one more thing I need to mention: You can sell your outgrown children’s clothing (excellent condition & nice brands) to Moxie Jean. Just request a free mailer with your order so you can ship items to them to sell! (They’ll buy approved items outright.)

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Moxie Jean. The opinions and text are all mine.

Things to Say to a Pregnant Woman

July 28, 2014 by Aliesha

During my three pregnancies (no, I’m not currently pregnant), I received lots of comments from friends, family members, and total strangers regarding my baby-to-be and my growing bump. Most of the things people said were kind and almost entirely well-meaning, but there were of course some unappreciated comments as well.

Honestly, it’s probably because people don’t know what the right things to say are! I’m compiling this helpful list of …

Things to Say to a Pregnant Woman (with a few things NOT to say, too!)

First Trimester
-“Congratulations!”
-“You look great! You’re glowing! Your hair looks awesome!” Basically, anything other than, “I can tell you’ve been throwing up all day and living in sweatpants.”
-“How are you feeling?” (Only if you want to know. The pregnancy symptoms kick in early, y’all!)
-First-time mom: “Aww! I can see a little tiny baby bump!” (Lies. But it makes her feel good.)
-Second/third/fourth/etc.-time mom: “What bump? You don’t even look pregnant!” Just don’t talk about the bump this trimester. And definitely never say to any mom, “You don’t look pregnant, just a little bloated!” Gee, thanks. #mommytummy
-“Can I bring you a meal?” Always a good thing to say. If she’s too sick to eat it, her husband/kids will.
–Resist the urge to ask: “Were you trying? Was this planned?” Because it really doesn’t matter, does it?

Second Trimester
-“How are you feeling?”
-“Can I bring you a meal?”
-“Will you be finding out the gender or waiting until the birth?”
–Resist the urge to ask: “Are you hoping for a boy or a girl?” Yes. One of those two, definitely.

Third Trimester
-“How are you feeling?” (Only if you have an hour to listen. Third trimester is no joke.)
-“Can I bring you a meal?” Yes, now. And also when the baby comes.
-“You make pregnant look good!”
-First-time mom: “Are you having fun getting the nursery ready?”
-Second/third/fourth/etc.-time mom: “Can I watch your kid(s) for you so you can rest or get a few things done?
–Resist the urge to say: “Wow! You’re really big!” “Are you sure you’re gaining enough weight?” “Haven’t you had that baby yet?” “I didn’t think you could get any bigger, but here you are!” “Why are you still here?” ETC.

Like I said, most people are well-intentioned, but they just don’t know the right things to say and not say!

What things would you add to this list?