#emeryodessamonthly
emery
Emery | 2 Months
I had a moment the other day where I was like "wait, Emery is 2 months old...." and then I cried really hard for about 20 minutes because she's already growing so fast and I want to freeze time right.this.second. That's natural, right?
She did so much better with pictures this time around (see 1 month, here) and I'm honestly shocked because she's quite the sickie currently! Those little red eyes are breaking my heart! We went to the doctor on Monday for her 2 months shots (we both cried through that- ugh!) and we got some advice on her cold then too. We're living on the Nose Frida and she's been sleeping with us for a couple nights so she's inclined. Hoping she's slowly on the mend but I just wish I could make her feel better!
She's weighing 10lbs 15oz (54%) and is measuring 22inches (32%) so she looks amazing according to our doctor. She does have a hernia in her belly button so they said it's something that can fix itself over time and if not, she will have surgery when she's 5 to get it fixed. She's exclusively on formula now because my supply dried up fully (sad day) but she does amazing on bottles alone- we're currently using comotomo but I don't love them... I'm searching for other options but I've tried 5 brands now so I think comotomo is the best option for us.
LOVES //
cuddling
riding in the car
giggling and smiling
sitting up like a big girl
tummy time
baths- seriously her favorite!
staring at fans and lights
being outside
giving open mouth kisses
HATES //
swaddling- we're transitioning out of them right now
being overtired or hungry
when you take her bottle out of her mouth- she screams like crazy!
sitting still because she loves being rocked
and..... headbands- I will get her to like these! ;)
Overall, we are just loving the stage she's in right now because she recognizes us and smiles all the time. She's been so fun to watch grow and see her little personality come out. Andrew now has a serious bond with his little lady and it melts my heart. We are so blessed! Happy 2 months, angel baby!
family
Family Pictures
It's that time of year where everyone is getting their family pictures taken for their Christmas cards and it's something I look so forward to because my husband expects it! He isn't one to love doing pictures so it's a guarantee he can't fight me on it when the excuse is to update everyone in our lives who means a lot to us.
That being said, I was so elated to collaborate with Ellie Coburn on ours this year because she literally is.a.dream! Ellie drove from Calif to work with us on a Sunday afternoon and she made such an effort to come over prior to us doing pictures to meet the kiddos and pup to get them comfortable. Drake was her little bestie when it came time to shooting and Emery gave her approval by spitting up on her... ha! Sorry Ellie! ;)
Besides all of that, I felt like I was working with a long lost friend while we shot everything. Her whole demeanor is simply warm and inviting and puts everyone at ease capturing the perfect moment. Thank you Ellie for your love and talents- we will forever adore these pictures when looking back on our first pictures of a family of 5!
connect with ellie
baby goodies
Shopping for Emery
It's no lie I love shopping and doing it for a daughter now is even better! When I was pregnant, I splurged on a few items for her I had seen roaming around the web but I felt a little silly spending too much knowing how quickly she'd grow out of everything. The tricky part is I'm not one to buy Walmart cheap-o stuff because I feel like the quality is just blah so in between my splurges at J.Crew and Gap while they're having sales, Old Navy (coupon code DASHER for 30% off) and Target (use code JOY30 for 30% off) are my go-to places!
Since she's transitioning out of all her newborn items into 0-3 months right now (so sad she doesn't fit in this anymore!), I just recently stocked up on a few more things (dying over this sleeper!) and wanted to share here along with some items I've found to be a necessity for survival! Make sure to use code JINGLE for purchasing at J.Crew for 30% off and code GIFT at Gap!
Since she's transitioning out of all her newborn items into 0-3 months right now (so sad she doesn't fit in this anymore!), I just recently stocked up on a few more things (dying over this sleeper!) and wanted to share here along with some items I've found to be a necessity for survival! Make sure to use code JINGLE for purchasing at J.Crew for 30% off and code GIFT at Gap!
fall fashion
Style
winter fashion
Weekend Wear
tunic (use code AUBREY10 for 10% off & free shipping!): The Tickled Pink Boutique | faux fur vest: Sosie (similar in white, here) | jeans: Target -30% off with code JOY30 | booties: option here | tote: Daily Look (so similar to a Celine so snag it, friends!) | hat: Old Navy (option)
I am pleased to say, I think I'm finally back into the groove of things! After a week of really mastering Emery's daytime routine, I'm confident getting back into work with scheduling and getting time to devote back on this little blog of mine!
Hubby and I spent Saturday morning brunching with some friends of ours for a birthday and even though we were only away from the kids for a few hours, it was such a nice break! Of course I was dying to smother my angel babe in kisses the moment I saw her (and I did!) but we definitely need to embrace those moments alone just spending time as us. #amiright?
I chose to pair a new tunic I got from The Tickled Pink Boutique with a faux fur vest I've been dying to wear since it's still in the 70's in PHX but it was the perfect look for a casual day out. Also, I get tons of questions on this Celine knockoff bag of mine- shop it here!
#emeryodessamonthly
emery
1 Month
Oh, this is priceless. And the double chin? I can't even handle it! I am super behind on getting this posted but I know if I don't do it, I'll hate myself for not documenting Emery each month as she grows. You can see here, she wasn't a fan of her one month pictures and that's all good.... I felt the same way that day and quickly followed with my own meltdown. #realtalk
LOVES //
wubbanubs
bath time
being worn by mommy
pulling her ears
sucking her thumb
lounging with her brothers
riding in the car
walks outside
the music at church
feeding time- seriously, this girl can eat!
HATES//
being over tired or hungry
sleep- help your mama out girlfriend!
getting dressed
diaper changes
nursing (we are exclusively pumping & bottle feeding)
headbands
pictures
Even over the last two weeks these have totally changed and I love seeing that! She is just coming into her own little person and I can't wait to share how she's blooming in just a couple more weeks with her 2 month update.
Have a great weekend, friends!
Drake
Motherhood
Being Mommy
When I married Andrew, Drake was 4 years old. We didn't have him consistently because of Andrew's work schedule never permitting that time so we had him every other weekend. In May of 2012 we made the switch to having little man one week on and one week off and were elated about that change. It never was an issue with his mom because we all get along really well and her and I have always been super open about how she's mommy and I'm Aubrey, his stepmom. I didn't ever want to step on her toes and make her feel inferior and I didn't ever want Drake to think I was trying to take her place.
Yesterday, we were in the car talking about ordering Christmas stockings and I told him how I was going to get them embroidered with Andrew, Aubrey, Drake and Emery... he then said "you should do them as Daddy, Mommy, Drake and Emery" and it totally took me off guard. He then proceeds to tell me he's just going to start calling me mommy because he doesn't want Emery to get confused as she grows up and I'm basically his mommy too. It melted and shocked my heart all at the same time. Of course, I love his love and acceptance of me in his life but even more so now being a mommy, I would never want him to say this because it would hurt his mom so badly.
We're in a tough spot right now. He's still young and doesn't quite understand what this stepmom/stepdad thing means and over the years we've always said it's more love for him and he gets two extra families. This has totally appeased him but now he's coming into the age where he's asking more and more questions to us and his mom. I've continued telling him calling me Aubrey is what's best and maybe in a couple more years, his dad, mom and I can sit with him and explain in depth and answer his questions but right now I just have to pray that I'm making a strong impact in his life.. Thankfully, I'm reassured I am when he tells me he loves me every day, kisses me every night before bed and comes to me with his struggles to wash away his worries. I couldn't love him more and there's zero difference between him and Emery deep in my heart.
emery
Emery's Newborn Shoot
I look through these pictures on a daily basis in awe of how much our little love has grown in just a short 6 weeks. She was only a week old when we did these pictures and my mama heart was bursting at the time with so much love and it blows my mind that love has multiplied abundantly since then. How does that even happen?!
We had the pleasure of working with Stacey of Dream Photography Studio for this shoot and she was an angel taking a couple hours in our home to make sure Emery was comfortable and tended to during the whole process. She captured her perfectly and her little personality. Notice she isn't sleeping in any... yeah, that's our girl! ;)
Thank you Stacey for blessing us with your talents with moments captured we will cherish forever- you were a dream to work with!
Essential Oils 101
1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH ESSENTIAL OILS?
I have used essential oils for over 15 years in my career of massage and skincare. For the past 4 years its been strictly doterra for their high quality and medicinal qualities.
2. WHAT MAKES YOU SO PASSIONATE ABOUT IMPLEMENTING ESSENTIAL OILS INTO YOUR DAILY LIFE?
I have been apart of BIG IMPACT in many peoples lives, both big and small since I started educating on essential oils. I have seen miracles in peoples lives, in their emotional and physical health. Having experienced this on the level that I have, I cant help but have passion and desire to help my family and others. To know as a young mother that I have options and that you can manage at home and not have to run to the physician office for every little cough or cold is pretty empowering feeling. As a mother I know we all want to feel that. And after being misdiagnosed and feeling lost in the medical setting, and then having this support, it lights a fire within you that you just can't help but to want to do more in your home to improve naturally in the best ways possible.
One of the coolest experiences I had was outside my home with a young mother who I had connected with through a corporate wellness day I taught at. She had been on anti-depressants for over 15 years and had lost her dad to a suicide/drug overdose a few before we meet. We simply started with a hand massage and a little bottle called "Wild Orange" and the experience for her was immediate. At that point she was so curious and wanted options. What we did was simple; we went over what was going on in the home and started with her first because it starts with the Mama! We simply started her on 3 things. Frankincense under the tongue, Wild Orange daily in a diffuser and our vitamin line that just happens to have 9 other essential oils in it. A few weeks later she called me in tears because she had forgotten to take her medication and gone 3 days with out needing it. She couldn't remember a time when she didn't need it or hadn't taken it. It has been life altering for her an now she is integrating it into her entire family. With the support of her Dr's she is now helping to implement the essential oils into her Dr's men's drug rehabilitation center to have the added integration natural option.
This is the biggest reason I am traveling today, so I can get into the homes of people all over the country who need this type of support!
3. IF YOU COULD CHOOSE 3 OILS TO USE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHICH WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?
SHOOT- just 3 is tough!
- Frankincense: This is one of the most powerful oils due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It is also the subject of a lot of studies on cancer treatment. I use Frankincense for first aid- it's anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, stress and calming. It's also incredible for headaches! It's been known to enhance healthy skin cell growth and decrease wrinkles- BONUS! There's a reason they call it the king of essential oils.
- Lemon: Citrus oils are uplifting and energizing as well as aid the body in detoxification and weight loss. Lemon is incredible in the kitchen as a disinfectant and helps coughs, colds and congestion. As a mama, we need emotional support daily and citrus oils are wonderful to diffuse!
- Cedar Wood: This wood oil is known best for its sedative qualities and is one of my favorites to calm the mind and chatter, aiding in a good night's rest. Also fabulous for skin care, acne, anxiety and more!
4. WHEN GETTING STARTED WITH ESSENTIAL OILS, WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 5 TIPS YOU'D SHARE WITH A NEWBIE?
- Essential oils are incredible, there are so many ways to use oils to create a healthy lifestyle. With that being said, first things first, set up a personal routine. There is no “one pill for one ill” with essential oils. Like any other great health habit you want to make sure you are setting the habit and routine to have the best success. I do a personal wellness consult to determine exactly what your health goals are and then we create a protocol specifically for you.
- Routine Routine Routine. Once you determine your top wellness goals for yourself and your family, its time to stick with it! The coolest part about essential oils, or 1 of the coolest things is consistency= results! In fact the more you use them the better, and you don't have to worry about time frame or mixing or side effects. Essential oils go to work on your behalf and help the body aid in healing quickly and naturally.
- Do your research! Each essential oil is unique so check out the potential benefits and safety precautions before use. Don't leave it to just my word- education is really important so do your research if you can.
- REDUCE TOXINS! There are so many chemicals in our homes we need to really take caution to what we are exposing ourselves too. To help with creating a toxic free home and safer beauty and body care you can learn to make your own products and empower your home with natural health.For more tips and tricks, join me on my facebook page we can talk all things essential to your health!
- Just get started! You don't need to know everything or have it perfect just get started. It's simple and I'll show you how!
5. OILS CAN BE AN INVESTMENT, BUT IT SEEMS IN THE LONG RUN IT'S WORTH IT! WHAT OILS DO YOU FEEL ARE CRUCIAL TO HAVE ON HAND AT ALL TIMES?
When you see the price, I can understand how they can look expensive, however, let me break down the cost per drop for and ear infection and you decide for yourself.
Before the oils: Take off work, get a sitter for your other kids, drive to Dr office, co-pay, prescription- you're looking at minimum $250-350 maybe more...!
After the oils: Lavender, Melalaluca Basil every 2 hours, 2 drops each comes out to 64 cents per treatment.
WINNER......I'll take the essential oils! At that point you can buy a whole kit and have thousand of remedies at your finger tips!
The home essential kit or family physician kit includes 11 of the best of the best essential oils and all the possibilities to have success in your home with thousands of remedies at your finger tips! To purchase a kit and or have questions contact me!
To take advantage of our monthly promo just for Aubrey's readers shoot me an email and we will HOOK you up with your starter kit!
A special thank you to Tracy for taking the time to educate me and all of you ladies! Don't miss out on getting started with your lifestyle change by implementing oils in a natural, healthy way and contact her, here. Be sure to mention the promo code "AKINCH" and I'm confident see will help you out!
Taking Time
journal & gratitude book /// val marie paper
It's been tough for me finding time to mold my day with a newborn and that's something I'm okay with currently since work is still on the back burned until December but I've found it's really throwing off my usual time with God. I'm not perfect in this aspect but I would normally start my day in scripture, doing a devotional so adding Emery with no routine leaves me scrambling to get that time whenever I have 10 minutes to spare. I'm not sure if there's something else I can be doing to really build out that time, maybe even when Andrew gets home so its guaranteed he has the babe but I'm curious... do you ladies have suggestions?
Happy Monday!
emery
Motherhood
Adjusting to Mamahood
|| PHOTO CREDIT ||
Our sweet girl is one month old today and I'm sitting here after a night that was long and trying just thanking God for our little angel baby. Although, it's tough and definitely testing my patience, I wouldn't trade this life for the world.
Currently, she's weighing just about 8 pounds gaining from a mighty 5lbs 13oz she was when leaving the hospital so we're so pleased by this progress! She's napping more consistently throughout the day and usually going down for bed around 8pm. Doing this, she's waking up twice throughout the night, once at midnight and around 3am again to eat and then we're up for the day about 6:30am when daddy leaves for work. We're working hard on getting her used to a little routine for bedtime and then also implementing some Baby Wise techniques. I say this lightly because we're definitely doing baby led feeding because she's been growing so much and seems hungry much faster than 3-4 hours so we're on average eating 3-4oz about every 2.5-3 hours throughout the day.
Last time I mentioned updates, my milk supply was excessively low and had me down and I've been trying so many alternatives to boost that but it's been with no such luck. I was using Fenugreek, Fennel Oil, drinking tons of water, eating oatmeal, drinking Gatorade, pumping every 1.5-2 hours and then also doing skin to skin time but alas.... nothing. I was then prescribed Reglan but after being on it a couple days it had me feeling really down and uncomfortable so I've since then stopped. All that being said, I am pumping every 3 hours during the day and mixing my milk with formula and at night I'm nursing until Emery can't get anymore and following it with a small bottle. At this point, my main concern is getting her what she needs and if that means it's not from me, that's okay. Every body and person is different and I'm just not producing what she demands so I'd be content with drying up.
We've been letting her sleep pretty loosely around the house where she is happy but since trying to get her sleeping a touch longer during the nights, I've attempted to have her nap in her crib during the day and then sleep in her bassinet at night next to me in our room. I confess, half the time she ends up tummy sleeping on my chest for naps - which helps me rest during the day! - and at night, she some times co-sleeps because she sure loves being by mama and I'm okay with this. I know these days will be long missed when she is all independent so I'm soaking in those moments as much as possible where she wants to be close and warm and secure.... cue the tears!
I find myself throughout the day in the trials and triumphs, constantly praying to God for patience, strength, wisdom and understanding. I want to be the best for Emery and I want to only show her I'm present in the time we spend together but doing so is something that's exhausting in the most precious and rewarding way possible. We are blessed, so blessed and beyond grateful for our sweetpea. I'd say we're doing good with this new parenting journey- just taking it one day at a time!
Tis the Season
Year after year I've had it on my list to make an Advent Calendar I can enjoy with my little family and as each year passes, I never do. Maybe it was because I was holding out for a perfect one I could buy or maybe because I really didn't feel like getting things together to make it on my own but when I started following Ashlee on instagram, I knew my mind was changed! She is the founder and creator of the Ashlee Proffitt Advent Calendar and it's a dream! From the lovely silver details and the perfectly curated activity cards, I was elated getting mine in the mail to share with my family. Drake and I put it up last night along with our Christmas decor and he is dying to get into the Christmas story through scripture all lined out on this calendar. We look so forward to making it a new tradition of ours to open each envelope, find the activity that awaits us and read all about the birth of Jesus Christ. What better way than to celebrate this Holiday Season?!
Ashlee is so generously offering 15% off your purchase now through Friday, November 21 with code AUBREY. You can shop it, here!
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