how to get out with a baby

my dress | wedges | earrings | diaper bag | stroller | car seat
Boone's outfit | shoes

photos by Ban Avenue Photography


Here I am once again just now getting around to posting photos that were taken two months ago...I can't believe how much Boone has grown since then! One question that I'm asked fairly often is how I manage to get out so much with Boone (and Bear)- we are always on the go and I guess because I share so many of our outings on Instagram, it looks as though we're always out and about. And truthfully, we are. I'm typing this from a table at Starbucks with Boone in my lap, flirting with the girl next to us. While it would be easier to work from the comfort of our home with 8 million baby contraptions (swings, bouncers, mats) at our fingertips, I find myself much happier when I get out of the house at least once a day. I tend to get cabin fever if not, and the boys seem to enjoy getting out more, too. I also think that taking kids out from a young age gets them used to being in public and they learn how they should act outside of the home. Lots of reasons I'm in favor of getting babies & kids out, and I'll share some of the ways we make it happen below.

1. Be organized. I can't tell you the amount of times I've gone to a playdate without diapers and inevitably, been in a blow-out situation. Luckily I've always been with other moms or able to get to a diaper quickly in these situations, but it wasn't fun! I learned my lesson and now keep a basket in the car full of extra diapers and wipes for any time these emergency situations happen. I also believe in investing in a great diaper bag, like this one by Hammitt that folds out into a changing mat!
2. Hang with other mamas. It's not that your friends without babies don't get it, but other mamas just get it a little bit more. In those first few months of the newborn stage, it can be really overwhelming. You're exhausted and sleep-deprived, you have milk stains on your blouse, and the circles under your eyes rival that of a raccoon. Your mama friends won't judge you, because they've been there too. In fact, they will likely help you and share similar stories that will make you feel better about your own sh*t show at home. Plan a casual lunch or coffee date that won't take long if you're nursing and hopefully your baby can nap through while you enjoy much needed adult time.
3. If you're nursing, get a nursing cover. This may seem like a silly point but honestly, this is the #1 reason I've been able to enjoy getting out with Boone. I didn't use my cover ever with Bear, and it made going out in public difficult that first year because I would go to my car every time he needed to eat to sit and nurse. This time around, I've carried my nursing cover in my diaper bag and anytime Boone's hungry, I just feed him while I'm doing whatever I'm doing with my cover. I've even walked around Kroger nursing- holding Boone with one arm and throwing groceries in the basket with the other hand. If you're not modest and don't care to cover, more power to you! It's just a preference but either way, you should be able to enjoy your time out while feeding baby.
4. Make the most of appointments. You will start pediatrician appointments early- Boone and Bear both had their first one at just 4 days old! Take advantage of these outings and treat yourself to brunch while you're already having to get out, anyway. Rather than dreading those gyno check-ups that follow giving birth, embrace them as an opportunity to enjoy an outing with your new bundle. Schedule lunch with a friend post-appointment- you deserve it!
5. Cut yourself some slack. It won't be easy at times, and some days you'll feel like a failure because your baby will cry, you'll spill all the formula, and you'll be 30 minutes late to boot. But you know what? It's okay. There's a reason for the saying "Mama tried", because we're all just doing our best and that's all we can do. Some days will be better than others but no matter what, you are doing an amazing job.


A lot of days, like today, I look like a total hobo. Unwashed hair in a braid, stretchy pants that shouldn't be allowed in public, and certainly no makeup. But honestly, I feel much better on the days when I take 10 minutes to throw curls in my hair and put on a little make-up. It's the little things! I seem to be more productive on those days, as well. So even if you feel like you don't have time to breathe let alone shower, do your best to make the time and chances are, you'll feel much more human.
And remember that we are all in this together! Sending all you new mamas a big hug- you got this!
xo, Britt

newborn must-haves for baby+mama

This blog post has been my most-requested for awhile now and I'm just now getting around to writing it...I'm always late these days! I like to preface things like this by saying that I am FAR from an expert when it comes to baby items (or anything for that matter), but these are all items that have worked well for our family. And hopefully they'll work for yours, too! 
Some of them are for baby, some are for mama, but they're all must-haves for us!

1. Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Swing- I had major "mom brain" this time around and didn't even think about a swing until we were in the hospital and Boone was 2 days old. I did an Instagram poll asking people for swing recommendations (we borrowed one from family when Bear was a baby) and this Fisher-Price swing won by a landslide. We ordered it off Amazon while we were still in the hospital and when we got home the next day, there it was on the front porch (record speed- they must've known we really needed that bad boy). Boone loves his swing and actually prefers the frontward swinging over side-to-side (this swing is great because you can do either way). He naps well in it, hangs out in it while I'm getting ready in the morning, and loves to look at the mobile on it. Overall a great purchase that we've been really happy with. Thank you, Instagram friends!
2. Lavie Lactation Massager- Having breastfed two babies now, I feel like I've been through it all when it comes to nursing! While I'm far from an expert, we haven't had to supplement with formula and have fought through mastitis three different times. One thing I swear by but never hear anyone talk about is this lactation massager- I found it one night while surfing Amazon and after reading countless 5 star reviews, had to try it for myself. Since using it, I haven't had mastitis at all (which I'm very prone to getting since both my boys are tongue-tied)- any time I feel a blockage coming on I use this to massage knots out and not only does it feel amazing but also provides so much relief. I also think it helps pump faster because it gets breastmilk flowing, so I'l use it for a few minutes before I pump in the mornings. A lot of women use it while pumping too which I've heard helps speed up the process and make it more bearable, as well. It is also said to really help with low milk supply- just an all-around must-have if you plan on breastfeeding!
3. Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump- I borrowed a Medela breast pump from my sister-in-law when Bear was nursing and loved it, so I wanted a similar one this time around. I did some research and the Pump in Style Advanced had great reviews, and I'm very pleased so far. I've honestly only pumped a handful of times since having Boone, but this pump is super easy to use and should be efficient for traveling, as well. I just love the whole Medela system- I use the bottles and storage bags, too.
4. Gilligan & O'Malley Nursing Tank- I've been through a lot of nursing tanks, let me tell you, and these are by far my favorite (and affordable compared to others!). I lived in these the first few months with both boys, and I like that they're longer so you can wear them with leggings and a cardigan in the cooler months. They run true to size and wash really well- I still wear the same ones I had 5 years ago when I was breastfeeding Bear. 
5. Tubby Tudd Natural Hair & Body Wash- We've been using this for both boys since Boone was born and love it- it's so gentle on their skin and the Lavender & Rosemary scent smells amazing. I use it in my baths sometimes too after the boys are asleep- don't tell them my secret! 
6. Tula Swaddle Blankets- I'm a big fan on the Aiden & Anais brand for swaddle blankets but as soon as I laid eyes on the ones by Tula, I fell in love. They have the most beautiful designs and the quality is even better than Aiden & Anais, in my opinion. They're a bit of a splurge as far as blankets go but they come in the sweetest sets of three and will last forever- one pack and you're set!
7. Marley Lilly Diaper Bag- I have 4 or 5 diaper bags so it's hard for me to pick a favorite and honestly I can't, but this one is probably my most-carried so far. I love that it's monogrammed (I got my initials so I can carry it after baby but you could also get baby's), has great compartments for organizing, and is just really cute and functional. It does get a little dirty but I swear by this stuff for everything from pet stains in the carpet to cleaning a diaper bag- you have to get some and you'll see what I mean! It's magic. 
8. Halo Sleep Sack- I can't believe we didn't use these when Bear was a baby because Boone has slept in one every single night since we got home from the hospital. My sister-in-law and several friends swear by Halo Sleep Sacks so I had to try one out and ended up ordering four more off of Amazon the next day. They keep Boone nice and cozy while he sleeps and are much safer than a blanket since we keep our house pretty cool. I also love that you can get the swaddle ones for newborn which I think helped him sleep longer stretches.
9. Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat- We had a Chicco car seat/stroller system for Bear and loved it, so we knew we wanted to go with Chicco this go around, as well. We do already have another car seat for Boone when he's older, but we have been so pleased with the Chicco car seats that I I recommend them for anyone who's expecting. They're the #1 rated infant car seat for a reason, and the KeyFit 30 is so easy to use with the stroller that we have, as well. 
10. Tula Ergonomic Carrier- I heard a lot of mixed reviews about baby carriers and since I never carried Bear, I was pretty clueless and ended up with three different ones. The Tula is my favorite, not only for the cute design but because it is easiest to use. I found the Ergo a little difficult to get on and off without help, and Boone didn't fit well into the others when he was smaller. 
11. Charlie Crane Paris LEVO Rocker- This item is a bit of a splurge, but I can't say enough good things about it. Of all the gadgets and gizmos and swings and bouncers we have laying around our house at the moment, Boone loves this one most of all. He kind of sits up in it which he really likes and is good for babies with reflux. I wish we'd had it when Bear was a baby. The quality is amazing and while it is pricey, it's an item that you can pass down for generations. Unlike most other baby furniture, it's not an eyesore either and we get compliments on it all the time. 
12. Matimati Burp cloths- While Boone doesn't spit up very much, Bear had reflux and spit up constantly so we went through burp cloths like water. We stocked up before Boone was born and our very favorites are these (currently on sale)- they're super durable, thick yet soft, and come in great neutral patterns/prints. 

____________________


I know I was crazy long-winded on a lot of that but I wanted to make sure and fully explain why we love each of those products so much! None of them are sponsored- these really are our tried and true must-haves and I hope some of you that are expecting (CONGRATULATIONS, btw!) will find this helpful. Please leave any questions you have in the comments or email me at thehellohoneyblog@gmail.com & I'm more than happy to answer.
Hope you've all had the best weekend and Happy Father's Day to all the amazing dads out there!
xo, Britt

mom life is the best life

my two piece set | shoes | bag
Bear's shirt | shorts | shoes
Boone's shirt | pants | shoes

photos by Hayley Nicole Photography


Let me be honest with you guys- I do NOT have my sh*t together. Far from it, actually. Just this morning, Bear was late to swimming lessons because we were one big hot mess express. Boone was already loaded up in his car seat ready to go when Bear and I heard a massive explosion, which resulted in Boone and I both being covered in poop and having to change clothes before leaving the house (not to mention the poor rug and couch, which may never recover). Why do these things always happen when you're already running late? Story of my life! My friends know to tell me to be somewhere 15 minutes before whatever we're doing really starts, and sometimes I'm still late.

Adding another little boy to the family is the best thing that's ever happened to us, no doubt, but it's also been an adjustment for all of us. A lot less sleep, a lot more crap around the house (literally), and a lot less time to get things done. But you know what? I love it. I love the craziness it all, because this is our family and all of the memories we're making will be funny stories to tell and laugh about one day. Being Bear and Boone's Mommy is the best and most important job I've ever been given and no matter how many times I have to change clothes in a day, it's worth it just to see them smile and interact with one another. 

Some days I think about how much easier it was to get ready before kids. Or how much later I got to sleep in before kids. Or how much quieter our house was before kids. But you know what? Now I get to get the boys ready in adorable little clothes like the ones they're wearing above, and it's even better. Now I get to wake up with both boys snuggling up next to me in our bed every morning, and it's even better. And now our house is nice and noisy because of all the fun being had, and it's even better. Mom life is a challenge, and it's not always pretty, but it really is the best. Virtually high-fiving all you other mamas out there who are notoriously late and reading this blog post with spit-up stains on your shirt. We're all in this together, and we're all very blessed.

xo, Britt