Last summer, I experienced my scariest “mommy moment” to date. My son (9 months at the time), fell off of a float and into the pool at my parent’s house. My siblings and parents were in the pool when we dropped by to say hi and they wanted me to prop Hampton up on a float so he could float around with them for a bit. My dad decided he was ready to get out of the pool and he didn’t notice Hampton on the float. He pushed the float out of his way and Hamp went tumbling off and sank to the bottom of the pool. 

Without even thinking, I jumped in (fully clothed) and scooped him off the bottom of the pool. It was the scariest thing that has ever happened to me and Hampton. Luckily, he was okay, but I was so upset with myself for allowing this to happen. I’m supposed to protect him – always. It was so upsetting. This situation could have had a really different outcome. We were lucky. 

One thing I have learned with kids is accidents happen – whether a parent is there paying attention or not. Pools are so much fun, but they can be very scary. Thankfully, Aflac offers Accident Policies for these situations. Had Hampton been really damaged or hurt from this, it would have been terrible to not have insurance that covered accidents. 


I want to share some pool safety tips with all of you because it is always good to refresh our memories on how to stay safe while we enjoy our summer.

Pool Safety Tips:


1. Don’t run close to a pool.
2. Keep your children away from drains and other openings to avoid them getting trapped.
3. Watch your children at all times.
4. Teach your kids how to swim and basic water safety tips.
5. No diving in shallow water.
6. Keep riding toys (like bikes) away from the pool area.
7. Keep your pool clean so the water is clear.
8. Don’t swim alone.
9. Don’t push people in the pool.
10. Keep electronics away from the pool.
11. Teach children how to float as early as possible.
12. Make sure young children wear floating devices (arm floaties, life jacket, etc.) at all times.


Please be safe this summer! For more information on Aflac’s Accident Policies, please visit their accident insurance page.


How do you practice water safety?



I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Now that it is warm and sunny and perfect outside, we are always looking for ways to be out there enjoying the weather. Hampton loves to play outside and if he had it his way, he’d live out there. Here are a few summer activities that will keep your little one busy and allow you both to enjoy the warm summer months:

Splash Pad
Zoo
Water Park
Pool Day
Park
Picnic
Get Messy with Chalk
Slip n’ Slide
Turn on the Sprinkler
Bowling
Water Table
Play ball – baseball, basketball, soccer etc.
Lemonade Stand
Make Popsicles
Dance Party
Ride Bikes
Wagon Rides
Make S’mores
Fly Kites
Read a Book

Also check out these Toddler Playdate Ideas!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #MagicBabyMoments #CollectiveBias

I’ve got some exciting news to share! I have a new niece coming in August! I’m so excited because SR will have another little play buddy! All of my friends and family had boys when H was born and now SR will have 2 girl cousins to hang out with! It will be so much fun!

This is a very exciting time for my family and of course, I had to get her something special and fun! I went to Walmart and bought this adorable Ariel bath tub because I HAD to buy all things girly. She has already received plenty of hand-me-down clothes from SR and others, so I wanted to get her a few essentials. What better theme to go with than Disney Baby princesses? 

I have always loved Disney everything. Growing up I watched The Little Mermaid, Cinderella and read Nancy Drew books. That’s about it. So, when I saw that Walmart had Disney Baby products, that was it!

I fixed up a cute little gift using the tub as the basket. I filled it with baby essentials that I know she will use and love. 

I had a fit over these cute sippy cups and bibs! I even found an adorable little Minnie Mouse grooming set! She will love it! My favorite item was definitely the tub! Bath time is always a fun and special time in our house. Both of my babies loved their baths. I hope my little niece will enjoy her new tub and bath time as much as her cousins. 

And now, we just wait for her arrival! 


What is your idea of the perfect baby gift? Were you a fan of Disney as a child? Or as an adult? 

This car seat cover is so awesome! It fits easily over her car seat and covers her really well. It can also be worn as a nursing cover which I LOVE! Just throw it on as a scarf and you’re ready to go! It is so cute and comes in several colors and patterns. I snagged the gray because it will so with pretty much anything!

How do you protect your baby from the sun? Could you recommend a great double stroller?

Two of my favorite designers are Lily Pulitzer and Kate Spade. They produce pieces that just make me smile. They are always bright, classy and very feminine. I contacted LBH Creations to create a romper for me a few weeks ago and she blew my expectations out of the water! This Lily/Kate inspired romper made me giddy. I mean, can I have one?

LBH Creations creates custom baby rompers and shoes. You can literally pick the fabric you want her to use and she will make it specially for you. I am so impressed by this Etsy shop. The romper is very good quality and I couldn’t be happier with the way it turned out! I will definitely be ordering more from her in the future!

Be sure to check out LBH Creations on Instagram for the latest custom looks!

Who are your favorite designers and why?

I absolutely LOVE finding cute clothes for my little miss! Even more? I love finding cute clothes that don’t look like every other store’s style. I like to find unique things. That is just what I found at Made by Molly on Etsy. I first came across these adorable Henley shorts and fell in love with them. After perusing, I had to get SR these adorable moccs and sweat pants for this fall/winter! I am so in love! The shorts are so adorable on her and she will definitely be wearing them to death, so get used to seeing her in them! 😉

Don’t get me wrong, Target is my store. For everything. Even when I don’t need anything, I always come out of that store with something. It’s my crack. However, I do love dressing my kids in clothes that are a little more unique when I can. Made By Molly has so many adorable baby clothes and moccasins. I can’t wait to order more from her in the future!

Molly is being super awesome and giving away a $10 credit to her shop as well as a 10% discount if you use code SAVE10 at checkout! Enter in the rafflecopter below and GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pacifiers
Burp Cloths
Bamboo Swaddle Blankets
Swing
Taggie
Boppy Pillow
Happy Baby Wrap
Rock n Play
Baby Gowns
Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bag
Bath Seat 
Baby Towels

Sophie-Rae has been spitting up a lot lately. I forgot how many burp cloths newborns go through in a day. I have been so thankful that we bought several this time around. It keeps me from doing a load of laundry every day. These monogrammed burp cloths from Baby Cheeks Boutique have been my absolute favorite! They are so adorable and have been my favorite to take to church and when we are out and about. They are so cute and I am a sucker for all things monogrammed (hello, I’m southern). Baby Cheeks Boutique is one of my favorite shops for all things baby. They have burp cloths, bibs, frames, back packs, bloomers and so much more! This shop is so affordable and great for baby shower gifts!

I’m especially loving this Florida Gator burp cloth and bib set! I just might be ordering that for football season! Check out this wonderful shop on Etsy!

After I had Hampton, I noticed all these mothers with their chic baby wraps walking around with their infants all snuggled up to them. I was so intrigued and sad that I didn’t have one with Hamp. I had a carrier with him, but I didn’t get it until he was several months old. Needless to say, I am new to baby wearing.

I came across Happy Baby Wraps on Instagram and loved the easy tutorial on how to use their wraps on their website. I loved this seafoam color and couldn’t wait to get one for Sophie-Rae!

So far, I have loved using this wrap. I think I have finally figured out how to tie it correctly. I’ve taken SR on walks, shopping, and to the farmer’s market and they’ve all been successful outings. She loves being all cuddled up against me, but not as much as I love it! It’s so sweet and I love having her so close.

Did you wear your baby?

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy Tee: c/o Hey You Apparel

This month, Hampton met Thomas the train, became a big brother, gained another pound and has really come out of his shell. He is seriously the friendliest child. He doesn’t meet a stranger. He is a precious big brother to Sophie-Rae and I love watching him love on her.

He is growing up so fast. It’s true what they say, as soon as you have a newborn, your baby looks 10 years older all of a sudden. However, Hampton has reminded me countless times that he is still very much a baby. Some days, it is really challenging having 2 babies and I have to pray all day for grace and patience. Other days, they are both so precious and I’m thanking God all day for these two amazing blessings.

This little tee is so adorable for this summer. He has already worn it several times and it goes great with his yellow shorts from Old Navy. I have always loved this saying and the whole lemon theme is just so cute for summer!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Don’t forget to check out Hey You Apparel on Etsy!

Blanket: The Buttercup Boutique

 

I had been in search for the perfect blanket for our sweet girl. It was like fate when I stumbled upon The Buttercup Boutique on Etsy. I was about to order a cute minky dot blanket when she told me she was starting to make personalized baby blankets. She ended up designing one specially for my baby girl which I thought was the sweetest thing ever. She definitely goes above and beyond for her customers.

Needless to say, I’m kind of in love with this sweet blanket, and I think it’s safe to say that SR is, too. I packed it up in our hospital bag and she has enjoyed being all bundled up in it ever since then. I think this will be something she will have and treasure forever.

Check out The Buttercup Boutique on Facebook and Instagram!

What is something you gave your baby that is special to you?