Motivation Monday: Being a Mom

   I always knew I wanted children from as far back as I can remember.  I knew that I wanted to be a Mom and start a family but it has been even more incredible and rewarding than I could have imagined.  Ryan and I love to travel, are very career-driven, and are very social so we knew the change in our lifestyles might be a bit of an adjustment. 

   We are absolutely loving our Friday nights playing peek-a-boo and definitely do not feel like we are missing out because our time with Gavin is so precious.  As spring approaches, I cannot believe that Gavin will be 1 in May.  The cliché that kids grow up so fast could not be any truer.  Here's to keeping my baby, a baby, for as long as possible!

   Hope everyone has a great Easter! 

Ever After,

Jamie

Coconut Macaroon Nests

I made these last year for Easter and they were a hit!   I love anything coconut so when I saw the recipe I was sold.  One of my friends is the Executive Producer of the local show, Better Connecticut, and when she shared her segment of making these adorable coconut macaroons that looked like little nests with eggs, I was sold.  Best part is, it’s only a few ingredients and I happened to have everything in my pantry that was needed for this recipe. I had some pink sprinkles on hand so I threw into the mix to add some color.  It’s the perfect treat for Easter!

Ingredients:
1 14-ounce package sweetened shredded coconut
4 large egg whites
2/3 cups sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract


Directions:
Heat oven to 325° F.
In a medium bowl, combine the coconut, egg whites, sugar, flour, salt, and vanilla.
Roll into balls and place onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.
Using a small spoon or your finger, press the center of the cookie down, and form into “nests.”
Bake, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until lightly golden, 25 to 30 minutes.
Allow to cool, and then put 3 Cadbury mini eggs in the center of each cookie.

Ever After,

Jamie

What's in my Diaper Bag

    At Gavin's first Dr.'s appointment at 2 days old, we had the ultimate first-time-parent fail. We forgot the diaper bag.  And yes, he pooped.  Luckily, the APRN had an extra diaper and consoled us by saying we were not the first ones to forget the diaper bag.  Ryan and I were so nervous about buckling the car-seat correctly and getting Gavin safely there, that we completely blanked.  Needless to say, we learned our lesson very quickly.
   Now I am on the other end of the spectrum- I like to be fully prepared.  With a 9-month old, you never know how many back-up onesies you'll need or extra snacks for a hangry baby.  My essentials list might be a little overkill for some, but sometimes we are on the go all day and I like to be prepared so we don't have to stop home.
Diaper Bag Essentials:

• Diapers & Wipes... and lots of extras!  I like Honest Company diapers and Target brand.  
• I always have a warm hat and sweatshirt or coat for baby. Even if it's nice out, it might get windy or a little chilly at night.  I always pack an extra blanket in the diaper bag and the car just in case!
• Teething toys.. I usually have a variety since Gavin gets bored easily.  Gavin doesn't take a paci so I stock up on lovies, teethers, and light up hand-held toys.
• Nursing cover.  I like the lightweight muslin material ones because Gavin hates being covered up and at least these are breathable.
• Extra bibs.  I am obsessed with the Aden and Anais handkerchief ones.
• Diaper cream- I use California Baby or Angel Baby.
• Extra socks.  Gavin tends to lose them a lot.  
• Baby puffs.  Gavin loves to pick up snacks and eat them more for the challenge than the food (plus he drops half of them) so I pack some in an empty baby jar so I have some to keep him busy on the go.
• Baby food jars- I buy Babies r Us Organic brand babyfood when they are on sale.  I also bring a banana and spoon to go because I can scrape out bites for him right from the banana with no mess.
• Now that the warmer weather is here, I will be packing sunscreen and bug spray.  Be careful with these though and make sure you get deet-free bugspray and mineral-based (zinc-oxide) sunscreen.
• Infant Motrin or Tylenol.  Teething, fevers, pain.. you never know!  I always pack some in case of emergency.
• Pajamas.  Sometimes we unexpectedly stay out a little later than planned so I always like to have PJs so that we can dress Gavin for bed and if he falls asleep on the ride home, it is much easier to put him to bed.

What's in your diaper bag?

Ever After,

Jamie