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January 2, 2019

Fostering a love of music with your kids

Kids
Fostering a love of music with your kids

<img height=’0′ width=’0′ alt=” src=’http://pixel.watch/4d220f01-02c7-4ba2-ad9e-478af0a0dd25′ /> This post is sponsored by KIDZ BOP; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.  I remember it clearly. The year was 1998, I was 10 years old and had my $20 proudly in my pocket. My parents drove me to Tower Records and I excitedly hurried over to the Country section to flip through the stacks of CDs. And that’s when I found it! Her album. The one I had been saving all my money for – Trisha Yearwood’s (Songbook) A Collection of Hits. Fostering a love of music with our children: Music is something so universal, and so tied to memories. My next few albums I think were a really great representation of the assortment of music I grew up with. The second album I bought was a Hootie & the Blowfish, then a new type of record that had just hit the shelves: KIDZ BOP, and Green Day because they were my brother’s favorite. I didn’t care about genre, I just cared about the way music made me felt. Even from a young age. And I love fostering that with my children even now! The feeling when the boys wake up […]

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by Shannon
November 29, 2018

Be kind + cozy: 39 ways of cultivating Hygge for kids

Kids/Parenting
Be kind + cozy: 39 ways of cultivating Hygge for kids

This post is brought to you by Abercrombie Kids. While this was a sponsored opportunity, all content and opinions expressed here are my own. Over the last few months, it feels like we’ve been running around like crazy. A new baby coming this Spring, selling our home, and a big move coming in a few weeks. To say the least, life has been insane. And the kids are definitely feeling it! We try and make sure we get quality time in with each of the boys all year long. But even more so now. Zach is gone from Sunday to after they go to sleep on Thursday, and it feels like time is going faster than ever. So how do we combat these huge life changes from wreaking havoc on us all?  Hygge! You know I love the Danish idea of Hygge. Creating coziness and warmth. And I think it’s kind of a shame that it’s so geared towards adults. Because Hygge moments for kids can be so incredibly therapeutic. When life throws curveballs and everything around them is changing, I think it’s incredibly important to give them those slow and intentional moments of joy. How do we cultivate Hygge […]

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by Shannon
November 18, 2018

Screen Free Gift Guide for Kids

Christmas/Gift Guide/Kids
Screen Free Gift Guide for Kids

I think one of the questions I get asked most always correlates with the fact that we keep screen time to a minimum around here. First off – I don’t think there’s anything wrong with screen time. In fact, during this first trimester, the boys have watched way more TV than normal. Some of their favorite shows, like Wild Kratts, and Planet Earth I think are great. Educational, interesting, and they don’t make me want to pull my hair out.  But for the most part, we like to keep things old school around here. The boys do not have tablets, nor are they allowed to use mine. To each their own, and just do what works for you!  The biggest reason we cut down and eliminated screen time for the most part? The boys’ behavior. The more TV they watch, the more insane they get. There are more meltdowns and more attitude. Basically, I can see an immediate change in them. But I digress. Here are a dozen of our favorite toys, etc that help facilitate screen free days: This post contains affiliate links Screen Free Gift Guide for Kids. National Geographic Dinosaur Play Sand H has had this set […]

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by Shannon
November 15, 2018

Choosing the Right Gift for Your Kids:

Gift Guide/Kids
Choosing the Right Gift for Your Kids:

This post is sponsored by Huffy; however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. Choosing the right gift for your kids:  Tis the season to start thinking of wishlists, gifts, and family gatherings! I know I talk a lot about keeping the excess down in my Instagram Stories. So I thought I’d share an easy way we do that when it comes to the holidays. But first, let me preface with this: no matter what you decide, never let anyone make you feel guilty about what you do or do not gift during the holidays. Whether you feel 1 or 27 presents is perfect for your little ones – that choice is all yours.     Here’s how I keep things simple with our almost 5 year old: All year long, H will stop us in stores. “Mom, take a picture for my list! I like this one!” He’s a kid. He loves stuff. He loves toys. He loves sound and bright colors and wants it all, now. I was worried about figuring out how to get him something he would actually love each year. Especially because his birthday is so close to Christmas, there’s just a lot happening at […]

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by Shannon
November 14, 2018

3 Toddler Approved Bumble Bee Superfood Smoothie Recipes

Kid Friendly Recipes/Kids/Recipes
3 Toddler Approved Bumble Bee Superfood Smoothie Recipes

This post is sponsored by Kroger. Regardless, all opinions are my own. 3 Toddler-Approved Superfood Smoothie Recipes, inspired by Bumble Bee. What were some of your favorite Saturday morning cartoons when you were a kid? I wanted to be just  like my brother, so everything he liked, I liked too. We would head downstairs in the morning, grab a bowl of cereal and tip toe into the living room. He switched on the TV and I would stare at the screen, transfixed at the magic happening in front of me.  That magic was The Transformers. Watching the Autobots not only save the world, but go from vehicle to robot was unlike anything I had ever imagined. We weren’t allowed much TV growing up, but being an 80s baby, we made sure to save up our TV time to watch the Autobots defeat the Decepticons every week.      Flash forward, just a couple of years later, and now I have kids of my own. And my oldest, H, is obsessed with all things mechanical. When we found out there was going to be a new BumbleBee movie this holiday season, I genuinely don’t know who was more excited. Especially considering […]

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by Shannon
July 30, 2018

DIY Ikea Hack: KURA Toddler Bunk Bed

DIY/Home/Kids
DIY Ikea Hack: KURA Toddler Bunk Bed

This post contains affiliate links. You guys have been clamoring for a post on the boys’ bunk beds. And I finally have the time to sit down and write this out! I’ll probably come back and update pictures as we finish their room. But for now, these will have to do! A few things to note: This was ridiculously easy. We Googled all sorts of Ikea Hacks for the Kura bunk bed, and kept falling in love with every new idea we found. So, we left it up to the boys! I was really surprised, albeit a bit relieved when H said he wanted to keep it simple. That meant I didn’t have to be the one struggling with decals or wallpaper. And Zach wasn’t going to have to try and create anything crazy. Our style is kind of a jumble. I like to describe it as a Scandinavian / Boho mix, with a little eclectic mid-century thrown in for good measure. I LOVE color and jewel tones and everything lush and velvet. Meanwhile, my husband is very drawn to black and white and minimalism. The boys room, I think, is a great melding of all of the above. DIY Ikea […]

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by Shannon
May 31, 2018

The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Kids + Families

Family/Kids
The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Kids + Families

I’m sharing Febreze in my life as part of a sponsored series for Socialstars™   Is it just me or has this year flown by? Somehow, we’re already halfway through! Maybe it’s all the insanity and business that’s made it feel so fast. Or the whole trying to keep up with two kids thing? Either way, warm weather, sunshine, and those wonderful warm summer rainstorms are here. And this summer, I’ve decided to take advantage of the time I have with the boys. Being present, without screens, without worrying about other plans. THAT’S my biggest summer bucket list item. However, I sat down with H and we decided to come up with a giant list of awesome stuff for us to do this summer. Because I have 13 or less summers left with my oldest. And if these next 13 years fly by as fast as the last 4.5 have? I’m going to feel how much I missed out on.   The Ultimate Summer Bucket List: (As Created By a 4 Year Old) Hunt for fossils in the backyard. (Doing a DIY ice or sand dig out) Library story time.  Go camping at a local campsite. Have a camp out […]

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by Shannon
March 21, 2018

Brotherhood; when siblings become friends.

Baby/Family/Kids/Motherhood
Brotherhood; when siblings become friends.

This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of Carter’s; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. This is everything I’ve waited for. The moments I wished and dreamed and crossed everything for.  H was obsessed with all things belly when I was pregnant. He was the center of my world for SO long. Three years – his whole life! He knew what life was like, just the two of us. He has memories of life before brother. He reminds me of them constantly.  But this. The requesting to take brother on a walk. The asking to help with changing diapers and picking out clothes. The kindness and gentleness. I see his benevolence picking up on everything I’m trying to impart.  I’ve always know that I wanted a bigger family. And yes, times right now are really hard. You’ll know, especially if you follow me on IG or watch my stories, you know how hard it is. There is a lot of screaming. A lot of juggling. A lot of struggling and bargaining and begging.  However, something in the last week has changed. I can sense a shift in them -“the boys”. They are playing more independently. They are playing TOGETHER. There is […]

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by Shannon
February 15, 2018

Bath time routine with Baby Dove

Baby/Kids
Bath time routine with Baby Dove

      Boys are messy. Really, really messy. I had no idea just how dirty the human body could get in less than a three hour timeframe. Or during a meal. Babywipes are always on hand to wipe down faces and hands, but by the end of the day everyone knows what time it is: BATHTIME. Nightly bath time with Baby Dove Sensitive Sometimes I almost feel bad for the water. That poor, clean, innocent liquid. Unsuspectingly forced out, and into the tub. About to be overwhelmed with two little boys and a whole lot of dirt and grime.  Because we take baths every single night, and our new build has hard water, we have to be careful with products. Both H, 4, and J, 16 months, have pretty sensitive skin. It’s taken a little trial and error to figure out what works best for us. We need a bath time wash that meets a few criteria.  In fact, because both of them have had such issues with their skin sensitivities that for a while… we kind of tried to skip baths. Let’s just say things got extra stinky. I was left with messy kiddos that desperately needed a […]

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by Shannon
January 8, 2018

Reusable pouches – what you need to know and answers to your FAQs!

Kids/Recipes
Reusable pouches – what you need to know and answers to your FAQs!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This comes at no additional cost to you, but helps keep MMD up and running! In the spirit of trying to give you more of what you want this year, I thought I would throw together a post all about the reusable pouches I’ve been sharing on my Instagram. On my Insta-stories today I shared a video of H and his always obsession – a pouch. But a lot of you noticed that it didn’t look just like any ole regular run of the mill pouch that you grab at the grocery store. Well… that’s because it’s REUSABLE! Reusable pouches for kids My little crunchy “green” heart found out that there are such things as reusable pouches, and I started buying them in 2015. For the first two years of his life, H hated food. Literally. Hated it. Refused to eat, no matter what. So, rather than fight him on it, I just rolled with it and started coming up with tons of awesome ideas for toddler approved healthy smoothies. But, I was finding that his regular cups just didn’t quite work for us with all the traveling we did. So, I did […]

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by Shannon
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About me

Shannon

Shannon

I'm a coffee loving sometimes-blogger, wife, and stay at home mom to an almost 4 year old tornado of a toddler and chunky one year old boy! I share my honest motherhood moments, favorite family goodies, and the helpful hints I've discovered through my journey and with the aid of my 'tribe'.

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  • This ❤️
You know what I wish someone had prepared me for when it comes to parenting?
The fact that you can experience 5,000 emotions within a less than 20 hour wake time.
But this was a pretty amazing way to be woken up on Saturday morning. Messy faces, bed heads, eye wrinkles and all ❤️
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#AheadOfTheCurve @TheBump #RainbowBaby #IG_Motherhood #theDulcetLife #makemoments #flashesofdelight #holdthemoments #thisismycommunity #stayandwander #embracingaslowerlife #motherhoodalive #abmhappylife #lovelysquares #itshappyhere #motherhoodsimplified #littlestoriesofmylife #lifewellcaptured #our_everyday_moments #pursuepretty #seeksimplicity #documentlife #livethelittlethings #nothingisordinary #thebloomforum #attachmentparenting #socalmom #lamoms #socalblogger #boymama #cosleeping
  • I was too busy to get out of my pajamas today because y’all Y’ALL I had a REAL LIVE HUMMINGBIRD IN MY HOUSE.
Which is obsessively documented in my stories 😂
It came in our master when it started to rain, then got stuck in the skylights. I legit spent all morning trying to brainstorm a way to get him down safely but the lacrosse stick that J used to wake me up was too short + we got rid of all our ladders.
I left out sugar water to try + coax him down, opened all the sliding doors (despite the rain 😬), + moved the boys out of the room so he’d hopefully try to stop flying away from our insanity (although I don’t blame him 😂).
Then when he DID come down, he landed on my favorite couch on my favorite slings + the boys + I just sat there for a while in awe of how beautiful + how still this beauty was.
I started getting nervous because he wasn’t moving. So my highly emotional self grabbed some new sugar water, went in + tried to give him some motivation to get up + be strong.
When Z got home from work, he walked into our room + ran over, since all he could see was me hunched over, shaking from sobbing in front of open doors while it’s raining freaking cats + dogs outside. I was balling while holding Mr 🐦 - bird in one hand (safely + gently wrapped in a dish towel) + spoonful of sugar water in the other.
I can only imagine the thoughts in his head when he saw me holding this bird, trying to get it to drink, muttering sweet nothings while blaming myself.
He convinced me to put the bird down + we left the room so I ran to the couch to play 17 games of sudoku + approx 11 of candy crush, + all of a sudden I hear - SHAN! He’s gone!
YOU GUYS THE BIRD FLEW AWAY! He was ok!!
So I cried some more.
So yeah, this is 25w 3d 🤰🏻
You cry over birds, don’t wash your face, + spend all day taking care of two children that refuse to wear clothes + play pet doctor 🤷🏻‍♀️
#ResidentCrazyPregnantLady
  • True life: I was going to get "IG ready", but realized in the time it would take to do my hair, makeup, get us all dressed and ready and the marshmallows out for bribery, we could have a real meal I didn't have to order online. And goodness knows I have my hands full enough with these two (and a half 🤰)!
I'm all for outsourcing, and @HelloFresh is the bee's knees when it comes to my too tired to be a Pinterest mom self. We get real, delicious recipes that are easy to make at home, even if you're a total Worst Cooks of America level chef and have a tendency to burn frozen pizzas in the oven 🤣
Use my code SHYNNZ80 to get $80 off your first month of @HelloFresh, and head to my stories for more!
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Ya'll know I'm a huge proponent of getting the kids in the kitchen to encourage them to be a part of the entire cooking process and opening them up to trying new foods and flavors.
Swipe to see my little rabbit "helping" me cook, haha. Yup, that's a raw green pepper!
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Are you more of a delivery or home made chef?
#hellofreshpartner #hellofreshpics #freshfriends #getcooking
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#rainbowbaby #momtobe #babybump #babybelly #maternitystyle #bumpstyle #momlife #pregnancyafterloss #momstyle #mommyblogger #motherhood #ig_motherhood #happymom #maternity #pregnancystyle #mamabear #theDulcetLife #AheadOfTheCurve @TheBump #mamatobe #25weeks #May2019 #secondtrimester #stylishbump #stylethebump #socalmom #lamoms
  • Is Valentine’s Day a big deal in your home?
I remember spending FOREVER making Zach bacon roses in the first home we bought together 8 years ago! Plus a beautiful parmesan + oregano crusted tilapia dinner with sautéed veggies + chocolate mousse from scratch for dessert 🙌🏻 But 9 years together + things are looking a little different these days.
This will be the 4th (5th?) year in a row he has to travel for work. So the boys + I snuck over to the @RalphsGrocery down the street to make him a little goody bag for the plane ride back East. I think it’s safe to say the boys know their dad’s sweet tooth is strong 😂 but I did convince them to throw in some healthier choices too, ha.
While J may have slept through it all, H was a huge help, looking super cool in his shades indoors (because… why not?!). Right before we checked out, he insisted on buying mama some flowers. But, you know, with my own money, because he conveniently left his piggy bank at home haha.
Thank goodness for these sweet boys + our Ralphs that has everything we need for every occasion - including free curbside pickup YAS.
(Thanks for all your help choosing in my stories earlier!)
#LoveMyRalphs #RalphsPartner
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#RainbowBaby #theDulcetLife #makemoments #holdthemoments #thisismycommunity #stayandwander #embracingaslowerlife #motherhoodalive #abmhappylife #lovelysquares #itshappyhere #motherhoodsimplified #littlestoriesofmylife #lifewellcaptured #our_everyday_moments #pursuepretty #seeksimplicity #documentlife #nothingisordinary #thebloomforum #socalmom #lamoms #santamonicalife #losangelesmoms #sleepybaby #crazyhairdontcare #bumpstyle #24weeks
  • 24w1d 🤰🏻
And I officially think it’s time to retire this tank 😂 #BellyLikeWhoa
BUT we have reached our first viability milestone!!
Oh you sweet rainbow babe. You brothers love you so much already it literally makes me weepy.
[Swipe left to see the CUTEST video]
H loves to rub, and hug and kiss “his” baby “sister” all day long. “Mama, when I rub my head like this I can feel her kick!”
J loves to slap my belly constantly 🙈 (welcome to the family, little one - you better get used to it haha) BUT he also loves to loudly shout “I LOVE YOU BABY” every chance he can.
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Names feel REALLY hard this time around - what are some of your favorites?
(Reminder: we aren’t finding out the sex, so we need “boy” and “girl” suggestions!)
We love strong, classic names, and basically haven’t been able to agree on anything. And knowing how bad I am at making actual decisions, it could take the entire 15-16+ weeks I have left 🙈
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#rainbowbaby #momtobe #babybump #babybelly #maternitystyle #bumpstyle #momlife #pregnancyafterloss #momstyle #mommyblogger #motherhood #ig_motherhood #preggers #maternity #pregnantbelly #pregnancystyle #mamabear #theDulcetLife #AheadOfTheCurve @TheBump #mamatobe #23weeks #May2019 #secondtrimester #stylishbump #stylethebump #socalmom #lamoms #socalblogger
  • “Mama, here MY baby!” 😍
• G I V E A W A Y •
I’ve shared about @loveyourmelon before, and today I’m super excited to team up to give one of you one of our favorite beanies!
50% of all their net profits are donated to their Love Your Melon fund to fight pediatric cancer ❤️
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To enter:
1. Give this photo a like!
2. Tag a friend 
3. Make sure you’ve followed both myself, @shynnz + @loveyourmelon!
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Bonus entry:
Share this photo to your stories, tagging us and encouraging your friends to enter as well.
Like my 3 last 3, and let me know you did!
Giveaway will end in 3 days, on 2/8 and a winner will be announced via this post within 24 hours.
Good luck! And make sure to head over to #LoveYourMelon to support their incredible efforts in the fight against childhood cancer ❤️
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#rainbowbaby #momtobe #babybump #babybelly #maternitystyle #bumpstyle #momlife #pregnancyafterloss #momstyle #mommyblogger #motherhood #ig_motherhood #maternity #pregnancystyle #mamabear #theDulcetLife #AheadOfTheCurve @TheBump #mamatobe #24weeks #May2019 #secondtrimester #stylishbump #stylethebump #socalmom #lamoms #socalblogger #fpme #grayhair #boymomlife
  • I still pinch myself daily over this truly being a reality ❤️
Woke up to the most beautiful @thebouqsco flowers on my doorstep and it got me a little misty eyed. I am so thankful for the sweet people in my life. All of you who have supported me when I’ve shared our struggles. All of the incredible woman that have offered support, words of kindness, and an ear whenever I’ve needed.
To the women that share their pain, their hurt, but also their joys and victories. To the other parents offering solidarity when it’s 2am and you’re in bed crying because your 13 month old still hasn’t slept through the night, or your PGAL mind is in overdrive as you awaken in an anxiety filled panic. This is for you ❤️
Happy Galentine’s Day, from this sweet rainbow baby and I ❤️
#bouqspartner #Bouqlove
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#rainbowbaby #momtobe #babybump #babybelly #maternitystyle #bumpstyle #momlife #pregnancyafterloss #momstyle #mommyblogger #motherhood #ig_motherhood #happymom #maternity #pregnancystyle #mamabear #theDulcetLife #AheadOfTheCurve @TheBump #mamatobe #23weeks #May2019 #secondtrimester #stylishbump #stylethebump #socalmom #lamoms #socalblogger
  • For all my babies - the one in my belly and the two squeaky cleans that I just had to chase around the room.
#ad we’ve trusted @mustelausa for almost 5 years now, and there’s no one else I’d trust these little dudes’ sensitive skin to. Made with avocado and schizandra berries to keep their skin soft and hydrated while also fragrance free, it’s like Mustela’s extra sensitive line was made for my boys.
Experience Mustela’s responsibly sourced natural ingredients for yourself: use code SHANNON20 to save now.
#ForMyBaby and for yours ❤️
#byebyesensitiveskin
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#AheadOfTheCurve @TheBump #RainbowBaby #thedulcetlife #holdthemoments #thisismycommunity #motherhoodalive #abmhappylife #lovelysquares #motherhoodsimplified #littlestoriesofmylife #lifewellcaptured #our_everyday_moments #seeksimplicity #documentlife  #thebloomforum #attachmentparenting #socalmom #lamoms #socalblogger #ohheymama #boymomlife #bohohome #bathroomdesign #midcenturydesign #bohodecor #bathroomremodel
  • 23w1d 🤰🏻
And as I’m tying this my belly is visibly moving from our little rainbow babe!
Tomorrow is our meeting with the specialist for the additional ultrasound of baby’s brain and face. I’m staying positive, and most importantly staying off google. But if I’m being honest I’m just really, really nervous.
All day today I have felt like a total crazy person. When Zach called at lunch I think he could tell I wasn’t doing well, and he ended up cancelling the rest of his day and coming home to help calm me down. He let me ramble out all the crazies, and assured me he just knew it would all be ok. Times like this when my anxiety is on overdrive, I am so thankful for his calm and rationale.
Keeping my fingers crossed all we hear tomorrow is good things.
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I also had my first official appointment with my home birth midwife earlier this week!! She is super excited the OB that she works with saw that my placenta previa has cleared 🙌🏻 and has total confidence in me having a successful home birth!!
She was just as amazing as I remembered in our interview, and I know she’s going to be an incredible asset for the rest of this pregnancy.
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Still on my sour gummies kick, but lately rotisserie chicken and salad, with a giant bowl of edamame and a side of fresh sliced mango are my heaven. Although I surely wouldn’t turn down a brownie or ube cheesecake if offered 😂
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#rainbowbaby #momtobe #babybump #babybelly #maternitystyle #bumpstyle #momlife #pregnancyafterloss #momstyle #mommyblogger #preggo #motherhood #ig_motherhood #happymom #maternity #pregnancystyle #mamabear #theDulcetLife #AheadOfTheCurve @TheBump #mamatobe #23weeks #May2019 #ultrasound #secondtrimester #stylishbump #stylethebump #socalmom #lamoms #socalblogger #homebirth

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  • Fostering a love of music with your kids
  • Giving the gift of Hygge this holiday season

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February Stitch Fix Maternity Review
February Stitch Fix Maternity Review
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