This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx.
Being a mom is the most rewarding thing I've ever experienced, from the grins and giggles to watching them learn something new - every second of taking care of my babies is genuinely a reward. Watching my older kiddo grow into a big girl, talking about boys and giggling with friends is such a special reward and on the other end of the journey of parenthood, watching my sweet baby learn to sit up, hearing that first giggle, and seeing the light in her eyes when she's accomplished something as simple as putting a toy in her mouth is absolutely so special. Being a mom is the most inspiring, rewarding, and awe-worthy thing I've ever done and it's better than I ever could've dreamed.
I'm not going to lie, it's also the most challenging time I've ever had in my life, but they definitely are worth the sleepless nights, changes in my body, and long days full of soothing emotions and fits. It's funny how that works, I feel equally blessed and stressed and I wouldn't have it any other way - being a mom is amazing.
While I'm discussing the amazing parts of motherhood, I thought I'd share some mom wins with you guys - this box from Babbleboxx came stocked full of "wins" I felt were worthy of sharing with y'all on the blog.
We'll start with a product we've been using since our little busy bee was born - CeraVe. This company's mission is to provide therapeutic skin care for everyone, including our sweet little babies! I love that their products offer an exclusive blend of three essential ceramides to mimic our skin's, as well as a revolutionary MVE technology to restore our skin's natural protective barriers, providing our kiddos with the best possible way to clean their bodies without all the bad stuff involved.
The Baby Wash and Shampoo has been sitting bath side since before Holly
was born and it cleans her while helping to soothe and protect her skin.
After giving her a CeraVe bath, we love to lather her up with their lotion as well. The CeraVe moisturizing lotion is a lightweight soothing way to make sure her skin has all-day hydration! The best part is that pediatric dermatologist helped to develop the line so I know I'm putting what's recommended on her skin, without a doubt.
Another brand household name for us is Lamaze. We love their toys and have enjoyed raising Delainey to learn and grow through play with their science-backed brand. From cute little stacking rings to fun dollies, I thought I had already scored a majority of the wonderful toys they make- but it turns out I was wrong, Babbleboxx sent us over 3 new Lamaze toys to add to Holly's developmental toy collection and they are truly winners!
Starting with her absolute favorite from Lamaze: The Wacky Giraffe. This little guy makes the whole family giggle with silly sounds with every good whack she gives the table. Holls loves hitting this unique sensory toy into everything and I love that with both ends being nice and soft, it's painless and causes no damage to any surface she whacks. She cracks up with us as we all giggle at her swinging the little guy around - it's truly a hoot! When she sees this little fella, she knows it's time to play!
While we're talking about things that tickle her. The Puffaboo Elephant from Lamaze is truly the cutest way to get her to giggle! From playing peekaboo with his crinkly ears to squeezing it to hear it squeak, it's just adorable - but the best part is when it's squeezed this little elephant blows a tiny puff of air. This little puff is the perfect gentle distraction - making her Puffaboo the perfect toy for her fussy days.
Another toy we run to grab on her fussy days is made by Lamaze as well, it's the Soothing Heart Panda. This little bear friend is soothing and adorable, the perfect mixture for getting Holly to chill. With four different melodies, each with a soothing vibration synced to the rhythm of a resting heartbeat - or press the heart five times and you'll hear the heartbeat! It's such a calming, yet incredible toy and one we love to give her whenever we are winding down before bed time!
Speaking of bed time, we have a baby who loves to go to bed with a full belly. I usually nurse her to sleep and then we sometimes provide her with a little "top off" from a bottle, when she allows for it. We've tried a handful of different bottles and she isn't so sure about most of them but the Phillips Avent Anti-Colic bottles with Air-Free vents seem to work well for her! These special bottles were designed to reduce feeding issues, colic, gas, and reflux - all of which we've had to battle with Hollyn!
Not only are they great for her, they are easy to clean with less parts and somewhat adjustable since you can adjust the nipple size as baby matures and remove the Air Free vent, if you'd prefer. Honestly, I'm not sure why you would though - I love that the Air Free vent helps prevent her from "drinking air" because the nipple of the bottle stays full even when she is drinking it at an angle while sitting upright, bringing us both comfort whenever she gets a bottle.
Another way we've learned to comfort her lately is with her new Phillips Avent Soothie Snuggle, we were sent a sloth and it has to be the cutest little lovey I've ever seen! These lightweight plush toys attach to a removable Phillips Avent Pacifier, meaning they can be cleaned without a bunch of hassle.
They also make the cutest accessory while being a comforting little companion for Holls, so it's a win-win! It isn't just a cute little fluffy stuffy though, I love that I'm able to locate her paci much quicker with her little sloth friend attached and that it's made with safe and durable materials so I don't have to worry which part of the toy she decides to soothe herself with while we are in this stage of putting everything in her mouth!
These cool shoes and booties are kid-certified, made for developing little feet, vegan, non-toxic, and offered up with a 365 day warranty! Stonz makes everything from adorable casual shoes to snow booties and mittens, all in a range of sizes - designed to provide comfort to kiddos at any age, in any climate, at any time!
The Stonz toddler booties we were sent will be the perfect addition to Hollyn's winter outfits, especially when we travel home to finally introduce her to family (hopefully) this winter. Keeping her warm in coziness that stays on those kicking feet will be absolutely necessary. I love that these booties are all-weather wind resistant and they just slide on her little foot, easy peasy! All I have to do is tighten them up with the adjustable toggles and she's good to go!
The other shoe Stonz sent over was their Cruiser. These shoes made my day with how stinkin' adorable they are, I mean who knew baby and toddler footwear could be so cute? These Cruisers are 100% my favorite pair of kicks she owns, with a sweet peachy color and a earth-friendly, sturdy and wearable construction, what's not to love?
We've still got a ways to go until Holly B can walk but I love that these shoes are made with a reinforced heel and are safe for walking, when she's ready. They're also made with a breathable mesh upper and a hi-poly insole, so we won't have to worry about her little shoes stinkin' the place up - they'll be fresh and ready for another wear soon.
Speaking of fresh, I absolutely adore the next product that was sent in my Babbleboxx! T.N. Dickinsons Witch Hazel is game changer and always has been in our home! They make a wide variety of products but two that are amazing post-partum are the T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Hemorrhoidal Pads with Aloe and the T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel 100% Natural Astringent!
The Witch Hazel Hemorrhoidal Pads with Aloe are a lifesaver those first few weeks after a vaginal delivery. Even if you don't suffer from the dreaded pregnancy hemorrhoids, these extra soft pads help soothe vaginal pain as well and can be used daily to help provide relief!
On the other end of their product line is the T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel 100% Natural Astringent! This wildly powerful astringent is actually gentle enough for daily use on your face and body but it does it's job unbelivably well. I use it to help when my skin is especially greasy looking or when I'm trying to fight a blemish before it becomes too bad and love how well it works!
While we're on the topic of things that work well, I think it's time to discuss Oilogic. This company takes the stress out of stressful situations with their solutions-based wellness products. Their products arefree from petroleum, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, gluten, dea, dyes, mineral oil, artificial colors, and synthetic fragrance, but they still get the job done - isn't that impressive?!
The two Oilogic products I was sent were the Oilogic Slumber & Sleep Essential Oil Linen Mist and the Oilogic Stuffy Nose & Cough Essential Oil Vapor Bath - both are lifesavers and total "wins" with Holly!
The Slumber and Sleep Linen Mist is beyond soothing. The natural aromatherapy calms and relaxes us both, while getting Holly ready for bed. I try and spray the blend everyday before I lay her down so she knows to associate the smell with bed/nap time and so far, it seems like it could be working..
The Oilogic Stuffy Nose & Cough Essential Oil Vapor Bath uses the natural power of essential oils to help treat babies not old enough for traditional forms of medicine. It helps stuffy little ones clear their nasal passage and calms little coughs. Both of these Oilogic products are now available nationwide in the baby aisle at Walmart, CVS, buy buy Baby, Amazon and more!
So tell me, what do you consider a "mom win" in your home?