Jump On It

Who knew that trampolines would become such a hot commodity during a pandemic? If you're like me you spent the first month of quarantine trying to figure out how to entertain the kids while being stuck at home and social distancing. I think we have things under control now but it was touch and go there for a minute and I'm sure we will continue to have ups and downs. In the meantime, I try to find activities that exsert some energy and produce the "happy hormone" serotonin.

Right before baby Jax was born I started thinking about trampolines for Cashton. I always thought a trampoline would be a cool "big brother gift" for Jaxson to give to his big brother to help avoid jealousy. Never did it cross my mind that I might as well be looking for a unicorn when it came to purchasing one. That's right, apparently, I wasn't the only one with this bright idea. Everyone in America must have been trying to get their hands on them at the same time because they were sold out EVERYWHERE! I mean you couldn't even get one of these bad boys on Facebook Marketplace. 

Every time I would find one that someone was selling 2nd hand it would be gone in an instant! So, I finally gave up on social media to help me with my little project. I started searching the internet, scouring Amazon, Dicks Sporting Goods, Walmart, and even Costco trying to get my hands on one. No such luck! 

That is until recently. Walmart now has a 14'  in stock! Which is the size we ended up getting. It comes with an enclosure net for the kids and peace of mind for parents. We LOVE ours! Cash spends hours outside jumping and burning off his pent up energy from being stuck at home all day. I'm not gonna lie, I love taking my turn on it as well!  

There are also all kinds of fun accessories for the trampoline too! I think the sprinkler and water balloons always score big with the kids! 

If you're thinking about one for the kids you can get your trampoline here, or click on the photos below to shop

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Jaxson Joseph : Life Update

Bringing a newborn home from the hospital is an emotional experience, even when it's baby #2! You wonder if you have everything ready, if you forgot something, or if you have forgotten everything!?! Since 3.5 years have passed since we brought home our 8-pound 3-ounce baby Cash, all of those thoughts went through my mind! Let's be honest, you don't know, what you don't know! 

From the moment my 9-pound 1-ounce bundle of joy, baby Jaxson Joseph was placed on my chest in the delivery room all of those answers to my questions became a reality. Mommas, go with your gut! It's usually right. I had a hard time breastfeeding Cashton 3 years ago, so I knew it would be no walk in the park with baby Jax. I was prepared for the fact that I might have to supplement formula for Jaxson based on the fact that I had to with Cashton, but I was determined to be more successful this time... or at least give it hell. 

Not that supplementing or giving formula is bad in any way shape or form! It is a mommas choice and a fed baby is a happy and healthy baby, no matter what! I just made the decision that I would give it a little longer and try more tactics to get through the difficulties this time around. Plus I love a challenge, and it gave me something to focus on while I was locked up in quarantine due to COVID-19. I also have to admit, I am using a different breast pump this time around and its cordless wearable nature was a GAME CHANGER for me. Now, my insurance did NOT cover the cost of the pump but they did give me a $100 credit to upgrade to the Willow breast pump, but looking back it's been so beneficial I would have paid full price for it! 

When Jaxson was first born my milk had not come in yet and I was barely getting any colostrum (which is the small amount of pre-breast milk that has all the nutrients that your baby needs). My breast milk took it's sweet ass time showing up and I did have to supplement Jax with formula until it did, but I was determined. After weeks of cracked nipples, trouble latching, sleepless nights, and low amounts of milk I am happy to say that Jaxson is officially all breast milk, all the time. Now that might change as he gets bigger and demands more milk. If my body cannot provide for him I am prepared to do whatever it takes to feed my hungry boy! 

In other news, people have been asking a lot about Cashton and how he is adjusting to the new baby, which is REALLY sweet! Cash is doing great! Definitely, seeking a little more attention but so gentle and caring with his baby brother! Our good friend and photographer Catrina Earls got to capture Cash holding Jax for the first time and it warms my heart to see such a beautiful moment between brothers. 

The attention-seeking Cash is searching for is more "look at me" than jealousy. Cashton has been asking for Mommy and Daddy more, making loud noises in his playroom and (my favorite) taking everything out of the kitchen pantry for a picnic on the breakfast nook floor. 

All in all, we are surviving and doing well! We are without a doubt missing interaction from the outside world while we wait out our 6-week no-touch policy our pediatrician recommended but we are looking forward to the light at the end of the tunnel. We will, of course, continue to be safe, wear our masks and wash our hands when that time is over but I am looking forward to Dallas's Mom and sisters getting to hold Jaxson and visit more often!  

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Covid Maternity Shoot At 39 Weeks Pregnant

       At 39 weeks pregnant, I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to get any maternity photos done. I had tried and tried to set up a shoot date but it seemed something was lurking at every calendar page turn. Especially with all the rain we’ve had the last few weeks, but somehow by the grace of God we did it!

    My girlfriend Catrina Earls takes the most amazing photos and we always trust her to take our family photos. She is so quick and wonderful with the kids (and my husband Dallas). She makes photo shoots painless for everyone! So you can imagine my excitement when Catrina called and said "We have a break in the rain tomorrow. Wanna Shoot?"

      I originally had planned for a much different shoot theme and had wanted a very strong black and white shoot with uptown Charlotte in the background. However, social distancing had other plans. Much like my nursery plans, I had to pivot, but I think what we came up with was beautiful and heartfelt.

Catrina always finds these little gems about Charlotte to shoot at. Cotton fields, Sunflower fields, Peachtree groves, and now Lavendar fields boast her portfolio.

     I really wanted these maternity photos, not for myself but for Cashton. I wanted to be able to look back and enjoy Cash’s last few days as an “only child” while still celebrating baby Strager #2, and I feel like the lavender fields were the perfect place to do that.

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