I stole this idea from my friend Kelly– but it’s basically just an old school blog post where I share the first ten things that come to mind… Ready, set, go!
1. Red Light Mask
I have been keeping a running list of things to discuss in my next 10 things post. Originally I was going to ask for recommendations for red light masks. But I ended up buying this about a month ago and I’ve been loving it. As I creep towards my next birthday, I’ve been trying to find more ways to just take care of my skin a little better. It’s so easy to use– I meditate during the ten minute cycle– and I even put the mask (which lays flat) over my knees to help promote healing of some of the scars I have.
2. Parental Leave
Mike’s glorious six month parental leave is up. The time he was given by his company was absolutely invaluable to our family. I’ve been trying to sum up my thoughts on it, but the bottom line is that it was truly the best gift. It was a blessing for everyone in the family individually and also as a family. Grateful. I know some people feel weird about men taking parental leave and I hope more partners feel encouraged to take leave that’s granted to them so it becomes even more of the norm. It does make a difference.
3. Breastfeeding
In my last 10 Things post, I talked about how breastfeeding was going and how it’s something I grateful to be able to do. It’s definitely presenting as one of the “dualities” of motherhood right now for me. It’s been much easier to breastfeed this time around (lower stress, feels old hat, and Rory takes a bottle) and it’s also much harder (we have a toddler, life is not as “quiet,” I’m more tired in general). We also hit a snag in our journey when I got a really bad clogged duct (which was probably actually mastitis) and I’m only just now feeling fully recovered from it. It was rough and painful. I’m glad to be on the other side of it (and hoping we stay on the other side).
4. Chili’s
My girlfriends and I went out to dinner at Chili’s recently and it was the most fun. It started off as somewhat of a joke because my friend asked me where I thought the best chips and salsa in the area would be and I said… “you’re not going to want to hear this but I think you have to go to Chili’s for that.” And then we put a Chili’s date on the calendar and the rest is history. We will be going back. It was just so fun and relaxed and you don’t need a reservation. If someone couldn’t make it because a child was sick or whatever, no big deal. Sometimes I think coordinating a fancy dinner out at a restaurant with a group of moms can feel like an Olympic sport, so this was a welcome change.
5. Giggly Squad
A bunch of you guys had recommended the Giggly Squad podcast to me and I’m ashamed to admit it took me so long to try it. After getting served clips from it on TikTok, I finally started listening and I’m hooked. I am not a Bravo girl at all so I have no background on the two hosts. It’s just so funny to listen to them chit chat and make each other laugh. It’s very unserious and sometimes that’s exactly what you need!
6. Strands
I am obsessed with the NY Times games. It started with Wordle and expanded from there. It’s one of my favorite things to do when I need a little mental break throughout the day. In theory I would sit down and play everything with a cup of coffee in the morning. In reality, I end up starting and stopping the games throughout the day right now whenever I have a minute or so. I do the Mini crossword, Connections, Wordle, and Spelling Bee…. and I recently started doing Strands, which I’m loving.
7. Daycare/Preschool Prep
Jack is going to preschool five days a week (!!!) and Rory is starting daycare a few days a week (!!!) and I just can’t believe it. Jack is thrilled about his new classroom and has met his teacher and already knows some friends. It’s crazy to me how much he’s changed in just one year. I know this is going to be a great year for him– he’s in a classroom with 3-5 year olds. I know he’s going to thrive! And little Rory! He’s going to be in the same infant room that Jack was in with the same teacher, which makes my heart so happy. I was so nervous for Jack to start daycare, but now that I know how incredible it was for him (and me!) I have much less nerves about Rory starting. I’ve been spending the past week or so getting all the things ready for both boys. Gathering, sorting, labeling.
8. Call the Midwife
I’m freaking obsessed with Call the Midwife. I originally started watching the show after I got served clips of it on TikTok. I found myself watching episodes part by part that people had uploaded, haha! I figured I should give the show a try. Honestly at the beginning I thought it was okay? It was relaxing and I liked the happy endings at the end of every episode. And then at some point, I found myself seasons into the show absolutely hooked. I think I started watching for the individual plot lines of each episode and then fell in love with the recurring characters over time. It’s just a cozy show. A little cheesy? But in a nice way.
9. Lake Pajamas
As you know, Lake Pajamas have been a go-to of mine for years and years. I love the pima cotton so much. The new crew neck style though has quickly become the pairs I’m reaching to more and more. I think they’re a little more flattering and the weight of the fabric feels different too. Super comfortable!
10. Small & Big Home Projects
We’ve been in our house for five years and we’re kind of at the point where some things just need to be addressed. Normal wear and tear and disorganization that happens over time. I always have a list of things to address on my phone and I need to get my butt in gear and really chug along in earnest. Most of my spare time right now has been dedicated to finishing Rory’s stocking (super close!) and once that’s finished up I’ll be able to start tackling things more. I did get custom shelves made for the cabinet in the guest room bathroom and wow, just that alone has made me excited to keep getting more things done! Such a SMALL task and it made a big difference.
