Listen, I will be the first to tell you that planning a trip to Williamsburg, VA was the last thing on my radar. I mean who wants to see old buildings, battlefields and such. Okay, I do but when it comes to vacation the island girl in me definitely surfaces. Where’s the beach? The alcoholic beverage while you soak up some rays?

BUT……

We had an AH-MAZING time!

We couldn’t have picked a better week. The weather was wonderful. A few days it was as high as the 70’s. Yes, we’re talking February in Virginia! Thanks El Nino 😚

We spent an entire week exploring Williamsburg and as far south as Hampton, but all along it felt like something was missing until we strolled down the pedestrian only street traveling back in time seeing this forgotten world, the horse carriages. YES, this is Colonial Williamsburg. We’ve arrived. Our trip is complete.

What a great way to end our Williamsburg staycation.

I know the twins won’t remember this trip, but don’t worry I took more than enough pictures 😄;)

I look forward to visiting soon.

TIP Get a senior citizen National Park Pass if possible for only $10 and it’s good for the rest of your lifetime!
~TOODLES~
Stacey

This was the second part of our mommy and me date. After leaving Yards Park we went seeking for breakfast and ended up in Capital Hill. I usually don’t visit this part of DC but I was instantly in love. The charming homes as you drove along ?? Street.

My MIL mentioned Eastern Market, I was literally around the corner. Was it faith? Id like to think it was faith. It was so early vendors were setting up. Finding street parking for FREE is always a sign of good things ahead right?

She tried to crash this birthday party.

A few minutes later she tried to enter the church. Afterwards she said “mommy, I really wanted to get in”

It was such a lovely day with my big girl.

We even made our way to Georgetown for the French Embassy but they.

As they say when life gives you lemons you make lemonade.
I was told by my bossy three year old to stop taking pictures. She thinks she’s the boss of me.

I can’t wait to explore Capital Hill with my entire family.

What a

The days should be getting shorter with the threat of winter looming, but instead we’ve been blessed with gorgeous weather.

You should know my motto by now: Any day is one for adventure, but a warm day….
~TOODLES~
Stacey

Don’t judge a book by its cover they say yet we all do it because its human nature.

You grow up thinking life will be all roses and butterflies only to realize its not. 

Breastfeeding was one of those unpleasant realizations for me. I just assumed I’d be able to nurse my babies because I WANTED to. It’s in your DNA once you become a mom right?

Breastfeeding is HARD whether you’re a first, second or third time mom…you get my drift. Breastfeeding does not discriminate. If you’re having difficulties, IT’S OKAY. IT’S NORMAL. Just like with pregnancies each journey is different.

I STRUGGLED. Not just a little either. I struggled A LOT! I’m still struggling.

With our oldest breastfeeding lasted about six months and even then it was one or two feedings per day. It gave me great pride but my plan was to breastfeed her an entire year.

The next time would surely be easier right? WRONG. IT WASN’T.

I was blessed with boy-girl twins (my DREAM)! My colostrum came in while in the hospital I thought I was on my way to success but I wasn’t. There just didn’t seem enough time in the day while raising two newborns and a 21 month old. In addition, our baby boy had latching issues. After about a month I quit.

The third times the charm right?

I certainly hope so.

So here I am with a 4.5 year old and TWO almost 3 year old and I’ve never been more DRIVEN to breastfeed our newest baby boy. Am I kidding myself? Time will tell I suppose…

I had no colostrum or breast milk during our hospital stay. The saga continues I thought.😢  I made the decision to bottle feed our Jaxson. I’d be lying if I say a part of me didn’t feel broken but I knew it was best for our baby. FED is best. NOT breast, NOT bottle. FED.

The next few days at home was more of the same. I would pump 15 to 30 minutes for a measely 1 to 3 ounces. It was extremely painful mentally and physically. I was sore and Jaxson was tongue-tied making it difficult to latch.

I felt defeated. I cried. But…I kept going and VOILA!!!! The angels rejoice 😁 One week of milk!!

After a week my milk came in. I pumped every 3 to 4 hours even at 2 a.m! Thanks to the hubby who woke up (even though he complained) and fed Jaxson while I pumped. I am proud to say I’ve exclusively fed Jaxson breastmilk since.  Now that I have a stock pile of milk I am nursing directly.

What made the differnce?

1. I know you dont want to hear this but HYDRATE. HYDRATE. HYDRATE. I drink 100 to 160 ounces of water daily. TIP. Drink 1 to 2 bottles everytime you pump.

1. EAT. EAT. EAT.  Who doesn’t like an exxuse to eat? I know I do. Your body needs more calories than when pregnant so eat at least six times daily. TIP:- Google lists of food that promote milk production.

1. REST.  Getting as much rest as possible is hard with a newborn. TRUST ME, I KNOW but it’s necessary.

1. SUPPORT. Find your support system preferably a mama who is/has nursed for an extensive amount of time.  The Lord blessed me with my cousin J who nursed and was a L&D nurse.

What have I tried differently?

1.  Lactaion cookies. They are a bit expensive but they do taste good. PS:- I only ate them for a week. 
2. Fennel tea. It’s a little different..an aquired taste.
3. Mothers milk…haven’t tried yet.

Here’s a long but great read to help you on your breastfeeding journey.

I am here to tell you DON’T GIVE UP MAMA. You can do it. You too can persevere. I’m rooting for you!

Good luck with your breastfeeding journey mamas!

XOXO

Motherhood is a choice you make everyday to put someone else’s happiness and well-being ahead of your own; to teach the hard lessons; to do the right thing, even when you’re not sure what the right thing is…and to forgive yourself over and over again for doing everything wrong ~Donna Bell

I took a break from blogging, but now I’m back. I hope you didn’t miss me too much. 😉

We all measure our successes differently. Being a mom is my greatest accomplishment. I always knew I wanted to be a mom. In fact, my greatest fear behind snakes (I’m TERRIFIED just thinking about snakes) is fear that I wouldn’t be able to bear children. I know it’s a weird thing to spend one’s teenage years worrying about, but this thought consumed me at times. Perhaps, why the Lord blessed me with twins. ☺

MOM…this one little word changes EVERYTHING.

I remember being so unsure of myself the weeks leading up to delivery and the weeks after…but I SURVIVED! I cried when my mom left, but the mommy instincts kicked in. When we got pregnant the second time, I felt assured because I had done it before, only to realize we were having TWINS. Raising three kids so close in age is an enormous feat, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Watching them makes my heart happy. Being a mommy is more than I ever imagined. My kids have multiplied my strength, my courage, my perseverance. These three little people have taught me so much. They give me joy and hope and laughter, their hugs, their kisses…when they say “LOVE YOU” 😍😍

I hope all of you lovely ladies had a wonderful day. I most certainly did. I slept in, got up took a shower, put on makeup, combed my hair, painted my nails…spent much of the morning ALONE. That in and of itself is a treat, right? Once I came downstairs, I was treated to brunch by the hubby. He had a nice spread consisting of eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, avocado, fresh strawberries and cantaloupe. It was lovely. To top it off, we had mimosas ☺

Brunch was delicious. Not having to clean the kitchen was nice BUT the best part was not changing a single diaper. Yes you read that right. I DID NOT CHANGE A SINGLE DIAPER. IT WAS HEAVEN😊 I think the last time that happened was probably during my hospital stay when I delivered our first child. I made sure hubby had all the practice reps with supervision around ☺ (He had never changed a diaper).

Anyway, I had big plans for a day in the city to check out a few museums or a ride on the Capital Wheel followed by family movie night at the National Harbor The weather had other ideas. It was cool, windy and wet. Later, the sun came out…the next best thing is an impromptu photo-shoot, right? I had to enjoy the little sunshine because I didn’t know when’s the next time I would see sunshine. (Its been raining for WEEKS, but that’s for another post.)

I grew impatient waiting for my MIL to share our pics so a second photo-shoot ensued 🙊🙈 I know, I’m horrible. I’ve become my MIL. I remember when she would have the cameras in our faces at 2 a.m! Look at these pictures though. They are just the cutest.

I told you they were adorable.

Thanks for reading…Have a great day 😚