#momhack things I cannot live without

When I was pregnant with Hadley I registered for literally everything under the sun. Come to think of it, I might have even tried to register for the sun. Vaseline? Throw it on the list. Butt paste scrapper? You got it, actually...I might need 2 of those. Every toy, rattle, bouncy thing ever made; currently in my basement. However, the most important things, the things that help baby SLEEP and STAY ASLEEP...didn't register for, didn't read about, didn't look into, didn't care. I wanted the cute stuff. The stuff that they like for about 90 seconds and it's as good as broken.

Now, with Hunter here, I am reminded of the simple things that I absolutely cannot live without. Some of the things, I have in multiple quantities...one for upstairs, one for downstairs. (Cause those stairs are a real bitch sometimes.)

Knowing very well that every baby is different and what worked for Hadley might not work for Hunter, I thought I'd share my mom necessities...

Angel Care movement monitor

Once we made scary move from bassinet by the bed to the crib, I found myself still not sleeping. Are they breathing? Did they roll over? Did someone sneak into the house and take them?!?! Scott dealt with that for about 3 nights before he came home with the 'Angel care'. Hesitant, I told him I would give it a try. You put a sensor under the mattress and if there isn't movement for 15-20 seconds an alarm goes off that would wake your neighbors. Believe me, IT WORKS. I'll never forget the first time it went off with Hadley. I don't think my feet touched the ground as I ran to her room. Come to find out, she had figured out how to roll over and scooted her way to the top of the crib. Therefore, off the sensor. Believe me, you need it.

Little giraffe Blanket

All hail the lovie that solves world peace. K, I wish. But, these little giraffe blanket's are the softest things you've ever felt and I've never met a child that didn't love theirs. The price can sometimes be shocking but keep an eye on flash sites like Hautelook, as well as the Little Giraffe website itself as they are ALWAYS running specials. Also, keep in mind that Nordstrom will always price match! 

Fisher Price Rock n' play

Neither one of my children had/has colic but neither one of them likes to sleep flat on their back. Who does, really?? This cheap (looks a bit crappy) rock n' play literally saved my marriage and life. As soon as I threw my hands in the air, said "mercy, and purchased this, they slept up to 8 hours in this thing. I will say, transferring them to a crib after sleeping in this was an adjustment but it really only took 1 night for them to be OK. I also waited to transfer Hadley to the crib until she could roll over. 

dockatot deluxe sleeper

Although I do not own one of these, I have never met a mother that didn't have tears in their eyes when you talked about the dock-a-tot. It's breathable, slightly slanted, and incredibly portable for any baby. It's won all sorts of awards for safety as well as helping babies to sleep better. Again, if my children would be OK sleeping on their back--done. No questions asked. 

Daydreamer sleep lounger

I will see you one dock-a-tot and raise you one daydreamer. After I was introduced to this and the rock 'n play, I really could have torched all my swings and million dollar jumparoo's. Babies don't need constant motion to sleep, they just need to be comfortable! This daydream went everywhere with me so I could simply put Hunter down while doing ANYTHING around the house (I might own 2 of these). Not to mention, it is incredibly reasonable when it comes to price. Just like the dock-a-tot it has a breathable shell but a sturdy base and sides to keep a baby from falling out. 

Angelcare bath support

Bath time. They love it once they can sit up but for my kids, hated it until then. It wasn't until I put Hadley in the Angelcare bath cubby in our actual bathtub that her attitude changed towards bath time. For the first few months we were just bathing her in the sink and it was torturous to us and her. This bath cubby has a silicon insert that keeps that baby from sliding down and keeps them in place. The holes allow for the water to come through but it doesn't totally submerge them. Not to mention, there is no room for mold to grown on it as once it's out of water, it's dry!

California baby shampoo & body wash

I'll admit it. When I had Hadley all I wanted was the outrageous, designer shampoo that would make my baby smell like a baby until she turned 18. $35 for a bottle of shampoo? Anything for my little one. It wasn't until I was introduced to the "think dirty" app that my mindset totally shifted. When you scan the bar code of a product in the think dirty app, it shows you, on a scale of 1-10 how toxic a particular product is for you. Well folks, the million dollar shit is gonna kill ya (not really but damn near close). I wasn't ready to jump down the rabbit hole of all holistic, organic shit but, if I could alter one thing that I put on my kids, I was going to do so. Not to mention, California baby is sold at target! It's a 3 on the scale (borderline perfect), smells incredible, and is made by moms. Take my word for it--WORTH IT. 

Nordstrom 'moonlight' PJ's

Finally, something for the mama's. A very wise woman told me a week before I delivered Hadley to be sure to bring button up pajamas as well as a night shirt (in case you have an unexpected c-section). Thankfully, I never had a C-section but the button up Pj's were honest to God, the best advice I was given. When you are feeding every 45 minutes to 3 hour...including during the night...the last thing you want to do is to have to completely undress at 2 AM to feed. These Pajamas's from Nordstrom are like sleeping on a cloud. Even after 100 washes...pure bliss. You will find yourself spending all of your money on your child. Go get something nice for yourself before the little one arrives! 

{Amy}

What's in a name

As I am *slowly* trying to keep my New Years resolution of blogging more, I figured it was time to write about my 2nd child, Hunter. I know I said 2 years ago that this blog wouldn't become a mom blog but the truth of the matter is; that's who I am. I am a mother to 2 young children and they are my world. Sure, I am still well versed in all things fashion and pop culture but, I clean more butts in a day than I ever thought possible and from time-to-time I catch myself singing the opening song to Caillou. This. Is. 30.

If you are reading this, you clearly have access to the internet so I am going to spare everyone a post on "Hunter's birthing story" (just google 'childbirth') and talk about something far more interesting...naming a baby.

When Scott and I got engaged 6 years ago we briefly talked about children. We both knew we wanted them and that was the extent of the conversation. Except the name if we had a boy. Scott required one thing--if we ever have a boy that he would have the initials H.L.M., after his Grandfather. Thankfully for Scott, I had one name picked out for a boy that wasn't up for discussion, Hunter. Naming a kid is HARD. Like, literally the hardest thing I have ever had to do. You don't want them to be made fun of, you don't want them to go through school as having to use their last name's initial to set themselves apart, and what if their initials spell something terrible? What if they google their name and there's a porn star with the same name?? Legit, all thoughts that go through parents minds. Hadley's name just fell in place. I kept tossing the name out there and it finally stuck. Her middle name was after Scott's mom who was battling breast cancer, it made sense. Hunter didn't have a "full name" until the day we were released from the hospital.

See, Hunter's first name comes from the strongest family I have ever known. When I was 11, we lost the most amazing man in our family. While helping a friend at work, on a farm, in Fairhope, Alabama my cousin was killed. 20 days before Christmas he was taken from us while helping out a friend when a tractor got stuck. When I say it was a freak accident, I mean freak. Watching my Aunt and cousin, Kit, go through a loss that is so unimaginable to me is something I have always drawn strength from. No one is born into this world equipped to handle the death of a brother and son. No one. Betsy (Aunt) and Kit are 2 of the kindest, gentlest, warm, loving woman you will ever meet and it is an honor to be able to call them my family. Gavin 'Gee' Hunter lives on in these woman and for the last 19 years I've never been able to shake the idea of naming a son Hunter after such an incredible soul. So, there is Hunter.

Gavin 'Gee' Hunter, Jr.

Hunter's middle name was figured out at 8 AM the morning we were discharged. We had been throwing around a few ideas but nothing really stuck. It wasn't until the night before we left the hospital that I couldn't stop thinking about my uncle, Bill. You see, Bill was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was 20 years old. It was a lost cause, no cure, no hope. That was all until he woke up from a coma while a priest was reading him his last rights. Tragically, about 10 years ago Bill suffered a stroke while alone at home and was not found until close to 48 hours later. Due to this stroke he lost his ability to walk, talk, and really have any sort of "life" at all. He lives in a nursing home, has lived there for 10+ years, and is the youngest guest. I cannot fathom living in a nursing home when I am 40 and still having the most incredible outlook on life. He has had more girlfriends than I can count, reads accounting textbooks in his down time, has relearned how to speak, and is still the funniest human I've ever met. Liam is the Irish nickname for William and we couldn't be more proud for our son to share the same name as my Bill.

William Louis Weldon

Hunter Liam is his own person and I am sure he will raise hell like Bill, be viciously loyal like Gee, and kind-hearted like H.L. and if/when he isn't? We will remind him of the men that he shares a name with. 

Hunter Liam Morris photographed by Lauren Pusateri

Hunter Liam Morris photographed by Lauren Pusateri

PROUD big sis, Hadley June & baby Brother, Hunter Liam. photographed by Lauren Pusateri

{Amy}

Dusting off the mic

The reason I've been gone for 2 years. 

Is this thing still on? Welp, the one thing I promised in my last post was to write again soon…that was over 2 years ago. So, first thing is first; I sometimes bite off more than I can chew. 

So here it goes, a “reintroduction” if you will…And I might be doing another one here in 2 years. This blog, Impatient Dixie, came from a place of loss and needing to be heard. In December 2013, my husband and I suffered a miscarriage, at 12 weeks, the day after Christmas. I was 26. I had just accepted a new job in an industry I knew nothing about and saying I felt lost in an understatement. As ridiculous as it sounds, the only thing that really made me feel like “me” after this was writing, and blogging about fashion for everyone. Ever since I can remember, my love for clothing and fashion has taken precedent over just about anything. I majored in it, I moved to 3 different states for it, and I thought I would dedicate my work life to it. Then came my daughter, Hadley, in 2014 and EVERYTHING changed. 

If you scroll back long enough in Impatient Dixie then you will be see the evolution of impatientdixie.blogspot.com and how it started, and where it is today. I won’t blog about fashion every week, hell…I might not blog about fashion for 2 years. Get over it.  Since becoming a mother (and expecting a son in April of this year…yikes) I have realized there is a huge hole in the open discussion of motherhood and what all we go through. Even when we have extremely supportive significant others, we need someone telling us, “hey, this is normal, it will be ok.” 

So a recap of who I am, and what impatient dixie is…

1. I have enough stories about my family to write a book or a lifetime mini series. We are a bunch of looney tunes but they are my looney tunes and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Well, for the most part.
2. I am 100% “That parent” that is beyond obsessed with her child and I have stopped apologizing for it. She is literally my most favorite human being in the world and *hint to future post* I am terrified to welcome a 2nd child as I am not sure how you love 2 children the same. There, I said it. 
3. I suffered from postpartum depression after my daughter. Big time. I believe this is just another topic that we refuse to talk about and that needs to change. This is another reason I just couldn't blog for a long time. I didn't feel like myself, didn't want to do much, just in the throws of it. 
4. While pregnant with Hadley, My Mother-in-law was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer and had a 25% survival rate. She’s 100% better and I have to compete with her for who Hadley loves more…It’s a battle I don’t mind fighting.
5. Mother-in-law means I’m married. Yes, I am married to the same guy that I was dating in 2004. What can I say, I’m a creature of habit?? This July, Scott and I will celebrate being best friends for 15 years. Which also means I have been with him for half of my life. *Cue heartburn*
6. I live on a budget. A big one. I work part-time in the retail industry, and full-time in the mom industry. The reason I say this is for my future fashion blog posts. Anything I blog about is going to be reasonable. I believe that blogging about a Gucci mule and slapping “#momstyle” on is cruel and unusual punishment. (Not to mention…the shit (literal, shit) that falls on shoes when you have a kid…let’s stick to target, k?)
7. Finally, the name. Where did it come from? To quote my first ever post… “I’ve always wanted a place to share my thoughts, ideas, fashion, and just life adventures. If you know anything about me, you should know that my life is a bad Bravo reality show that holds no punches. My family is one white tent short of a full blown circus. I’m perfectly impatient in every way possible. I wake up anxious and fall asleep anxious. Surprises scare me almost as much as circus clowns and I actually take “neurotic” as a compliment . I find solace in fashion and look to the big man upstairs when I need peace. Alabama is where I call home and the simple sound of “Dixie” makes my soul smile.  So, take a seat, strap in, and enjoy the ride.”

{Amy}

From the Heart

**This post was written in January 30, 2015. I never had the heart to say "publish". But, no time like the present. **

A few months ago, actually more like 6 months ago, I was sitting at work and received 2 text messages almost simultaneously, on the same day. One, from my mother-in-law, the other from my mother. Both Selfies. Both smiling. The difference was the backdrop. 

My mother was with Scott walking the beautiful beach of Lake Michigan, ironically enough, the same beach that we will one day lay my grandmother's ashes to rest. They were smiling, basking in the sunshine and enjoying that moment together. It's not everyday that you hear of husbands truly enjoying the company of their mother-in-laws and being able to receive this text while at home VERY pregnant made my heart smile. 2 of my favorite people together, just enjoying where their lives had taken them. The other selfie was totally different, however shared the same sort of smile. 

My mother-in-law, Pam, was sitting in a chemotherapy chair about to embark on her first treatment for Breast Cancer. Still to this day I have a hard time grasping the fact that we went through this. However, even with her port visible in the picture and her hair cut short knowing that she would lose it, she was dressed to the nines and ready for what life had handed her. How many people do you think take selfies while in a chemotherapy chair? My guess would be few. But, Pam isn't your typical cancer patient. She would probably slap me if she knew I was referring to her as a cancer patient! This women was excited to get a wig as she wouldn't have to worry about her hair for a while. When she had a reaction to the drug and it made all of her skin that was damaged by the sun peel off? A "benefit of chemo"...no need for another chemical peel! Now, 7 months after the diagnosis, Our Pam is cancer free. In every sense of the word. Her results are "unheard of, remarkable, astonishing" as her oncologist put it, or as her kids put it, "normal for mom". (Don't tell her doctors but 24 hours after her double mastectomy she was at burger night with everyone and a week after her surgery she beat Scott in ping pong. You know, normal "cancer patient" stuff.) Yeah, this is who my daughter shares a name with (their middle names are both June and Hadley has bee giving the nickname of 'Junebug') and I couldn't be more proud.

Unfortunately, this wasn't my first rodeo with cancer. I've been lucky enough for cancer to not directly effect my family but it has been all around me for a while. I watched my mother lose her best friend to breast cancer, my best friend lost her father to cancer, and a dear classmate of mine in High School lost his battle to cancer. I tried to not draw similarities to these when talked to Scott about his mom but deep down, I was scared out of my mind. But, something felt different about Pam. Not once did any of us think she wouldn't survive this. I think the fear will always be inside of us, though. The "what if's" that every cancer survivor and family member lives with day-to-day but ultimately we know Pam and we know the strength she carries within her. Looking back, my biggest regret was focusing so much on Scott and not picking up the phone and calling my family members. The last conversation I had with my grandma was the 2 days before she passed. Right before we hung up the phone I gave her an update on Pam and how I was feeling (6 weeks before my due date) and she very gently said, "I want to talk to you more Ames, I miss talking with you and knowing about what's going on in your life." Her saying that will forever haunt me. 

My Pal knew what she was doing. She passed on a Tuesday and that Sunday before she had talked to me, my sister, and my mom. Hours before her life-ending heart attack, she bought Hadley's baby gift...an owl that makes the sound of a heartbeat to put in her crib to soothe her when she sleeps. As cheesy as it sounds, I know my Pal is forever in that Owl and will always be watching out for my little girl when she sleeps. That sound is the only thing that will put Hadley to sleep. 

Events happen in your life that you never thought would be possible, good and bad. When it doesn't make sense at the time and all you want to do is be angry, I have realized that with time and patience, it will all make sense. For instance, when Scott and I found out that we were pregnant with a girl, I wept...For days. How could I be having a girl? I didn't want a girl, girls are mean, bratty, spoiled, just not what I wanted my first born to be. I was pathetic and looking back I am ashamed at myself. I was pregnant with a healthy baby and all I could do was say "poor me". It was the Amy show, no doubt about that. Then we got the news of Pam's cancer and my mentality totally shifted. To be honest, I put being pregnant and trying to enjoy it on the back burner and went into wife mode by trying to protect Scott. There are times and things that happen in a relationship that should be kept private and Scott going through this time in his life is one of those. I will never share his journey as it is his to share. All I will say is that if he loves Hadley and I even half as much as he loves his mother, we will be truly blessed for the rest of our lives.

I cannot imagine having a boy. There is a reason Hadley was our first born. She shares her Gigi's namesake so she will forever be reminded of the strength she has inside of her, just like Pam. I know she had a conversation with my grandmother before making her entrance into the world as there is no doubt she has her great grandmothers sense of humor. My grandmother would always say "A life for a life" when someone would pass, and I never really understood why she said that. I don't believe she was taken from us for Hadley's life, but instead for Pam's. 

I now make it a point to take a picture of Hadley every single day. (Not like that's a hard task!) I don't do it because I live in fear of something happening to her, I do it so I can remember how far she has come every day since she was born. If you don't take a picture of a particular moment in time, good or bad, how are you going to remember how far you've come, or what to strive for to get there again?

So, the next time you see someone taking a selfie, before you judge them and whatever stupid face they are making, remember that you don't know why they are taking that. So, let them take it. Let them remember that moment in time as it will soon pass. Hell, maybe take a selfie yourself.

Oh, and one last thing. Hey, Cancer, fuck you. We won. 

Dreams do come true

 Confession: I didn't paint this mural, nor do I know who did. It just so happens the previous owners of our house had a little girl as well and used this room for a nursery. This mural we never painted over "just in case". Well, it worked and we greatly appreciate the mystery artist.

You are my sunshine frame, similar here // My top // Scott's top // Hadley's Pants // Gunther's Bowtie, similar here // My Watch // My Bracelets: David Yurman, Tiffanys // "hello" print // Hadley Chair // 'You are my bucket list' print // Pink gingham pillow // White Linen embroidered pillow // starburst mirror, similar here // Owl Rocker // Rug // Changing Pad // Golden Retriever Plush // Hanging bird cage // Yarn spun 'H', similar here // Burlap flowers // Paper pinwheels: Click here for the DIY instructions // white wicker basket // 'Love you more' sign // Owl Piggy Bank // little boy statue // Bowl lamp // hanging hand mirrors; Similar here // monogram decal // Hadley's blanket 

I can honestly say that I never had any intention of doing a blog post on Hadley's nursery. However, I've had enough friends and family members actually get mad at me for not writing about it, so I figured I'd better write something. Not to mention my friend and talented photographer, Lauren Frisch, did call Hadley's nursery "blogger gold" so...hey, why not?

When I say that Hadley's nursery was on a budget,  I mean a "don't spend any money" budget. Aside from the necessary crib and dresser that you have to have, the idea of spending a ton of money on a 8 pound baby seemed a little silly. I might love one style but who's to say she isn't going to want a "Limited too-esque" zebra print room in a few years? (please God,  anything but that.) Hadley's room began and ended in a day. Of course, I had a few ideas, and Pinterest always helps to get those going, but it wasn't until I went into our basement and started going through Scott's and my keepsake boxes that her nursery started to come to life. That is the biggest advice I can give anyone who is trying to revamp any room in their house...see what you already have in your house, or even within your family, before you go and spend any money on decorations. Additionally, the things I wanted but couldn't seem to find, I ended up making myself. Yes, I got "DIYed" 7 months pregnant. 

A few items that are pictured were Scott's, or mine, as a child and my mother's as a child, so those I couldn't link to anything. (sorry.) But, these are the items you might find in your basement or your parents basement. Vintage books are the cheapest way to decorate, I have them everywhere. You could go to any vintage bookstore or even a garage sale and find them for a quarter. All of the Peter Rabbit china was Scott's as a child, and the rabbit lamp was mine as a baby. When you're wanting to redecorate a room, get inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, really anything. Then, before you go straight to Pottery Barn do a little shopping at places you never thought you'd go, such as flea markets, vintage stores, thrift stores. It's incredible what you can find (and make) with just a little inspiration. 

'Tis the season

1. Midi Skirt // 2. fingerless mittens // 3. Long trench jacket // 4. shrunken button down // 5.Sherling lined vest // 6. 'tis the season mug // 7. socks // 8. tartan poncho // 9. Blanket Scarf // 10. Tartan loafers // 11. Rugby jacket // 12. Plaid jogger pants // 13. Buffalo check peacoat // 14. Midi Skirt // 15. Plaid checked pants // 16. Minimergency kit // 17. Plaid shorts // 18. Slippers // 19. Vest

Can someone please explain to me how it's already Thanksgiving? I'm pretty sure I was holding a sparkler and wearing something that resembled an American flag just last week. Thanksgiving is a holiday I could do without but Black Friday and Cyber Monday make up my trio of favorite holidays. So, I guess I have to deal with hyped up turkey and sides in order to enjoy my favorite holidays.

If you are a diehard Chiefs fan like myself, you never need an excuse to buy anything that's red and fashionable. It's as if it's become a part of my vocabulary, just like me make an excuse as to why I buy anything black and gold (Go, Tigers). "I mean, it's perfect for a Chiefs game!" "This would be perfect for one of those chilly tailgating Mizzou games, duh." Yes, this is how I talk to myself in my head, just agree to get over it. (Disclaimer: I have been to 3 Mizzou games this year but am fully prepared for another 15 this season.) Imagine my joy when I started to see the trend for this season shifting towards my beloved buffalo plaid, red & black. Hallelujah, Praise Jesus...Let the "Chiefs" shopping commence! 

You don't have to even know who the Chiefs are in order to love this look right now. I rarely wear red but there is something about November & December where I truly believe red looks good on everyone. Not to mention...drum roll please...EVERY SINGLE ITEM I covet above, is on sale from now until Monday night. And, I'm not talking "Save 5% but pay $15 in shipping" Sale, I'm talking 50% off with free 2-day shipping. Get in gear, kids. It's game time.

{Amy}

In the Trenches

2 Tone Trench // Yellow Floral Trench // Beige & Black heart Trench // Pink handwritten Trench // Polka Dotted Bow Trench // Watercolor collar Trench // Lace detailing Trench // High Low Black Trench // Denim Trench // The New Basic Trench

Like I said in my very first post, almost a year ago; I’m not a writer. I’ve never thought of myself as a writer, nor do I believe I am supposed to be a writer. However, I am a thinker, a big one. I’m one big emotional basket case that will say idioms “just cause” and 65% of the time have no idea if I am using it in the correct way or not. Guess it’s my way of thinking that if I use an idiom here and there, I’m a grown up.  (And since I’m expecting my first baby, clearly I’m a grown up.)

However, one idiom I use all too often, and even more so today, is ‘to be in the trenches’.  Not to be confused with “into trenches” which I am also fully on board with as well. And have dedicated this post to my most favorite (and most reasonably priced) trench coats. There’s a whole big world out there that doesn’t involve just Navy and Beige, people!

I am “in the trenches” with the hardest part of my pregnancy, the trenches of a huge layoff throughout my company, the happiest trenches (yeah, it's a thing) of the most exciting sporting event to happen in KC since I moved here 18 years ago. And finally, the trenches of a rather life altering family event. But, like I told one of my closest friends this past weekend as I was catching her up to speed on my life; “I’m uncomfortable if there isn’t chaos.” Chaos has been my life for as long as I can remember. I actually get anxiety if things are going too well, running too smoothly; it’s that feeling of “things are too good to be true, something has to come down.” 

I am on the front line of these events (well, not the Royals going to the World Series but if anyone wants to put me in the front line, feel free.) and I don’t see them letting up any time soon. And that’s ok. I know that through life events, I can handle all of these. There will be good days and bad days, ups and downs, and highs and lows. But, the more I talk to people about being in the front line of all of these life events, the more I realize I’m not the only one. We have all been in the trenches of our own lives and amazingly enough, we’ve all powered through them. 

We all know rain is inevitable; it’s just a matter of when it decides to fall. 

{Amy}