I was good with vaccines until covid which imo exposed a lot. My first two kids are fully vaxxed and my 3rd only has the most essential/important ones. You have to make the best choice for you!

An idea from our elementary school librarian is to start Harry Potter but read one book every summer or every Christmas. That was as the books progress the child is older and can handle it. A fun idea for parents+kids

Are you set on the beach? What about a dude ranch? I don't have specific recommendations but my husband mentioned it to me a couple days ago that he wants to go this somewhere. Somewhere in the mountains

$34/hr. I would do one time the week baby comes home because they mostly sleep that first week. One time the second week. And then twice a week for week 3-10 (if that's an option for your fam). I mean in an ideal world it would be every other day for 16 weeks (or forever?) lol but that will be priceyyyyyy
I think it also depends on your energy level and your mental health. If you typically do okay postpartum then you might just need once a week so you can get good rest. But if postpartum has historically been challenging then you might consider twice (or more) a week.

Ask about certifications, lactation support, if she will keep an eye on you (postpartum issues) as well as baby etc definitely align on expectations before baby is here so y'all are on the same page.

Great question...If i play another round of uno i may die.

My kids enjoy lego sets and puzzles (i enjoy doing both with them). Chalk isn't too bad. Scooters. Dominoes. Mancala. Cats Cradle. We haven't been to the beach in awhile but i remember mainly playing in the water jumping waves and boogie boarding.

@DrAnneSharkey I keep hearing about her and actually reached out to their office for a consultation and she's booking way out. Like 7 months out. But that means she's good and vetted!

Depending on price point:
Towel Warmer, book+bottle of wine, mahjong accessories, of course any candle, barefoot dreams blanket (on sale at nordstrom rack), face roller, blow dryer brush. I would love to receive any/all of these at a favorite things party

On spotify you can search for the "clean" version of whatever artist. So "Taylor Swift Clean Version" and the playlist should be appropriate. Double check though! KidzBop makes my ears bleed

Okay great to know! I subscribed a few years ago but I feel like the selection is much more robust now. Will take another look. Always trying to get healthier food for the 847493 snacks my kids eat each day

At 3yrs we were still doing sidewalk chalk, scooter, bubble machine, balance bike, sandbox, big tub to fill with water and water toys. They don't know what is a "big" gift and what's not, so just pick whatever you want to play with alongside him!

It was harder for me after each pregnancy but I also gave myself more grace each pregnancy bc each kid will do that to you. The first baby I was back doing HIIT work outs at 10ish weeks. My third kid I truly didn't start working out until at least a year. I was busy with two others and working etc
Do what feels best for YOU and no one else.

The first couple of days aren't that bad but don't be fooled-things pick up day 3 to day 8. Do not miss a dose of pain medicine. I agree with dissolvable tylenol and motrin rotating. Keep their throat moist with liquids. Bubble gum to chew every day after. Ice packs for ear pain. Honey lollipops. Some will say a humidifier on them at night, I don't think it helped us that much but probably not a bad idea. Ice cream, mac n cheese, pudding the normal stuff. Nothing red as you can't see if you're bleeding or if it's the red dye

We have a Gabb. Functionality is totally fine and everything we need. But, I’ve noticed that older elementary kids don’t like the look of it and would prefer something that looked closer to an Apple Watch it’s just bigger and more square than an Apple Watch.

Favorite podcasts?? I don’t want anything too heavy that uses a ton of brain power, but also don’t want real housewives numb out level. Something in between. I can learn but not have to focus too much.

We love the defined dish but try to choose her recipes that don’t have 10,000 obscure ingredients.
This is a favorite-can control spice level for the various eaters in the house. Top with cheese, guacamole, sour cream, whatever!

https://thedefineddish.com/chicken-and-rice-taco-skillet/

I can tell you what not to do (equally as helpful?). I just bought an expensive AF magnesium spray to spray on my kid’s feet and legs before bed and they say it itches and refuse to use it. The pharmacist said it tingles so maybe thats the “itching” sensation…who knows, but never again

Sunglasses, you’re gonna cry
Helps to have plans after drop off, even if it’s just planning to pick up a coffee.
Try and get there earlier to let your child adjust so you’re not running in right before the bell.
You got this!

Similar sentiments as above. It’s getting out of hand. Unless there is a real reason to hold them back(that’s different), send them in the grade they are aligned to. It’s causing misalignments in the classroom and it’s not fair to the teacher to expect them to teach to kids that aren’t in the appropriate grade. Also, challenges shouldn't be feared for kids, it builds grit and resiliency (again within reason assuming there's no real reason to hold back). It's not a good thing to have everything come easy as a kid, to always get the awards, always make the team, etc

A visual reminder. Either he can check it off as he goes or maybe get a reward if he gets dressed 5 days in a row? They are like puppies, they have to be trained lol

Unless they are attacking children I saw let it slide? What can toddlers really understand/control? Maybe i'm off here but I feel like it's normal