Kids

Alexander’s One Year Photoshoot

Our baby is one! ONE! This is unbelievable to me. Yes, we have 2 other children but I was pregnant on both their 1st birthday’s so I knew I would be experiencing these special milestones again. This moment is bitter sweet as were all of Alexander’s milestones because he truly is our baby. Will we have more children? Who knows? Right now our family feels pretty perfect to me.

I try to capture every moment I can with a picture. I have so many pictures of my kid’s on my phone! It’s actually ridiculous but the truth is I don’t ever want to miss or forget a moment. That’s why I always have professional photos taken for special milestones. Like birth or newborn photos and first birthday photos. These are photos that I will have hanging in my home for the rest of my life and I want them to be a beautiful representation of my children. Getting Alexander ready for his photo shoot was so exciting. I couldn’t believe he was already turning one! For his newborn photo shoot I kept the colors very neutral focussing on his adorable new born features and tons of dark hair! I knew I wanted to take the same theme and tie it into his one year photos.

I met Pamira almost 4 years ago while I was pregnant with my first son Maximus. To say we hit it off would be an understatement. I am a firm believer in signs and people meeting for a reason. I was a maternity model for Pamira and I was so nervous! She made me feel so comfortable and so beautiful. I mean let’s be honest at 8 months pregnant feeling beautiful doesn’t really come to mind. Never the less Pamira made me feel like a goddess. I knew without a doubt that I would be hiring Pamira to do my son’s newborn photoshoot.

Fast forward almost 4 years and 3 babies later. Here she is capturing yet another beautiful milestone. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to take my children’s photos. Pamira manages to snap the most beautiful moments. When you think you have nothing from a photo shoot due to a cranky baby you she shows you the gallery and you are amazed. The heart and soul that goes into these photos is unmatchable. I am truly grateful to not only have her as a photographer but a friend 🙂

Now onto the shoot! A newborn photo shoot and a one year photo shoot are quite different to say the least. I am sure a lot of parent’s out there can agree! The first thing I like to get out of the way is a theme for the photo shoot. As I said earlier I wanted to keep it all neutral tones. Pamira and I would go back and forth and when I arrived at her studio she managed to make my ideas come to life!

As I sat there and watched my little almost one year old playing with the balloons and the paper I thought to myself how truly fast this year went! My daydreaming got interrupted by my running, yes running little 11 month old! The professional photos are truly beautiful but it’s the candid moments are my favorite.

Thank you for taking a moment to glimpse at a beautiful piece of my world ❤

I will leave you all with a quote that I will never forget and often repeat to myself. “The days are long but the years are fast”. Never has there been a truer statement.

Happy birthday to our sweet beautiful baby boy Alexander.

Looking for a great photographer? Here you go! Pamira Breman Photography

Ashli’s Tips:

Find a photographer who you truly click with. I am so happy to call a Pamira a friend 🙂
Find a photographer who you can be open with. You have to voice your likes and dislikes. Remember you a paying client and should be thrilled with your photos.
These photoshoots should be fun and not stressful. Well not too stressful 😉
Your photographer got the shot, even if you don’t think so.

Thanks for stopping by!

xo,

Ashli

New Baby Must Have’s

Welcoming a bundle of joy soon? There are SO many baby products out there it can be pretty overwhelming on what to purchase. Being a mom of 3 kids under 3 I consider myself somewhat of an expert in the baby gear department. I can’t tell you how many products we have purchased and never used or didn’t work out! So i’m saving you guys some time and rounding up some of my favorite baby gear that will hopefully make your life as a new parent a little bit easier.

4Moms Breeze Play Yard

I am such an advocate for pack and plays. I will look at photos of when I was younger and I was usually in a playpen surrounded by tons of toys while my mom was cooking dinner. I wouldn’t be able to get anything done in my home without one. Pack and plays allow me to cook dinner, clean the house and have my morning coffee. I love this one because it’s so easy to pack up and take with you. Ours has been on many family vacations and is currently on our third child so you know it’s durable!

Portable Swing

By the third kid you have tried almost every gadget there is out there. This portable swing is everything during the first few months. It’s compact enough to fit on my center island so it allows the baby to be near me but out of reach to my tiny little helpers. Plus it folds up for easy travel.

DockAtot

I really can’t say enough about this product. Our first son was not a sleeper AT ALL. So when I found out I was pregnant for the second time I was not messing around! I did my research and am so glad that I cam across this gem. It’s a bit pricy but totally worth it. Our second son sleeps in the bigger version and our newborn sleeps in the smaller one.

Tote Savvy

Anyone else a neat freak? This amazing invention allows you to keep all of your diaper bag essentials in an orderly fashion while fitting into your favorite bag. I am able to fit all 3 kids stuff in here.

Finn and Emma Play Gym

Love this bar. I can move it anywhere in my home or the yard. So convenient! Especially when you have other small children to chase after! No one has time to set things up plus this play gym is so sturdy and the wonderfully made frame is finished with non-toxic stains and lacquers.

Lil Helpers Bottle Holder

Just get it and thank me later…

Halo Bassinet

All three of my babies slept in our room for the first few months. This bassinet was a lifesaver for the late night feedings. It swivels, so you are able to get it very close to your bedside. Plus the sides are mesh which allows you to see baby easily.

Nuna Leaf

This is another item that I was able to use with all three kids. It’s noise-free design swings with just a gentle push. The seat also grows with the baby, so all of my kids take a swing!

Bare Beaded Pacifier Clip

I love products that are multi functional. This pacifier clip is made with natural beads so it’s safe for your little one to chew on while he’s teething.

Hoping these help you all out! Thanks for stopping by!

xo,

Ashli

Packing Your Hospital Bag 101

Socks

The Hospital Bag Essentials Check List:

Having a baby can be very overwhelming, especially if you are a first time mom. Not only do you have to worry about packing for yourself but also for your new baby and sometimes your husband! I have compiled a hospital check list that will help new moms prepare their hospital bag without packing too much (guilty!) or too little. I have linked some of my favorite pieces to help as well. I hope this list helps all of the expectant mother’s out there. Because you never know what you may need 🙂

For Mama:

The Over Sized Travel Bag

This is the bag that I use. It fits everything and the vegan leather feels great. Plus it’s super chic.

Three Pairs of Comfy Warm Socks

I will labor with socks on, I hate having cold feet. I’ll also sleep with socks on especially in the hospital..

Delivery Gown

I hate hospital gowns so this is a pretty alternative. I used this for both my deliveries and I’ll be using it again very soon!

Two Pairs of Comfortable Pajamas

I personally can’t sleep well at night if I am not wearing my own pajama’s so I always bring 2 pairs with me. These are super comfy and priced great.

Three Tank Tops

These are hands down my favorite layering tank. It’s longer and I love it. I have so many because they are at a great price point.

Two Long Sleeve Shirts

The perfect long sleeve lounge shirt. Loose and long fitting.

A Robe

To slip on during labor or at night. I love this robe. It’s the perfect material.

Three Pairs of Sweat Pants or Joggers

I prefer joggers since they are clenched at the bottoms. I am one of those people who like to get dressed during the day even if it’s in sweats. You will be sore no matter if you have a natural or c-section birth so there is no need to be tripping up on your pants. Joggers are just easier to get around in. These are one of my favorite pairs. I will be wearing a pair home from the hospital as well.

Over Sized Cardigan

Good to throw on during the day. Or for your going home outfit.

Slippers

I prefer slipper socks since they won’t slip off.

Flip Flops

You will want these for the shower.

Shoes to Leave the Hospital

I’ve had a baby in the summer and wore flip flops home from the hospital, I’ve had a baby in the fall and wore UGG booties home and I’m about to have a baby in the winter which means I’ll wear some sort of UGG boot home. Either way, chose footwear that slip on and off easily since you may be a little sore to bend and tie sneakers.

Pads

They are provided in the hospital but beware they are gigantic! I prefer these.

Depends

Don’t knock em’ until you try em’. The hospital gives you this lovely gauze underwear. Which is awful in my opinion…It’s a messy business birthing a baby and there’s no way around it, depends plus a pad just make it easier…

Nipple Balm

If you are nursing this is a must have, your nips will be on fire for the first few days and this stuff is a life savor.

Nursing Bra

This one is personal favorite of mine.

A Comfy Blanket

This may sound silly now but hospital linens and blankets leave much to be desired. I always back blanket for me and my husband who never leaves my side 🙂

Travel Sized Toiletries

No need to pack the big guys. Below you will find a list of travel size toiletries and other miscellaneous items I pack.

Beauty

Lip balm because you wont believe how dry your lips will get during labour.
Body wash
Shampoo + Conditioner
Toothbrush, paste and floss
Hairbrush and hair elastics
Travel Mirror
Contact case
Face Cream
Eye Cream
Body Lotion
Hand Cream
Glasses and Contacts (if you wear them)

Electronics

Cell Phone
Charger
Camera
Music Playlist or Pandora App Downloaded

Extras:

Insurance Card
Divers License
Small Thank you gifts for the nurses- I usually buy 3 medium boxes of Godiva Chocolates. I’ll give one to the Labour and Delivery nurses, then to my nurses in my patient room (the night shift and the morning.) I will also send my Doctor’s a little edible arrangement to their office.
Cash
Cord Blood Banking Kit if you are doing it.

For Baby

The hospital will provide your baby with all of the essentials. A cute little hat, swaddle blankets, a long sleeve undershirt, plus diapers, pacifier and formula. Below I have listed what I bring for my new bundle.

Newborn Hats- Because they are so much cuter then the hospital ones.
Naturesutton BPA Free Pacifier – I prefer this pacifier over the ones the hospital gives.
Two Swaddle Blankets- When taking pictures I prefer my own plus like the newborn hats they are much cuter.
Going Home Outfit- This depends on when your baby is born. Since this baby is going to be a winter baby in New Jersey I will be bringing a long sleeve onsie, warm footie pajama’s, warm one piece to go over with a hood and footies (think kid from the Christmas Story) and of course a warm hat. Also a blanket to cover him with.
Formula- If you are going this route the hospital usually carries one or two brands but if you want a specific brand or organic brand I would bring a few bottle just incase.

For Dad

Make sure dad packs for himself too! My husband will usually pack a change of clothes and deodorant since we live relatively close to the hospital so he will sneak out when family comes to see the baby for a quick shower and change. But for those who can’t leave below is a small list of items that dad will need.

2-3 Pairs of pants, sweats, or shorts depending on the area you live in.
2-3 Shirts
1-2 Sweat shirts or Zip Ups.
2-3 Pairs of underwear
2-3 Pairs of socks
Sneakers
Oh and make sure he brings his balls, he’s going to need them 😉

There you have it. I hope this list helps all the expectant mommy’s out there stress a little less about packing their hospital bag. Best of luck to all of you and many blessings on your new babies!

If you have any questions just comment below and I’ll be happy to answer!

Thanks for stopping by!

xo!

Gabriel’s 1st Birthday

mile·stone – an action or event marking a significant change or stage in development.

Before I had children this word meant very little to me. I mean of course I understood the meaning and importance of a milestone. I graduated high school, college and got married. So I thought I hit some pretty important ones in my life. Let me tell you, nothing compares to having and raising baby and then watching that tiny human (who you grew in your body, which is a miracle in itself) hit their milestones! So when it came time to celebrate our sweet baby boy Gabriel’s first birthday we couldn’t believe how fast that milestone came! When I found out I was having another boy I was uneasy. Not only was I having another child, but a boy. I was worried about how I was going to love another baby let alone another boy. But let me tell you, as soon as I saw my second baby boy my heart grew bigger and knew to make room for this special little person. Gabriel is by far the sweetest baby, you look into is eyes and they just melt your heart. Maybe it’s because he’s a scorpio. Being a scorpio myself I have a soft spot for them ; )

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I love planning any kind of celebration. I take such joy in planning every little detail and nothing is more special then planning events for my children. When I found out I was pregnant the second time around and started to brainstorm nursery themes I knew immediately regardless of the gender that I wanted to do a black and white theme. I am not a boy is for blue and girl is for pink kind of person. Gabriel’s nursery came out wonderful and I just loved it. So when it came time to picking a first birthday theme I already knew what I wanted! When choosing a venue I knew I wanted something that had character but was still bare enough to allow me creative freedom. We chose a florist that moonlights as an event venue. It was perfect and smelled amazing from all the fresh flowers which was an added bonus.

The day was great, we celebrated this huge milestone with some of our most close friends and family. We had delicious food and desserts, entertainment for the kids and of course vino for the adults. I can’t believe our sweet baby Gabe is already one year old. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this sweet soul. I certainly can’t wait to plan more parties 🙂 I’ve linked all of my vendor’s below in case you are in the northern New Jersey area. They were all fantastic!

Thanks for stopping by!

The venue was Caldwell Flowerland | Our caterer was Miele’s Restaurant | Gabriel’s amazing cake was from Miele’s Bakery | Cake pops were by Alexandra (message me for contact information) | Photography by Melanie Lamac Photography | Happy birthday Banner by Classic Banners | Time Capsule by Creative Kittle | Cake Topper by Pink Poppy Party Shoppe | Donut party favors by Beignets (So delicious)

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask 🙂

The Perfect PJ’s for The Holidays!

So yesterday was a snow day here in Jersey. My husband plows so I am usually home alone with the kids on snow days. Which means that I have to think of activities to occupy my 1 and 2 year old’s. The day was filled with sugar cookie baking and gingerbread house making. Probably not the best idea now that I think about it, what a mess! But Maximus had fun 🙂 We also watched some holiday movies and drank hot chocolate (mommy’s current favorite) I also finished decorating the tree. We had a little Christmas tree drama over here. We usually get a real tree but decided to get an artificial flocked tree this year because they are so pretty and we figured we can put it up earlier every year. Well the original tree we ordered was beautiful however we were only sent the bottom half of the tree! After going back and forth with the company (who will not be named!) it turned out they had no idea where the top part of our tree was and the tree was out of stock 😦 I was so sad because here we were 11 days before Christmas without a tree! Which made me feel like a horrible mom! Damn pregnancy hormones! Well i’m super thankful for Target because I ordered this tree on Wednesday evening and it arrived Friday afternoon! Plus it’s not too shabby looking! I just wish it were a foot taller! Anyway, I have linked this beautiful tree as well! The day was a pretty great all around with only one or two minor tantrums! That’s a win to me! One of my favorite things about snow days is staying in pajama’s ALL DAY and at almost 9 months pregnant well that’s just simply heavenly. I have linked some of my favorite holiday pajama’s for the whole family that will be perfect to wake up in on Christmas morning! I have also linked a recipe for red wine hot cocoa! I have been told it’s amazing and I can’t wait to try it once this baby is born! Stay cozy and warm ❤

Thanks for stopping by!