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Baby Registry Checklist: The Complete Guide

10/17/2018

Click over to see my baby registry checklist! A complete guide to what you need and not really need before baby arrives! Enjoy! #mom #momlife #babyregistry #momblogger #mommyblogger #baby #mothers #pregnancy #newmom #tips #motherhoodhappened

Deciding what to choose for your baby registry can be absolutely exhausting. There are soooo many products out there to choose from! Plus, having to decide what you TRULY need for your baby before baby even arrives is tough!

There were a lot of items I couldn’t survive without but there were also a few items I had to take back for gift cards because they weren’t of any use. But I am here to help 🙂

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here. 

Here is the baby registry checklist I would now use AFTER having a baby of my own: 

Baby Gear

Stroller-

  • This is a piece you actually want to invest in because it is something you are going to use for a lot of years to come. Your baby is not going to grow out of it quickly (like shoes)!
  • The UPPAbaby Vista Stroller is definitely on the pricey side of things but what I do like about this stroller is its versatility. It comes with so many pieces like a bassinet, there are so many positions you can choose from (inward or outward facing), and it is even possible to adjust the stroller to a second seat when you have a second child in the future! If you see yourself using a stroller often, I would definitely add this to your list!

For my running mommy’s! 

  • I registered for a jogging stroller and I still use it to this day (my kiddo is about to be 3)! After you get the okay from your doctor, get on out there for a nice long walk, a jog, or a run. Jogging strollers aren’t made just for running or jogging. I use mine mainly for nice long walks. What is nice about them is they are made to withstand rough terrain, so even though you are going up and down hills, on soil, grass, or rocks, the ride still feels smooth which is amazing for you and your baby!
  • I would look into the Thule Urban Glide 2.0 Jogging Stroller mainly because of how light it is. Many jogging strollers (like mine) are really heavy and bulky which is a hassle at times, trust me. So if you are looking into getting a jogging stroller make sure it is one you can open, close, and travel with ease.

Carseat-

  • An infant car seat is an essential piece you must include in your list and make sure you have before heading to the hospital.
  • I would HIGHLY suggest getting the matching infant car seat to whichever stroller you decide to register or purchase. For example, for the stroller above there is its matching UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat, that way there is no confusion and the car seat should click on to the stroller of your choosing with ease.
  • I would also suggest getting an additional car seat base if your family owns more than one car so the car seat can easily click on to whichever car when needed. This will save you A LOT of time. Taking out and reinstalling car seats is a process to say the least.

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Convertible Car Seats

  • You can add one to your list if you want to be ahead but it is not necessary yet. The infant car seat should last you a few months before baby grows out of it. However, if you are interested in getting one I would look into something like the Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat. I am all about buying items that will last you and your child a long time and this Graco Car Seat does the trick. This is the seat I am currently using for my son and we love it!

Other Car Accessories-

  • These are two things I completely forgot on my registry but are definitely needs.
    1. A back seat mirror is super convenient especially when traveling alone with baby. With the mirror, you can see what is going on and you will feel a lot better driving without worrying about your newborn while your baby is rear facing.
    2. A Baby on Board sign for your car! Let drivers know the precious cargo you are carrying!

Baby Carrier-

  • This is an item I thought I would not need so I didn’t register for it but I ended up purchasing one myself once my son was born. I don’t know what I was thinking.
  • The BABYBJORN Baby Carrier One was a life saver!!!
  • When you have to grocery shopping alone for a lot of items (so you can’t use your stroller since you need a cart from the market) and your baby is either sleeping or is fussy and wants to be on your chest to calm down this BABYBJORN carrier is perfection.
  • You can even use it when your baby wants to be on you to sleep at home but you want to multitask and fold clothes as another example. It is just overall handy! A MUST HAVE!

Bouncer/Swing-

  • This item isn’t necessary if you have a small bassinet like this one, that you can easily move around from room to room.
  • If you do not have a small bassinet I would recommend getting a small bouncer or swing so you can place your baby in to relax while you are in different rooms besides the bedroom.
  • That way you can take your baby with you if you go to the bathroom for example, while not disrupting their relaxation with all the settings these products have to offer.

Play Mat/Activity Gym-

  • This is entertainment for your new baby. Having a play mat/activity gym is useful because your baby will spend a lot of its awake time on one discovering different sounds, looking at different colors and pictures. It is also a great place to exercise by placing them on their belly!

Sleep Time/Nursery 

Crib-

  • As you may have already guessed, I am going to recommend a crib that should last you YEARS.
  • Getting a Convertible Crib that can change into a toddler bed and a big kid bed in my opinion, is more economical and just easier because you do not have to worry about buying another bed later on.

Bedding-

  • Getting a comfortable mattress is an important purchase for your little one, you want to make sure it feels good and is water resistant!
  • Fitted crib sheets (2-3), swaddling blankets or sleep sacks (4-6). My absolute favorite swaddle blankets are Aden+Anais Soft Swaddle Blankets. They are so soft and large which is great for swaddling, plus since they are so big you can use them if you ever need to place baby on the ground to play.

White Noise-

  • I found that getting a humidifier or an air purifier had there benefits but also served as great white noise to block some noise from the rest of your home.
  • I went with this air purifier and I still use it every time he sleeps to this day!

Other Items for Nursery-

  • Changing table or a dresser with a changing pad (that’s what I did).
  • A glider or a VERY comfortable chair that rocks would be ideal. I did not do this and completely regret it! You are going to spend a lot of time sitting on this chair, make sure it is comfortable.
  • Hamper
  • Diaper pail (MUST HAVE! … really I thought I did not need one and boy was I wrong)
  • Storage for baby closet

Feeding Supplies

Bottles-

  • Whether you are breastfeeding, pumping, using formula, or a mixture of all it is wise to get a set of bottles. That way others can help feed baby and bond with them when you deem appropriate. I particularly enjoyed Avent bottles, but read on different brands and see what sticks out to you most.
  • Drying Rack: to store all the little pieces of bottles or your pump pieces after cleaning.

Pacifier-

  • If you choose to have your baby use one I would suggest the WubbaNub Pacifier because it gives baby something to touch and look at while also having a tiny weight on their chest which may help in keeping the pacifier in place.

High Chair-

  • You will not use a high chair until later on when baby starts eating solid so it is not an absolute must before baby arrives but it is an essential eventually.
  • Click here to look at this one, super cute!

For my breastfeeding mommy’s: 

  • If you choose to breastfeed these are the items I would recommend as someone who breastfed their son until he was two and half years old
  • Breast Pump: I loved Medela products for anything breast pumping related
  • Single, Portable Breast Pump: This is good when you are on the road, at your job, or in a restroom trying to pump out your milk without having to carry the larger machine around.
  • Breast Milk Storage Bags: Great way to save milk in the freezer!
  • Nursing Pads: A MUST, you will be leaking in the beginning (it’s okay it will become normal I promise)
  • Nursing Pillow: Makes things so much easier! I couldn’t imagine breastfeeding without it and I used it for over a year.
  • Nursing Bras
  • Burp Cloths: things can get messy sometimes 🙂

Bath Time + Diapers

  • Infant Tub
  • Hooded Towels (3-5)
  • Washcloths (5-8)
  • Baby Shampoo, Body Wash, and Baby Lotion: Only get one of each because your baby’s skin may react to certain brands and you may have to end up switching brands until you find the right fit (you can see what worked for my son’s hair here)
  • Diapers: You definitely want to register for newborn size but also include size 1, size 2, and size 3. I loved having different sizes in stock, it was one less thing I had to shop or worry for when the time came to switch.
  • Wipes
  • Wipe Warmer: Not absolutely necessary but it will make things easier when changing your baby while they are sleeping

Health Related Things for Baby

  • Baby Monitor
  • Healthcare Kit
  • Fragrance and Perfume Free Detergent

Clothing

  •  This is something you do not have to necessarily register for because people regardless give you clothes all the time since they are too darn cute to resist!
  • However, I will say to get very, very few newborn size pieces since a fully matured baby will grow out of it pretty quickly. I started with size 3 months and I do not regret it. Things fit him a little loose the first couple of weeks but it wasn’t unmanageable.
  • But if you have mommy brain (trust me, I get it!) I will quickly list some essential pieces: short and long sleeve onesies, pajamas/ sleeping gowns, pants, socks, mitts, hats, coat/jacket (depending on weather and where you live)

I hope this helped you get a better idea of what you may or may not need to register for! Let me know if you have ANY questions at all! Congratulations 🙂

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see my disclosures here. 

As always, thank you so much for reading! If I provided value to you and you want to support my work, please head over to my Patreon here. For $5 a month you can directly help me continue providing content for you! 

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Filed Under: Motherhood 2 Comments

Comments

  1. Jane says

    October 24, 2018 at 8:27 am

    Love this checklist!!

    Reply
    • Mary at Motherhood Happened says

      October 24, 2018 at 8:38 am

      Thanks Jane!!!

      Reply

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Hi there, friend! I'm Mary and I'm delighted you came across my blog! I take joy in connecting, and sharing my experiences with others to provide value to anyone I can. My story is a rough one but it is also one that turned positive and I hope it can help others. We may cry, we may laugh but what I can guarantee is growth. I write about food, fitness, mindfulness, self-awareness, and overall things I have learned to become the best version of myself.

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✨So you are ready to change. You have the discip ✨So you are ready to change. You have the discipline, you have the motivation, you have your goals, you know what you have to do. However, you begin to realize the people around you are not happy with the changes you have made or about to make. ⁣
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✨This happens more often than you think. Others are so used to you being a certain way so when that begins to change they begin to push back. It may not be ill intentioned but it does happen. ⁣
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✨Acknowledge that there may be pushback, be prepared for it, and keep pushing towards your goals. People adjust and if people do not adjust to your change, do not allow that to stop you from your path of bettering yourself. You know what is best for you, be confident in that. ⁣
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✨I felt like the biggest failure when the father ✨I felt like the biggest failure when the father of my child and I separated. It was a really rough part of my life and I went through some of the hardest moments of my life. ⁣
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✨There was such a huge sense of failure I just could not shake. The relationship ended because of some issues he had to deal with as an individual but I could not help but continuously blame myself. ⁣
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✨I felt like I failed as a partner, I failed as a mother, I failed to keep my family together, I felt like I failed at life. ⁣
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✨It took a while to detach myself from that kind of thinking but it was liberating when I finally did. ⁣
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✨Just because the relationship was broken, it does not mean you are broken (even though sometimes it feels like it), just because the relationship failed it does NOT mean you are a failure. ⁣
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✨Detach your identity from the experience you went through. Seek professional help if needed, but please debunk your own thought, you are not a failure. Pick yourself up and take the lessons from the relationship.
✨Sometimes things are unclear in a relationship. ✨Sometimes things are unclear in a relationship. Sometimes there is a miscommunication. Maybe you are in a middle spot between dating and exclusivity. ⁣
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✨I know there are times I have felt insecure about asking for clarification. Sometimes you can feel nervous to ask about where you stand. Sometimes things are unclear when there is an argument. ⁣
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✨You shouldn't feel "needy" or "too much" when asking to clarify something. Many times issues come about when we do not ask for clarification. ⁣
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✨Ask questions in your relationships. If you are unsure about something, ask! We are curious beings, it is okay to question things for knowledge, peace of mind, and or safety.⁣
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Let me know below if you have dealt with feeling "needy" asking for clarification! ❤
✨Can we normalize celebrating ourselves without ✨Can we normalize celebrating ourselves without seeming like we are full of ourselves? Why is that seen as being of ourselves anyway? ⁣
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✨You should be proud of your accomplishments. This world is freaking tough at times, and the fact that you are not only surviving but SUCCEEDING (whatever success means to you) is amazing and should be celebrated!⁣
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✨No waiting for others to celebrate you, celebrate yourself! 💃
✨Not feeling good about yourself stems from mult ✨Not feeling good about yourself stems from multiple areas. For me, it is often picking my body apart. ⁣
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✨I have some loose skin from my pregnancy, I have discoloration or hyperpigmentation in some areas, and yes I ABSOLUTELY have cellulite. Oh yeah I forgot to add dealing with acne at times (frustrating!) ⁣
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✨I would be lying if I said those things do not bother me. They do at times. They do the times I focus on them and focus on them with a lens of negativity. ⁣
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✨These things do not make me more or less of a worthy individual and that is what I have to keep in mind. ⁣
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✨We have to do a better job valuing ourselves and that includes valuing our bodies too. My skin protects me from so much yet I find myself often mad at it. ⁣
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✨My skin, my body, my appearance do NOT make me or you worthy as an individual.
✨Caring what others think feels like my identity ✨Caring what others think feels like my identity at times because it feels like I have always allowed what others say and think affect me. But it's not my identity nor is it yours. ⁣
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✨You do NOT have to allow what others think or say affect you. It is easier said than done, trust me I get it. ⁣
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✨However, I do think there are small steps we can do to start. Let's get to know ourselves better. ⁣
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✨I believe the times we struggle are the times we are most disconnected with ourselves. ⁣
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✨Keep your values in mind, know or learn your interests and be confident about them, and last but definitely not least is to become comfortable without all the noise. Sitting in silence alone is probably the scariest but most peaceful things I get to do. Spend some time with yourself. ⁣
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Let me know down in the comments if you agree! ❤
We often think we have to one thing or the other. We often think we have to one thing or the other. We don't. You can be amazing right at this moment AND still be a work in progress. You can be caring AND selfish. You can be a multitude of things. ⁣
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Don't allow yourself or others to place you into a box of rigidness. ⁣
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✨You won't thrive in rigidness. ⁣
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Get comfortable with having dualities or having different elements and parts to you. We are not ONE thing, we are ALL things and that is okay. ⁣
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I know there are times I catch myself invalidating my experiences of being hopeful for example because my anxieties kick through and I am being cautious about the same thing. I shouldn't downplay my moments of hope (which is super important) because I am also incredibly scared. I can be hopeful and scared. ⁣
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Learning to flow between two spaces and accepting both spaces creates moments of being content. Allow yourself the permission to experience all things and be all things. Don't let others tell you otherwise. ⁣
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❤ What are some dualities you have experienced recently? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
If you felt lonely and not good enough in 2020, le If you felt lonely and not good enough in 2020, lets start the year with a different mindset. ⁣
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You ARE worthy. You ARE worthy of love. You ARE enough. ⁣
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If you have to repeat it to yourself 20 times a day, do so because it is the truth.⁣
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I know there are moments of loneliness and defeat where it does not feel true but know that it is. Your sense of worthiness must come from within, no one will ever fill that void for you. ⁣
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No one "worthy" will find you worthy if you do not begin valuing yourself. ⁣
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You got this! ⁣
Remember you are special too.⁣ Remember you are special too.⁣
You absolutely can and will. Believe that, work, a You absolutely can and will. Believe that, work, and see how things change. ⁣
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You got this!⁣
We often view being productive as something we sho We often view being productive as something we should aspire to be every single day. I know many of us feel bad or guilty when we are not what we usually deem to be productive. ⁣
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It is okay to relax. It is okay to get absolutely nothing accomplished today. There is a balance to life. There is room for productivity and room to relax. Make space for both and do not feel guilty about it. ⁣

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#treatyourselfwell # #youareworthy #singlemomlife #singlemom #singleparent #singlemother #singlemomstrong #selfcarequotes #selflovetips #selflovefirst #womenempoweringwomen
I think we often forget this. People are not alway I think we often forget this. People are not always going to agree with us. It is okay for us to not like that feeling. We want to be understood, and we want others to agree with us. ⁣
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However, both being kind and disagreeing with someone can exist together. ⁣
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With family and friend gatherings (whether in person or through zoom) comes debates and disagreements in regard to many things. ⁣
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Shifting our perspective to appreciating disagreements instead of disliking them could help manage our feelings better in the moments of disagreements. ⁣
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Have an amazing day!⁣
We compare ourselves to others often, especially d We compare ourselves to others often, especially during the holidays. We can be happy for others while also being a bit down that we don't have that certain thing. Maybe it is a pregnancy, an engagement, a new home, or even a new job. ⁣
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Whatever it is know that just because someone else currently has it or is experiencing it, that in itself does NOT mean you can not experience it one day. ⁣
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I know it is difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel sometimes but do not give up, be patient, and continue working towards your goals and desires. ⁣
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You got this girl!⁣
I think most families can relate to something on t I think most families can relate to something on this list. Families are not perfect nor will they ever be but that does not mean you should not stand up for yourself when something does not sit well with you.⁣
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You don't want to make things awkward, don't want to disrupt or bother? ⁣
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I get it, I think the same way. I am the pleaser, the peacemaker. ⁣
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But as I learn more and grow I am realizing how important it is to stick up for myself. ⁣
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If a question or comment bothers you, speak on it. It is okay to have feelings and have your feelings heard if you so choose. ⁣
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Of course, there are respectful and healthy ways of communicating but DO NOT dismiss your feelings or your desire to be your own advocate. ⁣
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I know it is harder to do with loved ones because frankly, loved ones are the ones that hurt us the most because we care so much about what they think and say. ⁣
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That said, be really conscious and perhaps practice responses before the holiday party. I think we usually know what others are going to pick at us for because it usually is the same thing over and over again. Practice sticking up for yourself, you got this!
Families do not all look the same. We have differe Families do not all look the same. We have different kinds of relationships that may not be "picture perfect" and that is okay. Especially during these times many jump to the assumption that we all have "normal" families (whatever that means). ⁣
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But we are complex people and with that comes complex relationships with one another. Don't be ashamed for not having the relationship people expect you to have. ⁣
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If you want to work on these relationships then great but if you do not want to that's alright too. Don't let others shame you for not having a great relationship with a parent, a sibling, being separated and having a coparenting relationship, whatever is "out of the norm."⁣
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Protect your soul and know that no one family is perfect.
Believe this to be true, because it is. There are Believe this to be true, because it is. There are moments we feel like we can not go on because we are not good enough, smart enough, or strong enough. ⁣
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But you are. Do NOT quit and keep going. This hardship is not going to last forever even though it may seem like it presently. Everything comes to end whether it is good or bad. ⁣
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Know that you ARE strong enough to handle the day, you got this! If I have to keep reminding you that you are ... I will :) ⁣
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Love, Mary ❤
Your mindset has such a MASSIVE influence on how y Your mindset has such a MASSIVE influence on how your day goes. Yes, there are outside influences or external reasons for our days to go to shit (I definitely know this haha) but really taking advantage of the things we do have control over (our minds) can be tremendous. ⁣
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Start this week having a positive mindset and see how your perspective affects your day. Our minds are powerful, let's care for them and use them well! You got this!⁣
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Love, Mary ❤
With the holiday season comes family times and it With the holiday season comes family times and it is usually presented or known as a positive and beautiful time, which it can be. But that is not the case for everyone. ⁣
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Coming together may mean facing uncomfortable realities or truths we may not be ready to deal with or forgive yet. ⁣
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I think many of us also think we have forgiven a situation or a person when we really have not. (I definitely have!) ⁣
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It is not an easy task to accomplish but with some time and work it can be done. ⁣
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Which one resonates with you the most? ⁣
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Love, Mary ❤
Taking care of yourself as a mom is at times diffi Taking care of yourself as a mom is at times difficult if I am honest. We are so used to putting our little ones or even other adults before us. It comes naturally to us. ⁣
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With that said, I do think it is CRUCIAL to take care of ourselves as moms especially because others rely on us but we are individuals too that ALSO need caring!⁣
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These 4 ways to take care of yourself as a mom are things we would prioritize for kids, so let's prioritize it for us too!⁣
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⭐Nourishing our bodies: eating foods to energize us and treat our bodies well ⁣
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⭐Practice good sleep hygiene: create a nighttime routine you can stick to and is realistic in order to get the peaceful sleep you need every night⁣
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⭐Heal emotionally: take care of your emotional health, many times we have no idea how much this affects our lives subconsciously or subliminally ⁣
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⭐Build and sustain relationships: making new relationships and sustaining old ones are super important. As humans we need one another, relationships are incredibly important to us. Making sure to set aside some time to foster those will aid in taking care of yourself. ⁣
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What are some additional ways you take care of yourself? Let me know!!⁣
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Love, Mary ❤
How to get over a breakup fast, is it possible?! ⁣
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New YouTube video is now live. I react to one of @tatycokley videos which is amazing! I love her spirit in this video but I break down her tips on moving forward after a break up. ⁣

Link in bio.
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How fast do you think one can move past or get over a breakup?? ⁣
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