Happy Wednesday my friends. Thank you for all your advice yesterday! It’s pretty clear that different things work best for different babies and I’m hoping to figure out what works best for us soon because as you can tell, we are on the go a lot.
Speaking of on the go, before summer began I was worried about what to do with Hailey. She had been in a mom’s morning out program two days a week that didn’t run during the summer. Knowing I’d have a newborn to care for and a toddler to entertain concerned me. I looked into camps, looked into nanny shares then ultimately decided to suck it up and just DO SUMMER. Part of the decision was definitely selfish. I wanted to be with Hailey and not miss out on watching her enjoy the summer sunshine. So we went for it.
…ohmygoodness so brave right? A mom taking care of TWO kids on her own?!? Haha, I know, trillions of moms do it everyday, but trust me, it can feel overwhelming at first.
And it was overwhelming at first. Very. However, soon I learned the trick that made the difference… a well-packed bag.
Does that sound anticlimactic? Maybe, but it really makes all the difference. To keep things easy, I keep a stocked bag in the car at all times. It’s loaded and ready for whatever may come. Here’s what I keep stocked:
For Kaitlyn
Diapers (at least 5)
Wipes
Plastic Bags (for dirty diapers)
2 Extra Outfits
Blanket
Pacifier (she doesn’t really take it, but it makes me feel better)
For Hailey
Pull-Ups (at least 3)
Undies
An extra outfit
Sunscreen
Bathing Suit
Towel
Hair ties
Snacks
Lollipops (because who knows when you might need a special surprise)
For Me
Hat
Snacks
Bottled Waters
Keeping the basics ready to go makes leaving the house so much easier. Some of my favorite snacks to keep in the bag are granola bars, fruit/veggie pouches and Blue Diamond almonds (I swear I have their 100 calorie packs stashed everywhere).
If I can plan ahead, I usually try to pack a more substantial snack/meal to bring along too.
Peanut butter and honey sandwich, grape tomatoes, raisins and Blue Diamond’s Toasted Coconut Almonds.
Because food always serves as a great distraction for an overtired toddler.
You guys know I love Blue Diamond Almonds. Their flavors, their people and oh, did I mention the Habanero BBQ? Since I only partner up with brands I love and buy with my own dollars, I can attest to the fact that I have tins of their almonds everywhere- in the car, in my purse, on the boat…
Well it seems Hailey has picked up on this little habit of mine because yesterday I asked her to get herself ready to go. She picked out red and white socks, velcroed her shoes, grabbed her Sofia keys, styled herself with one fancy hat and packed her own bag. Go figure, she snagged a tin of Blue Diamond Almonds from the pantry to toss in alongside her star shades and plastic kiwi and potato.
Like mother, like daughter… and yes, that includes our fashion sense.
This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond. Thank you for supporting my family!
Whether you are a mom or just a busy lady on the go, how do you make leaving the house easier?
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
Hahaha awww she is so cute! 🙂 And hey, I’m easily distracted my snacks when I’m a little tired and grumpy, too 😉
Brittany Dixon says
Hey I’m easily distracted by snacks… anytime. Guess it isn’t just a toddler thing 😉
Karen says
Field trip days for me and my three daycare children involves a whole day of pre planning and packing the bags the night before. Oh, and dont forget the last minute prayer that I can at least get them all into their car seats and buckled in before the first one decides to fill his/her diaper….never fails:)
The joys of leaving home with children.:)
Brittany Dixon says
Haha yes! A little prayer is essential. Never a dull moment with little ones 😉
LaToya says
They are so cute. I am with you – a well packed bag saves the day!
Jaclyn @ Bumpsweat says
I try to be good about packing snacks. I hate spending $$ on one snack bar, when bringing one from home’s much less-expensive, that and I don’t want to be famished.
Marjorie says
Hailey is such a cutie pie! Too funny that she copied Mama by packing her almonds. They do pay such close attention to what we do, don’t they?! I find my son imitating things that I am not even aware that I do.
I love almonds! BD is a mainstay in our house. I keep a portioned out snack bag in my purse, plus I love to make homemade almond butter. I can eat that stuff straight out of the jar by the spoonful. Yummers!
Tiff @ Love, Sweat, & Beers says
Being prepared definitely helps. I’m only out and about with one, but he keeps me busy. We run an errand or do something fun every day. Now if only it weren’t so hot so we could fit in more park days…
Brittany Dixon says
This heat (and humidity) has been a bit crazy hasn’t it?! I’m not ready to jump on the pumpkin bandwagon just yet, but a cooler few days would be nice.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Oh my gosh, her outfit is awesome. I love when kids dress themselves — so cute.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
I need to go back and read the comments from yesterday- I read the post on my phone but never got to respond. I’m wondering this too as we’re slowly getting out more and that really messes up her naps. She is not a fan of the car seat, either!
Those coconut almonds are my favorite- I need to pick up more!
Brittany from CountingMyCupcakes says
Oh my gosh! She is too dang cute in those last pics getting herself ready! I really need to get better about packing my lunch the night before every single day. It makes a HUGE difference getting out the door in the morning if I don’t have to run around the kitchen grabbing everything last minute.
Nicole says
Packing snacks is so essential! I especially always try to bring my own food when Im going on a plane, because 1) airplane food sucks, and 2) airports are so much more expensive!
Also- I think being selfish is totally okay if it’s because you want to spend time with your kids 🙂 one of the times being selfish IS a good thing 🙂
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Hailey is just the cutest thing ever!! It sounds like she is one smart little girl, too!
Laura @FitMamaLove says
So important to have multiple outfits on hand, especially when their teeny!
I finally had the opportunity to try flavored Blue Diamond Almonds when I saw the chile lime ones in the checkout line at Target. OMG, they were so good! I was seriously craving them after that. I looked for them at the airport on the way to Anaheim and they only had a couple flavors, so I went for the habanero bbq. Still good, but I’m still craving that chile lime! I really want to try the salt and vinegar too!
Jeni says
Hi Brittany! I just nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blog Award – nothing huge but a fun little award nontheless. I’ve been following you for a while now and absolutely love your posts. Here are the details: http://sunnydaysundays.com/2014/08/20/thanks-for-the-blog-award/