That about sums up my first week as a mommy to two little people. 9 months of pregnancy and you'd think reality would hit you that you are about to welcome another human being into the world. Nope. Not this chick. Even with all the kicks, hormones, weight gain, it wasn't really REAL until I heard those precious (and oh-so-loud) cries coming from my sweet boy. At that VERY moment my heart exploded. He was mine. It was everything I could do but jump up from that surgery table and grab my baby boy to comfort and hold him close. Immediately, he was part of my soul and instantly, I was unconditionally in love. 

Well folks, its about that TIME! Time to lose that big beautiful bump and meet our second little boy! Super pumped to have my body back to myself, see my feet again, and become a family of four. Tomorrow is my scheduled C-section and being an extreme-over-preparer I figured it would be helpful to share my hospital packing strategy! This is my second C-section so I feel confident in what I DO and DON'T need this time around. I am not a big fan of clutter or unnecessary 'stuff', but being that it's a C-section we will be in the hospital 3-4 days. My goal is to have everything I might actually NEED. Organized, washed, packed in the car, and ready to GO. The better prepared - the less stress right?!

​(Please note that affiliate links are used in this post and while I may receive compensation from affiliate partners, I only recommend products and services that I personally use and love!)

As a professional network marketer for over four years, I can 100% attest to the life-changing awesomeness that having a network marketing business can provide. Time freedom, financial freedom, early retirement, personal growth, amazing relationships, travel, free cars, trips, tax benefits... and the list goes on and on. I can also 100% say that it is NOT for everyone. It takes a special type of person to run their own business, be self-motivated, consistent, and all the other variables that go into becoming an MLM success story. Here is my take on the industry, what you should know, the questions you should ask, and pros and cons to starting your own network marketing business.

With my looming C-section date a few days away... just hanging out there... taunting me, and my 'nesting' in super-overdrive I decided to put my restlessness to work. After all, one can only  organize the closets, junk drawers, vacuum, and clean so many times, right?! Decided it was time to channel the last bit of energy I had and put it to good use. MEAL PREP! Wooooo!

Now, disclaimer: While I fully intend to shift into a clean, healthy diet to loose about 50 lbs. of weight I've gained over the last 2 pregnancies I know the first two weeks with a newborn will be chaos, and along with breastfeeding, we will need full, hearty meals that can be instantly and easily prepared by the hubs. I will have had major surgery and won't be much help in the kitchen. LUCKY ME! :D These are meals that are moderately healthy and within a reasonable budget. No, not everything is organic, low-fat, etc. but it is all about balance after all! Feel free to make any substitutions/additions/subtractions that you feel are necessary. Most of these recipes actually made enough for more than one meal and can be eaten over the course of a few days. So lets DIG IN! 

Please note: Affiliate links are used in this post and compensation may be paid on purchases through these links. ​

This post is inspired by other amazing mama's paving the way for us like Diary of a Fit Mommy and many others! Some of these recipes were inspired by them and modified from Pinterest. (i.e. I didn't dream them all up on my own because... let's get real!) haha! I hope you enjoy, loves!

Our little guy's nursery is finally complete. And with only six days until the BIG ARRIVAL! Whew. Cutting it close, I know. But when all you can do is waddle around, wag your finger, and direct your hubby where to put this and where to put that you're in no position to dictate the urgency of the situation. Even though having an unfinished nursery the last few months made my eye twitch, I had to practice patience. Imagine that. Now, lets be honest... its basically just a refurb of big brother's nursery (benefits of having a second boy), BUT lucky for us, he won't know that. ;) We spruced it up with a new name sign and some additional decor and wa-la, READY! Below are the pictures, tutorials, and links. Please note: Affiliate links are used in this post and compensation may be paid on purchases through these links.