February 20, 2024

I hope everyone's enjoying the sunshine this week! Here in Florida, we had the dreariest of weekends with straight rain for at least 48 hours. But it turned out to be a very relaxing time with the family, filled with tons of card games, movies, baking, and snuggles. 😊

In case you missed Friday's newsletter, Birdie is on the lookout for a skilled writer to join our team! We're reaching out to our wonderful mom community for recommendations. We need someone with strong writing experience, able to commit around 10 hours per week, ideally a mom. If you or someone you know fits this description, don't hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].

  • Spring Fashion: Transition smoothly to warmer weather with mom-approved wardrobe staples.

  • Pregnancy Planning: Choose the right pregnancy and birth journey for you.

  • Tidy Tips: Keep your home clean throughout the week to save time on weekends.

FASHION

It’s time for a cardi-party! 🌷

As we tiptoe towards spring, the anticipation for lighter layers and breezier styles builds. While the weather may still be a tad brisk for sleeveless ensembles, a versatile fashion piece is ready to bridge the gap between cozy warmth and seasonal chic: cardigans! These are the perfect transitional layer, wrapping you comfortably while effortlessly complementing your ensemble.

DID YOU KNOW? The history of cardigans dates back to the 1800s, with Coco Chanel herself contributing to their rise in popularity. Cardigans have stood the test of time, from their humble beginnings to gracing the shoulders of fashion icons like Princess Diana and Katie Holmes. 

We’ve gathered a few of our favorite sites showcasing easy, mom-friendly cardigan styles – links included!

🧥 I Am Stylish by Tiffany tells moms to opt for long cardigans for extra coverage during colder months.

🧥 According to People, these are the best cardigans of 2024 for under $75! 

🧥 Marie Claire advises to avoid buying anything too trendy. Keep it classic!

HEALTH

Pregnancy dream team. 🤰👩‍⚕️🏥

📈 TRENDING: More U.S. mothers are opting for midwife care over traditional OBGYNs. 

Navigating pregnancy care options can be overwhelming! Let's break down the differences between midwives and OBGYNs to help you make an informed decision. Whichever you choose, trust your instincts and prioritize your comfort and well-being. 

Midwives and OBGYNs both offer excellent care, but your choice depends on various factors. 🤔 Here's a quick guide:

👩‍⚕️ OBGYNs are medical doctors specializing in pregnancy and childbirth. They're ideal for high-risk pregnancies or if you prefer a hospital birth with the option for medical interventions.

🤱 Midwives, on the other hand, provide holistic, personalized care. They emphasize natural childbirth and ideal for low-risk pregnancies, especially if you desire a more intimate birth experience, perhaps even at home or a birth center.

Not sure which path to take? Consider your preferences:

  • 🏥 Hospital vs. Home: Where do you envision giving birth? 

  • 🩺 Routine vs. Personalized Care: Do you prefer a standardized approach or a more individualized one? 

  • 💉 Interventions vs. Natural Birth: What's your stance on medical interventions during labor? 

There is plentiful information on the differences, pros and cons, and experiences. Here are a few more resources to review to hopefully help in your research.

👶Pregnurse: Pros and cons of choosing a midwife.

👶Healthline: Another perspective on the midwife vs. OB-GYN debate.

👶Doula vs. Midwife: Exploring the difference between these supportive roles.

AND ALSO THIS. . .

Tidy home, tidy mind.

We understand the whirlwind of balancing family, work, and everything in between. That's why we're here to offer practical tidying strategies to help you reclaim your time and space without the fluff. 🧹🧼

Apartment Therapy suggests…

  • Try the “Tidy Toss” Trick: Credit to professional organizer Holly Blakely, this technique involves using baskets and containers to corral smaller items like shoes or accessories. Simply toss items into designated bins for an instantly neater look.

  • Clean Countertops with a Lint Roller: Got crumbs on your countertops? Grab a lint roller for a quick cleanup. It's a surprisingly effective way to banish crumbs and dust in no time.

  • Finish Before Laundry: 🧺 Use the time it takes for your laundry to finish as a deadline for completing your cleaning tasks. It's a great way to stay on track and avoid procrastination.

Two to 10 minutes – that’s all it takes according to House Digest:

  • The 2-Minute Rule: If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it right away. Whether it's taking out the trash or sorting through mail, tackling small chores immediately frees up time for larger ones.

  • Tidy Up for 10 Minutes Each Night: Incorporate a brief tidying session into your evening routine. Spending just a few minutes each night straightening up can make a big difference in the overall cleanliness of your home. 🧽✨

BONUS: The Spruce has a very detailed cleaning section providing “how-to’s” on small cleaning projects around the home. Give it a look!

SNIPPETS

Drowning prevention. New York passes legislation requiring new parents to recieve drowning training before leaving the hospital.

Spring Break ready. Amazon’s most popular carry-on is on sale for under $100.

Kids and online gaming. With so many games on the market, it’s hard to know what’s safe. Roblox is up for discussion.

Fashion. A plus-size model share’s her favorite pieces available on Amazon.

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

🥚Egg-cellent hack. Make Easter egg dying easy and clean with your toddlers by doing this super smart hack!

🥪Ditch the lunch meat. And try this super easy avocado chicken salad recipe from Joyful Healthy Eats.

😴Bedtime entertainment. Kids not interested in bedtime stories? Try these quick games instead.

🐰Easter baskets. Easter is early this year. Be prepared with these finds for your kid’s basket.

👨‍👩‍👦 The Most Important 9 Minutes of Your Child’s Day.

Ever wonder about the crucial moments in your child’s day that could profoundly impact their emotional development? According to neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp, there are three key instances, totaling about nine minutes, that play a significant role:

  • First Wake Up: Those initial moments after they wake up set the tone for the day.

  • After School/Work Reunion: The next vital window occurs when they return home from school or when you reunite after work.

  • Before Bed: Lastly, the moments leading up to bedtime wrap up this essential timeframe.

It's reassuring to realize that fostering a healthy emotional environment doesn’t require constant vigilance. By focusing on these specific interactions, we can help our children feel happier and more secure.

💡Consider implementing what's known as the "welcoming response" in your daily routine. This simple act involves genuinely lighting up when your child enters the room or returns home. It’s a powerful way to convey their importance and value, whether they're a baby, teenager, or even your spouse.

✨ Christen and Karin ✨

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