Chasing Maybe

This isn’t our usual Travel Tips Tuesday… consider this a gentle reminder instead. 🤍

One thing I’ve noticed during pregnancy? The amount of unsolicited parenting advice, especially from people who don’t really know me.

I get it. I’m a first-time mom. We’re first-time parents.
But I’m not walking into this blindly.

Do I know everything? Of course not.
Will we figure things out as we go? Absolutely.

But I’ve also been around kids my whole life… and I trust that we’ll learn what works for us.

And if you know me at all… you know I don’t do anything halfway.

Did we buy too many clothes? Probably.
Do I care if your baby never wore shoes? Not even a little.
Do I have more shoes for Jaxson than my husband owns? …yes. Yes I do. 😅

A few weeks ago at a work conference, someone I barely knew opened with,
“If I could give you any advice…”

Immediately… I was annoyed.

She went on to say I should “just let that man be a dad”, don’t step in, don’t guide, don’t help.

And listen… I fully believe Timmy is going to be an incredible dad.
But isn’t parenting a partnership?

If I’m home more in those early days, of course I’ll learn little rhythms… little tricks… things that work.
And of course we’ll share those with each other.

That’s not controlling.
That’s teamwork.

So while I know most of this advice is well-intentioned… here’s my gentle ask:

Please stop putting a pin in a new mom’s balloon. 🎈

Don’t tell her the baby won’t wear the outfits.
Don’t tell her what she’s doing “wrong” before she even begins.

Let her be excited.
Let her overprepare.
Let her learn.

Our baby isn’t even here yet… and we worked really hard to get him here.
So for now, we’re just soaking it all in.

We’ll figure out what we don’t need.
We’ll learn what works.
We’ll grow into this together.

And when I ask for advice… I promise I’ll mean it. 🤍

Until then, just let us enjoy every moment.

34 weeks today 🤍

How did we get here so fast? This journey has flown by, and I find myself sitting in so much gratitude for every moment that brought us here. In just a few short weeks, we get to meet our little boy… and that still doesn’t feel real.

I’ve heard all the “just wait until the last few weeks” stories… and okay, I get it now 😅

Sleep has officially become… a team sport. Every side I turn to ends up protesting, my hips especially have been feeling it the last few nights. I’ll wake up in the middle of the night in pain, rotate like a rotisserie chicken, and eventually relocate to the couch for a few hours of on-and-off sleep.

Pregnancy pillow? Check.
Pillow between the legs? Check.
Trying without anything? Also check.

And yet… here we are 😂

So I’m curious, mamas, did this happen to you too? And more importantly… what actually helped?

Because right now, I’d like to formally request a full night of comfortable sleep before Baby J makes his debut 🤍

For our baby shower, my sister-in-law created this AI image of Baby Jaxson using mine and Timmy’s baby photos. I think he’s pretty dang cute, if I do say so myself!

Realistic? Now I’m curious how spot on AI will be when Baby J is born. 🤷‍♀️💙

✨ Jaxson Update ✨

32 weeks + 4 days… and somehow, he’s already making his presence known in the biggest way 💙

We had our growth ultrasound and let me just say… this boy is THRIVING.

Our sweet Jaxson is weighing in at about 5 lbs 3 oz already (how?! 😭), putting him in the 84th percentile. Measuring a little ahead, a little extra loved, and already keeping us on our toes.

His tiny belly is measuring big (same, buddy 🤍), his little legs are doing their own thing, and his heartbeat and fluid levels all look absolutely perfect.

Every time we see him, it feels more real.Every appointment, another wave of gratitude.Every little kick… a reminder that our miracle is almost here.

We are officially in the “counting down the weeks” era, and my heart is just… so full.

Keep growing strong, baby J. We already love you more than words can hold 💫

✨ Manifesting continued health, safe delivery, and the sweetest first cuddles ✨

Happy Manifestation Monday friends ✨

Well… Minnesota reminded us yesterday who is still in charge. We went from zero snow to completely snowed in overnight. ❄️

But honestly, it made for a pretty perfect birthday weekend.

Yesterday I celebrated my 38th birthday, the last birthday I’ll ever have before I step into the title I’ve dreamed about for so long… Mommy.

After years of hoping, praying, and trusting the process, this will be the year we finally meet our little miracle IVF baby. And I already know it’s going to be the best year yet. 🤍

Today also marks 32 weeks pregnant, which honestly feels wild to say out loud. That means we’re about 7-ish weeks away from meeting Baby Jaxson.

Seven weeks until our whole world changes in the most beautiful way.

We have Jaxson’s growth ultrasound on Friday, so this week we are putting all the good energy out into the universe.

This week we are manifesting:

🌷 Spring finally arriving and staying put
🩺 A wonderful growth ultrasound with a healthy, thriving Baby Jaxson
💻 A productive week of work as we continue preparing for life with Baby J
✨ A successful, fulfilling week for our family, friends, and everyone chasing their own “maybe”

Because I truly believe this:

The universe has a funny way of meeting us halfway when we lead with gratitude, hope, and belief.

So this week we’re choosing joy, trusting the timing, and speaking the good things into existence.

Now I want to know…

What are you manifesting this week? ✨

You know those days where you get into a groove and suddenly hours have disappeared?

Yesterday was one of those days.

I woke up early, got a ton done around the house, sat down at my desk… and just flowed through work. Emails, projects, calls, the kind of morning where you feel like you might actually be winning at life for once.

Then around 11:45am it hit me.

I hadn’t really felt Jaxson move.

Now normally this little guy is pretty active. Not full-on karate practice, but enough little nudges and reminders that he’s hanging out in there. But yesterday morning? Nothing I could clearly remember.

Cue the spiral.

I called the triage nurse and explained how I was feeling and when I last remembered movement. She calmly gave me the protocol: drink 32oz of water, eat something sugary, lay on my left side, and do a kick count for an hour.

So there I was… laying on my side, chugging water, eating a sugary snack, staring at the clock like it was the final minutes of the Super Bowl.

After the hour was up, I had counted maybe four little kicks.

Four.

The nurse came back on the phone and said, “I want you to go to the hospital for reduced fetal movement.”

The hospital.

Oh. Cool cool cool. Totally normal. Not panicking at all.

I immediately dropped everything, messaged my boss, called Timmy, grabbed my stuff, and drove to the hospital with my heart somewhere in my throat.

I checked in slightly out of breath with tears in my eyes, wondering if I was overreacting… but also knowing I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t go.

They hooked me up to the monitor to track his heart rate and handed me a little button to press every time I felt him move.

And wouldn’t you know it…

The moment we got him on the monitor, this kid decided it was time to wake up.

Kicks. Wiggles. Little rolls.

Apparently he just needed a little audience.

He must take after his dad and love his sleep… because his mama is clearly not that chill.

They monitored us for about an hour and eventually came back in smiling.

“Everything looks beautiful. You’re free to go home.”

The relief washed over me immediately… followed closely by a little embarrassment. I had dropped everything, rushed to the hospital, and cried at check-in… only to find out everything was perfectly fine.

But honestly?

If this is the first of many moments like that in motherhood, I’ll take it.

Because in that moment, nothing else mattered. Not work. Not errands. Not the to-do list.

Just him.

And maybe that was the real reminder in all of this… that life can get busy, loud, and distracting. But when it comes down to it, the things that truly matter have a way of bringing everything else to a stop.

Yesterday, that was a tiny boy reminding his mama that he’s in charge now. 💙

Wondering Wednesday 🤍

Okay mamas… I need you today.

I’m wondering what myths and what truths actually helped you get through labor and delivery.

Because if I’m being honest?
I’m getting nervous.

I’m due May 11th, but I’ll be induced no later than the first week of May. My doctor explained that IVF pregnancies can carry a slightly higher risk of stillbirth if going past term. The way she described it was, “sometimes the placenta just gets tired.”

Hearing that made everything feel very real.

I recently read that women who eat 6 dates per day later in pregnancy may have shorter labors and a higher chance of vaginal delivery. I’ve heard about raspberry leaf tea. Curb walking. Miles Circuit. Epidurals. No epidurals. Breathing techniques. Hypnobirthing. Red light therapy. Prayer. Music playlists. Ice chips. Walking the halls.

There is SO much information.

So tell me:

✨ What actually helped you?
✨ What was total nonsense?
✨ What surprised you most?
✨ What do you wish you had known?

Did you eat the dates?
Did you swear by something specific?
Did mindset make the biggest difference?

I’ve fought so hard for this miracle IVF baby, and now we’re approaching the final stretch. I want to walk into it feeling informed… but also peaceful.

Give me your wisdom. Your stories. The unfiltered version.

I’m listening. 🤍

Travel Tips Tuesday ✈️🏖️
Lake Life: Now as a Family of 3

We’ve always loved the lake.
Slow mornings. Boat rides. Sunset pontoon cruises. Snackle boxes.

But this summer? We’re packing for tiny toes and milk breaks too. 🤍

Here’s what’s going in our lake bag with a 1–3 month old:

👶 Baby Essentials

🛏️ Portable bassinet or safe sleep space (nothing soft or plush)
🤍 Extra burp cloths (lake air + spit up = constant rotation)
👕 2–3 outfit changes per day (blowouts happen on vacation too 🙃)
🧸 Zipper sleepers for easy changes
🫶 Swaddle + lightweight muslin blankets
👶 Pacifiers (bring double what you think you need)

☀️ Sun Safety (Under 6 Months = No Direct Sun)

🧢 Wide-brim baby hat
👚 Lightweight long-sleeve onesies
🌬️ Clip-on stroller fan
🛺 Full-coverage stroller shade
⛱️ Portable umbrella or beach tent for shade
🚫 No sunscreen under 6 months — shade is EVERYTHING

🍼 Feeding Setup

🧊 Cooler for pumped milk or formula
🥣 Pre-measured formula containers (if combo feeding)
🧽 Bottle brush + travel drying rack
🤱 Nursing cover (if you prefer)
💧 Extra water + snacks for mom
⚡ Portable pump + car adapter if needed

🚤 On the Boat

🦺 Coast Guard-approved infant life jacket
🧺 Towel just for baby
🌤️ Keep baby off direct sun at all times
⏱️ Short boat rides only
👨‍👩‍👦 One parent fully on baby duty

🏡 Lake House Must-Haves

🔊 White noise machine
📹 Monitor
🎒 Baby carrier (SO helpful for dock walks)
🧷 Portable changing caddy
🌙 Nightlight for middle-of-the-night feeds

💛 For Mom + Dad

🥪 Easy one-handed snacks
💦 Big water bottles
🧂 Electrolytes
🤍 Patience
✨ Realistic expectations

Because lake days will look different this year.
Slower. Softer. Sweeter.

Less “all day on the boat.”
More “watching him feel the breeze for the first time.”

And honestly? That feels like magic.

What are your must-pack lake essentials with a newborn? Drop them below because I’m taking notes! 🌊📝✨

Manifestation Monday ✨

It’s the first week of a brand new month.
New pages. New perspective. New possibilities.

For us, this month feels extra sacred because it brings us one month closer to meeting our miracle IVF baby. One month closer to holding the little life we prayed so hard for. 🤍

This week we hit 30 weeks. Thirty.
How are we already here?

I have my final work trip before Baby Jaxson arrives, and we have a doctor’s appointment Friday morning, little milestones that make everything feel very real.

So this week, I’m intentionally speaking these things into existence:

✨ Another healthy, steady week of pregnancy
✨ Strong, reassuring movement from Baby Jaxson
✨ Beautiful weather that feels like hope
✨ Safe travels for my last work trip
✨ A calm, successful doctor’s appointment
✨ Confidence and peace through every meeting, no stress, just grace

Manifesting isn’t just wishing.
It’s aligning your heart with what you believe is possible.
It’s choosing peace over panic.
Faith over fear.

And this month? I’m choosing trust.

What are YOU manifesting this week? 🤍✨

Sunday Scaries | Birthday Month | Two Months to Go

It’s Sunday.
The sun is shining in Minnesota (finally 🙌🏼) and it’s supposed to warm up this week. I’m cautiously optimistic that spring might actually be closer than we think… and honestly, it feels symbolic.

Because it’s March 1st.
My birthday month.
And we are officially TWO MONTHS away from meeting Baby Jaxson. 🤍

How is that even real?

This morning we met with a nanny who would help us on the mornings I travel for work. For those who don’t know, Timmy leaves at 4:30am and daycare doesn’t open until 6:30am. Those two little hours have been our biggest question mark. Our biggest “how are we going to do this?”

If I’m being honest, it’s been an anxiety point for me.

But today… it just clicked. She is so sweet. Calm. Kind. Capable. My intuition felt peaceful. No alarms. No hesitation. Just… ease.

And that feels like such a gift.

One more piece falling into place.
One more reminder that we are being taken care of.

She’s even open to traveling with us if needed which feels like such a huge win for our little adventure-loving family.

We also got to watch my sister, Kambelle, shut out her opponents two nights in a row (GO KAMBELLE 💙💛). The way I get nervous watching her play… you’d think I was the one in net. We’re already manifesting another big win next Saturday.

This week marks my LAST work trip before Jaxson arrives. I truly cannot believe that. It’s a short one, and I’m already excited to come home and keep preparing. I’m not sure how much more organized we can possibly be… but if you know me, I will absolutely find something. 😉

Of course, it’s Sunday which always brings a tiny layer of the Sunday Scaries.

Tomorrow? Back-to-back meetings from 7:30am to 4:00pm. No breaks. Friday looks similar. Deep breaths. We’ll move through it. We always do.

But Friday also brings our 30-week appointment.
Another heartbeat.
Another measurement.
Another reminder that our baby boy is growing right on track.

And in two weeks is his growth ultrasound. I am so curious how big our little guy is getting. 🥹

Right now, we’re just feeling incredibly blessed. Relieved. Grateful.

Two months.
So much anticipation.
So much love already.

So tell me, what are your Sunday Scaries?
And what are you looking forward to this week? 🤍

✨ Wondering Wednesday ✨

Last week, I had a conversation with a colleague who shared that she started collecting and freezing colostrum at 36 weeks.

I’ll be honest — I hadn’t really looked into this before. But the more I read, the more curious I became.

Colostrum (aka “liquid gold”) is the first milk your body produces, and it’s packed with nutrients and antibodies. Some moms choose to hand express and freeze it in the final weeks of pregnancy.

From what I’ve learned, some potential benefits include:

🤍 Having a small stash ready in case baby needs supplementation after birth
🤍 Extra support for babies with low blood sugar
🤍 Helpful if baby has trouble latching right away
🤍 Peace of mind knowing you have something stored
🤍 Especially encouraged in some cases like gestational diabetes

Of course, I’ve also read that it’s not necessary for everyone and should be discussed with your provider first.

So this week I’m wondering…

Have you done this?
Did you find it helpful?
Would you recommend it?

Give me the honest experiences — the wins, the stress, the “I wouldn’t bother again” takes. I want it all. 💛

Today is the day. 💙💛💙🧡

We’re putting it out into the universe: a Blugolds WIN and a Mustangs WIN.

Two very important people to us are stepping onto the ice today, ready to play their hearts out. The early mornings, the practices, the sacrifices, the love for the game, it all leads to moments like this.

We’re manifesting:✨ Two strong starts✨ Two hard-fought battles✨ Two incredible wins

Skate hard. Play fearless. Leave it all on the ice.

We’re cheering loud and believing big. 💙💛💙🧡