What's Going in My Hospital Bag | From our Favorite Shops

footed pants | swaddle blanket (use the code KOZY at checkout for 25% off through April) | gown

crib moccasins

striped swaddle blanket | knotted beanies | suede pacifier clips

With just a few days left until my official due date with baby number 3, I wanted to share the second portion of my "What's Going In My Hospital Bag" series.

This time around, I'm sharing all of the things that I have packed for our sweet little guy, from some of our absolute favorite shops.

You might know pretty well by now, that I am a HUGE fan of supporting small businesses, so it should come as no big surprise that when it came to outfitting and accessorizing our new bundle, these shops and their products were a no brainer for me! All of these items are super high quality, extremely well made, and in my opinion, on point when it comes to style!

I've really been digging monochrome stuff for baby number 3... so you'll likely be seeing a lot of back and white in the near future, but I also went for pops of color here and there.

Here's to hoping that now that his bag is packed our little one will soon make his grand entrance into the world, because I am dying to see him in all of this stuff!

*** Some of these items were provided to me for the purpose of products reviews/blog features, however, all opinions are entirely my own, and I would never feature anything on this blog that I didn't absolutely love and wouldn't highly recommend.

Our Weekend | Camera Roll Unload

Every once and awhile, you have one of those weekends where the stars align and everything is pure perfection... That was this past weekend for us.

The weather was great and we got to get out and enjoy it as much as possible.

We ate great food, spent quality time together, enjoyed an amazing Easter mass, and indulged in some fun holiday traditions.

Holidays are just so much fun at M&E's ages... It's so magical to see their excitement over every little detail.

It's been awhile since I unloaded a bunch of photos on you guys, and since I took a few hundred this weekend, I thought I'd share a few of my favorites!

I hope you all had an amazing Easter weekend!

Swoon Worthy

Happy Easter weekend!  We've had a pretty busy week around here, playing the Easter Bunny, dying eggs, and trying to complete everything on our to-do list before this baby arrives!

Now it's onto enjoying a low key weekend together, celebrating all that this season has to offer.  I hope that whatever your plans may be over the next few days, that you all are too!

Here's the list of what I'm swooning over at the moment...

1.  We whipped up a batch of these no-bake monster cookie bites this past week, and I promised after I shared a photo of them on Instagram, that I would share the recipe here!

2.  I'm in love with this adorable free printable Spring Bucket List.

3.  One of my sweet and talented mama friends makes the most adorable dresses for little girls... I'm swooning over every one!

4.  This not-so-healthy, but super tasty recipe is always on my Easter dinner menu!

5.  Spring makes me think of white shoes, so naturally Ella and I needed matching mommy and mini pairs of these.

6.  I can't get enough of these new granola bars that we found at Target!

7.  I'm kind of excited that this trend is back, and hoping that my post baby bod can slip into a pair of these.

8.  I adore this lavender/pink shade of nail polish for this season?

9.  Swoon... white eyelet perfection!

10.  I am obsessed with this budget friendly line of candles, and this scent is seriously heaven!

Enjoy your weekend!

What's Going In My Hospital Bag | For Mama

So I know there are like a billion and one blog posts, articles, and Pinterest pins out there telling you what is absolutely essential to pack in your hospital bag when the time comes to prepare for the birth of your baby, but I figured, since I seem to be becoming an old pro at this by now (and because I'm nosey and love to know what other people put in their bags), that I would share what's going in my hospital bag for the delivery of baby number 3! 

There are so many things that the hospital provides for you (mesh underwear, pads, diapers, nipple cream, etc.), and I like to take full advantage of the SWAG, but there are also some things a lady just needs to have in order to feel as comfortable as one can after birthing a tiny human. 

So, without further ado, here are some of the things that are going in my bag...

oat mama lactation bars | bathrobe

dslr camera | nursing poncho | favorite slippers

boppy pillow | Nuroo Pocket | the coziest socks

For me, comfort is key, particularly when it comes to clothing, so I always pack soft and loose fitting pajama/yoga pants and shirts, some super cozy socks and my favorite slippers, a warm robe, and a sports bra style nursing bra &/or tanks.

When it comes to nursing (if you decide to go that route), I also like to have a boppy pillow to support that tiny babe, a nursing cover (I realize not everyone feels the need to cover up, but I like to have one on hand for all of the visitors who will be popping in and out), and lots of fluids to keep myself hydrated... I don't know why, but Vitamin Water is my go-to beverage of choice every time that I have a baby!

A couple of absolute necessities for me, are a camera, and my phone (don't forget your charger), or a tablet to upload those photos to, and for sharing them with friends and family.  Also, in the off chance that you might have some down time (if you're lucky enough to have a newborn who sleeps), it's great to have a tablet/phone to read, surf the internet, online shop from your hospital bed, etc.

Oh, and another thing... I always bring a comfortable pillow from home... the ones at the hospital are generally paper thin and not very cushy!

Naturally you'll want to pack some toiletries to help you feel human again... A toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, soap, deodorant... and because I'm a little bit crazy, I like to pack a blow dryer, brush, comb, and make up!

Lastly, some new and amazing finds that are going in my bag this time, are Oat Mama lactation bars, which are not only a great snack to have on hand, but great for keeping up that energy that I will surely need to keep up with the feeding schedule of a new baby... and a Nuroo Pocket... basically the most amazing invention ever.  I'm all about that skin to skin time that is so important during those first few days, and this super cool shirt is totally going to help with that this time around.

I'll be writing another post in the very near future that will include what's going in my bag for baby, so stay tuned for that!

Think Happy Be Happy | A Link-Up

"Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and celebrating it for everything that it is." -Mandy Hale 

Hello friends! This link party was created as a way to create some inspiration and happiness as we begin our week. It can be hard to find the happiness in our day to day, and I believe it truly does help to take a second to find the positive. Please take a second to visit all of my wonderful co-hosts who will be sharing this link party as well!

• Kristen of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
• Kristen of Blissfully Insane
• Autumn of Our Blended Home
• Corianne of iCorianne
• Jessica of Kozy and Co
• Liz of Lizz And Co
• Cathy of A Boy and His Mom

I am so excited to be joining in with some of my favorite bloggers for this weekly link party.  I am a huge believer that making an effort to think positively, and then spreading that joy and happiness to others, truly helps all of us to focus on what really matters in life.

It is so easy sometimes, to get caught up in negative thoughts and feelings we have, and to focus on what is going wrong in our own lives and in the world around us, but when you take the time to think about the things you have to be thankful for, for what you've been blessed with, both you and the people around you can truly reap the benefits...

So, what am I feeling truly thankful for and happy about this Monday???

***

If you have or have had kids, you're probably well aware of the fact that there are 3 types of days as a parent. 

There are those days when your babies are so sweet and well behaved, that you don't even want to put them to bed when the time comes, because you would so much rather snuggle with them, and dote all over every sweet and hilarious thing that comes out of their mouths. These are the types of days that you want to treasure and savor every single precious moment, because they are so very, very rare.

Then there are the days when bedtime can't come fast enough. You know the kind of days I'm taking about... The ones that leave you wanting to rip your hair out before it's even 8 am. Your kids are fighting over every single thing, there are meltdowns over what color juice you put in their sippy cup, and your youngest just pooped in the bathtub for the second day in a row!

And lastly, and more often than not, there are the days that are a combination of the two.  Within a time frame of 5 minutes, your kids are behaving like little angels, when suddenly, and out of nowhere, you are checking to see if they have grown horns.

This past week, we had our fair share of the second kind of days... As in M&E were bananas, and I seriously thought my head was going to explode!  It may be due to my lack of patience/exhaustion at 37 weeks pregnant, or it may just be that they are 3.5 and almost 23 months, but either way, my frustration level was high.

For the first time in a long time, on Saturday, I waved a little white flag, and begged my husband for a break!

For 2.5 blissful hours, Mike took both kids and left me with the house to myself. Naturally, I spent much of the first hour cleaning house, but the second hour was spent peacefully lounging on the couch, and indulging in some Food Network.  There's nothing quite like watching someone else cook to calm the soul.

I can't even explain how good it felt to just lay down for a few minutes without being asked for anything, or having to play referee for a full-blown brawl over a Buzz Lightyear action figure. 

I felt so refreshed by the time everyone came home, and so thankful to my husband for providing me with the time to myself that I so desperately needed!

Sunday we spent the day together exploring Maple Weekend, a weekend dedicated to sampling local maple syrup, and learning all about how it is made.... one of those "good" days.

Our time as a family of 4 is slowly dwindling, so I'm finding that these days spent making memories together are truly special.

In closing, for this week's "Think Happy, Be Happy" link-up, the moral of this post is, that I'm thankful for all of the types of days with my babies... I'm thankful for the crazy days because they make me appreciate it that much more when my husband swoops in and saves the day, by giving me some time to recharge, I'm thankful for the in between, and I'm thankful for the sweet days, because they're the ones that prove that all of the craziness is 100% worth it.

I hope you all had an amazing weekend!

Feel like sharing what you're thankful for or feeling positive about? Feel free to join us, link up and share!



RULES OF THE PARTY:
Leave a link to your actual post and not your homepage. A link back to your host, is greatly appreciated. Feel free to grab our link party button to add to your post. Please link up only your happiness related posts. Don’t link up and run, please visit other bloggers. Make new friends or say hello to old friends. Please follow your hosts and guest hosts in some way. Have fun with your posts! I truly hope it helps with starting your week off on a positive note!

Swoon Worthy

{pajamas}

Another weekend is here, and at this point, for me, I feel like it's just a little game of crossing yet another couple of days off of the calendar.  My due date is less than three weeks away now, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't ready to be D-O-N-E... but I'm sure no one wants to listen to my incessant complaints about being HUGELY pregnant at this point, so on to much lighter and happier things!

Here's the list of things that I currently swooning over...

1.  Tassels, and pom poms, and so much color... I had to have this bag... and I'm pretty sure that through today, all accessories, clothing and shoes are buy one get one 50% off, so now is the time to buy!

2.  I love a good blueberry muffin recipe... especially when it comes along with a super cute printable recipe card.

3.  Bright colors and fun prints are my favorite, so when I came across this dress, I just knew that Ella had to have it.

4.  Businesses that give back are ALWAYS the ones that I enjoy supporting.  I am obsessed with these  super soft swaddle blankets, and for every item purchased from this company, they donate a blanket to a child in need.  XOve Baby was also kind enough to offer my readers 25% off your purchase, now through April, if you use the code: KOZY at check out!

5.  This Easter treat combines so many of my favorite things!

6.  Did you guys happen to catch this super easy DIY project that I posted the other day?

7.  This stuff is my latest beauty obsession!

8.  Well, this is the type of Easter egg that I can totally get on board with.

9.  I cannot wait for maxi dress season.  This one is so gorgeous!

10.  This recent salad recipe discovery is EVERYTHING!!!

Hoping you all have the best weekend!

DIY iPhone Case

I finally upgraded my iPhone recently... I know, welcome to 2016... and naturally since the size of my phone changed, the iPhone cover that I had been using on my previous phone, wouldn't fit on my new one.

So, I hopped online and started shopping for a new case, and though there were a ton of amazing options, I wasn't so thrilled about the prices.  $40 for a case just seemed a little ridiculous to me... so I decided to take matters into my own hands with this super simple and inexpensive DIY project!

Materials

Clear iPhone case (I got mine here)

scissors

exacto knife

scrapbook paper (I used leftover Rifle Paper Co. paper I had from Ella's dollhouse DIY)

pencil

Instructions

Trace the outline of the phone case on paper of your choosing with a pencil.

Using scissors, cut out your iPhone shape.

Place paper into case, design facing out.

Using an exacto knife, cut out the opening for the camera.

Place phone in case on top of paper.

Enjoy your awesome and super inexpensive iPhone case, and make a bunch more so that you can switch out the design whenever you feel like it!

Think Happy Be Happy | A Link-up

"Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and celebrating it for everything that it is." -Mandy Hale 

Hello friends! This link party was created as a way to create some inspiration and happiness as we begin our week. It can be hard to find the happiness in our day to day, and I believe it truly does help to take a second to find the positive. Please take a second to visit all of my wonderful co-hosts who will be sharing this link party as well!

• Kristen of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
• Kristen of Blissfully Insane
• Autumn of Our Blended Home
• Corianne of iCorianne
• Jessica of Kozy and Co
• Liz of Lizz And Co
• Kristen of Love, Lipstick, and Pearls

I am so excited to be joining in with some of my favorite bloggers for this new weekly link party.  I am a huge believer that making an effort to think positively, and then spreading that joy and happiness to others, truly helps all of us to focus on what really matters in life.

It is so easy sometimes, to get caught up in negative thoughts and feelings we have, and to focus on what is going wrong in our own lives and in the world around us, but when you take the time to think about the things you have to be thankful for, for what you've been blessed with, both you and the people around you can truly reap the benefits...

So, what am I feeling truly thankful for and happy about this Monday???

At 36.5 weeks pregnant with baby number 3, it's been incredibly easy lately to get caught up in how uncomfortable I am, how yucky I am feeling, and to focus on all of the things that I am having a hard time doing at the moment.

I have a huge belly, I can barely bend over, I'm not sleeping at night, the list goes on and on... but here's the thing...

I am blessed.

God has blessed me with another healthy pregnancy, and when you really think about it, that's a beautiful thing.  Sure there are plenty of unglamorous, less than wonderful things about being pregnant, but at the end of the day, what our bodies are capable of, and what they can do is truly amazing.

I am blessed to have the ability to carry this child.  I am blessed to feel his kicks and punches, and one day, in the very near future, I will be fortunate enough to hold him in my arms.

So, on this Monday, I am so very happy to be able to be in the position I am in... sleepless nights and all!

What are you happy about?  What are you thankful for?  Feel free to write your own post about your personal joy, to kick off the week, and join us in this link-up.

   

Rules of the Party:

• Leave a link to your actual post and not your homepage. A link back to your host, is greatly appreciated. Feel free to grab our link party button to add to your post.
• Please link up only your happiness related posts.
• Don’t link up and run, please visit other bloggers. Make new friends or say hello to old friends.
• Please follow your hosts and guest hosts in some way.
• Have fun with your posts! I truly hope it helps with starting your week off on a positive note!

An InLinkz Link-up

Swoon Worthy

I'm not sure how the weather was the past week where you are, but around here, it was pure perfection.  A total preview of the spring weather that will hopefully soon be here to stay.

We opened the windows and let the fresh air in, bought spring blooms to decorate the house with, sipped iced coffee (me, not the kids), and headed out to the playground as much as we could... it was literally about as good as it gets!

Now the weekend is here again, we're springing ahead (don't forget), and I'm trying to get as much done as possible while I have the chance... which is easier said then done these days.

I had my 36 week check up yesterday, and all is well in baby land...

So, let's jump right into the list of things I am swooning over as of late...

1.  I am so ready to ditch the boots in lieu of cute ballet flats, I'm loving this budget friendly striped pair.

2.  Chicken tenders have always been one of my favorite foods, even as an adult.  We tried this recipe the other night, and it was amazing.

3.  If you missed it, I already posted some fun Easter basket ideas for both girls, and boys, but then I saw these adorable slippers, and I kind of wish they came in my size.

4.  I will always be a candle lover (sorry Melissa), but my sister has totally turned me on to using this with little ones around, and this scent, totally has me feeling springy.

5.  I am honestly nowhere near ready to think about bathing suit season, and most likely will be rocking a one piece this summer... but, I have my eye on this one.

6.  Millennials, want to relive your childhood, whip up a batch of this incredible dip, and plop yourself in front of the TV to watch Fuller House and you'll instantly be transported back to the 90's

7.  I am a self proclaimed cookbook collector/addict, and I have been hearing nothing but good things about the recipes from this new one, consider it ordered.

8.  I love toys/things that inspire creativity in kids... how cool are these?

9.  Oh how I adore a good tunic.

10.  I am dying to take on a good DIY succulent terrarium project, and these terrariums have me swooning big time!!!

Have an amazing weekend, and don't forget to set your clocks ahead!

Easter Basket Ideas | For Little Boys

Pete the Cat Book | Ninja Turtle | Magnetic Blocks

Peep Socks | Bunny PJ's | Sunglasses | Super Hero Legos

As promised, I'm sharing some of my Easter basket ideas for little boys.  My son is 3.5, and currently OBSESSED with all things super heroes, Ninja Turtles, and he loves to build things and take them apart on repeat.

As previously mentioned, I always like to throw in some sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and candy treats too, but books, a few toys, and some things that my kids can actually wear/use get tossed in as well.

It's worth noting, that if your boys are really young, you may want to avoid these type of Lego sets and stick with the larger Duplo variety.  We ONLY play with these when younger siblings are napping, and always at the kitchen table.

Hopefully this provides some fun inspiration for you!

Easter Basket Ideas | For Little Girls

bunny purse | bow | jelly shoes

chick socks | sidewalk chalk | sunglasses

bunny book | stuffed bunny

Easter is fast approaching, and with so much going on around here in the next month, I am trying to be proactive and put together Max and Ella's baskets ahead of time, just in case baby decides to arrive before or around the holiday!

I'm sharing some of my favorite ideas for what to put in a little girl's Easter basket today, and will be sharing some ideas for little boys (what's going in Max's basket), sometime this week.

I stumbled across the little bunny purse the other day, and almost died when I turned it around and it had a tail on the back.  It was so cute, I couldn't pass it up.

I always like to put sidewalk chalk and bubbles in my kid's basket to play with as soon as it starts warming up, and of course, there will be some candy treats too!

Swoon Worthy

Good morning friends, and happy Saturday, once again.

These days, I'm living for the weekends, when my husband is home and can help me with M&E, because to tell you all the truth, I am beat!!!

My days of being pregnant are numbered, as our little man should be gracing us with his presence, God willing, sometime over the next few weeks. For now, I'm hoping to keep blogging as long as possible, and optimistic that I will still be able to find the time, as I adjust to taking care of three (yikes) tiny humans!

So, while I'm still able, let's jump right into what I'm swooning over this week!

1.  Since food rules my world right now, let's start there... I made these baked chimichangas the other night, and they were seriously AH-mazing.

2.  I'm about to be a mom to 2 boys, and as much as I love little boy's clothing, I will always swoon a little more over little girl's stuff. I picked up this adorable top for Ella the other day, and I can't wait for it to be warm enough for her to wear it!

3.  Have you guys seen the Alphabet Soup line at Michael's?  It's so fun, and a bunch of the pieces remind me of something you might see at Anthropologie, but obviously, they cost much, much less.

4.  This baked oatmeal recipe is my latest obsession.  I top ours with macerated strawberries, and a drizzle of light cream.

5.  I am looking so forward to spring fashion and (fingers crossed) fitting into real clothes again.  I think this dress is super cute, and would look great paired with a denim jacket.

6.  I haven't made it to the salon for a gel mani in quite awhile, but I'm making it a point to get there for a pedi before this baby arrives.  In the meantime, I've been giving myself manicures at home, using my all time favorite, go-to, nail polish shade.

7.  I always adore a good cuff bracelet... especially when I find one on sale!

8.  Caprese sandwiches and salad have been one of my biggest pregnancy cravings this time around, so when I stumbled upon this toast recipe, I couldn't make it fast enough.

9.  Zara seriously has some of the cutest kid's clothes... these tiny knit trousers... dying.

10.  Last, but most definitely not least, my latest obsession in handmade baby accessories, is Ollie & Tate, and if you happened to miss it, I'm giving away a $25 shop credit on my Instagram account (@kozyandco).  It ends tonight, so if you haven't entered yet, check it out.  Their stuff is adorable, and the quality is amazing!

Have a great weekend!

These Last Weeks of Pregnancy

I am officially 35 weeks pregnant... in other words, this means that sh** is getting real, real quick.

I always find the last few weeks of a pregnancy to be particularly chaotic and full of mixed feelings, but this time, the impending arrival of baby number three is adding to the already unstoppable flow of disarray and anxiousness.

On the one hand, I am huge and feeling incredibly uncomfortable.  I don't sleep well, I have to pee all the time, and daily tasks are becoming nearly impossible.  I miss being able to bathe my kids without feeling like it is a serious workout, I am not enjoying the crippling leg cramps that wake me up at night, I can't wait to wear normal clothing again, and Lord knows, I am in desperate need of a glass of wine.

Being able to eat, let alone drink a glass of water, without getting heartburn is something I am looking more forward to than you can imagine... but most importantly, I am getting so incredibly excited to meet our newest addition and hold him for the first time.  Those first magical moments of hearing him cry, getting to finally see what he looks like, and breathing in that amazing newborn smell, are all blessings I know full well that I will treasure for a lifetime.

The unknown is what always makes me weary.  Not knowing when exactly he will decide to make his way into the world leaves me feeling nervous.  How we will adjust to being a family of 5, scares me a little bit.  What kind of baby he will be, good tempered or not, has me wondering.  How he will handle the craziness that is our normal is certainly something to ponder.  Of course, I know that it will all be okay, that we will make it all work no matter how many balls I have to juggle... but the feelings are palpable either way.

At the moment, I am treasuring these last days with just Max and Ella.  It feel like they've gotten so big suddenly, that they've made it easy for me to forget just how little new babies are... until I started organizing newborn sized clothes and the first box of teeny tiny diapers arrived on our doorstep.

They have both been so sweet throughout my pregnancy.  Rubbing and kissing my belly, whispering "Hi baby brother, we can't wait to meet you" to it, and just being generally affectionate in all things baby related.  Max only caught me off guard once, when he asked my how the baby was going to get out, leaving me speechless for a minute, before Mike stepped in and replied that it was magic... thankfully that answer satisfied him, and he did not ask again.

In so many ways I hope these next few weeks go fast, but as any mother knows... you quickly learn not to wish away time as soon as you become a parent.  It goes by fast enough as it is.... So I'm living in the moment, and preparing for all of the amazing moments to come, and in the blink of an eye, they surely will.

We can't wait to meet you baby boy... whenever you decide to enter this world!

Baby Registry Favorites | For the Nursery

It's been a little while since I published a new post in my "Baby Registry Favorites" series, but today I'm back with some of my personal favorite items for your baby's nursery.

Of course in addition to what is pictured/mentioned here, there is the furniture, bedding, glider, crib mattress, changing pad, etc., but those items are generally a matter of preference, so I decided to stick with some products that pertain to all genders, and work in most nurseries.

Diaper Dekor- Some people are fans of the Diaper Genie, but this is the diaper disposal system we decided on when our first was born, and it has worked for us through 2 kids and more dirty diapers then I care to count, so far.

Boppy Pillow-  This item may not necessarily seem like it should go under this category, but I often found myself using the boppy to help me nurse in the early weeks while sitting in our glider, so that's why it's here. I also love the boppy for tummy time, sitting assistance, and as a lounging spot for babies.  There are tons of fun covers to match any style, in stores like Target, Babies R Us, or on Amazon, but also from lots of great handmade Etsy shops.

Cloud B Sleep Sheep- Another item that we've had a for quite some time now and love.  This sheep is a great sound machine, that can be attached right to the crib, however it's also small enough for travel use as well.  A sound machine is a necessity is you live in a noisy house, especially one with more than one child!

Prince Lion Heart Wipe Warmer-  This item is definitely more of a luxury than a necessity, but for some reason, when my babies are really little, I feel better wiping their bums with warm wipes.

Owelet Baby Care Monitor-  I don't own this product... yet!!! However, I am totally fascinated by it.  This thing would have saved me a lot of worry after giving birth to my first... who I constantly checked on to make sure he was breathing at night #firsttimemomproblems. It's a sock that you put on your baby's foot, and it monitors their heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep.  It also links to an app on your smart phone, where you can check on these numbers... basically, no more baby spying necessary, sleep easy new mom!

Crib Mattress Protector-  This item, or one similar to it, is worth all of the money in the world.  Between explosive diapers, leaks, spit up, etc, you will most definitely want something to protect your crib mattress, that you can simply throw in the wash... you may even want to register for two.

Stay tuned for a few more baby registry posts, including some of my most loved items for moms, and my favorite small business baby items.

Also, if you follow me on Instagram (@kozyandco), I've got a fun little giveaway coming your way tomorrow!