Moments of Musing

C-Section Awareness Month Poem: She Birthed Bravely

Filed Under: c-section, childbirth //

April is C-section Awareness Month. This is a C-section Awareness Month poem I wrote a couple years ago that conveys the feelings of mothers who birth via c-section. Importantly, I have edited the line “That her baby is okay” to “That she and her baby are okay” because moms matter during birth, too.

She births bravely
Laying still
In the cold operating room
Naked and numb
But feeling the weight of it all

Her mind races
As she waits
For any indication
That her baby has been born
That she and her baby are okay

At last, she can breathe
She birthed bravely
Brave is she

Pregnancy and childbirth, especially C-sections since they are major abdominal surgery, can be overwhelming and scary. Recovery can be difficult. It is my hope that my C-section Awareness Month poem resonates with fellow C-section birth moms.

c-section, childbirth, c-section awareness month, c-section birth, Cesarean, Cesarean section

Welcome To MOM’s New Website

Filed Under: blog, moments of musing, Uncategorized //

new website, mom influencer, blog, latina mom

Hi everyone! Welcome to my new website for the Moments of Musing (MOM) influencer business. As you can see, the design is very different than any of my previous sites. I finally made the switch from Blogger to WordPress for reasons including website functionality and improved SEO.

Though this change was years in the making, it was a big decision that felt overwhelming so I kept putting it off. One of my 2022 business goals was to finally see it through, though, and I’m happy I did.

Why the rebrand?

To celebrate 5 years of Moments of Musing (MOM) and the direction in which it’s moving! It’s crazy to think it’s been 5 whole years since I officially rebranded to MOM and went public with my blog.

Who designed my new website for MOM influencer business?

While I purchased the theme, I installed and personalized it on my own, which has been a fun learning experience. (wpbeginner took care of the migration of all files.)

What’s new?

I have a new logo (it’s the period after Moments of Musing and much more visible on my LinkedIn). I have also opened up consultation and website installation services.

Is anything else different?

I am not sure if anyone has noticed but I have been trying to feature my children less in my Instagram content, especially ads. As time has gone on and they are growing up, I feel a stronger “mama bear” instinct to protect them and their privacy. I am also editing my photo truer to color and reality. I deleted all of my the presets I used to apply to my photos and now use more natural editing, mainly for lighting/brightening purposes.

Who took the branding photos?

My husband, Tim, took my photos. When discussing photographer or camera options, Tim offered to learn more about our Nikon and take the photos for me. I am so happy we went this route – the photos mean a bit more now!

What plans do you have for Moments of Musing in 2022?

2021 was my most “successful” year business-wise but I was very stressed juggling my nonprofit work along with my Moments of Musing projects and taking care of my kiddos. Therefore, my main 2022 business goals are to grow and to outsource tasks that I could use some help with. As such, Tim has become more involved behind-the-scenes to help me grow and manage my business.

All in all, I am excited for what this year has in store!

Do you have any professional goals for 2022 that you are working on?

new website, mom influencer, blog, latina mom
new website, mom influencer, blog, latina mom
new website, mom influencer, blog, latina mom

New Year, New Mom + Baby Items

Filed Under: mom and baby, motherhood //

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx but all opinions are my own.
I haven’t been more excited to bid farewell to a month recently than I was with January. 2022 was off to a bit of a bumpy start with us under the weather but we are all thankfully doing much better now. Being sick gave us some much-needed rest and extra time together at the start of a new year. That made my mama heart happy, if I’m being honest. We can never have enough time together… but I am excited for a new month to reset!

As a mama of 3, I am still learning about how best to keep the keeps feeling well and what items can help us the most with our lifestyle.  I am excited the baby and I received some new items with my BabbleBoxx to kick off the new year with:


Boppy 4 and More Multi-use Cover

This versatile Boppy cover provides the coverage all moms need while out and about with baby. Its multi-use functionality is what makes it so great! This breathable cover can be used as an infant car seat cover, a nursing cover, an infant stroller cover, a shopping cart cover, and a highchair cover. Best of all, it packs up small in an integrated pouch to easily carry around when on-the-go.

Philips Avent Natural bottle with Natural Response Nipple

Based on over 20 years of expertise and research into the physiology of breastfeeding and the way a baby drinks, I am excited for the baby to try out this new Philips Avent natural baby bottle when my husband and I are away in a couple weeks. The bottle mimics the breast not only in shape and feel, but also by letting baby control the pace of milk, just like when nursing! The unique opening and tip only release milk when baby actively drinks.

Baby Magic


Baby Magic Calming bath

At the end of hectic day, I count down to bedtime so we can all have some calm. Sometimes, though, the bedtime routine is hectic, too. Thankfully, Baby Magic Calming Baby Bath help make the kids bath a calm one. The hydrating and tear-free formula contains Lavender & Chamomile to help the baby relax for a night of restful sleep and keep his baby skin baby soft. 

Baby Magic Calming Lotion

Once out of the nighttime bath, a great finishing touch is Baby Magic Calming Baby Lotion to help baby wind-down. Specially formulated with soothing Lavender and Chamomile, like the Calming Baby Bath, the hydrating lotion helps get baby sleepy for bedtime and keep his skin smooth. 

A Southern Road Trip with Kids: Hilton Head Island, Savannah & Charleston

Filed Under: charleston, family travel, hilton head island, savannah //

“This is perfect!”

“This is awesome!”

“It’s a great day.”

“I want to save this so I can remember the memories.”

“I want to stay here.”

Those are all things the boys said during our trip down South — reminders to us that they needed this and enjoy vacationing just as much as we did/do. 

When the world shut down in 2020, our main priority was staying home and staying healthy. As a result, we did not travel with the kids. When 2021 arrived, we continued the priority of staying healthy but travel became a possibility again. 

Since the kids are little and I was pregnant, we decided on a road trip to the South for 1.5 weeks in mid-March. I am happy we went then as it broke up our Northeastern winter a bit since it was beautiful spring weather down there.

Check out my blog post about road trips with kids for tips about road tripping with little ones!

Hilton Head Island

We stayed on the beach in Hilton Head Island and really enjoyed our time there. Though the weather was mild when we were there in late March (think high 70s), we still spent some time on the beach and even wet our toes. We spent five days there and were able to do quite a bit. It is a very family friendly location!

Savannah

Since Savannah is just a one hour drive from Hilton Head, we did a day trip there. I think it was enough time there as Savannah is a pretty quaint (small) city. We were still able to eat at delicious restaurants, see many of the city’s squares and take in the pretty sights. 

Charleston

One of the cities I’ve always wanted to visit is Charleston. Just over two hours from Hilton Head Island, we headed there for a few more days after our stay at Hilton Head Island. I am so happy we decided to split our stays between Hilton Head and Charleston, rather than Savannah.

 

Universal Orlando Resort with Little Kids

Filed Under: travel with baby, travel with kids, universal orlando //



Last month, my family and I went on vacation to Kissimmee Florida. While there were days full of relaxation, there were days full of nonstop fun. One of the best family theme park days we had during our vacation was at Universal Studios Orlando and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. The boys tasted Butter Beer, enjoyed the Hogwarts Express & had so much fun in Woody Woodpecker’s Kidzone and Seuss Landing. 

My favorite part of these parks is that there’s thrilling fun for everyone in the family! Here is more detail about what to bring to the parks, what to do and about our time with young kids:

WHAT WE BROUGHT

Stroller – Since We brought our double stroller since we had our 5-year-old, 3-year-old and 4-month-old with us. In hindsight, I wish we would have rented an additional single stroller, which we did at parks going forward during our trip, because our 3-year-old did not want to give up his stroller seat so our 5-year-old had to walk, or be carried, quite a bit.

Baby wrap/carrier – This was a must for our baby. There were times he wanted to be held rather than sitting or laying in the stroller. The carrier allowed me to carry him (sometimes while nursing him) hands-free.

Backpack with snacks and drinks – As a parent, I’ve found it’s best to be over prepared. That’s why I suggest bringing your kids sippy cups and favorite snacks. If they are happy and enjoying their time, then so will you!
Change of clothes for kids – Being prepared in case kids are messy (inevitable) or have an accident helps alleviate any added stress, and helps to ensure the kids remain comfortable throughout the day.
Rain ponchos, weather dependent – It can downpour in Florida, especially during Florida’s rainy season (July through September). I pay attention to the weather and bring ponchos if there is any chance of rain. 
Sweatshirts – Bringing extra layers for the air conditioned indoors and/or chilly evenings is a good idea for the whole family, kids especially.


WHAT WE DID



Universal Studios Florida has fun for the whole family. Our family favorites include Shrek 4-D,  Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl, and the kid zone roller coaster. Our big kid and adult favorites include Revenge of the Mummy and Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit roller coasters.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter spans both parks and as its name suggests, is a little world within each. Must-do’s are taste butter beer, ride the Flight of the Hippogriff coaster with your kids and, of course, the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey coasters! My favorite experience there was the Hogwarts Express, which connects both Wizarding World of Harry Potter  lands.




Universal’s Islands of Adventure is my favorite of the parks. There are more roller coasters and thrilling rides. The kids section, Seussland, is also much more elaborate than the KidZone. I always ride the Hulk but one of my favorites is Spider-Man. My kids loved Seuss Landing, which is 

 
In years past, we have also gone out in and dined at Universal CityWalk, which is an epicenter of restaurants, lounges, entertainment (i.e. mini golf and a movie theater) and shops that connects Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. It definitely has a fun vibe!

YOU SHOULD VISIT, TOO!

We make sure to visit at least one of the Universal Orlando Resort theme parks whenever we vacation in Kissimmee, and you should, too!  They offer a fun variety of rides for everyone in the family that is truly unique to its parks.