True Life: I started this post draft over FOUR months ago, and I honestly just keep forgetting to come back to actually finish it. So here I am, today, finally finishing it and publishing it. Because it’s filled with lots of goodies…all from ME, to (maybe!) YOU!
First things first, nothing about today’s post is sponsored. It is simply a collection of a few fun items that I wound up purchasing or received extras of while pregnant with Alex, and I want to make sure they go to a good home. : )
So the first item is the Lalabu Soothe Shirt.
Some of you may remember that I have one of these already and wore it quite frequently in those first few weeks/months that Alex was home (and constantly needing to be held).
I can’t even count how many times a week I wore this shirt, and I have no doubt the thing smelled rotten. But it was just SO convenient.
Awwww, what a little peanut! And that’s probably one of the only days that kiddo ever took a paci ;)
The next item up for grabs is this awesome healthy, happy pregnancy cookbook
I was kindly gifted this cookbook, and it’s filled with some delicious sounding recipes!
And not only recipes, but also some great meal planning tips and frozen meals, too (since prepping freezer meals before baby arrives is always a great idea!)
Finally, I’m also including one of my favorite mom t’s…
I purchased this for myself, but was also gifted one as well, so since I really don’t neeeed two of them, I’ve got one for ya! (size medium)
So there you have it, my friends! A little goody bag filled with everything seen above, with probably another couple fun things thrown in there, too. And I’m offering it up to one lucky STSL reader!!*
To Enter: Leave a comment on this post sharing something about motherhood (your favorite part, the thing you’re most looking forward to, the biggest obstacle you’ve overcome…anything at all!).
*Giveaway open to US residents only, please!
I’ll choose a random winner on Friday, October 20th. Good Luck! ;)
Krystan says
My favorite part of having two kids now is watching big brother interact with the baby and the baby is just enamored with big brother.! It is so sweet.
Erin B. says
I’ve only been a mom for about 8.5 hours but so far I’m loving the snuggles. And I can’t get over the fact that I’m now a mom!!! Soooo happy!
Lauren says
Yayyy awesome giveaway! With a two yr old and a newborn, I love watching / learning / experiencing the world through their eyes.
Stephanie Prause says
I love the chance to shape a little person’s life and worldview, and I love how she is changing mine.
Emily McDougall says
I’m 33 weeks pregnant with my 3rd and ready for the next chapter in our lives to start! We are excited to have a December baby; just in time for Christmas.
Kylee says
I am so excited for the snuggles and all the extra love 😍
Kim says
So far, my favorite part are his little kicks. I can’t wait to meet him!
Brynn says
I am weeks from welcoming my second little one and I’m so excited for all of the adventures ahead. I never expected to learn so much from my children, but they really show us what life is all about.
Emily says
I’m a new mom to 2 boys too! My favorite thing so far is seeing my one year old be a big brother to my newborn :)
Carrie says
I am a momma to almost two year old Alex and it has been so amazing watching him grow into a little boy. His mannerisms his laugh his smile and his kissable cheeks warm my heart every single day. I literally couldn’t love him more! But let’s be real- mommin ain’t easy!!!
Ashley says
My favorite thing is the hugs and kisses I get from my daughter each night before bedtime or when I get home from work. Nothing better than that. It can turn even the worst day around immediately!
Lisa @ Life as Lisa Knows It says
I just love to watch my 7 1/2 month old daughter grow and change each day -more and more into her own little person! 😊
Paula says
Mama to 2.5 year old Lucy and 6.5 month old Felicity… these girls are my WORLD and never cease to amaze me. Motherhood has taught me to embrace the little things and be more present, because these moments, though short at the time, add up to far more than the challenges we face. This has helped me to seek help and treat my PPD and PPA, and I’m gosh darn proud that I’ve got it under control!
Alaina says
Mother to two also and love seeing them interact now as they get older.😊
Lee Ann says
First time mom-to-be here ☺️ we welcome our little man early December and I cannot wait to finally hold the little one who has been with me these past 9 months. Time is a funny measurement when you’re pregnant- so close and yet always still so far away!
Lisa says
With my first daughter, now 3, I had PPD pretty bad and now with my second daughter, 3 months, we are dealing with reflux so I understand that Mommin’ ain’t easy! However, it is so wonderful to see my girls interact and see how much they love each other already!
Joy says
My sister-in-law is pregnant with her second child and I think she would enjoy these gifts a lot. So, I’m entering this giveaway for her.
Delia Adkins says
As a first time mom to a now 8 month old, I think my most treasured moments are those spent with her when she’s just woken up… her smile just beams when she sees me and she is the happiest little sweetie to play and snuggle for a few minutes.
Erin says
My best friend just announced she’s pregnant – and found out yesterday it’s a girl! She is so excited to go on adventures with her little one and experience the world from another view! If I am selected I would love to share these items with her – such an exciting time & I cannot wait to be an aunt!
Emily says
I just had my 3rd son and I love how much my heart grows with each baby. You never know how much love can multiply and grow till you have kids!
Caitlin P says
My favorite part of being a Mom to two kids right now is the ability to love them each so fiercely and yet so differently. My 2.5 year old daughter is strong-willed and DETERMINED and I can just see that she’s going to be a mover and a shaker! My 4 month old son is such an adorable, squishy, loving ham. Even with cranky, whiney, tantrum filled days, I just love these kids with every fiber of my being. But it’s true, mommin ain’t easy!
Megan Kelly says
Being a mom of 2 one being a newborn is such a challenge but it’s so rewarding seeing big sister with her baby sister! I would love the Soothe Shirt to help keep my hands free while playing or being with big sister!
Camee says
I love seeing my babies play with eachoter. I have a little girl who is about to be 4 and a little boy who is about to be 2 and I’m due with my third in may! Thanks for the giveaway!
Rose says
I am due in December with my first, and I am most looking forward to finally holding her! But I am sure we will face many obstacles in the coming months!
Erin F says
My favorite part is watching my little one grow and learn so much everyday. Also hearing him laugh and seeing him smile brings me so much happiness.
Lindsay says
I’m mom to an almost-two-year-old and I just love watching him learn and grow. Some days I feel like I can actually see the wheels in his brain turning – it’s so fun to watch him discover new things. I’d love to share this giveaway with a girlfriend who is pregnant! :)
Emily Anderson says
Hi Courtney!! I have been reading your blog for years and you are always so real and encouraging!! I am nursing my one month old (born 9/18/17) as I am reading your post!! The most challenging thing has definitely been that she is in a pavlik harness 24/7! It has made the whole newborn experience not quite how I imagined. These goodies would brighten my day and the shirt is too cute!! Thanks for continuing to post with your busy life!!
Jessica says
Being a mom is the most amazing and difficult thing I have ever experienced. My children motivate me to be my best self. it has also taught me patience, forgiveness and how to PLAY. Thanks for the giveaway.
Callie says
My favorite part about motherhood is all the sweet snuggles at first, and then watching who your children will become as they develop their little personalities! I am currently pregnant with my 4th(!!!) so I’m excited to start all over with the snuggles one last time!
Caylin says
I never expected to learn so much from a child. Our daughter has relaxed my nerves and go=go personality and I truly enjoy doing nothing but watching her discover and explore!
Jackie says
I’m due in 9 days. I’m most looking forward to meeting this little girl!! :)
deb fann says
My favorite thing about being a Mom……Waiting to be a Grandma!
Molly says
So fun! I’ve never entered mom giveaways… but now I can! I am due in January with our rainbow baby after two early losses earlier in 2017. I am of course really excited and one thing that has surprised me so far is how “out of control” I am over a lot of this process. Being able to let go and not worry about everything outside of my control has been humbling, hard, and a really incredible growth opportunity. I know so much of what’s ahead, 3rd trimester, labor/delivery, raising a baby, will be out of my control too so it’s interesting to apply now.
Missy says
That soothe shirt looks amazing!! I can’t wait to see how our toddler interacts with his new sister in a few short weeks. I’m also scared out of my mind but I try to focus on the excitement part instead ;)
Alexandra says
I’m currently pregnant with my second and I am so excited but also SO scared!! I recently went back and read some of your posts about transitioning to two (which were so helpful thank you!) so I do feel some comfort in the fact that most moms seem to feel the same way!
Nikki says
I think my favorite part of being a mom so far is having my baby smile at me. it melts my heart every single time. He has just started laughing (only a few times and only at the dogs) but that little baby laugh… oh my god is it precious!!
Erica says
Not a mom yet – about 3 weeks to go! So right now, just looking forward to meeting this little guy!
Emilee B says
My due date is today!!! I am so looking forward to seeing my 2 boys interact with one another and getting some baby snuggles again!
Jennifer King says
I’m pregnant with my second child and I am SO nervous on how I am going to handle 2, and I get the fear in regards to not being able to give my daughter all my love. I am excited about seeing her become a big sister though. Fingers crossed she reacts well to it!
Alicia Makenzie says
Love this giveaway! I love the idea of a soothe shirt. I am so excited to meet our baby for the first time- I keep day dreaming about that first moment! The idea of being able to wear them around when they are that small seems like it would be so comforting- for both of us!
Kayla M says
I’m looking forward to baby cuddles
Jocelyn says
Coming home to my sweet babies every day makes every struggle worth it!!!
Maureen says
Being a mom of a 14 mo old and 12 weeks pregnant with our second I’m so looking forward to the first moment they meet! I get so emotional just thinking about it!
kelly says
I am not a mom, but my best friend is pregnant with her first and due in February! I’d love to win this for her. If my husband and I do have kids, I am looking forward to baby cuddles!
Christy says
The thing I love most about motherhood are the phases. It’s like you have a constant crush on your child with each new phase they go through. Obviously each phase has its challenges, but I’m constantly gushing over what each of my kids are up to and my heart feels like it can’t possibly be any fuller.
Jenn says
I am a soon-to-be first time momma! I am most looking forward to seeing my son for the first time and also seeing my husband hold him 😂 Goodness I am getting hormonal just typing that!
Mollie says
Oh man, I had no idea how much and how deeply I would love my son. It always sounded so cliche and cheesy to me before I was a mom, but from the minute that little guy was in my arms, he had my whole heart. Being a mom is so challenging, and as a work-outside-the-home mom I struggle every day feeling like I’m doing nothing right, but it is also the most incredible gift!
Erin says
Right now we are in the middle of a 6 month old teething phase, so I’d say my favorite part will be when we start sleeping again ;)
Lesley says
I am currently 7 months pregnant…with twins!! These will be our first babies and we have been so overwhelmed with excitement (and fear for what is to come, ha!). I am most looking forward to seeing them smile at us and their first giggles. Bracing myself for a crazy 2018! :)
Jessica says
My sister is about to be a first time Mom in December. So I’m not entering for myself, but for her!
Audra says
I cant wait to see the world through his eyes and also cant wait to relive some of the best parts of childhood through him! All the love and snuggles sound pretty awesome too :)
Brooke says
This is perfect timing, we have our second little peanut arriving in a few weeks! The best thing about parenting is just looking in thier eyes and just seeing how much love and trust they have for you right away! No better feeling in the world 🙂
Kelsey says
My favorite part is just watching them grow and change. It’s pretty incredible.
Lisa says
My favorite part is watching the friendship grow between my son and daughter. They fight over food, toys, anything basically but they also love each other fiercely and I tear up every time they give each other unprompted hugs or I hear them giggling over something. I can’t wait to see them embrace the third kiddo we’re adding to the mix!
Julie R says
One of my favorite parts of being a mom, because there so many, is that moment when you just can’t handle the tantrums, crying, etc and that little one causing them comes up and gives you a kiss and hug. All the stress of mom life just melts away! And, I’m also looking forward to seeing my one year old become a big brother to his twin siblings this spring!
Megan says
I love the snuggles and I love watching them grow and develop. It has been amazing experiencing the world through her eyes and I feel like she’s taught me so much. I can’t wait for #2 to come in April!!
Morgan Gallo says
I am a new mom to a 1 month old. I love all the new baby snuggles!
Hannah says
I love this idea! The thing about motherhood that stands out to me lately is just how ‘worth it’ it is. My little guy is 2 and we are dealing with MANY ups and downs on a daily basis but when his personality shows or he runs up to me and hugs me or says “thank you mama” when I hand him his milk, my heart is full! It’s WORTH IT.
Caroline says
I have a 2 year old and boy/girls twins (!!) on the way so I’m really looking forward to seeing our little guy get some built-in playmates and how they all grow up together (after the initial rough few months, of course!)
Sarah says
I’ve only been a mom for 12 days but watching my daughter sleep peacefully is my favorite thing so far. My husband and I just find ourselves staring at her all the time!
Kelsey says
I recently found out I’m pregnant with my third and so excited for this new chapter for our family. Our first two bring us such joy, and we are all excitedly preparing to welcome our new bundle of joy next year!
catherine says
just hit half way over here – looking forward to feeling baby kicks!!
caty says
with my every growing belly, I’m just looking forward to my due date :)
Katie says
The best part of being a mom is when they first say that they love you! I remember when my daughter first did around 20 months I turned to a pile of mush!😘
Ashley says
only 8 weeks pregnant right now but so looking forward to all the baby snuggles!!
Lauren says
Motherhood is the best job in the world, and there is no love as intense as the love for your children. I can’t wait for my sister-in-law to experience this next March! She would love a gift like this, especially the cookbook!
Kayla says
This is an awesome giveaway!! I am sadly not a Mommy yet, but I am an Auntie! I am looking forward to someday getting baby snuggles from my own child, and watching them grow and learn. Hopefully one day soon it will happen! :) Xoxo
Mallory says
I’m currently 28 weeks pregnant with twin girls!! They aren’t here yet, but so far my favorite thing currently is to watch the two ladies have a dance party in my tummy!
Hallie says
I’m pregnant with my first, due in May, and I am so excited to see how my little family (kitten included) changes once the baby is here! I’m an aunt to six nieces and nephews under age 11, and it’s also been so much fun to be able to bond with my siblings in a new and exciting way!
Emily G says
I am terrified and excited all at once to add a second kiddo to our family – Feb 2018!
Mary G. says
My biggest challenge as a mother will arrive in a few short months when we have baby #2 and I become a mom to two under 2!
Betty@bettysbalance.com says
Motherhood is hands down the best thing I’ve ever done. We also have baby #2 on the way, due in March, and I’m looking forward to seeing how things play out with two kiddos. Nervous, but so excited.
Kate says
I am pregnant with #2 and I can’t wait to see my daughter become a sister! I’m most nervous for balancing the two, which is why I think that soothe shirt is such a great idea!! Thanks for sharing the ups and downs on the transition from 1 to 2 kids, it is refreshingly honest!
Meg Z says
My least favorite part of motherhood is the unpredictability of sleep. Every time my son gets a cold (which is often since he is in daycare) he wakes up multiple times throughout the night. He is 3+ years, and I sure thought I’d be sleeping better on a regular basis at this point, but nope! It’s always something. Since I turn into a wreck on no sleep, it has made managing my work/life/home responsibilities even harder.
Gillian says
I am 26 weeks pregnant with my first :) The thing I am most excited for? Meeting my little one in January!
Amy Brown says
Boy, I could really use this Giveaway as a “pick-me-up” as lately I’ve been down. I now have SPD and my groin and pelvis are hurting a ton. JUST today, I stopped exercising because I don’t think my body can handle it anymore. I wanted to keep going until labor, but I can only waddle. I’m 35+6 weeks pregnant with b/g twins. I’m super excited and I think I could really use ALL these items in this Giveaway! I could carry one of the babies in the sling and “trade off” to have 1-on-1 intimate time with each twin (while I put the other in the bouncer or swing). The cookbook I could definitely use to make delicious stuff to keep me fueled for breastfeeding. The “Mommin’ Ain’t Easy” t-shirt I’ve seen and LOVED and would be delighted to wear!
Chantel says
In due with baby girl #2 in about 1.5 months! Being a mama has been more rewarding than I ever imagined and I just love watching my daughter grow and learn things. I actually just bought my husband the lalabu shirt and would LOVE one for myself!
Katie says
We are expecting baby #2. I have one son who is now almost 17 months. I am most looking forward to watching the little ones bond and grow together. I am also looking forward to having energy again, haha…can somebody tell me when that will be? Phew!
Maria says
I’m due with my first baby on December 18. There are so many things I’m looking forward to I’m not sure how to pick one! I’m really excited to see my husband as a father, and to grow our little tribe together. Oh! And we are waiting til the birth to find out the gender, so I have to say I’m excited about that too!
Stephanie says
I love the little sounds and faces he makes!
Lindsay says
About the have my second baby girl this winter and I’m so looking forward to seeing the two interact!
Amanda says
The biggest thing I’ve had to overcome so far as a new mom is dealing with the guilt of not being able to exclusively breastfeed.
Cara says
28 weeks with my first, a little boy! I am so excited to meet him and for all the baby snuggles.
Michelle Reiter says
I am so looking forward to meeting this little one and holding him or her in my arms :) 3 weeks to go!
Christina says
I’m a mama to 14 month old twin girls and am also expecting a baby boy in April! I love it when my girls giggle and play games with me! I can’t wait to meet our sweet baby boy, but I know I’m in for a challenge with three little ones! Better invest in a triple stroller! 😬
Sara says
Being a mom is one of the best and hardest things I’ve ever done. My sweet girl just turned ten months old and I love watching her discover the world!
Tiffany Banks says
My favorite thing about motherhood is EVERYTHING. I can’t just choose one thing because I love everything that Motherhood has to offer
Sara says
I am pregnant with my first so this would be a perfect little package for me!
Jordyn says
My little girl is now two, and she has the best personality! I love having a little mini me that I can have conversations with. My sister is expecting another baby next year and I would love to gift her these items!
Courtney says
I am pregnant with a boy and due in February!! This is my first so this would be perfect!
Megan says
Favorite part of being a mom is just knowing my son… like I’ve always known him, but just met him 1.5 years ago. I was barely able to stay pregnant (thanks progesterone) so I always am mindful of the blessing he is!
Andrea says
Motherhood has been the most rewarding and challenging thing I have ever experienced! My daughter is the best part of me! We are getting ready to start trying for another baby here soon so this would be perfect!
Erin Lorello says
I am 21 weeks pregnant with my first. I am SOOOOO EXCITED but my biggest fear/ concern is about how our routine with change! As a working woman, I already feel pressed for time everyday and do not know how I can fit another human into the mix! I know it will all work out, it is just a worry until then :-)
Stephanie says
I am not a mom (yet) but will be in May 2018! We are not finding out the gender, so right off the bat I’m looking forward to that! I would love each of the items listed above, plus, my birthday is Friday! (When you’re choosing the winner 😉)
Steph says
I love when my 4 year old says “good mommy” and pats me on the head like a dog
Alana Van Der Sluys says
I can’t wait for snuggles!
Emily says
I have heard amazing things about the Lalabu shirt and would LOVE to try it. I am due in early December with my first child, a baby boy. I am most excited to hold him in my arms for the first time!
Karenann says
I just love after dinner when my sweet babies and I sit down and read books. It is such a quiet and close time and we all just cuddle together. I just melt every night!
Tosha says
Currently 39 weeks pregnant with baby number 2 and so looking forward to the newborn phase again with all the snuggling! I have been drooling over the soothe shirt since my last pregnancy and just never got around to getting one!
Alyssa says
I have two boys and I’m trying to figure out this whole sibling relationship thing now that they are both out of the baby stage!
Ann Fisher says
I have a 3 year old and 3 mo Th old and there have been days where all three of us were crying at the same time. I can say that it’s getting easier and I constantly remind mysel how truly blessed I am to have two beautiful healthy happy daughters. They are my everything.
Melissa H says
My sister is currently pregnant with her first, and this would make a great gift! My favorite part is seeing their personalities evolve and being continually dumbfounded and amazed at all that they learn!
Maggie C says
I love the the spontaneous hugs or smiles your little ones will surprise you with! It’s like they know when you need some extra loving :)
Allison L says
I’m 18 weeks pregnant with my first and I’m so excited about starting my journey of motherhood and adding this little one to our family!!
Kristy says
MY husband and I are in the process of adopting our first child’s after struggling with infertility for 10 Years. We’re most excited to be able to bring a child home and to share all the love we have in our hearts. This has been a long journey but one we would do over and over if it means welcoming a child into our lives. I cannot wait to do all the firsts with our child – first bath, first steps, first babywearing, first smiles, first giggles…
Julie says
I just found out I was pregnant a few weeks ago. I’m just so excited to hold my baby in my arms and share at him or her!
Katelyn Rose says
I’ve officially been a mom now for 1 month! The craziest part so far for me is how much I second guess myself. I have a huge family and have always been around babies, so I’ve soaked up a lot of info. I knew it would be different with my own, but I second guess everything!!
I also wasn’t expecting my daughter to look exactly like my husband! Lol
Bethany says
The love in my heart and smile on his face is my favorite part. The loneliness is my least.
Chrissy R. says
I have a few more more weeks to go before our December baby arrives. Right now the best part is feeling the baby move around and taking him everywhere with me. 😀. I’ll miss pregnancy but my husband and I are looking forward to meeting our little guy. We tried for years to get pregnant and am so very thankful that we will get to be mommy and daddy very soon. I cannot wait to see my husband holding our sweet baby boy!
Amanda Hernandez says
My favorite thing is the hugs and kisses and cuddles!
Annie says
My favorite this is the request to snuggle!
Nicole H says
My baby is now 6 months and I am loving all of her giggles!
Kristen says
I am exciting to experience motherhood. We are trying to get pregnant now and we look forward to our entire journey.
Sara says
My favorite part about being a mom….getting the chance to be a mom! After several years of infertility, including 7ivf’s and 5 iui’s and throw in several frozen embryo transfers, I am in awe when I hear love you, mom or mommy, mom, mommmmmmmmmyyyyy 😊
Jill says
I think the thing I will look forward to most is actually being pregnant. I took over raising my brother’s child when he was a baby, I was a baby myself barely 20 years old and a newlywed. We have had him ever since and it has been the most amazing thing we have ever done. Now almost 10 years later, we are finally ready to expand the family and have a baby. Looking forward to where this new journey will take all of us!
Sharyn says
There are so many things!!! I love watching their little personalities develop. It’s amazing to see what characteristics are the same from when they are a newborn or what they get from mom or dad. I think that is all just so amazing.
Kelly S says
I am pregnant with Baby #1, due in January. I am excited for the snuggles, but a little nervous for exhaustion!! :)
Jess says
I’m just about 5 months pregnant with our second baby and I LOVE seeing how our first already interacts with his sibling. He gives my belly kisses, talks to the baby, and “feeds” the baby pretend food. I’m looking forward to seeing how their relationship progresses once the new baby is out in the world!
Melissa Macias says
My second boy is due in Feb! I always thought I would dread trips to the zoo or other amusement parks. But when we took our son to the Zoo it was so fun to see the animals through his eyes! He loved the giraffes!!
Anna says
Such a great giveaway! My favorite thing is watching my daughter’s personality grow!
Ashley B. says
How kind of you to do a little giveaway! As I was picking up our living room tonight, I just felt so thankful to have a messy house with toys thrown everywhere. For so long I didn’t know if this would ever be a reality for me. My 15 month old son brings so much joy and fun to my life!
Jenna says
I love the feeling of watching my baby boy grow into a talking/tablet playing 2 yr old. Its amazing. I am excited/terrified to overcome taking care of 2 under 3 as we are expecting our second baby in May. YIKES! Your blog helps though =)
Julie says
I just love seeing the small things that bring joy to my little girl — she has definitely helped me remember to slow down and appreciate the little things, and literally stop and smell the flowers :)
Jennie says
I recently had a baby girl (my first) and I am in awe that I get to be her mom. Plus baby snuggles and her gummy smile melt my heart!
Melanie says
Currently an auntie but hoping to have my own little one soon and would love to share this with a newly pregnant friend : )
Jackie K. says
I can’t wait to become a mom!
Wendy says
I love the random hugs and snuggles! I think it’s his way of telling me I’m rocking this Mom job!
Alyssa B says
My favorite thing is the toothless grins I get whenever I enter the room!