Pregnacy and Parenting : Weekly Digest

Are you holding onto the last traces of Summer or running face first into fall?

In case you missed it over the weekend... I am Jessica and this little guy above is my 5- year-old kindergartener, Bug. Summer may not be over quite yet, but summer vacations across the country have officially come to an end. What does this mean? While it means a few things... PUMPKIN and PUMPKIN SPICE are officially everywhere. You walk into any store and realize it's actually time for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas all in one shot. Meanwhile, you're adjusting to a new normal and likely a new schedule. It also means that one of your 18 summers with your children has come and passed. I think one of the most impressionable things I stumbled upon this summer was the reminder that we only get 18 summers with our little ones until they are off and out into the big world.

The thing that I have started to remind myself is that we also get 18 falls, 18 winters, 18 springs, 18 Christmas mornings, 18 Labor Days, 18 New Years, 18 Octobers and chances are... We will get to enjoy watching them grow up long after they hit the wonderful age of 18. At 31 years old, spending time with my Mom is still one of my most treasured pastimes. Sure, things have changed... but I still call her every time I get really sick. Our kids will want and need us long after they hit that magic number. In the meantime, I want to focus on enjoying every season and every season of their life. Okay, this "I am always right" five-year-old phase could pass sooner rather than later... and there has never been a day that I miss the diaper stage. Aside from a few of these tough stages, I think as parents we need to focus on savoring every season.

So what are you ready to savor this Fall? I cannot wait to post up in the kitchen and do some baking, get outside for some nature scavenger hunts, hiking, apple picking, fair season and so much more.

-Jessica

Let's walk into Fall ready to conquer it ALL!

Last week, I reminded you guys that is is in fact one of the most wonderful times of the year here at Daily Mom. Every year we team up with AMAZING BRANDS that new and expecting mothers need to learn about with this giveaway. If you missed the LIVE video this weekend, it's okay! There is still time to check out the video and enter to win.

Did you have a screen free or unplugged summer with your kids? I followed suit with Daily Mom writer Heather and drastically cut back all screen time and implemented things that had to be done before earning that time. HOLY CRAP! It was a GAME CHANGER! Check out how their summer went.

Antibiotic resistant bacteria is on the rise, I REPEAT...Antibiotic resistant bacteria is on the rise. Ever wonder what all the chit chat and arguments are about them? Well, this article is a fantastic place to get a good handle on the current issues facing our country with the amount of medications currently being prescribed.

I cannot give this article enough praise-it deserves a serious and loud hallelujah! I read it this morning as I was sipping on my iced coffee and I just kept repeating "yes, yes, YES". Before you put too much weight into what the scale says, give it a read and gain some perspective.

Calling all Moms! Listen up.. Making "Mom Friends" is inevitably awkward but can be so rewarding! Do you feel a little bit lonely and like you have no idea where to start? You are not alone.. Check our our article for some tips.. but always remember, quality over quantity ladies.

The AAP has recently changed their rear facing car seat recomendations. They have scratched the age limit and now recommend keeping kids in a rear-facing seat for "as long as possible, until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their seat. We are giving them ALL THE PRAISE! Curious why- check it out...

What did you miss this week on Social Media? Well for starters, you may have missed our HUGE Newborn and Breastfeeding LIVE Giveaway. No worries ladies! Go watch the video, check out our article, and enter to win. Seriously, the prizes are amazing. You don't want to miss out.

Also, Motherhood sometimes really does feel like baptism by fire. Any Moms who don't ever feel that way, please send us your tips and tricks!

Stuck On You Tags are our personal BACK TO SCHOOL FAVORITE!

Fall is right around the corner, whether you like it or not. Pumpkin Spice Lattes are out in full force, the kids are back in school, and Labor Day 2018 has come and passed. If you are ready to get in the mood for fall recipes, you need to check this one out.

Who doesn't have fond memories of sloppy joes as a child? If you are looking for a recipe your kids will love that is full of hidden veggies, this is a phenomenal recipe.