Jeanne Grier

I became a mother long before I thought I would.

I was a kid and then all of the sudden, I was a mom. My career of, often invisible, around the clock work started right then and there.

We moved away from family and friends. Will was the only person I knew in the entire state and he had to work all the time. I was the only one I knew with a baby. At the time I didn’t know it, naivety was my second greatest blessing, but looking back i felt alone and embarrassed.

Everyone else was heading into corporate life after college and, although I took my job very seriously, when people asked me what I did for a living, I’d catch myself saying “oh, im just a mom right now.” As if being a mom is less than. As if all of the hours of all my days weren’t filled with the extremely important work of raising exceptional humans.

The other day we went to a birthday party and my girls were so gracious, outgoing, polite, kind, helpful etc. literally all of the good things you’d hope your kids would be. Just simply being incredible humans in the wild. They held their own and helped all of the babies + other kids. Used every single manner. Even politely declined sugar (!!!) People went out of their way to tell me how awesome they were. It was truly the proudest day of my life! It was my super-bowl.

I had an a-ha moment driving home from that party of wow, how could I ever let society’s narrative surrounding stay-at-home-moms convince me I was “just a mom.”

Eloise and Adeline are and will forever be my greatest accomplishments.

If you’re a working mom- I applaud you. If you have the luxury of staying at home with your kids around the clock- I applaud you. It’s lots of invisible work. No glamour. No promotions. No raises. A-lot of the time, no thank yous… but it’s without a doubt important work.

These have officially made it into our weekly rotation- and it’s almost embarrassing to share this “recipe” given how dang easy they are to make!

What you’ll need:

• 2-3 chicken breasts
• Buffalo sauce
• GF tortillas

Toppings of choice:

• Cilantro
• Avocado
• Mozzarella and/or blue cheese
• Pickled red onions
• Jalapeños
• Coleslaw mix (for some crunch)
• Ranch

First you’ll need to cook your chicken-

The crockpot is my best bet for making sure the chicken isn’t dry, but you can use whatever method your heart desires!

I put two-three breasts in there with 1 tbsp of butter and buffalo sauce (about 1/3 of the bottle).

Cook for about 2 1/2 hours on low and shred. I use two forks and then get lazy and take some kitchen shears to it lol.

Once it looks about done and you’re ready to eat:

Warm up your tortillas on the stove for about 45 seconds

Place your chicken, cheese, and toppings in the tortilla and drizzle with some ranch! (Don’t forget salt + pepper)

***You can also make nachos by subbing the tortillas for corn chips and popping them in the oven on broil for a few minutes, or a bowl by subbing the tortillas for rice!

Follow along for more healthy + easy “recipes”!

Xo Jeanne

Adeline is seven-months-old today and it made me reminisce on the first half-year of her life. I’ve received so many questions from new mamas on what is really needed and I thought I’d put together a “must-have” list of what we actually used.

This go-around we didn’t have a baby shower/sprinkle and only got what we absolutely knew we needed. We truly didn’t have anything we didn’t use and I thought it would make baby shower registries easy to have this as a reference!

I’ll continue the must-have list as Adeline gets older!

*Disclaimer: it seems like a lot but once you find yourself in the black hole of endless options and useless gadgets, you’ll understand.*

 

(UPPAbaby Vista stroller with bassinet and “rumble seat” attachments)

Newborn:

SNOO-

We had an incredible experience with the SNOO. Not only did it keep Adeline asleep, it also kept her safe! She was zipped up in a cocoon attached to the bassinet so she was unable to roll which, in turn, also helped me sleep. I was asked a lot of questions about the transition from SNOO to crib and ours was pretty seamless. The last few weeks they incorporate a weaning program where it doesn’t rock as much etc. You can rent it for less than what a Starbucks costs per day or buy it (definitely recommend this option if you’re planning on more babies)! 

UPPABaby MESA infant car seat / VISTA stroller-

She’s still in this car seat and we’ve loved it! The stroller has been a dream with two kids. It can be a single or double stroller with adaptable bassinet, car seat and/or “rumble seat” attachments. Right now, Adeline is in the car seat and Eloise is in the “rumble seat”. Extremely smooth ride and not as wide as other adaptable strollers. Super easy, chic, and extremely comfortable for the girls!

Mamaroo-

I’ve gathered mixed reviews- your babe either can’t get enough of it or hates it. Adeline still loves it.

Pampers Pure diapers/wipes-

I’ve tried every single diaper brand and this one is the best. Trust me. No chemicals, fragrance and keeps them dry all night long. Like, freakishly absorbent.

Dock a tot-

My mom got me the “snuggle me” which I thought I’d love more but my MIL let me borrow her dock a tot and honestly, I think it’s way more practical.

FRIDA EVERYTHING-

It all started with the FRIDAmom box for delivery/postpartum life and then with the ingenious “snot-sucker” saving Adeline from runny noses. They know what they’re doing.

Plum and Sparrow basket-

I loved this for easy mobility. I mostly put Adeline in this when I showered. When we went on trips, I packed her stuff in it and then used it as a bassinet on the beach etc. it’s also just ridiculously cute!

Solly baby wrap-

Baby wraps are way more comfortable than carriers for newborns and we loved our Solly so so much!

Charlie Crane Paris rocker-

The chicest rocker there ever was. Adeline used it every day, multiple times a day for four months. Many naps were sponsored by this rocker. Also, we took it everywhere with us since it’s so light!

(Solly Baby Wrap)

4-6 mo:

Artipoppe carrier-

This is a splurge but worth it in my opinion. It’s truly a work of art. I have the leopard print and I use mine every. day.

Tula carrier-

Great carrier at a great price point. I have two prints and we love them. Will still uses ours with Eloise.

Skip hop exersaucer-

Adeline loves hers! All the amazon reviews are great with the exception of the owl add on toy (many baby fingers have gotten jammed) so I just threw the pesky owl away.

Newton baby mattress-

No other mattress compares. Organic, completely breathable and the entire mattress can be washed! Adeline is a tummy sleeper and, much to everyone’s surprise, I’m not worried at all!

Owlet-

This is good for newborns if they’re not in the SNOO! It’s a smart sock that monitors the baby’s vitals while they sleep but I didn’t have to use it until I transitioned her to the crib! They also have a great monitor!

Yumi-

Organic baby food delivered. We’re on week 4 and LOVE it. Adeline is introduced to so many delicious foods and gobbles it all up!

(Charlie Crane Paris Rocker)

Miscellaneous Favorites:

BJORN pack and play-

got it as a gift at my baby shower for Eloise and it’s the best. Easily opens and closes which is amazing because who knew pack and plays were built to give parents panic attacks during assembly?!

Como Tomo bottles-

I’m exclusively nursing Adeline but these bottles are what I have on hand if I ever pump. She used them a few times as a newborn without any issues. 

Cuddle and Kind-

I think these are the most darling stuffed animals and they donate meals to kids in need with every purchase!

Favorite baby clothes brands:

Quincy Mae

Rylee and Cru

Little Poppy co. bow subscription

Solly

Cozys

Goosebumps

ZARA kids

Posh peanut

H&M

Jaime Kay

Mushie-

Mushie’s website is where I got my bibs pacifiers, pacifier clips and super trendy silicone bibs. (If you buy through my link you’ll get 20% off! http://mushie.refr.cc/jeanne )

Pacifiers-

Bibs 

Hevea

Ryan and Rose “Cutie Pat” (if you use my link to shop you get $5 in shops credit http://rwrd.io/cp72rzv )

Milk Snob-

Softest car seat cover ever but they also make the softest swaddles as well!!

Diaper rash cream-

AQUAPHOR. We’re never without at least three containers in the house.

 

Thanks for reading xxxx