Modern Wrap Goodness

Bubs and I were oh so lucky enough to have been chosen to be featured in Modern Wrap's Modern Motherhood series (#MWModernMotherhood on Instagram!). I've said it 100 times over and I'll say it again, baby wearing has been a lovely little dream. I get to get things done around the house and snuggle Finn simultaneously...win! Plus, it's been said that wearing your babe helps with their cognition as there's more opportunity to interact in the environment around them...double win. Modern Wrap is a line that carries wraps, nursing/car seat covers, + swaddling blankets. The fabrics/patterns these items come in are (modern) and gorgeous...really. We love the bit of stretch in the fabric as it allows little man to be snug but comfortable when I'm wearing him. We chose the color natural for the classic carrier wrap, a black + white stripe for the swaddle blanket, and marbled grey for the nursing wrap. Below you'll find the answers to some questions Modern Wrap wanted to know about us regarding this new adventure into parenthood:

What has motherhood taught you?

-Motherhood has taught me to be present in the moment. To be mindful and to soak in the beauty of my every breath that is spent with my little. It’s taught me that there really is a form of love so unconditional that it aches. It’s taught me to toss comparison out the window, to rock the scent of spit-up, and to leave the dishes in the sink, because these moments are precious and father time certainly isn’t going to slow down for us.

What do you want most for your child?

-As a new mother naturally I should say I want the world for him.  But really, I want for him to be both a compassionate and passionate little soul. To believe in and stay true to himself despite a world that will constantly challenge that.  To grow in an environment in which he knows how incredibly loved he is. To experience happiness in whatever form it may come, and to have an admirable, wild imagination that never fades.

If you breastfeed your baby, what was the biggest challenge you experienced with breastfeeding? How did you overcome it?

-Breastfeeding is not for wimps, I’ll certainly say that. Initially my little guy latched and took to it like a champ, but shortly after my breasts became so engorged that it was nearly impossible for him to latch on which led to a lot of frustration and crying on both ends. I was so overwhelmed emotionally and actually questioned my ability to continue breastfeeding him. But, by practicing patience and mindfulness on top of having plenty of “nurse-in” days, I’m happy to say we overcame the days of struggle. Feedings now are such a moment of peace and magic for us, I’m so happy I stuck with it.

Ava Anderson Non Toxic: Baby Massage Lotion Product Review

First of all, I genuinely do not know how we haven't come across this wonderful company sooner. Ava Anderson Non Toxic is a brand devoted to offering a line of products that are completely rid of toxins and/or chemicals. They utilize 100% natural ingredients, using skin safe essential oils (which you know we love) to naturally fragrant their goods.They don't just offer skin care products either, they go above and beyond with lines like Ava Auto, Pets, Home, Hair, BABY and Garden, just to name a few. Ah, perfect for our little fam!

We were given the opportunity to give the baby body & massage lotion a go from their Ava Baby line, and boy are we happy about it! Finn may not get a bath every night, but he is a boy who loves his nightly baby massages (so naturally we were pretty pumped to try it out). Six nights/massages later...we're in love! Not only is the lotion itself just absolutely wonderful, but it gives this momma peace of mind to know that I'm not soaking my precious little's skin with harsh chemicals.  You can follow this link http://avaandersonnontoxic.com/why-non-toxic/ to get more information on how to identify dangerous chemicals and other tidbits of info such as how the FDA does not regulate the personal care products industry (because many labels on some of our beloved products say organic or natural, when the reality is there are still chemicals in them). Ava products are 100% chemical free and completely natural. Did I say that already? I'll say it again...one hundred percent of goodness.

S L A T H E R away without a care in the world, my friends.

Review:

Scent: It's scented using lavender essential oil so it has a genuine lavender smell, not that artificial lavender scent you get in a lot of other products. So calming, and not just for my babe! I swear as I'm massaging his chunky little leg rolls I drift off into a relaxing world of my own because of the smell; and it's not overpowering either.

Consistency: Nice. You'd think because there are a couple different base oils in it that it'd be super greasy feeling but it isn't at all! Not too thick and not too runny.

Color: cream/natural

Size: 8 oz. Despite using it every night I think this bottle will last us a while due to not needing much when using. The oils in it make it easy to spread/go a long way and it overall absorbs into the skin nicely. Also, being it holds 8 oz. the container is not too bulky. Translation: easy to toss into a diaper bag and take with you everywhere you go (because we have).

Price: Completely budget friendly. This 8 oz. bottle goes for $12.95 on their website.

Effectiveness: It really is a soothing lotion that's perfect before bedtime and calming down my little. Not to mention, his skin still smells delicious in the morning after using it at bedtime. I also want to note that my little guy had a rough/bumpy/rash-y patch on one of his meaty thighs, and after massaging it with the lotion only once it was cleared up the next day (not sure if this was because of the lotion, but it was the only other variable different in our nightly routine).

O V E R A L L: a budget friendly, wonderful smelling, good for your health, natural product that you can feel good about using. I am so happy that we had the opportunity to test this out. And seriously I can't wait to get my hands on all the other goodness this company offers...a PET line? We have 5 animals...we're sold.