Why I chose Whole 30

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I embarked on a Whole 30 journey a few weeks ago, 14 days to be exact. If you aren't familiar with Whole 30, it's an elimination eating progarm (not a diet) where you consume ONLY meat, veggies, fruit, nuts and healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, olives, avocado and nut butters. That means for 30 days (or longer if you choose), you consume absolutely no dairy, no legumes, no grains, no sugar (real or artificial) and NO alcohol. After the 30 days, you slowly reintroduce certain foods back into your diet and assess how your body responds to them both mentally and physically. Yes, it is radical and yes it sounds crazy. I know. For a girl that loves her food and cocktails, I never imagined myself doing something so "restrictive." Let me explain.

After Ben was born, I gave myself some time to adjust to life with three kids. I didn't rush myself into dieting or push myself back into the gym. I was no stranger to postpartum weight loss and had lost 25+ pounds after both of my previous pregnancies. I knew how to lose weight and when the time was right, I would march back to Weight Watchers and start counting points and working out again. But this time around, I felt different. There was something more than just losing the baby weight. Ben was four months old and I was still having terrible night sweats, my hair started falling out, my ankle and knee joints were swollen and I was stress eating at every turn. Simply put, I just did not feel healthy. I felt terrible. 

I had heard about Whole 30 before but knew NOTHING about it. I just thought it was some radical "diet" that people did when they were trying to uncover food allergies or help with stomach issues. One  desperate night, I read some reviews on Amazon for "It Starts With Food", a book about discovering the Whole 30. There were so many people raving about how this "diet" changed their life or made them feel so much better. I had no idea if it would help balance my hormones or heal my achy joints or get my sugar cravings under control, but I bought the book anyway and it was delivered via Amazon Prime a few days later. I began reading the book and 10 minutes into it, I knew I had to begin my own journey. On page 24, the Whole 30 "Good Food Standards" states the food we eat should:

1. Promote a healthy psychological response (there's my stress eating!)

2. Promote a healthy hormonal response (check that box too.)

3. Support a healthy gut (sure, why not?)

4. Support immune function and minimize inflammation (heal my achy joints and feel healthy..yes!)

So, here I am 14 days in and you want to know what I think about the Whole 30? I absolutely love it! Already I feel so much healthier and happier AND I'm conditioning my mind and body to eat really good food. Do I miss certain foods or the occassional margarita? Absolutely, and they'll eventually make their way back into my life. But not for these 30 days. These 30 days are about taking care of me and giving my body what it needs to get back on track to feel good. So, there it is. Why I chose Whole 30 in a nutshell. Tomorrow I'll be recapping my first two weeks on Whole 30 and sharing details like what foods I've been eating, why I like the program, what I've been craving, tips/tricks for staying on track and what changes I've seen since begining the program. 

New Mom Essentials

Hello fellow peaches! I AM alive and thriving. Don't you know how quickly time passes with baby number three? There is barely a moment to think...life just keeps moving full speed ahead.

Baby Benjamin is seven weeks old now and adjusting just fine. He is starting to smile and coo and find his fingers. The big boys are still so proud of their baby brother and love to show him off to friends. We are enjoying lazy summer days at home and the pool.

I'm taking good care of myself and finally feeling somewhat "normal" again. Postpartum is such a tricky time for new moms. I feel like I could write a book on the topic if I only had the time! There are the hormones, the exhaustion and accepting a body that is new and different. The nurses try to prepare you when they send you home from the hospital, but nothing quite prepares you for life postpartum. I like to break up the "fourth trimester" into three stages..the first two days, the first two weeks and the first two months. Surviving each of these "hurdles" gets you closer to the finish line. And by finish line, I mean sleeping through the night and feeling like a normal, functioning human being again. I assure you things do get back to normal but it does takes time. Be patient with yourself, your spouse and your baby.

Since I don't have time to write a book, I thought I'd share some of my favorite new mom essentials. Yes, there are LOTS of things you need for the baby, but I'm talking about things for YOU. We tend to forget we too are healing both mentally and physically from the birth process. Be sure to stock up on these beforehand (via Amazon prime, of course) so they're ready and waiting for you after baby arrives!

Unscented Epsom Salt :: Nothing will heal you faster than epsom salt baths. Take one religiously, especially during the first two weeks. 

Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate  :: There's no way around dark circles and puffy eyes when your sleep is continuously interrupted. Treat yourself to a good quality eye cream and use it daily.

Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum :: You will wash your hands 592,043 times a day between changing diapers and feeding you baby. Your hands will crack and bleed if left unattended. Invest in a trusted hand cream. This brand has never let me down!

Amazon Prime :: Save yourself from postpartum anxiety and order diapers and formula via Amazon prime. It will be your best friend, trust me. 

Lemons :: Did you know lemons are natural mood enhancers? Postpartum depression is REAL. Incorporate lemon anywhere and everywhere. Put it in your drinking water, in a steam shower or a stove top potpourri. And don't be afraid to ask for help from a medical professional if you're really feeling blue. 

Cranberry Juice :: There's a reason why the nurses offer it to you right after delivery. It helps prevent postpartum urinary tract infection. Your body is getting rid of a ton of extra fluid so be sure to hydrate. Make a habit of visiting the ladies room hourly, even if you don't feel the urge. 

TUCKS Witchazel pads :: Speaking of the ladies room, these cooling pads soaked in witch hazel are your best friend. I also use them to relieve under eye puffiness! 

* This post is sponsored by Vaseline. I received free samples of Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum. This is a brand and product that I love and trust. All opinions are my own.

Bringing home Benjamin

Our new addition is finally here! Benjamin arrived Sunday, April 12th around 1:15pm just in time to watch his first Masters. A few days before his arrival I began feeling anxious about how our family would change and how adding another sibling would affect the boys. Thankfully, Luke and Jett are smitten with their little brother.  They want to kiss him and hold him constantly. They tell him goodbye when they leave for school and he's the first person they want to see when they come home. Mr. YSP is thrilled to have a future Father's Day golf foursome. How lucky am I that I get to spend everyday with these handsome guys?

I'm recovering nicely and am anxious to get back into a routine. Sleep has been here and there but this time around I don't mind the middle of the night feedings as much.  I feel like they're some of the few moments I get alone with Ben and can give him my undivided attention. It's hard to believe I started this blog almost five years ago during a late night feeding session with Jett! I had no idea what a blog was but desperately needed a creative outlet for myself. I'm looking forward to giving this space new life in the coming months too!

As for now, we're trying to keep life simple. We are getting to know Benjamin and what makes him unique. Like the way he prays with his little feet...

 And the way he loves to hold hands...it just melts my heart.

And the fact that he has the most gorgeous blue eyes and dark hair. I wonder if they will stay?

Luke is such an amazing big brother which comes as no surprise. I call him my gentle giant. He has such a sweet, tender heart and will protect his little brothers at no cost. He loves to hold and snuggle Benjamin and talks to him softly. Before I left the hospital, Luke said he wanted to take the week off from school because he felt the need to be home taking care of me. Unfortunately, I couldn't take him up on his offer coming off a week of spring break but I appreciated his thoughtfulness.

Jett is also adjusting well. He is such a great helper and will run and grab a diaper for me or talk to Ben when he's crying. His compassion is really shining through. He also comes and gives me hugs and writes me little love notes when my postpartum hormones get the best of me. There was a little tinge of jealousy the first 48 hours just because Jett loves (and is so good at) being the center of attention but I think he realizes he still has the stronghold on that position. He' always dancing and singing and entertaining us with funny stories. 

The hardest part (for me) of having a third child is making sure everyone gets the attention they need and deserve. I also need to be conscious of taking care of myself and not do too much too soon. However, I'm anxious to begin driving again so I can take the boys to school. I want to go to the park and play with the boys. I want to be able to run after them on their bikes. I want to go on dates with Mr. YSP. I know the time will come and I'm trying to be patient with myself and assure the boys I will heal soon. Life outside the home will resume but right now I'm trying to enjoy little moments, taking it all in and photographing as much as possible.

When we ARE ready to get out and about, I'm prepared, thanks to my friends at Skip Hop. If there's one baby product I would recommend to all new moms, it's the Skip Hop Pronto Changing Station.  I love, love, love it and used it with the older boys too. I was due for a new one as my old one was pretty "well loved." It makes diaper changing on-the-go SO much easier!

They also sent me the Skip Hop Duo Special Edition Diaper Bag in French Stripe which is the perfect size and a great casual, everyday diaper bag. I love that it's cleanable, durable and has lots of pockets. With Luke, I used a "designer" diaper bag which was a very thoughtful gift from my husband. I still have it but it's not practical for everyday life with three boys. I carry it to church and on occasions when I need something a little more formal. Who says you can only have one diaper bag?

I also want to thank you for all the love, support and comments across social media! It means so much to me and is very encouraging. If you want to see more of our life at home and everyday YSP, please come follow me on Instagram. There's lots of good stuff over there that I sometimes don't have time to share here. Would love to connect with you there!

Your Southern Peach,

Amy

*Disclosure: Thank you Skip Hop for sending me the Pronto Changing Station and Skip Hop Due Special Edition Diaper Bag. 

Life Lately...

Life lately...Our family has seen a lot of change over the past few months! 

In October we began searching for a new home after finding out we were expecting BABY BOY #3. We knew we needed more space to raise our family and as much as we adored our 1960's ranch on a basement, we were already busting at the seams! I expected our search to last well into spring but we found our new home right before Thanksgiving which threw us into a perpetual state of chaos right before the holidays. We then had to turn around and get our current house ready to sell. With the kids out of school and our house officially on the market, we decided it was easier to get away for the holidays than stay here and have to clean house for potential buyers everyday. We headed to South Carolina for Thanksgiving and stayed in Debordieu. Have you been there? It's a lovely spot near Pawley's Island.

We moved into the new house the first weekend of December and tried to get somewhat settled before Christmas. Luke just happened to turn 8 that weekend too. We took time to celebrate and somewhere there are pictures.  He is such an awesome kid. I call him my gentle giant. He's got such a sweet heart and is so very patient with his energetic little brother, Jett. 

Christmas break was spent lounging in our pjs and visiting with friends and family. We had a lot of visitors to the new house despite it's constant state of disarray. 

The boys are doing a great job of breaking in the place. It's seen a ton of truck action as well as Nerf gun fights and wrestling matches. And I'm getting used to having stairs, especially being so pregnant!  

Had to share a New Years Day photo with y'all too. Daniel (Mr. Your Southern Peach) outdid himself this year. The collards were amazing but the black eyed peas were his best ever. One day, I'll sit down and grab his recipe.

As for now, we are finally in a spot where we can actually start thinking and preparing for baby. The crib isn't assembled and is currently being used as a pretend "jail" where the boys lock up Grandma sometimes. We do not have a name for the baby yet and we still have to get a car that will fit our entire family. We DO have a car seat, some hand me down clothes and lots of love! It's a start...

Notes To my Children

{A weekly portrait project} 21 // 52

Luke: You started 2nd grade last week. When I asked you what you were most looking forward to on the first day, you replied, "Dismissal!"  I thought I could keep it together this year so I decided to walk you in on the first day instead of coasting through carpool armed with a box of tissues. Just as you bravely walked toward you classroom and I thought I was safe, you ran back to me and gave me the tightest little hug that felt as if you'd never let go. I'm sorry I quickly pushed you along. One more moment and would have become "that mom."

Jett: This past weekend you obliged me with a game of Yahtzee on the front porch and beat me fair and square. I see a rematch in your future.

Notes to my Children

{A weekly portrait project} 20 // 52

Luke: We surprised you with one last trip to the beach before you begin second grade. You come alive at the beach, you love the water and have a pretty mean survival float. 

Jett: You are enamored with boogie boarding and riding the waves with Dad. We had a hard time keeping you out of the water and Daddy even got you your own board.

Notes to my children

{A weekly portrait project} 19 // 52

Luke:  This past week, you independently built a custom landscaping crew with a digger, a skid loader, two zero-turn lawn mowers, a trailer truck and mini figures with leaf blower and weed cutter. YOU really are a master builder and I love seeing your "creations" come to life, even if it does mean you taking over the dining room table. (Oh, and Jett thinks you hung the moon and will take any opportunity to squeeze your neck.)

Jett: This photo completely sums you up! You're tons of fun, full of mischief and always up for a good time. Fortunately your cousin Brooke is a perfect match for your shenanigans and she got you back pretty good right after I snapped this photo. 

Notes to my children

{A weekly portrait project} 18 // 52

Luke: You see an open field and you run! You need wide open spaces to explore, create and be free. You are the best travel companion and are always up for an adventure. 

Jett: I love watching you with your Daddy. You two are the best of friends and I hope it stays that way for a long, long time. 

*We celebrated 11 years of marriage this past weekend and I can't imagine life without you boys. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the love and happiness you would bring to our family. 
** pictures taken in Havre De Grace, Maryland

Notes to my Children

I've fallen behind a few weeks on this project due to our busy summer schedule. Truthfully, we haven't been all THAT busy. We've been enjoying our time together doing summer things like swimming, sparklers and lazy movie mornings. I took the pressure off myself and allowed us to breathe for a few weeks. I've missed blogging and look forward to jumping back into my routine now that June has passed. 

People ask me if I'm ready for you to go back to school and the answer is no.  I know these younger years are fleeting. Your unconditional love fills me up. Your sweet faces make my heart smile. Your funny stories, your never ending questions, your spontaneous dance moves, your random kisses. They're all worth the exhaustion at the end of the day. And when I peek in on you soundly sleeping after a long summer day, I kiss your forehead gently, say a prayer for you and look forward to doing it all over again tomorrow.

{A weekly portrait project} 17 // 52

Luke: You continue to practice your golf swing. You love to play, you love to practice and you're getting to be a pretty awesome golf partner for Daddy.  

Jett: You weren't real happy to pose for this Father's Day picture but this was the first time you ushered with Daddy. You're much more of an "in the moment" type of person and I get that. BUT it was Father's Day!!! 

Notes to my Children

{A weekly portrait project}  14 & 15// 52

Luke: Watching the US Open with your dad on Father's Day. On Saturday, you cleared the water on a 77 yard par 3 which made your Dad literally jump for joy. You told him you could never do it. He told you to stay positive. Pretty good advice.

Jett: You're as active as ever and you never go anywhere without your shades. You competed in your first rookie swim race and were extremely proud to show off your ribbon. You're fearless around the water which means I never take my eyes off of you. 

Notes to my Children: Memorial Day

{A weekly portrait project}  12// 52

God Bless the USA... Y'all are spending the day running errands with Dad in Grandpa's 1975 Chevy. I think that faded USA license plate says it all. Faded but never forgotten!

Luke: You're favorite song right now is, "When Daddy let me drive" by Alan Jackson

Jett: You're favorite song right now is, "Song of the South" by Alabama

Notes to my Children

{A weekly portrait project}  11// 52

Luke: You had your first swim practice and you were afraid you had forgotten how to hold your breathe. Luckily it all came back to you once you hit the water.

Jett: I had to pry you out of the car to receive your vaccines  but when the time came, you put on a brave face. We both choked back the tears and you've been wearing those Snoopy bandaids like medals of honor ever since!

A Mother's Day Wish

Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day weekend!

May you always remember that first introduction, the way time stood still and how the world was perfect for just a few moments.

*photography by Amy Mikkelsen (Jett's birth 2010)

Notes to my children

{A weekly portrait project}  10// 52 

Luke: Today I ran out of patience towards the end of the day and you were understanding and empathetic, telling me you "were sorry I had a bad day." Your kind and simple words renewed me.

Jett: I had to take away your TV time today and you proceeded to sweet talk me for hours, complimenting my cooking, my laundry folding skills and even the color of my nail polish. I crumbled under your spell. 

PS- This week you both got summer haircuts... I think we're all ready for a slower pace.

Notes to my children

{A weekly portrait project}  9// 52

- Luke: We had bad storms come through Georgia this week and when I told you to come sleep with Daddy and I if you got scared, you confidently replied, "God will protect me." 

- Jett: You love being in the garden with me and visiting the local nursery to peruse flowers. You notice all the little things in life like buzzing bees, blooming flowers and the sweet smell of Miss Kim's lilac. When I dress up, you're the first one to tell me I look "cute" or "beautiful."

Notes to my Children

{A weekly portrait project}  8// 52

Luke: Easter morning 2014. You ushered at church with Daddy and proudly wore your Sunday best. 

Jett: Easter morning 2014. I bribed you with chocolate to put on a collared shirt and khakis. 

PS- the red, white and blue Easter baskets were a hit!

Notes to my Children

{A weekly portrait project}  7// 52

Luke: You've been practicing karate for seven months and already your form and facial expressions are super rad.

Jett: Four is fabulous. You're full of love and giggles and jokes and all the wonderful things that little boys are made of.