To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early on Saturday March 11 at 1:52 in the morning. 

Josh and I just had a feeling about that day (Friday), so we kept the kids out of school, went out to breakfast, and just spent our last day together as a family of four. 

My contractions started right after my 38 week appointment that morning and progressed throughout the day until around 4pm when I thought, "Mmk, I'm starting to really need to breathe through these. Better go in."

I was so convinced they were going to turn us away that it really didn't hit me that we were actually going to meet our girl that night until we'd been there for a few hours already. 

Baby girl ended up being 7lbs 15oz and 20in long!

We are all so in love. David and Evy are OBSESSED. A few times their friends have come to the door to ask them to play and they've said they'd rather stay home with the baby 😄

We are so blessed and thankful for this little girl ❤️
How to use a French hair pin. I love these things How to use a French hair pin. I love these things because they can hold up even my thick and chunky hair and I don't have a large clip sticking off the back of my head (don't get me wrong, I love a good hair clip, too)! Have you tried one yet??
This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m s This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m so grateful for it.

On the one hand, there’s so much to do to get ready for little one to join us—it’s been a while since we’ve had a newborn! I’m spending most of my free time writing and nesting, nesting and writing. 

And then on the other hand, I’m feeling pretty ready to have my body back. And by that, I mean just to be done literally sharing it with another being. You start to miss things after a while like being able to breathe when you lay on your back or not getting indigestion for eating a few grapes. 

Overall, there’s so much to be thankful for. Each little inconvenience is a blessing and I’m happy they’re there. I’ll also be happy when they’re over. For now, I’m just savoring being a mom of “older kids” (8 and going on 6) that can grab their own snacks from time to time and put on their own shoes. We’re going to be heading back to square one in a couple months and I’m sure there’s a lot we’ve forgotten!
Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill it and fix it. On top of this, it’s hard for us to ask for help because we don’t want to be a burden to others. 

But in the process of meeting everyone else’s needs and neglecting our own (especially our need for rest), we often become bitter towards the ones we’re helping.

Instead, one of the best things we can do as a wife or mother is to assess our own needs and make sure to leave space to meet them ourself or to ask for what we need. 

It might be time to rest, help with the next meal, time alone to pray and meditate on God’s word, or allowing yourself to leave a task un-done so you can “selfishly” enjoy a hobby of yours like the rest of your family gets to do. 

In the end, making room to find joy each day may be one of the best things you do for your relationships.
30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet yo 30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet you. We *think* we've finally settled on a first name after non-stop back-and-forth and brainstorming. Any guesses?? Or.. what are your favorite baby girl names right now??
Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be s Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be super intentional with the time we spend with David and Evy recently, knowing that big changes are just around the corner! We pray with them, ask them what questions they have, take the time to explain things. I'm hoping they'll be set up pretty well for the transition of little sis coming in March but most of the work will happen after she gets here! How did you help littles prepare for baby?
Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️ Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️
The 12+ hour drive is worth it 😊 The 12+ hour drive is worth it 😊
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Baby, Kids, Pregnancy, Sponsored · February 13, 2018

21 Tips For a Safer Nursery

  This is a sponsored post by Nationwide. All opinions are my own.

But as much fun as it is to scour the aisle for the cutest pillows, curtains, mobiles, and toys for your baby’s nursery, when it comes to nursery decor, it’s important to remember that oftentimes, less is more! And I’m not just talking about a minimalist style-sense, although that can really come in handy! For this blog post, I’m teaming up With Nationwide Make Safe Happen program and reminding parents that an adorable nursery and a safe nursery don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Maybe you’re going to be a brand-new mama and you’ve got the nesting bug or maybe you’re expecting baby #2 and you’re pretty much over the decor you used the last time around. Did you know that internet searches for nursery decor inspiration spike around January to March? This is because many people find out they are pregnant and excited to begin designing their nurseries. I don’t know about you, but with each new baby, I had a Pinterest board FULL of nursery decor inspiration! There are so many cute ideas out there!

But as much fun as it is to scour the aisle for the cutest pillows, curtains, mobiles, and toys for your baby’s nursery, when it comes to nursery decor, it’s important to remember that oftentimes, less is more! And I’m not just talking about a minimalist style-sense, although that can really come in handy! For this blog post, I’m teaming up with Nationwide’s Make Safe Happen program and reminding parents that an adorable nursery and a safe nursery don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

Follow these safety tips below to be sure that your nursery is the safest environment for your baby. Nothing beats peace of mind!

Windows

  • Install window stops so that they open no wider than 4 inches.
  • Only use window blinds without strings or cords.
    • If blinds do have cords, cut the loops, tuck them away or use a cord shortener.
  • Be sure to always close and lock windows when you are not in the room.
  • Remember that screens are great at keeping bugs out but not at keeping children in.

 

Dressers, bookshelves, and other furniture

  • Always anchor furniture to the wall to keep them from tipping over, like our dresser.
  • On shelves, put heavier items on the bottom to prevent tipping
  • Open drawers can be an invitation to climb, causing the furniture to tip over. Add drawer stops so children can’t open drawers all the way.

Storage containers that are anchored or tucked away are a great way to keep baby’s room organized and cute while keeping him or her away from dangerous items. 

Changing tables

  • Always keep a hand on baby when changing.
  • Always use the safety straps on the changing pad.
  • Anchor the changing mat and changing table to the wall to prevent tipping.
  • Remember to always keep potentially dangerous items like diaper creams, small
    caps, and cords out of baby’s reach.
  • Keep changing supplies like diapers and wipes within your reach but out of baby’s.

Cribs

  • Make sure your baby’s crib has a proper crib mattress and a tightly fitted sheet
  • Keep the crib clear of anything extra like toys, teethers, bumpers, blankets, and pillows
  • Do not hang mobiles or other decorations near baby’s crib
  • Use a crib that was manufactured after 2011 and with slats no less than 2 and ⅜ inches apart.
  • Remember the ABCs of Infant sleep safety:
    • Alone: baby should not sleep with any adult, child, or pet.
    • Back: babies should always be put to sleep on their backs.
    • Cribs: babies should sleep in a crib, bassinet, or play yard and never in an adult bed, chair, or couch.

Putting infants on their backs to sleep is the most effective way to prevent death; yet the number of parents following this advice hasn’t changed in the past decade.

Sleep-related deaths are the leading cause of infant mortality for children under age 1; 90% of these deaths occur before an infant reaches 6 mo. old (CDC). Here’s a helpful video on the ABCs of Sleep.

 

Plugs and Outlets

  • Be sure to use outlet safety covers when an outlet is not in use.
  • Keep cords at least 3 feet away from where baby sleeps and plays.
  • Try to avoid using long cords.

Emergency rooms treated over 65,000 (!) young children for nursery-related injuries in 2015 (CDC).

So as tempting as it might be to fill baby’s room with the cutest decor and toys, sometimes taking the minimal approach can achieve both goals of style and safety for baby!!

For more safety tips based on location, your child’s age, or risk category, get the Make Safe Happen App or visit MakeSafeHappen.com!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Nationwide. The opinions and text are all mine.

In: Baby, Kids, Pregnancy, Sponsored · Tagged: anchor, baby, bedroom, care, changing table, child, crib, dangerous, decor, diapers, father, furniture, hazard, infant, inspiration, mother, nationwide, noads, nursery, parent, room, safe, safety, sibling, sleep, small, tips, windows

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Comments

  1. Lisa | amerytina says

    February 13, 2018 at 11:47 am

    Great tips here and wonderful reminders for parents! and safety never ends, we are now experiencing our toddler trying to unlock our front door. thanks for this post!

  2. holly says

    February 14, 2018 at 12:59 pm

    These are great tips! I will def keep them in mind for the future. btw I adore your side photo of you eating a burger – so cute!

  3. Holly says

    February 14, 2018 at 5:25 pm

    These are all such great tips. I don’t have any babies yet, but I like to read stuff like this for future reference! There’s so many things I wouldn’t even think of.

  4. Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says

    February 14, 2018 at 5:35 pm

    It’s been a long time since we last had a baby at home. I think this is a great guide for parents, especially those setting up a nursery for the first time.

  5. Ana De- Jesus says

    February 14, 2018 at 10:26 pm

    I AGREE THAT NOTHING BEATS PEACE OF MIND SO I AM PLEASED TO HEAR THAT YOU ARE RAISING YOUR CONCERNS ON CREATING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR CHILD. I LIKED THE TIP ON WHERE YOU SAID YOU SHOULD NOT HANG MOBILES NEAR A BABY’S CRIB FOR SAFETY PURPOSES.

  6. Rachel G says

    February 14, 2018 at 11:07 pm

    This was really great to read as we are expecting our first in about 2.5 weeks! I know I will be very cautious about having absolutely nothing in the crib! And when I set up the storage I made sure to put all the bath supplies on a high shelf.

  7. Tasheena says

    February 15, 2018 at 1:38 am

    I REALLY ENJOYED READING THIS POST. IT’S SO EASY TO FORGET ABOUT THE LITTLE THINGS LIKE ANCHORING FURNITURE ESPECIALLY WHEN HAVING THE A LITTLE ONE AROUND.

  8. eliza says

    February 15, 2018 at 5:30 am

    I really learn a lot ON YOUR POST. I alSO APPRECIATE THOSE PICTURES WHICH GIVES ME SO MUCH IDEAS TO PREPARE SAFELY FOR MY LITTLE ONE.

  9. Natasha says

    February 15, 2018 at 10:52 am

    You can nebrr be too safe! these are all great tips…i used all of these For mAking our spaces safe for our littles.

  10. Aditi says

    February 15, 2018 at 11:41 am

    As a mama-to-be, I am in the process of furnishing our baby’s nursery and these tips come right in time. Agree with all your advisee and will be keeping it all in mind. Thanks for sharing this! 🙂 x

  11. Lacey says

    February 15, 2018 at 12:42 pm

    So many good tips! I absolutely love your site BTW!

  12. Sheri says

    February 16, 2018 at 5:11 am

    These are all really great tips and so helpful for first time moms.Great for parents to read.

  13. David Elliott says

    February 16, 2018 at 11:57 am

    Those are great tips for the nursery. You did look like you did such a beautiful job there. I love how beautiful and organized you have it here.

  14. Lauren Ashley says

    February 16, 2018 at 7:00 pm

    These are great tips. I’m sure they’re some things first-time parents wouldn’t think of off the top of their heads.

  15. Blair villanueva says

    February 19, 2018 at 4:38 pm

    Eventhough i am childless, reading this tips are still very helpful so i could help my friends who have kids and no time to read. I may be their guide 🙂
    pastel colored rooms really works for kids!

  16. Oma N. says

    February 20, 2018 at 8:47 pm

    THESE ARE GREAT TIPS!! I DEFINITELY TRY TO GIVE EXPECTING MOMS THIS ANTICIPATORY GUIDANCE IN CLINIC. THANK YOU FOR SHARING!

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Hi! I'm Chelsea and we're the Damon's. We spent the last two years in WA state paying off student loans and just bought our first house in SC! I love a smooth black coffee, Josh's first love is the Seattle Sounders. Our kids are huge dorks and constantly make us laugh and we all love spending as much time outside as possible.

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To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early on Saturday March 11 at 1:52 in the morning. 

Josh and I just had a feeling about that day (Friday), so we kept the kids out of school, went out to breakfast, and just spent our last day together as a family of four. 

My contractions started right after my 38 week appointment that morning and progressed throughout the day until around 4pm when I thought, "Mmk, I'm starting to really need to breathe through these. Better go in."

I was so convinced they were going to turn us away that it really didn't hit me that we were actually going to meet our girl that night until we'd been there for a few hours already. 

Baby girl ended up being 7lbs 15oz and 20in long!

We are all so in love. David and Evy are OBSESSED. A few times their friends have come to the door to ask them to play and they've said they'd rather stay home with the baby 😄

We are so blessed and thankful for this little girl ❤️
How to use a French hair pin. I love these things How to use a French hair pin. I love these things because they can hold up even my thick and chunky hair and I don't have a large clip sticking off the back of my head (don't get me wrong, I love a good hair clip, too)! Have you tried one yet??
This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m s This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m so grateful for it.

On the one hand, there’s so much to do to get ready for little one to join us—it’s been a while since we’ve had a newborn! I’m spending most of my free time writing and nesting, nesting and writing. 

And then on the other hand, I’m feeling pretty ready to have my body back. And by that, I mean just to be done literally sharing it with another being. You start to miss things after a while like being able to breathe when you lay on your back or not getting indigestion for eating a few grapes. 

Overall, there’s so much to be thankful for. Each little inconvenience is a blessing and I’m happy they’re there. I’ll also be happy when they’re over. For now, I’m just savoring being a mom of “older kids” (8 and going on 6) that can grab their own snacks from time to time and put on their own shoes. We’re going to be heading back to square one in a couple months and I’m sure there’s a lot we’ve forgotten!

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To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going To the best big brother and sister. Cleo is going to think she has the coolest, smartest, bravest big siblings in the world, and she's not wrong 😉
She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early She's here 🌷 Cleo Renée was born 2 weeks early on Saturday March 11 at 1:52 in the morning. 

Josh and I just had a feeling about that day (Friday), so we kept the kids out of school, went out to breakfast, and just spent our last day together as a family of four. 

My contractions started right after my 38 week appointment that morning and progressed throughout the day until around 4pm when I thought, "Mmk, I'm starting to really need to breathe through these. Better go in."

I was so convinced they were going to turn us away that it really didn't hit me that we were actually going to meet our girl that night until we'd been there for a few hours already. 

Baby girl ended up being 7lbs 15oz and 20in long!

We are all so in love. David and Evy are OBSESSED. A few times their friends have come to the door to ask them to play and they've said they'd rather stay home with the baby 😄

We are so blessed and thankful for this little girl ❤️
How to use a French hair pin. I love these things How to use a French hair pin. I love these things because they can hold up even my thick and chunky hair and I don't have a large clip sticking off the back of my head (don't get me wrong, I love a good hair clip, too)! Have you tried one yet??
This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m s This season of waiting has been weird. But I’m so grateful for it.

On the one hand, there’s so much to do to get ready for little one to join us—it’s been a while since we’ve had a newborn! I’m spending most of my free time writing and nesting, nesting and writing. 

And then on the other hand, I’m feeling pretty ready to have my body back. And by that, I mean just to be done literally sharing it with another being. You start to miss things after a while like being able to breathe when you lay on your back or not getting indigestion for eating a few grapes. 

Overall, there’s so much to be thankful for. Each little inconvenience is a blessing and I’m happy they’re there. I’ll also be happy when they’re over. For now, I’m just savoring being a mom of “older kids” (8 and going on 6) that can grab their own snacks from time to time and put on their own shoes. We’re going to be heading back to square one in a couple months and I’m sure there’s a lot we’ve forgotten!
Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill Naturally, when we see a need, we rush in to fill it and fix it. On top of this, it’s hard for us to ask for help because we don’t want to be a burden to others. 

But in the process of meeting everyone else’s needs and neglecting our own (especially our need for rest), we often become bitter towards the ones we’re helping.

Instead, one of the best things we can do as a wife or mother is to assess our own needs and make sure to leave space to meet them ourself or to ask for what we need. 

It might be time to rest, help with the next meal, time alone to pray and meditate on God’s word, or allowing yourself to leave a task un-done so you can “selfishly” enjoy a hobby of yours like the rest of your family gets to do. 

In the end, making room to find joy each day may be one of the best things you do for your relationships.
30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet yo 30 weeks and counting down the days til we meet you. We *think* we've finally settled on a first name after non-stop back-and-forth and brainstorming. Any guesses?? Or.. what are your favorite baby girl names right now??
Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be s Saturday highlights 🖤 We've been trying to be super intentional with the time we spend with David and Evy recently, knowing that big changes are just around the corner! We pray with them, ask them what questions they have, take the time to explain things. I'm hoping they'll be set up pretty well for the transition of little sis coming in March but most of the work will happen after she gets here! How did you help littles prepare for baby?
Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️ Merry Christmas from the Damons! ❤️
The 12+ hour drive is worth it 😊 The 12+ hour drive is worth it 😊
We took the kids to baby's 20 week anatomy scan to We took the kids to baby's 20 week anatomy scan today and here's how it went. Have you ever brought kids to one of these appointments??

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