Parenting is one of the hardest but most rewarding journeys. Here we share all of the ups, downs and tips from our experience. Topics include: raising children, dealing with colic, coping with judgement, preparing siblings for the new baby, tips for partners, traveling with kids, and everything in between!

what to say to new grandparents

What To Say to New Grandparents: Will They Understand How I Want to Parent?

By Christie Rinder | August 25, 2025

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking… “I don’t want to raise my kids the same way my parents raised me—will they understand?”  You’re not alone.  This worry crosses the minds of so many new parents, and honestly, it’s completely understandable. The truth is, parenting styles evolve with each generation, and it’s normal for some tension…

Dog and baby, Pets and Newborns

How to Prepare Your Pet for Your Baby’s Arrival (and a Smooth First Meeting)

By Christie Rinder | June 29, 2025

If you already have a furry family member at home, you’re probably wondering what bringing a baby home to your pet might actually look like. It’s natural to feel a bit anxious about it. Your dog or cat has been your first “baby” for years. They know your routines, claim their favorite spots on the…

maternal bonding, hands on pregnant belly

Maternal Bonding In Pregnancy – And Why It Counts

By Christie Rinder | June 17, 2025

You might be wondering… when can a fetus start to hear? And here’s your answer: the inner ear begins forming around 16 weeks… At this stage, your baby begins tuning into the symphony of your body: Your blood rushing, the steady beat of your heart, the rhythm of your digestion.  By 23 weeks, babies can…

Hurricane Helene Resources

Hurricane Helene Resources and Support for Tampa Bay Families

By Christie Rinder | October 1, 2024

My newsfeed, like yours maybe, is full of photos and videos of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. Our community has been hit hard, and many people have lost their homes, their belongings, and their sense of security. For those navigating pregnancy or the early postpartum period, this adds a whole new layer of stress…

Newborn Travel, Diaper bag and newborn travel essentials

Can My Baby Handle a Trip? Your Helpful Guide to Newborn Travel

By Christie Rinder | May 18, 2024

Are you planning a trip soon? Planning on taking your sweet, precious baby along?   There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to traveling with your baby.  First off… We understand that traveling with a newborn can be daunting.  Not only are you getting used to your at-home routine, but you’re…

Solo Parent, Single Parenting, Mom and baby

Will I Make It As a Solo Parent?

By Christie Rinder | March 17, 2024

Being a single parent brings parenting challenges to the next level. If you’re pregnant or just had a baby, you understand the pressure it puts on you as a single person.  There’s no way around it. It’s hard.  But, it’s not a bad thing. It’s important to remember that you are the best parent for…

Postpartum Birth Control Guide, pills on top of a calendar with a pencil

What’s Best For My Body? Your Personal Postpartum Birth Control Guide

By Christie Rinder | March 12, 2024

You’ve made it! You’re finally no longer pregnant. I know at one point you convinced yourself you’d be pregnant forever. Your baby is here, and now you can breathe a sigh of relief. But, not so fast… You’ve recently survived labor and navigated a roller coaster of emotions. Now you’re in the newborn stage…neck-deep in…

Gender disappointment, magnifying glass looking at boy or girl symbol

Gender Disappointment: You’re Not The Only One

By Christie Rinder | March 4, 2024

For some this may be a taboo or controversial topic, but let’s go there together. We are all having a human experience and it’s okay to be authentic about our feelings.  As a Mom of two amazing boys, who are now 17 and 11, these young men mean more to me than anything in the…

Intimate Connection With Partner, Mom and Dad kissing, baby lying next to them

5 Helpful Ideas to Create Intimate Connection With Your Partner

By Christie Rinder | February 3, 2024

It’s been a while since you brought your new baby home. So many emotions… Joy and stress. Mountain tops and valleys. Moments of pure bliss followed by moments of panic and overwhelm.  What a rollercoaster!  You feel like your brain cannot bear to hold one more responsibility or emotion.  That’s why during this time, connecting…

childproofing checklist, baby playing in a drawer in the bedroom

Your Ultimate Childproofing Checklist: 5 Easy Tips For Childproofing Your Home

By Christie Rinder | January 28, 2024

Did your sweet baby just take their first steps?  Amazing, isn’t it?  As they do so, the light in their eyes shines. They are awakened with a newfound skill and curiosity.  You finally have a “walker,” and you’re equal parts excited and terrified. But you can’t help feeling anxious about their safety.  You already know…

Mom holding baby, parenting challenges, do I hate being a parent?

“Do I Hate Being a Parent?” 3 Helpful Ways to Shift Your Mindset

By Christie Rinder | January 21, 2024

Being a parent has its challenges.  There’s no way around it.  While it has beautiful moments, there are equally ugly moments. Being pushed past your limits at times, you may want to quit.  Sometimes, you question yourself and ask: “Do I hate being a parent?”  A simple internet search reveals many people feel burnout when…

A Mom Holding her Hand to her head - "Mommy Brain"

Is “Mommy Brain” Actually Real? New Moms Need Real Answers

By Christie Rinder | December 18, 2023

You woke up today with a lot of things to do. You have housework, a doctor’s appointment, and a million other things.  Then this happened: You made coffee but you can’t remember where you left it.  It’s in the microwave. Your husband called and you told him you lost your phone.  You’re talking on it.  …