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!

Hiring a Newborn Photographer: What to Look For

By Christie Collbran | April 2, 2023

We are happy to welcome to our friend, Tampa Newborn Photographer, Melanie Amparo, as our guest blogger this month sharing her tips on what to look for when hiring a newborn photographer: CONGRATS! Your life is about to get a whole lot sweeter (and challenging)! You’ve landed here because you’re looking at hiring a newborn…

Bringing Baby Home, new parents in the car putting baby in car seat

Bringing Your Baby Home – Steps to Success

By Christie Collbran | March 7, 2023

As you reach the end of your pregnancy the reality that you will be bringing your baby home soon is starting to set in and is exciting! Like most new parents in the nesting phase, you are probably busy preparing and getting things ready. Here are some things to consider getting done in advance to…

Surviving the holidays with a newborn, newborn baby in a Santa hat

Surviving the Holidays with a Newborn

By Christie Collbran | December 6, 2022

The magic of the holiday season is magnified by the arrival of your baby. Of course, it is natural to want to create the perfect first Christmas for your growing family. Be that as it may, bringing a newborn home means your daily routines have undergone a major adjustment. Add in the bustle and flurry…

Holiday Family Events Tampa Bay

Holiday Family Events in Tampa Bay

By Christie Collbran | November 22, 2022

The holidays are in full swing! So, we’ve compiled a helpful list of some of the wonderful family friendly holiday events and happenings in and around Tampa Bay. To start, a great way to take in the sights and sound of the season are at some of Tampa’s local theme parks. Here’s the inside scoop…

introducing your pet to your baby

Introducing Your Pet to Your Baby

By Christie Collbran | November 7, 2022

Your pet is a cherished member of your family and should be included when big changes are happening. Here are some helpful tips to eliminate stress and concerns when you bring your newborn home.  Start preparations before your baby arrives. In all of the excitement of preparing for your new baby, you might not have…

Routines build consistency for babies and children

Routines Build Consistency for Babies and Children

By Christie Collbran | October 25, 2022

Consistent routines and structure can benefit everyone in your family and are important for children at any age. Why are routines beneficial for babies and children?  Routines help children feel safe, stable and less stressed.  Children are faced with continual changes in their lives. As they grow up their bodies change constantly. Few of these…

Baby in a Pumpkin Patch, Family Fall events in Tampa Bay

Family Fall Events in Tampa Bay

By Christie Collbran | October 10, 2022

There is so much to love about fall! My son was born in September, and at around 6 weeks old we were finally ready to introduce him to the world. We visited a local pumpkin patch at a small church and created such wonderful memories. It has since become a tradition for us to attend…

when parents and grandparents collide

Old School vs. New School – When Parents and Grandparents Collide

By Christie Collbran | September 20, 2022

Grandparents want the best for their grandchildren but sometimes their information and beliefs are outdated. Things can get a little uncomfortable when parents and grandparents collide. When I was pregnant with my first child, I told my Mom I was looking for a pediatrician for my baby. “Why?” she asked, surprised. I explained I would…

returning to work after maternity leave

Returning to Work After Maternity Leave

By Christie Collbran | September 12, 2022

My sweet baby boy was only a few days old, and I was already dreading the thought of going back to work. I tried to make the most of every moment we had together. I probably changed his clothes 5 times a day. Not because he needed me to, but because I feared he would…

Is breastfeeding always difficult

Is Breastfeeding Always Difficult? – One Mom’s Story

By Christie Collbran | August 8, 2022

In honor of National Breastfeeding Month, I wanted to share a little bit about my breastfeeding story. When I found out I was pregnant, everyone had an opinion about everything, including breastfeeding! I heard stories from my sister, who has had 4 children, about how her milk never came in, she didn’t produce enough milk…

healthy recipes for nursing parents

Five Healthy Recipes for Nursing Parents 

By Christie Collbran | July 11, 2022

While the breastfeeding journey with my son was successful and amazing, it did come with its own setbacks that I had to learn to work through. As a first time mom, I had no idea how demanding nursing would be in the beginning. Newborns have very tiny tummies and often feed at the breast every…

Taking Your Baby on Vacation

Taking a Vacation with Your Baby

By Christie Collbran | June 20, 2022

Now that summer is in full swing, and traveling is pretty much back to normal, taking a vacation seems more needed than ever! It’s important to keep in mind that for your baby, almost everything is new and stimulating. And if you think adjusting to a new space and unfamiliar things is a tough transition…