Hi! I'm Natalie!

I’m a pediatric-nurse-turned-stay-at-home-mama who loves to find the adventure in every day life. One of the things that people always asked me about my job was “isn’t that hard taking care of sick children?!” And the truth is, it was hard, incredibly hard, but also one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life. I loved being able to take something scary and make it not so scary, for both the children and the families.

Being a Mama Bear is also scary! There are so many things that you are responsible for. So much unknown. But also the opportunity for so much happiness! I want to help other Mama Bears find the happiness in motherhood and the adventure in every day life.

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Sometimes life is about taking advantage of the opportunities you are given. .
This weekend we went camping at a cranberry bog on Cape Cod. We were lucky enough to be there at JUST the right time and were able to see the berries being harvested. It was so amazing to see this huge “pond” full of beautiful bright red red cranberries!
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Trying to stay out of the way of the work being done, we asked if we could watch the harvesting process. The owner graciously agreed and even offered for us to go in and help. .
He didn’t have to ask me twice! I happily borrowed a pair of waders and hopped right in! Such a cool experience! I am hopeful that Baby Bear will also be eager to try new things and new experiences 💕
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Double tap if you love to try new things and want the same for your littles!!
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#lovemylife #momlife #honestlymothering #happymama #watchthemgrow #outsidebaby #thehappynow #happymom #motherhoodsimplified #livesimply #ohheymama #motherhoodinspired #outdoorfamilies #exploringwithchildren #everydayadventure #optoutside #1000hoursoutside #runwildmychild #nobadweather #outsidemama #exploreoutdoors #roadtrip
#adventurepic #AdventuresInPics #kidswhoexplore #womenwhoexplore #letsgosomewhere #getoutandexplore #childhoodwonders #neverstopexploring

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Who is your super hero?
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Here’s to all of the super hero #militarymoms and #militarydads out there. Your courage, bravery, and sacrifices certainly do not go unnoticed! .
More than anything, whether you are home it away, your families love you more than anything and are constantly proud of the work that you do!
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#veteransday #militarymomma #militarymom #militarydad #militaryfamily #littleandbrave #dadismyhero #momismyhero #lovemylife #honorcouragecommitment #activedutymom #activedutydad #veteranmom #veterandad #womenwhoserve #proudfamily

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A famous childhood psychologist once said that “play is the work of childhood” but today children are given fewer and fewer opportunities to just PLAY. We, as parents, think we are giving our children the best when we give them early access to structured learning and activities but what kids really need is the opportunity to just be little. .
Have you ever seen a child mimic the household tasks that you do like cooking and cleaning? Children learn about their world through play!
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What about when children of different ages play together? Have you noticed how the older ones “take care” of the younger ones? Play helps children learn about their role in society and helps them to develop social skills.
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Through play children can test our new ideas, make their own decisions and learn from the consequences, and work through fears and anxiety. .
What are some ways you have seen your children play???
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#lovemylife #momlife #boymom #letthembelittle #girlmom #justmomlife #thisismotherhood #honestlymothering #sweetbaby #timeslowdown #happymama #motherslove #watchthemgrow #outsidebaby #alwaysmybaby #firsttimemom #motherhood #thehappynow #teammotherly #happymom #unitedinmotherhood #motherhoodsimplified #livesimply #ohheymama #motherhoodinspired #childhoodunplugged #motherhoodunplugged #dailyparenting #toddlermom #simplychildren

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Some of the best quotes from the #hundredacrewood are pretty appropriate to #thismamalife too! 💕
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"How do you spell love?" asked Piglet.
"You don't spell it, you feel it," said Pooh.
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. "The most important thing is, even when we're apart, I'll always be with you."
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. "Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart." ❤️ .
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“You are BRAVER thank you believe, STRONGER than you seem, and SMARTER than you think”
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#lovemylife #momlife #boymom #letthembelittle #justmomlife #thisismotherhood #honestlymothering #sweetbaby #timeslowdown #happymama #motherslove #watchthemgrow #alwaysmybaby #firsttimemom #motherhood #thehappynow #happymom #motherhoodsimplified #ohheymama #motherhoodinspired #motherhoodthroughinstagram #motherhoodrising #ig_motherhood #uniteinmotherhood #honestmotherhood #littleandbrave #simplychildren #newmom

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WHAT TO DO ABOUT DIAPER RASH 😢 .
Even the most diligent mamas will experience a little one with a diaper rash at some point. There are lots of causes of diaper rash, but here are some things that can help:
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1) make sure diapers are changed frequently, especially when your little one has loose poop or diarrhea
2) wash that little bottom gently with warm water and pat dry
3) even better....let the hiney air dry!! I know it’s easier said than done, but time without a diaper is super helpful to heal a diaper rash. If it’s warm enough, go outside!
4) use a barrier cream. My two favorites are Boudreaux Butt Paste or Calmoseptine (link in comments). When you put it on, put it on thick like cake frosting!
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Diaper rashes can also be signs of sensitivity to a new product (diapers or wipes), foods, or medication. Baby Bear always gets a red bottom when he eats clementine oranges!! And antibiotics can cause diarrhea and diaper rashes in many kiddos. .
If all of these ideas don’t help and you can’t seem to pinpoint a cause, it’s probably time for a trip to the pediatrician. Rashes caused by yeast or bacteria may need a little extra help to go away.

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“How do you play with a 2 month old? - My little one is fussy and I'm starting to think she is bored. She doesn't really reach out or holds any items/toys yet, but she keeps her eyes locked on the stuffy when daddy or I dance around with it. Is there anything more we can do??”.
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Good news!! Just spending time with your baby is the best “play” you can do at that age!! Babies are like little sponges......just soaking in every little detail about the world around them. YOU are the most exciting thing to them and the thing that is most familiar because they have been hearing your voice the whole time you were pregnant. .
Fussiness can come from OVER stimulation when there is too much going on at once. Think about what it feels like to walk into a new place for the first time. All of the sights and sounds can be overwhelming. That’s what baby’s life is like every day as they learn about their world. .
Talking, singing, and cuddling are perfect activities for babies. Also, babies thrive in outside time. The sounds, smells, and sights are perfect for their little brains. Just make sure baby is dressed appropriately and protected from sun. .
Keep up the good work mama! This is probably one of the hardest jobs you will ever have, but definitely the most rewarding! 💕
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#lovemylife #momlife #boymom #girlmom #everydayadventures #letthembelittle #sweetbaby #optoutside #timeslowdown #happymama #motherslove #watchthemgrow #outsidebaby #alwaysmybaby #firsttimemom #motherhood #raisingbabies #happyparenting #childsplay #newborn #truelove #teammotherly #happymom #playwithbabies #unitedinmotherhood #motherhoodsimplified #kidsatplay #ohheymama #motherhoodinspired

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FEVERS!
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No one likes them. The can be scary. But believe it or not they are actually a good thing! .
A fever if your body’s way of showing that it is activating some fighter cells to get rid of a bug. .
So what’s a mama to do??
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If your little one (over 3 months) has a fever but isn’t fussy, just let it ride. If your little one is uncomfortable, then it’s okay to give medicine to help keep them comfortable. .
Want to learn more about when to call the dr and what you can manage at home? Check out the New Mama Guide e-course. Link in bio! Free for a limited time with coupon code FREE. Get it quick before the code is gone!
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#lovemylife #momlife #boymom #girlmom #letthembelittle #sweetbaby #timeslowdown #happymama #motherslove #watchthemgrow #alwaysmybaby #firsttimemom #motherhood #sharegoodness #grateful #thehappynow #thepursuitofjoy #truelove #teammotherly #happymom #unitedinmotherhood #motherhoodsimplified #livesimply #ohheymama #motherhoodinspired #fever #sickbaby #babysnuggles #pedsnurse

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In order for me to enjoy these everyday adventures, I have come up with some tools and tricks to stay organized and have fun along the way. These tools allow me to focus on the things that matter.

I was a Mama Bear loooooong before I had a Baby Bear of my own. Being a Mama Bear is about loving and caring for those around you. Whether that is through a home cooked meal, enjoying a trip (big or small), or handling all of the important details of day to day life.

I pride myself on being the Mama Bear of my family. I fiercely love my Baby Bear and two “puppy monsters”. And I could not imagine this life without Papa Bear by my side! I have lived in five states and two countries, driven cross country three times, and visited eleven countries abroad. I have had the priviledge of being a pediatric oncology nurse for over ten years, but right now I am fortunate enough to be able to stay home and raise my Baby Bear.

Contact

I would love to hear from you and there are lots of ways for us to connect! If you have a minute, send me a message and tell me about your adventures!

You can comment on one of my posts.
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Hi! I'm Natalie!

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