Family Archives | But First, Joy

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30 Ideas for a Family Date Night At Home (Free Challenge Printable)

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Baby Things To Buy Before Birth: A Complete List

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Healthy Family Tips: How small lifestyle changes make a BIG difference!

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100 Children’s Books to Read In a Lifetime

Best Fall Sensory Bins Activities for Toddlers

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5 Simple Reasons You Have an Unhappy Toddler

13 Games & Emotions Activities For Toddlers & Preschoolers

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15 Fun Exercises For Kids Under 5 (to do as a family)

5 Signs That You Have Toxic Family Dynamics

15 Empathy Books for Children to Understand Feelings

Toddler Proofing: How to Secure Every Room in the Home

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Life-Saving Tips To Keep Children Cool in the Car

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Cheap Summer Outdoor Activities for Preschoolers

How to Teach Children Empathy

15 Thoughtful Ways to Say Thank You to Dads Who Do It All

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10 Nice Things Every Mom Needs to Hear TODAY

My motherhood journey starts here: Protecting baby’s lungs – Join me!

My 2018 Word of the Year: QUALITY

Inspiring ordinary women to find joy in everyday things.

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Nothing prepared me for how I’d feel about being

Nothing prepared me for how I’d feel about being a mom of two. I came home with my new baby and instantly felt the mom guilt. I didn’t want my toddler to feel left out or confused about why mommy wasn’t giving him attention. I knew I’d be too tired to do the things we used to do together. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Now that we’re almost a week into this new family of ours, I realize that we can adapt to anything. I’m taking advantage of any moments I can get with my two-year-old, including our naps together — which we’ve both always cherished. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The best advice I’ve received for becoming a mom of two is to continue to give the oldest child all my attention, while tending to baby’s needs. Thank you @summerlendavis for that. 💙 #motherhoodunplugged #unfilteredmotherhood #mothersonlove

Nothing in life has been more rewarding than seein

Nothing in life has been more rewarding than seeing my 2 year old smile at his baby brother for the first time. •Insert sobs here• 💙🤱🏻 #newsiblings #motherhoodunfiltered

I’d like to introduce everyone to our newest add

I’d like to introduce everyone to our newest addition: Cassian Julius Santos. He was born at 3:07am, weighing 6lbs 14 oz, 19 1/2 inches. It was an unmedicated birth that took only one push! 😅 Mommy is recovering from a 4th degree tear and Cassian is a breastfeeding machine! 💙 Our family is complete. #motherhood #motherhoodunplugged

As we wait for our baby boy to make an appearance,

WE ARE ON BABY WATCH! I’ll be 38 weeks on Weds a

WE ARE ON BABY WATCH! I’ll be 38 weeks on Weds and while my induction of labor isn’t scheduled until 7/22, I am 4-5cm dilated. Last Monday I was 3cm so my body is progressing and labor could begin any day now. Keep us in your prayers! I’m excited to meet our sweet boy. 💙 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In case you missed it, here’s my latest blog post about being pregnant during a pandemic: https://butfirstjoy.com/pregnant-during-a-pandemic/

Pregnancy always seems so glamorous and at times,

Pregnancy always seems so glamorous and at times, like during this shoot with @kossinacreative, it is. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ However, during a pandemic — pregnancy isn’t necessarily fun. From no support at doctor’s appointments to feeling absolutely forgotten, I’m sharing all the things we haven’t talked about in regards to pregnancy during this COVID mess. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Visit butfirstjoy.com or click the link in my bio! ____ 🤰🏻🥺 #covidpregnancy #pandemicpregnancy #9monthspregnant #thirdtrimester #pregnancyproblems

(ad) Trolls World Tour is now available on 4K, Blu

(ad) Trolls World Tour is now available on 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD! To celebrate, I was sent a package FILLED with Trolls-tastic goodies! #TrollsWorldTour

Today we honor the dads and my husband is truly th

Today we honor the dads and my husband is truly the best father I know! He shows authentic compassion and love to our son. His love for him knows no bounds and it shows in the little things he does for him each and every day. I’m so honored to be married to such a man and to be bringing a second son into the world with such an incredible role model and guide in his life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For all the dads who are there physically and emotionally for their children, I give you my thanks. You are breaking cycles and setting examples that our children so desperately need and deserve. No matter the kind of father figure you are, you deserve a special day just for you but more importantly, you should be noticed and recognize year round. Stay strong, vulnerable, and open with our children. We’re all counting on you. #fathersday2020 📸: @kossinacreative