5 in 2017

A lot happened in 2017 and since I was MIA from the blog for all of last year, I thought it would be fun to share five things that happened to me and my family in the last year.

- 1 -

Baby Boy ||  This is by far the biggest and best thing that happened to my family in 2017.  We welcomed Jack into the world in September.  The transition from a family of three to a family of four hasn't always been easy, but Jack is an easy-going little guy who has smiles for days.

- 2 -

Home Decor || I channeled my inner HGTV star and redecorated three rooms in our house.  The Playroom, Henry's Big Boy room and our Dining Room feel like they are "ours" after living here for  over four years  (I hope to share some before and after posts with you soon!).

- 3 -

Backyard Oasis || We also ripped out the garden that I fondly referred to as "The Jungle" in our backyard to make room for a play structure.  It was one of the best things we did this year because it has become a favorite place for all of us to hang out.

- 4 -

Mermaid Vibes || Our doula took under water maternity pictures for us and it was such an awesome experience.  I love the water and it was a really fun thing for my husband and I to do together right before adding another baby to our family.

- 5 -

Fashion || As all of the fabulous fall fashions flooded my Instagram, I began to get a little depressed about not being able to wear dresses for the next year or so because most dresses aren't nursing friendly.  Then I found Milk Nursingwear and Seraphine's Nursing line.  Can you believe this dress I wore to High Tea at The Plaza is a nursing dress (and its on sale!)?  If your'e a nursing momma, I highly recommend you check both of these sites out!

As I mentioned in my first post this year, I really love blogging and hope to not let so much time pass between posts in the future.  To see what my boys and I are up to in between blog posts, follow along on Instagram!

A Fresh and Clean Diaper Pail

diaper pail | dresser | changing pad cover  (similar) | lion

They say there are only two certainties in life: death and taxes.  If you are a parent you can add diapers to that list.  Whether you use cloth or disposable diapers, chances are you will tackle a smelly diaper pail at least once before your little one is potty trained.  Below are three quick tips to keep your diaper pail smelling fresh and clean.

1. Buy a metal diaper pail.  A plastic diaper pail will eventually absorb the smell of the diapers you put in it.  We love our Ubbi diaper pail because the powder-coated steel helps to prevent odors from being absorbed by the diaper pail itself.   It's also nice that it uses standard kitchen trash bags so we don't have to purchase special bags just for the diaper pail.
2. Add an odor remover to the diaper pail.  I picked up the Fresh Wave Fresh Pod Natural Odor Remover from Target and stuck it under the lid of our diaper pail.  It is the perfect size to fit under the Ubbi sliding door.  I replace the pearl pack every few months, or when I notice the diaper pail is starting to become smelly again. 
3. Flush the poop.  Once your baby starts eating solid foods and their poops become more solid (and smelly), flush the contents of the diaper down the toilet before tossing the diaper and wipes into the diaper pail.  Don't flush the diaper and/or wipes because you will most likely clog the toilet.  This is the tip that I feel works the best in keeping the diaper pail from smelling like a diaper pail.

Along with regular spray downs using my Force of Nature cleaner, the steps above help to keep the diaper pail and my baby's nursery from smelling like dirty diapers.