October marks the start of the “BER” months, bringing colder weather and a sense of transition. But for me, this year feels different, as I’m preparing for the arrival of my second daughter.
Faith + God
First, I want to talk about being prepared for the things we ask for. In Matthew 7:7 KJV, it says:
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
It’s a powerful reminder. Would you ask God for a car if you don’t even have a driver’s license? Personally, I felt myself being over pregnancy. I know some people enjoy it, but I am not one. I had to really focus on not only God’s timing, but actually being prepared for my daughter to be here. I was saying, “I’m done being pregnant, I’m ready!” but I didn’t even have all of her essentials at the time, lol.
I get that the Bible can be hard to understand sometimes. This is why I love Alabaster Good and Beautiful Bible Study Book Volume II so much. It breaks down Bible stories with modern summaries, making them relatable to today’s world. I won’t go into too much detail, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
This month, God placed a strong focus on preparation in my heart. So, let’s talk about a few things I’ve been doing to get ready.
Plant Based Food
When it comes to food, preparation was key for me! I wanted to ensure I had freezer meals, snacks, juices, and smoothies prepped for the baby’s arrival. These Glass Meal Prep Containers came in handy for things like my protein balls. Not only are protein balls easy to make, but they’re also packed with nutrients, making them the perfect snack.
Batch juicing was also essential because I can freeze the juice in my favorite glass bottles or mason jars, and it will last up to three months. It does take some time, but using my Nama J2 and the large hopper accessory made the process so much easier.
I can throw in large chunks of produce, and because it’s hands-free, I can multitask while juicing. The large hopper lets me add more produce, cutting down on time. Check out three of my favorite October juices to try and see if you prefer batch juicing too!
Lifestyle Prep
As my due date approaches, I’ve been nesting and preparing for the baby in so many ways. I made sure to stock up on some household essentials, like my DIY body butter. This is a must—not only for my baby girl’s arrival but also for the colder months ahead. I made enough to last a few months!
Of course, we grabbed baby’s essentials, like The Honest Company 2-in-1 Cleansing Shampoo + Body Wash and Conditioner. I also got a Slim rolling cart to organize my daughters’ bath items. We have a small bathroom, so using space wisely is a must. This cart fits perfectly between the sink and tub—it’s a game-changer for small spaces!
the honest company
Shampoo Body Wash + Conditioner
slim rolling cart
3 Tier Storage Cart
In addition to these items, I’ve been physically and mentally preparing myself. I recently wrote a blog post on How I am preparing to have a healthy baby, so check that out if you’re nearing your due date.
Postpartum Essentials
Physically, padsicles are a must! They’re easy to make and really help with postpartum healing. All you need is some aloe vera gel and witch hazel—apply them to the pad, fold it up, and store them in the freezer.
Postpartum recovery is super important and taking some time for self care is key. Along with essentials like padsicles, I wanted to treat myself to a few self-care products. Shea Moisture kindly sent me their new facial products, which came just in time. I’m really loving the Night Repair Cream so far, so I want to keep that on hand during my postpartum self care.
As someone with naturally thin, brittle nails, Nail Aid has become a staple for me. With a toddler and a newborn on the way, I know I’ll be washing my hands constantly, which tends to make my nails weaker. Nail Aid helps them grow strong, even if I’m not moisturizing as much as I should be, lol.
Health + Wellness
This time of year is not only important for preparing for birth but also for gearing up for cold and flu season. I’m making sure to have my natural remedies ready, including my DIY Ginger Shots and using natural products from brands like Beekeeper’s Naturals.
As you can see, I had a lot of things to get prepare for in October. It’s an exciting yet busy time, but I am loving all of it!
Love, Nilsa
