Giveaway: Lily Jade Diaper Bag
People always ask me why our nanny is never present in the photos on my blog, like it’s some covert operation akin to Angelina Jolie’s pack of caregivers always hovering just out of frame. But the truth is, Ruth is not in my photos because she is usually not there when Mike and I are with the girls. She comes at 8am just as I am leaving to take Mazzy to school and leaves at 6pm when I get home.
Mazzy is in school the majority of the day but sometimes, I’ll meet Ruth and Harlow for lunch or give Ruth some time off while I take Harlow to a class. My schedule is flexible so I am almost always available for doctor’s appointments and class field trips. Depending on timing, I might come home to get Harlow or Ruth will drop Harlow off at my office, which is in walking distance from our apartment.
But it’s not often we all go on an outing together.
Over the course of the day, Ruth and I text each other playdate times and pertinent info, but we are far beyond instructions and schedules. After five years, Ruth knows my kids naptimes and eating quirks almost better than I do.
She sends Mike and I photos and videos of the girls throughout the day and sometimes we’ll send them to her over the weekend too. If Harlow or Mazzy do something particularly amusing, Ruth is usually the first person I want to tell because I know she will get it better than anybody else. Ruth is also the person I text if I can’t locate Mazzy’s Boo or Harlow’s favorite pair of sunglasses— she almost always knows where I can find them.
I know being a nanny is a job, but Ruth is exceptionally close with my kids and I really think of her as family.
She has been our trusted caregiver since Mazzy was six months old.
She has known Harlow since the day she was born.
She has watched my blog grow from something I was doing after work to something I am doing full-time.
Mike and I have always known that as the kids get older, our arrangement with Ruth would need to change, but the change is happening about a year earlier than we expected.
You see, Ruth is expecting a baby of her own.
I swear, I almost burst into tears writing that. Partly because I am so happy for her. Partly because change is hard. But mostly because I know Ruth is going to make the absolute best mom.
Before you get weepy too, Ruth is not leaving us for good. She is taking time off to have her baby over the summer. Her last day is June 30th and she will be returning October 1st. When she comes back, she will be working part time in the afternoons. We have enrolled Harlow in a preschool Monday through Friday morning, so Ruth’s hours will start when she picks up Harlow after school.
Part of being our nanny has been having firsthand experience with all the baby products and gear I have received through the blog over the years. We share a stroller and a diaper bag after all, and Ruth never hesitates to tell me what is and isn’t working for her.
Ruth and I both have a lot of experience with the Lily Jade diaper bags since I have been working with them for the past year and have more than one that we alternate between us. The removable baby organizer comes standard in all Lily Jade diaper bags, which makes it super easy for us to transfer Harlow and Mazzy’s necessities (snacks, cups, diapers, wipes, etc.) from bag to bag, regardless of who is carrying it.
When I asked Ruth what she wanted for her baby shower, she asked for a Lily Jade of her own. She picked the Madeline in red canvas because she likes the option to convert her bag into a backpack when necessary.
We have Ruth’s real baby shower this weekend, but we staged a little baby shower of our own earlier this week.
I can’t wait to see how she stocks the bag when all the choices are her own.
I won’t reveal the name of her baby yet, because it’s not my place, but I will tell you it’s unique and beautiful. I will also tell you that at 6pm when Ruth leaves for the day, Mazzy and Harlow say goodbye to both her and her unborn baby by name, which is just the sweetest thing.
As emotional as I am about Ruth leaving for three months, Harlow and Mazzy are not going to know what hit them. Especially Harlow. She is very attached.
So, I think it’s safe to say, in the remaining days of June, I will be taking TONS of photos of Ruth. I will need them to show my girls, when they tell me they miss her over the summer.
Congratulations, Ruth. You are going to be the most amazing mom! I know better than anybody.
And I can’t wait to meet your new baby girl.
GIVEAWAY:
1) Visit Lily Jade on Facebook (feel free to “follow” while you’re there!) and leave a comment below talking about your the caregiver you could not live without. It could be your spouse, your mom, your sitter, yourself, etc.
2) For a second entry, follow Lily Jade on Instagram and leave a second comment saying you did so.
3) For a third entry, follow Lily Jade on Twitter, tweet the following and leave a third comment saying you did so.
I just entered to win a @lilyjadeco diaper bag from @mommyshorts! http://bit.ly/1I9hT2l
IF YOU’D LIKE TO PURCHASE NOW, ALL LILY JADE BAGS ARE CURRENTLY ON SALE!
One winner will be announced on June 26th.
Good luck!
__________________________
WINNER UPDATE:
And the winner is… Sandy Chiang, who can’t live without her mom.
Congrats! Please contact abby@mommyshorts.com to claim your prize.
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This post was sponsored by Lily Jade, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I followed Lily Jade on Twitter and Tweeted about the give away as well.
I could not do without my mother. She was a God send helping me with my daughter while I was studying and going through my PhD exams.
Following on Instagram.
I am so very thankful for our nanny! She cares for our three kids, ages 4, 2, and 3 months. She has such patience and makes each day fun for them! She has definitely become a part of our family!
Following on Instagram 🙂
There are so many who have helped us care for our three kids, but one I treasure greatly is my dad. I have called him so many times for advice and for random questions. He is a doctor and a pretty fantastic dad(and grandpa) himself and has been invaluable to me and my husband!
Following on instagram!
I could not live without my mom and dad who watch my two little girls each day during the school year. I appreciate all that they do for my husband and I.
I love Lily Jade bags, and I have been following Lily Jade on Instagram for a long time. I just can’t decide which one I like best and wish I could afford more than one!
I don’t know what I would do without my husband. He is a firefighter and is sometimes gone for days and days at a time, but he is amazing when he is at home. He is so good with our son, who is autistic, and our daughter, who is not. He is always asking me what I need and how he can help even though he may or may not have gotten any sleep the night before.
I could not survive without my kiddos grandparents. They are always there to help out… even when i just need a mental health break 😉
I am following on instagram – @lizzer1769
And I’ve been following them on Instagram and saving up for one of their bags for months now–they are so beautiful!
I’ve had over 13 weeks of bed rest off and on over this pregnancy. My husband and mom have been amazing during all of it. My mom regularly helps with our 2 yr old. Husband has stepped up to do all the duties I used to do or we used to share. It’s been tough on him, and I appreciate all he does.
I had a VERY bad daycare experience with my baby so, finding a new place was long and emotional but, were my 4 yr old and 2 yr old landed now is PERFECT! We love all the employees there and I’m so grateful for the help while I have to work.
I’m the full-time caregiver but I would be lost without my husband. We work together perfectly and there are certain things he does much better than I do. I recently finished almost a full week without him while he was on a business trip and it was so hard to do it all alone! It really made me appreciate all the things he does to help out.
And I folowed Lily Jade on Instagram.
My mom babysits for me would not have been able to finish school and work without her, she is more then a grandma to my son
I follow Lily jade on instagram breindyf
The caregiver I could not live without is my sister. She’s a stay at home mom and when I had to go back to work for each of my kids she’s always been the one to keep them and she is like a second mom to them. Absolutely any time I need it she sabes my life w babysitting. I don’t know what I would do without her!!!! She’s the best!!
I am following lilly jade on Facebook and have been for a while now… I love their bags and would love to have one!!
I am also following lily jade on Instagram.
I couldn’t live without my husband. He is such a good father. He always try to make us happy. If I need to run and errand or even if I need time for myself, he always stays with my toddler and my baby without complaining. He plays with my toddler every day and is teaching him how to be an artist.
I am following Lily Jade on Instagram
We can’t live without Grandma Becky! She’s the only sitter who can put Owen to bed, which allows us to have evening dates that go past 7:45pm.
I couldn’t live without my amazing husband. Especially while I have been pregnant with our second child, he has picked up my slack and is a true co-parent to our daughter.
Following on instagram!
And tweeted!
I couldn’t live without our daycare teachers. They have made such a difference with both our girls. It really does take a village
Following Lilly and Jade on instagram 🙂
I am the primary caregiver to my son, as I am his only food source. My daughter, however, would tell you that her daddy or Nana is most important. Never me.
My mother-in-law drives 90 min 3x a week to watch my daughter so I can finish my Ph.D. Followed LJ on FB.
Following LJ on instagram
Followed on twitter and tweeted the message!
I couldn’t survive without my husband and his unwavering support. Our closest family and friends live 7 hrs away, so his willingness to do any and everything to help me with our 2 boys, and baby on the way, is essential to my every day life!
Followed on twitter and tweeted!
Followed on Instagram!
i couldn’t do it all without my partner, he is the best daddy , and I think we do a pretty good job of splitting the work and play so that neither of us gets too tuckered out.
I couldn’t live without my husband!
I also follow Lily Jade on instagram
I couldn’t survive parenthood without my husband. We are in this together & love sharing funny stories about our little ones. It’s a joy to watch them grow together. Following on Instagram.
I cannot live with out my mom. She never ever says no to watching our boys even after she watches then 5 days a week for us while we work. Mimi is their favorite person and she literally allows us to have a life! Thanks mom!!!
FollOwing Lily Jade in Instagram!
I could not live without my husband helping me with our 2 young boys. He’s been traveling for work a lot more lately and wow what a difference. When he’s not around, I’m killing myself trying to do everything. I think about all the single moms out there. They are heros
Tweeted!!
I’m following Lily Jade on Instagram and I would love love love to win one of these bags.
I could not live without my mom. She’s the best grandma and go to babysitter for my little guy. She’s great in those last minute situations, like an emergency trip to the dentist this week. I know I can always count on her.
Following @Lilyjadeco on Instagram!
Following @LilyJadeCo on Twitter and tweeted!
I would have to say my mother!! She has to be the kindest considerate woman I know. She is an amazing mother and grandmother. Family comes first to her even before herself many times. I remember several years ago my daughter was in an accident and she may have needed surgery, due to stress I stayed at my moms that night, I rememeber waking up to her sobbing, the next morning I aksed her and she said she was worried my daughter would never be able to dance again ( my daughter loves to dance). she truly wants us happy and the best and for us.
Following @Lilyjadeco on Instagram!
I could not have done with our youngest sons NICU Nurse. She has been there since day one ( of 213 days) and has been a huge part of why he is here today taking my cinnamon roll from me! She treated him as if he were her own and stayed with him when he transitioned to a new room. Without her expertise and loving care of our son he may have not been here today.
done without**,
typo!
I couldn’t go without my husband! He is always here to help!
I’m having a baby boy in September. So excited! Congratulations to Ruth, too! 🙂
I couldn’t live without my husband! He has given our family the opportunity for me to quit my job 2 years ago and be a Stay at home mom! I love being home with my girls!
Couldn’t do it without my best friend and my aunt. They’re my sanity savers all the time. Visited and liked on facebook.
Following on instagram. Love!
I surely couldn’t do this without my husband. He is my equal in every way. He may do not do everything the way I’d do it, but he is an incredible father and caregiver. We both work, so we rely on each other a lot. I don’t know what I’d do without him!
Following on IG!
Tweeted! @
My mother in law is an awesome babysitter for our son! We are so thankful for her!~
I follow them on instagram @sweetums82
I started staying home in August, we found out in September that we were expecting our third boy. I could not be a SAHM without my husband’s support. He rushes home to give me as many minutes of peace as possible.
My babysitter is a life-saver. She only stays with my son a few hours a week, but from the moment she met him when he was ten months old, they were the best of friends. I remember debating so much between her and another sitter when we interviewed, because the other sitter was more “qualified,” but no resume item can outweigh the fact that someone clicks with your child.
I could not live without the help I get from my husband. If I am overwhelmed by anxiety or depression, he steps in and does not make me feel guilty or useless. He is extremely supportive and is always willing to cook and take care of the kids when I need a break. Multiple days a week, even after working all day, he puts the kids to bed so I can go to the gym. He is the most wonderful father and husband, and I’m so grateful for him.
I followed lily jade on instagram
I followed lily jade on Twitter
I couldn’t live without my husband. He’s the other half of our parenting team and I’d be lost without him. But I’d also be lost without our moms. They watch our kids during the work day while my husband and I are away from our home. Our mothers allow us to be at work and know that our kids are in the best possible hands.
follow on instagram as well
We are blessed to live in the same city as my parents, who are both retired. Local grandparents are amazing! They have Hawthorne two afternoons a week, and all three of them love it!
I couldn’t live without my husband! He is so helpful with our daughter and cooks me dinner most nights.
This Parenting I Couldn’t Survive ThIs Parenting GiG Without My Awesome partner.
I could not do this crazy thing called parenting without my amazingly supportive husband! He’s incredibly understanding, kicks me out of the house for girl time often, and does SO much around the house!
I would never have survived the first week home without the support from my husband and my Mom. Both provided support but in completely different but critical ways. Thankful for their unconditional love each and every day.
Following on Instagram and Twitter! tweeted the message above.
I Follow On Instagram!
I follow lily jade on Instagram @amstimm
My husband is a fantastic caregiver. He’s a medical resident, so his time at home is limited, but when he’s here, he’s here. And our boys adore him for it!
I couldn’t live without having my mom and sister here in town! They are always available for free babysitting and of course my kids love them. I also follow on Facebook and Instagram.
My child’s father and I rely on ourselves, as we don’t have any family around.
And I follow Lilyjade on Instagram! @alltumbledown
I tweeted!
I’m a SAHM with a husband who travels a lot and I have little help here. However, when I was in Louisville, I had both grandmothers plus aunts completely at my disposal. I will always be grateful when they make the time to come get her and give me the time I need.
I also followed Lilly Jade on Instagram.
I could not do this crazy ride without my DH. He is the best father and never shies away from caregiving or stepping in and giving me a break when he can see I’m stretched a little too thin. He’s wonderful!
I couldn’t live Without my mom!
I follow on fb and Instagram, but I don’t have a twitter!
FollOwed on Instagram
Following Lily Jade on Instagram – don’t know why I haven’t before!
Tweeted
I cannot live without my mom. She is the best mom anyone could ask for and I would not be able to be a work at home mom without her help!
I am currently pregnant with my first little one! She is due in September. So for now, I’m going to say the caregiver I couldn’t live without is myself. I have personally made so many changes since I found out my little girl was growing inside me. I have changed eating habits, exercising and sleep routines, and given up so much for her. I couldn’t imagine it any other way.
I Follow on Instagram @mrschantry
I have been following lily jade on Instagram for some time now. I absolutely LOVE seeing beautiful photos of their bags pop up on my feed!
Following Lily Jade on Instagram!
The caregiver I could not live without is my husband. His patience and care for both me and our daughter make me grateful for our partnership every single day. When he walks through the door at the end of the day my heart skips a beat and despite how messy or crazy our house is I know all will be well as long as he is home.
I could not do without my aunt! She keeps my daughter while my husband and I work. She teaches her, wears her out so she sleeps well at night and takes her places so that she can interact with other kids her age. I don’t know what I’d without her!
I follow on Twitter and tweeted! @mrschantry
Followed on Facebook.
We could not live without our nanny, Joy. She is amazing.
My daughter is six months old and on May 30th my mom met me in Atlanta to take care of her while I was in a conference for 5 days. It was also the first time they would see eachother in person. Thankfully I went on the New Hampshire for a week so my mom and whole family could spend time with her. Seeing my mom with her namesake was such a great experience. When my daughter and I had to head home there were a lot of tears. I would give anything to have my mom around all the time.
I follow Lily Jade on twitter
I follow lily jade on instagram
I follow Lilyjade on instagram
I am following Lily Jade on Twitter and tweeted about the giveaway.