• SmileReader Ovulation Test Kit | A Review

      by SimplyHollyJo on November 13, 2020 , No Comments

      Today I’m going to be talking about the SmileReader Ovulation Test Kit that can be found on Amazon. I was recently chosen by MomsMeet.com to receive the product to try out and I have been pleasantly surprised. A Little Background… Now, let me start by saying that I have never used ovulation strips before. In my years of being a mother, and before that, learning about pregnancy and fertility, I have seen many mamas talking about and using them. I simply had never felt the need myself. For years, I have used the charting to track my cycles, prevent pregnancy, […]

      Motherhood, Pregnancy, Recommendations + Reviews
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    • the birth of my second child | taking his time

      by SimplyHollyJo on September 28, 2020 , No Comments

      In honor of National Sons Day, (who comes up with these?) I’m going to share the birth story of my second child, who is also my second son. Better Late Than Never, I Suppose… I was 40 weeks and 5 days along. My brain convinced me that the birth of this baby wasn’t going to happen until exactly 42 weeks. Then he would share a birthday with his brother two years apart. My first had been stubborn and come early. My second was being stubborn and coming late. I had wanted him to come in April so that they would […]

      Babies, Motherhood, Pregnancy
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    • the birth story of my first child | early arrival

      by SimplyHollyJo on August 11, 2020 , No Comments

      In honor of the National Son and Daughter Day, I am going to share the birth story of my first little guy, who decided to come early at 36 weeks and 4 days. I feel the need to start this by saying that I had moved states about three weeks prior to having my son. My recent activities included unpacking a house, sealing grout, setting up a nursery, and generally working on lots of stuff. Even afterwards my midwives didn’t know why I went into labor early. I guess he was just ready to be out and about! Woke up […]

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    • From a Family of Three to a Family of Four | The Birth of Itty Bitty

      by SimplyHollyJo on June 13, 2017 , No Comments

      At 40 weeks and 5 days, our second baby boy decided to make his appearance! It was the day before my scheduled non-stress test and possible membrane sweep. I prayed all weekend to avoid that appointment, and everything fell into place! My mother came down that day at the urging of her hubby (thanks Mike!) due to my appointment the following day. Of course at the time I didn’t know that she already had a flight scheduled. I had sent her and my sister a text that morning saying I was cramping, but who knows if it would turn into […]

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    • Achieving My Pregnancy Goal

      by SimplyHollyJo on April 21, 2017 , No Comments

      So, I did it! Baby and I made it to 37 weeks (full term)! I’m actually at 38 weeks and change as I type this. I’m so excited that birthing at my birthing center is a real possibility now.  But now I have a “problem.” I’m in the “waiting game” phase of pregnancy. It’s so weird to be just kind of moving about life waiting to see when God will spring labor on me! It’s a new experience for this pregnancy!  It’s also new being in this stage of pregnancy. I had only JUST started feeling uncomfortable in my last […]

      Motherhood, Pregnancy
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    • Pregnancy Goals

      by SimplyHollyJo on March 29, 2017 , No Comments

      Based on my two pregnancies so far, I usually stay pretty mellow. I think that’s just my personality.  I am blessed to not have fertility issues this far, and I usually have pretty uneventful pregnancies. That doesn’t mean I don’t have nausea for 10+ weeks, back and hip pain, and round ligament pain. It’s just that I kind of see them as a part of the package for me and know I’m blessed to not have worse things to deal with. (I also frequent my chiro, which helps immensely!)  This pregnancy has been slightly different since I’m not working, but […]

      Motherhood, Pregnancy
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    • Pregnant with Baby #2!

      by SimplyHollyJo on November 8, 2016 , No Comments

      Baby Hanks #2 is on it’s way!! We always said we wanted at least two kids, so when Little Man turned one, the discussions began. Hubby wanted to start trying immediately, but I was more hesitant to have two under two for some reason. I just wanted a bit more space between the two. Just like with our first pregnancy, I worked out the “perfect timeframe” for when to conceive and therefore when to deliver. ? I’m crazy like that. Ultimately we started trying a month or so before I had originally planned. Hubby was concerned that it might take […]

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