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Random· Weekend Recaps

18 Jul

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Oh, hey.

Remember all of those fabulous guest bloggers? The ones I hoped would give me enough time to figure out my new routine without having dead air?

Yeah. 16 days of radio silence later… here I am.

There’s a lot happening in the Cotten house, so I’m going to throw together a nice old fashioned “Currently” post before the baby wakes up and requires her 345th bottle of the day. Remind me to eventually recap the baby shower I co-hosted. And write Frances’ birth story. And you know, other more exciting posts.

—

Currently we’re…

EATING

Image

+ No really. Frances hit a growth spurt at two weeks old and has not slowed down since. The kid can EAT. Just finally in the past week have we gotten a few longer stretches of sleep (as in, longer than 3 hours), but we’re still spending the majority of our days sitting on the couch with a bottle.

Similac Sensitive for her, chardonnay for me. 😉

 

POOPING

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+ Friends, I hit my breaking point last week. I decided that Dorothy, at two years and eight months old, was going to learn to use the potty if it killed us all. Ever changed a newborn sized diaper, and then a size 6? Just… nope.

Over the last several months, we have literally tried every potty training trick in the book and the kid just didn’t care. So, I bypassed the gimmicks. I simply hid all the diapers and Pull-Ups from her, put her in some Elsa panties, and prayed for a miracle.

And guess what? I don’t want to jinx myself or anything, BUT IT’S WORKING.

She has been pretty much accident free all weekend.  Pinch me. I almost have a potty trained kiddo (we’re still working on using toilets that aren’t shaped like a frog, but I’ll take it).

 

SPINNING

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+ Marching band is is full swing around here. I’ve been spending over 15 hours each week at the high school teaching color guard, while Mr. Cotten wrangles the two girls after he’s done working for the day. It’s exhausting, and between this and SAHM-ing I get a whopping hour to myself each day, but I love every minute of it.

We finally had our first competition of the season last weekend. It went… not how I would have liked it to.

Coaching is tough. Particularly when you think your group is prepared, only to discover they’re not when they hit the field. So, it’s back to the drawing board – lots of practice planning for me this week! These kids have goals to accomplish, and I’m doing my best to get them there. #BeTheChange

 

MICKEY-ING

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+ Remember when I took my one year old to Walt Disney World last year, and swore I wasn’t taking her again until she was like five?

I’m eating my words.

We’re going to Disney World!

My aunt and uncle are Disney Vacation Club members, and had some points that were going to expire at the end of the year. Instead of letting them go unused, they graciously offered them to us. And, hello?! Do any of you know me?! You know there is no way I can say no to a Disney vacation.

You also know that I’m spending all of my “blogging time” doing Disney planning and research. Like I haven’t been there five times before. I have a problem.

But, I know a certain little girl who is going to have one heck of a third birthday present. Four nights at Mickey’s House with just her mommy and daddy, and dinner reservations with the princesses. This is my official application for Mom of the Year.

Side note: Would anyone be interested in my Disney planning tips and recommendations? I’m definitely not an expert, but I feel like I have a lot to talk about on the subject. 

—

So, yeah. Basically this post is to let the world know that I’m surviving this mom of two thing, and even enjoying it most of the time.

I’m also stopping while I’m ahead. I sold all of my maternity clothes to thredUp. #TwoAndDone.

What’s up with you lately?

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Previous Post: « 1 | Frances Belle
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Comments

  1. Amber Stegner says

    July 18, 2016 at 2:19 pm

    Tomorrow I’ll be a week from my due date with my little girl and my 1 1/2 year old is entering the wonderful world of temper tantrums. I’m afraid I will go insane.

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      July 18, 2016 at 4:29 pm

      Oh, I hope for a smooth transition for your family! Those temper tantrums are the worst (I firmly believe age one is way harder than age two!). Good luck, and wishing you a healthy and safe delivery!

      Reply
  2. Adrian says

    July 18, 2016 at 7:09 pm

    Hi Sami! So glad everything is going well with you. I’m still trying to manage my time since it’s limited now with a newborn. I’m also trying not to be too hard on myself for just relaxing because I need it. I’m more tired than usual these days. Looks like our newborns have something in common, they LOVE to eat. Aria is now 12 pounds. She’s growing like crazy. I’m loving every minute of it though.

    Reply
  3. Lovisa says

    July 19, 2016 at 1:01 pm

    Oh totally jealous about Disneyworld!! So fun! I’d love to see a disney-post. 😀

    We just went through the potty training ordeal too, finally getting through it. It’s been a tough couple of weeks for sure but so awesome once it starts working.

    Reply

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Hey there, I'm Samantha. Recovering SAHM, and aspiring competitive dance mom. I have a passion for travel, am known to say it like it is, and I most certainly do not have it all together. Currently on a journey toward self love and discovery. Join me. 2021 | Bloom

Latest from Instagram

This is the difference a year makes. ⬇️ 30 l This is the difference a year makes. 

⬇️ 30 lbs. ⬆️ Healthy habits. ⬇️ 4 in. of hair. ⬆️ Strength. ➕ A tattoo & a ton of self love. 

I never knew I could be this person. I’m not super athletic. I have never dieted or counted calories. I never considered myself or my health. I always have watched other women make big physical changes in their lives, but I have never felt like I was capable to do the same.

If you’re reading this, and feel the same way I used to, trust me. 

You can. 💜

(1. January 2020, 2. June 2020 (100 rides), 3. January 2021 (200 rides))

#empoweringwomen #peloton #pelotonweightloss #pelotonbike #loveyourself #fitness #fitnessjourney #cottentales #blogger #momofgirls #momsofinstagram #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #selfcare #selflove #selflovejourney #pelotonmom #pelotoncommunity #lovesquad #boocrew #uncomfortable #bloom
NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #travelblogger #newyear #2021 #quitlikeawoman #momofgirls #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #momsofinstagram #bloom #bloomwhereyouareplanted #peloton #pelotonbike #resolutions #mantra #healthyhabits #newpost #blogging
L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

#whitesandchristmas #eleuthera #eleutherabahamas #bahamas #christmas #ocean #momofgirls #mommyblog #lifestyleblog #travelblogger #cottentales
Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

#eleuthera #bahamas #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #cottentales #travel #nye2019
This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales
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  • MY GIRLS
  • MOCO FIXER
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This is the difference a year makes. ⬇️ 30 l This is the difference a year makes. 

⬇️ 30 lbs. ⬆️ Healthy habits. ⬇️ 4 in. of hair. ⬆️ Strength. ➕ A tattoo & a ton of self love. 

I never knew I could be this person. I’m not super athletic. I have never dieted or counted calories. I never considered myself or my health. I always have watched other women make big physical changes in their lives, but I have never felt like I was capable to do the same.

If you’re reading this, and feel the same way I used to, trust me. 

You can. 💜

(1. January 2020, 2. June 2020 (100 rides), 3. January 2021 (200 rides))

#empoweringwomen #peloton #pelotonweightloss #pelotonbike #loveyourself #fitness #fitnessjourney #cottentales #blogger #momofgirls #momsofinstagram #momblogger #lifestyleblogger #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #selfcare #selflove #selflovejourney #pelotonmom #pelotoncommunity #lovesquad #boocrew #uncomfortable #bloom
NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

#cottentales #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #travelblogger #newyear #2021 #quitlikeawoman #momofgirls #blogger #bloggersofinstagram #momsofinstagram #bloom #bloomwhereyouareplanted #peloton #pelotonbike #resolutions #mantra #healthyhabits #newpost #blogging
L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

#selflove #selfcare #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #peloton #pelotonmoms #cottentales #blogger #lifestyleblogger #travelblogger #momsofinstagram #momofgirls #bloom #keepgoing #pelotonweightloss #loveyourself
Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Las Two years ago, Santa followed us to Eleuthera. Last year, we danced our way to 2020 on the island. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same this year without the ocean. 🌊

#whitesandchristmas #eleuthera #eleutherabahamas #bahamas #christmas #ocean #momofgirls #mommyblog #lifestyleblog #travelblogger #cottentales
Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 #eleuthera #bahamas # Mentally, I’m here. 🌊 

#eleuthera #bahamas #travelblogger #lifestyleblogger #momblogger #cottentales #travel #nye2019
This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales
NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha I’m focusing a lo NEW POST: Rebranding Samantha

I’m focusing a lot of effort on self love and self discovery right now. But, just how am I perceived by the people around me? Audience determines your brand - what qualities are you projecting, and do they match how you want to be seen? Link in bio. 

#cottentales #personalbranding #rebranding #blogger #lifestyleblogger #mommyblogger #momofgirls #selflove #selfdiscovery #momblogger #travelblogger
I’ll love you forever. I’ll like you for alway I’ll love you forever.
I’ll like you for always.
As long as I’m living,
My baby you’ll be. ❤️

My baby turns 7 today, which feels unbelievable in many ways. Dorothy Laura, you make me so proud to be your mommy. 

#dbunny #cottentales #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #momofgirls #birthday #7yearsold #firstborn
If I have a life half as full as my grandfather’ If I have a life half as full as my grandfather’s, it will be enough. 

We lost 94 years of memories today, and even though we knew this day was coming it doesn’t make it easier. I’m just so glad my girls could know and love their Papaw Great. 

RIP, Upe. 💛
Have courage, and be kind. ✨ #waltdisneyworld # Have courage, and be kind. ✨

#waltdisneyworld #magickingdom #cinderella #cottentales #cottensisters #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #momofgirls #travelblogger #disneysmmc #fallbreak2020 #spontaneous

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