So, what’s The Tidy Tot all about?

Do you feel like you’re living in chaos? There are toys everywhere, you’re running out of snacks and the laundry is piling high with no end in sight. Sound familiar? It was me. Our first doctor visit with our first, I was so embarrassed - I completely forgot the diaper bag and the nurse had to give me diapers and wipes. A week later, I can remember asking my mom very frustratedly, “WHEN CAN I PUT THIS BABY ON A SCHEDULE?!” I think she was in shock - someone who had previously happily dealt with chaos was losing their mind with an unpredictable newborn who was only barely a week old. As I started running a household with kids, life got crazy and I felt like I had lost control. Something as easy as grocery shopping was now a huge process (throw in a global pandemic just a few months later and that’s another story for another day…) and the amount of stuff we were (and still are) acquiring was getting bigger and bigger. As a designer who loves home decor, a messy house with loud kid’s toys was also a big struggle for me.
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I created The Tidy Tot to share my knowledge of taking care of two kids who are 13 months apart with minimal frustration, and maximum efficiency. I started creating home systems when we bought our first house, but I quickly realized that after our first was born, I needed to help myself adjust to life with children. When our daughter was only a few months old, I had to have my gallbladder removed - our trusted friend and neighbor watched her as my husband took me to the ER and waited with me. She was still a newborn at the time (plus my friend had three of her own!), but that incident left me feeling majorly unprepared for everyday, let alone an emergency. I created a 3 month old schedule that I could adjust and change as she grew and give to friends and family who may help watch her. I continued to create systems to help our home run smoothly.

Here’s just a little bit about the insight I will offer and ways I hope to help you feel calm, cool and collected among chaos with kids…

• You’re About to Give Birth (mental preparation, hospital bag, what to ask your doc, birth plan, photographer, keeping a baby book, etc.)
• Baby Has Arrived (the first few days, complications, announcements + monthly photos, getting on the right foot with sleep, how to remove uncomfortable people / situations, breastfeeding, formula feeding, etc.)
• The Fourth Trimester (who to talk to postpartum, PPD/PPA, returning to “normal” life, sleep deprivation, getting a schedule going for sleeping, napping, hair loss, etc.)
• Quick Succession Babies / Multiples (what to expect, differences in kids)
• Toddler Life (play, routines, potty, positive discipline)
• Household Tasks (cleaning, maintenance, monthly checklists, weekly and daily tasks)
• Meal Prep (traditional feeding, baby led weaning, baby food stages, whole milk transition)
• Schedules for Multiple Kids

And way more, of course!

I would never claim to be perfect and have it all together and under control. BUT - I use my systems on a daily basis to make it feel (and look) like I have my head on straight. I am a more calm and confident mom and wife when I have order in my life. I’m excited for this blog and shop to evolve over time. Thanks for being here!