Me As Mom

Today I'm talking with Meagan Hicks and her surrogate (and friend), Alysha Hinson. I'm so thankful to both ladies for their willingness and eagerness to share this special story. Thank you, Meagan and Alysha, for spending time on Me As Mom!

I'm expanding on popular registry sites, sharing some money-saving tips, and giving some love to small businesses.

WE BOUGHT A HOUSE! Today I'm sharing about our new house in Arkansas.

Today I'm breaking down the three places I registered at, perks of each of them, and sharing some of my favorite tips when curating a baby registry. Preparing for a baby is a very fun and exciting time, and registering for baby items can be equally as fun and exciting, as well as unbelievably overwhelming. My hope today is to help you navigate this exciting time! I'm sharing about Amazon, Target, and Wal-Mart today. Come back for part 2 in two weeks!

I'm sharing about why March is such a great (and terrible) month for our family. Fast forward to 4:54 to skip past me talking about Baby D, his birthday, and ways we remember him. I'm also sharing the potty training method we used for Jack earlier this year and my most recent 5 favorites! -Baby D episode (Apple Podcasts) (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-as-mom/id1674467049?i=1000602968153) -Baby D episode (Spotfiy) (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3fctwUVcSAsBeMp1suU0Sa?si=334e3b9675a94ea5) -How we celebrate Baby D + how you can support a grieving friend (Apple Podcasts) (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/me-as-mom/id1674467049?i=1000611303181) -How we celebrate Baby D + how you can support a grieving friend (website) (https://tranquil-peak-3601.fireside.fm/9) -3 Day Potty Training by Lora Jensen (https://www.amazon.com/Day-Potty-Training-Lora-Jensen-ebook/dp/B00IU8Y0AA/ref=sr11?crid=D71YCJMT1OCN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.s5N4dYrufFJMHBjsk7DqBN8-V3mWJ4RgLICKI3fXRA4AHRJ2n5FimlPFoCn9aZsh2axfu0mKafp6pKDnM58uGI8nmqZsHW2p5qOjn1zb0uVHfJzjFtW5bo7QrnFk53-CBHnomJCyDioO9XtYJ67vWcfwROW41AYBQWBXYaUE9xaTrRfsq3N4adlTdYvErgFOayktS3mAh5kJOA9pietJIczXElYLe1i8Q9rHw.aM3ARF6ez5CUbSDkmXVkBaYdKVSemsPUQQThhw-Etxk&dibtag=se&keywords=3+DAY+POTTY+TRAINING+LORA+JENSEN&qid=1710204857&sprefix=3+day+potty+training+lora+jensen%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1) -OXO 2-IN-1 GO POTTY (https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Tot-2-Potty-Travel/dp/B071GV1VYY/ref=sr12?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oDCr78gUS5PEaYCIxpO1azTyZGcbRkfPZhD3LFiRPQRj4rJUvyWFsOMe6VZqiLfds7L28pRYsrmLUjDGZhgay26JHyyfMU91GkgUaYArrJYGNJLFT9xXck1QTrFGX20S1FR8kIEocBWlEdaCpuM7VlfoPrUUwAoinAq6NBh1gc4lnofi28gf5ORswsAuLiCBJi5GWy-gOpnxWnLL2FofnrHZEQMk1ufSCb4x86-Jk8VLBEIhi5MfK1VxQynVz6BmFC6itxvERoOAeNuJsqysNgptuPp3IeGEpK3sJxM.-lp4PQuA1CmKu8kRqohkLbtfCZz5CWQcQkSYZo6Tn8&dibtag=se&keywords=oxo+2-in-1+go+potty&qid=1710204766&sr=8-2) -OXO 2-IN-1 GO POTTY BAGS (https://www.amazon.com/OXO-Tot-Potty-Refill-Count/dp/B00NFJICL2/ref=sr15?crid=LNMNP0HB7LEK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BcdvPmAXmv-OlZLWaBz1rzk9R9VNP4Og94wATPD9cL4mZR4k1BW8SGP9dZHnbLIJ-NULyGQMa1fVzt4DGu8ol4IiCFVN1V9tmDsUwi-cZjOGQ5SjuxHCv9QBaX7Y7Tdp0qmyaAls-tIYr1-qMzs4S6kvxiZIvSsARxvLVlxwOodzOoa-e2aw99OyK9cR9vgtLStVv4cZ7w40Q8Jlf88CtF7DE26iOfqi77cNOfjG8NPIY1XIK7cYTbU1XJbdRe1hbTGxV6Y5pJDSDgbZeA7NaUOxTXmlfWJkmvZR8Fmul8.rGqHn3QWsWYczMCNTvFMuhEoKI4mhMwyzHUJr912nwM&dibtag=se&keywords=oxo+2-in-1+go+potty+BAGS&qid=1710204818&sprefix=oxo+2-in-1+go+potty+bags%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-50 -Once Upon a Potty -BOY- (https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Potty-Boy/dp/1770854045/ref=sr11?crid=1D1X0YZL1AWYF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FMM3FZWfoBzmy-IilCKiHluwvoLCndHN85f3lLZgV46chmcE9jhIJcnz3N-D-oezYzptNI8U4LtxEu8T6bGMKSowvXXSYfWIyLPNrz057cnwbhz9CNpcWcAm3nB7BMi8eZYbgVJS8jfXiWEeJ33rF1TYv1PulXIU2Tq01CNzOXecp9hqeUZs-XT8Gdorn8Q2o7yTl7X6xYz0SKL8K6z3EpJnmorreswl8oLdI.PowRZCKXASpPCUtmitPT5Bf6CUjDEzxaABffxxb5WE&dibtag=se&keywords=once+upon+a+potty+boy&qid=1710204914&sprefix=once+upon+a+potty+boy%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-1) -Once Upon a Potty -girl- (https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Potty-Girl/dp/1770854053/ref=sr11?crid=1T1AZM047LVTH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VJNWVjVWYYdiyC2JvANRhMByLKlyqSdFEAaDAiUn7SsiIB7y-YcbmYXqNYsElCgRoCuOShvOWHOY1q1CsqqBRccTWKMvp50ZeEK2hNh5v1YxAFdNcwpR0MDnOHEop7DOqa7R9h5GUg1g0fSQ9bf8PwDW2tawQTdner2PuXgdQ89cAB1Mlsyi-bgFdwjHv7iWNhFXagylNjA4-X1whIYa11PYkJrHreE57TYjBJs.LpIF43N0IKc57KI7Q-c9jPQjXXobQhEMijZpwJmDU&dibtag=se&keywords=once+upon+a+potty+girl&qid=1710204946&sprefix=once+upon+a+potty+girl%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1) 5 FAVORITES: 1) NODPOD WEIGHTED EYE MASK (https://www.amazon.com/Pressure-Patented-Blocking-Sleeping-Relaxation/dp/B0B1TBCKSZ/ref=sr15?crid=GWW3ZRR72UOE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AQs5cAZGk84SEUKZn7Fdzc1tLI4O536ecOB0Vcko5gtyQXMoHBNYxJwgnsGjryDg4zonjw9n2ME05gqxlXfLFfQRxoAKUrh8RSBg-xeeU8pqy7iXyYLLpMUXB03isW7a6vCmTOGEZqKh31StoNa6N-XMLN7nFVTmFT2UP94VKqXc71oBhigEuAi34iiqBeg7MXwfgVulii3EsDphWjbgKvTG1ZwKIc54nGYwwX13FSx9wn1PBI8t3L7n6wsHf2Qapy2VsPdVijZOZFWEFp1vPPWqpoaP7ouKHVA2EYZk.qV2v2ikiWKzaSj476vohUGFQLEE6T8c6bElmmyQ9w&dibtag=se&keywords=nodpod+weighted+eye+mask&qid=1710204986&sprefix=NODPOD+%2Caps%2C337&sr=8-5) 2) SPOTIFY 2000'S PLAYLIST (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0uIBbbQBHNwz2Px5Zfmdih) 3) THE 100 -- STREAM ON NETFLIX 4) TOWEL WARMER (https://www.amazon.com/Zadro-Ultra-Large-Towel-Warmer/dp/B07V9K6WV3/ref=sr118?crid=23TH6HA0EIU5I&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.iI-CMPKMnvSGcZM33bI4pm9l6iAKq6svM90f6lkljk5PRNa6pSpZgVS27RPoEE4x2Fk77KtSisjPBLLtzYxgf2XSLAlsL8H0H9GIpE9RLNbs6EZny4tF1Q8Ftd45816gYzIZdNmYvFEMOm7UP6J03FAqpFQAiShD9zlg74jOmRKfsUuOjGGbJmq5Br4CExQqCo4XsSs4VD-pV7BwKTtkHRLmwJ02rp3HywGgiJf6NTPOGBw2GlDvvLKPbjYHS73c0jB1fuulgWGLWKBkkQ8JDql8dHAckJx6kyLkoz74.MYGfcjrfAYSbi2gym2j1sX1uGu4q5S2qNIoN-DCY&dibtag=se&keywords=TOWEL+WARMER&qid=1710205128&sprefix=towel+warmer%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-18) 5) NUTS 'N MORE SPREAD -BIRTHDAY CAKE FLAVOR- (https://www.amazon.com/Nuts-More-Birthday-Protein-Nutrition/dp/B01MYT6URK/ref=sr15?crid=4X6OJZDAXKYK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kjn9s-mBeFqqcnryczVP4DGhCL-l2Ltv6r5KgD4iDsnHr3Dde5L6AxgKczKeoJG63igHTg8JojoFg8ffT4WGx8S-XpyWU9ZpdKI1lVx7gYyLGP6Pt9bckXSEug-KN63l7Tiaw0yWkItY32PzBfut9BrIX-KTRrT4OzuKpUgn0vc.SOJwQwYtTuxvhBIzTCanDZQERLYAn4xzXNtp64N4PQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=nuts+n+more+birthday+cake&qid=1710205304&sprefix=NUTS+N+MORE%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-5)

Today I'm sharing all of my goals for 2024. Hear about my plans for Jack's Crafty Mom, Me As Mom, and my personal goals this year.

Happy 2024! I'm back with some big news--we're moving! Surprised? Us too! Today I'm sharing where we're moving, when it's happening, and all the feelings I'm experiencing as we get ready to leave Chapel Hill. Thanks for listening! I'm glad you're here.

I'm joined today with my friend, MK Hardin, to discuss her experiences with adopting her two children, DD and Evans. Also, because October is breast cancer awareness month, Mary-Katherine is sharing her journey as both a breast cancer and bladder cancer survivor.

IT'S THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR! SPOOKY SEASON IS HERE! Today I'm sharing some of my favorite Halloween decorations and movies, fall scents, spooky podcast episodes, and a few of my favorite soup recipes. Bats: https://www.amazon.com/DIYASY-Halloween-Decoration-Stickers-Waterproof/dp/B089M9KVFS/ref=sr15?crid=2JIQYUCM5A66O&keywords=bats+wall+decor&qid=1696300444&sprefix=bats%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-5 Glue dots: https://www.amazon.com/Glue-Dots-Contains-Adhesive-32794-300/dp/B000WWK5L0/ref=sxin16paspsearchthematicsspa?content-id=amzn1.sym.9cbe3359-611f-40e8-a779-21650339bb99%3Aamzn1.sym.9cbe3359-611f-40e8-a779-21650339bb99&crid=38NH1SXR4JLYW&cvctcx=glue%2Bdots&keywords=glue%2Bdots&pdrdi=B000WWK5L0&pdrdr=176a0e9b-f364-49f5-8bac-fdbfb8b40ccc&pdrdw=3ckl6&pdrdwg=0siMS&pfrdp=9cbe3359-611f-40e8-a779-21650339bb99&pfrdr=H4PSADQ1BSY2KRN4JKF2&qid=1696300491&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=glue%2Bdots%2Caps%2C162&sr=1-1-364cf978-ce2a-480a-9bb0-bdb96faa0f61-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1 Spiders: https://www.amazon.com/BEIGUO-Halloween-Spiders-Bendable-Decorations/dp/B07WNG3PQ8/ref=sr14?keywords=spider+decorations&qid=1696300581&sr=8-4 Dachshund skeleton: https://www.target.com/p/dachshund-skeleton-halloween-decorative-prop-hyde-38-eek-boutique-8482/-/A-81063378#lnk=sametab Pumpkin Pecan Waffles candle: https://www.bathandbodyworks.com/p/pumpkin-pecan-waffles-3-wick-candle-026703528.html Acorn Spice candle: https://www.target.com/p/mrs-meyer-39-s-clean-day-large-soy-candle-acorn-spice-7-2oz/-/A-85923741#lnk=sametab World's Best Veggie Chili: https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/vegetarian-chili/ Creamy tacos: 2lbs hamburger meat (Vegetarian) Morning Star Griller Veggie Crumbles OR opt for extra beans! 1 can Rotel 2 cans Ranch Style beans 1 packet of taco seasoning 1 onion, diced 1 bell pepper, diced 1lb Velveeta 1/2 pint of whipping cream Doritos, or chips of choice Toppings of your choice Brown hamburger meat and crumble. Dab with paper towels to remove excess fat. (Cook Morning Star Crumbles as directions state, or skip this step if you are subbing with more beans!) Add beans, rotel, taco seasoning, onion, bell pepper, and velveeta. Mix until cheese is melted. Add whipping cream. Mix together and let sit until all heated through. Serve in a bowl over chips with your choice of toppings (lettuce, tomato, cheese, onion) Lumpkin the Pumpkin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcX0ad6VteM&t=1184s Hocus Pocus: Disney+ Halloweentown: Disney+ Addams Family: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel , Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel Saw: Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Starz A Beautiful Mess podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-beautiful-mess-podcast/id1485472892 Ghost stories: episodes #58, #59 #118

Today I have TWO GUESTS! I am joined today by Ambre and Jacie Daigle as they share their journey in becomming mothers through IUI and IVF. I'm so thankful they felt comfortable sharing their story and giving advice to parents interested in or currently going through this journey. Enjoy!

I'm baaaaack! After a long summer break, Me As Mom is back! Today I'm catching y'all up on what's been going on since my last episode. NAVARRE BEACH 2023 | BEACH COLONY CONDO TOUR, BELLE'S FIRST TIME IN THE OCEAN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfP82mnsnco NAVARRE 2023 | BEACH DAYS PART 1//jumping waves, burying Dad in the sand, and THIS WATER IS CLEAR! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2Uir-yjw50 NAVARRE 2023 | Hunting for Crabs and Pirate Treasure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXnB6ZPqc5Y

June has come and gone. Today I'm giving you the highs (and mostly lows) of our most recent trip to DC. I also annouce that I'm taking a small summer break from Me As Mom, but don't worry! I give you one last favorites segment before I go! Things mentioned in this episode: National Building Museum--https://www.nbm.org/ National Museum of Natural History--https://naturalhistory.si.edu/ Smithsonian's National Zoo--https://nationalzoo.si.edu/ Jordan Christian LeVan's book tour dates--https://www.eventbrite.com/o/jordan-christian-levan-63717229163?fbclid=IwAR10bft1KR8pFgUg2G5CNMeLmspH0ecFdYayazNk6DXiKML5MmSryf5jI Favorites: The Perfect Marriage--https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Marriage-completely-gripping-psychological/dp/1913419657 Rock, Paper, Scissors--https://www.amazon.com/Rock-Paper-Scissors-Alice-Feeney/dp/1250266122/ref=sr11?crid=3APQMA10RK1KY&keywords=rock+paper+scissors+alice+feeney&qid=1687835732&s=books&sprefix=rock%2C+paper%2C+%2Cstripbooks%2C149&sr=1-1 Zetus Lepetus (Apple Podcasts)--https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/zetus-lepetus-a-mammoth-club-original-podcast/id1639881897 Zetus Lepetus (Spotify)--https://open.spotify.com/show/0OFhorEV9s4U2RJIqt04dS 3e Designs--https://www.3edesignsco.com/ We All Grow At Different Rates And That's Okay--https://www.instagram.com/p/Ctg3satOiui/?hl=en Disability Is Not A Bad Word--https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce1IbBGOflF/?hl=en Strawberry/Fruit Pizza--https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/fruit-pizza/ Reusable Water Balloons--https://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Balloons-Latex-Free-Self-Sealing-Activities/dp/B0B4WFHDW9/ref=sr15?keywords=reusable+water+balloons&qid=1687836408&sr=8-5

MY FIRST EVER GUY GUEST! I'm celebrating Father's Day by chatting with my husband, Drew Davidson! We talk about what Jack's birth was like from his perspective, as well as share some of our favorite things to do in New Orleans. Favorite places to eat in New Orleans: -Brown Butter -Slim Goodies -District Donuts -Biscuits and Buns on Banks -Mojo Coffee House -Cochon Butcher -Katie’s -Jacques-Imo’s -Cochon -Clesi’s – Crawfish boil March to June -Chap’s Chicken -The Store -Boucherie -La Petite Grocery -Creole Creamery -Angelo Brocato -Sucre Favorite Bars: -Handsome Willy’s -Finn McCool’s -Bayou Beer Garden -Tchoup Yard -The Roosevelt – Sazerac Bar Some of our favorite things to do: -Audubon Zoo -Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium -Pelicans basketball -Saints football -City Park (Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art) -Lakeshore -Bayou St John -Running clubs (Louisiana Running Company / 504th) -Dueling fireworks for Fourth of July Must-sees for first time visitors: -Visit the French Quarter (Jackson Square, Royal Street for fun and unique art) -Beignets at Café du Monde -Ride the streetcar down St. Charles Ave -Check out a parade! Parades happen year-round, not just during carnival season. -Check WWOZ's Livewire Music Calendar to find local live music -Ride the Canal Street Streetcar to the top of the line to see the Katrina Memorial and see historic cemetaries unique to New Orleans. Also, check out Sacred Grind's Coffee House while you're in that area!

SUMMER IS HERE! And I'm hoping it's the best one yet. Today I'm talking about our most recent trip to the zoo, sharing our summer bucket list, and sending some positive vibes on body image this summer. Come follow along on Instagram: @measmompod @jackscraftymom Shorts I refer to in today's episode: Target-- (1) https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-high-rise-tailored-linen-shorts-a-new-day-8482-white-6/-/A-87715732?preselect=87715732 (2) https://www.target.com/p/women-39-s-high-rise-linen-pull-on-shorts-a-new-day-8482-green-m/-/A-87073954?preselect=87073954 Old Navy-- (1) https://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=560745032&cid=1153916&pcid=35158&vid=1&nav=hamnav%3AWomen%3AShop+Women%27s+Categories%3AShorts+#pdp-page-content

May is National Apraxia Awareness Month, and I'm celebrating by talking with Jack's speech therapist, Katie Peters! Katie is a speech language pathologist who specializes in apraxia. Jack was diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) earlier this year. If you want to learn what apraxia is and how you can better support Jack and others with apraxia, THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU! I'm so excited to have Katie on the podcast today to help educate others and to be the best advocate I can for Jack. Apraxia Instagram accounts I love: @fightingformyvoice @slpmommyofapraxia @theapraxiafoundation @missjulie.theslp @communication.blooms @bjoremspeech @apraxiakids @thedowntownspeech_mom @storybookconection Apraxia Facebook accounts I love: Fighting for my Voice: My life with Verbal Apraxia The Apraxia Foundation: Hearing All Voices Inc Apraxia Kids North Carolina (your local state should have a state-specific group) Helpful websites: apraxia-kids.org theapraxiafoundation.org

Jack is three! Today I'm sharing a recap on Jack's third birthday celebration and answering a couple of questions from Instagram. I'm sharing what "balance" looks like in our life and how Drew and I make time for each other. I reference this in today's episode, but I'm getting a cold! Sorry for my voice today!

Today I'm joined by my mom for a Mother's Day special! My mom shares how she and my dad met and what it was like parenting me and my sister, Bethany. She's also a flower-expert and is sharing her knowledge on making your yard look magazine worthy this summer. Reach out to my mom on Facebook for any further flower quetsions or to purchase worm tea or worm castings: https://www.facebook.com/karen.g.campbell.73 Shade plants mentioned: Hostas, Begonias, Dragon Wing Begonias, Impatiens, New Guinea Impatiens, Coleus Sun plants mentioned: Scaevola, Sun Impatiens, Purple Salvia, Lantana, Poppy, Cannas, Angelonia, Zinnias, Million Bells, Cosmos, Geranium, Vinca Trailers: Ivy, Potato Vine, Boston Ferns

Today I am sharing specific things Drew and I did after Baby D passed away and the traditions we do every year to celebrate his life. I'm also sharing useful information if you are a friend or family member trying to support someone going through this type of loss. I bought my cremation "charm" on Etsy, but the store is no longer in business. If you search "cremation jewelry" on Etsy you will find a ton of options. Rachel's Gift: https://www.rachelsgift.org/ Willow Tree Angel: https://www.amazon.com/Willow-Tree-hand-painted-sculpted-Remembrance/dp/B003OSSKWK/ref=sr13?crid=14560VDKOJF6I&keywords=willow%2Btree%2Bangel&qid=1682900861&sprefix=willow%2Btree%2Bangel%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-3&th=1 "In Memory Of" Candle Holder: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1067008706/sympathy-gift-sympathy-heart-candle?clickkey=27e84f493c0b68f32da2c004876f7062db1e114b%3A1067008706&clicksum=8a777f8b&ref=shophomefeat_2&frs=1&bes=1&sts=1 Birthstone ring: https://www.jewlr.com/products/JWL0321/10k-yellow-gold-glimmering-love-birthstone-ring-with-aquamarine-simulated-stones?sku=10KY&s1=S03AQUA

I'm THRILLED to have Jordan Dickerson on today's episode! Jordan shares her experience in adopting her oldest son, Jeremiah, as well as some of the struggles she and her husband, Cole, faced during the foster/adoption process. I'm so thankful for Jordan's honesty and vulnerability during this time in her life. I learned a ton from her during this conversation, and I know you will too! Me As Mom Instagram: @measmompod Find Jordan on Instagram: @jordandickerson22 Good Morning America: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/family/story/boy-reveals-big-brother-day-adopted-57167806

Short, but sweet. Giving an honest update on my feelings on spring and the pure joy of watching Jack experience a movie theater for the first time. Instagram: @measmompod