In this episode, Amy and Lisa provide an update just 7 days before Lisa's scheduled c-section. Reflecting on how Lisa's pregnancy journey has evolved since week 26, they discuss how concerns about extra fluid only emerged at week 39. As Lisa approaches her scheduled c-section, the looming holiday weekend brings back memories of her previous childbirth experience seven years ago, sparking feelings of nerves and anxiety. Despite being under the care of different doctors and in a different hospital this time, Lisa finds herself in a familiar state of uncertainty. Tune in as they navigate the wait-and-see game anticipating the upcoming delivery.

We don't know when we will be back but we are looking forward to summer and sharing our ideas to survive another break.

Thanks for hanging with us!

Love, The Garden State Mamas

In this engaging episode, Amy and Lisa dive deeper into the crucial topic of teaching safety to children. Amy shares her focus on educating her kids about "stranger danger" and emphasizes the importance of empowering them to recognize when adults are behaving inappropriately. The conversation takes intriguing detours as Lisa reminisces about her childhood experiences, contrasting her own independence at a young age with her son's upbringing in a different era. They candidly explore the anxieties and challenges of preparing children for independence, from riding bikes to navigating social situations. Amy reflects on how being sheltered as a child led to unexpected challenges as an adult, while Lisa shares her concerns about her son's social development without close siblings or cousins. Join the discussion as they offer insights and strategies for fostering resilience and trust in children's instincts.

In this short yet impactful episode, Lisa and Val delve into the essential topic of safety and empowerment for daughters. They share personal insights and experiences, discussing strategies for teaching assertiveness and boundary-setting. Val reflects on the valuable lessons she's imparted to her daughter and the learning journey along the way. Meanwhile, Lisa takes notes to combat her own anxiety about passing on people-pleasing habits. The conversation also touches on the societal response to women's concerns about safety, highlighting the need for validation and support in navigating these critical conversations. Tune in as the Garden State Mamas provide practical advice and heartfelt discussions on raising confident, resilient young women.

Join Amy and Lisa this week as they explore the theme of bravery in the context of motherhood. With Lisa's due date approaching, birthing plans have taken center stage during doctor appointments. Lisa candidly shares her journey of contemplating a scheduled c-section to accommodate everyone else in her life, shedding light on the pervasive pressure for mothers to prioritize the needs of others above their own.

In a heartfelt exchange, Lisa reflects on feeling unsure about pursuing a natural birth, only for her husband to lovingly remind her of the bravery she demonstrated during her first childbirth experience. Amy and Lisa delve into the complexities of societal expectations placed on mothers, discussing how the perception of major abdominal surgery can sometimes seem less daunting than the incredible feat our bodies are biologically designed to undertake.

Tune in for a thought-provoking episode that touches on various facets of motherhood and the courageous choices mothers make every day. 🌟 #GardenStateMamas #MotherhoodBravery #BirthingChoices

Join Amy and Lisa this week as they delve into the fascinating and sometimes challenging realm of 1st-grade homework. The dynamic duo explores the age-old question: Is it best to dive straight into homework after school, or does giving little ones time to decompress lead to better results later on?

Get ready for a discussion on the quantity of homework, the intriguing landscape of new math teachings, and why these fresh approaches are, in their words, nothing short of amazing. The duo reflects on the struggles their kids face in school, pondering whether the practice of reading out loud in class could potentially induce fear and hinder the learning process.

A warm shoutout to our new listeners from Threads! 🧵 We've noticed the uptick in moms following moms on Threads, and we're thrilled to welcome you to the Garden State Mamas community. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the homework talk! 🌟📖 #GardenStateMamas #1stGradeHomework #ThreadsCommunity

🎙️ Garden State Mamas Episode: Mastering 2024 — Organizing for Success! 📆✨

As we stride into the heart of 2024, Amy and Lisa take a deep dive into the art of organization, reflecting on the triumphs and lessons of the past year. Amy shares her wins with Jordan Paige's planning method, emphasizing priorities and aligning her time with family goals. This year, she adds new dimensions, seeking a balance between family, friends, and essential self-care.

Lisa, on the quest for the perfect planner for stay-at-home parents, contemplates creating a compact yet powerful organizational tool. Imagine a planner that resonates with the rhythm of busy parents, focusing on tasks and lists rather than rigid hourly schedules.

Join the conversation as we unfold insights, strategies, and the profound importance of embracing joy and self-care in the quest for a thriving 2024. Here's to a year brimming with purpose and intentional living! 🚀📋 #GardenStateMamas #Mastering2024 #OrganizationalJourney

As we step into the vibrant canvas of 2024, Val, Lisa, and Amy kick off the new year with a celestial conversation about astrology. Val, our resident astrologer since 2009, takes the helm to enlighten Amy and Lisa on the intricacies of their astrology signs. Dive into a fascinating breakdown of personality traits and gain insights into parenting based on the zodiac.

Discover the cosmic threads that weave through our lives, as Val unravels the mysteries of our astrological identities. The discussion sparks revelations and a shared curiosity about how this cosmic knowledge can shape our paths in the coming year.

Tune in for a cosmic journey that transcends the stars and aligns us for the adventures of 2024! 🚀✨ #GardenStateMamas #Astrology2024 #CelestialConversations

In this week's extended episode, Amy and Lisa dive into the nitty-gritty of budgeting. Amy, the budgeting guru, shares valuable tips on trimming grocery and meal costs and savvy ways to reduce utilities. Meanwhile, Lisa opens up about her apprehensions about managing the monthly budget. Having grown up in a paycheck-to-paycheck environment, she's in the process of shifting from a scarcity mindset to focusing on debt reduction and saving, all while contemplating the purchase of a second car before the baby arrives.

As we wrap up this year, the episode takes a reflective turn as we wish everyone Happy Holidays and announce a two-week break. We'll be back in the new year, ready to get organized and astrologically aligned for 2024.

A heartfelt thank you to our listeners for being with us throughout our first year of podcasting. Wishing everyone a fantastic holiday season filled with joy, laughter, and moments of pure magic. 🎄✨ See you in 2024! #GardenStateMamas #BudgetingJourney #HappyHolidays

In this week's episode, Amy and Lisa dive into the rollercoaster of life, sharing the real struggles of the week before. Amy takes us through the heart-pounding experience of locking her youngest in the car (keys included!) and the arrival of local heroes in uniform. The family transition is proving tougher than expected, with renovations adding an extra layer of complexity. Amidst it all, Amy shares her journey of managing ADHD sans medication, shedding light on the challenges faced by women who discover their ADHD later in life.

Lisa, not to be outdone, hilariously gives herself Braxton Hicks contractions by indulging in a little too much laughter over cat videos. The pregnancy journey proves to be a more demanding adventure this time around.

Together, they tackle the goals they've set to reach Christmas with sanity intact. From changing traditions to a conscious effort to resist the capitalist holiday frenzy, they discuss the importance of reclaiming the true essence of the season.

Tune in for a candid and relatable conversation about life's unpredictable moments and the determination to navigate the holiday season with minimal meltdowns. Subscribe now and join the laughter, insights, and shared experiences! 🎄🤣 #GardenStateMamas #LifeStruggles #HolidayChaos

In this week's episode, Amy and Lisa dive into the whirlwind of their November, sharing tales of chaos, challenges, and resilience. Amy recounts the epic saga of moving to a new house with two little ones in tow—packing, cleaning, and dealing with unexpected trips to the ER for her youngest. The mamas explore the highs and lows of settling into a new home, reflecting on the inevitable chaos that accompanies a major move.

Lisa adds her own chapter to the November chronicles, detailing a medical scare that required a second anatomy scan for the baby. Amidst school days, juggling appointments, and feeling grateful for the support of family, Lisa navigates the complexities of motherhood and healthcare.

The duo shares a poignant moment as Lisa reveals a significant life update—closing her business and embracing the role of a stay-at-home mom. With candor and gratitude, they discuss missed Thanksgiving celebrations due to a positive COVID test and the untimely demise of a household appliance.

Tune in for a candid conversation about the highs and lows of November, embracing change, and looking forward to new beginnings in the midst of life's unpredictable moments. 🍂 #NovemberMadness #NewBeginnings #MomLifeJourney