Motherhood Capsule: Parenting & Baby Tips | Capsule of Sunshine

15 Halloween Books for Kids That Are Spooky, Silly & Sweet

Stephanie Alanis — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:34:26 +0000

There’s something about October that makes pulling out the seasonal books extra fun. As soon as Halloween starts getting closer, I love swapping some of the kids’ everyday books for stories about pumpkins, ghosts, witches, bats, and all the other slightly spooky things that come with the season. And when I say spooky, I definitely mean kid spooky. Especially with little kids, I’m much more interested in cute ghosts and silly monsters than anything that’s actually going to scare them once the lights go out. Over the years, we’ve collected quite a few Halloween books for kids, from sturdy little board books for babies and toddlers to longer picture books that are perfect for preschoolers and young kids. If you’re putting together a Halloween book basket, looking for a few new October bedtime stories, or just want some not-too-scary Halloween books to add to your bookshelf, these are 15 of our favorites. 1. The Spooky Wheels on the Bus If your kids already know The Wheels on the Bus, this one is an easy Halloween win. The Spooky Wheels on the Bus takes the familiar song and gives it a Halloween makeover with a bus full of silly, spooky passengers. This is one…

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15 Fall Books for Kids We Love Reading Every Autumn

Stephanie Alanis — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 03:56:03 +0000

There’s something about fall that makes me want to make everything a little cozier. The blankets come out, the pumpkin candles get lit, and I inevitably start swapping some of the kids’ everyday books for our favorite seasonal ones. And honestly, fall children’s books might be some of my favorites. There are so many cute ones about colorful leaves, pumpkin patches, apple picking, chilly weather, and all those little things that make fall feel like, well… fall. We’ve collected quite a few over the years, from simple fall board books for toddlers to longer picture books that are perfect for preschoolers and young kids. If you’re looking for the best fall books for kids to add to your own bookshelf or seasonal book basket, these are 15 of our family’s favorites. Our Favorite Fall Books for Kids 1. You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie is exactly the kind of sweet little board book I love having around for fall, especially for babies and toddlers. It’s short and easy to get through before a little one loses interest, and the chunky pages, cutouts, and raised elements give tiny hands something to explore while you read. The illustrations are adorable, and…

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The Ultimate Baby Registry Checklist: Everything You Actually Need

Stephanie Alanis — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:55:15 +0000

If you’re searching for the ultimate baby registry checklist, you’re in the right place. Creating your baby registry is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your little one. It’s also one of the most overwhelming. This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). I truly appreciate all of your support! Please see my full disclosure policy for more details. One minute you’re adding adorable tiny outfits and stuffed animals to your registry. The next, you’re staring at six different baby bathtubs, four kinds of bottle sterilizers, and a gadget that promises to warm baby wipes to the perfect temperature. Do you actually need all of this? As a second-time mom, I can confidently tell you… absolutely not. What I Did Differently the Second Time When I was pregnant with my first baby, I spent hours researching everything I could find online. If someone on Pinterest said it was a “must-have,” onto the registry it went. If it had thousands of glowing reviews on Amazon, I assumed I couldn’t live without it. Then my son arrived. Some products became part of our everyday routine and…

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How to Get a Free Breast Pump Through Insurance

Stephanie Alanis — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 07:21:15 +0000

If you’re pregnant in the United States, you may qualify for a free breast pump through your health insurance, and the process is much easier than most people realize. Instead of calling your insurance company and trying to figure out what’s covered, I recommend starting with Aeroflow Breastpumps. They verify your insurance benefits, contact your healthcare provider if they need a prescription, and walk you through the entire process. Here’s exactly how to get your insurance-covered breast pump in just a few simple steps. Why I Recommend Starting with Aeroflow When I was pregnant, I quickly realized there were dozens of companies offering insurance breast pumps. After comparing a few, Aeroflow stood out because they make the process incredibly simple. Instead of spending time calling your insurance company, you simply enter your insurance information online. Aeroflow checks your benefits for you, lets you know which pumps are covered, and handles most of the paperwork behind the scenes. For most parents, it only takes a few minutes to get started. Step 1: Check Your Insurance Eligibility Head to Aeroflow’s eligibility page and enter: After verifying your insurance, they’ll show you which breast pumps you’re eligible to receive. Step 2: Browse Your Covered Breast…

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How to Make DIY Padsicles for Postpartum Recovery

Stephanie Alanis — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:50:56 +0000

If you’re researching DIY padsicles, chances are you’re getting ready for postpartum. And while you may be busy setting up the nursery and packing your hospital bag, don’t forget to prepare for recovery too. This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for more details. I remember spending so much time getting the nursery ready, washing tiny baby clothes, and packing my hospital bag. What I didn’t spend nearly enough time thinking about was what recovery would actually feel like after giving birth. Spoiler alert… you’re going to want ice. If you’re having a vaginal delivery, there’s a good chance you’ll be pretty sore and swollen those first few days. That’s where DIY padsicles come in. They’re super easy to make ahead of time, cost just a few dollars, and feel amazing when you need a little relief. I made a batch before having my son, and I was so glad I did. What Are Padsicles? Padsicle is a quirky nickname given to postpartum pads that you prepare with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and witch hazel, then freeze until you need…

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10 Heartfelt Mother’s Day Quotes to Share with the Moms in Your Life

Stephanie Alanis — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 21:25:47 +0000

Mother’s Day is a beautiful reminder to slow down and celebrate the women in our lives. Those who love us fiercely, nurture us endlessly, and hold our families together in ways big and small. Whether it’s your own mom, your grandmother, your sister, your best friend, or a fellow mama in the trenches of toddlerhood-mothers deserve to be seen, appreciated, and celebrated. That’s why sharing heartfelt Mother’s Day quotes can be such a simple but meaningful way to show them love. This year, I created 10 shareable Mother’s Day images. These are filled with sweet quotes and sentiments that you can send or post. Or simply share with the incredible women in your life. They’re simple, thoughtful, and perfect for: Why These Little Words Matter Sometimes we don’t have the right words to say. Or we assume the moms in our lives already know how we feel. But a small message or thoughtful image can go a long way in reminding someone they’re doing an amazing job—even when it feels like no one’s watching. Whether you’re celebrating your own mom or honoring your journey through motherhood, these graphics are a small way to say, I see you. I appreciate you. You matter. Looking for Mother-to-Be…

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Self-Care for Tired Moms: Simple Ways to Recharge Daily

Stephanie Alanis — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:50:22 +0000

Let’s be real—motherhood is a beautiful, rewarding journey, but it can also be completely exhausting. Between the sleepless nights, never-ending to-do lists, and constant demands, it’s easy to forget about taking care of you. But here’s the truth: self-care doesn’t have to mean expensive spa days or full afternoons off (though we’d never turn those down!). Sometimes, it’s the little things—the tiny moments of luxury—that help us feel more like ourselves again. Let this self care for tired moms serve as a guide for you to find joy in the simplicity of the small things. This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my full disclosure policy for more details. If you’re a tired mom running on fumes, this post is your gentle reminder to pause and add a few small joys back into your daily routine. These simple self-care ideas are rooted in finding little luxuries that elevate the ordinary and help you feel refreshed, even in the chaos. 1. Slip Into Something Soft: Invest in a Nice Pajama Set and Loungewear There’s something about putting…

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Simple & Sweet Easter Basket Ideas for Babies and Toddlers

Stephanie Alanis — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:41:31 +0000

There’s something so refreshing about Spring and all the newness it brings, including Easter. It’s definitely a fun one to celebrate with little ones—it’s light, playful, and full of pastel cuteness. And let’s be honest, putting together an Easter basket is so much fun, especially when it’s for a baby or toddler. There’s just something magical about watching them discover new textures, colors, and little surprises tucked into a basket just for them. This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my full disclosure policy for more details. If you’re looking for Easter basket ideas that are baby-safe, toddler-approved, and totally adorable, I’ve rounded up my favorite picks below. Whether you’re creating your first-ever basket for baby’s big debut or filling one for a curious toddler who’s all about exploring, I’ve got you covered. Oh—and don’t forget the basket itself! I added a roundup of unique options that are just as cute as what goes inside. Easter Basket Ideas for Babies Scroll & click each image to shop! Think soft, sensory-friendly, and sweet. For babies, I love including a…

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Managing ADHD as a Mom: What Actually Helps Me

Stephanie Alanis — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:35:53 +0000

I wasn’t diagnosed with ADHD until I was 34, and looking back, there are so many things about my life that suddenly made a lot more sense. Then add motherhood to the mix, where someone needs something approximately every 14 seconds. My brain already struggles with distractions, forgotten tasks, and approximately 47 open mental tabs at any given moment. Add kids to the equation, and things can get a little chaotic. As a mom with ADHD, I often feel like a hamster spinning on a wheel made up of endless tasks and responsibilities. Between managing the house, taking care of my kids, working, and trying to remember everything that needs to happen, I constantly feel like I’m playing catch-up. What ADHD Looks Like in My Everyday Life Let me give you a very real example. I go to take out the trash because it’s full. There aren’t any extra trash bags at the bottom of the bin, so I open the cabinet where we keep them. The cabinet is a mess. I can’t find the bags, so obviously I need to take everything out and reorganize the cabinet. Eventually I find the trash bags. Great! Except then I decide I…

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Cherishing Parenthood: The Mess and Magic of Small Moments

Stephanie Alanis — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 18:02:08 +0000

Cherishing Parenthood Becoming a mother marked a profound transformation in my life. It was a journey that demanded time and effort to rediscover myself, and it wasn’t easy. It took years for me to get back to feeling like myself again. The sleepless nights and the challenge of balancing personal aspirations with the responsibilities of motherhood tested my limits. Yet, despite the struggles and the moments of self-doubt, cherishing parenthood has made these years undeniably the most rewarding and fulfilling of my life. The Small Moments The other day, I opened the office door to find this little guy perched on the chair. Such a random act, it took me by surprise. I think because it was carefully and purposefully placed there. Almost as a message- a way to say “hello”. If you’ve ever been around a toddler before, you’ll know that their default setting is usually chaos. This was out of character. As I reflect on this journey, I find myself treasuring the small, seemingly insignificant moments that make parenthood so remarkable. These small moments of hearing my toddler laugh or opening the office door and finding a random dinosaur on the chair are undeniably going to be the…

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