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We’re talking 3’s today. Morgen is expecting baby #3, and Trisha is one of 3, with an older sister and twin sister (who also has three children!) There are 3s all around!  So what’s the big difference going from 2 to 3 kids? How do the dynamics change except for the obvious, being officially outnumbered? We can say that 3, whether having three or having two siblings and being 1 of 3, definitely adds an extra layer of adventure. A.k.a., it’s pretty awesome! Con: Be ready to upgrade your vehicle to one with a third row. Space gets tight quickly with the bulky car seats. Do you have three kids? Are you one of three? Are you thinking of having three? Write in and share! We can be reached at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com.

It’s time for a pat on the back. Morgen and Trisha, more like Trisha, wanted to take the time to acknowledge what we think we do well as parents. Morgen is the ‘but mom,’ lol, no pun intended, who has a hard time admitting what she loves about herself as a parent because she feels she could do it all better. Unless we are the exception from the norm, pretty sure that’s a prerequisite to becoming a mom! Us moms (and dads) don’t take enough time to stop and acknowledge what we do well, regardless of whether it could use improvement. So here we are! Morgen even came around at the end and had two things she thinks she excels at in her mama role! Listen in for what we think they do well at when it comes to parenting (shout out to Phil in this episode as well) with some fun stories and examples. Please share what you love about yourself as a parent to momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com. It will feel so good! 

Wait until you find out the punch line of this riddle. Hint hint, Mom Jeans And Minivans is growing!! Did you catch on or need more time like Trisha did in this episode? 🤣 Not to give too much away, Morgen talks about pregnancy, medical scares, complications, morning sickness, and the joy of surprising your little's with news that they will be a big sister or brother… again. Ok, we gave it away! MORGEN'S HAVING A BABY!!🤭 Charlie is very excited about "Pirates Booty Girl," and her true nurturing side really emerged. Good thing because mom-brain is in full effect, so some sympathy and understanding is needed. You'll have to listen in to Morgen's momfession(s) for a good laugh, at her expense, of course. Sorry mama's, gotta laugh right?! 

You will not want to miss this episode, especially if you have older, athletic kids. We have a very special guest, Andre Collins. Not only is he Morgen’s brother-in-law, but he is a father of 3, played for 10 seasons in the NFL, and has been working for 18 years in the NFL Players Union, helping NFL athletes find purpose after a life of football.  Dre shares what the journey has been like for his son, Chet, a senior in high school, as they navigate getting him noticed and recruited for basketball in college. They transferred from their home in Arlington, VA, to be in Dre’s hometown for Chet’s senior year, where his chances of getting noticed are better.  There is no questioning the sacrifices that are made for our children. Dre and his wife, Erika’s experience with their children and athletics is pretty incredible. Get ready to be inspired and learn a bunch along the way too. Momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com is where we can be found for questions or sharing of any kind. Thanks for checking in, ENJOY!

To us adults, our responsibilities are chores, but to children, particularly our 4-year-olds, they’re fun tasks that empower them and make them feel like they are helpful and independent! In this episode, Morgen and Trisha discuss the responsibilities and chores they encourage the girls to take on. Morgen has Charlie starting to load the dishwasher, putting shoes away when she walks in from outside and dressing herself in the mornings.  Trisha dives into behavioral challenges or shifts she has encountered with Remi since she turned 4, such as “negative” talk, “violent” talk, and her intense interest in genitalia. Join us and share your stories with us at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com.

In this episode, we have our special guest, Kat, a single mom of 3-year-old (or as Charlie would call it, 3 3/4) twins, Aubrey and Evelyn! Let’s just say Kat’s journey to single-mom-hood has been far from easy. Kat dives into the nitty gritty of how that came to be while also expressing that ‘momming’ is her favorite job, the girls are angels, and her ex is, by far, the most challenging part of all of it. Are we safe in assuming there are sadly too many women who have contended with this same struggle?  Kat has had her heart broken twice since the girls were born, so she has taken the past year to work on herself. She is giving her heart space to heal and learn who she is. In focusing on being her most authentic self, she is hoping it betters herself and also attracts the right person.  She’s taking a break from dating apps as they have not yielded the best results and hoping she can find someone the good ol’ fashion way. She has been fortunate enough to have a fantastic family and friends support system and a great community around her. She also apparently has dating options, so it looks like that self-care is paying off. Do you hvae a single mom dating story for us? You can share at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com, and thanks for being the best listeners!  

Got a spouse that robbed the cradle? Haha, kidding, we’re so rude. Seriously though, you’re probably not going to want to miss this one with our special guest, Emily, as we talk about, can you guess? Yup, all things when dealing with an older spouse. There are pros and cons to every relationship, but in this episode, we discuss how an 8-15 year age gap can affect them. We cover social life and how that shifts, families and what that means for having children, how our friends and families took the news, and overall health and staying active is not only essential but can be one of the biggest concerns. We dished on our older spouses; now let’s hear about yours. Side note, we think we need to start a group for us younger spouses! Keeping it real as usual. Thanks for listening in, and reach out anytime at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com!

Morgen and Trisha kick off the start of the third season, dishing about the QT they took for themselves over the break. This was a much-needed mental break for them both, a chance to slow down and focus on themselves without feeling like they had to be “on” at all times. Birthdays are the perfect reason to escape everyday life, and Morgen and Trisha took full advantage this year. Trisha flew to the west coast to a luxurious, remote, all-inclusive resort with her sisters and best friend, while Morgen stayed on the east coast with her friend in the Catskill mountains, enjoying a private chartered boat ride and wineries.  Trisha’s ‘girl code rule’ on trips is a must for self-care getaways! Listen in for the details and start planning because if you’re anything like Morgen and Trisha, you will not regret it.

As the girls get a little pickier and more opinionated about what they are eating and Auggie remains Auggie, Morgen and Trisha are starting to focus on the language they are using around food, such as "are you full?" instead of "finish your dinner!". The veggie struggle is real in Morgen's house, and she is learning to focus on the benefits of rainbow foods, while Trisha has a fun rainbow food-spiration that may get Charlie to try a few new things. In this episode, Trisha was on a roll with creative ideas that Morgen can't wait to try out.  Teaching healthy eating is not always easy (and the ladies are guilty of sneaking treats in the front seat while driving and asking the girls how the apple is tasting in the backseat). How can we as parents incorporate veggies without the kids knowing or presenting it in a way that makes it appealing?  Morgen and Trisha offer some recipes they're going to try and ways to make eating fun for the kiddos! As always, Mom Jeans and Minivans would love to hear your advice on food!!! Reach out and share at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com . We will be back after the summer, so until next time! Links: Junkless https://www.walmart.com/ip/JUNKLESS-Non-GMO-Delicious-Chewy-100-REAL-Strawberries-Granola-Bars-8-Ct-1-1-oz/865431771?athcpid=865431771&athpgid=AthenaItempage&athcgid=null&athznid=si&athieid=v0&athstid=CS004&athguid=3eaOHKOaiHLtKjnroZkJ04InSTnS80gz099a&athancid=null&athena=true Bobo's https://eatbobos.com/collections/oat-bites/products/peanut-butter-jelly-oat-bites-30-ct

Morgen and Trisha are pretty minimal when it comes to makeup. Morgen does a light daily routine, and Trisha often doesn't wear any. Every once in a while, they want a little 'sprucing' or 'enhancing', as Trisha explains it to Remi. The bottom line is it needs to be quick, easy, and look good. In this episode, Morgen and Trisha dish about their favorite products and why. It looks like a selfie might need to be in order with and without makeup to see how well they 'enhance' their looks 😉!   LINKS: Sephora beauty amplifier https://www.sephora.com/product/beauty-amplifier-ultra-smoothing-primer-P412147   Il makiage https://www.ilmakiage.com/shop   Essence lash - waterproof  https://www.ulta.com/p/lash-princess-false-lash-effect-waterproof-mascara-pimprod2007391   Lilah b lip and cheek https://www.revolve.com/mobile/lilah-b-divine-duo-lip-cheek-in-b-real/dp/LILB-WU3/?d=F¤cy=USD&countrycode=US&gbraid=0AAAAAD9qhJit3ROcx3Jwibza9RNs3-bBN&gbraid=0AAAAAD9qhJit3ROcx3Jwibza9RNs3-bBN&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2MPm9rSc-AIVla7ICh1ybgm4EAQYDyABEgIj7vD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&product=LILB-WU3&size=all   Shadow sticks https://www.buymebeauty.com/eyes/eye-shadow/nyx-infinite-shadow-stick/?sku=690004-07&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI47T-iLac-AIVD7rICh3nrgbZEAQYASABEgIStPD_BwE   Rodan Fields Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid Radiant Defense Perfecting Liquid SPF 30 | Rodan + Fields®   Rodan Fields Brow Defining Boost Brow Defining Boost Tinted Eyebrow Gel | Rodan + Fields®   IT Brow Power Brow Pencil: IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil | Ulta Beauty   Benefit Roller Eyeliner:  Benefit Cosmetics Roller Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner | Ulta Beauty   Too Faced Eye Shadow: https://www.ulta.com/p/born-this-way-natural-nudes-eye-shadow-palette-pimprod2013727   Elizabeth Arden 8 hour Nude Lip Cream: https://www.elizabetharden.com/skincare/lip-care/eight-hour-cream-lip-protectant-stick-sunscreen-spf-15-A0129785.html?country=US¤cy=USD&gclid=Cj0KCQjwnNyUBhCZARIsAI9AYlHbKhNueua5eReXS-QwSuUw8OkGaIhHVcBzS19uZfq4Ec8j2dUkF80aApFWEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Mom Jeans and Minivans has reached its 100th episode (sound the trumpets). Seriously mom tribe, how did we get here?! Morgen and Trisha go down memory lane and discuss where they were 100 episodes ago compared to now. They felt like chill mom's from day one of parenting, but listening back, they realized they researched more than they realized and weren't half as casual as they thought. In going down memory lane, they counted down the top episodes. Can you guess what episodes landed in the top 3 spots?  Morgen and Trisha reminisce on sleep training and what it was like for them, with Charlie & Remi being their firsts compared to now with Auggie. Let's be honest, how could sleep not be a topic? Us mama's need the children to sleep more than they do. We talk name changes, discipline, wails & screams, potty training, and how sometimes you do what you have to, to survive, like bundling Remi in winter gear to stay warm and sleep at night. It's all in there.  This is a fun one for sure. Grab some wine, and laugh along with Morgen & Trisha to see what has changed since you first started to listen to MJAMV. We enjoyed a few listener emails as well, so please continue to email us at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com . 

Life goes by so quickly, especially life with kids! Morgen and Trisha discuss some daily parenting reminders they try to be mindful of as they navigate toddlerhood. Charlie and Remi can seem wise beyond their three years, and Morgen and Trisha can forget how young they are. They try to remain open and understand how Charlie and Remi feel and aid the girls in expressing their emotions. Staying calm when the girls have BIG feelings tests both Morgen and Trisha. Setting limits as parents has allowed them to respect their own needs. They try their best to model what calming their own body looks like. How to respectfully stick up for themselves is easier said than done with the toddlers testing their boundaries. Listen in for some of Morgen’s ideas about the peace corner and how useful a pinwheel can be. Trisha has a list of daily reminders she looks over before starting her day.  All we can expect of ourselves is what we expect of our children: to show up every day and learn right along with them. Be kind to yourself! Do you have parenting reminders or things you try to always be mindful of? Please share with us at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com. Morgen and Trisha would love to hear from you!

Covid strikes Morgen & Trisha’s households! What an unpredictable virus Covid is. It doesn’t matter how calloused your nose is from the excessive mask-wearing or the shriveled-up skin from the constant hand washing. It still can get you. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to who and when people get it. Morgen had colds that hit her harder than Covid, while Trisha couldn’t get out of bed for two days. Regardless of their symptoms, having the kids while sick was the worse part for both Morgen & Trisha. Meanwhile, Charlie, Auggie, and Remi still have not gotten it (and hopefully don’t) despite all the positive cases at school and having it at home.  Remi has been out of school for 2 1/2 months this year alone because of mandated quarantines. At this point, Trisha is just over quarantines since kids and people are getting Covid with and without quarantines, so she questions how effective these quarantines are.  Is anyone else ready for Covid to be over!?! Morgen is pushing for a mask-burning party. Let’s do it! Also, you’re not going to want to miss these momfessions. Please do share your best momfession, with us at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com

1st birthdays are always a big deal for parents, and just recently, we celebrated Auggie’s! Side note, wasn’t he just born? How is he one already? What does going all-out for your child’s 1st birthday mean to you? Morgen shares what her all-out rock concert-themed party was like. Don’t forget your backstage access pass when you walk in—just saying.  Morgen and Trisha also discuss the differences between 1st birthdays with Covid and without Covid and between 1st born and 2nd born. The primary difference being the calmer mood, yes please to that! There is always the gift aspect to birthdays. Trisha talks about the fantastic and unusual gifts SHE received for Remi’s birthday. Yes, you read correctly. Trisha received gifts for Remi’s 1st birthday. They were a ‘congrats on making it to 1 year. You deserve to take time for yourself since your whole first year has been invested in your child. Think gift certificate and babysitting so Trisha could get her hair cut and a bottle of wine) !  Share all your birthday stories with us, from the extravagant details to the surprises you loved and didn’t love, at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com

It's time to send your baby off to school, pre-school. But what school is right for you? The task is nearly as daunting as buying the right house. Trisha is frustrated with Remi's current school from the lack of communication, days off from Covid, and the sweet treats handed out at the door. Trisha is now on the hunt and struggles to find a school that checks all the boxes. Is that even possible? One school seems perfect, but it is only open for 2 hours! That won't work for two parents that work full time. Another school prioritizes activities and outdoor times with a rock wall and yoga classes but seems too militant as a whole. So the search continues for the right school for Remi, and it has Trisha stressed. Not to mention the cost of it all. Morgen is grateful she could bypass the anxiety of it all. She lends a listening ear and offers a few suggestions of her own in the quest for Remi's new school.  Share your pre-school struggles, the things you love about yours, or just write in for any ol' reason at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com .

Morgen and Trisha didn't think twice about treating Charlie and Remi's hair the same way as their own. Until recently, they have been using similar products and brushes/combs on the girls for three years. Charlie and Remi's hair had grown longer and had become harder to manage. Morgen and Trisha decided it was time to switch things up. Morgen realized she wasn't getting Charlie's knots when her sister-in-law spent two hours on Charlie's hair, and it was transformed. Trisha realized she had been battling a rat's nest behind Remi's head for far too long. That's when the ladies of the show had an "ah-ha" moment and decided it was time to start educating themselves on the types of hair the girls have. They're introducing the girls to new ways of styling and making sure they love their hair as much as their mama's do. Product info is in the 'links' section below. You'll want to listen to the end because this episode's momfession theme is about bathroom disasters. Please do share your hair stories with us at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com   Links:   Pipette Leave-In Hair Detangler: https://www.amazon.com/Pipette-Nourishing-Conditioner-Moisture-Plant-Derived/dp/B09G2CS91G?th=1&psc=1   Crave Naturals Glide Thru Detangling Brush: https://www.amazon.com/Detangling-Brush-Detangler-Tangle-Adults/dp/B00CGN9LQ8?maas=maas_adg_62215DB7408ED2C086AD8C45AE70F697_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&keyword=crave%20naturals%20detangling%20brush&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-eyM5_-59gIVB_nICh2wQgszEAAYASAAEgLipvD_BwE   Wet Brush: https://www.amazon.com/Wet-Brush-Pro-Flex-Paddle/dp/B086LB694Z/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?adgrpid=86012794021&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsbr9hIC69gIVAuiGCh2wTgioEAAYAiAAEgJfMPD_BwE&hvadid=411136500397&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=1022450&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=2665942792271249810&hvtargid=kwd-325841671186&hydadcr=11120_9893854&keywords=wet+brush+pro+flex+dry&qid=1646862303&sr=8-6   Shea moisture: https://www.amazon.com/SheaMoisture-Detangler-Moisture-Hibiscus-Conditioner/dp/B08PQWWXHS/ref=asc_df_B08PQWWXHS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=475978561325&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11204418735691858830&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1022450&hvtargid=pla-1187067121408&psc=1   Brush for Curly Hair: Denman Denman Classic Cepillos Denman Classic Cepillos Denman Classic Cepillos   Hair Love: https://www.amazon.com/Hair-Love-Matthew-Cherry/dp/0525553363/ref=asc_df_0525553363/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=343252337225&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3350485327933616946&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007300&hvtargid=pla-751409076857&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=66484626942&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=343252337225&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3350485327933616946&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007300&hvtargid=pla-751409076857   My Hair Is Magic:  https://www.amazon.com/s?k=my+hair+is+magic+book&gclid=Cj0KCQiA95aRBhCsARIsAC2xvfxqLgur_Y1dIfUdTiXDNob-SQui4bRoBpOHQN4w6mZT_ddemEYBy0waAlchEALw_wcB&hvadid=474694673229&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9007300&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15767220636587368219&hvtargid=kwd-988761210937&hydadcr=7472_9612063&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_1duzbm3shq_e   Curl Custard: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MH9T98G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1   Super Curl Conditioner: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MH9U7Q4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1   DevaCurl Products: https://www.devacurl.com/us/products          

In this week’s episode, Morgen & Trisha talk not only about teenagers but also navigating this already tricky stage while also being a step-parent. Jack is a month away from being 18, and soon, he’ll be an adult going off to college 10 hours away from home. Being a child of divorce means his time is split evenly between both households, so all parties already feel like time with him is limited. Now knowing he will be off on his own soon, Trisha fears that she hasn’t cultivated a strong enough connection to maintain the level of what their relationship is now through the distance. Essentially, she and Jacen wish they could turn back time to get more of it with Jack. What parent doesn’t feel that way with teenagers, though?! Morgen and Trisha talk about fears, mood swings, teenagers and toddlers, and everything in between. Does anyone from the parenting tribe want to chime in on their teenager experiences?! Please do share with us at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com, and thanks for listening in!

This episode focuses on our newest addition to Mom Jeans and Minivans, Auggie! Well, he’s not that new, he’s 10 months old already… where does the time go?!  Where Auggie used to be called “Mr. Chill”, he’s becoming a little too intense to maintain that name. He is strong.. and persistent. Couple those things together and Mr. Chill isn’t chillin’ too much anymore. He’s scaling furniture, climbing stairs, trying to do anything Charlie is doing, is 23lbs and has 4 teeth. We’ve got a picky eater on our hands and one who’s never been much of a great sleeper. He’s a happy little guy though and finds moments to be a gentle, snuggly teddy bear and that’s what is really important.  He’s a dare devil, loves things that make sounds like the door stop, throwing anything he can get his hands on and playing chase around the house. Morgen and Trisha tried their best to keep the focus on Auggie but it somehow always goes back to Charlie & Remi. Sorry little guy, we have a feeling the girl’s might always try to steal the spotlight.  Enjoy getting the scoop on Auggie and if you’ve got anything to share please reach us at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com .

Noooo! Charlie and Remi are transitioning out of their naps! It took Trisha and Jacen about 2-3 weeks to figure out a new schedule for Remi that had her napping later in the day and for shorter lengths. It has been key to a balanced day and night sleep, resulting in a happier toddler. Morgen’s struggle is when she misses the sleep window. Any parent who misses the precious window, whether food or sleep, knows that it is a window you never want to miss again.  Listen in as Morgen and Trisha discuss the difference between nightmares and night terrors, the wrath of a sleepy toddler, and the struggle they are dealing with in their new sleep schedules. This episode came with a beverage du jour for Morgen & Trisha, and we hope you’ll have one with us and share your toddler stories at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com !

Do any other parents out there struggle to balance parenting, childcare, occupations, and just life in general?!? Two hands are raised over here! This episode focuses on the childcare aspect of parenting and life. Both Morgen and Phil work, add Covid to the mix, and finding childcare for Auggie has posed a real challenge. Morgen speaks about the four different providers she’s had to use in just three months, the avenues she went down to find them, the high price point of childcare, mixed in with someone that meets her criteria. It’s stressful, to say the least! Please share your experiences, especially any listeners outside of the United States. Morgen and Trisha are always intrigued to hear how things differ internationally. We can be reached at momjeansandminivans@yahoo.com Happy child-rearing!