Favorite outfit, favorite weather

striped tee: c/o shein   vest: c/o shein   jeans: old navy  boots: target  bracelet: nickel and suede

This outfit is one of my favorites so far this Fall.  But let's be honest, the competition isn't too high as I keep not getting dressed in actually outfits 80% of the time.  

I am probably five striped shirts over from owning too many striped tops, yet I love this top that I just got.  It's long enough for leggings, can be tied in a knot with jeans, or can be tucked in.  Plus it's under $12.  

I got this hooded vest last year and it's still one of my favorite Fall/Winter clothing I own. I wore it throughout my pregnancy, but love that I can zip it this year! 

I don't wear much jewelry anymore, but this cuff from Nickel and Suede is one that I actually wear. And often.  I debated buying it because it was more expensive than most accessories I'd buy, but they were having a good sale and as much as I wear it and love it, I'd pay full price for it.  

Fall weather please stick around!

DIY Letter board for under $15

I'm sure you've all see those adorable felt letter boards where you can write out fun sayings.  I want one but the cheapest I've found was $40 and just couldn't justify spending it on that. I saw this wooden board at Hobby Lobby and thought I could make something similar.  I spent less than $15 and love how it turned out! 

Wooden board: $12 (50% off) 

Chipboard letters: $1.50 each (50% and I bought two packs)

Tear tape: I already had but was $3 with a coupon. I'm sure you could use other kinds of tape too!

Spray paint: I had already :) 

I just laid out the letters I needed and spray painted them.  I figure I'll just spray paint whatever I need, although probably easier to just do it all at once!  The tape is super narrow and rips right off. I'm not sure how long they'll stay sticky if I change them out, but figure for $1.50 I can just buy new ones when I need more letters.  I put a little piece on the back of each letter and stuck them on.

 

I love how it looks on my shelf and can't wait to put different sayings on it throughout the year! 

If we had coffee

I'd tell you that Addilyn went to the dentist to get two cavities filled.  I was too nervous to take her, so Chris did and it went horribly.  Turns out she has four cavities and they couldn't fill them because she couldn't handle it.  Which makes sense since she's three, and it was just too much.  We still have to go back next week to get temporary fillings.  But I'm dreading it.  And feeling guilty that we could have prevented it if we didn't let her have as much sugar and brushed more.  See ya later fruit snacks.

I'd tell you that I miss working out, yet I don't know how to fit it in.  Thankfully the weather has been nice enough we walk most days, but I know that won't last long.  I want to feel strong and more in shape and need to find a way to make it work at least a few times a week.

I'd talk about how Addilyn is in an extreme clingy, dependent stage.  Which is crazy because she is incredible clingy and dependent as in, but has taken it up a notch.  I'm not sure if it's because of preschool (which I was hoping for the opposite effect), or just a stage but it's so hard.  She cries when I leave her with anyone, including Chris.  She doesn't even go in the bathroom alone, and bedtime includes one thousand mamas.

I'd tell you that I miss teaching.  I don't know if it's because we've had a few rougher weeks here lately, or because I've been feeling lonely and lacking adult conversation but I miss working. I can't imagine leaving my kids and am so happy that I get to stay home with them, but I miss having a purpose other than motherhood.

I'd tell you how thankful I feel for our house and how much I love it.  I still can't believe that we moved when a few months ago we weren't even looking for a house.  I'd tell you all the time I spend looking on pinterest and instagram for decorating ideas and how I wish I could be a personal shopper and decorating for people's house.

I'd tell you about the $35 I spent on Addilyn's school pictures and I can't wait to get them back. I was there when they took them and let me tell you, they will be real winners.

I'd tell you I'm ready for the weekend and am hoping for a little alone time or time with Chris without the kids.  I also can not wait for Sunday and Monday and dressing the kids in their costumes and eating all of their candy.

Our weekend

This weekend the weather was perfect.  Sunny, cool and the best fall weather.  Chris was out of town, which I hate when he is gone but we still managed to have a good weekend.  I feel so so thankful that we have all of our family close by that hang out with us.  I don't know what I'd do without them.

Saturday we went to my nephew's soccer game.  He is so cute and even though I spend way more time distracting Isaac and watching Addi with my nieces, than actually watching him play, I love going and am so glad we can do those things.

 he is clearly very loved :) 

Saturday evening we went to a friends yearly fall party.  Definitely missed Chris for many reasons, but going to a party by yourself with a clingy, fussy baby and a indecisive busy toddler is exhausting. But I'm glad we went, even if I had to drink my glass of wine in five minutes because I didn't have any free hands.

We went on a walk both days and I just love this weather.  Cool enough for baby hats but not to be worried about being crazy bundled up.  By this age I think I rarely wore Addilyn.  Most days I have Isaac in the Ergo at least once, and I don't know what I'd do without it!

And this morning we made muffins and stayed home.  I think I say this everytime, but I can't imagine doing this parenting thing alone.  Without our families so close and especially without Chris. I'm so thankful he doesn't travel often and always feel proud of myself for surviving and keeping our kids and house together.  Now if only this little sleeping baby here would let me get some solid sleep, I'd be ready for another week! 

Pumpkin Patch

We went to the pumpkin patch last weekend and it was so much fun.  It's become one of my favorite traditions and I look forward to it every year.  We don't stay there long, but enough to take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, pick one out, come back for donuts and then back home.  This year we had my whole family over for dinner after and I loved it.  It's so nice having space to entertain, and I loved having them all over.  I do not take for granted that our family all lives so close by and am so thankful my kids get to grow up with their cousins and we get to do things like the together!

 the best part 

Crazy to think a year ago we had just found out we would be having a baby boy and now here he is, almost 8 months old! 

Addi says what

"When it's really cold outside you have to watch the iPad for a very long time." 
Me: Addi listen to me right now. Addi: Okay, mother. (In a super rude tone) Me: Don't call me mother. Addi: Well you are my mother Me: Yes, but the tone of voice is rude.  Addi: Okay. Mom. (In the same super rude tone)
After preschool - "Some of us were good listeners.  Some of us were not.  I was not."
To Chris' missing tooth - "But you'll find it.  It's probably in the woods. Then you'll use tape and it'll never fall out every again."
Me: I love you Addi.  Addi: I love you too sweetie.
Addi: Are you so happy you have two kids?  Me: I'm so happy and thankful I have two kids.  Addi: Thank you God and Jesus for our family.  We love you God and Jesus. 
She heard song lyrics that said something about life being hard and said, "My life is hard."  Chris: What makes your life hard? Addi: Like when I can't have dessert all the time. 
"I'm pushing really hard so all my poop comes out so I have to never poop ever again. 
Looking for Chris: "Daddy? Daddy?  Where is that guy?" 
At preschool on school picture day she had the most serious, pathetic look on her face, slouched over on the little stool they had her sitting on.  The photographer was trying to get her to smile and asked if she had any kitties at home.  "Nope.  We had a cat but she peed on everything so she died." 

Getting your kids to write thank you notes

thank you notes: c/o Basic Invite

Growing up my mom was always really good at teaching us to write thank you notes whenever we got gifts for birthdays or holidays.  I remember sitting down and writing out thank notes to my grandparents and aunts and uncles, thanking them for presents, drawing them pictures and sending them in the mail.  I want to teach my kids the same things, and want them to be grateful when friends and family give them things.  

This season with young kids feels really hard to get things accomplished.  Sitting with Addilyn is hard because I am busy with Isaac or keeping up with house things, or trying to get a toddler to sit still for five minutes and do what I ask. But you do the best you can and I'm working on these things to help me make sure we get them done! 

Keep it simple.  Addilyn clearly can't write thank you notes but can tell me what to write and can "draw" on the card, which keeps her involved and is good practice.  So a few sentences from me and some scribbles from Addi and we're done! 

Do it right away.  This is one I need to take advice, as if I don't it probably won't happen.  The same goes for actually getting it in the mailbox.  I will have things sitting on our counter forever just waiting to be put in the mailbox.  I finally compiled all my address into google docs, which helps with getting them addressed faster.  Now to just get them stamped and in the mail! 

Buy cute cards.  We are all more motivated when things are cuter, right?  Work out clothes, planners, anything that is more appealing looking makes it more appealing to actually do, right? When I was contacted by Basic Invite to collaborate on a post, I immediately thought of picking thank you notes to help me be more motivated to write them.  Basic Invite is one of the few websites that allows you to choose from unlimited colors with instant previews to help you pick.  Once you select a design you can change the color of each element on the card.  Not just on thank you notes, but baby shower invites, birth announcements, wedding invites, or whatever other card you choose.  This way you can customize every detail.  Plus you can order a sample of whatever you create so you know you'll love it before you order a ton of them! The envelopes can also be customized, and come with a peel and stick on the fold so you don't have to lick them!  There were so many options to choose from and I love that you could upload your own picture.  The quality of the cards were great.  The picture was bright and clear and I love how they turned out.

 Better late than never.  And if you don't do it right away, it's still worth it.  I figure people would much rather get a thank you note a month late than not get one at all, right?

Thank you Basic Invite for our cute cards! I loved learning about your company and am excited to order from you again.  I can't even believe we'll be planning for a first birthday party soon!

Seven Months

Dear Isaac - 

You are seven months old!! You are still the happiest guy.  It is easy to make you smile just about all the time. Things that make you smile the most: peek - a -boo, daddy throwing you on the bed, Addilyn jumping and running around you.  You get so excited when you see Addi in the morning or when we get her up from her nap.  You love when daddy comes home and cry if he doesn't come pick you up right away.  Pops has been using a scooter for his knee and you love the basket on it. You want to sit in it whenever you see it and are so happy standing in it, ringing the bell on it.  You love the music on little toys and lay on your stomach bobbing your head back and forth so hard and fast. It is quite funny.  You love looking out the window.  You're so happy when we hold you and you "stand" by the window.  You'd easily do that for 20 minutes.  You love being outside.  When I stand by the door with you, you lunge yourself forward and want to get out! 

You aren't super vocal, but have started making the mama sound and I love it.  I can't wait till you say it for just me!  Your laugh is just the cutest and one of my favorite sounds.  You are snuggling and so sweet.  You've been giving me some open mouth slobbery kisses and I love it.  

You still don't love the car seat.  Nothing like how it was a few months ago, but you cry whenever we put you in it and are often fussy in the car.  You don't love getting your diaper or clothes changed. You started having a little stranger anxiety and cry sometimes if someone else takes you and I walk away.  But if you don't see me you are totally fine!  

You started sitting up on your own and are happy playing with toys around you.  You still fall over here and there, but are getting much stronger.  You are scooting around and are so close to crawling. 

Your sleep is not good at all and I am so tired!  Some nights nothing I do can get to back to sleep so I've let you cry, and then you'll have some decent nights with two wake ups and you go back down easy after I nurse you, but that's the best it gets!  Other nights I'll nurse you, hold you awhile, have daddy go in and you still end up crying when we put you down. I've tried not going in and letting you cry but it doesn't seem to work for very long, and you're up many times again after a few days.  You put yourself to sleep for naps with little or no crying but rarely sleep longer than 30 minutes.  If Addi is napping, I'll nurse you and hold you for a while to make your nap longer.  I can't wait for you to sleep more and hope it is coming some day in the near future.  I am tired! It's a good thing you are such a happy baby!

You are eating solids and usually eat two times a day.  I've started giving you food we're eating here and there, along with pureed food and there hasn't been anything you haven't liked.  You love bananas, avocados, peaches, pears, carrots and sweet potatoes.  It's so much nicer having you sit at the table with us for meals!

This month we moved into our new house.  We love it!  We have so much space, inside and outside and it's been so fun playing and living here.  We've gone on so many walks on our street, or following Addi around on her bike.  You are going to love it even more once you're walking around and playing outside!

Isaac Jordan - you are just the happiest, cutest boy and I am so thankful you are mine.  I can't believe how fast time is going and feel like you're first birthday will be here before we know it.  I'd love if you slept a little more and you're making my eye bags continue to grow.  But you are so worth it and I couldn't love you more.

Love,

your mama