Mama update

When Addi was Isaac's age I was about to run a marathon.  I was running four times a week, for hours.  I was in shape, felt strong and had time to be alone and work on something that was just me. Not related to being a mom or compared to anyone else.  And it was so good for me.  I am having a hard time not comparing that phase of life to this one.  I've been doing so much better with working out regularly, doing workout videos at least four times a week, usually five.  I feel like I'm slowly getting stronger, but I can't compare it to the shape I was in when I ran a marathon.  I miss that phase of life and having that huge goal that I was working for.  
I'm feeling ready to be done nursing Isaac, but feel like we're not even close to weaning.  He nurses a few times a day, and at least once during the night, often more and has zero interest in milk.  I nursed Addi till 22 months and it worked for us, but just feel ready to be done and am hoping to do it by summer.  Part of me feels sad about that phase being over, but I am more than ready to have a little more freedom, be done with nursing bras and clothes and to hopefully sleep more at night.  I got pregnant two months after Addilyn was done nursing so I have been pregnant or nursing for over four years.  
I am 99% sure we do not want more kids.  Chris wants to get a vasectomy and I am just about there, but the idea of it being so final is conflicting to me.  It seems weird to pay for a procedure to not get pregnant, when we worked so hard to get pregnant.  But the idea of a third kid makes me want to panic.  I want the newborn stage again and the excitement that comes with a new baby, but I also can not imagine being pregnant again or actually parenting a third child! 
I am in a spiritual rut and need to work on it.  I have to figure out how to carve out time in my day to read the Bible and pray and work on my relationship with God.  I miss having a community with adults to talk about what God is teaching us and share what we're struggling with. If it weren't for texting one or two friends with how I'm doing I would feel like I just about completely lacking adult conversations on any kind of deep level and I miss that.  
I want to go back to making a few goals to work on for the week that are about me and not being a mom.  Working out goals, doing something nice for a friend, reading a few chapters of a book, etc.  I think that will make me feel happy and who doesn't feel accomplished checking things off a list? 
Most of these things make me feel like I'm in limbo, which isn't a place I love being.  I know all of this is a season - getting back in shape after kids, having deep community with little kids, readjusting my schedule and priorities for things that are important.   So I'm just working on giving myself grace in those areas, but stretching myself to work on them and then knowing when to be content with where I am.  

When daddy is away . . . .

Chris was out of town for a work trip last weekend and left early Thursday morning and didn't get home until pretty late Sunday.  I never like when he travels, but especially on a weekend because we jump right into another week with no family time (and let's be honest no break for me!). Thankfully the weather was so nice this weekend and we survived just fine, thanks to . . . . 

 Isaac's first trip for frozen yogurt

donuts on Saturday morning

and lots of coffee for me.

sleepy snuggles from this nap refuser

 a walk in the forest preserve

and a whole lot of time outside!

a stop at Grandma and Grandpas to see the horses and donkey

a trip to a new park, 

 and quite a bit of smiles from these two babes! 

Now just in case you think I think solo parenting is a piece of cake and all smiles, I'll let you know we went through McDonald's multiple times, I didn't cook one official meal and I slept about 4-5 hours most of the nights thanks to that cute little boy up there.  But I am proud of myself for keeping both kids, our dog, chickens and baby chicks alive and our house all in one mostly clean piece with very little tears from all of us.  So I'm calling it a major win and thankful Chris doesn't travel any more than he does! Major kudos to moms and dads that have to parent on their own all the time!

What I wish I could wear

 one // two

I love the red dress and think it is so cute, but would be afraid I'd look like a picnic blanket.  I am not a big fan of the cold shoulder trend and don't own any,  but I love this dress, and think it's be cute and would be a perfect summery dress.

 one // two

I have one off the shoulder top and it always rides up when I move my arms, which is annoying. I think they are super cute but don't seem all that practical to wear with little kids around.  This one is so cute though!  And I am positive I will never wear a crop top, but if it was a little longer I'd want the second outfit.  I don't know if I could pull it off, but I think it's so cute.

one // two
I finally found a pair of overalls! I love them, but have yet to wear them because I'm nervous I look like I'm trying to dress like my three year old daughter.  I think this pair is really cute and only $15. This dress is probably the only thing of these I wouldn't be a little nervous to order and wear.  Pockets on a comfy maxi dress?  Yes, please! 
The nice thing is that all of these things are under $20, so may be worth the risk to try them! 

First Haircuts

Last weekend both kids got their first haircuts!  I've cut Isaac's a few times but it was getting a little out of control and I have no idea what I'm doing so it was passed time to take him in.  Addi's hair was getting kind of straggly at the ends and she definitely could've used a trim!  

We went to this cute little salon that had a whole kids' section.  Isaac was not a fan of sitting in the little car, which I wasn't surprised.  He did pretty well on my lap, thanks to a sucker and watching videos on my phone.  I was nervous she wouldn't be able to do much but thankfully he did great!

You could tell Addi was a little nervous and had this cute nervous smile on most of the time.  Hers was really quick and she did great too!  I kind of miss Isaac's long hair, and think he's looks so much older with it cut!  But think he sure is adorable with his new do!  

Addi says what

The first time I put her in these overalls she started crying, dramatically tried to bend over and wouldn't let her hands touch the floor telling me she "can't move in these overwears and needs them off." 
She was trying to read a book to me and said "This book is quite difficult for me.  Can you read it?"
"I'm tired like a bear who didn't hibernate in the winter."
While looking at Isaac intently I asked what she was doing and she said, "I'm falling in love with him." 
"You can be excused in so many ways.  Excuse me I'm in your way . . . . Excuse me I tooted . . . "
Addi almost fell and started crying and I asked her if she was hurt.  "No it scared me.  And made my arm itch.  I'm allergic to falling." 
"That chicken is up early.  Maybe it's a rooster but his throat hurts so he can't cock a doodle do."
"You probably should've only had one kid. That way you wouldn't be as tired."
While laying down all sprawled out, "I'm like so relaxing in the sun." 

Insta husband he is not

top: c/o shein    pants: old navy   shoes: steve madden (goodwill) 
I wanted to actually take a picture outside because the weather was so nice.  Plus I even busted out my iron for this shirt, and showered and blow dried my hair.  It only made sense to take a non selfie, real picture.  Unfortunately as soon as I was ready there was a guy outside delivering mulch and I was too embarrassed to bring out my tripod and take pictures, so I made Chris take a few really quick. Well they all stunk.  Were really far away, not clear and I didn't like one of them.  So mirror selfie it is.  Insta husband he is not.  
(This top is only $10 and I love it.  It's kind of hard to tell but it's light blue with white stripes. It comes in yellow too and now I want that one!  Perfect Spring and summer top!) 
Hope you have a great start to your week!

5 Things I'm Loving

Anything Striped.  I just got this top from Old Navy for $8 and I love it.  I have more than my share of striped tops, but none that are red and white striped, so clearly necessary, right?

Old Navy Compression Leggings.   Also from Old Navy, I just got these leggings (40% so they were $18) and I love them.  They go almost up to my ribs and are a little tight pulling them on compared to my other workout leggings, but they stay in place, are soft and thick and so comfortable. They had a floral pair too and now I want it. 

Big Little Lies. My Crazy Ex Girlfriend.  We've needed some new shows to watch and just finished watching Big Little Lies.  It was SO good and I'm sad they aren't ore episodes.  I started watching My Crazy Ex Girlfriend on netflix and it is so funny! 

Bath and Body works candles.  I used up all my Winter candles and just got some new Spring scents and love them.  If we're going to be stuck inside because it's cold and rainy, a good smelling candle makes it a little better!

Farkle.  Chris and I are trying to not just sit and watch tv after the kids are in bed, so we started playing the game Farkle.  It's super easy and all you need is six dice.  It's really fun and so far the running total is Katie: 6, Chris: 1.

Tell me something you're loving these days! 

Mama Addi Date

Last week I took Addi on a mama daughter date and it was so fun.  I wish it was something we did more often and I really want to make it a point to fit it in more.  I spend so much time with her during the week that when I get a chance when Chris is home and I can go out, honestly I usually pick to go alone.  But I know how important it is to spend one on one time with her and it's so different when we do something just the two of us, then when we are home with Isaac too.  

One of my best friends and her son met us at chick-fil-a for dinner and ice cream and then we went to one of those paint your own pottery studios.  I've always wanted to go and Addi loves doing painting and projects, I knew she'd love it.  

Her little tongue was out the whole time.  She was so focused.  It was adorable. 

Thankfully she let me help her a little at the end, because the nose and eyes were hard to do! But the rest she did on her own and she did so well.  I was impressed! 

I used to think that babies would be my favorite stage and am slowly learning that is not true! The older she gets the more fun it is to do things with her, listen to her tell stories and say hilarious things, and spent time with her.   I look forward to lots more mama daughter date nights!

 

The Vales get baby chicks.

Last week we got baby chicks and it's been so fun.  We got five baby chicks from a farm about a half hour away.  Sadly one of them died the night we got them, and I may have cried.  Thankfully the other four are healthy and already so much bigger than when we got them.  

Addi couldn't be more excited about them and would spend so much time just sitting and talking to them in their crate.  Isaac loves going out to see them too, but obviously not as patient to sit there like Addi.  They're currently in a rubbermaid container in our garage, but Chris built them a little cage they'll get moved to soon because they'll be able to fly out of the container.  Next week they'll probably get moved to our chicken coop, but stay in their little cage until they're bigger.  

So far Addi has named them "Aaliyah, America, Beer Man and Ellie."  Beer Man is most definitely our favorite.  I'm excited for warmer weather and the kids and I to start taking care of the chickens during the day and being outside way more!  

Sometimes I still can't believe we get to live in a place with so much yard and chickens.  We love it!