Eat Cake

 

tee: old navy   skirt: target   sandals: loft   necklace: kohls

The last few days have been a little rough in the Vale household.  Addilyn got her first cold which has turned into some very restless nights and fussy days. I'm hoping it is the cold and not just a new stage.  Combine that with some stress from Chris' work and continuing new mom hormones, and I have had an emotional few days.  

In the past one of the things that has helped me relieve some stress was working out.  I would feel so much better going for a run or doing a kick boxing video.  Now that seems like an option way down on the list of things that would help relieve some stress.  Taking a nap or calling my sister definitely beat it out.  

Unfortunately the thing that I tend to choose lately is to eat whatever dessert we have in the house.  Which today is this banana cake.  You see I can't take a nap with a crying baby, or have a good conversation on the phone.  I definitely can't work out with a crying baby.  But eating a cake right out of the pan.  That I've managed to do.  And yes.  It does help a little bit.

Motherhood has made me dramatic

shorts and tee: old navy   sandals:asos 

First thing.  I realize this outfit isn't all to exciting.  But it's exciting to me because I wore something other than work out shorts for at least four hours today.  Plus I got these shorts for under $5.  Double win. 

Now that that's out of the way . . . 

I have never considered myself to be a dramatic person.  Chris on the only other hand is dramatic.  I've written about it before but he'll often make statements that something is the best thing he's ever tasted, or the funniest thing he's ever seen or the sickest he's ever been. 
I do think that motherhood has made me a little dramatic.  I find myself making quite exaggerated statements but really believing them.  For example . . . 
While I was going through labor I honestly thought I will never go through labor again.  I want more kids but will figure out another way to get them here. 
After I had her I can't even express how gross and uncomfortable and in pain I felt.  I truly honestly thought that I will never walk again.  And the thought of going to the bathroom, seriously made me cry.  (I was tempted to write a post about post baby recovery but don't think my blog is the kind to share that kind of disturbing, personal details like that.) 
Once I was home with Addilyn I think often how I will never sleep again.  I've always been a very poor sleeper but this has taken that to a whole new level.  I saw this on pinterest but think it should just say "you will never sleep again".  
Thankfully the first two have passed and I realize how dramatic they sound.  The last one though.  I still believe to be truth. 

I know what you're thinking

 

tee: old navy    skirt: tjmaxx  necklace: curated by Kelly
Oh look, another maxi skirt and tee.  This is getting old.  
and yes I am thinking the same thing.  But I am running out of options.  I've thought about not posting outfits much since it is getting to be the same thing, but realize that posting outfits on my blog is probably one of the top motivation these days for getting dressed.  
If it weren't for that I'd only be wearing my boxer shorts and same tank top like I do most days.  And my tank top would be pulled high above my belly because I hate things touching my stomach these days.  Let's just say it's not a pretty sight.  

I am however incredibly thankful for accessories.  If it weren't for them I'd start to get even more bored with my outfit.  This is my new favorite necklace from Kelly.  I've wanted one like this for awhile and am so glad I waited until I got this one.  If you haven't checked out her shop you need to do  it.  She has so many beautiful pieces and they are not expensive either!  Win, win! :)  
Another thing that I'm thankful for is funny, cute and personable bloggers like Kaylin.  I'm happy she's back on my blog today to share with you 5 things that are better in summer.  I could easily come up with a list of 20 right away and they would include watermelon, dresses and walks.  

Sometimes you just need to be one with your outfit, if you know what I mean,

so insert awesome leopard impersonation here.....

Clearly, I nailed it.

I'm Kaylin, and I blog here at Stay  Blonde, Ski Local, or SBSL for short.  You'll hear tons about my new niece, my online shopping addiction, I'll even talk about weight gain, how I feel about blogging, and I'll confess a few personal things while I am at it as well.

I started reading Katie's blog the day I started blogging, which coincidentally was the day I started reading blogs. I immediately feel in love with her relate-ability, kind character, and adorable (and affordable) style!!!

Katie loves summer, but honestly who doesn't???

Summer is exponenially better than most all seasons, 

except maybe winter for the skiing, but for now we'll just agree it's better.

 So here are five things that are better in summer.

1.  Reading-

 sure curling up by the fire and reading sounds fun, but I usually end up falling asleep. Give me a lounge chair by the pool or lake, and a book, and it's like I blink and I've finished the book.  I love it. Super relaxing, and getting a tan while doing it. It's simply called multitasking.

2. Going to the Movies- 

Let's not pretend like the movies are 'enjoyable' in winter.  Who wants a cherry slurpee when it's raining outside? Also why must theatres run the air conditioners year round. Lay off the AC in the winter Signature Six, it's just no necessary. But when it's triple digit heat, going to the movies is AMAZING.  Plus don't all the good movies come out during summer anyways?

3. Walks- 

I love walking Zoey, try to do it every day. Though when it's cold, and I can see my breath (it doesn't even snow where I live, and overall we have mild temperatures, you Mid-Westerners are hating me right now) it's hard to find motivation to get out there and walk.  Summer is always more fun, there are more people out, everyone is happy, and you don't have to wear rain boots or a parka.

4. Dinner Dates-

 Need I say more. When the waitress asks, 'inside or outside', it's a no brainer, outside. 

In winter it's not an option. I LOVE sitting outside.

5. Road Trips-

 Traveling someplace by car isn't always fun, but when you can have your windows down, and awesome upbeat 'sing along songs', eight hours feels more like two and just like that you are at your destination, no worse for the wear.

Stop by SBSL sometime, I'd love to have you.

Also get out there and enjoy summer, it won't last forever.

Thank you Kaylin!  You know that I am much happier in the summer too! 

Hello summer Katie, right?

Dear Lauren,

tee, necklace and flip flops: old navy      pants: target

Besides my pants, everything I am wearing is from Old Navy.  I really wish I could find away for them to pay me to advertise their clothes.  

These pants are extremely comfortable but there is a major problem in that they have to tie under my belly and I felt like they were going to fall down all day long.  

Today is this sweet boy's 4th birthday.  I can't believe it was four years ago I heard his little cry on the phone right after he was born, and anxiously awaited until I could meet him a few weeks later.  I remember feeling like I couldn't imagine loving him any more, and I still feel the same way. 
You have done such an amazing job raising a tender, compassionate, smart and adorable little boy Lauren! I'm so thankful to have you as an example as I enter motherhood.  
Happy birthday to the sweetest, funniest and cutest little boy I know.  I love you more than you know Travis James!

Speaking of Travis, the other night he prayed "Thank you for the baby in Katie's belly and for the baby in Chris' belly.  We love their family."  
So while he really is smart, maybe you need to remind him only girls can have babies. 
I love you Lauren and am so happy I get to see you in a week.