Still Alive Over Here-Barely!

We are still technically on weekend mode over here, but not in any way I would like. Sickness has consumed our house this weekend, I am hoping we are finally getting to the other side of it all! I am writing this post at 5am, because babies don't care and wake mama up at 4:30am no matter what. Readers be warned, the word 'puke' may or may not be used numerous times in this post. Feel free to skip reading if the 'p' word makes you squirmish ;-)
Friday afternoon, I got a text from daycare that Jackson had thrown up. Of course, this was the day I had decided to get my long overdue oil change on my lunch break, and my car had literally just had its tires removed. So I was stuck. Luckily the guys in the shop were super nice and rushed my car through to the front so I could get out of there. Jackson got sick once more before I got to him, so we went home, and he got to try out or jet tub for the first time. He loved his 'BIG bubble baff', and spent the rest of the afternoon chugging water and eating everything in sight. So, I figured it was a super quick bug. And then he woke up crying around midnight and there was puke everywhere. So, another bath, washing sheets, and bringing him into mom and dad's bed was on the agenda. I slept out on the couch, because did you know a two year old boy takes up the same amount of space as two grown adults in a queen size bed? Well, now you do.
Fortunately, he didn't have any more sick bouts, but was a bit sluggish and moody Saturday. We stuck close to home, but figured he was on the mend.

The highlight of the day was ordering up some pizza, because even though we are trying to cut back on our pizza consumption, dealing with toddler puke warrants an exception, right?
On Sunday, I had a fun event I was participating in. Our local bridal expo was happening, and I have been lucky enough to be able to walk in their fashion show the past few years. It is always so much fun, I absolutely love it.

I get to have my hair and makeup done, and wear gorgeous bridal gowns. It is fun that, even though I am already married, I still have an excuse to wear a wedding dress! And you guys, some of the dresses I got to wear were GORGEOUS. The one pictured below was a feature dress, in fact the top layer is a 'cape' that is removable. So much fun!

And then it happened. I was in a dress and ready for the second show to start when I got a text from Mike that he wasn't feeling well. At that point, I really could not leave. How is that for twice in one weekend being truly stuck when I was needed at home? The shows are pretty quick, so I promised to get back home as soon as I possibly could.
I rushed out after the show, and literally as soon as I walked into our house, Mike ran to the bathroom. So that was fun. I got both kids down for their naps, and then my dyingsick husband requested I go get him some 7Up. Being the nice wife that I am, I obliged. And in the fifteen minutes it took me to leave and get home, I started to feel off. I figured it was probably just in my head. Except it was not. I brought my husband his soda and informed him I would likely be joining him in the next hour or two. And sure enough, shortly after both boys woke up from their naps, the stomach bug hit me. And I promptly called my mother in law to ask for reinforcements. Perks to having both sets of parents live within five minutes, you guys! I started dinner for my kids, because fun fact, they could care less that you are sick, but they most certainly care if dinner isn't on the table! ;-) Once grandma arrived, she took over, and I proceeded to be sick over, and over, and over. I will spare too many details, but I will tell you that Mike and I both agreed that neither of us have ever been so violently sick before. It was terrible.
While the act of being sick finally ended around midnight, we both woke up totally wiped and so weak. After watching Mike fail to keep down water, despite everything in me wanting to drink, I had gone to bed totally dehydrated because I figured that was the better option. I called my mom, and she agreed to take the boys for the day, bless her heart. Have I mentioned how incredibly lucky we are to have such caring and supportive parents? I promptly dropped them off, came home, and soaked in our tub before immediately crawling into bed for a five hour nap. It was that kind of sick, y'all. Tired, exhausted, non-functioning sick. I forced myself up around 3pm, and went to pick up my boys.
I requested that my mom help me give the boys a bath there, because I honestly didn't think I could muster the energy at home, and we had already skipped their baths the night before. She then offered to make a Burger King run. Why are greasy french fries always the best option after you have been sick? While she was gone, Jackson was starting to act sluggish. Strange, but I figured he must have just been tuckered out from playing all day. He had already been sick, right? And then, poor boy walked across the room, looked at me with wide eyes, and BOOM, puke everywhere. Obviously sweet boy didn't get to eat any of his chicken fries :-( We booked it home, and he continued to be sick until about midnight. This seemed much more like what Mike and I had in comparison to what Jackson had on Friday. So I am still sitting here scratching my head wondering if he managed to get two different stomach bugs in one weekend. All I can say is, poor baby!
Needless to say, we are spending another day at home today, and I have every one of my fingers and toes crossed that we are on the mend, and that my precious baby Lincoln manages to stay healthy. This weekend was tough, but these days are always good reminders to be thankful and appreciative of our good health!

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Friday Favorites

It's FRIDAY! The first full week of work in nearly a month, so it feels so good to be through it and onto the weekend! This week included lots of snow, bad roads, and being cooped up due to the cold. I am hoping we can find something fun to do with the boys this weekend. These are always the toughest few weeks of the year, because it is too cold to even play outside. Is it too soon to start counting down to spring?? 

1. Sweater

How CUTE is this sweater from the Gap? They are running their winter sale right now, so on top of things being on major sale, they have pretty consistently been offering an additional 40% off of sale items, bringing it down to only $15. I ordered the french rose color, I think it will be so pretty over Valentine's Day! And speaking of Valentine's Day, it always drives me crazy that because I have boys holiday apparel is kind of limited. Who says little boys can't get into Valentine's Day!? Gap delivered this year with these adorable baseball tees with love themes! So cute, and I have about the best time ever dressing my boys in matching looks!

2. Doll House

 
For Christmas, my mom and sister gave Jackson a bunch of Little People stuff. He got the nativity set, Noah's Ark, and a little play house. Well, when ordering it my mom did not realize it was designed for girls in that it is all pink and very girly looking. We did a quick online search and found that there is no 'boy' version, however it used to be designed in more gender neutral colors. However, sending it back wouldn't have even been an option if we wanted to, because Jackson took off and was playing with it immediately. And now, not only does he love it, but Lincoln has taken an interest in it! In fact, this week I even saw him grabbing small toys and trying to maneuver them right to fit into the windows and doors! I lose track of what the normal ages are for things, but I was so impressed by his coordination to be able to do that! I guess the moral of this favorite is that limiting the toys a child plays with based on stereotypes is so not worth it. My boys don't see the pink of this toy, but they are learning and enjoying it so much!
 

3. Love Letters

My mom was cleaning out some drawers this week, and she found an old letter she had written to my dad the morning of an exam while he was still in law school. Per her request, I will not share the actual letter with you all ;-) But it was so cool to read, people just do not send hand written letters very often anymore. It was so sweet, a letter of encouragement, and ended with saying that all would be well as long as they had each other, Noah, and their 'new baby'. You guys! I was the new baby! That letter was written over 27 years ago, and it dawned on  me that my mom was the age that I currently am when she wrote it and was pregnant with me. To read about her excitement for life at the time, before she even knew who I was yet already clearly loved me and my older brother so much. It was such a sweet thing to see. I am motivated to write more letters, because I do not know if I can think of anything more special than remembering, decades from now, the love that I feel in my life right now.

4. On The Move

 
Mr. Lincoln is officially mobile!! He has been scooting backwards for awhile, but it wasn't quite intentional movement. An object could be a foot in front of him, but poor guy just couldn't figure out how to get to it without a bunch of pivoting and moving backwards. This week he officially got it! And is getting into everything. So far, in the four days that he has been crawling, he has pulled ornaments from the bottom of my parents Christmas tree (which yes, they keep up until February), knocked over boxes, shoved half of a plaster easter egg in his mouth that he then couldn't get out, and has been found with blue all around his face because he found a remnant of a piece of chalk big brother left laying around. This kid is going to be our wild child, I can feel it. I think this weekend is going to call for some major cleaning and baby proofing, and establishing some stricter rules on what can be left out. Big brother might have to take a temporary break from some of his toys, because if Lincoln can find it, it is going into his little mouth!

5. 90s Music

I have been on a major 90s music kick on my drives to and from work this week. Backstreet Boys, Spice Girls, and Usher have all been on rotation. My poor babies have had I'll Never Break Your Heart belted out to them more than once. They are not amused and usually just get mad that I am not getting them out of the car fast enough. But seriously, 90s music was the best, and BSB>NSync. Always. 

 

Sending good weekend vibes to everyone! I am off to plot how to stay warm and cozy, and enjoy some quality family time.

Five on Friday // Oh Hey Friday! // Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites // High Five For Friday

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Sweater Weather

It has been a lot of snow and cold around here lately. While it is pretty, the Minnesota weather does not lend itself to much wardrobe variety. Fortunately, warm and cozy sweaters are always in style, and this year, there are so many fun details out there to spice up our every day winter wardrobe!

Sweater // Scarf

 This v-neck sweater is such a classic piece, and so cozy! A cream knit piece is perfect and so pretty. The ruffle sleeve detailing on this sweater is absolutely gorgeous, and a fun feminine detail. I am crazy about this zip front piece. Cozy and also edgy! This lace up sweater is on trend with its detailing, and great for a night out to dinner. And on the topic of the lace up trend, I have this miracle sweater and am obsessed! It is so pretty and cozy, I have been talking myself out of wearing more than I should ;-) A little more dainty and light, a pontelle is so pretty and feels like spring, which is so refreshing on those dreary winter days! You can't go wrong with a cozy cardigan like this one by BP. To brighten up your winter wardrobe, this blue Color block is fun and unique. A classic cable knit is a must during the frigid winters, perfect for cozyingbup by the fire with a warm beverage after a day spent in the snow. An off the shoulder top is so perfect for adding style, and a little va-va-voom to your look even when the temps are below zero. I am a total sucker for ombre, and love the gradual gray tones on this sweater.  And finally, for the ultimate cozy this mauve sweatshirt scores for color, style, and high rating on the cozy scale!

What are your favorite sweater styles? We are still a LONG way from spring, so I will totally continue adding to my collection to stay warm through the frozen tundra ;-)

Linking up with:

 The Pleated Poppy // Life in the Green House, Taz and Belly // Sydney Fashion Hunter // Pumps & Push Ups // The Mummy Chronicles, Tucker Up, Shopping My Closet // Classy Yet Trendy // The Blended Blog

 

*post may contain affiliate links

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Lincoln: 8 Months

This month was a big one for our little guy! He saw his first Christmas season, had a total change in his eating, and continues to grow more mobile and playful by the day. He is the sweetest thing, always quick to offer a smile and a giggle. He is curious, I have a feeling he is going to be our child that we have to watch like a hawk because he has no fear! I just love this little guy so much!

 

Age: 8 months

Height: I measured between 30-31 inches. It is a little harder as baby wants to try and eat the measuring tape and big brother obviously thinks the measuring tape is his and throws a tantrum when mom refuses to hand it over. 30 inches puts him in the 99th percentile, 31 puts him well above the 100th. He is quickly growing out of his 12-18 month clothing, and is starting to wear size 18-24 months at places like Gap and Old Navy. He is in size 4 diapers, and likely will be for awhile.

Weight: 24 pounds. 98th percentile.

Milestones: Not quite crawling yet. He has been getting up and rocking on all fours for what seems to be at least a month, though. He manages to get wherever he needs to go regardless. Lots of pivoting and scooting backwards. I have seen him put his knees forward in the crawling motion about two times before he decides to drop back onto his belly. He waited until the tree was taken down, so now he has my full approval to start!

Sleep: He continues to sleep through the night! I promise to share soon what we did to make the change, but he went from being one of the worst sleepers ever to a sleep angel, pretty much over night. He is an early riser, many days being bright eyed by about 5am. But ultimately, he goes down between 6-7pm, and will sleep straight through until 5ish. He also naps so much better now, most days taking one solid nap in the morning and one in the afternoon. Our biggest challenge is getting those naps timed right so that he isn't crashing and ready for bed at 5pm. Which happens quite a bit!

Best Moments: Getting to do Christmas with this guy was so much fun! His brother was only four months old at his first Christmas, and it was pretty hard. Lincoln is at such a perfect age where he seriously loves anyone who acknowledges him, thinks things are so funny, and is just a joy to be around.

This month also brought out one of my absolute favorite things, his cheeser smile. He will do it to mimic you or if he thinks you are super funny. He scrunches up his little nose, closes his eyes, and tilts his head backwards. It is so. stinking. cute. I call it one of those things that is 'ugly-cute'. It is such an obnoxious face, and he looks so hilarious when he does it, and oh my it is just the most precious thing and everyone in our house loves calling him 'CHEESER'. 

Worst Moments: This was honestly a really good month. No tumbles, no sickness, no stand out events that were bad. I will call that a win! Jackson has had a hard time learning to share all of his toys, including Lincoln's own toys that big brother has claimed as his own. When Lincoln is playing with the wrong thing at the wrong time, Jackson has on more than one occasion ran across the room to push Lincoln over backwards. It always makes me feel so bad for the poor baby, but I know the day will come where he will be able to hold his own and fight back ;-)

Eating: He has continued to refuse baby food. Last month, we started letting him try tiny bits of real food off of our plates, and figured maybe baby led weaning was the way to go, considering he wanted nothing to do with anything pureed. And, somehow this month, we went from a baby who eat essentially no food, to eating three square meals of real food every single day. A month ago he would gag on almost anything that wasn't mashed or pureed, and now he has eaten things like eggs, pancakes, meatballs, peaches, strawberries, b0       lueberries, cheesy hashbrowns, and a number of other things. Getting bits of garlic cheese bread is basically the highlight of his life, and so is getting tastes of dessert. I really try to make sure we are limiting the new things he is exposed to, but to be honest it has been a bit of a challenge because eating in front of him elicits a growl and shriek within about two seconds if he does not immediately get a bite! I am truly a little bit baffled at the change in his eating, and how quickly it happened.

Teeth: Still just those bottom two chompers! They have really come in, and it makes his cheeser smile that much more funny to watch!

Likes: Absolutely any and all food, bath time, babbling with his brother, being tickled, having his diaper changed, his sleep sack, his wubbanub, the baby channel, car rides, toys that make noise, anything he can chew on, practicing his crawling, puppies.

Dislikes: Not getting food when he wants it, when big brother shows him a little too much love, being shoved by big brother, when someone walks by and doesn't pick him up.

Lincoln, you are the greatest blessing to us. You continue to challenge us, and show us that you are unique and one of a kind. You have humbled me more times than I can count by reminding me that you will do things your way, in your time. I am so lucky to be your mama, and love you more than you will ever know!

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Friday Favorites-First of 2017!

Okay. Most weeks drag and I am so ready for the weekend. And while I am always up for my days off, I cannot believe how fast this week went by. I had Monday off, and was entirely out of the office Tuesday and Wednesday at a training, and then gone in meetings all day yesterday. I literally have not seen my desk in a week, even though I wasn't on vacation. For the first time in a while, I am feeling a little frazzled and trying to play catch up! Cheers to the weekend, and surviving our sub-zero temperatures that have me wanting to cuddle up under the blankets and never get out of my yoga pants.

1. Eating better
I am not the best at following diets. I was pregnant. Then nursing. Then pregnant again. And now am still nursing. So I really have not been able to just be 'normal' in my diet in habits for quite some time. But they got bad the past few months. Like, eating whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted, and usually including pizza and ice cream on the regular. But this week Mike and I both decided to kick it into gear and really make a conscious effort to eat better. Not a diet, but a change. I am still going to have a drink or two on the weekends. I am still enjoying something sweet at night, but I am maybe having one salted caramel instead of an entire bowl of ice cream. And we would die without pizza. Die. But we agreed that once or twice a month is doable instead of once or twice a week. A few days of watching what we eat and adding in more vegetables, and I seriously already feel better. Less bloated. Fewer cravings. Empowered because I had to leave to get lunch this week, and resisted the drive thru even though the waffle fries were calling my name. I will never say I am going to eat nothing but chicken and veggies, because food is one of our greatest gifts, in my opinion. It has the power to bring people together, let us experience new things, and challenges us when it comes to trying new recipes. But for the first time in what I can honestly say is a very long time, I really am feeling good about how I am eating!


2. Sweater
It is absolutely freezing here, and unfortunately winter is the most dragged out season ever, so there is no end in sight for us right now. While the weather makes it hard to enjoy being outdoors, it is a good excuse to load up on as many cute and cozy sweaters as possible. This option just came out and I am absolutely swooning. Love the color, love the braided detail, love it all. I am basically obsessed with everything that BP makes!


3. Surf Spray
So my sister works in a salon, and was able to score me some surf spray about a year ago at a killer price. I became totally hooked and surf spray has replaced hairspray in my routine. It is great for adding some texture after you style your hair with a curling iron, but also is great for days you don't have time to do your hair (because as a working mom I can tell you that happens a ridiculous amount of the time) to add a little bit of style to totally undone locks. Enter surf spray. It smells delicious, adds great texture, and is less than $5. My sister who has more hair and makeup products that I can count tried it out, and she is hooked now too! I am not knocking the more expensive stuff, but for every day, this stuff is seriously amazing!


4. Cocktails
For whatever reason, we have never tried out making our own cocktails. Sure we have wine on hand, and I love to mix up my Malibu and Diet. But really cocktails? Nope, never on our radar. And then we built our house, and magically have a newfound desire to do all of those traditional 'homey' things that adults are supposed to do. Mike got me a cocktail kit for Christmas, and we just added this shaker as well! I love that it allows you to line up different drinks and shows you the exact ingredients. It is seriously built in recipes, which is the best! We bought ingredients for blueberry long island iced teas, and I cannot wait to give mixing one up a try!


5. Babies
My kids are just really cute. And lately it has reached the point that I cannot even handle it. Babies in jammies. Babies wearing mismatched shoes. Babies snuggling up with me to watch cartoons. My heart is full, and my boys are everything.

Hope you all have a great weekend, and are able to stay warm!

Five on Friday // Oh Hey Friday! // Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites // High Five For Friday

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Confession

It has been a while since I posted a good old 'fess sesh. Which is such a bummer, because some of my absolute favorite posts to write are mind dumps. So much is constantly going on, I love nothing better than getting a little bit off of my chest!

I confess..

I hate brushing my toddler's teeth. Like, HATE it. At least half of the time, he outright refuses to participate. If he is in the mood, he repeatedly asks for more toothpaste because he wants to eat it, and maybe, just maybe, with a little bit of force and crying, a few of those pearly whites get brushed. I hate it!

On a similar note, I also really do not like bath time! We have never given our kids daily baths, in part because living in Minnesota, their dry baby skin really does not need it. When we have those 'off' nights, the nights that the inevitable baths must happen feel cut short, and it just feels like work. This could be due to the fact that Lincoln screamed bloody murder for every single bath he had for the first six months of his life. During that time, not only did I dread bath time, but I truly feared it He loves it now (go figure), but I just do not have any fuzzy feelings around that little hygiene ritual.

January is far and away my least favorite month out of the year. February is also brutally cold, but at least it only has 28 days and March is right around the corner. March usually has tons of snow, but there are a few warm days mixed in there as a preview to spring. But January? Cold. Snow. So little sunlight. And no end in sight. I have been burning candles non stop and am decorating my mantle for Valentine's Day this week #sorrynotsorry just to help pull me through. Minnesota winters. They are not for the faint of heart.

I majorly fell off the wagon with my eating over the past six months or so. I dropped the baby weight, and with nursing just didn't feel the need to be very conscious of my eating. But even though I dropped the weight, I have just feel 'blegh'. I am hopeful to get back into working out when life allows me to, but in the meantime like every other person on the planet I used January 1st as an opportunity to eat better. I have chosen to not get Chick Fil A for lunch, have not ordered a coffee that wasn't black, and have eaten a good amount of veggies. And while three days is not much, I seriously feel SO much better already. I may be crazy, but I feel like in a matter of a few days my body has already gotten rid of so many toxins and junk.

The hardest part of eating healthy is pizza. Pizza is everything, and I will probably never fully quit it.

I want to start a boutique. I would love to have a small shop, sell fun fashion finds, and manage the inventory. But alas, I have a full time job that supports my family well, a new house to think about, and somehow I don't think it would be the best call to throw in the towel and invest in a new project. If I ever find a money tree though, I will totally quit my day job and pursue being a shop owner.

While I am watching my food and what I drink in things like coffee, when I do decide to treat myself, the salted caramel boudino from Caribou Coffee is the best. drink. ever. It is so ridiculously delicious, I could drink them every single day.

Christmas may be 11 months away, but my boys already have three pairs of jammies for next year. I am sure I will grab a new pair when next season rolls around, but I got them some from The Gap, originally nearly $50, and with discounts and my rewards they were only $10 a piece!

Linking up with Annie today!

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Hopes for 2017

I am never the biggest fan of Mondays. This one is more my speed, because Mike and I are both off of work and have plans to tackle taking down all of the Christmas decorations. Not only that, but despite the cliché of it all, something about the new year and the fresh start that it brings leaves me feeling excited and hopeful.

 

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I have never been big into resolutions. I hate to set goals, especially unrealistic ones, that inevitably come crashing down after a tough day or two. I set some resolutions last year, and guess what, I don't think I can say I was successful in any of them. While they are all admirable, positive goals that were designed to improve our lives, sometimes it is just hard to change more than a thing or two, especially when it is more long term. Sometimes life throws you a curve, like a baby going through a difficult phase that makes going to church nearly impossible. Or pregnancy leaves you with so little energy you can barely brush your teeth, let alone make it to the gym five days a week. Life happens, and that's okay.
You know what I can commit to working on this year? To being better. To spend more time with my boys. To cherish my husband and remember, even on the hard days, that no relationship in my life is more important and he deserves my time, my energy, and my love. I want to be a good employee. I want to be a person who friends can turn to, and who colleagues and complete strangers enjoy being around.
I want to be kind to myself. I want to get better at knowing my limits, and asking for help. I hope to continue to grow and improve in my role as a mother, and to remember that the best thing for my children is for me to be in my best possible state of body and mind. I want to learn to be selfish a little bit more, while also being more aware of when to unplug, tune in and be wholly present.
I have high hopes that 2017 will be a year that I grow and get to know myself better. Less going through the motions, and more awareness and appreciation for this life that I have been blessed with. I may not have a list of resolutions this year, but I do have a theme I intend to live by. To be better.
Let's do this 2017, I'm coming at ya!

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