4 Months {Bradley Joseph}

You guys…is this normal, to start feeling like maybe you want "Just one more" baby around 4 months of your current baby?! OY!  It's not like it's been easy, or perfect, or even like I know what I am doing 90% of the time.  I get frustrated, I tear up, I spend all day in my clothes from the night before…I drink caffeine like it's my J-O-B and yet…..at four months, I am like, where is my baby?! How can he be starting to roll over, and know what is going on around him, and start baby food? Maybe, just maybe we will have one more.  Oh my gosh…

Anyway back to the man of the hour.

Bradley Joseph.

You are SO much fun baby boy!! I swear the only thing that I don't like, is that you throw up some of your formula…all…day…long.  I have timed your meds 12 hour apart and give you the first dose before your first bottle [2 ml] and [2 ml] at night before your last bottle.  But you probably puke up about 1-2 tablespoons after every bottle, which by the way you're taking 8 oz every 3-4 hours.

You're sleeping through [most] nights.  Thursday night you got up around 3:30 and wanted to party/drink a bottle.  It was cool though, I don't mind.

You also had a pretty cranky day Memorial Day. I was hoping to socialize and talk to adults [no offense kids] but that just didn't happen. I spent most of the day feeding you inside or walking with the Boba so you would calm down.   I am not mad, but I felt awful I didn't know (and still don't) what was wrong!?  Could be too many people wanted to hold you. Maybe it was the scorching hot temps. Or even a tooth is starting? Who knows. You've been totally normal since being home...

You handled your shots quite well Mr!! We still delayed some, so you're not up to par yet, but I don't like overwhelming your little body with all those vaccines right away.  You're doing great and Dr. gave us the green light to start solids!  Hopefully it will help you not spit up so much; she said you eating 8 oz every 3 hours is a lot for your belly, but we will see.  You love to eat, so do I kid, so do I!

For kicks, this was little Miss Brooke at her 4 month checkup!!

I think the best quote of today or even so far, is your sister saying, "Fart brother, fart!!" As you tooted along this evening with one of your poos.  Only my kids could make that look adorable to me! I guess that is what being a mommy is all about.

So we started out 4 months with more outside time.

Your eyebrows kill me.  I think they are so darn adorable and I just giggle every time you raise one (or both) of them.

My sister, your Aunt Brianna informed me this weekend that she thinks you have my eyebrows. haha

So what are you up to little guy?  LOTS. I tell ya, lots.

You're a movin and a groovin all day long.

No lie. I was trying to get as similar shot to your 3 month photos because it was Daddy's favorite.

Oh ya, these are getting harder to take! You love to move!

You are a drooling machine.  I keep checkin for the teefers, but haven't seen anything yet. Maybe, just maybe a little something working its way on the bottom left.  But for now? Drool. Drool. and more drool.

I mean, come on. That smile?!

I literally had just put this onesie on you for your photos, and within 4 minutes, drool.

You love your friends --aka your forest mobile from Grandma.

Dose chunky monkey legs---oh I love em!

I try to keep the 'gloves' or socks off you as much as possible because you love to explore with your hands!! You're always grabbing at things, my necklace, your toys, anything!! But when you get sleepy, you rub rub rub your eyes and if I don't have the gloves on, you scratch and that is not good Mr!

You apparently crave and thrive on routine.  Every morning you get up between 5-7:30.  I obviously prefer the latter, but I do whatever you please.  You cry a bit but within a minute or two you start laughing and talking.  And usually your sister is talking to, and I am not gonna lie, sometimes I lay in bed and listen to you two "talk".  You still get your first dose of zantac first thing.  

What's new:

-You can roll over, therefore

-No more swaddle!  You face planted one time and after that we were DONE.

-You scootch backwards on your butt, so you are mobile.  Legit, I can't leave you on the bed any more!  You went all the way from your room to your sister's room on your back, by pushing with your feet.  Crazy!!  You also go right off the rug in the living room.

-Started solids

--Rice cereal, apples, pear & banana.  I know there is so much debate, but we did this with Brooke and she is the best little eater I know, so I decided BLW is not for us and we are just starting to have fun and explore with foods.  You take about 5-6 small spoonfuls of cereal/fruit and LOVE it.  As soon as you spit it out or act done, I don't push it.  No need!   [It has seemed to help with your reflux a bit]

-You go to sleep in your own crib at night…no rocking, no swing, just you and the crib (and the sound machine!)

Loves:

Your sister.  You just think she is the funniest thing in the world.

Books

Toys

Outside

Stroller 

Teething toys--it's been so hot I think you love when I keep them in the fridge 

Being tickled, sang to, danced with

Routine

Dislikes:

Falling asleep, you crank out a little bit before you just fall asleep sometimes.

Being alone, you still love being with mama, a lot.

A bunch of random people holding you

Hot temps

Being off schedule 

You are wearing 9 month clothing for the most part, some 6 month still fit, but sleepers or anything that is one piece has to be 9 month to fit your length.  I am happy it's starting to get warmer because I feel like a bib and a diaper are gonna be your main outfit this summer! It helps me keep down on the laundry haha

"Daily Routine" at 4 months:

The times change from day to day, but it sorta looks like this…

7:00 wakeup, meds, bottle

play

9:00-11:00 nap

11:00 bottle

play/run errands etc

12:00 have some cereal and fruit

1:00-3 nap

3:00 bottle

play

5-6 you usually take a little cat nap

meds/ 6:00 bottle

bath/play

7:30 bed

10/11 bottle

Maybe a 3:00 feeding, maybe you sleep til morning. 

That's where we are at.  You've been taking 2 longer naps one in the morning and one when Brooke does, which is great--if I can keep Brooke away from you long enough in the morning you'll sleep, but usually she wakes you up and you get your best sleep when she does as well.  I enjoy that time to workout, shower, or catch up on a blog.  Much needed!

I'm not sure how much longer you will be fitting in your swing, as I have to buckle you in to keep you safe and your legs are really long!  I can't believe you're so big already, but I am so grateful you are healthy and well, and completely thriving.  We have a lot of fun adventures coming your way this summer and I know you will have a ball on our vacation. I can't wait to see what you think of a pool. You are so sweet little love, and I am so proud to be your momma. I still sit and stare in complete shock, that I am a momma to both a little girl and a little boy. I don't always know what I am doing, but I sure do try my best and most of all, love you with my whole heart.  

Chakra Balance Massage [O.M.G]

So, I'm not sure if it's the bags under my eyes or if I really just work that hard with my kiddos, but either way, my husband said to me last week, "You deserve a Spa Day.  You need to go and get all done up, whatever services you want.  Talk to my mom and figure it out."  Well, later that day he ended up talking to his mom for me and she promptly took a half day last Thursday and I got to treat myself to a Spa Day.   {Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you Mama D!!!!}

I randomly found this one Spa, Luxe  It was one I had never been to, nor heard much of before.  I was drawn to it because I have begun a little more self-discovery and have been working on myself a lot.  I've been looking into meditation, yoga, Mala beads and tons of self-improvement.  I feel as though when you open yourself up to the universe, everything unfolds itself to you.  And so, there it was.  A Chakra Balancing Massage.  I had no clue what it would really entail, but I was ready to find out!

Since hubby said get whatever you want done, I figured I would throw a facial and pedi in there for good measure.  [bliss]

So first of all, the Spa was HUGE! I'm not going to lie, the location doesn't really do it justice, and from the outside it kinda looks like an old motel or something.  But inside? Top of the line.  The changing room/bathrooms were stunning.  Soft fluffy robes and little slippers to put on.

There were several little waiting areas, one with a gas fireplace and one that had this funky looking one!  There was tea, water with orange slices and fresh fruit.  Everything to make you feel zen and full of bliss.

I haven't really done my homework on all 7 of the Chakras. I know the main idea of them, but I still don't know what color associates with each one and what each chakra does.  You don't need to know any of it if you go and get this done, the person will explain as much as you want!!

First she told me that this particular massage I was getting, she does a deep tissue massage and trouble spots (for me it was my back and neck, so I laid face down).  She then does her energy work (chakra balancing) and pretty much the energy work is known as Reiki, (ray-key) which I hadn't really heard of before and now am becoming so interested and want to know more!

Aveda is the product line they use, so she had me pick out 3 cards that either the colors or words stuck out to me.  Each one represented a Chakra and had corresponding scents to help open/balance them.  I chose three, I forget which ones, and she had me close my eyes and smell each one.  The one I liked best was the "heart" or Harmony card.  ---Side note, you get to take a bottle of that mist home with you from your massage!  It had lots of sandalwood and she said it was a popular scent.

Hard to see, I didn't have the flash on but my "Heart Chakra" card…a lot about sympathy, empathy, and love.

Now, I find it strange that I was drawn to this one, because well…I have a really big heart and all day and night, I care for my loved ones.  But as I got to thinking, maybe that was the point.  Perhaps I had SO much love, it needed to be balanced a bit with my other Chakras…thoughts?  Like I said, I am totally new to this.

So the actual "massage" went like this-- I laid face down and she massaged my back/neck and it felt soooooo good! I've had massages before and she was great. Not too hard, not too light, but just right.  Then she started to just put her hands on my and stand there and I was a little confused, like what is this??  Then it hit me, that must be the energy work.




Once I flipped over to my back and face was out, HOLY MOLY.  Talk about a spiritual/out of body/really flipping cool experience.  She had told me before we started, some people see colors, some see images, and if I get overwhelmed at any point, we could stop.  I tried so hard to clear my mind and not think [but as we all know, that's really hard to do.] so  I just went with it.

As she touched different Chakra points, my mind filled with different colors. I kid you not, believe me or don't, but it is straight up awesome what can come into your head!  I saw lots of white light as she was at my head/Crown Chakra and I kind of felt a little buzzy? It's hard to really put into words.

I kept seeing a crazy big open eye with long lashes (representing my 3rd eye probably) and lots of purple and blue.

She said my throat chakra was pretty closed, and I don't really recall many thoughts as her hands were placed there.  At first I was like what???!!! I am known for talking too much, for saying what is on my mind and not exactly holding back.  But then again, I have also learned to be quiet and keep things in.  There are lots of people and instances in my life where I just don't agree or like what is going on, but I don't say anything. She kind of laughed and said I just need to find a way to get that out.

As I continued to reflect, I thought a lot about me.  As a teacher, I couldn't do, wear, say, act, certain ways because, well I was a teacher.  I respected that profession and took it very seriously; I didn't even like running into my students at a mall!!  And after I no longer taught, I remember feeling a bit free….

Well, to be blunt, I kind of felt that way again when I started taking my AdvoCare biz seriously. Don't say this, don't post that, don't, don't…don't…which I completely understand and totally get, but it's not me. .I am such an all or nothing kinda girl, I love the products, I love my team, I totally support everyone, but if I want to have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and share it on social media? I'm gonna.  Which is why I haven't been posting much about it.  I am just me. I take my products, I promote a healthy lifestyle but I human and once in awhile, ok weekly, I eat sushi with white rice and soy sauce.  And I'm more than ok with it.

And as I continued to think about other areas in my life, I realized how much I hold back because of our lifestyle and I don't want to come off as braggy or this or that.  I never even shared my beautiful Christmas gift from him, because I was almost embarrassed…why would I be embarrassed, if this man who works so hard and wants to spoil me with a gorgeous handbag??  Don't I deserve it?  Can I not be honest and share it? But I've realized, again, that those who really know us, know how hard we work to achieve where we are at.  That Joe and I work together, and if I want to show off his new whip on instagram or Facebook and someone thinks whatever, that's fine.  I'm learning to just be happy and okay with who I am.  I only get one life and one way to live it and if I'm constantly worrying about what someone thinks or that heaven forbid I post something and they unfollow me, WHO CARES?  Life is short and sweet and there is only so much time for happiness and celebrating others.  Sure there will always be negative people, but it is not my job to worry about them.

So yes, this was way more than just a simple massage for me.  It is part of a journey that I am so excited to be on.  I have so much to grow and learn and just really become super comfortable in my own skin.

My mind was racing with images however, when she was at my heart.  I kept seeing myself as a kid playing with my sisters and I kept seeing my two babies, playing and laughing. I literally felt so much energy during that and it is what stood out the most.    She told me afterwards she felt SO much mothers love coming from me, it was like whoa.

She didn't say much at all about my sacral chakra.

She said my root Chakra was weak and that it was OK to be more grounded…. I had told her how I was all of a sudden open to all of this new age stuff and she said that it was evident in my balancing because my crown was going crazy!! I am all over the place trying to learn all this new spiritual stuff, but I always have to remember it's ok to just be.  Stand on the ground, feel the earth, be one with nature.  LOVE THAT!!

She did reflexology on my feet after the energy work and then we were finished.

I asked her if there is anything I should work on and she said that she does not tell her clients what to do, she really just shares what she can and the rest is up to us.  I really want to know if she could see or feel more that she didn't tell me??

Oh she did sense some nervous energy at first, (probably when I was like WTF am I paying you for, if you're just standing there touching my leg haahha!) Like I said, I had no clue what I was getting into. NOW I know. I just have to laugh at myself at this point.

When she was all done she told me to take my time sitting up and she'd come back with water.  I am telling you, I could barely move!! I was like shaky and it took some time to actually sit up and come to. I took a photo of myself and I felt like I looked a little drunk!! Ha

After that amazing  experience, I then had my facial!  The lady was totally different and really outgoing and it took a few minutes for me to get used to her energy, I know I sound all woo woo but I am serious!  She ended up being really nice, but at first I was like what the ?!

I had a major glow after that and felt 10 years younger.

Here is my 'free bottle' of the Chakra scent.

Oh, and my pedi was great too!! Charged Up Cherry is what I went with---LOVE it! Perfect for Spring.

So of course I am totally digging this whole energy work thing and I don't take it lightly.  I know that if you're not careful, you could get yourself into some crazy things… but I am interested in maybe learning how to balance myself and learn how to do it on my kids and definitely my husband--especially because his Crohn's can flare up from time to time and I feel as though we are all connected and everything works together. 

Gimme all the crystals, mala beads and high vibrations please!! 

Fashion & Beauty

Mmmmmm it's THURSDAY!! This means that today is MY SPECIAL DAY! I am really truly over the top ridiculously excited for a little ME time.  Long. Over. Due. 

Anyway, I've started this post a gazillion times and never finished it.  I just love fashion and girlie things, so I wanted to share some of my faves.   I am still wearing a lot of basic tees and clothes aren't totally fitting quite yet, so I am all about the accessories.

I still obsess over this one's hair!  [ps. when does PLL start back up?! I'm dying to know about this Charlie character?]  

My hairdresser says those are def extensions, but I just can't wait til my hairs grow just a weeeee bit longer. Not that I have much time to do much with them, buuuut, it's so pretty!

And I really became fascinated with some pretty jewels.  I feel like my wardrobe is pretty basic as I'm still working on dropping the weight, but jewelry?  It lasts forever [the good stuff anyway] and it can dress up the most basic of things.

Enter my girl Amber  as a Stella and Dot Stylist.

I had a hard time deciding on which piece I wanted, but when I saw this Kaia pendant, I was in LOVE!

And the matching earrings…I die! They are a wee bit heavy, but I was fine wearing them one day.

Cheesy selfie--- I wore this on Easter Sunday.

I also found this beauty at Target--

The statement necklace…

And these two (BOGO 1/2) at Francesca's



This one is super light and so pretty!





I am a tad still a Bare Minerals obsessed.  I love this pinky blush I found in my purse that I hadn't used in a year--ha!  Maybelline lilac lip color for the win.

I even tried out some Jamberry nails.  To be honest, I don't love them…it's fun for a pop of color but doing my own nails in any fashion, does not really relax me.  It kind of stresses me out.  Plus, I can easily peel these off and that's just annoying. Fun to try though, but not something I'll do all the time.

For a good drugstore lotion--this smells so yummy! It takes awhile for it to soak into my skin, but totally worth it.  I hear the other products in the line are fab as well.

In other makeup news, I am finally going to try some Younique 3D mascara.  My eyelashes (along with my hair) have been falling out a ton because of postpartum.  I don't recall the eyelashes with Brooke, but I did lose a lot of hair.  It's a little alarming at the amount that is coming out, but I am sure it will even out soon.  

Any other new beauty supplies I should try?

Happy Thursday beautiful friends!

Kiddos [Lately]

Crazy how I can go from zero to busy in such a quick time!! I am so happy to report that everyone here in the house is healthy and well--my allergies are a bit annoying--itchy eyes--but other than that, all is well!!  It's been really great these last few days and I want to make sure I capture some moments up on the blog!

This one.  Oh, he is just too much!

But these two?? Be still, my heart.  Brooke is really starting to become more and more interested in "brudder" and you can find them smiling, laughing, "talking", holding hands, rubbing feet…you name it, she's such a good big sister!

I tried him in the high chair--I cannot believe he is big enough.  We go tomorrow for his 4 month checkup!! Oh, my, goodness.

Mama D stopped by briefly before we headed out to dinner.  {and she loves them so much she'll be back Thursday so I can have some MOMMY TIME!! ahhh!! So excited and thankful!}

Unless he's hungry, tired, or needs a change, you will see lots of this.

Saturday we met my friend and her kids at a park.  They had so much fun, those little monkeys!

She taught Brooke how fun it was to run through dandelions and kick them!

Such a big girl…

My little baby boy!

She was trying to get him to hold one of his toys.

Sunday was a gorgeous day, and after an early sushi dinner we came home to enjoy the sun.   Joe and Brooke had a ball with the water gun!

He's not totally ready for the doorway jumper, but he loved sitting in it and looking around.  His little arms fall to the side though, so I had to be right here to help.

And tonight, Bradley fell asleep in his swing and Miss Brooke and I had some girl time.  We played and read stories…she loves her book Grandma made her.

And me? I'm doing really well.  I feel like I was sort of in a funk, and ya know what, I get that way every end of Winter--Spring.  I know so much has changed, for the better, and the changing of those seasons, to me, is the most dramatic! It's like we never go gradually from cool weather to slowly warming up, it's all of a sudden, BAM 30-80 degrees and I'm all like whoa.  Also, we now have two little kids; not just like small but baby small!! It's crazy and I have to stop and remind myself, pretty much every day, that I just need to enjoy it.  Breathe it in.  Let what is, be, and love my life where it's at.  Granted, I still need a break and totally appreciate my solo Target run the other night and again, I am sooooo looking forward to my "ME DAY" Thursday.  

Joe and I have had some great quality time too; we haven't gone out or anything, but just lots of good talks about our future and even had time to watch movies!  I'll shamelessly admit we totally watched 50 Shades and I may or may not be actually reading 50 Shades Darker.  We also just watched MockingJay and that ending had me at whaaaaaa. No fair.

Anyway, back to me...I'm turning a corner and really working on my spirituality, my understanding of all that is, and trying to find peace, calming and balance in my world.  Again, with a very active 2 year old and a 4 month old, that's pretty funny of me to even type, I'm literally laughing at myself, I know, but in all realness, I feel like I have begun a little journey…I've taken a left at a fork in a road, and I'm excited to see where it leads me.  More on that later, but for now, a sneak peak of some new purchases!

I hope you are all doing well….love and light to all!!