Brooke Lynn: 21 Months

What up? What up? I am feeling a-w-e-s-o-m-e.  Maybe it's the 70 degree weather, the sunshine, the fact that our baby boy's carpet will be installed in just a little bit!?! I just have been super busy playing single mom lately, as hubby just wrapped up his THIRD and final tent sale of the year! WOOP!  It is game on now.  What do I mean by that? Well, you see, he has a week of vacation coming up in November, January brings him home for a few days with a new bebe and he doesn't have a crazy sale again until June.

Home. Free. My friends, home free.  My man works so very hard and there is nothing I can do, but love him to death, support his desire to bring home the bacon, and do my best manning the fort when he's away.  I know I've mentioned his grandparents before, but I know that Joe is so much like his grandfather, (right down to marching out of the carpet store because they were being a bit ridiculous about pricing, money down, etc.)  As I told my mother in law about this scenario, she just laughed and said something about, how many countless contractors were hired/fired throughout the years her father did business.  Oh, I just love my Italian family!! hehe

Also?  I have a 21 month old. Ahhh!  

She's wearing 3T-4T really it depends on the brand.  I am loving GapKids because the 3 Year sizing is a little big, so she has some room to grow, the quality is excellent and it fits her well and looks great. Her 3T sleepers are getting tight, so I am holding out on buying more, because 4T is still big? Oh the struggle with a long tot!

She's about 32 pounds and I don't even know how tall.  Super long and really needs to be potty trained because she's far too big for the changing pad now!

Speaking of, she has had two great potty moments (both with a very proud Daddy) she was mid-poo and sort of made it to the potty one day, and just Sunday she legit peed in her potty!  She's very obvious  about hiding in a corner to "go" so I just need to bite the bullet and work with her a little more.  I just don't catch it sometimes, if I'm taking care of dishes, dogs, or laundry!  But she's getting there and we are very excited.

She has 3 of her last molars in; the bottom left is taking its sweet time coming in.

Bedtime is around 8(ish) sometimes we stay up to see Daddy come home.  She sleeps until about 7am and takes a 1.5 hour nap around 1:00 every day.  She does well with this routine.

Breakfast she eats her eggs, toast, and fruit.  Joe can't eat eggs without ketchup, and unfortunately she picked up on that too…so while I don't love that, whatever.  Choose the battles!  She is such a fruit and cheese monster. Girl loves both of these all day every day if I let her.  She's digging our pears and apples from our CSA.  But she's really good about eating whatever I make for dinner and prefers real food over any toddler food, which I find a blessing.

Her little personality is shining through and I am so excited that she's starting to really become a little girl, but a little sad too.  We are going to get her a nice bed/dresser and give her current crib etc. to baby boy.  I can't wait to see her meet him in a few more months!

 So here are few photos of what little Miss Brookie and I were up to while Daddy worked:

Playground by the library.

"Raking"

Breakfast for dinner.

Gymnastics!

Sorting through her baby stuff and organizing. She's such a helper! ;)

Mama being sentimental about all these curls.

Snuggles before our bedtime….prego mommy gets sleepy!

Some Halloween artwork…

She's such a goof and her hair---I just die.

Ok, clearly I can be goofy too.

She hates the carwash, but we are singing songs and trying to see the joy in the bubbles…

My living room looks like this on a nightly basis. It's getting super hard to pick up with this big ol' belly!

We had such fun shopping date with my friend Ann yesterday; it was just what I needed.  Brooke saw these silly carts and was obsessed.  She wanted to play, so I let her for a bit.  Funny how it much resembles her little red car she has here at home, but doesn't want much to do with.  Maybe it needs a safety belt?? Oy!

We've got a busy week and I'm grateful for that.  Tomorrow we have gymnastics, a mommy meet up (kinda like an interview of sorts, I'll keep ya posted on that for sure!) Thursday brings me a hair appointment--wahoo--and Brookie has swimming.  Friday I have my Glucose test and Daddy is going hunting, so we are having lunch with Grandma Maria!

Have a wonderful Tuesday!  

Fall: A Wedding

We attended a beautiful wedding last night and Brooke stayed at my in-laws.  I told my father I'd sleep in today, and he laughed and said, "No you won't!" He was right.  I was up at ready to go at 6am with a bit of a dry throat, as the heat is pouring through the vents; isn't that the way things work?  It's a chilly 40 degrees [feels like 32] and hubby is currently stacking firewood as I sip on some Coffeecino in my flannel leopard pjs.

I sit here typing verrrrry gratefully!! You see, we left the house in a bit of a rush yesterday.  We had fun  taking Brooke to soccer, went looking at big girl beds for her, then dropped her of at Joe's parents.  By the time we got home, I still had to shower and get my prego self looking wedding ready! We have been leaving Holly out of her crate when we leave because she's been really good.  Well, that is no longer the case!! On our way to the wedding, I said to Joe, "OH no.  We didn't leave the muffins your mom made on the table, did we?!"  He replied with yes, but don't worry, they're in a ziploc bag and in a plastic bag, she won't eat them…

Once again, Mama just knows!  I know my dogs and I know not to leave any remnant of food in their reach, otherwise it's gone!  So there was nothing we could do other than to just go to the wedding and hope for the best.   Well, when we got home a few hours later, not only did she indeed get into and eat about 5 or 6 muffins, and some of the wrapping, she also knocked over Joe's cup that had a little water in it…and my laptop was RIGHT next to it!!

I saw red for a few moments, picked the computer up and heard a gushing sound. To say that I freaked out was an understatement…I was really upset.  It's not even a year old Mac Book Pro, and I really love this computer!! Joe rigged up some fans and we ran them on it all night---and here I sit today, so so lucky to be able to type on it!! I don't think there is any damage! Thank goodness. 

So aside from yet again, more dog drama, the wedding was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful we have been to.  Well, who is it that got married?  You may be asking.  It's an interesting one to explain, but one that gives true strength to the meaning, family isn't always blood.  

I've mentioned before how I am the oldest of three girls;  I have two younger sisters.  We were very close growing up, but something happened to the youngest of us, and without going into grave detail, she became addicted to drugs and alcohol and has some major mental instabilities.  My heart will always be with her, but unfortunately you cannot help those who refuse to help themselves.  About 5 1/2 years ago, she gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby girl, and despite all efforts, my niece was sent to live with her father…

That man got married yesterday to a wonderful woman.  She has taken my niece into her heart and became her 'mom' when her own mother could not.  This couple wrote their own vows and shared their hearts with their guests; hearing all of their love and sentiments, it was hard to keep a dry eye for sure!  

Now, I know weddings affect all of us differently, and I'd be lying to say that a little part of me felt a pang for 'what could have been' if only my sister were healthy.  While I am so grateful to see the life my niece, her father and new mom have together, a part of me was reminded of what will never be.  More than anything, my heart burst with happiness, to know that this little girl is loved beyond all measures and will be safe, protected, and loved in a caring environment.  And?  We are all a part of her life; never once has her father shut us out of her life.  We have been there every step of the way and will continue to support her and them, as their newfound family of three begins.  

I know that I am pregnant and more emotional than usual, but it really was such a sweet and beautiful day.  Weddings like that remind me of my own special day, and all of the words we say to one another, the vows, the poems, the meanings behind all of it.  It makes me wonder if we heard those words more often, and actually listened, maybe people wouldn't get divorced…

The ceremony was outside and although chilly, it was simply stunning.  It was followed by cocktail hour inside, and dinner/dancing in a tent outside.  The brides father gave a heartfelt speech and it moved me; he spoke of how his daughter enjoyed the small pleasures in life as opposed to the grandeur.  He reminisced of a particular Christmas, where he didn't have much at all to provide but a little tiny tree and some inexpensive ornaments, hung while sipping some hot cocoa.  While he felt funny about that Christmas for so many years, his daughter told him one day that, that was her favorite Christmas of all.  

It made me think of all that is life; how hard we try to give our kids everything, and in reality, what they need and want is so small.  Moments; thoughtful, intentional, love-filled moments, more than any pricey toy or gadget, is what they'll remember most of all.  

Hubby and I were blown away by the gorgeous golf course views and just loved it!

It was actually nice to put in some effort and get all dolled up…

Bump & booties.

My sister.

The bride did a stunning job with her Fall theme, intertwining their love of music and simplistic joys in life.  Their wedding favor was a CD of some of their favorite songs…they're really good ones too!

This drink is such a great idea for a Fall party!! 

Apple Cider

Sprite

Cinnamon stick

(Bourbon if you feel like warming it up, clearly mine was without)

May the rest of their lives be filled with much love, peace, and everlasting happiness.  Congratulations!

One of their readings was one of my favorite Robert Frost poems…

The Road Not Taken

Robert Frost, 1874 - 1963

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Five on Friday

1.  First things first, if you're looking for a HIGH quality firming body lotion--look no further!! I have always looked for something like this and the heavens have opened::: ahhh ::: Not only does it smell terrific, it soaks right in and legit is helping my skin stay firm, yet soft to the touch.  If you know what I'm talking about, it helps any lumps and bumps that may be appearing… I am not working out like I was a few months back, which I know helps the most, but this seriously is working its magic!

I legit squeezed every last drop!

SYS BODY

Supplement Your Skin™

Adding body lotion to your daily routine is a great way to improve the quality of your skin and help prevent the appearance of premature aging. SYS™ Body contains nourishing plant extracts to help improve overall skin texture, while providing a smoother appearance. Body is a combination of ginger extract, shea butter and copaiba oil, formulated to reduce puffiness and smooth and firm every skin type.

I'm loving the whole SYS line, and want to review more--but since I ran out of that and had to order more, I wanted to share stat!

2.  Dressing up is fun.

I don't have a ton of options lately, so I am making up for it with my accessories!  Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, headbands, smiles, you name it!! I know soon Jr. will be here and pulling on all of it, so I won't be able to wear it for a bit.  My best accessory is my daughter, of course. So when I can, I dress her up so all the attention goes to her!!

3.  I about died when I saw this graphic!! SO true.  If you're pounding coffee or energy drinks to keep up with life, talk to me. PUH-LEASE! Everyone needs this awesomeness in her life!  If I can help as many people feel as amazing as all my friends and I do when we drink Spark, I know I'm doing good in the world. hehe.

Spark

4.  Chiro in a bottle.  Obvs my pain is OOC, and very little helps…I refuse to take medicine unless it is absolutely necessary, and this seems to really help the sciatic nerve pain!  I apply it on the bottom of my feet and seriously it's one of my favorite smells.   It grounds me and helps me get through my tasks without completely crying in pain.  It also helps you with anxiety, courage, and clearly helps align the body.

5.  Roasting all the veggies!! I just cannot get enough. I tend to crave salty things, so instead of reaching for chips, I'll try to throw a bunch of veggies w/ some sea salt/pepper and evoo in the oven.  Oh, and see that yellow/green striped veggie?  That is Delicata squash. Aka lazy squash! You just cut it in half, scoop the seeds and slice!  You don't have to peel the outside, you can actually eat it! PERFECTION.  It kind of almost tastes like a sweet potato.

Turn that Frown Upside Down

Sorry about that mini whine-fest.  I was having a moment. or two or three and although I'm still in pain, I am not going to let myself just sit and cry about it.  I will sit more often, but I will not complain. #pinkypromise

So, hubby is at swimming with Miss Brooke. I have dinner simmering on the stove.   I wanted to sit down and reflect a bit...

25 weeks 5 days

A few quotes and pictures I found amusing or inspiring…

I woke up today and told this to myself:

And I learned a long time ago, you should never say, "I'll be happy [when]"… You should just always be happy with whatever stage or moment you are in.

Sometimes us girls need to be each other's cheerleaders.  Life can be crazy and moms seem to mostly have it all in their control.

I thought this was great---replace the wine with some Spark and it pretty much sums things up, am I right?

I saw this, as I scrolled…and it hit home.  You really just never know who is watching or listening to you.  In fact, you may be changing someone's life and not even know it!  I always want to inspire others to be their best selves, so I made mental note that I had best be working on me.

So, during my sweet angel's nap time, I sat myself down, watched some videos, listened to some calls, and sipped on some awesome chocolate protein shake.  I had been meaning to, wanting to, whatever you want to call it, putting more time into my Advo biz.  So I made time.  I took some great notes, felt inspired, encouraged and renewed.  It's amazing what just a little bit of effort does for you.  I was SO miserable with myself before I was introduced to AdvoCare.  I cannot explain to you, what this company and all of the people I have met have truly done for me.

Let's face it; I'd love to lay around and be all rich and fancy like--jetsetting off to Florida on a whim.  But really….let's be honest. I'm not on a reality show nor would I most likely be okay with that type of life. I do enjoy working for something, helping others, and really seeing myself grow in so many ways.

For kicks--um it's October.  Next month is November.  Then it's December….then baby time!! So I just need to SMILE!! It will all happen so fast.

Truth: No one wants to be around a negative person.  I've been around them and I run away! I have ended more than one relationship because some people are just so toxic and draining…you just don't need that energy in your life.  Certainly one must look at herself and recognize that if you don't enjoy being around, no one is going to want to be around it either!

I'd much rather be the happy bubbly person in the room, then the witch in the corner complaining.

It may be impossible to paint my own toe nails now, but all the more reason to get a pedicure.  #optimism

{images all via google}

How do you turn yourself around when you're in a slump?  What motivates you?

Fall Faves

OK, I'm just gonna be honest. {because that is how I roll}  So, if you don't want to hear my #pregnancyprobz feel free to skip down to my first photo.


 I don't why, but I get to my 25/26th week of pregnancy and I seem to hit a wall.  I just don't feel like dealing with ridiculous crap.  My patience is rather thin.  I am so thirsty all the time and when I'm not drinking water, I am waddling to the bathroom.  I feel like I am definitely having a boo-hoo moment/oh woe is me, and I am basically needing to put myself in time out.

I totally fess up and had a mini tear sesh when Joe got home last night.  Can I really make it another 15 weeks? (of course you can, women have been doing this forever) I just feel big, ugly, and definitely more of a debbie downer.  I see my previous stretch marks getting darker and fear that new ones are popping up, even though I lotion/oil/lube up day and night.  It's hard to see that, but again I focus on the positives...I will say getting my eyebrows waxed helped me feel a TON better even though my cheeks look like they're super chubby.

I tend to not be able to fall asleep at night, so I'll go back through and read my old blogs and I wrote about it when I was prego with Brooke HERE.  I can deal with all of the discomforts and annoyances that come along with a pregnancy; I get it, I'm creating a human being, it's a blessing and a lot of work! But goodness, this HORRIBLE PAIN is getting worse and having a toddler makes it a gazillion times harder!  Not to be all TMI, but it literally feels like my hoo ha will fall out/break in half.  It's terrible. I think it's Pelvic Girdle Pain, from what I researched last time around.  I wish I could workout and go on long walks, keep up with the housework and all the cooking and day to day stuff, without this horrific pain.  The chiropractor seems to help, or at least it's mental.  Basically it's just that lovely hormone relaxin doing it's thing so my body can give birth.  I'm grateful, I really am, but owwwwwwieeeeeee.

My Dr. told me to wear a support belt (which I don't find does much other than annoy me b/c I have to take it off so much to pee all the time) and to rest.  I had to laugh at that because staying home all day long, isn't very relaxing.  But today?  I took Brooke to gymnastics and my body is just not having it.  I don't like the pressure/feeling so I am making myself sit.

I will focus on all the positives and know that in the end, it is all worth it to hold my sweet baby boy in my arms!!!  I know there are ups and downs and everything is SUCH a blessing and I am beyond blessed and grateful to carry a healthy baby.  I just am being real, and having my moment.  Tell me I'm not alone...

SO? Let's talk about what I'm loving right now.  Mmmmmmm K?  {since I have to sit, I may as well blog}

Well, I am just loving this season right up!! I figured I would share some of my must haves--some are already in my possession and others are certainly on my mind!!

First up:

Fab Fit Fun.  

LOVE this subscription box! This is my second box and I have got to say the sizes and amount of "stuff" you get for the cost, is incredible!! They also offer a coupon code the first box you get, so you can share with friends and that goes towards your next purchase.  Since it's seasonal, you only get 4 boxes a year.  I think that makes it extra fun too!  This box had TONS of fun stuff--a cute apron, a 3 month workout pass for online videos, lotion, lipgloss, crackers, tea, and more!

Wanted: A plaid blanket scarf.

I just haven't found one I am totally in love with. So, I have no link to share, do you?? These are so cozy and cute; plus I think it's smarter for me to invest in something more plaid like this, so I can wear it again in the future!

via google

via google

I'm half tempted to go look at Jo-Ann's for fabric and just "make my own".

via google

Ankle boots/booties:

I made the purchase via Target during their BOGO.  I love the small heal, and I think they'll be perfect while prego and dealing with the upcoming snow, while still looking cute.

Oh, what was the other half of the BOGO, you ask? Something similar to this:



I wanted a Fall bag and so I actually ended up with the larger one that I can wear cross body.  I am using it as a purse/diaper bag until January then I'll be back to hauling more junk around!  I didn't want to splurge on a super expensive bag, since let's face it.  Crumbs from Brooke's snacks and her sticky fingers are all up on that thing.

Comfy Sweats:

When I was pregnant with Brooke I bought one pair and wore them a lot…so I figured another pair would be really nice this time around! So cozy, warm, and well, comfy.  I can't express the amount of discomfort I am in, so when I can, I'll be in these. Thank you. Victoria's Secret. I'm living in them right now. LOVE.

Tot Fashion: 

Brooke has a monogramed dress that my friend Amber did for her!  Fall colors and so cute.  She is also dancing around in her new Ugg knockoffs from Target.  They'll be sure to keep her tootsies warm this winter!

Baking:

Anyone else just loving her kitchen this month?? I am all about baking, but I am trying to be smarter about sweets. I know sugar is the worst, so with all of the apples or peaches we get, I will slice some up, place them in a casserole, sprinkle with apple or pumpkin pie spice, sliced almonds or walnuts and drizzle a little honey.  I bake them at 350 until I can smell them and they're soft.  (about 20-25 mins?)

Seasonal Treat:

I am still craving coffee/lattes like it's my J-O-B.  Again, with the sugar, I just can't.  I mean, how can you unlearn something?  It's just like I cannot bring myself to drive through fast food lanes just because I'm hungry…I have learned to pack healthy snacks or wait.  I'm not saying you're gonna die if you have one sweet treat, but most of us can't control our habits and they spiral out of control. 

Enter a better option: Coffeccino  

So I will sip on some Coffeeccino instead and it does the trick!!  Plus I don't have to leave my house because again, I am a hermit and enjoy being home right now. If I don't have to leave, I don't.  I just won't.  

Scents(y):

I love our Young Living Essential Oils diffuser to get the house smelling all purdy-like, but I also love me some fall scents.  I don't love having open flames with tiny hands, so I am using one of my warmers.  I just got 3 new scents and OMG.

This one??? AMAZING.  It is literally the essence of Fall.

And lastly, for my main man:

This will be the 7th hunting season that I'm with Joe and he has wanted a big ol' buck forever.  He got a nice rack last year, but I know he wants something to mount on the wall {help me if he does!} and so maybe this will be his year!!  I really don't mind the smaller ones because I think they taste better and I'm the one who does all the cooking…but I hope he gets a big one!