Happy Fourth of July! (Plus OOTD)

Happy 4th of July!!! Even if the Continental Congress and Framers are rolling in their graves. Here's to what's left of capitalism and freedom, but mostly cheers and thanks to the men and women who fought and fight for it! Land of the free, because of the brave! I've always known our country needs prayer, but after working in politics I realized we need it now more than ever. There has been a lot of unorthodox and questionable action, and even inaction, from Congress and the Executive lately. Arguably speaking, they have compromised or infringed upon the very liberties they swore to uphold.  Proverbs 11:14 says, "where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." So, today I pray extra fervently that our nations leader will seek guidance from the ultimate counselor- God when governing our nation. Today I hope you can also take a moment and really contemplate freedom- what it means to you, what we've had to sacrifice for it, and how blessed we are because of it. Happy Independence Day y'all, be safe, have fun and be free!

We spent the day at a friends house for a laid back BBQ and pool day. Our friends are ones that we've made through the Marine Corps and they have a tiny little boy who I adore. He is about 3 months younger than Addie and his mom and I already pinning their wedding. He is pictured below, one look at him and you'll fall in love too. Shannon took Jo to see fireworks later on in the night and I stayed back with Addie and my future son-in-law and his mom. Overall it was just a chill day which is exactly what we needed. I somehow managed to not get any pictures of Jo, probably because he was running around everywhere.

This is one of Addie's outfits for the day. Nana Pat sent it all the way from Chicago. I believe it is all from Target. I absolutely adore the sandals! She kicked them off soon after I put them on her, but they are just too cute. The bow was custom made by a friend of mine. She makes all sorts of bows and they are to die for! They are reasonably priced and can be as extravagant or subdued as you'd like.  Stay tuned for a review on all the bows Addie has gotten from her, but until then you can check our her site at Bowtastic Bows. 

I did the best I could with my red, white, and blue attire, but I was just too hot and so unmotivated this year. I blame my lack of enthusiasm to dress myself on all my efforts being focused on the children's outfits. I managed to pull something together though: 

• BOTTOM: Old floral shorts from Forever 21 (circa 2012), sorry I've had them so long I don't think they sell these exact ones anymore, but I have found similar ones for under $20 there 
• TOP: Flowy crop top from Target it was only $12.99 
• BRACELETS: Alex and Ani each bangle ranges from $25.00 and, my Ashley Bridget bracelet in Journey $48.00 . 
• SLING: Sakura Bloom in Marine $88.00, my partial review for this can be found on my 'Summer 2014' post. 

Here is that little boy I was telling you about! Is he not the most squeezable, kissable, huggable, pinchable, little stud you've ever seen. He is almost 3 months and smiling like crazy! I like to look at the picture above and think he was pretending to sleep for the camera because no one can look this pensive sleeping!

Addie's last OOTD was a tankini from Target sent by Nana Pat in Chicago as well. It fit her perfect and although she didn't swim, she looked adorable next to her betrothed lounging by the pool. It was a gift, but to give you deets, the suit is $12.00 and ranges from sizes 6mo-4T, again sold at Target. Thank you again Nana Pat! You always send the cutest stuff. 

All in all it was a great day. Shannon did have some studying he had to do, which was a bummer, but that wasn't enough to damper all the blessings throughout our day. Thank you so much to our friends for hosting us and allowing my son to drool, spill, and who knows what else around your house. I really hope everyone else's holiday was just as great! 

No Ice Cream, No Groceries- But We are Whole

We are whole. Big Sis is finally in town for Summer break. Our home becomes so much more lively with her around. Even the most frustrating situations become an afterthought when she is here... I loaded up all three kids into a hot car with a promise of ice cream upon good behavior at the grocery store and after countless efforts to start my car we headed back inside, defeated.

As soon as we get in the house Tatum has the idea to just pray really hard and God wills start the car. Oh how I love her so much. I hope her Philippians 4:13 mentality never fades. There are times when I wonder if I fail her as a mom because we are blended family and I miss so much when she is not here, but moments like today make me realize I am doing just fine.

Thank you God for a daughter who loves you, trust you and loves learning about you. I pray that she grows to be everything you want her to be. At this age I don't know if she truly understands everything you are, but after what she said today, I realize perhaps it is I who does not truly know you like she does.

Summer 2014

Ok I finally have a minute to actually sit down and post pictures from Grammy's visit and some thing we've been up to. Summer is officially in full swing here in California and we've kicked it off with lots of time in the sand and sun. 

  

My friend introduced me to this sling called the Sakura Bloom and I am infatuated! It's a simple idea and its so comfortable. I have been through every sling and baby carrier out there, and so far, this one is my favorite for everyday use. It is made out of linen, so it is sturdy yet breathable. Addie loves that she can sit close to mommy but can still move her head to look around at what's going on. You can get the Sakura Bloom here. I highly recommend it if you are looking for an easy, lightweight baby carrier. 

One of my favorite things about Summer are the warm nights. Bonfires surrounded by great friends and family are the perfect way to end a Socal Summer night. Addie was mesmerized by the blazes. 

During the day it was all about fun in the sun. Jo loves digging and I love soaking up the rays. So happy Shannon was able to snag up a beach cottage on base for his mom again. Although he was working during the days, he was still able to come home at a decent hour to have dinner and enjoy the sunset over the water. 

  

Jo loved following Uncle Jared around. We are sure going to miss his company when he leaves. 

 

I really hope the whole Summer last like this. This is definitely a great way to kick it off. I can't wait to make more memories with my littles at the beach. We are so fortunate to be able to live so close to the ocean and I don't take them enough. 

  

Humbling Tantrums

Nothing like feeling confident after both kids wake up from a nap to go to the grocery store, only to get inside and have your 1y/o pitch a fit and throw his shoe at a stranger...All while the 3 month old is screaming and vomits the whole contents of her last bottle down your shirt. So you reach for a burp rag that is not there and end up cleaning yourself and the infant with a spare diaper. Then when you think the calm has come, the 1 y/o starts another tantrum over a cup of cookies he's never even had before. So you give him the cookies hoping they'll let you make it to the dairy aisle. After that you beeline to the register, the cashier rings and loads you up all to find out you left your wallet in the car....to humble you. 

Once I laid him in bed tonight and checked on him a few minutes later he was out! I guess the sugar rush and energy exhausted during the tantrum got to him. But looking at him sleep peacefully, I could not be more proud and in love with my little hellion. I complain about these terrible twos a lot, and he's not even two yet. I've got a long way to go until the tantrums subside, so until then pray for me. LOL! 

Military Child Month

(Please Share) April is Military Child Month. Proud in purple this month!!! Because feeling short changed and actually not understanding why mommy and/or daddy misses holidays and birthdays, is working too late for bedtime stories, or has to be in the field for soccer or t-ball games is harder than raising them to understand. Our military "brats" aren't brats at all, they unknowingly sacrifice and serve for this country just as much as their Daddies and Mommies. 

Blooming Bath

I registered and received the Blooming Bath for a baby shower gift and I have to say as cute as it is, I don't think it will be a necessity for us at bath time. The idea is great and the design is adorable, but I try to make Addie's bath time quick and straightforward. The Blooming Bath allows baby to sit comfortably in a sink, but because I am try not to let her soak for too long, and rather just bathe and dry her  quickly, there is really no point to set up the flower, and worse, dry the darn thing out. It is very comfortable and she enjoys sitting in it, but if y'all are quick bathers like we are, I wouldn't bother with this. For details and specs on the The Blooming Bath go to their website, linked above. Many people rave about it, but after a few weeks, I hear the same thing from other parents... it is a hassle. No complaints on the product functionality besides it takes forever to dry out and gets really heavy when wet. The best way I found to dry it out is to lay it flat in the bath tub, but it will start to stink after two baths from air drying. Once washed, the product comes out just as soft and smelling great, but again, its a haul when it is wet. I've got enough laundry to do so having to bathe a bath isn't on my favorite priority list. Ultimately, I say don't waste the money on this, unless you are okay with the extra maintenance tasks and want baby to lounge during bath time. 

BOB in 29 Palms

I had to bring the BOB with me to 29. Even though it took up a lot of trunk space, I knew the trails would be perfect for it, and vice versa. I found a paved trail here and am mostly staying on that, but I see a lot of dirt running trails around here, but being unfamiliar with the territory I won't runt that way with the kids. From our hotel there are tons of parks in the area, (one even right outside our room), but there is a huge about 3miles away, perfect for a jog/walk. Because it does get hot, real quick out here, I jogged early in the morning and the kids loved it. The jog there Addie slept after her second bottle of the morning and Jo ate a mobile breakfast. We'd hit the park ready to play and Jo wore himself out until lunch time. We would eat lunch at the park, play for a bit more and then it was time to load up and head back to the hotel (where there was a kitchen), to make dinner. A few times Jo fell asleep right after lunch when drinking a bottle. The simplicity of life out here is amazing. I know I said it before, but man, I really am enjoying this time away from home. 

So after having the BOB for a while I noticed I don't like pushing it with the infant seat adapter. I know I am supposed to use it until Addie is 6 months, but I haven't really been on rough terrain yet. I've only ran paved trails, and when I have "off-roaded" with it, Addie wasn't with me. I found a way for her to comfortably sit in the seat while I am walking on a paved trail without using the infant seat adapter. I DO NOT SUGGEST doing this if you are running (even on paved roads), but this quick fix came in handy at the park when Addie wanted to lay down but not be in her car seat. 

I took an infant insert/ headrest that fits in her carseat, and put it in her seat in the BOB, with a receiving blanket rolled up, around it, and she fit snug as a bug. Her head was not moving anywhere! Again, the manual does not condone my behavior, but it worked for me, and if you have an unruly infant who just wants to lay down in the stroller, this might work for you. 

Here is a closer look: 

The specific infant carseat headrest I used wast the Boppy Infant and Toddle Head Support. (Click for pricing and ratings). As you can see she's pretty content. They both stayed like that the whole way back to the hotel. 

Settling In

A few days home from the hospital now... so very tired... posts won't be as consistent because of the craziness of both babies and getting settled into a routine- or shall I saw attempting to find a routine. Until then, enjoy these...

0 for 2 on Santa!

So we are 0-2 on Santa... looks like all my kids so far are terrified of St. Nick! They say third time's a charm right, maybe next Christmas season, Baby #3 won't be so mortified. LOL 

Lately...

We've been gearing up for the holidays and BIG things have happened in the past two weeks. Jo started walking, (first assisted and then he took a few steps alone)! It happened at Shannon's work in the hallway and since then he's slowly becoming more trustworthy of his own feet. Tatum lost her first tooth and is quite the little baker! She's been my assistant in the kitchen and loves it. She and Shannon also went on a father-daughter date to see a movie. We are trying to make individual time for each of our children because we know when Baby #3 gets here it will be harder to do. It's been hectic around here, but at the end of the night we take a deep breath, wonder how we do it all, and smile.... Take a look: