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. 

Lately In Our Hood...

Things have been an adjustment with nap schedules and bedtime since we've been home from 29 Palms. I had a great trip but I am glad to be home. I guess the desert really made me miss the ocean because of the first things we did when we got home was head straight to the beach. My mom, twin brothers, Shannon, and the kids and I had lunch at 333 Pacific, a steak and seafood restaurant in town and took a walk on the pier. If you are ever in the Oceanside area, I definitely suggest frequenting this local joint! They have an extensive vodka collection, great food, and a good atmosphere- my biggest suggestion while there, the calamari. It's to die for! Jojo just loved the pier, the people, birds, and surf. I've lived in California my whole life and I don't come to the beach enough. Today, I realized how fortunate I am to live in 75 degree weather all year-round.

Goodbye 29!

Goodbye 29 Palms! We had a great time taking walks, playing at the park and watching the sun set and rise. Jo and I are basking in the morning warmth before we leave tomorrow. We have another long car ride ahead of us, so please pray for our safe travels again. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to be able to travel with my husband while he works. We are grateful that you provide him with the ability to provide for us.

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. 

So far, so good!

So far, so good! I have to tell you that Shannon going on this trip, and me staying home with these two kids, for two weeks scared my socks right off. I did come to have a change of scenery, but I think a tiny bit more of me, was afraid of being home alone with them for so long... I'm just not ready for it yet. This 2-kid thing is still new to me.... Anyway, we are almost headed from from our mini-vacay. We did have to move hotels, but we are all settled now, and the new hotel room is a little smaller, but it has a playground right outside and free breakfast. We are still on base, and the weather is really warm, but nothing I am not used to. The sunrises and sunsets are amazing out here. I really feel God's wondrous majesty out here. Everything is magnified here; the stars are brighter, the mountains are mighty, and the land stretches on for years. I am in awe of His wonderful masterpieces. With every bad thing there is to say about 29 Palms, I think I  might, (keyword: might), be able to say something positive. My friend's house is so big out here, it is nothing like anything we could afford back home in our city by the beach. Life is a lot slower out here and it was just what I needed to re-center myself on what is important. I was getting so caught up with trying to finish the laundry, mop the floors,  and do the dishes, that my patience was wearing thin with my children and husband. Not having to do those things for the past week and a half has made me realize that, although have a well-run home is important, the time spent with the people you share your home with, is more important. For the first time since having Addie, I had a chance to sit down and play with Jo. I felt horrible thinking that this precious time was foreign to me. I am so thankful I came on this trip with Shannon. The kids aren't sleeping well because they aren't in their own environment, and I am tired beyond belief, but the Lord giving me this wake-up call was so worth it. 

Happy Birthday Tatum!

I wish we could be there to celebrate with you, but we have a big dinner and "whatever you want" day planned when we get back. Happy 6th Birthday Tatum! We have watched you grow into such a beautiful, smart, and funny girl. We cannot wait to see what God has in store for you.

We Made It!

Thank you for your safe-travel prayers! We made it to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center- Twentynine Palms! Right now we are staying in the billeting that the Marine Corps assigned Shannon, and it's not so bad! The room is clean, and HUGE! There is plenty of space for us to set up shop here, and we will be fine while Shannon is working. My friend did offer her place up, but with Addie sleeping through the night and Jo in a new place, I didn't want to disturb their sleep. Here's what we are dealing with:

Not so bad right!? From what my friends at home were telling me, I was expecting something run-down and musty, but this is nicer than some of the hotels I've had to stay in while traveling for the GOP. Not to shabby, I hope the rest of the trip follows this precedence.

Twentynine Palms

We are headed out to Twentynine Palms, California to visit my best friend while Shannon attends some training for work. Most people don't have much good to say of 29 Palms, but I think getting out of the house and allowing a change of scenery for Jo will be healthy. Because of my exhaustion, and refusal to wear anything but yoga pants, the kids and I have been inside/ at home most everyday for the past month. So... this business trip Shannon has to go on will be a great excuse to take a mini family vacation. Like I said 29 Palms isn't the typical destination that most think of when booking a family vacation, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Plus, my best friend lives there and she is in desperate need of socialization. Twentynine Palms is a city in the middle of the California desert that revolves around the Marine Corps base out there. I have never been, but from what I hear, there's not much to do out there besides roast in the sun, take in the warm, sloppy stench of the water treatment facility, and if you're feeling brave, build sand castles. I will let you know how it goes, but I better get to packing. We will be gone two weeks, and with two small children I can even begin to think of all the gear we are going to have to load up... and worse, unload. Please pray for our safe travels (we will be driving the 3 hours from home to there). Pictures to come soon!

BOB Stroller!

Another RV of a stroller, but boy does this one drive like a Lexus! It's so smooth. I had the single BOB before the Duallie, and I have to say I am impressed with how smooth it is for being so big. I was skeptical, but running and walking with this thing is amazing. It definitely makes a jog a lot harder than running without a stroller, but if I had to run with the kids, and I do, I would only do it with this. 

We took the kids on a walk this morning and although it was too big to take into Starbucks, it was perfect for tackling the trails at the park. I cannot wait for Addie to be big enough to ride without being in her car seat though. Overall, it is a HUGE stroller, but it's perfect for both kids and tackling tough terrain. Link for purchasing in previous post. 

Mommy Makeover in a Box

Got the go ahead from the doctors to start pumping some iron, and my Mommy Makeover came today. 

Details below:

1. BOB Revolition Duallie Stroller, Black - $536.00 (Amazon Prime)
2. BOSU Balance Trainer - $109.00 (Target)
3. GAIAM Balance Bal Kit - $19.99 (Amazon Prime)
4. TRX FORCE Tactical Kit - $299.99 (Amazon Prime) *I got mine for free. My husband is a Marine and while he was deployed in Afghanistan they gave him this kit. I would buy it regardless though, it's awesome. 
5. New Balance Sport Armband iPhone- $23.00 (Amazon)
6. BOB Infant Carseat Adapter Duallie- $70.00 (Amazon Prime)
7. BOB Handlebar Console Duallie- $29.00 (Amazon Prime)

Pray for me... opening the boxes and setting up the equipment is a workout in itself.

One Month Old

She's one month! Where did the time go? Here is a teaser from her photoshoot. When I get the pictures back I will share the details and some of my favorites.

Sisters

Growing up my sister was my best friend and worst enemy. It is a bond that all little girls deserve. It is so heartwarming to see my daughter love her little sister. It reminds me of the times I played with, got in trouble, and fought with my sister. Those memories are ones to be cherished forever and being able to see my own children make those memories is priceless. Love your daughters, not because John Mayer told us to, but because they truly are precious beings. 

First "Official" Family Outing With #3

We braved the zoo with three little ones. They woke us up bright and early to get there. Overall, it was a fantastic day. Have I mentioned how blessed I am lately....? 

 

 

Happy Birthday Husband!

Minus points for me for not baking the actual cupcakes, (blame the late night feedings), but Happy Birthday to the best, most loving, hottest, smartest, and funniest guy I know. You are THE BEST husband and father we could pray for. Here's to another year love! 

Two Weeks & Feeling Brave

Addie is two weeks old and I've never been more tired in my life. Having a 1 year old and a 2 week old is BY FAR one of the hardest things I've ever done. The lack of sleep is debilitating. I have been so 

 fortunate to have the help friends and family to make my days easier. From brining me freezer meals, babysitting, and just an ear to vent to, I could not be more thankful. You think after two weeks of being at home with no sleep, the first thing I would want to do is go to bed. But now that the the laundry is caught up and the floors aren't sticky, I realized Jo and I are going stir crazy in the house. Today was our first day out on the town, just the three of us and it took a little more time getting in and out of the house, but it was so worth it.

I'm starting to worry about juggling my time between both babies. They are both at an age where they are so dependent on me and need my full attention, that I am not sure I will be able to do it. Friends I have talked to who have a similar age difference between children have said you'll get the hang of it, hopefully that will come sooner than later. Right now Jo isn't jealous yet, but knowing his demeanor, I expect it soon. For now I am just trying to make sure he keeps his diaper on and food on his tray, and distract him with Disney Jr. 

Addison is starting to make eye contact more and she's quite the looker. She's adorable when she's sleeping, but now that she's opening her eyes more I am even more amazed by her beauty. Speaking of Addie... she beckons for a bottle. Until next time....