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....

This Son

I will never get tired of this smile and laugh. He is getting so big. Make time stop please.

One Week

I can't believe it's been one week since Addie was born. We are so tired, but so filled with love. I can't help by watch her sleep when I should be sleeping too. I'm sorry for the overload of baby pictures, but I can't contain myself.

Rollin' With Our Homies

Check out our RV of a stroller. I had to get out of the house and get moving so we went for a light stroll around our neighborhood. This was the first time we used our stroller as double. After numerous attempts to find the perfect everyday stroller, we found it! For me it was about accessibility in stores and in my trunk. I wanted to find something tandem because being the uncoordinated person I am, I have trouble getting side-by-side strollers in out and out aisles in stores. So with its countless seating configurations, the Baby Jogger City Select stroller was my go to!


This stroller offers 16 different configurations. The frame also comes in a matte black, the seats themselves come in a variety of colors, and the list of accessories you can add on our awesome. It is thin enough to navigate through the most crowded of stores, yet roomy enough for each child to nap comfortably. To see a full detailed review, with specs and ratings, check out the Amazon reviews. At first I was a little intimidated with the amount of options the City Select offered, but after playing with it a little bit, it was really easy to learn, and even easier to use.

The best part about this stroller is you can purchase it as a single and buy the second seat, and other accessories as you go. At a whopping $700 for the brand new double configuration, this stroller is a investment, so the flexibility of buying as you go is a huge turn on for some parents. For a single set-up brand new, you're looking at $400. Now with a little bit of bargain hunting and patience, I've seen friends get this stroller via Amazon and E-bay brand new for up to 20-30% off!

With the tons of options out there for strollers, this is by far my favorite everyday stroller. If you're on the hunt for a new stroller, I hope this helps!

Love Thy Neighbor

The bible tells us to love thy neighbor, and I have never felt more loved from my own neighbors and friends. Coming home from the hospital has been a total adjustment and the outpour of graciousness has been insurmountable. The Lord has blessed us with this family He allowed me to create, but the friends he's put in my life are a true testament of His love for me. I am feeling the love for sure. Thank you so much to all my friends who gave us a warm welcome from the hospital, are making meals for us and continue to offer support. Most of all thank you for your prayers for a healthy baby girl. He answered. 

Mark 12:31

Boy Meets Girl

We are home! I am so filled joy. My family is complete.  Jo met Addie at the hospital but was more excited about seeing his parents because he was at Grandma's for two days. Now that we are home, they really have a chance to meet and bond. Seeing them together brings tears to my eyes. The love I feel for my children is unexplainable. I hate to be stereotypical, but I truly understands how it feels now when my mom told me I would never understand a mother's love until I had children of my own. I know the days to come will be tiring and long, but I would trade the fatigue, overwhelmingness, and sacrifice for the world.

Jo took to Addie very well. We were so surprised at how soft he was with her. We told him to be gentle, but at 18 months old, we didn't expect to see such a loving nature. He was even protective, pointing at my mom to not touch 'his baby' at the hospital. I cannot wait to see them grow together. Having them this close together will be hard at times; I was told to expect a lot of fights and jealousy issues. But I was also told that siblings this close in age usually play well together too. I hope the latter happens more. Until then, I am just enjoying them the way they are. I know that today will be the last day they are this small, for tomorrow they will be bigger and it will be a moment I never get back.

Now that we are home the reality of having two under the age of two has not fully hit me. I know I had nine months to prepare for this, but now that it is here, I have yet to soak it in. Perhaps once my family leaves and the extra hands disappear, I will realize it. I just pray that aside from changing diapers, feedings, laundry and bath time, that my I can care for my children in the way the deserve. I pray that God will guide me in preserving their innocence yet maturing their wisdom. I pray He will give me the tools and patience to have my children rise up and call me blessed (Proverbs 31:28). I am very far from the Superwoman of Proverbs 31, but I strive to be an ounce of what she is for my God, my husband, and my wonderful children.