5 on Friday

You know it's been a long week when everyday since Tuesday seemed like it was supposed to be Friday. Thankfully, it's finally arrived and it's followed by a short week next week!! Here are a few things that have been going on in my life/ been on my mind lately. 

1. When did women forget about bathroom etiquette? Like seriously - don't you look at the toilet seat when you go to flush? No one wants to see your nasty blood or pubes ... ever. 

#gross #beladylike #betterhygiene #endrant

2. My poor little man has caught the winter cold bug. He made it 3.5 weeks at daycare with out being sick and now he's caught it good. It started as the mucus in his nose and has since traveled down into his chest. It breaks my heart to see such a little body cough so hard. We were introduced to this contraption - the Nose Frida - and it was amazing until Kingston learned how to beat it. 

Basically I suck his snot out of him from this ^ straw like device. Ya... it seems gross at first but theres a filter so nothing is transferred. You gotta do what you gotta do. It's supposed to be better than the hospital bulb because it gives constant/longer suction. Well - it worked great until Kingston learned to stop breathing and block off the back of his throat so no mucus could come out.

 Bravo little boy. You one upped your mama! 

3. Speaking of being sick - I have the sniffles myself. You know what I hate most about being sick... blowing my nose in front of anyone. I never would do it in school and I hate doing it now. 

#gross #beladylike

4. I want to get pregnant again just so my hair will stop falling out. Like seriously - I'm finding it everywhere. In Kingston's diapers, in the fridge, in christian's beard .. you get the picture ... everywhere! 

5. We just signed a contract on a house. EEEEK! 

Such 'grown up' stuff happening around these parts. It's scary!

Linking up with: The Farmers Wife, Lauren Elizabeth, A Little Bit of Everything, XOXO Rebecca,

 A Blonde Ambition

5 on Friday

Phew! Thankfully the week has come and gone and I'm so happy that we have a short 3 day work week next week!! It was my first week back to work after 16 weeks off (so naturally I'm looking forward to more time off) and Kingston's first week at daycare. Poor kid hasn't had a nap longer then 45 min in 5 days and his schedule is all sorts of messed up. I'm hoping things get better so my sweet baby can come back to me. He's been super tired = super grouchy.

Anyways . . . .

1. I confess . . . 2 minutes after dropping Kingston off on his first day of day care - I had to call them. I was trying my hardest to get in and out of there before I lost my composure, that I forgot to tell them when he ate last. When I called I promised them that I wasn't calling to check in on him already but they still probably thought I was crazy! It's been a week and I've already sent one note with tips and tricks. Yes - I'm totally that mom. Crazy! 

2. I confess . . . I'm debating if I even want to put up a tree this year. Usually I am ALL for decorations and being festive - but since having a baby and all the stuff that comes with him - our apartment doesn't have much room. Is that super grinch-y of me?

3. I confess . . . we are going to look at 13 more houses this weekend (10 looked at last weekend). Maybe we will find one we like enough to put an offer on? Fingers crossed that we find something  - we definitely are those people with champagne taste and a beer budget. 

4. I confess . . . I had never burnt a meal until I became a mom and since then, I have burnt 3. #isuckatlife

5. I confess . . . I'm afraid that Kingston is going to like his daddy so much more then me because he gets to see him much more often. Since Kingston goes to the daycare at his high school, CT goes down to see him at least once a day - either on lunch or his plan period. Not to mention, they will be off together all summer and every school break while I'm slaving away at work. =( It hurts my heart to think of all the time I spend away from him. I mean come on .. look how sweet he is. Even if he is grouchy because he's tired. 

Rock Chalk! 

Linking up with: The Farmers Wife, Lauren Elizabeth, A Little Bit of Everything, XOXO Rebecca,

 A Blonde Ambition

No Candy on Halloween

Lets be honest . . . the only reason I semi like the holiday Halloween is because of the abundance of tootsie rolls given out. These were always popular in my neighborhood and I would try and trade anyone I could for them. I'm sure the only reason they were a hot ticket item at multiple houses is because they are far cheaper then the snickers and kit lat bars, and you get more in a bag so they can feed the masses better. Either way, that's my favorite thing about Halloween. How lame is that? 

What if candy wasn't what was given out when kids go door to door? 

What would you be excited to get instead of candy? 

Me:

1. Namaste Bracelets
These bracelets are the ones beaded by the women of Nepal. They come in SOO many different colors and no two bracelets are the same. I have a few from when I worked at the Pink Saloon but when they are being sold at $11-$13 a piece - I can't splurge as much as I'd want to. 

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2. Bobby Pins
This is a duh for all females. I have purchased too many to count over the years and of course I can never seem to find one when I need it. Can I get an amen ladies? 


3. Toms 
Only the most comfy shoes out there. I jumped on the bandwagon and have since been converted to the simple slip ons. I have a few pairs of their classic style but I think I need to purchase some wedge booties for this fall/winter. 

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4. Cans of Dr. Pepper
Because who doesn't love all 23 flavors? And if you are a Dr. Pepper drinker, you know that soda from the can tastes 100 times better than the bottle. 

5. Headbands
Ever since my volleyball days I have been a big headband wearer. Mostly the soft fabric kind or the hard plastic kind. I have found out through major trial and error that I don't have the correct shaped head to wear the elastic type - they just slip right off. 


These are a few treats that would make me enjoy this holiday better. From the looks of my list - I would probably need to go trick or treating down Park Ave. to ever have a chance at getting any of these. 

What would you rather get than wrapped sugar?


Linking up with: The Farmers Wife, Lauren Elizabeth, A Little Bit of Everything, XOXO Rebecca, A Blonde Ambition

5 on Friday - - just kidding - - 10 on Friday

Friday is here again and these are my confessions . . . 
(read that in Ushers voice - it makes it so much better)

1. I confess . . . I might have almost sprained my ankle on our walk the other day. Those darn squirrels are cracking their nuts all over the place. 

2.  I confess . . . this week we have been working on unassisted naps in the crib and bottles in the evenings. This only means one thing - day care is right around the corner. :( 

3. I confess . . . the bottom of my feet are so crusty, I could probably snag the bed sheets or scratch CT with them if I tried.  Looking forward to our girls date Jenna! 

4. I confess . . . this time last year I had all of my Christmas shopping almost complete. With the rate I'm going, I'm not sure anyone will get gifts this year.

5. I confess . . . I need to start opening my bible more. I go in spurts of spending a lot of time in it and then I get off track. I'm looking forward to the She Reads Truth android app to come out to help with this problem. 

6. I confess . . . I find myself smelling every article of clothing ... and when I say every, I mean e-vv-err-y. I don't know what I did before I discovered Gain:Fireworks. It's a scent booster that you add to your laundry and it smells so divine!

7. I confess . . . ever since having a child my online shopping addiction has increased. I'm up to like 3 packages a week. 

2 of my recent purchases.

Moss slouchy beanie via Sugar Lime Lane.
 She's coming out with 14 new colors this week which is so dangerous for my wallet.  

The Sakura Bloom Ring Sling - Chambray Marin. 
Kingston loves being in it and I love wearing him! Plus, it's the perfect color denim. 

8. I confess . . . I will be a stay at home mom when the day comes and we have more children. Not only because of the extreme cost of daycare but I can't imagine someone else raising my babies. Sorry Kingston. We can't make it work at the moment but someday we will. 

9. I confess . . . I may weigh 6 pounds less then my pre pregnancy weight but this pooch has got to go. The tush I worked so hard for during all those years of volleyball is non existent and I lost it so quick, but the pooch I grew for 9 months won't go away.  Somethings not right. 

10. I confess . . . Kingston loves his otteroo and I'm sure your kiddo would too! Check out how cute this video is and then head over to their website with this discount code 25FAIRY2014 to get your own! 

Linking up with: The Farmers Wife, Lauren Elizabeth, A Little Bit of Everything, XOXO Rebecca, A Blonde Ambition

I'm Just Me

Everyone loves to give labels to anything they can these days. Since becoming a mother though, I've noticed there is a crazy amount of motherhood labeling out there.

 You're a 'crunchy' mom if you cloth diaper or nurse on demand. 

You're a frugal mom if you coupon and use hand me downs.

You're a trendy mom if you make your own baby food and teach your kiddo sign language. 

You're an attachment mom if you co-sleep and baby wear. 

You're a strict mom if you have rules and a relaxed mom if you want to be their friend. 

I understand that labels are important to people because it lets us know where we fit in and in what category, but please know - I'm just me. A little bit of every kind of mom. I can't classify myself as any one 'type' of mom. In the three short months that I've been a mother, I'm trying all that interests me and sticking with what works.

 I cloth diaper because I love that it saves me money and that I'm saving Kingston's hiney from chemicals all day every day. I plan to teach Kingston sign language because I'd love to better communicate with him way before he's able to verbalize things. I also plan to make his baby food. I cook for our family so why would I not cook for him too? Plus, I got a baby bullet at my shower and I'm positive it will be fun coming up with pureed combinations for him! I also just purchased a ring sling because there are times I don't want to push around the stroller or lug the heavy car seat. You also better believe there will be rules in our house and probably spanks too.

I guess that classifies me as a crunch, trendy, attachment, strict mom.

Umm ... no. Please don't call me any of those things because. I'm nothing more then just me - a mom. I may be doing things different from others but we are all doing the same thing. Mothering. Taking care of our babies the best way possible. 

Give up the labels ladies. 

Linking up with Leslyn.

2nd Month {Baby} Must Haves

Here are a few items that have been essential for Kingston's second month of life. 

{If you missed it - check out my first month must haves.}

1. Turtle Sponge Bath Mat

($6.99)

The BEST $7 ever spent! This mat is light weight/easy to store, holds Kingston in place and it helps me gauge how much water I need. I fill up the tub just enough so the whole turtle is submerged and it is the perfect amount of water. This makes bath time so much easier. 

Seriously, don't spend money on any other bath system. This ooption is cheap and super effective.

2. Munchkin Paci Clip

($8.99)

Kingston only takes a paci when he is tired and every other time he spits it out so aggressively. This clip makes things so much easier and I always know where to look for it. We primarily use this in the car and attach it to his shoulder pad of his carseat. That way while I'm driving, I can blindly find the paci and I no longer have to unbuckle and get out of my seat to search all the crevasses for it. 

3. Changing Pad Liner

($15.99)

We purchased the 3 pack of liners from Babies R' Us and have used the heck out of these. One of them is always on our changing pad, one is in the diaper bag so we can use it out and about, and the third is on our changing table waiting to be used. As you all know, babies poop and pee when ever and where ever, and these liners help me from having to change the changing pad cover every day. My boy also tends to spit up almost every time he is getting his diaper changed so these are definitely a must for us. 

4. Carters Zip PJ's

($12.99)

Last month it was nice to have the sleep sacks to make the middle of the night changes easier. I noticed that Kingston would wake up from kicking his legs and getting them caught in the sacks. We were gifted some carters zip up pjs and I love them. What's nice is that they zip up from the top down - so it's like a backwards zipper. I love this because I only have to unzip it half way to change his diaper instead of having to have his whole top half exposed too. 
It keeps the baby warmer which keeps the baby happier! 

5. Bag Balm Ointment

($10.99)

This ointment was originally made for cows udders but was recommend to us to help treat diaper rash, dry skin and everything in between. We have used it during diaper changes and more recently we used it when Kingston scratched his forehead. It smells medicinal (and reminds me of old ladies) so it won't win any prizes for smelling good, but it definitely gets the job done. It comes in a huge 10oz tub which will last us a while I'm sure but the only place we could find it was at Wahlgreens. PS- this is not cloth diaper safe. 

6. Activity Play Mat 

($40.00)

Since Kingston has been starting to see things better and has become way more alert of everything going on around him, the activity play mat has kept him entertained for a few minutes at a time. He isn't able to reach for anything yet, but I make sure to lay him on it to where he can kick the heavy objects. We also do tummy time on the mat and the bright colors really keep his attention. I'm sure this mat will be on or 3rd and 4th month must haves too. It seems to be a 'toy' that grows with them and I love that you can get your moneys worth out of it. 

7. Burp Cloths

($14.50)

I haven't found a brand that I like better than another, but in general burp cloths are essential. We have them everywhere: on the couch arms, on the swing, on the crib, on the changing table, in the diaper bag and on my bedside table. You get the picture. . . you can never have enough of them. Especially since it's the one thing that never seems to be close enough when you need it.

8. Johnson's & Johnson's Lavender Lotion/Bath Soap

($25.70)

I LOVE the smell of this lotion. It smells like a deliciously sweet sleepy baby. We use the 'pink' lotion during the day and the 'purple' lotion at night. It may all be in my head, but I think using two different smells of lotion helps to differentiate between day time and night time for the babe. 

9. Nike Socks

($12.99)

My mom for years would always talk about babies and their need to always wear socks. Well it makes it hard for them to always wear them when the darn things don't like to stay on their tiny little feet. I have found that Nike socks tend to stay on the best and are they are the cutest. Check out your local discount stores like Ross and Gordmans. I've always had good luck finding them there and they are much much cheaper. 

10. Tommee Tippee Bottles

($20-$40)

We use the closer to nature bottles that are supposed to mimic the natural feel of a mothers nipple. Kingston has only taken 6 bottles total and so far they have worked really well for us. I like that these bottles have a slow flow nipple option so the babes don't drown while inhaling the milk. 

Hopefully this was helpful! 

Do you have any other products I should try out? 

Linking up with Leslyn!
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5 on Friday

1. I confess . . . I went 9 months without trimming my hair and this past Tuesday I finally went. Yikes! Why do I always wait so long? It was so needed and I feel so refreshed. I need to stop being so cheap and start pampering myself a little more. 

2. I confess . . . I'm in desperate need of a massage. My back and neck from breast feeding, looking down constantly at my precious baby and the lack of ab muscles from my pregnancy and c-section have really taken a toll on my back and posture. 

Maybe I'll treat myself to one for CT's birthday. I'm sure he will love that gift!  

3. I confess . . . I get excited to change a diaper these days. 

How can you not when it looks like this? CT and I have begun cloth diapering while at home and when we are out of the house for short periods of time. Things are going great so far and I love keeping those pennies in our account!

Plus, look how cute he is. Our chunky monkey in his farm print! Love it!! 

4. I confess . . . pumping to build up our milk freezer stash is exhausting. So far we have about 200 oz in 8 weeks but my goal is 500 by the time I go back to work in 8 weeks. I better get off the pc and go have a date with my double electric. 

5. I confess . . . I'm super excited to complete my first 'girl' puff quilt for a customer. Coral and mint looks so pretty together! 

If you are new stopping by - thanks! - but I hope you'll stay longer and follow along! 

Linking up with: The Farmers Wife, Lauren Elizabeth, A Little Bit of Everything, XOXO Rebecca, A Blonde Ambition.

5 on Friday

I love these types of posts because it's a time where I can get totally random and just spew whatever is on my mind! 

1. If anyone knows me or follows me on Instagram, you know that I love to 'craft'. I dabble in just about any and everything. Right now I'm obsessed with accessories for my little man. Check out what I've been working on this week. 

The top two bandana bibs are going out to a lucky little fellow but every bib I make for someone else I make one for Kingston too. Win win! Also, I upcycled this children's place jacket into a vest. I found it at a consignment store for $1.50 - cut off the sleeves, took a blade to it and added a little bleach! 

So cute and so trendy! 

2. This year I'm planning on making most of my Christmas gifts (if friends or family read this - act surprised when you get them!). I might as well put my craftiness to good use and save a little money. I'm thinking jewelry, scarves, candles . . . who knows! 

What handmade gift is your go to? I can always use new ideas. 

This is one gift I made - a hand embroidered monogram necklace. 

Think about all the different possibilities. 

3. The countdown has begun. I'm anxiously awaiting next Thursday night - Grey's Anatomy, Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder.

 Check out what else I'm watching this fall.

4.  CT has his first home football game tomorrow. Fingers crossed that Kingston has a better second half then he did at his last football game. He gets super fussy when he's tired, but I'm not complaining because when he does sleep he sleeps for 7+ hours (at 7 weeks - go BabyWise!). 

5. I officially have two months left on maternity leave. It's crazy how fast time is going by. If only I could be on permanent maternity leave and stay at home with my baby forever. *sigh* A girl can dream. If you'd like to help me accomplish this goal - check out my Etsy shop. 

I'd give anything to stay at home with this cutie all day every day! 

Linking up with: The Farmers Wife, Lauren Elizabeth, A Little Bit of Everything, XOXO Rebecca, A Blonde Ambition.

5 on Friday

Happy Friday! 

Usually I would start these posts with TGIF, but everyday is basically my Friday since being on maternity leave. I don't know what I'll do when I have to return to work in November. :/

Anyways . . . 

1. I went to a Doterra essential oil party last night and I left overwhelmed with information. It sounds legit and there was really good testimonials. Anyone have any experience with them? I've seen them all over Instagram lately so I'm curious. 

2. I have lost 31 pounds since having Kingston 5 weeks ago. How crazy is that? I only gained 26 pounds while pregnant so I'm down an additional 5 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight. I officially got 'cleared' from the Dr. on Wednesday so now it's time to start the toning process. Unfortunately, I lost all my booty that I worked so hard for 12+ years (playing volleyball). I'll be working on that plus regaining my abs. Thank goodness for Pinterest! 

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3. I am so thankful I was passed on the creative genes. My dad is an art teacher and his mother owned a quilting store. Anyone who knows me knows I love to craft/sew/add paint to everything. Check out what I've done this week! 

Ballin' 

Superhero

Cycles 

These reversible bandana bibs are being sold in my Etsy shop! They are made from high quality cotton and minky - with two snap closures that can fit from infant to toddler! 



4. Pray for me as I go on my first road trip tomorrow (alone) with Kingston to watch CT coach his first game of the season. Wichita KS - Crete NE. Thankfully Salina is on the way so we will stop and see Nana and G-Dub! 



5. I received a Target gift card and scored some goodies at the clearance racks today. Of course I didn't even look for myself, only the little man. 

Looking forward to the weekend. It's suppose to be in the 70's this weekend. I can't wait!

Linking up with: The Farmers Wife, Lauren Elizabeth, A Little Bit of Everything, XOXO Rebecca, Diary of a Real Housewife

1st Month {Mama} Must Haves

Earlier this week I wrote about 1st Month Month Haves for Kingston. Today I'm going to let you in on a few necessities I've needed to survive this past month.  

1. Cute Tumbler filled with Grape Koolaid

If you are breastfeeding or have breastfed - you know all about that constant thirst.  Unfortunately, I've never been one of those people that love water. I wish I was but I'm not. This past month though, I've had a tumbler beside me at all times and 4/5 times you will find it filled with grape koolaid. I figured since it's essentially sugar water and I'm staying hydrated - it's fine. Once Kingston starts peeing purple, I'll cut back. 

2. Thong Panty Liners

So . . . remember how I ended up having to have a c-section? One would assume after a vaginal delivery that you would bleed for quite awhile - but who knew that after a c-section you would bleed just as much or more. TMI - but I don't wear granny panties so these are a must. 

3. Summer Infant Safe Sight Digital Color Video Monitor

I had such a hard time deciding which monitor to go with and after having the summer infant safe sight color video monitor for a month, I am so happy with my choice. Being a first time mom, I can't imagine not being able to see the baby - especially for us because Kingston has been sleeping in his crib in the other room since day 5. I like this monitor because you can zoom in and out and it comes in both color and automatic night vision. 

4. Nike Athletic Shorts

I have lived in Nike shorts since having Kingston (except for church days). They are so comfy and you don't need to change ever if you don't want to. They are acceptable to wear in front of company, they can be worn to sleep, out on a walk or to Wal-mart. 
They really are multi-functional ... and cute! 

5. Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash

So as soon as Kingston was removed from my tummy - my 14 year old complexion decided to reappear. This face wash is expensive but it is a good product. Thankfully I got it back when I was working at the spa and received a huge bottle at a discount. It's working for me now but zits are super annoying and I'm always looking for a product that works better. 

What do you use to fight acne?

6. Phone App - Assistive Light 

During all of my middle of the night nursing sessions, I turn on this bad boy. I try as careful as possible to keep Kingston in a night time 'sleepy' mode without stumbling around and hurting ourselves. This light is easy to get to on my phone and a total necessity. 

7. Phone App - Feed Baby 

For the past 5 weeks I have been tracking all of Kingston's diapers/feeding sessions/naps. As of today, I will only be using it to track which side he nurses from and how often. Since we are doing the Baby Wise method of nursing ever 2.5/3 hours, it helps having easy access to see when he last ate. This app also has options to track their stats (weight,height,etc) and pumping sessions. It does it all and it's super user friendly. The only thing I wish the free version had was the ability to pause during a nursing session. I've considered purchasing the full version just so I can have that feature. Too many times we pause to burp or readjust. 

8. What to Expect - The First Year

If you read my post about all the stuff I have googled in the first few weeks, you know I am a nervous nelly and have so many questions about everything. This book is awesome and covers any topic imaginable that could come up in the first year of your child's life. I am so glad I was able to borrow this from a friend (thanks Jenna!). 

9. Automatic Car Start

Whether you have a baby in the summer heat or winter cold, having your car the correct temperature prior to getting in is amazing for both mama and baby. I'm so glad I got an auto start for Christmas. It was definitely money well spent. 

10. On Demand/Netflix/Hulu/DVR Subscription 

 I have spent so many hours on my couch in front of the TV the past 5 weeks. With that being said, day time TV is brutal and I have been on the lookout for new shows. Thank goodness for DVR and Netflix.

11. Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads

The baby cries - I leak. The baby nurses from one side - I leak from the other. I get out of the shower - I leak. Needless to say ... I'm a fountain and these are essential for me. I was gifted Medela disposable pads but I've had better luck with the Lansinoh brand. They absorb a little better and are odorless. 

12. Gilligan and O'Malley Nursing Bra

I have two of these (wireless) and I couldn't live without them. Enough said. 



13. Covered Goods Nursing Cover
 At first I was able to borrow a nursing cover purchased from Udder Covers. Being a first time mom, it has taken a little practice feeling comfortable nursing in public. One thing I didn't like about the Udder Cover was that it didn't cover your backside. So while I was hiking my shirt up at the volleyball game I had to continue tucking it in in the back so I wasn't exposed. Thanks to instagram I found Covered Goods. Their cover slips over both shoulders, is made from a super cute light weight fabric and covers everything so you don't have to be self conscious about anything being seen. It also can be worn as a scarf or car seat cover if you choose. Multi-functional is the best! 


14. A Friend 
Someone you can ask anything and everything to. Someone that is available to listen to your crazy questions, someone who will give you advice but not get offended if you don't take it, someone who is encouraging and someone who will pray for you. I definitely could not have survived this first month without friends. 


Am I missing anything that would make the next month even easier?

Linking up with Serenity Now.
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