New Closet Additions: February

New basics are always fun to add to my closet because I know they will be worn often. I had been eyeing these Gap jeans for a while and finally pulled the trigger. They're a very blue jean :) I love how skinny and stretchy they are, but they do seem to stretch out quickly. I like them best right out of the dryer. I spotted this black dress in target and knew I would snag it once it went on sale. I plan to wear it at a bridal shower soon and maybe even the wedding too- it has a great, girly shape. The dark jeans are fine... They are cheap and they work, but again they feel like they stretch out easily...wish I would've sized down. The earrings were an impulse buy because jcrew can't advertise free shipping on any purchase without me finding something.  The Loft silk top was also an impulse, but hopefully it will get good wear. Its comfy, can dress up jeans and be worn throughout the seasons. Win.

1. Gap Jeggings. $25 after GapCash

2. Target Merona Cap-sleeved Dress. $18

3. Target Mossimo Dark Skinny Jeans. $18

4. Jcrew Factory Sunburst Earrings.  $6

5. Loft Silk Lace-print Blouse. $10

Total: $77

on Motherhood...

*Warning: sappy mom post ahead*

Wrapping up the 10th and most definitely most difficult week of motherhood so far, I wanted to be sure to document how this dramatic life change called motherhood has affected me so far.

It was yesterday morning, a lazy Sunday at home, when I paused to soak in the reality of my new family.  My husband was walking Lucas around the house giving him a "tour".  Mind you, this tour was SHORT no doubt, but it hit my heart like a ton of bricks.  "This is Sadie.  She's our dog.  We love her... even though she wakes you up sometimes." "This is your giraffe.  Do you want to pet him? I can't wait for you to give him a name.  Maybe, George?" "This is our front door.  It's weird and lets in lots of cold air." ... Maybe it's the hormones, or just my sappy side, but this little moment caught me and stood out as one I never want to forget.

Why?  It reminds me that I am beyond blessed to have these two boys in my life.  Yes, I've always loved my husband, but seeing him take on the roll of "father" has sent that love to another level.  He is completely head over heels in love with our son. And he tells him that all the time.  He jokes with him, talks to him about politics, sports, TV, reads to him every night, and puts that darn pacifier back in his mouth as many times as his majesty needs.  Its in these moments that it hits me.  This is what life is all about.

via

A friend posted this quote on Instagram the other day and I thought: YES. It's about these little moments.

Being a teacher, I get that kids teach you way more than you teach them.  They test you, trample you, yell at you, and are dead honest.  They are also sweeter, funnier, and more outgoing than I could hope to be. They push you to be better than you were yesterday and inspire you to do good.

Having children, I've realized, is much the same, but hits much closer to home.

I mentioned earlier that this week has been the most difficult.  We visited the doctor 5 times in one week. J and I also caught a cold. Having a sick child is HARD.  Mentally, physically, emotionally.  I could not have gotten through this alone, and I give props to all you that have!  Thankfully, we are on the upswing, are starting to feel better around here!

This is my last full week of maternity leave.  These 10 weeks have been the most exciting, peaceful, and fulfilling weeks of my life and I know I will treasure them forever.  I've learned so much from my son, and I know it has only just begun!  I look forward to getting back to work, and to seeing my students and coworkers once again.  But there is absolutely no doubt, I'm scared of what I might be missing.  I tell myself that it will be good for the both of us.  To have some time apart.  And that spring break and summer break are right around the corner.  He is in good hands, and I am beyond grateful for that.  My husband is 5 minutes away.  It will be okay.

So here's to spending the next week kissing tiny toes, playing peek-a-boo and taking way too many pictures... all while in my spit-up-covered robe. :)

What I'm Loving Lately: SHOES!

1. Hunter Original
2. Old Navy Or' Say Flats
3. Toms Desert Bootie
4. Toms Cutout Classic
5. Converse "Shorline" Sneaker
6. Sam & Libby for Target Bow Flats

Photo Dump :: Two Months

Lucas :: Weeks 5-8

Lucas :: Two Months

Lucas Neal
TWO MONTHS

written Friday, Feb. 14th, edited Monday, Feb. 17th. hoping to add pictures later this week when you are feeling better!

Two months old, already??! I know your dad and I will be saying this for the rest of our lives.  You have changed so much this month and are becoming so interactive.  You smile at us when we smile at you.  My favorite is your "cooooo!" that you squeal with your little "whistle" lips.  We have our own little conversations that I treasure.  You are especially talkative in the morning, on the changing table and while you play on your play mat.  You love to kick and move your arms all over the place!  Also, you've discovered how tasty your fist can be and want it in your mouth always!

I've been getting much better at getting out of the house with you.  At first, I thought I needed to take everything you might need, but I quickly learned what is really important.  We've had trips to Target, the grocery store, friend's houses and lots of visits with the family.  I look forward to some warmer weather this month when I can take you OUTSIDE! I hope you love it.  With only a couple weeks left of maternity leave, I'm trying to soak up all of these little moments.  I will sure miss them.

Daily Routine:

I'm happy to report-- there is routine in this house! Generally, you wake up about 8am for the day and eat about every 3 hours.  We tried stretching your feedings a little, and it just wasn't working, so we decided to stick with what works for now.  After you eat, you are usually awake for about an hour, playing, looking around, filling your diaper... :) You'll go down for a nap after that for anywhere from 30 minutes to almost 2 hours.  After your 5pm feeding, you play, take a short nap and get a bath from dad around 7:30. I pick out your pjs and your dad gets your dressed, swaddled (he's a master!) and then reads you stories for about 20 minutes.  After he turns on your ever-loved "rain" app, you are out for the night by about 8pm.  You've been waking up about 1:30 and again at 5am, or sometimes just at 5am.  We're working on eliminating that at least one of those! ;)  

Weight: 14.6 lbs. (94th percentile)

Length:  24.5 inches (94th percentile)

Diaper Size: Size 2 for about a 2 weeks now.

Clothes Size: Some 0-3 month stretch onsies and pjs, but mostly 3-6 months.

Hair Color: Your hair has starting growing in again this week! It's adorable,  although still difficult to tell exactly what color it will be.  I'm guessing dirty blonde.

Eye color: More blue each day.

Health:

I'm sad to say that this post is up late because you've caught your first virus.  You've been coughing and sneezing and full of snot! I would do anything to take your sickness for you.  After a couple of doctor's visits, it seems as if we just have to let it run its course.  You are such a trooper and are smiling even though I know you don't feel well!  We've been doing breathing treatments every 4 hours to help with you cough and wheezing. I'm hoping today is the turnaround because I'm so ready to have you feeling back to your fun, active self! On the positive note, your baby acne has cleared completely and your eye has not acted up either! 

Eating:

Your favorite.  It is hard to tell exactly how much you eat each session, but I'm guessing around 4 oz, as that's about how much you'll finish from a bottle.  You HATE to be burped in the middle of a feeding.  You SCREAM and cry the most adorable cry until you are eating again.  You will even continue to cry after your finished eating, I think because you love it so much.  

Milestones:

You hold your head like a champ and love to sit up.  Looking around the room and following those who walk by is another one of your favorite things.  When playing on your play mat, you can hit and kick the toys to make them rattle and move.  "Coooo" and "AHH!" are constantly sung in a variety of octaves these days. You love to hold onto your burp cloth while nursing and can throw a good punch if I'm not paying attention! Our absolute favorite is to have your mimic our voices.  You love to hear us say "OOOOOO!" and then you will say "OOOO!".  Yesterday you even were sticking your tongue out with your dad! Oh my heart.

Your favorite toy: 

You still love your pacifier, but the new favorite toy is most definitely your play mat.  You like to spend lots of time looking in the mirror staring at yourself and kicking those dangling toys.

Firsts:

-laugh
-"coo"

-night in the crib

Your smile brightens our days.  Your dad and I both agree that our life is forever greater now that you are here with us.  I hope you love being a part of our family just a smidge as much as we love having you.  You sure are loved, little one!

-m  

Baby Favorites :: 2 Months

Baby Favorites

2 Months

1. Carter's Long-Sleeved Onesies. Perfectly stretchy and cozy.

2. Aquaphor. This winter has been SO dry.  Thankful to have this on had to help with the baby's dry, flaky skin.

3. Sleep Sheep. This attaches to the crib and plays a variety of white noises.  My only complaint is that I wish it were louder!

4. Rain Rain App. Lucas's FAVORITE white noise.  We joke that he needs his own iPhone already... but really. ;)

5. Summer Infant Video Monitor.  Our house is tiny, so this probably isn't absolutely necessary, but it's definitely convient, especially in the middle of the night.  This one has been great-- easy to set up, good image quality, compatible with apple products and good battery life.

6. Snap 'n Go. Hands down easiest way to "carry" the carseat.  This is a MUST! They are everywhere, so before you buy a new one, check craigslist or consignment sales.  I found this one for $30, but I've seen them at garage sales a-plenty for as little as $10.

7. Baby Bjorn. This is another consignment find.  I don't know that I'd pay full price to have this, but it's definitely nice to have around.

8. 4Moms Momaroo. I'm borrowing this from a friend and it is so awesome! Lucas didn't seem to love it at first, but this month he's SO relaxed and soothed by its gentle "tree swing" and loud white noise.

9. Activity Mat. Not only is this one adorable, but it's easy to transport.

New Closet Additions: January

This month I did nearly all my shopping online (shocker!). I'm proud to say I paid $0 in shipping, which makes this my new favorite mom-friendly shopping method. This being my first month shopping not pregnant, I was super excited to buy a few things I have had my eye on for a while (yay boots!). That saying, "Shoes always fit"... Yeah, not true. Luckily, my feet are back to normal size and my ankles are visible once again.  I went ahead a decided to put the price I paid for each item, just layin it all out there, and hoping to keep better track of what I buy. Nearly everything was on sale, or sale of sale, so if you're following the link to an item and it's no longer available, that's most likely why. Onto the goods...

1. Steve Madden Fairmont boots from Piperlime. $82

2. Bow Moccasins from American Eagle. $11

3. Lace Blouse from JCrew Factory. $22 (gift card)

4. JCrew Factory 3'' Short. $10 (gift card)

5. Herringbone loafers from Gap. $12

6. Cowl Tee from Gap. $8

7. Green Moto Skinny Pants from Gap. $18.

8. Boyfriend Flannel from Gap. $15

9. Scarf from Gap. $15

Not Pictured

10. JCrew Factory 5'' Short. $12

11. Gap sweater. $10

Total: $193

Wish list:

Dark skinny jeans.

Nursing friendly work shirts.

Brown belt.

What do you have your eyes on lately?