A Kelle Hampton Morning

A really good friend of mine (over at h3b) and I joke about how we have Kelle Hampton days/events. She is honest about struggles but does a great job of trying to find the joys of life.

So...here's to finding the joys in life. :)

Last night's dinner with probably my oldest (time frame wise) friend confirmed that if we lived closer we'd probably hang out all the time some ourselves and some for our boys cause they could be best friends. When you're sitting at dinner and our boys are "roar"ing like dinosaurs back and forth, that's a pretty good sign. Then, our little CJ rocked it out with sleeping last night, and I woke up feeling so refreshed. This was followed by cooler weather outside and the calming sound of rain. And I decided to go all for it by making waffles (don't get to make them much since E doesn't like them) and topping them with my husband's delicious apple topping (apple cinn. sauce that's typically used for pancakes). Throw in a little Dave Barnes and I'm set.

What a great start to the week and a Tuesday morning.

Our boys

They do look similar, but I think they are so individuals. Is that cause I'm a mama? :) 

(Cayden)

(Timothy)

Nursing Cover Review

This is for other mamas who have wondered which nursing covers work and which...well, don't cover. :) For reference, I am 5'7" and have a longer torso.

1. Udder Covers
          Pros: 
               *Many times there are promo codes to get one of these and only pay shipping
               *Good boning to see your baby while nursing
               *I like most of the fabric options
               *Site offers gift sets with reusable pads
         Cons:
               *I've always had trouble with the strap (for around the neck) slipping
               *It's not wide enough. Part of my body always shows: pull it one way, my belly shows; cover my belly, I'm exposed.

2. Bebe Au Lait (
          Pros:
               *Beautiful fabric options
               *Pretty good coverage. To help with coverage, you can iron these which extends the fabric a little more.
               *Pocket under cover to put a burp cloth or nursing pads ("soft terry cloth pockets"): This is a genius feature in my option!!
               *Videos on the site and can buy these in stores
          Cons: 
               *(many not be a con to all) $35 cost plus $2.89
               *Another one that I've struggled with the strap
               *The boning is just not as good after a wash in my experience

3. Handmade Cover (by me): Nursing Cover Tutorial
          Pros:
              *Think Custom! Everything the way you want it to be
             *I customized the fabric so that it would have enough fabric no matter which way it was pulled
              *Choosing a fabric I love!
              *Simple tutorial (it was only my third thing to ever sew)
              *Potentially the cheapest option
          Cons: 
              *Pick good boning, mine still isn't working
              *I've come to realize the straps are the worst! It needs a button or snap, just something other that the "D-rings"
              *Too long in the front; makes it look like a dress :)
             

(I feel like I need to add one more, just can't think of it right now)

Outtakes

I take a lot of pictures. And I tend to only show the best. But this post is dedicated all those pictures you wish weren't taken but are hysterical! Enjoy, and yes, you can laugh at us. 

Motherhood

Recently I saw this on an e-card from someecards.com: 

"I don't need a big, fancy vacation. I'd be happy with a trip to the bathroom by myself."

And isn't that the truth. Doesn't matter how many kids you have.

Motherhood is a joy. What a gift I have been given through these boys. I'm blessed. Sometimes my selfishness makes me forget that others struggle with getting pregnant or trudge and wait through the adoption process. Today I'm reminded of the good and the deep goodness of the Lord.

Highlights:

*Watching Cayden learn his strength - I knew he was a strong boy just from his painful kicks in the womb, but now I'm seeing his strength. He's already made it to his side from his back a couple times. Today, I found him a foot away from where I placed him in his bed with his head smashed into the side.

*Cayden isn't the only social one in the house - Timothy is so chatty! Sometimes he talks so fast that I can't understand him. Sometimes his brain is thinking too fast, and he can't get all the words out quick enough. 

*And he's got a sense of humor! - Timothy says, "Holy Cow!" and "Cayden and I are tooters." and "Mommy, you're my son." and "Bust my broiler." and "Welcome to my first big stage I've ever seen." and a myriad of things I just don't expect to come out of his mouth. 

*Friends - Just so thankful for them!
*Passing on clothes - Having more clothes handed down to us and being able to love others by passing our clothes down.

Challenges:

*Spit up - I know this sounds weird, but I just would like a break from cleaning up the spit up from the floor, off of Cayden, or even having to completely change my clothes because he spits up all over me. 

*Balance/Priorities - all those household things I've mentioned before, but also figuring out what should be a priority at what time. Eric suggested taking a lunch break, and that has helped me not to feel guilty when a take some time for myself just as I would at any job. 

*Showering - I just don't think about it. It's one of those things that should be a priority...but sometime I struggle with when to fit it into the day.

*Getting out the door - Some days are better than others, but I sometimes just get a little more stressed about getting places on time. I've got to give myself a break and get places when I can. 

And cause we all can enjoy a good picture, I leave you with this: 

I love the fourth!!

of July. I love family and friends gathering and all the togetherness. Happy Fourth of July everyone! 

Pre-fourth baking: Cake mix from my mom for this fabulous funfetti cake!

Day of: Starting the day off just right with blueberries and strawberries...

 ...topped with whipped cream! 

Taking a few shots of the very cooperative boys in their fourth attire.

Same Shirt (above: Cayden at 6wks; below: Timothy at 5mo)

The guys out doing the hard work!

While inside the kids take a rest in new pajamas. 

After naps, we head outside. They love the little cedar house!

Yes, I'm still a dork. 

Coming out of the heat for some restful story time.

(Both dads tried to take naps while the kids ran/screamed in the house). 

Then, off for a visit with the Carlisles! 

 What a refreshing time with their family.

(only half of the family pictured here)

My Gift

(idea for this from "My Gift")

"Behold, children are a gift from the Lord." - Psalm 127:3

I am thankful for your musical heart. You request to listen to music. You sing along in the car. You pick up the guitar and strum like a rock star. And when friends come to visit, you put on a show. You even sing gently to your brother as he tries to go to sleep for naps. You get both of these from your mom and dad (mostly him) and I pray God continues to develop this love. 

I am thankful for your love. Just recently you called out to your friend "Finley!" and ran and hugged him. Everyday as daddy leave you request more hugs from him. At nap time, you cry if you don't get more hugs and kisses. Brother occasionally gets smothered with your kisses. :) 

I am thankful for your inquisitive mind. You search to find out how things work. You open and close sliding doors or turn the ACs on and off. You "play" with your computer and "work" when we visit daddy by pushing the buttons. You love to buckle the highchair, car seat (yours and brothers), the swing. You get this mind from your daddy and I hope you never loose it. 

I am thankful that you are cautious yet adventurous. You have lately asked for help at the playgroup because you say you are scared. You want to make sure that you are secure before attempting something. That security makes you really good at the things that you try. Just recently you tried your balance bike and love it! And you love running everywhere.

I am thankful for your laughter. The bang of a box, the silly sounds/words we make up, tickles, and a miriade of other things make you burst into laughter. We can tell when you are over tired when you start laughing at everything. And like many boys, you laugh at toots. 

Most of all, I'm thankful God gave me you for a son. I'm thankful that while you were unexpected, that God had so much in store for us through your life. I'm thankful for how you teach me to play more and enjoy each day. I'm thankful for how you teach me that the day must go on even when there are rough patches. I'm thankful for the love I never knew I could have for you. I'm thankful for you and the wonderful gift you are.