Weekend Vibes with Some Random Thoughts

Yay for the weekend! A few random thoughts for you on this Saturday!

1. We are getting our house cleaned by a professional cleaning company this week and I can not tell you how excited I am. It was actually a groupon we bought months ago for our townhouse and they had to reschedule and we ended up running out of time to use it. So guess what; I get to use it for our house....WOO HOO.

2. Finding new child care SUCKS! There really isn't a good way to put it. We are currently looking at getting a nanny and I am praying that it works out better than it did when Kinley was little! We are also preschool shopping again which is awful too! Kinley's school is only going to offer Monday - Friday next year and we are not ready for her to go all day every day!

3.My schedule at work will be changing in a few weeks and it is truly going to be bittersweet but I think will work out so much better for our family. I will be home for dinner and bedtime in the evenings and off on weekends. Sometimes it is really hard balancing it all and being a working mom. I am trying to embrace it but some days it just makes me sad!

4. The weather has been hit or miss the past week or so but when it is a hit we are soaking up all the fresh air possible. There is something to be said about getting some fresh air!

5. I have decided on Zander's first birthday and am SOOOOO excited for it! Now if my family could just fly out and join us!

6. Some people are so draining and will constantly be that way! Surround yourself with positive people and positive energy.

7. Why do the weekends go so fast!!!

I hope everyone has a great weekend! We have a busy rest of the day and super busy Sunday! Happy Weekend!

Scenes from the Weekend

I am always a day or two late with these weekend updates! But in my defense I have had quite the busy weekend. If you read my last post you would know Kinley had strep so we've been dealing with that and the past two days Matt hasn't felt good either.

So lets say my weekend (Thursday and Friday) consisted of many toddler snuggles and Curious George. I really really don't like Kinley to watch a lot of TV but when you have a fever of 104 for a few days that kiddo gets whatever she needs. I think she will be OK watching TV for 2 days! It's all about balance remember! Read more about that here. At least I tell myself that!

Friday afternoon we went house hunting again. No such luck.....again! I am really trying to tell myself to be patient and the right house will come but it is discouraging. Honestly we have only seen 9 houses so I am sure there are many more in our future. But when your realtor sends a list of 75 houses and you only want to go see 6 you feel defeated. We saw a few that we liked but none we absolutely love. I just won't spend that much money on something we don't love. It will come it will! After house hunting we enjoyed some yummy Chick Fil A. I rarely ever eat fast food but it was 5:30 and the in laws had Kinley and there was not time to cook dinner. It was tasty though! She was starting to feel a little better and loved the horse my in laws got her.

Saturday I worked all day like usual but it went by pretty fast. Matt did a lot of fixing up at the house with the help of his parents. There was some much needed TLC that needed to be done. We have had some bites on renters so we want to be prepared. We are going house hunting again this week so please please wish us luck!! The rest of the evening was spent watching some Teen Mom and to bed early! I was looking forward to sleeping in my bed without a toddler on top of me. Don't get me wrong I love her cuddles but she is not fun to sleep with.

Sunday we went over to Matt's parents for brunch and enjoyed the beautiful day. Kinley loves blowing bubbles with poppy and checking out her pumpkins that are getting massive! I think they are going to be done way before Halloween. Matt wasn't feeling well when we got home so he took a nap and actually didn't get up for the rest of the night. I put Kinley down for a nap and ran to the grocery store. Sometimes it is wonderful to go to the grocery store alone! I like to grab some Starbucks but it was getting late in the day so I try not to have any caffeine so I skipped this time. I got home and all the groceries put away and decided what I was going to make so I had dinner for the next day.

Kinley woke up and Matt still wasn't feeling well. So I put Kinley to work helping me prepare Stuffed pepper casserole. She loves taking one bite out of the veggies and then putting them back LOL. Don't tell anyone there might have been half bitten veggies in the casserole. Hey you will never know because I chopped them all up in the Ninja! It turned out really good and will be eating it again for lunch tomorrow. And Kinley even took a bite! WIN!!! This child of mine is so picky!! I hope this stage passes soon!

When we were done we headed up to the park for a little. Of course she had to have the baby with the stroller. Thankfully she left the picnic basket behind this time. Surprisingly she pushed the stroller all the way to the park and then took the baby out for a swing in the swings. She wasn't too interested in pushing it back home so while carrying her and pushing her mini stroller we made it home. I was sweating, she was sweating, the baby was sweating! Oh wait maybe that was my sweat that dripped on the baby. Gross :)

I prepared another dinner for the nights dinner. I made chicken breast covered with cream of mushroom soup mixed with Lipton Onion soup mix. It wasn't my favorite. It was a little too salty for me. After getting everything cleaned up it was bath time for Kinley. Oh did I mention I had to feed Kinley dinner while she played with play dough. Dang this child of mine!

After she was in bed I thought I was going to be able to relax for a little after cleaning up her toys and the dishes that I didn't get to. Well it was for a little until she started screaming at 815. I don't know what was up with her besides wanting me to stay in her room and hold her or stand by her bed. She never lets my husband go into her room  at night. She screams worse. And has always been like this. It makes my patience wear very fast. She really knows how to doubt my skills as a mother. That went on until about 930 when she finally laid down. She always asks to eat. I know it is a stalling tactic because I always offer her something and she eats about 4 puffs. I really don't know what else to do! If you have any ideas please share!! Besides letting her scream until she passes out I don't know what else to do. Parenthood is always challenging and testing my limits!

I hope everyone had a great weekend and your week is off to a great start!

Jam Packed Weekend Fun

Oh my gosh what a busy weekend!! I actually had a 3 day weekend this weekend since I worked Thursday. It was pretty amazing but it was jammed packed! My hubby even had 3 days off with me! I seriously can't remember the last time that has happened! This is what I came home to the other night! It was so sweet!

Friday we went and had sushi and Kinley was not good! We hardly ever go out to eat and I was reminded why we never do. Taking a 20 month old out to eat is challenging! She definitely didn't want to sit still. Don't let the cute pictures fool you :). I guess we should have just dropped her off at the in laws and enjoyed a peaceful lunch. I just feel bad because they help us out so much during the week, I don't like to bug them on our days off. Anyways lunch was yummy then we headed to the mall. I wanted to check out sizes at Old Navy because I had a coupon for online purchasing. Kinley is so in between sizes so I wasn't sure what size she would be in for some fall clothes. Surprisingly she was pretty cooperative with letting me try 18 pieces of clothes on her. Of course I let her play in the play area for a few before we headed home for nap time for all.

We cleaned and cleaned and made a yummy dinner! It was buffalo chicken quiona wraps. You definitely need to try it! They were delicious.

Saturday we had a great day! We had plans to have breakfast at the zoo with the animals though it was raining. I was quite bummed. We headed out anyways to meet up with one of my girlfriends and her two kids. The rain eventually cleared up and we had a fabulous time. The girls acted like they were best friends and had the time of their life. We headed home, ate some lunch, and all took naps again. Man was it glorious! I can't even remember the last time I got a nap in, let alone 2 days in a row!

We had to run out to Walmart and boy was I reminded at how much I dislike that place! It is just too busy for me! It isn't worth the added stress to me. We picked up the majority of our groceries for the week and will run to the grocery store later in the week if need be. I had a lot of things already at home.

We have really started working on decluttering the house in hopes we will find renters soon and be able to buy a bigger house. Wow is that a draining process. We seriously have so much stuff....how does one get so many things in such a small place.

Sunday we met with our realtor to start this whole house hunting process. We spent about an hour and a half in his office then he wanted to go look at houses. Kinley was already spent. Me too to be honest. Thankfully Matt's parents were able to come over and watch her so she could get a nap in. We are so very lucky to have them so close. PS...there is no getting out of the house with a toddler without her baby plus a million other things! But hey she is cute and was smiling so I will take it!

We were only able to look at 3 houses due to the others not being available. We really loved one of the houses and just like that put in an offer. Dang was that scary. Unfortunately they did not accept due to use needing to rent. That is fine....it wasn't meant to be! And if I am being honest I really want something a little bigger to grow with us. It was perfect in every other way but a little small. We just need to be patient and we will find the perfect house!

Did I mention decluttering and finding a home for everything is exhausting! We did a little more of that Sunday night and then after getting in the contract I was ready for bed. Hence why this post is a day late. I didn't even sleep well because I had so much on my mind! We had a really full weekend!

I hope everyone else's was great! Have a fabulous week! If you have any rental tips please please share!

Fun in the Sun

I hope you all had a great weekend!! We had a fabulous one! I am linking up with Her Heartland Soul for our Weekend Snapshots. My husbands schedule got changed at work so he worked all weekend but we made the best of it. At least he won't have to work another weekend for 6 weeks...well at least that is what they say. I am not sure I believe it though. They are always finding reasons for him to work.

I had a shorter weekend this weekend due to picking up some hours at work on Thursday. It wasn't too bad but I had a busy day so it was long. Before I came to work I got to meet my friends new baby boy, Finley Grey. Oh man is he cute and giving me baby fever....shhhhh don't tell my husband that. On my way to work I saw a horrible car crash right in front of me! It was so scary and made me remember that you can never trust anyone on the road. It reminded me how thankful I am to have Kinley rear facing; read more here :). Caught these two using the dog as a pillow. Too cute!

After working I had to go to the dentist to get my mouth guard adjusted. Wow that thing is weird. Does anyone have one? Any suggestions on how to get use to it? I forgot to wear it the first two night...oops. Thursday evening I got to enjoys some quality time with my husband which was wonderful. I think Thursday nights are one of my favorites because we actually get to see each other.

Friday we had such a fun day. We went to the zoo and had a blast. The weather was beautiful and we got to see lots of animals. There was a new giraffe that was born the day before, it was really neat to see. After we got home Kinley had a great nap so we decided we would get some frozen yogurt. She is so silly and doesn't really like frozen yogurt which I don't understand why. I think it is more about trying new things she doesn't like. She really doesn't know what she is missing. So she got a bowl full of fruit and was happy as could be.

Saturday I worked all day and the in laws were so awesome to keep Kinley all day since Matt had to go to work also. They also went and got dinner for us. They are wonderful and we are so thankful to have them close. Saturday night was uneventful.

Sunday Matt had to go to work, but we were able to get some family time in before he went. Then Kinley took an awesome nap and her and I had some fun in the sun in the backyard with her water table and sprinkler. And then we made a yummy dinner!! It definitely was a great day!

After this weekend we are really going to try to transition Kinley to one nap. She really hasn't been ready before now but she has really been struggling at bed time. So I am thinking her afternoon nap is interfering with her bedtime. We tried one nap yesterday and it went well! We will see how the rest of the week goes. Wish us luck please! This child of mine has always been an awful sleeper so I am hoping this transition isn't too difficult. It is not helping she is cutting more teeth.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week. We are going to get to see some friends later in the week and then hopefully get down to the Outer Banks this weekend to see my step mom and her family! I am super excited! Happy 20 months to my baby!

Weekend Fun

The weekends just go so fast. Especially this weekend! I had two days off but they weren't together since we were out of town last weekend so I had to make up some time. And I worked my entire 10 shift on Memorial Day. That is ok though! Sacrifices have to be made when you are saving for a house! I didn't get a chance to take too many pictures until Sunday.

Friday we had a good family day and I enjoyed some time in the sun with my friend, Krystal. It was beautiful out and I think it is safe to say summer is here! I have to get my tan on since I am in two weddings in less than a month. We took Kinley to the park and just hung out and did some grilling. Kinley loved the corn but wouldn't hold it herself. Matt and I enjoyed some time after she went to bed watching Taken 3. I wasn't really impressed to be honest. They could've stopped at 2.

Saturday 5:15am came fast! I am not a fan of getting up that early but it is nice to be off work early and be home in time for dinner and be able to put my baby girl to bed. Work was slow but went by fast thankfully. Matt took Kinley to the grocery store and of course she got to eat all the cookies she wanted. The joys of being a daddy's girl.

Sunday we had such a great day! We all got up and Matt made breakfast then shortly after Kinley took a morning nap and Matt and I cleaned a little. Then we all headed to pick strawberries. Last year when we went Kinley was snuggled in the ergo. This year....completely different! She was ready to go!

We got there and decided it was too sunny for her to not have a hat on so no cute Memorial Day headband for her. She had such a blast. She actually got in and was picking strawberries and putting them in the bucket. Thank goodness we brought a spray bottle to clean the strawberries because I knew she would be eating them. We didn't want a tantrum in the middle of the strawberry patch. Go us for being on top of things! Home we went so the little bug could take a nap. While she napped I laid out for a few while Matt went to the store and brought me back Starbucks!

Then we headed to Matt's parents to BBQ and catch up. It has been a while since we have seen them with us being out of town and my new work schedule being a little hectic. Kinley needed a new outfit because she was covered in strawberries. We had a great time and lots of yummy food! When we got home Kinley wanted to go back outside. She seriously loves being outside. As soon as she finishes breakfast we are out in the morning. I love all the fresh air she is getting but her poor skin is so bumpy due to all the sunscreen we have to keep on her. She has such sensitive skin.

After we put her in bed we enjoyed some quality time watching SVU and making a delicious strawberry dessert with our fresh strawberries. If anyone has any good strawberry recipes send them my way! We have lots of strawberries to eat.

Monday was back to work for Matt and I. When you have jobs that are open 24/7 there are no holidays for us. That is ok though, the money is good.

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! Bring on summer! We can't wait to go to the beach!

Weekend Highlights

Hope everyone had a good weekend! Ours was mellow now that my family is gone it's back to just us. I miss them tons!

We have officially decided we are doing BLW. I'm so excited and just want to give her everything at once. She took a decent nap yesterday so it gave me some time to browse Pinterest and get some recipe ideas. BLW seems like it's going to work great for our family. We started this weekend with bananas. She loved them! We also did try a cucumber and I think she loved that because it felt good on her teething gums! 

We made a family trip to lowes, where I could spend a lot of money! We are going to give our bathroom a makeover. It really needs it. Ideally we'd like to purchase a new house but right now use staying put is what's best for us. So we are going to do a little upgrading and go with it! Anyone have any upgrading/remodeling tips??

Of course we went grocery shopping! Next on the list for Kinley is sweet potatoes! 

We are tackling the no swaddle also! We tried cold turkey Friday night and it was quite the mess. So Saturday we stuck to one arm and that seemed much better. She looks like such an angel. I love her tons! 

Don't let her fool you..it didn't last long! But I still love her! Does anyone else's little one LOVE their toes? She literally eats them! 

Happy Monday! Hope everyone has a great week!

Weekend Recap

Hope everyone had a good weekend! Ours was pretty mellow. We actually didn't do too much besides our usual grocery store and target runs! We did get to see some friends for a BBQ on Saturday. That was fun!

Kinley turned 4 months on the 27th. I am going to wait to do a 4 month post until we go to the doctor on Friday. I can't believe she is already 4 months old. Time really does fly. She's changing every day.

I'm so excited we got the ninja kitchen system this weekend! I really want to make her baby food so I'm super excited about this! Does anyone have any good baby food recipes to share? I'd love to hear! Or any other recipes! 

Matt is officially on leave and will be home with Kinley and I in the evenings! We are very excited!! 

Hope everyone has a great Monday!! Here's some pics to make you smile. I'm just in love with this headband by little hip squeaks. 

Weekend Fun

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Again ours was pretty mellow, just the way I like it :) Friday I hung out with a friend from an old job. It was great to catch up and have adult conversations! She brought over this amazing recipe of Greek pitas. We used naan bread and let me tell you they were so amazing Matt and I made them again on Saturday night LOL.

Sorry for the half eaten picture. I was so hungry and halfway through thought I would snap a pic. 

It was an early night because I had to get Kinley to bed. I am really trying to be more consistent with following a schedule for her sake, well for the both of us! I use to give her a bath and then bring her back downstairs. I think restimulating her might not have been the best idea before bed. So I recently decided to give her a bath, lotion and pjs, read a book or two depending on her mood, swaddle and then her bedtime feed. I was nursing her before bed but if Matt is home or able to come home we are going to do a bottle in hopes her tummy will be more full and she will sleep longer. Sometimes she is so tired when bedtime rolls around I don't think she nurses the best which results in her not having a full tummy and waking up more than mommy likes :). 

Saturday Kinley got up and didn't seem like she was ready to get up so I stayed upstairs with her and fed her. I then played with her on our bed and swaddled her back up and put her down for a nap. She is one tough cookie to get down. But she took a 2 1/2 hour nap! It was amazing and she was so happy when she woke up. Out we went to run some errands and enjoy the beautiful day. Our first stop Best Buy. We have been contemplating a new computer and been doing a lot of research. We really wanted a MAC and after doing our research and deciding it was a good investment we purchased a MAC. So yes I am typing this blog post from our new MAC. I couldn't be happier. Happy early birthday to me :) Then it was grocery shopping time. I am probably one of the weirdos that actually enjoys grocery shopping. I really like coming up with new healthy recipes. Kinley really has been loving the Baby Bjorn lately. She loves to look out and watch everyone. Who doesn't love some people watching! She is my child! When deciding on a baby carrier we purchased the Ergo but received the Bjorn from some friends that were not using it anymore. I don't like her to be in the Bjorn long but every once in a while I don't mind :) All that shopping wore her out!

She is so cute I can't get enough!! 

Sunday already! Why does the weekend go so fast? Kinley decided after her 4:30am feeding she wanted to stay up. After many times of putting the bink back in her mouth I think she finally went back to sleep around 530am. Then she was up at 8. I was so tired and not sure why she has been doing pretty well the past few nights. Maybe the extra sleep is throwing me for a loop. She didn't stay up too long this morning, but she nursed and we played on her play mat for a little bit before going back down for a nap. She took another 2 1/2 hour nap! I am not saying anything yet but I am super excited she is napping better the past few days. We then made our weekend trip to Target and I was craving Chipolte so we grabbed some lunch. Have you guys heard they might be getting rid of their guacamole? Aww that would be sad it is so tasty! I didn't want to be out too long because I was hoping Kinley would take a good afternoon nap if we didn't miss the window. Well it was tough and after fighting her for an hour I decided to feed her and try again after her tummy was full. Just what she needed. She took another 2 hour nap! This is very exciting to me!! I actually made dinner, homemade lasagna, and went for a run!! It was a slow run but I did it. I am doing the Shamrock 8K this weekend with some friends which will be really interesting! 

YUMMM cheese overload!

And of course a blog post wouldn't be complete with some pictures of my love bug! Hope everyone had a great weekend! 

What did everyone do this weekend?? I am so ready for spring weather to get out and about more! Happy Monday everyone! :)

Sorry this is posting late today. I set up the scheduled timer and I must be doing something wrong! So I hope everyone had a good day!