Fourth of July Style

 I don't know about you guys, but I can't even believe how close we are to Fourth of July. Wasn't it just June 1st yesterday? Summer goes by way too fast around here. You know me, always preparing for something festive. And having a baby girl to "decorate" never disappoints.I have always been a sucker for any holiday, and so far every holiday with a child is far better. I'm dreaming about Lola being excited enough to suck on a bomb pop on the front steps of my parents house, in her wet bathing suit and grass stuck all over her feet. The best summer memories!
 It's no secret we love our Old Navy and Gap around here. And right now everything is 40% off, so hurry and get your goodies for the Fourth!
Here's some of the cutest things I've rounded up that we have our cart hearts full of!

Striped Bow  // Gold Glitter Bag // Sunglasses // 
Eyelet Dress // Gold Sandals //  Gingham Suit //  Bomb Pop Leggings

Hope everyone has a hot fourth of July filled with popsicles, swimming, fireworks, and love.

Happiest Father's Day in the LAND!

Originally this post was titled "Father's Day Weekend" But after last nights AMAZING victory here in Cleveland, we're all kinds of cheery today. If you're not from Cleveland, you wouldn't understand. Last night, our city made history!  Whats even more amazing is to see the city come alive, together. We're a small city. Known for being small and having nothing and never winning.

I've never been so proud to be born and raised wine & gold!

THE DROUGHT IS OVER

2016 NBA CHAMPIONS!

 

So the original reason for this post. Father's Day. 

We spent the morning at breakfast with Chucks dad. Who just adores Lola and is such a wonderful grandpa.

We spent the afternoon swimming and cooking out at my parents, celebrating my dad. Who happens to be one of those die hard Cleveland fans, never missing a game! For anyone who knows my dad, knows that he's the closest thing to Clark Griswold that you'll find. But the love he has for his family is so much more then his ability to decorate a house at Christmas and randomly call for all 3 of his kids when he can't decide which one. There are SO many things that are so special to me because of him. Christmas decorations, teaching my daughter how to Set, Goalpost, Step, Throw, always having a clean car, $1 coins, diggities, tractor rides, root beer floats, never running out of ammunition, and always knowing when a storm is coming. But above all, he NEVER misses a single important thing in his kids and grandkids lives and cheers louder then anyone else. For that, I could never thank him enough. I love you so much, dad. And I don't say it nearly enough.

 

 

 And then there's Chuck. His FIRST Father's Day. I could sit here all day and tell you what an amazing dad he is to Lola. But HER FACE when she sees him and plays with him, says it all. She has been a daddys girl from the start. She spent the first 2-3 hours of her life with him and him only, while I was recovering. There is nothing in this world that has given me the feeling I get seeing my husband be a dad. Its a whole different kind of love. One only those who feel it know. Lola and I are so lucky to have him on this adventure. Making every second special and worth it.

 

I should also mention what an awesome Uncle her is to my nieces and nephews who just adore their Uncle Chuck

Happy Father's Day to all the special dads out there. Dads, Step-Dads, Father-In Laws, Papa's, Great-Grandpas, Angel Dads. Hope you had a great weekend filled with as much joy as we had.

Fathers Day Gift Guide

Maybe it's just my husband, but it's usually pretty hard to round up gifts to buy him. Mostly because he already has everything. Now I gotta add Fathers Day to the list of gifts I don't even know where to start. This year, I asked him straight up what he wanted. No hesitation, a Lamzac. He's always been the outdoors obsessed. We own every piece of camping equipment you can think of! Three camping hammocks, and now a Lamzac. He's been saving his REI points for a tenstile (cause I'm not paying for that one!).

When I asked him what some other gift ideas would be good for my blog, his answer was way too inappropriate, and when I told him to be serious, he said "that IS what dads want". 
My hubby, the gentleman.

So I rounded up some gift ideas for things I've used in the past that he likes, and a few new ideas for your special daddy's in your life.

Dollar Shave Club // Fathers Day Key Chain // MeUndies // S'Well bottle // 

Camp Brand Goods T-Shirt // Open Me // Lamzac

We've been using The Dollar Shave Club for years, and it's so convenient (and cheap!). Razors are so expensive at the store. The best thing is, they email you when your subscription is getting ready to ship, and you can add in some shaving ream, or lotion, or extra blades if needed. Very worth it! 

This keychain is made by my friend from highschool who has a special relationship with her dad. I thought it was such a cute idea for a simple gift that dads would love. Check out her Etsy shop for more awesome jewelry.

I know I've already stressed this, but these MeUndies are just the best, ever. My husband and I both have a subscription for their undies of the month, and we throw away an old pair each time a new one comes. We LOVE them. And if you sign up with this link, you'll receive 20% off your first order!

We originally found the S'well bottle about 2.5 years ago on our New England road trip at a little store in  Camden, Maine called Once A Tree. Everything in the store was either made of wood, or looked like wood grain. My husband bought this bottle and used it every day for probably a year straight. Until I bought him another one. These bottles are popping up all over the place, and in ever color you can think of.

Camp Brand Goods has the softest, comfiest shirts and sweatshirts. I'm not embarrassed to say I own many. And buy Chuck a new one often. At first, he was like "blah blah, you're so trendy with your Camp Brand Goods" but he wears his t-shirts ALL THE TIME, because they're so comfy. Lola now owns her own long sleeve shirt.

We got this Open Me one when we first bought our house, and I originally wanted to mount it on our island. But Chuck said he didn't want to drill into it, and we mounted it on a tree in the backyard by our hammocks instead. What dad doesn't love cracking open a cold one after the tots are in bed?

And again, the Lamzac. Which I'll let you know how much he/we enjoy it.

As far as a gift for my dad, he's TOO easy. Home Depot is his Heaven, and so are hot dogs, tshirts, guns & ammo, and anything related to his grand kids! I really don't know if he reads this. But we found this awesome tshirt on Etsy and can't wait to give it to him!

Kick back, dads, and enjoy your Father's Day weekend. 

You all work hard and deserve it.

I know this one sure does!

Homemade Baby Food

Making our own baby food, was something I knew I wanted to do, or at least try to do once we became pregnant. Back then, I didn't know much about it, and even 4 months into making it, I'm still learning. But I wanted to share how easy it really is, and how much Lola is obsessed with eating it.

First up, in making this process the easiest ever, The Baby Brezza. 

I cannot stress enough how amazing this thing is. It is worth it's weight in gold in the baby food making world. 

So right now, Lola gets two meals a day, and usually one or two snacks. Meals consist of one pureed food and one finger food. Snacks are just a quick finger food. And we can't give the purees fast enough. She is always grabbing the spoon away. And she shovels finger foods in. Yesterday she choked on the teeniest piece of soft banana. 

Heart attack.

Making homemade baby food with the Baby Brezza is so easy that I don't designate one day to making a whole bunch. I make one food every 2-3 days. Usually on a week night. Because it's seriously as easy as chop, press a button, and freeze. Let me explain…

Chop.

Fill up tank with water, Fill up cup with chopped food.

Press appropriate Steam & Blend button & Time

(book comes with steam times for specific produce & meats)

Dinner is served

Freeze in ice cube trays and pull out of freezer as needed

We started solids at 4.5 months, and I honestly didn't think I would make it this long making her food. I bought some Plum food pouches about a month ago and we haven't used them yet. Our girl LOVES to eat, and she hasn't found a food she doesn't love. Though she wasn't quite sure about yogurt at first, but I just had to coax her a little with a bite of waffle first.

We're transitioning mostly into finger foods, and I'm excited terrified. She's still only got her two bottom teeth, and really does seem to "chew" everything, but just can't eat it all fast enough. Stay tuned for finger food meals, I'm sure sooner rather than later.

Surviving a Summer Pregnancy

So I got pregnant sometime in Mid-January of 2015, found out end of January (I was about 4 weeks) and then my morning sickness came crashing into me like a load of bricks when I was around 6 weeks, and lasted until I was 16 weeks. So for 10 weeks (in Northeast Ohio) it was brutally cold, and I was deathly ill. And I have to say, that was the hardest part of my pregnancy for sure. But then came second and third trimester, and the summer heat. So since we're heading into the summer full force,  I wanted to share with you a few items that kept me from melting during the hot hot months with a big belly.

Maternity Leggings 

These were my all time favorite leggings to wear during pregnancy. Cause lets face it, pants just don't happen anymore (even now 8 months post partum)

Shower gel 

Specifically this Iced Mint Lemonade shower gel. Every morning it just woke me up and cooled me off in the shower. I think it's been discontinued, but the margarita scent is just as good.

Body Pillow

When there is just no way to get comfortable anymore, this thing saved my back. It was so nice to have just one pillow that maneuvered to slip under my belly, between my legs, and support my back

Maxi Dresses 

I'd say around June, I was no longer wearing pants. It was leggings or dresses only. These are the best maxi maternity dresses ever, and very affordable. I wish I could wear them this summer!

Hydro Flask 

Even if you aren't pregnant, this thing is a must. I have never had cold water like this thing holds. Fill it up with ice and water and it will honestly stay ICE COLD for 3 days straight. It blows my mind. And you can never have enough water while pregnant.

Yes-To Face Wipes 

For all those nights you.just.can't. make it to the bathroom 2 feet away to wash your face. I fell asleep basically in my dinner plate every night from exhaustion, and these are a lifesaver. I still use them all the time. Even in the morning to just "freshen up" quick if I don't have time to take a shower.

Coconut Oil 

I had a mild case of PUPPP during pregnancy. My legs were bumpy and at times itchy, and coconut oil was the only moisturizer I could use to help. And in the dead heat of the summer, I smelled amazing and didn't feel all greasy after it soaked in

Girlfriends Guide To Pregnancy 

This book is light hearted and at times, hilarious. Its a must, to grab your Hydro Flask and sit on the deck, or in the hammock, and read this all afternoon in the sun.

HAPPY SUMMER, FRIENDS!

 

The Weekend Update

Well, we had a pretty productive weekend. We spent Friday night eating our favorite pizza uptown during the first Farmers Market of the season (yay!) I love farmers markets, and am so excited my small, but growing town, has one now every Friday. It certainly is small, but we love ordering pizza from uptown and eating it outside now that it's nice. We usually bring it home and push Lola in her swing while enjoying the evening air.

 

Chuck's mom came home from Utah Saturday and we planned to visit over there most of the day. Well the last week or so Lola has been taking 2-3 hour naps. One or two times a day. So we delayed our day because look how cute she is napping peacefully in a sea of flamingoes for so long! 

 

Two-three hour naps are total game changers. There's no more planning on being out most of the day. Before, when she would take like 30-45 minute naps, I didn't feel so bad letting her nap in her carseat for the 15-20 minute drive home from wherever we were out doing (shopping or my parents house usually) and then bringing her in and either letting her finish her nap in the carseat, or take her out and rock her a few minutes until she fell back asleep in my arms for the remainder of the nap. Usually if I tried to lay her back down after a carseat nap, she was up. But now, I lay her down thinking she won't sleep long, so I better run and get my never-ending to-do list done. And I find myself finishing the list, and being able to do 500 more things cause shes STILL napping. During her Friday morning nap, I swept the house, vacuumed, showered, ate lunch, did 2 loads of laundry, watched 3 episodes of Girls on HBO, and still had time to spare! Saturday's nap I ACTUALLY cleaned out my car, which I thought I would never in a million years have time to do again. So I will stay home all day long if nap time is like this! And the other bonus, she wakes up and is the happiest ever.

 

We also did a lot of walking this weekend. I JUST started paying attention to getting some exercise and eating better after pregnancy. I'm a little late to that one, but it feels SO good to sweat again. And Lola loves to stroll.

 Sunday I woke up with what I thought were bites all over my ankles and feet. I had a nervous breakdown trying to sleep Saturday and Sunday I went nuts ripping apart our bed, because I thought maybe Chuck brought home  bed bugs from the hotel he was in the week before. Then I thought, maybe our carpets are flea infested. I searched our dog like 10 times, I even got down on my hands and knees looking in the carpet. Vacuumed twice, Washed our bedding in scalding hot water and bleach. Woke up this morning, and my dad popped into my work and said "I think you have poison ivy" And the lightbulb went off. DUH! Chuck has poison ivy right now on his hands from planting wild flowers. And I had a pedicure Saturday so I BET the one tiny spot I thought was a mosquito bite and itched the shit out of, really is poison ivy and it spread!  Long story short. IT SUCKS. 

 

So anyway, Sunday we were supposed to have our rescheduled family photos taken, and had to reschedule again because classic Ohio weather, hail storm. My best friend in the entire world was in town for Sunday only, and went spent the day together grabbing lunch, and ice cream, and teaching her how to use Snapchat.

Hope everyone has a great week. My baby girl is standing!

 

8 MONTHS

Age: 8 months

Height: I don't know exactly, but she seems to be SO tall when 

she's standing up

Weight: 21 lb 3.5 ounces at the doc last weekend

Clothing size: mostly 9 months, 6-12 months, and some 12 month stuff. But today I put a pair of 3-6 month pants on her and they fit fine. So weird

Diaper size:  She's in size 3 during the day, but we just started putting her in a 4 over night. She rolls over and sleeps on her  belly most of the night so those size 3's were leaking!

Eating: She is eating solids twice a day, and we just started snacks. She gets a fruit and oatmeal when she wakes up from her morning nap, and then has dinner around 5:30 with either 2 veggies, or a veggie and chicken. And she always gets a piece of watermelon for dessert ;-) She has tried so many foods and seems to love every single one. She is doing so good with feeding herself now too with her fingers, and we're going to start doing more and more now that she's older

Sleeping: She pretty much naps like clockwork 9-10/10:30am every day, and then goes down again at about 1:30/2:00 for about 2 hours. Bedtime is 7:30ish and she sleeps til about 6:30am, SOMETIMES we can get her to sleep in til 7. She's such a great sleeper. She never wakes up in the middle of the night anymore. I don't even know what I would do if she did!

Favorite toys: Her pop up toy, still loves her exersaucer and really gets moving in it now. She has finally learned to move in her walker, but only backwards. We got this little play kitchen as a hand me down and she really seems to love it. And she's totally obsessed with this Elephant toy that blows balls out of the trunk. But she doesn't really care about the balls, she pulls it down and lets the air blow in her face and laughs hysterically.

Loves: This girl loves everything. But mostly eating solids, having bottles, being thrown up in the air, playing with Louie, blowing kisses, bath time, standing on the counter looking at herself in the mirror, wearing sunglasses, and playing with her daddy. Oh and I would definitey say she loves her cousin Mia!

Sweet Lola, you are something else lately. I seem to think each month is the best age, but right now we're loving how fun you are. You are SO close to crawling, and want to stand all day holding onto mommy or daddy or the couch! You get a little frustrated when you can't get those knees to move on their own to crawl. But you will get it soon enough. You're growing at the speed of light, or so it seems. And I want to bottle up every single moment and keep it forever. Your first summer is already proving to be the best. Mommy and daddy love taking you on hikes and walks, and swimming with you in Nana & Papa's pool! Many, many more adventures to come.