Elliana's 3rd Birthday Belle Party

I can't believe our Elliana Grace is 3 years old!

This age is the most trying so far, but also the most fun! She is so funny and keeps us laughing everyday, and also keeps our hearts smiling. She has her "moments" like most people do, but her sweetness and kindness definitely outweighs them. 

This year Elliana and I did the birthday planning together, and it was so much fun! Her favorite princess is Belle, so it was no surprise when she asked for a Belle party. I let her look at ideas with me, asked where she wanted it (her favorite park), let her pick out the cake, invitations, cupcakes, and she found some sparkly pink plates that went perfect! It was really special and fun doing this with her. (: We kind of went simple this year, invited our family and friends to the park to enjoy some outside playtime, hot dogs, and cake. Everything was great, laid back, and fun!

The highlight of the party was Elliana's special surprise. I found this wonderful local business Once Upon a Dream Party Princess where these sweet young ladies dress up as a Disney Princess for parties! When I saw they had a Belle I knew we had to get her for the party, and let me tell you...it was so worth it! The look on Elliana's face and her reaction when she saw Belle was absolutely priceless! I regret not having a video of it but I know that moment will never leave me. I cried, my mom cried, my friends cried. It was so so sweet! 

This Belle was so sweet, and never left Elliana's side. Elliana was a little star struck at first, all she could tell me was "Belle came to my party!". Now she tells us and everyone else "Belle is my best friend". So precious!

Thank you to all our family and friends who came out and loved on our little princess! We are so grateful to have so many wonderful people in our lives to love our girls.

Oh and to add a little mom humor for you. Elliana picked out the cupcakes, and even though I ordered her cake I figured I could handle the cupcakes myself. HA! 

yeaa...that worked out..

Well at least Elliana loved them and they did taste pretty good ;)

RESOURCES

Princess Belle//Beauty & The Beast Rose Cake//Belle Shirt

The cake was beautiful and delicious! Exactly what our birthday girl wanted.

The shirt was perfect for our little Belle fanatic! Great quality, and fast service! 

Two Months....Really??

It's been a minute since I've done an update. Well basically I have two kids, and we have a crazy life!

But we love every minute of the crazy, messy, noisy life we have (:

Here's a little two month update about Miss Evie Joy!

Height/Weight: We haven't had our 2 month check-up yet, but when we do I'll come back and add it. My guess is she's about 12 lbs, not sure on height. 

Sleep: Evie was a great little sleeper her first month, then it changed to she would only sleep if I held her, then it was no sleep. She was staying awake for 5-7 hours straight, waking up every 2 hours at night, and crying because she overtired. But we got over that little hump and now back to sleeping while being held. She wakes up once or twice at night. I mentioned on my Facebook page that my mom put one of my shirts beside Evie while she was napping and she slept for nearly 3 hours! That's the longest she slept without being held for a while. But I have to admit that I do love that she lets me hold her and cuddle her. She's a great snuggle buddy (:

Eating: She is breastfeeding like a champ! If you can't tell by the picture she has a pretty big appetite. Some days are more intense than others where she will feed longer, or she has more feedings. One of the good things about this is that I feel like it's contributed to her sleeping at night. She seems to get her fill in the day which in turn makes her sleep longer at night.

Sizes: She's mainly wearing 0-3 months, and comfortably wearing size 1 diapers. We are on our last pack of those and once we run out we will move up to size 2. I imagine she will be 3 month clothes soon which means I'll have to start going through Elliana's old 3 month clothes and possibly buying more since Elliana was wearing 3 months in December....it's obviously not December weather outside. 

Milestones: Evie is getting so much more reactive to her surroundings, toys, people etc. Her vision has also definitely improved as she reacts when someone enters the room. We recently bought her a playmat which she loves. She finds the dangling toys & bright colors very stimulating...although she probably gets enough stimulation from her sister alone! She is becoming a smiley baby..finally! She is mostly a content chilled out little gal. And just like her sister (and almost every baby in the world) she loves to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She can also hold her head up for a while as you can see in the picture above!

Personality: Her personality is showing more and more each day, like I said she's mostly laid back, but she sure is a mama's girl. If she's away from me too long or someone's holding her longer than she wants she cries and cries until back in mommy's arm (which I secretly love...shh ;) ). She loves her big sister! Elliana is like Evie's hero. She loves to watch her sing and dance, let's Elliana hold her, and very happy when sister brings her her paci. One thing Evie has perfected is the "duck face". She cracks us up with her funny facial expressions, but this face is the best. 

Memorable Moment: We had a crazy night a few weeks ago. Elliana came in our room at 3 in the morning. She cried for me to lay down with her so I did, a few minutes later Lucas comes in and says Evie is crying and he couldn't get her stop, so we swap. The girls both go back to sleep. An hour later Elliana is back in our room, now asking to play on the tablet. I tell her to go lay down which of course she wants me to go with her so again, I did. And again, Lucas comes in and says Evie is crying again and he can't get her to stop. As I'm getting up to go check on her he says "It's like she knows when you leave the room." I felt like that night she did and so did Elliana. It was a moment when I realized I will be going back and forth to each child through out my life. My how crazy it can be, but oh how I love it. And next time, Elliana can just stay in the bed with us because walking back and forth across the house at 3:00 am is just not my favorite, especially when I step on the same toy twice in the dark.

I've said it a billion times, and have thought it a billion and one..we are so blessed to have this sweet angel in our lives! Every day is a new adventure with her and her sister. Looking forward to the next month, but hoping it will go by much slower than the past two!

31 & Thriving.

I really want to be what it is to embody a Proverbs 31 woman. And I've come to the realization that I'm nowhere near it. A lot of that is because I've never taken the time to actually study it and try to become it. But mostly it's because I haven't been spending enough time with God, the one who gives me identity. I want that to change. I'm just gonna be honest and say that my relationship with Jesus has not really been thriving lately, and I can totally see the effects. It's not like I've been doing anything wrong or struggling with anything in particular, I just haven't been involving my Best Friend in the every day (or any day) aspects of my life. 

Ernest Hemingway once said, 

"Don't confuse movement with action."

Lately I've been doing a whole lot of moving with not a lot of action. I keep saying I want to spend more time with Jesus, but I don't. I keep saying I want to be less stressed and more full of peace, but I don't spend any time with the Holy Spirit. I keep saying I want to walk in my identity, but I haven't spent enough time with my God.

I know it might sound crazy, but sometimes we really do just need that extra little kick in the butt to read our Bible. And it's not like we don't have easy access to one, I mean you can instantly download the bible app to your phone with any version you want!

So after I stopped being a baby about how I don't have time to spend time in the single most important thing in my life, I put the girls down for their afternoon nap, and the cleaning on hold, and just went for it and I read the first three chapters of 1 Corinthians in one sitting (could have read more, but Evie woke up). It was so good!! I got so much out of it. And I really believe the only reason I got so much out of it was because I came to Him in a place of true desperation. Just really understanding that I can't do this on my own. I always want to be in this place of realization that I need Jesus. Because I'm literally nothing without Him. All of those other aspects of becoming more like a Proverbs 31 woman are 100% unachievable if I'm not in constant relationship with Jesus!

And trust me, I've been trying really hard for the past couple months. If you could see how many Google and Pinterest searches I've done lately about "how to do this", "how to be that", I think I would probably more than likely not actually show you because it's so embarrassing.

I mean how do I expect myself to have the patience that I need in order to be a good mommy to my girls if I'm not spending my time with the One who gives peace that surpasses all understanding? How can I expect myself to have self-control in financial situations when I don't even sit down and listen to the Holy Spirit who produces self-control as one of the fruits of the Spirit?

It seems so face-palm worthy that I would even consider trying to live a happy and full life without involving the only one who can give me everything (and I do mean everything, and more) that I need. I NEED JESUS. I've never been so happy to be so desperate over a man. I desperately need Jesus, and I am committing to myself, my loved ones, and even to all who are reading this that I will not forget that!

I want to really thrive to be the daughter of Christ I need to be. I will hone in on these ten things that I believe will get me there slowly but surely:

1. Faith

2. Marriage

3. Mothering

4. Health

5. Servanthood

6. Finances

7. Work

8. Homemaking

9. Time

10. Beauty

I'll be sure to do a review on the devotional. Tell me, what devotionals do you like??

Four Years...

It's hard to believe that it's been four years since I've married the love of my life. Lucas and I met through friends back in 2010. We have been through so much in our early years of marriage, good and bad, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world. Here is a look back on the craziest and best fours years of my life!

Our wedding day, August 13, 2011

I would love to do post about our wedding some day. It was very eventful and even included this awesome dance off between the guys and the girls.

We went low key on our honeymoon since Lucas just started a new job right before the wedding. We hope to do something more "tropical" for our 5th year. But we enjoyed going on a fabulous dinner boat cruise.

We've had some great halloweens together. This year was definitely the best one!

He may not have joined me, but he supported me through my first 5K!

We have traveled here and there, always making memories.

Have met some pretty awesome people.

Been on some (but not quite enough) date nights.

And most of all, started a family and became parents to two wonderful, beautiful girls.

We have both changed so much in four years, but I love him just as much if not more now than I did when I knew he was the one for me five years ago. Thank you for these crazy four years! Here's to a lifetime more...

First Month Favorites

I can't believe the first month has come and gone! I will never get over how fast time flies once you become a mom. But here we are with an almost 3 year old, and a 1 month old. And here are a few things that helped us get through the first month with our second little girl....

1. Mamaroo - This has been a GREAT investment. When Elliana was a baby, she didn't like her swing and we didn't have the room for it at the time, so we gave it away. After reading the reviews I just had a feeling this would work better for us this time, and luckily I was right! They are pricey but if you keep an eye out on Amazon you can get a killer deal like we did! 

2. Boppy Pillow - This is great for many reasons...positioning for breastfeeding, use for some down time, Evie has some reflux issues so this helps with propping her up, and for playtime!

3. Humidifier - This helps with baby's dry skin and the newborn congestion. This is really quiet and has an auto shut off once it's out of water. Plus look at all the fun colors you get to choose from!

4. NoseFrida - Okay, I know what you're thinking... "EW!" But seriously, this has been a favorite of mine and my husbands since Elliana was 5 months old and had RSV. It gets everything out so much better than the bulb, plus it's a lot easier to clean, and I promise you...you do not get any snot in your mouth! 

5. Muslin Swaddles - I didn't have not even one of these with Elliana, and I have no idea why. I had just one when Evie was born and it didn't take long for me to pick up more. I love the material and how thin it is, especially for the summer. It's a great size too. You can also use them as car seat cover or nursing cover.

6. Nipple Butter - If you are breastfeeding, and/or pumping this will be your best friend! Earth Mama products are amazing in general but I've tried different creams for comfort and this is by far my favorite, and a little bit will go a long way. Your nipples will thank you!!

7. SwaddleMe - Our Evie looooves to be swaddled. She sleeps great in it, and the tighter the better. These have been perfect for that. I know how to swaddle but I'm no expert at it...if I use a normal swaddle girlfriend will breakout in seconds. Plus, these are daddy friendly too ;)

8. Rock n Play - Any parent that has used one of these babies will tell you it's their best friend! As I mentioned before Evie has some reflux issues so the inclined position really helps with that, and the vibrating is very soothing for her too. Ever since we've been putting Evie in this at night she's been sleeping so much better, only waking up 2-3 times.

9. Honest Company Lotion - Both of my girls have inherited my sensitive skin, poor things. I have searched and searched for lotion that would be easy on their skin and I finally found a winner! Evie had some baby acne coming up on her sweet little face, I used this lotion and the next day it was cleared up. I know all babies and skin types are different, but this works great for us!

10. Keurig or any kind of Coffee Maker - If you want to survive the day after being up all hours of the night, you will need one. 

I hope this is helpful for all you first time mamas & soon-to-be mamas (even second time mamas like me!). And for the already mamas out there, tell me what your first month must haves are??

Being a family of 4...what I have learned.

It's hard to believe that Evie Joy will be a one month old next week! I'm so emotional amazed at how fast the time has gone and how the minute Evie Joy was born I already couldn't imagine life without my TWO little girls!

While there are definitely some aspects of life that are more difficult now, I'm surprised at relatively seamless the transition is/was. I remember after we found out that we were expecting Evie my sister in-law, who is also my best friend and a mother I admire, she told me that with your second child people think it's easier because you already have one, but really you are learning how to be a mother all over again with two children. That stuck with me and during this transition I have reminded myself of that everyday. But here are some of the things that I've learned the last few weeks:

LOVE. I finally understand what my mom says to my brother and I about loving us the same but different also. There's no way that I could love my two girls for all the same reasons - Elliana is talking and interacting 24/7 while Evie mostly eats, sleeps, and poops. But my heart is split equally for them.

SLEEP. I'm amazed at how our bodies adapt to change. I had felt so tired the last few weeks of pregnancy and that was on 8 hours of sleep at night (+30-60 minutes of napping during the day if I was lucky!). Now I'm getting about MAYBE 6 hours of (interrupted) sleep with no nap and surprisingly feel relatively good for most of the day.

SIMULTANEOUS NAPS. Speaking of sleep... This has been a most welcome surprise. I was really worried about how I was going to put Elliana down for a nap after Evie was born, but we have all done pretty good! Mostly because Evie still sleeps most of the day, but she takes her long nap the same time as Elliana, which has allowed me some free time to clean, play catch up online, and have my quiet time.

ALL BABIES ARE DIFFERENT. I already see a difference between my two girls. I'm really not doing TOO many things differently this time around, and yet Evie is much more laid back and calm than Elliana was at this age. Hopefully it will stay that way!

MY REACTION TO THINGS. This is probably the area that I have seen the biggest change. With Elliana, I was very cautious about everything - noise in the house, not letting him fuss (at all!!), sleep habits, and so on. I've quickly learned that I have to let go a lot of things that I used to stress obsess about. There are times when I have to do something with Elliana and it may require Evie to fuss for just a little bit (like when I'm helping her in the bathroom) in the mamaroo or bouncy. There are times she will be woken up from a nap because we have to go someplace - or because the household is loud. It's made me much more calm and relaxed about things, and has made the first few weeks much less stressful than I expected them to be!

GETTING READY. This is one that I tried not to think about while pregnant. Getting ready is definitely a tagged team match if Lucas is home and we are going somewhere. I try to plan it at least 2 hours before we have to leave but honestly with a baby that's not quite on a nursing schedule, and an almost 3 year old who has an opinion about what she wears now, 2 hours is more of a goal than actual reality. Now while I'm home alone I will take my showers during naptime or at night before bed if I know we have plans in the morning. I try to get the girls dressed after breakfast, and have them in my bedroom watching TV while I throw on some make-up. 

ELLIANA'S REACTION. This was my biggest worry while I was pregnant. I was never concerned about how she would act towards Evie Joy because she loves babies, but more how she would act to not having ALL the attention. She has been a wonderful big sis. She wants to be included with changing diapers, holding her, checking on her when she's crying, grabbing the paci, and will almost never pass her by without leaning in for a kiss! But like any only child as a toddler, she had to adjust to mommy not always being able to do something if I'm busy with baby sister (like nursing). I would be lying if I said she's done completely amazing and acting normal this past month with a new baby, it's been a BIG change for her. But she's learning and we are learning with her.

We are all still adjusting to being a family of 4, and it's been difficult and amazing all at the same time, and we wouldn't change it for anything in the world!

favorite picture.

What changes did you experience with the addition of a second child?

Welcome to the World, Evie Joy!

Our sweet Evie Joy Roberts made her grand entrance on June 28, 2015 at 3:24 am. Here is her birth story...

Late Saturday night on June 27th around 11:15 pm I started having contractions, and they felt stronger than normal. I started timing them for an hour like I had been told but by the 45 minute mark I knew it had to be the real thing. I called the Doctor who told me to head to the hospital, and Lucas called his mom to come over to stay with Elliana. After what felt like hours she arrived only in 20 minutes to the house and by that point my contractions for very strong and very close together (I gave up on timing them because there was no way I could focus on that!!) After another 20 minute drive to the hospital we arrived at 1:22 am and headed straight to the L&D floor. Thank goodness I found out just a week before that I could pre-register and not deal with that hassle when we got there. The poor guy at the desk probably called the nurses at least 3 times to see when one would come and get me, I think he thought I was going to have that baby right there in the waiting room! 

My mom and Lucas went with me to the delivery room and by the time they got me hooked up I was 6cm dilated and contractions were one minute apart, and then they told me I had to wait for the epidural.... This mama did not think she was going to make it. Thank goodness for Lucas, my mom, and sweet nurses who were all my personal cheerleaders and helped me through!

With Elliana I was induced, so everything was planned out and as soon as the contractions started getting strong with her they gave me my epidural and I was only at 5 cm. I say that because even though I already had a baby I never felt the intense labor with her like I did with Evie Joy, and honestly I'm glad I did! I prayed that I would go on my own and now I know what "true labor" is haha. 

By the time the anesthesiologist arrived I was 9 cm and once he finished I laid back down they said I was ready to push! Woah! The nurse said it takes 20 minutes for epidural to kick in and it's barely been 20 seconds!! But I was ready! 4 good pushes and then I heard the faintest little cry. Our baby girl was born at 3:24 am weighing in at 6 lbs and 13 oz with a head full black hair! I was overwhelmed with her beauty and burst into tears as they laid on my chest. 

It is an amazing feeling to bring another baby girl into this world, you always wonder how you will be able to love another child like the one you already have, but then it just happens. And it is incredible! My heart is bursting with love & happiness. Elliana absolutely loves her baby sister! She tells her "it's okay" when she hears her cries and grabs her paci, and she always wants to hold her. It's so sweet watching their sister bond they have already. 

Thank you all so much for all of the well wishes! I can't tell you all how much we appreciate it, we have really felt so overwhelmed with love from everyone!! I am excited to continue sharing our journey with you & adjust to life as a family of four.