Currently happening...

I am treating this as a vacation round-up and whats happening in our lives!

For those of you that read my Sleep Study Experience, we got the results! My little guy has some snoring issues (we knew this) that were confirmed. And while he doesn't have sleep apnea he has mild sleep disturbances that they were a bit concerned about. So we now go to the ENT (ear, nose & throat) doctor to see what their advice is. 

We also had an appointment with Austins eye doctor to follow up on the right eye crossing. (Also the reason that prompted us to have his eyes tested showing he needed the prescriptions.) Our doctor is advising surgery to help correct the alignment. Prayers are greatly appreciated that as parents we make correct decisions, the doctors lead us well and we trust in Gods control over all. We really want to do whats best for Austin and his vision. 

Onto more fun things…vacation recap!!

I love Maine. It is no secret. I don't try to hide it. If you haven't been…you should go. 
I have been so blessed to vacation every summer of my life in a little town on the coast of Maine. 

This is the cottage built by my great grandfather...

 And this is the view at sunset...

This little place has a bit of my heart. Sharing it with my hubs and kids makes it even more special. 

We played at the beach, went out for some seafood, caught hermit crabs, went fishing, rode in the boat, visited the lighthouse, went on walks, got ice cream, took naps, played with friends, went to the town parade and fireworks, built morning fires, played board games…etc. Here are some pictures. 

Every time we would get in the car to go somewhere new Austin would say, "Are we going to a new Maine?" He LOVED it and it was a blast showing him everything and watching him play. 

We've slowly been getting back into the groove of life. We started homeschooling for his 3 year old preschool…both mommy and Austin are enjoying the process. McKenna is fully walking and getting into everything possible. They are keeping me busy! 

McKenna is 15 months!

How did this happen?

My baby is 15 months old and walking, babbling, and climbing! She is so much fun. Her activity of choice would be to be outside in her push car on a walk. She cries when we go through the garage and for whatever reason she doesn't get to go for a ride. 

She is super lovey and gives hugs freely. She says "hi" to anyone and everyone (one of the only words she knows). McKenna still adores her older brother- she LOVES when he gives her some attention. She makes her presence know…by screaming very loudly if necessary.

-Stats-

Height: 32 1/2 inches tall

Weight: 26 lbs 
96th percentile for both

MAKING A MESS AND LOVING HER ICE CREAM

-Milestones-

-took her first steps by herself on July 17th

- able to walk across the room on her own to mommy (7/28)
- walking 100% of the time now! 
- says hi, all done and bye bye

GETTING INTO EVERYTHING!

-Likes-

-climbing stairs

-toilets

- her food, our food, your food

- watching Mickey Mouse or any Mickey toy

- loves to swim and splash
- going for walks
- reading books

AT MOMMY'S FEET BEGGING TO BE HELD

-Dislikes-

- getting diapers changed

- getting clothes changed

- being stuck in a carseat
- when mommy leaves the room
- getting cleaned up after eating

TOP 10 MUST HAVES!

Before I had Austin, I had an idea of what parenthood would be like. 

Then I gave birth. All my ideas flew out the window.

I eat my words/thoughts all the time. I now refrain from any type of judgement as each parent has to do what is best for themselves and their baby. Momming is rough sometimes. 

The first months with Austin were rough for me; between recovering from an unplanned c-section, to him having issues with weight gain/milk production, to major postpartum horomones - I was feeling all the feels. Happiness, joy, anxiety, stress, laughter, tears…all of them. All of these things made it very hard to feel confident in the decisions we were making. I wanted someone to say…"Do this" or "Do that" and help us. However, it doesn't work like that. 

We learned quickly what worked for us and what didn't. I learned the only person I had to please was my baby.

Here are some of the products that are my MUST HAVES for pregnancy and baby!

~Pregnancy Pillow
My mom gave me my pillow when I was pregnant with Austin it really was a sleep saver for me. With McKenna, I had horrible SPD  (when the ligaments in your pelvis loosen too much too soon. Makes everything from walking to putting pants on difficult). This pillow helped me so very much!
(I also ended up seeing a chiropractor most of my pregnancy to help with the SPD.)

~ Boppy Pillow
If you are going to be a nursing momma…this is a definite yes! I used this pillow multiple times a day while nursing babies. We also used it as a prop to help babies learn to sit. 

~ Rock and Play
Sweet babies sleeping in the Rock and Play! 

Both my kids loved sleeping in this and did so for naps and nights for quite a bit. It really helped McKenna's reflux as she slept on an incline. I would recommend this for any new parents, it is a great and easy place for baby to sleep. Moves around the house easily and can be used for travel.

~ Sound Machine

We have paper thin walls and having a sound machine has been crucial for our babies sleep. We actually have a few different brands but this is by far my favorite. 


~ WubbaNub
We used the WubbaNub with McKenna because the countless times we had to help Austin find his binkie was ridiculous. She loves her Binkies and I love the cute stuffed animals. Makes it easy for her to find in the crib and for me to keep track of around the house. (*Sadly, we have still lost a few of these)


~ Little Einstein Sea Soother

(click for link)

This is another one that I hadn't planned on buying but when we were creating our sleep plan (he needed it) for Austin, I decided to try some soothing music. This plays for about 30 minutes and gets quieter and quieter as time goes on. Both my kids have one and they both use them to fall asleep. 

~ Wearable Blanket

Neither of my kids is good at keeping blankets on themselves at night. Once they started moving/crawling/rolling it seemed that the blankets ended at the bottom of the crib. I like the HALO brand of sleep sack and wearable blankets. They have adorable patterns and fabric choices- we had fleece in the winter and cotton in summer. I also got one like this with foot holes…it worked so well for when they were standing and still needed a blanket. 

~ Swing

Both my babies LOVED the swing and as small infants would nap very well in them. We had ours in the living room so that I could put them down and lay down on the couch and sleep as they slept. I know people who have babies who didn't like the swing, but that wasn't our case. It may be trial and error to figure out what works best for your little one. 

~Nursing Tank
This is a must for any nursing momma. I lived in a comfortable nursing tank, especially during the first few weeks. For ladies who nurse in public these tanks make it much easier, in my opinion. These are the ones I bought and have one in almost every color.

~ Triple Paste Diaper Cream

We tried the all the diaper creams when dealing with a severe diaper rash when Austin was a small baby. It was heart breaking seeing his skin so irritated. Thats when we found the Triple Paste and it is ALL I will use now. Nothing has every worked as well (on my kids skin). I highly recommend having this on hand.

Meal Planning Monday

My vacation and time away from normal routines has made it challenging for me to get back on schedule. I just want to go back to the ocean views and daily naps. Having said that…I am also excited for a consistent break in humidity and everything apples and pumpkins! The Fall will usher in weekends of football and chili in our home! 

Hubs is working nights this week. Makes it hard for me to make anything that takes more then 20 minutes of effort.

I wasn't super creative this week…sorry friends.

Monday- Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad 
So I make a huge bowl full of this so that hubs can take for meals to work and so that I have an easy to grab healthy lunch.
I loosely follow this recipe but have made adjustments and additions.  

Tuesday- Shrimp and Broccoli (over rice)
Link here- this will be a new-to-me recipe! 

Wednesday- Turkey Burgers and Roasted Cauliflower

Thursday- Meatballs, Pasta (for kids) and Italian Green Beans

Friday- Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet

Saturday- Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken
We will be away most of the day so to be sure we eat well, I will be throwing some chicken in the crockpot. 

Sunday- Grilled Chicken Salad
Lettuce, peppers, radishes, hard boiled egg, artichokes, olives, feta, carrots…you get the idea! 

Enjoy your week everyone!!!