Saturday, December 13, 2014

Guest Post from Trinity


Trinity wanted to share some life lessons she has learned on our blog today. 

Sometimes you have to try not to care, no matter how much you do. Because sometimes, you mean nothing to some who means everything to you. Messing up is part of life  but, forgiving someone is part of friendship.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Too fast! 9 month update

Well, this little princess has been "out" as long as she was "in"! 


Current Stats
Weight: 16 lbs 6oz
Length

Milestones:
We cut our first 2 teeth at the same time on the bottom. I say we, because as any mom can attest teething is a joint venture. 
Reagan is crawling so fast. If you blink you'll miss her. 
She pulls up to stand and has even let go a few times. 
Self feeding is one of her newest accomplishments. She especially likes bananas and puffs. 

Fun things: 
Reagan celebrated her first Halloween by helping Mommy and Big Brother Trey pas out candy to our neighbors. 



Friday, September 5, 2014

Fix Number Six

Hi y'all! I requested that this fix have some dressier pieces in it because my closet was struggling with outfits to wear to meetings and church. My stylist, Emily, delivered quite well. All of the pieces go well together in the same palate so I could wear them together or with other pieces already in my closet.

Drop Earrings $28.00 - Keep

Very chic and not over stated and compliment everything. I'm hoping these won't be too much of an attraction for Reagan.


Milan Lace Print Back Pleat Top $58.00 - Keep

Love this for fall. Its very flowy so I can wear it in early Texas fall (aka still blazing hot), but still layer it when it gets chilly out.

Marlena Abstract Print Tab Sleeve Blouse $48.00 - Keep

I really like the color on this blouse and I think it goes well with my skin tone. I like the pop of pink so that I can coordinate with some of Reagan's dresses.

Kaleigh Ankle Biter Skinny Jean - $88.00 - send back

I really wanted these to work, but they are just too big. This is not StitchFix's fault, but I've been so diligent about getting to the gym that I'm toning up more. But I'm going to look around to see if I can find something similar elsewhere.


Sloane Colorblock A-Line Ponte Shift Dress $78.00 - Keep

Love love love this dress. First, who doesn't love a shift dress? So classic. Secondly, the color block on this dress was spot on. I like that it is trendy, but not over the top that I won't be able to wear it after the trend has passed.

Finally, thank y'all for using my referral link for Fixes of your own. Because of y'all I got a fantastic discount on this fix. If you HAVENT signed up for a box? Why not? Here... use my link and sign up! https://stitchfix.com/referral/3559345

Monday, August 4, 2014

Trey is Two

Where does the time go? It seems like just the other day we were celebrating his first birthday, and now he's TWO! 

Likes: 
his sisters - all 3 of them. First thing in the morning he says "where cake-an?". He likes calling out for "Chaaas-y" and calls Trinity "baby", probably because she calls Trey "my baby". 
Swimming! He sticks his head all the way underwater. Loves splashing around too! 
Shoes: especially his squeaky shoes! I love them because I know where he is. 

Dislikes:
Bath time. This is new for us since he used to LOVE the bath. I remember Chasity went through this phase too about this age. 

Fav foods:
Bananas "nene", applesauce pouches "souch", and cheese! We recently had to put a lock on the pantry after he learned how to open it and help himself. This resulted in quite a few messes including dumping a whole bag of lucky charms to better access the marshmallows. 

Least fav foods:
Carrots! Nonna got him to eat a few teriyaki glazed carrots when she came to stay, but this occurrence hasn't repeated itself. 

Favorite toy:
Stethoscope by far. We have 3 at this point. 1 upstairs. 1 downstairs and 1 in the car. He loves them and likes to listen to your heart and for you to listen to his. 

Newest phrases: come here, come on, be nice, not nice, open, pleeeease moooommmmyyyy, hold chew, and AMEN! 

Favorite songs: Happy by pharell, Twinkle Twinkle, and Rancho Grande (mariachi band song)

Height:
Weight:
Head:
Sizes: mostly 12 months still. I've started buying him some 18months clothes though. 

Trey lights up our world. I said it last year and I'll say it again, he can turn any frown upside down. He is very polite, says thank you for even the smallest thing and loves giving hugs and "one more" kisses. 

Happy Birthday Trey, we love you! 

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Mambo Number 5: Stitch Fix

#1
My only reservation on this was I thought the tie was slightly unflattering on me. But can easily be bubbled under, or hopefully all this time at the gym will pay off and I'll like it more.

#2

This one is so cute. Amazing COLOR! I don't have anything this color in my wardrobe and I was surprised how good it looked on me. When I first pulled it out of the box, I was thinking it was going to be too short on me, but it turned out to be a really good length. The chevron pattern was trendy, but not too over the top.

#3
This dress was my favorite out of the fix. The top of the dress was a little big on me, but that's nothing I can't manage. I loved the length. Since I'm petite so many dresses that are "short" are actually closer to tea length on me. I really liked the floral print. I can see pairing this with leggings and a a cardigan in the fall too.

#4

Simple cream cardigan. Love it, it will be perfect for fall in Texas and very light weight.

#5

This is a cute little nautical stripped dress. It is very much my typical style. I liked the way the skirt wrapped and was high/low. The color works well in my wardrobe.

My stylist did an awesome job! The price is getting back down to where I would like it to be. This fix was right on course for my typical style with a bit of flair mixed in.

$180.0 for the box including my stylist fee, and my buy all discount.

https://stitchfix.com/referral/3559345

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Make Up Routine



I joined Lifetime Fitness late last month and I have loved every minute of it. One if the best parts about it for me are the 2 hours of free child care per day. I go in, workout for an hour or so and then shower and get dressed and ready for the day all by myself. It's awesome! 

I still have a simple make up routine. While it may be child free, I'm still on a time schedule. 

About a year ago I discovered this fabulous product. Loreal Miracle Blur It helps my foundation go on so much smoother and last longer than foundation alone. 
I'm not married to any beauty products. I change it up as the wind blows. Sometimes I head into Ulta and say "what's new" and go from there. My latest find is this Stilla All Day Foundation and Concealer. http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4520037
It's awesome because in the cap is concealer and comes with a foundation brush. 
After foundation I brush on a translucent powder to keep everything in place and, if need, be I brush on a little blush, but often times my cheeks are so rosy they don't need it. 

So the last product I have to tell you about is my favorite. I've been using it for a bit over 2 years. It instantly brightens my eyes and adds a little shimmer. Sometimes I wear it alone and other tines I'll use it as an eye shadow primer. I really like that it's in a tube with a sponge applicator - less mess, faster application. 

After those major things it's eyeliner(occasionally), mascara and lipgloss. 

What's your make up routine? 


Friday, June 13, 2014

June StitchFix


Some of y'all saw this outfit on my Instagram. I wore it as soon as I opened the box!

WAYNE SWISS DOT & FLORAL TIE-NECK BLOUSE $68.0
 Awesome color, fits really well on me - not too tight, but still doesn't destroy my figure

AIDEN ANKLE LENGTH SKINNY JEAN $98.00 

These looked great on me! I was really surprised, but I loved them. Since I'm petite the fit like a regular jean length as opposed the ankle, but I'm ok with that. 



ALECIA ABSTRACT PRINT MAXI DRESS
$68.00
$68.00
The abstract print didn't line up in the back so it made half of my butt look HUGE! Disappointed because I really liked how it looked from the front and I liked the style.




BENFELD TIERED COLOBLOCKED MINI SKIRT $44.0
This looked awful on me. It made my thighs appear bigger than what the were and the top two tiers again accentuated my mommy pooch. 


NIMA SWISS DOT CINCHED WAIST SILK BLOUSE $78.0
The waist of this hit be straight where I carry all of my weight. It accentuated my mommy tummy instead of camouflage. I liked the fabric and pattern so I was really disappointed.


 Overall, I was pretty disappointed in this fix. 3 out of 5 pieces didn't fit my shape and the price of this box was more than they have been previously. BUT! The first outfit I loved so much and it really made the fix worth it. I've already scheduled my next fix. Thanks to all of y'all that used my referral link to sign up. I really appreciate it! 


https://stitchfix.com/referral/3559345




Wednesday, June 11, 2014

4 Months Already?


Our sweet girl is 4 months old! She is such a happy girl all the time. 

Stats-
Weight: 12 lbs 12 oz (17%)
Length: 24" (25%) 

Milestones-
Reagan found her feet and loves to hold on to them. She also started taking a binkie (a pink and green Wubbanub we named Maggie). Reagan still sleeps great most nights, but only likes to take short 1 hour naps. She also really likes putting things in her mouth. 

Thursday, May 22, 2014

StitchFix nĂºmero dos

Hi y'all, at this point I'm thinking that signing up for this was the smartest thing I have ever done. After my checkout from my last box I gave 2 points of feedback: 1. I need some tops
2. I want some color

So my box came yesterday and I got exactly what I asked for. I think I'm going to keep all 5 and take advantage of the discount! 

Here is a fashion show in iPhone pictures 


The stripes in this are purple, coral and mint - a fun take on chevron. 


Lurve this top. This pink is *my color* it looks great on me. It's also a fun take on chevron. 


Crochet back grey tank. Something I wouldn't probably ever try on, but I loved it! 

This top is even better in person and more red than it looks here. Love how it crosses - so light and flowy. 

Last but not least is this mint and grey striped maxi skirt. I wore it here with a navy tank, but there's another top I can't wait to wear it with.... You know - after I get that hem altered. #shortgirlproblems 

Hope y'all liked my review! If you'd like to try out a box for yourself, I would love it if you would use my referral link! 






Thursday, April 24, 2014

My First Fix!

I'll admit it, my closet is nothing to be admired and I'm awful when it comes to shopping for and dressing myself. Like, really bad - so bad in fact that I often buy outfits exactly like they are on the mannequin. I just do not have that eye for fashion. 

When my AEA moms started talking about StitchFix my interest piqued. A stylist service? Just for me? Not some automated trashy shoe service? This sounds fun. So, with a hint of skeptism I filled out the profile. I got excited when it asked if I was a mother, and on occupation it listed homemaker (gasp). At the bottom it had a place to write a note to my stylist and I let them know that I was looking for items I could breastfeed in. 

So, here's what came in my box:

2 tops, a canvas tote, mint maxi dress and a black and oatmeal diagonal stripped maxi skirt. 

Not pictured is my favorite part of the box - "style cards" that picture both a casual and a dressy way to style each item. EXACTLY what I need. If I would have kept all 5 items they would have averaged 39.5/item (including tax, 25% off discount and $20 styling fee) 

I really, really love the two tops. The one with the pink accents is more of a lightweight cardigan. I wore it today for our picnic at the park with a nursing cami underneath, and those sweet buttons popped right open when I went to nurse Reagan. But it worked great and was super cute on. 

I wasn't a fan of the tote. It's cute, I'm just over flowing with bags around here and it was too deep for my taste. 

I really liked the dress, I actually own 3 very similar to it, but the independent price rage was $78 and I had a hard time justifying it. 

The maxi skirt was cute, but I felt kinda meh about it. I didn't have to have it so I passed. 

Here's what I wore today 

If you decide to sign up for a box it's very low risk. No obligation for a monthly box - super easy to cancel and/or change your delivery schedule. I'd love if you'd use my referral link. 

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Too Much Space

Just 2 weeks under 2 years ago we moved into our home. I love this house. I really do. Everyone has their own room, there's a great kitchen and a beautiful formal dining room. 

Right now, I'm sitting in our rocking chair in our under decorated master bedroom and I'm just reminiscing. Just 3 years ago we were in an apartment in Baytown, TX while George was in residency. Our entire living and eating area was the size of our current bedroom. 

Some days I feel like our house is too big. Today, we are having our carpets cleaned so the babies and I are hanging out in here. Today, it feels like just enough space. Trey has room to play, but yet not too much room to be far away getting into something to hurt him. He's just a few feet away, playing sweetly by the window while Sesame Street is on in the background. Soon, he will be far away; at school, at college, with his own family. But today he is right here in MY space, and it feels just right. 


Monday, April 21, 2014

I workout!


After two pregnancies in two years and four children total my body isn't what it used to be. I'm not sure it should be what it once was, but I do want to be fit and healthy. 

Since Reagan is now over two months I'm starting to feel more comfortable with a more strenuous exercise routine aside from just pushing both the littles in a stroller. 

Last week George bought me the FitBit Flex that I have been begging for for over a year. I really like the constant feedback that it gives. Through the day I just double tap to instantly see how much  I am making. Trey loves for me to check during diaper changes so he can see the lights. 

The other thing I have started is Tracy Anderson DVDs. I started with Method for Beginners so that I really know I am using proper form and understand the movements she is using. After my first few workouts I am already seeing changes. 

I'll check back in a few weeks and let y'all know what progress I've made. If you have a FitBit you should look me up. What workouts are you doing this spring? 

Monday, April 7, 2014

Reagan is 2 months!


A quick update on Miss Reagan while she sleeps :)

She is still a petite little one weighing only 10 lbs 5 oz. 20% for weight, 30% for height and that Alsop noggin is at 75%. 

Milestones this month: she started smiling right at 5 weeks (to the day), and she rolled over tummy to back for the first time at 1 month 28 days. 

Reagan is the BEST SLEEPER EVER! She goes to bed at 8:00 and sleeps till 4 and then doesn't wake again until 7am! Can I get an "Amen"!

Little Miss took her first road trip to "Uncle" Adam and Hollie's wedding in Corpus Christi. Reagan stayed with a babysitter for the first time and did great (but was happy when she was back in mommy's arms). 

Here is Reagan meeting Jillian at he Rehearsal dinner. 

She also had fun going to lunch with"Auntie" Veena

This month is sure to be just as exciting! 



Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Reagan Claire's VBAC Birth

Daddy doesn't know it
But I'm coming out today.
Mommy has a tingling in
Her tummy where I stay.

I know that he's been waitng
For my Mommy just to say,
"Take me to the hospital...
Our baby's on the way!"

"Call the paramedics,
Call the doctor, Grandma too!
Don't forget the suitcase...
Baby's making her debut!"

- Brenda Dalene Kijowski

For almost the whole month of January I had Braxton Hicks contractions, and Monday night (2/3) was no different. After the girls and Trey were tucked into bed I spent the evening rocking on the yoga ball and whining about how much they hurt. I posted to our local moms board about wanted to eat some Mexican breakfast and made plans with Raechel to go to Old West for some Mexican breakfast. I was ready to get this thing going!

Tuesday morning everything ran smoothly. I got the girls to school and Trey off to Mother's Day Out. Then I headed to Old West and had breakfast with Raechel and her girls Finley and Louella. I came home and did some stuff on the computer, then picked up Trey from MDO and went to get the big girls from school. While waiting in the carpool line I texted our doula Allison at 2:39 pm "No progress today what so ever." She sent me back a sweet reassuring message that it was just the calm before the storm. Then at 2:47 I texted her "strong Braxton Hicks as we speak."

I had another contraction as we pulled out of the school parking lot, and they continued every 15 minutes. I was in major denial and thought it was just the migas talking to me. ;) I started making dinner and Trinity had a friend come over. I also started timing my contractions. at 4 pm they were coming every 8 minutes apart. I finished prepping dinner, popped it in the oven and decided to jump in the shower. At that point I was still in major denial - I had never gone into labor on my own so surely this wasn't it. George was at work and I was texting him and keeping him updated. He was none too happy about my denial and wanted me to head to the hospital right away. After my shower I decided that I really was in labor. Trinity had a friend over and the big girls had been playing with Trey. I called to them that Brooke needed to go home. Trinity was goes "but she just got here" I replied, "well, I think I'm in labor". Chasity jumped into action and started assigning duties, ha ha. I told them to calm down and walk Brooke home and we would get the bags when they got back. The girls walked their friend home and came back. Dinner was out of the oven and I was packing the rest of my bag. Chasity and Trinity packed a bag for the evening and Trinity and Trey started to eat while I called our friend Megan to bring Trey over and made plans for our friend Veena to meet us at the hospital for Chasity and Trinity. Trinity ate super quick and Trey got about 3 bites in before Chasity put him in the car.

Still in denial (thought not as much) we put everything in the car and headed to the hospital after a pit stop to drop Trey off at Megan and Owen's house. We drove through traffic down Teasley, thank goodness, we were stopped during practically every contraction. When we got to the hospital Allison met us at the front desk. Apparently, they were quite busy in L&D that night. The check in clerk was on the phone with the L&D nurses -


Her: How many weeks are you?
Me: 39 weeks 6 days. She repeats into the phone.
Her: How far apart are your contractions?
Me: 5 minutes apart, 1 minute long.
Her: What baby is this for you?
Me: number 4.
Her: this is her fourth baby!


We got checked in and headed back to a room and George came down the hall right on time.

Dr. Dooley came in and checked me at 6:45 and I was only at a 3. After I had been on the monitors about an hour they let me up to go walk. If you've never been to Presby Denton they have a sky bridge that is 1/4 of a mile long. Our doula Allison and I walked up and down that thing a million times. Around 9:20 pm Dr. Dooley came to check me again and I was STILL at 3 cm so we went ahead and stripped my membranes (ouch by the way). Then we went on another walk and I was squatting through every contraction. I kept getting the best text messages from my friends all over the country. "Your body was made to birth. You've got this mama!"

Dr. Dooley came in to check me again at 11 - we were making slow progress, 4 cm, 50% effaced and -2. We decided to break my water at 11:53. I spent some time on the birth ball - trying to get her down and things moving faster. In between contractions I would glance up at the TV - Fox Southwest was showing the Louisiana State High School Football Championship game and we were checking out an A&M commit.

At 1:30 we started pitocin. 2:30 I was 6 cm and 100% effaced. This is where it was REALLY starting to hurt. I thought I needed to pee, but I couldn't get to the bathroom bc it was hurting so much. My sweet doula was rubbing my back while I sat on the birthing ball and leaned on George through each contraction. I asked for an epidural and they told me I was THIRD in line... holy cow. I tried to get in bed and that hurt worse so I got back down on to the birthing ball until they came in. They placed the epidural at 2:40 - sweet relief. The nurse checked me again at 3 and I was at 7 cm, 24 minutes later Dr. Dooley came in I was at a 9 1/2 - talk about progress! They turned off my epidural so that I would be able to feel to push. I rolled to my side and got some rest before it was show time. I was such a surreal feeling.



At 4:15 I was ready to push!

My first push was really productive, the second and third pushes she didn't make much progress, but 2 pushes later and sweet Reagan Claire was born at 4:20 am - right on her due date February 5th. She immediately snuggled right into my chest, a full head of brown hair, big, beautiful blue eyes and chubby cheeks. She weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. 


After weighing and measuring her the nurses handed her right back to me and she started nursing at 4:40 am with a perfect latch.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Reagan is 1 month

Our tiny princess is 1 month old. She has great head control and loves to be wrapped up on Mommy. She HATES her car seat and closes her eyes if her sisters and brother are being too loud. At her appointment today (1 month 6 days) she weighed 9 lbs 7 oz.