#GirlMomBoxSwap17

When I read about the #girlmomboxswap17 on Instagram, I knew immediately that my girls would love it!  Who doesn't enjoy getting surprises in the mail.  I also thought that this would be a great way for me to become more active with fellow bloggers.

I was matched with Nichole Holdoft.  She doesn't have a blog (not yet, anyway), but can be found on Instagram @nholdoft.  She lives in Washington and is the mother of four (three girls and one boy).  

I had so much fun picking out gifts for her girls.  The two older girls are slightly older than Kaitlyn and Madi, but have many of same interests including being girly.  Nichole mentioned that they like to write letters to each other and pretend to send them.  How cute is that?  I can totally see my girls doing something like that in a couple years.  Of course, I headed straight to Target's dollar spot to find the perfect stationary and stickers for them.  I really wanted to let the girls pick out what we sent them, but it just never worked out. I enjoyed a solo trip to Target instead.  Nichole also has a younger daughter (10 months) whom we included a toy for too. To see what we sent her, follow her on Instagram.

Our package from Nichole arrived during spring break and the girls couldn't wait for daycare to be over so that they could tear into the box.  It was full things for spring -- flowers and veggies to plant, gardening gloves and tools, a stepping stone for them to paint, and of course, some stickers.  She was also super sweet and included some adorable bandana bibs for baby boy.

Thanks, Nichole for the super fun package

The girls had so much fun being a part of the box swap and are already asking when we can do it again.

A big thanks to Beth at Our Pretty Little Girls, Dara at Not in Jersery, Lacey at Perks of Being a JAP, Danielle at A Sprinkle of Joy, Johannah at The Sirois Family, and Leslie at This Is For Keeps for hosting and organizing this box swap.  It was so much fun!

6 Months Pregnant with Baby K #3

They love him so much already!

It's hard to believe that today is the first day of spring and David's spring break.  Even though I am no longer in school, my year is still measured by semesters (I blame it on being a teacher's wife and daughter).  It always feels like the rest of the school year flies by once spring break is over.  I have a feeling that the remainder of this pregnancy will go the same way.  I really need to get my act in gear and start working on Baby K's room.  I have lots of ideas in my head, I just need to make them happen.

How Far Along: 27 weeks

Size of Baby: A yellow turnip (I've never seen one, so I'm not sure I believe if I believe this or not.)

Gender: Boy! 

Weight Gain: I haven't stepped on a scale since my doctor's appointment two weeks ago.  I was up 17 pounds at 25 weeks.  I'm sure it's more now.

Food Cravings: Not anything specific, but I'm hungry all the time.  Basically, if I see something I want it.  Lately, it's been BBQ chips.

Food Aversions: None.  Thank goodness.

Movements:   All. the. time.  I'm not sure if he's more active than the girls were, but he's constantly reminding me that he's in there.  I love it!  His kicks are strong enough to be seen on the outside, but not so strong that they're uncomfortable.  Not yet anyway.

Sleep:  I am awake every two hours throughout the night.  Some nights it is more often than that.

Clothing: Maternity clothes all the time.  I really don't want to buy anything new since this is my last baby.  However, I have already grown out of several of my shirts and a few pairs of jeans.  

Other Pregnancy Symptoms:  Where do I even start.  I'm trying hard not to complain about how I'm feeling lately and instead remember that this is the last time that I will be feeling this way.  So here goes.  Everything makes me tired these days.  I hit a wall almost every morning around 9:00.  I'm out of breath if I have to make more than two trips up and down the stairs (which is impossible not to do in our house).   I have been having some fairly intense Braxton Hicks contracts for several weeks.   I know that this is totally normal, but the're quite uncomfortable.  I didn't have them too bad with Kaitlyn, but they were intense with Madi.  Also, the acid reflux has been bad this pregnancy and it continues to get worse.  Zantac has become my friend.  I also recently discovered that I have three varicose veins on my legs.  These are not my first (I've had a couple minor ones for years), but they are definitely my worst.  I'm not thrilled about them, but hopefully they'll go down a little after baby boy is born.

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night and walking up the stairs without getting winded.

Best Moment: Kaitlyn finally felt him kick!  She has been waiting so long for this and was so excited.  Also, the nursery is no longer purple.  My mom painted it gray with a blue accent wall behind the crib.  I can't wait to start getting it set up.

Follow me on instagram @hklinginsmith for weekly bump dates.

Things That Make Me Happy

When I think about St. Patrick's Day, I think of rainbows, pots of gold, and green.  While these are all symbols of St. Patrick's Day, they are also things that make me happy.  Even though I know that rainbows are technically just a reflect of light, they always make me think of God's promises and new life.  

As I think about the direction our country is heading, I am reminded of how easy it is to focus on what's going wrong in our lives (and world) instead of what is going right.  Adding a family to the equation can make it even harder.   We often get so busy with everyday tasks that we forget about the things that truly matter.  It's important to remember the things that make you happy.  It's easy enjoy the big stuff, like holidays and vacations, but it's sometimes hard to enjoy the little things.  We are always in such a hurry, that we often forget that it's the small stuff that brings us the most joy.  

Here are a few things that make me happy:
Sunny days
Rainbows 
Flowers blooming
Watching my girls chase butterflies
The quite when everyone is sleeping
Reading
Watching the sunset
My girls laughing
My girls playing together
A clean kitchen
A clean house
My bed being made
My morning coffee
Date night David
Easy bedtime
Cooperative kiddos
Uninterrupted showers
Waking without an alarm
Visiting family
Catching up with a friend
Freshly bake cookies (or any dessert)
Eating cookie dough
Eating ice cream
Playing at the park with the girls
Hanging with David and the girls
Pajamas parties with my family
Cooking with the girls
Fresh cut flowers
Finding things on sale
Saving money
New clothes
Clothes fresh out of the dryer
Family walks
Walks by myself
Getting off work early
Watching the girls at dance
Making a dinner that someone enjoys
Extra hugs and kisses from my girls when I'm leaving the house
Snuggles on the couch
Hearing "Mommy, I love you."
When clothes fit better
Random compliments
Receiving packages in the mail
Crafts from my kids

I could go on and on.  There are so many things that make me happy and I'm sure your list is equally long.  I think that the key to being happy is to make sure to treat we treat ourselves with at least one or two of the things on our list every day.  I guarantee that it will make for a better week and a happier life.  We need to remember the true meaning of a rainbow.  Promises, new life and happiness.

Baby #3 Wishlist

So much has changed since I was pregnant with Kaitlyn almost six years ago.  Have you seen all of the amazing new baby gear available?  I seriously can't get over it.  It's all so incredible and practical.  Several of these items were created by mom's just like me who were searching to a solution to their problems.

Covered Goods Nursing Cover
This is an absolute must have for any nursing mom!  I received a free nursing cover when I was pregnant with Kaitlyn, but never could get it to work right.  I hated to use it in public because it left my back and sides open.  I used it more for my pumping sessions in the car than for actually nursing my girls.  The covered goods nursing cover provides 360 degree coverage which will be perfect since I'll be nursing while running the daycare.  This cover can also be used as a car seat cover, shopping cart cover, or a scarf.  

Ergobaby Carrier
I have an Infantino front/back carrier, but it never fit me right.  It wasn't super comfortable and was always a challenge to get baby in it.  With three kids, I will definitely need something that is easy, safe to use, and will last for a long time.  

Binxy Shopping Cart Hammock
Have you ever gone shopping with an infant seat and a toddler (or preschooler)?  Between the two, there isn't much room for groceries.  Finally, there is a solution!  The Binxy Shopping Cart Hammock clips onto most shopping carts, leaving room for groceries under it.  It also has straps that allow you to use it with baby still in its car seat.  This would sure come in handy when grocery shopping with all three kids in tow.  I definitely need one of these!

Bandana Drool Bibs
Aren't these cute!?!  If this little is anything like Madi, he will be living in a bib.  And if he's going to wear a bib, it might as well be stylish.

Backpack Diaper Bag
When the girls were babies, I ordered these monogrammed tote bags from Lands End.  They were the perfect size and have come in handy as an over night bag.  However, they were sometimes a little challenging to carry with the car seat and wrangling a toddler.  I think it would much easier to wear a backpack than carry a bag.

Dock A Tot

These are supposed to one best and safest ways to help babies (and toddlers sleep).  They provide a safe and cozy space for newborns and older babies without the hassle.  It can easily be moved throughout house and can be used for everything from tummy time to napping or just relaxing.  I loved using a bouncy seat with the girls, but this sounds even better.  It would be nice to have one, but I am not sure if I can justify something so expensive since this is our last baby.  Perhaps, I would be able to use it for daycare too.

You Know You're a Parent When...

I absolutely love being a mom!  It is the hardest and most rewarding job I have ever had.  There have been many times when I know I could have been a better mom, but at the end the day (even when bedtime was terrible) I have two little girls who hold on tight for extra kisses and hugs.  They remind me that tomorrow is always new day and a second chance.


Here are a few things that remind me that I am a parent.

1) I actually enjoy driving a mini van.  We've had ours for almost two years and I still love it.  It's one of the best decisions we could have made!

2) Sometimes I catch myself singing the theme songs for their favorite cartoons hours after the show was over.

3) Naptime is was one of my favorite times of the day.  I used to get so much done during those two hours.  

4) I'm more excited for the kids to stay at grandma and papa's house then they are.

5) When I  open my purse and I find 5 packs of fruit snacks, a Barbie, crayons, my little pony, Ariel sunglasses, and 2 pairs of princess panties.

6) I get excited when shopping carts have two seats.

7) My youtube play list is full of songs about abc's and other kids songs.

8) When I find toys hidden in my bed, in the couch, or in my shoes.

9) When I got on a date with David, we have a hard time not talking about the girls.

3 Things (February)

When I first saw the idea of blogging about three things each month, I thought that it would be simple to do.  Let me tell you, it was much harder than I thought it would be.  I've worked on it all month and still couldn't come up with three things for everyone.  I was only able to come up with three things for Kaitlyn.  Just two for everyone else.  Better luck next month or perhaps in a couple of months.

David
One | This month marks the 10th anniversary of our first date (2-3-2007).  I'm so glad that he sent me that message on match.com and that we decided to meet.  Our first date was dinner at Cheeseburger in Paradise and then games at Dave and Busters.

Two | David works so hard to provide for our family.  It's not uncommon for him to put in a full day of work and then spend the evening working on film stuff.  It really is a full time job.  I don't say it often enough, but I am extremely proud of him.

Hannah
One | I am officially over halfway through this pregnancy.  The first half has gone fairly quickly and I foresee the second half going even faster.

Two | I officially became a SeneGence distributor at that the end of December, but didn't have a launch until the middle of January.  I got my first sales this month after my sister, Jennifer, so graciously offered to come to Kansas City to do a demo.  I'm excited to see where this journey takes me.


Kaitlyn
One |  Kaitlyn was so excited a couple weeks ago when she came home from preschool because she finally zipped her jacket by herself.

Two | She also learned how to buckle the bottom part of her car seat.  She could already buckle the top part, so I consider this a win for Mom.  Unfortunately, she also figured out how to unbuckle the top part.  I'm not quite ready for her to figure out how to unbuckle the bottom one.  Hopefully, it will be a while before she gets that one.

Three | She learned how to swing herself.  This is another thing that she's been working on {forever}.  Another win for Mom.

Madi
One | Madi also learned how to buckle her car seat.  She can do both, but can't unbuckle either one.  This will make it so much easier for me when their brother gets here this summer.

Two | As much as I love nap time, Madi is no longer allowed to take a nap.  I know that she still needs one (she falls asleep in the car), but it is so much easier to get her to go to sleep at night if we skip it.  She thinks she's hot stuff when all of her friends have to take a nap during daycare and she does not.

Brussel Sprout Chips

I was first introduced to Brussels sprouts chip while we were in Los Angeles last month.  They were surprisingly delicious and something that I knew I needed to add to our dinner menu.  They're really easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 pound Brussels sprouts 

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F

Cut off the ends and begin peeling off the outer layers of the Brussels sprouts.  Put the leaves in a ziplock bag and add the olive oil, salt, and pepper.  Shake until all leaves are coated and then spread out in an even layer on a cookie sheet.  Bake for 10 -15 minutes, turning at least once.  Allow the chips to cool for at least 10 minutes.  They will become crispier as the cool.

Madi helping to shake the Brussels sprouts.  Seconds later the bag opened and they were all over the floor. 

5 Months Pregnant with Baby K #3

It's the end of February, but it sure doesn't feel like it.  It feels more like the end of March with these warm temperatures.  You'll won't hear any complaints about around here.  We are enjoying every minute of this weather because we all know that here in Missouri (and Kansas), we could have snow next week.  However, this warm weather makes me realize that Baby #3 will be here sooner than we know it and I still have a lot on my to do list.

How Far Along: 23 weeks

Size of Baby: Grapefruit or two poptarts

Gender: Boy! (Confirmed blood test with ultrasound)  We have a name (I think), but haven't shared it on social media yet.

Weight Gain:  14 pounds and I'm definitely feeling it.  My weight gain with Madi was about the same, but I feel much bigger than I did with either girl at 23 weeks.

Food Cravings: None

Food Aversions: None

Movements:  He moves all the time and his kicks are getting stronger.  Kaitlyn really wants to feel him kick, but she's never patient enough.  He almost always kicks right after she moves her hand.  

Sleep:  Ok.  Definitely not great anymore.  At this point I never make it through the night without needing to pee at least once.  Usually twice.  Then I have a terrible time going back to sleep. I am awake for at least an hour or two every night.  I also been needing an extra pillow for my legs, though its not working very well.  I'm trying to resist buying a pregnancy pillow.

Other Pregnancy Symptoms:  

A long patch of hair on both of my arms has fallen out.  It's really bizarre and I don't know anyone else that who has had it happen.  Of course, I googled it.  I found a few people asking about something similar, but there weren't any concrete answers.  I'll definitely be asking the doctor about it in a couple weeks.

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night.  

Best Moment: The 20 week anatomy scan.  Everything looks great!

Looking Forward To: Spring and getting the nursery painted.

Kaitlyn wants a bump picture too.

Happy Heart Day

I'm not sure if it's because I worked at a card store all through high school and college or if it's just too commercialized, but Valentine's Day has never been a big deal to me.  We do celebrate it (David usually does a little more than me), but it's usually very low key.  I typically make some kind of Valentine's dessert and buy a card (though I didn't this), but that's about it.

Valentine's Day 2015

I do, however, love to make it special for my girls and the daycare kiddos.  This year their day started with heart shaped cinnamon rolls.

They had peanut butter and sprinkles sandwiches for lunch

and these yummy treats for snack that Kaitlyn and Madi made last night. 

We also made a Valentine's Day craft and most of the kids brought Valentine's to share with their friends.

I did decorate our house  for the holiday.  Nothing major, just a few simple decorations for our newly painted fireplace, kitchen, and the front door.  All of our decorations are pretty simple and many of them are from my days working at the card store.

Started this last year and finished it this year.

I totally forgot about buying the heart banner last year (Target, of course) and couldn't pass up the XOXO banner when I saw it in the dollar spot this year.  I think they look good together.  

My three Valentine's

DIY Valentine's

It's less than a week until Valentine's Day and even though we don't really do much for it, I always like to make it special for the girls.  I don't remember much about Valentine's Day as a kid except for making Valentine boxes at school and that my dad usually gave us a large heart shaped box of Russel Stovers chocolate.

For the last three years, I have made the girls' Valentine's rather than buying them.  I wish that I could take credit for the cute ideas.  But like many other mama's, I get most of my ideas from Pinterest.  This year I made heart shaped crayons.  I've wanted to make these since I first saw them several years ago, but never could find the silicon molds.  When I saw one at Wal-Mart a couple week ago, I had to buy it.

Here's what you need:

About 60 crayons (unwrapped and broken)

Heart shaped silicon mold

White card stock

Color printer

Hot glue or glue dots

Between the girls and daycare, we had tons of broken crayons that I needed to throw away.  We had just enough for 24 heart crayons.

Preheat oven to 250

Fill each heart with crayons.  I made ours rainbow colors, but almost any color combination would work.  Place mold on a cookie sheet (I didn't use one, but really wish I had.  It was a challenge to get the mild out of the oven without spilling wax.) and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes.  Be very careful removing the mold from the oven.  Let sit until the wax has hardened and then pop the crayons out of the molds.

Anxiously waiting for them to be done.

Once the crayons were done, I needed to make the cards.  There were several printable versions on Pinterest, but I decided to design my own.  I created cards using Lucid Press.  This was my first time using this program.  I much prefer Microsoft Publisher. It is much easier to use and create custom cards, but there is not a free version of it.  

I'm pretty pleased with the finished product.  Most importantly, the girls love them.  Kaitlyn will be handing this out at preschool and in daycare.

Here are a couple Valentines that I have made in 2015.  I guess I forgot to take pictures of the 2016 Valentine's.