Today.

6 Years

Happy Anniversary to my best friend, my love, my partner (in crime), my anchor, my rock, the father of my babies, "the one" that was meant just for me.

I'm so glad i found you when i was just 19. Some people search forever for this. 

GOMI

Wow. I hadn't heard of GOMI (Get Off My Internets) before today, after browsing the site for a few minutes all i can say is WOW. I only checked it out after reading that people on this site were bashing on of my fav bloggers I Rock So What. A whole website dedicated to people complaining about blogs/blog writers, how lame. I wouldn't even recommend checking it out really, unless you want to see the worst of humanity. Really, how does anyone have time to not only read blogs, but then go onto forums and bash the bloggers. "Can you believe how she dresses her children", "her blog is so boring", "What does her husband DO all day as a stay at home dad"...blah blah blah. The words of people who must have horrible insecurities, or no will to find something better to do with their time.

This post is rather pointless, and godihopethesehorriblegomiersdontreadmyblog (the seem to only target popular blogs, yay I'm not popular! HaHa!) . I hate seeing mean crap like this.

All of  you truly beautiful people, have an equally beautiful day ; )

Babywearing

I wanted to share a couple of resources, regarding baby wearing and proper ways to carry baby, as well as baby carriers to avoid. When Jackson was first born, we used a Snugli. As a first time mom i wasn't aware of the risks of using certain types of carriers, nor was i aware of how uncomfortable they can be for the wearer! We've come a long way. Not only are the carriers i use now better for baby, they are so comfy, i can easily carry Ellie or Jackson for an extended period (24 and 34 lbs).

We currently use a Beco, as well as a ring sling. The Beco is super comfy, and i can carry them for hours. They can only face in, on chest or back. But this is better  for them. I do prefer the ring sling for shorter periods, as it is quicker to take on and off. I absolutely think a good quality baby carrier is an investment in your baby. 


A wonderful artcile from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute explains proper use of baby carriers as well as car seats.

Another great article written by a Chiro about proper babywearing. (Note; the author cites at the beginning; "...The gold standard for carrying your baby should be your own arms. In other words, an upright carrier should hold your baby the way your arms would, e.g., facing you with legs in a frog-like, spread-squat position with the baby's weight supported across the buttocks and thighs.")

Randoms

Needing to make space on my phone. Apparently 600 photos is a lot to keep on an iPhone. Who knew?

Spring = kids covered in sand and dirt.

Making our own yummy (secretly healthy) popsicles. Also, i will carry this girl around as long as she'll let me. 

LOTS of time being spent at the park.

Finally able to start some gardening. I've been itching to plant for weeks!

Feeding the fish in Townsend.

They were so well behaved, they didn't try and drive off into the sunset once! Haha.

Toothy smiles. Unfortunately we have eye teeth coming in, so there has been less smiling lately.

Terrible photo, but the first evening eating supper outside. Grilled tuna and wine, YUM! 

Things I'm Loving...

-Paper flowers from West Elm . This would be a wonderful Mothers Day gift, that will last forever.

-This post. So funny and true, makes me realize how old I am. What is swag?

-Some lovely, thoughtful Mother's Day gift ideas.

-All of the signs in this Etsy shop, TheHouseofBelonging . This one is my fave, reminds me of my Jelly Bean. (With the tantrums this little lady has been throwing, she is definitely going to be a fierce one!)

-The amazing spring weather we had today. I'll be sad to see her leave again. Oh warm weather please stick around a bit longer! I've got two kiddos that are dying to play in the water daily!

-Lastly, watching Desperate Housewives on Netflix. I know I'm way late, but this  is a fun guilty pleasure! It is mostly ridiculous, but sometimes actually relate able. 

What are you loving?

White Velvet Cake & Strawberry Buttercream

I just wanted to share the recipes i used for Ellie's birthday cake. I made Cake Boss's White Velvet Cake, and Best Friends for Frosting's Strawberry Butter cream.

They were super easy and turned out delicious. I did have to bake the cake for about 5 minutes longer than the recipe stated.

To ice, i just made varying sizes of rosettes (swirls) all over, and then filed the gaps in with smaller dots. Literally the easiest way to ice a cake ever.

Elody: 1 Year

Some fun facts about our lady.

In one year Ellie has...

Made our family complete. Brought immense sunshine to our lives. Made my heart grow ten times. Become a best friend to Jackson. Wrapped her daddy around her finger. And Grandma too.

There are too many wonderful things to possibly write about Elody. To meet her for a second is to love her. We so look forward to watching her grow into a little girl. The past few weeks have brought more teeth, babbling, mimicking sounds, walking (now running!), i feel as if i can literally see her mind working. She is growing and learning so incredibly fast right now. Our first year with her was a beautiful thing.

The cake. White velvet, with strawberry buttercream.

She was excited when she saw it...

And then unsure.

In the end she loved it, and ate half of her little cake. 

Exciting, crazy busy, fun day. It feels so good to see everyone love our baby girl.

one. (almost)

Today, we celebrate this precious love muffin. Tomorrow she turns one. 

It will be a bittersweet day for this momma. 

But today, we celebrate. In one year this lady has made our world a more beautiful place.

Easter: Photo Overload

Their baskets (photographed in the morning after the Easter Bunny came of course!)

I believe she is saying "S'up?"

"I want to change the changers !" (Obsessed with colour changing cars)

He is so affectionate. Love that about him.

Seriously.

I need a special camera for ridiculously cute baby girls.

Yep. Heart exploded.

I want to eat those cheeks.

SO hard to get a picture of this boy!

One more. For good measure.