A mini vacay to Omaha

A few weeks ago we packed up the crew and headed North to Omaha for the weekend. We had a wedding on Saturday, so we decided to go early Friday morning to hit up the famous zoo.

Now maybe I'm not really a zoo person, but I wasn't really impressed. I mean I know compared to the KC Zoo, Omaha is supposed to be the bee's knees, but I was kind of disappointed. Maybe it's because everyone built it up so much? I don't know, I also just don't like seeing the animals in such small areas. There was also a lot of construction while we were there, and no elephants. The elephants are my favorite (next to giraffes). So if you're planning a trip I would recommend waiting until Summer '16 when all the construction is supposed to be done, and maybe you'll think it's super awesome like everyone else keeps telling me.

The butterfly garden was one of my favorite parts. Maybe I've read Fancy Nancy Bonjour Butterfly one too many times... 

I have no idea where they get their sass from.

My other favorite part was the aquarium. It was way better than the KC Aquarium. All 3 of my girls loved it, especially Parker. Although it was pretty much the only time we let her walk around. #oneyearoldproblems

I loved all the big cats. And the bear. Parker loved the snacks. 

Since they didn't have any real elephants, the baby elephant statue was the next best thing. My girls were less than amused with the 'mamarazzi'. I told Gabe to take a pic of me and P in front of the gorgeous flowers, and a nice zoo worker offered to take one of the three of us. Pretty rare for just the three of us!

Overall it was a gorgeous day. It was a little cloudy, but that meant shade. So for a July day, we couldn't have asked for better weather.

Of course we came appropriately armed with snacks, but I did appreciate the irony of eating animal crackers at the zoo.

Saturday was the wedding, and all 3 of my gals were ready to dance. They were not however ready for a photo op. I know most of the time we always post the 'best' of like 20 photos to Insta or FB, so in the spirit of full transparency and realness, enjoy the below 3 gems. 

Parker loved dancing and running around now that she's walking. Still doesn't like people though, so don't try to touch her or pick her up. Or pretty much look at her. ;)

I did manage to get a good one with their cousin though! And strategically cropped out Hadley throwing the deuces again. No idea where she got that from. (Dad).

I am still so incredibly thankful that this babe is so mellow. (Most of the time). She slept like a champ the entire weekend even in the hotel with 2 giggling sisters, and snoring Dadddy. Sunday morning we were up bright and early though, so just me and my littlest peanut had a breakfast date at the hotel restaurant. After a 30 minute walk around the lobby though because apparently no one in Omaha is up before 7 but us (that's when the restaurant opened anyway).

Daddy photobombing like a boss. And now that Parker's on the move, she basically doesn't ever sit still.

The hotel we stayed at had the Coco Key Water Resort attached. These 3 had an absolute blast. Way better than the zoo (sorry zoo). Parker highly enjoyed the lazy river with Mom, while the other 2 enjoyed free rein of everything else. The only downfall though was the big waterslides neither of the big girls were tall enough for - even with a parent. Why's that you ask? I don't know. So that was kind of a bummer. I did get Gracen to go with me on it once though, because generally when you just walk up there like you know what you're doing, the 15 year old life guard isn't going to stop you. Plus Gracen was literally like 1/2 an inch too short. Story of her life.

On Sunday I really really really wanted to go to the Children's Museum. Unfortunately on Sunday's it doesn't open until 1pm (wtf?). So no go. (Insert all the sad/angry/crying emojis and hasthag woeisme). Instead we spent the morning at the pool again, and had lunch at a sandwich place because it was eleventy billion degrees outside. You think I'm joking, I'm not. My glasses fogged up when I walked outside. Parker ate her sandwich in less time than it took me to sit down, and Gracen finished pretty quickly as well so I took the two of them for a little photo sesh with the giant O! down the street from lunch while pokey Hadley finished hers. All that girl was concerned about were the cheetos. Hashtag priorities. 

In my head I just kept singing OOOOOOOOOklahamo. Even though that's wrong. Sorry Omaha!

Overall it was a quick, exhausting, fun weekend. Hard to believe the summer's almost over and back-to-school is consuming my brain. Until next time Omaha! (And next time I WILL make it to the Children's Museum).

She's only 7

About 5 months ago, my darling Gracen turned 7 years old. Now to me, my first born baby girl turning 7 years old was kind of a big deal. She's basically off to college soon! She is becoming so independent, and (somewhat) responsible, that 7 just seems so old to me. How was it possible that I have a 7 year old? I'm still a baby myself for crying out loud!

But.

In the grand scheme of life, she's only 7.

As the oldest sister, naturally she has a lot more weight on her shoulders than the littler two.

But she's only 7.

She reads. She writes. She loves fiercely. She's sensitive. She's sweet. She's stubborn.

But she's only 7.

She plays soccer, tennis, the piano, and swims.

But she's only 7.

When I'm dealing with trying to get everyone everywhere on time, and she's throwing shade like it's nobodies business, I have to remember.

She's only 7.

When I just want 5 minutes to lay down quietly and she needs something that can.not.wait. I have to remember.

She's only 7.

When I need her help, and she's whiny, or doesn't immediately obey. I have to remember.

She's only 7.

Sometimes a 7 year old can melt your heart and make you want to pull your hair out in the span of ten seconds.

But, she's only 7.

9 months with Parker Mae

I know what you're thinking. And I'm thinking it too. I'm a little late to the 9 month party, but if you don't blog about it, it didn't happen right? So alas, here's my little Peanut's 9 month update, almost 4 months late...

Thank goodness for Instagram and FB so I can look back and see what actually happened. #amiright

Official 9 month stats:

Height - 25.5 in (37%)
Weight - 16.1 lbs (49%)

This gal continues to be an absolute delight. I mean it, I don't know how but we hit the baby jackpot. Sleeps through night, even when teething, AND sick, eats well, plays well, I mean what more can we ask for? Around this time we had 4 teeth and I believe 5 and 6 quickly popped through. Parker absolutely loves to play with the big kids, and I can foresee many an injury trying to keep up with her sisters. She loves to dance, and makes a bee line in any room for the ONE thing she's not supposed to touch. This month she started to pull up on EVERYTHING, and having an empty living room (#oldhouseproblems) actually worked to her advantage. She loves to look out the window at the world around her. She prefers to be outside as much as possible, and we take advantage of that when the unpredictable KS weather allows.

Still not really a fan of other people, but I'm secretly not complaining. Her sweet lil personality is definitely blossoming, and we see a lot more smiles from our stone-face sally. 

We still absolutely love baby led weaning. I mean I can't say enough good things about it. This gal hasn't met a food she doesn't like. And we don't hold back. Girlfriend loves a lil spice in her life. Tacos, buffalo chicken, you name it. Her willingness to try new foods is really amazing to watch, and man I pray that she never loses that (I'm looking at you terrible twos).

Girlfriend loves to babble. Dada is her fav, and while she can say Mama, she usually doesn't. (whatevs). Interestingly enough, she never took a pacifier, which was actually a good thing - but because of her eczema, the doc recommended giving her one so she wouldn't suck her hands raw, and make her cheeks worse.

We still have a lot of issues with eczema. BOO. It's mostly on her face. For vanity reasons that really sucks, but that means we have her body under control with special lotion, and the occasional prescription. I'm just not willing to put that on her face. With how much she touches her face, I won't risk her putting her chubby little hands in her mouth and ingesting that medicine. Luckily, flare ups are fewer and fewer, but still irritating none the less.

The past 9 months have breezed by without a care in the world. I'm in complete awe of watching her little life grow so rapidly right before my eyes. I adore you Parker Mae, and hope you never forget that.

30 things

A couple weeks ago I turned 30. There was no freaking out, no anxiety, just the usual excitement - because I LOVE my birthday. Around these parts, it's more like a birth-week. So in honor of turning the "dreaded" 30, I thought I'd share 30 things about myself. Secretly I hope that some day my girls will look back on this and either say 'that's SO Mom, or wow I had no idea'!

SO in no particular order, 30 random things about yours truly.

1. I love a good pedicure. For whatever reason, I cannot paint my toes myself. I have no problem with doing my own fingernails, but I'll leave my toes to the pros. And for absolutely no explainable reason at all - I ALWAYS pick red. Every.single.time. This drives the Mr. nutso because there's no rhyme or reason. I usually have the best of intentions browsing the bright pinks, summery corals, or moody blues and purples, but I always go back to red. Always.

2. I hate baths. It's like sitting in a pool of your own filth. I get the concept of it, and it sounds nice and all, but it's just not my jam. If I were to take a bath, I feel like I need to shower before and after. And what's the point of that?

3. I can never remember my age. The last time someone asked me how old I was I started to say 24, wait no that's not right.. 28.. wait no... In my mind I'll forever be 21. (I would say 18 or something, but what would I do without wine?)

4. I love classical music. All day, err' day.

5. I love to cook. I may not be very good at it, but it's still something I enjoy. One of my favorite things is to try new recipes from scratch. Sometimes I still surprise myself at my culinary skills. I'm no Martha Stewart, but then again I've never been to jail either!

6. I hate to clean. Kind of a bummer considering number 5. However the Mr. is a pretty awesome partner in the kitchen because regardless of how big the mess is I make, he always helps clean it up (not always willingly - but hey the job gets done!)

7. I'm a dreamer. I've always believed the sky is the limit, if you want it bad enough, there's a way to make it happen, and I've never let anyone tell me no. My Dad always used to tell me the best way to get me to do something was to tell me I couldn't.

8. I eat candy in pairs. Like M&M's and skittles (and fruit snacks). I always eat the same colors in pairs and get rid of the rest. So if there are 11 skittles, 2 purples get eaten together, 2 red, 2 yellow, 2 green, and then the red, yellow and purple extras left? I either give them away or toss them. There is no logical explanation for this - just one of life's great Emily mysteries.

9. My favorite color is green. Emerald green. Always has been, always will be.

10. I hate milk. I don't know why, just hate it. Always have. When I was little my parents used to make me sit at the table until I drank it. I never did, my Mom either ended up drinking it for me, or they finally just sent me to bed.

11. On the same note, I hate corn (from a can). I don't care what you say, it's different than corn on the cob! I do eat corn on the cob - it's delicious. When I was little I would have to eat the corn (from a can), but I just shoved it all in my mouth and excused myself and spit it out in the bathroom. Eventually my parents caught on to that so they'd look in my mouth before I could get up from the table. Rude.

12. I am always hot or cold. Never just right. (Thanks a lot poor circulation) It also makes me pass out when I over-heat, which is more often than I like to admit, not to mention embarrassing.

13. I sleep with my feet out of the covers. This drives the Mr. crazy because I always mess up the bed.

14. I HATE the top sheet. I always get tangled up in it, and it just ends up crumpled at the end of the bed. I do not know what the point of the top sheet is.

15. I don't like to talk on the phone. In person, or texting is much easier.

16. I don't like frosting. Call me crazy.

17. When I was little I used to love black olives. I would put one on each of my fingers and eat them all. Apparently there is such a thing as eating too many because I can't stand them now.

18. I love a good heated debate. In another life, I'm pretty sure I was a lawyer. Growing up I always thought I would be, but I wasn't exactly what you'd call a model student, so all the extra school intimidated me. Who knows maybe I'll go back to school again...

19. One of my favorite things to do with my girls is drive with all the windows down and the music turned up singing at the top of our lungs. I hope they enjoy it as much as I do.

20. I loathe mustard. (hate is not a strong enough word here). If mustard has even touched my plate I won't eat anything on it. I get it from my Mother. If we ordered a hamburger and mustard came on it, you bet we went back for a new one.

21. Gin and tonic is my drink of choice. Not really a fan of beer, and when it comes to shots, so-co and lime has my name on it every.single.time.

22. I'm one of those weirdos who loved high school. I had some pretty amazing friends, and even though I got in a lot of trouble (all deserved mind you), I had an absolute blast. I'd go back in a heart beat.

23. Speaking of high school, my freshman year I went to WPA alone - which I was terrified to do, but turned out to be amazing. My so called 'date' got in a fist-fight at school like 3 days before and wasn't allowed to go anymore. Seeing as how it was too late to ask anyone else, and I already had plans and an outfit, I went anyways. I think I had more fun flying solo than I would have had with a date anyways, I had no one to entertain and pretty much got to do what I wanted. This was a pretty big life lesson for me - you don't have to rely on a date to have a good time. #girlpower

24. I've never broken a bone (knock on wood). I have only had stitches once (not counting surgeries) when I cracked my chin open ice skating in second grade. My Mom made my quit after that, and all my olympic hopeful dreams went down the drain. JK, I wasn't very good anyways.

25. When it comes to sports, I'm very competitive. I'm not the type of parent who likes the whole 'participation' medal thing. When we were deciding to pick pre-compet or competitive swim team for Gracen this year, she asked the difference and when I told her she responded 'What's the point if you don't get to WIN?' She may have inherited her competitiveness from me... Sorry in advance G!

26. I played soccer almost my whole life. I had a love/hate relationship with it. I absolutely hated the practices, but I loved games - especially indoor. There is no better way to get aggression out than by body checking someone into the boards. You could say I'm a pretty aggressive player... I love to draw the foul, just ask my Dad or siblings.

27. I love love love love love LOVE musicals. If I had any singing ability whatsoever I would have up and moved to New York to pursue my broadway dreams. Unfortunately I can't carry a tune to save my life. So instead I'll have to settle for watching all my faves until I wear them out.

28. For over 6 years I planned on going to Paris for my 30th birthday. SIX YEARS. However, life had other plans. 2 years ago for my 28th birthday (not really it just happened to happen right around that time) we had the chance of a lifetime to go on a Mediterranean cruise - hello Italy and Greece! - well as you can imagine that's not exactly on the most affordable vacations list, so ol' Paree got pushed back to our 10 year anniversary trip instead, or possibly my 35th birthday - we'll see where life leads me in a few years! (2017 or 2020!) Yay! Get excited Gabe :)

29. I've never broken a bone. Not the most interesting of interesting facts, but it's true. (Knock on wood).

30. In order for me to fall asleep, it has to be pitch black (no nightlights) and dead silent. When I was in college and lived in my sorority, the sleeping dorms were just about the death of me. SO.MANY.NOISES. So I slept on the floor of our room every single night. When we first had Gracen, it took me a long time to get used to the sound machine, now I have to have pitch black, and dead silence except for the sound machine. Sometimes the Mr. gets kicked out of the room for snoring. Sorry babe :)


My twenties were pretty amazing, I got my bachelors, got married, had 2 babies, moved to KC, got my master's, and had another baby. So far, 30 has treated me well. In just a few short weeks I'll be celebrating my #dirtythirty in Boston - and I cannot wait!

If you can't wear red-lipstick on your 30th birthday when can you?

8 months with Parker Mae!

Despite my best efforts of keeping you a newborn forever, here we are at the 8 month mark. Just 4 months shy of your 1st birthday. And yes your crazy mother has already started planning your birthday party (just don't tell your dad!).

I know I sound like a broken record, but I'm not entirely sure what happened to the month of February? But here's the reader's digest version:

• You got two more teeth! We're up to four now, and I'm kind of dumbfounded. Neither of your sisters got teeth this early so it was definitely a pleasant surprise. 
• Still army crawling everywhere, with a teensy bit of actual crawling. 
• You're pulling up on everything, and trying to stand. (I am not ready for this at.all.)
• We celebrated Valentine's day - your sisters had a slumber party at Aunt Jaime's, so you got Mom and Dad all to yourself!
• You still love to eat, and I'm a HUGE fan of the baby led weaning method. It has been absolutely amazing for us. Does that mean it will work for everyone? No. BUT it has been very beneficial for our crazy busy family.
• We spent LOTS of time outside, and you love to swing. (SO thankful for the nice weather!) You also got to start riding in the stroller sans carseat, and I think it's safe to say you're a fan.
• You got your first cold. BOO. I try really hard not to "cry wolf" at every sniffle and head to the doctor, but you started wheezing really badly so I made the executive decision to head in. I don't mess around when it comes to breathing. The doc professionally sucked your snot out, checked your oxygen levels, gave you a breathing treatment and diagnosed you with a mild case of RSV. So essentially we had to wait it out, suck your snot out appx 500 times a day, and spoil you with extra snuggles.
• You continue to be a dream sleeper. For reals. You go to bed between 6:30 and 7pm, and you wake up anywhere between 5:30-7am. Daddy prefers it when you sleep in until 7 though ;) Even when you're cutting teeth and even when you had a horrible cold, you still slept through the night! A girl after my own heart, I mean seriously. 

You continue to be a delight my darling girl. Quite possibly the easiest baby out of all 3. You still don't require a pacifier, you eat well, sleep well, and are quite entertained by your sisters. You may be the most serious baby to ever grace this world, but you also love to giggle. Your sweet little giggle is pure magic. My favorite part of the day is when I'm rocking you to sleep at night and you chat with me while you sweetly drift off to dreamland. I am pretty much putty in your hands. It's a good thing you can't talk yet, because the answer to anything would be yes. 100 times yes. 

You're still all business all the time. You let us know what you want and when you want it, and then all's good. You are rarely fussy. When it's time to eat, you eat and then you're done. When you're ready for bed, you lay your sweet head down and it's lights out. I sincerely hope you keep this easy going-ness up until you're at least 18. :) 

We barely got your 8 month photo in on the exact day. (Only 4 left! *tear*) So sorry for the awkward grainy-ness, this was at night and the light was no good. Daddy attempted to take it during the day, but had the chalkboard above your head and no bow. Silly dad.

You continue to amaze us, and we love to watch you learn, play and grow every single day. I can't wait to see what the world has in store for you, or what you have in store for it!

Getting my hippie on

For sometime now I've been dabbling in the "granola" world. More specifically, essential oils. I'm sure you all have heard about them by now, and may or may not have jumped on the eo band wagon. I'm pretty skeptical by nature, so have slowly added a few different blends to our household. I'm very cautious of just about anything when there's a baby in the house and eo's are no different.

So far my favorite is lavender oil. Not only does it smell divine, but it helps with relaxation, and is perfect for sending my three little ladies of to dreamland at night. Lavender can also help with seasonal allergies, eczema (ahem... PARKER), and minor cuts and scrapes (just to name a few). Here's a few of my favorite ways to use lavender oil:

• as an airfreshner - place a few drops on a cotton ball, and place strategically throughout the house 
• as a bug repellent - it's almost summer time and those pesky mosquitos will be chomping at the bits, lavender oil can help prevent bug bites (and smells divine!)
• for anxiety - I'm an anxious person by nature and so is my mini-me Gracen. 
• beauty - lavender oil can help with acne as well as scarring. I just mix it with my coconut oil and it's the perfect moisturizer
• Sleep aid - I like to mist a little onto the sheets for my girls and for me as well

I'm not replacing modern medicine anytime soon, but I do love to incorporate natural products when and where I can. What are your favorite oils?