Sex and Babies

Oh my, get your head out of the gutter, sex as in boy or girl, male or female. My goodness you people, this is a family blog:)

It's a Girl!!!

We are crazy excited to be adding a new little bundle to our brood come October. It feels eternally far away, but I guess in truth we are cruising right along.

When pregnant, the utmost thing every mother desires, above all else, is that the baby is healthy. If ever even asked if your hoping for a boy or girl, inevitably there will be someone there who will step in and say, "oh, it doesn't matter, as long as it's healthy." And, while it can be slightly annoying, it's so, completely, true. Yet still, somewhere deep inside there can be a longing for one or the other. An idea treasured away of what you saw laid out for your family. That being said, of course first and foremost my thoughts were that the baby is healthy, but. . .if I were to be completely upfront and honest with you- I would tell you that it took me just one wild moment of adjusting to the news of a baby girl. Deep down, I had always held some longtime belief that I was made to be a mama to boys. In that same regard, if ever pressed- my hubby would claim he was meant to be a father to girls. So, this was the real deciding factor, with two of each which way would the scale tip? I don't know if I so much had mothers intuition that it was a boy, or I just deeply hoped for one, regardless I had picked out his name and foolishly settled in. Never a wise move for a any of you up and coming mothers out there. 

Thankfully, it didn't take too terribly long for the news to settle and my thinking to align. My ever so kind doctor was sympathetic yet persistent in his attempts to let the facts sink in. As I was walking out his door he slyly said "She is a healthy little girl, She  is lovely, She is perfect, She, She, She." Next my sister-in-law texted me with a girl name reasoning that I may just like it, and I kinda loved it. Also, I've been attempting to go thru and delete pictures and save pictures and load pictures, an endless project that I'm about five years behind on, anyway, I came across video after video of our little Eleanor- it's truly impossible to not want another little gal after that! She is such a hoot. Then it hit me- watching these two little girls grow up close in age is going to be pretty freaking amazing! I always wanted a sister, well, maybe not so much as a kid, but indubitably once I grew up. They seem to stick together forever, and I profoundly can't get enough of that thought.

Theres just a whole lot of joy and buzz going around our home right now- it's all very exhilarating!

A Hello, an Update, an I'm Sorry, and an I Miss You

Hi!!!!

Yowzer, I cannot even fathom how long it's been since I've been in this space. I miss this space- it's such a beautiful reflection of our life, and a wonderful home for me to create, and write and photograph. Please know, I had no intention of giving it up, and still don't, but a break was- well, seemingly mandatory.

For those who haven't heard, Kaleb and I are expecting our fifth little wild! We could not possibly be more excited! We tried to put the phase behind us and move on, but in our heart of hearts, that's just not what either of us wanted. Although, I think I've made my self pretty clear when I say I'm an eternal optimist, and not very grounded in reality- this was a perfect real life example. For the thought never truly occurred to me that I could be sick again, that of course I would be sick again. The reality of my pregnancies are downright brutal, and sadly, my reality did set in- swiftly and with a vengence!

Miracle of all miracles though, thru some research, vitamins, and a ridiculously strict whole food eating regime, I am back on my feet and feeling better then I ever could have hoped in a pregnancy. Knock on wood and a whole lot of prayers, that it will continue!

All of that to say, that I'm sorry I left you all in the lurch, with no tale of my whereabouts. I had dreams and visions, of a beautiful bundle announcement, yet the weeks slowly came and went, and I have yet to even get my camera out ( can't say that I'm overly pumped about being in front of it either:) I also want to say huge Thank You for the many emails I received from all of you. You cannot possibly imagine how much each one meant to me, while I was struggling thru that time. They quite literally made my day!

Hopefully, I will be back to reading all about you all too. I've missed catching up on your lives as well! I can't promise that I will be back as often and as thoroughly as before, but I have high hopes of documenting this incredible phase of our lives. 

What's in my Bag

I have a real affinity for sneaking a peek into peoples everyday. It's one of the main reasons I love blogs so much, and if there's a little tell or behind the scenes, you can bet I will sniff it out quicker than a hound dog looking for his favorite bone.

So, bearing this in mind, I thought I would dive into my great big bag of tricks and let you in on a few of my daily survival essentials.

First, lets take a moment to admire this bag. Isn't she beautiful! It's far and away the nicest thing I've ever owned, but sometimes a girl just needs something grand. The leather feels like butter and it smells of a small mom and pops leather store located on some cobbled side street deep in the heart of Italy- amazing. This was my first time not carrying a diaper bag in years, and although heavy, it feels so good.

One more last look you cheeky thing you:)

Now, lets see whats inside, besides an uncanny amount of trash, and random toy cars, legos and transformers.

The Honest Co. diapers and wipes- Although I may not carry the typical diaper bag, I am very much still in the phase of life where having them is an absolute must. Honest completely sold me with their cute prints and eco-friendly POV. Plus, they are shipped straight to my door- being that I am thirty minutes away from any type of shopping, this was a huge plus. I have totally and completely loved them! They are incredibly cute, uber convenient, and give me good vibes from good choices. I think the bundle price is quite fair, as a typical bundle last me at least two months.

Rescue Remedy My Dad owns a health food store, so I'm continually  inundated with vitamins, tinctures and homeopathics. I've found that this is a great remedy to keep handy- perfect if I find myself getting a tad overwhelmed, or a wild has gotten hurt and is a bit worked up. A few quick sprays is all it takes for a little calm to seep in, or at least take their mind off of whatever is bothering them for a hot minute.

Herban Essentials Towelettes These little babies are incredibly handy. Made with pure essential oils, they smell sooooo good, and are naturally antibacterial and antiseptic. Lemon for a quick uplift while dispelling any germs, lavender to bring forth a calming effect, and peppermint for any little upset tummies. I use them to cleanse grimy chubby mitts, lay them across aching bellies, wipe down sticky tables, and for grabbing a quick cleansing breath. They are a perfect on the go companion.

YumEarth Organics Lollipops You will not ever see me out, when I am not carrying a full bag of these bad boys. Made with organic fruit juice, they are gluten free, fat free, nut free, with 100% of your daily vitamin C. They are uncanny in their ability to quiet down small children. The perfect item for waiting rooms, car trips, business meetings- anything where you find yourself in need of a bit of quiet. Screaming tot passes you by at the grocery store, offer them an organic sucker so they will finally hush up and you can shop in peace. They are fail proof.

Nourishing Coconut Cream Lip Balm This is always my favorite, possibly because I can swipe one from my Dads shop anytime I'm running low, but still- smells like the beach and instantly gives you that tropical, no worries mojo, while making ones lips supple and smooth. It's a win win.

Raw Shea Butter Hand Cream A nutrient rich and long lasting moisture treatment, it is the ultimate in hand creams. My absolute favorite, the smell is nice while not being overpowering and full of toning and anti-aging properties. Yes please.

Throw in my iPhone 6+, maybe a change of clothes for the little miss, my camera and four lifefactory water bottles and you've got yourself a 50lb bag- but you're ready for the day!

My Wilds

It will come as no surprise to you when I say 'I love my kiddos'- what mother doesn't, right? But please, humor me for just a bit while I brag about these four, wildly lovable, loves of my life. Taking a moment, to write about each one and where they are in this season.

Aussie- She is incredible. Honestly, I pray that I am half the mother she will be someday. She is one of those girls that's born for it- patient, thorough, organized and fair. You can see it in her eyes that there are widows where she wishes I would just hand over the reigns. 'Come on,' they say, 'I love you, but you have no idea what you're doing'. Thankfully, I'm not too prideful. I watch and I learn and even take the occasional pearls of wisdom while still trying to say- 'trust me, sweet child. It may not always look like it, but I've got this'. Hoping, and praying that she will be a kid while the moment is her's. She is fiercely creative, unintentionally funny, stubborn and confident in who she is, with the softest heart I've ever known. She is my rock and my wild card, the one who gave me this role as mother and I will patiently yet eagerly wait to see what she will create with her life.

Zain- This kid is a bundle of contradictions. Rough and tumble, strong and brave- with the gentlest most sensitive soul I've ever known. He is incredibly quick witted, and downright funny- he can always make me laugh. He is the first to give kisses, ask how you're feelings or offer up his snuggles. He's also the first one up, dressed and out the door, ready for whatever adventure the day holds. He must always be moving, he never tires, and he is unafraid while still being cautious. I love every inch of this kid.

Isaac- Isaac is beautiful. Both inside and out. He's magnetic- and everyone, everywhere is drawn to him. He carries weight and has a beautiful aura that sucks you right inside his vortex of cuteness. At four, he still maintains some of his baby-ishness, chubby hands and a round little belly. Although, he adamantly claims he is one of the big kids, he still wants to be carried, held, and manages to quietly slip into bed with Kaleb and I every night. He is hilarious- one of the funniest kids I've ever known. He laughs easily while still maintaining an overall grumpy demeanor. He is light and laughter and joy all rolled up in tiny human form.

Eleanor- this little babe is like none other before her. She is the essence of the strong willed child. Resolute, unfailing in her determination, and feisty as all get out. She manages all of this in the sweetest of ways, never trying to be difficult, yet remaining steadfast. She is kooky and a born entertainer- she was absolutely made for the spotlight. She has finally learned to say 'I love you,' and I'm quite certain there is nothing better in the world. 

These crazy kiddos are good. Lately, more than ever, I find myself so grateful to know them. To have been blessed by their presence. To watch them day by day, a front row seat to something amazing.