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Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Weekend Recap :: Easter

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and Easter Sunday.  Ours was busy and fun and also weird because Jason was out of town all weekend for work.   I hate that he missed Colin's first Easter, but sometimes work has to take priority.  Don't feel too sorry for him - he was in Chicago attending college basketball playoff games, sleeping in and enjoying lots of yummy meals.  I know he would have rather been home with us, but at least it wasn't a total bust. 

On Friday morning Jason left for Chicago until Monday.  This was the longest I would have the boys on my own, but I was up for the challenge!  I checked out of work a little early to get a mani/pedi before our nanny was off.  I knew this would be my only "me time" the entire weekend so I fully enjoyed it.

Essie Fiji

Friday afternoon my mom came and picked up Jack to spend the night with her so I could have one night caring for just one.  Jack had a blast at Mimi's house that night making cookies and playing.  Colin and I ordered pizza and got as much rest as we could since I knew the rest of the weekend was going to be cray!

On Saturday morning my mom took Jack to an Easter Egg Hunt at my grandmother's home while Colin and I slept in.  Creepy bunny alert.  I'm shocked Jack wasn't scared of him!


Once my little tornado got home from his hunt it was back to crazy toddler life!  We packed up the car and headed to my dad's house across town for an early Easter celebration.  Jack hunted eggs with his cousin Brody and we had a yummy lunch.


On Sunday we were up early to see what the Easter bunny brought.  We face timed with Jason so he could be part of the fun, but because we did that I have no pictures of their baskets before they were tore into!  I had every intention of taking the boys to church by myself, but after attempting to get us all ready among the crying and chaos I finally waved the white flag and just got us ready for lunch at my mom's giving us much more time.  I've taken the boys to church by myself before and it was exhausting - I just didn't have the fight in me this time, especially knowing that the service would be longer and more crowded than usual.  #easterfail




We had a great afternoon at my mom's eating lunch, too many sweets and egg hunting.  Jack had a blast squirting everyone with water guns and playing outside for hours and Colin had fun being passed around all afternoon.


He and Colin were exhausted by the time we left so it was quick baths and bed for the boys followed by lots of laundry and picking up for me so Jason didn't have to come home to a disaster zone! 

It's been a hectic time with Jason being out of town, planning his birthday celebration that we had yesterday and now he is wrapped up with Final Four.   Hang on with me as I navigate through the crazy and hope to post more consistently. 

Monday, March 21, 2016

Weekend Recap :: Gearing Up for Easter

Ever have one of those weekends when you just feel like a crazy person running around?  That was us - the hot mess express family!  The good news is that we all survived and had fun doing it just laughing along the way.  When I was a mom to one I tried so hard to show everyone that I had it all together.  With two it's obvious that I don't have it all together, but I've learned if you can laugh at yourself and have fun, others will jump on board with you (for the most part).

Friday

On Friday I tried to leave work early to get a mani/pedi.  I had just enough time to get one before I had to be home to relieve the nanny, but my place was so crowded!  I tried to hang and make it work but started getting anxiety that I wouldn't be finished in time so I left and just grabbed a coffee and ran a few errands.  #nailfail

I was pleasantly surprised though to find my new Easter wreath was delivered a few days early and looks great!  

Wreath by The Wreath Chick

Jason was playing in a golf tournament Friday afternoon to kick off the Superbowl being hosted in Houston next year so I knew he would be home later than usual.  The boys and I played outside and then ordered pizza #healthydinnerfail

I promise he ate fruit too!

Saturday

The boys let me sleep in since I was up a few times with Colin during the night - just when I thought we turned a sleep corner!  Oh well, Jack and I hit the donut shop when I got up and were lazy.  

Jason wasn't feeling great thanks to my lovely breakfast I provided my family of donuts and kolaches so he stayed home while I braved Target on a Saturday with both boys.  I've taken both boys out with me alone before, but never to do a major shopping run.  My plan was to put Jack in the shopping cart and Colin in the baby carrier, but when we arrived Colin was OUT and sleeping so peacefully that I didn't want to wake him so I carried his infant seat in.  We grabbed a cart inside and by the time I had Jack sitting in the cart and the infant carrier inside the cart, there was no room for actual items! 



There was a couple there loading up there one child and watching my hot mess self.  I just looked at them and said, well this will be interesting.  They laughed and asked what I was going to do.  I told them improvise.  And that we did...we managed to get everything I needed strategically placed underneath the cart and around Jack.  It was tight (and a sight) but we did and had fun.  Jack ate his way through the store since there were so many Saturday samples going on.  He even complained that he wasn't ready to leave - and Colin cried too to show how much he loved Target (or how much he hated that I stopped the cart to checkout) ha! 

We grabbed another healthy meal of Chickfila on our way home for lunch and then worked our way towards nap time.  I enjoyed a peaceful house while all three of my boys (husband included) slept for two hours.  Colin fell asleep on me leaving me to not be productive but I took it as a sign that I should be still too.  Plus I miss our afternoon snuggle sessions since going back to work. 

Jason wanted to get out of the house and I wanted to continue my weekend cooking strike so we went to our usual weekend restaurant for dinner and for a walk around the square. 


Sunday

Sunday was a super busy day and I seemed to be 15 minutes behind to everything #allaboardthehotmessexpress!  I drove across town Sunday morning for a baby shower for my friend Lauryn.  Lauryn and I have been friends since elementary school and we lived in college together for 3 years!  Anyone who can live with you for that long is a true friend.  She is having her second boy in May.  The shower was beautiful.  I fell in love with the invitations and all of the details that day were perfect too.



After the shower I raced home to get the boys ready for the Houston Moms Blog Eggstravaganza.  Again, we left late, arrived late and had to leave early because it was so cold.  The event was a major success - Jack got to hunt eggs, hug the Easter Bunny and eat donuts.  Poor Colin was freezing.  He didn't want to sit in the stroller and I forgot a hat to keep his head warm while he was in the baby carrier so I wrapped his head in burp cloths, lol!  After I put in my volunteer time we left and headed to dinner, because why start cooking now?


 

The restaurant we ate at was super crowded and they sat us at a table that was what I call "New York style" where we all sat super close to other people and shared a long booth bench.  The couple to our right kept staring at both kids looking super annoyed (turns out Jason learned when I took the boys to the bathroom that the couple was actually in a baby naming fight with each other and warmed up to us throughout the meal).  The family to our left kept getting grossed out at Colin's constant spit-ups (and my lack of concern for it) and the the lady across the aisle complained (a little too loudly) that parents should be more aware of their baby's eating schedules so they don't have to do it in public.  I wasn't even nursing, but evidently my bottle feeding followed by burping/spit-ups pushed her over the edge.  I just smiled at her so she knew I heard her and carried on with my happy family.

By Sunday night after baths, I was more like the Walking Dead than anything else...so tired I couldn't even handle an episode of The Walking Dead #ohtheirony and went to bed.

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Hope you had a fun weekend too and are looking at a great week! My goal this week is to get some workouts in and make better food choices...anything is better than my weekend food choices.  I made that easy for myself!

Friday, March 18, 2016

Five on Friday

TGIF!   Keeping this short and sweet today - I hope you have a great weekend!  We have a busy one ahead with a baby shower, egg hunt and all of our usual weekend shenanigans. 

ONE 

This week I've been loving a new Nars lipgloss I picked up in the color Salamanca.  It's the perfect blend of pink and red and great for everyday wear this spring.



TWO 

I'm over at Houston Moms Blog talking about ways to refresh your beauty collection for spring!  What new products did I miss that you are loving?



THREE

Loft is currently doing $25 off all dresses, skirts & cardigans - even the new arrivals.  There are some really great dresses for spring.  This shift made it's way home with me somehow.  It's very figure flattering and perfect for the office, church and when you want to look effortlessly put-together!  Sale ends Sunday. 



FOUR

I desperately need to get on board with some type of diet/workout plan.  I was going to jump back into drinking Shakeology and doing the 21 Day Fix since I already have everything and even joined an accountability group that starts on Monday, but now I'm worried that starting a weight loss diet isn't the best idea while I'm nursing.  I also took to the internet last night about drinking Shakeology while nursing - mixed reviews on that too.  Anyone have thoughts or experience with this?

I realize this sounds like me making excuses, but nursing right now is top priority.  I should just eat good and workout, but I do better if I'm on a specific plan.

I do plan on getting back into Pure Barre 1-2 nights a week and already talked to Jason about this - not that I need his permission, but I do need him on board since it will affect his schedule.  I also signed up for a free trial of Les Mills On Demand.  I absolutely love these workouts, but lack a close gym that offers them.  Now I just need to get off my over-tired butt and do them!

FIVE 

If you are looking for something to do this weekend and are in the Houston area, there are still a few tickets left for the Spring EGGstravaganza hosted by Houston Moms Blog.  Get tickets and more info HERE


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Linking up:



Monday, March 14, 2016

Weekend Recap

Another great weekend in the books.  I'm so excited for Daylight Savings Time!  The boys slept extra late on Sunday morning and I just love having extra daylight in the evenings when I get home from work.

On Friday Jason got home much earlier than he normally does so we went out to dinner rather than doing our usual ordering in.  We had a great dinner outside on a patio then walked to Ben & Jerry's for ice cream afterwards.


On Saturday I had a long to-do list for Jason to tackle, but first we were surprised with donuts with Mimi and Papi.  Jason put together a new toy for Colin, hung new curtains for Jack, changed a million lightbulbs and got our Easter decorations down from the attic {why am I always too scared to go into the attic?}.  I did all of the laundry, meal planning and decorated for Easter!

Colin enjoying his new Exersaucer toy with Jack

After a morning full of chores we ran to our favorite spot for lunch and a walk.  It was absolutely gorgeous outside.  I even took the time to add a Snapchat of it!  Still learning, but at least I'm trying.  My username is theperfectcatch and I'm totally addicted!

After attempted naps...only Jason ended up sleeping ha - we all hit the grocery store for the week.  I usually save this task for Sundays solo, but was happy to get it knocked out early with my sweet fam.  Colin slept in his stroller that Jason pushed and I was planning to put Jack in a shopping cart with me.  As soon as we walked up to the store, Jack threw a tantrum and didn't want to sit in a cart.  There was no way Jason could handle both boys and still be productive and I couldn't have Jack running around the busy store, so I did what I swore I would never do as a mom {desperate times} and grabbed one of those enormous, germ-ridden "car carts".  That thing is a beast, but Jack was thrilled to "drive the car".  I used so many antibacterial wipes on the cart and said a few Hail Mary's before just letting go!  And yes, I realize that these are probably just as dirty as regular carts, but I just picture them covered in HF&M germs whenever I see all of the snot nosed kids riding in them.

Jason grilled us a healthy dinner and we called it a day!

On Sunday we had planned to meet friends for an early lunch, but Jason forgot that he had volunteered at church at the late service so we all headed to church and stayed late afterwards.  We managed to sneak in a late lunch at Rudy's before heading home.  While Jason and Jack napped, Colin and I met my mom at the shops in Sugar Land.  She needed to a few things at Sephora and I "needed" a new Easter dress.

I hit the Jackpot at both Talbots and Ann Taylor - the two stores that were in walking distance to where we were.  I never shop online at either of these places, but can usually find what I need.  Ann Taylor is currently doing 40% off everything too.  Easter outfit - check!


Colin is such a good baby during errands...as long as you keep him moving!

 I made this recipe for dinner and we enjoyed a nice stroll outside since it was still light!


I'm totally looking forward to the Bachelor finale tonight!   


Friday, March 11, 2016

Five on Friday

Happy Friday!  I hope you have the best weekend.  Ours should be pretty low-key.  I have a long honey-do list for Jason to get working on {thanks in advance babe} and some lunch plans with friends.  Don't forget to Spring Forward on Sunday too.  

ONE - Spring

One of the things on my to-do list this weekend is to decorate the house for Easter & spring!  Target Dollar Spot has been killing it lately on the little decor additions and spring happies!
 


TWO - Pillowfort

Let's just say that I'm so happy I don't have a girl during the Target Pillowfort launch.  The boy stuff is crazy cute and I'm having to show major restraint and not buy more than I have, but the girls stuff is off the charts cute!  I'd be in trouble.
The Ocean Oasis theme is perfect for Jack's big boy room and the Camp Kiddo theme is great for our playroom! 

THREE - 4 Months




Colin had his four month checkup and shots this week.  He was giving me the stare down immediately following his shots, but then fell right to sleep so I guess he wasn't too mad at me.

He weighed a whopping 16 pounds, 13.5 ounces at his checkup and is wearing 6 and 9 month clothing currently - just racing through all of Jack's clothes.   We had to make several trips to the dermatologist in the past month for cradle cap and eczema issues, but I'm happy to report that he's now much better!  

FOUR - Friends


Image via Pinterest

Could I be a bigger Friends fan?  I don't think so.  I'm just not into the Full House reboot (gasp), but man would I love a Friends reunion.  It would be perfection...just like gum. 

FIVE

Where are all the cute Easter dresses???  Help!  I need something that is post-baby body friendly and comfy enough for holding a baby who spits up a lot and chasing a toddler during egg hunts!  Tall order?  Even better if I can also wear it to the office.  My two strongest contenders right now are this Loft dress and a white denim jacket as shown below:


Or this navy polka dress:


Any other suggestions?  The Factory dress I ordered last month looked horrible on me so it was sadly sent back. 
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Linking up:



Thursday, March 10, 2016

Thoughts for Thursday :: Life Lately

Top :: Chalk drawing of my Jack - Bath time with Colin - LV love and a new pen
Middle :: New Hair - Spring Welcome Mat from Target - Brother tummy time
Bottom :: Jack bringing birthday donuts to Mimi - New Tory Burch Loafers - Working on a Spring Beauty Post for Houston Moms Blog

Happy Thursday!  It's been so long since I've blogged on the regular so I wanted to catch you up with us.  Instagram seems to be the best way to catch our day-to-day until I can figure out the best blog/life balance.  Hope you are having a great week!

BLOGGING

It's been quite obvious if you've been checking my blog lately that I'm still trying to find that perfect balance in my life after having a second child.  Unfortunately, my blog seems to take the backseat these days.  I generally blog in the evenings, often staying up too late once the kids are in bed, but lately by the time I pickup the house from being gone all day at work, pump and wash all of my pump parts, I am just spent and getting on the computer just isn't in the cards.  When I do, it's for my deadlines for Houston Moms Blog.  As the saying goes there just isn't enough hours in the day.  I try to remind myself that this is just a hard period and not to compare myself to others, which is really hard for me to do.  Others seem to be able to add a child to their family and jump right back into blogging, work and life so seamlessly.  I have however written several posts for HMB recently including a Bachelor Post and a Rodeo Fashion Post.  I also have a fun Spring Beauty post coming soon!

READING

Blogs are about the only thing I'm reading these days.  There are just so many great posts to read and so little time on my part that I love catching up on my blog reading rather than picking up a novel.  This week I've really enjoyed this post about adding a third child into the mix - no we aren't even toying with this idea, but it's a great read if you have two of one gender.  

WATCHING

I'm a Bravo junkie and I'm not ashamed to tell you that!  Lately I've been loving Vanderpump Rules and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Atlana.  I'm also REALLY looking forward to Real Housewives of Dallas and Southern Charm to premiere this April!  I've been glued to the Bachelor this season and can't wait to find out who Ben picks!  I love both girls, but am Team JoJo. 

I've also been hitting YouTube hard binge watching my two favorite channels Pretty Shiny Sparkly and Everyday Estee.  I've also been loving watching Louis Vuitton review vlogs and I blame Kristina for this.  I'm a huge LV fan myself so these are fun to learn more about the brand and plan future purchases.

EATING

I am horrible about getting in eating ruts.  Once I find something I like I will eat it constantly until I'm so sick of it.  Anyone else do this?  Lately I've been eating Cobb Salads from Chickfila like it's my job.  I also can't get enough Cuties/Halos.  I will eat like 4 in one sitting.  I've also been eating too many Cadbury Eggs...gotta get these in while it's their season!  

WEARING

On the weekends I've been living in active-wear - mostly Lululemon.  And don't be fooled, I'm not working out like at all unless you count chasing around a toddler.  It's just the most comfortable for playing with the kiddos, nursing and getting spit up on throughout the day.  My, what a glamorous life I lead.

I'm really itching for some new Lulu, but have told myself I can't buy any until I actually start working out...a little mental motivation!  I also have my eye on these babies.  

PLANNING

I'm working on the boys' Easter baskets and outfits this week.  So far they have nothing to wear on Easter, but DO have the cutest jammies to wear Easter morning.  #priorities

I'd love to find a new dress to wear on Easter too, but so far I've been striking out on everything I try.  Starting to think it's my body, not the dresses I'm having a problem with.  Gotta stop those Cadbury Eggs! 

LOOKING FORWARD TO

Celebrating Colin's first Easter and taking the boys to a few local Egg Hunts including the Houston Moms Blog EGGstravaganza.  If you are local, tickets are still on sale HERE.


LEARNING

I finally joined Snapchat and although I'm loving watching everyone's stories, I have yet to post anything myself.  I had to get the younger girls at my office to show me how to use it! Hopefully I will figure it out and start posting soon.  I love that it's more "real life" than Instagram has become.  I love Insta, but have really been turned off lately and feeling the pressure to have more professional images and a theme on my account rather than just enjoying sharing parts of my life.  There is a great post here about how to Snapchat and what it is. 

If you are on Snapchat, comment below so I can follow you or add me: @theperfectcatch

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 I'm linking up with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday.
Thoughts and prayers are with Annie too as she has been dealing with a super sick kiddo this week.


Thoughts for Thursday

 

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