Back to School

Well, that was fast.
Seriously, where did this summer go?
I've known school was starting back for a while now, but I am still in disbelief that I actually dropped River off in his first grade class room this morning.

We have been talking about going back to school for a few weeks now and I was getting worried because he hasn't been overly excited. However, this morning he got dressed and was ready to go without my usual thousand reminders. When we got to the end of the hallway by his classroom, he told us that we could go now, he knew where to go. Seriously? When did this kid grow up? I won't even mention the rushed hug and kiss I got when we were leaving. I knew this day would come but I thought it would be another year or two.

On a better note, I think he is going to have a fantastic teacher this year. She already seems so sweet and attentive. We are really excited for a great year in First Grade!

With Love,
K'Lynn

Happy Friday Five!

I feel like this summer is flying by! It seems like River just got out of school, yet here were are one week post 4th of July.  This week has been so busy. I am on the final leg of a major project at work and it is taking all my focus. However, I have still managed to round up 5 of my current favorites to share on this beautiful Friday.



One
Maybelline Blushed Nudes
I picked this up at Target a few weeks ago and I am so impressed with it. The colors stay on all day and are so pretty, not to mention is was $10! I will be going back and purchasing the nudes pallet.

Two
Endless Weekend
This is the perfect summer scent. It reminds me of lazy summers spent soaking up rays by the pool.

Three
The Astronauts Wives Club
A show focused on the women who stood behind the men who willing launched themselves into space, yes please! The show is based on the book with the same name that is based on the true story. I haven't read the book, but the show is great so far. I love any type of period drama and this is helping me get over my Mad Men ending heartbreak.

Four
Shark Week
I think this one goes without saying. It was especially good this year because River was interested in it. He is now full of shark facts and has been telling them to us non-stop.

Five
Where'd You Go Bernadette
I have had this one on my to read list for a while, so you can imagine how happy I was when I found it at Goodwill. I may have done a little happy dance and then ran home and stayed up all night reading it. It was cute and quirky, I would recommend it as a beach read.


Happy weekending everyone!

With Love,
K'Lynn



5 on Friday

Happy 4th of July!

This was one of the best 4th of July weekends I have ever had. There is just something about getting to relive holidays through your children that just make them so much better. 

I was off work Friday so I took River to see Inside Out. It was such a good movie, even if Pixar has to make you tear up in every movie they make. We went to a dine in theater and ate chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese. River's opinion was that it was weird and he prefers the "normal" theaters. My opinion is that "normal" theaters don't serve wine so he can just deal. I'm kidding, I defiantly did not drink wine at the 10 a.m. showing we went to, Did I contemplate it? You betcha!

Saturday I woke my gang up super early so we could go to the 4th of July parade. River and Olivia both loved it and we got way too much candy, but that's what parades are for, right?

That evening my brother and his family came over. We grilled burgers because we are super American and then went to watch fireworks. I can honestly say this was the best firework show I have ever seen. Listening to River oohh and aww over was so much fun. I was slightly worried that the noise would bother Olivia but she loved them and wasn't super grumpy even though she was awake hours past her normal bed time. 

Hopefully, your weekend was just as good as ours! Happy (late) 4th of July!

With Love, 
K’Lynn

ONE

This crazy, sweet, little terror is officially ONE. Her birthday party was an absolute blast! It was full of cake and flamingos. We couldn't have asked for a better first birthday party!

I still can't believe that she is ONE. This year seriously flew by but I enjoyed every minute of it. This baby girl is truly a blessing!

With Love, 
K’Lynn

Olivia's 1st Birthday Gifts

Even though we are keeping Olivia's first birthday on the small side, I know she will be completely spoiled. I opted not to get her a ton of toys because I'm sure that's what she will be getting from her party guests. 

 I have been planning on getting her first baby doll for her first birthday and I fell in love with the Etsy shop Roving Ovine. The woman who makes the dolls only lists new dolls a few times a week and they sell out so fast. I literally had to stalk her on Instagram until she posted a doll I wanted to get one.

Olivia has recently began playing on our keyboard every chance she gets so we decided she had to had her very own. We found on in great condition on Craig's List for half the price they are new! New here.

Little People are perfect for little hands to hold and little mouths to chew on. 

I couldn't resist the little bow pony tail holders. Her hair is just about long enough to put in a pony without looking ridiculous and unlike bows and headbands, she usually leaves the alone. 

Piggy Paint is another must for her birthday. Non-toxic fingernail polish? Yes please. 

Flamingo leggings and pajamas have to be had and I am dying over that swim suit. 

With Love, 
K’Lynn

Pink Flamingo First Birthday Party Inspiration

Is anyone else as in shock as I am that we will be celebrating Olivia's first birthday in 9 days? I can't wait! It's going to be a pink flamingo affair. We will be keeping it small with family and close friends but that doesn't mean we won't be going all out. After all, you only turn one once!

First Birthday Pink Flamingo Party Inspiration

Flamingo Drink Holder / Cake / Flamingo Straw / Polka Dot Paper Straw / Paper Cup / Glitter One Candle / Pink Balloon / Polka Dot Balloon / Yard Flamingo / Pink One Balloon

With Love,
K’Lynn

Summer Fun List

I am so happy River is finally out of school for summer. This school year was great and he learned so much but I honestly think the whole family is just ready to sleep in for a while. I know River is ready to stay up late watching movies all summer, or so he thinks. He is at such a fun age and he gets so excited over little things and I am so excited for Olivia to get to experience some of these things since last summer all she did was eat, sleep, and poop.

1. Make homemade popsicle.

These Nutella popsicle and these gummy worm popsicles top the list.

2. Visit splash pads.

I know Olivia will love these.

3. Movies in the park.

4. Library trips.

5. Water balloon fights.

6. Jurassic World.

I've already lined up a babysitter for this movie! 

7. Pool time.

8. Freezing small toys in an ice block and letting River break them free.

This is one of our favorite activities, so simple and entertains him for hours.

9. Family game nights.

10. Snow Cones.

11. Go to a baseball game.

12. Play in the sprinkler.

13. Go to the beach.

14. Catch fire flies.

15. 4th of July parade and fireworks.

16. Summer crafts

Like making a bird feeder so they will leave my peaches alone.

17. Have a picnic in the park.

18. Visit an aquarium.

19. Play glow stick ring toss.

20. Camp in the backyard.

With Love,
K’Lynn

Weekend

Our first weekend of summer vacation was a total success! Saturday we went to the Austin Memorial Museum. It is such a cute museum on the University of Texas campus. River loved all of the dinosaur bones the most. He was able to talk to one of the paleontologists, who was a younger blonde girl so we ended up staying there for quite a while as River was full of questions and smiles. Olivia loved how loud her shrieks were thanks to the acoustics of the old building.

When we got back home our owners association was having a carnival at our local park. River and I braved the heat to play games, eat snow cones, and stand in line for 30 minutes for a balloon lizard.

On Sunday we spent the majority of the day cleaning because with a 6 year old and an 11 month old our house usually looks like a tornado came through. Then we went to a friends house for a quick visit and to drop off some baby gear. They are due in September and I can not wait to get in some newborn snuggles. Olivia just simply grew out of her baby stage way too fast!

When we got home it was too late to go to the pool, which was a major bummer because we had been planning on going all weekend. To compensate, I filled up our turtle sandbox and then let River and Olivia play in the water. They had a blast, even though the "pool" has holes in it and will only keep water for about 10 minutes tops. 

Once Olivia had enough of the water she just crawled out and made her way across the grass we had mowed the day before. Needless to say I had a baby covered in lawn clippings.

We ended the weekend by snuggling and watching The Spongebob Movie. Overall, I would say it was a great weekend.

With Love, 

K'Lynn

One Year Later

Since its been officially one year since I last wrote anything I thought I would start again. 

The past year has been a whirlwind to say the least. I am completely shocked to find myself one year older and wiser. I really just can't believe one whole year has gone by. I somehow managed to sum up our entire year in one post

1. We had a baby! 

Olivia Elizabeth was born on June 19, 2014.

2. Dr. Jon's Guitar Repair opened up full time.

We have learned dream chasing isn't easy but it can be both fun and rewarding.

3. River started kindergarten.

I know it doesn't seem possible, but my baby boy entered elementary school.

4. I went back to work.

This one may not seem like a big deal but after snuggling a newborn for 10 weeks, it was. Many tears were had!

5. We learned River's creativity knows no bounds.

On Halloween he decided he wanted to be a spider web nest. It was incredibly imaginative, creepy, and required lots of hot glue.

6. River turned 6.

We had a house full of mini vikings and dragon trainers to prove it! 

7. I turned 28.

I have no idea how that happened, but I have the grey hairs to prove it. 

8. We celebrated our first holiday season as a family of 4. 

Snuggling by the fire, completing our action packed advent calendar, Christmas morning, another round of Elf on the Shelf, it was truly a great December.

9. We rang in the new year by going to sleep at 10. 

We really did. Number's 1, 7, and 15 should be reason enough why.

10. Olivia got teeth, River lost teeth.

Mom and Dad kept the same amount of teeth.

11. I took control of my health. 

Eating healthy(er) and working out.

12. I went jet-setting to Key West for a girls trip.

Best trip ever, but I had to pump every 4-5 hours. I flew back with 55 ounces of milk. Insert wide eyed emoticon here.

13. One of my best friends got married.

I was so honored to stand by her side as a bridesmaid.

14. We went camping.

In a tent, with a 10 month old, but we had a blast!

15. Jon turned 30.

So old, still so cute.

16. Olivia grew.

She went from my tiny 6 pound baby doll to my 21 pound wild child. It has been incredible.

We have learned so much in the past year. The first thing being that I am really bad at blogging. We've also learned that life isn't always easy but for us 4 is better than 3 and all the joy the 4th brought with her has been so worth it.

With Love, 

K’Lynn

36 Weeks and 37 Weeks

How far along: 36 Weeks. We are officially in the month of June aka baby month!

Baby is the size of a: Head of Romaine Lettuce

Gender: Girl!

Weight gain: I am up a total of 12lbs. Thank you Texas heat for adding the unnecessary water weight!

Maternity clothes: Maternity clothes are actually getting uncomfortable. Everything is actually getting uncomfortable. 

Sleep: I somehow managed not to get up in pee in the middle of the night twice in the past week.

Aches and Pains: My back, my feet, my legs are swollen, I have to pee every time I change positions, I'm exhausted all the time but I know the end is near!

Best moment this week: A surprise baby shower at work! My co-workers are so sweet and organized a baby shower for myself and another pending parent. 

Worst moment this week:Moving, unpacking, organizing.

Miss anything: After moving more stuff on Saturday all I really wanted was a beer!

Movement: I really feel like she is running out of room. Her punches just aren't as powerful as they used to be but she still wiggles and squirms. 

Cravings: Salads with ranch dressing.

Looking forward to: Baby time! I can't wait to hold our baby girl!

How far along: 37 Weeks.

Baby is the size of a: Swiss Chard

Gender: Girl!

Weight gain: I haven't weighed myself in a while. With the amount of puff I see surrounding my cankles, its probably best. 

Maternity clothes: With the heat and the fact that nothing fits I am tempted to spend the remainder of this pregnancy in a nudest colony. 

Sleep: Is that still a thing? Insomnia hit the other night and I was up for hours. I almost did the dishes at 2am. 

Aches and Pains: It might be easier to list what doesn't ache at this point. 

Best moment this week:Getting to spend a lot of time with just Jon before the baby comes and our house is finally starting to come together. Still very messy but slowly getting there. 

Worst moment this week:River has been at his grandparents since June 1st and we won't get him back until Friday. We are missing that little guy like crazy!

Miss anything: I can't wait to have my normal body back!

Movement:She still moves all the time. She loves to push on my hips!

Cravings: No cravings at all. 

Looking forward to: Getting my little man back. Watching How to Train Your Dragon 2 this weekend and having a baby!

K’Lynn

35 Weeks

How far along: 35 Weeks.

Baby is the size of a: Honeydew melon.

Gender: Girl!

Weight gain: I haven't moved my scale this week but I know there is weight gain because my legs are back to being puffy!

Maternity clothes: This bump is getting so large that I feel like some of my maternity clothes are getting too small! While moving this week I started thinking about getting rid of some of my normal clothes that I just don't wear anymore, then I realized that is probably a horrible idea because I haven't worn anything in the past 5 months! Hopefully I don't nest my way out of a wardrobe!

Sleep: I've been so tired the past week that sleep is great! 

Aches and Pains: My back is killing me! 

Best moment this week: Our first night in our new house, Rivers graduation, Jon's birthday. So many good things the past week!

Worst moment this week: Moving, moving, moving.. and we still have so much to move!

Miss anything: Cocktails and pie.

Movement: This girl loves to move. She has found a way to kick my hip bones now, yay.

Cravings: All food. 

Looking forward to: My Dad is coming this weekend. I can't wait to spend some time with him! 

We have had such a busy week. We started moving everything to the new house which has been challenging to say the least. I have learned that I can not bend because when I do fires from the depths of hell come burning through my entire chest in the form of heartburn. Do you know how difficult it is it pack and move without bending at all? I have been just parking my butt on the floor and scooting around to pick up stuff. I look like a dog with worms, but at least I am getting the job done.

K’Lynn

34 Weeks!

How cute is this!?!

How far along: 34 Weeks.

Baby is the size of a: Cantaloupe, which sounds amazing by the way! 

Gender: Girl!

Weight gain: Because of a fun little stomach bug that went through the entire household this week I am down 3 pounds from last week but up 7 from pre-pregnancy. 

Maternity clothes: I officially can't wear my non maternity clothes. I mean I can, but its not flattering. 

Sleep: I have slept like a baby since I was sick. 

Aches and Pains: Restless leg syndrome a little but really not too bad!

Best moment this week: We closed on our house! 

Worst moment this week: Packing, painting, moving, being sick!

Miss anything: I want a glass of wine. Moving would be so much easier if I could drink wine when we are finished for the night. 

Movement: She is such a mover! I think she plays Dance Dance Revolution in there. 

Cravings: I was craving salad, but since getting sick all I want is carbs! 

Looking forward to: My little man is graduating Pre-Kindergarten today!  I can't wait to see him in his little cap and gown!

What a week! I have seen both of my doctors this week and both confirmed baby girl is looking good! They are estimating she weighs about 5.4lbs. They also both confirmed we are in the home stretch! How crazy is that? It won't be long before we have a baby!

Jon and I have been sneaking in fun things to do with River. We went to Gattiland on Sunday. River loved that since it was all playing video games and he doesn't get to do that often. He also loved that he got to watch Frozen on the big screen while he ate mac and cheese. He lost another tooth on Monday. I am loving his gap tooth grin! He has his Pre-K graduation, complete with cap and gown, tonight. Overall, this kid has had a really busy week! I can't wait for our 3 day weekend to pack, move, and hopefully sneak some pool time in, and celebrate Jon's 29th birthday!

K’Lynn

Baby Shower

We are incredibly blessed! I can't believe the amount of time and effort everyone put into our baby shower. Our little girl is so loved already. My heart is overfilled with joy!

The decorations were gorgeous. My sister in law puts Martha Stewart to shame. She knew we were doing a pink and gold themed nursery and used those colors for shower. I left with so many nursery decorations. She made the tissue paper poms, a burlap banner, a tissue paper banner, the vases for the flowers, the flower arrangements, and the monogrammed sign with baby girls initials. She seriously went above and beyond. The other hostesses made tons of yummy food which I shouldn't have eaten, but totally did! They even managed to score pink hamburger baskets!

Can you believe all the pink? I still don't think I can get over the fact baby girl is a GIRL!

We got tons and tons of gifts. Adorable baby girl clothes and tons of diapers topped the list. 

My Daddy and I. grandpa is so ready for another little girl to spoil! I really can't wait for Jon to get to experience the father-daughter relationship I shared with my Dad. 

My mother in law made this adorable quilt!

My brother Brad and his wife Kourtnee. They hosted the shower at their house. They both are amazing! Between all the D.I.Y. projects Kourtnee tackled and Brad grilling burgers for tons of people they seriously did more than I could have ever asked for! 

The rest of the hostesses, minus Nadja. These girls really made everything come together. I think they were just so excited that after 3 of us having 3 little boys we are finally getting a girl! Or they just really love me! I am so lucky and blessed to have such great friends!

Overall we had a blast. It was so much fun, the food was great, and we loved getting to spend time with our friends and families! 

K’Lynn

33 Weeks!

How far along: 33 Weeks.

Baby is the size of a: Pineapple. 

Gender: Girl!

Weight gain: I am up 10lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight. 

Maternity clothes: I bought a pair of maternity capri tights this week. I may not take them off until delivery!

Sleep: It really hasn't been that bad. I have been waking up way to early and am not able to fall back asleep but overall I don't feel horribly tired.

Aches and Pains: My lower back has been hurting. I take a warm bath every night and that helps so much!

Best moment this week: Our baby shower. We are so incredibly blessed!

Worst moment this week: I am still hating packing. 

Miss anything: I miss my normal body. 

Movement: This little girl moves like crazy. I don't know what I was thinking last week because I feel like as soon as I published the post she went crazy and hasn't stopped. 

Cravings:My cravings are so random and I usually get my fix that day. Earlier this week it was kale and last night it was shrimp. 

Looking forward to: We close on our house on Friday! I am so excited to finally get it over with!

This was such a great week and weekend. Our baby shower was amazing and I am going to write up a separate post for it. We are incredibly blessed with amazing friends and family! We have also been packing like crazy still. We are so excited to close on our house and get moved in. 

K’Lynn