Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Monday, June 13, 2016
Fatherhood. It's All Worth It.
This post is sponsored by Gerber but the content and opinions are always my own.
I'm so excited to be teaming up with Linqia and Gerber & to have my sweet husband share some of the #growingupgerber moments that make fatherhood all worth it. So without further a due here are some words from him.
The hug and "daddy's home!" I get from Norah every time I get home from work.
Every milestone by Norah or Graham. Norah's potty training, how easy going she is saying "well okay" about the pool being closed and Graham holding my finger tight.
Every time Norah tries & fails to wear my boots
When Norah appropriately uses words that most 5 year olds don't know.
Seeing two happy kids each day, especially knowing how many kids don't have homes, fathers or mothers.
Knowing that both of our kids will grow up to be better than us with every opportunity to be great and doing all that I can to make that happen.
...
Just like motherhood, fatherhood has it's exhaustingly tough moments but then it also has it's blissful sweet moments that you want to hold onto forever. And just like Mom's, Dad's need to be celebrated too!
What are some moments that make parenthood all worth it to you?! Share your moments on Instagram using the hashtag #growingupgerber and check out other moments of parenthood here.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Five Things I Love About My Husband
My best friend, my husband. A man who deserves to be bragged on every single day. With Father's Day upon us I wanted to dedicate a post to him because he is nothing short of amazing! I'll also be sharing a classic yet unique gift idea for all of the Father's in your life plus a fun giveaway!
Five Things I Love About My Husband:
1. He is so intelligent. He literally knows something about everything. He is the friend to phone if you're ever on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.
2. He is kind hearted. Not just to me and our babies but to strangers around him. A most recent story is we were at Home Depot getting out of the car and noticed an older man about to attempt to load a heavy item into the back of his car and we knew he wasn't going to be able to do it without help. We glanced briefly at each other and without saying a word he darted straight over there to help out. It's the littlest things that makes my love for him grow.
3. He is helpful and he takes care of us. After a long day at work he comes home and cleans, cooks, does laundry or whatever needs to be done. He takes on both kids to give me a break, he takes the load off my shoulders many times without expecting anything in return. He is my rock & I honestly don't think I could survive motherhood without him.
4. He is incredibly handsome. I still get butterflies like I did when I first laid my eyes on him junior year of high school, it only took me a year to make a move on him! Now a days those butterflies come in simple moments like when he's loving on our babies, when he's doing housework, when he is standing by my side at church or the rare times we get dressed up to go on a date.
5. Last but not least, he is the BEST Dad to our babies. His patience is never ending, he adores and loves them with all of his heart and it shows!
I love celebrating the wonderful husband and Dad he is! When I'm looking for a gift for him I always try to find something he doesn't already have, something he'll use, something unique or something he'll have for a long time. JORD wood watches are all of those things.
I'll be honest when I first heard wood watch I thought 'I'm not sure how that would look' and 'how could that be comfortable' but y'all, these watches are amazing! The rich colors are beautiful and the wood is incredibly soft! Being a handy man and engineer my husband loves & appreciates quality work and how things are made. He was really impressed by the watch especially the wood work and the convenient clasp. I know he will have this piece for a very long time.
Okay, on to the GIVEAWAY! JORD is giving one of you the chance to win a $75 e-voucher AND anyone who enters (excluding the winner) will get a $20 e-gift card. All you have to do to enter is visit this link and fill out the form which takes two seconds! The giveaway ends June 19th.
We chose this particular watch but you can shop all men's watches here. I know you'll find something for Father's Day the Dad's in your life will love!
A special thank you to JORD Wood Watches for partnering with me on this post.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Just To See You Smile | A Mother's Promise
This is a sponsored collaboration with Pampers and Acorn Influence.
All opinions are always my own.
...
All opinions are always my own.
...
If you're a Mom I think you'll agree that motherhood is one of the sweetest things life has to offer. And if you're a Mom you know that it's not all sunshine and butterflies and that you'll have some of your hardest days in life spent mothering your precious babies.
The hard days... you know those days where you experience every single emotion possible. You're exhausted mentally and physically, your child is fussy, wanting to do everything you don't want them to do, almost as if you can't catch your breath and would really like to lock yourself in a room and cry BUT THEN... your child gives you a hug or says "I love you" or just simply smiles and all of those hard moments, wanted tears, exhaustion completely fade away from your memory in an instant! A smile from my sweet Norah completely refreshes my emotions and gives me a burst of energy in the midst of the exhausting moments. It's as if her smile goes so deep into my soul that it makes my heart smile!
The hard days... you know those days where you experience every single emotion possible. You're exhausted mentally and physically, your child is fussy, wanting to do everything you don't want them to do, almost as if you can't catch your breath and would really like to lock yourself in a room and cry BUT THEN... your child gives you a hug or says "I love you" or just simply smiles and all of those hard moments, wanted tears, exhaustion completely fade away from your memory in an instant! A smile from my sweet Norah completely refreshes my emotions and gives me a burst of energy in the midst of the exhausting moments. It's as if her smile goes so deep into my soul that it makes my heart smile!
When Pampers asked me to share my #MothersPromise thoughts began to flood my mind because of course as loving mothers we want to promise the world to our children. Knowing how emotional life can be and how a smile from my precious girl can instantly turn my day around my promise (well, one of them) to her as her mother is to be intentional about making her smile every day but especially when life is giving her a tough time. Whether she is two and having a fussy day or twelve trying to figure out where she belongs or twenty as she enters adulthood. As she grows up I hope that I can help her see the bright side of things and the positive side in all situations.
"When life gives you a thousand reasons to cry show life you have a thousand reasons to smile."
To keep my #MothersPromise visible and to not lose sight of it, Norah and I did a simple and fun craft together. We painted a picture frame to hold a favorite photo and display it in her room so we always remember how important it is to smile and how easily a smile can brighten our day.
We have been a Pampers family from day one and the wonderful Pampers Premium Care Diapers can be found at Walmart. They are durable, soft, high quality, hypo allergenic with extra absorb channels, breathable inside and out & have a wetness indicator (yes, please!!).
As a mom, we could sit and write a mile long list of promises we would like to make to our children but what is that one #motherspromise in your heart that is most important to you? I would love for you to share it here or hop on over to my Instagram and tell me there!
Monday, January 25, 2016
Friday, January 22, 2016
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
the best maternity leggings ever
I have probably heard the statement "every pregnancy is different" one thousand times, maybe even more. This pregnancy has been the same as mine with Norah when it comes to how long I was sick for but everything else is SO different. The pains, the pressures, oh my! and I'm just six months...I'm honestly a little terrified at what the eighth and ninth months will bring.
Back to the pains and pressure.. I didn't feel anything like that until my eighth or ninth month with Norah but this time around I was feeling them at about four months. I showed way sooner which is an obvious sign that my muscles just aren't holding up as well which I'm pretty sure this goes for most women. I got to where I couldn't even walk to the park, which is less than 1/4 of a mile from our townhouse, without feeling pains. Luckily that pain comes and goes but I have a constant pain as if I have worked my inner thighs out to the max all day every day! Ugh! I know I know, the sweet baby I'm growing and get to snuggle with in a few months is TOTALLY worth it. Of course, my doctor told me at more than one appointment that getting some belly support garments would help and that I should really look into it.
I have followed Blanqi for quite some time now, even before I was pregnant with this little love. Blanqi creates high performance, stylish and practical support garments for pregnancy and beyond & their products are also made in the USA! I was SO excited to try out their BODYSTYLER Maternity Belly Support Leggings! "The official maternity legging game changer you will love to live in! Perfectly balanced, breathable fabric - not too think and not too thin. Seamless for a smooth and fashionable fit and all with our patented built-in belly lift and support band. Dress up or down, these are your go-with-everything leggings!" Yep, all that and so much more!
When I first felt the leggings right out of the package I noticed how soft and smooth they were but it wasn't until I slipped them on that my mind was blown! It seriously felt like I got an instant belly lift and maybe even a booty lift! ;)
I have to say even though I'm on the short side, I'm not petite, I have curves & I'm constantly learning to love them! But since I have curves it is so hard to find leggings (jeans too!) that do not ride down my hips as I go throughout my day and I was SO surprised at how well these leggings stayed put and more importantly my belly feels so supported when wearing them! These really are the best maternity leggings ever & I'm contemplating on getting another pair because I know I am going to be wearing the heck out of this one.
#blanqigirls
Do you have any must haves when it comes to clothing or support during pregnancy? I'd love to hear about them below or feel free to share them over on my Instagram. As always, thank you for reading!
Thursday, November 19, 2015
blanqi baby bundle
My friends over at BLANQI have created the sweetest Baby Bundle consisting of some of the best baby brands around & I'm so excited to introduce it to you! I seriously gasped when I opened the box..its THAT good!
The Baby Bundle is available for purchase starting November 21st & it is limited edition so if you love what you see, which I know you will, don't wait.. AND you can use my code 'katiefreeship' for free shipping on your purchase!
If you know of someone expecting or a loved one who just had a baby this is THE PERFECT gift! As a mom myself I would have LOVED this and I seriously can't wait to try out everything on our newest love come March.
First up are these ADORABLE illustrated Milestone Baby Cards. This set comes with thirty photo cards to capture your baby's first year. Things like "today I sat up for the first time" or "today I am 8 weeks old" or "today I said ma-ma for the first time"... SO sweet!
Next, is the SollyBaby "Carrying Baby" board book. This book is so beautifully written and illustrated & the peek a boo flaps are sure to keep your little one intrigued while telling the story of how different animals carry their babies. Obviously my little bookworm Norah has already claimed this as her own!
If you know of someone expecting or a loved one who just had a baby this is THE PERFECT gift! As a mom myself I would have LOVED this and I seriously can't wait to try out everything on our newest love come March.
First up are these ADORABLE illustrated Milestone Baby Cards. This set comes with thirty photo cards to capture your baby's first year. Things like "today I sat up for the first time" or "today I am 8 weeks old" or "today I said ma-ma for the first time"... SO sweet!
Next, is the SollyBaby "Carrying Baby" board book. This book is so beautifully written and illustrated & the peek a boo flaps are sure to keep your little one intrigued while telling the story of how different animals carry their babies. Obviously my little bookworm Norah has already claimed this as her own!
Also in the bundle is a new baby set by the incredible June & January including a basic blanket, knotted beanie and onesie romper with the sweetest gender neutral design..and yes, they are as soft as they look, maybe even softer! ;)
Last, but definitely not the least is a Wash With Water Shampoo and Body Bar & A Star is Born lotion. These smell amazingly fresh and are free of that long list of things that you hope to not see in the products you use on your sweet baby! Hallelujah!
Do you agree?! Isn't this Baby Bundle amazing?! I told you!
So, I suggest you set your alarms, mark your calendar because I have no doubt this Baby Bundle is going to go FAST! & don't forget to use my code 'katiefreeship' for free shipping and follow Blanqi on Instagram for more updates!
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
BLOGiversary Celebration
Hi friends! I seriously can't believe October is already over and we are in the first week of November. I swear time flies ever faster once babies are in your life!
October was a fun and special month because I celebrated my first *BLOGiversary* for A Mrs & A Mama. I had so many amazing shops join me in a month full of giveaways for my readers! I wouldn't have been able to do this celebration without each of them and I'm SO incredibly thankful for their generosity. I wanted to share them here with you and encourage you to check out the amazing things they create whether you are looking for something for yourself, your littles or a gift I now you will love these shops as much as I do! The shop names and links with all be listed below.
Willow Crowns
"hair accessories for stylish ladies of all ages"
Sheady Baby & Co.
''apparel and home wood accessories''
Little Big Dreamers
"making basics look bold"
Mommy Wish List Box
"monthly curated box of handmade and handpicked products"
Free Babes
"bows for your little free spirit"
Kelly Allen Design
"sweet, bold, colorful art to add some lovely to your life and home"
Violet Boutique
"handmade crocheted hair accessories for you and your little"
Haddie Cakes Handmade
"all kinds of adorable accessories for you little lady"
Mama Said Tees
"tees with a meaningful message"
Kozy & Co
"crocheted accessories for your littles"
Kate Kaleigh Boutique
"handmade shop for mamas and their babies"
To all of the shops above, thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
Thursday, October 1, 2015
We're pregnant!
I'm writing this post knowing I'm not going to publish it right now but I knew that whenever I got pregnant again I wanted to document the experience via my blog and well, here we are! Yaaaaaayyyy!! ;) In this post I'm going to share moments up until we announce the news and then I will share oocasional updates. I always love reading other "bumpdate" posts so I figured it would be fun sharing mine!
Here's a little back story.. Our first pregnancy devastatingly ended in a miscarriage at 11 weeks. My due date was my birthday and the day we lost the baby ended up being around the same time Norah (our second pregnancy) was born. Those two dates now are definitely bittersweet! I've briefly shared a bit about our loss here and here, but if you've ever experienced a miscarriage you know what we went through and if you haven't, imagine being on a magic carpet ride with so much joy and happiness you don't know what to do with and then the rug being ripped out from underneath you in an instant and you go crashing down to a very lonely, sad & heartbreaking place.
We were so blessed to go on and become pregnant again a few months later and then eventually give birth to a healthy little girl.
We were so blessed to go on and become pregnant again a few months later and then eventually give birth to a healthy little girl.
...
[5 weeks pregnant]
I found out I was pregnant on July 27th. As soon as the two pink lines showed up a huge smile came across my face and I whispered the words "thank you God". I was SO excited and thankful and joyful and happy but then almost immediately the worry and fear set in. The fear I experienced through my second pregnancy. The worry of letting myself love a baby not knowing if I was going to lose it. The worry I was going to have to endure another heartbreak. With my second pregnancy I lived for the next doctor appointment or ultrasound just for reassurance and I hated to say it but I feel like it's going to be the same way this time around. I know I have no control and I constantly have to remind myself of that but it's just hard!
So, here is something I will be leaning on in the months to come! "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds Jesus Christ." Philippians 4:6-7
Now to the fun part, telling my husband! I'll just leave you with this video & I'm not going to apologize for my annoying mom voice. ;)
...
[6 weeks]
Oh boy, here comes the nausea!
I was very nauseous with Norah from six weeks until sixteen weeks and I feel the exact same way this time around. (another girl?!) I'm not vomiting, but all day I feel like I need to vomit nausea, I'm not sure which is worse but I wouldn't wish this several month long feeling of the worst hangover ever on anyone! Our first ultrasound is in less than ten days and I cannot wait.
I was very nauseous with Norah from six weeks until sixteen weeks and I feel the exact same way this time around. (another girl?!) I'm not vomiting, but all day I feel like I need to vomit nausea, I'm not sure which is worse but I wouldn't wish this several month long feeling of the worst hangover ever on anyone! Our first ultrasound is in less than ten days and I cannot wait.
Fast forward a few days past my six week update and here I am lying in bed so anxious for tomorrow. Yesterday I started showing signs of miscarriage. I'm scared and sad but yet I'm calmed by knowing there is nothing I can do besides hope and have faith. I'm calling my doctor first thing tomorrow morning.
After an anxious morning and a few ultrasounds, we have a HEARTBEAT! Thank you God! So what is happening? To simplify it, a small part of my placenta detached from my uterus which was causing the bleeding. And what did I do as soon as I got home?? I googled "detached placenta''.. duh! and then had a slight freak out.
Doctors orders were to take it easy... let me remind you this is when we were about to move and close on our home. Take it easy with a toddler and home you have lived in for almost five years that needs to be packed up?! Thank goodness for my AMAZING parents and sister who were so kind to help my husband and I pack our entire house.
[8 weeks]
After a follow up ultrasound and check up things look great and the bleeding is completely gone. I feel so blessed to be able to keep growing this little blessing.
[14 weeks]
The past six weeks have seriously flown by and I didn't have much to write about them because they have consisted of me being exhausted and nauseous all day long every single day. Like I said above, the worst hangover feeling that never goes away. When I sneeze or cough I feel like I have to hold back from puking all over myself.. and brushing my teeth is interesting.. And as bad as it sounds it's so comforting at the same time. My doctor offers prescriptions to help with the nausea at every appointment and I just kindly say I'm alright. It's awful and tiring feeling this way, especially when having to care for a toddler but it gives me reaasurance that this little babe is still growing and reassurance is exactly what I need right now.
After an anxious morning and a few ultrasounds, we have a HEARTBEAT! Thank you God! So what is happening? To simplify it, a small part of my placenta detached from my uterus which was causing the bleeding. And what did I do as soon as I got home?? I googled "detached placenta''.. duh! and then had a slight freak out.
Doctors orders were to take it easy... let me remind you this is when we were about to move and close on our home. Take it easy with a toddler and home you have lived in for almost five years that needs to be packed up?! Thank goodness for my AMAZING parents and sister who were so kind to help my husband and I pack our entire house.
[8 weeks]
After a follow up ultrasound and check up things look great and the bleeding is completely gone. I feel so blessed to be able to keep growing this little blessing.
[14 weeks]
The past six weeks have seriously flown by and I didn't have much to write about them because they have consisted of me being exhausted and nauseous all day long every single day. Like I said above, the worst hangover feeling that never goes away. When I sneeze or cough I feel like I have to hold back from puking all over myself.. and brushing my teeth is interesting.. And as bad as it sounds it's so comforting at the same time. My doctor offers prescriptions to help with the nausea at every appointment and I just kindly say I'm alright. It's awful and tiring feeling this way, especially when having to care for a toddler but it gives me reaasurance that this little babe is still growing and reassurance is exactly what I need right now.
To those who are struggling with infertility or dealing with a loss, I know how hard it is to hear someone else's happy news, I've been there.. your heart sinks a little, and you get a feeling in the pit of your stomach but I just wanted you to know that I'm praying for you and your journey.
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
easy breakfast recipe: kolaches
This recipe I'm sharing today is far from fancy and probably the most basic of them all but I love it. It's so easy that you could probably figure it out by just me showing you a picture of the finished product but I'm still going to explain, lucky you! ;)
These are semi-homemade sausage & cheese kolaches. Yummy, easy & only four ingredients... yes, please!
[what you need]
-2 cans of biscuits (I use original, I don't think the flaky or layered type would work)
-1 package of mini sausages
-grated cheese
-jalapenos (this brand is my favorite because they are crunchy and have the perfect amount of heat)
**I made ten kolaches and lots of pigs in the blanket**
I have found that it's easiest to set all of your ingredients out before building the kolaches.
Lay a biscuit out on a plate and press it flat while spreading it out a bit. Two sausages per biscuit is what I did but you can customize to your liking.
Next, add jalapeƱos & cheese.
When you close the kolache, be sure to pinch the top very well where it comes together so that when they bake it doesn't come apart. I feel like I do this very well but I always have at least one that opens up.
I always bake these slower than the biscuit wrapper says. Usually at 300/315 degrees until golden brown. I always cut into one to make sure the center is cooked through.
That's it! So easy and these are always a crowd pleaser.
If you make this recipe & post it to instagram feel free to tag me so I can see it! I hope you've had a wonderful Wednesday & thanks for reading.
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Fall Bucket List | 2015
The first day of Fall happened a few days ago but here in Texas it still feels like the heat of Summer. So, in hopes that Fall like weather is around the corner I put together a Fall Bucket List filled with things I want to do, make, create with my sweet little family.
2015 Fall Bucket List
visit a pumpkin patch
make chocolate pumpkin muffins
take fall pictures of norah
go on a nature walk
do a craft with leaves
carve a pumpkin
go on a hay ride
make some hot cocoa
attend a fall festival
wear dark nail polish
make a big pot of chili
go to an aggie game
crunch leaves
buy a new scarf
snuggle by a fire
make s'mores, duh!
celebrate Thanksgiving
donate clothes and blankets
& patiently wait for cooler temperatures!
There it is! I would love to hear what your bucket list items for Fall are! Please share them below or find me on Instagram and tell me there. As always, thanks for reading!
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Review: Nuby Bath Toy
Norah hated baths as an infant and has really never been a fan of them until very recently. It was like one day she told herself "bath time is so much fun" because for the past month or so she asks to take a bath and gets so excited when the time comes! Adding new toys every once in a while has been fun for her and for us to watch her explore and learn. Some of her favorite bath toys are foam toys or letters that stick to the wall and any kind of cup that she can fill up and pour water out of. We recently added the Nuby Octopus Floating Bath toy and it has definitely been added to her list of favorites.
[what it does]
floats in the water
includes three colorful rings to place onto the arms
for the older ones the rings can be tossed on to the arms for a fun game
helps develop hand-eye coordination
BPA Free
Norah loves to count the Octopus' arms & enjoys finding and placing the rings onto the arms.
look of determination vs. look of success!
[where to buy]
Have you discovered any new bath toys that you and your little love?!
*I received this product for review but all opinions are my own*
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
