
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Our Newborn Lifestyle Shoot

Thursday, May 28, 2015
Finn Ryan's Birth Story
The feeling was truly amazing. The whole experience was. Finn was finally in my arms and crying his little heart out! I loved him so much already. I felt that wave of hormones hit me! I was on an absolute high! And this may sound self absorbed, but I felt beautiful! Looking back at those few pictures from that first moment with Finn, I can just see how much I was glowing with pride. This was exactly what I wanted. All of it. It all went so perfectly! As I was taking in all the sights, smells, & touches of my newborn, my midwife told me that I didn't need any "repairs"! Seriously?! I just birthed this big baby boy and didn't have any tearing?! Conor and I both were amazed and recognized that the patience that our whole team had in letting Finn finally come out when he and my body wanted him to was likely the reason for such a great outcome. Especially with us fully expecting at least some damage after nearly the opposite with Liam. I kept telling myself that my body made the most perfect sized baby for me. I knew in that instant that my body, just like so many other mothers around the world, was a capable & incredible thing! Finn's birth was empowering; I had never felt stronger. It was also very much the healing experience that I had been waiting so long for. With Liam I had felt cheated out of what I knew I had wanted... this time I was able to let my body do what it was truly meant to do and how it was meant to do it. It was natural, amazing, & wonderful! I was so full of pride and awe.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015
First Day with Two
Today, with Finn being exactly three weeks old, I had my first solo day taking care of both boys. I had been somewhat excited & nervous about this for the past week. It was something that seemed so daunting beforehand, yet when today arrived I was ready! It's amazing how quickly a "new normal" develops. Being a new family of four has been exhausting but relatively easy at the same time. It feels like it was always meant to be this way!
Conor woke me up just before leaving for work at 7am. Finn & I had a short snuggle & nursing session on the couch before big brother sleepily walked downstairs to join us. Liam wanted to watch a show, which I reluctantly gave in to. For the most part, Liam has had no screen time since he was born. We watch the occasional holiday movie or live sports game, but typically no TV or iPad for him. This is something that has always been important to me. However, I don't want it to become something that is so off limits that he will only want it more & more. So slowly we have been having just a bit of screen time. Today he wanted to watch trains, so I found an episode of Chuggington On Demand. That 20 minute show gave me just enough time to finish feeding Finn as well as get myself ready for the day (hair & makeup included)!
Then it was time for breakfast where Liam had an epic meltdown over the last two homemade cinnamon rolls from Nana. Apparently Liam did not want me to eat one. We quickly made it through those tears, and I was hopeful that we still had a happy day ahead of us. Then came another meltdown (mellower than the first, but a meltdown nonetheless) upon the discovery that I had thrown out all the play-doh because it was old & dry. While I did this over a week ago, he of course chose my first day of solo parenting to notice. Promises were made to go pick out some new play-doh, so again tears were wiped and we moved on!
Finn had a pretty calm morning (he's almost always calm, thank goodness), so I easily got Liam dressed (between reading multiple books) and a bag packed... diapers, snacks, extra clothes for both, blankets, a carrier, etc. Note to self: start packing a bag the night before! We were all loaded up and in the car with big smiles by 9:30am, and it only took the help of three skittles, ha! Today I met some friends at our favorite truck park for a playdate. Liam was able to get the crazies out while I got some much needed mom time with the other women! It was nice to have the extra eyes on Liam as well as the extra hands for when I was taking Finn in & out of the wrap or loading him in the car. Our first outing alone was pretty much a breeze. Per usual Finn slept almost the whole time, only waking twice to nurse!
Finn fell asleep on the ride home, which made lunchtime & nap time with Liam easy as well. I was able to go about my normal routine with Liam (two books in bed beforehand and then I lay with him 'til he falls asleep) which helps our day go more smoothly. Plus, I love being able to keep some things the same for Liam, and our nap time snuggles are a big one! Miraculously, at 1pm both boys were sleeping!!! I managed to clean up a bit, do some laundry, and finally (FINALLY) sit down at my
And tomorrow we get to do it all over again.
I hope each day that follows is as wonderful as the one before.
I know I have some challenges that will surely be ahead of me, but for now...
life with two is simply wonderful!

Conor woke me up just before leaving for work at 7am. Finn & I had a short snuggle & nursing session on the couch before big brother sleepily walked downstairs to join us. Liam wanted to watch a show, which I reluctantly gave in to. For the most part, Liam has had no screen time since he was born. We watch the occasional holiday movie or live sports game, but typically no TV or iPad for him. This is something that has always been important to me. However, I don't want it to become something that is so off limits that he will only want it more & more. So slowly we have been having just a bit of screen time. Today he wanted to watch trains, so I found an episode of Chuggington On Demand. That 20 minute show gave me just enough time to finish feeding Finn as well as get myself ready for the day (hair & makeup included)!
Then it was time for breakfast where Liam had an epic meltdown over the last two homemade cinnamon rolls from Nana. Apparently Liam did not want me to eat one. We quickly made it through those tears, and I was hopeful that we still had a happy day ahead of us. Then came another meltdown (mellower than the first, but a meltdown nonetheless) upon the discovery that I had thrown out all the play-doh because it was old & dry. While I did this over a week ago, he of course chose my first day of solo parenting to notice. Promises were made to go pick out some new play-doh, so again tears were wiped and we moved on!
Finn had a pretty calm morning (he's almost always calm, thank goodness), so I easily got Liam dressed (between reading multiple books) and a bag packed... diapers, snacks, extra clothes for both, blankets, a carrier, etc. Note to self: start packing a bag the night before! We were all loaded up and in the car with big smiles by 9:30am, and it only took the help of three skittles, ha! Today I met some friends at our favorite truck park for a playdate. Liam was able to get the crazies out while I got some much needed mom time with the other women! It was nice to have the extra eyes on Liam as well as the extra hands for when I was taking Finn in & out of the wrap or loading him in the car. Our first outing alone was pretty much a breeze. Per usual Finn slept almost the whole time, only waking twice to nurse!
Finn fell asleep on the ride home, which made lunchtime & nap time with Liam easy as well. I was able to go about my normal routine with Liam (two books in bed beforehand and then I lay with him 'til he falls asleep) which helps our day go more smoothly. Plus, I love being able to keep some things the same for Liam, and our nap time snuggles are a big one! Miraculously, at 1pm both boys were sleeping!!! I managed to clean up a bit, do some laundry, and finally (FINALLY) sit down at my
computer to catch up on emails and do a bit of blogging! This is my outlet, and I have missed it!
My afternoon was a long one since Conor had to work late. When the boys woke up, I felt like I had an entire day still ahead of me, but we managed. There was lots of nursing while reading book after book to Liam. It's the perfect way for me to meet both of my boys needs at the same time. Plus, I love all the snuggles! Later, I was feeling brave and decided to hit the grocery store with both in tow. I picked up the fixin's for dinner as well as ingredients for some homemade banana bread. I thought that would be the perfect activity to get us through the rainy afternoon. Our trip was a success, which was pleasantly surprising! Liam & I baked while Finn slept, with only one brief break for a quick nursing session! The rain eventually subsided just before the witching hour was due to begin. Liam was able to ride his bike around with the neighbors while Finn & I watched from the comfort of the porch. It was the perfect way to welcome home Conor from a long day at work. We were both exhausted at only 7am, so instead of cooking dinner we opted for some take out burritos. Quick & easy! Conor handled bath time for Liam, while I finally snuck in a shower. I nursed Finn to sleep at 9pm and then laid down with Liam who was out by 9:30pm. Immediately following, the wine was poured! Unfortunately, I didn't take a single picture today. It's not that the day wasn't worth documenting, but I never had a moment to snap that perfect shot. The one that would capture this milestone. Instead I lived in the moment. Every one of them.

Sunday, May 17, 2015
Paternity Leave

Friday, May 15, 2015
Oh Hey, Friday
We are still in newborn heaven over here! This weekend we are having another lifestyle photo shoot done now that Finn has joined the family, so I'm excited for those. It's supposed to be super rainy, so I see plenty of snuggles on the couch happening. Even with the bad weather, the waterpark close to our house opens this weekend! Conor & Liam may sneak off and brave the rain for a few water slides. And then my mom arrives Sunday afternoon to help me through next week while Conor heads back to work. Exciting things ahead! Here's my (sometimes) weekly five...
As always, thanks to Karli for hosting.

-ONE-
-TWO-
-FOUR-


Erin posted about these bandies the other day, and I couldn't scoop up a set for myself fast enough! I seriously hate bibs, especially drool bibs. But I also hate drool & wet clothes. The bandies are adorable and quite stylish! I'm actually looking forward to the day that I get to snap one of these of cute little Finn!
I have been eyeing this floral chiffon maxi dress! It's perfectly beautiful for spring & summer. Casual but could also be worn to baby showers or bridal showers. The only thing keeping me from the purchase is that this dress is strapless... Probably not nursing friendly. I still may give it a try though!
-THREE-
How delicious does this strawberry rhubarb jam look?! I haven't stopped thinking about it ever since I saw a pin for it. Might be making some jam with my mom this week, especially since she is an expert jammer!
So some of you may laugh at me, but I had been using iPhoto to edit my photos for the past year or so. I liked how easy & intuitive it was. I really only crop, brighten, or sharpen my images...very little editing, so I don't need any crazy programs. Anyways, after the most recent update on my computer iPhoto is gone!!! I don't like change, so I'm being very stubborn about figuring out how to edit my photos now. So everyone, please tell me what you use for editing. I'm looking for easy, inexpensive options!
-FIVE-
Because I can't resist sharing at least one photo of my boys together...

Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Out & About

Monday, May 11, 2015
Mother's Day 2015

Thursday, May 7, 2015
He's Here!!!

Monday, May 4, 2015
40 Weeks (Bump #2)
Well my due date came & went on Saturday. I'm actually being quite patient and waiting until my body & my baby are ready! I received many sweet calls & texts on my due date with words of support that were much appreciated. I think it's actually a bit fun to hit your actual due date and celebrate making it "all the way." Now, we wait...
Total Weight Gain: 40 lbs. Bring on the water retention!
Stretch Marks: Still none. Looks like I have made it through a second pregnancy mark free!
Wedding Rings On/Off: While I am starting to swell up in my hands & feet just the teeniest bit, my ring is able to stay on.
Belly Button: Top half out!
Symptoms: Little pains here or there, but feeling surprisingly great for full term!
Labor Signs: Some cramping on & off for the past week, but otherwise absolutely no sign that labor is starting anytime soon. My mom is scheduled to leave Thursday, so hopefully he arrives before then! I do not see myself having to write a 41 week post...
Food Cravings/Aversions: Sweets & fruit! My mom made a huckleberry pie (my favorite) as a bit of a "birthday cake" celebration on my due date. It was amazing! She also brought all the same homemade goodies she did when I went into labor with Liam. Raspberry jam, snickerdoodles, & ginger snaps!
Staying Active? Still keeping up with the little guy and takes walks here & there, but I am slowing down for sure.
Cries: Not a single one!
Liam's Thoughts: Conor & I had a date night while Liam stayed home with my mom. He thought this was when we were having the baby. It amazes me how much he really understands, and he definitely knows that it is any day now. Can't wait until little L is officially a big brother!
Looking Forward To: Baby boy's arrival! Seriously could be any minute or day!
Liam's Thoughts: Conor & I had a date night while Liam stayed home with my mom. He thought this was when we were having the baby. It amazes me how much he really understands, and he definitely knows that it is any day now. Can't wait until little L is officially a big brother!
Looking Forward To: Baby boy's arrival! Seriously could be any minute or day!

Friday, May 1, 2015
Oh Hey, Friday
Happy May Day! I'm just one day shy of my due date, eek! My mom arrived yesterday, so we are all now patiently waiting for baby. I think he may have "dropped" yesterday, but it's hard to tell since I carry pretty low in general. Perhaps he will make his debut this weekend! Here's my (sometimes) weekly five...
As always, thanks to Karli for hosting.

-ONE-
Since I will be out of my maternity clothes any day now, I decided I need to do a bit of shopping... I've heard awesome things about this maxi dress, and even better it's on sale right now. I'm ordered it in taupe/navy as well as blush because I just couldn't decide. The plan is to return one, we'll see if that actually happens!
-TWO-
Liam has been wanting a Cement Mixer
for awhile now, so we decided to buy him one as a gift from Finn! If you are a boy mom, and you don't know about Bruder trucks, get yourself acquainted! They are amazing; very functional but also durable. Again, they are on the pricey side but so worth it. A couple of Liam's friends have the
Garbage Truck
which they are all obsessed with. We may be adding that to the birthday wish list!
-FOUR-
You know I love mixing up my desktop wallpaper, so here is my pick for May.
-FIVE-
More babies from the boom were born recently! A huge congrats to Amanda, Brittany, & Elise! All the pictures of such sweet newborns have me getting just a bit more anxious for Finn's arrival!


Since I will be out of my maternity clothes any day now, I decided I need to do a bit of shopping... I've heard awesome things about this maxi dress, and even better it's on sale right now. I'm ordered it in taupe/navy as well as blush because I just couldn't decide. The plan is to return one, we'll see if that actually happens!
I finally decided on a coming home outfit for Finn! I knew I wanted something practical & comfy, but also a little bit special. KicKee Pants is one of my absolute favorite baby brands because their clothing is incredibly soft! But it's also a bit pricey, so I save it for splurges. I can't wait to put Finn in this
alligator romper
!
-THREE-Liam has been wanting a Cement Mixer
You know I love mixing up my desktop wallpaper, so here is my pick for May.
-FIVE-
More babies from the boom were born recently! A huge congrats to Amanda, Brittany, & Elise! All the pictures of such sweet newborns have me getting just a bit more anxious for Finn's arrival!
