Spring in Utah

Seasons can be a fickle little thing here.  Especially Spring.  We're teased with 70+ degree temps in March, but often have a mid April snow fall.  It used to drive me crazy (what will I wear?!), but this year I have totally embraced it.  I love that we can hike in the morning, and ski in the afternoon.  Be in our swim suits (at least the boys) and then our ski suits. Whenever I think of Spring officially being here, I think of all the trees in bloom around the Capitol building.  It's just something so signature about Utah.  The trees bloomed pretty early this year, and of course just barely ahead of a week's worth of rain.  I somehow convinced Conor that we needed to jet up to the Capitol on a whim last Friday night to picnic, and... possibly, maybe, I just might happen to bring my camera, so we can take some pictures.  Maybe.  I know I've already slathered the 'gram with many of these photos.  But there's some fresh ones too!  The lighting was perfect, and the evening went just as I had hoped.  Good family time with my boys and some photos that I am really damn proud of.

While part of me is so ready for summer to actually be here (the icecream truck already seems to think so), I'm not ready to give up the spring skiing.  So fresh blooms one day, the snowy slopes the next.  Each time we go up, Finn takes to it more & more.  Also with each visit, my snow pants get snugger & snugger, and this time... there was no buttoning them!  For really the first time, we let Finn out far on the leashes, and he loved that taste of freedom!  It was the first time that we skied the entire afternoon as a family, fitting in 4 long runs in 1.5 hours.  Quite impressive for our little, not quite 2 year old.  As to finish off the day, a worker let Liam start up one of the groomers before they all headed up to smooth out the runs for the evening.  That ski in/ski out parking spot we snagged right by the groomers totally paid off!

And the good news, is all this rain has brought fresh snow to the mountains.  So we'll be heading up again this coming weekend.  It has become my favorite time as a family together.  I love seeing my boys confidence shine.  I also love the chairlift conversations, & the post ski snacks!  Hope you all have been enjoying Spring as much as us!

New Baby Splurges

With this third baby being another boy, there isn't much I really need for him.  This allows me to splurge more on things that I love, buying some more specialty pieces this time around.  I've discovered so many new small shops since my first two boys were born, so making these new baby purchases has been too much fun!  I'm not even half way through this pregnancy, and already I'm loading up on goodies.  Here's what I'm currently loving, buying, lusting over...
Gathre:  Have you heard of this company?!  Because I am newly obsessed!  Thanks to Erin for introducing me.  Erin always knows about the best small shops, and she is the reason for far too much of my shopping!  I'm for sure getting a baby changing mat for my diaper bag, but I'm fairly certain I'm going to need a multi purpose mat too!  The mats are wipeable leather & gorgeous.  Their instagram account will instantly have you pining for one!

Little Unicorn:  I realize this company isn't new to many people, but I have always thought their prints were super girly, so I was never overly interested.  Well I just had it all wrong!  I'm currently obsessed with their prickle pots print!  I want it in everything.  And it was a major inspiration for this baby's nursery theme which is succulents!  Eek, can't wait to share more ideas for that.  I'm also eyeing their outdoor blankets (not that I need one of these and a Gathre mat).  I'm torn between the navy gingham or trying to pull off the midnight poppy with a trio of boys.

WildBird:  You all know we're a no stroller family, and that I'm a huge fan of baby wearing.  I already own far to many wraps, slings, & carriers but that doesn't keep me from wanting to add to that collection.  I do love my Sakura Bloom ring sling, but I want to shop small this time.  WildBird is local to me (or used to be, she moved to California I believe) as are many of these shops I'm sharing today.  The rose gold rings are calling my name.  No idea how I will choose a color....  Right now, I'm kinda loving Dove.

Birdling:  I always treat myself to a new diaper bag with each baby.  I don't like back pack styles (because of baby wearing), so that limits me.  Laura told me about Birdling, and I've already made my purchase.  I initially ordered the Day Tripper but it was waaaay to big!  Take over my body big. No way I can haul that thing, wear a baby, and have two other kids in my control big.  So I exchanged it for a Mini Day Tripper which has yet to arrive, but I think it will be perfect!  I also feel like their prices are an absolute steal!

Candy Kirby Designs:  Again, not exactly a new company but just one that I thought was super girly. But then Erin (again) told me about their knotted gowns!  I don't need a coming home outfit for baby since we will already be at home, but this will be the perfect first outfit & also adorable for newborn photos.  I want one in about 10 different colors, but I'm particularly drawn to cadet blue & marled navy.  

There's a real good chance I'll have discovered many more shops before baby actually arrives.  So expect possibly another small shop list or two to make an appearance!  Any other small shops I need to know about?

House Guests x 7

Last week we had an absolutely packed house.  My parents as well as my brother Ryan & his family came to Salt Lake City to watch Gonzaga play in the tournament and have a mini vacation.  Seven extra guests meant we had to give up the boys' rooms, so our family of four (pregnant mama included) shared our king bed for five nights.  It was cozy, real cozy.  We have three full bathrooms so it worked out that my brother's family took the top floor to themselves, my family on the main, and my parents in the guest suite in the basement.  Everyone had their own space, which helped things feel not so chaotic.  And the weather helped.  Oh the weather!  70+ degree temps for their whole stay!  We were practically outside nonstop!

Bedtimes were nonexistent.  Finn would stay up as late as he could last, but inevitably would ask to go "night night".  Liam was up with his cousins until at least after 11 pm each night, which has since resulted in lots of sleeping in, yay!  All the kids got along wonderfully, so they played hard and never missed a minute together.  Dinners were cooked long after sunset.  Bottle after bottle of wine was tossed back.  I really wanted to join in on that fun!  And then of course there was Gonzaga!  We have the best neighbors ever, and they graciously watched all 5 kids while the adults went to the game together.  Conor & I rarely have date nights, so this was a treat, plus I got in all that family time too.  At halftime I left my seat to go to the bathroom and find snacks, and I had this immediate thought of "Ugh, all the lines will be soooo long..."  But then, I realized, "I have no kids with me.  No one with zero patience.  I could stand in line by myself and have some quiet time all day long!"  So I thoroughly enjoyed my little outing.  And flash forward to now, with Gonzaga in the Final Four!  It was been quite an exciting tournament and so so big for my hometown of Spokane!

The visit was a wild success, and I so hope that I showed off this city of ours enough to convince them all to come back soon.  I wish we got to see family far more than we do!  As usual, my mom stayed a few extra days by herself, so we could have some special us time.  She always does so much more than ever expected, and the boys simply adore her.  Each morning I send them down to her bed, so that I may sleep a bit longer.  I get long hot showers alone & even nap time when she's visiting.  Is there anything more precious to a pregnant mama than a nap?!

I was unplugged more than usual during their stay.  Not for any particular reason; I was just so enjoying my time with everyone that everything else didn't seem to matter.  I tried to pull out my camera frequently, but somehow still managed to miss getting some cousin shots or my dad in a picture at all!  But again, I was in the moment & the memories are what matter most!  We're planning a visit up to Washington over the 4th of July, which simply cannot come soon enough!  The house is empty now, and I want everyone back!  

17 Weeks (Bump #3)

So I'm actually 18 weeks tomorrow.  But I have these pictures from 17 weeks exactly, so a post seemed appropriate albeit late.  This pregnancy is flying by because life is just busy right now.  I'm still waiting to hit that sweet spot, but I know those days will come.  So let's play a little catch up on the last week...

top : gap fit maternity // leggings: stitch fix maternity

Total Weight Gain:  Roughly 6 lbs.  Feeling good about the progress so far.

Morning Sickness?  I thought once my head cold was gone I would be feeling 100%, but that has just not been the case.  I'm doing much better, but still often feel nauseous.  Evenings used to be my toughest time, but now it's right upon waking up.  School day mornings for Liam are rough for me!
Symptoms:  Just feeling this baby in the hips!  I seriously need to bust out my support belt already.  And my poor skin... pregnancy is never kind to it. All sorts of breakouts.  Tell me all your clear skin secrets!
Favorite Maternity Finds:  I love GapFit's maternity line (as well their Pure Body maternity line), and this new cross back long sleeve top is my favorite!  I'm also seriously obsessed with the leggings I'm wearing in these photos.  They are maternity from Stitch Fix and they feel like butter!  I want another pair in a different color.  Seriously cannot get enough.  I've plenty surprised with my maternity Stitch Fix items.  
Food Cravings/Aversions?  This week was all about key lime pie (thanks to my local farm stand) and cotton candy.  And ever since I got my hands on the cotton candy, I have been craving cotton candy grapes!  I believe it's the season for them soon, so I'm checking the grocery store daily!
Name?  Thanks for all the name suggestions!  Many of them had actually been on our list at one point.  We have it narrowed down to one, and while I'm ready to pull the trigger, Conor is holding out.  Middle name still needs lots of work!  I think this is the longest we have ever taken to name one of our babies.
Liam's Thoughts:  We've started watching homebirth videos together, which we both love.  Lots of snuggles and talking about when the baby will come.  Liam has become fascinated with the umbilical cord and really wants to see it.  That's the thought he is currently latched on to.  He also tells me multiple times a day, "Guess who I love the mostest? BABY!!!!"
Finn's Thoughts:  Still wants access to my belly at all times.  Hugs, rubs, & kisses for baby.  He'll watch home birth videos with Liam & I too, which just leave me amazed at his patience and wonder of it all.

My belly is out & adorable, and I love showing it off.  A growing belly just may be one of my favorite parts of pregnancy.  One of the neighbor girls comments on how big it is getting each time that I see her.  Warms my little heart!  I'm excited about each week this babe keeps growing and each week we get closer to his arrival!