My Mind

It seems that my mind is always racing. I have a never ending list of things that should be done and things I'd like to accomplish. Like all the things I've pinned on Pinterest. My mind is totally a Pinterest board.

Then there is all the every day things.

Clean the kitchen, take a shower, the kids need a bath. Crap! What's for dinner? S!*t the only pants that fit this post-baby body are in the washer.

Stop.

The baby needs to nurse.

Stop.

The toddler wants me to play.

I'm fairly certain you all know what I am talking about. I guess it's called LIFE.

And I have the itch to write. But I've got writer's block, of course. So, that brings us to this post of randomness.

So, without further ado, here are some random things going on in my mind.

1. Preschool.

Do I send my almost three year old in the fall or keep her home one more year? I'm torn. I see the benefit of both options, but I am leaning towards waiting until she is four. This also means I get to play school at home and plan lessons for her ;)

2. My house.

It's so dang small so I am constantly reorganizing and de-cluttering. I've done three little projects that make me like my house a *teeny* bit more.

I created a chalkboard. I still need to caulk and paint, but I LOVE it and wish I would have made it bigger.

I painted my chandelier.

And I am almost done painting my dinning room table with the DIY chalk paint that I made!

There is also a sliver of a chance that we might re-do our kitchen through Ikea. SO excited.

3. A Pirate Party

A pirate party for Liza's 3rd birthday is brewing in my mind. I've been busy looking for ideas and trying to figure out how do do something amazing for her while spending as little as possible.

source

4. Boston

My other city and somewhere I consider HOME.

source

Feeling scared and sick that things like this happen so close to home.

Feeling thankful that my family wasn't at work that day. My dad, brother, mom, and husband all work right in the city.

Feeling heartbroken for all those who were injured, killed, and otherwise affected.

Feeling pissed at whoever is responsible for this violence.

Feeling fat because I've been stress eating since it happened.

That's all I've got today. Stay tuned for a fun way to paint with your kids tomorrow!!!

God Bless America.

XOXO Sarah

Early Easter

Having an early Easter has thrown me off! Where is our spring weather?!

Here is what we've been up to the past week or so--

Frozen yogurt and spring colors.

A chilly walk.

Easter eggs with Liza's favorite big cousin.

The Easter baskets!

Cute baby basket.

Pink ears on my boy.

Easter bonnet courtesy of the Dollar Spot at Target.

I'll be back with a post tomorrow and will pick back up next week with regular posts!!

XOXO Sarah

Birthday Questionnaire

This week begins birthdays for my kids. All three of them were born in the month of march only days apart. My middle girl is going to be four. I found the questions below on pinterest and thought I would ask both girls these questions for their birthdays, and then ask them again next year to see how the answers change. Below are my almost four year olds answers. Miss Mady's Birthday is on March 7th. 

1. What is your favorite color? Purple

2. What is your favorite toy?  My guys

3. What is your favorite fruit? grapes

4. What is your favorite tv show? Doc Mcstuffins

5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? hot doggies

6. What is your favorite outfit? Smart cookie shirt

7. What is your favorite game? Dora the matching game

8. What is your favorite snack? Fishies

9. What is your favorite animal? Fish

10. What is your favorite song? Monkey Song by the wiggles

11. What is your favorite book? Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

12. Who is your best friend? Caleb

13. What is your favorite cereal? Trix

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside? Ride my bike

15. What is your favorite drink? chocolate milk

16. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween

17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? Teddy

18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Waffles

19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday? Spaghetti with meatballs

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? A mommy and she wants me to teach her how to take care of her baby 

Do you ask your kids similiar questions on their birthdays? 

Join us on Wednesday for Project 52.  The suggested theme this week is motion. It would be great to have you link up!!

Hugs,

Katey

A perfect blessing

Hello and Happy Friday!!  I am very excited to finally announce my pregnancy!

It was a bit of a shock at first  and we have experienced a few bumps along the road, but babies are blessings. I am a firm believer that God doesn't give you more than you can handle! So here we are soon be a family of 6!


I am currently 18 weeks, and found out we are having another boy! Which is a perfect addition to our family! Two girls and two boys!

18 weeks

Hugs,

Katey ☺

Meet Will

I am finally sitting down to share the newest addition to Simply Mommies.

Meet my precious boy, Will.

We named him William after my husband, who is named Guillermo, but call him Will.

All 5 pounds and 6 ounces of him was born on January 23rd at 4:47pm.

It was a short and easy delivery, much to my surprise.

I expected labor and delivery to be long and strenuous since Liza's was, but this was simple and I imagine, as pleasant as any delivery could be.

The day before Will was born I had a doctors appointment. I had been diagnosed with Interuterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) a few weeks beforehand and had been going to my OBGYN twice a week for an ultrasound and NST test.

All tests and exams had come out perfectly until this appointment where they noticed that my fluid levels were low. My doctor told me to go home and get my bags, take care of Liza and then head to the hospital for my induction.

I was upset. I really did not want to be induced again. I was sad that my body wasn't progressing on its own. I was scared of the Pitocin and long labor ahead of me.

I was a nervous wreck about leaving Liza because I had never been a part from her longer than a few hours.

My hubby and I dropped Liza off with my parents and then grabbed a quick bite to eat. I was sure I wouldn't be allowed food once I was admitted.

I was given a procedure and had a Foley Balloon inserted. My doctor was confident that this would get my body moving before I was administered Pitocin the next day.

It was uncomfortable.

I had a restless night between small contractions, hospital noises, and worrying about Liza and my baby boy. I didn't sleep much at all.

The next morning I was anxious to get to the labor room and get things going, but the triage and labor rooms were busy so I was pushed back. Damn all those women whose bodies naturally went into labor!

I walked the halls. We ate lunch. I sent a bazillion texts to my friends and family. I watched trashy TV while the hubby did some work on his laptop.

A big thanks to the Kardashians for the brainless entertainment.

I was supposed to start Pitocin a 5:30am, but wasn't brought down to the labor rooms until almost 2:00 that afternoon.

I felt giddy with excitement as the nurse walked me to the labor room.

Finally.

I wanted to go home. I wanted my babies.

Our nerves made us a little chatty with the nurse as she hooked me up to pitocin. The contractions started quickly. We realized our nurse's best friend lives behind us. And we had never met her until she came into the room to say hello! Yup, my neighbor, who is a labor & delivery nurse, came in to meet me during labor. Small world.

Less than an hour after we arrived the shifts changed and we had a new nurse named Elizabeth. She was sweet and soft spoken.

My contractions picked up and hurt like hell.

I asked for an epidural.

My doctor came in once I was set with the amazing epidural and broke my water. This was at 4:15 or so. She told me to take a nap and she would be back in a few hours.

Yah, I was pushing fifteen minutes later. I seriously got my epidural just in time (although I was going through transition as they were setting me up for it).

Things happened so fast. And smoothly. It was such a different experience than my labor with Liza.

I pushed for maybe 20 minutes.

Will was born at 4:47pm and was placed right on my chest. He opened his eyes and looked at me.

It was amazing.

It was peaceful.

It was pretty perfect.

iPhone picture

I feel so blessed to have two beautiful babies.

You can see some more from Will's photo shoot here on the very sweet Sarah Pudlo's blog.

XOXO Sarah

What's In My Hospital Bag

I decided it was time to get my bag ready for the hospital. I am now 37 weeks so technically I could go at any time. I am so ready to meet my baby boy!

I wanted a bag that wasn't too small or too big. My trusty Adidas bag was missing, but I finally found it :) I am so glad I did!

Here is what is inside for baby boy:

• 2 side snap onesies. I remember using these with Liza so I figured I might this time too. He'll be snuggled in this, a diaper, and a soft blanket until we go home.
• Knit hat to keep his tiny head warm. Liza wore the same one in the hospital.
• Nightgown just in case I want to dress him.
• Going home outfit.
• 2 pairs soft socks
• Pacifier
• Aden & Anais swaddle blanket (I am sooo excited to use it!)

***Update***

I used everything that I packed and sent the hubby home for another swaddle blanket and another outfit. We were in the hospital during the coldest days we have had in a long, long time so I wanted some little pants and extra socks to help keep Will nice and warm.

Here is what is inside for me:

Pair of pj's in a size up from what I normally wear. I remember feeling so bloated last time.

• Nursing tank, a few pairs of "granny panties" (the mesh ones from the hospital never fit me), and socks.
• Flip flops for the shower
• Sweatpants and a hoodie to wear home.
• Makeup Bag with just the essentials-cover up, blush, mascara, eyeliner, elastics/bobby pin, contact stuff, etc. (Don't forget your moisturizer like I did!)
• Toiletry Bag with my shampoo, conditioner, brush & mini blow dryer, body wash, and deodorant.
• Nook and charger (I plan on sending the hubby home at night to be with Liza so maybe I'll have time to pretend I am reading?)
• Big sister gift for Liza

***Update***

I used everything I packed. I am very proud of myself for not overpacking! Woohoo! If there is a next time, I will be sure to have a water bottle with me for the hospital room. I hate drinking out of those flimsy plastic cups. Oh, and I did regret not bringing my Boppy with me. Thankfully, my hubby grabbed it on one of his trips home. I didn't use it with Liza, but it was very helpful this time around with Will.

I think I'll leave my purse and take a small tote bag with me to the labor room. Here is what I think I'll take with me:

• Small case with chap stick, glasses, contact case, bobby pins & elastic.
• Baby book for footprints
• Camera
• Phone charger
• Possibly a few snacks for my husband & an extra shirt
• Wallet (at least my ID)

***UPDATE***

I was in the labor room for less than 3 hours (thank you, God!) so I didn't need much. We used our cell phones, camera, and baby book. If I would have been in there longer than I am pretty sure I would have used everything in the bag!
What did you take with you?

XOXO Sarah



Love/Hate Stay At Home Mom

We haven't done a "10 Things" post in a while and thought it was about time!

Sarah:

I feel very blessed that I am able to stay home with my Liza and Will. Here are 5 reasons why I love it :)

1. I love the flexibility of creating our own schedule.
2. I love being a involved in every moment of my babies' lives.
3. I love being the person to teach my girl (and boy!) life's little lessons during random moments. 
4. I love wearing yoga pants when I feel like it. 
5. I love that play dates are just as good for me as they are for Liza (maybe even better?!).

Even though staying home with my children has been my dream for as long as I can remember, there are still times that it is hard and there are still moments that I hate it!

1. Sometimes I get bored. {Gasp!}
2. Sometimes I hate that I want to wear yoga pants...
3. Sometimes I wish I could have a little more adult interaction.
4. Sometimes I miss having "me time." 
5. I miss the little bit of extra money we had when I worked. I miss things like pedicures and new clothes whenever I felt like it. 

Katey:

I am very blessed to have the opportunity to be a stay at home Mama to my three loves.
Here are the reasons I love it:

1. I don't have to report to a boss ( except the hubs hehe)
2. I don't have to get three children ready and myself in the morning and run out the door. This makes it a lot easier!
3. I get to be apart of every moment of my little ones lives.
4. I love being home for my big girl when she gets off the bus.
5. I love the flexibility

Here are the reasons I hate it:

1. I get bored sometimes and feel like my college education is going to waste.
2. I wish I had more adult interaction especially when I catch myself singing kids songs. lol
3. It would be nice to have extra money
4. I would like a reason to get dressed up
5. I am concerned about what I will do when the kids are grown without working and obtaining work experience for a while.

You can check out our other "10 Things" posts here, here, and here.

Tell us about your love-hate relationship with being a mommy!

xoxo Sarah & Katey

The "wicked' Storm

Hi there!

It sure has been quite a weekend here in the New England. We got quite the blizzard, leaving myself without power for a few days. There are still others in the region that are still waiting for it to be restored.

Before the start of the blizzard

The storm started in the evening on Friday and didn't end until Saturday afternoon. We had met our neighbors a few times but don't really know them. One if them reached out and lent my husband his snow blower. The other gave us some homemade soup, and later he installed a generator for us at no charge.

After my husband dug us out we ventured to my in laws and stayed there along with my my hubs brother and his family. It was quite an adventure! Thankful to them for opening their house to all of us!
 We are also extremely thankful for my husbands employer for dropping a generator off at our house. All in all it was a "wicked" storm but the kindness of others helped us get through it.

Just about 2feet of snow

You can't really see our street

Thank you for letting us borrow a snow blower! 

How was your blizzard experience? Do you have power yet?


Hugs,

Katey

Mom before Mom: My favorite childhood meal

I am linking up to Carla this week at All of Me..Now to continue the Mom before Mom series.

Writing Prompt: What was your favorite home cooked meal as a child? Did you help make it? How did it make you feel? Share the scents and sights and flavors.

When I was a kid my Mom worked nights and my dad worked days. So most of the the time my dad did the cooking. However once in a while on a Sunday my Mom would cook and make a nice meal. I always waited with anticipation to see what she was going to make. It usually made Sundays feel better than any other day of the week. It was the best day! Today as an adult I still love Sundays. 

My favorite Sunday dinner was a boiled dinner. I loved the aroma of the ham cooking with the potatoes,carrots, and onions. It was heavenly!  I hated eating onions but I loved the smell of them cooking in the big pot. If we were lucky sometimes my Mom would make an apple crisp for dessert! This was also my favorite, topped with vanilla ice cream or cool whip! The sweetness of the apples topped with the nuttiness of the oatmeal mixture, YUM!  I didn't usually help make dinner but I loved the time we spent as a family around the table. It made me feel closer as a family. 

On weeknights when my Dad cooked my sister and I loved to have tacos for dinner. When I was old enough to use the stove I would sometimes prepare it. I am thankful for the childhood memories even if its just the little things like home cooked meals. Tacos were so simple but we loved them, and still do! 

What was your favorite meal as a child? 

Hugs,

Katey 

Funny Friday

I saw this YouTube video a few times already and can't stop laughing. Perhaps you have seen it already, but its worth seeing again!  Enjoy and Happy Friday! 

Enjoy your weekend,

Katey

Mom Before Mom: Childhood Bedroom

Once again, I am linking up to the lovely Carla at All of me...Now as part of her Mom Before Mom series. I encourage you to hop over to her page and check out her blog and all the other lovely ladies who link up!

Writing Prompt: What did your childhood bedroom look like? Give a tour. How did it change as you matured?

I remember moving to our new house when I was ten years old. Only one tragic thing happened during this move. Somehow, my Saved by the Bell posters were all lost.Ya, I'm pretty sure it was my mom who "lost them." Sigh.

I've never fully recovered from this ;)

I had the bigger bedroom that had two closets and three windows. I wish I had that closet space now!

The walls were sponge painted pink and purple by my mother, who also made big, pink balloon curtains for my window. My bed frame was a pretty wooden antique piece and a pink hand-made quilt covered my matress.

I had a shelf over my bed that held porcelain dolls. Most of them gifts from my grandparents. Most of them are in my basement today. I am not good at throwing things away.

There was a lot of pink. It was the early 90's. You get it.

I grew out of the pink and by the time I made it to high school, I was dying for a change.

The makeover started with a hand-made Amish quilt that we found while vacationing in Lancaster, PA. I am fairly certain that my parents spent way too much money on this.  It was hunter green and sunflowers. Totally different then the pink and I loved it.

My mom re-painted the walls with a faux painting technique called ragging (she was into faux painting). They were a lot more neutral this time around and they stayed this way for many years. Actually until it was painted for my niece not too long ago! I love that my niece now has my old room (and a lot of my old stuff!).

I decorated the walls with those awesome Kim Anderson prints that were all the rage. Most of mine were greeting cards that I would get from my friends. We were super cool and would write each other cards back and forth and then frame them.

Oh, to be in high school again! Actually, I don't wish that. Not even a bit.

After high school. I moved my room to the attic and painted the walls purple and filled every nook and cranny of pictures of me and my friends. Or me and my boyfriend (who is now my husband). All those pictures are still in frames and in boxes in my basement.

I told you, I'm not good at getting rid of things ;)

I was always so jealous of my friends who had bedrooms plastered with posters and teen magazine cutouts. They were so cool. My mom would never let me be cool. I was never allowed to tape things to my wall or even have a real "themed" room. I am actually not a fan of overly themed rooms as an adult. My babies don't have a typically decorated nursery and probably never will.

I guess I take after my mom!

What was your childhood room like?

XOXO Sarah

How Did You Get Your Name?

Today I am linking up to one of my favorite RI Bloggers, Carla at All Of Me Now. Carla recently started a series called Mom Before Mom that asks mothers to write about who they are/were before becoming "mommy" and I have challenged myself to join in the fun!

Prompt #1: How did you get your name? Did you always love it? Have you ever wanted to change it?

Sarah Elizabeth

According to my mom, my name was chosen because she wanted a name that was old fashioned and not trendy.She didn't know of anyone with my name and apparently she received a lot of funny looks and comments for picking a name so grandma-ish.

My dad liked the name Elizabeth and she loved Sarah so I became Sarah Elizabeth. 

I laughed at my mom the other day for telling me that she picked my name because no one else had it because there were always other Sarah/Sara's in my class or at work with me. 

Her answer to this is that she started the trend. 

And I don't doubt her.

I've never hated my name, but I can't say that I loved it growing up. I did hate that I didn't have an automatic nickname like most of my friends. My mom and some family would call me "Sarah-Barah," my childhood best friend referred to me simply as "Sa," and my grandfather always called me "Sadie." I never knew why he called me Sadie until I was an adult and learned that it is actually a very common nickname for Sarah! Who knew?! I kind of wish Sadie would have stuck so that I wouldn't have had to be called Sarah H  or Little Sarah or some variation of my name/last name because that totally annoyed(s) me. 

I won't lie and tell you that I never wished for a name like Amber or Tiffany or Kelly, but I am thankful that my name never embarrassed me or caused me any grief. I am so glad I grew out of that stage and into my name.

Yes, I was obsessed with Saved by the Bell. I'm not ashamed to admit it :)

For years I could never find paraphernalia with my name on it and as a kid, that was very frustrating. I didn't get a license plate with SARAH on it until I was much older. I might even still have it somewhere in my basement! I loved the book Sarah Plain and Tall because it was about a girl with my name (and bonus, I have an autographed copy since my grandfather was a professor of the author!) AND because Sarah was spelled the right way. 

Uuuuugh, to this very day it frustrates me that I have to spell my name for people or say, "Sarah with an H" so that they don't put me down as a Sara.

Shudder ;)

I am thankful for my name. Even though it is not even close to being a unique name (one of my very dearest friend's shares my name....she just doesn't spell it right and I feel bad for her. Hehe.), it has grown with me and I have grown with it. 

It's simple and classic. The exact things I look for in naming my children (although this poor baby still has no name!).

I'd love to hear how you got your name too! Be sure to share your story in the comments!

XOXO Sarah

P.S. My name always had the best meaning...PRINCESS. Can't beat that :)