Daffodils: Mama Kate

Frogs, snails and puppy dog tails,

That's what little boys are made of.

As a mother of 2 boys, I couldn't agree more.

Hi, Schue Love readers! My name is Kate and you can find me over at Daffodils blogging about my life in Monterey, CA with my handsome hubby and two boys: Cullen, age 3 and Bennett, 15 months.

Since Ethan is still a sweet little baby who can't get into too much trouble, I thought I'd share with Natasha, and all of you, what life with boys is like as they get older.

They love dirt. On their hands, in their mouth, all over their face. Don't try to stop it, they will find a way to end the day as dirty as possible.

They are wild. Even my oldest, who has always been a very cautious kid, is a little bit crazy. The other day, we were at the park and two little girls were playing house. They invited Cullen to play and he said ok, and then determined that he would be the dinosaur that breaks in. It was the first time he's ever been asked to play house, and that's what he came up with. Wild, I tell you.

They play sports, even though they don't know they are playing sports, they just do it. I was trying to fold laundry last week and Bennett turned my basket into a hoop. He is 15 months old and has never seen a basketball game. It is just their nature, I swear.

It is possible to dress them sweet and classy.

Although if it were up to them, this would be everyday attire.

But the best thing about raising boys is that they love their Momma. While they rough and tumble with Daddy, they cuddle with me, want me to hold them when they are sad, love to help me cook and Cullen tells me all the time that I look pretty. They keep me busy and challenge me everyday, but I am thankful for them and so blessed to be their Mom. No matter how much trouble they make, these two will always be my perfect angels.

Thanks for having me!

Recent Haul: Fall Edition

As we transition into fall, I'm starting to add some new pieces into my wardrobe.  Here are some recent buys that I picked up at Old Navy, Target and Gap!

Old Navy Military Jacket

Per Melanie's recommendation, I bought this military-inspired jacket.  It fits like a glove and has a great orange detail on the inside.  I also like the it cinches at the waist to give me more of a shape.

Gap T-Shirt Maxi Dress

I like this t-shirt maxi dress to transition into the fall.  I can imagine pairing it with a light scarf and jacket for cooler days.

Old Navy Blouse

This doesn't look like much, but it's a great length for wearing with skinnies {covers the booty!} and the sleeves roll.  Kind of wish I bought more colors!

Old Navy Ruched Long-Sleeved Dress

This is another great transitional piece with the long sleeves.  It's great right now with wedges or later with boots and a belted vest.  

Target High-Low Bow Top

Another great blouse {that also covers the booty!}.  I think this will look great paired with some colored denim!

Target Green Ankle Skinnies

Alright, so I finally gained the confidence to buy my first pair of colored denim.  Since I'm still losing the baby weight, I opted to buy a less expensive pair at Target {I shudder at the size I had to buy!}, but I think it will help me feel "on trend" during this transitional time.  I have to say...they have a ton of great colors and you really can't beat the price.  I saw similar pairs at Old Navy and Gap as well.  

So there are some recent buys!  Of course, we picked up a bunch of things for baby too!  Here's one of my favorites:

Old Navy Striped Hooded One-Piece

I mean, how cute is this?  I want one in my size!  ;)  They have a bunch of cute colors for boys and girls too!  

We're off to Minneapolis this weekend!  Baby's first flight...wish us luck!

xo natasha

Baby Ethan: Week 10

Weight: Ethan's exact weight is unknown but I'm guessing he's around 11 pounds at this point.  :)

Health: We did notice the week after Ethan's first immunization shot {tdap included} that he was more fussy than usual.  Ryan said that his arm was super tender after his tdap shot, so I can only imagine what it must feel like for baby.  But otherwise, he's happy and healthy!

Sleep: We're still averaging about 6-7 hours at night.  I usually have to wake him in the morning to feed him or pump or I feel like I might explode!  The nice thing is, he'll go back to sleep until 9am or so.  Pretty awesome!

We are also looking to buy a video monitor so we can start transitioning him to his crib...if only for nap time initially.  I'm pretty set on the Summer Infant brand, but let me know if you mamas have a suggestion!

Diet: You guessed it!  Mama's milk all day, everyday.

{Fourth of July and Labor Day...it's hard to tell but he's really filled out this little onesie!}

Clothes: Ethan's still fitting into his 0-3 month clothing...though his sleeper pjs with the feet on them are getting more and more snug.  He's in 1 diapers...and we just changed to the Pamper Swaddlers...hoping for less blow outs.  

Baby Gear Love: Toys!!  Ethan is really starting to track toys and is getting the hang of his grasp.  I love watching him hold things with a purpose {if only for a few seconds!}.  And he's starting to really enjoy books.  Ryan tries to read to him every night before bedtime and he's so mesmerized.  Also, our little guy really likes to be on the move...whether it's the stroller, car, or swing...that's when he's most happy.  Problem is, when he's not moving...he's a little fuss boat!

Which brings us to the baby carrier.  We're going on our first trip to Minneapolis this coming weekend and we've decided it will be easier to transport him in a carier, versus bringing his stroller along.  I recently purchased the BabyErgo, but naturally, Ethan likes to face outward...so the BabyBjorn seems to be the carrier of choice.  Fingers crossed for us!!
   
Crying: As I mentioned above, Ethan had a rough week {I feel like I might have jinxed myself when I said what an "easy" baby he is}.  He's been getting fussy right around 4-6 and is hard to calm.  I'm thinking it's a combination of being over-stimulated and tired plus the discomfort of his first shots.  We'll have to see!

Likes: Ethan's favorite time is right after he's nursed...he's really SO fun!  He just hangs out, smiles, and TALKS {well...coos!} up a storm.  I swear, he and Ryan have full on conversations.  It's the sweetest thing ever.  And as usual, he still loves his baths, walks, and swing time.

Postpartum: I'm feeling better and stronger everyday.  Bought some new fall things over the weekend, which I hope will make me feel more like a "normal" person.  :)  I'm a tiny bit nervous/anxious for the traveling and weddings we have coming up.  It's hard to find cute dresses that he can still nurse in.  And of course, I just hope the whole wedding/nursing process goes smoothly.  I'm thinking I will try to pump right before the wedding so we can give him a bottle in case he goes sideways at an inconvenient time.  Any tips you have would be greatly appreciated!

OH and I cut my hair to about shoulder length...gotta say that I'm loving it!  It's easy and looks much healthier!

Milestones: Ethan's gift of gab is definitely a milestone this week!  His coo's, goo's, squeels and more have just delighted us!  And I am almost positive that he's on the verge of giggling!  Baby had his FIRST full on belly laugh last night!  I was blowing raspberries and he just started cracking up!  I even caught it on tape!!  Makes me so excited!

{sorry for the bad quality...it was dark and I had NO idea he would keep it up!}

He can also stand when held...his legs are super strong!  And he loves sitting on our laps looking out and taking in the action.  I definitely think we have a social butterfly on our hands!  ;)

xo natasha

Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese Salad

Some of you may remember when we made the grilled peach and goat cheese pizza...it is one of my favorites!  Well, you can imagine my excitement when Jane posted this awesome recipe earlier last month.  It's the perfect summer salad...ripe grilled peaches with goat cheese and toasted hazelnuts for a crunch.  We actually used a store-bought rotisserie chicken and shredded the meat and it tasted great!  Definitely take advantage of making this salad while the peaches are still good!

about 8 cups mixed salad greens, washed and ready to use

2 yellow peaches, slightly firm to the touch

1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped

1 cup chopped cooked rotisserie chicken breast

2 oz fresh goat cheese

for dressing—

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar

1 tsp honey

tiny pinch of sea salt

Make the dressing first...In a small bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar and the olive oil. Then, stir in the honey and and mix well. Add a pinch of salt. Set aside.

Preheat your grill to medium/high heat.

Slice peaches in half and discard pit. Place peaches, cut side down, on the preheated grill. Close lid and grill for about five minutes, checking occasionally. 

To assemble salads, divide greens into two bowls. Top green with chopped rotisserie chicken, goat cheese crumbles, toasted hazelnuts and peaches. Drizzle dressing over the top and toss well.

Thanks to Jane for the awesome recipe! Hope you all had a great Labor Day Weekend!

xo natasha

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