Everyone has it...

Maybe it's just me.  Or maybe you'll agree?  There's this room in our house.  The forgotten room.  The put-everything-you-didn't-use-elsewhere in this room and try to make it work room.  The sorry-I-had-an-entire-house-to-fill and I don't have time for you right now room.

For us, that's our half bath off of our kitchen.

It's a poor, sad, lonely little room.  One tiny orange rug, two teeny square pictures from the clearance section at Kirklands {that honestly are currently hung crooked...one of my biggest pet peeves}.  One green potty for Jack.  That's really about it!

For awhile now I've been pinning inspirations on Pinterest for this quaint little space in our house that actually gets used quite often.  Once I get back from shopping -- half bath.  When we have visitors over -- half bath gets used.  Really, it goes through more toilet paper than any of our bathrooms!  But, with grad. school, teaching, being pregnant, taking care of two under three...life was just too busy to give our little space any attention.  There it sits....a sad little room.

Not for long...

I have finally decided it is time...time to give this space a little revamp.  For some reason, I want to go with a wallpapered accent wall.  Honestly -- no idea where this came from.  I just want something other than our chocolate/tan/teal theme we have in nearly every space of our main level.  Something different!  Well, after going to Lowe's and Menards...I realized there isn't much of  a market for contemporary wall paper.  If you want off-white flowers...sure.  But, classic, traditional, or modern do not exist in stores.  Online shopping it was!  After searching, choosing, changing my mind, contemplating ordering samples...I found this gem.  Crazy I know.  We'll see how it goes!  I have visions of floating shelves, crisp, white linens, pop of color, framed mirror and more!

Here's the before...

 

I mean...one of the lights is burnt out even!  Poor little bathroom.  Here's to adventures...adventures in using saws.  Adventures in trusting Pinterest step-by-step tutorials.  Adventures in wallpaper.  I can't wait to see the finished product of our newly redesigned forgotten room. 

I forgot just how excited I get to redecorate... =)  Another perfect excuse to go shopping?

Hi, my name is Jenni, and I am obsessed with shopping.

me time

Between alphabet flash cards for Jack while burping Kate from her latest feeding, it's hard to find some quiet time for myself. 

Life is busy. 

I like busy.

I've discovered a few ways to find a peaceful moment for myself.  Usually I'm looking around for my diaper bag or feeling like I'm missing something...but I go anyway!

Dinner dates with friends.
I have plans at least once or twice a week to meet friends out for dinner and drinks.  Not being able to drink for so long makes margaritas taste twice as good as before.  =)  I am so thankful for all of my friends.

Shopping.
Okay, we all know this is my obsession.  All day long I am creating and crossing off my to-do list and creating a "to buy" list at the same time.  I'll pick up my bedroom and think -- man, you should buy a new, cute headband since you always wear your hair up these days...or boy its awfully cold out still Kate could use some long sleeved outfits.  Ridiculous maybe, but I just love buying things.  So, I head out a couple times each week in search of something; that something that I just have to have.  Goodness there's always something.  Lately I've been making my appearance known at Bath and Body Works {hello, summer scents!  and coupons!} The Limited, Carter's, and Target -- because what can't you find at Target?  I usually head out around the time the kids go to bed, which means the stores are nearly empty and I get the mall all to myself-ish.  Love!  It's almost hard to shop on the crazy busy weekends now!

{obbbbsessed with these new colors}

Tanning.
I know, I know!  It's terrible for you and can cause cancer.  Okay...but it makes me look and feel better.  And, it's 15 minutes of quiet time with the music blasting.  And, it's only $10/month!  And, I'm not allergic to it {{spray tanning}} lame.  I love my little dates with the tanning bed.

Going to the "gym".
We recently signed up for the Y, which allows for 2 hours of daycare for both kids.  Now, I am not that dedicated to working out...I mean what in the world could I do for two hours?  However, I have been enjoying my hour long, kid-free, focus on me time while I'm at the Y.  I bought a new fancy sport bra to hold up the girls (since I'm still nursing it was imperative otherwise I couldn't run!) and have been enjoying running again - finally!  The first lap around the indoor track was nothing short of amazing.  Being able to run and not just quickly walk was so refreshing.  The second, third, and fourth...those were exhausting.  Day two, however, I ran all 15 laps!  {mile}.  Progress!   I jam to Pandora -- 2000's Hip Hop station.  "Bounce right to left and let your shoulder lean" and "Shake that laffy taffy" motivate me to keep going!  All the while the kiddos are enjoying some interactions with other kids and people.  Double bonus!  As soon as Jack wakes up in the morning he asks to go "play at the gym".  Love!

Oh, and I'm a silent addict to Facebook and have something new on my doorstep nearly everyday thanks to my Amazon Prime membership.

I am thankful for a hubby who lets me go on my crazy 20% off today only coupon adventures...I mean he has an xbox that should be dusted off anyway, right?

In fact, the semi-annual Yankee Candle sale started today...{so the to buy list continues...}  =)

And when I get home I get to snuggle with these two goofballs..

3 months already?

Where did the time go?  I just love spending my summer days with both kiddos.  We're settling into a perfect routine and I'm already getting sad as I realize how quickly time will fly from now until August.  Kate is one happy, smiley, adorable baby.  Lucky mom, here!

Weight:  Last time we checked, she was a little over 11 pounds.  It's wonderful to have a *normal* sized baby that follows the clothing sizes... =)

Diaper Size:  We've moved up!  Size two.  I'm still sticking with Pampers Swadders just because of the little blue line that tells me to change Kate's little butt.  When we hit the 3 mark, then it'll be up and ups from Target just like her big bro.

Clothes Size:  3-6 month (almost everything Carter's still.  {{Okay, slightly obsessed.}})  Baby girl clothes are just as amazing as I dreamed of them to be when I was only shopping in the boy section.  Ruffles, sparkles, adorable colors.  Carter's new line you ask?  Mint, cream, gray, and light coral.  Polka dots.  Skinny jeans made out of cotton.  Hello!  I want to kiss Carter's designers.

Sleep:  The Krieger kiddos are great sleepers!  We do bath for Jack at 7(ish) and down by 7:30...then Kate's bath at 7:30 and down at 8.  That's right, with two kids under three...our house is quiet by 8 p.m.  Then, I catch up on tanning, errands, hanging out with Eric.  So wonderful!  Kate sleeps all the way through and usually wakes up around 5:30 or 6.  WAHOO!  If you wonder how my kids sleep so well...read Babywise.  It was my baby raising bible.  So far, so good!

Favorite Activities/things:  If she's in your arms, she's happy as can be.  This is so wonderful because I recently signed up for our Y wellness center in Waukee.  2 hours a day FREE daycare for both kids?!  I feel like I'm stealing with my $76.50 a month membership.  Kate is completely content with anyone as long as they're holding her!  She's starting to find and chew on her hand.  She despises pacifiers...which tells you how happy of a baby she is!  Her bunny is her best friend.  Lately, she likes to be upright...standing, sitting, hanging in her bouncy.  Her personality is coming out and so far...she's just like her mum.  Poor Eric!  Two princesses...

Watch me roll!

Eating: LOTS of milk.  6 oz at a time most feedings now.  Good thing I can keep up with her! My deep freeze is completely full of frozen milk and we're 3 months down without a drop of formula.  Breastfeeding is a whole lot of work, but I think it's helping create our insanely wonderful little girl.  In the next few weeks I'm going to attempt cereal.  We'll see how that goes!

Nicknames:  Dolly, sweetie, baby Kate, 'sweeheart' and 'seester' from big bro.

Talking:  Gggggg and raspberries on demand!  Oh, and if you stick your tongue out at her, she'll do it back.  Smart little fart.

New adventures:  EARS PIERCED!  After Kate's 2 month shots, I decided it was time.  It has been SO easy.  Her ears are already healed and they never bothered her one bit.  And, if she has just a white hand-me-down onesie, she still looks like a girl.   Oh, and rolling, content, talking a whole lot more.  She's also grabbing and reaching for toys now.

I can't believe we are 1/4 of the way through Kate's first year.  I am loving every. single. minute of my pretend stay-at-home-mom life while it lasts.  I am so blessed to have two of my own healthy children.  I was made to be a mom!

Stressful mom-of-two-moment of the week:
We're grocery shopping for the first time just us three.  Kate is in the carseat and Jack is sitting right next to her (in a giant cart only found at the Jordan Creek Hy-Vee!)  This Hy-Vee is under construction and only one giant cart can get through the aisles.  Kate wakes up and is OVER being in her carseat.  {Pacifiers would be REALLY convenient here..}  She's crying, Jacks whining "let's go home, mom" and I still needed to grab a gallon of milk.  Word to the other people without kids/old people who have forgotten...don't stare or comment when children are having meltdowns!  It just happens...even with really good kids and patient moms.  =)

Kate's face says it all.  She's not having it.

babies are a piece of cake

Today, Jack got super soaked when I took a bubble bath.  So, we took his shirt off since it was pj time for him soon.  After awhile, he got his "bee bee doll", a little cabbage patch doll I bought intending for it to be Kate's that he's confiscated ever since she was born.  He slammed his doll down, climbed on the couch like a little monkey, and spent minutes getting into a perfect cozy spot right next to me -- just him and his dolly.  After insisting I "wrap her up" with his favorite blankie, he snuggled with his dolly.  Then...he said "momma bee bee hungy, I feed her with my boobs."

Oh goodness.

After a few seconds, he proceeded to burp her.  His sweet little hand patted her back oh so lightly while he said "time to burp sweehearrr".  It is a moment I will never forget.  He went on to change her diaper, dressed her, wrapped her up again, and sweetly placed her in Kate's bouncy chair.  He proclaimed "bee bee nigh night time mom, bee bee sleeping!" He even had the music playing!

Clearly, Jack could take care of babies already.  I hope his future wife appreciates how wonderful he will be with kids.  LOVE!

This picture...

needs no words. 

I love you, buddy.

Dear Baby Kate

Tomorrow is officially my last day of maternity leave.  Just typing that makes me sad.  Yes, I know I only have to go back to work for seven days...but it still is hard to believe three months has past already.  For the next seven days you won't be snuggled in my arms, staring intently at my face, in your own snuggly place we call home.   Next Wednesday, I assure you, your big bro, Jack and I will settle back into our little routine and soak up every adorable minute of you until August.

You know exactly who your momma is, that's for sure.  When you hear me you turn your little head...when I run around you you attempt to follow me with your eyes.  And when you catch me out of the corner of your eye you let out the most adorable nothing-in-this-world-gets-better-than-this look and smile from ear to ear.  You let out a big sigh every time I come near and I love that about you.

You scrunch the top of your nose for two things:  smiling and crying.  When I set you on the floor your little arms and legs go crazy!  I think you're practicing your swimming/future track star moves?  Must be.  You eat very slowly...you like to be snuggled up right next to me and I think you figured out that eating slow keeps you there longer.  You're smart, little dolly.  You roll from your belly to your back so effortlessly now.  It's adorable to see you grow stronger and stronger.

I'm certain that your first real love is me and your oh-so-wonderful daddy, however, your snuggle bunny comes in at a close second. Even strangers comment on how much you adore your bunny.  {and I can't even describe how many comments we get from strangers when we're out and about...}  You chew on it.  You snuggle it.  You grasp your little bunny as if it is the most important thing in your little world.  Maybe you love it because it's pink, and you and I will share that as our favorite color?!

I love dressing you up in dresses and bows.  I love that you sit oh-so-patiently for me to paint your tiny little toenails (three times already)!  I love having the perfect balance between blues and pinks filling every nook and cranny of our house.  I love how your tiny hands always find mine.  I love that your right little foot finds its way right out of the sling in the bath tub every single time.  I love that you adore Jack and bat your adorable lashes at him when he runs by and says "hiiiii bee bee Kate!" And, I love that you're my little girl.

Kate, I can't wait for you to grow.  I can't wait for future pedicure dates, shopping sprees, prom hair and more.  I can't wait to give you advice on learning, girl drama, and even your first boyfriend.  I promise you, sweet baby doll, you will always have your momma right by your side.

For ever.

And ever.

So there's this girl...she kind of stole my heart.

She calls me Mom.

When one door closes....

As I finished my first year of teaching, I realized I was missing something.  Yes, I had dozens of crazy first-year-teacher stories, wonderful coworkers that are now great friends, and a cute little two bedroom apartment decorated in nothing but stars.  However, mid-year I realized I wasn't bogged down with lesson plans or stressed about what to teach anymore and I missed learning.  I love to be challenged.  I love to think and discuss.

I love to learn.

In my second year of teaching (in a new district, teaching a new grade level, with a brand new baby while building a house...whew!) I decided I wasn't busy enough?!  Ha.  I decided to begin a graduate program in order to become a future school administrator.  I researched ISU, Drake, and Viterbo, and ultimately chose ISU because of the easy communication, similar set-up to UNI which I was familiar with, and weekday classes vs. weekend (mostly).

Then, life got crazy.  Didn't I say I like to be challenged?  Well that happened alright.

While keeping up with classes, 20-page research pages, discussions, group projects and more...I taught 140+ 8th graders all about rocks, raised a baby into a blossoming terrible-two's toddler, had another baby, and made our house into a home.  The last two years have proven to be interesting, challenging, and oh so rewarding.

I've officially graduated with my Master's in Educational Leadership from Iowa State University.

I said it!  I typed it!  It's kind of sort of sinking in.

With one door closing, another door opens.  I decided I wasn't ready to be bored next year without grad school so...

I have accepted a 5th Grade teaching position at our brand new elementary {not even finished being built yet} in Waukee!  I am SO excited for SO many things {including a giant list of pinterest classroom ideas for all things elementary....stay tuned!}

When one door closes another one opens.  Here I come, elementary school!

Sweet week-old Kate watching mommy type paper, after paper, after paper...

(I know you're jealous that this is how I got to spend my maternity leave... =)

More...

I have to be honest, going from one to two has been a relatively seamless transition in the Krieger household.  I heard horror stories of mental breakdowns and bratty-big-bro-syndromes, and so far we're in the clear.  I was not, however, informed of the new meaning of more.

When we go to the store we have to buy more stuff.  Before...I used to go on missions --- update Jack's wardrobe for summer...easy.  Stop at Baby Gap and buy everything in multiple colors....done.  Not anymore!  Now I go to Baby Gap (with a toddler and a giant Chicco stroller that only holds a 2-month-old -- how silly!  Double stroller search is underway...) and check the toddler boy section and grab a few things.  Then I make my way to the baby girl section and decide what is actually practical and wearable.  Yes, I said it.  Kate does not only wear Baby Gap as Jack did!  I have a new love relationship with Carter's baby girl collection.  I still refuse to put Jack in Carter's bright colors and dog decals...but the girl stuff doesn't usually have any of it!  There's ruffles, adorable on-trend colors, and oh so much comfy cotton.  So, Jack = Baby Gap...Kate = Carter's.  That means more shopping, more stores, and more clothes.

Buying more clothes means more laundry.  You wouldn't think adding one more kiddo to the mix would increase laundry...but my oh my girls!  There are leggings, and headbands, and skirts, and pajamas, and cardigans, and tights.  Me oh my!  There are so many little pieces in Kate's wardrobe that get separated and must be reassembled together.  Not to mention cute bibs, burp rags, and blankies.  Again, more laundry.

Two kids means more diapers.  I used to be okay with just tossing a diaper across the room and putting in the trash when I made my way to it.  You can't really get away with that with two kids.  It ends up looking like a diaper waste land and I feel like I'm living in a dumpster.  I have to find size 4 in the up and ups at Target AND the size ones in pampers swaddlers (I love the little blue line...and Kate is so picky about wet diapees, so I'm being a brat and requiring the more expensive ones..for now.)  And of course that means more wipes.

Having sippy cups AND bottles means more dishes. The list could continue.

There are, however, so many positives about having two kiddos...

More snuggles.
More laughter.
More poopy diapers to be laughed at!
More stories to tell.
More sweet, adorable, melt-my-heart moments that I hope to never forget.

Band-aids, boppys, and big brothers

Kate had her first round of shots today.  She was a rock star.  One giant scream and she was over it.  Two cute little pink and purple band-aids were the only remnants of her first pokes.  As always, I think it hurt Eric and me more than it hurt her.

As soon as we got home, I showed Jack her band-aid battle wounds.  He instantly felt sorry for her and started taking care of her.  First came his intensely high-pitched voice saying "What's da matta sweeeeehearrrrt?"  Then came her snuggly dolly.   After that, he ran to find her glowworm -- and pushed play in order to calm the newly poked babe.  Finally, he topped it all off with a blanket. 

Jack is the sweetest big brother (and 2 year old) I have ever seen.

Baby Kate loves to chill laying on her boppy pillow.  She's awake a ton now-a-days and loves to be in on all the action {and trust me, with Jack there's a lot going on}.  She's still super chill and just loves to lay there and be.

I just love our little family and all of the adventures we tackle together.

Throwback Thursday

June 24, 2006

2006?!  It's 2013.  It does not seem real that we were married that long ago.  Who was I in 2006?  What in the world occupied all of our time before our kids?

Back then...

Eric worked at Best Buy and I worked in the good ol' Financial Aid Office at UNI.  We both were working towards our degrees.  We always made plans for the weekends and often hosted grill-outs and bonfires in our tiny little abode we purchased months before our wedding (when I was 19...holy cow...)  We spent lots of time with Eric's family -- because I love kids and loved spending time with all of Eric's nieces and nephews. 

My days were filled with carefree shopping, lots and lots of cleaning, organizing, and decorating {and redecorating...can I say that I painted my living room the color of Kate's poo?  Who knew..} and hanging out with friends.  I always made time for working out and loved getting a nice hot dinner ready for my sweet hubby.

I remember one time, there was a gigantic ice storm in Waterloo.  It knocked our power out on our entire neighborhood.  We were sure we could handle the cold for as long as the power outage would last.  We snuggled next to our wood burning fireplace, created a little campsite, and played scrabble by candlelight for three nights in a row.  At one point, our thermostat read less than 50 degrees.  Three days without power was a nightmare, but what I remember were some of the best talks and times.  

Now...

There's nothing more sexy than a pink flamingo burp rag flung over Eric's right shoulder and a sweet little baby adorned with a petite little bow snuggled perfectly into his arms.  We have a non-stop-talking chatter bug of a toddler who is figuring his way around our world.  We constantly hear "what's dis Mom?"  or "Daddy da moon, do you see da moon Daddy?  It's up der in da sky!"  We sing "ABC's" and "Twinkle Twinkle" every. single. day.

Our date nights include putting both kids to bed and cooking dinner together in the quiet.  The other night we bought a hefty top Iowa sirloin fresh from Fareway and grilled and chatted and ate together.  Yes, it was at home...but it was definitely special.

Flashback Thursday brings me back.  I am exactly where I was meant to be and am loving every booger-filled kleenex, poopie squirty diaper, quick kisses stolen from my hubby minute of it.