every little inch

Half bath revamp --- revealed!  I know, you're so excited you can't stand it.   Here are my thoughts on my little space.

My wimpy, sad little half bath now has a life of it's own.

Thanks to Pinterest, I found all. kinds. of. ideas.  Too many ideas!  Round one of the revamp included framing those mirrors....you know, the ones that look like a piece of glass was just glued to the wall like in a cheap apartment?!  Yes, those mirrors.  We went to Lowe's (both babies in tow) and picked out one of the thousand trim boards.  We ended up with solid wood, painted white boards that resembled a picture frame.  {by the way, lowes has these sweet car carts where the kiddos face forward and pretend drive...genius}  We left with some liquid nails, a caulk gun, and lots and lots of trim board.  While Eric used power tools -- I know, I'm impressed too -- I attempted to figure out how to work a caulk gun.  It's actually really easy!  The biggest lesson learned with this project is:  paint FIRST, attach SECOND.  That seems like a given, but I was so anxious to see the trim on the mirrors that we did just the opposite...which left us with a terrible view through the window of the back of the trim.  We ended up buying a tiny piece of trim and painted ALL of it black before attaching it...which finalized the look.  ABSOLUTELY love the look of them.  They look finished, that's for sure!

Next, operation wallpaper.  Okay...take my advice here people....don't do wallpaper.  Ever.  For any reason.  It is not perfect, it looks ridiculously homemade, and it's terrible.  Eric and I were so excited to adventure into wallpaper...  After spending all morning between feedings and trains we hung three pieces of wallpaper.  Minutes later -- edges peeling, glue drying white, terrible bubbles remained.  I took it down and threw it away as fast as I can, before I even took a picture.  Whew.  Adventures in wallpaper complete.  Never, ever again.

I decided I wanted to buy into the chevron fiasco and searched for the perfect yellow chevron fabric.  I found the perfect beige/yellow pattern at Hob Lob and didn't buy it because I wasn't sure if I was ready to commit to chevron.  I found a different fabric at Hancock Fabrics to match and that was it.  I picked out two half-off frames at Michaels {literally the best store for frames} and a few little trinkets for the floating shelves we installed.  I picked up a gallon of beigy-gray paint and was ready to go!  I painted that half bath in one and a half hours from start to finish (way, way less than it took to attempt three strips of wallpaper).  Then, Eric hung the floating shelves and by the next morning everything was in place!  I am an efficient decorator.  I collect everything and then bust out the room real quick.  I like instant gratification.

Here's my final, finished product!  I adore this little space.  Welcome to the new and improved...

I think I can say that every little inch of living space in my house is decorated.  Bittersweet!  I wonder when I'll find a reason to redecorate something?  My brand new empty classroom is calling my name...

It's time...

Right now it's nap time.  That means for the next two hours my house is silent AND clean.  Normally, I turn on the DVR and catch up on Kardashians or I'm Having Their Baby {slightly obsessed..} and pump.  However, today I am TV-less and listening to the tick-tock of my clocks without having to pump.  So peaceful!

I've started weaning off breastfeeding these last few weeks.  It's so hard!  There are so many good reasons to do it...and so many good reasons to not do it.   I've been in a battle with myself over stopping and I've finally pulled the plug -- literally.  So here's the scoop...

Goods...
Kate is phenominal.  I mean, outstanding!  She's happy, she sleeps well (8-8 last night!!), and smiles all the time.  She rarely cries.  Therefore, my milk must be doing something good for her.  {enter the guilty feeling}  Breastmilk is free, it burns 500+ calories a day, and I get tons of it.  Like, an entire deep freeze we have is filled with it.  I pump 6 times a day (on top of feeding her) and get 16 oz in my morning pump alone!  I know, that's crazy.  Breastmilk stays fresh forever, so I just fill a bottle, toss it in the diaper bag and we're off.  No powder/water mess or anything.  So, it's easy, cheap, and good for all of us.   Oh, and we gave Kate a few formula bottles just to see how she handled them and she was the same baby.

Bads...
I have to pump 6 times a day.  If I need to run errands, I can only be gone for a few hours.  I must wear clothes that are easily removed at all times.  My boobs are huge.  Not joking.  I have pumped on the floor, in random bathrooms, in my bedroom, living room, basements, pretty much anywhere I am.  There are 1,657 parts to wash each time I pump.  I'm starting a new 5th grade position next year and do not have 'set' planning times, so pumping is a ridiculous option when I'm back to work at the end of summer.  Having a toddler AND pumping is not fun.  Jack even knows how to use my pump!  I've been working out at the Y every morning and in order to run, I pump before and right after I get home!  Annoying.

I decided I was ready to stop breastfeeding/pumping so that I can get back to normal before school starts and can enjoy my last few weeks of summer without the annoying wah-oh-wah-oh noise in the background.  It's not that easy, though.  The first day I "tried" to stop, I ended up continuing and explaining to Eric that I will pump forever {the guilty feeling is overwhelming, you know}.  Two days later I decided I was really ready to stop -- that was yesterday.  My boobs are engorged, leaking, and are crazy-out-of-control.  But, I'm ready to be done.  I have a freezer filled with enough milk to literally feed Kate through her 1st birthday, if not longer.  She loves formula.  My regular bras are calling my name.  Today, I feel okay with my decision to stop.  I am only pumping twice {once in the am and once before bed} just to relieve some pressure.  I am hoping to pull the plug on my pump and pack that baby away by the end of the week.

I am excited for:  regular bras, waking up without giant boobs, working out without the worry, hanging with friends and not having to excuse myself from all of the fun, and kissing goodbye to all of my pump parts. And, all of my freedom and extra time.  Yesterday, instead of pumping I made Kate some adorable new bows.

This is hard.  I'm making the right decision.  I mean, Kate will be FIVE MONTHS in a week or so...that's A LOT OF PUMPING!  It's just milk, right?!  I think I can, I think I can... =)

UPDATE!  It's been nearly a week of weaning myself off this whole breastfeeding thing.  I can honestly say I am completely comfortable with my decision!  I am still pumping 1-2 times a day...and just a few ounces at a time.  It took four days of misery before I finally was able to find some relief from all of the pressure, heat, pain, and engorgement --- which is NOT easy while being at home with both kids.  I cried twice...and I never cry.  This stuff is not easy!  We've figured out the perfect mixture of breastmilk and formula and Kate is just the same amazing baby as before.  I'm learning how to handle my frozen/thawed breastmilk and am adjusting well to all of my newly found time and freedom!  I'm hoping to say goodbye to my pump and hello to growing kiddos.

I love being a mom.  Like, really love being a mom.

Nursery!

Of course baby Kate's nursery has been decorated pretty much since we found out she was a girl {oh so much pink!}.

First...as I searched around for nursery ideas, I quickly realized I did NOT want chocolate brown furniture.  I thought "oh how neutral this furniture will be" when we bought it for Jack...but chocolate brown in a little baby girl nursery wasn't easy to decorate around.  So...instead of replacing our used for a year furniture, I bought a gallon of awesome paint and painted.  Big belly in the way and all, I brushed on four {yes, four} coats of this almost white paint to girlify our furniture!  I'd call it a success.  (even though you can still see Jack's teeth marks through the paint.  I think that adds character, right??)

Then, I decided a deeper pink and gray with white accents would be my color scheme!  {and to think, when Jack was a babes I didn't have Pinterest.  What did I do without it?!}  I picked out my very favorite bedding at Pottery Barn Kids, who happen to have matching paint swatches that coordinate perfect with their linens.  So, three walls transformed into elephant gray with one pink accent wall.

As with Jack, I am not a fan of cliche kid decor --- animals, butterflies, or flowers everywhere...no thank you.  So I decided random casual prints to accent was my thing.  I found curtains that were TO DIE FOR on Etsy.  However, I wasn't willing to part with $200 for them...so I ordered the fabric online and hand-sewed them myself!  I revamped the mobile bought from a used kids store (that I got for $9) into a custom matching mobile.  I covered canvases with fabric and did a whole lot of spray painting.  Overall, I think my vision of a crafty, grown-up version of a baby girl nursery came through perfect. 

On one side of the hallway I have a navy and red vintage car room and on the other a pink and gray nursery.  My dream!

I wasn't sharing her name, so for a while the big, white frame was empty!

 

I absolutely loved this sign.

 

Kate's closet...oh too many clothes!

terrific twos...

Jack's officially in the 2-and-a-half stage and so far so good!

At 2 1/2 you...

Never.  Stop.  Talking.  Like, never.  From the moment you wake up and proclaim, "Mom, I sleep good last night...I watch Tiger Show" in the morning to "Mom, whatcha doing?" chats when it's quiet....you never stop talking.  I love hearing you attempt to explain your thoughts.  I love watching you put your Spiderman in time out, telling him "time out two minutes for hitting me like this!"  I laugh at you when you get frustrated and try to explain why you're mad but I can't really understand your grumpy talk!  You've gone from a few words to full sentences and I have to admit it's pretty adorable.  You truly entertain me each day!

Are SO ready and SO not ready for potty training.  I know, is that even possible?  You can tell me you need to go potty, have learned to pull your own pants down, can climb on the potty all by yourself...however you haven't quite figured out the feeling of peeing!  After 10 accidents in two days we decided to go back to diapers {which you DO NOT prefer} and tucked your spiderman/cars/trains underwear away.  We try every day...and I promise the first time you actually go in the potty we'll attempt your fav comfy underwear again.  Soon, little man, soon!

Know almost all of your letters.  Sometimes I wonder where in the world you figured most of them out {*cough* thank you, iPad}.  We practice completely out of order and you nail almost every letter almost every time.  LOVE!  When we play at Jordan Creek's play center...you squeal, "Mom, I see an "A", do you see it?!" in the store letters along the way.  I love that you're already interested in reading!  Maybe it was the Your Baby Can Read DVDs we watched when you were a baby?!

Adore your baby sister.  When you hear her cry, you tell and say, "Mom, baby Kate's wakin' up!  Go get her, Mom!"  You coo at her, pile her up with 100 toys right in her face, and are sad when she is sad.  You are the best big brother!  Oh, and you love your baby doll just as much.  I think she goes "nuh night time" about 10 times a day.  You tuck her in, turn on your glow worm, close your curtains, and even tell her "sweep good see you in da morning!"  So cute.

Are still snuggly.  You flash your big brown eyes and a sly little grin and say "nuggle mommy" {yes, that's the only time you say mommy anymore is when you're tired and snuggly}.  I would snuggle with you for hours!

Are a story teller.  When your neighbor buddy said he got a new backpack, you said "I have a new pack pack, too".  No, no you don't.  When I hurt my foot you said yours hurt, too.  You just love to be in on all the action...so much that you make it up even if you're not!  Silly dude.

Jack's new/old backpack :)

Would color for hours.  I found this giant Melissa and Doug {fav kid stuff brand, ever!} coloring book and you ask for it several times a day.  We're working on "color in da lines".  Sometimes you get frustrated if the color is too light and you can't tell if it's showing up.  You love trucks of all kinds...tractors, firetrucks, cars, and more. All boy!

I am absolutely loving these stages of you, little man.  Therefore, I am renaming the "terrible" two's into "terrific" two's.  I am loving spending our summer days discovering, learning, and hearing more from you.  You are and will always be my favorite little man.

Happy 4 Months Baby Kate!

Weight:  14.5 pounds(ish).  She's getting chubby but is still a wee little one.  She recently was only at the 18% for height and weight.  Her head, however, was in the 90s.  She's got brains, my little one.

Diaper Size:  Size 2.  Blow-outs occur every. single. day.   We're using up our last box of Pampers Swaddlers and are headed straight into up and ups {and I'm hoping the blow outs subside?!}.  Kate is a one-poop-a-day kind of gal.  She makes this terribly recognizable face and squeezes nearly every muscle in her body to get one big, giant, yellow poo.  Even if I catch it right away it gets on her clothes, up her back, you get my drift. :)  She's my pooper trooper.  Her smile right after is priceless, however.

Clothes Size:  6 months and some 9 months.  Growing fast!  She has so many clothes its ridiculous...however....I still think she needs more?!  Please tell me this will stop?  Still ridiculously obsessed with Carters. I throw in a little Ralph Lauren or Old Navy if I'm feeling like it's a fancy kind of day.  However, Kate even prefers her comfy Carters fabric over the scratchy denim.

Sleep:  Kate is a tremendous sleeper!  We put her down around 8, usually before.  She sleeps until 5 or 6...goes right back to bed after a bottle...and sleeps until 8-9 and sometimes 10.  That's a lot of sleep at night!  Then, she takes a big afternoon nap with her bro.  Love my little sleepers!

Favorite Activities/things:  toys, bouncy chairs {finally!}, being outside, napping, snuggling with momma.

Eating:  Adventures in baby food round two begins!  It is funny -- I was a baby food cooking/smashing/blending/freezing queen with Jack, however, I completely forget what and when I fed him.  Recently, I've attempted baby cereal mixed with breastmilk and Kate was a huge fan.  {Okay, by huge I mean she actually let me put it in her mouth...come on, people...babysteps!}  Every day I feed her a little cereal, and we've tried peas, bananas.  She's only four months I know, but she's ready, happy, and excited to eat.  So far, no weird food allergies, spit-ups, or poos either (although food + breastmilk poo stinks WAY worse than just breastmilk poo!}

Nicknames:  baby Kate, sweetie pie, doll, dolly, sweet girl.  So many names!

Talking:  When she does talk -- she's a loud little one.  Right now she is ALL. SMILES. ALL. THE. TIME.  If you look at her, she smiles.  If you talk to her, she smiles.  She's so different than her big bro was!

New adventures:  Rolling!  Kate rolls from front to back to front like crazy now!  When we put her down for bed, we almost always find her laying so peacefully on her tummy...or even sometimes snuggled up on her side like her momma does.  She LOVES reaching for toys and putting everything in her wee little mouth.  She's determined to get things in her mouth and has quite the grip and even a little growl to get things where she wants them.

I might jinx myself here but I am convinced Kate might just be the easiest baby around.  She rarely cries and if she does, we know exactly what she needs.  She chills.  She's smiley and oh-so-content.  I have no idea how we lucked out with two wonderful littles...but I'm going to relish in their wonderfulness {making up words here, too, people!}.  Jack is amazing and Kate is content.  Life is so good.  So, so good.  I still can't believe we're 25% of the way through Kate's first year.  I just love her.

Wordless Wednesday

There's this moment...

I'll admit it:  I'm a clean freak.  Everything has a place in our house and I definitely like everything to be in that place.  I furiously wipe down my why in the world did we pick black granite countertops to make sure they glisten in the sun.  I pick up toys {which I find EVERYWHERE these days with a toddler around} and am constantly running the washer and dryer.  I actually enjoy picking up and cleaning...and I definitely am happier when my world is organized.

However...there's this moment in our house everyday.  A moment where I'm torn between napping or cleaning.  It usually hits right around 1.  Both kids are fed and are put down for their afternoon naps.  I walk downstairs and see this:

I can't believe I even took these pictures...let alone am sharing them :)

Books and diapers.
Bottles and sippy cups.
Lunch smeared all over our normally neat table.
Jack's trucks in a trail from his "time to clean up, mom" attempt at picking up.

Do I clean it up?  Or, do I plop onto our wonderfully comfortable couch and take a well-deserved snooze?  Almost every single day I run around and pick up our house so it looks back to normal.  I've realized that if I nap instead, then I'm grumpy when we all wake up about the mess we have to live in.  If I pick it up, I am able to relax {my brain mostly} and get excited for the kiddos to wake up!

On the days I feel like napping, I remind myself of this:

cooking and cleaning can wait 'till tomorrow

for children grow up, we've learned to our sorrow

so wipe away cobwebs and dust go to sleep

I'm cuddling my baby 

because babies don't keep

Ahhh much better.

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.