settled.

It usually happens in October.  It's peaceful, refreshing, and rejuvenating.

In August, I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off.  I am attending meetings, hanging "class rules" and trying to figure out why people wear real clothes and not sweatpants.  I juggle my time between lesson plans, decorating, shopping for new classroom get-ups, kids, and Eric.  We eat out nearly every night and I hit the pillow exhausted.

Then comes September.  Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.  I am drowning in standards, objectives, rubrics, checklists, benchmarking, how to teach kids fractions and decimals and more.  I am still figuring out my balance between life and school.

Now comes October...when I figure out my teaching job to the point where I'm not spending every. single. night. attempting to recreate the world's greatest plans for the next day.  I finally have my groove.  These darn 5th graders are proving to be a breeze.  They listen, are respectful, love to work hard, and are extremely excited to learn.  Not kidding.  Finally, in October, I feel comfortable in my skin as a 5th grade teacher.

Now that I'm not spending my nights working as much...I notice things.  Little things.  Like how Kate makes this little smirk when she sees something and is determined to get it.  Our little 8-month-old is a crawling, pulling herself up on furniture go-machine.  It's adorably adorable.  I notice the way Jack bites his lip -- I was hoping he wouldn't get that from me.  Or the way he tickles Kate in the middle of playing to make sure she doesn't steal his toys.  He's a smart little guy, always working to stay on Kate's good side.

Life in the Krieger household is good and busy.  Our little movers and shakers keep us crazy busy until bedtime.  While browning hamburger for homemade pizza, we're handing Kate toys she dropped on the floor while helping Jack finish his last pieces of his floor sized firetruck puzzle.  Last night we had a family dance party to the oldies.  I walked downstairs and saw Eric dancing with Kate to "You're my brown eyed girl".  I grabbed Jack and we danced and laughed and sang together.  It is a moment in time I want to bottle up and replay over.  And over.

I am glad I've figured out my groove.
I am so thankful to have two adorable, healthy, and happy littles.
Life is so good, people.

{Have I ever told you how hard it is to take pictures of a stubborn 2-year-old?  Good thing Kate likes my camera :)}

After 12 years...

I still get butterflies when the clock strikes 5 o'clock. 

I cannot sleep without Eric next to me.  Once in a while I head back to Waterloo for girls weekend.  I usually have such a blast reminiscing and creating amazing memories with the best friends a girl can ask for.  I have to be crazy busy and entertained or you better believe my little white Venza heads back to Des Moines early.  If I do stay, I am up-and-at-em before the sun shines most days to get back to my little family.  Homesick at 27...not kidding.

We plan and look forward to date nights.  Sometimes we go all out and hire a babysitter {all out I know!}.  Moments of just us two are quiet and peaceful.  Other times, we plan a "date night" for when our kids are in bed.  We wait to eat dinner and spend time grilling steaks and chatting over a peaceful meal with candles together.   Babysitter or not, I love these nights.

I am not a huge fan of sports.   Eric isn't a fan of the Kardashians {or any kind of smutty TV that I like}.  However, we compromise.  I can tell you that on Saturday mornings our littles are dressed to the nines in Hawkeyes gear and I have dips made and a crock pot filled with chili ready to go for the game.  And, Eric knows way more than he wants to about the Kards.  That's life, right?  Give and take and compromise.  

We are busy.  Life with two working parents and two kids is crazy busy.  Between attempting to perfect Jack's potty training with a 7-month-old with a fever...stress can't even explain what happens at our house sometimes.   It's not the norm and times like these only make us more thankful for our overall healthy kids.  Even in the crazy we still work like a well-oiled machine. 

We make quite the team, Eric and me. 

I love you.
You're my forever and ever and ever.

Dear Kate,

Dear Miss Kate,

My little ray of sunshine.

My little dolly.

In the morning, I can hear little tiny noises coming from your room.  I go peek in to see if you're okay, and I find you chewing on the tag of your pillow or just laying there snuggling your blanket wide awake.  As soon as you see me, your chubby little arms flail and you make these adorable little high-pitched noises.  I love that you are so content that you will just hang in your crib until someone comes to find you - wide awake.
 
Everyday, you rock a bow/headband and never take it off.

You have the most adorable little smile, that still crinkles right at the tip of your nose.  Unlike your big brother, you flash this smile to anyone and anything that comes near you.  You're not skeptical even the slightest and I think you'll find the best in everything.  I can just tell.  You are still, literally, insanely easy and content.  You're sitting, crawling everywhere, and absolutely love bouncing around (in my lap, in your bouncy-jumper thing, anywhere, really).

I am obsessed with baby girl clothes.  I recently bought almost every article of girls clothes at Baby Gap and cannot wait to dress you in sophisticated layers for this winter.  Honestly, you look cute in anything you wear.

Kate, I cannot believe that you're crawling around on my floor and eating Cheerios already.  I can already envision late night chats, Saturday morning shopping sprees, and boyfriend talks.  I am already planning to be one of 'those moms' who puts you in anything and everything from gymnastics to dance.  I am thinking you will be chill, reserved, and amazing -- just like your daddy.  I am so in love with all things you.  You are my dream, my sweet little girl, Kate.

I love you to the moon and back (and back again),
Momma

Look at how teeny weeny you were...

And look at my brown eyed, brown haired girl.

Life is good..

Life is busy in the Krieger household.  Busy and wonderful.

I am now teaching 5th graders -- and loving it!  There are a few more things to plan teaching elementary (okay, one million) but I truly am loving the pace.  You really can't beat the relationships I'm building with these adorable kids.  I go to work early and stay late most nights...but I like the challenge of doing something new and completely different! 

Our new daycare rocks.  Anyone with kids knows this is HUGE!  We switched to a new in-home closer to our home.  She has four full-time/part time kids...making our two often the only kiddos!  How perfect.  In a matter of weeks we've sunk into a routine and our kids feel just right at home.  It's awfully comforting knowing your kids are in good hands while they are not with you, you know.

Party of four groove.  By the time Jack man was 6 months, we had our little life narrowed down to a perfect routine.  Now that Miss Kate is 6 months old, we feel the same.  We can pile out our whole family - diaper bag in tow - in a matter of minutes and rarely hesitate to do anything with the four of us.  Eric rocks at bath time and I am a master at putting away all of Kate's little wardrobe essentials {there are SO many more little things for girls..}  I am the 'picker-upper' and Eric is the newest master chef.  Jack is our wingman and Kate is off on the sidelines chewing on something -- anything, really.  We really have this whole two kid lifestyle down for now!

Jack.  Almost potty trained!  Today -- no accidents!  I decided I was ready and frankly changing his nasty poops were disgusting.  We used the "babies wear diapers" a lot -- and so far so good!  Finally.  My hope was before he turned three and it's looking like we'll make it official before the end of November.  Whew!  He's a sweet little man.  I gave up pop and today had a killer headache -- so lame.  I told him my head hurt and he said "you'll feel better, mom.  Lay on the couch!" as he hefted Kate's heavy carseat off the couch to make room for me.  He still loves the alphabet and knows all of his letters and loves to write or practice on his iPad.  Loves books and gets uber excited for his baby sister.  "I wuv her, mom"

Kate.  Seriously, couldn't get easier.  Our little dolly.  Super sweet and crazy chill.  Eyelashes galore.  Holds her own bottle, sits up like crazy, and is crawling around putting everything in her mouth.  We put her swing away {tear} because she just was never into it.  We stored her bouncy chair and brought up the Jumperoo.  She's growing up so stinkin' fast!  I just love having a sweet, sweet baby girl around. 

Clothes.  There's nothing more fun than shopping for a boy AND a girl.  I went on a shopping spree at none other than baby gap and scored so many cute baby clothes (including a few adorable skinny jeans for little miss).  This year's color scheme is navy, pink, leopard, and cream -- love, love, love.  Last year it was mustard and maroon and I hated nearly everything.  I'm leaning a little more towards Gap for both kids clothes which make life easy.

We just love our little kids, our house, our neighborhood, our jobs, and each other.  Life is good in the Krieger hood.

in a blink

Does time ever pass so fast that you can't even hold still?

All summer long I had been soaking up time with my little kids.  I crossed off items off of my to-do list that continually grew.  I planned bridal showers and organized cupboards.  I decorated and redecorated.  I spent more hours than I can count laying on my living room floor right in the middle of the action.

We splashed at the pool.
We took afternoon naps.
We learned the letters of the alphabet and "rain rain go away".

Then, all of a sudden, it was over.

Alarm clocks and blow dryers before 7 a.m.  Rushed cereal instead of french toast sticks.  Packed lunches and daycare drop-offs...

Not only has summer come and gone, but my little kids have also grown up in the meantime, too.  In just a matter of days, sweet miss Kate has learned to hold all of her weight off of the ground on her all fours!  She's not even 6 months old and has long since mastered sitting up and rolling...but I never would have thought so soon she'd be nearly crawling.  Really, I'm shocked that my little girl is almost halfway through her first year.  Why does it seem that now that she's away from me most of her day she's growing oh so fast?  Why did the summer and maternity leave have to fly by?

Everything changes in the blink of an eye, people.  Just one blink.

As Kate learns to move, Jack has learned to spell, talk, and reason.  He's smart, my little blonde boy.  He knows when to charm and has learned exactly how to get his way -- no matter who he's around.  He reads for fun...sometimes we storm into his room, mad at him for not taking a nap.  Then, we catch him reciting the ABC song the best he can to his little baby doll -- using the little light that is shining through his curtain.  He's thoughtful and caring and adores his baby sis.

As our little family adjusts back to reality, I am thankful for the times we do share together.  Our eat-at-the-dinner-table chats.  Our bedtime routine.  Our "Good mawning, Mom!  I seeeep good!" proclamations from our boy who sounds more like he's from Boston than from Iowa in the morning.  And our countless kisses, snuggles, and giggles as we walk through this thing we call life.  Although I'm not home all day every day, I can still soak in the moments I do have...because before you know it, both Jack and Kate will be grown.  In the blink of an eye.

i don't care {i love it}

Is it nerdy to say that I just really, really, really love being a mom?  Okay fine.  I'll accept being a nerd.  I really do love it.

Before we had kids people would always say, "you just don't get it until you have kids".  I thought, hmmm, I'm a teacher -- pretty sure I adore kids.  No, they were so right!  It's such a different, unexplainable feeling to be a momma to my own.  Every single day I crack up at the goofy things Jack says, the silly faces Kate makes when she's pooing, and the look on Eric's face when he walks in the door from work and is greeted with three big smiles excited to see him.  There isn't a quiet dull moment for a second, but I literally laugh my way through the day.

The other day, Jack was finishing up his lunch and I was cleaning up the kitchen.  I heard this cute little sound -- Jack was singing "i don't care, I wuv it" as if he was on the radio!  It was one of those moments that stopped me in my tracks.  I smirked and tried to act as if I didn't see or hear, but secretly I was cracking up and smiling all at the same time.  How did Jack go from a baby to a kid in a blink of an eye?  Time flies much too fast I'm afraid.

 arrrr {muscles}

 {mom, here's wour canndy from da stowe!}

Kate, I am convinced, is still the easiest baby in this town.  Literally...sometimes we forget she's there {insert mom-of-the-year-award}.  She's quiet, content, observant, determined, silly, and adorable -- all of the time.  Okay, so when she does cry she wails.  But she rarely does it, so I laugh through it.  She's giddy with excitement over everything.  Her blankie, fresh, warm bottles, snuggling, chewy toys, sitting up, food, her big bro, our doggie, outside, music, tutus.  She even leaves her bow in -- the bow that I put on her head every single day.  I just love having a little girl.

Sleep.  Have I told you my thoughts on kids and sleep and happiness and marriage and well-behaved children? =)  I really attest having great sleeping kids to my happiness in being a mommy.  Our kiddos go down anywhere between 7 and 8.  Both of them like clockwork.  All. through. the. night.  This is wonderful for so many reasons.  Our house gets cleaned.  Our ears experience some quiet.  Eric and I have uninterrupted time for chats, catching up, swapping stories, and snuggling to our fav shows that neither of us agree on which is best.  I think a lot of my love for this little life is the fact that we still have us time through all of the diapers and alphabet flash cards.

By the time we go to bed, I'm already missing my wide-eyed littles.  I sneak in and give each of them a middle-of-the-night kiss and tell them "goodnight, I love you." in my most whisper-y mom voice. Every night.   I do believe people are destined for certain things, and this girl was made to be a momma.

Here's to many, many more laughs, kisses, middle-of-my-living-room-dance-parties, dinner chats, family cuddles, and building memories for our little party of four.

must haves

It's here, it's ending.  All of us teachers are looking at the calendar...realizing that this August business is coming sooner than ever.  Signs are everywhere.. giant pencils are attached to the ceiling at Target and Iowa is boasting a tax free weekend starting on Saturday.   Back to school.  In an attempt to soak up every moment from summer, however, I've compiled a list of must haves that have kept me happy and sane. =)

New perfume.
Nothing makes me feel less like a frumpy mom than a squirt of this new stuff:

Chanel Chance.  I randomly walked by the perfume aisle and sprayed just this spray.  I walked away and couldn't stop smelling my arm!  I went back the next day and bought my very own bottle.  {I never find perfume this way.  I normally spray like every bottle.  This must be the new and improved busy mom style??}

Melissa and Doug toys.
If it's raining, grab a coloring book.  When Jack's bored with his toys, grab a new puzzle.  Mix things up mid-week with a paint-by-number.  Whoever these so-called Melissa and Doug people are, I love them.

Oh, I almost forgot.  You know those annoying facebook ads?  Well, I ran across one of them called Citrus Lane.  I was intrigued by the cute toys in their ad, and figured out that they send monthly boxes with hip, cool, age-appropriate toys for your kiddos once a month.  The first month was half off {only $10!!} and had a cool lace up Melisa and Doug toy, a squeezy pouch, a cool new storage container with dishwasher safe stickers -- because after all, what 2-year-old doesn't want stickers everywhere?  I love so many things about the little yellow box that came in the mail.  The excitement on Jack's face when he said "a pesent por me, mom?" and the fun we had that afternoon as he laced his animals up and took them on a walk.  Definitely cool!

Chocolate.
Because who doesn't love a little piece of chocolate.
Every day.

Snapchat.
I was kind of being an old lady and thought that anyone who used snap chat was a nerdy teeny-bopper.  Then, peer pressure caved and I downloaded it.  It is an app that lets you take snapshots of anything and send it to anyone for up to 10 seconds.  After that, the image disappears forever.  No, I don't send nudies to anyone -- but I do send funny snapshots of my kids and myself throughout the day.  I have to admit, it's fun! 

Apple.
No, not the healthy snack.  Apple as in the devices!  My laptop at home is fast and wonderful - and it has a cute pink cover, too.  My phone is phenominal.  And our iPad is amazing.  Jack LOVES playing on the iPad, and it's teaching him how to write letters!  What would we do this summer without our Apple stuff??

Must not haves...

Space bag?
I just watched a commercial about 'space bags'.  Big, giant ziploc bags that you suck the air out of to 'store more'.  Um, if you can commit to putting something in a bag and sucking the air out for pretty much forever -- chances are someone else could use it.  You're welcome, Goodwill, for the shameless plug. =)

Oh, and as always Pinterest and Facebook.  I've been decorating my new classroom -- details to come -- planning my friend's bridal shower/bachelorette party, and just finding cool ways to entertain my family.

That's it.  There's my list.  I could go on and on, but I think I'll go eat another piece of chocolate.

Happy *5* Kate!

One more month and you'll be halfway through your first year of life.  Holy smokes.

I won't even say it {instert 'I can't believe Kate is this old already}.  Whoops, did I just say it?  Where oh where has the time gone?  I remember dreaming about my giantly long maternity leave.  February to August.  Now that it's close to August it really seems as if it can't be ending.  I am excited for reality -- and I really do love to teach -- but the four chubby cheeks on my kiddos are going to miss the 4,567 kisses they get each day.

Weight:  14.5 pounds -- 20th percentile.  Pretty boring here....you're perfectly plump, yet still tiny.

Diaper Size:  Size two.  Do you remember when I said I loved Pampers for their little yellow line that turns blue?  Well, Target must have read my thoughts...the last time I bought up and ups for Kate they were completely different!  Say goodbye to the blue and green polka dots and hello to white diapeys with yes, a yellow line!  Not only are they TEN dollars cheaper per box, but now they really do offer the same exact thing.  Okay, minus the cute baby scent.  Let's be honest -- that mixed with poo doesn't smell swell, anyway, right?

Clothes Size:  6 months.  It's that easy!  3 months is too small and 9 months looks like I'm being cheap and trying to skip a size.  I think 9 months are coming soon...but we have a whole lot of 6 month options so I'm hoping we can squeeze in lots of wearing action before they are packed away.  Still obsessed with Carter's.  Dreaming of leggings, sweaters, and cardigans to come in the near future...

Sleep:  8-8.  That's right.  12 hours.   And, when she wakes up around 7 or 8 in the am, she drinks 6 oz down and then heads back to sleep!  Oh, and still a 2 or 3 hour nap in the afternoon, too.  She's my little sleeper, miss Kate.  I can't even describe just how happy she wakes up in the morning.  Every inch of her chubby arms and legs flail, she grins from ear to ear, and she squeals like I am her most favorite person in the world...every single morning.

Favorite Activities/things:  'My name is baby Kate and I like to put things in my mouth.'  Enough said.

Eating:  Everything!  She's a big fan of banana + apple cereal mixed with all kinds of fruit.  She also loved peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, and pears.  She chows like crazy already!  Also, we're into using our millions of totes of frozen breastmilk and so far Kate's a fan of that, too.  She's also not picky with formula {thank goodness}.

Nicknames:  Baby Kate, sweetheart, dolly doll, sweet miss...they go on and on as usual.

Talking:  You found your voice!  A while back, we had a playdate with kiddos and teachers from our new school.   I set you next to a 7-month-old...and bam!  You started talking and talking and talking...and haven't really stopped.  You're so content and quiet...but when you want to be in on the action you are loud, little one.  I wonder where you get that from??

New adventures:  Grasping with both hands, laughing, rolling all over the place, sitting up with help, Jumperoo action, and much more!

 When there's Kate, there's usually Jack, too!

Dear Sweet Kate,

I absolutely adore when you wake up and stare at me with those adorable brown eyes every morning.  The way you scrunch your little nose when you cheese it up is just too cute.  You're snuggly and adventurous...and as always content.  You can tell you're working to figure out this world, just like your big bro.  Oh, you love him so!  Keep up the good work -- you're an eating, sleeping, and pooping champ and I can't wait to hear what you have to say someday.  Our life wouldn't be the same without you....and I really appreciate all the pink you've brought to our lives.

Love you sweet girl, to the moon and back.
Love,
Momma

Daddy's girl...

Just like old times...

..well sort of.  If you add burp rags, husbands, and careers that is.  Last weekend, a big chunk of our  high school group of girls got together to celebrate the addition of a new pink bundle of joy to the mix of it all.  Whitney and Tony welcomed their new little, Miss Brynlee, and that's always reason to celebrate.

It's not too often that we end up all in the same place at the same time.  As we juggled catching up, feedings, chatting, and presents....it all seemed so familiar.  It's funny...the faces seemed the same.  The stories lingered on.  And the friendships stood the test of time. 

Next year marks our 10 year anniversary since graduating high school {gasp...that's making me feel older just typing it}.

These families -- these smiling faces -- helped me figure out what it was I wanted as I grew up.  I discovered loving families, relationships, parenting advice, stability, and so much more from merely watching my friends and their parents.  It was immensely refreshing to see the same smiling faces -- years later -- still happy to see me succeed.  I still wonder where I may be if I didn't have these amazing role models at such an essential time in my life...

As we chatted, caught up, put away old baggage and opened new chapters, I couldn't help but to feel proud.  Proud that we're all still friends.  Proud that we've all made it.  We have careers, houses, husbands, each other, changed lives, created lives, achieved goals, and through everything we're still here for each other.  Proud of the littles we are all smitten over.   Just proud.

Here's to many more years of wonderful.  

Here's to all of the rest of our friends finding their forever.  

Here's to us staying friends.

Forever.

as we go on

we remember

all the times we

had together

and as our lives change

come whatever

we will still be

friends forever

Vitamin C / / Friends Forever