Julia || 10 Months

Happy 10 Months to my little peanut!

This month may have been the most fun, yet. You are crawling like a champ, using furniture to stand, and beginnings of cruising are forthcoming. You gravitate towards the stairs - why?! - and the dog's water bowl. Keeping me on my toes is the name of your game, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Recently I've noticed a few little curls popping up along the nape of your neck as well as behind your ears. I've got my fingers and toes crossed that your whispy hair continues with the curls because they are oh-so adorable.

In your bag of party tricks you love to clap your hands and wave "hi." It's the sweetest when people you don't know approach you and you burry your head into my shoulder. I hope I'm forever and always the place you turn when you need a shoulder and your safe place to land.

You love to eat, and do well with each meal. You will try almost anything I put on your tray at least once. Watermelon and pasta cannot be shoveled into your mouth fast enough. Watching you eat pasta, in particular, is hilarious. You still love yourself some PB&J sammies. Recently, you've learned to use a sippy cup. I use the term "learned" loosely, as you're still trying to master the whole tipping bit. You are actually pretty good with a straw, and seem to love gulping down water and my morning smoothies (which consist of spinach, frozen fruit, yogurt, chia seeds, a banana and a splash of milk). As of late, apple sauce pouches have been conquered and have been game changers when we are out and about.
We're still nursing, but only a handful of times a day.

Sleep is still not your strong suit, and I've completely surrendered to the fact that I breed non-sleepers. Any given night you are up two, three, sometimes four times. You've been teething, so I'm hoping that's been contributing to our drowsy days. Naps are kind of all over the board. But most mornings you'll give me one short nap (30-45 minutes), followed by a longer afternoon nap (1.5-2 hours). We've attempted the Ferber sleep training method numerous times with you, but rather than wear yourself out, or surrender to sleep, you simply get worked up to the point of hysterics. That's where I throw the white flag and nurse you back to sleep. 

Lately you've really gotten into playing games. Your current favorite is reaching for my glasses/sunglasses, and when I react with a funny noise and turn away you find it hilarious and giggle like crazy. That giggle is something else, and I could listen to it on repeat forever and ever. 

New sounds are forming, and I've heard "mamamama" a few times. Hallelujah! It's the sweetest sound, and I can't wait to hear that more often. You love to click your tongue and make a "nananana" sound. 

Perhaps my favorite development this month is your big, open-mouth, slobbery kisses. When your little head leans in to plant one of those kisses my heart skips a beat with pure delight.

Marcus continues to be your favorite person in the whole wide world, and when I need you to calm down or be cheered up your brother is the one for the job. 

Here's to another month with you, sweet little lady. You're so amazing, and some days I have to pinch myself because it's hard to believe you're actually mine! 

Stats

Height :: 28ish inches

Weight :: 16ish pounds

Teeth :: 6!

Diapers :: Pampers Size 2

Clothes :: This is all over the board. You need 3 month bottoms for your swim suit, but need 9-12 month tops. You can finally semi-fit into 9 month shorts, but they are still too big in the waist. You can wear most 9-12 month tops. 

Mackes Do Mexico - 2016

Though we are already a handful of days deep into June (how?!) I have to back peddle a moment to May. Sweet May. It's the month where we begin our count down to summer. But, it is also the month we take a quick two hour flight south to Cabo, hang out with my family, and check out from reality for an entire week.

This also gives me solid reason for one big, legit photo dump. The warning has been given...

When we arrived at our resort Marcus immediately saw the pool and water slide, and before the bell hop could even get all our luggage in the door, Marcus had stripped down and was begging for someone to get him a swim suit. So, it comes as no surprise that much of our time was simply spent hanging out around the pool and going down the water slide. 

Julia and I also did the whole pool lounging bit pretty well.

We did do a few other things, too...

We took in a few outstanding sunrises and sunsets.

We enjoyed his and her massages. Heavenly! There are exactly zero pictures of this, because. Massage. 

We played with dolphins!
Marcus was a little hesitant to actually swim with the dolphins, so he and grandma stuck to an afternoon of playing and training them. 

 

Scott and I opted to actually take a dip with the dolphins.

Meanwhile, back at the resort, Grandpa and Julia had a little one-on-one time, and I think both enjoyed their grandpa/granddaughter date.

Scott and I enjoyed a morning of parasailing (kid-free)!

I was able to sneak off for a run along the beach!

We spent some time on the beach.
The waves on the pacific side of the Baja are so forceful that going into the ocean isn't encouraged. But, that didn't stop us from enjoying a little time near the water with our toes in the sand.

We also left the resort a few times to browse the little shops near us and eat at The Office, which is basically a mandatory stop every time we are in Cabo. 

Just steps from The Office. The view is second to none.

And, thanks to Grandma and Grandpa, Scott and I had a date night (I honestly cannot remember the last time that's happened)! 

Per my request, we also had family photos taken. We did this last year, and I was adamant we needed them taken again, as our family looks quite a bit different this year. But, those pics I'll save for another day!

And, no trip would be complete without at least one snafu. Naturally Julia refused to sleep in a crib, and ended up in my bed each and every night. Plus, she cut not one, not two, but FOUR teeth. It wasn't terrible, but it did make things a little challenging at times. With that said, both the babes traveled like champs and seemed to thoroughly enjoy our week in Mexico.

A massive thanks goes out to my parents for inviting us along to enjoy their timeshare again, as well as for helping us out with Marcus and Julia so Scott and I could enjoy some fun and relaxing moments!

Cabo, you were so good to us. Adios until next year! 

M & J Monday

Summer, every single moment 

is worth its weight in gold.

 Summer, it's like the world's best story,

and it's waiting to be told.

Happy Monday!

The Preschool Graduation Edition

My mind is only slightly blown that the 2015/2016 school year has come to an end. It feels like yesterday that I was a blubbering (postpartum hormonal) mess, walking Marcus into his first day of preschool. And then yesterday he wrapped up his first year of preschool with the cutest little 'graduation.' So, naturally, today's highlights are of this year.

1. The First and Last.

No recap of any life event would be complete without a comparison photo. On the left, Marcus' first day of preschool. On the right, his last day. 

2. Make New Friends But Keep the Old.

One is silver and the other gold.

In August, Marcus went to school knowing one friend (whom he's known most of his life). It was comforting to know he'd be there with someone he knew.

 During the course of the year Marcus remained friends with his old buddy, but he also developed more friendships. As a pleasant surprise, I did as well.

This is Marcus' best bud from preschool. These two are thick as thieves.

3. Arts and Crafts and Songs.

These are but a drop in the bucket of all the arts and crafts that were made throughout the year. These particular items were displayed throughout the school gym to decorate for the graduation.

Sure, the standard stuff was taught/learned at school (ABCs, 123s, yada yada yada). But, I think I was most excited that Marcus made crafts and sang songs! I cannot count how many times I tried doing little craft projects at home, and Marcus had exactly zero interest in them. 

The graduation production was hilarious. It was mostly kids shouting, but adorable nonetheless.

Don't even get me started on singing. Marcus has never been one to sing along with me, so listening to him hum and sing the tunes he learned at school was such a little thrill.
And, I couldn't *not* post at least one of the songs the kids shouted sang. 

4. To Teach is to Touch a Life Forever.

Marcus' primary teacher. He simply adored her, as did I.

There are not enough praises for the teachers and staff at Marcus' school. The ladies who took all those kiddos in ever day did such an outstanding job. Their patience and dedication are second to none.  Every evening during nightly prayers Marcus would give thanks for preschool.

On the back of one of Marcus' projects was a poem that brought me to tears:

I'm glad I was your teacher

I've come to love you so.

I can't believe the end is here.

I hate to see you go.

You're a beautiful butterfly

And I love you so dearly.

You light up my life

I mean that sincerely.

Remember all the fun we had

In all the things we did,

But, most of all remember

YOU'RE A VERY SPECIAL KID!

Go ahead and pass me the kleenex box.

5. It's Just the Beginning.

My little monkey has graduated preschool!

We are so grateful for our preschool and that they also have a summer program. The same teachers will run the camp, and many of Marcus' friends will be attending with him. 

I'm so thankful we have one more year with them all, as Marcus will return in the fall for the Pre-K program.

Now, on to all the fun this summer has in store for us!

Have a great weekend!

A $700 Stitch Fix Giveaway {+ Vacay Fashion Show}

Memorial Day has come and gone and it's pretty safe to say summer is officially here. To kick start all the fun in the sun I've partnered up with some pretty great Stitch Fixers to give one lucky person $700 to Stitch Fix!

In my last fix I fully had all things summer and a Cabo vacation in mind. I requested a box of goodies that would fare well on a beach as well as every day wear during the upcoming warm months. My stylist knocked the fix out of the park and delivered a 5/5 fix. While I've yet to do any sort of vacay recap, today I couldn't help but share my Stitch Fix pieces being worn while basking under the warm Baja sun.

While the the Papermoon Lupita Cross-back top is mostly covered up by the Solly, it was perfect while we were out and about. I also discovered it made for a fantasic little swim suit cover up!

The Pixley Landers Lattice Crochet Detail tank and Level 99 Cindie Printed Linen Shorts paired together mighty well. I also wore each piece seperately several different times. And, just peeking out in the sand are my most favorite pair of sandals of all time - the Franco Sarto Grip Thong Sandals were the only sandals I wore the entire trip! They literally went with everything I packed. 

Last, but certainly not least, the best maxi dress in the history of ever. The Gilli Sebastian Maxi. I wore this lovely number for family photos as well as a for a little date that we managed to slip away for and enjoy.

I mean, perfect beach stuff, right?! Wouldn't it be sweet to snag fabulous new summer threads? How about $700 worth? Be sure to enter the giveaway via Rafflecopter below. You can't win if you don't enter!

If you're new to Stitch Fix, here's the skinny on how it works: $20 goes towards a styling fee. You decide how often you want a fix delivered to your front door. You try on all the goodies in the comfort of your own home. Love what you see? Keep it and pay the total for the items you keep, the $20 styling fee is then deducted from your total. Keep all five pieces and the $20 is deducted plus a 25% discount is applied to the total. Don't love it all, or anything at all? Send the clothes back in the pre-paid, self addressed bag provided. Bam. Easy peasy, and easily the most fun thing I've done for myself in quite some time.

To love Stitch Fix you have to give it a shot! Click here to start your style profile today (pssst, creating a profile is free - you aren't charged a dime until you check out after you receive your fix)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To see more great Stitch Fix bloggers, be sure to head over to Crazy Together for more!