The Everything But the Kitchen Sink Edition

With Veteran's Day thrown in the middle of the week the days felt all sorts of out of whack. It was nice having Scott home on Wednesday, but for whatever reason, every.single.day felt like Tuesday. Bizarre.

Anywho...

Moving into the weeks highlights.

1. While I was working on Julia's 3 month post I had to take a trip down memory lane and reminisce on Marcus at three months.

So many things about these two photos:
1) My photographing skills have gotten better. No?
2) My kids look nothing alike. Anyone else second that?
3) At 3 months Marcus weighed 18 pounds, and was 27 inches long! Julia? 14 pounds and 24 inches. Marcus was/is kind of a tank, eh?
4) I can't help but get weepy. It all goes much too quickly, right?

2. Just around the corner we have another trip to the midwest! This time we will be staying for more than 36 hours, and I cannot wait!

image source

We'll get to spend time with family, celebrate Thanksgiving early, see a few friends, and then head to Manhattan, KS for the Kansas State (Scott's team)/Iowa State (my team) football game. Neither team is worth a lick this season so it should make for a pretty good game. HA!

3. About a week ago my dad asked me about Christmas lists. Honestly, there's not much we want, or need, but I did mention a new computer.

Wouldn't you know it - this baby should be arriving any time today.
Thanks, Dad!! I can't even begin to express how grateful I am to receive this. Also... I'm beyond pumped to have a computer that will now run up to speed with the rest of the world.

4. I'm in the works for an awesome collaboration with one of my favorite book/educational companies. Stay tuned for a great giveaway I have coming up in the next couple weeks.

Until then, we'll keep on practicing all the preschool things with our Priddy Books. 

5. We have exactly zero plans for this weekend and the weather is supposed to be next to perfect. Pretty sure you can't beat that!

Have a great weekend!

Julia || 3 Months

Oh little lady, another month has come and gone, and per usual, it seems crazy time has passed so quickly.

This past month exploded with interaction from you.

In the mornings when you wake - which you do so quietly - I'll slip into your room, look down on you in your crib, and when you see me you flash the BIGGEST grin. It's quite possibly the best way to start the morning.

In true female fashion, you love, love, love to chat. I could talk to you all day long, and you'll 'talk' right back. I think you're trying to get giggles out, but we aren't quite there. I'm looking forward to hearing those first laughs, I know they're so close to happening.

Without a doubt, you are my sleeper. Lately, you've been going to bed around 9:30/10PM, and you don't wake until 6:30/7:00. You've been doing this for about six weeks now, and it's glorious. There has only been a time or two where you've needed a nightly nursing session.  Generally once you're down you're done. HOWEVER - you do love to play this little game at night where you like to trick us into thinking you're ready for bed sooner than you really are. Around 8PM you'll doze off and we'll slip you into your crib. Without fail, you wake 20-30 minutes later, and party for another hour or so before you're REALLY ready for bed.

Naps are kind of all over the place. You take a couple in the morning, one good one in the afternoon, and then the teaser night nap. I'd love more of a set schedule, but with your brother in school and him always being on the go, you just kind of nap when and where you can.

You're also a champion eater. I'm pretty sure it's your favorite thing to do. We are about 95% nursing. At night you cluster feed, and towards the end of the evening I simply cannot keep up with your demands. Before bed you generally have 2-4 ounces of formula. While it pains me that I'm not able to nurse exclusively I am thrilled we can even do this much (with your big brother I was totally unable to nurse). I'm not sure how long we'll nurse, but for now what we've got going works. If it's not broke don't fix it - right?

The activity gym provides all sorts of entertainment for you. But, when you're done with that you are DONE.

Your hands are a serious point of interest. While you haven't figured to clasp them together, nor do you stare at them, if you can get those puppies up to your mouth you will munch and suck on your hand (the WHOLE hand) like it's the greatest thing on the planet.

I'm also wondering if teeth aren't in our near future. You are a drool-y little thing, and I'm thisclose to dressing you in nothing but a bib and a diaper.

If you could be held all day long I'm pretty sure you'd be in heaven. You love to try and stand on those wobbly little legs of yours, and you love to face outward - you're totally over the "baby" carry. You enjoy the Solly wrap, and that has been huge in keeping me hands free.

Getting into your carseat is never much fun. You don't particularly care to be in there. Once you're all strapped in you're usually good to go - it's just getting you in that seems to really tick you off.

Bath time is easily your favorite time of day. You get the biggest smile when you're placed in your little tub. We can easily kill 20-30 minutes a night with you splishing and splashing around.

Overall, as long as your basic needs are met (fed, dry diaper, sleep when needed) you are such an easy going baby, and for that I couldn't be more thankful or grateful.

Sweet little lady, you're easy going, so generous with those big gummy smiles, and just spectacular. Here's to another month with you in our lives.

Love you to the moon and back, twice.
~Mommy



Stats
Length: 24.5 inches (unofficial - measurements taken at home)
Weight: 14 pounds (unofficial - measurements taken at home)
Diaper size: I just moved you into Pampers Swaddlers size 2.
Clothes: I've had to pack away so many of your 3 month clothes, and bust out most of the 6 month sizes! Many of the 6 month clothes still have plenty of room, but the 3 month clothes are quite snug, and several things are just too short.

The Season for Scarves

While the rest of the world starts digging out their heavy winter jackets, mittens and other winter-y whatnots, around these parts it is FINALLY beginning to feel like fall. Insert Hallelujah chorus. That means I can finally pull out some of my favorite clothes and accessories. And when I say accessories, I mean SCARVES! 

I've been slightly envious the ladies who have been sporting their scarves for what seems like ages. To dip into the scarf stash has me all sorts of giddy.

When a group of lovely blogger lady friends suggested a Scarf Swap I didn't hesitate. An opportunity to meet some new bloggers, get into a little fashion fun, do a little shopping, and get a surprise scarf in the mail? Sign. Me Up.

I was paired with Andrea to send a scarf her way. Funny thing, I was also paired with Andrea for a Fall Blog Swap, so it was an added bonus to also send a scarf in with her fall goodies. To see the scarf Andrea received head over to her blog. 

Tayler was paired with me. I've "known" Tayler for quite some time, and have followed her for almost as long as I've been blogging. She's fresh into the domestic engineering gig and is rocking it rather well. She has the cutest little man, Rhys, and it's been so fun following along with her for the past few years. 

Tayler knocked my socks off with the scarf swap. She sent not one, not two, but THREE scarves my way. And, she did a fab job paying attention to my style. Let's take a look at the goods!

The scarves themselves are all very lightweight. SUPER important for someone who lives in Southern California, where the "coldest" it ever gets is 60 degrees. Though cute, those big, heavy scarves just do not have a place in my wardrobe right now. 

But these? These do.

I'm obsessed with the colors, prints, and textures. The colors are all neutral, so each scarf will go with basically everything in my closet. The prints and textures are fun and will add a little dimension to my outfits.

I know I didn't add any photos of me *actually* wearing these, but I have a personal rule - no scarves unless it's below 70 degrees. The last two days have actually complied with that rule, but I failed to wear any sort of scarf. But, don't you fret, the forecast calls for temps that will allow me to wear these beauties for the next few months!

Tayler, thank you so much for picking such wonderful scarves. I can't wait to liven up my outfits with these fabulous finds.

M & J Monday

The evolution of the failed dual nap, as told in photos...

Maybe we'll have better luck next nap. 

Happy Monday!

The Shopping PSA Edition

Whoo, what a week. The Royals winning the World Series on Sunday was maybe the best way to start a week (or does that count as the end of a week?)! We've been flying on that Royal Blue high, and have loved seeing all the spectacular images that have come out of Kansas City this week. What a way to celebrate, and with class. #midwestisbest

Anywhoo... This week was pretty great, even if there wasn't any baseball to watch.

1. Hunters from Costco! Who knew?!

These beauties arrived in the mail this week (only two days after ordering them!). Thanks to buzz in the blogging world, it was discovered that Costco sells legit Hunters. The best part? They're HALF PRICE! Seriously, go get'cha some!

2. Vicks Smart Temp

Happy Mail Day! This #VicksSmartTemp will certainly come in handy this year with Marcus now in preschool! @influenster

A photo posted by Desirée (@desireemacke) on Oct 14, 2015 at 1:40pm PDT

I received the Vicks Smart Temp (thanks, Influenster!). Let me tell you, the thing is slick. It takes temps sooooooo much faster than any other thermometer we've ever owned. And I have to admit, watching the temperature rise on my phone is pretty cool. This is going to come in super handy this cold and flu season with the kids. I'm guessing Marcus will like the interactive part of it on my phone, and I'll like it for how quickly and easily I'll get temps taken.

If you have little ones you need this in your life. No joke.

3. The Weather!
This week has been a weather dream. Not one day hit 80 degrees. Glorious, I tell you. Actual fall clothing was required.

Feels like fall ✔️ A need for a long sleeve thumb-hole shirt ✔️ Sleepy baby thanks to @sollybabywrap magic ✔️ #sollybaby

A photo posted by Desirée (@desireemacke) on Nov 3, 2015 at 3:12pm PST

It's 65° and I keep asking, should I add another layer? #weatherweakling

A photo posted by Desirée (@desireemacke) on Nov 5, 2015 at 9:57am PST

I busted out all the goodies: sleeves with thumb holes, plaids, and leggings. Give me all the fall weather, please and thank you.

4. Amazon Prime.

I just signed up for Prime this week. What was I waiting for? Same day delivery and no shipping cost?! Automatically worth the yearly fee. Just go ahead and let me buy all the things.

5. Family Pics!
This weekend will be the first time since before Julia's birth that we have professional family photos taken. We've had Sarah taking our pics for the last three years, and she never ceases to amaze me with her talent. I can't wait to see what images she captures, especially with Julia added to the mix.
Just for fun, a look a the last few years with Sarah:

2012

2013

2014

Have a great weekend!

Teachable Moments

After just a few short months of Marcus being enrolled in preschool I've quickly discovered his teachers are nothing short of saints. To keep a pack of wild hyenas children contained, and safe, and actually teaching them all on top of that -- kudos to them. I have a difficult time with just my child. Throw in 12 others? Psh. I'm out.

At any rate, a few weeks ago Marcus was hit with a pretty nasty stomach bug. I kept Marcus home for a day, but decided that though he was frequenting the restroom, he wasn't too sick to do a little learning with me at home.

Thankfully, Marcus' school sends home a monthly calendar. On the calendar it outlines what will be learned each week.

On the particular day Marcus was kept home I knew the kiddos would be learning about the letter "F."

We made quick work of all things "F."

There was a coloring activity with a Fireman and Firetruck.

Our craft consisted of making a Feather headband. Marcus helped me place each feather and then staple it.

We even took a break in the action to Facetime Grandma.

After I'd successfully worn out all our arts and crafts options for the day I let Marcus loose on Starfall.com working on the letter "F."

All throughout the day anytime we came across something starting with the letter F I'd point it out and really emphasize the fffffff sound.

I even tried to find foods that started with F, but nothing really came up, except Fried stuff. Meh, no thanks.

In all, our activities took a few hours, which was just enough for the both of us. And, thanks to the nasty stomach bug, Marcus napped solidly after our learning session.

Though I'm sure my activities weren't nearly as fun as what Miss Debbie and clan would have provided, at least our day had some educational components to it.

I also learned a bit from our day of school. Should I ever teach preschool age is definitely not my thing.

Linking up with some lovely ladies for the Teaching Together Blog Hop.

The First Fix

Let me be very clear about this post. I am *not* a fashion blogger. Nor will I pretend to be - ever. Because, seriously, what do I do with my hands? Skinny arm it for every photo, or not? Legs straight? One leg bent (which leg should I bend?!!)? Why do my smiles look so damn weird? Why is the lighting in my house so terrible? What the hell am I even doing?

At any rate, I *finally* pulled the trigger and signed up for my first Stitch Fix. As I'm basically the last woman on the planet to join the club I'll spare the detailed rundown of how it works. (If you're not sure how it works here's the express version: pay a stylist $20 to do your clothes shopping, get clothes in the mail, try clothes on in the comfort of your home. Love said clothes? Keep 'em, pay the price of each piece kept. Don't love it? Send back in prepaid shipping bag.) 

I explained to Scott the $20 stylist fee would *easily* add up to the gas it would take me to get to and from the mall, the obligatory Starbucks I'd get while shopping, and likely the Aunt Annie's pretzel I would devour while browsing shop after shop. So, really, the $20 fee was doing us all a favor (not to mention my waistline). And seriously, I honestly cannot remember the last time I shopped for myself. My kids get all the glory when it comes to clothes these days.

When my box came I waited for the kids to go down for naps (a torturous THREE HOURS) before I tore into the package like it was my only ticket to heaven.

Moving along... The clothes!
My stylist did an awesome job of paying attention to my likes, dislikes, and postpartum body that is ever changing (and hopefully continuously shrinking).
Please excuse the mirror in need of a desperate cleaning, as well as the fact that I cannot find the cute little card that gives the name/description of each article of clothing. 

Plaid top and Dark Wash Jeans

I loved the plaid, but wasn't overly thrilled with the colors. I also thought the top was a bit too big, otherwise I would have liked the cut and style. I didn't feel I needed it, and was just meh about it.

Returned.

The jeans were a dream. They were exactly what I've wanted and needed in my life. They are a little long - which I love. They have just the right amount of stretch so they're not cutting off circulation or cutting into any part of my body. And the color? Yep, I love it.

KEEPER! 

I loved the jeans so much I just kept them on for the rest of the fashion show.

Polka Dot Sweater

When I first saw this sweater in the box I was ecstatic. I loved the color, the polka dots, everything. Then I tried it on. The colors kind of washed me out and it was way too heavy of a material. I just know I'd never wear it in Southern California. Also, at least a size, maybe two, too big. 

Returned.

Red Blazer with Polka Dot Detail

This blazer. Oh this blazer. It is so cute. I wish I had a reason, a place, a need to wear it. But, I don't. And, it was too big.

Returned. Sadly.

Cream Top with Jewel Detail

Then this beauty came out of the box and I was IN LOVE. The pattern, the little bit of bling-y detail, the back. Yes. But, again, too big. I contacted Stitch Fix to see if I could exchange it for a smaller size, but to my horror the size I needed was no longer available. Tear.

Returned. Such a pity.

My first SF experience was so much fun. I LOVED being able to try on all my goodies in the comfort of my own home. Though I only came away with one article to keep it was the best experience (I also quickly learned I needed to scale down the size of my tops). It was great to have the option to pull pieces I already own from my closet to see if they would go well with what was in my box. 

My only regret? Not signing up for Stitch Fix sooner! 

If you are one of the few people left who haven't tried Stitch Fix, but want to, I say give it a shot! And, while you're at it, I would be forever grateful if you used my referral code.

Maybe next time I'll even take a minute to wipe down the mirror and pull out the tripod. Maybe...

Until the next Fix! 

M & J Monday

Because it's never too late to share a family themed Halloween costume, right? 

Get it? Our Movie Buff with his movie munchies.
Time to start brainstorming next year's theme.

Hope everyone had a spooktacular Halloween!

Happy Monday!

Joining in on the fun with the Costume Link-up!

A Fancy Lady Date

Since Julia's arrival I can count on one hand how many times Scott and I have been able to sneak away, just the two of us. When it comes to girls nights I don't even need a hand. I just need a singular finger. One lonely finger. ONE!

When I discovered the world renowned Moscow's Russian Ballet was bringing The Nutcracker to L.A. I couldn't contain my excitement. The Nutcracker was the first ballet I saw as a child and the production won my heart over way back then. 

I asked Scott if he was interested in making a date out of seeing the ballet but he politely and emphatically declined, but he suggested I make a girls' afternoon out of it. Genius idea. 

It didn't take me long to line up the perfect date. My girl friend (hi, Barb!) and I have decided on a boozy little lunch, complete with arugula and goat cheese salads, and wine (we be fancy) before hand. Then we'll head over to one of L.A.'s landmark theatres - The Wiltern - to see the classic ballet. 

Though the date is still weeks away I love that I have something so fun to look forward to. Yay for fancy lady dates!

For more information on dates, times, and locations of the Moscow Russian Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker, be sure to click here. Tickets to a performance would make for a fabulous early holiday gift!