A typically tired Tuesday

Hi Friends!

Is anyone else feeling completely "kicked in the pants" by this week already? (I know, I know....it's only Tuesday).  I drank 2 coffees today (one at almost 6pm!) and I literally didn't feel either one (and I REALLY needed the caffeine!) I'm sure it's the weather and dark mornings but it's really just the beginning (like VERY beginning in my opinion) of Fall and the rainy months around here so I better dig deep and find some energy somewhere. (Please: insert the wide-eyed emoji face here)

I could possibly.... just be extra tired because of all the blissful uninterrupted sleep I got this weekend on my annual 'sisters weekend' at the beach. It looked a little like this.....

 I mean seriously what more could you want on a Fall vaca? 

Camera (check!), Books/mags (checks!), Coffee (check!) and fabulous company (Check!) #winning 

and it well....looked mostly like this. Wine out of a paper hotel cup---keepin it classy!

We have an extra fun Halloween PJ-playdate tomorrow--fun pics of that to come! 

Oh and guess who just ordered her Christmas cards-- THIS GIRL!!! 

In OCTOBER you guys! I'm so PROUD of myself! :) 

xoxo. 

S

On my brain

Hi Friends--

I'm running around today to prepare for getting out of town tomorrow with my Sis--can't wait!!!! Just a couple things that are currently on my brain!

1. The potty training panel I went to at Isla's co-op Toddler class last night and the guy who shared that every time his 3 year old son goes in Snapdoodle Toys he craps his pants purely because he's so excited. It gives new meaning to the word "snapdoodle" doesn't it?!!

2. When I have checked on Isla at night recently she sounds like the whistling gopher from Winnie the Pooh...you remember the one?

"Now see here son-eeeeee" ;) 

3. When I asked B this weekend what he fed Isla for dinner while I was gone he replied, " Goldfish, black beans and apple sauce"..... when I proceeded to tell him it terrified me what that poor child would look like if I wasn't around he said, "well at least I gave her black beans." HAHAHAH!

4. Isla's most annoying habits at the moment: 

Sticking books and toys down the crack of the couch. WHY?!!!! 

Shoving toys in the AC vents

and my personal favorite--- eating stickers like Elf ate cotton balls. Remember that scene? See it Here.

5. The wooden doll pram I finally gave in and bought Isla for Christmas (or her Birthday!) She's such a stroller lover I think she'll adore this one and it can hold stuffed animals in her room when we clean up. 

6. Cleaning out the pea patch at the end of the year. Worst job ever. 

7. I FINALLY tried Pho and it was amazingly awesome. The best thing for a sore throat! 

8. The fact that my kid will sleep on a walk in her stroller, in the car in her carseat or even on me on the couch sometimes but she REFUSES x1000 to sleep in her crib (queue the tantrum going on in her crib right now). It's mind melting that she can go 12-14 hours and not want a nap. This is B's FAULT! 

9. My heart grew 100 times when Isla got super excited to see Christmas stuff at Michael's today--she reached for sparkly garland like it was the last chocolate bar ever produced. This is a kiddo after my own heart! (Yet, I still say hold the Xmas products until after Thanksgiving :) 

10. I just wrote my super crazy to do list for today and added 'watch revenge' with a straight face. Serious business going on over here (but seriously, everything else is legit :) 

Have a great weekend! 

xo. 

S

Apples&PB

Hi Friends!

Every time I have apples and peanut butter I think about being prego with Isla. It was my go-to craving.... what was yours? Have any weird ones?

Weekend Roundup

Hi Friends!

Just a quick post to apologize for being absent the last couple days. I was sick over the weekend and I'm still catching up- ug! Thankfully, I've felt 100% since Sunday night- lucky me! We had a busy weekend--- here were the highlights!

We are marking items off our Fall Bucket List! We did the Snoqualmie Train Museum on Saturday. It was super fun (and totally free!) Isla loved walking around on the tracks and by the trains. It was the perfect amount of time and open space for a Toddler. We'll have to take her back when she's older to ride the train that runs from North Bend to Snoqualmie.

We walked Dawg Dash with Miss I on Sunday for the 2nd year in a row! It was super fun--I love seeing Isla in her Husky gear and she loves watching the puppies and dancing to the Husky band. She loved walking over the finish line herself with Daddy :)

I have to admit---We've done more playing with play-doh with our chopsticks than actually using them. I may have to admit defeat on the chopstick item on my Fall Bucket list--at least we are using them right? :)

We made these fun Spider handprint crafts with friends at a playdate on Monday - just in time for Halloween!

 I hope you all had a great weekend!!! Lots of blog fun to come--- stay tuned!

xo.
S

Genius Momvice

Hi Friends!

Just a quick post on a little trick I've found handy!

When Isla was learning to use her spoon/fork she was getting really frustrated with the little bowls for toddlers that slide around. I didn't want to separately buy the suction ones so I ended up using her snack cup. The Nuby ones (that you can get at Marshall's/TJ Max) are not only a bargain but they have a rubber bottom so they don't slide around. They're also small so you keep portion sizes correct. Just a fun little trick we've used while she's learning :)

Perspective

Hi Friends!

I've been really struggling with Isla. I know this will not come as a surprise to some of you ... but I've been slightly losing my mind lately (which is pretty much due to a non-napping, multiple wake-ups Toddler, YIKES!)

The night before last, it became blatantly obvious that she is not only teething but going through a growth spurt (all too familiar territory). After not napping all day and getting up at 7:15 she went to sleep for exactly 2 minutes after I put her down and then yelled off and on for another 80 minutes while we did regular comfort checks before we gave in and let her get up for 30 minutes and tried bedtime for round two. After thinking that she may sleep through the night after all the dramatic action she got up at 3:20 and after 30 minutes of talking tantrums and comfort checks I decided she needed a bottle so I could get some sleep. She then got up for the day at 5:40 and I decided I had to get more sleep so I slept on the couch with her--which is its own brand of torture. There's nothing like having a Toddler crush your airway and sleep at a steamy temperature (I woke her up at 8:30 because we both were overheating-- the kid's a burrito!) Needless to say- it was a really, really rough night.

As I sat on the couch at 5:40 AM --- feeling terrible for myself I got the dose of perspective I really needed. After googling '21 month mental leap' and '21 month toddler sleep problems' I stumbled onto instagram and saw a post a friend put up in the wee hours of the morning. This particular friend just lost her newborn and is in the throes of coping with grief and seeking recovery. She is brave and broken and so very honest about her journey. Her post gave me the perspective to remember that, that night, those tough minutes (even hours), those final bits of patience...even that tantruming cry is all something to be thankful for.

It's all temporary.

 As I was told a million times before I had Isla from other parents, "when it gets hard just remember 'everything's a phase' "

I sat on the couch and thanked my blessings.
For my little home.
For my little Family.
For my challenging-smart-relentless-emotional-beautiful girl.

Please understand, I FULLY believe in finding a voice for your parenting frustration (especially as a stay-at-home parent) whether it's talking to a friend or your Mom, writing or blogging--whatever it is that soothes you, that dissects your thoughts and parenting challenges. I believe it's good and right to say 'this parenting thing is SO DAMN DIFFICULT!' It's the hardest job I've ever known. Learning to forgive myself for feeling the frustration and funneling it into resolution is a powerful action. It took me some time to really get that. After all that talking and problem-solving finding some perspective is so very necessary.

When I could look at it rationally I saw that we were making progress. Finally, last night we turned a corner, even if just a small one, Isla went down in 45 minutes instead of over 90 minutes with regular comfort checks. This is progress!

I also decided to have patience with her naps- until I can get her back to her normal bedtime routine there is no point in battling the nap in her crib when she'll go down in her stroller on a walk or in the car. I decided to go that route until she's through this, we are both caught up on sleep (and hopefully patience) and then we can battle it out on crib naps again- one thing at a time!

When I got some serious perspective... I rolled up my 'big girl' sleeves, got back to sleep training basics and got to work. That's the real stuff parenting is made of :)

That lady melts me. 

Weekend

Hi Friends!

We were busy checking items off our Fall Bucket List this weekend! 

 Isla is the collector of crunchy leaves and she does not discriminate -- they are all treasured :) 

 Isla picked a pumpkin (and the competition was stiff!) 

 She informed us it was this one...and put up quite a case for this little guy. We were sold. 

 These are my general feelings on picking pumpkins in a torrential rainstorm. #fear. 

(Thankfully it cleared up before we headed out to pick -- thank goodness!)

The cliche 'photo op' at the Pumpkin Patch. Had to do it! 

 B caved while I made dinner---and Isla was a big help this year! She actually really liked it (which made me super excited for Christmas with her :) We carved a witch--- fun times with my little fan! 

And last but not least..... Isla face timed with my Sister's cat, Max. Facetiming with animal friends is one of her most favorite things. Thanks for the patience Max! I love Isla's smug-amused face in this! ;) 

I hope you all had a great weekend! 

xo. 

S

Thursday: Randoms and one great story

Hi Friends!

I've been waiting all day to blog this story....so I was at my dry cleaners with Isla dropping off B's shirts. I've known my dry cleaner lady for a long time and she loves Isla so whenever I'm there we check in to see how each other is doing. To make this story make sense, I should tell you that we know this guy (through a friend) who's a local Real Estate Agent and has a VERY unique name. I am dying to write it here but I don't want him to google his name and find my blog so I'm going to leave it out. Lets just call him Scooter.

Anywho--Scooter made bobble heads of himself as marketing and has them at local businesses. It has his name right on it so I'm 100% sure it's him. As I'm chatting away I look down and see Isla has pulled Scooter's bobble head right off of his body. Oh LORD! She was just looking at me with big innocent eyes like, 'look mom, I found this'-- uh huh. SH*T!!!!

Thankfully my dry cleaner friend didn't see so I was trying to stick it back on while I'm attempting  to chat nonchalantly with her, not to raise suspicion!--- the damned thing kept falling off, I was getting so flustered. Thankfully it finally stuck for a moment and I rushed out. I can't believe Isla decapitated Scooter's marketing bobblehead- so embarrassing!

Isla apparently on a roll...because then we went to 3R, which is a tech recycling place in Georgetown to exchange a switch for B. Wouldn't you just know it.....one of the only times I agree to run to Seattle and drag a toddler into a tech store for him ....she blows out her diaper before we got in. I thought it would be a quick trip but it ended up taking longer than I intended and Isla ended up running full blown laps around the center aisles laughing maniacally. That place is a total choking hazard-- at one point I had to say, "excuse me while I make sure she's not choking on a random cord over here"-- my kid will NOT stay by my side so it was a game of tag and she WON. #momfail.

The guys in the store were all super understanding....thank god I wasn't that lady! Does anyone else's kids go crazy after a big poo? We used to have a little terrier that would do the same thing--a big poo and she'd run around like mad. We always called it the 'poop crazies.' I can't believe my Toddler has them too!

These "Baby Legs" killed me today---SO CUTE! (and perfect for Fall days when the weather can't make up its mind!)

Last but not least.....

I totally 'mom-failed' today. I personally don't consider Taco Time fast food because it's too delicious but lets be honest.... mexi fries and a crisp bean burrito are pretty much fast food (devastating I know!) Anywho- I needed a quick lunch and failed to pack one so Isla and I had a little picnic in the backseat. This pic says it all.......

........she's completely disappointed in me. :(

In my defense I did order her a cheese quesadilla with black beans and light cheese so maybe it wasn't so bad? maybe? (I'm sure the woman in the drive through was like 'sister you're at Taco Time, there's no way to make yourself feel better by custom ordering your kid a quesadilla!' :)

xoxo.
S

Hi Friends!

A couple quick highlights (or lowlights :) from our day since I'm in the middle of editing these GORGEOUS shots from my Cousin's Senior shoot.....

....that field and sun just KILLS.ME.DEAD! This is her backyard--her backyard! What I would give to have that field at my disposal for pics whenever I wanted---Isla would literally run when I got out the camera. HA!

1. Isla is regressing---she pooped in the tub again today. UG! She's in the middle of terrible teething, no napping and a growth spurt so apparently all of that equals crapping in the tub again. My life is so glamorous.

2. I made the most amazing veggie hash tonight. Before I made it I googled 'hash recipes' and wasn't prepared for the results. Lets just say I didn't think that one through and there's a very likely possibility that I'm now on being monitored by the government. It was delicious regardless! :)

3. My favorite animal noise Isla makes right now is a rooster'--- "doooodle doooo"

4. I realized today Isla hasn't napped in her crib in at least 3 weeks. She just won't go down in the afternoon in there- it's so ridiculous and crazy. Tonight she melted into a raging lunatic at 5pm. I really, really hope this phase is quick---as do I hope the hitting me in the face and biting is as well. (Thankfully those are SO out of characteristic for her- I think they will be). Did I mention she threw sand on a little girl with a broken arm at the playground---aiyiyi. It was a long day!

5. I need to decorate for Fall. It's time to get this season going!

Gotta run friends! More from me soon....

xo.
S

Recovery

Hi Friends! 

Time to recover from another day of watching these two crazy monkeys! 

Isla had so much fun and we both left exhausted! Two toddlers is not an easy business---props to you Mamas doing this insanity every day! I am so excited to just relax tomorrow AM with my coffee, the Today Show and my little lady :) and then spend the afternoon catching up, editing and hopefully cleaning my house while Isla sleeps (nap for Mommy tomorrow Isla? PLEASE?!)

I hope everyone's well! I am so thrilled that Fall is upon us, my season is wrapping up and the holidays and evenings in cuddling with my honey, reading, crocheting and BLOGGING are here. YAY! Can we put up the Christmas tree up yet?? (but seriously..... :)

xo.
S

Catching up!

Hi Friends!

Sorry for the lack of posts last week-- we were out of town visiting family and wrapping up shoots while Daddy.B was gone on business. We're back home and loving the end of my photography season (time to edit!) and spending family time together--- we've had far too little of it lately!

For now-- a couple quick highlights from last week and the start of this one! Hope everyone's well!

1. I wrapped up my 'littlest' Cousin's Senior Session- she graduates High School this year. I feel SO old! I stayed in the hospital with my Aunt the night she was born---love you Jess, these are just stunning (that field kills me! Can you believe this is her backyard? literally!)

2. We met Baby Beau and congratulated his awesome parents. We love you little Peanut! Welcome to our crazy circus! :)

3. Isla was SO in love with Beau. I expected to visit quickly and leave before she set off any alarms but she was so good-- all we heard was "bay-bee", "BOW" and she did a lot of petting :) Sweet.

4. Isla loves my Mom's cat, Morris. I can't say he feels the same.

5. My Mom bought Isla a wagon- she was in LOVE with it. She would literally burrow down in the middle and not want to come out.

6. She was wheelin-&-dealin with that porcelain doll at my Grandparents. So funny!

7. Isla and my Grandpa are best.friends.forever. She thinks he's hilarious.

8. We spent the afternoon at the park with my Dad and Kerri and enjoyed AWESOME mac&Cheese at Mac n' more in Lacey (so good!) Isla's a big fan of clinging to Grandpa's hair.

9. It was so warm Isla went swimming at my Mom's. Crazy October weather around here!

10. Our new favorite bottle. SO GOOD! (so cheap!)

11. My Neighbor gave me her pea patch when she moved and I hit the veggie-motherload on Sunday-- those heirloom tomatoes are SO GOOD!!!!!

12. My most favorite thing about today was taking this little man's first photos. We love you Beau-- it was such a privilege :) ... and a little preview below because I just can't resist.

 Photo credit: Lacie Hansen (Thanks Friend!) 

13. Isla had a little playdate with her friend, Brooklyn while Brooklyn's Mom worked. Nanny issues- we saved the day!!

 14. We fed my Brother&Sister in-law's cat, Chanel...they are in Tahiti on their honeymoon. MUST BE NICE LOVEBIRDS! :) Isla loved Chanel--she kept saying "KITTEEEEEEEE"-- Chanel was so patient and wonderful.

 we practiced "gentle hands" :) 

15. Last but not least, the sweetest view from Isla's bedtime routine. I adore this girl. 

xoxo. 

S

20 Months: Separation Anxiety and Sleeplessness

Hi Friends!

Yesterday was so rough. So ROUGH. It was one of those nights when you swear your kid is a newborn again and all you want to do is beat your head against the wall because you'd be getting better sleep doing that than trying to comfort the wild beast straining in your lap to be let free.

All day yesterday Isla was a clingy monster. All I heard was "up, UP, up, UP, UP" or "ma,ma,ma,MAMAMAMAMA." Even when B was home she wanted nothing to do with him. When he went into her room to check her after an hour of checks and soothing that I had done she yelled "MA-MA!" A demand questioning why I had sent in her Father. Yikes! I know she's going through a growth spurt, teething and racing through a mental leap (today she stood up and said 'all done ma' -- really?! What are you 15 now?) but she's never had a problem going down at night or sleeping through the night when she doesn't nap during the day (which hasn't happened since last Tuesday-- yes I remember the exact day). Last night she just wouldn't go to sleep. By 9pm, she had been up for 14 hours straight and I said "THIS IS CRAZY!" I did another small bottle, rocked her for a moment and put her in her crib. She screamed like she was being traumatized and then within 10 minutes went down. Unfortunately she was up from 2:10-4:00 and then again at 6am. I finally gave up and drug her into bed with me, which sounds like a lovely little co-sleeping oasis. It's not....lets be clear. Isla likes to lay on top of me-- crushing my throat and chest. It's horribly uncomfortable but I was so damned tired I took what restless zzzz's I could get.

The shirt lies. 

Today, she blew through her nap (per usual these days, ug!) and cried for 15 minutes, after one check and a total meltdown she finally went down after 20 minutes total. That is SUCH an improvement over last night! I'm interested (and TERRIFIED) to see how tonight goes but I'm really hoping the reassuring checks and back to sleep training basics are helping her get through this. It's all I've got so I'm hoping it does the trick!

Did anyone else's little one have separation anxiety really kick in around 20 months?
Did it feel like the teething, mental leap and separation anxiety all hit at the same time?

During the 2 hours I was up last night I was busy googling "what's wrong with my terrorist 20 month old who won't sleep" and other helpful questions. Fortunately I found pages upon pages of Q&A's and sleep blogs regarding the 19-24 month age range and how much goes on in their little brains during that time. Pretty interesting stuff! It actually made me feel more sane and in control. Thank you Google.

I hope everyone is sleeping soundly tonight with little sleepy babies! Here's to a RESTFUL slumber Isla--- I'll see you at a decent hour! :)

xo.
S

HBD Baby!

Hi Friends!

I have so much to blog about but for now I just want to say, WELCOME TO THE WORLD Beau Graf Hansen! You are so very loved!

Isla was up a lot last night and I suspect she was just ready for you to arrive (ha!)

A very warm and loving congratulations to my wonderful, mama-friend, lifeline, Lacie and her beautiful little family...and to Miss Gemma on being promoted to 'Big Sister'- it's the very best job in the world next to 'wife' and 'mama' --- I know you'll be the best Sissy to your 'baby Beau' :)

Isn't he just precious :) 

xoxo.
S