month // 2

Two months baby girl.  Your dad and I were just staring at you last night and thinking how quickly this has gone for us. It seems like you are enjoying life on the outside and your latest is showing us your beautiful smile. Your siblings think it is the greatest thing when they get you to smile. They try tickling you, singing to you and making funny faces. Please don't ever stop showing the world your precious smile. A smile truly is contagious as you have shown us.

Bedtime has gotten easier for all of us. Thank goodness :) You started taking naps in your crib at 6 weeks and just a week ago began sleeping in your crib at night. Just like your siblings, you seem to sleep really well in it. We swaddle you, let you suck on the pacifier a little and sing jesus loves you. We lay you down awake and you normally fall asleep peacefully. Unless of course we waited to long to put you down and you are overly tired. Then we rock you to sleep. You want to be asleep by 6:30 so we follow your cue. Your sister then goes to bed at 7:00 and your brother at 8:00.

You still look more like your daddy. It must be your light skin and blue eyes (for now anyway).

INTRODUCTIONS:
Play mat/activity gym: 
We introduced you to your play mat this past month and you seem to have a love hate relationship with it. Somedays you will lay and kick happily others you cry at first sight.

Bottle:
At 6 weeks you had your first bottle (brand: first born). I pumped and went on a little date with your brother while daddy fed it to you. You took it like a champ. Since then you have had a few more. Sometimes I pump a bottle before we go out on certain adventures with your siblings. Like last week we went to get air (a jump place). It makes it a little easier on mommy when I have all 3 of you.

You had your 2 month check up and you are developing and growing perfectly.

weight: 10 pounds 9 ounces
length:

Thank you for making all of us so happy. Braeden really loves when you pick him up from school and everly loves that you "share" your pacifier with her. Lately she wants to sleep with it during naps while she sucks her thumb. She must think its cool since you like it :) We are all excited to see what this next month has in store for you and what new tricks you show us. I also think we will begin to enjoy more adventures out, as mommy has heeled and feels a lot more comfortable being outnumbered :)

Love you baby girl.
-mama xx

first month favorites

We recently just hit the one month mark of sweet Kenzie joining our family. I have been asked by multiple mamas what some of my favorite products are. So I decided that each month I will do a quick round up of my frequently used and approved items. Here is month one -- in no specific order...

1. Solly baby wrap
Love this wrap, especially for a newborn. Having multiple kids wearing my baby is a must. Don't let the fabric scare you, it is super easy to use and your babe will feel so comfortable being right next to your heart.

2. Boppy
Ever since having my first baby, the boppy has been an essential part to all my at home feedings. It makes feedings easy and comfortable for myself and baby. I have a few covers too so that they are easy to switch out in case of spit ups :)

3. Fiber one bars
Sometimes I just get really hungry. Looking after the kids and making sure the three of them are fed and happy sometimes makes me forget about myself. Having bars around makes it super easy to grab and go or to just quickly eat at home.

4. Cradle n swing - my little snugabunny by Fisher Price
Sometimes you just need to put the baby down. This swing is great for Kenzie to chill in while the other kiddos play in front of her or around the house. She can have happy awake time in here and then normally takes a morning snooze in it too while I make breakfast. Bonus- this one plugs into the wall so you don't need to worry about batteries!

5. Ollie swaddle
I have always swaddled my little ones and never found it easy nor long lasting when I just use a regular blanket. This swaddle special blanket is very easy to use and keeps my baby sleeping for long durations at night-- which means I get more sleep too!

6. Rock and play deluxe sleeper by Fisher Price
I am so happy I stumbled upon this item online and very thankful we didn't waste anytime getting it (like I sometimes do with products). At night after Kenzie's last feeding I swaddle her (in the ollie) rock her a bit and then lay her in this cozy contraption. The vibration mode on it makes the transition from baby in my arms to this sleeper quite easy. Also huge plus, it's very easy to fold up and take with you for an overnight.

7. My baby homedics sound spa machine
Constant noise has always been key to our kiddos sleeping so well. This sound machine has the perfect noise options (heart beat, rain, twinkle twinkle little star, etc.) and you can just plug it in and have it run all night for white noise. During the day when Kenzie naps we put it on "rain" and at night she sleeps to the  "heartbeat." It also has the option of a nightlight to project on the ceiling. My two older kids still sleep with theirs every night. This also helps with noise during middle of the night awakenings/feedings since the rooms in our house are close together.

8. Humble hilo {diaper} bag
This is not a traditional diaper bag, but it makes a perfect one! From the first time I saw it, I knew it was a must have item for baby #3. I have the size large bag and it is big enough to carry my many baby/kid items. Plus super bonus is that it is gorgeous and I feel like a stylish mama every time I carry it. Oh and the compliments from strangers don't stop coming :)

9. Pampers swaddlers
Hands down the best diapers for a newborn. So soft and gentle on their skin. I won't use any other brand on my newborn baby's bottom...

10. Burp Cloth 
Yep one of our items and I think the image explains it all. I can never have too many burp cloths as spit ups are a multiple daily occurrence around here. And I love this one since its not your traditional one...oh and it's super soft and hard to miss!

month // 1

One month of you sweet Kenzie. We have been blessed this past month to have you join our family. I don't even know where to start. Yep, tears as I write this {and I'm not a crier}. I am in love with you and in love with the way your brother and sister look at you, care for you and constantly want to hold and kiss you. They already are over-protective of you and at the first sign of a cry everly runs to you and says "it's okay, it's okay, ah kenzie it's okay." Then she places her head on you and puts her arms around you to try and pick you up... That's when mom {me} runs over and interjects a little ;)

Your eyes are a very dark blue and your hair dark brown. You've got your mama's nose and daddy's chin. You love being held and are soothed to sleep the best when sucking, however rocking works too (just takes longer). You still won't take a pacifier and sometimes shove your little hand in your mouth. You enjoy your swing for small spurts and most often enjoy relaxing and stretching out on your changing table.

Somehow you created your own routine very early on and mommy and daddy followed your cue. It goes a little something like this:

- bedtime: between 8:30 and 9:30 for 4-6 hours {except last night you did 7!}
- you wake up 1-2 more times to feed
- wake up time is 6:30-7:00 am {just depends when braeden comes in and wakes you up}
- I then feed you and let you chill on the changing table
- you then go in the swing for a 45 minute snooze while I (or your daddy) make your siblings breakfast
- the rest of the day you eat poop and sleep {on repeat} with a little bit of crying mixed in :)

You are still wearing newborn clothes and diapers, but not for much longer.

first outings:

Dr's for your first check up
target
mall
opa and grandma's
starbucks
rb inn for a girls lunch

I could keep writing but you just woke up....love you sweet girl and happy one month!
xx mommy

celebrating new year's eve :: your daddy brought us home these fun accessories. love him.

Winter One-derland

A few weeks ago we celebrated our baby girl's first birthday! I am not a big theme person so as Everly's first birthday was {quickly} approaching I knew I had to act fast. I normally just stick with a cute color scheme and work from there. BUT- the day before I was going to put invites out I came across this saying: "winter one-derland" and just loved the play on words! Since Everly is a December baby and turns one only once- this was a must! As many do, I searched the web for decor inspiration. I wanted a woodsy feel but with some subtle glam...and I think we got just that!

The awesome bonus about this party is that almost everything gets to stay up for the holidays too, woohoo!

I love photo backdrops and thought it would be fun to have one at Everly's birthday. I used fabric I was given from a friend and then some garland and snowflakes from the 99¢ store. Oh and I made this cute flag banner for $1. I just bought 2 sheets of sparkly scrapbook paper at michaels (on sale for  25¢ each) and you can get 3 flags out of one sheet. Then I used some ribbon off of a large spool that I have had for a while and just hot glue gunned them together. Easy peasy!

feeding daddy her cake...doesn't get much sweeter than this :)

Here are a few pics I had taken two weeks before Everly turned one so that I could use them for her invite. I am obsessed with large balloons so I needed an excuse to use them :) My toddler LOVED them too!

A year of Everly

My dear Everly,

Where has this past year gone. I really really wish I had a pause button right now. There are no words to describe how you make me feel. You are a beautiful, determined, petite and sweet princess. I feel so blessed to be your mommy. The happiness you (and your brother) give me is beyond anything I could have ever imagined.

I love holding your tiny hands. giving eskimo kisses to your cute button nose. and those cheeks-- I just love kissing them over and over and over again.

You are my peanut, my everbug, my mamas girl.
You adore your brother so much and vice versa.
You love eating everything, including your brother's cardboard blocks --that we now have to hide.
You dance (bop up and down) when music comes on (you may just have your daddy's rhythm).
You smile and then cry for me when I walk into the room.
You love bath time. You love playing peek a boo. You love being tickled under your chin.
You love to be held by me. and are the best shopping buddy.

I love the way you laugh.
I love the way you love your daddy.
I love how you look at your brother.
I love your smile, your cuddles, your sweet opened mouth kisses.
I love absolutely everything about you.

Thank you for being you. Happy first birthday sweet baby girl.

I love you to pieces,
mommy

month :: eleven

Today miss Everly Jae is eleven months! I seriously could cry thinking about how fast time is going! I don't want my peanut to be one yet-....I am so not ready for her to not be a "baby" anymore. As usual a lot happens in a month. Everly's personality keeps developing and the love for her brother is beyond cute. They spend so much time "playing" together now, and for real playing. They play peek a boo behind the curtains, hide and go seek (B does all the hiding and yells until Everly crawls and seeks him), they play blocks (everly chews on them), trains (yes she chews on them too), and of course their fav is having snack time together.

Right now Everly is at that age where she is super easy. Independent enough, not fussy, content for long periods of time, can't walk yet therefore easy to carry and bring anywhere, chills, explores, sleeps great, plays with toys, laughs, smiles... all while still being a cute little baby. I just want to hold her and soak up her cuddles as much as possible.  I remember Braeden being the same demeanor at this age. I was newly pregnant and so happy I was getting through the first trimester before he walked and any tantrums started :)

-6 teeth
-crawls "normal" instead of combat slithering :)
-says mama, dada, hi,
-still is obsessed with all food
-mama's girl
-favorite toy is a talking fishie bowl that she puts fish into
-can take steps while holding onto the couch/train table

month :: ten

Wow this month flew by and has been a bit of a whirlwind. I can't even believe that I will soon have to decide what to do for Everly's first birthday. NO way she is going to be one soon! Does she really have to grow up?

new things this month:
-doing some "normal" crawling
-3 upper teeth poked through (5 total now) and let me tell ya, feedings are not pleasent :)
-as of yesterday little everbug can pull herself up and stand in her crib
-this month her sleeping hours changed as she decided she only wants/needs 11 hours instead of 12 hours of sleep at night

Dr. visit update:
I know I promised you all an update on her Dr. visit the other week. I am still trying to process and understand everything as I honestly didn't see this coming. After the Dr. used his big words and scientific terms (for what seemed like forever) I left there feeling confused, sad, yet grateful Everly is doing so well and optimistic that she will be just fine. The Dr. believes that Everly has a condition called neurofibromatosis type 1a. The number of cafe au lait spots and placement of them (along with a few more things) is what led the doc down this path. If you google it, wikipedia will say this:
Neurofibromatosis type I (NF-1) is a tumor disorder that is caused by the mutation of a gene on chromosome 17 that is responsible for control of cell division. NF-1 causes tumors along the nervous system. NF-1 often comes with scoliosis (curvature of the spine), learning difficulties, eye problems, and epilepsy.
Now if you go and google this please be careful of the results/pics. The most extreme cases are usually what pop up. This is what freaked me out at first until I learned more. There are many kids with neurofibromatosis that never develop any major medical conditions, and I pray that my everbug is one of them (if she does indeed have this). However, the doc is not "labeling" her with this condition quite yet. We will just continue to monitor her for now....

she loves her new found skill of "standing" and I love her cute bum bum :)

B and Everly just keep getting cuter and cuter together. I LOVE watching them interact, especially when they play peek a boo :)

dog beach with zoey girl...

my monkeys :)

month :: nine

Baby girl is 9 (1/2) months! We just had her 9 month check up last week. The Doctor is very happy with how she is doing. She was only in the 5th percentile for her weight at her 6 month check up and now she is in the 15th percentile! She LOVES to eat. My son was never into eating much and was quite picky. Everly on the other hand makes grunting noises when she sees food and so far doesn't care what it is, she wants to eat it! I am still breastfeeding (shocker to me) but I do make her a bottle of formula for outings every once in a while for convenience :) We are seeing a geneticist next week because new "birth marks"keep popping up over Everly's body. Hoping it is nothing to be worried about, but will keep you all posted...

a derby baby shower

Today I got to be a part of another beautiful baby shower thrown for my good friend Aly. Since the mommy-to-be loves horses and the racetrack, it was so fitting that it be a derby shower. The guests came wearing their festive hats and bets were placed to see when baby brooklyn was going to make her big debut. The gorgeous color combo of grey and soft pink filled the backyard while lots of chatter and laughter filled the air.

the lovely mama-to-be

Loved the idea one of the girls had: pink rocking horse for the guests to all sign

One of the gals came up with the idea to make a virgin mint julep as one of the beverages since this is said to be a common drink at derby parties. I was on drink duty and was excited to try a new recipe out. So glad this drink choice was chosen because it turned out delicious... even with a splash of champagne for those who wanted a little extra something :) I will be making this drink again for sure. Recipe here

just catching the flying umbrella...

winners of the hat contest...

a little "sprinkle"

Yesterday my friend Tiffani and I threw a "sprinkle" (a gathering that is lighter, smaller, and less chaotic than the first baby shower) for my good and gorgeous friend Shannon who will soon be having her second baby boy. I must say that it turned out quite perfect in my opinion. There were nine of us ladies (awesome group might I add), a great size where it felt intimate and we could have one table conversation if we wished. We planned a morning sit down brunch at a gorgeous and quiet facility in Poway called Maderas. With just a little table decor, we were ready to sprinkle the mama with love and luck for baby #2, aka Hudson. Mommy talk filled the air of course and everyone's company was enjoyed by the guest of honor. The perfect way to celebrate the upcoming arrival of baby #2.

To thank everyone for coming we gave them each a painted "shoe" that said "make a wish." Hoping everyone's wishes come true! I love the way the dipped horseshoes look and they made an awesome favor. You can find them for sale soon  at my shop everly b.

Personalized onesie for baby Hudson...

loved this yarn wrapped letter made by miss Tiffani..