one. and some change.

When my sweet baby boy turned one last month, I decided to get him a special little keepsake present apart from his other gifts we got him. Billy says its not a present for Isaac...he says it was a present for me, but its not..honest!

Ever since I was pregnant for the first time (almost 8 years ago) I used to sing "Baby of Mine" to my babies...I have LOVED that song for as long as I can remember and I cry every time Dumbo's mom sings it to him...baby elephants have a special place in my heart. I love now that Colby and Micah are grown some they will actually sing "Baby of Mine" to Isaac when they are trying to "help" me put him down for a nap.

So mix my love of elephants with my love for all things vintage (which this is not, but it certainly has that look) and behold Isaac's little keepsake gift to commemorate his first year of life:





I wrote a little note to my baby on this letter pressed card and for now it will be tucked away inside his baby book.. I am so blessed to be his mama and have the honor of watching him grow...I am really treasuring these moments...because I know it will all go by so fast and soon enough he'll be able to read the sweet memories I recorded for him inside!

little one.

So the day has come and gone...sweet little Isaac turned 1 year old!

Billy went to work super early but it was nice because he was able to skip a lunch and just come home after 8 hours.

We just had a little celebration as a family...I still felt a bit sick but I am so thankful that the worst of it was over with because I just wanted to spend the day snuggling with my baby.

Isaac has been his own person since day 1...he didn't look like anyone and he certainly let us know he had his own agenda from coming 2 weeks early down to his refusal to eat the first 3 days of life and his non stop crying...we'd just never quite met a baby like Isaac!

But I am so thankful for him every single day. We named him Isaac because it meant "filled with laughter" and to say he has filled our lives with joy would just not be doing him justice.

I remember those first few months with him...I'd just lay awake at night at stare at him, taking a million pictures in my mind because I never wanted to forget how sweet and content he looked....or the way he smelled...or the little dinosaur noises he made...

Isaac I love you more than you could know. You are literally an answered prayer...happy first birthday my sweet, sweet son.

this & that

I know I already posted a blog for today, but I have to post one more to say happy 10 months to my sweet baby Isaac. I can't believe it has been 10 months since I met you with your funny light strawberry blonde hair, squished little nose, and lobster red skin. You have been bossy from day 1 but I wouldn't have you any other way!

Also. Yesterday I went by Raley's to see my mom and while I was over there I decided to walk down to the Goodwill. I hadn't been in a while and I'm so happy I stopped because lots of treasures were to be found! I picked up a couple plastic kitchen storage bowls in a robin's egg blue and minty green. Best part...they were $2 total! Also picked up a ton of pink Japanese lanterns...brand new in the package still (there was still a ton left when I was checking out if anyone is interested). They had giant ones and small ones...they must have been left over from someone's wedding or something.

I even picked up a tiny leopard print baby onesie because it was too cute to leave behind. And maybe one of my favorite finds...a turquoise bead necklace...I almost bought a similar one at Urban Outfitters for $28 but just couldn't bring myself to spend that on costume jewelry. Well the one at the thrift store was even cuter and more so what I was looking for and it was only $2! I love how God takes care of us...even the tiny things that don't seem very important...

And my last find were these mugs. These were in the section of new things that the Goodwill buys or has donated from stores to sell. Blue and green have slowly become my favorite colors and I loved the prints on these mugs.

In fact I googled the designer, Trish Richman, when I got home. Turns out she is a San Francisco based graphic designer and the mugs I bought were designs she did for Bloomingdales! I got each one for $1.50...not too shabby if I do say so myself!

Happy weekend everyone!

Making memories...

Lately I have been spending a lot of my time thinking about making memories. Having 3 little ones has slowed me down some (also, only having 1 car!) but in the past and sometimes still today when we get bored or just want to get out we go and we spend money we don't really need to spend on stuff we don't really need to be bringing home! Usually we don't even really need anything. Yet its funny how we still find stuff...new plates because they are on sale...new shirts for the boys though they aren't having a t-shirt shortage by any means...mixing bowls because they are cute with polka dots...another nail polish in blue (?) because its pretty... even though I always go back to my old faithful shade of pink and I don't really even want blue toe nails!

Now I am not against shopping...its just that we were shopping out of boredom, so now I have decided to be more mindful of my purchases. I started to notice we didn't always end up even using the stuff we were buying. Or the kids would forget about the new toys they just got and would want the next new thing.

I am actually getting a lot better about paying attention to what I put in the cart and I have this quote inside a notebook in my purse, which sometimes I need to reread for a good reminder:

"Buy only what you love. Really, truly, madly, deeply love! Don't settle for 'like'. Acquire what feels so very right deep down inside-be it fashion or home design. Stick to this credo and you won't have any regretful purchases."-via Lonny Magazine

It sounds silly, but sometimes I even make lists of purchases I have bought that have proven to be very useful and then I list some items we have bought that were just wastes of money. The next time I go to buy something I think about whether I will really end up using the item.

So one of my goals for this summer is to just live and enjoy my boys...I am thinking less trips to Target and more trips to the park. Less drive thru trips and more backyard bbqs. Less time browsing online and more time rolling around the ground and hiding in forts.

As much as I love Target and as much as I do love finding fun, unique and even practical items online I want to start spending less time feeding that desire to acquire and take more time to nourish that part of me that knows less is more.

Here's to making memories!

*Anyone else struggle with finding balance with this one?

Zebi Baby

I discovered a new California based baby company named Zebi Baby. I really like the muted color palette they used on their baby items so I ordered some bibdanas and some burp cloths since I figured you can never have too many of those. The burp cloths arrived in this really cute bucket and everything is super soft, and I love that they are made right here in good ol' California.

Here's my mister miley boy making his stinky face at me in his elephants bib.


I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Billy was supposed to have this weekend off but he already went in today and is going in again tomorrow. Thankfully he has been going in super early so he is getting off early but then he is all tired and its so silly because these are his days off. *deep breath* Thankfully this too shall pass and we still had a great night at church. God is so good!

101...

who would have thought I would have made it to 101 posts?!?! If I had readers, I might actually do a giveaway! ha ha!

So. Baby boy has a fever but he was the sweetest thing all night and so good. Just wide awake and a bit of a wiggle worm. Not so sweet this morning trying to function on 0 sleep with 3 boys (Colbs stayed home today) and Billy gone for 12 hours...BUT we are making it!

Thank God Billy is back now and so my arms are finally free! I love my boys to pieces but sometimes you need a break. Even if its to blog about nothing for 5 minutes. :)

I can't believe we are already half way through this week and Mothers' Day is right around the corner! I already got my gift but I am still excited for Billy to actually have this Mothers' Day off to spend as a family.

In totally unrelated news, did you know Martha Stewart used to be a model? Serious! I saw it on Forever 21's facebook page (don't ask) where they linked the article from the Tory Burch web page.

And if I do say so myself, Martha was quite the foxy lady.





So not a whole lot happening over here...I thought these totes were fun so I ordered a couple to use instead of plastic bags...




How we found Micah in the middle of the night-he was playing in the dark and had changed into his spidey suit...and my sweet little baby before he got sick...



Okay. My break is over!

Changes.

Yesterday Micah got a hair cut. Can you believe he has NEVER had one?! He had his bangs trimmed twice and that was it! He did not really want a hair cut to start, but he seems happy with the results.

I on the other hand am just dying! I like that I can see more of Micah now, but boy do I miss those golden curls!

And another change...sir Isaac turned 8 months old last week. 8 months!!!! Between that and Micah de-curled I might just have a break down!

Couple things I wanted to record about Isaac:

*he is still scooting just as fast as ever and his favorite thing to scoot to is now the fireplace

*he still gets up on all fours and rocks back and forth vigorously

*he LOVES his voice and likes to make lots of loud noises

*he has TWO bottom teeth and a top one poking in...

*still nursing and I can't believe I forgot the pain of being bitten!

*still loves to watch his brothers play

*still sleeping in our bed and is taking up all the space!

*eats EVERYTHING...really...even baby food I look at and think 'there's no way he'll go for this...' he gobbles it right up! And he still loves his mum-mums!

SO many little changes...but one thing hasn't changed! I LOVE my boys!

baby isaac's nook...

*I first discovered Kendra Smoot in Martha Stewart's Bluelines magazine. She styled the above photos and the photo on the right was one of the photos that inspired Isaac's space

All of my babies started their lives out in our bedroom... Colby and Micah never even used their cribs until they were around a year old!

Though I love having my babies in an arm's reach, it makes space VERY limited in our bedroom so I only bring in things I absolutely LOVE and/or need.

Isaac's little space consists of only 3 things: a bookshelf, rocking chair, and crib. The book shelf and rocking chair were handed down to me and Billy from when I was a baby! I love how sturdy they are....my mom kept them in great condition, they just needed fresh paint so Billy painted them the perfect shade of white to match Isaac's crib.

I knew I wanted to use mostly white for Isaac's little corner, but I also wanted to bring in some cooler blues and greens (think soothing ocean hues) with pops of orange (think sunshine) to remind me of how Isaac was born at one of my favorite times of year: Summer!

I need to take pictures of his little nook...we next to never get good light in our room, but I'll still try to snap some! I love how everything came together, I smile every time I walk past his little corner!

Some of the treasures you'll find in Isaac's nook:
water droplet friend by Bla Bla


I absolutely adore this pillow


anchor grid pillow in aqua by My Perennial


Isaac enjoying his custom made baby quilt by the talented Jamie.


I bought this letter press print to remind me that as much as I want to protect my children from everything what I really need to do is let them sail freely and discover the ups and downs of this great big world on their own...

Keeping busy...

Didn't have a car so we walked to Target....quite an adventure but at least we got the dish soap we needed to clean!



Sorting through Easter treats!


Isaac watching Daddy put together the swing set for the big brothers!

Tell me the story of Jesus...

I have been slowly gathering things for the Easter baskets for my sweet boys. Besides the obvious sugary goodies they will be getting, I really wanted to include Bible books for each of them, something they could relate to on their own level. After searching through lots of books on Amazon, I decided on these 3:


For Isaac, though he doesn't quite appreciate reading yet, its never too soon to start and soon enough he will actually enjoy the stories! Also, lots of the books had really awful art, but I really liked the artwork in this book.


For mister Colby...this one seemed to be a good match for his reading skills, I am looking forward to hearing him read some stories to me!


And last but not least, a rhyme Bible for my little Micah. He has been asking lots of questions about God lately and I love that we will be able to read some rhyming stories about God and His people together!

I can't wait to put all the baskets together. What a wonderful celebration of Jesus, His love, and the LIFE He gives us! What goodies are going into your baskets this year?

One week ago...

one week ago my baby boy turned 7 months old! I am really trying to remember to enjoy every passing moment because it all goes by way too fast!

At the start of his 7 month, Isaac is: sitting up like a big boy, continuing eating baby food and rice cereal, he loves biter biscuits, he LOVES to pinch...I call him my pincher bug because he is constantly pinching me and anyone else that dare hold him. I'm not sure why, I hope he stops because it hurts like you wouldn't believe! He blows raspberries, rolls all around, and can get anywhere fast! He hates to be put in his playpen or his crib and he still sleeps with mom and dad. He likes to cup my face with his chubby hands and his favorite thing to play with right now is still Sophie his giraffe and his wooden spoon. He laughs and smiles and "sings" little cooing songs all the time. He is also obsessed with his tongue and sticking it out at everyone that passes him.

One of Isaac's favorite things to do is jump. He jumps ALL the time when you are holding him he just likes to bounce...if you stand him up on the ground, same thing! It's so funny, but it makes my arms so tired! This boy likes to give my muscles a work out all day!

His favorite person is still mommy (though I know with boys how quickly it changes to daddy! So I am soaking up my mommy-baby time!). He will not go to anyone but mommy and if daddy or someone tries to come over and take him he turns into me and grasps as hard as he can to me to make sure no one pulls him away! He love watching his big brothers play and he sleeps mostly through the night but still nurses at least 3 times during our sleep. He also knows his name and will turn to you if you call him. Such a smart boy!

Happy 7 months Isaac!

Boy.

boy, n: a noise with dirt on it


*How blessed am I to have been given 3 noises with dirt on them? :) Though I think boy should be an action verb instead of a noun! Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

swoon

Pretty much in love with these Italian leather baby booties.



...oh yeah..and think I'm head over heels for this lil guy.

Marking a milestone.

How is it that my baby is ready to eat rice cereal? He is growing up way too fast for me. He is still two and a half weeks from our doctor's recommended age (6 months) to start solids, but this little boy was ready so yesterday we gave it a go.

You should have seen him. Quite the little man eating like a grown up with all of us crowded around watching him. :) He did very well. Never gagged, but it did take him some time to figure out swallowing it and not just pushing it back out of his mouth.

I gave him another small serving today and you would've thought he was a seasoned pro. He would lean in his bumbo to whichever hand I was holding the bowl in. I kept wondering, "Why is he leaning like that?" He looked like he was about to slide out! Then I realized he was following the bowl around! He tried several times to grab the spoon from me and he lunged forwards toward the food too!

*sigh* I have always loved babies, but I don't know why this time around I am having such a hard time letting this little boy grow up. Maybe it's because I am getting old? haha.

Isaac has been using Micah's old baby bibs from Colby Lane Designs but I finally ordered him a couple of his own.

Now we still need to make a trip to Ikea to pick up a high chair. And I need to find some new baby spoons. I bought some silicone ones at Target and Walmart and I do not care for them at all. They do not feel secure into the handle and I don't feel safe using them. Recommendations would be great :)

Okay...time for me to go! We had a rough night and today has been the longest day of my life!

My Perennial.

Since I found out I was pregnant with Isaac I have been on the hunt for the perfect pillow for his (read MY) rocker. My mom handed down to me a wooden rocker that has been in our family since I was a baby!

Before Isaac was born, Billy spent hours sanding it down, priming it, and painting it the perfect shade of white (yes, there are shades of white!) And while the rocker was ready for Isaac's arrival, I never quite found a pillow I loved.

But I guess it's true what they say...how right when you stop looking for something, what you're looking for finds you-because a couple weeks ago I stumbled upon the anchor grid pillow over at my perennial.

I am absolutely in love with the anchor motif, as I am obsessed with anything that reminds me of the beach/summer/ocean/sunshine and it is perfect for sir Isaac, being the summer baby that he is. :)

I was having a hard time deciding on what color to go with and Jen, the genius behind My Perennial, went above and beyond to help me! She emailed me more pictures of the pillows and even sent over what she thought were the closest pantone swatch codes to help me decide (see in the picture we were deciding between the blue and the green)...seriously some excellent customer service!

I ended up going with what I originally was drawn to...aqua with white anchors. I can't wait for it get here so I can rest against it while I rock my sweet baby boy!

Be sure to check out ALL the cute things on her site...I currently have my eye on the mama/baby polar bear stocking!


And really, have you ever seen a happier baby? I think he's happy about the pillow too!

5 months...

I can't believe that 5 months ago on this day Isaac was born...a whole 2 weeks BEFORE his due date, and 1 week before I thought he would come.

It's funny when I was pregnant I didn't know how I was going to have any more love to give than I already had. I loved Colby and Micah SO much, I couldn't imagine where all this love was going to come from to love another person! And yet, here we are the 3rd time around, our 3rd little boy and I couldn't be more in love! It's funny how you think your heart can not expand anymore and yet here I am with an even bigger heart and even more love to give!

Last month my mom dropped off a box of my old stuff and in it was a journal from when I was 10. I was flipping through it having a good laugh when I came across where I wrote that I wanted 3 daughters when I grew up....3 daughters, and here I am at the age of 25 with 3 handsome sons! I am so glad that God knows us better than we know ourselves because I couldn't picture my life any other way, these little men have truly stolen my heart!

I love watching Isaac grow even when it makes me sad because he is slowly becoming less and less of a baby! He is such a chubby little tank...rolling all over the place, scooting after toys, pulling my hair,kicking his legs at sonic speed and flailing his chubby arms, always wanting to be held...however he will sit for a good half an hour in the bumbo if its in Colby's and Micah's room to watch them play. He loves his big brothers! He is still breastfed only, but I know rice cereal and baby food are right around the corner and that will be a whole other adventure!

Happy 5 months little Isaac. Mommy loves you so, so much! It is an honor to watch you grow and I thank God every day for you!