Farewell, First Grade

Kinsey has her last day of First Grade tomorrow and it feels like just yesterday I posted about her first week! 

The Siblings Smith

Nothing is more special than seeing siblings together. Knowing I grew each one inside my body, birthed them and then introducing them to the world are all miracles in and of themselves. Seeing how unique their personalities are is mind blowing. But having them connect and relate to each other? Pure magic. 

My biggest concern when I was pregnant with Brielana was how Kinsey was going to cope with sharing her parents. And that transition has been the hardest to date. Not just for Kinsey but for myself. Mom guilt was STRONG during the first year and I am so relieved it has passed. And I wonder in hindsight, if my worries and fears somehow transferred onto Kinsey, making that time that much more difficult(?)

I am relieved to say adding Clark to our family has been so much easier! I don't know if it's because Brielana is so different personality-wise or if its due to his gender, but throwing in a third kid to this mix has been a blessing.

Kinsey is still rocking the best big sister role. She craves her Clark cuddles and is upset when she has to relinquish her time with him (usually for a feeding, so what can you do?)

Brielana vacillates between calling him “Baby Brother” and “Baby Clark” or “that boy” depending in the situation lol. She loves petting his soft hair and cheeks and is the go-getter of diapers and pacis.

I don't want to sound like we have everything down; we're still dealing with some night waking from Brielana and a bit of 6-going-on-16 sass from Kinsey, but as far as everything baby-related goes, we are all just smitten. I guess it doesn't hurt that the guy sleeps like 90% of the time ;)

But in all honesty motherhood has been the single most important gift in my life and I couldn't have been blessed with better babes. God certainly knows what He is doing!

Linking up here.

   

   

First week of First Grade // Back to School 2017

My heart, how is Kinsey in first grade?! I swear just yesterday I was taking her to my work to start Preschool. Time is a funny thing.

Kinsey started school ridiculously early, like, the second day of August early and that is why it has been quiet on the blog this week; making that mind shift and getting everything prepared for a smooth transition takes some work.

I actually have been enjoying getting up at 6:20a every morning (ten minutes earlier than when I was working!) because it affords me ample time to get us all ready and out the door without feeling rushed. And since I get to put Brielana down for her noon nap, I also get to take some zzzz's, if need be!

Kinsey has rocked her first week of school. She came home on Friday with Student of the Week! It may have been a short week, but girlfriend owned it. She is in a smaller sized class (such a blessing) with a few of the same friends as last year and it is her teacher's first year teaching! Gotta love that fresh-faced enthusiasm. My favorite part is she didn't go overboard with the class supply list (you know what I'm talking about ;)

I also wanted to take a minute to sing some praises about using essentail oils to fight the onslaught of school germs. True story (thanks Facebook for reminding me) but this time last year, Kinsey was already sick. A full week of school and her poor immune system was overloaded. Well, this year I wanted to be proactive and it has been working!

I recently discovered Plant Therapy from listening to an old The Healthy Moms podcast (thanks to Laura for turning me onto Katie!) and really love their KidSafe line of oils. I got the KidSafe Wellness Trio and started diffusing Immune Boom about two weeks ago. I also mixed up some coconut oil with it and have been rubbing it to the tops of both girls feet before bedtime. I know I enjoy the nightly ritual, so I'm hoping its just as relaxing for the girls. Once we get into the flu season I know I'll be able to rely on Sniffle Stopper (rubbed onto the chest as a decongestant) and Germ Destroyer.

So here we are back in the swing of things. Everything lableled with Kinsey's name. New structure and routines. A new school year!

When does your kiddo go back to school? Are you feeling prepared?! I know a handful of mamas who are sending off their babes to Kindergarten, let the emotions flow and don't feel awkward if you cry; we're all dying a little inside every first day of school.

Linking up here.

   

   

Star Spangled Kids 2017

Welcome to Star Spangled Kids 2017! I am honored to be co-hosting again this year (check out last years post for a fun flashback) and find that I look forward to this summer holiday for two reasons:

1) Brielana shares her birthday with Independence Day (Happy 3rd Birthday, B!)

2) patriotic clothing is just stinking adorable.

Ok and I love BBQ and fireworks so lets round to a good four reasons, mmmkay? ;)

I went big this year and purchased the girls play dresses from my favorite kids apparel June & January. **If you want to get 15% off your first June & January order of $50 or more please use my referral code!** And threw in the American flag for good measure.

And no worries, that flag never touched the ground #respect.

Thanks for joining us Liz from Ellie And Addie // Jen from And Hattie Makes Three // Kristy from Seven Graces Blog // Sarah from Seeing All Sides // Brettni from Honeysuckle Avenue // Whitney from Work It Mommy // Stephanie from Wife Mommy Me // Jessica from Secrets of a Stay at Home Mom for Star Spangled Kids! Link up below and tag us on Instagram using  #StarSpangledKids

An InLinkz Link-up

Linking up here.

   

   

The Girls Behind the Blog // January

I have been looking forward to this Kid's Behind the Blog link up since last month! Why, you ask? Well, Brielana was finally included in the interview! I will make note to ask the girls at separate times going forward since Kinsey kept trying to lean over and whisper answers in Brielana's ear ;)

What’s your favorite thing to do or play inside?

Kinsey: Play with my Magic Clips! I like my plastic toys in the house. 
Brielana: Ummmm toys.

Have you ever seen or played in snow?  If so, what’s your favorite snow activity? 
Kinsey: No
Brielana: nods her head yes (haha)

What was your favorite Christmas or holiday gift you received?
Kinsey: Who got us the lip balm?
Me: mommy.
Kinsey: Ok, the lip balm.
**It should be noted that she was all about her lightsaber so I'm including it below.
Brielana: Something that's mine, the lipstick (not to be confused with the lip balm that Kinsey is talking about, but a small Finding Dory lip gloss from her great gramma.) 

What’s your favorite winter vacation you went on? Why?
Kinsey: Um home! We stayed home.
Brielana: uh, Halloween!
In her defense, I had said "holiday" by mistake, haha.

Would you rather live where it’s warm all year round or have the seasons? 
Kinsey: Season's because it's fun sometimes. (says the girl whose never seen snow.)
Brielana: Uh, I want a 'nack. 
Me: Ok, but first, sun or seasons?
Brielana: Sun all da time.
**Growing up in California we know no season's except that is rains a little in the winter and spring. But this winter it has actually gotten pretty cold (in the 40's) and a few times last week I had to scrape ice off my window shields with a Macy's gift card, no less. This question about "seasons" is very elusive for us!

Have you filled out my Blog Questionnaire yet?

Linking up here.