tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89993858145294471312024-03-04T22:10:29.509-06:00Blog-o-Holl*ichollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.comBlogger650125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-30584236940566924702016-01-22T18:19:00.003-06:002016-01-22T18:19:26.956-06:00H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y I A N ! ! ! ! !Yesterday we celebrated a first birthday! Little brother Ian, my sweet baby is one! I can't even believe an entire year has passed since our little guy was born. What a blessing this year has been for our family, watching a sweet, cuddly, easy newborn grow into a happy, joyful, easy baby.<br />
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This little guy is such a ray of sunshine. He is happy and full of personality! I'd say that overall, his emotions run very close to the surface, because if he's mad, everyone knows about it! Luckily, he rarely gets upset about things. Most recently, he has gotten some pretty significant control over his eyebrows. It's the funniest!! He's gotten really good at throwing out mean looks, sometimes just to be a little manipulator. It makes me laugh every time, which usually makes him giggle and laugh also. What can I say? He's Mr. Personality.<br />
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Ian continues to be a fantastic eater. He eats anything that the rest of the family eats, usually faster and with more excitement than anyone else at the table. It's good for my mommy heart! He successfully breastfed for an entire year, but the last week was spent weaning and now he is completely transitioned to sippy cups of whole milk. It was totally seamless. No fussing from Ian, no engorgement for me. We had some issues with supply for the last few months, so I couldn't be happier that I was able to nurse him up until his birthday. Truly, I am so blessed.<br />
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He hasn't taken his first few steps yet, but I feel like it should happen any day now. He is great at cruising and has started standing without support. He is clapping, waving, pointing, and I'm teaching him how to give high fives. He's saying "Mama," "Dada," "Ball," "Uh-Oh," and I've occasionally heard "night-night" and "Mauve." I saw the tiny corners of a MOLAR (what?!) this morning with 2 additional bottom teeth on the way in. Those would be numbers 9, 10, and 11.<br />
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Despite keeping up with brother's growth for most part, he's a little smaller at a year old, but not by much. At yesterday's appointment, he was 24 pounds 7 ounces and 29 3/4 inches long. He's wearing size 12-18 months, size 4 diapers and size 4 or 5 in shoes... 4's are a little small and 5's are a little large. He could be happy in a 4.5 if his cheapskate mom would buy him a half-sized pair of shoes. Haha! Overall, he's super healthy, right on the mark developmentally, and I couldn't be more blessed.<br />
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Ian Michael, I hope that on your first birthday that you know a few important things. First, that your mom and dad love you so very much. We love every little hair on your head and every sassy little part of your personality. Secondly, I hope you can always find the joy in every situation. That life is pretty fun and that laughter is good for you. Don't take yourself too seriously. Last, I hope you know that our home is full of grace and forgiveness. Your mom will fail you. I already have in many ways and in many situations. But I pray you grow to understand the grace and forgiveness that comes with knowing Jesus as Lord. You are so important, so valued, and so loved. Happy birthday sweet boy!</div>
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-18760945759115978582015-12-21T16:24:00.001-06:002015-12-21T16:24:38.174-06:00Ian's 10 & 11 month update!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JV93vcZ3Mo5VQiQnI1XI-FX-0KoSz4dFg7DlYclrUjkiNb8QrJCrHYOweY9w9QbZCYOA-wKinNVHIMuDdiWzzg3cj-tlVYscN4CWLK728pXcy8w4m27pNpCiA9uoLCOYsksASaGKVy9/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JV93vcZ3Mo5VQiQnI1XI-FX-0KoSz4dFg7DlYclrUjkiNb8QrJCrHYOweY9w9QbZCYOA-wKinNVHIMuDdiWzzg3cj-tlVYscN4CWLK728pXcy8w4m27pNpCiA9uoLCOYsksASaGKVy9/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ian says, "I can't believe my mommy didn't post a 10 month update." #secondkid</span></div>
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Yes old friends, It's now been 2 months since our previous kid update. For posterity's sake (mostly because I did take the time to capture a picture last month) here's Ian at 10 months:<br />
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...and at 11 months!</div>
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Luckily, nothing much has changed in the last 2 months with Ian. Mostly, I'm just shocked that in one short month, I will have a 1 year old! I can't believe Ian's birthday is right around the corner. Have I even started planning? mmmmmmmmmnope. Poor second kid. </div>
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This Superboy continues to be the same happy, active boy that I've known from the very beginning. He is always smiling, always laughing, and always moving. He loves people and is very charming... a trait I remember noticing about him when he was just a tiny 4 weeks old. I'm sure everyone would agree that Ian is a Mama's boy. He will follow me around all day long and is happiest when perched on my hip. This is awesome for sweet cuddles, but it's also hard to do <i>anything</i> else!</div>
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This big kid is wearing 18m clothes (rarely a 12m outfit, it's definitely brand dependent) and size 4 diapers. He will eat anything and everything. The only thing I ever see him leave behind on his plate is diced red pepper, which is a veggie that big brother Isaac loves to eat. I'd tell you what Ian's favorite foods are, but he literally gobbles down everything. We call him our little turkey. He's still working with 8 teeth, and I don't see anymore coming in anytime soon. He is a pro with a sippy cup and recently started drinking from a straw also. In the next few weeks, I'll start incorporating whole milk into his bottles to get him ready for the switch from breast milk to cow's milk. I don't plan to breastfeed him longer than 12 months, so I'm excitedly counting down these last few nursing sessions!<br />
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I'm not too disappointed that Ian hasn't started walking yet. He stays busy enough crawling back and forth to all of the things he isn't supposed to touch. He's also a pro at cruising around. I've caught him standing unsupported once or twice, but it hasn't caught on yet. He's clapping and will occasionally wave. He can shake his head yes/no and sometimes responds appropriately to questions. I want to teach him the sign for "more", but that also hasn't caught on yet.<br />
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Ian! You are a sweet little piece of sunshine. Your laughter is contagious! I love you so much and am so thankful for you! God was certainly gracious to us! I can't wait to celebrate your first birthday!<br />
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<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-53888063976731234142015-10-28T22:00:00.000-05:002015-10-28T22:00:37.927-05:00Isaac is THREE!<div style="text-align: center;">
I just can't even believe this. My baby... the child who made me a parent... the one who changed my heart for good... is now three years old.</div>
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Isaac is growing up faster than my little mom heart can take it. This past sunday (10/25... his actual birthday), he moved up to the older kids nursery room and the 3 year old Sunday school class, which he immediately loved. It's just going by so quickly. I look at Ian and see Isaac, as if he should still be 9 months old. Oh, sweet boy! Stop growing so fast!</div>
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He's the funniest boy I know and makes me laugh all the time. In new situations, he can be very reserved, but when he's comfortable with someone, he will talk your ear off. He loves to run circles around anything, but you may never pass him or win. He can be quite bossy, but I think a kinder interpretation of that is that he is a natural leader. He is incredibly smart and surprises me daily with the things he knows. Under all of that is this tender little heart. At the center of Isaac is a sweet, loving, kind boy. He surprises me every day.</div>
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I asked Isaac the same set of questions on his birthday that I <a href="http://holliemims.blogspot.com/2015/04/halfway-to-three.html">asked him at 2 and a half</a>. Then I tried twice to create a cute little graphic with his answers... and my computer froze up both times. Bummer. Here's the list & answers in a much less cute and graphic presentation:<br />
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<ul>
<li>What's your name? <i>Isaac</i></li>
<li>How old are you? <i>Three</i>!</li>
<li>What's your favorite color? <i>Blue</i></li>
<li>What's your favorite toy? <i>Gator</i></li>
<li>What food do you like to eat most? <i>Spaghetti</i></li>
<li>Who is your best friend? <i>Daddy</i>!</li>
<li>What is your favorite thing to watch? <i>My new movie (Aladdin)</i></li>
<li>What is your favorite book? Snuggle Puppy</li>
</ul>
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Some other specifics about my favorite 3 year old boy. He's wearing 4T/5T and sometimes kids XS. He's wearing a size 10 shoe. I'll find out how tall he is and how much he weighs at his checkup next week. <u>Every</u> <u>morning</u> on waking up, he wants a cup of milk, his gummy vitamins, and a small cup of pretzel goldfish. He loves sharing a bowl of cereal with mom and staying up late watching movies and eating popcorn. We watch a lot of Minions, Toy Story, Paw Patrol, Curious George, and just about anything on Disney Junior... Jake & the Pirates, Miles, Handy Manny, PJ Masks, Little Einsteins, etc. He's a great eater, just like he's always been. We've been working on memorizing scripture and he has several verses that he loves to recite. I've also enjoyed teaching him the basics of prayer. Such joy!!<br />
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I love this boy two pieces!<br />
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<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-1628091162453654532015-10-23T21:38:00.000-05:002015-10-23T21:38:27.042-05:00Ian's 9 month update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ian Michael! You're 9 months old! We are getting closer and closer to 1 year old and you are getting bigger every day.</div>
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This month has been a treat. After a couple of fussier months, the last few weeks were a reprieve. At the risk of having to eat my words later, I will say that this month has been uneventful, easy, and full of joy with you sweet boy. You've been really happy and you NEVER STOP MOVING. Now that you're a master of crawling, you are always going somewhere --quickly. You're also getting much better at pulling yourself up on anything you can get two hands on. I had to lower your crib a few days ago. You're just getting so tall! </div>
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You're eating everything. Gone are the days of pureed baby food, because you flat out refuse it these days. It's all about the table food. I've given you almost anything we eat (within reason) and there's nothing you won't gobble down. This month you really jumped forward with the proteins: chicken, beef, egg, fish. </div>
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Mostly, you're just a happy kid whose occasionally crummy moods can be turned around with those magical ritz crackers. You're a big talker, but it's still mostly grunts, squeals, and the occasional "mama" and "dada."<br />
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You're wearing 12-18+ month clothes and a size 4 diaper. I'm pretty confident you're bigger than Isaac was at the same age, but we'll get your official weight and length at your 9 month check up in a couple of weeks. You're wearing a size 4 shoe (when you actually wear shoes). You're nursing 4 times per day and eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I'd love to drop a feeding soon, but you really love to eat!! You nap once in the morning and once in the afternoon and then sleep at night from 7pm until 7am. </div>
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I haven't shared pictures of Ian's special space, his nursery, on the blog yet. Considering I've already had to lower his crib mattress, I figured it was time to document his room! Check it out!</div>
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My sweet son, you are such a joy in my life. You're full of smiles and spunk and remind me every day that God has been so good to us. I love you dearly!<br />
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-54709784359096411922015-09-21T14:26:00.000-05:002015-09-21T14:26:48.453-05:00Ian is 8 months old!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another month has come and gone, and once again I am baffled at how quickly time passes. One minute, this sweet boy is a cuddly, squishy, lump of newborn baby... then suddenly, I look again and he's got long legs and big feet and is SO big:</div>
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Look at you, sweet Ian Michael! You're eight whole months old! That's 2/3 of a full year! This month has brought a lot of sweet and funny moments, but I'm not going to lie, it's also been one of your fussier months so far. </div>
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Which you'd never guess looking at this face:</div>
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You cut another 2 teeth this month, putting your total tooth count up to SEVEN teeth. You have 4 on top and 3 on the bottom. I think a large amount of your fussing over the past month was due to the fact that you cut 5 teeth in 4 weeks. Isaac also cut his teeth fast and early, which is an awesome alternative to slow and steady. Get 'em in. Get 'em done.<br />
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You've put those new teeth to good use by eating anything I'll offer you. I think hunger was the other fussiness culprit. We added another solid feeding around lunch time and you've been much less fussy throughout the day. That means you're eating 3 solid meals and nursing 4 times each day. That feels excessive, but you're definitely starting to wean off of your mid-morning feeding. It wouldn't surprise me if by your next monthly update, you would be down to 3 nursing sessions/day.<br />
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I haven't done a great job keeping track of the new foods we introduced this month, mostly because you're eating anything I can mush up or grab and gnaw on. You've had avocado, peanut butter, rice, chicken, noodles, potato, yogurt, cheese, pears, oatmeal, ...and there may have been a few desperate mommy moments where you got french fries and pizza crust. Haha! We introduced a sippy cup of water this month as well.<br />
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Check out ^this^ sweet brother moment. Isaac is giving Ian a drink of water. Apparently, in the nursery, Isaac transforms from the big brother who steals toys into the great protector. Yesterday, I overheard him say, "No Chase! Don't run over Ian!! That's MY Ian!" Maybe they do love each other just a little bit.<br />
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And speaking of sweet moments, it's rare that I ever get a sleeping baby on my chest anymore-- especially in the middle of the day, so this selfie was obviously warranted:<br />
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Ian, you've grown leaps and bounds in the mobility department this month! Just as predicted during your 7 month blog report, you are officially crawling! You can also push yourself up to a sitting position when you're laying on your tummy, AND pull yourself up to standing. You have always been a very active baby, but now you're really moving. You are not content to sit in one place... which is why those cuddly moments are few and far between. </div>
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You're wearing size 3 diapers and mostly 12m clothes or bigger. We don't have an updated weight or length this month, but I assume you're floating around the 21 pound mark. On the rare occasion that you wear shoes, I'll put a size 4 on. There's still very little hair on the top of your head (your brother was bald way past his first birthday) and your eyes are ridiculously blue.<br />
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Even though this month had its ups and lots of downs, my love for you, sweet boy, is and will always be unwavering. You are such a joy and a blessing to me! I pray you will grow into a great man of God, full of courage and wisdom. I love you dearly.<br />
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-65905418098012354942015-08-23T14:45:00.002-05:002015-09-21T14:28:20.782-05:007 Months Old!Ian, you're 7 months old! What a month you've had!! Seven months ago, you were a brand-new squishy, cuddly, sleep-all-day baby... and now you're a happy, wiggly, babbling little guy, who also still happens to be squishy and cuddly.<br />
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This past month was a big one for you. We took our first road trip as a family of 4 to Augusta, which I should blog an entirely separate post for. It was a beast of a drive (It's about 16 hours from Rockport to Evans), but the time with family was really nice. Be on the lookout for more details and pics from our trip. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rolls! They kill me!</td></tr>
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As you become more and more aware of the world around you, I can tell you are desperate to move and explore. You're doing a great job sitting and can get yourself onto your hands and knees, but we haven't seen you move forward quite yet. Even though I'm wishing you'd take your sweet time figuring out how to crawl, I would bet that you're mobile by our next monthly update.<br />
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I'm happy to say that your demeanor continues to be happy and content. Also, you are a pretty self-sufficient sleeper. There are days and moments where you fuss and fight, but I'd say overall, you're about the easiest kid I know. I'm not sure how I got so lucky as to have not one but TWO easy babies. I'm certain a third would be the end of that streak. (that is NOT a pregnancy announcement.)<br />
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mmmmmmmm. Spinach.<br />
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You really got into solid foods this month, and just like your brother, you are a very happy eater. There's nothing I've offered that you haven't eaten! I've made most of your food, which is what seems most convenient for our family. So far you've had sweet potato, spinach, peas, carrots, squash, black beans, banana, applesauce, prunes, and a few random assorted fruit/veggie pouches during our time away from home. I'm also doing a few self-fed foods here and there: green beans, cantaloupe, corn on the cob, and watermelon. I'm pretty sure Grammy snuck in some macaroni and cheese one day. Ha!<br />
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Since you're now eating food like a big boy, I guess you decided that you needed the teeth to go along with it and cut THREE more teeth this month (2 in one day and the third a few days later)-- all on the top. This takes your total tooth count up to 5; three on top and two on the bottom. Breastfeeding just got a lot more scary. And as evidenced by the photo above, you haven't given up on the thumb sucking. I'm sure your ability to self-soothe has a lot to do with your easy sleep times, and you just look heartbreakingly sweet when you're sucking your thumb and laying in the crook of my neck. Sigh.<br />
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You were extra late getting in for you 6 month check up, so even though it looks like you've now outgrown your brother's 6 month stats, you were really almost 7 months when you were weighed and measured. You're now TWENTY pounds, 4 ounces and 27" long. I was pretty sure you were hovering around the 18lb mark, so boy was I surprised when you tipped the scales and kept on going. You're wearing 9-12 month sizes, with a few 6-12 month items thrown in. You wear a size 3 diaper and mostly go barefoot or with socks, so I'm not sure if you're even in a shoe size yet. Your hair is still sparse but light and your eyes are shockingly blue. I think you're probably the cutest baby ever.<br />
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Ian Michael, you are such a gift. Mom and Dad love you so very much and pray that you will grow in wisdom and grace. Our lives are richer because you're here and I'm so incredibly thankful to be your momma.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8999385814529447131%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ShRcVZ5d-RA%2FVdoYdTQZqjI%2FAAAAAAAADI8%2F-K-YvAImhVE%2Fs400%2FIMG_5232.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=VwN4n8Pcpnqx&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3983px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8999385814529447131%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-ShRcVZ5d-RA%2FVdoYdTQZqjI%2FAAAAAAAADI8%2F-K-YvAImhVE%2Fs400%2FIMG_5232.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=VwN4n8Pcpnqx&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3983px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><!------>hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-74824041731559156202015-07-24T22:42:00.003-05:002015-07-24T22:57:07.041-05:00Sunshine VoxBox ReviewSo I've gotten a few boxes from @Influenster since I signed up a while back. Some of the boxes have been nice (a free bag of hershey kisses in one and several facial mask samples in another), and others have been a miss (pantyliners.). I thought after the pantyliner box that I was doing something wrong, I mean, a friend of mine got a KEURIG from Influenster to try and review. A KEURIG. And I got pantyliners.<br />
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Anyway, I've been totally redeemed by the most recent VoxBox... the Sunshine box!!! This box was inspired by the summer and is full of awesome goodies. These are all products to keep you in tip top shape through these hot HOT summer days. Snacks, Hair, Nails, Skin: It's all covered! Check it out:<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">BarkThins Dark Chocolate Almond Snacking Chocolate (#breakupwithboring). @BlueDiamond Bold Sriracha Flavored Almonds. #SinfulColors Nail Polish. @Infusium23 Moisture Replenisher Leave In Smoothing Creme. #VaselineSprays Intensive Care Moisturizer. @DickinsonBrands Original Witch Hazel Cleansing Cloths.</span></i></div>
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What a fun box!! Couple little details: The chocolate bag in the picture is empty, because it took Jordan and I one afternoon to finish it off. DE-LISH. I would buy these again in a quick heartbeat. Just thinking about them makes me hungry. I am a sucker for dark chocolate and almonds. </div>
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Haven't tried the almonds yet, but I also like sriracha, and we've already established I like almonds, so I expect this to be another win. </div>
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The nail polish was surprisingly great. I typically gravitate towards OPI and Essie, but the Sinful Colors polish was opaque in 1 quick coat... a must for nap time manicures. </div>
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The Vaseline spray moisture is a lotion that I can actually see myself using. It smells nice, absorbs quickly, and is the easiest, most convenient application of lotion ever.</div>
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The Infusium23 leave in Creme seems nice. I've used it a couple of times and it's not too heavy.</div>
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I'm a sucker for facial cleansing cloths. The Dickinson's Cloths are one of 3 types I have hanging out in my bathroom drawer. I was pretty stoked about these until I actually opened the package. You see, witch hazel has a pretty distinct odor. The same odor as the Tuck's Pads I just used 6 months ago for my childbirth-related maladies. So I open the package and immediately remember the less-than-awesome parts about giving birth. It's hard not to think I'm wiping my face with Tuck's Pads. Also, these wipes aren't awesome for getting makeup off, especially waterproof mascara. </div>
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This was a really fun box to receive! I received the box for free in return for a review. I can't wait for my next Influenster campaign! </div>
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-9876977343305254962015-07-22T22:30:00.001-05:002015-07-22T22:30:04.530-05:00More life updatesGosh, it's been a while since I've sat down and written something other than monthly milestones about Ian. Honestly, I go back and forth regularly about whether or not to even keep this blog open and active because I just don't have time for it. Or lets be totally honest, I <i>choose</i> not to have time for it.<br />
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But there's so much history written here about our lives and our babies, that I don't think it's going anywhere anytime soon. It's also an easy way to give family access to pictures and kid updates considering neither side of our family lives very close. Plus I'm still getting crazy amounts of traffic on some older blogs and some things that have been pinned.... but don't get me wrong, Pioneer Woman I am NOT.<br />
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The last couple of months have been a whirlwind of activity. Jordan has been gone for most of it, which has been hard for me and the boys. I'm not sure how single moms do it. Seriously. The last of our summer activities (aka: trips or obligations that remove Jordan from the home) will come to an end this Saturday afternoon. I couldn't be more thrilled to be done with this chapter. On one hand, I'm so incredibly proud of my husband and the leader that he is, but it requires him to be apart from us often. On the positive side, I consider these weeks to be refining moments, where I am stretched a little farther and in need of some big helpings of grace. Then, I wake up a little more confident and a little more patient. Days like this really bring to life Hebrews 12:11, "For the moment, all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." It never ceases to amaze me how the parent/child relationship so intimately reflects the relationship I have with Jesus.<br />
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Some happenings so far this month: a quick visit from Aunt Casey while she was transitioning from her job in Plano to a new job in Madison, WI. (While I know it has its downfalls, I'm a little jealous of her travel-nursing-nomad-life.... could you even imagine being able to pack all of your belongings into 2 cars? And seeing a new part of the country every 3 months?) We had a quick visit from Jordan's parents AND we also took a short trip to Houston where they live. While in Houston, we met Jordan's new, more specialized cardiologist. It was a good check up and we loved Dr. Lam. I think I spend about 90% of my year in blissful ignorance and then the other 10% remembering that my husband has pretty significant CHD. I'm usually a little anxious when it's time for yearly check ups, so it's nice to have these good doctor checks and hear, "We'll see you in a year or so!!"<br />
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Work has been sporadic. This is the time of year where my PRN status is most needed and some months I'm barely making my minimum requirements. I enjoy my job so much and I look forward to getting back into a semi-consistent work routine. I'm working on some unit-based education and prepping for my next fetal monitoring class on top of doing patient care. What can I say? I love my job and I'm really passionate about pregnant moms. On a related note, I've been thinking that I may do another L&D series here on the blog sometime soon, so if you'd be interested in submitting questions or reading about the L&D world, leave a comment!<br />
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With 2 kids under the age of 3, we've been doing a lot of cooking in the last few months and have been subscribing to eMeals since May. It's been awesome! I get 7 new dinners with side dishes and a grocery shopping list every Thursday. Some of the meals have been huge hits and some have been duds, which is to be expected. With eMeals, I've expanded my cooking abilities, especially in the Asian realm... pretty much any asian recipe I've tried has been delicious. It's nearly put an end to the grocery store/meal plan battle, and I say nearly, because some weeks still need our old go-to favorites. Plus, like I said, not all the recipes are total winners... "crispy chicken with peaches and cream sauce" sounds revolting, and "ham & cheese sliders with fresh fruit" isn't all that ingenious. I'd give eMeals 8/10 stars for ease and convenience, minus 2 for missing the mark with some of the meals. (for the sake of full disclosure, this is just me rambling about my cooking. eMeals doesn't know I even exist, because the account is under my husband's name. I get zero compensation for the above comments.)<br />
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Speaking of compensation, I have a post in the works about my latest VoxBox from Influenster. It's the best box I've received so far! A girl could get used to getting free stuff in the mail.<br />
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It feels good to get words on a page again.<br />
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-34189442352897806192015-07-21T21:43:00.001-05:002015-07-21T21:43:34.924-05:00Ian's 6 month update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ian Michael! I just can't even believe it... you're SIX months old already. That's half a year for anyone keeping track, which means before I can blink twice, it will be time to plan your first birthday party. Oh, little brother, why must you get so big so fast!? </div>
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We "celebrated" your 6 month half-birthday by introducing some food this morning! After weeks and weeks of staring, grunting, and drooling at what everyone else was eating, you finally got a spoonful of rice cereal. And you weren't all that impressed. To be honest, I probably wouldnt be all that impressed with rice cereal either... but just you wait... lots of other goodies will be starting soon! I thought you were ready to drop to 4 feedings and 2 naps, but after a couple of terrible days, it was pretty obvious that 5 feedings is the way to go right now.<br />
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Feeding drama aside, you continue to be the happiest baby I know. I thought Isaac was a great, happy baby (which he was), but you, my boy, are a total breeze. You're charming and you love smiling and laughing. Sure, you have your fussy moments, just like any 6 month old, but I'd say 95% of the time, you're pretty content. You still prefer to be held and cuddled, which proves problematic at times, but is pretty endearing. That other 5% of the time, when you're not happy with life, can be pretty painful... you have this shrill, ear-piercing cry that is SO hard to listen to.<br />
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We were lucky enough to get another visit from Aunt Casey this month, which was a real treat, because A. We love her and B. She was able to be here while dad was gone. You (Ian), me, and Isaac have spent a lot of time together this summer, and thankfully most all of those times have been smooth sailing. That being said, I'm definitely looking forward to the end of summer camp season. Three weeks out of town and one week of VBS has been a LOT of time away from dad!<br />
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You're babbling, squealing, and laughing non-stop these days! (I've even heard a few "mamas" while babbling... I won't go so far as to say it's your first words, but it's pretty heart warming to hear) You're so fun to be around, because your sweet, happy moods are infectious. You still suck your thumb when you get sleepy and just like your momma, you also like to knead a blanket while you're sucking your thumb. I keep wishing and hoping that you'll drop this little habit... but mostly I'm realizing that it's time to start saving for braces. Haha!<br />
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Obviously, you don't have a lot of hair on that noggin of yours, but what is there is actually pretty light, maybe even trending towards blond. It would be quite a sight to have a light haired member of this family, so I won't hold my breath on the blond hair becoming a thing. You're wearing size 3 diapers and mostly 9-12 month clothes. Your feet are growing into a size 3, but mostly you still wear socks. Your feet never touch the floor when we leave the house, so what's the point of chasing after real shoes all day? I don't know your weight or length, but I'm sure we'll see Dr. Canales sometime in the next week or so for a check up and vaccinations.<br />
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Sweet Ian, I pray you grow into a great man of God. That you are full of courage, quick to forgive, and have the heart of a servant. I pray in this house, you see love and grace lived out. I love you so much and I am so thankful to be your mom!</div>
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-6517075828396484942015-06-22T15:50:00.000-05:002015-06-22T15:50:40.816-05:00Five Months with IanIan Michael! You're five months old! That just seems so old! You're growing up so quickly, it's amazing (and saddening) how fast the time has flown since your arrival. This month especially has felt like a triumph after managing to survive 8 days without daddy here. He spent some time in Alaska while we all held down the house. You survived, mom survived, and I feel 100 times more confident and relaxed caring for you and big brother.<br />
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You continue to amaze me, because you're the sweetest boy. You're very charming and love being around people. I don't think I'll ever get tired of your smiles, giggles, and chatter. Being in somebody's arms is still your favorite place to be, but you also love when anyone talks to you. You've spent more time this month with babysitters and in the church nursery, and everyone who meets you seems to agree: you're one happy, sweet fella. </div>
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And when you're not happy, you let out this screechy-cry that could make ears bleed. Wooooooeee, little brother, you mean business. I'm thankful you don't often get that upset. </div>
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You're sleeping and eating like a champ. Just as I'd predicted, you dropped a late feeding this month, which means you're now sleeping from 7:30pm to 7am each night. It's awesome! I don't want to jinx myself, so I'll hold my breath and knock on wood while I say... I have been SO blessed with 2 great sleepers. Sure, we have our "off" nights here and there, but for the most part, both Isaac and Ian love to sleep. Not only does Ian sleep through the night, but is still taking 3 naps/day. Since he dropped a feeding, he's eating 5 times/day (7:30, 10:30, 1:30, 4:30, and 7... with a lot of flexibility). All in all, I feel like this month was kind of a turning point for you, leaving behind the high-maintenance, around-the-clock newborn phase, and charging ahead to the infant stage.<br />
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This boy is DYING to do anything his big brother can do. That includes moving and eating. He's already rolling both ways (front to back and back to front) like a champ, and is getting more and more steady sitting up by himself. When he's on his tummy, he can pull his legs up underneath him and scoot around like a little inchworm. The boy is SO active. He doesn't stay in one place for very long at all... Lord Jesus help me when he really does get crawling. We haven't introduced solid food yet, although he will likely get a taste of rice cereal sometime this month.<br />
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His first tooth erupted on May 21 with no more teeth in sight.... so I was awfully surprised when he cut tooth #2 ten days later!!! Unfortunately, all this teething means more chewing and sucking his thumb. As much as I hate thumb-sucking long term (orthodontia!!!!), it seems to have become a habit, mostly while falling off to sleep. Isaac did the same thing when he was teething, but eventually gave up the thumb. Fingers crossed you'll do the same soon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out my teeth!</td></tr>
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You and big brother Isaac have formed this adorable relationship that continues to grow and sweeten as you become more expressive and interactive. The two of you love to be near each other! You will light up with smiles and chatter when Isaac is around, and he will talk to you, give you kisses, and sing to you. Isaac especially loves to cheer you up when you are crying by singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Big brother proudly introduces you to everyone we meet.<br />
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Lets see, other randoms: You're wearing a size 2 diaper still (but could probably use a 3...) and 6 month clothes with a few 9 month outfits thrown in too. Not sure of your weight and length this month, but we will see Dr. Canales at 6 months for another check up, hopefully not any sooner. You've been to the pool and the beach this month and loved them both. You love to play with your green jingly mouse.<br />
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Ian, you are my squishy, little cuddler and I adore you! My heart is so full, I'm so very thankful to be your mama. The Lord knew what our family needed when he blessed us with you. I love you!</div>
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<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-54619679419152970712015-05-23T15:55:00.000-05:002015-05-23T15:55:18.450-05:00On BloggingOr in my case, not.<br />
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It's been a slow, quiet month here on the blog, and I can't say that last month was all that exciting either.<br />
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Conversely, life around my house has been full. With the exception of one week with no internet (thank you near-daily severe thunderstorms), my lack of writing has been largely due to a lack of time. I went back to work and have been on the labor unit two 12hr shifts per week for the last month. That might not sound like much, especially to you moms who work 40hr weeks(!!), but it's been an adjustment for me. Fortunately, I have a job I love and a trusted friend to keep the boys, meaning they don't have to go to daycare.<br />
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And then of course, my days at home are filled with lots of catch up housework, grocery runs, never-ending laundry, and plenty of time with my two sweet boys. If these things are accomplished before the day is dark again, you can usually find me zoned out on the couch or reading a book in silence.<br />
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My brain is full, my ears are ringing, and I'm over being touched.<br />
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<b>Parenting small children is exhausting.</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Can I get an amen?</span><br />
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It's beautiful, selfless, and full of moments so sweet I think my heart may just burst. But it is also exhausting. And it doesn't discriminate: parenting one small child is exhausting just like parenting 4 small children is exhausting. It's just a never ending cycle of cleaning spills, cutting food, diapering/pottying, kissing boo-boos, playing with toys, picking up toys, coloring, nursing, running, laughing, bubble-blowing, rocking, cooking, feeding, and so on and so on and so on. The physical demands are relentless. Then you add in the battles that come from a toddler who tests his boundaries over and over again or a teething baby who just can't get settled. The emotional wear is tiring to the point of tears. This chapter in life has a beginning and an end, where coloring pages are replaced with homework and trips to the park change from swinging and sliding to soccer practice and catching fly balls. Friends of older children tell me, "just wait until the next stage. Then you'll <i>really</i> know what hard is." I don't doubt that parenthood is a challenge from conception to the end, but there is something unique about being a mommy to children who are dependent on adults for a large majority of needs.<br />
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I don't really know where i'm going with all this, and truly, I should be up cleaning bathtubs while both boys nap simultaneously (!). Maybe there's another mom out there reading this who feels like she's barely treading water ... <u>you're not alone.</u> I would say our case is unique (it's not), because so much of our free time is given to ministry (just like all the rest of the men & women in full time or bivocational ministry) and we are several hours away from family (just like plenty of other young families), but the more I lean in to other mom friends for support and guidance and encouragement, the more I find that we're all basically in the same boat.<br />
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We're all tired. <i>"Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" Matthew 11:28</i><br />
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We all wonder if we're doing the right thing. <i>"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5</i><br />
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We all feel low on joy. <i>"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm118:24</i><br />
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Parenthood is a challenge, and we likely won't see the fruit of our labor instantly. A dear friend recently remarked, "Motherhood is lived in the trenches. It's beautiful, but it's in the trenches" Just like life is hard when you want to do it well, we press forward through the difficulties to produce a home full of love, joy, and life.<br />
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And in the process, sometimes we neglect our blogs for a little while. ;)<br />
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-36243982912683978902015-05-22T21:23:00.001-05:002015-06-22T14:47:39.178-05:00Ian's 4 Month Update<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ian, you're 4 months old!!!</span></div>
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Once again, we've had a great month with you. You're such a fun boy who is full of personality and life. You continue to love being around people; if you're carried/held, sitting in laps, or being talked to, you completely light up. Your favorite person to be around is still Isaac and you could hang out in bed with him, watching and giggling for hours. Luckily, Isaac is pretty excited when you're around also. We're also lucky that you're a sturdy kid, because your brother has body slammed you once or twice while playing together on the bed. Watching the relationship develop between you and Isaac brings me such joy.</div>
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Speaking of sturdy, you're nearly busting out of 6 month size clothing. You report Tuesday afternoon for a 4 month checkup and I'm excited to see how much you've grown since last month (16# 14oz and 25.5" long!). Around 10/11 weeks, you were 14 pounds, so now that you're 16 weeks, I wonder if you've once again "caught up" with Isaac (He was 17 pounds at the 4 month well-child visit, so we will see). You're wearing size 2 diapers.<br />
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You've had a great month sleeping; I can't complain AT ALL. You're still sticking to your routine of 6 feedings and 3 naps, and sleep from 7pm to 7am with a dream feeding snuck in around 10pm. I'm pretty certain you'll drop a feeding pretty soon, so I'm gradually working the late night feeding back. You're sleeping unswaddled all the time now, which was a <u>total</u> <u>breeze</u> to accomplish. You're a little wiggle worm at night, but I catch you sleeping on your side a good bit of the time.<br />
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The biggest news I have to share about my 4 month old BIG boy.... is the arrival of his first tooth! After weeks of chewing, thumb sucking, and drool, I took a peek inside his mouth and just under the gumline was a little tooth. I was shocked!!! Then yesterday (5/21), when he was technically 4 months old, he celebrated the occasion by cutting that little tooth through the gum. And then there was much weeping and lamenting in the Mims house. My baby is growing so fast!<br />
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Ian, you are pure joy and sweetness wrapped in a squishy little package. You are so deeply loved! I am so incredibly lucky to be your mom.<br />
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-1894732863241197242015-04-27T14:21:00.002-05:002015-04-27T14:27:31.438-05:00Halfway to three!Yesterday morning (Sunday), Facebook let me know that three years ago, on April 26, we announced our first pregnancy to the world. It got me all misty eyed looking at my little gummy bear ultrasound picture.... who is now this big kid:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiv7qSAWrKZ2zNaMUgEW1n3QuzIR6FR2t3dVkaEj3OeU3vt3FZmwNGL8jYD54HS1XzoC-4RIFmpzYTqWsVviLo2ewwUWE4HBHMgNNH1KNMxp6CfITmysETx_mj_UujmOfUNzW0lRuqWFH/s1600/DSC_0260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiv7qSAWrKZ2zNaMUgEW1n3QuzIR6FR2t3dVkaEj3OeU3vt3FZmwNGL8jYD54HS1XzoC-4RIFmpzYTqWsVviLo2ewwUWE4HBHMgNNH1KNMxp6CfITmysETx_mj_UujmOfUNzW0lRuqWFH/s1600/DSC_0260.jpg" height="640" width="429" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half wet polo shirt. Nap hair. Silly smile. This is our life.</td></tr>
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Who would've imagined that little gummy bear would be our first boy (and that 3 years after that announcement was made, we'd already have a second little boy!). It's also crazy to think that Isaac is officially now more than halfway to three. Getting to 2 and a half seems like an accomplishment, because life in general was <b><u>so</u></b> much different 6 months ago. And Isaac was so much different! He has grown so much since his birthday, thankfully not in weight or height (not that I can tell...), but moreso in maturity. I can have halfway coherent conversations with him! He can tell me about his day, what he liked to do, and the times when he got upset. He can retain information and relay it back (sometimes days later). He is goofy and funny and full of life. But deep inside this always-moving, laughing, crazy boy is a sweet and tender little heart.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLb2HcCZ8GFtxdDYfG8MTRwtszo4IzF6rly2uciSQ67cMtZioEDdUXo9Su1SfCo8Io12B-zCkfvQBpZ1tCT9tIYxOzXHWhVO1BNP60YOOTsbseVltEMzfx3wvgg-jMDVGkmEwwmgRo4pPR/s1600/Isaac+Outtakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLb2HcCZ8GFtxdDYfG8MTRwtszo4IzF6rly2uciSQ67cMtZioEDdUXo9Su1SfCo8Io12B-zCkfvQBpZ1tCT9tIYxOzXHWhVO1BNP60YOOTsbseVltEMzfx3wvgg-jMDVGkmEwwmgRo4pPR/s1600/Isaac+Outtakes.jpg" height="640" width="486" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "please just sit down and smile for one picture!!!" Outtakes.</td></tr>
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So I can always remember what life is like with this funny 2.5 year old of mine, we sat down... or well, I chased him around the house and asked some fun questions. Here's what we came up with:<br />
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I'd say his favorite toy by a landslide is Gator, without which, Isaac may not survive. The second favorite would easily be Lightning McQueen. Also, I cannot remember the last time I read him The Very Hungry Caterpillar (which I just realized I misspelled ^^up there^^ Shoot.), but we read George almost every night. The kid's a little nuts for Curious George these days. Lastly, I'm pretty sure his favorite things to eat are pretzel goldfish, tomatoes, grapes, and pizza. And I'm not even going to pretend he doesn't love to eat chips and candy.<br />
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Some other things he loves: Watching movies with popcorn (which he feeds to the dog). Running in circles ALL DAY LONG. Playing in the dirt. Antagonizing the dog. Jumping on the bed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWlWJu5IptKSmtTHlsM6rmiM8HDdhZ8OhdehbDbAvcyeF2dQzc7sNYywFrB39jDVJu3VkQmkW4Awnd54kdmXiOXHFmr74dyM2o6l5OSAmseEMhO-cEX-UBUOA5qwDY4WQH53wJlB2u5ib/s1600/DSC_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWlWJu5IptKSmtTHlsM6rmiM8HDdhZ8OhdehbDbAvcyeF2dQzc7sNYywFrB39jDVJu3VkQmkW4Awnd54kdmXiOXHFmr74dyM2o6l5OSAmseEMhO-cEX-UBUOA5qwDY4WQH53wJlB2u5ib/s1600/DSC_0236.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Look.</td></tr>
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It hurts my momma heart to think this sweet baby will be 3 years old in a few more months. He brings so much sunshine and laughter to our lives. I am blessed every moment by this amazing boy, what an honor it is to be his mom.<br />
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />
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And just like that, I went from being pregnant to having a 3 month old.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ian, you're 3 months old!!!</span></div>
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This month with you has been pretty fantastic, but then again, they've all been pretty fantastic. You continue to be a very happy boy and give out smiles all day long. My favorite time of the day with you is just after taking a bath. It's not uncommon for you to be fussy on the way into the tub... it's the end of the day, you're tired, fussy, and usually hungry too, but I put you in the tub with Isaac and all is right in the world. But that's just the beginning: when bathtime is over, your personality shines through unlike any other time of the day! While big brother stays in the tub to play, you hang out with me on the changing table and talk away. Your coos, gurgles, and squeals are almost continuous - I can hardly get a word in! It's as if you're filling me in on the events from the entire day. These are the moments when I wish I could freeze time and forever enjoy this sweet moment with you.<br />
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Each day you've grown more and more aware of the world around you. I love watching you track Isaac around the room -- he's obviously your favorite person, the way you pay attention to every thing he does and says. Trying to nurse you when Isaac is close is nearly impossible, because all you want to do is watch him! Don't get me wrong though, watching this sweet brother love makes my heart flutter in ways I didn't know before you came along.<br />
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You're getting better and better at holding your head and upper body upright while you're on your tummy or being held. You love "standing" in our laps. I've seen you roll tummy to back twice in the last few days. You have finally established a pretty predictable schedule, waking up around 7am, eating about every 3-3.5 hours during the day, taking regular naps after some play/awake time, then bath/story time at 7 and you're asleep by 8pm. I feed you one last time around 10:30-11pm and you're down until the next morning. I'm hoping by your next monthly update, you'll be about ready to drop that 11pm feeding. We'll just have to wait and see though. You're sleeping like a champ in your <b>own</b> room at night! You're sleeping unswaddled for naps and I'd like to try that at night as well... maybe.<br />
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I have often found myself thinking, "I can't believe I have a kid named Ian." Not sure why that sticks out so much to me, but at least once per day this thought bounces around in my head. Also, I would be doing the monthly updates a disservice if I didn't mention the battle we've had with thrush. It has sucked. That is all. Random blog thoughts.<br />
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During a visit to the hospital (for chart audits, I'm sure), I weighed you just for kicks & grins. I wasn't surprised to see you weighing in at 14 pounds & 11 oz. This was a week ago, so you're probably hovering around the 15 pound mark by now. It's crazy to think that at 11 weeks, you'd already doubled your birth weight.... a milestone typically reserved for 4-5 month olds. You're wearing 3-6 month or 6 month clothes depending on the brand and wearing size 2 diapers.<br />
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Slow down child!! This isn't a race!! Ha!<br />
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Little brother, you are so very loved. You live up to your name day after day, because God has certainly been gracious to us. I love being your momma with every ounce of my body. You are my treasure.<br />
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" /><br />
<a href="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-60772430010760890422015-04-17T13:05:00.003-05:002015-04-17T13:05:25.027-05:00Five on Friday: update styleWow, y'all.<br />
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Life happens.<br />
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Like when you're intending to send an encouraging text to a friend before breakfast and suddenly it's bedtime and still no text.<br />
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Or like when you intend to write a blog one day, then two weeks later there's still no blog posted.<br />
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Life happens. Thanks for hanging around with me while I sort out this life with 2 babies thing.<br />
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Since it's Friday, I thought I'd share a quick "Five on Friday" things that are happening with our family.<br />
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1. Potty Training!!! Two weeks ago today, we "threw away" all of Isaac's diapers and started wearing big kid underwear. I learned really quickly that potty training is a <i>process</i>... learning how to pee on the potty, learning how to poop on the potty, and learning how to stay dry during sleep times. So far he's really getting the hang of the peepeeing part. Despite a few frustrating accidents, and lots of gross moments, I'm really proud of my big boy and how well he's doing. It was my goal to potty train prior to going back to work, so I'm really happy that things are moving in the right direction.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone wanted to hold his big boy underwear while we were walking one afternoon.</td></tr>
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2. Speaking of going back to work, I've got less than a week left of maternity leave!!! *sob* Now, I have been spending some of my free time up on the unit doing chart audits, but those days are just a few hours long and I can take Ian with me to nurse and cuddle while I work. It's a great set up.... but next Thursday will be my first REAL shift since having Ian. I have some seriously mixed feelings about returning to 12 hour shifts. While I know it will hurt my heart to leave my boys for such long days (and I <u>dread</u> pumping at work. ughhhhhhhh.), I also know how desperately I need some time with other adults. So next week will be a bittersweet ending to this short season of life.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chart audits and baby naps.</td></tr>
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3. THRUSH. Oh how I hate you. Ian and I have been battling thrush for a long time now. It creeps up, we treat it and sterilize everything, it goes away.... then it creeps back again. I feel like I do everything I'm "supposed" to do and yet here we are dealing with it again. So frustrating. And annoying. And gross. I am thankful that it's a minor --despite persistent-- problem and neither of us are as symptomatic as we could be.<br />
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4. eMeals! We signed up for eMeals a few weeks ago and have appreciated the service a ton. If you aren't familiar with eMeals, it's a meal planning service. You get 7 days of meals and a grocery list. It has expanded our dinnertime choices beyond tacos and poppyseed chicken. Some of the recipes have been really delicious, some have been forgettable, and all have been easy and relatively quick to prepare.<br />
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5. Honestly I can't think of a fifth thing. Lame-tastic. So I'll leave you with some sweet brother love:<br />
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<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-26017904359969604652015-04-07T14:07:00.002-05:002015-04-07T14:07:18.492-05:00Easter 2015The Mims pray you all had a blessed and joyous Easter! For me personally, my Easter has felt substantially different and more meaningful/significant. Although we don't typically observe the season of Lent, this year I walked through the devotional <u>Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross</u> with <a href="http://www.shereadstruth.com/">SheReadsTruth</a>. There were plenty of days that were hard to swallow, but my heart was really softened by this study and made Resurrection Sunday a great day of rejoicing!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Christ paid the ultimate sacrifice and then defeated sin and death for eternity!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We sing Hallelujah! The Lamb has overcome!!!</span></div>
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I was really excited to celebrate Easter this year with Isaac, because he finally feels old enough to "get it." Last year he was just a year and a half, so all the little Easter traditions were a wash. He really got into things this year though and we had a lot of fun. One of my favorite moments from our Easter week was introducing Isaac to cascarones!!! He was hilarious smashing eggs on his own head!<br />
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Here are some pictures from his Easter egg hunt with his class. Despite having an Easter basket for him, we walked out of the house that morning with no basket. Mom brain fail. Luckily, we were able to borrow an extra bucket to catch all the awesome eggs he found.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, the anticipation!!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the treats inside the eggs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making his way around the playground with Dad and Ian</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handsome boy.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Easter!!!!</span></div>
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-59945914140602124102015-03-31T17:12:00.004-05:002015-03-31T17:22:46.942-05:00#FeelingBeautifulin5 (VoxBox Review)So the folks over at Influenster must have known that I was a new mom when making up their most recent product campaign. Or at the least, they knew I needed a little destress/pampering/"me" time. I think I sang a little happy song in my head when I got the email that I'd been chosen for this VoxBox... a collection of 5 (yes, FIVE) different facial masks.<br />
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It's a little bit of bliss for this tired momma.<br />
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About 10 days ago, I received 5 of the @FreemanBeauty Masks to sample, which has been a real treat. I received the Avocado & Oatmeal Clay Mask, the Charcoal and Black Sugar Polishing Mask, the Cucumber Peel-Off Mask, the Honeydew & Chamomile Facial Sleeping Mask, and the Coffee & Chai Energizing Paper Eye Mask.<br />
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I have tried out 4 of the 5 masks and would love to tell you about my experience with them. I can easily say this has been my favorite VoxBox to try and review!<br />
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The first I tried was the Honeydew and Chamomile Facial Sleeping Mask. It promises to deeply hydrate overnight and leave skin silky and smooth. You apply it on a clean face, go to bed, and rinse it off in the morning. Personal opinion: Meh. It feels good going on, smells heavily of honeydew (so if you love it, awesome... if not, stay away!), leaves a little tackiness to the skin overnight and didn't seem to make a substantial difference the next morning. I was glad it didn't leave any noticeable residue on my pillow. I think this product would be better suited for someone who has drier skin (mine is on the oily side).<br />
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Secondly, I tried the Coffee and Chai Energizing Paper Eye Mask, because if anyone needs to de-puff, reduce dark circles, and invigorate the eye area, it's the mom who's running after a 2 year old and nursing a 2 month old. Because I love you, I've included a post shower, no makeup, hair in a towel, before & after picture. Feast your eyes on this:<br />
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Can anyone see the red superhero mask I'm wearing in the "After" shots? It only got worse as time went on... in about 30 minutes, I was super red. There should be a note on the package that says "Do not use this product if you have someplace to be within the next 1.5 hours." About an hour after I removed the mask, the redness dissipated and left me with the same bags and eye circles that I was rocking pre-mask. Personal Opinion: Leave it.<br />
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Next, I tried the Cucumber Peel Off Mask. Up until this point, I'd only tried the light-duty masks, but this guy (and the remaining two) promised to remove dirt, impurities and dead skin cells. Bring it on!!! This stuff was super thick and sticky and had a light cucumber scent. After applying, you let it dry and then peel it off. The package stated it would take 5-7 minutes, but after 20, I noticed there were still some sticky areas. However when it dried.... that's when the fun began. Did you ever smear Elmer's glue on your palms, let it dry, and peel it off??? This mask was the same consistency! It made the little 4th grader inside of me very happy to peel and pick it all away. It was pretty fun and my skin was smoother and a little brighter after using. Personal Opinion: I'd use this again.<br />
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Lastly, I have tried the Charcoal and Black Sugar Polishing Mask. I have yet to try the Avocado and Oatmeal Clay Mask, so I obviously can't review it quite yet. The Charcoal mask has definitely been my favorite so far. The activated charcoal is supposed to draw out excess oil while the sugar polishes away dead cells and debris. The consistency is thick and gel-like with sugar added, so it's not the easiest to apply. I basically had to put a little on my fingers and pat it exactly where I wanted it. There was a little warming sensation while it sat for 5-7 minutes and after "polishing" for 1-2 additional minutes, I rinsed it off to reveal smooth and glowy skin. It wasn't overly drying or too harsh. Personal Opinion: I'd enjoy using this again.<br />
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I'm looking forward to giving the last mask a try here in the next day or two. You can find this brand at Ulta and at Walmart and the price point is very reasonable. I'm seriously considering getting a full sized tube of the Charcoal and Black Sugar Polishing Mask. Many many thanks to @Influenster for giving this stretched-thin mom a few moments of pampering.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #323232; font-family: 'Open Sans', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 27.73333168029785px;">Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjp3jR6JP18QpfNIb9WzRKS7N2Da0T4iIgt-xZXoaejrhcDsMlnuCMQIHisGqqF5ckYUBStP0NtkGYbqDHVHsU7cCpBSjwe5_JmmeJUgaBG83ZfkvX0bx398GF1i-awjpuSs3RqznOowX/s1600/Fix6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOjp3jR6JP18QpfNIb9WzRKS7N2Da0T4iIgt-xZXoaejrhcDsMlnuCMQIHisGqqF5ckYUBStP0NtkGYbqDHVHsU7cCpBSjwe5_JmmeJUgaBG83ZfkvX0bx398GF1i-awjpuSs3RqznOowX/s1600/Fix6.png" height="320" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are unfamiliar with this incredible service, the concept is simple. Pay a visit to the Stitch Fix website and fill out your Style Profile. You'll answer questions about your body size and shape, as well as your favorite and least desired body areas (for example, I want to keep the girls covered, so that is on my style profile). You'll also answer questions about your personal style. Are you a classic girl? Like a little boho thrown in? Prefer edgy looks? All that is included as well. Link a pinterest board to your profile for extra style inspiration. You can list out your favorite colors and the types of items you'd like to receive. Since I live in South Texas, I have opted out of jackets and outerwear. Finally, you can set your price ranges for each item. </div>
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Then the magic happens.</div>
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A stylist reviews your profile and selects five pieces that she (or he) thinks you'll absolutely love. They are shipped to your door along with styling cards for each item. Try them on and mix and match them with items in your own closet (can't do that in the store!). Keep what you love and send back what you don't -- they send materials to make the return process a breeze. Each Fix has a $20 styling fee attached to it, but if you keep an item, that $20 is deducted from the cost of the item. Keep all 5 items? Give yourself an extra 25% off the total. </div>
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Beware... it's addicting!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So What Did I Get?!?!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgxI-pNjiE7el_xBlFvc77dEomth2V2iCLFO_wV6psj0U6oF5RS6jxQcSJU8_ouUgF0ztKWIk5gGRhGxG9j8b7M2eNnAPbUnInYl6EuLTV2J9MPHZlrOZzdw6YElDs46C_EzP3VhhLNLv/s1600/Fix6+-+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgxI-pNjiE7el_xBlFvc77dEomth2V2iCLFO_wV6psj0U6oF5RS6jxQcSJU8_ouUgF0ztKWIk5gGRhGxG9j8b7M2eNnAPbUnInYl6EuLTV2J9MPHZlrOZzdw6YElDs46C_EzP3VhhLNLv/s1600/Fix6+-+1.jpg" height="640" width="305" /></a></div>
1. <u>Gilli Rae Maxi Dress</u> ($74) (<i>cami: Loft, cardi: Gap, necklace/bracelet: Stella & Dot, earrings: Kendra Scott, belt: dont remember!!</i>) So after keeping a jersey dress by Gilli last month, Sarah picked out a very similar jersey maxi dress. It has a similar cross front neckline and is sleeveless. Love the color, love the cut, love that it's nursing friendly... love it all. KEPT.<br />
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PS: I apologize for the fuzzy photos. Not sure exactly what happened there, but it annoys me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9RerUfFvgBnHYp42SBYwhi3AIX3_YV7WzUdIIdcIWef_SVWBZaVgq5nEubh7__zDLYT1e3nRqLV0SxgPiez7eKH3egHR6r0zLlI_VGV487CoYM71zexf3stPp39MlV6D49z-Y_GZKrI5/s1600/Fix+6+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9RerUfFvgBnHYp42SBYwhi3AIX3_YV7WzUdIIdcIWef_SVWBZaVgq5nEubh7__zDLYT1e3nRqLV0SxgPiez7eKH3egHR6r0zLlI_VGV487CoYM71zexf3stPp39MlV6D49z-Y_GZKrI5/s1600/Fix+6+-+2.jpg" height="640" width="385" /></a></div>
2. & 3. <u>Skies are Blue Edna V-Neck Top</u> and <u>Dear John Lillie Short </u>($44 and $58, respectively) (<i>cami: Loft, all jewelry: Stella & Dot</i>) I got really excited as soon as I saw this top peeking out of the ever-so-neatly-presented stack of clothing when I opened the box. I was hoping for some colorful, summery printed tops and this was a match. It also has little buttons down the front, which make this top breastfeeding-friendly. I can easily see myself wearing this with just about any color short or pants and if I needed an extra layer, just about any color cardi or a denim jacket. It's cute and versatile, which I am all about. KEPT.<br />
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The shorts were also great. They fit well, had a nice rinse, weren't too short or too long. Unfortunately, I already had a pair of roll-up denim shorts in a very similar wash. I just couldn't justify spending $58 on a pair of shorts that were nearly identical to a pair I own already. RETURNED.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqeNeZ-OtG5yCV07fff9tdzEL2vA_0e0EitLn0NnU1kT6dExTJTbdE4YGzt7tHGb_0-oUP50DklAeRh0QtSgBgbLjErqYCeYt9nkHrMDT83jO_M6VHj5lAjK3ddW19C9Nx5OJ-5-55Qsw/s1600/Fix+6+-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbqeNeZ-OtG5yCV07fff9tdzEL2vA_0e0EitLn0NnU1kT6dExTJTbdE4YGzt7tHGb_0-oUP50DklAeRh0QtSgBgbLjErqYCeYt9nkHrMDT83jO_M6VHj5lAjK3ddW19C9Nx5OJ-5-55Qsw/s1600/Fix+6+-3.jpg" height="640" width="416" /></a></div>
4. <u>Pixley Montgomery Chevron Cross-Front Top</u> ($44) (<i>pants: liverpool [from last month's fix], bracelet: Stella & Dot, necklace: Simple Addiction</i>) If you caught last month's fix, I received this same top in a different fabric. The fit was spot on, but the pattern on the shirt was a bust, so I asked my faaaaaaaaaabulous stylist Sarah if she had the same shirt in a different print -- and this beauty showed up in my box! Once again, the fit was really nice, the fabric was super soft and comfortable and the pattern was much more my style. I really really loved it. Here's the sad part of this story: I didn't end up keeping it. I'm kind of kicking myself now looking at pictures, but my budget this month just wasn't feeling it and I was left choosing between this top and the Skies are Blue top. When I considered how much more versatile the other top was, it became the keeper. I miss this shirt already. RETURNED.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqkXWxDd5Ma-TZZohsKYk9x3n7rr7DJjdHnlFl8LqXYr1kHKsLDqLUn1kpmmR6ZLx81VFU0WjPGdY-DF3Yb13v1HQLKxOd74m3AhDjd8_gZxRat6-BfXO_V1fSnowd4NkDuHEI9YMd4kQ/s1600/Fix+6+-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqkXWxDd5Ma-TZZohsKYk9x3n7rr7DJjdHnlFl8LqXYr1kHKsLDqLUn1kpmmR6ZLx81VFU0WjPGdY-DF3Yb13v1HQLKxOd74m3AhDjd8_gZxRat6-BfXO_V1fSnowd4NkDuHEI9YMd4kQ/s1600/Fix+6+-4.jpg" height="515" width="640" /></a></div>
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5. <u>Papermoon Mirsilla Lace Detail Knit Top</u> ($58) (<i>jeans: Kut from the Kloth, earrings, Stella & Dot, baby: Ian</i>) Hi Ian! Someone didn't want to be in his swing anymore, so he joined the photo session/fashion shoot. This top wasn't awesome. I know Sarah threw it in there because I love lace tops and lace details and lace lace lace lace... but this shirt just wasn't awesome. It was a boxy fit both in the body and in the sleeves, which wasn't flattering at all. I haven't jumped on the boxy trend because girls with major volume on top just look sloppy in boxy shapes. One thing I did really like about this shirt though was the softness! It was so comfortable on! That wasn't enough of a redeeming quality to save it though. RETURNED.</div>
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Had I kept all 5 pieces, I would have gotten the 25% discount. That in conjunction with some referral money (y'all are awesome!), my box would have ended up being about $34/piece, which is more than reasonable to me, especially for a dress. I'd totally consider this another successful Fix. I love that more fixes = more and more specific and well thought-out pieces from my stylist, Sarah. </div>
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<a href="http://holliemims.blogspot.com/2014/03/my-first-stitch-fix.html">Fix 1</a> / <a href="http://holliemims.blogspot.com/2014/04/five-on-friday-stitch-fix-edition.html">Fix 2</a> / <a href="http://holliemims.blogspot.com/2014/05/stitch-fix-3.html">Fix 3</a> / <a href="http://holliemims.blogspot.com/2014/06/stitch-fix-number-four.html">Fix 4</a> / <a href="http://holliemims.blogspot.com/2015/03/february-stitch-fix.html">Fix 5</a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">If you're interested in giving Stitch Fix a try, I'd love it if you used my referral link </span><a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3049625" style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">. It's where I can earn referral credits which will help to feed my Stitch Fix obsession!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Aren't you just the cutest!</span></div>
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Sweet boy, you are two months old!!! You have really charmed the pants off of us. We love you so very much! Even though you're quickly moving out of the newborn phase, you're still that squishy, snuggly, melt-into-your-arms kinda guy. And momma loves the cuddles.<br />
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You have quieted down significantly at night, which doesn't mean a whole lot anymore because we moved you one step closer to the crib-- you now sleep in our master closet each night. The pack n play fits in there quite nicely and you do all of your night sleeping in there. You're taking more and more naps in the crib to get you ready for a big transition to your own room. I've started to notice that morning is the time for the "crap naps" (noisy, fidgety, and usually 30 minutes or less) and your afternoons are more for the heavy sleeping naps (1+ hours). I'm very very VERY happy to say... you're sleeping longer stretches at night! For the last week, you've been sleeping from 11pm to 6am (give or take about 30 minutes)! Seven hour stretches!! Truthfully, I put you down for "bed time" between 9 and 9:30pm and sneak in a dream feeding around 11. You only wake up enough to latch on and eat for a few minutes and then you're down until morning. Soon, I'd like to start inching that dream feed back to 10pm and hope that you continue to sleep as late each morning. Even though I'd like for you to sleep until 7am, waking around 6 gives the two of us some sweet alone time for smiles and coos before big brother Isaac gets up.<br />
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So, now that everyone knows you're a pretty great sleeper.... lets not make a liar out of mom, mmmkay?<br />
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We got our first social smiles this month, and so far you've been generous with them! You love getting attention and when someone will sit and talk, you respond with lots of smiles, coos and gurgles. It's the sweetest thing! You also <u>love</u> to watch your big brother. I don't think I ever anticipated the joy that I would feel watching the bond between you and Isaac grow. It's incredible to see how much he loves you. The other day, Isaac asked to hold your hand, and I just burst into lots of little heart parts everywhere.<br />
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<i>With Isaac I had the joy of watching my husband become a father. This time I get to watch my little boy become a brother. My heart is so full. </i><br />
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So far, it seems like you're a very relaxed little guy. You don't like being in the car seat if the car isn't moving, and you fuss when you're really hungry and overtired, but hey, ...so do I. You're still not a fan of being tightly swaddled. All the wraps we used with Isaac are just gathering dust. Just give me a muslin blanket and you've got the right amount of wiggle room without feeling too restricted.<br />
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You've been eating well, and luckily, it's been a while since you've gone through a growth spurt/cluster feeding kinda period. Despite this, you are gaining lots of cute little rolls on your arms, legs, thighs, chin... everywhere really. Last week I visited the labor unit and you weighed 12lb 6oz. We will see Dr. Canales on Monday morning for your official 2 month weight and length. (13# 4oz & 23" long) You're still in size 1 diapers and 3m size clothes, although they're getting shorter and shorter by the day. I've already had to retire a set of footie pajamas that weren't quite long enough in the legs for you. You have these incredible blue eyes and a mostly bald head. Thankfully, your spit ups are still very rare. It's been so different to have a child who can wear the same clothes all day long!<br />
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Ian, you're a sweet little ray of sunshine in our lives and I want to soak in every tiny moment. I love you from the top of your bald little head to the tips of your baby soft toes. God has certainly been gracious to us!<br />
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-26598837566220132032015-03-20T09:54:00.003-05:002015-03-20T10:37:49.796-05:00What's on my side table? (Breastfeeding Edition)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you've been around since Isaac was an infant, it should come as no surprise that I'm a huge fan of breastfeeding. I think it's an absolutely amazing thing that a woman's body can nourish a child so perfectly and I was really really blessed to nurse Isaac until his first birthday. Not only that, I made SO much milk, I was able to donate hundreds and hundreds of ounces to the <a href="http://www.milkbank.org/">Mothers Milk Bank</a>. </div>
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Basically, I'm a nut for breastfeeding my babes.</div>
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So I thought I'd take a second to share some of my basic needs. These are the items I like to have by my side every time I nurse. Chances are good during the day that I'm nursing Ian wherever Isaac is located, which means I may not have everything at my fingertips. However, in the early morning, evening, and sometimes during Isaac's nap, I'll have a moment to gather all my goodies up in one spot and it just makes breastfeeding a little more pleasant. Here's a glimpse at my nightstand:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlzKdSKJc-areyi_74zMBr3dvUzbx_LY7Akjd9bLEsBYmgWNBnpuF5ZtLGo9sVLB_yyboD9pUCgQ2URbDIVdYThI8Eqm1TKOSh1su4APsAdPqD8VC9a_ofBLCbC9gyyzgwi0SXy-ZcqIX/s1600/DSC_0062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtlzKdSKJc-areyi_74zMBr3dvUzbx_LY7Akjd9bLEsBYmgWNBnpuF5ZtLGo9sVLB_yyboD9pUCgQ2URbDIVdYThI8Eqm1TKOSh1su4APsAdPqD8VC9a_ofBLCbC9gyyzgwi0SXy-ZcqIX/s1600/DSC_0062.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheesh. The books just keep multiplying...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Clockwise from the top: Lanolin, Cuppawater, chapstick, phone (with cord!), Boppy, pump, book.<br />
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And a closer look:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbafp5qtxkaO26cVc7PvonHoFReZGR09_hCQsCX5T8qziAdvkdFZQ2NUGZsuMdzrc9z7Zq853Z_rD9m400LjAVZESzgq9HID9bgw8VFWKwunwZELfU6qV-rL4Y4wkIGLa88SuTK7axQFR/s1600/DSC_0063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbafp5qtxkaO26cVc7PvonHoFReZGR09_hCQsCX5T8qziAdvkdFZQ2NUGZsuMdzrc9z7Zq853Z_rD9m400LjAVZESzgq9HID9bgw8VFWKwunwZELfU6qV-rL4Y4wkIGLa88SuTK7axQFR/s1600/DSC_0063.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
<b>Lanolin</b>: For some reason, this time around, I've had more issues with cracking. Because of this, I'm typically never far from a little nipple cream. And if I'm not, expressed breast milk makes a pretty good lubricant as well! (a little tip for you nursing mommas out there!) Hydrogel pads (not pictured because they're currently in use) have been a lifesaver.<br />
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<b>Cuppawater</b>: Because nursing makes you thirsty 24/7. Fo'realz.<br />
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<b>Chapstick</b>: Because when your thirsty, you get chapped lips. And as it turns out, applying chapstick nightly gives you lovely lips. Who knew I'd be 30 years old before I figured that one out.<br />
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<b>Phone</b> (with cord!): Not only for a little distraction during nursing, but also to keep track of things. I was a huge fan of the Itzbeen with Isaac and this time around I've found an app that keeps up with all the same information for me. The cord thing is pretty explanatory right? By the end of the day, I'm in the red....so I plug it in. Breaking news style journalism is my thing.<br />
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<b>Boppy</b>: The workhorse of my breastfeeding arsenal. I use this sucker every single day for almost every feeding. I even throw it in the car when I know I'll be out and about during nursing times.<br />
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<b>Pump</b>: Because I'm still in overproduction mode. Now that Ian is sleeping longer stretches, engorgement is an issue, so pumping is a necessary evil. (not pictured: extra nursing pads for those leaky moments) At least my freezer is getting ready for my eventual return to work.<br />
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<b>Book</b>: I can't have a "Whats on my side table?" post without talking about books! Currently, I'm reading <i><a href="http://www.youandmeforever.org/">You & Me Forever</a></i> by Francis and Lisa Chan. I'm a big fan of Francis Chan already and this book has not been a disappointment. It's a very unconventional marriage book, but it has been great so far. I'm reading it with Jordan, which is also a joy. In addition to You & Me Forever, I'm also going through the Lent devotional, <i>Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross</i> that was published by <a href="http://shereadstruth.com/">SheReadsTruth</a>. It's been fantastic in a wreck-you-kinda-way.<br />
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So there's the list of 7 things I'm never far away from. The first few weeks of breastfeeding are tough, so anything that will make the experience easier, more convenient, and more comfortable is a win in my book!<br />
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-41842376203871609232015-03-16T22:19:00.001-05:002015-03-16T22:19:17.190-05:00Recent Recipe SuccessesHere we are again... another 10+ day break from the blog. Last week had its share of ups and downs, including another few days with Jordan away. Unfortunately, this time, my mom wasn't here in town to shoulder some of the work around the house. In short-- we all survived, and I'm feeling stronger and more confident managing 2 because of it.<br />
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Basically, between manning the fort by myself and nursing a cold, I've spent most of my free time snoozing...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNwKZ3WZxfXYpnAS-l9mfARioSLbZ2QfF6ZROdlfSIRD9HgfRv4QIpJdLJfnCGhd6t_ksXm6s2aNbd6Vz9LdDn52pozZUEAZScgY1hR6bbbfOpgu1vHpiponIo0ASMc0Zlj5LlWSRpgf6/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNwKZ3WZxfXYpnAS-l9mfARioSLbZ2QfF6ZROdlfSIRD9HgfRv4QIpJdLJfnCGhd6t_ksXm6s2aNbd6Vz9LdDn52pozZUEAZScgY1hR6bbbfOpgu1vHpiponIo0ASMc0Zlj5LlWSRpgf6/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
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...That and hanging out with superman.<br />
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Back to the point of this whole blog! Recipes!!<br />
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While I miss my job and all, having maternity time off has given me the ability to somewhat keep up with housework, laundry, groceries, and cooking. While I haven't quite figured out the best way to balance everything, I also don't have 12 hour shifts eating up portions of my week. We've also spent a great deal of time eating at home, which means I've been able to try out a few new recipes. I wanted to share the winners with you!<br />
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<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2014/06/chicken-enchiladas/">Pioneer Woman's Chicken Enchiladas</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/474x/5e/ef/96/5eef96e981876a420cf28a5f83dcda1d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/474x/5e/ef/96/5eef96e981876a420cf28a5f83dcda1d.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2014/06/chicken-enchiladas/">Source</a></td></tr>
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First, I made this meal for a fellow new mom. When it turned out really well (and got rave reviews), I thought I'd make it for us on a night that we had friends over for dinner. It is muy delicioso! It is also <i>kind of</i> labor intensive. Nothing difficult, just lots of little steps that can't be skipped over. I assure you, however, the end result is awesome. I paired ours with some mexican rice and it was a stellar meal that my husband asked me to make again before he even finished his plate.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pastryaffair.com/blog/2011/4/29/vanilla-pear-muffins.html">Vanilla Pear Muffins</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d1/08/83/d108838b69ab549c1f1b041d441f8728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d1/08/83/d108838b69ab549c1f1b041d441f8728.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pastryaffair.com/blog/2011/4/29/vanilla-pear-muffins.html">Source</a></td></tr>
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Its funny, these are delicious and EASY muffins to put together, and yet I typically only make them for other people. I made a batch recently for the same mom who got the enchiladas (Lucky girl. Love you, Carole!) and they are deceptively fancy looking. Chances are good, you have all the ingredients in your pantry already and the recipe is super simple and quick. Honestly, I do not know why I don't make them more often.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.rockrecipes.com/lemon-velvet-cake/">Lemon Velvet Cake</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOVgVuFfVnC_aL9Jux67tIdxMVegsiQlRp9ch9RVKXT251y3xUWnWJ1vzR7f6qJBiywCm76Sfl4XoIdRpZrtdMaRstOTi1KX1ufXSGsXu_zSkeTvn4BxBfGP7nvO6afLLPruXtLcYp6PC/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOVgVuFfVnC_aL9Jux67tIdxMVegsiQlRp9ch9RVKXT251y3xUWnWJ1vzR7f6qJBiywCm76Sfl4XoIdRpZrtdMaRstOTi1KX1ufXSGsXu_zSkeTvn4BxBfGP7nvO6afLLPruXtLcYp6PC/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="400" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the difference between the pretty staged photos above and my awesome iPhone shots?</td></tr>
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Now for the good stuff... cake. So my husband's office chooses to celebrate birthdays on the second Monday of each month, which we all lovingly refer to as Cake Day. For many years, a sweet couple made cakes for the staff in honor of their birthdays, and after they "retired" last summer, I've picked up a few months' worth of Cake Days. This month, I made a Lemon Velvet Cake and a Brown Sugar Pound Cake. The Lemon Velvet Cake recipe was easy to follow and produced a fluffy moist cake, which I think is different from the texture of a traditional red velvet cake (for which the lemon velvet cake was fashioned after). Regardless, it was tasty! Next time, I'll cut the frosting recipe in half. You can see how thick the layer of frosting is and I was left with 1/3 of the bowl still full! I considered it a success when one of the office ladies told me this cake would be specially requested for her birthday month.</div>
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<a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/brown-sugar-pound-cake/">Brown Sugar Pound Cake</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWQmT4_9vRD_Eta7vBYHGTq2T4hweq_1xqciqGBbuwHkuy6x7Zs3-B-lR-f5-J__DXqu43SRQX8DQuGivq0k_j6IENl8y0qB09OyZE7EEhbpPsEs9or9lSEotbhHfSq3MBCbCn8ItSKAH/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWQmT4_9vRD_Eta7vBYHGTq2T4hweq_1xqciqGBbuwHkuy6x7Zs3-B-lR-f5-J__DXqu43SRQX8DQuGivq0k_j6IENl8y0qB09OyZE7EEhbpPsEs9or9lSEotbhHfSq3MBCbCn8ItSKAH/s1600/FullSizeRender-2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I kept referring to this cake as a "Caramel Pecan" cake this morning, which I think fits it better than Brown Sugar Pound Cake. My husband said this was his favorite of the two, and I agree with him. I'd seen this recipe floating around Facebook and made sure to pin it for later. I have a feeling I'll be making this a LOT more. It was easy to put together and the flavors were right up my alley. I may have eaten the topping with a spoon... yummmm. The topping takes less than 10 minutes to put together and quickly hardens into a praline-like consistency (ooh, maybe Praline Pecan Cake?), making it perfect to drizzle over cake. Or ice cream. Or you can just eat it with a spoon like I did.<br />
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With posts like these, it's easy to see why I haven't lost any of the baby weight yet.<br />
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Happy cooking!<br />
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" /><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8999385814529447131%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-VNjJxFArMd8%252FVQePRVustyI%252FAAAAAAAAC6g%252FpIH1J8DaIC8%252Fs1600%252FDSC_0004.JPG%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 162px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8999385814529447131%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-VNjJxFArMd8%252FVQePRVustyI%252FAAAAAAAAC6g%252FpIH1J8DaIC8%252Fs1600%252FDSC_0004.JPG%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 162px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8999385814529447131%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-VNjJxFArMd8%252FVQePRVustyI%252FAAAAAAAAC6g%252FpIH1J8DaIC8%252Fs1600%252FDSC_0004.JPG%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 162px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8999385814529447131%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-VNjJxFArMd8%252FVQePRVustyI%252FAAAAAAAAC6g%252FpIH1J8DaIC8%252Fs1600%252FDSC_0004.JPG%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 162px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8999385814529447131%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-VNjJxFArMd8%252FVQePRVustyI%252FAAAAAAAAC6g%252FpIH1J8DaIC8%252Fs1600%252FDSC_0004.JPG%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 162px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-52264961036125615982015-03-04T08:16:00.000-06:002015-03-04T10:24:39.557-06:00February Favorites Link UpI decided to jump on board with <a href="http://adeeperjoy.blogspot.com/2015/03/february-faves-link-up.html">Kelli @ A Deeper Joy</a> and share with you some of my favorites from the month of February. If I can be perfectly honest, some of these items I've been meaning to share with you for a whiiiiile now, I just haven't gotten around to posting about them until now.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">FYI: None of these links are affiliate links, however, the Advocare link will take you to our personal distributor page.</span></i><br />
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Health & Beauty : <u>SYS Skincare Line from Advocare. </u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.advocare.com/Microsite/Images/Store/Products/99072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://www.advocare.com/Microsite/Images/Store/Products/99072.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.advocare.com/120425458/Store/CatalogView.aspx?id=S">Advocare SYS Skincare Line</a></td></tr>
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Sometime around the middle of last summer, Advocare released it's own line of skincare products. Jordan and I are big Advocare fans for their supplements (I drink a Spark every day!), so I was really intrigued by the SYS skincare line. I waited several months and got some feedback from friends who were using it before I finally took the plunge and ordered a few of the products.<br />
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Totally worth it! I use the cleanser and serum every time I wash my face and I can tell a big difference in the overall appearance of my skin. (I would probably have even better results if I was more diligent in my skincare routine) Most notably, my skin tone has completely evened out. Where I used to be red around my nose and cheeks, now those areas are significantly more even.<br />
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Baby: <u>Little Green Pouch.</u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41x31oGjbDL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41x31oGjbDL.jpg" height="320" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reusable-Food-Pouch-Capacity-4-pack/dp/B00AM5NTIS/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1425397168&sr=1-1">Little Green Pouch</a></td></tr>
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A friend told me about these reusable food pouches and how much she loved using them for her little girl. Considering I made all of Isaac's baby food, I thought this would be perfect to have for Ian when it comes time for him to start with solids. Wait no... scratch that... they are perfect NOW for Isaac to eat from! We were spending $$$$ on applesauce and yogurt pouches, which he eats on a daily basis. Now, I can make applesauce (with whatever variety of apple happens to be on sale), or buy the large tubs of yogurt, fill these bad boys up, and hand them over for an easy breakfast or snack. They're dishwasher and freezer safe too. Easy Easy Easy... and a money saver.<br />
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Food: <a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/baked-ravioli/">This Recipe</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2010/01/Ravioli-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2010/01/Ravioli-6.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked Ravioli</td></tr>
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I made this last night for the fam (ok, so that should technically make it a March favorite...) and it was well received by all members! Isaac even asked for seconds! I used leftover spaghetti sauce instead of jarred marinara and added lots of extra cheese between the layers of sauce and pasta. It's a lasagna rip off, but it was SUPER easy. I think it took me maybe 5 minutes to put it together and then it just hangs out in the oven for like 45 minutes. I also made it a little more portion-friendly in a 9x9" pan instead of the 9x13 the recipe calls for and it turned out just fine.<br />
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I imagine this could have TONS of different applications as well, with different sauces, different filled pastas, and even adding layers of vegetables or chicken. I have a feeling this will become a regular in the rotation, especially when I have homemade sauce that needs to be used.<br />
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<a href="http://adeeperjoy.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="A Deeper Joy" src="http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n306/mmichellec86/MonthlyFaves3.png" /></a></div>
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<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-34670776222495850612015-03-02T10:21:00.000-06:002015-03-02T13:01:22.165-06:00February Stitch Fix<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">At the end of last week, I received my first Stitch Fix since Ian has arrived.</span></div>
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Can I just say how much I capital-L-<u>Love</u> Stitch Fix??? If you are unfamiliar with this incredible service, the concept is simple. Pay a visit to the Stitch Fix website and fill out your Style Profile. You'll answer questions about your body size and shape, as well as your favorite and least desired body areas (for example, I want to keep the girls covered, so that is on my style profile). You'll also answer questions about your personal style. Are you a classic girl? Like a little boho thrown in? Prefer edgy looks? All that is included as well. Link a pinterest board to your profile for extra style inspiration. You can list out your favorite colors and the types of items you'd like to receive. Since I live in South Texas, I have opted out of jackets and outerwear. Finally, you can set your price ranges for each item. </div>
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Then the magic happens.</div>
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A stylist reviews your profile and selects five pieces that she (or he) thinks you'll absolutely love. They are shipped to your door along with styling cards for each item. Try them on and mix and match them with items in your own closet (can't do that in the store!). Keep what you love and send back what you don't -- they send materials to make the return process a breeze. Each Fix has a $20 styling fee attached to it, but if you keep an item, that $20 is deducted from the cost of the item. Keep all 5 items? Give yourself an extra 25% off the total. </div>
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Beware... it's addicting!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYX5nZ8-4uP5vQQB1rHc86yso-RuR8_FgTiJBvUPAvdMq9LrHwPgeOtCPyJwwY4a-fcrnBm-6VtHY7UxfI4JJmW-Qk2qqPlK3J6yBXtYlK6nAEMa0UMVLDAj_r3I8oOWqA6LPD76In34N/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYX5nZ8-4uP5vQQB1rHc86yso-RuR8_FgTiJBvUPAvdMq9LrHwPgeOtCPyJwwY4a-fcrnBm-6VtHY7UxfI4JJmW-Qk2qqPlK3J6yBXtYlK6nAEMa0UMVLDAj_r3I8oOWqA6LPD76In34N/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" height="406" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So what did I get?????</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIdju47yIAhKJQGqxJmDgC-FLDRz2dynb5iKDkADGgU0ddeOLXJcLy1ab4QMgwkKY6MnIoOES7VM4uLXjxyWLEB2KT7pz1wqakZOpPqGjjj_Rg2q1E4DJzzolwT5EUvOZ7FPFokpiA5nW/s1600/SF1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifIdju47yIAhKJQGqxJmDgC-FLDRz2dynb5iKDkADGgU0ddeOLXJcLy1ab4QMgwkKY6MnIoOES7VM4uLXjxyWLEB2KT7pz1wqakZOpPqGjjj_Rg2q1E4DJzzolwT5EUvOZ7FPFokpiA5nW/s1600/SF1.jpg" height="640" width="306" /></a></div>
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1. <u>Liverpool Mira Skinny Jean</u> ($78) (<i>top: Loft. jacket: Gap. Boots: Frye. earrings/bracelet: Stella & Dot.</i>) So I told my stylist Sarah, whom I adore, that I had very recently delivered a little bundle of joy. This being the case, I would need pieces to accommodate my *ahem* squishier bits. I'm still 15 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight and honesty was a little terrified to be trying on "real" clothes again. I even told her to not even send pants unless they were stretchy like leggings. Aint nobody got time for pants with buttons and zippers.<br />
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These jeans. Y'all. They were a GIGANTIC WIN. I don't know how she does it, but Sarah nailed this. There was no question that they were a keeper. I love that she went with black instead of a regular jean rinse because I already have a closet full of different jean shapes and rinses (with the exception of black). These jeans have a generous amount of stretch, but after wearing them most of the day yesterday, they aren't saggy anywhere. Because of the way they fit, I can see these really carrying me through this weird body phase and into my "normal" body... whatever that may be. KEPT.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_Fjo2fav54xUA3SKC9damt_azEbmxZGwam-l6Pl_gew7of9U7WMQdihi8Y8HsrMCh3hG0gWI9xrz9QDQKix179tLGZPRaJgj3TZZ270ozF_TFZ9MiAZJsputyMNdL5ayN-qma9kmGf47/s1600/SF2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_Fjo2fav54xUA3SKC9damt_azEbmxZGwam-l6Pl_gew7of9U7WMQdihi8Y8HsrMCh3hG0gWI9xrz9QDQKix179tLGZPRaJgj3TZZ270ozF_TFZ9MiAZJsputyMNdL5ayN-qma9kmGf47/s1600/SF2.jpg" height="640" width="332" /></a></div>
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2. <u>41Hawthorn Montgomery Cross Front Knit Top</u> ($48) (<i>cardi: Banana Republic. pants: JCrew Factory. earrings: Stella & Dot</i>.) Once again, Sarah really put a lot of thought into this item. The fit, fabric, and construction are spot on. The material is stretchy and comfortable, but thin enough to be cool. The sides are ruched, which is really flattering and hide a lot of lumpy, squishy postpartum tummy bits. The wrap design makes it nursing-friendly... an essential feature for the next 11 months of my life. Unfortunately, I was really not a fan of the print. The look on Jordan's face when I tried this top was all I needed to know that this wasn't a keeper. I informed Sarah that I'd love to try this top in a solid color or different print, because it wasn't the fit but the print that was a turnoff. RETURNED.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiKoGqHrPUW3TXNLYlU2l6rgEj1KLJDBgMt1bkXOkfVcSJ2DVcfyQj-qjhMJo1hEOyqsq-jXGhCLu4Ysby-DZ9pGSAZwe-iFOW7flNM-inZLZ77W_1wTpWomTECDnu471th8CyJGoV8s_/s1600/SF3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiKoGqHrPUW3TXNLYlU2l6rgEj1KLJDBgMt1bkXOkfVcSJ2DVcfyQj-qjhMJo1hEOyqsq-jXGhCLu4Ysby-DZ9pGSAZwe-iFOW7flNM-inZLZ77W_1wTpWomTECDnu471th8CyJGoV8s_/s1600/SF3.jpg" height="640" width="310" /></a></div>
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3. <u>THML Kahlo Knit Top</u> ($58) (<i>jeans: Kut from the Kloth. earrings: Kendra Scott.</i>) One look and anyone can tell this top is terrible on me. Obviously I didn't keep it, but at the same time, I had this top pinned with a "I'd love to give this a try" note. I'd seen it floating around and thought it was really cute. Sarah was kind enough to fulfill my special request. I take total responsibility for the fail. The fabric is super duper soft and the detail around the neck is even more beautiful in person... basically I was really disappointed to see that this top wasn't flattering on me. I wanted it to work so bad. I think it would be perfect on someone with more of a straight/petite body frame who could use a little curve. As for me, I've got plenty of curvy spots. RETURNED.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFI9GGkyN9aZSVFF6isUfz-qZB9RHP4AvkINLhsh8Px5BStpf_-dYdYWMbSnzEOxeJHmgPSOqwNpsgErkQ7h2Ahi6gKdEnn93IRsihs-VdTlN0CxXWP5LVh6cSRzL1CVVnVms1Xjqy0jK/s1600/SF4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFI9GGkyN9aZSVFF6isUfz-qZB9RHP4AvkINLhsh8Px5BStpf_-dYdYWMbSnzEOxeJHmgPSOqwNpsgErkQ7h2Ahi6gKdEnn93IRsihs-VdTlN0CxXWP5LVh6cSRzL1CVVnVms1Xjqy0jK/s1600/SF4.jpg" height="640" width="330" /></a></div>
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4. <u>Gilli Lauree V-Neck Drape Dress</u> ($68) (<i>cami: Loft. necklace: Francesca's.</i>) I'm such a huge sucker for jersey dresses. This one was no exception. Light fabric, beautiful color, nursing friendly, AND Jordan loved it... a win all around. Plus, it's one of those easy/throw on items that can make a frazzled mom look way more put together than she actually feels. Although it hangs nicely now, I think once I let go of some of this baby weight, it will fit even better. I'm looking forward to some slightly warmer weather so I can wear this cute dress. I should mention that on the style card, Sarah paired this item with a scarf I'd kept from a previous fix. I love that she considers present and past items when selecting things- it really makes the entire experience even more personalized. KEPT<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3wRv_1okCCtFfR_sVOL4k6CLL7YDLcowLFjXhaGfQbrlkjk_iiONzB80rcY7nkItss0sUPhq90WedKnDeFNAix5e-oW94GvBrvZ0kf6XdEkXIx_2g1Xclo1ePSAyE-PVohaiKCtFvJ1T/s1600/SF5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3wRv_1okCCtFfR_sVOL4k6CLL7YDLcowLFjXhaGfQbrlkjk_iiONzB80rcY7nkItss0sUPhq90WedKnDeFNAix5e-oW94GvBrvZ0kf6XdEkXIx_2g1Xclo1ePSAyE-PVohaiKCtFvJ1T/s1600/SF5.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></div>
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5. <u>Bay to Baubles Ashlyn Hammered Bar Drop Necklace</u> ($28). The style and price of this necklace is good, but I just don't need any more jewelry. Also, the length is a little on the awkward side. I think it'd be really beautiful at more of a 30" length. It's really likely that if I were keeping the 4 other items, I'd probably keep this also and there's a good chance it would get worn here and there. Since it wasn't a "love" kinda item, I decided not to keep it. RETURNED.<br />
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I'd consider this a super successful post-baby Fix. I may have only kept 2 of the 5 items, but all 5 items were essentially good matches for me with some minor flaws. Sarah has been my stylist for 4 of 5 Fixes and she really seems to understand my style. I had a credit from previous referrals, so if I had kept all 5 items, the 25% discount plus the styling fee credit and referral credit would have taken the total cost to $165. That breaks down to about $33 per item, which I consider reasonable, especially for jeans and a dress. Thanks again, Sarah & Stitch Fix for an awesome assortment of items.<br />
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<a href="http://holliemims.blogspot.com/2014/03/my-first-stitch-fix.html">Fix 1</a> / <a href="http://holliemims.blogspot.com/2014/04/five-on-friday-stitch-fix-edition.html">Fix 2</a> / <a href="http://holliemims.blogspot.com/2014/05/stitch-fix-3.html">Fix 3</a> / <a href="http://holliemims.blogspot.com/2014/06/stitch-fix-number-four.html">Fix 4</a><br />
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If you're interested in giving Stitch Fix a try, I'd love it if you used my referral link <a href="https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3049625">here</a>. It's where I can earn referral credits which will help to feed my Stitch Fix obsession!<br />
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-83366374311139606462015-03-01T13:44:00.000-06:002015-03-01T13:44:35.019-06:00Ian's Birth in Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh boy.</div>
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These pictures.</div>
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I cannot tell you the intense emotion these images bring. I have yet to look through them with dry eyes. We were so incredibly blessed by my work family who paid for Ashley from <a href="http://in-bloom-photography.com/">In Bloom Photography</a> to come and be a "fly on the wall" during my labor and delivery process. She captured such dear, sweet moments that wouldn't have remained in my memory forever, but now I have these images that I can always look to and weep over. They are so incredibly special to me.</div>
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And yet, sharing them here feels very vulnerable. I'm letting you in on one of the most intimate moments of my life. There is just SO much emotion attached to them. It is with great trepidation that I hit "publish." Be warned, there are a few juicy baby pictures. </div>
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The remainder of the post is captionless, but if you need a refresher, I've already written out Ian's birth story. You can find it <a href="http://holliemims.blogspot.com/2015/01/ians-birth-story.html">here</a>. </div>
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<i>Please Please PLEASE be respectful of photography as an art form; these photos are the result of a lot of hard work and should be given credit where credit is due. Ashley gave us such a special gift and I think it only fitting to be respectful of her as a photographer. Not only that, they are copyright protected by In Bloom Photography, not to be reproduced without permission. If you like what you see, you should go "like" her Facebook page. You can find it <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/In-Bloom-Photography/119813404700358">here</a>.</i></div>
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8999385814529447131.post-57027398453351224222015-02-24T09:59:00.001-06:002015-02-24T11:16:53.981-06:00Ian's 1 Month Update<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ian!!! You're 1 month old!!!!</span></b></div>
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For those of you sticklers for dates and things, ok, so technically he was a month old on Saturday. But we had a busy weekend and didn't get his 1 month stats until his appointment yesterday, so today's the day for blogging.<br />
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Regardless, you're a month old! I'll never get over how quickly the time flies, which is funny considering you go from spending 1/3 of your day sleeping (which sleeping 8 hours doesn't <i>seem</i> to take nearly as long as say, working 8 hours. amiright?) before baby to oh, maybe 1/8 of your day sleeping after baby arrives. It's a funny thing.<br />
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You've changed SO much in this short month!<br />
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You went from this little nugget:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Less than 24 hours old</td></tr>
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...To this little stud:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 Month Old</td></tr>
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It has been so much fun to learn your little personality over the last month. So far, you are vastly different from your big brother. You almost demand being cuddled, which for the <i>most part</i> has made me all warm & fuzzy inside. You're just as squirmy as you were when I was pregnant, and thus, do not like being swaddled. You'll grunt and squirm and fuss until you finally give up and fall asleep. I'd consider not swaddling you at all, but it does help you sleep better. You are the LOUDEST sleeper I know. There are no cute and sweet noises coming from your body when it's time to rest... it's nothing but grunts and squeaks and all sorts of spits and sputters. It is loud enough to really throw me off when I'm trying to determine at 2am if you're actually hungry or just fussy while transitioning to a different sleep cycle. There have been more than a few instances where I've gotten up, changed your diaper, gone to nurse you and had a sleepy baby who wasn't actually hungry to start with.<br />
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But lets face it, you also have been eating around the clock. You get hungry a lot faster than I'm used to, so we still haven't established any normal semblance of a feeding schedule. I'd swear you went through a month long growth spurt...<br />
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...and judging by your stats at the doctor yesterday, I'd be dead right!!!!! You weighed in at a whopping TEN POUNDS and FIFTEEN OUNCES. Plus, you grew 2 whole inches (20" to 22"). That's ridiculous, kid. We're talking a 3lb 11oz weight gain in a <u>month</u>. To really put things into perspective, that is exactly what Isaac weighed at his 1 month check up, and let's not forget, he weighed 9lb 6oz at birth (over 2lbs heavier than your 7lb 4oz arrival weight). So good job in catching up with your brother.<br />
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Now it's time to give mommy a break. kthanks.<br />
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You've done a great job so far in keeping your meals down and rarely spit up. When you do, it's hardly a mouthful of curdled milk, which is a stark contrast to Isaac's large volume spit ups. No wonder you've gained so much so quickly. Your hair has already started to fall out in random places, which is sad and funny looking all at the same time. Your eyes are dark blue currently and I don't anticipate them changing to any other color considering everyone else in the family has blue eyes.<br />
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The rest of life has been filled with all the normal 1 month old baby activities: pooping & peeing everywhere, sleeping, eating, and some lengthening awake periods. Hopefully by your 2 month update, I'll be sharing with everyone your purposeful smiles and longer night sleeps. Fingers crossed for the sleep especially.<br />
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Ian, you are a sweet and cuddly ball of chub and you melt my heart over and over again. I am so ridiculously head over feet in love with you and am blessed beyond words to be your momma. I cannot wait to see you learn to love your older brother, as he is quickly learning to love you. I look forward to seeing more and more the way you were perfectly made to fit into this family. Furthermore, I look forward to seeing more and more the way you were perfectly made to accomplish great things for God's kingdom. You are such a treasure, Ian Michael.<br />
<img src="http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b507/hollie_mims/signature50_zps79e6d4a5.png" />hollie mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912447746572055625noreply@blogger.com0