What I'm Reading (August 2018)

Where are my readers at?  Although this month lasted .02 seconds, I still managed to squeeze 4 books into the back-to-school craziness.  Although, if you ask Tommy, I just managed to hold my iPad long enough most nights to fall asleep with it in my hand.  You know what they say...

via GIPHY

Back-to-School Style (Preschool Favorites)

Hi, Friends!  Life has been SO crazy lately.  I felt like summer flew by and I got nothing accomplished but now that I'm back to school, I have even less time.  I am absolutely loving my new school and my 19 kinders!  Plus being back on a schedule has actually been great for my family; however, I do miss sleeping in and having nowhere to be all day.  Is it too soon to be counting down to fall break?

While I've been trying to avoid this day for the past four years, the time has come and Kenna is starting preschool next week (insert crying face here). While my heart is not quite ready to let her go, I've had so much fun planning her outfits for the first couple of weeks.  Tommy definitely rolls his eyes at me when I talk about all the outfits I have laid out but he has come to accept my craziness and I know she will be so stinkin' cute come September.  I put together some looks that I definitely want to recreate and most stores are having awesome Labor Day sales so now is the time to buy!  

Check them out below!

What I'm Reading (July 2018)

I know it feels like I just did one of these reviews (probably because I did), but I'm back to tell you about the 8 books I read in July.  Honestly, these were some of the best books that I've read all year and there is not a single one that doesn't need added to your list.  Go check them out now!

Mac & Mia Review

If you read my 5 Friday Faves last week, you will remember seeing this picture with the promise that I would be talking all about it soon!  That day is today!  I was approached earlier this month to try out Mac & Mia, which is a clothing subscription box service for kids sizes newborn - 10 years old!

I, of course, was all in because everyone knows my love of new clothes for my kids.  Since Kenna is getting ready to start preschool, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to kickstart a new back-to-school wardrobe and I was not disappointed.

5 Friday Faves

Happy Friday!  Even though every single day in the summer is like a weekend to me, there is just something about Friday that will always be my favorite.  It has been foreverrrr since I've done a Friday Faves and I'm so excited about this one.  So many good things that you all need to check out below! 

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Water Beads (here) + Water Table (here) + Hair Bows (here)


I've been seeing multiple posts about these in the last couple of weeks and I thought it was finally time for the girls to try them out.  Amazon Prime to the rescue and I ordered them on Monday and they were on our doorstep yesterday afternoon (how did people survive before this service?). I promised Kenna and Teagen that we could get them out after their nap and they went down without any crying (insert praise hands here).  I decided to put them in their water table because I thought that would be the easiest way to keep them contained.  VERY IMPORTANT NOTE - make sure you put the beads in water prior to your children waking up from their nap.  I did not know that the beads took some time to fill up and after I read the instructions and it said to let it soak for 6ish hours, I was concerned.  We still decided to fill up the water table with them and they were playable within 15 minutes I would say.  Kenna has an attention span of a nat and she played with them for maybe 12 seconds but Teagen loved them and I had to end up dragging her inside because she didn't want to put them down.  I would say they were definitely work the $11 and the best part is that they are reusable.

What I'm Reading (April 2018 - June 2018)

Soooo while I've been absent from the blogging world, I haven't taken a break from reading.  Since I did my last review at the end of March, I've read 24 more books.  Check out what I've been reading below and stock up on some books for the summer!  Enjoy!

Outdoor Summer Fun

I'm not sure where you live, but it can get stinkin' hot here in Indiana during the summer.  I'll be honest, I love summer because I get to spend more than 2 months straight with my girls AND the lake is my favorite place in the entire world; however, I hate being sweaty and that definitely is a problem when temps are 90+.  My girls love to play outside and when I know it is going to be super humid and warm that day, we try to get out early and run around.  Most days though they beg to go outside and play after their nap, so I've been trying to find ways to stay cool, while enjoying time outdoors.  I'm sharing some of our can't live withouts this summer!

Moving Forward

Hi, Friends!  In case you haven't noticed, it has been a little quiet on the blog for the past few months.  I have tried to get back into blogging, but I honestly didn't feel right without explaining where I've been/what has been happening.  I've probably written this post in my head 100+ times in the last month and I don't think I still have the right words so forgive me if it is a hot mess.

Tommy and I found out at the end of April that we were expecting another baby!  We were so excited but also cautious because of our previous miscarriage before having Teagen.  We told our families on Mother's Day after I had my HCG levels taken and they were looking great.  I was always a little nervous to get too excited, but every week that went by, I started to feel a little more confident that this pregnancy would be alright.  We even shared the news with Kenna, who was beyond ecstatic, and promptly requested a baby brother.  She even named her new baby sibling "Pudding Head."  It was so fun to watch her ask about the baby and talk about the baby and I loved every single second of it.  I had no issues during the first 10 weeks, except for extreme tiredness, which explains my lack of blogging.  I was in bed by 8 most nights, and typing up a blog post was about the last thing I wanted to do.  I was hopeful that we would be cuddling a precious baby after Christmas but I was still very uneasy until we had that first ultrasound.

What I'm Reading (March 2018)

It's book review day + we are still on spring break (insert happy dance here)!

This month I read 7 books and started my 8th!  I have spring break to thank for the extra time that allowed me to read a few more books than normal.  If I'm being honest, I was super disappointed in the books I read this month.  More than once, I found myself skimming through the words on the pages trying to get finished because I just wasn't engaged in them.  I hate when I feel like I can't find a book I enjoy and this was definitely one of those months.  Luckily, I ended March with a few good books and I'm hoping I find some great ones in April!  See below for the books I read this month!  Enjoy!

Easter Baskets

Tis' the season for stuffing Easter baskets!  The girls already have so.much.stuff. and I tried really hard to think of things other than toys for the Easter Bunny to leave in their baskets!  I also hit up Target's Dollar Spot and OMG they have such great basket stuffers for cheap!  You need to go check it out pronto because they were pretty picked over when I was there last week!  I've rounded up my favorite items below and hopefully you find some goodies for your own bunny to bring on Easter morning!  

1.  So when I saw this plate and it already had Kenna's name on it as an example, I knew I had to put it in her basket!  I had to throw a couple plates away last week that they love because they were getting a little warped.  I'm hoping that since they will each have their own, the arguing over who gets which plate will end...a girl can dream, right?

2.  The girls go through sunglasses like it's their job so you can't go wrong with a few extra pairs.

3.  Kenna has a sudden obsession with nightgowns.  My parents got her and Teagen American Girl Dolls for Christmas and also got them matching flannel nightgowns.  Kenna is currently still wearing hers and I'm hoping by buying a summer nightgown, the weather will actually get the hint. 

4. & 10. Can't go wrong with anything flamingo themed.  This necklace and swimsuit were definitely at the top of my want list for the girls!

5.  So we have approximately 4,796 baby dolls at our house.  However, they need this baby doll.  I mean it is wearing bunny ears?  Does it get any cuter?

6. & 7. Books are my jam.  I will not stuff a basket without one.  Love and Llama Llama Easter Egg are two we don't have yet but I know the girls will enjoy!

8. & 9. If you haven't ever checked out Emmy's Pretties, you need to do so immediately!  We have quite a few of her bows and I love every single one of them.  She usually runs great discounts and I got the ones above for 40% off!  They will be the perfect finishing touches to their baskets!

11. I found these shoes and immediately thought they would be perfect for spring BUT they don't have big enough sizes for the girls to match.  I'm hoping they will restock all sizes soon!

12.  Baseball hats and swimsuits are all we wear at the lake!  Can't wait until we are on the pontoon in the middle of the water soon!

13.  Sidewalk chalk shaped like an egg is the perfect finishing touch to my babies baskets!

I can't wait to get these baskets together!  I probably over bought and will have to return about half of it, but I like to be too prepared (sorry Tommy)!  Most of the stuff shipped super fast so you still have time to order and get it in time!  

Also, check out our baskets below from last year for even more ideas!

I can hardly wait to see my sweet babies little faces on Easter morning when they hunt for eggs and check out their baskets! 

 Have a great week, friends!

xo,

Kylie

P.S. Where did these babies go?

Mom Style (Weekend Getaway)

Is it Friday yet? I'm so excited to be halfway through the week because spring break is in my sight!  I'm still, not so secretly, wishing that I was heading to a beach somewhere but I will eventually get over it...maybe.  Even though it won't be sunny and 80's, I'm hoping the weather cooperates so I can break out my sandals and skip the coat all together.  Fingers crossed! 

I've rounded up my favorite picks for a few days out of town so check out what I'm bringing with me below!  

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It's going to be a pretty laid back weekend and my outfits definitely reflect that!  

I also realized that I really like black and white outfits.

And stripes and gingham.  

And joggers.

Happy shopping, Friends!

xo, 

Kylie

5 Friday Faves (St. Patrick's Day Edition)

I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for the texts, comments, messages, and prayers that were sent Teagen's way since my last post.  Tommy and I were overwhelmed with the love for our Baby T.  You all are the best!

Now on to the fun stuff...

In case you haven't already noticed, I love a good holiday!  I tend to be a little over the top when it comes to celebrations (according to Tommy), and I'm always looking for any excuse to put my kids in matching jams and make a festive breakfast!  St. Patrick's Day is no exception!  Last year Tommy and Kenna tried to trap a leprechaun and I dyed our pancakes green.  Kenna has already been talking this year about what kind of trap she is going to make and she really hopes the leprechaun brings her some gold coins.  Check out my 5 Friday Faves that have helped us celebrate, so far!

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leprechaun munch l pajamas

My kids are obsessed with puppy chow (ok so am I) and we try to make it often.  I was thinking how I could make that tie into St. Patrick's Day and use lucky charms instead.  I typed "leprechaun munch" into Pinterest and I couldn't believe the results that came up.  I found the recipe that is linked above and bought the ingredients.  I made this with the girls on Sunday and OMG it is delicious.  I seriously can't stop eating it and I need it to be gone ASAP because it is not good for my summer lake body.  You will not regret making this, or maybe you will if you need to go up a pant size; however, it's still so good and definitely worth it! 

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Our leprechaun shops at Target (because where else would he go?) and found a few goodies in the Dollar Spot to leave for the girls when they go check their trap!  I couldn't find them online but you might still be able to pick them up in store!  My girls get so excited over the smallest things and so I will always take advantage of every opportunity I get to make something special for them!  I can't wait to see their reactions (and no worries, I bought two of everything because we are still working on that sharing concept in the Baldwin Home)!

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how to trap a leprechaun

The teacher in me can't let a holiday pass me by without purchasing a new book or two to read to the girls.  This year I found the cutest little picture book and I thought it would be perfect to read before we make our trap!    

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Does anyone else tear up a bit when your kids bring home art that they've made?  I'm a sucker for a handprint turkey or finger painted heart.  I love to do crafts with Kenna but Teagen is still pretty little that I'm not always sure how she will handle it.  I decided to go with the no mess approach and do painting in a bag.  

I'm probably just as obsessed as the girls are, and we definitely might be doing this weekly. 

 It was so easy and mess free!  

I just printed a rainbow out onto card stock and then put it in the Ziploc bag.  After it dried, I cut around the rainbow shape.  I glued some cotton balls on the ends, wrote their name and year down in the corner and tada...easy and cute artwork!  

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simple leprechaun trap l welcome leprechauns

Kenna has been talking nonstop about trapping her leprechaun.  Last year we decided the night before to make a trap (see picture above) and we had to find things laying around the house to use.  However, I've been Pinteresting like crazy and I'm determined to be a little more prepared.  I linked a few of my favorites that I've found so far and I can't wait to watch Kenna and Teagen (and lets be honest, me) create their trap!  

I'm so excited to see their reactions tomorrow morning when they check to see if they caught the leprechaun or not!  You seriously need to go creep on my Instagram and find the video from last year!  Kenna was so little and I miss her baby voice! 

Annnnnnd one more picture from last year because I just can't get over how much they've grown up.  Cue the ugly tears.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: being a mom is the coolest!

Enjoy your weekend!

xo,

Kylie  

Baby T

The day Teagen was born, I truly understood what it meant to trust God's plan.

  

John 13:7 - Jesus replied, "You don't understand now what I am doing, but someday you will."

Teagen came after I had suffered a miscarriage, and to be honest, I had a really hard time not being angry or questioning why God was putting us through this.  My heart will always hurt when I think about our baby that we never got to meet, however, I can't even fathom not having this blonde-haired, blue-eyed, feisty baby girl in my life.  

God knew I needed her and I'm thankful for that every single day. 

Last week, we received a text from the girls' babysitter that said Teagen was having some kind of shaking spell.  As a parent, it is hard to watch your babies go through things that you can't fix.  You want to protect them, and when you can't, it is defeating.  I believe that my girls teach me just as much as I teach them, and Baby T has definitely taught me patience.  I want answers right away, and when I don't get them, or have to deal with the unknown, it is not always easy for me to handle.

During the first 2 weeks of her life, Teagen had to go get her heel poked every single day because her bilirubin levels were low and one of the tests on her newborn screen came back abnormal.  It hurts your mama heart to have to watch your 6 pound baby scream her head off every day while a nurse squeezes blood from her heel.  Thankfully, both issues turned out to be fine.

Around 6 weeks old, Teagen woke up one morning and suddenly stopped eating.  She was admitted to the hospital later that afternoon and stayed there for four days.  I could not even begin to tell you everything that she had done while she was there.  She got x-rays done, multiple catheters put in, and a blood transfusion.  She was receiving IV fluids and three different types of antibiotics.  She spiked a fever of 104.1 and we had to helplessly stand there as nurses stuck cooling packs all around her to try and bring her fever down.  She was constantly poked and prodded and I remember hearing the words Hischsprung's Disease bounce around the room while a specialist tried to explain the procedure he was about to do.  She ended up being discharged from the hospital without a diagnosis of what had exactly caused the infection, but I was just counting my blessings that she was healed.  

Teagen experienced her first ear infection around 5 months old and was prescribed some antibiotics.  Several days later, she broke out in a severe rash all over her body and I noticed blood in her diaper.  We took her to the ER and they ran some blood tests to try and figure out the issue.  They did an x-ray and had to put her in this tiny contraption that held her still.  Tommy went back with her but I could still hear her screams from out in the hallway. They did determine that the rash/bleeding was caused from her being allergic to the antibiotic that she was on and that we should discontinue use immediately but that she would not need to be admitted.

Teagen went to her one year well visit and they told me that they needed to do the blood test to check for anemia.  So of course when I got the call a couple days later, that she was in fact anemic, I was not surprised.  They prescribed her meds and she took them for a few months and then got retested and her results came back normal!

Right after those normal results, she started getting double ear infections that required more trips to the doctor.  The problem with her ear infections is that the antibiotics would not touch them.  At one point, she had to take three rounds to get rid of it, just for the infection to come right back a couple of weeks later.  She received tubes in February and I was hopeful that that would be the end of it.

About a week after getting the tubes, I noticed blood all over her blanket after a nap.  She was scheduled for a follow up appointment where we were told that the tube is still in BUT it is clogged. We were told to put a solution in her ear every night for 5 minutes and that should solve the problem.   

While dealing with the clogged tube, I received the text from the babysitter that was mentioned above.  She has done this shaking thing multiple times and I knew it was time to take this info to her pediatrician.  They ordered a blood panel and EEG.  We are waiting to receive her full blood work back and her EEG is scheduled for the end of March.

Today I took her back to the follow up appointment for her ear.  It is still clogged and will need to be surgically removed and replaced.

I left the doctor feeling overwhelmed for myself and sad for Baby T because this poor girl can't catch a break. I called my mom and the first words out of her mouth were, "Well that is not a surprise.  That is Teagen for you."

I laughed (which was better than the tears that wanted to come) because no truer words have ever been spoken.

My Baby T.  We prayed so hard for this girl!

I told Tommy last week, after I had scheduled her EEG, that she must have so many issues arise because she wants to make sure we never forget how lucky we are to have her... and that is absolutely correct.  We are the luckiest.  

I know that everything she has gone through could have been so much worse and that is what I tell myself every time I sit in a doctor's office waiting room with her (and we have sat in a lot of them).  

I'm just so dang proud of how strong Teagen is.  I feel like she is always being poked and prodded and that is the hardest part; however, she handles everything like it is no big deal and I think we all could learn a thing or two from her. 

If you could send some prayers her way for a normal EEG and a successful replacement tube surgery, we would really appreciate it!

xo,

Kylie

Toddler Girl Style (Getaway Weekend)

Spring Break is almost here and I'm seriously counting down the minutes.  Indiana is currently having some annoying cold front going through and I miss the warm weather that we experienced a few weeks ago.  Tommy and I do not have the same Spring Break (which is definitely frustrating) so we are not able to travel very far, but we try to make the best of it and plan a long weekend getaway.  We went to Great Wolf Lodge last year and had such a wonderful time that we decided to repeat the vacation again this year.

Vacations are fun but I think I might enjoy outfit planning for them just as much.  My girls don't typically match most days but I definitely pull out all the stops when I know there are going to be multiple photo opportunities and I had so much fun planning for the 3 days that we will be gone.  I'm really hoping the weather warms up a bit more otherwise some of these outfits will not work, but last year it was 60's and sunny so fingers crossed this happens again!  

Check out my outfit picks below!  Most of the stores I shop at are having awesome sales and now is definitely a great time to stock up on some of my vacay favorites! Enjoy!

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I can't wait to get my girls in these cute outfits and have some family time!  I also have been planning out my outfits (because moms can look good too) and I can't wait to share some of the cute things I found for myself!  Look for that post later this week! 

Happy Sunday!

xo, 

Kylie

What I'm Reading: February 2018

So when I sat down to write this post, I realized I’ve basically fallen off the face of the blogger planet. January felt like it dragged on but I’m pretty sure I blinked and February is already over. That being said, I know I failed miserably at keeping up on this blog, and I’m really going to try my best to change that in March!

While I might have slacked on writing, I was definitely on top of reading! I finished 5 books and they were some good ones! I’ll list them in order from my least favorites to the ones I’d recommend you go and pick up today! Enjoy!

What Was Mine

This one was hard for me to read as a mom because it is about a little girl who is kidnapped as a baby and this is seriously one of my biggest fears. I sometimes had trouble getting into this because it flipped back and forth too much and so I never felt like I got enough of one persons story. It was good but not my favorite of the month.

How to Change a Life

This was an easy read that had some twists that I didn’t quite expect. I’d recommend taking this to the beach for spring break because you don’t have to be completely focused to understand what is going on!

The Beach Club

I love me some Elin Hilderbrand and this was the first book she wrote. I enjoyed the story line but I felt like the characters were all over the place and I didn’t think the story flowed along as well as some of her other books!

Little Fires Everywhere

This book received a lot of buzz and I was excited to check it out. The ending was a little bizarre and I felt like they just kind of ended it but I enjoyed it overall and would definitely recommend!

Behind Closed Doors

I think I’m starting to become addicted to thriller/suspenseful novels because this was my favorite of the month! I was fully engrossed in it the entire time I was reading and truly never knew what was going to happen next! If you are going to pick any book from the list to check out, this was my favorite!

I’m currently in the middle of a Colleen Hoover book and I love it but it is definitely different than the others I’ve read by her! Please send me any good books you think I need to check out!

Happy reading!

xo,

Kylie

5 Friday Faves...on a Saturday (Valentine's Day Edition)

While this post was intended for Friday, life has been a tad hectic these last few days.  Tommy has been working late this week and then Kenna was diagnosed with the dreaded flu that I have been trying so hard to keep away from this house.  I've basically been living with Clorox wipes in one hand while trying to keep Teagen entertained and away from the sickness but also catering to Kenna's every need.  My poor babe just isn't herself and I hate seeing her like this.  Praying hard that the rest of us can stay healthy and we can get her back to normal in a few days!

We had such a fun weekend planned before this flu showed up.  Kenna was supposed to go to her first Father Daughter Dance on Friday but Tommy told me no when I asked if she could attend wearing a face mask.  I also was planning on throwing the girls their Valentine's Day Breakfast this morning but that will have to be postponed until next weekend.  Doesn't this sickness know that I love celebrating holidays and no one has time for this nonsense?  While I can't do everything that I was hoping to cram into the weekend, we have still been having a ton of fun in the weeks leading up!  

Read below for some of my favorite things that have made celebrating Valentine's Day that much better this year!

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almond joy cookies

Side note...I don't own cooling racks.  
I had to use a pizza pan propped up on cups to cool the cookies. 
I'm such an adult.

These are seriously the easiest and most delicious cookies I've ever baked.  I found them a few years ago when we competed in our family cookie bake-off during Christmas.  The original recipe doesn't call for m&m's but I always include them to go with whatever holiday I'm celebrating!  My babes passed these out earlier this week to our favorite people and it was a great way to spread the love!

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holiday jersey

Who has shopped the Jane App?  I follow their Instagram page and I love seeing the cute deals that pop up.  I always try to find a festive shirt to wear to school on holidays and this one is perfect!  The Jane deals only last a few days so this shirt can't be ordered anymore, but I did link the St. Patrick's Day shirt that will hopefully be available again soon from the same seller.  The shirt is great quality and very soft and it has definitely been on repeat over here!

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the bouqs co.

I love getting flowers delivered to work (I mean who doesn't?)!  My husband happens to be a creature of habit and 9 times out of 10 I will receive red and/or pink roses.  I'm definitely not complaining BUT I like some variety in my flowers every once in awhile.  I might have hinted (very strongly) about this company and I'm hoping these will arrive on my desk next Wednesday.  I also ordered a few bouquets for some of my favorite people and one of the best parts...FREE SHIPPING on weekday orders!  
If you click on this code ----> save $15 , you can take some money off on your first order!

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love bug craft kit l mini gingerbread house

(this one below is just here for the snacks)

Kenna is turning 3 1/2 this month and she has recently become obsessed with crafts.  Her attention span is getting a little longer and we have been doing some fun things together.  My favorite place to look for small craft projects is in the dollar spot at Target but I also found the love bugs and some wooden heart frames (we haven't had time for these yet because of the flu) at Hobby Lobby and they were 40% off, so each craft only ended up being a few dollars.  I found the gingerbread house kit at Walmart.  I couldn't find it on their website but they still had them last weekend in store.

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Click, Clack, Moo I Love You! l Hug Machine l Love Monster 
 Llama Llama I Love You l A Crankenstein Valentine

In case you missed my last post, we love reading over here!  I really want to get a few hanging bookshelves (hello trip to IKEA) for the girls' playroom so that I can switch out the books depending on the holiday/season.  I've linked some of our favorites above!

I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of their weekend!  I'll just be over here forcing Kenna to take all the meds while frequently getting coughed on. #momlifeisthebestlife     

xo,

Kylie