Hello Friends!
I don’t have a ton to share from the week because last weekend we had family in town, and this week, I don’t even know how it’s over. It’s one of those weeks I can’t believe I fed everyone all week. After we spent most of the weekend at my in-laws, I never had time to grocery shop or meal plan, so I was flying by the seat of my pants! So anyway, not a ton of favorites to share this week. I thought I’d pop in for a mini coffee date. It’s been a long time since I sat down with y’all for some real talk.
How’s life for you right now? So many kids are returning to school in just a few short weeks around here. Luckily KJ isn’t until August. But man, it’s crazy to think summer is winding down. In Arizona, we’ve hit monsoon weather, which means more humidity, overcast skies, and some impressive thunderstorms. I’ve always loved this time of year in Arizona. Unfortunately, monsoon season comes with some new friends at our house. By friends, I mean scorpions.
I haven’t talked about it much because it’s not as big of a deal as it was when we lived in Gilbert. Everything we’ve found has been dead, and nothing in the house. In Gilbert, we found them in the place the day we moved in, and Mr. Hungry would kill ten a night in the backyard. Now, we have a fantastic bug guy who doesn’t water down his product, and Mr. Hungry and his Dad sealed the vents and floor in the whole house, so it’s all good. We knew they were in this neighborhood before we moved here (we have friends that live down the street). The problem is our neighbor doesn’t spray, so that’s unfortunate. Her yard lights up like a Christmas tree compared to everyone around us who has less than one at any given time in their yard, and it makes me furious, but there is absolutely nothing I can do except be pissed every time we find a dead scorpion near her wall.
Let’s see… what else? It’s almost back to school time, which is nuts! KJ starts in early August. When do your kiddos start? I will miss KJ hanging around the house, BUT I’m so happy KK will get some alone time to play with his toys without constantly being bulldozed or having things taken from him. Obviously, we discipline KJ for acting out toward his younger brother, but since KK started walking, it’s been an adjustment for KJ to realize his brother is getting bigger and wants to play now. While I’ve loved so many things about our summer, including fun in the sprinkler, popsicles, and swimming, I’m ready for the routine of KJ going to school. He’s at a new preschool this year, going three half days a week, but we will likely increase that to four or five days in the second half of the year.
(snacks after soccer with Daddy)
Side note: I told KJ that his brother wasn’t a baby anymore, but instead, he is a toddler, and he said, “oh, you need to get a new baby.” haha, I almost died laughing.
But before the school year, we have a child-free vacation coming up! We’re going to a wedding in Catalina soon without kids! Mr. Hungry and I haven’t been anywhere without the kids since we went to Sedona when I was 15 weeks pregnant with KK. We considered taking them with us, but when my SIL offered to help watch them while we were gone, we jumped at the chance for a solo vacation. I’m super excited.
What’s funny is during the lockdowns, I wasn’t itching to go anywhere. I was perfectly fine staying home, hanging out with the family, ordering groceries, and working. For a year and a half, especially during my pregnancy, we hardly went anywhere or saw anyone. But now, the thought of going back to that (like if more lockdowns were to happen) makes my skin crawl. I think about how much anxiety I had during my pregnancy, probably partially due to sitting at home 24/7 and not interacting with friends or family much. While I’m not a fan of living in the reality of a world where COVID will never go away, I can’t fathom being locked down again, ever. It kind of surprises me how strongly I feel since I was so content to stay home during the first year and a half. I hope they continue to improve treatments and vaccines (for those who want them) in the future.
I think part of that visceral reaction is definitely because we are in the thick of it now with two little kids. Our days are beyond busy, but also can be monotonous. Meeting up with friends for play dates, going to the library, the aquarium, etc are game changers. Everyone is happier when we have fun activities planned. KJ is 3.5 so he is starting to gain some independence which is so nice. But, KK is obviously just entering toddlerhood and he already has a lot of opinions. Thankfully, he’s a good sleeper minus early morning wake-ups, but when he’s popping a tooth he’s a totally different kid, he doesn’t handle it well at all. When teeth are popping through he goes from easy-going to ragey and it’s intense.
And we are dealing with some EXTREME separation anxiety. So much so that during the last week of swim lessons I had to have anyone else take him in or he would literally have a temper tantrum in the water the whole time. So, when I’m in the room he wants me to sit on the floor and play with him, otherwise he wants “uh” for up. Thank goodness for the Ergobaby 360 or I’d get nothing done. Yesterday I strapped him to my back in the Ergo while I finished up a photo shoot and made dinner after the sitter left. He was happy to hang out there for like 45 minutes, so I’ll be using that more going forward!
So that’s it for now! That’s life lately!
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Workin Moms
I love this series! I started it when I was nursing KK and finished the most recent season. It’s freaking hilarious! Is anyone else a fan?
Water Shoes
Mid-summer, the kid’s feet start to get torn up by pebble tech and old plaster in the pools. I’ve ordered these water shoes off amazon for several years and love them!
Fitness
This week was a little better for Fitness! And now that swim lessons are done and it’s usually a little overcast int he morning, we’ve been walking Nala too!
- Friday – OFF/ chiropractor
- Saturday – OFF
- Sunday – OFF
- Monday – run (aaptiv focus on the 5K workout)
- Tuesday – total body (aaptiv total body training program)
- Wednesday – OFF
- Thursday – Upper body workout (aaptiv total body training program)
Flashbacks
Crispy Pork Carnitas
We make this recipe again and again! Perfect to feed a crowd! Get the recipe for pork carnitas!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding Recipe
I loved watching Working Moms. Those ladies are pretty hilarious. I especially like the lady that runs the play group…can’t remember her name. She’s a hoot!